Thank 11.24.2022: As we give thanks to Our Lord today on Thanksgiving, let us remember the first Catholic Thanksgiving in North America. On September 8, 1565, Pedro Menéndez and 800 Spanish settlers founded St. Augustine (Florida). After they came ashore, they celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving on then the feast day of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Afterward, Menéndez provided a meal to which he invited the native Seloy tribe who occupied the area. The celebrant of the Mass was St. Augustine’s first pastor, Father Francisco Lopez. This historical event reminds us that Eucharist is a Greek word that literally means “thanksgiving." Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Unite 11.23.2022: On this day before Thanksgiving, as we might be travelling over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's/Grandfather's house we go, let us do whatever it takes to unite with our family and loved ones. This is a special time of year to give Glory to God and give thanks for all our blessings, especially the blessings of each other. As St. Paul says, (1 Corinthians 1:10), "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you perfectly unite in mind and thought." Amen.
Music 11.22.2022: Today is the feast day of St. Cecilia (died Nov. 22, 230AD) who is regarded as the patroness of music. She heard heavenly music in her heart when she was married, and is represented in art with an organ or organ-pipes in her hand. One of the most famous Roman saints, she sang to the Lord as she died. Officials exhumed her body in 1599 and found her to be incorrupt, the first of all incorrupt saints. May we think of her often, especially when we hear sweet music in Church. Pray for us, amen.
Crime 11.21.2022: In yesterday's Mass Gospel (Luke 25:35-43), "Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus. The 2nd criminal, however, rebuking him, said in reply, 'Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crime, but this man has done nothing criminal.' Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' Jesus replied to him, 'Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.'" This is an amazing example of contrition near death that saved the once criminal.
Crown 11.20.2022: Today is the Solemnity of Christ the King. The Catholic Church reminds us to crown Christ as our King so that we may prioritize all of Christ's teachings in our lives and focus on leading a life of virtue and giving to others. This feast day was instituted in 1925 by Pope Pius XI in response to the increasing secularization and nationalism in the aftermath of World War I. With Christ the King at the center of our lives, then may we bring good to all things we do.
Chain 11.19.2022: Advent starts on November 27th this year. A fun way to count down the days of Advent until Christmas is the Advent Chain. One example can be found at TheCatholicKid.com. These are cut out strips of paper, each with a Bible verse helping to prepare our hearts for Christ's birth, that can be linked into an Advent Chain. Hang these in a special place. An exciting time of the year!
Worry 11.18.2022: Mark Twain said, “I've had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.” What did Jesus say about worrying: (Matthew 6:25-34), “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? But seek first His Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself." Those are encouraging words to live by. 😊
Omega 11.17.2022: Research shows that Omega-3 fatty acid nutrients are good for your health. But when Christ said, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end," (Revelation 22:13) He was referring to Omega as the eternity. Christ calls us to our potential eternal destiny in Heaven by doing all that Christ said for us to do. May we pray that our departed loved ones be united with Christ in Heaven for eternity, and may this also be our eternal destiny. The best Omega 3 is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! 😊
Pange 11.16.2022: The hymn "Pange Lingua Gloriosi" (Latin for "Sing, my tongue, the Savior's glory") was written by St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. This hymn is considered the most beautiful of Aquinas' hymns and one of the great seven hymns of the Church. This hymn is also used on Holy Thursday. The last two stanzas make up the Tantum Ergo that is used at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
Races 11.15.2022: Bible races is a fun game to play at Confirmation Class, Bible Study, etc. Ready, set, go--race to be the first person to find the verse in the Bible (and start reading it). With 27 books in the New Testament and 46 books in the Old Testament (many with obscure names), Bible races is a good way to learn the books of the Bible. A winning prize gives extra incentive, but reading the inspired word of God in the Bible is incentive enough!
Saved 11.14.2022: In these closing weeks of the Liturgical Year, the Catholic Church focuses on the end times during Mass readings. However, we are given hope in today's Gospel about who can be saved for eternal life in Heaven; Jesus told the blind man, “'Have sight; your faith has saved you.' He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God." (Luke 18:42-43) According to the Church, it is through our Faith in Jesus Christ and following everything Christ commanded us to do that we can be saved.
