Saturday, October 29, 2011
GOSPEL READING TODAY - Luke 14:1, 7-11 (Cure & a Lesson in Humility)
1 On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. 7 He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. 8 “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, 9 and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. 10 Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
A LESSON IN HUMILITY - By: Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD
Did Jesus exaggerate with His parable? I think not. It reminds me of a fiesta in our parish a long time ago. After the solemn Mass, the late Cardinal Sin went to the parish hall for the well-prepared snack. He, the priests, and the parish council president and members were seated at the presidential table. One seat was still empty and suddenly an elderly man came in, saw the empty seat, went there and sat down. When the person who was supposed to sit there arrived, the uninvited guest had to be asked to please vacate the seat.
Yes, it happens. In the case of our fiesta it was surely lack of sensitivity or common sense by the man. But in the meal Jesus attended, He seems to give us a lesson in humility.
Humility! A virtue lacking so much in today’s macho society. Who wants to be humble? Because humility is often interpreted as weakness and cowardice.
What then is this humility that Jesus wants us to acquire?
St. Bernard defines humility as “a virtue by which a person knows himself as he truly is, lowers himself. Jesus Christ is the ultimate definition of humility.”
St. Thomas Aquinas, the great 13th century philosopher and theologian, defines humility similarly as “the virtue of humility that consists in keeping oneself within one’s own bounds, not reaching out to things above one, but submitting to one’s superior.”
“True humility” is distinctly different from “false humility,” which consists of denigrating one’s own sanctity, gifts, talents and accomplishments for the sake of receiving praise from others. In this context, legitimate humility consists of the following behaviors and attitudes:
Submitting oneself to God and His legitimate authority; recognizing virtues and talents that others have, particularly those which outshine one’s own, and giving due honor recognizing the limits of one’s talents, abilities or authority, and not reaching for what is beyond one’s grasp.
To be really humble needs a lot of courage and strength. It’s far from weakness!
Yes, it happens. In the case of our fiesta it was surely lack of sensitivity or common sense by the man. But in the meal Jesus attended, He seems to give us a lesson in humility.
Humility! A virtue lacking so much in today’s macho society. Who wants to be humble? Because humility is often interpreted as weakness and cowardice.
What then is this humility that Jesus wants us to acquire?
St. Bernard defines humility as “a virtue by which a person knows himself as he truly is, lowers himself. Jesus Christ is the ultimate definition of humility.”
St. Thomas Aquinas, the great 13th century philosopher and theologian, defines humility similarly as “the virtue of humility that consists in keeping oneself within one’s own bounds, not reaching out to things above one, but submitting to one’s superior.”
“True humility” is distinctly different from “false humility,” which consists of denigrating one’s own sanctity, gifts, talents and accomplishments for the sake of receiving praise from others. In this context, legitimate humility consists of the following behaviors and attitudes:
Submitting oneself to God and His legitimate authority; recognizing virtues and talents that others have, particularly those which outshine one’s own, and giving due honor recognizing the limits of one’s talents, abilities or authority, and not reaching for what is beyond one’s grasp.
To be really humble needs a lot of courage and strength. It’s far from weakness!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
GOSPEL READING TODAY: Luke 13:31-35 (Herod the Fox)
31 Some Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you.” 32 He replied, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose. 33 Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day, for it is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem.’ 34 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling! 35 Behold, your house will be abandoned. But I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’ ”
Jesus’ Lament - By: Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD
The first part of today’s Gospel (Luke 13:31-35) corrects some wrong images. First of all, we usually imagine the Pharisees to be enemies of Jesus. Most of them were, but there were also others who were worried about the safety of Jesus. They came to warn Him.
Then we usually imagine Jesus as very meek and soft. Today we hear how He uses bad words when He called Herod Antipas, the powerful ruler of Galilee, a fox, an expression of slyness, of cunning.
Jesus’ mood then changes. From anger and defiance, it turns to sadness. As a pious Jew, Jesus must have loved Jerusalem, the holy city, the place where the Temple, the House of His Father, stood.
From history He knew only too well that Jerusalem never lived up to its reputation as “holy city.” How many prophets had come and warned them to repent but were persecuted like Jeremiah, and even killed like other prophets? Jerusalem and the Temple had been destroyed already once, more than 500 years ago, a punishment for the sins of idolatry, injustice, corruption and oppression of the poor, as the prophets interpreted the catastrophe.
