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December 4, 2008    

POPE BENEDICT XVI: "Many people in our own day, complain of a lack of time, because the rhythm of daily life has become so frenetic for everyone. Yet even on this subject, the Church has 'good news' to bring. God gives us His time. We always have little time. For the Lord, especially, we do not know how, or sometimes do not want to, find it. And yet God has time for us. ... He gives us His time, because He entered history with His word and His works of salvation, opening it to eternity and making it a history of alliance.

REFLECTION VIA Fr. Loloy (Chinapost.com): There Was a Time

There was a time

when there was no time,

When darkness reigned as king,

When a formless void

was all that there was

in the nothingness of eternity,

When it was night.

But over the void

and over the night, Love watched.

There was a time when time began.

It began when Love spoke.

Time began for light and life,

for splendor and grandeur.

Time began for seas and mountains,

for flowers and birds.

Time began for the valleys to ring with the songs of life,

and for the wilderness to echo with the wailing of wind

and howling of animals.

And over the earth, Love watched.

Finally, there came a time

when Love spoke again.

A Word from eternity— a Word

Spoken to a girl who belonged

to a people not known by the world

Spoken to a girl who belonged to a family not known by her people

To a girl named Mary.

And all creation waited in hushed silence for the girl's answer.

And Mary spoke her yes.

And Love watched over Mary.

And so there came a time

when Love breathed again

When Love breathed new life

into Mary's yes.

And a new day dawned for the World

A day when light

returned to darkness,

when life returned to dispel death

And so a day came when Love became man—a mother bore a child.

And Love watched over Love—a Father watched His Son.

And, lastly, there came a time when you and I became a part of time.

Now is the time that you and I wait.

Now we wait to celebrate what the world waited for.

And as we wait to celebrate what was at one time, we become a part of that time; A time when a new dawn and a new dream and a new creation began for man.

And as a part of time, Love waits and Love watches over us.

A HAPPY TIME FOR ALL!

Ladder of Divine Ascent excerpt: Step 12- "On lying"

4. I have seen some who, priding themselves on their skill in lying, and exciting laughter by their jests and twaddle, have pitiably destroyed in their hearers the habit of mourning.   

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SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #419

There came to him a woman having an alabaster box of precious ointment and poured it on his head as he was at table. And the disciples seeing it had indignation, saying: "To what purpose is this waste? For this might have been sold for much and given to the poor." And Jesus knowing it, said to them: "Why do you trouble this woman? For she hath wrought a good work upon me. For the poor you have always with you: but me you have not always. For she in pouring this ointment on my body hath done it for my burial. Amen I say to you, wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, that also which she hath done shall be told for a memory of her." (Matt. 26:7-13)

CARE FOR GOD'S HONOR, AND CARE FOR THE POOR: Mary's example teaches us that we should not economize when it is a question of the worship of God, and the building or beautifying of His churches. The praise bestowed on her by our Lord shows that such offerings in His honor are well pleasing to Him, if they are made in a spirit of love and reverence. There will always be men who, like Judas, will blame such generosity in God's honor, and call it a needless extravagance, saying that the money would be far more usefully spent were it given to the poor--and yet such men as these care little or nothing for the poor. Christianity teaches that we ought to do the one, but not leave the other undone.

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

Mark Mallett

—Spiritual Food For Thought—

Persecution Is Near

St. Stephen the First Martyr

I HEAR in my heart the words that there is coming another wave.

In Persecution!, I wrote about a spiritual tsunami which struck the world, particularly the West, in the sixties; and now that wave is about to return to sea, to carry with it all who have refused to follow Christ and His teachings. This wave, though seemingly less tumultuous on the surface, has a dangerous undertow of deception. I am going to be speaking more about this, both in writing and on my new TV show, Embracing Hope, which is coming soon… I am in the middle of preparing this as well as a book, and so I am republishing writings which already say to one degree or another what I feel the Spirit is saying to the Church, but with ever greater urgency.

Thanks again to everyone who has sent me letters or emails. I cannot express how deeply touched my family is by the words, prayers, and financial support which has kept this little apostolate going against seemingly impossible odds. I wish I could respond to everyone, but I simply can’t as I am receiving hundreds of emails a week. But know that I read everything, and carry each of you before the Blessed Sacrament each day. Peace be with you!

Continue reading here: http://www.markmallett.com/blog/?p=688

TEACHINGS TO LIFT YOU UP by RITA RING Post 36, October 21, 1993

I Am A Personal God 

October 21, 1993

Jesus speaks: I am Jesus, Son of the Living God. Talk to Me the same everywhere. I am there, wherever you are. I am your closest friend. I am by your side. Turn to Me all day, every minute. Talk to Me when you are alone at home. Realize I am present to talk to you just as in church. I go with you everywhere you go and I am by your side. I want you to be present to Me, to talk to Me, to feel Me as physically with you. You never go alone. You carry Me in your heart. You are My temple. I dwell within you. Profess your love to Me, the Father and the Holy Spirit. Profess your love to Us often. Talk to Us. Ask for guidance. Pray to Mary, your Mother. She is always ready to help you if you pray to her. You need these helps in this world. Don't ever feel alone or frightened. You have a team with you, a team who have all the power. You can't lose ever if you call on the Power. You can have peace and joy in your heart at all times when you realize you are never alone. You have a team to help you who love you! Feel like a well loved child who is surrounded by caring adults. They do not worry. They are in heaven. They just operate and never fear or worry for their needs. You are cared for and surrounded by God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit and the Blessed Mother. You do not worry or fear. We are with you all day. You are surrounded by a sea of love!

