Readings for Tuesday November 10, 2009
Memorial of Saint Leo the Great, pope and doctor of the Church
First Reading: Wisdom 2:23-3:9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34
Gospel: Luke 17:7-10
Jesus said to the Apostles: “Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’? Would he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished’? Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’” (Lk 17:7-10)
Today Jesus tells us about the attitude of a servant. There is a saying that says: "your attitude is the aroma of your heart. If your attitude stinks, it means your hearts not right" So the question we must ask ourselves is, do we have the attitude of a servant, or of selfishness? God calls us all to service, not selfishness; and our attitude (or mindset) makes all the difference in this. It is our attitude that is a direct reflection of what is truly in our hearts. I think that most people today would read this passage and feel outraged, saying things like "that's not fair!" I would ask, why isn't it fair though? Isn't it the place of the servant to wait on the master? Shouldn't the servant first take care of their responsibilities before they are to pursue their own interests? I see this passage not as a master/servant power struggle; but rather a reminder of who's will should go first ... our will or God's will?
We must remember our role in this life. We are not the master, we are not the kings; these are God's place; and we are His. God blesses each of us more than we deserve, for this we should feel thankful ... not entitled.
May are hearts be filled with praise and thanksgiving; and may we each have an attitude of gratitude!
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you have given to us and for all that you have blessed us with. Lord, without you, we would not be the men and women that we are; may we always remember your sacrifice for us and may we sacrifice for you while here on earth. We pray that your will be done in our lives and that we seek nothing more than to be faithful servants of you. We pray for all those in need of conversion and all those seeking truth in their life. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
11.10.2009
11.09.2009
Temple of the Holy Spirit
Readings for Monday November 9, 2009
Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
First Reading: Ezekiel 47:1-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 46
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17
Gospel: John 2:13-22
Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God, which you are, is holy. (1 Cor 3:16-17)
As much as I don't enjoy doing it, I have to admit that I always feel better after cleaning up our house. While scrubbing, sweeping, mopping, dusting are not exactly highlights of my weekend, there is something to say for the feeling of looking around and knowing that it is clean. I believe there is a certain amount of pride that comes along with knowing that your home, your dwelling place is nice and tidy. As great as it is to have a nice and tidy home, our main focus should not be how clean our outside is, but rather how clean are things on the inside?
In today's readings we read a great deal about cleansing of sacred places, particularly temples. One of the most sacred temples on earth of course is our body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Now most of us do not think about our body as the temple of the Holy Spirit, if we did think more about this, then I can guarantee you that we would not treat our bodies as we do. If we did treat our body as a temple, we would not let some of the worldly things into it that we do. We are told today that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, the dwelling place of God; and shouldn't we be doing all that we can to make sure that this dwelling place is suitable for God?
In today's gospel, Jesus shows all the sellers and money-changers the door when He finds them turning God's house into a marketplace. In the gospel, the temple had become a place of greed, a place not of God but of the world. Jesus, seeing this goes in and cleanses the temple. Many times, we find ourselves like the temple in the gospel, a person of the world rather than of God. Like cleansing the temple, Jesus also wants to cleanse us. One of the biggest ways in which we can get back on track is through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Going to the priest, letting God work through him. There is no more cleansing feeling than admitting our sins and where we fell short, and hearing those beautiful words; "Your sins are forgiven, go and sin no more." Reconciliation is like Jesus coming into us and just ridding us of all the things of the world, and all those other things that we do not want. It is a Sacrament that has so much grace that comes with it, it is something of which we should be going to regularly.
Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. We must ask ourselves if the things of which we are putting into our bodies worthy of the Holy Spirit who dwells there, or are they doing nothing more than cluttering and dirtying it up?
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, we praise you for all that you have blessed us with, and for all that we have and can do. Lord, help us to not waste our lives by following our own wills, but rather your will. Lord, you alone know what is good for us, and we pray that we can surrender to you. We pray for all of our priests and religious, for their vows and their ministries. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
First Reading: Ezekiel 47:1-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 46
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17
Gospel: John 2:13-22
Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God, which you are, is holy. (1 Cor 3:16-17)
As much as I don't enjoy doing it, I have to admit that I always feel better after cleaning up our house. While scrubbing, sweeping, mopping, dusting are not exactly highlights of my weekend, there is something to say for the feeling of looking around and knowing that it is clean. I believe there is a certain amount of pride that comes along with knowing that your home, your dwelling place is nice and tidy. As great as it is to have a nice and tidy home, our main focus should not be how clean our outside is, but rather how clean are things on the inside?
