Olive 02.07.2023: Olive oil has a prominent role in the Catholic Church. When blessed by a bishop, it is the official oil used in the Anointing of the Sick and consecrating altars, churches and priests and bishops, and anointing catechumens at the Easter Vigil. Often it is mixed with balsam. Since olive trees grew in Israel, olive oil has a rich history in the Bible, such as used for anointing Kings as a sign they were chosen by God (1 Sam. 16:1), and used to sanctify priests and the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:9). And common olive oil is part of a heathy diet, even today.
Wound 02.06.2023: We all have wounds that we try to get unwound. Gandhi once said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service to others." In yesterday's First Reading, the Lord said this another way (Isaiah 58: 7-10), "Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked. Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall quickly be healed; and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard." Let's heal our wounds by our renewed purpose of serving others in need.
Touch 02.05.2023: In today's Gospel (Matthew 5:13-16), Jesus said to his disciples: "You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father." Therefore, let's stay salty and shiny, my friends, in everything that we do!
Blase 02.04.2023: Yesterday was the feast day of St. Blase (also spelled Blaise). Traditionally, Catholics have sought the annual St. Blase blessing for their throats for overall wellness. Blase was a physician and Bishop in Armenia, living until 316AD. A very popular Saint, he's had many cures attributed to him. Holding two candles in the shape of an “X”, a priest may place these under the chin of a person, saying the prayer: “Through the intercession of Saint Blase, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from every disease of the throat and from every other illness, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Amen.
Yield 02.03.2023: Jesus said in today's Alleluia (Luke 8:15), "Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance." But how do we know if our faith is yielding the right things? Mother Teresa gave us guidance of what is a good yield; she said, “The fruit of silence is prayer; the fruit of prayer is faith; the fruit of faith is love; the fruit of love is service; and the fruit of service is peace.” With each of these, then we'll know if our harvest of faith has a good yield. 😊
Again 02.02.2023: In the movie Groundhog's Day, the same day happens again and again. Feb. 2 also marks the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord when Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Moses. It was then in the Temple that Simeon was the first to understand and proclaim Jesus as the Savior of the World. As Christians, we proclaim again and again that Jesus Christ is our Savior; this is a daily repeat we're happy to experience.
Spark 02.01.2023: Deep inside each of us is the spark of the divine life. This eternal essence is the core of our being, a being made in the image and likeness of God. The word image comes from the Latin word “imagio” which means to imitate. So let us use that spark to then ignite into the light of Christ in our world. Let's be the spark of divine life in every situation in which we find ourselves and bring a glimpse of Heaven to Earth to make it better.
Touch 01.31.2023: In today's Gospel (Matthew 5:21-43), we hear about "A woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years; she had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd to touch his cloak. She said, 'If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured. Immediately she was healed of her affliction. Jesus said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has saved you.'" Henceforth, the Church has taught the power of relics: a piece of the body of a saint, an item owned or used by the saint, or an object which has been touched to the tomb of a saint. A relic is a physical link to a Saint, but importantly, it starts with faith.
Blest 01.30.2023: Blest is an older form of the word blessed (and it better fits the 5 letters 😊). Blest describes receiving God's provisions and favors--an extension of God's Grace. The earthly gifts we receive, such as success, health, comforts, desired outcomes, and the friendships we enjoy, etc. are all blessings from the Lord. These ought to be received with thanksgiving and praise, leading us to find joy as we glorify God through them. "Too blest to be stressed" is one way to remember to count our blessings.
Happy 01.29.2023: Beatitude comes from the Latin word "beatitudo," meaning happiness. The Eight Beatitudes (also meaning supreme happiness) in today's Gospel from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5) teach us Christ's ways of happiness. When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and began to teach them the counterintuitive, blessed ways of happiness--through poverty of spirit, clean of heart, mourning, meekness, merciful, peacemaking, and enduring persecution and insults for Christ. If we do this, Jesus says: "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven." Amen.
Quote 01.28.2023: On this feast day of St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), Doctor of the Church, let's enjoy just a few of his many helpful quotes. "To love is to will the good of the other." "The things that we love tell us what we are." "It is only God who creates--Man merely rearranges." "The soul is perfected by knowledge and virtue." "There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship." "Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally embracing you." Amen.