http://www.sofc.org

[MaryVitamin] Padre Pio and the first step

Mary Vitamin for December 3rd

 

Topic: Padre Pio and the First Step in Our Salvation

 

Quote:

St. Padre Pio prays to Our Lady,

"I beseech you, to pour out on me at least a little of the grace that flowed into you with such infinite profusion from the Heart of God."

Meditation Prayer on Mary Immaculate

Tan Books

 

Meditation:

St. Padre Pio

"All is darkness compared to the pure light that renews all creation through Him Whom she bore in her womb, as the dew on the rose. The Immaculate Conception is the first step in our salvation. Through this singular and unique gift Mary received a profusion of Divine Grace, and through her cooperation she became worthy of absorbing infinitely more.

My most pure Mother, my soul so poor, all stained with wretchedness and sin cries out to your maternal heart. In your goodness deign, I beseech you to pour out on me at least a little of the grace that flowed into you with such infinite profusion from the Heart of God. Strengthened and supported by this grace, may I succeed in better loving and serving Almighty God Who filled your heart completely, and Who created the temple of your body from the moment of your Immaculate Conception."

Meditation Prayer on Mary Immaculate

Tan Books

 

Resolution:

Padre Pio was given an exalted vocation: A priest who bore the stigmata. In his concern for living up to the gifts that he was given, he turned humbly to the Blessed Virgin, his Mother. To live up to my vocation today, I will imitate St. Padre Pio and turn to Our Lady and ask her to pour out on me at least a little of her grace.

 

Marian Vow:

"An evangelical life organized according to the holy Gospel and totally animated by seraphic love for God and neighbor, after the example of the Seraphic Father and the Franciscan Saints, has to be constantly sustained by 'vigilance and prayer' (cf. Mt 26,41), centered daily about the Eucharist and the rosary, committed to the Liturgy of the Hours and meditation, absorbed in recollection and prayer of intercession for the Church and for souls, ever one with the 'Virgin at prayer' (MC 18)."

Marian Seraphic Pathways, Traccia #3 Life of Prayer

 

I give this resolution to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

 

Thanks be to God for graces received.

 

Related sites: Castle of the Immaculate & AirMaria

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December 3, 2008    

POPE BENEDICT XVI ON ADVENT: "First it invites us to reawaken the expectation of the glorious return of Christ; then, as Christmas approaches, it calls upon us to welcome the Word made flesh for our salvation. "

BLOG (In the awareness of our need for God): We all should await the Parousia or Second Coming of Christ. In patient expectation, we prepare for the coming of Christ like the master of the house who alone can really manage it and, with his necessary guidelines, lift it out of the morass it has sunk into. We cannot allow the long waiting to suppress our enthusiasm or drain our energy. We have no choice but wait. But we should not be idle. All should be asking themselves, "What should we be doing?" Diligently fulfilling our responsibilities is the call of the hour anytime and anywhere. It is the wise way of waiting. Hopefully and joyfully waiting for what is to come is to believe that God is true to His promises even as we do our part.

EXCERPT FISHEATERS ADVENT OVERVIEW: ...what Christians do (or should be doing!) during Advent and leading up to Christmas is a foreshadowing of what they will do during the days of their lives that lead up to the Second Coming; what non-Christians refuse to do during Advent, and put off until after Christmas, is precisely a foreshadowing of what they will experience at the Second Coming.

We Christians are to prepare for the Coming of Christ before He actually comes -- and that Coming is symbolized and recalled at Christmas. Non-Christians miss this season of preparation, and then scramble for six days after the 25th to make their resolutions. By then, however, it's too late -- Christmas has come and gone, Our Lord has already made His visitation to the earth, and He has found them unprepared. This is precisely what will take place at the Second Coming, when those who have put off for their entire lives the necessary preparations will suddenly be scrambling to put their affairs in order. Unfortunately, by then it will have been too late, and there will be no time for repentance. The Second Coming will be less forgiving than the Incarnation. There will be no four-week warning period before the Second Coming, like we get during Advent. There will be no six-day period of grace after the Second Coming during which to make resolutions and self-examination, like the secular world does from Dec. 26 until Jan. 1.

EDITORIAL: Time to rebuild what secularists tried to wreck

Some of you will know -- but chances are most of you will not -- that the Christian season of Advent begins this week. If Lent is the time to detox, then Advent is the time to pre-tox; and time to redeem the soul and purge it of impurities. And what better time to appreciate the value of that season than the current times?

With the excesses of the past decade laid bare, Paddy Kavanagh's poem of the same name rings true: "We have tasted and tested too much."

