Wednesday, December 31, 2008

TEACHINGS TO LIFT YOU UP by RITA RING Post 59, November 10, 1993

I Come First, Child

God's Blue Book I Cover

November 10, 1993 - Funeral at St. Lawrence Before Mass

R. I was at church to play the organ at a family funeral. It was a new organ for me and I had not yet practiced two songs. He told me to come to Him and forget the music. I was ashamed that I wanted to put the music before Him. He said, "When I call, you come."

Jesus speaks: Come to Me! Stop it, I tell you. Don't run amok. I want to be alone with you and you are to come and be with Me. I love you with such intensity. Sit awhile with Me and let Me fill your soul. In this silence your heart is at unrest. You are busy in silence. What a sad heart! I am here and you are busy. I want you to put Me first, to put aside your music. This is your time with Me. "Well," you say, "Who cares? The Lord calls me now. For You, Lord, I would drop everything and come and run." That is the love I bid you to share with Me! My calling you, your responding without the slightest hesitation. Do you know now what I want? I want your love committed to Me first, last and always. When I call you, come, not in a little while, but right away and bid My call! I can make the heavens fall from the sky if I choose. Would you make Him Who has all the power wait on you when He calls? I am calling you now to life with Me. I fill your troubled soul and you see things from My perspective and not your own. I have all the power. What do you have to worry for? I can make it work or not work. I must be first. You must harken to My call and surrender everything to Me. Surrender this work to Me and let Me do it. Do you trust, child, or do you think you are in control? I want your time now. You are telling Me that I am first. Do not hold on to anything when I call. I come and you must come when I beckon you. You have brought Me much joy because you came. I love you so. I want so much to have time alone in front of the tabernacle with you. You crave this time now but you tell yourself you must be focused on something else.

I come first, child-first, last and always. Drop your cares and run to Me when I call thee. Oh little one, make My heart happy with you. Surrender totally to Me. Trust and let Me play the Mass. You needn't fret and fume. I am God and I dwell in you. You move about but I operate you when you surrender. I want this surrender. Let go of the last songs and see if I do them. Be with Me now, little one, in My house, the house of your youth. Many memories are here for you. Feel your past and come to Me and share your heart.

I love you. Oh, I love you. We are alone here. Come in Communion with Me. Let all go and be with Me!

Your Savior, Jesus, the Son of God.

R. Dear Jesus, Your presence surrounds me. I am filled by Your glorious light. The earth does not know Your power. Every minute, every day is fleeting in comparison to eternity. Our hearts are Yours to possess. Possess my soul, oh, my Lord, that I may know You more and more. That it is no longer I who operate, but You Who operate in me. Unworthy as I am, honored am I that You dwell in me and use me for Your work! I am lowly but You have chosen to use me and I am raised to heights in Your service. Oh Lord, Thou art so good, so loving, so-what words exist that can explain You? To say words is fruitless. There are none to explain Your might. There is recognition and some knowing of You. All that You teach us, but in this earthly form how can we ever converse about You. Words do not exist to talk about You. Our hearts ache for love of You, but they cannot feel Your true love and Your might. But the knowing-just knowing a little-keeps us fixed on You. You are indeed the true treasure, the one magnificent, beautiful Lord, Savior, Lover! All that is worthy of You is beyond me but I must be in awe of You from that which I have experienced already.

Praise You. Exalt You. Honor You. I love You, the one, true magnificent God, at Whose name each knee must bend in reverence of Thee. Holy, holy is Thy Name. Hosanna from the highest roof tops. Amid the blare of trumpets, praise His Holy Name. Hosanna in the highest. Alleluia, Alleluia.

That is You. That is what You created-beauty and truth. Sunsets that are gleaming, oceans that are wide and unbounded, beauty in all that surrounds us in natural things. Need we ever wonder of Your majesty? It is beyond comprehension. It can only be created by Your might and power! Precious Savior, You, in all Your might, love us in all our flaws and sin. That is a miracle. That is beyond my understanding!

I praise You for being You-the You I know and the parts I cannot comprehend. Praise You, the one, true God!

And He sent angels from heaven to shower them with protection and love. They sang songs of praise to God and filled our world and we were lifted up for a moment to a new realm of life. A glimpse of the life to come and our hearts scarce could speak, for nothing can explain this One.

Praise You, praise You, Jesus, all day long, from the rising of the sun to the moonlit night. Praise to the one, true God in all His majesty and might. Praise Him for this proclamation.

Holy, Holy is His Name. Alleluia.

http://www.sofc.org

An Antebellum era (pre-civil war) family Bible...Image via Wikipedia

Christmas Eve 1881



Our Lady said on January 28, 1987:

“…Do not look with scorn on those who beg you for a piece of bread. Do not turn them away from your full tables. Help them and God will also help you. Perhaps it is in this way that God will hear you, and the blessing that He wants to give you in thanks will be realized…Pray with me! Do not deceive yourselves into thinking, ‘I am good, but my brother next door is no good.’ You would be wrong. I, your Mother, love you and it is for that reason that I am warning you about this…If you wish to receive a grace from God by a gift to the poor, let no one know except you and the Lord that you have given this gift. Listen to me, my children! Meditate on my message in prayer.”

During this Christmas Season one can always find others who are worse off than themselves. No matter how much we have, no matter how little we have, no matter how much we gained this year, no matter how much we lost this year, we are blessed. The attitude Christ wants from us is only one. How good the Lord has been to me. No matter what has happened to us, count your blessings. Somewhere, somebody has it a lot worse than you. The following shows this lesson.

Pa never had much compassion for the lazy or those who squandered their means and then never had enough for the necessities. But for those who were genuinely in need, his heart was as big as all outdoors. It was from him that I learned the greatest joy in life comes from giving, not from receiving.

It was Christmas Eve, 1881. I was fifteen years old and feeling like the world had caved in on me because there just hadn’t been enough money to buy me the rifle that I’d wanted for Christmas. We did the chores early that night for some reason. I just figured Pa wanted a little extra time so we could read in the Bible.

After supper was over I took my boots off and stretched out in front of the fireplace and waited for Pa to get down the old Bible. I was still feeling sorry for myself and, to be honest, I wasn’t in much of a mood to read Scriptures. But Pa didn’t get the Bible; instead he bundled up again and went outside. I couldn’t figure it out because we had already done all the chores. I didn’t’ worry about it long though, I was too busy wallowing in self-pity.