Titus 01.27.2023: Yesterday was the feast day of Saints Titus and Timothy, both friends and fellow missionaries of St. Paul who wrote them many Letters in the Bible. Titus was in charge of developing the Church on the island of Crete, a place Paul apparently never visited. Titus is seen as a peacemaker, administrator, great friend. When Paul was having trouble with Corinth, Titus delivered Paul’s severe letter and was successful in smoothing things out. Paul writes he was strengthened by the arrival of Titus. We see in these letters, there can always be problems of human nature and messy details of daily life, requiring charity and patience in “quarrels with others, fears within myself,” as Paul says. Through it all, the love of Christ sustained them.
Cycle 01.26.2023: Italian psychiatrist Roberto Assagioli gave an interesting quote about forgiving: "Without forgiveness, life is governed by an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation." St. Augustine added, "To withhold forgiveness is like taking poison and expecting the unforgiven to die." Jesus as well highlighted in the Lord's prayer: "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." Breaking the cycle of unforgiveness can be a very difficult thing for any human today, but with the Grace of God, we can each forgive, paving the way to better peace, cooperation, and joy.
Horse 01:25:2023: Today is the feast day of the Conversion of St. Paul. Italian painter Caravaggio created the famous painting "The Conversion of Saint Paul" around year 1600, dramatically depicting St. Paul having been knocked off high off his high horse, blinded by a vision of Jesus. (Acts Ch. 9) "On his [Paul] journey, as he was nearing Damascus, a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?'" For the next three days Paul, still blind, spent time in prayer and was led into Damascus where he was baptized and converted to be a follower of Jesus. How often do our profound realizations of our own faith in Christ come after we are knocked off our horses?
Sales 01.24.2023: Today is the feast day of St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622), a Bishop of Geneva, Switzerland, and Doctor of the Church. He gave spiritual direction to many people often through letters, making him the patron saint of Catholic writers. His most famous book, "Introduction to the Devout Life," was written for ordinary people (not just clergy/religious), calling everyone to holiness, even in the ordinary daily tasks of life. He preached that Christian marriage and family life is also a call to holiness. He said at any time of the day people could pray by: "Retiring at various times into the solitude of your own heart, even while outwardly engaged in discussions or transactions with others, and just talk to God." St. Francis, pray for us to help us write, even to be better wordle evangelists :).
Ought 01.23.2023: St. Pope John Paul II gave an important quote about freedom. He said: “America has always wanted to be a land of the free. Today, the challenge facing America is to find freedom’s fulfillment in the truth: the truth that is intrinsic to all human life being created in the image and likeness of God. Every generation of Americans needs to know that freedom consists not in doing anything we want, but in having the right to do what we ought. Our God-given freedom is a gift, given without cost or being earned. But that does not mean there are not responsibilities attached to this gift. I am free for a purpose, for a reason. That purpose is so that I can choose what is right and so that I can conform my life to the truth — the truths of the natural law and the truths God has revealed in Jesus Christ and His Catholic Church." Amen.
Shone 01.22.2023: In today's First Reading, we hear about the power on people's lives that the Lord has. (Isaiah 9:3) "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom--a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as people make merry when dividing spoils." Its that their lives were in chaos and now the light of Christ has "shone" everyone how much better we can be as a global community!
Chair 01.21.2023: The Chair of St. Peter--known as the Cathedra Petri (Latin, “Chair of Peter")--is located in the apse of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. It is in the back of the chamber, behind the famous altar, below the well-known stained glass image depicting the Holy Spirit as a dove. This display contains the ancient chair relic believed to have been used by St. Peter himself and has been repaired and ornamented over time. This relic commemorates Christ’s choosing Peter to sit in His place as the servant-authority of the whole Church.