In today's readings we read a great deal about cleansing of sacred places, particularly temples. One of the most sacred temples on earth of course is our body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Now most of us do not think about our body as the temple of the Holy Spirit, if we did think more about this, then I can guarantee you that we would not treat our bodies as we do. If we did treat our body as a temple, we would not let some of the worldly things into it that we do. We are told today that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, the dwelling place of God; and shouldn't we be doing all that we can to make sure that this dwelling place is suitable for God?
In today's gospel, Jesus shows all the sellers and money-changers the door when He finds them turning God's house into a marketplace. In the gospel, the temple had become a place of greed, a place not of God but of the world. Jesus, seeing this goes in and cleanses the temple. Many times, we find ourselves like the temple in the gospel, a person of the world rather than of God. Like cleansing the temple, Jesus also wants to cleanse us. One of the biggest ways in which we can get back on track is through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Going to the priest, letting God work through him. There is no more cleansing feeling than admitting our sins and where we fell short, and hearing those beautiful words; "Your sins are forgiven, go and sin no more." Reconciliation is like Jesus coming into us and just ridding us of all the things of the world, and all those other things that we do not want. It is a Sacrament that has so much grace that comes with it, it is something of which we should be going to regularly.
Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. We must ask ourselves if the things of which we are putting into our bodies worthy of the Holy Spirit who dwells there, or are they doing nothing more than cluttering and dirtying it up?
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, we praise you for all that you have blessed us with, and for all that we have and can do. Lord, help us to not waste our lives by following our own wills, but rather your will. Lord, you alone know what is good for us, and we pray that we can surrender to you. We pray for all of our priests and religious, for their vows and their ministries. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
11.06.2009
The way the world works
Readings for Friday November 6, 2009
First Reading: Romans 15:14-21
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98
Gospel: Luke 16:1-8
Jesus said to his disciples, “A rich man had a steward who was reported to him for squandering his property. He summoned him and said, ‘What is this I hear about you? Prepare a full account of your stewardship, because you can no longer be my steward.’ The steward said to himself, ‘What shall I do, now that my master is taking the position of steward away from me? I am not strong enough to dig and I am ashamed to beg. I know what I shall do so that, when I am removed from the stewardship, they may welcome me into their homes.’ He called in his master’s debtors one by one. To the first he said, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ He replied, ‘One hundred measures of olive oil.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note. Sit down and quickly write one for fifty.’ Then to another he said, ‘And you, how much do you owe?’ He replied, ‘One hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note; write one for eighty.’ And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently. For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation
than the children of light.” (Lk 16:1-8)
I remember that when my wife and I went on our honeymoon, we took a cruise and had a few stops in Mexico. We were told that when we got off the boat and went to the markets, that we should try and haggle with the dealers in order to get a better price. This was a strange new concept to me, because when I go to the store the price is always set. So out we went into the markets, and low and behold there we were trying to talk all the dealers down in price. It was actually a lot of fun, especially since I couldn't go into my local grocery store and try and talk the cashier down in price. That little experience was a reminder to me that depending on where you are, it is important to realize that things work a certain way.
In today's gospel, we read about the dishonest servant. We read about how in his crisis, he prudently settled some accounts in order to better his position. He was actually commended by his master for this quick action. I think that this parable teaches us too that the world works in a certain way. We must understand how it works, if we are ever to function effectively in it. Now I am not saying that we should compromise our beliefs and our values, but we should learn how certain things are and how things go.
