Worth Repeating Wednesday: Preach the Gospel! Evangelize the World! Bring back the 99! 5 ways to help you go out into the World!

"Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words."
St. Francis of Assisi

Today, Pope Francis tells us::

"In the Gospel there's the beautiful passage about the shepherd who realizes that one of his sheep is missing, and he leaves the 99 to go out and find the one," Pope Francis told the parish leaders. "But, brothers and sisters, we have only one. We're missing 99! We must go out and find them."
 

Preach the Gospel!

Evangelize!

Is standing on the corner not your forte?   Most likely, that's not an option.  Many are home bound.  Small children make preaching on corners difficult for Mom's and Dads.  Of course, there are jobs that require our presence to support families.  Some are ill.  So, if we are to follow the call that Pope Francis gives us as Catholics, how do we bring the gospel to the masses?  There are ways, tried and true ways, to help bring the 99 home.

1) Begin with prayer, daily prayer, for the conversion of sinners.  The Rosary is a powerful tool for any need.  Pray the Rosary.  Ask the Lord for the conversion of all.  How could he refuse a sincere heart and soul?  This is how we begin to serve.

2) Offer it up!  You've heard this before.  You stub your toe.  Offer it up.  You have a bad day.  Offer it up.  Your children are causing you great sorrow.  Offer it up.  You were given a raise at work.  Offer it up.  Your baby took its first steps.  Offer it up.  Rather than eat all of your lunch, eat half of your lunch and offer it up.  Offer your day for the conversion of sinners.  Give your day to God for His greater honor and glory.  How can He refuse your offerings for sinners?

3) Attend Eucharistic Adoration as often as you can.  Praise and adore God at Adoration.  Pray for the conversion of sinners.  Pray that the 99 will return.

4) You know that crabby person checking out your groceries.  Rather than react, choose to act with kindness to that person.  Smile at them.  Silently offer up a prayer for them.  Thank them for doing a good job.  ("Always preach the gospel.  If necessary, use words.")

5) Use your financial resources to support church causes for evangelization and relief work.  Let your acts of kindness show the world, even if you are only able to donate a small amount, that Jesus is alive in our world today.  (If necessary, use words.)

We are all called to share the messages of the gospel.  Pray.  God will show you the way.  Prayer is your most powerful tool.  Use it hourly.  Use it daily.   Use it as often as you can.

Pope Francis said, ""Be creative. Be audacious. Do not be afraid."

The Feast of the Archangels: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael-9 facts about angels

Today is the 

Feast Day of the Archangels

Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.

I'm not an expert on angels,

but here are 9 things about angels

that you might not know.

This, you probably know.

Angels are spirits.  They have no bodies.  They can move through time and space in the blink of an eye. 

1) The only three archangels named in Sacred Scripture are

St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael.

2) St. Michael is he leader of all the angels.  He is a warrior angel.  His name means, "Who is like God."

3) St. Gabriel serves God as a messenger.   His name means: "God's Strength."

4) St. Raphael's name means "God has Healed."

5) St. Michael the Archangel cast lucifer and his demons into hell.  

6) Pope Leo the 8th instituted this prayer to be said after every Mass:

St. Michael the Archangel,

Defend us in battle,

Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil.

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,

and,

do, Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host,

by the Power of God,

cast into hell

satan and all of the evil spirits

who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.

7) St. Gabriel announced the upcoming birth of John the Baptist to John's father, and, most importantly, he brought Mama Mary the request for her to become the Mother of God.

8) Some theologians believe that St. Gabriel is also the angel who announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds.

9) St. Raphael is thought to be the angel who stirred the pond so that the first in the water would be healed.

Now, how's that about a few angel facts.  If you're interested in learning more about angels,

try these sites.

Catholic Encyclopedia

There's a lot there about angels.

and

Catholic News Agency

Here, too.

Holy Archangels stand before the Throne of God.

We beg you, that, on this your feast day,

you pray for us and bless us.

St. Michael, protect us.

St Gabriel, guide us.

St. Raphael, heal us.

Amen.

The Blood Moon

‘The sun will be turned into darkness
And the moon into blood,
Before the great and glorious day of the Lord shall come.