Adopt 01.20.2023: What do Babe Ruth, Steve Jobs, Faith Hill, John Hancock, Nelson Mandela, Simone Biles, and millions of others have in common? They were each adopted. The Catholic Church not only approves of adoption, but in light of Pope John Paul II's 1995 encyclical Evangelium Vitae (“The Gospel of Life”), the Church emphatically encourages adoption. “To adopt a child is a great work of love. When it is done, much is given, but much is also received. It is a true exchange of gifts.” —St. John Paul II. May we encourage as many as we can to adopt children and promote life.
Henry 01.19.2023: St. Henry (972-1024) was an emperor who achieved sainthood. He came from a well educated, wealthy family, being named Duke of Bavaria upon his father's death in 995 and named King of Germany in 1002. Guided by his humility, daily prayer and deep Catholic Faith, he foremost sought the greater glory of God and welfare of the Church. He was named Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in 1014 by Pope Benedict VIII. He gave generously to the Church and had a spirit of justice and zeal for religion. Though he married, he died childless. St. Henry is the patron saint of the childless. On your feast day today, St. Henry, pray for us.
Throw 01.18.2023: During this month of charting new goals, we find inspiration in Ephesians 4:22-24, "you should throw away the old self of your former way of life, corrupted through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created in God’s way in righteousness and holiness of truth." This new self could be arranged around Christian virtues, such as charity, peace, forgiveness, optimism, and love. Let's see what amazing heaven on earth that each of us can create in our own circles, families, and communities.
Edify 01.17.2023: Edify means to build up. Edify means to encourage and uplift oneself or others intellectually, morally or spiritually, especially in ways that help each other to live our faith and be the best we can be. St. Paul says that we are to “let all things be done for edification” (1 Cor. 14:26), such as by the Word of God (Acts 20:32, Eph. 4:29) and by love (1 Cor. 8:1). The way we edify can range from the simple (positive comments or a smile) to the robust (intellectual reasoning); either way, let's edify each other as often as possible.
Smoke 01.16.2023: At Mass, smoke rising up from the burning incense symbolizes the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven. Psalm 141 says, "Let my prayer come like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice." Incense smoke also creates the ambiance of heaven. The Book of Revelation (8:3-4) describes the heavenly worship as: "Another angel came in holding a censer of gold. He was given large amounts of incense to deposit on the altar of gold in front of the throne, together with the prayers of all God's holy ones. From the angel's hand, the smoke of the incense went up before God, and with it the prayers of God's people." You could call it: "Holy smokes"
Dwelt 01.15.2023: In today's Alleluia before the Gospel at Mass, we are reminded of two of the most famous verses of the New Testament (John 1: 14, 12): "The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. To those who accepted Him, He gave power to become children of God." In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And may the Word always dwell within you (even long after Wordle may be gone :).
Naked 01.14.2023: Many advertisements use "naked" just to grab your attention. Instead, our Faith instructs us to renew our Faith through the Sacrament of Confession by first stripping down to the nakedness of our weaknesses. Today's Mass First Reading (Hebrews 4:13-16): "No creature is concealed from God, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must render an account. Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens (Jesus, the Son of God), let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help." Amen.
Wings 01.13.2023: It's the end of a long week. Its easy to feel weary. Its Friday the 13th no less, shouldn't we be reminded of our fears? No, the Bible reminds us that our Faith gives us wings instead of weary. In Isaiah 40:28-31: "Have you not heard? The LORD is God from of old, creator of the ends of the earth. He gives power to the faint, abundant strength to the weak. Though young men faint and grow weary, and youths stagger and fall, They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar on eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint." With your faith-filled wings, soar high this Friday the 13th! No fear for 13s superstitions!
Boost 01.12.2023: The inspirational verse for today is from 2 Peter 1:5-8, "For this very reason, make every effort to boost 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." Amen, these are all worthy steps toward being the best version of ourselves in 2023!
Basil 01.11.2023: St. Basil the Great (330-379AD), Feast Day on Jan 2, is the patron saint of those running hospitals. St. Basil had a very clear way of explaining what he expected of Christians. For example, he said. “When someone steals another's clothes, we call them a thief. Should we not give the same name to one who could clothe the naked and does not? The bread in your cupboard belongs to the hungry; the coat unused in your closet belongs to the one who needs it; the shoes rotting in your closet belong to the one who has no shoes.” Good points! Because of his great oratory skills, he is a Doctor of the Catholic Church.