Times 11.13.2022: We are at the end of this liturgical year in the Catholic Church and today's Mass readings discuss the end times in Luke 21: “All that you see here—the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand. Be vigilant at all times and pray." We pray that we may be united with Christ in Heaven at the end times. Amen.
Miter 11.12.2022: The miter (or mitre, meaning crown) is the pointed headwear worn only by the pope, cardinals, and bishops. Likely of Roman origin, the miter is believed to have been worn as early as the eighth century. By around 1100 A.D., the custom of wearing the miter was common among bishops. It is a sign of a bishop's authority--the good shepherd--over his Diocese. Since the Catholic Church is a visible church, its clear who the bishop is when he wears his miter.
Gives 11.11.2022: Today is Veterans Day in the U.S. when we honor each veteran who gives so much to us and our security and freedoms. In John 11:15, Jesus said, "I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and that your joy might be complete. No one has greater love than this: to lay down one's life for one's friend." Our veterans show this sacrificial love toward us, and, thus, we salute them and love them and strive to give the same.
Blind 11.10.2022: In today's Responsorial Psalm 146 at Mass, we are reminded "The Lord gives sight to the blind. Blessed is he whose help is God." So often what we need to see and understand can be in front of us in clear sight. May the Lord help us to see what we are blind to seeing and help us to understand what we have yet to understand. These are possible through the Grace of God. Amen.
Alpha 11.9.2022: Christ said, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." (Revelation 22:13) This identification of Christ with the first and last letter of the Greek alphabet signifies wholeness and eternity. It says to us that Christ is our origin and potential destiny. May we seek to spend eternity in union with Christ in Heaven. Amen.
Elect 11.8.2022: Today is national election day in the U.S. We are blessed to live in a democracy where we may elect representatives who promise to uphold our principles. This election is very special for those just turning age 18 and having their first opportunity to vote. While there are many important issues that may sway our votes, may we always vote to uphold our religious freedoms above all else.
Seven 11.7.2022: On this 7th day of November, we are reminded in Catholic teaching that the number "seven" symbolizes perfection. For example, that's why there are Seven Sacraments, Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit in Confirmation, seven deadly sins, seven joys, and seven sorrows of Our Lady. In today's Gospel reading (Luke 17:3-4), Jesus reminds us to be perfect in our forgiveness of others when he says, "If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, 'I am sorry,' you should forgive him."
Spark 11.6.2022: What causes us to have a renewed spark of interest in our Faith? It could be an evangelist we hear on a podcast. It could be something we experience, good or bad. It could be a friend (or former foe) whose virtue and kindness touches our hearts. Whatever seems like the spark that ignites our Faith (and certainly they help) comes from grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. He lights the spark; we just have to receive it and let the flames of Faith grow, abundantly.
Small 11.5.2022: In today's Mass' Gospel reading, Jesus reminds his disciples about how they gain trust: “I tell you, the person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones; and the person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones." (Luke 16: 10) This must be because the attitude of handling small matters will carry over into how a person deals with big matters. Let's show care in even the small things.
Crave 11.4.2022: Temptation is a recurring theme in the Bible. Naturally, we may crave desserts, instead of the desert, of foodie pleasures. First Fridays of the month are a Catholic tradition to fortify against temptations, by eating fish instead of meats, eating veggies over sweets. The three temptations which Christ experienced in the desert echo the temptations that Adam and Eve gave into at the Garden of Eden: eating forbidden food, false worship and testing God. The main difference, of course, is that Jesus prevailed, despite being tired, hungry and weary. May the grace of God help us to also be strong.
Robes 11.3.2022: In the first reading at Tuesday's All Saints Mass, Apostle John writes in the Book of Revelation that those seeing the Beatific Vision are those who are purified, symbolized with wearing "white robes," made possible by the death & resurrection of Christ: “Who are these wearing white robes, and where did they come from?” He said to me, “These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb." (Revelation 7:12-14)
Souls 11.2.2022: Today, Catholics commemorate "All Souls Day," as we pray for all the faithfully departed who may be in the process of purification in Purgatory. Revelations 21:27 says, "The treasure and wealth of the nations will be brought there [Heaven], but nothing unclean shall enter." We pray that all those who had lived seeking the Lord, but have since died, may finally arrive to be united with the Beatific Vision of God.