Soon Pa came back in. It was a cold clear night out and there was ice in his beard. “Come on, Matt,” he said. “Bundle up good, it’s cold out tonight.” I was really upset then. Not only wasn’t I getting the rifle for Christmas, now Pa was dragging me out in the cold, and for no earthly reason that I could see. We’d already done all the chores, and I couldn’t think of anything else that needed doing, especially not on a night like this. But I knew Pa was not very patient at one dragging one’s feet when he’d told them to do something, so I got up and put my boots back on and got my cap, coat, and mittens. Ma gave me a mysterious smile as I opened the door to leave the house. Something was up, but I didn’t know what.

Outside, I became even more dismayed. There in front of the house was the work team, already hitched to the big sled. Whatever it was we were going to do wasn’t going to be a short, quick, little job. I could tell. We never hitched up this sled unless we were going to haul a big load. Pa was already up on the seat, reins in hand. I reluctantly climbed up beside him. The cold was already biting at me. I wasn’t happy.

When I was on, Pa pulled the sled around the house and stopped in front of the woodshed. He got off and I followed. “I think we’ll put on the high sideboards,” he said. “Here, help me.” The high sideboards! It had been a bigger job than I wanted to do with just the low sideboards on, but whatever it was we were going to do would be a lot bigger with the high sideboards on.

After we had exchanged the sideboards, Pa went into the woodshed and came out with an armload of wood – the wood I’d spent all summer hauling down from the mountain, and then all fall sawing into blocks and splitting. What was he doing? Finally I said something. “Pa,” I asked, “what are you doing?” “You been by the Widow Jensen’s lately?” he asked. The Widow Jensen lived about two miles down the road. Her husband had died a year or so before and left her with three children, the oldest being eight. Sure, I’d been by, but so what? “Yeah,” I said, “Why?” “I rode by just today,” Pa said. “Little Jackey was out digging around the woodpile trying to find a few chips. They’re out of wood, Matt.” That was all he said and then he turned and went back into the woodshed for another armload of wood. I followed him. We loaded the sled so high that I began to wonder if the horses would be able to pull it.

Finally, Pa called a halt to our loading, then we went to the smoke house and Pa took down a big ham and a side of bacon. He handed them to me and told me to put them in the sled and wait. When he returned he was carrying a sack of flour over his right shoulder and a smaller sack of something in his left hand. “What’s in the little sack?” I asked. “Shoes, they’re out of shoes. Little Jakey just had gunny sacks wrapped around his feet when he was out in the woodpile this morning. I got the children a little candy too. It just wouldn’t be Christmas without a little candy.”

We rode the two miles to Widow Jensen’s pretty much in silence. I tried to think through what Pa was doing. We didn’t have much by worldly standards. Of course, we did have a big woodpile, though most of what was left now was still in the form of logs that I would have to saw into blocks and split before we could use it. We also had meat and flour, so we could spare that, but I knew we didn’t have any money, so why was Pa buying them shoes and candy? Really, why was he doing any of this? Widow Jensen had closer neighbors than us; it shouldn’t have been our concern.

We came in from the blind side of the Jensen house and unloaded the wood as quietly as possible, then we took the meat and flour and shoes to the door. We knocked. The door opened a crack and a timid voice said, “Who it is?” “Lucas Miles, Ma’am, and my son, Matt…could we come in for a bit?” Widow Jensen opened the door and let us in. She had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. The children were wrapped in another and were sitting in front to the fireplace by a very small fire that hardly gave off any heat at all. Widow Jensen fumbled with a match and finally lit the lamp.

“We brought you a few things, Ma’am,” Pa said and set down the sack of flour. I put the meat on the table. Then Pa handed her the sack that had the shoes in it. She opened it hesitantly and took the shoes out, one pair at a time. There was a pair for her and one for each of the children – sturdy shoes, the best…shoes that would last. I watched her carefully. She bit her lower lip to keep it from trembling and then tears filled her eyes and started running down her cheeks. She looked up at Pa like she wanted to say something, but it wouldn’t come out. “We brought a load of wood too, Ma’am,” Pa said. He turned to me and said, “Matt, go bring in enough to last awhile. Let’s get that fire up to size and heat this place up.”

I wasn’t the same person when I went back out to bring in the wood. I had a big lump in my throat and as much as I hate to admit it, there were tears in my eyes too. In my mind I kept seeing those three kids huddled around the fireplace and their mother standing there with tears running down her cheeks with so much gratitude in her heart that she couldn’t speak. My heart swelled within me and a joy that I’d never known before, filled my soul. I had given at Christmas many times before, but never when it had made so much difference. I could see we were literally saving the lives of these people.

I soon had the fire blazing and everyone’s spirits soared. The kids started giggling when Pa handed them each a piece of candy and Widow Jensen looked on with a smile that probably hadn’t crossed her face for a long time. She finally turned to us. “God bless you,” she said. “I know the Lord has sent you. The children and I have been praying that He would send one of His angels to spare us.”

In spite of myself, the lump returned to my throat and the tears welled up in my eyes again. I’d never thought of Pa in those exact terms before, but after Widow Jensen mentioned it, I could see that it was probably true. I was sure that a better man than Pa had never walked the earth. I started remembering all the times he had gone out of his way for Ma and me, and many others. The list seemed endless as I thought on it.

Pa insisted that everyone try on the shoes before we left. I was amazed when they all fit, and I wondered how he had known what sizes to get. Then I guessed that if he was on an errand for the Lord, that the Lord would make sure he got the right sizes. Tears were running down Widow Jensen’s face again when we stood up to leave. Pa took each of the kids in his big arms and gave them a hug. They clung to him and didn’t want us to go. I could see that they missed their Pa, and I was glad that I still had mine.

At the door Pa turned to Widow Jensen and said, “The Mrs. wanted me to invite you and the children over for Christmas dinner tomorrow. The turkey will be more than the three of us can eat, and a man can get cantankerous if he has to eat turkey for too many meals. We’ll be by to get you about eleven. It’ll be nice to have some little ones around again. Matt, here, hasn’t been little for quite a spell.” I was the youngest…my two brothers and two sisters had all married and moved away. Widow Jensen nodded and said, “Thank you, Brother Miles. I don’t have to say, may the Lord bless you, I know for certain that He will.”

