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Today is the memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, a follower of Paul, disciples made bishops in Ephesus and Crete respectively.
From the Universalis Site
Timothy and Titus were converted to Christianity by St Paul, and became his companions and helpers. Paul entrusted Timothy with the care of the Christians in Ephesus, and sent Titus to Crete to look after the Christians there. He wrote them the so-called “pastoral” epistles, giving advice for pastors and people alike.
Marriage of Samson. 1 Samson went down to Timnah where he saw one of the Philistine women. 2 On his return he told his father and mother, “I saw in Timnah a woman, a Philistine. Get her for me as a wife.” 3 His father and mother said to him, “Is there no woman among your kinsfolk or among all your people, that you must go and take a woman from the uncircumcised Philistines?” But Samson answered his father, “Get her for me, for she is the one I want.” 4 Now his father and mother did not know that this had been brought about by the Lord, who was seeking an opportunity against the Philistines;[a] for at that time they ruled over Israel.
📖Credits: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%2014&version=NABRE
Without the apostles Andrew, Peter, John, Paul, Timothy, and Titus, the early Church and early Christians wouldn't propagate. Without Jesus, there wouldn't be any fruit, all would be in vain; there would be no meaning to our works. But what is the reading telling us? It tells us of the marriage of Samson. If it isn't brought about by the Lord, Israel would be oppressed. We are like Samson's parents, unknowing of the things that God has laid out for us. But they followed, and soon everything started falling into place. If you would continue reading, Samson would be so angered by his in-laws. And knowing the story of Samson, we know that he is a strong man who can topple temples built on great stones and tear down lions with the Spirit of God.
But with Titus and Timothy, the Spirit of God promotes charity. Above all is love, and with love, obedience to Jesus Christ and all the revelations given to them by Paul. Even when disaster, fear, and everything that can break their faith come their way, it was Paul that says:
If we have died with him
we shall also live with him;
12 if we persevere
we shall also reign with him.
But if we deny him
he will deny us.
13 If we are unfaithful
he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny himself.
Father I am afraid of what I don't know, but I know You are bigger. Father, I am troubled by my future, but I know You are already there. Father, people mock me and belittle me, they make me sad and hurt me, but I know You are stronger. Deliver us from all the snares of evil, the darkness, the depressions in our life. Keep us safe because we trust in You. Give us strength, so as to be an example of strength to others.
Like Jesus Christ, we too share the sufferings and offer them to You, for Your greater glory. Holy Spirit be with us in times of our need. Most especially, lead us more to the Father and the Son. That in eternity, we would join with Them as one family.
Peace and all good,
Today is the Memorial of Saint Angela Merici, Virgin, Educator, Franciscan Tertiary
She was born in Desenziano, in Lombardy, in about 1470. She became a Franciscan tertiary and set up a school to instruct girls in Christanity and good works. In 1535 she founded the Ursulines, an order of nuns devoted to giving a Christian education to girls from poor families. She died in 1540. See the articles in the Catholic Encyclopaedia and Wikipedia.
21 For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labour for me; and I do not know which I prefer. 23 I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; 24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. 25 Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, 26 so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.
📖Credits: hhttps://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+1&version=NRSVACE
This week is filled with Saint Paul, with the conversion of Saint Paul on the 25th, the memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus on the 26th, and today's reading from Saint Paul.
A certain coffee commercial asked us, "For whom do you wake up?" We all have a reason for living. Without it, there isn't a meaning in our lives. We live, we wake up for, our loved ones, our debt of gratitude towards other people. Here Saint Paul tells us his motivation, Christ. Was it last week that was about martyrs and virgins? Saint Paul tells of his desire to die and be with Jesus, but he still lives and remains because of a reason neither the Son nor the Spirit, but only the Father knows.
Psalm 123 states that:
'If the LORD had not béen on our side*
when mén rose against us,
thén would they have swallowed us alive*
when their anger was kindled.
'Thén would the wáters have engulfed us,*
the torrent gone óver us;
óver our héad would have swépt
the ráging wáters.'
We should keep this in mind, that above all, God's mercy, compassion, and love will reign. He is omniscient, meaning all-knowing, that in the things we do not understand, He has great wisdom, love, and knowledge of good and evil. Knowing this, He would give us, what is good for us.
Father, we do not know Your Will for us. We do not know why we are here, through our sinfulness, you still keep us safe. Help us to do what we are truly meant to do; for Your glory and for our brothers and sisters. Thank you, for keeping us safe and loving us unconditionally. I hope to love you too, and we truly will love you. Jesus, like you were in this world, I too am pinned down by the world. There are a lot of sufferings, sadness, inequalities, oppressions, that hurt me directly and vicariously. I offer all of these to You, like how You offered Yourself for our sins. Holy Spirit strengthen us, breathe in us a new power. One that is enriched in Christ, and filled with the love of God, so that we may never give up on our mission, and would be with the United Three of You in eternity; with all the saints, Mother Mary, Joseph, and the angels.
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Peace and All Good!
Today is the Feast of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest, Theologian, Philosopher, Doctor of the Church. Happy feast day to all the Thomasians, Dominicans alike!
Into this chaos Thomas brought simple, straightforward sense. Truth cannot contradict truth: if Aristotle (the great, infallible pagan philosopher) appears to contradict Christianity (which we know by faith to be true), then either Aristotle is wrong or the contradiction is in fact illusory. And so Thomas studied, and taught, and argued, and eventually the simple, common-sense philosophy that he worked out brought an end to the controversy. Out of his work came many writings on philosophy and theology, including the Summa Theologiae, a standard textbook for many centuries and still an irreplaceable resource today. Out of his depth of learning came, also, the dazzling poetry of the liturgy for Corpus Christi. And out of his sanctity came the day when, celebrating Mass, he had a vision that, he said, made all his writings seem like so much straw; and he wrote no more.
In Praise of Wisdom
1 All wisdom is from the Lord,
and with him it remains for ever.
2 The sand of the sea, the drops of rain,
and the days of eternity—who can count them?
3 The height of heaven, the breadth of the earth,
the abyss, and wisdom[d]—who can search them out?
4 Wisdom was created before all other things,
and prudent understanding from eternity.[e]
6 The root of wisdom—to whom has it been revealed?
Her subtleties—who knows them?[f]
8 There is but one who is wise, greatly to be feared,
seated upon his throne—the Lord.
9 It is he who created her;
he saw her and took her measure;
he poured her out upon all his works,
10 upon all the living according to his gift;
he lavished her upon those who love him.[g]
📖Credits:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Sirach+1&version=NRSVACE
Wisdom, and everything else in the world belongs to God. As God is eternal, so is everything that belongs to Him. So there are works, written works that are eternally applicable in the present era. Works written in about 2000 years ago, and it's message still calls us today. Such as the Gospels, the undying message of Love and God. So was Saint Thomas, of Aquinas. This [first verse of Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)] got me thinking; these people that we celebrate and venerate, is a result of them belonging to God. Like the divine scriptures and spiritual reading, the saints themselves being belonging to God, "with Him they remain for ever".
Who wants eternity? Knowing of some famous myths and poetries, eternal life on earth is bad, lonely, and tiresome. But what if, it is eternity with God, a being that is the true definition of unquenchable love. If everyone knew about how God is true love, they would leave all the worldly possessions, they would even sell their life for that one precious pearl.