Jesus remembers the time He, like the prophets of old, had preached in Jerusalem and tried to turn the people from evil to a God-pleasing life — in vain! The image of the mother hen protecting her chicks under her wings is touching. What a pity that artists have never developed this beautiful picture.
Before we shake our heads at the stubbornness of Jerusalem’s people, I wonder what Jesus would say if He would speak about us. How many times have we been told to change our lives, to repent? How many times have we been told that just saying prayers and outward signs of piety will not save us? How many times have we been told that it is not enough to love God but that we love God most when we love our neighbor in need? Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem could be a lament over His followers in the 21st century.
Then we usually imagine Jesus as very meek and soft. Today we hear how He uses bad words when He called Herod Antipas, the powerful ruler of Galilee, a fox, an expression of slyness, of cunning.
Jesus’ mood then changes. From anger and defiance, it turns to sadness. As a pious Jew, Jesus must have loved Jerusalem, the holy city, the place where the Temple, the House of His Father, stood.
From history He knew only too well that Jerusalem never lived up to its reputation as “holy city.” How many prophets had come and warned them to repent but were persecuted like Jeremiah, and even killed like other prophets? Jerusalem and the Temple had been destroyed already once, more than 500 years ago, a punishment for the sins of idolatry, injustice, corruption and oppression of the poor, as the prophets interpreted the catastrophe.
Jesus remembers the time He, like the prophets of old, had preached in Jerusalem and tried to turn the people from evil to a God-pleasing life — in vain! The image of the mother hen protecting her chicks under her wings is touching. What a pity that artists have never developed this beautiful picture.
Before we shake our heads at the stubbornness of Jerusalem’s people, I wonder what Jesus would say if He would speak about us. How many times have we been told to change our lives, to repent? How many times have we been told that just saying prayers and outward signs of piety will not save us? How many times have we been told that it is not enough to love God but that we love God most when we love our neighbor in need? Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem could be a lament over His followers in the 21st century.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
The Prince of Peace who causes Division - By: Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD
I am often asked by a Catholic young man or woman whether it would be alright to marry a non-Catholic partner. I know several couples who live a harmonious married life even though they belong to different Christian denominations. But, to be honest, these cases are rare.
I cannot forget Scott Hahn’s book, Rome Sweet Home. He and his wife had taken academic degrees in theology and were very active in their ministry as Evangelicals. But Scott began to question Protestantism and felt attracted to Catholicism; he finally converted and became a devout Catholic. His wife followed later but before she converted their marriage nearly broke up.
“Days and weeks would pass without us sharing anything spiritual,” he writes. “As my spiritual life surged forward, my marriage tumbled backward… Most attempts to deal forthrightly with our differences would end in grief and frustration.”
After Mrs. Hahn’s conversion to the Catholic Church, most of their former Evangelical friends broke away from them.
This is just one example that illustrates Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel (Luke 12:49-53). While working in one parish, I witnessed the pain of parents whose son or daughter joined another Christian group or religion. The division can be even worse when a married couple belongs to a completely different faith.
St. Francis of Assisi met strong resistance from his father when he decided to live a life of poverty. Some young people who answer God’s call to the religious life often find strong resistance from their parents. Yes, a decision for Christ and His values can cause division. Jesus, the “Prince of Peace,” surely came to bring peace. Yet, since conformity, compromise and popularity are not accepted values by Christ, our loyalty to Jesus’ Word can cause the loss of friendship and lead to quarrels and even ostracism. Do we have the strength to face such tensions?
I cannot forget Scott Hahn’s book, Rome Sweet Home. He and his wife had taken academic degrees in theology and were very active in their ministry as Evangelicals. But Scott began to question Protestantism and felt attracted to Catholicism; he finally converted and became a devout Catholic. His wife followed later but before she converted their marriage nearly broke up.
“Days and weeks would pass without us sharing anything spiritual,” he writes. “As my spiritual life surged forward, my marriage tumbled backward… Most attempts to deal forthrightly with our differences would end in grief and frustration.”
After Mrs. Hahn’s conversion to the Catholic Church, most of their former Evangelical friends broke away from them.