Acts 2:20

I saw the blood moon tonight. 

Does that mean that I believe the world will be coming to an end soon?

Not likely.

Until it happens, 

even if it's not in our life times,

We will not know the date or the time.

 

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone."

Matthew 24:36 

Worried?  Don't be.  A blood moon is a phenomena.  That's true, but the Second Coming?  I don't know.  No one does except the Father, and if that's the case, it will come when it is needed most.

No need to worry.

God has this one under control.

 

This is My Beloved Son

"He was still speaking, when lo, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” 

Matthew 17: 5

 

Thoughts on a Lazy Saturday

"Then will I go in to the altar of God,
the God of my gladness and joy;
Then will I give you thanks upon the harp,
O God, my God!"
Psalm 43:4
Today is Saturday.  Now that I'm retired, days run into each other, but weekends are distinctive.  Saturday, I finish any left over cleaning, whether it’s inside or outside.  Sometimes I only work for a few minutes.  Sometimes, I work for the rest of the day.  It’s so nice when the work is finished. 

Sunday, of course, is a day of rest. I go to Mass. spend quiet time with the Lord, read Sacred Scriptures, then delve into the arts and crafts.  If the kids are home, the arts and crafts go, and I spend time with them.    

I wonder if the ancient writer of this psalm looked at the weekends as I do?  I don’t think so.  Society was different then.  The people of the ancient culture lived their faith.  The Lord was involved in all they did or said.  They were grateful to God for all they had or did.  They truly rejoiced in the Lord.

The psalmist expresses his joy by singing and playing his harp.  He praised God in song and thanked Him with his harp.   The psalmist tells us that God is the cause of his gladness and joy.
God hears his music and is glad.  (Read the entire psalm, and you’ll see what I mean.)

I had to stop and think about joy in my life and gratefulness to God.  Is God the cause of my gladness and joy or am I too lost in the world?  What would give me reason to say that God is the cause of my joy.

God is my Creator and my Sustainer.  Without Him I do not exist, I am not even a memory.
Of course, I’m grateful for this, and if I could play a harp, I would use it to thank God for the gift of life. 

Joy is entirely different.  I used to think of joy as an emotion equivalent to happiness.  I am not always happy.  Life has been very difficult in the last 10 years.  Happiness is elusive, but joy is not, for this reason.  Happiness is an emotion.  Joy is intellectual.  

Joy explodes beyond happiness with faith.  Knowing that God is with us through everything, we find our joy in laughter or sorrow.

“So also you now indeed have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice; and your joy no man shall take from you.”
John 16:22

For those who say, “There is no God.” What do we say?  Nothing.  God is invisible, though His Hand moves through the universe sustaining it, nurturing it. He sustains us and nurtures us.  Those who cannot see the invisible. who cannot believe without proof have no answer.  We do, and the answer is Faith.  There can be no other answer.  We accept the things we cannot see, and rest in the knowledge that what has been promised by God will be fulfilled.


“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:1

This gift of faith should bring us great joy!  We should dance to the psalmist’s music and praise God’s holy name.  Still don’t feel anything?  Don’t worry.  Happiness is your emotion.  Joy is your faith.








      

Ending the Week with Praise and Thanksgiving!

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

1) Guess who came to the United States?  Of course, your answer would be Pope Francis!

It's a joy to have him on our soil.

Guess who fell asleep through his address to Congress?

I woke up to find Pope Francis being applauded by the joint session of Congress.

Sigh.

2) Do you like this photo of Pope Francis?  I took this photo from my television.  Not bad for an Iphone and a TV.  I don't know why I didn't think about this before.

3) It was a beautiful, misty, rainy day today.  It was the perfect day to stay in and watch the Pope.  I hope that I can stay awake tomorrow morning when Pope Francis addresses the United Nations.  

4) So far, I have over 200 rosary bracelets to donate to church.  October is the month of Our Lady and the Rosary.  I hope people take them, use them, and pray very hard for peace.

5) I found a new church, closer to me, where there is Sunday afternoon adoration.  What a way to spend Sunday afternoon!