Out on the sled I felt a warmth that came from deep within and I didn’t even notice the cold. When we had gone a ways, Pa turned to me and said, “Matt, I want you to know something. Your Ma and me have been tucking a little money away here and there all year so we could buy that rifle for you, but we didn’t have quite enough. Then yesterday a man who owed me a little money from years back came by to make things square. Your Ma and me were real excited, thinking that now we could get you that rifle, and I started into town this morning to do just that, but on the way I saw little Jakey out scratching in the woodpile with his feet wrapped in those gunny sacks and I knew what I had to do. Son, I spent the money for shoes and a little candy for those children. I hope you understand.”

I understood alright…and my eyes became wet with tears again. I understood very well, and I was so glad Pa had done it. Now the rifle seemed very low on my list of priorities. Pa had given me a lot more. He had given me the look on Widow Jensen’s face and the radiant smiles of her three children. For the rest of my life, whenever I saw any of the Jensen’s, or split a block of wood, I remembered, and remembering brought back that same joy I felt riding home beside Pa that night. Pa had given me much more than a rifle that night, he had given me the best Christmas of my life.

Our Lady’s words in the beginning of this writing tell us, Her followers, Her children, to possess within our hearts compassion. Our Lady expects this of us. We are to be a generous people. Who among us cannot find this year where we have been blessed in several ways? Who among us cannot see that Our Lady has come to feed souls Her nourishing messages to people who are much more impoverished than those who wear gunny sacks for shoes or have no heat? Spiritual impoverishment is the worst poverty. While we are called to help our brothers’ physical poverty, helping the spiritually impoverished is even more important. Please sign up to commit 14¢ per day or $1.00 per week to feed millions who are starving to death in their souls. Mej.com has many stories from people like you such as the above Christmas Eve story. However, the stories we hear are those who were fed and led to receive the greatest help – that being the grace of conversion of their soul. Medjugorje is the future. Give people a future, feed them. Our Lady just said on December 25, 2008, “…without Him, you have no future…” Your 14¢ per day will save souls now and millions in the future. Now is the time to prepare. Please do not delay. Please help now. Thank you in Our Lady’s name. Click here to help with mej.com

In the Love of Our Brothers,
A Friend of Medjugorje

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Vespasianus. Plaster cast in Pushkin museum af...Image via Wikipedia
SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #445

And Jesus being come out of the temple, went away. And his disciples came to shew him the buildings of the temple. And he answering, said to them: "Do you see all these things? Amen I say to you, there shall not be left here a stone upon a stone that shall not be destroyed."
And when he was sitting on mount Olivet, the disciples came to him privately, saying: "Tell us when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming and of the consummation of the world?" And Jesus answering, said to them: "Take heed that no man seduce you. For many will come in my name saying, 'I am Christ.' And they will seduce many. And you shall hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that ye be not troubled. For these things must come to pass: but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And there shall be pestilences and famines and earthquakes in places. Now all these are the beginnings of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted and shall put you to death: and you shall be hated by all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be scandalized and shall betray one another and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise and shall seduce many. And because iniquity hath abounded, the charity of many shall grow cold. But he that shall persevere to the end, he shall be saved." (Matt. 24:1-13)

IN THE YEAR 65, the Jews in Jerusalem rose up in open rebellion against the Roman government, and put to the sword the Roman garrison. The emperor Nero then sent his able general, Vespasian, to subdue the Jews. In the course of three years Vespasian conquered all the strong places of Judea, and was on the point of marching on Jerusalem itself, when he was chosen emperor, and returned home, resigning his command of the army to his son Titus. Meanwhile the Christians in Jerusalem, mindful betimes of our Lord's warnings, fled to Pella in Persia.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)



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Tuesday, December 30, 2008

[MaryVitamin] Swaddling Clothes


Mary Vitamin for December 30th
 
Topic: Swaddling Clothes
 
Quote:
"She wrapped him in swaddling clothes…"
Luke 2:7
 
Meditation:
 One could describe swaddling clothes as restrictive pieces of cloth which bind an infant's arms and legs so that the child is unable to move. (The purpose is to make the child feel secure.)  The child can only cry out to his mother. He can not move without the assistance from his mother.
 
Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraph #515
The Gospels were written by men who were among the first to have the faith and wanted to share it with others. Having known in faith who Jesus is, they could see and make others see the traces of his mystery in all his earthly life. From the swaddling clothes of his birth to the vinegar of his Passion and the shroud of his Resurrection, everything in Jesus' life was a sign of his mystery. His deeds, miracles and words all revealed that "in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily." His humanity appeared as "sacrament", that is, the sign and instrument, of his divinity and of the salvation he brings: what was visible in his earthly life leads to the invisible mystery of his divine sonship and redemptive mission.
 
Resolution:
 I will imitate Our Lord today who allowed His Mother, my mother, to bind Him tightly in swaddling clothes. As an Infant, He was unable to move, only to cry out to Her. When He wanted to receive the homage of the Three Kings, He was helpless, completely relying upon the Blessed Virgin Mary to move Him to Her lap so that He could receive their adoration and their gifts. Today, I will offer all my prayers, even my prayers for others, as though I can do nothing unless She hears my cry. I will imitate the humble and vulnerable Christ child.
 
Marian Vow:
 Is the Marian Vow anything less than my swaddling clothes? I have voluntarily bound myself to Her, as the Lord did. All my actions, my prayers, belong to Her.
 
I give this resolution to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
 
Thanks be to God for graces received.
 

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TEACHINGS TO LIFT YOU UP by RITA RING Post 58, November 10, 1993

You Are My Temple

God's Blue Book I Cover

November 10, 1993 5:15a.m.

Jesus speaks: I came that you might have life and have it more abundantly. I am Jesus, Son of the Living God, come to earth that you might be saved. I am the Omega. I am your all. I am He Who makes the world spin on its axis. You know Me by My power. I am this close to you, little one. I know the workings in your heart. You are so worn out. You must get to bed so you can get up and write My message. What good are you to Me all worn out?

Come unto Me, all who are weary, and find rest for your soul. You come and are made whole and I wash you in My Blood-a bath in the Blood of salvation. I dry you with My intense love and you are well cared for.

You must be attentive to all. I ask this of you. I intend to use you to do this work. You must make Me your top priority. You must get yourself to bed on time. This is having no effect on you. Staying up late does very little to help you with My work. Take care of yourself, child. I truly need you to do My work.