This is just one example that illustrates Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel (Luke 12:49-53). While working in one parish, I witnessed the pain of parents whose son or daughter joined another Christian group or religion. The division can be even worse when a married couple belongs to a completely different faith.
St. Francis of Assisi met strong resistance from his father when he decided to live a life of poverty. Some young people who answer God’s call to the religious life often find strong resistance from their parents. Yes, a decision for Christ and His values can cause division. Jesus, the “Prince of Peace,” surely came to bring peace. Yet, since conformity, compromise and popularity are not accepted values by Christ, our loyalty to Jesus’ Word can cause the loss of friendship and lead to quarrels and even ostracism. Do we have the strength to face such tensions?
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Bible Verses about Wickedness
"Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." - Matthew 24:12-13
GOSPEL READING TODAY : Luke 12:8-12 (Courage Under Persecution)
Luke 12:8-12
8 Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God. 9 But whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God. 10 Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. 11 When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. 12 For the holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.”
Reflections
T h i n k : It is important to have a confessor to whom we reveal the inner sins of our hearts and bring them into the light to be healed and forgiven.
8 Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God. 9 But whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God. 10 Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. 11 When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. 12 For the holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.”
Reflections
T h i n k : It is important to have a confessor to whom we reveal the inner sins of our hearts and bring them into the light to be healed and forgiven.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Bible Verses and Quotes: Inspiration
"The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous."
-Psalm 19:7-9
-Psalm 19:7-9
GOSPEL READING TODAY: Luke 12:1-7 (Courage Under Persecution)
Luke 12:1 - 7
1 In the meantime, when so many thousands of the multitude had gathered together that they trod upon one another, he began to say to his disciples first, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
2 Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.
3 Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.
4 "I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear him!
6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God.
7 Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
1 In the meantime, when so many thousands of the multitude had gathered together that they trod upon one another, he began to say to his disciples first, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
2 Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.
3 Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.
4 "I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear him!
6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God.
7 Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Quote of Inspiration and Wisdom
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. - 1 Timothy 2:1-2
GOSPEL READING TODAY: Luke 11: 47 - 54
Luke 11: 47 - 54
47 Woe to you! for you build the tombs of the prophets whom your fathers killed.
48 So you are witnesses and consent to the deeds of your fathers; for they killed them, and you build their tombs.
49 Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, `I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute,'
50 that the blood of all the prophets, shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation,
51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechari'ah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, it shall be required of this generation.
52 Woe to you lawyers! for you have taken away the key of knowledge; you did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering."
53 As he went away from there, the scribes and the Pharisees began to press him hard, and to provoke him to speak of many things,
54 lying in wait for him, to catch at something he might say.
47 Woe to you! for you build the tombs of the prophets whom your fathers killed.
48 So you are witnesses and consent to the deeds of your fathers; for they killed them, and you build their tombs.
49 Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, `I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute,'
50 that the blood of all the prophets, shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation,
51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechari'ah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, it shall be required of this generation.
52 Woe to you lawyers! for you have taken away the key of knowledge; you did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering."
53 As he went away from there, the scribes and the Pharisees began to press him hard, and to provoke him to speak of many things,
54 lying in wait for him, to catch at something he might say.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
GOSPEL READING TODAY : Luke 11:42-46 (Hypocrisy of Pharisees & Lawyers
Luke 11:42-46
42 The Lord said: “Woe to you Pharisees! You pay tithes of mint and of rue and of every garden herb, but you pay no attention to judgment and to love for God. These you should have done, without overlooking the others. 43 Woe to you Pharisees! You love the seat of honor in synagogues and greetings in marketplaces. 44 Woe to you! You are like unseen graves over which people unknowingly walk.” 45 Then one of the scholars of the law said to him in reply, “Teacher, by saying this you are insulting us too.” 46 And he said, “Woe also to you scholars of the law! You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them.”
Reflections
T h i n k : When people question or attack us for what we do, let us listen with humble hearts and ask God to show us if what they say is true, and then seek to change.