Little by little, Lord, let me learn to love You completely and share you. If that means leaving away everything in the world and myself, all for You, I wouldn't think twice. Thank you for your gift of Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, and Counsel. With these four, I can come to know You better, and love You more. I ask for these gifts, that I may not forget You. Soon, Lord, as I finish Your mission for me in this world, I hope to be with You eternally.
We thank you for Saint Thomas Aquinas, that now we understand the natural philosophy of the world; the nature of myself and You; that of Sin, evil, and desire; and a deeper knowledge of Your Word. Through the Holy Spirit continue to guide us, so that we may become better today than yesterday, and be more Human like Jesus Christ.
Saturdays in Ordinary time can be made into a Memorial to the Blessed Mother, Mary, because she is the only one who kept vigil on the day of the first Easter.
‘Whatever its historical origins may be, today the memorial rightly emphasizes certain values to which contemporary spirituality is more sensitive. It is a remembrance of the maternal example and discipleship of the Blessed Virgin Mary who, strengthened by faith and hope, on that “great Saturday” on which Our Lord lay in the tomb, was the only one of the disciples to hold vigil in expectation of the Lord’s resurrection. It is a prelude and introduction to the celebration of Sunday, the weekly memorial of the Resurrection of Christ. It is a sign that the Virgin Mary is continuously present and operative in the life of the Church.’
Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy (2001), §188
CHAPTER 18
(1) And he found a cave and led her there and stationed his sons to watch her, (2) while
he went to a find a Hebrew midwife in the land of Bethlehem.
(3) Then, Joseph wandered, but he did not wander.
CHAPTER 19
(1) And I [Joseph] saw a woman coming down from the mountain and she said to me, "Man,
where are you going?"
(2) And I said, "I am seeking a Hebrew midwife."
(3) Replying, she said to me, "Are you from Israel?"
(4) And I said to her, "Yes."
(5) Then, she said, "And who is giving birth in the cave?"
(6) And I said, "The one who has pledged to be married to me."
(7) And she said to me, "She is not your wife?"
(8) And I said to her, "She is Mary, the one who was raised in the temple. I won her by lot
to be my wife. (9) She is not yet my wife, but has a fetus from the Holy Spirit."
(10) And the midwife said, "Really?"
(11) And Joseph said to her, "Come and see."
(12) So the midwife went with him. (13) And they stood near the cave and a dark cloud
was hovering over the cave. (14) And the midwife said, "My soul glorifies this day, for
today my eyes have seen a miracle: salvation has come to Israel."
(15) And immediately, the cloud withdrew from the cave and a great light appeared in
the cave so that their eyes could not bear it. (16) And a little while later the same light
withdrew until an infant appeared. And he came and took the breast of his mother,
Mary.
(17) And the midwife cried out and said, "How great this day is for me, for I have seen
this new miracle."
📖Credits: https://ultimatescriptures.weebly.com/uploads/1/1/6/5/116562653/the_infancy_gospel_of_james.pdf
The Apocryphal Gospel shows that Joseph had a previous wife, either divorced or widowed. I read somewhere where Saint Jerome disproves that saying Joseph was also of age with Mary, and that an Old Man like him wouldn't be fit to raise of a new born child. As Catholics we hold on to this, but with free will, you can basically believe anything you want. Eastern Churches, Catholic or Orthodox holds on to this as canonical.
Anyway, the point of this reading is the many mysteries which was brought forth. We can hold on to this... though excluding some parts, as a way of imagining how it really was when Jesus was born. A great light covered their eyes to protect the privacy of Mary as she gave birth. I want to emphasize the motherhood of Mary, and to most midwives, Ob-Gynes, and medical students, the great joy of hearing the first cry of a new born child.
My own mother told me that the saddest part in Mel Gibson's the Passion of Christ, was the time Jesus fell from the Cross, and Mary remembered Him when he was young playing around and then falling, then it was contrasted to 30 years forward when he was being tortured. A mother and her child has a strong connection because at the womb, their hearts were first connected. The heart was the first organ that was made into existence while inside the womb. The line And he came and took the breast of his mother, Mary. reminds me of how real childbirth is done. Once the child has come, it will be brought to the warmth of the Mother.
So, let us pray,
Jesus, through Your example, we may become more human. You loved Your mother and with great reverence we honour her too. Thank you, Mama Mary, for giving yourself for our salvation. Thank you, Saint Joseph, for your righteousness and care for our Blessed Mother, and our Lord Jesus. May we, from your example, seek to imitate in our daily lives the virtues, goodness, and love that you have shown among yourselves and God. As we live our mission, and pilgrimage on earth, I do ask for your prayers. Through God we will all be saved, and happily united in the kingdom. Amen.
Pax et Bonum,
Today is the Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time
CHAPTER 4
16 Jesus said to her, ‘Go, call your husband, and come back.’ 17 The woman answered him, ‘I have no husband.’ Jesus said to her, ‘You are right in saying, “I have no husband”; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true!’ 19 The woman said to him, ‘Sir, I see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshipped on this mountain, but you[c] say that the place where people must worship is in Jerusalem.’ 21 Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.’ 25 The woman said to him, ‘I know that Messiah is coming’ (who is called Christ). ‘When he comes, he will proclaim all things to us.’ 26 Jesus said to her, ‘I am he,[d] the one who is speaking to you.’
27 Just then his disciples came. They were astonished that he was speaking with a woman, but no one said, ‘What do you want?’ or, ‘Why are you speaking with her?’ 28 Then the woman left her water-jar and went back to the city. She said to the people, 29 ‘Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah,[e] can he?’ 30 They left the city and were on their way to him.
31 Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, ‘Rabbi, eat something.’ 32 But he said to them, ‘I have food to eat that you do not know about.’ 33 So the disciples said to one another, ‘Surely no one has brought him something to eat?’ 34 Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work. 35 Do you not say, “Four months more, then comes the harvest”? But I tell you, look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting.
📖Credits: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+4%3A16-35&version=NRSVACE
Some might already notice the readings do not follow the Catholic Ordo. I took some randomly, praying over them before getting some. I like how this is in supplement to today's gospel. It shows how omniscient Jesus can be, being both man and God. Today's Gospel according to the Ordo, is about him preaching in the temple, that not all lands were to be preached at by Jesus; few [prophets] are called to preach at their hometown. I guess that was the plan, to preach to some neighbouring villages, and then to send the disciples to spread the gospel.
As part of Jesus' ministry, being baptized with Him, we are called to do the Master's bidding. That is to harvest the fruits of our labour and replant a new seeds to the soil; with new crops, the soil will not deplete (c.f. crop-rotation). We can apply the concept of crop-rotation to ourselves, in a manner of renewing our vows. We need to try something new sometimes, something that would renew the spark, or flame, in your heart. For example, married couples can try to spend a vacation with just them, or if they want they can have the kids to create a more fun experience. Teachers can try making the lesson into a game-styled activity that the children would be more active.
Another example, one that is also our mission, is through the preaching of the Good News to the world. Bible can be memorized and not put to heart. One verse that is always memorized is John 3:16. Jesus had planted that seed already, the apostles nurtured that seed, but its fruit, the message was not lived, rather for some it was just memorized. I like the farmers who rotates the crop, supplements the soil with fertilizer, and waters it daily, that the fruit, the heart of each person will live and understand the Divine Word. So that as time the love and knowledge of the Word from generations to come and so on will not deplete.