I watch by day and by night. I am hyper-vigilant about My care for you. You never go unattended. I wait by your side always. I am in your little heart. You are My temple. Care for yourself. You are of such value to Me. Just honest care, getting the right sleep, eating the right food, doing all you need to sustain your body. You are so precious to Me. Know how I care for you, but you do not do for yourself. Your phone is still your big enemy. It feeds your ego and takes up time. Don't talk at night. You need to go to bed to do this work for Me.

R. I smelled a really strong smell of incense. Then it went away.

http://www.sofc.org
SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #444

And Jesus being come out of the temple, went away. And his disciples came to shew him the buildings of the temple. And he answering, said to them: "Do you see all these things? Amen I say to you, there shall not be left here a stone upon a stone that shall not be destroyed."
And when he was sitting on mount Olivet, the disciples came to him privately, saying: "Tell us when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming and of the consummation of the world?" And Jesus answering, said to them: "Take heed that no man seduce you. For many will come in my name saying, 'I am Christ.' And they will seduce many. And you shall hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that ye be not troubled. For these things must come to pass: but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And there shall be pestilences and famines and earthquakes in places. Now all these are the beginnings of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted and shall put you to death: and you shall be hated by all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be scandalized and shall betray one another and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise and shall seduce many. And because iniquity hath abounded, the charity of many shall grow cold. But he that shall persevere to the end, he shall be saved." (Matt. 24:1-13)

AMONG THE SIGNS which preceded the destruction of Jerusalem, the following are quoted. According to the Acts of the Apostles several false prophets appeared in Jerusalem; first Theudas, and after him an Egyptian. In the year 64, when Nero was emperor, a great persecution of the Christians broke out, in which, among many others, Sts. Peter and Paul suffered martyrdom. Throughout the Roman empire princes were murdered; and there raged civil wars, plagues, pestilences, and earthquakes which swallowed up whole towns. For an entire year a comet, in the form of a sword, was to be seen over Jerusalem. The great iron door of the Temple, which it took twenty men to move on its hinges, opened one night of itself. On the Feast of Pentecost the priests heard mysterious voices in the night, saying: "Let us depart."

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

Monday, December 29, 2008

TEACHINGS TO LIFT YOU UP by RITA RING Post 57, November 9, 1993

Your Time Is So Short 

God's Blue Book I Cover

November 9, 1993 - 4:45a.m.

Jesus speaks: My dear child, you must turn yourself over entirely to Me. Oh, child, I am your Savior. Do not ever doubt Me. Always count on My being present to you. The days go by with such rapidness, you will soon be with Me forever in heaven.

Everyone only sees each moment as it is occurring now. There is an end to all of this and your reward waits for you. It seems hard to think of this as ever ending, but time is so short, little one. Soon all this will be over.

Fight a good fight for Me. You need to help all you can to know of Me. Keep remembering that these days will not go on forever, that this life is so short compared to all eternity.

Some day you will truly be with Me in heaven. Your life is so short compared to eternity. Here today, gone tomorrow. All that remains is how you choose to live, for God or against God!

You are responsible for all your time and your actions and how you live in service of Me. It sounds simple but people alive on earth in sin cannot see anything else but what they are doing now. Satan blinds you into thinking this life will go on and on when, in fact, it is so short compared to eternity, just a short while. It is so easy to see. Why do you get so caught up in this life here? It is so short. The batting of an eye, the dropping of a pin, and your life is over and eternity awaits. Do these short moments mean so much to you?

Listen to Me, little one. Time is so short. My light is at hand. My time is so precious because it determines your eternal life. So short, indeed. Heed My word and listen to My voice. What you do, how you act, are so small when compared to eternity! This is no laughing matter. It is your soul that is at stake. It is your life forever and ever. Is a few years of life, holding on to such insignificant "stuff" worth all eternity? My life for you is so simple. Love God, love one another. Put Me first and all falls into line! So simple, but so hard for so many precious little ones. I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter of My law will pass away.

Here today, gone tomorrow, and I am your God. Come to me and all will be brought to light! He made the crooked ways straight and He nourished their souls. Listen. You do not know the glories that await him who serves the Lord. Hold tight to Me, little one. Hold tight to Me and receive a divine reward forever. May My name be exalted in heaven and on earth. The trumpet blares and the Lord ascends His throne. All know His glory. Their lives were not in vain who served Him while in their lives. Their rewards are as golden gems whose splendor no one can comprehend.

Heaven and earth may vanish like smoke, but your deeds will not be forgotten. Store up treasures in the life hereafter by doing good works. Keep your eyes on your Father in heaven, Who waits and loves you so. All will be made open in the end and your life will be spent in the hereafter. What a reward for such a short test!

R. Oh, Jesus, praise to You from the heights. You are so good and loving. We trust in You and Your mercy. Alleluia. Alleluia.

http://www.sofc.org

[MaryVitamin] The Poverty of Bethlehem


Mary Vitamin for December 29th
 
Topic:  The Poverty of Bethlehem
 
Quote:
St. Alphonsus di Liguori
 "The gifts received from the holy Magi cannot certainly have been of small value; but we are assured by Saint Bernard that she distributed them to the poor through the hands of Saint Joseph….Mary herself said to saint Bridget, 'All that I could get I gave to the poor and only reserved a little food and clothing for myself.'"
St. Alphonsus di Liguori, The Glories of Mary, (Tan Books: 1978), 491.
 
Meditation:
St. Francis de Sales
"The more one mortifies his natural inclinations, the more he becomes capable of receiving the divine inspirations, and the more he gains in virtue."
 
St. Vincent de Paul
"Whoever makes little account of exterior mortifications, alleging that the interior are more perfect, shows clearly that he is not mortified at all, either exteriorly or interiorly."
A Year with the Saints (Tan Books)
 
Resolution:
Today, while I am working, I will reflect on the voluntary poverty that Our Lord and Our Lady lived. Poverty indicates a life of strenuous and never ending hard work. I will remember Our Lady's hard work and that she chose it, accepted it without complaining, and in fact loved it because the Blessed Virgin Mary was conformed to God's Will. This is the lesson taught in the cave at Bethlehem.
 