Habit 01.10.2023: As we start the new year with new goals, let's think about habit. A habit is more than standard clothes of religious orders. A habit is a behavior that is difficult to change and that disposes a person to act either well or badly, either in oneself or in relations with others. Natural habits add to our nature by giving ease of performance, where the ease intensifies a habit and the habit facilitates the acts. Habits are acquired by constant repetition, and lost by disuse or contrary acts. Good moral habits are virtues; evil ones are vices. Let's make virtues our habits for the new year by repeating these daily during January.
Water 01.09.2023: Today is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord by John the Baptist. In the Gospel, Matthew 3:16-16, "After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” And Jesus later said (John 3:5), “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." Accordingly our baptism of water and blessing ourselves with Holy Water are vital.
Ruler 01.08.2023: Today at Mass, we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. The word "epiphany" means an intense personal revelation. "When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” (Matthew 2:1-6). May we follow our personal revelations of grace and let the good teachings of Christ rule our hearts.
Allow 01.07.2023: On April 18, 2005, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected the 264th successor of Saint Peter and chose the name Benedict XVI. He said, "If we allow the love of Christ to change our heart, then we can change the world. This is the secret of authentic happiness." He also said, "The ways of the Lord are not easy, but we were not created for an easy life, but for great things, for goodness." Another of his quotes is: "The Cross reminds us that there is no true love without suffering, there is no gift of life without pain." Pope Benedict XVI (1927-2022), may he rest in peace.
Kings 01.06.2023: The Epiphany, or Three Kings’ Day, is commonly celebrated as the last of the Twelve Days of Christmas. The Magi are memorialized with special pastries in many countries, often with a toy Baby Jesus hidden inside. Having left a bowl of water and some grass or other vegetation for the Magi’s camels the night before, children awaken to small gifts in their shoes in honor of the Magi’s gifts to the infant. Even such worldly kings recognized who Christ the King is.
Point 01.05.2023: We've made it to the end of the 12 days! On this 12th day of Christmas, the 12 Drummers drumming represent the 12-point Apostle's Creed. Summarized as: 1. Believe in God, 2. Believe in Jesus. 3. He was conceived by Holy Spirit and born of Virgin Mary. 4. He was crucified, died, and was buried. 5. He descended into hell and rose again. 6. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God. 7. He will come again to judge, 8. Believe in the Holy Spirit, 9. holy Catholic Church, communion of saints, 10. forgiveness of sins, 11. resurrection of the body, 12. life everlasting. Hopefully everyone enjoyed their Christmas season!
Loyal 01.04.2023: On this 11th day of Christmas, the 11 Pipers Piping represent the 11 loyal apostles. These 11 are: Peter; John; James; Andrew; Philip; Thomas; Bartholomew; Matthew; James, son of Alphaeus; Simon, the Zealot; and Jude (Thaddeus), brother of James. Despite their positions of authority, the apostles lived as servants of the church, spiritual shepherds, and fellow members of the community. It is through the power of their apostolic succession that the Catholic Church can claim its authority today directly from the founding of the Church by Jesus Christ himself.
Shall 01.03.2023: On this 10th day of Christmas, the 10 Lords a leaping represents the Ten Commandments. These commandments, many using "shall" or "shall not," are a summary of "the conditions of a life freed from sin" (Catechism, 2057). They express the "law of love" regarding love of God and love of neighbor. However, the Ten Commandments are a description of the minimum that love requires. Let's go beyond the minimum and make the world a place of love for everyone.
Haste 01.02.2023: On this 9th day of Christmas, 9 Ladies Dancing represent the 9 Fruits of the Holy Spirit which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Those who are in Christ are gifted with the Holy Spirit, enabling them to bear such fruits. Therefore, we can spread the Gospel message like the the shepherds in yesterday's Gospel (Luke 2:16-18) who "went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, then they made known the message that had been told them about this child."