Jesus!  Jesus! Jesus! Thank You for everything this week.  

I love You!

He's Been Busy, A New Saint, Weeping for Joy!

He has been on American soil less than 24 hours, and, 

Pope Francis has been greeted by the President and his family,

the Vice President and his family,

and 

they looked as happy as little kids in a candy store.

He was also greeted by a retinue of Church Princes and Bishops.

The Pope has also been welcomed by the President and a few thousand of his other close friends, 

in the backyard of the White House.

The Pope has ridden in the Pope Mobile, causing the Secret Service and his security guard to sweat bullets as those who have lined the way for hours, wanted to reach out and touch the Pope.

Pope Francis grinned from ear to ear as he was riding along.

He seems happiest when he is with the people, ministering to them with his love.

Running late, he conducted a mid day prayer service for bishops.

He wanted to greet all of them, but due to time, he could not.

Pope Francis didn't say a word, he simply lifted his sleeve and pointed to his watch.

Everyone knew what that meant. 

I'm already tired!

At this point, I love track of Pope Francis.

I'm glad I'm not on his security team!

He had one more appointment, then it was off to canonize a new saint.

Blessed Junipero Serra is now

Saint Junipero Serra.

He was an 18th century missionary who dedicated his life to converting the native American population to Catholicism.

I did a report on him once when I was 8.

I carved a mission out of a block of soap and used toothpicks for the crosses.  You can read more about that

HERE. 

If you want to read the Homily of Pope Francis at the canonization Mass, click

HERE.

I don't know what else the Pope has on his schedule today, but I'm tired.

The only thing I wish is that the Raymond Arroyo, of EWTN, had practiced the pronunciation of 

Saint Junipero's name.

I felt that was negligent of him.

Throughout all of this,

I wept.  

I don't know why, but it had to be sheer joy that God saw fit to bring our 

Beloved Pontiff to the United States.

Praise God!

 

Thoughts About Jesus and Prayer

Rising very early before dawn, he left
and went off to a deserted place, where He prayed.
Mark 1: 36

Even Jesus prayed.

The second person of our Triune God,

prayed.

 Jesus prayed.

He prayed in a deserted place.

Often, He would pray early in the morning or all night.

"In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed."
Mark 1:35

Jesus would begin his prayer with praise and thanksgiving to the Father.

"At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.<sup>"

Matthew 11: 25-26</sup>

Jesus thanked His Father for the gift of His followers to Him.
(One of my favorite scriptures)

After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you,  since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him.  And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.  I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.
 “I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word.  Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me.  I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them.  And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.  While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. 

John 17: 1-12 


Jesus prayed to ask the Father that He take away His cup, but Jesus submitted to the Father's Will.


"Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed,  “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.”  Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength.  In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground."
Luke 22: 41-44

Jesus prayed for His murderers.  He asked the Father to forgive them.

"Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing."
 Luke 23:34

 In His Misery on the Cross, Jesus calls out to His Father in abandonment.

 ^"And about three o’clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Matthew 27:46

Before this, Jesus taught us how to pray.

“Pray then in this way:

Our Father in heaven,
    hallowed be your name. 

     Your kingdom come.
    Your will be done,
        on earth as it is in heaven.     

 Give us this day our daily bread. 

     And forgive us our debts,
        as we also have forgiven our debtors.      

And do not bring us to the time of trial,
        but rescue us from the evil one."

Matthew 6: 9-13 

Photo attribution

"Statue of Jesus Christ in Prayer" by Conniemod - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Statue_of_Jesus_Christ_in_Prayer.JPG#/media/File:Statue_of_Jesus_Christ_in_Prayer.JPG

Pope Francis' Schedule While in the United States

Photo is courtesy of 

The Catholic News Agency.

Stay close to your Televisions and Computers.

Finding Ourselves Lost in the Presence of God

It doesn't happen that often, 

usually at Mass 

or

at Eucharistic Adoration, 

but when it does,

I realize how blessed we are to have our God with us on a daily basis

in the Eucharist

at
Mass

and at

Eucharistic Adoration.

I have read that only

30% to 63%

of all Catholics today

believe

in the real presence of Jesus

in the Eucharist.