Saints 11.1.2022: May we go to Mass today for All Saints Day. A Saint is a person recognized by the Catholic Church for having heroic virtue who after death is believed to hold a privileged place with God in Heaven. Thus, Saints are considered role models and mentors who add their prayers in Heaven for us if we ask. Patron Saints of specific endeavors may be asked to pray for our specific goals. May each of our patron Saints pray for us.
Treat 10.31.2022: In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor All Saints. Just like Christmas Eve is celebrated before Christmas, All Hallows Eve (later called Halloween) is a vigil preparation to give honor to the Saints in Heaven and reflect on Christ’s triumph over sin and death. Over time, Halloween evolved to include trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, wearing costumes and eating treats 😊.
Manna 10.30.2022: Going to Mass today might remind you that Jesus said, (John 6:31-32) "Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” Manna was a foreshadowing for the Eucharist, infinitely better than any treat!
Forth 10.29.2022: As we plan our day, let's plan to go "forth" as we are reminded as Catholics to be proactive, not passive. At Mass, the priest says, "Go forth in peace to love and serve the world." John Ch. 15 proclaimed, "go forth and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain." As Jesus said, "Go forth and baptize all nations, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them all that I have taught you to do." On this day, let us go forth!
Simon 10.28.2022: Today, we celebrate two saints feast day together--Simon "the zealot" and Jude Thaddaeus, both of the original 12 Apostles. Both cousins of Christ. Not to be confused with Simon Peter or Judas of Iscariot, the traitor. Friends in life, these men went forth to preach the Gospel in Mesopotamia and Persia where they converted 10,000s to Christianity. Their martyred remains are preserved together in a crypt inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Pray for us.
Armor 10.27.2022: In today's Mass first reading, St. Paul speaks of faith in battle terms with vivid imagery. In Ephesians 6:10-15, he says, "Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the Gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all the flaming arrows of evil. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Amen, may our faith in God protect us.
Enter 10.26.2022: In today's gospel at Mass, Jesus said, "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough." (Luke 13:24) Jesus is saying that leading a life of virtue consistent with Heaven is very difficult to do, especially on our own. Instead, we ask for God to strengthen us through His graces which we seek through our prayers of petition and gratitude.
Hears 10.25.2022: The Lord hears the prayers of the faithful. Pray always and never lose hope. As Psalm 34 prays, "The Lord hears the cry of the poor. Blessed be the Lord! His praise shall be always in my mouth. I sought the LORD, and he answered me, delivered me from all my fears. This poor one cried out and the LORD heard, and from all his distress he saved him. and he rescues them from all their afflictions. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed." Amen. Lord, hear our prayers.
Fight 10.24.2022: In yesterday's Mass reading, St. Paul reflects at the end of his life how he had to fight to bring virtue over vice by spreading the Word of Christ. He says , "I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, for the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all might hear it. The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever." (2 Timothy 4:6-18). May we too keep the Faith.
Sweet 10.23.2022: Proverbs 24:13-14. "If you eat honey because it is good, if pure honey is sweet to your taste. Such is like wisdom to your soul. If you find it, you will have a future and your hope will not be cut off." The Book of Proverbs teaches that seeking wisdom above all things is a way of life, filled with obstacles. Discernment is required. Proverbs teaches that acquiring wisdom is both a human task and a divine gift. Therefore, pray during this lifelong journey to find sweet wisdom.
Carve 10.22.2022: During this pumpkin carving season, each person is reminded to carve out a niche for themselves in the Catholic community based on their gifts, talents, and interests. As the bible says (1 Corinthians 12:12-18) "As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body. An ear might say, 'Because I am not an eye I do not belong to the body,' it does not for this reason belong any less to the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? God placed the parts, each one of them, in the body as he intended."