42 The Lord said: “Woe to you Pharisees! You pay tithes of mint and of rue and of every garden herb, but you pay no attention to judgment and to love for God. These you should have done, without overlooking the others. 43 Woe to you Pharisees! You love the seat of honor in synagogues and greetings in marketplaces. 44 Woe to you! You are like unseen graves over which people unknowingly walk.” 45 Then one of the scholars of the law said to him in reply, “Teacher, by saying this you are insulting us too.” 46 And he said, “Woe also to you scholars of the law! You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them.”
Reflections
T h i n k : When people question or attack us for what we do, let us listen with humble hearts and ask God to show us if what they say is true, and then seek to change.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
GOSPEL READING TODAY : Luke 11:37-41 (Hypocrisy of Pharisees & Lawyers
GOSPEL
The Pharisees were very concerned about ritual purity and when returning from an outing would always wash their hands up to their elbows. This was to wash away the defilement that they may have contacted while doing their daily activities. Jesus did not see that He could be made unclean by external things but only by sinful acts so He did not bother to wash His hands. This caused great offense to the Pharisees. Yet Jesus points out the real issue — that it is in the human heart where all evil desires lie. It is there that we need to be washed, not our hands, if we are to be truly clean.
Luke 11:37-41
37 After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat. 38 The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal. 39 The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. 40 You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? 41 But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.”
The Pharisees were very concerned about ritual purity and when returning from an outing would always wash their hands up to their elbows. This was to wash away the defilement that they may have contacted while doing their daily activities. Jesus did not see that He could be made unclean by external things but only by sinful acts so He did not bother to wash His hands. This caused great offense to the Pharisees. Yet Jesus points out the real issue — that it is in the human heart where all evil desires lie. It is there that we need to be washed, not our hands, if we are to be truly clean.
Luke 11:37-41
37 After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat. 38 The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal. 39 The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. 40 You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? 41 But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.”
Monday, October 10, 2011
Quote of the Day
If thou must love me, let it be for naught except for love's sake only. - Elizabeth Barrett Browning
GOSPEL READING TODAY : Luke 11:29-32 (The Sign of Jonah)
29 While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. 30 Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. 31 At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. 32 At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.”
Sunday, October 9, 2011
GOSPEL READING TODAY: Matthew 22: 1 - 14 (The Wedding Banquet)
Matthew 22: 1 - 14
1 And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying,
2 "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a marriage feast for his son,
3 and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the marriage feast; but they would not come.
4 Again he sent other servants, saying, `Tell those who are invited, Behold, I have made ready my dinner, my
oxen and my fat calves are killed, and everything is ready; come to the marriage feast.'
5 But they made light of it and went off, one to his farm, another to his business,
6 while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them.
7 The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city.
8 Then he said to his servants, `The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy.
9 Go therefore to the thoroughfares, and invite to the marriage feast as many as you find.'
10 And those servants went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good; so the
wedding hall was filled with guests.
11 "But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment;
12 and he said to him, `Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless.
13 Then the king said to the attendants, `Bind him hand and foot, and cast him into the outer darkness; there
men will weep and gnash their teeth.'
14 For many are called, but few are chosen."
1 And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying,
2 "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a marriage feast for his son,
3 and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the marriage feast; but they would not come.
4 Again he sent other servants, saying, `Tell those who are invited, Behold, I have made ready my dinner, my
oxen and my fat calves are killed, and everything is ready; come to the marriage feast.'
5 But they made light of it and went off, one to his farm, another to his business,
6 while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them.
7 The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city.
8 Then he said to his servants, `The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy.
9 Go therefore to the thoroughfares, and invite to the marriage feast as many as you find.'
10 And those servants went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good; so the
wedding hall was filled with guests.
11 "But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment;
12 and he said to him, `Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless.
13 Then the king said to the attendants, `Bind him hand and foot, and cast him into the outer darkness; there
men will weep and gnash their teeth.'
14 For many are called, but few are chosen."
Friday, October 7, 2011
The Fifteen Promises of the Virgin Mary to those who recite the Rosary
The Fifteen Promises of the Virgin Mary to those who recite the Rosary
* Whoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the Rosary, shall receive signal graces.
* I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the Rosary.
* The Rosary shall be a powerful armor against hell, it will destroy vice, decrease sin, and defeat heresies.
* It will cause virtue and good works to flourish; it will obtain for souls the abundant mercy of God; it will withdraw the hearts of people from the love of the world and its vanities, and will lift them to the desire of eternal things. Oh, that souls would sanctify themselves by this means.