Though some are called to be Priests, Pastors, Doctors, Nurses, Lawyers, Public Servants, Leaders, Farmers, Vendors, as one baptized and member of the Church, the Family of the Father through the Son, we have a mission. First, to live out the gospel as Jesus had taught us, and to lead others to Christ, sharing His message of Love and Eternal Life.
"The kingdom of God is at hand for you, go in peace knowing God loves you."
Father you have given us a mission, to preach the Good News in our different vocations. Help us to be and to do everything with love. Strengthen us, arm us, and protect us with Your love. I ask for forgiveness for the times I offended You, I ask for Your mercy to not remove Your hand of blessing upon us. Lead us to conversion and holiness, strong and outpouring with charity and love. All this we ask in Jesus' name, whom loved us and died for us, and as he lived and did his mission, he set an example for true humanity. May we be more worthy to be with You, my God, as we live our days making ourselves better today than yesterday. Thank you.
Peace and all good,
Today is the Feast of Saint John Bosco, Roman Catholic Priest, Educator, Writer, Founder of the Society of Saint Francis de Sales (Latin: Societas Sancti Francisci Salesii), followers of the saint whose feast was exactly last week, Saint Francis de Sales. Happy feast day to all the Sales-men, Sales-women... Salesians of Don Bosco.
From the universalis site
John Bosco devoted himself to the care of the young, first of all by means of evening classes, to which hundreds came, and then by setting up a boarding-house for apprentices, and then workshops for their training and education. Despite many difficulties, caused both by the anti-clerical civil authorities and by the opposition of some senior people within the Church, his enterprise grew, and by 1868 over 800 boys and young men were under his care. To ensure the continuation of his work, he founded a congregation, which he named after St Francis de Sales (a saint for whom he had great admiration), and today the Salesians continue his work all over the world.
The Budding of Aaron’s Rod
1 [a] The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 2 Speak to the Israelites, and get twelve staffs from them, one for each ancestral house, from all the leaders of their ancestral houses. Write each man’s name on his staff, 3 and write Aaron’s name on the staff of Levi. For there shall be one staff for the head of each ancestral house. 4 Place them in the tent of meeting before the covenant,[b] where I meet with you. 5 And the staff of the man whom I choose shall sprout; thus I will put a stop to the complaints of the Israelites that they continually make against you. 6 Moses spoke to the Israelites; and all their leaders gave him staffs, one for each leader, according to their ancestral houses, twelve staffs; and the staff of Aaron was among theirs. 7 So Moses placed the staffs before the Lord in the tent of the covenant.[c]
8 When Moses went into the tent of the covenant[d] on the next day, the staff of Aaron for the house of Levi had sprouted. It put forth buds, produced blossoms, and bore ripe almonds. 9 Then Moses brought out all the staffs from before the Lord to all the Israelites; and they looked, and each man took his staff. 10 And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Put back the staff of Aaron before the covenant,[e] to be kept as a warning to rebels, so that you may make an end of their complaints against me, or else they will die.’ 11 Moses did so; just as the Lord commanded him, so he did.’
God makes our labours fruitful. Especially to the one he chooses, God would make their works blossom. I believe we can't do everything perfectly. Yesterday, even I was amazed of what reflection I wrote, but today I can't seem to write. So instead, I thought, maybe I should just write anything. But those things does not end up in a very fruitful and blossoming way. It would make me seem to speak off-topic. So I prayed, "Lord help me, bless me, that I may write and that they listen or read with their hearts not just with their eyes or ears." But nothing came to my mind, so I didn't stop praying. Funny how it looks as if you can't do it, but its all part of God's plan, and that you just need to take another way.
Loving God, I offer You a loving and Contrite heart. As we do our work everyday, may we keep Love always in our hearts. Inflame that love so that it would strengthen us, nourish us, and keep us. I ask, O Lord, to remove the stains that surround that love, and by the example of Saint John "Don" Bosco, may teachers, educators, and formators increase their patience with students and children. May we live our lives in Love of You, God, and our neighbour, through the most perfect example of Love, which is You, God.
Peace and All Good, Today is the fourth Tuesday of Ordinary Time
Doesn't mean that it's Ordinary it's not special. There is wonder in the common, and love and peace no matter the season.
CHAPTER 38
Sickness and Recovery of Hezekiah. 1 [a]In those days,[b] when Hezekiah was mortally ill, the prophet Isaiah, son of Amoz, came and said to him: “Thus says the LORD: Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you shall not recover.” 2 Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD:
3 “Ah, LORD, remember how faithfully and wholeheartedly I conducted myself in your presence, doing what was good in your sight!” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
4 Then the word of the LORD came to Isaiah: 5 Go, tell Hezekiah:[c] Thus says the LORD, the God of your father David: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Now I will add fifteen years to your life. 6 I will rescue you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria; I will be a shield to this city.
7 This will be the sign for you from the LORD that the LORD will carry out the word he has spoken: 8 See, I will make the shadow cast by the sun on the stairway to the terrace of Ahaz[d] go back the ten steps it has advanced. So the sun came back the ten steps it had advanced.
Reflection:
Perseverance, Faith, and Confidence in God are the three virtues that are shown by today's King of Judah, Hezekiah. Today's reading tells us of an answered prayers. Hezekiah wasn't sinful when he was struck with illness, rather it was a test, like Job. God tests us to see how deep our Faith is; just like Abraham with his son Isaac, the story of Job, the story of the Israelites in the desert. But the good thing to keep in mind is that, God will not spurn a contrite heart. Such genuine heart Hezekiah wept bitterly.
This is a call to us to pray, not with the words but with the heart, especially with the God who reads the hearts and souls of ours. True prayer is from the heart. There is a story of Jesus, about a friend who continues to persist on waking you up, will eventually get up and do their bidding. It is said in the scriptures 9 ‘So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. I want you all to remember that, God answers prayers, not instantly like a lightning-strike but by sending down Your Spirit like a dewfall. Do not cease praying when nothing happens, continue PUSHIng (Pray Until Something Happens)
With this, Let us pray,
Lord God, compassionate and loving Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I ask for your forgiveness on our sins. You do not accept holocausts as offerings, so we offer to You ourselves; our mind tainted with the world that we forget You; our hearts that have been hardened by our stubbornness and iniquities; our spirit that has longed for You, through the depravity of Your presence because of our sins; our own bodies afflicted with the sickness that makes us remember our mortality. I ask you to receive us, cleanse us, and heal us, that You may be pleased at us and our works. I ask for Your merciful hand to lay down upon me, my loved ones, and friends, that they may also be given the healing, cleansing, and surrendering I ask. (please pray in silence and expound the prayer to be in a more personal conversation with God.)
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Peace and All Good, Today is the 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞, Today is also the 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝑵𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂 𝑺𝒆ñ𝒐𝒓𝒂 𝑽𝒊𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒏 𝒅𝒆 𝒍𝒂 𝑪𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒂 𝐩𝐨𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝑳𝒂 𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒂
𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘸𝘪𝘬𝘪𝘱𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢
According to a legend recorded by Alonso de Espinosa in 1594, a statue of the Virgin Mary, bearing a child in one hand and a green candle in the other (hence "Candelaria"), was discovered on the beach of Chimisay (Güímar) by two Guanche goatherds in 1392.[4] This was before the Castilian conquest of the island of Tenerife (the island was not fully conquered until 1496).