Pacem 10.21.2022: Grant us peace, O Lord, or as we sing at Mass in Latin "Dona nobis pacem." As Saint Francis de Sales said: “Be at peace, then, put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations, and be reminded: ‘The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart has trusted in Him and I am helped. He is with me always."
Books 10.20.2022: Good things are learned from good books. The USCCB highlights that Catholic Bibles contains 73 books: 27 in New Testament and 46 in Old Testament, including books Tobit, Judith, 1 and 2 Maccabees, Wisdom, Sirach, and Baruch. The Church teaches all these 73 books to be inspired by the Holy Spirit. We should all read the Lord's books.
Vinci 10.19.2022: The best known Catholic art of Leonardo de Vinci (1452 - 1519) is the Last Supper whose replicas can be found in many Catholic's homes. He is also known for earlier paintings, The Annunciation, as well as the Madonna and Child. His paintings are said to be the most highly valued paintings even in the secular world. Timeless paintings of Jesus Christ are, of course, priceless.
Gents 10.18.2022: St. Luke the Apostle is the only Gentile of the 4 Gospel writers and wrote for Gentile Christians, (aka, the "gents" ;). He wrote more (27%) of the New Testament than any other, with His Gospel and Acts of the Apostles. There is a warmth to Luke’s writing as he emphasized mercy/joy and wrote more about Mary. Luke appears in Acts during Paul’s second journey, and is a faithful companion to Paul to Jerusalem and Rome. A physician, he's the patron saint of physicians.
Route 10.17.2022: The feast day of St. Ignatius of Antioch (died 108A.D.), this holy Bishop (a friend of Apostle John) was sentenced to death because he refused to renounce his Christian faith. He was taken under guard in a circuitous route from Syria to Rome to be martyred, but during the trip he wrote seven letters of encouragement, instruction and inspiration to Christians, emphasizing the primacy of the Eucharist. We can read these letters today and see what the Church taught in 100A.D. is the same as today. He is the first to call the universal Church "Catholic."
Every 10.16.2022: Go to Mass every Sunday and pray every day, just as Jesus told his disciples about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. (Luke 18:1). The Lord will hear those who pray. Pray when you're happy or sad. Pray when you have greatest success or failure. Pray when everyone loves you or not. Your relationship with the Lord will maintain you through the mountains and valleys of life.
Cheer 10.15.2022: A saint who is holy and spreads cheer, that is St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), whose feast day is today. She founded the Discalced Carmelites (discalced means no shoes) in Avila, Spain in 1562; her sisters were to be utterly poor, to fast, to mortify, and to pray intensely. But not to be gloomy, they all were to be more cheerful and sociable as they progressed in holiness. Due to her written masterpieces on the progress of the Christian soul toward God through prayer and contemplation, she was declared the first female Doctor of the Church 😊.
Norms 10.14.2022: Catechism 1789 says the conscience must follow 3 norms: (1) one may never do evil so that good may result from it; (2) the Golden Rule=do onto others as you would have them do to you; and (3) charity proceeds by way of respect for one's neighbor, but still not accepting as good something that is objectively evil. Such norms lead to clarify of a moral conscience to hear God's voice encouraging us to both do good and avoid evil.
Lucia 10.13.2022: Today is the 105th anniversary of the "Miracle of the Sun" of Our Lady of Fatima. The day when the sixth apparition of Our Lady occurred in Fatima, Portugal on Oct. 13, 1917 to three peasant children: Lucia Santos, Jacinto Marto and her brother Francisco. Over 70,000 people watched the sun "dance in the sky" on this day. Mary told the children to have processions in honor of her Immaculate Conception and to tell the faithful to do penance and pray the Rosary. Lucia became a Carmelite nun and lived to age 97, dying in 2005 on Feb. 13--the day of the month that the apparitions occurred.
Drawn 10.12.2022: What is the goal in life? Since God is love, we should work on our spiritual lives and resultant virtues in order to be drawn more each day into the deeper embrace of God’s love. This will help us become more conformed to God’s love—the supreme good over all other—and to have a fully meaningful life. In today's reading, St. Paul (Galatians 5: 22-23) says "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." With these outward fruits, then we know how much we're drawn into God's love.