* The soul which recommends itself to me by the recitation of the Rosary, shall not perish.
* Whoever shall recite the Rosary devoutly, applying himself to the consideration of its Sacred Mysteries shall never be conquered by misfortune. God will not chastise him in His justice, he shall not perish by an unprovided death; if he be just, he shall remain in the grace of God, and become worthy of eternal life.
* Whoever shall have a true devotion for the Rosary shall not die without the Sacraments of the Church.
* Those who are faithful to recite the Rosary shall have during their life and at their death the light of God and the plentitude of His graces; at the moment of death they shall participate in the merits of the Saints in Paradise.
* I shall deliver from purgatory those who have been devoted to the Rosary.
* The faithful children of the Rosary shall merit a high degree of glory in Heaven.
* You shall obtain all you ask of me by the recitation of the Rosary.
* All those who propagate the Holy Rosary shall be aided by me in their necessities
* I have obtained from my Divine Son that all the advocates of the Rosary shall have for intercessors the entire celestial court during their life and at the hour of death.
* All who recite the Rosary are my children, and brothers and sisters of my only Son, Jesus Christ.
* Devotion of my Rosary is a great sign of predestination.
Benefits of the Rosary
* It gradually gives us a perfect knowledge of Jesus Christ.
* It purifies our souls, washing away sin.
* It gives us victory over all our enemies.
* It makes it easy for us to practice virtue.
* It sets us on fire with love of Our Lord.
* It enriches us with graces and merits.
* It supplies us with what is needed to pay all our debts to God and to our fellow men; and finally, it obtains all kinds of graces for us from Almighty God.
Blessings of the Rosary
* Sinners are forgiven.
* Souls that thirst are refreshed.
* Those who are fettered have their bonds broken.
* Those who weep find happiness
* Those who are tempted find peace.
* The poor find help.
* Religious are reformed.
* Those who are ignorant are instructed.
* The living learn to overcome pride.
* The dead (the Holy Souls) have their pains eased by suffrages.
* Whoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the Rosary, shall receive signal graces.
* I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the Rosary.
* The Rosary shall be a powerful armor against hell, it will destroy vice, decrease sin, and defeat heresies.
* It will cause virtue and good works to flourish; it will obtain for souls the abundant mercy of God; it will withdraw the hearts of people from the love of the world and its vanities, and will lift them to the desire of eternal things. Oh, that souls would sanctify themselves by this means.
* The soul which recommends itself to me by the recitation of the Rosary, shall not perish.
* Whoever shall recite the Rosary devoutly, applying himself to the consideration of its Sacred Mysteries shall never be conquered by misfortune. God will not chastise him in His justice, he shall not perish by an unprovided death; if he be just, he shall remain in the grace of God, and become worthy of eternal life.
* Whoever shall have a true devotion for the Rosary shall not die without the Sacraments of the Church.
* Those who are faithful to recite the Rosary shall have during their life and at their death the light of God and the plentitude of His graces; at the moment of death they shall participate in the merits of the Saints in Paradise.
* I shall deliver from purgatory those who have been devoted to the Rosary.
* The faithful children of the Rosary shall merit a high degree of glory in Heaven.
* You shall obtain all you ask of me by the recitation of the Rosary.
* All those who propagate the Holy Rosary shall be aided by me in their necessities
* I have obtained from my Divine Son that all the advocates of the Rosary shall have for intercessors the entire celestial court during their life and at the hour of death.
* All who recite the Rosary are my children, and brothers and sisters of my only Son, Jesus Christ.
* Devotion of my Rosary is a great sign of predestination.
Benefits of the Rosary
* It gradually gives us a perfect knowledge of Jesus Christ.
* It purifies our souls, washing away sin.
* It gives us victory over all our enemies.
* It makes it easy for us to practice virtue.
* It sets us on fire with love of Our Lord.
* It enriches us with graces and merits.
* It supplies us with what is needed to pay all our debts to God and to our fellow men; and finally, it obtains all kinds of graces for us from Almighty God.
Blessings of the Rosary
* Sinners are forgiven.
* Souls that thirst are refreshed.
* Those who are fettered have their bonds broken.