One of the shepherds tried to throw a stone at the statue, but his arm became paralysed; the other tried to stab the statue with a knife but ended up stabbing himself.[1] The statue was taken by the local guanche mencey to the cueva de Chinguaro.
Later, Antón, a Guanche who had been enslaved and converted to Christianity by the Castilians, returned to Tenerife and recognized the statue as that of the Virgin Mary. He told the mencey of his conversion and the statue was thus venerated by the Guanches, who moved it to the cave of Achbinico (also known as San Blas – "Saint Blaise").[1]
𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲'𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠, is from the First Book of Kings 8:10-21
And when the priests came out of the holy place, a cloud filled the house of the Lord, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.
Then Solomon said,
𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗻'𝘀 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗰𝗵
14 Then the king turned round and blessed all the assembly of Israel, while all the assembly of Israel stood. 15 He said, ‘Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who with his hand has fulfilled what he promised with his mouth to my father David, saying, 16 “Since the day that I brought my people Israel out of Egypt, I have not chosen a city from any of the tribes of Israel in which to build a house, that my name might be there; but I chose David to be over my people Israel.” 17 My father David had it in mind to build a house for the name of the Lord, the God of Israel. 18 But the Lord said to my father David, “You did well to consider building a house for my name; 19 nevertheless, you shall not build the house, but your son who shall be born to you shall build the house for my name.” 20 Now the Lord has upheld the promise that he made; for I have risen in the place of my father David; I sit on the throne of Israel, as the Lord promised, and have built the house for the name of the Lord, the God of Israel. 21 There I have provided a place for the ark, in which is the covenant of the Lord that he made with our ancestors when he brought them out of the land of Egypt.’
📖Credits: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Kings+8%3A10-21&version=NRSVACE
The temple, of the house of the LORD, the house of our God, is holy. So this is why Jesus got angry at the tax collectors and vendors. And so He said, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will rebuild it." But He was speaking of His Bodily temple. I know that it is famously said that our bodies are a temple of the holy spirit. What do we do with our bodies? Do we decorate it or desecrate it? It is a question that needs more context. To be a true temple of the holy spirit, we need to keep our bodies pure, our bodies, mind, soul, and heart. So it would be pleasing to God who would reside within us. A controversial topic about this is tattoos.
To someone who had a trauma and was scarred both physically and/or mentally, wouldn't it be more pleasing to cover the tattoos to reconcile with the past and seek a new change? If you think of it this way it would seem alright. But what about the ones that do it not because of their scars? That would be alright too as long as it is decent, the intentions are pure, and moral. I find that some, for example my uncle who had a tattoo of her daughter, is a loving act. Though I'm not saying that you should get one immediately, it's a matter of preference and discernment. I should keep this also in mind, that in every discernment, we should ask, "When Jesus is presented to me, would He be pleased?"
And so let us turn to God and speak with Him in prayer. 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐮𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐲,
Lord You are God, accept our humble offerings, our bodies, that we may be wonderful temples, a house for You to reside. Forgive us, many times we are drawn into temptation; the light dims from us; we are overcame by darkness; and eventually we desecrate ourselves spiritually, physically, or socially. Have mercy on us Lord, we seek forgiveness. Still, in spite of my sins, in spite of forgetting You when sinning, You continue to love me. Our joy is You and to be with You in eternity. In our hearts teach us to praise You and thank You. Fill our hearts with Your love so that it would overflow into everywhere we go. Our true light, Jesus, release us from the darkness and its snares, and make us mirrors of Your light to free others too.
Today is the 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞, 𝐁𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩, 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲𝐫, 𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐧
He was bishop of Sebaste and was martyred, probably early in the fourth century. Devotion to him spread throughout the Church during the Middle Ages. He is particularly invoked for disorders of the throat. See the articles in the Catholic Encyclopaedia and Wikipedia.
𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,
2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord[a] and ours:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4 I give thanks to my[b] God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, 5 for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind— 6 just as the testimony of[c] Christ has been strengthened among you— 7 so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
📖Credits: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+1%3A1-9&version=NRSVACE
𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
This reading is a nice reminder to us, why are we Christians? I have talked about martyrs, how honourable their death is. They continue to profess their faith in spite of death. We all know the parable of the sower, there is this technique used by some farmers called Blast Planting, or 𝘚𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘨 𝘛𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘮 from my country. Like the parable, the seeds are just thrown away on the ground for it to spring up. The story is very vital to our spiritual life because it leads us to examine ourselves.
Does the seed, the bread, the word of life enter our ears and not our hearts and lives? Did it root within me or withered? Did it give me strength when the thorns choke me or did I just let them? Was I a good soil? We tend to blame others for our faults, but let us ask the last question, was I a good soil? Why martyrs are venerated in Catholic Church is because of their zeal to escape life and become one with God; their hate for their own life; a great expression of self-denial, so as to serve the master and not themselves, their example is what we venerate. They are not God, but they are examples of true Christian life. Some sinners being called to repentance, and actually became penitent, and lived as white martyrs, giving up themselves and the pleasures of human life to be in the desert for God.
In prayer let us ask to be renewed in Christians in spirit, that it may be strong. Like Saint Blaise, let us imitate the faith, hope, and charity that he had shown us in his life. 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐮𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐲,
Father in our generation, we tend to be forgetful due to our material lifestyle and mindset. Looking back at the Olden times, their faith was strong in You that could almost move mountains. You gave us the Holy Spirit to be our advocate, yet I know that none of this will take place without enriching my faith. Lord, I ask for forgiveness, especially when I have offended You whom I should love. I seek forgiveness and give courage that I may confess sacramentally. I do ask one thing, to send forth Your Holy Spirit stronger to the world, renew the hearts, minds, and souls, of Your people, guide us, and much more be with us.
Peace and All Good! Today is the Fourth Friday of Ordinary Time I. Seasons like these have colors, 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴, such as Ordinary Time being green.
𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐫: 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧
The theological virtue of hope is symbolized by the colour green, just as the burning fire of love is symbolized by red. Green is the colour of growing things, and hope, like them, is always new and always fresh. Liturgically, green is the colour of Ordinary Time, the orderly sequence of weeks through the year, a season in which we are being neither single-mindedly penitent (in purple) nor overwhelmingly joyful (in white). 𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴 𝘈𝘱𝘱/𝘚𝘪𝘵𝘦
10 And there a woman met him,
With the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart.
11 She was loud and rebellious,
Her feet would not stay at home.
12 At times she was outside, at times in the open square,
Lurking at every corner.
13 So she caught him and kissed him;
With an [c]impudent face she said to him:
14 “I have peace offerings with me;
Today I have paid my vows.
15 So I came out to meet you,
Diligently to seek your face,
And I have found you.
21 [g]With her enticing speech she caused him to yield,
With her flattering lips she [h]seduced him.
22 Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter,
Or [i]as a fool to the correction of the [j]stocks,
23 Till an arrow struck his liver.
As a bird hastens to the snare,
He did not know it [k]would cost his life.