Curia 10.11.2022: The Curia is the administrative and judicial offices through which the pope directs the operations of the global Catholic Church. Pope John XXIII, whose memorial day is today, spoke of the Curia as his right hand. The Curia departments perform their duties in the pope's name and with his authority for the good of the church and in the service of the sacred pastors. Just in case you were curious ;)
Night 10.10.2022: Night prayers are a good way to thank God for the blessing of each day and clear your conscience asking for forgiveness before you sleep. Since God is the Alpha and Omega, we should pray to him at the beginning and end of each day. Or, pray 7 times a day through the Divine Office, which goes back to St. Benedict (6th century), inspired by Psalm 119:164, "Seven times a day I praise you." Thus, the Divine Office contains seven prayers: Matins, Morning (Lauds), Terce, Sext, None, Vespers and Night (Compile). Either way, pray and have a good night.
Leper 10.9.2022: In today's Gospel reading (Luke 17:11-19), Jesus cures 10 lepers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, how many of us felt like lepers. Or feel like lepers during other times for other reasons. Who can we reach out to when we feel isolated and alone? We can always approach Jesus with a contrite heart just as we are, with all our sores, imperfections and blemishes. With Christ, we are never alone.
Heeds 10.8.2022: Today's Mass readings teach a unifying message for each who heeds the Word of God. First, St. Paul says (Gal 3:26) "For through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus." And this is coordinated with today's gospel where Jesus proclaims (Luke 11:28), "Blessed are all those who hear the word of God and observe it." May we heed together.
Meats 10.7.2022: Arby's may have the meats, but on first Friday's, Catholics have the fish! Jesus asks his disciples to deny themselves and take up their Cross (Matthew 16:24). Giving up meat is a simple way to practice self-denial in order to fortify ourselves against more serious temptations. It might also explain where the expression "holy mackerel" came from :)
Alive 10.6.2022: The Catholic Church has dedicated the month of October to Respect Life Month, a time in which we're called to reflect more deeply on the dignity of every human life. As Catholics, we are called to cherish, defend, and protect those who are most vulnerable, from conception to its natural death. God made us alive for His reason. May we cooperate with God's plan.
Reaps 10.5.2022: Christian virtue could be summarized simply: "Whoever sows sparingly, also reaps sparingly, and whoever sows generously also reaps generously." (2 Corinthians 9:6). This is the contradiction that might seem difficult to grasp--the more generous we are, the wealthier we become!
Friar 10.4.2022: Today's the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226), friar and founder of the Franciscan orders of Friars Minor. He is one of the most venerated saints in Catholic history. He is known for his absolute poverty, love of nature, and many inspiration quotes, such as: "Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received--only what you have given--a full heart, enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage."
Being 10.3.2022: In today's gospel, Jesus said to inherit eternal life, one must: “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10: 25-28) This may be called our "raison d'etre" = reason for being.
Flame 10.2.2022: In the 2nd reading of today's Mass, we are inspired to keep the flame of our faith strong so that we may persevere: "I remind you, to stir into flame the gift of God. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. (2 Timothy 1:6-8) As St. Francis of Assisi said: "All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the flame of a single candle."
Story 10.1.2022: "Story of a Soul," is the autobiography written during her last year by St. Thérèse of Lisieux (1873-1897; youngest Doctor of the Church) whose feast day is today. Dying from tuberculosis at age 24, she believed her life was really just beginning for God, promising to spend her heaven doing good on earth. Her final words were, “Oh, my God, I love you!” A Carmelite nun known as the "Little Flower," Thérèse modeled the little ways to do everyday things with great love. May we read her book and do little things with great love.
Wrote 9.30.2022: On this feast day of St. Jerome (342-420), let's remember the saint who wrote the first compilation of the Bible, translating it from original authors in Hebrew/other languages into Latin, commissioned so in 382 by Pope Damasus. Jerome's memorable quote is "Good, better, best. Never let it rest! 'Til your good is better and your better is best.'"