Indeed we have. Not that a roaring economy forced us to do so. I have never agreed with those who say the Celtic Tiger made us more selfish. Economic success never does this. What it does do is give us choices. It gives us the ability to earn a lot of money, to consume more, and to substitute the sensual for the spiritual. But it never, never, forces us to or tells us that we should. This is something that many misunderstood. Secular commentators on Ireland's success have spent the past decade running down the traditional values and institutions that make up our society. As a result, we don't just have undercapitalised banks, we have an undercapitalised society, a society eroded by the subprime, secularist confidence tricksters -- people who believe you can build a successful society without religion, without strong nuclear families and without trust and community.

But as the financial turmoil of the world makes clear, far from being surplus to requirements in a liberal capitalist democracy, the freedom that such a society brings makes those things even more needed. The less the State regulates us, the more we need to regulate ourselves.

Our own government's need to intervene in the banking crisis shows just what happens when self-restraint breaks down. It is no different from what happened in the case of Baby P in the UK, a tragic case which warns us to turn back from Britain's failed secular experiment. In that case, the tragic death of a toddler was blamed on the failure by social workers to intervene. But was it really? Was it not the fault of those who relentlessly urged us that traditional families and the parental duties that go with them are things of the past?

Who told us that religion and the ethical code it imparts are no longer needed? Who destroyed both of these things without leaving anything to replace it? As if anything could.

All around us, that death- knell of secularist credibility is being sounded. As the evidence of its failure accumulates, how could it be otherwise?

US CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER DISPLAY: 'We have built no temple but the Capitol. We consult no common oracle but the Constitution.'

INSPIRING: Catholic evangelist presents Hollywood vs. faith

Ladder of Divine Ascent excerpt: Step 12- "On lying"

3. Let no one who thinks rightly suppose that the sin of lying is a small matter, for the All Holy Spirit pronounced the most awful sentence of all against it, above all sins. If Thou wilt destroy all that speak a lie, as David says to God (Psalm 5:4), what will they suffer who stitch an oath on to a lie?   

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This month's archive can be found at: http://www.catholicprophecy.info/news2.html.

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #418

There came to him a woman having an alabaster box of precious ointment and poured it on his head as he was at table. And the disciples seeing it had indignation, saying: "To what purpose is this waste? For this might have been sold for much and given to the poor." And Jesus knowing it, said to them: "Why do you trouble this woman? For she hath wrought a good work upon me. For the poor you have always with you: but me you have not always. For she in pouring this ointment on my body hath done it for my burial. Amen I say to you, wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, that also which she hath done shall be told for a memory of her." (Matt. 26:7-13)

GENEROUS LOVE: By this anointing of our Lord Mary wished to give expression to her deep love for Him, and her gratitude for the raising up of her brother. She used the most costly ointment which could be procured, to signify that she was ready to offer up every thing she most valued for His sake.

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

The Archangels teach us about the Immaculate Conception

Mary Vitamin for December 2nd

 

Topic: The Archangels teach us about the Immaculate Conception

 

Quote:

St. Alphonsus di Liguori

"Hence it is that the angel, before she became the Mother of God, already found her full of grace and thus saluted her, 'Hail, full of grace."

St. Alphonsus di Liguori, The Glories of Mary,  (Tan Books),276.

 

Meditation:

The words of St. Raphael from the Book of Tobit:

 

"I will now tell you the whole truth: I will conceal nothing at all from you, .... when you, Tobit, and Sarah prayed, it was I who presented and read the record of your prayer before the Glory of the Lord...I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who enter and serve before the Glory of the Lord."

Tobit 12:11,12, 15.

 

We only know the names of three of the seven angels who enter and serve before the Glory of the Lord: St. Raphael, St. Gabriel and St. Michael -- the other four names remain hidden.

 

If St. Gabriel is one of the seven, then he is accustomed to seeing the "Glory of the Lord." When he came as a messenger to the Blessed Virgin Mary, he recognized the special graces conferred by God on Her. He called her "full of grace." (Grace means the gift of God's presence.) St. Gabriel recognized God's special presence in the Blessed Virgin Mary even before the Holy Spirit overshadowed Her.

 

Resolution:

Today, I will try to think often of the Annunciation. In particular, when I pray the Angelus today, I will try to think about Our Lady from the point of view of St. Gabriel. He was impressed by Our Lady's degree of grace. He was impressed by Her Immaculate Conception.

 

Marian Vow:

With my Marian Vow, as the slave and property of Our Lady, I should be careful to practice the humility and docility of the Blessed Virgin Mary:

 

"Be it done unto me according to your Word."

 

I give this resolution to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

 

Thanks be to God for graces received.

 

Related sites: Castle of the Immaculate & AirMaria

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Visit Your Group 

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TEACHINGS TO LIFT YOU UP by RITA RING Post 35, October 20, 1993

Come to the Source of Love

October 20, 1993

Jesus speaks: You, My child, are doing as you ought. You think you have to do it all. Let it happen. I do it for you. It is My grace in your heart that makes your relationship with Me grow. You don't have to do it. I tell you what to do. I talk to you. I tell you about Me. You crave to know more about Me because you love Me. I will feed you. You don't have to do the feeding. I will reveal such things you could never find in a million years, a million books. I can tell you in an instant. You are not in charge. I am telling you all you need to know. Don't get bowed down, trust in Me totally.