As Saint Paul says today, "Thus I aspire to proclaim the gospel not where Christ has already been named, so that I do not build on another's foundation, but as it is written: Those who have never been told of him shall see, and those who have never heard of him shall understand." I believe that if we are to effectively proclaim the gospel and to make an impact in this world, then we first need to have an understanding and awareness of how things work.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you bless us with. Lord, give us the wisdom and the courage to persevere in this world for you. Lord, we pray that your will be done in our lives and that we will only serve you with all that we are. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Romans 15:14-21
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98
Gospel: Luke 16:1-8
Jesus said to his disciples, “A rich man had a steward who was reported to him for squandering his property. He summoned him and said, ‘What is this I hear about you? Prepare a full account of your stewardship, because you can no longer be my steward.’ The steward said to himself, ‘What shall I do, now that my master is taking the position of steward away from me? I am not strong enough to dig and I am ashamed to beg. I know what I shall do so that, when I am removed from the stewardship, they may welcome me into their homes.’ He called in his master’s debtors one by one. To the first he said, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ He replied, ‘One hundred measures of olive oil.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note. Sit down and quickly write one for fifty.’ Then to another he said, ‘And you, how much do you owe?’ He replied, ‘One hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note; write one for eighty.’ And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently. For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation
than the children of light.” (Lk 16:1-8)
I remember that when my wife and I went on our honeymoon, we took a cruise and had a few stops in Mexico. We were told that when we got off the boat and went to the markets, that we should try and haggle with the dealers in order to get a better price. This was a strange new concept to me, because when I go to the store the price is always set. So out we went into the markets, and low and behold there we were trying to talk all the dealers down in price. It was actually a lot of fun, especially since I couldn't go into my local grocery store and try and talk the cashier down in price. That little experience was a reminder to me that depending on where you are, it is important to realize that things work a certain way.
In today's gospel, we read about the dishonest servant. We read about how in his crisis, he prudently settled some accounts in order to better his position. He was actually commended by his master for this quick action. I think that this parable teaches us too that the world works in a certain way. We must understand how it works, if we are ever to function effectively in it. Now I am not saying that we should compromise our beliefs and our values, but we should learn how certain things are and how things go.
As Saint Paul says today, "Thus I aspire to proclaim the gospel not where Christ has already been named, so that I do not build on another's foundation, but as it is written: Those who have never been told of him shall see, and those who have never heard of him shall understand." I believe that if we are to effectively proclaim the gospel and to make an impact in this world, then we first need to have an understanding and awareness of how things work.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you bless us with. Lord, give us the wisdom and the courage to persevere in this world for you. Lord, we pray that your will be done in our lives and that we will only serve you with all that we are. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
11.05.2009
We are His
Readings for Thursday November 5, 2009
First Reading: Romans 14:7-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27
Gospel: Luke 15:1-10
“What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance. (Lk 15:4-7)
I remember when I was a young boy, and I decided one day that it would be fun to hide outside from my parents. After hiding for a little bit, I heard them looking for me. They were in the house calling out my name, they came outside calling out for me. They were frantically looking all over for me, little did they know that I was underneath the family truck having a delightful time over all the fuss about me. When my dad decided that he was going to drive around the neighborhood looking for me, that is when I decided to pop out and surprise both of my parents. Now, I can tell you in that instant they were so relieved to have found me and that I was okay. I am sure that the little incident nearly gave them a heart attack and took several years off of their life. I am sure that one day my daughter will repay me from this little stunt.
As I read today's gospel, I thought of that time when I hid and how much my own parents lived me so much that they were frantically searching for me and when they did find me, how much rejoicing their was. Isn't it amazing that we all have a Father in heaven who loves us so much that whenever we are lost He will come to find us? Whenever we veer off the path, or lose our way, there God is to come and pick us back up and lead us to the right path again. As the gospels tell us today that when someone is back on the path towards heaven, their is great rejoicing in heaven.
So why does God pour out so much love and mercy towards us? Why does He search so diligently for us? The answer is simply because we are His. Saint Paul tells us today, "For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we dies, we die for the Lord; so then whether we live or dies, we are the Lord's." (Rom 14:8)
We are all God's children, and like any good parent when His children are lost or hiding, He will go to find them. And when they are found, there will be great rejoicing!