Named 9.29.2022: Angels are pure spirits who are frequently mentioned in the Bible. However, only three of the good angels are named: Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Today, we celebrate their feast day. Each of these archangels had a special mission. Michael protects by leading God's army to victory against the forces of evil. Gabriel announces Jesus' incarnation onto Mary. Raphael guides Tobit's son in the Book of Tobit. May we pray: "St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle."
Lauds 9.28.2022: In today's Responsorial Psalm, "Let my prayer come before you, Lord. With my morning prayer I wait upon you." (Psalm 88:14) One way to say your morning prayers is with the Lauds. The Lauds begins the Divine Office, which is the official set of prayers of the Catholic Church marking the hours of each day and sanctifying the day with prayer. It consists primarily of psalms supplemented by hymns, readings and other prayers and antiphons. A great way to start your day!
Least 9.27.2022: Today's feast day is for St. Vincent de Paul (1581-1660), a French Catholic priest who dedicated himself to serving the poor. His name and legacy continue today with many Catholic organizations serving the poor. Sunday's gospel reminded us of Jesus' teachings on helping the poor and being inclusive, "Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:40) May we serve the poorest among us with all our hearts.
Sight 9.26.2022: In yesterday's Mass, the Responsorial Psalm reminded us, "The Lord gives sight to the blind. The Lord lifts up those that are cast down." (Psalm 146:8) Just like we don't "see" a wordle clue until we think about it a different way, we need God's graces to understand the world around us. Sometimes it takes the humility of being cast down in order to understand what God's plan is for us. May we seek to "see" what God is asking of us.
Flour 9.25.2022: Only flour made out of wheat and plain water may be used to make the Catholic host. If anything else, such as sugar, salt, baking soda, honey, or nuts, is added to the mix then the bread is invalid and cannot be used for the Holy Eucharist of the Mass. As the Catholic hymn goes, "You satisfy the hungry heart with gifts of finest wheat. Come give to us, O saving Lord, the bread of life to eat."
Stoup 9.24.2022: A vessel that holds water near the entrance of a Catholic Church is called a stoup. People can also have a stoup at their house to contain holy water so that the house's inhabitants could cross themselves in the morning and make the sign of the cross over their beds at night.
Laugh 9.23.2022: Hopefully today is your day to laugh with joy and goodness in the fellowship of others. Today's First Reading says there should be a time to laugh: (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4) "There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every thing under the heavens. A time to be born, and a time to die; A time to weep, and a time to laugh."😊.
Yours 9.22.2022: Embrace your Catholic Faith each day to make it yours. As St. Peter said, "Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, virtue with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with devotion, devotion with mutual affection, mutual affection with love. If these are yours and increase in abundance, they will keep you from being idle or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1: 5-8)
Model 9.21.2022: We celebrate the feast day of Apostle Matthew, a Gospel author. A model of faith, St. Matthew repented and accepted the calling of Jesus despite having lived the dishonest life of financial gain through tax collecting. Pope Benedict in 2006 said that “With Matthew, sometimes those who seem to be the farthest from holiness can even become the model of the acceptance of God's mercy and divine inspiration." May we model Matthew's transformation by faith!
Korea 9.20.2022: Today, we remember a whole group of courageous Korean Christians—113 martyrs canonized together in 1984 by Pope John Paul II. Among them were Andrew Kim Taegon, a 21-year-old priest (first native born Korean priest); and Paul Chong Hasang, a 45-year-old seminarian. Some 10,000 Catholics were martyred for their faith before religious freedom was allowed in Korea in 1884. Today Korea has nearly 4 million Catholics.
Papal 9.19.2022: Papal relates to the pope--the leader of the Catholic Church. Papal infallibility does not mean that the pope can't commit a sin or say the wrong thing. It refers only to a very specific situation when the pope is making a solemn decree ex cathedra (or “from the official seat”) on a matter of faith or morals. Only one papal decree has ever invoked this kind of infallibility since it was first defined: Pius XII in 1950 declared the Assumption of Mary as a dogma of the Church.