R. My dear Jesus, please write to me if You so desire. I am an empty vessel waiting to be filled by You and the Holy Spirit. I am Your child. You are my Father. Dear Father, please instruct me in Your will. I wait as a child for my direction. I wait on You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Come and do with me at this moment as You will. I am Yours, totally Yours. Use me as You wish. I give my life to You.

Jesus speaks: You are the child of My Father. The Holy Spirit guides you in all your letters. God fills you. Write, child, as you are told. We are one in God. We are here to help you. Put yourself in My presence and be saved by Me, your beautiful Savior. I am the God of this universe. You are My precious child. I come to you that you might have life. Live in Me and be present to the Father. I am Jesus, Son of the Living God. I wait for you and I want you here with Me. Don't ever wonder about this letter. Just write as I dictate. I will be here for you until the end of the earth. I am Jesus of Nazareth. I am He Who was born of Mary that you might have life eternal.

I came to be here for you, you alone. I came for each of you individually. I am a personal God. You must see Me as present to you alone, as being your beautiful lover, Savior, and being there just for you. My heart aches at the indifference of My children. I love My children as you do and I am offended by them, by their lack of interest in God. They have no place for Me in their lives. I hurt so badly because I am a good God and I have so much to give them. I have all they need, but they ignore Me and act as if I don't even exist. This wounds My Sacred Heart. I cry by day and by night, just as you feel such pain when your children have forgotten you. They look at Me as a person who is not there for them when I am ever there. You know what I mean if you have experienced pain with your own loved ones. These are My loved ones, beloved children of My Father, and they are totally indifferent to God. What agony to be waiting for someone and they never come when you have done so much for them. I ache at their indifference and preoccupation. Come little babies, come home to where your heart longs to be. Come to Me. Let Me fill you and lick your wounds. Let Me minister to you. This world is hard and full of hate in people's hearts. I am gentle and kind and ready to love at any second. The world does not feed the soul. I cannot make My willful children come to Me. I give them a free will. I honor their freedom. Love does not demand its way. It yields to the other. I give to you. You choose Me or reject Me, My little babies. If you reject Me, you are rejecting the life for your soul. I am indeed saddened by all this. I am so sorrowful for their actions.

I am the author of love and I have all you need to know. Come to Me and I will teach you the greatest lesson-how to love! Do you want to be happy in your hearts? Then you must love God and love each other. I can teach you all you need to know, but you must come to be taught. Love is the key to Me, to each other, to eternal life. Love is the key to life. You have the potential to love as I instruct you. Will you use this key to unlock the hardened hearts or will you continue in your blind ways. Nothing will give you peace in your heart like love. Love frees you from others' hatred. Love gives you all you need. I am He Who teaches love. All love comes from Me first. Any love that is being transmitted on this earth had its origin in Me. Why go to others to find love? Come to the source. I am the source. You get love directly. It is true, it is powerful, it is from the author of love and it is yours for the asking. Come to Me and I will fill you with My love that you might love each other as I do. I love you. Will you come?

http://www.sofc.org

Tuesday	December 2, 2008

“...His great intentions...”

Our Lady Queen of Peace of Medjugorje's December 2, 2008 Message

“Dear children! In this holy time of joyful expectation, God has chosen you, the little ones, to realize His great intentions. My children, be humble. Through your humility, with His wisdom, God will make of your souls a chosen home. You will illuminate it with good works and thus, with an open heart, you will welcome the birth of my Son in all of His generous love. Thank you dear children”

Thomas Kinkade, a very popular painter in our time, has a special gift. The windows of the homes he paints, while looking at them and turning down the lights, amazingly begin to light up. The unique gift of illuminating the homes through each window has opened millions of hearts to choose “his works” for their homes. In wisdom, he has always attributed these beautiful works to Jesus. This is his work: to use his occupation to bring souls to Jesus. Our Lady tells us to do the same. You are chosen, as She refers to you as Her “little one,” just as She did to Jesus. After reading such a beautiful message, one may ponder the following four questions.

1.What are “His great intentions”?

2.What is “His wisdom”?

3.What does it mean that “God will make of your souls a chosen home”?

4.Why does Our Lady say, “illuminate it” (your soul a chosen home)?

First, His great intention is:

January 25, 1987

“...a great plan for the salvation of the world...”

But more specifically, what is the great intention? Our Lady told us on June 25, 2007:

“...God desires to convert the entire world...”

Secondly, what is His wisdom?

His wisdom, God's wisdom, is written about in the Bible in the book of Wisdom. His wisdom is fully encompassed in the Holy Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus. He is the Word. God's words in the book of Wisdom explains Mary as God's wisdom.