Father above, we thank you and give you praise for the gift of this day. Lord, help us to do your will, to sacrifice the things that we think that we want to to be obedient to your will. Lord, give us the courage and the strength to go out and serve you in this life. Lord, we thank you for all that you bless us with. We pray for all those who are lost and in need of conversion. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Romans 14:7-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27
Gospel: Luke 15:1-10
“What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance. (Lk 15:4-7)
I remember when I was a young boy, and I decided one day that it would be fun to hide outside from my parents. After hiding for a little bit, I heard them looking for me. They were in the house calling out my name, they came outside calling out for me. They were frantically looking all over for me, little did they know that I was underneath the family truck having a delightful time over all the fuss about me. When my dad decided that he was going to drive around the neighborhood looking for me, that is when I decided to pop out and surprise both of my parents. Now, I can tell you in that instant they were so relieved to have found me and that I was okay. I am sure that the little incident nearly gave them a heart attack and took several years off of their life. I am sure that one day my daughter will repay me from this little stunt.
As I read today's gospel, I thought of that time when I hid and how much my own parents lived me so much that they were frantically searching for me and when they did find me, how much rejoicing their was. Isn't it amazing that we all have a Father in heaven who loves us so much that whenever we are lost He will come to find us? Whenever we veer off the path, or lose our way, there God is to come and pick us back up and lead us to the right path again. As the gospels tell us today that when someone is back on the path towards heaven, their is great rejoicing in heaven.
So why does God pour out so much love and mercy towards us? Why does He search so diligently for us? The answer is simply because we are His. Saint Paul tells us today, "For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we dies, we die for the Lord; so then whether we live or dies, we are the Lord's." (Rom 14:8)
We are all God's children, and like any good parent when His children are lost or hiding, He will go to find them. And when they are found, there will be great rejoicing!
Father above, we thank you and give you praise for the gift of this day. Lord, help us to do your will, to sacrifice the things that we think that we want to to be obedient to your will. Lord, give us the courage and the strength to go out and serve you in this life. Lord, we thank you for all that you bless us with. We pray for all those who are lost and in need of conversion. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
11.04.2009
Direction of Love
Readings for Wednesday November 4, 2009
First Reading: Romans 13:8-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 112
Gospel: Luke 14:25-33
Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, You shall not commit adultery; you shall not kill; you shall not steal; you shall not covet, and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this saying, namely, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law. (Rom 13:8-10)
In this journey of life, it can be very easy to become confused on how we should live our life. Some things for us are very clearly right or wrong. Stealing a car, definitely wrong. Helping someone pick up some dropped items, right. But not everything in life is as clear cut. Some things fall into that awful gray area, where it is not so clear whether it is right or wrong. So what is it that should guide us in our decision making? Wouldn't it be great to have a compass that actually pointed the way for us? A clear direction of which we are always meant to go? The truth is that we do always have a direction, and it is not north or south, but rather we are always meant to go in the direction of love.
Saint Paul tells us today that it is love that fulfills all the commandments, since love does no evil. I think that we should all remember that we are called to love. We are called to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength; and our neighbor as our self. While things in life can get very confusing, and those gray areas seem to always pop up, we must remember that the best thing, and the right thing to do is to choose to love. I think that love is not only the right choice, but it is also the choice that will lead us to a greater joy and peace in our life.
When we love, we are to hold back nothing. Jesus makes it clear today that we cannot be holding onto any worldly thing that would prevent us from giving of ourselves completely. We must let go of our possessions and surrender completely to Him. It will be hard, and it will certainly involve carrying a cross. By doing these things then we can love freely and completely as we are called to.
May we all choose the direction of love, this day and all days.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you have given to us, we do not deserve all the love that you pour out to us every second of every day, but we praise you for your abundant love and mercy. Lord, words cannot ever give you complete thanks, and no action or deed can completely show our gratitude; we pray we can just spend our lives carrying our crosses and serving you while holding nothing back. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Romans 13:8-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 112
Gospel: Luke 14:25-33
Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, You shall not commit adultery; you shall not kill; you shall not steal; you shall not covet, and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this saying, namely, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law. (Rom 13:8-10)
In this journey of life, it can be very easy to become confused on how we should live our life. Some things for us are very clearly right or wrong. Stealing a car, definitely wrong. Helping someone pick up some dropped items, right. But not everything in life is as clear cut. Some things fall into that awful gray area, where it is not so clear whether it is right or wrong. So what is it that should guide us in our decision making? Wouldn't it be great to have a compass that actually pointed the way for us? A clear direction of which we are always meant to go? The truth is that we do always have a direction, and it is not north or south, but rather we are always meant to go in the direction of love.