Marian Vow:
St. Maximilian Kolbe
"One who is consecrated knows that in the Immaculate Virgin and through the
Immaculate Virgin one will, in the quickest and easiest possible way, become one with Jesus, one with God.  He knows that in and through him She will love Jesus in a matchless, perfect manner, in whatever one may seek to do, whatever be the way... He knows that this is the only way to that sanctity which is the easiest and most sublime, tending to God's greatest glory"
 
I give this resolution to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
 
Thanks be to God for graces received.
 

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Sunday, December 28, 2008

PRIESTS TEACHING ABOUT GARABANDAL

I just read about this Franciscan Community working in the Caribbean who preach about Garabandal! They would like to set up a Formation Center in Garabandal! Here is their home page to visit: http://www.hermanosfranciscanos.org/whoweare.htm

I received an email today from Padre Jose, who wrote that last years donations (2008) were only about one thousand dollars! Imagine that! My yearly electric bill is more than that! If you would like to assist these Friars with a donation, go to the link above and click on contact for their address. You will be blessed!

Deacon John

Franciscans can be Friars (Monks) and Third Order (Laity) members, who vow to follow the Rule of St. Francis of Assisi, and commit themselves to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and ministering to the poorest of the poor. Wherever there is a need to share the message of God's love, you will find the Franciscans. They work in education, social justice, and parish ministry throughout the world. In Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, they spread the Gospel by preaching and founding churches. They also run occupational training centers for the poor, and distribute food and other necessities. Although their primary work is in Puerto Rico, the work of the Hermanos Franciscanos extends throughout the Caribbean, and locations in the United States, Africa, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, and Spain.

When you visit our guest house, your donations help us pay for our many kinds of ministry. We are grateful for any financial support which is offered; your alms and prayers are ways that you can join our Franciscan family in our caring for the poor. None of us can change the world by ourself, but working together we can make a great deal of difference.

If you are interested in helping to provide for the spiritual and physical needs of God's family on earth, you will feel right at home among the Franciscan Friars and Third Order members.

Franciscans 1 Franciscans 2 Fence Sign
All donations are tax deductible according to section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue code.

Heaven Speaks to Those Who Do Not Know Jesus


By "Anne, a Lay Apostle"   

We here present "Heaven Speaks to Those Who Do Not Know Jesus" as a special Christmas gift from Jesus to anyone you may know among family members, friends, fellow workers, or acquaintances who does not know the Lord, and to whom you could peacefully perform the salvific role of introducing them to their Savior.

The "Heaven Speaks" series constitutes locutions of Jesus which are transmitted through "Anne," a lay apostle who presently lives in Ireland, and who spreads these messages with the approval of her local Bishop, the Most Rev. Leo O'Reilly of the diocese of Kilmore, as well as in complete obedience to the Vatican Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, to whom all messages have been submitted.

It is my personal conviction that the locutions received by Anne are of supernatural origin and are in complete conformity with the norms for authentic private revelation as used by the Church and ecclesiastical commissions of investigation.

During this Christmas season, please prayerfully consider passing on this message of Jesus to anyone whom you believe may have an open heart. What better Christmas present could be offered a friend or loved one than the inestimable gift of the God that so loves them that He became a baby for them, died on a cross for them, opened the gates of heaven for them, and now calls them personally to His Heart of Love and Mercy.

May each of you and your families experience an exceptionally grace-filled and joy-filled season of the Baby Jesus, our Incarnate Love.

Mark Miravalle
Editor,
Mother of All Peoples E-Magazine

December 21, 2006

I am Jesus. I am God. I am complete in Myself. I am present in your world and I am present in heaven. You see, I am omnipresent. Even if you wish to, you cannot remove yourself from My presence on earth. I created earth. You might say the earth belongs to Me. All in it, are also My creation. You, dear beloved one, were created by Me. Do I say that you belong to Me? I say it in another way. I say, I want you to belong to Me. I want to possess your heart. Why do I use the word heart when truly it is your soul that I seek? I use the word heart because people characterize the heart as the place where people hold the love they possess. If you have love, people say you have it in your heart. The heart is known as the source of love and the receptacle of love, so I, Jesus, tell you that I want to possess your heart. When it is all simplified, as it should be, I am saying that I want you to love Me. I love you. There is no problem there. I love you today and I will always love you. A difficulty we have is that you do not know Me. The only way for Me to teach you to love Me is for Me to reveal Myself to you, to allow you to know Me. For that reason, I come to you today. I reveal Myself to you through these words and through the graces attached to them. If you read these words and sit in silence, you will begin to know Me. If you begin to know Me, truly, you will begin to love Me. Forget anything that tempts you to move away from these words and graces. Rest. Be with Me. Allow Me to teach you about Me.

Jesus

In your world today, there are many claims of goodness. Some of these claims are true. Some of these claims are false. I, Jesus, am never present in lies. I do not rest in falseness. Truth has a pure feel to it and truth does not change. If you want to find truth, look back over time and see what claims of truth have persevered. What are the things that were true two thousand years ago? You will find them if you look to see what has persevered through the ages. Two thousand years ago, it was true that I came to bring salvation. Today, that is still true. I came then and I come today. I come for your salvation. I come so that you will be saved. I come so that where there is falseness, where you are being deceived, I will be present with My truth.

Two thousand years ago, there was evil in the world. Today, evil persists alongside good. Does this mean evil is good? Has truth changed? No. Just as truth never changes, so evil does not change. Evil simply changes its disguise. I, God have not changed My character. When you first know someone, you know a few things about them. As you get to know someone better, you learn more. Over time and with consistent interaction, you begin to know someone well and you can then say that you understand that person.

I want you to understand Me. I am truth. Truth is Me. To know Me, Jesus, you will have to know what is true and what is false. I will teach you this but it is not something that I can teach you all at once. Truth, in its great depth, must be absorbed gradually. For this reason, I invite you to keep company with Me. If you do, I will teach you all you need to know to distinguish between the truth in your world and the deceit in your world. I will teach you to separate good from evil at a glance. I am the great Teacher, the Divine Teacher. With Me comes the light necessary for instant tuition on any given topic. You may say, "Give it to me all at once God. If You are who You say, You can do that."