Wisdom 7:20-30

For in her is a spirit intelligent, holy, unique, manifold, subtle, agile, clear, unstained, certain, not baneful, loving the good, keen, unhampered, beneficent, kindly, firm, secure, tranquil, all-powerful, all-seeing, and pervading all spirits, though they be intelligent, pure and very subtle. For wisdom is mobile beyond all motion, and she penetrates and pervades all things by reason of her purity. For she is an aura of the might of God and a pure effusion of the glory of the Almighty; therefore nought that is sullied enters into her. For she is the refulgence of eternal light, the spotless mirror of the power of God, the image of his goodness. And she, who is one, can do all things, and renews everything while herself perduring; And passing into holy souls from age to age, she produces friends of God and prophets. For there is nought God loves, be it not one who dwells with Wisdom. For she is fairer than the sun and surpasses every constellation of the stars. Compared to light, she takes precedence; for that, indeed, night supplants, but wickedness prevails not over Wisdom.

Thirdly, what does it mean, “God will make of your soul a chosen home”?

`Our Lady said God has chosen you, but your soul is housed in your body. Your body is the house where your soul dwells. Today, many people's works are not of light, but of pleasure, mediocrity and often of pure darkness. It is not a home of their souls, but rather only a house. It is a reflection of how few today live in a home. Unlike a house, a home has love, is filled with joy and life. It is a place one longs to come home to, even Jesus feels welcomed in it. Many today are depressed, disappointed with their lives, without joy, low esteem, etc. This can only be where one's dwelling place is a house; for a home is full of life, full of joy, full of worth, driving away low esteem and depression. When your physical place of dwelling is filled with these traits, it will be the chosen place people will be drawn to visit and feel welcomed. It is up to you to make your soul, that is housed in your body, a home.

Fourth, why does Our Lady say “illuminate it” (your soul a chosen home)?

As it is the body where the soul dwells, the body is the physical structure that must perform the good works inspired by the soul. These physical works of faith and love will illuminate your soul and shine through your physical eyes, your smile, your words, and will be the cause where many will be drawn to dwell near you, a choice and chosen home.

Of course, today's message of Our Lady can be a template placed over your life's situations and many, many things personally, other than the above. It is why Our Lady says you must pray to comprehend the message She has given for you, and also to the world as a whole. At the same time, there always exists an overall message to all people, as written above. So this Christmas, put your body into actions of works, guided by your soul that has been chosen to illuminate the world around you, united with others who are illuminating their small world around them and, thereby, unite and convert the entire world in this extraordinary time of Mary. It is God's Christmas wish, His intention, through She who is Wisdom.

Please remember our mission of Caritas during this special season of Love, both in prayer and in gifts to not only continue its “works” but to expand them.

Caritas of Birmingham operated by The Community of Caritas wishes you a very Holy and Blessed Advent Season.

A Christmas Wish for You to Receive Our Lady & Baby Jesus in Your “Home”,

A Friend of Medjugorje

Comparing the two pictures, the original picture above is untouched, while the picture below is also untouched, but has only been darkened. By the way Thomas Kinkade paints the picture, amazingly, when you darken the room the picture is hanging in, the light from the windows in the painting becomes brighter and the house lights up. This happens on the computer as well. Our Lady wants us to light up the darkness in the same way

Tonight, Tuesday December 2, 2008

A Radio WAVE^TM broadcast regarding Our Lady of Medjugorje's Second of the Month message to Mirjana, with A Friend of Medjugorje tonight, Tuesday, December 2, at 7:00 PM Central USA, here on mej.com. See chart below for your local time. Please be in prayer.

Click Here to Open the Radio WAVE Player to Listen to Tonight’s Live Show

Radio WAVE^TM Show, Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Your Time Zone	Online Air Time
Eastern Time	8:00 PM - Tuesday (December 2)
Central Time	7:00 PM - Tuesday
Mountain Time	6:00 PM - Tuesday
Pacific Time	5:00 PM - Tuesday
Alaska Time	4:00 PM - Tuesday
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Brazil Time	10:00 PM - Tuesday
Sydney, Australia	12:00 PM - Wednesday (December 3)
Seoul	9:00 AM - Wednesday
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Baghdad, Moscow	4:00 AM - Wednesday
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SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #417

Mary therefore took a pound of ointment of right spikenard, of great price, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. Then one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, he that was about to betray him, said: "Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence and given to the poor?" Now he said this not because he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief and, having the purse, carried the things that were put therein. Jesus therefore said: "Let her alone, that she may keep it against the day of my burial. For the poor you have always with you: but me you have not always." (John 12:3-8)

COVETOUSNESS IS A CAPITAL SIN: Judas had an inordinate love of money, or, in other words, was covetous or avaricious. He did not resist this evil passion, and therefore fell by degrees into greater sins. He began by stealing, first small, and then greater sums from the money entrusted to his care. He then displayed the most shameful hypocrisy by making out that the interests of the poor were his only care, whereas his real object in blaming Mary's extravagance was to facilitate his thefts. In the hardness of his heart he robbed the poor of the alms due to them, and from treachery to them, proceeded to treachery towards his Lord and Master.

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

FROM MARK MALLETT:

Of Fear and Chastisements

Our Lady of Akita weeping statue (approved apparition)

I RECEIVE letters from time to time from readers who are very upset about the possibility of chastisements coming to the earth. One gentleman recently commented that his girlfriend thought they shouldn’t marry because of the possibility of having a child during coming tribulations.