Smart 01.01.2023: Happy New Year 2023! On this 8th day of Christmas and first day of 2023, let's start the new year off right with s.m.a.r.t. new year's resolution goals that are s=specific, m=measurable, a=achievable, r=realistic, and t=timely. There are so many areas in which to make these goals. Wherever our goals lead us, let's make these Christ-center and make them count, for a happy and healthy year and sharing generously with others, especially the underserved. May God bless each of you in 2023!
Gifts 12.31.2022: On this 7th day of Christmas, the seven swans a swimming represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. These are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. These seven gifts Catholics receive at their Sacrament of Confirmation. While its easy to be preoccupied with gathering gifts for a New Year's celebration, let us be reminded of the priceless gifts of the Holy Spirit. We've made it to the end of the year (praise God), and may we be blessed in 2023. An early Happy New Year!
Maker 12.30.2022: On this 6th day of Christmas, the 6 geese a laying represent the six days of creation by our maker (God). On the sixth day of creation (Genesis 1:27-28), "God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them--male and female. God blessed them and said to them: Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all the living things that crawl on the earth." God saw that His creation is good and that human family creation is good, giving us the Holy Family (Feast Day today) to model our families.
Rings 12.29.2022: On this 5th day of Christmas, everyone sing at the top of their lungs: "Five golden rings!" :) These rings represent the Pentateuch--the first five books of the Old Testament, which are (1) Genesis, (2) Exodus, (3) Leviticus, (4) Numbers, and (5) Deuteronomy. These books are partly historical and partly legal, tracing the history from Creation through Exodus to the death of Moses, while also containing the Laws of Moses.
North 12.28.2022: On this Fourth Day of Christmas, the "Four Calling Birds" represent the Four Gospels. The 3 Wise Men followed the Star of Bethlehem, guiding them to the Infant Jesus. May our "North Star" of direction in life be the Four Gospels--the teachings of Christ.
Myrrh 12.27.2022: On this 3rd day of Christmas, the 3 French Hens symbolize the Catholic Theological Virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity. Interesting, the 3 Wise Men from the East would bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh representing royalty, divinity, and suffering, respectively. Myrrh's symbolism of suffering is what Christ would have to face as He conquered sin. When we are faced with suffering in this life, the virtues of faith, hope, and charity are supernatural in nature because they bestow on us the capacity to live in relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These can help us through sufferings, by working together, and in prayer with Christ.
Doves 12.26.2022: Catholics celebrate 12 days of Christmas--not just one. And the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" was written in England as one of the "catechism songs" to help young Catholics learn the faith - a memory aid, when in the 1500s to be caught with any writings on the Catholic faith could be cause for imprisonment. The song's "gifts" are hidden meanings to the teachings of the faith. The "true love" mentioned in the song refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ. On the 2nd day of Christmas, 2 Turtle Doves refers to The Old and New Testament.
Birth 12.25.2022: Rejoice! Today is the anniversary of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ!! When The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus Christ, eternal God and Son of the eternal Father, desiring to consecrate the world by his most loving presence, was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and when nine months had passed since his conception, was born of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem of Judah, and was made man: The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh. Praise be to God! Merry Christmas!
Merry 12.24.2022: "Merry" Christmas became a popular Christmas expression in 1843 with the publication of Charles Dickens' "Christmas Carol." That same year the phrase also appeared on the first commercially-sold Christmas card. The day before Christmas is widely observed as a full or partial holiday in anticipation of the birth of Jesus. Celebrations throughout Christendom have a tradition of starting on the evening of December 24 due to the liturgical day starting at sunset the previous day, a practice inherited from the Jewish tradition. Here's to hoping everyone is preparing for a Merry Christmas!
Flame 12.23.2022: Catholic Christmas tradition includes the Christ candle: Any large white candle can be used for the Christ candle. The idea is to decorate it with symbols for Christ. The candle's flame is lit on Christmas Eve to show that the Light of the World has arrived. Then continue to light the Christ candle throughout the year at Sunday dinner to remind you and your family of our waiting for Christ, as well as celebrating His birth and Resurrection.