You are correct. I could do that, such is My power. But you, My friend, are not disposed to accept such an experience because My truth is all about love. Your little heart must be expanded first. We have to make room for all of this truth, which is filled with love. I want you to embark with Me on a journey. Walk with Me. Allow Me to draw you into your soul, into the mystical nature of yourself. Come to Me there so I can introduce you to the great truths about your family, the family of God. You will find such acceptance there. When you rest in My gaze in your soul, you will understand about love. You will, at the same time, understand about heaven, your ultimate home. I am calling to you now and I know that you hear Me. Come to Me. Stay with Me. Give Me the briefest chance to reveal Myself to you.

Jesus

As I draw you into the mystical nature of yourself, I draw you into My heart. My heart and your heart belong together. When you are with Me, you feel calm and accepted. You feel oneness with others because you experience community in your soul. If I am with each man as I am with you, then you are connected to each man through Me. Do you begin to understand the family of God? I love every man created. I have a good plan for every man created. This is My truth and, as you recall, I can never be where there is deceit. If I have a good agenda for every man created, and I have a good agenda for you, you are safe with Me and all mankind is safe with Me. Connected to Me, each man will serve his time on earth in mystical union with every other man and in mystical union with all of the saints in heaven. We are all connected. After this time of service, each man connected to Me comes home to Me and home to the family that loves him, awaits him, and welcomes him. There is no bad will on heaven's side. There is only acceptance and truth. I have such hope for you, My friend. All of your gifts originate in God and are an outgrowth of God's goodness. If you learn to understand Me, you will learn that I want to use your gifts to create harmony in your soul. When you use your gifts and energy for My purposes, you will benefit the whole world. It must be so because I have said it is so and I can speak only the truth. We are all connected. Would you like to benefit the world? Truly, you are capable of this and this is My plan for you. I have so much to give to you in terms of knowledge and wisdom. Teamed with Me, you will flourish and grow to heights you never dreamed possible. Rejoice, man. You are resting with God, the God of All. This God tells you today that you are loved and needed.

Jesus

Follow this path that springs up before you. Come to Me. Turn in My direction and I will reveal this path that I want you to take. You will feel lightness in your Spirit, a relief. You will feel calm. Inside there will quietly burst forth a bud of hope. This bud will blossom, have no fear. The hope you feel in your soul is nourished by the time you spend with Me, seeking truth. I will see to it all. I need the smallest, even the most tremulous willingness. You are hesitant to believe in Me. I know that. I understand everything that has gone before this moment in your life. Remember that I have all universal truth available to Me. In that respect, am I not a valuable person for you to know? Could you admit that I am possibly the most valuable person you could ever know? If you knew of someone on earth who had all truth about everything, who understood the purest facts and possessed the cleanest, most pristine vision of reality imaginable, would you not seek out this person's company? If you were wise, you would do so. If you were a man who desired truth, you would do so. If you were weary of lies and falseness, you would do so. My friend, if you seek truth, you must come with Me. If you seek acceptance, you must come to Me. If you want to be loved, you must rest in My heart because it is the only place where you will find the perfect security you crave. I am with you. I will never leave you. You could not escape My presence, even if you wanted to. You may as well get to know Me better so that you can decide whether you will reject Me or accept Me. This is the ultimate choice that will be yours. Just as you cannot escape My presence, you cannot escape this choice. It is yours. I want you to consider your options.

Jesus

My friend, this is between you and me. By "this" I refer to both this conversation and your ultimate decision of whether to accept Me or reject Me. When you are asked to make an important decision on earth, you consider your options. You take time and weigh both sides. Perhaps you waver between one course and another. I want you to consider both sides of this decision. If you accept Me, you will have entry into the most loving and secure family of all. If you accept Me, you will have security for the rest of your life in that I will lay out the course in front of you, guiding you, protecting you, and never leaving you. If you accept Me, you will come to heaven in triumph, bringing with you the great benefits that your cooperation secured for your family. You will walk in truth and in calm. Your life on earth will not suddenly become easy, but it will be filled with God's peace and God's grace.

If you reject Me, you will continue on, vulnerable to the deceit of My enemy. You will delude yourself at times, thinking that you are wise. Perhaps you will feel superior to many of your brothers and sisters, but I tell you today, in all of My truth, that the most humble one in heaven holds all of God's mysteries in his soul. You will not be privy to these mystical realities if you reject Me. How could you be if you did not want to be?

I conclude with the greatest truth of all and that is that I do not force My children to choose Me. I do not force humanity to work for heaven. If I did, we would not have a family, but a master and his slaves. No. This is not for Me and this is not for you. The heavenly kingdom would not be the heavenly kingdom if it were not filled with willing and beloved children. Everyone in heaven works for each other in great joy. Everyone in heaven works for our family members on earth in great hope. As you read these words, there is great hope in heaven that you will choose Me, Jesus Christ, and embark upon the journey to truth. It is here for you. I have truth and I have a course laid out for you that will bring you to this destination.

I repeat the most important truth of all. I love you. I will take care of you. Choose Me and I will begin to reveal Myself to you. You will know peace, My friend. You will know security. You will know joy for all eternity. This is your inheritance and I am your God. Allow nothing to divert you from the truth that I am Jesus Christ and I love you. I come today to announce Myself to you and to save you. Come. Trust Me. Be with Me. I will protect you.

For further information regarding the Lay Apostolate of Jesus Christ the Returning King, or to purchase Heaven Speaks booklets, please contact Direction for Our Times on the Web at www.directionforourtimes.com, or mail inquiries to the following address: 9000 West 81st St., Justice, IL 60458, U.S.A.


SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #442

And Jesus sitting over against the treasury, beheld how the people cast money into the treasury. And many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow: and she cast in two mites, which make a farthing. And calling his disciples together, he saith to them: "Amen I say to you, this poor widow hath cast in more than all they who have cast into the treasury. For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want cast in all she had, even her whole living." (Mark 12:41-44)

GOOD INTENTION: From the words of our Lord spoken in praise of the poor widow, we learn that in our good works everything depends upon the intention. The widow had given more than all the rich; for she parted with her whole fortune. She intended to give all she had to God. This was an act of perfect love and sacrifice.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

Saturday, December 27, 2008

TEACHINGS TO LIFT YOU UP by RITA RING Post 56, November 8, 1993

Pray For My Strength

God's Blue Book I Cover

November 8, 1993 - St. Gertrude's After Mass

Jesus speaks: It is not in your strength that I beckon you to come, but in your anguish and your weakness. You I love, unconditionally. Recognize your faults and come to Me and be with Me. The cares of your heart are what I want to share. Come and let Me be with you at all times. I don't love you when you are good or feel good, then abandon you when you are in anguish. I want to know your cares and I love you always. I love you the same at all times, just as when I died for you. I love you this much always. Don't think I am not pleased with you. I know how you try. Satan puts problems in your path to trip you up. You cannot control the behavior of others. You feel bad because you have problems with your family. Satan wants to divide you. Hold tight to your little ones. Remain acting as I would have you do. Do the hard thing. It is usually My way. When you feel violated and attacked, pray for My strength. Recognize Satan at work, present at that moment, and cast him out in My name. Whenever you are having a problem with anyone, know that Satan is at work there. He wants to get you, My child, and create problems for you. He wants to make you feel unworthy of Me. He wants to distract you so you turn away and don't pray. You need to pray and cast him out.