 

30-63%

What's happened?

What went wrong?

This is a fundamental teaching of our Catholic Faith.

Look around before Mass starts.

How many people are there.

Numbers have dropped dramatically.

Where once there were full churches for Mass,

now the churches are almost empty.

This is not only a problem for the Catholic Church, it is also a problem for the Protestant denominations, as well.

Over all church attendance has dropped 37% - 54% in the last 4 decades.

 One of the reasons is that there is 

no strong religious identity as a Catholic

in our society.

I heard a priest, two weeks ago, present a newly baptized baby to the congregation as 

"our newest Christian," not Catholic.

If in our churches, we are loosing our identities as Catholics, then it would seem logical that Mass attendance would go down.  

If you do not believe, as a Catholic, that Mass attendance is a requirement of our Church,

then why go?

Our secular society has also enabled access to moral perversions and blessed it as 

all right.

I never thought I would see men kissing me or women kissing women on network television, but I have.

These are not at hours when children would be away from the TV, but during, popular 

prime time TV slots.

I never dreamed I would hear that to abort a baby is a woman's right.

I never thought I'd ever hear that assisted suicide is morally right.

Secularism has blessed the unblessable.

Why do to Mass when the Catholic Faith does not embrace the morals of the day?

"The faith has to change," I've heard.

"This is about love," others say.

The pews are empty.

If only they could experience the Presence of God.

If only they could feel His Love and His Life.

If only...

Now is the time to begin to fill the pews with love.

God loves those who do not know Him

as much as 

He loves those who do.

Do you talk about your faith at home?

Children need to hear about your faith and how much you love it.

Do you talk about your faith outside of your home?

Believe it or not, people are looking, and they need to hear what you say because they will not hear it in the media.

Do you actively practice your faith?

Do you attend Mass every Sunday?

If not, start going to Mass again.

When was the last time you went to confession?

The priest is there waiting for you.  Through the priest, Jesus forgives your sins.

If you're not a Catholic right now, and you were baptized in the faith, 

come back.

Come home.

We want you back.

God wants you back.

Yes, the Catholic faith is contrary to the world, 

but it always has been.

The faith is an anchor, and it teaches us what is right and what is wrong.

Be part of that anchor.

Be part of the change.

Invite someone to go to Mass with you.

You might help to save a soul.

Eternity is forever.

Get lost in the real Presence of God.

He is waiting.

 

 

 

Thoughts on the Rosary

"The Rosary is my favorite Prayer,"

 St. John Paul the Great.

"The Rosary is a prayer both so humble and simple and a theologically rich in Biblical content. I beg you to pray it."

 St. John Paul the Great

"The rosary is the book of the blind, where souls see and there enact the greatest drama of love the world has ever known; it is the book of the simple, which initiates them into mysteries and knowledge more satisfying than the education of other men; it is the book of the aged, whose eyes close upon the shadow of this world, and open on the substance of the next. The power of the rosary is beyond description."

Venerable Fulton Sheen  

"The Rosary is the 'weapon' for these times."

Saint Padre Pio 

"The holy Rosary is a powerful weapon. Use it with confidence and you'll be amazed at the results."

St. Josemaria Escriva

"How beautiful is the family that recites the Rosary every evening!"

St. John Paul II 

While alive, the saints prayed the Rosary daily, some prayed the Rosary many times a day.

Pray the Rosary.

Pray!

Pope Francis

Ending the Week in Praise and Thanksgiving!

"Rejoice always,  pray without ceasing,  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

It's hard to cram a week of blessings into a small post, but here goes.

1) I love rainy days!  I don't like storms, but I do love the day that is filled with rain.   Today, we had both storms and a lot of rain.  That little pond in the back wasn't there yesterday.  Love it, though!

God is good.

2) Long walks in the cooler weather are wonderful!  I have seen so many critters around.  The geese are flying south.  The squirrels are getting really fat.  I haven't seen any robins lately, so, maybe they're gone?  I don't know, but the heat of the summer is melting away and giving way to cooler days and nights.  I enjoy autumn.  God has been giving us previews this week.  Love it!

God is good.