24 Now therefore, listen to me, my children;
Pay attention to the words of my mouth:
25 Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways,
Do not stray into her paths;
26 For she has cast down many wounded,
And all who were slain by her were strong men.
27 Her house is the way to [l]hell,
Descending to the chambers of death.
📖Credits: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+7&version=NKJV
Literally, we can count this as a message to keep watch with ourselves. Many people may deceive us, and seduce us to their bidding. Figuratively, this is a message of vigilance from sin. Sin like all the things is evil. It can take upon many forms ranging from minor venial to gravely mortal. I've been learning about the Desert Fathers and Mothers and their Ascetic lifestyle. To them, and according to scriptures, any indulgence to bodily desires is a form of sin, or serving not the master that is God. So they live their lives in total strict discipline, so that themselves first would be pure in the eyes of God. Saint Augustine encourage these monks and so in the time of peace within the church, a lot of monks, hermits, ascetics, and desert fathers and mothers, came to being.
In scripture this is what Jesus talked about, "Denying Oneself, Taking up the Cross, and Following in his Footsteps." I read somewhere that asceticism is not a perfect way of following Jesus, because you deprive yourself of being with the people to Preach the Gospel. The text concluded that discipline still retains, but the new ascetism should be of joyful service and charity. Which Charity is the very Mission and Vision of the Desert Fathers in the First Place, since they can't be martyrs, they let themselves be martyrs for Christ then living in the desert, praying, fasting, secluding themselves, giving themselves up to Love only Christ Jesus. They too are martyrs but white, as I mentioned yesterday. Their blood was not spilled, but their lives were offered to Christ.
To conclude this reflection, especially in our generation, I think the best way to deny yourself is to counsel whether or not this action, feeling, thought, or word that I am about to say, do, or am thinking, feeling right now is a product of love? Does it produce more love? Is this the love of Jesus Christ, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit? The criteria and definition of Love can be found in the entirety of the letter-chapter 1 𝕮𝖔𝖗𝖎𝖓𝖙𝖍𝖎𝖆𝖓𝖘 13. Fr. Dave said in his homily, God made us in the image and likeness of God, and another name of God is Love.
As the season of Lent (the memorial of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ) draws near, let us look back and reflect at ourselves, are we Love?
And so 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐮𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐲,
ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father;
We have erred, and strayed from Thy ways like lost sheep.
We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts.
We have offended against Thy holy laws.
We have left undone those things which we ought to have done;
And we have done those things which we ought not to have done;
And there is no health in us.
But Thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders.
Spare thou them, O God, which confess their faults.
Restore thou them that are penitent;
According to Thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesu our Lord.
And grant, O most merciful Father, for His sake;
That we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life,
To the glory of Thy Holy Name. Amen.
𝘈𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯
𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 1662 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘰𝘯 𝘗𝘳𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯
𝘈𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘎𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯
🙏Credits: https://www.primidi.com/act_of_contrition/anglican_general_confession
Peace and all good!
Today is the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time I.
CHAPTER 17
𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗶𝗻. 1 He said to his disciples, “Things that cause sin will inevitably occur, but woe to the person through whom they occur. 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. 3 Be on your guard![a] If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4 And if he wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, ‘I am sorry,’ you should forgive him.”
📖Credits: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+17%3A1-4&version=NRSVACE
We all are given a conscience, and are taught what is right and what is not. Though according to Aristotle's Nichomachean Ethics, what constitutes as good is different to every person. But what does God want to tell us in this scripture? It is clear that we should be a good model to others. What is our goal in life? Let us not forget that it is to go home to God, and be with him to eternity forever in heaven. Would you not want to see you're loved ones with you? Let us do the same most especially to our enemies, the people who hate us.
The commandments pertaining our brothers state, You shall Honour your Mother and Father. Do not provoke them and test their anger. With love, follow them.
You shall not kill. You shall also not provoke them and make them angry.
You shall not commit adultery. You shall also not seduce nor be immoral and immodest.
You shall not steal. You shall also not brag or boast of your worldly possessions, because everything under the heavens is vanity, a chase after wind.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour. You shall also not abandon them so when the time comes when you are in need, they shall bear true witness for you.
You shall not covet. You should help them to aspire for their own things and not boast or brag about what you have now.
Through little things, let us help everyone to be worthy of Heaven. We all are sinners, but we are called to love each other so that we could learn to love God when we reach eternity.
Lord, I know love never fails. You Lord, are Love Itself and you never did fail. From Your love you made me. From Your Love you kept me. From Your Love You call me Your child, through Jesus our brother. Jesus it is with You that the love of the Father and the Holy Spirit is present. Help us to live our lives in the true meaning of love; loving others much more than ourselves. Amen.
Peace and All Good!
𝗥𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗣𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
1 The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Tell the people of Israel: ‘I am the Lord your God. 3 In the past you lived in Egypt. You must not do what was done in that country. And you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan where I am bringing you. Do not follow their customs. 4 You must obey my rules and follow them. I am the Lord your God. 5 Obey my laws and rules. A person who obeys my laws and rules will live because of them. I am the Lord.
6 “‘You must never have physical relations with your close relatives. I am the Lord.
22 “‘You must not have physical relations with a man as you would a woman. That is a hated sin.
24 “‘Don’t make yourself unclean by any of these wrong things. I am forcing nations out of their countries because they did these sins. And I am giving their land to you. 25 The land has become unclean. So I punished it for its sins. And the land is throwing out those people who live there.
26 “‘You must obey my laws and rules. You must not do any of these hated sins. These rules are for the citizens of Israel. They are also for the people who live with you. 27 The people who lived in the land before you did all these hated things. So the land became unclean. 28 If you do these things, you will also make the land unclean. And it will throw you out as it threw out the nations before you. 29 Anyone who does these hated sins must be separated from his people. 30 The people who lived in the land before you have done these hated sins. But you must not do them. You must obey my laws. Don’t make yourself unclean by these hated sins. I am the Lord your God.’”
📖Credits: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+18&version=ICB
It has been a whole series about love. Love is pure, and does not seek to shame others. Love creates more fruit of love. But what about these things that was talked about in Leviticus 18. This is not love, this is a perversion of love; a concept mixed with the desire, the passion for pleasure. People who engage in these things, incest, homosexuality, and bestiality, are not loving to their full human extent. Because love shouldn't care about sex or it's pleasure, love is all about caring and charity.
Most people would not even think of the possibility of people who engage in this relationships... sadly the world is filled with temptation and pleasure. In our own ways, it happens to us too, when we think only of ourselves (that may be singular or plurally). We need to reflect and think, are we too focused on ourselves? Do we take for granted others, for ourselves? Taking for granted doesn't mean just them, it could also be their wants, their time, their body.
I fear that the LGBTQ+ community would attack me when I mentioned something about homosexuality, but this was the old law. In my belief there is nothing wrong with having attraction with the same gender. Love exists as pure and expression, an action of self-sacrifice, being a charity. Whether it be man to man, woman to woman, or man to woman, and vice versa love exists within and that is what is called a family. But relations, or colloquially "sex", is not the more focus of life, rather it is the charity. Though the consummation of marriage is good, it would be unfruitful of love especially to the same-sex. It would please them more than it would please a family, it does not bring the gift of life. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, + Christians, moreover Catholics, do not have a problem nor sick unlike what Freud had said. Like vocations, it is a moment of discernment and knowing yourself and identity. BUT WHAT IS SICKENING, is the continuous propagation of the seed of lust, that would eventually lead us to forget why we are here for. We are here to learn and to love God.