Your children are the easiest way to get to you, especially through your little ones. Be on guard when there is a problem. There, stop and pray with that child. You need your strength to fight your battle. Place your burdens at the foot of My cross now. What is past is over and you need to pray for My direction in your life. He wants you bowed down and focused on yourself. He wants to stop your communication with Me. Give him no power. Ignore him. Ask for forgiveness from Me. Pray for your children. Come and kneel with Me. Be totally empty. Empty yourself totally. Spoon out you. Let Me fill you with Me. I am filling you with My love. You are unworthy of Me, yes, but I make you My beautiful child, working constantly in your heart. Open your heart to Me now. Lay your burden aside. Practice trust in Me. I can do all things, not just some. I am truly here and ready to be trusted. The act to do so is yours or the will to doubt and stay bowed down is yours. Your will is free. You can choose to forgive yourself, knowing Satan wants you to stay bowed down, or you can choose to stay bowed down and focused on this small distraction.

To be holy is to be loving the truth. Admit your shortcomings and come to the Doctor. I wait for you, child, I bid you to come and be close to Me. I love you in all kinds of weather, in storms and on sunny days. I wait when it is cold out or when it is warm and I love you. Do you know Me a little? To know that I am always here in your weakest hour-that is when you need Me the most. Come, little one. I want to comfort you. I love you. Put your body aside. You keep telling yourself you are tired. Let your body go. Focus on Me, only Me. You are a spirit. Your body is just there to get you around. Your soul is alive in Me. Let Me fill you with My love. I am here, little one. Let Me love you and comfort you.


http://www.sofc.org

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #441

"But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut the kingdom of heaven against men: for you yourselves do not enter in and those that are going in, you suffer not to enter. Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you devour the houses of widows, praying long prayers. For this you shall receive the greater judgment. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you go round about the sea and the land to make one proselyte. And when he is made, you make him the child of hell twofold more than yourselves. Woe to you, blind guides, that say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but he that shall swear by the gold of the temple is a debtor. Ye foolish and blind: for whether is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? And whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gift that is upon it is a debtor. Ye foolish and blind: for whether is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifieth the gift? He therefore that sweareth by the altar sweareth by it and by all things that are upon it. And whosoever shall swear by the temple sweareth by it and by him that dwelleth in it. And he that sweareth by heaven sweareth by the throne of God and by him that sitteth thereon. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; because you tithe mint and anise and cummin and have left the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and faith. These things you ought to have done and not to leave those undone. Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; because you make clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but within you are full of rapine and uncleanness. Thou blind Pharisee, first make clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, that the outside may become clean.
Mat 23:27 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; because you are like to whited sepulchres, which outwardly appear to men beautiful but within are full of dead men's bones and of all filthiness. So you also outwardly indeed appear to men just: but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, that build the sepulchres of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the just, And say: 'If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.' Wherefore you are witnesses against yourselves, that you are the sons of them that killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. You serpents, generation of vipers, how will you flee from the judgment of hell?
(Matt. 22:13-33)

HYPOCRISY: The wish to appear religious and God-fearing before men, while your heart is full of ungodly sentiments, is hypocrisy. This is a great sin, forbidden by the eight commandment.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

Friday, December 26, 2008

[MaryVitamin] What did the shepherds see and hear?


Mary Vitamin for December 26th
 
Topic: What did the shepherds see and hear?
 
Quote:
"And it came to pass, after the angels departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another: Let us go over to Bethlehem, and let us see this word that is come to pass, which the Lord hath shewed to us. And they came with haste; and they found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. And seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this child."
 
Meditation:
Ven Mary of Agreda
"They departed without delay and entering the cave or portal, they found, as Saint Luke tells us, Mary and Joseph, and the Infant lying in a manger. Seeing all this they recognized the truth of what they had heard of the Child. Upon this followed an interior enlightenment consequent upon seeing the Word made flesh; for when the shepherds looked upon Him,  He also glanced at them, emitting from his countenance a great effulgence, which wounded with love the sincere heart of each of these poor yet fortunate men; with divine efficiency it changed them and renewed them, … Prostrating themselves on the earth they adored the Word made flesh. … The heavenly Lady and Mother of the Child took notice of all that they did interiorly and exteriorly … As She was then the organ of the holy Spirit and the representative of the Infant, She spoke to the shepherds, instructing and exhorting them to persevere in divine love and in the service of the Most High."
Mystical City of God, Volume II (Tan Books: 2006), 416.
 
(For more information on the book, the Mystical City of God by Ven. Mary of Agreda, please visit AirMaria.com and look for Fr. Peter Fehlner FI, STD's video presentation:

Resolution:
Today, in imitation of the shepherds, I will listen to the words of Our Lady, who encouraged the shepherds to "persevere in divine love and in the service of the Most High".  I can do this today by seeing the Infant in my family members and finding Him in my duties.
(Parents could look directly into children's eyes while thinking "I will find Him here.")
 
Marian Vow:
John Paul II
"The newborn Child, defenseless and totally dependent on the care of Mary and Joseph, entrusted to their love, is the world's entire wealth. He is our all!"
 
I give this resolution to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
 
Thanks be to God for graces received.
 

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TEACHINGS TO LIFT YOU UP by RITA RING Post 55, November 8, 1993

Do Not Fear or Judge Yourself

God's Blue Book I Cover

November 8, 1993 - 5:15a.m.

R. Dear Jesus, You know the fear from talking to everyone that I have. I give You my will and my life. I give You my all, Jesus. I give You my surrender.