* Those who weep find happiness
* Those who are tempted find peace.
* The poor find help.
* Religious are reformed.
* Those who are ignorant are instructed.
* The living learn to overcome pride.
* The dead (the Holy Souls) have their pains eased by suffrages.
GOSPEL READING TODAY : Luke 1: 26 - 38 - Our Lady of the Rosary (Memorial)
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end." And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?" And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible." And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Do I ask enough from God? - By: Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD
Probably you are puzzled by this question. Good if you are. Then you will read today’s Gospel (Luke 11:5-13) passage and reflect with me about what Jesus is telling us.
Quite often, I read explanations of today’s parable about the friend knocking at midnight; I even heard (and delivered) homilies about it, but when I started writing this reflection something struck me. Most explanations say that perseverance in prayer is what Jesus stresses. Maybe they are right. But the second part of Jesus’ words, His application, does not focus on perseverance but on something else. Actually, Jesus gives His audience — and us — a lesson that focuses on the assurance that God will hear our prayers, whether we are persistent or not.
You may say that from experience, God did not always give you what you asked for. I think there are two hints in the words of Jesus that answer disappointing experiences in prayer.
The first is, Jesus says that a father gives always what is good for His children. How do we know that what we are praying for is really good for us or for the person we are praying for? We think it is good, but God looks beyond our limited knowledge; He looks into the future and knows whether it is beneficial to grant or not.
Another point Jesus indicates is that we might not ask enough from God. Sounds strange but that’s what Jesus indicates. While human fathers want to give what is good for their children, the heavenly Father wants to give the Holy Spirit; He wants to give Himself!
A friend of mine texted me several months ago the striking sentence, “You will never ask God the hundredth part of what He wants to give you.”
This statement underlines beautifully what Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel passage. Jesus wants us to realize that His Father loves incredibly because He is Love, and that we are His beloved children for whom He is ready to give and give and give — if only we ask for it.
Quite often, I read explanations of today’s parable about the friend knocking at midnight; I even heard (and delivered) homilies about it, but when I started writing this reflection something struck me. Most explanations say that perseverance in prayer is what Jesus stresses. Maybe they are right. But the second part of Jesus’ words, His application, does not focus on perseverance but on something else. Actually, Jesus gives His audience — and us — a lesson that focuses on the assurance that God will hear our prayers, whether we are persistent or not.
You may say that from experience, God did not always give you what you asked for. I think there are two hints in the words of Jesus that answer disappointing experiences in prayer.
The first is, Jesus says that a father gives always what is good for His children. How do we know that what we are praying for is really good for us or for the person we are praying for? We think it is good, but God looks beyond our limited knowledge; He looks into the future and knows whether it is beneficial to grant or not.
Another point Jesus indicates is that we might not ask enough from God. Sounds strange but that’s what Jesus indicates. While human fathers want to give what is good for their children, the heavenly Father wants to give the Holy Spirit; He wants to give Himself!
A friend of mine texted me several months ago the striking sentence, “You will never ask God the hundredth part of what He wants to give you.”
This statement underlines beautifully what Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel passage. Jesus wants us to realize that His Father loves incredibly because He is Love, and that we are His beloved children for whom He is ready to give and give and give — if only we ask for it.
GOSPEL READING TODAY (Luke 11:5-13) - Two Parables on Prayer
Luke 11:5-13
5 Jesus said to his disciples: “Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6 for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him,’ 7 and he says in reply from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.’ 8 I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence. 9 And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? 12 Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? 13 If you then, who are wicked, know
how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”
Reflections
Think: Let us not lose sight of the infinitely great reward that God has for us in heaven, which will make all the riches of this world seem like so much rubbish in comparison.
5 Jesus said to his disciples: “Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6 for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him,’ 7 and he says in reply from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.’ 8 I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence. 9 And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? 12 Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? 13 If you then, who are wicked, know
how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”
Reflections
Think: Let us not lose sight of the infinitely great reward that God has for us in heaven, which will make all the riches of this world seem like so much rubbish in comparison.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Inspirational Bible Verses - Don't be anxious abut anything, but in everything....
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6-7
GOSPEL READING TODAY - Luke 11:1-4 (The Our Father)
Luke 11:1-4
1 Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread 4 and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test.”
1 Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread 4 and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test.”
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