I'll reiterate. Our goal is to be with God, and to learn to love him while on earth, so we can, as Padre Pio prayed, "love Him perfectly during all eternity". Because it is for His Love that we live, everyday we wake up, and because of His love He gave us free will so as to not be slaves. We have our own mind to think and learn, our own conscience to discern, our own hearts to feel, spirits to live, bodies to act. What do we use it for?
This week culminates on a Saint that I would really love to share on Saturday. Though her feast day is on April 1, I wanted to share her story because in the general calendar she is not much celebrated.
God, I wish to love you perfectly, but the feast which the world so do offers me, the pleasures which it beckons me, can be strong sometimes. I am sorry for the times I forget you, accept my humble offering, my little heart, my heart who was tainted with worldly love, my heart whom is attracted to the world sometimes, my sick heart am in need of Your help. I truly wish to love you, with a firm love to love You here on earth until my eternity. I wish to free myself of all the earth, so that I can lift myself and offer myself entirely and purely, for You because I seek to love You, my God, my King.
I do not wish to forget You. I'm sorry if I mistook Your blessings for me on earth as temptations to hinder me from heaven. And I thank you, my God, for it is through Your love You have bestowed upon me such gifts of life. I ask the angel, my personal guardian to guard me in the time of my lax. Through the Holy Spirit, may the fire of the love that You bestowed upon me, inflame my heart perpetually, and spread to everyone with the same constancy. Amen.
Peace and All Good,
I'm sorry didn't post early today. Today's actually my birthday but that wouldn't stop me from writing this daily thingy.
At Wales we commemorate Saint Teilo (Latin: Teliarus[1] or Teliavus; Breton: Teliau[1] or Telo; French: Télo[1] or Théleau; c. 500 – 9 February c. 560), also known by his Cornish name Eliud,[2] was a British Christian monk, bishop, and founder of monasteries and churches. He was from Penalun (Penally) near Tenby in Pembrokeshire, south Wales. 𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘞𝘪𝘬𝘪𝘱𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢
CHAPTER 7
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝘇𝗿𝗮
1 After this, in the reign of King Artaxerxes of Persia, Ezra son of Seraiah, son of Azariah, son of Hilkiah, 2 son of Shallum, son of Zadok, son of Ahitub, 3 son of Amariah, son of Azariah, son of Meraioth, 4 son of Zerahiah, son of Uzzi, son of Bukki, 5 son of Abishua, son of Phinehas, son of Eleazar, son of the chief priest Aaron— 6 this Ezra went up from Babylonia. He was a scribe skilled in the law of Moses that the Lord the God of Israel had given; and the king granted him all that he asked, for the hand of the Lord his God was upon him.
7 Some of the people of Israel, and some of the priests and Levites, the singers and gatekeepers, and the temple servants also went up to Jerusalem, in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes. 8 They came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king. 9 On the first day of the first month the journey up from Babylon was begun, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, for the gracious hand of his God was upon him. 10 For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach the statutes and ordinances in Israel.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘅𝗲𝗿𝘅𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘇𝗿𝗮
11 This is a copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave to the priest Ezra, the scribe, a scholar of the text of the commandments of the Lord and his statutes for Israel: 12 ‘Artaxerxes, king of kings, to the priest Ezra, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven: Peace.[a] And now 13 I decree that any of the people of Israel or their priests or Levites in my kingdom who freely offers to go to Jerusalem may go with you.
What are we so caught up in the world? Something that fills our hearts that drives us to do something? For Ezra, that is the Law which he wishes to understand, learn, live, and teach. There is one line that comes multiple times, "The (gracious) hand of (the Lord) God was upon him." If you know the story of King David, or King Saul, because of sin or disobedience to the orders and the law, the hand of God was far from them.
That is what happens when we sin, we put the blessing hand that gives grace away, farther from ourselves. C.S. Lewis said that "Joys are the whispers of God, Pains are the shouts of God." Do we become very sinful or deaf to the words of God that He needs to shout at us? Let's not make it to that point and displease God all the more. What are the greatest commandments? Simplified it is to Love God and Neighbour; to expound, Love God with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your soul, with all your strength, and love your neighbour as Jesus had loved us.
In addition to that, God Hears. He looked at his lowly servant Israel, and blessed them. From their punishment, the exile, because of their sins, God led them away from the holy city. But because of his Great love he sent Ezra to be a priest, a scribe, and a teacher of the law. And because of Ezra, God has gave them the chance to go back to Jerusalem with Ezra.
God gracious and loving, have mercy on Your servant for being stubborn. I come to You, my God, and I wish to resolve all my iniquities, my pains, my wounds for You to heal. With hope and confidence, I come to you to ask for grace. Bless the work of my hands, my mind, and the counsel that I have decided on. I ask that my works be worthy and pleasing to You. I ask for Your great help, especially in the times when I get tired, and work becomes monotonous, when I don't feel like working, when there is no more spark in me. Renew the flame of love and fervor in my heart, let my heart burn with zeal, lest it is not for the good of me to continue. For that guide me. Show me the way that I must do, a way that is good for me. I thank You, God, because I know You would never abandon me. Amen.
Today is the Feast of Saint Scholastica of Nursia, Nun, Virgin, Foundress of Benedictine Nuns, Twin Sister of Saint Benedict of Nursia.
1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, 2 and live in love, as Christ loved us[a] and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝗪𝗮𝘆𝘀
3 But fornication and impurity of any kind, or greed, must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Entirely out of place is obscene, silly, and vulgar talk; but instead, let there be thanksgiving. 5 Be sure of this, that no fornicator or impure person, or one who is greedy (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be associated with them. 8 For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— 9 for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. 10 Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; 13 but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
‘Sleeper, awake!
Rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.’
To be children of light, we are called to act in love, selfless love. A priest said that, defiling the purity of Love, is another form of desecrating God, because God is Love, the very definition of love. What makes us impure? What makes us like the fornicators and deceivers, the greedy and covetous, idolaters, those who lives in wrath and lust, is our lack of love.
Darkness is called the absence of light, and sin is the absence of God. Honestly speaking, I too am a slave to sin and desire. In my unworthiness, sometimes I feel unworthy to be light. Because of pleasure, a strong desire, and weak strength, I partake of the unfruitful works of darkness; pleasures that wither, and has no foresight, bringing only temporary happiness.
But what are we made for? What is Christ's death for? The One who sent Him knows that the world would turn to sin-offerings instead of repentance and resolution. The Son, as full communion with the Father, was told "The Plan," and because of Love, the Son agreed. But fear crept him as the days drew near, but the Spirit of the Father kept him, the knowledge of Victory he never forget. That at the dawn a day after his death, the Light of the revelation for the Gentiles, Jews, Gentiles, and Pagans alike, broke the twilight.
The Son calls us to be brothers and sisters, that in the one family of God, the we shall rejoice eternally. To renounce the ways of the Pagans, let us do everything with Love.