3) We celebrated my daughter's birthday this week.  We celebrated good news from the oncologist, too.  We had fun!  She's tired, but she's got the time to rest now.

God is good.

4) I heard today that a priest, who ministered in 3 neighboring parishes, whom I follow on Facebook, is returning to the priesthood.  He took a 7 month sabbatical after being tired and burnt out, to discern whether to remain a priest or not.  He has discerned that he has, indeed, been called to the priesthood.  He's a good priest, and I'm delighted to hear that he will be returning to the priesthood.

God is good.

5) Today marks the 6th anniversary of the day that Pixie Marie came to live with me.  I am her human, and there is no doubt of that.  She gets a hamburger for our celebration!  She will like that.

She's the prefect dog for this time in my life.

God is good.

I give You thanks, Oh, Lord, for this week.  I give You thanks for the life you have given me.  I give You thanks for all the people You have brought into my life.  

I rejoice in the goodness of Your name.

Amen.

 

Are You Really Catholic?

Many people refer to themselves as "spiritual," but not religious these days.  Religion has taken many a hit in our century.  

 

Our Catholic Church is not only 

scrutinized, but judged on the world's values.

 

I've heard people describe themselves as

"a recovering Catholic."

 

I've heard others say,

"I'm a good Catholic, but I believe in a woman's right to have an abortion at any time during her pregnancy."

 

When speaking about

 reproductive health care ...
One female politician said,
 “And deep-seated cultural codes, religious beliefs and structural biases have to be changed."

 

I wonder how she plans to do that?

Yes, our world has forgotten 

God

or pushed Him by the wayside, 

refusing to follow the mandates of the Catholic Church, which believes in life from conception to natural death.  

The Sixth Commandment says,

"Thou Shalt Not Kill."

Included in this list are:

aborting unborn babies,

euthanizing the sick and dying,

suicide,

and

assisted suicide.

There are 10 commandments, and we don't get to pick and choose which ones we follow. 

We follow them all.

"Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,  stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.’ 

Then they will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?’ He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’  And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” 

Matthew 25: 41-46

 

When the "little one," (fetus) is denied life,

just read and think about what Jesus is saying.

Pray that there is an end to abortion, euthanasia, and suicide.

Pray for the souls of those involved in these crimes against God.

Pray!

Pray!

Pray!

One day, you might not be given a choice.

Become a Catholic again.

God is waiting with open arms to be with you and lead you home.

Follow your Church's teachings.

Be a Catholic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Worth Revisitng: In the Silence Part 3

Yes, I've seen you in My Temple.
Yes, I know that you've sat in the quiet which lead to the silence.

Do you know that when you opened your eyes and saw the silence,
you saw what I see in the world?
You prayed for the homeless, for the unemployed, for the depressed, for the physically ill, for the children who have been sold into slavery.  You did this in silence.

Do you know that when you listened for the silence, you heard the whisper of silence which came from My Heart to yours? I gave you this silence as a gift.

Do you know that when you touched the silence, you reached out and touched Me?  Do you know that when, in My blessed silence, you hugged the weeping woman and prayed for her, you hugged Me in that tight embrace? 

Do you know that when you smelled the silence, you inhaled the breath we share?  Do you know that the Holy Spirit breathed His graces into You so that You might persevere and be strong?

Do you know that when you tasted the silence, you tasted the Love which I have for you?  You tasted the love of My Father Who gifted this dark, dark world with the Light of Love, which was Me.  You tasted the Love and Wisdom of the Holy Spirit who pours His graces down on you.

My beloved child,
No you did not hear My voice as you hear the voice of others, but you heard Me in your soul.  This is where I want to be, and you invited Me to be with you.
I love you so much!  I seek your open arms.  Hold Me in the silence of your heart.
I AM here.  I AM there, and I will be with you forever.

Doing the small things...Are you Willing?

Mother Teresa once said:

"There are many people who can do big things, but there are very few people who will do the small things."

Taking out the garbage.

Cleaning out the kitty litter 3 times a day.

Walking the dog.

Picking up after the dog leaves it's, ahem, waste behind.

Doing the dishes.

Cleaning the windows.

Cleaning the bathroom.