Saint Paul tells us today that it is love that fulfills all the commandments, since love does no evil. I think that we should all remember that we are called to love. We are called to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength; and our neighbor as our self. While things in life can get very confusing, and those gray areas seem to always pop up, we must remember that the best thing, and the right thing to do is to choose to love. I think that love is not only the right choice, but it is also the choice that will lead us to a greater joy and peace in our life.
When we love, we are to hold back nothing. Jesus makes it clear today that we cannot be holding onto any worldly thing that would prevent us from giving of ourselves completely. We must let go of our possessions and surrender completely to Him. It will be hard, and it will certainly involve carrying a cross. By doing these things then we can love freely and completely as we are called to.
May we all choose the direction of love, this day and all days.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you have given to us, we do not deserve all the love that you pour out to us every second of every day, but we praise you for your abundant love and mercy. Lord, words cannot ever give you complete thanks, and no action or deed can completely show our gratitude; we pray we can just spend our lives carrying our crosses and serving you while holding nothing back. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
11.03.2009
Our Gifts
Readings for Tuesday November 3, 2009
First Reading: Romans 12:5-16
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 131
Gospel: Luke 14:15-24
Brothers and sisters: We, though many, are one Body in Christ and individually parts of one another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them: if prophecy, in proportion to the faith; if ministry, in ministering; if one is a teacher, in teaching; if one exhorts, in exhortation; if one contributes, in generosity; if one is over others, with diligence; if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. (Rom 12:5-8)
In his letter to the Romans, Saint Paul talks about how together we are the body, but as well we are individuals and therefore different parts of the same body. By being different, we must remember that God gives each of us different gifts and talents in this life. We may spend our whole life wishing we had other gifts, and by doing this we may neglect or be blind to the gifts that God has given us. If God gave each of us a specific grace, I think one of the saddest things that we could do is never use it, or waste the great gifts that God has given us. We need to remember that using our gifts and talents in the world is not only to help us find fulfillment in this world, it is also to help build up the body and God's kingdom.
Today, let us not only reflect on what our own gifts and talents are, and how we can use those to build up the body; but let us also reflect on how we should use our gifts and talents in the world. Saint Paul goes on to tell us how we should act in this world and how we can build up the kingdom of God:
Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good;
love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor.
Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.
Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. (Rom 12:9-16)
Today, let us honor God in all that we do and seek to do the work that we are called to here on earth with a humble servants heart.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, we praise you and thank you so much for all that you have given us and for all that you bless us with. Lord, help us to realize the talents that you have given us and to use those talents to do your good work here on earth. Lord, help us to let go of our will and surrender to your will. you alone know what is best and what is good for us, help us to abandon these worldly things and cling to you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Romans 12:5-16
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 131
Gospel: Luke 14:15-24
Brothers and sisters: We, though many, are one Body in Christ and individually parts of one another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them: if prophecy, in proportion to the faith; if ministry, in ministering; if one is a teacher, in teaching; if one exhorts, in exhortation; if one contributes, in generosity; if one is over others, with diligence; if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. (Rom 12:5-8)
In his letter to the Romans, Saint Paul talks about how together we are the body, but as well we are individuals and therefore different parts of the same body. By being different, we must remember that God gives each of us different gifts and talents in this life. We may spend our whole life wishing we had other gifts, and by doing this we may neglect or be blind to the gifts that God has given us. If God gave each of us a specific grace, I think one of the saddest things that we could do is never use it, or waste the great gifts that God has given us. We need to remember that using our gifts and talents in the world is not only to help us find fulfillment in this world, it is also to help build up the body and God's kingdom.
Today, let us not only reflect on what our own gifts and talents are, and how we can use those to build up the body; but let us also reflect on how we should use our gifts and talents in the world. Saint Paul goes on to tell us how we should act in this world and how we can build up the kingdom of God:
Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good;
love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor.
Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.
Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. (Rom 12:9-16)
Today, let us honor God in all that we do and seek to do the work that we are called to here on earth with a humble servants heart.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, we praise you and thank you so much for all that you have given us and for all that you bless us with. Lord, help us to realize the talents that you have given us and to use those talents to do your good work here on earth. Lord, help us to let go of our will and surrender to your will. you alone know what is best and what is good for us, help us to abandon these worldly things and cling to you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
11.02.2009
All Souls Accepted
Readings for Monday November 2, 2009
The Commemoration of All the Fatihful Departed (All Souls)
First Reading: Wisdom 3:1-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23
Second Reading: Romans 5:5-11 or 6:3-9
Gospel: John 6:37-40
Jesus said to the crowds: “Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me, because I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me. And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.” (Jn 6:37-40)
Imagine that you show up to a very elegant and fancy party. There is a line, and the person at the door is checking names. Everyone is trying to get in, and everyone in line seems to be on the list. As you get closer to the front of the line, you begin getting kind of nervous, you didn't send in any RSVP for this party, and you certainly don't remember an invitation. You finally come face to face with the door man, and he asks you your name, you hesitate nervously for a second, then finally give him your last name. He gives you a little reassuring smile, then proceeds to check the list. "Ah yes, there you are, you may go right in" he says. A complete feeling of relief shoots across your entire body, and yet there is another great feelings that comes along right after ... acceptance!
Jesus tells us today that He will not reject anyone you comes to Him; basically everyone who comes to Him will be accepted, no matter what! That should make us all jump for great joy as our Lord takes everyone and does not blacklist anyone. Christ came to give us eternal life and a great hope that does not and will not disappoint us. If we are willing to come to Him, surrendering our life, willing to believe in and serve Him, then we are given the promise of eternal life in heaven. A true gift from a glorious and loving Father.
Today we remember all the faithful departed, all those souls who came to Christ and were accepted. I pray that we all may make the choice in life to choose Christ over the world, and one day join our departed brothers and sisters in heaven in the presence of our almighty God.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, you are so good and merciful to us, we just give you complete thanks and praise for all that we have and all that we are. Lord, help give us the strength and courage to follow you in this life and to always put your will above our own. Lord, we pray for all those souls in purgatory, and for the conversion of all the souls on earth. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Commemoration of All the Fatihful Departed (All Souls)
First Reading: Wisdom 3:1-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23
Second Reading: Romans 5:5-11 or 6:3-9
Gospel: John 6:37-40
Jesus said to the crowds: “Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me, because I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me. And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.” (Jn 6:37-40)
Imagine that you show up to a very elegant and fancy party. There is a line, and the person at the door is checking names. Everyone is trying to get in, and everyone in line seems to be on the list. As you get closer to the front of the line, you begin getting kind of nervous, you didn't send in any RSVP for this party, and you certainly don't remember an invitation. You finally come face to face with the door man, and he asks you your name, you hesitate nervously for a second, then finally give him your last name. He gives you a little reassuring smile, then proceeds to check the list. "Ah yes, there you are, you may go right in" he says. A complete feeling of relief shoots across your entire body, and yet there is another great feelings that comes along right after ... acceptance!
Jesus tells us today that He will not reject anyone you comes to Him; basically everyone who comes to Him will be accepted, no matter what! That should make us all jump for great joy as our Lord takes everyone and does not blacklist anyone. Christ came to give us eternal life and a great hope that does not and will not disappoint us. If we are willing to come to Him, surrendering our life, willing to believe in and serve Him, then we are given the promise of eternal life in heaven. A true gift from a glorious and loving Father.
Today we remember all the faithful departed, all those souls who came to Christ and were accepted. I pray that we all may make the choice in life to choose Christ over the world, and one day join our departed brothers and sisters in heaven in the presence of our almighty God.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, you are so good and merciful to us, we just give you complete thanks and praise for all that we have and all that we are. Lord, help give us the strength and courage to follow you in this life and to always put your will above our own. Lord, we pray for all those souls in purgatory, and for the conversion of all the souls on earth. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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