Eternal Father, loving God,
Who made us from the dust of earth,
Transform us by the Spirit’s grace,
Give value to our little worth.
Prepare us for that day of days
When Christ from heaven will come with might
To call us out of dust again,
Our bodies glorified in light.
O Godhead, here untouched, unseen,
All things created bear your trace;
The seed of glory sown in man
Will flower when we see your face.
– 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘈𝘣𝘣𝘦𝘺 𝘏𝘺𝘮𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘢 𝘩𝘺𝘮𝘯 𝘢𝘵 𝘕𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘨𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴 (𝘋𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦).
Today is the 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐬, A remembrance to the apparition to Saint Bernadette of Soubirous on a grotto at Lourdes, France.
In 1858 the immaculate Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous, near Lourdes in France, in the cavern called “de Massabielle.” Through this poor, fourteen-year-old girl, Mary calls on sinners to change their lives. She has inspired in the Church a great love of prayer and good works, especially in the service of the poor and the sick. See the articles in the Catholic Encyclopaedia and Wikipedia.
10 I am my beloved’s,
and his desire is for me.
11 Come, my beloved,
let us go forth into the fields,
and lodge in the villages;
12 let us go out early to the vineyards,
and see whether the vines have budded,
whether the grape blossoms have opened
and the pomegranates are in bloom.
There I will give you my love.
13 The mandrakes give forth fragrance,
and over our doors are all choice fruits,
new as well as old,
which I have laid up for you, O my beloved.
📖Credits: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Song+of+Solomon+7%3A10-13&version=NRSVACE
It has always been stated that the Church is the Bride of God. And we will meet the Groom soon, but we must keep vigil on ourselves, like virgins keeping lit the lampstands. Today is a feast of the Immaculate Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Lourdes. Jesus as both God and Man, already made a great marriage of Flesh and Divinity, and He became our example to live a good life for life everlasting. But Mary, as fully human, had made her life so devoted to God, that she devoted herself for our salvation.
With her example, she taught us obedience, humility, and purity of heart. She was filled with the spirit, and Joy overflows from her heart. From a homily of a Bishop, He noted that images of Mary would always smile. Since the greeting of the angel, since the greeting of Elizabeth. Mary had shown great joy. Her sorrow in her son's death just shows her motherly affection. She kept hope for the resurrection, and with that hope, she was filled with joy at the news. In the upper room, at the third hour of the day, Mary was also present in the descent of the Holy Spirit.
It is believed in Catholic faith, that Mary was lifted up body and soul into heaven. For what reason? That is the celebration for today. Mary, at her compassion, continued to connect with us, through the universal language of love. Apparitions of Mary have been cited all around the world. Some contains a message, some to bring hope, some to make us feel Joy and to remember Christ. But what is wonderful about these apparitions is not just her activity, but the activity of God through her. And through her we can connect to God. This would explain Marian Devotions. We honour the Blessed Mother because Jesus loved her first.
As a perfect example of a true humanity, by knowing and being able to admit our faults, may we find ourselves changing for good. To be a perfect bride for Christ, may we turn to the Blessed Mother, through her character, example, virtue, and love, that in the coming of Our Saviour, the coming of the bridegroom, we are ready to be one in spirit, and filled with his love continuously. Here on earth, and to eternity, let us give our fragrant mandrakes, those blooming grapefruits, and pomegranates, that we may lodge in heaven, the village of Love.
𝘈 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘓𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘴
Ever Immaculate Virgin Mother of Mercy, Health of the sick, refuge of sinners, Comforter of the afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings; look with mercy on me. By appearing in the Grotto of Lourdes, you were pleased to make it a privileged sanctuary, whence you dispense your favors; and already many sufferers have obtained the cure for their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal.
I come, therefore, with complete confidence to implore your maternal intercession. Obtain, O loving Mother, the grant of my requests. Through gratitude for your favors, I will endeavor to imitate your virtues, that I may one day share your glory. Amen.
𝘔𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘦
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help,
or sought thy intercession,
was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence
I fly unto thee,
O Virgin of virgins, my Mother.
To thee do I come,
before thee I stand,
sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.
Today is the 𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞
𝗝𝗲𝘀𝘂𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀
21 At that same hour Jesus[a] rejoiced in the Holy Spirit[b] and said, ‘I thank[c] you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.[d] 22 All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.’
23 Then turning to the disciples, Jesus[e] said to them privately, ‘Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.’
Today's reading, we see Jesus rejoicing. This was the time the seventy-two had returned from their mission. Jesus gave them a mission, powers and authority to heal demons and cure the sick. And as they returned to Him, they rejoiced. We all have talents, given by God. This gift was given from the Father, graciously upon us, and was given to Jesus for his disciples and to whom the Son wishes to give. Jesus knew about these gifts, and told them privately about the jealous people.
Biologically, we all are built differently, no two fingerprints are the same, even to identical twins. And some may be more blessed than others, but why is that? Would you sulk? Would we be jealous on them? Coveting is also against the 9th and 10th commandment, because it springs theft (commandment nr. 7). The simplification of the commandment calls us to love. But how can we love if we know we aren't loved and blessed with these things that they have?
Maybe, just maybe, you haven't loved yourself enough. Loving yourself doesn't mean you indulge in the world's pleasures. Sure that is good sometimes, but we have to take note when to say no. What do I mean about not loving ourselves enough? Maybe, we look more onto others, and not at ourselves. We lack gratitude at times, and take blessings for granted. When we get jealous, it would not bear fruit. When we look at others and not on ourselves, we will not grow in character, because each individual is different. Sure many would have similarities, but we also have our differences.
Now what does this call us to do? Let us reflect on who we are. Why do I have this? Some born with disabilities would ask that. Why am I born like this? Why did this happen to me? And then the thoughts will enter your mind. There are a lot of thoughts, but choose the one that is good, because in goodness and light, there is God. Because God is the very definition of Love, and with love of course He would choose good. If the answer is still unclear, do not trouble yourself because the universe will unfold as it should. Those born with disabilities turned their disabilities to a source of inspiration first to themselves, and then sharing that inspiration to others. Those born without talents does not exist, because everyone of us have talents. We just need to discover it. And once we know our talents, use it to do good, because our Master has shown us goodness, so we also should share that goodness to others.
Thank you Father, for the gifts we have received. It is through You that all things come to take place and we thank You for Your wonderful love. My heart is troubled, for the uncanniness of the world, but I know somewhere You are there. You are already there with me, and so, I put my trust in You, my life, my dreams, my gifts, my relationships, my everything in this world, into Your hands. When I fall, and my skin is bruised, and I feel hurt, and the darkness overshadows me and increases my pain, be my Light, my Love, my Hope, my Friend, my Wall. I wish to befriend You because You are eternal, and everything in this world and in heaven, the wonders that my mind can and cannot comprehend, the mysteries my heart can feel and understand, are just so cool. Thank you, my God. Forgive me, because even though I want to be Your friend, I am still chained. Break me free so that I can be with You here on earth, and in heaven. Keep me safe under Your wings. And with love, I want to share to others what You have given me, my experiences, my talents, my joys and sorrows, my inspiration, and You, for the greater glory of You, God, and the goodness of my brothers and sisters, my friends. Amen.
Peace and all good!
Just this Sunday, started the 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐚, or the seventy days starting on Septuagesima Sunday and ending on the Saturday after Easter.