Knows 9.18.2022: How do we know if we're following God's Will? St. Paul says that a person knows when the Holy Spirit is operating within you when you display the 9 fruits of the Holy Spirit, which are "love, joy, peace, patience (long suffering), kindness, generosity, fidelity, gentleness, self-control." (Galatians 5:22-23) Thus, may we pray: "Veni Sancte Spiritus," which is Latin for "Come, Holy Spirit."
Wager 9.17.2022 Wager is not today's word to encourage gambling. :) It refers to Pascal's Wager. French philosopher, Blaise Pascal (1623-1662), wrote that a rational person should believe in God: he argued, if God does not exist, such a person will have not much to lose, whereas if God does exist, he stands to receive infinite gains of eternity in Heaven and avoid infinite losses of eternity in Hell. Hence, a rational wager. However, our faith is about more than a rational bet: it is about transforming our hearts and minds to bring the love of Heaven to our world to make it infinitely better.
Focus 9.16.2022: On faith-filled Friday, may we focus on what Christ asked us to do, such as (Romans 12:10) "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." As many head back to college, let them know about F.O.C.U.S. = Fellowship of Catholic University Students. Founded 25 years ago and on over 100 campuses, the F.O.C.U.S. organization helps to evangelize the Catholic Faith at colleges through hosting bible studies and other fellowship events. Maintaining focus on your faith is important during all stages of life.
Bears 9.15.2022: A faithful Catholic bears many sorrows, some are very difficult, some are unexplainable. But we do this trusting in God's plan for us, knowing that God will be with us and strengthen us through it all. Today, we commemorate Our Lady of Sorrows, Mother Mary, who had to endure the 7 Sorrows in the Bible: (1) Prophecy of Simeon, (2) Flight to Egypt, (3) Loss of child Jesus in the temple, (4) seeing Jesus carry His cross, (5) Crucifixion of Jesus, (6) Holding Jesus at the foot of the cross after His death, and (7) Burial of Jesus. Through it all, Mary's faith never failed, showing us that steadfast faith bears good fruit. Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.
Dante 9.14.2022: Dante (Dante Alighieri) died on Sept. 14, 1321, so today remembers his life. His book "Divine Comedy" is one of the greatest works of medieval European literature. It describes a Christian vision of humankind’s temporal and eternal destiny. The story took the form of a journey through hell, purgatory, and paradise; his depiction of these inspired related works of art and literature, bridging between medieval to Renaissance Europe. If you haven't read it, give it a try!
Speak 9.13.2022: Today is the feast day of St. John Chrysostom (349-407), Catholic priest and Doctor of the Church. He was the early church's greatest preacher and speaker, earning the nickname "golden mouth." Even though his body was weak from stomach illnesses, his tongue was powerful. He said, "when I begin to speak, weariness disappears; when I begin to teach, fatigue too disappears." Some of his Mass sermons lasted up to 2 hours! 600 sermons and 200 letters survived to this day. He is the patron saint of speakers and orators.
Power 9.12.2022: Believe in the power of prayer through your faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. The bible says, (Luke 6:19) "Everyone in the crowd sought to touch Jesus because power came forth from Him and healed them all." Jesus told us (Matthew 7:7): "Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." Catholic tradition says prayer has four elements: (1) adoration/blessing, (2) contrition/repentance, (3) thanksgiving/gratitude, and (4) petition/intercession. Let us heed the power of prayer.
Above 9.11.2022: In Sunday's gospel, Jesus reminds us that we are to love God above all else, even other people and possessions. Jesus said (Luke 14:33), "In the same way, anyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple." Of course, Jesus wants us to have loved ones and good things in life we need. When we love God first, we become capable of loving others as they should be loved.
[First 175 days of CatholicWordle found on the next 2 tabs.]
Jesus 3.20.22: Long before wordle, "The Word" became flesh and dwelt among us. The founder of the Church, Jesus is God incarnate, meaning He was both fully true God and true man. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can come to God the Father, except through Jesus. Let's maintain our daily relationship with Jesus; we'll be glad we did 😊.
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