The answer to this is one word: faith.

First published December 13th, 2007, I have updated this writing.

THE SORROW OF KNOWING

Apparently the visionaries of Medjugorje have been given knowledge of coming chastisements known as part of the "secrets" that have been allegedly disclosed to them by the Blessed Mother. They have admitted in interviews that they are deeply troubled by them. But not for their own sake.

The following is taken from an interview with the seer Mirjana Dragicevic:

The Blessed Mother comes to me now when I especially need her. And it is always concerning the secrets. Sometimes I hardly can stand the pressure of knowing them. During those moments the Blessed Mother comforts me and encourages me.

(Interviewer) Are they that awful?

Yes, it is so hard for me. But as bad as they are, at the same time she told me we should not be afraid. God is our Father, Mary is our Mother.

Then why are you so upset now, that the Blessed Mother must come to comfort and encourage you?

Because there are many who do not believe… I feel such sorrow for them that I can hardly bear it! My suffering is so great for them that I really must have the Blessed Mother’s help to survive.

Your suffering is really compassion for unbelievers?

Yes. They do not realize what awaits them!

How does the Blessed Mother console you?

She and I pray together for those who do not believe. —excerpt from Queen of the Cosmos-Interviews with the Visionaries of Medjugorje, by Jan Connell; p. 31-32; Paraclete Press

When the visionaries were asked if they were personally afraid of the secrets, they all answered "No." But like Mirjana, they suffer immensely, sometimes visibly, for unrepentant souls.

I cannot tell you for certain whether or not these alleged apparitions are authentic—that is the domain of Church authorities. But I can say, based on my own interior life and that of many of you who have written, that we are living in a time of intense concern and sorrow for the vast apostasy which has gripped the Church. It is my suspicion (although God’s patience is immeasurable) that as these inner waves of intercession and grief continue to make shore in our hearts, that we are nearing these times of Great Purification. In fact, I believe they have already begun, particularly in this Year of the Unfolding.

The point is this: if you are in the Ark of Mary’s Immaculate Heart, you have nothing to fear, just as Noah had nothing to fear of the coming storm. But this is not a place of passivity! Rather, Mary is asking us—begging us—to pray and fast for these souls for whom her own heart is pierced with a sword.

FAITH

So let us refuse to give a voice to the serpent of fear hissing in our ears. Instead, use your energy to pray for and love those who have closed their hearts to God. Jesus said that faith can move mountains. Prayer is faith in action. So let us move the mountains of disbelief that overshadow so many hearts by beginning to fast and pray with renewed fervor.

I hear again the words of our Mother to St. Juan Diego:

Am I not your mother? …Let nothing trouble or afflict you.

Throw yourself into her arms, and trust once and for all that Jesus is going to care for His bride during those tribulations, should they arrive in your lifetime (apparently, Mirjana will be a witness to these events within her lifetime…) Worse case scenario? You die and go to heaven. But that could happen tonight in your sleep. Be prepared to meet Jesus any moment. Never worry.

There was a saint who also spoke of coming chastisements after a time of grace on the earth. But neither did she say we should be afraid. Rather, St. Faustina made it her mission to teach us a simple prayer of faith: Jesus, I trust in you.

Yes, Jesus, I trust in you!

REFERENCE:

• Sorting through the confusion surrounding Medjugorje. What is the official Church position? Read Medjugorje: Just the Facts Ma’am

Published in: DAILY JOURNAL, PARALYZED BY FEAR | on December 1st, 2008 |

TEACHINGS TO LIFT YOU UP by RITA RING Post 34, October 19, 1993

Circulate These Messages

October 19, 1993

Jesus speaks: Child, I have longed for and waited for you here. Totally focus on Me and My light beaming into your soul. Put aside Satan and all his prompting to not publish these letters. It is indeed he who drums up doubt. He doesn't want you to know he is there creating all that in your head. Doubt, doubt, doubt!

Do you hear My voice, child? I am talking to you in an audible voice. I want you to write all I tell you, little one. I am truly here in this tabernacle, body and soul. I am with you, little love. Do not get upset and bowed down. You know I have been talking to you for two years. Read your letters. One letter tells you that you couldn't write it. Satan does not want you to spread these messages. I do. Put him in his place. By the Body and Blood of Christ, I cast out Satan and all his evilness and I command him to leave in Jesus' name. Go and begone!

I am your true Jesus, the Savior of this world. I am ever by your side and I am loving you in all your doubts and trials. I never leave you, little one, even for a split second. I love you, in your doubt. Pray for faith and trust in Me. These are two virtues you should ask God to give you. Beg for them. They are gifts. You strengthen your trust in God when you practice trust in the face of adversity. I am your Savior. I am He Who saves you. I protect you from Satan's lies and he has no power over Me or you if you focus on Me and My divine wisdom. I am the God of Jacob and Joseph and all your Fathers and you are never alone. I watch you as I did them and they for all their lives were taken care of, even if they never knew it. You are taken care of, little one, and I want you to know it.