Jesus speaks: My child, do not be afraid. I am with you and I love you. Do not keep judging yourself. Let go and let Me work in you. Do not get anxious or uptight. Just trust in Me and come to Me to be filled up. You are doing well. You need not worry. I love you and I am with you.

I am the way, the truth, the life. All else is of no account, if it is not of Me. Hold your head up high and follow My lead. You needn't do anything. All things will fall into place as I lay them before you.

I am He Who comforts you. Lay ready your heart at My feet. I cherish you and I care for you. You will not be torn apart. You will be preserved by Me. Do not fret or fume or feel any anxiety. Let go and trust in Me. I need you to do as you are doing. Just write and go to church. Let Me do all the work and preparation. It will all work if you just don't think. Just trust in Me and My Sacred Heart.

I am Jesus, Son of the Living God and I wait for you day and night. Come and lay your burden at My feet and let Me hold your tired body.

I am the Alpha and the Omega, your all. You must just not fear or judge yourself. Show love to your children. They know how much you care for them. Make them so important that you spend time with them every day. You have time for this, My little baby. Slow up and smell the roses. I am truly guarding your way.

Your heart is troubled from talking to everyone yesterday. Don't give in. Just put your trust in Me. I am here and all unfolds as I have planned. You need to spend less time with others and more time with Me and your family.

You needn't fret and fume about any of this. It will all work out in My time. Just leave things for now. I am working in My time. Type your messages and get them all ready for everything to be done. Just keep doing as you are doing. That is enough for now. Do you think I write and you have to say, "Lord, do You need some help?" I don't need any help. I want things to go as they are unfolding. In My time, in My place, they will work for the right thing. All things are under My control now. Leave things alone and trust in Me. I wouldn't do all this and then not do the right thing to get them into action. Be patient and trust. I will do all I need to get the ball rolling. Do your preparations.

You are worn out and tired. I am with you, little one. Go to bed and don't fret any more. I am your loving Jesus. I will care for you. Total trust in Him Who loves all of you. Total trust. Wait on the Lord. I do not need a push. Have John read the letters, get them all ready. Do not promote any action. I will tell you what to do. Do not worry, little one, I am with you. Trust, trust and pray. I love you.

http://www.sofc.org

Two Messages from the Queen of Peace
received December 25, 2008
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Medjugorje, monthly message received by Marija on December 25, 2008
"Dear Children! You are running, working, gathering, but without blessing. You are not praying! Today I call you to stop in front of the manger, and to meditate on Jesus whom I give to you today also, to bless you and to help you comprehend that, without Him, you have no future. Therefore, little children, surrender your lives in the hands of Jesus, for Him to lead you and protect you from every evil. Thank you for having responded to my call."



Medjugorje, yearly message received by Jakov Colo on December 25, 2008
"Dear Children! Today, in a special way, I call you to pray for peace. Without God, you cannot have peace or live in peace. Therefore, little children, today on this day of grace, open your hearts to the King of Peace for Him to be born in you and to grant you His peace; and you, be carriers of peace in this peaceless world. Thank you for having responded to my call."



SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #440

"But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut the kingdom of heaven against men: for you yourselves do not enter in and those that are going in, you suffer not to enter. Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you devour the houses of widows, praying long prayers. For this you shall receive the greater judgment. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you go round about the sea and the land to make one proselyte. And when he is made, you make him the child of hell twofold more than yourselves. Woe to you, blind guides, that say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but he that shall swear by the gold of the temple is a debtor. Ye foolish and blind: for whether is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? And whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gift that is upon it is a debtor. Ye foolish and blind: for whether is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifieth the gift? He therefore that sweareth by the altar sweareth by it and by all things that are upon it. And whosoever shall swear by the temple sweareth by it and by him that dwelleth in it. And he that sweareth by heaven sweareth by the throne of God and by him that sitteth thereon. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; because you tithe mint and anise and cummin and have left the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and faith. These things you ought to have done and not to leave those undone. Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; because you make clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but within you are full of rapine and uncleanness. Thou blind Pharisee, first make clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, that the outside may become clean.
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; because you are like to whited sepulchres, which outwardly appear to men beautiful but within are full of dead men's bones and of all filthiness. So you also outwardly indeed appear to men just: but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, that build the sepulchres of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the just, And say: 'If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.' Wherefore you are witnesses against yourselves, that you are the sons of them that killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. You serpents, generation of vipers, how will you flee from the judgment of hell?
(Matt. 22:13-33)

THE MOST IMPORTANT DUTIES: Our Savior says that the most important duties are those of justice, mercy and faith. External religion must be the expression and practical exercise of internal religion, which consists in the spirit of justice and mercy and faith.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

Thursday, December 25, 2008

[MaryVitamin] Mary's Faith at Christmas


Mary Vitamin for Christmas Day
 
Topic:  The Blessed Virgin Mary's Faith at Christmas
 
Quote:
 "[S]he is the mother of faith: 'I am the mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope." (Ecclesiastes 24:24)
St. Alphonsus di Liguori, The Glories of Mary, (Tan Books), 480.
 
 Meditation:
 "Father Suarez says, that the most holy Virgin had more faith than all men and angels. She saw her Son in the crib of Bethlehem, and believed him the creator of the world. She saw Him fly from Herod, and yet believed Him the King of kings. She saw Him born and believed Him eternal. She saw Him poor and in need of food, and believed Him the Lord of the universe. She saw Him lying on straw, and believed him omnipotent. She observed that He did not speak, and she believed him infinite wisdom. She heard Him weep, and believed Him the joy of Paradise. In fine, she saw him in death, despised and crucified, and, although, faith wavered in others, Mary remained firm in the belief that He was God."
St. Alphonsus di Liguori, The Glories of Mary, (Tan Books), 481.
 
Resolution:
 Dear Mother of my Jesus and Mother of Faith,
Today I want to strive to live in the presence of God by asking for this grace. I am poor in faith, help me to create the life of faith in my heart. I renew my consecration and tap into your soul present in my little soul. Mold my faith to yours. Help me to be faith filled, good, and with God. I resolve today to pray often for faith and to live in the presence of God.
 
Marian Vow:
St. Louis de Montfort
"As it was through Mary that God came into the world the first time in a state of self-abasement and privation, may we not say that it will be again through Mary that he will come the second time?"
The Secret of Mary, paragraph #58
 
 I give this resolution to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
 
Thanks be to God for graces received.
 

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