Being on the clean up committee at church.

I gave up on saving the world many years ago.

I think this is God's way of saying,
"It's the joy in doing the small things that I want you to have.

Learn from this."

So, when I take out the garbage with a smile;

when I clean the kitty litter 3 or more times a day without complaining;

 When I walk the dog;

When I pick up after Pixie; 

When I do the dishes;

When I clean the bathroom;

When I clean up after an event at church,

and I do it with joy for God,

without complaining,

then,

in a very small way,

I have brought more peace to the world.

I have shared my joy in God.

I guess we have enough people to save the world, though they don't seem to be doing a very good job of it, but they try.

That's their vocation,

this is mine.  

Praise God from whom all blessings come!

 

He's Arriving Next Week!!!

And this is my 

"Flat Francis"

If you go

HERE

you can download a

Flat Francis

of your own.

Print it out.

Send it 

HERE

and

help welcome

Pope Francis to our country

next week.

If you're interested in 

the Pope's upcoming schedule,

Click

HERE

If you're lucky enough to be able to see our beloved Pontiff,

just know,

I am so jealous!

I'd love to be there, too.

In the meantime,

Pray for the Pope's safety and the blessings of his papal visit.

Viva Pope Francis!

 

St. Augustine

Things to Do Today

Ending the Week in Praise and Thanksgiving...

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.   

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4: 4-7 

1) I was able to attend Eucharistic Adoration this week! What a blessing this was for me. 

Jesus waits for us.

Joy is contagious.

Peace is contagious.

He loves us!

Amen!

 

 

2) Today, I realized that the much anticipated trip of Pope Francis to the United States was not in two weeks but next week!  I wish I could be there and have lunch with the Holy Father, but, I am assuming that's not God's Will, so I will be glued to the television, clutching my rosary saying,

"Viva, Papa Francesco!  Viva!"

3) I printed out my "Flat Francis."  Soon there will be a selfie with "Flat Francis" on this blog!  

Praise God!

In Memorium...

 September 11, 2001,

an infamous day in history, 

but

it was the day God called us back to Him.

Lives were needlessly lost.

The attack was cold and calculated.

Families were destroyed.

Children were killed.

First responders died as they worked to help in the depths of the carnage.

Those who survived were damaged inside and out.

Intense pain, sorrow, and suffering.

 

Where was God?

 

He was there by the mother who thought of her children as she died.

 

He was there by the first responder who died saving a life.

 

He was there as the first plane crashed into the Towers.

He was there, holding His children near.

He was there calling all of us back to Him.

Churches were opened all night.

People took refuge in them as the panic of the attack began to settle.

People opened their hearts to God and began to pray again.

Families prayed the Rosary together.

The Holy Souls were prayed for over and over and over again

those first few nights.

People who had not been to church in years, returned for the peace and salvation 

church offered.

We couldn't stop the attack, but we could open our  hearts and souls to God.

We could pray for peace and for protection.

We remembered the God we had forgotten.

We welcomed Him back into our lives,

until

we felt secure again.

 

As with the terrorists of 9/11, God did not take away our gift of free will.

We all have it, as did the men who wreaked havoc with the world.

God allows us to make our choices.

Today, churches are empty again.

Pagan values rule the world.

We live in a culture of death and destruction for the most helpless of the world.

Where is God now?

 

He's still there.

He's never changed.

He is eternal.

He is always and forever.

He is the great I AM.

 

Have we abandoned God?

Have we pushed him out of our lives again?

The answers begin with prayer.

 

Pray for those who died that day.

Pray for those who live with invisible scars from that day.

Pray for our country.

Pray for our world.

Pray for peace.

Pray.

Welcome God back into our lives.

Beg God for forgiveness.

Beg God for His Mercy.

Pray! Pray! Pray!

 

 

 

 

 

 

At The End of the Day

Are you ever surprised, as you power down from your day,

how loud the absence of noise becomes?

Electronic devices are quietly powering up in their chargers.

The TV is turned off.

Music is turned down.

Lights are lowered.

Then the silence begins.

As you begin your evening prayers,

do you hear the sound of rain as it splashes on the ground?