As a child of God, you are cared for by your birth father and birth mother and loved with the greatest love. You are Our child, too, precious, beautiful, full of God's love and you are truly favored. Know your specialness and your dignity. Know your uniqueness. Feel warm and secure in My love and then you will run and not get weary. You will shine like the brightest stars in the darkest night. Your lights are bright lights in the night, but you must be feeling good inside to do this. Satan wants you bowed down. You can't shine when you are bowed down. Shine as a beacon light in the darkest night. Let all who see you praise Him Who is your Father. You are a reflection of Our love for you if you keep yourself holy. Strive to be holy as your heavenly Father. In all things, do that which is the saintly thing. I love you so much, little one. Come and rest in Me.

You are being called by Me to be here. Don't doubt-that is Satan, I tell you. He wants to stop your letters. You are taking messages from Me for your brothers. Listen and write what I tell you. You must get them out, I tell you. You tarry too much. I want My flock to return to Me. Your messages are of My love and My waiting for them. They need to know this. The harvest is ripe. Their hearts are longing for these words that I give to you. You must do your part now. Have no fear. I make you selfless. You are serving Me. You are not doing it for yourself! This is for My honor and glory and for love of your brothers. I don't want any doubts. Do My will, child. Circulate these messages. I am a jealous God and I want My children to return to Me. I have so much to give them. They will be attentive to these letters but you must circulate them now, child. Do not tarry. Do not doubt. That is from the evil one. He wants to stop My letters from reaching My children. I love you and I know I can count on you to do My will. You said you would do My will. This is My will for you. The harvest is ripe. You have the seeds. I provide water and sunlight. They will drink if they are thirsty. They will feed if they turn their hearts to Me. You provide the seeds. I provide everything they need. Many will answer My call through you if you circulate these messages. Come and do My work now! Don't be afraid. Don't even think. This is not trust in Me or faith in Me when you worry and look for proof. My proof is found in reading these messages. You do not have such wisdom. Child, I am God and these messages were written by Me. That is why they are so simple. I love you all so much. Be selfless and obedient. Don't look for proof and answers. I will provide you with all you need to do My work. You must be free in heart. This only comes from total trust in Me. The time is right and the harvest is ready. Go and do your work. Be obedient. I need you to do My work. You are My hands. You are My sower. You are My instrument. You are only as I am in you. Be selfless and unattached to any glory or persecution. You must do My work and remain selfless but steadfast in My love. I beckon you to follow My commands. My love is there. My truth is there. You needn't worry. The harvest is ripe and you are the sower. Do My work, My child. I go in you to reach My children. I love you

Do not get anxious. Get closer to Me. Pray constantly. You must remain in Me in total trust to do this work. I have primed the pump with many letters of trust and faith to you. I have sent you letters about fear. You were prepared for this, My child. Remain only in Me. Every day at least one hour in front of the tabernacle. Don't think. Your proof is in the truth in these letters. Go now and do as I command you to do. I am your strength. I am your power. I am your might. I am all you need.

http://www.sofc.org

[MaryVitamin] Mary is our Advent

Mary Vitamin for December 1st   Topic: Mary is our Advent   Quote: Fr. Angelo M. Geiger, FI "Christmas is always with us, and therefore Mary is always our Advent. She is always announcing the coming dawn." "The Morning Star of Advent" from the magazine Missio Immaculatae International, November 2007 edition**   Meditation: Fr. Angelo explains this idea by calling upon the words of the Seraphic Father St. Francis:   "Behold: daily He humbles Himself as when from heaven's royal throne He came down into the womb of the Virgin. Daily He Himself comes to us with like humility; daily He descends from the bosom of the Father upon the altar in the hands of the priest" Admonition 1   Resolution: What are my Advent plans? Have I included Mary in my preparation for Christmas? How can I become more like the Blessed Virgin so that the Lord may find repose in my heart and in my life this Christmas?   Today, I will say the Rosary and pay attention to the closing prayer of the Rosary,   "By meditating on these mysteries, of the most Holy Rosary, of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise ..."   I will ask Our Lady to help me to prepare for Christmas.   (Here's a link to How to pray the Rosary)   Marian Vow: Fr. Angelo "Our Lady's life must become our life, all day, every day, through a continuous effort to be one with Her." (same article from Missio Immaculatae International)   I give this resolution to the Blessed Virgin Mary.   Thanks be to God for graces received.   Related sites: Castle of the Immaculate & AirMaria   **For more information on the Franciscan of the Immaculate' magazine Missio Immaculate International see this link: http://www.marymediatrix.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?category=missio