New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised Catholic Edition
15 For the day of the Lord is near against all the nations.
As you have done, it shall be done to you;
your deeds shall return on your own head.
16 For as you have drunk on my holy mountain,
all the nations around you shall drink;
they shall drink and gulp down,[f]
and shall be as though they had never been.
𝗜𝘀𝗿𝗮𝗲𝗹’𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝘂𝗺𝗽𝗵
17 But on Mount Zion there shall be those that escape,
and it shall be holy;
and the house of Jacob shall take possession of those who dispossessed them.
18 The house of Jacob shall be a fire,
the house of Joseph a flame,
and the house of Esau stubble;
they shall burn them and consume them,
and there shall be no survivor of the house of Esau;
for the Lord has spoken.
What did Edom do that they were cursed? According to Wikipedia; the Edomites might have helped Plunder Jerusalem during the siege, and could have broken a treaty with Judea. The line "As you have done, it shall be done to you;" was another reference to the Golden Rule. Even Jesus, Confucius, and other religious, non-religious, historical people have said that.
Look around. Maybe we live too much in luxury that we have forgotten the least of our brothers and sisters. The much sadder part is that, we also trample upon those who have little to no possessions. The Lord woes on those who do bad deeds, and uplifts those who are oppressed, persecuted, mistreated, malnourished. He well let those whom we trample flourish, and the tramplers trampled upon. So a better question is that, why do we trample? If it be for our sake, our own pleasures, richness, and luxury, would it be worth it to know that you have gained enemies? Or you deceived yourself? Or maybe, by all the anomalies and twisted minds, we find no more guilt within us.
There are people with psychopathic problems, and they themselves should fear that. Because when your mind or heart does not know the pain of others, then that is not human. In turn, we should help them, and be patient with them. We need to bring light to their faults that they know what is wrong. And we need to also be compassionate with them, and teach them what should be right or wrong. As Saint Thomas of Aquinas said, "The greatest kindness one can render to any man, consists of leading him from error to truth."
Let us go to the presence of the Lord, in the solitude of our own homes, our minds, and hearts. 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐮𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐲.
Father, great and loving, we have seen Edom's ruthlessness and lack of grace. I do not want to be like that. I fear the punishments, and the lack of blessing, but most of all because I fear offending You, my God. Because of this, I offer to You my sins, with a humbled heart. I ask for You to clean it, and renew within my a heart that can know, a heart that can love, a heart that can fear You that I may love you. Thank you, for your love. Thank you for your kindness and compassion. Help us to be patient, and compassionate. Increase our love O Lord. Give our hearts, eyes to see the pain of others, so that we may avoid triggering it, help mend it, and continue to bring the opposite of pain, joy to them. All of these I ask of You, Lord. I ask this so that in eternity, heaven will be filled with loving people, those kind, generous, and grateful souls, together with angels, singing a hymn of glory, songs to praise You. Amen.
Peace and All Good!
Today is the 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝟔 𝐢𝐧 𝐎𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞. Let us come and listen to His voice, and pray.
In the name of the Father, ✠
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit,
𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗻.
New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised Catholic Edition
9 So Tobias[a] went in to tell his father Tobit and said to him, ‘I have just found a man who is one of our own Israelite kindred!’ He replied, ‘Call the man in, my son, so that I may learn about his family and to what tribe he belongs, and whether he is trustworthy enough to go with you.’
10 Then Tobias went out and called him, and said, ‘Young man, my father is calling for you.’ So he went in to him, and Tobit greeted him first. He replied, ‘Joyous greetings to you!’ But Tobit retorted, ‘What joy is left for me any more? I am a man without eyesight; I cannot see the light of heaven, but I lie in darkness like the dead who no longer see the light. Although still alive, I am among the dead. I hear people but I cannot see them.’ But the young man[b] said, ‘Take courage; the time is near for God to heal you; take courage.’ Then Tobit said to him, ‘My son Tobias wishes to go to Media. Can you accompany him and guide him? I will pay your wages, brother.’ He answered, ‘I can go with him and I know all the roads, for I have often gone to Media and have crossed all its plains, and I am familiar with its mountains and all of its roads.’
11 Then Tobit[c] said to him, ‘Brother, of what family are you and from what tribe? Tell me, brother.’ 12 He replied, ‘Why do you need to know my tribe?’ But Tobit[d] said, ‘I want to be sure, brother, whose son you are and what your name is.’ 13 He replied, ‘I am Azariah, the son of the great Hananiah, one of your relatives.’ 14 Then Tobit said to him, ‘Welcome! God save you, brother. Do not feel bitter towards me, brother, because I wanted to be sure about your ancestry. It turns out that you are a kinsman, and of good and noble lineage. For I knew Hananiah and Nathan,[e] the two sons of Shemeliah,[f] and they used to go with me to Jerusalem and worshipped with me there, and were not led astray. Your kindred are good people; you come of good stock. Hearty welcome!’
Archangel Raphael is known to be a healer. He is the Angel sent by God to heal Abraham of his recent circumcision. And here, he tells of Tobit's healing. Spiritually we get down, drained, and hurt. Mental health is also sickness and not just mindset. We get anxious and drawn to despair because we lack hope at times. Especially with Covid and the Pandemic, and the patients the Variants that fill the Grecian alphabet.
But I want to tell you something. Before I take the book, the Bible, I pray, "Lord, what is the message you want to tell today?"
Instantly I read, "Take courage; the time is near for God to heal you; take courage."
God will heal You, God will heal us, God will heal our friends, our family, our loved ones, our enemies, the people we idolize on earth, the people we scorn to death. God will heal everyone, lest they strike their foot against a stone (that is committing cardinally grave mortal sin/s). But with His love, He will not let anyone die, and will wait for our conversion. God waits for you to accept his Love. God waits for you to accept his healing. God waits for you to change.
The ferial reading, the Holy Gospel today speaks about healing as well, especially the blind. Jesus showed patience in healing the blind man, asking him, "Can you see now?" Our priest emphasized on one thing about the passage, 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥, “𝘋𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘨𝘰 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘨𝘦.” We do not know the Bethsaidan man's sins, or his ancestors' or if he even sinned at all. But Jesus also wants us to separate from some things that are just not good for us. If we do not let go of these, how can we come to God? Even if we believed, even if we are saved by Jesus and we know we will be saved, we can still sin and demerit ourselves of the Grace and Love.
The sad thing is that, at the final judgement, when God would ask about our lineage, He would deny us saying, I have no brother or sister, or relative like You.
Let us ask Raphael for guidance and healing. We can be too much filled with contempt, and we desecrate ourselves with the sins we commit. Humbling ourselves, 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐮𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐲.
Saint Raphael, can I ask for your intercession to the Almighty for healing? Through you, many were healed at the pool that you stirred. I ask for my loved ones too, for their speedy healing. I ask for those in the hospitals, for their speedy recovery as well. I ask also, if you could guide us in our path to God, like how you guided Tobiah son of Tobit towards median. We do not want to stray from the way, so that through patience and perseverance, we may come before the Lord perfectly. All of these I ask for the greater glory of God, and through his mercy may we live away from sin, and turn to His Grace, who live and reign forever, world without end. Amen.
In the name of the Father, ✠
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit,
𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗻.
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