Do you feel the power of a quiet breeze as it seeps into your room bringing much needed fresh, cool air?

Do you begin to release the cares of the day and surrender to that which is called sleep?

As you begin to brush your teeth and drink enough water to quench you as you sleep, do you hear the sound of the water as it flows down your throat?

Do you hear your guardian angel whisper to remind you of your higher purpose?

Do you remember God issued this reminder of His Presence to the psalmists of ancient days,

"Be Still and Know that I AM God." 

Psalm 46:10

Do you begin to feel a connection with God?

Do you look at your day and see where you might have been a better person?

Do you feel the regrets of that day begin to force their way into your soul?

Look at what you did.

Could you have been nicer?

Could you have been kinder?

Could you have prayed to God earlier?

Now, the connection can begin.

Open your soul to your God.

Tell Him you love Him.

Praise Him.

Apologize for what you did wrong today.

Even though you will go to confession and confess these sins,

and,

even if God knows how many times you sinned,

He will Love You.

You did nothing to earn His love.

You cannot earn His Love.

As human beings, we are blessed with His Love

and

the greatest gift He has given us,

our free will.

Have you prayed for your children, your spouse, your children, your family today?

Have you prayed for yourself today?

Have you prayed for peace today?

Have your prayed for Pope Francis, all of our bishops and priests?

Have your prayed for your neighbors?

Have you prayed for the sick and dying?

Have you prayed for those in the military, especially those who are far from home?

Most importantly,

HAVE YOU PRAYED TODAY?

If not, stop whatever you are doing, except for changing a baby's diapers, that needs to be finished right now,

stop and Pray.

We all seek peace, and we have a God who will give us that peace.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.'

John 14:27 

So, pray, then sleep.

May the angels keep guard over you.

Sleep, then, when you awaken in the morning, pray.

When wrapped in prayer,

days, however difficult, go better.

Good night.  Sleep in peace.  

  

 

Worth Revisiting Wednesday: A Simple Exercise of Praise

A Simple Exercise of Praise

Not everyone is able to find their "prayer voice" in writing, but I was blessed to be able to do so.

Praise You, Jesus, and thank You for this gift!

This exercise in praise is simple and effective.  You will need a piece of paper and pen or pencil.












1) Make a list of ten words that remind you of God.  Here's my list.

King of Kings
Blessed of the Father
Light of Heaven
King of angels
Lord of Lords
God above all else
My Shield and Protection
Giver of all gifts
The Great I AM
Our Salvation

2) When you have finished your list, and you can make it longer, if you choose, add the words, "I praise You,"

3) Read Your list using the words "I praise You," and Your words for God.  It doesn't matter if you begin with "I Praise You," or end with those words.

Here's my list:

King of Kings, I praise You!
Blessed of the Father, I praise You!
Light of Heaven, I praise You!
King of angels, I praise You!
Lord of Lords, I praise You!
God above all else, I praise You!
My Shield and Protection, I praise You!
Giver of all gifts, I praise You!
The Great I AM, I praise You!
Our Salvation I praise You!

To praise God and acknowledge Him as above all else is the virtue of humility which brings us closer to God.  Spend a time in prayer each day adoring God!  He is the King of Kings!

Praise You, Heavenly Father!  Praise You, Jesus, my Brother!  Praise You, Holy Spirit, my guide and comforter!

The Birthday of Our Lady

Our Church celebrates the birth of Our Lady on September 8th.  Different days have been celebrated through the centuries, but September 8th is exactly 9 months from the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.  

Anne and Joachim were good people, but their lack of children broke their hearts.  A couple who was childless was considered to be punished by God for something they did.  Even in their old age, they  longed for a child.

God tests those He loves, and He brings glory to those whom He has tested.

Anne, who was long beyond the age of child bearing, conceived

Mary, who would become the Mother of God.

God poured His Blessings upon the couple!

Today, we remember Mama Mary's birth.

We praise and thank God for this gift.

Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit,

We thank you and we praise you for the gift of the 

Woman Clothed with the sun!

She will crush the head of satan.

We rejoice and we praise You,

our Blessed Trinity!

We thank you!

Amen!