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Visit Your Group

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A Toy Company of Which St. Nicholas Would Be Proud New Catholic Toy Line Launches to Enrich Faith Life of Children INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 1 /Christian Newswire/ -- Just in time for Christmas, a new Catholic toy company has launched a line of authentic Catholic toys that educate, entertain, and enrich the faith lives of children. Wee Believers(TM) ( www.weebelievers.com) is teaching and sharing the Catholic Faith with children and families around the world through innovative and creative toys. Founded in 2006 by Steve and Joni Abdalla, a husband and wife team, Wee Believers(TM) was established to create high-quality, attractive, Catholic educational toys in an effort to increase a child's knowledge of Faith and love for God. "Our goal from the beginning was to create eye-catching products for children that would stand the test of time, both in how the products were crafted, and in what they signified," says Joni. "It was important to me as both a mother and the primary educator of my children to find toys that could entertain as well as inspire them." A detailed, ecclesiastically-approved instruction booklet will accompany each toy made by Wee Believers(TM) in order to foster faith-filled communication between parents and children, educators and students. My Mass Kit is the first toy in the Wee Believers(TM) product line and is intended for boys ages 3 -12 to help them understand and participate in the Liturgy more fully. "My Mass Kit includes most of the holy items used during the liturgy. It is the ideal manipulative for young hands who want to mimic the actions of the priest in playtime activities and it is the perfect catechetical tool for adults who want to teach the actions and objects associated with the Holy Mass," explained Steve. Pre-orders are being taken now at the Wee Believers(TM) website ( www.weebelievers.com) and will be delivered in time for Christmas. In this busy Christmas season, parents and children are often inundated with toy descriptions that promise to spark the imagination or educate the mind. But rarely does a toy promise faith-formation as well as creativity and learning. Wee Believers(TM) is developing an entire line of these types of toys to be used in the home, at school, and in church. These products will not only occupy and educate curious and active hands, but will complement any reverent and faith-filled environment. The second product in the Wee Believers(TM) toy line is called My Quiet Church and will be another fully plush manipulative that includes a line of cloth dolls featuring the Wee Believers(TM) family figures and Fr. Juan Pablo, the Wee Believers(TM) parish priest. Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Matrimony accessory kits will be available to further enhance creative play inside My Quiet Church. For more information about Wee Believers(TM) and My Mass Kit, or to schedule an interview with Steve or Joni Abdalla, please contact Ashley Walker at 678-990- 9032 or Christine Schicker at 404-610-8871, both with The Maximus Group.

The Three Comings of the Lord

St. Bernard of Clairvaux

This famous excerpt from a sermon by St. Bernard of Clairvaux (Sermo 5, In Adventu Domini, 1-3: Opera Omnia, Edit. Cisterc. 4 {1966}, 188-190 is used in the Roman Office of Readings for Wednesday of the First Week of Advent. It speaks of not 2 but 3 comings of the Lord.

We know that there are three comings of the Lord. The third lies between the other two. It is invisible, while the other two are visible. In the first coming he was seen on earth, dwelling among men; he himself testifies that they saw him and hated him. In the final coming all flesh will see the salvation of our God, and they will look on him whom they pierced. The intermediate coming is a hidden one; in it only the elect see the Lord within their own selves, and they are saved. In his first coming our Lord came in our flesh and in our weakness; in this middle coming he comes in spirit and in power; in the final coming he will be seen in glory and majesty.

In case someone should think that what we say about this middle coming is sheer invention, listen to what our Lord himself ways: If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him. There is another passage of Scripture which reads: He who fears God will do good, but something further has been said about the one who loves, that is, that he will keep God’s word. Where is God’s word to be kept? Obviously in the heart, as the prophet says: I have hidden your words in my heart, so that I may not sin against you.

Keep God’s word in this way. Let it enter into your very being, let it take possession of your desires and your whole way of life. Feed on goodness, and your soul will delight in its richness. Remember to eat your bread, or your heart will wither away. Fill your soul with richness and strength.

Because this coming lies between the other two, it is like a road on which we travel from the first coming to the last. In the first, Christ was our redemption; in the last, he will appear as our life; in this middle coming, he is our rest and consolation.

If you keep the word of God in this way, it will also keep you. The Son with the Father will come to you. The great Prophet who will build the new Jerusalem will come, the one who makes all things new. This coming will fulfill what is written: As we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, we shall also bear the likeness of the heavenly man. Just as Adam’s sin spread through all mankind and took hold of all, so Christ, who created and redeemed all, will glorify all, once he takes possession of all.

This reading by St. Bernard of Clairvaux is featured in the Advent & Christmas section of The Crossroads Initiative Library.

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SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #416

And when Jesus was in Bethania, in the house of Simon the leper, There came to him a woman having an alabaster box of precious ointment and poured it on his head as he was at table. And the disciples seeing it had indignation, saying: "To what purpose is this waste? For this might have been sold for much and given to the poor." And Jesus knowing it, said to them: "Why do you trouble this woman? For she hath wrought a good work upon me. For the poor you have always with you: but me you have not always. For she in pouring this ointment on my body hath done it for my burial. Amen I say to you, wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, that also which she hath done shall be told for a memory of her." (Matt. 26:6-13)

THE GOSPEL IS TO BE PREACHED THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE WORLD: Our Lord foretold that this was to be, and at the same time He foretold that Mary's service of love would be known and honored throughout the lenght and breadth of Christendom. This prophecy has been, and is still being fulfilled. Each of the three Evangelists, St. Matthew, St. Mark and St. John relate the incident; and on Palm Sunday the Passion according to St. Matthew, which begins with this story, is read in every Catholic church throughout the world, and thus all Christians hear what Mary did to show her love for Jesus.

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