Carol 12.22.2022: In 1223, St. Francis of Assisi introduced the Christmas carol into the formal worship of the church during a Christmas midnight Mass in a cave in Greccio, in the province of Umbria, Italy. That night, the songs and music that accompanied this sacred and formal event were not hymns but carols. Ever since then, carols have caught on. Today, carol singing has become an important part of the Christmas season, especially on Christmas Eve. Several popular, religious Christmas carols followed, such as "Silent Night," "Joy to the World," and "What Child is this." What's your favorite Christmas carol?
Spend 12.21.2022: As we approach Christmas, there might be an urge to spend, spend, spend in attempts to find the perfect gift(s). However, this can spin out of control. As Catholics, we are reminded of a different type of spend: spending time in prayer with Christ. It is in prayer, whether this is alone or in Mass or at Eucharistic Adoration or on the way to the store, that Jesus can help us keep our priorities in proper order. Its is good to give gifts to loved ones or to those who are forgotten. But the gift of grace from God is the best!
Straw 12.20.2022: With the Nativity Scene in place, preparing the empty, wooden manger is preparing a soft bedding of straw for the Christ Child. Each day, straw can be added to the manger as tokens of prayers and good works performed through the penitential season of Advent. This was originally a French custom that quickly spread to other countries. Every night each child is allowed to place in the crib one straw for each act of devotion, good work or sacrifice performed. Thus the Christ Child, coming on Christmas Day, finds an ample supply of tender straw to keep Him warm and comfy.
Scene 12.19.2022: The Nativity Scene, also called a creche, is a tradition dating to Saint Francis of Assisi, who is credited with with creating the first live nativity scene in 1223 as a way to make public worship of Jesus part of the Christmas season. The recreation of the birth of Christ, featuring people dressed as Mary, Joseph and the shepherds, was meant to bring the Bible to life for a population of believers. These re-creations are featured in churches and homes around the world today. Typically the manger is kept empty and only filled with the baby Jesus on Christmas Day and thereafter.
Signs 12.18.2022: Things are not always what they seem to be, therefore Christians must read the signs of the times. In Isaiah 7:10-14 in today's Mass we hear, "The LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying: Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son,and shall name him Emmanuel." Rejoice! This was the sign that the Kingship of the Lord would become a l iving Man. Later Our Lord would die to redeem our sins. May we read the signs of the times for when He will return.
Bless 12.17.2022: In bestowing His own blessing, God declares His goodness. We in turn bless God by praising Him, thanking Him for all of His benefits, and offering to Him our service, adoration, and worship. When we invoke God’s blessing, we implore His divine beneficence, trusting that He will respond to our needs. Thank the Lord for all the ways He blesses us! Amen!
Plead 12.16.2022: After a person gives thanks, then prays, then waits, then drops to his/her knees, and looks up to Heaven (Caeli), the next thing we could do during prayer is plead! A person may plead to Heaven for what he/she wants or needs! We let God know how important something is in our life, how much our heart desires such, and how we've discerned that such is good and aligned with our being a force for good to build up the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. After all such prayer, all such preparation, all such perseverance, we must then submit our lives to God's Plan. Let God's Will be done. Amen.
Caeli 12.15.2022: Caeli means "Heaven" in latin. The universal language of the Catholic Church is latin which carries the common meaning throughout the world. The first line of Apostle's creed: "Credo in Deum Patrem omnipotentem, creatorem caeli et terrae." The first line of The Lord's Prayer: "Pater Noster, qui es in caelis." The first line of The Regina Caeli (Queen of Heaven): "Regína caeli laetare, alleluia." And may we all someday be united in Caeli, amen.
Knees 12.14.2022: Praying on our knees is a sign of humility and reverence. Catholics kneel at Mass during the Eucharistic Prayer when the Eucharist is transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ. In Ephesians 3:14 St. Paul says, “I kneel before the Father,” and in Acts 9:40 St. Peter “knelt down and prayed.” For example, some pilgrims will "walk on their knees" to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Also, today is the Feast day of St. John of the Cross (1542-1591) who was so devoted to Our Lady that he chose the order of Carmelites and recited the Office of Our Lady each day, on his knees. He was also devoted to Christ on the Cross. Pray for us.
Waits 12.13.2022: Instant gratification always seems better than the long game. But patience is a virtue and good things come to the person who waits. In Sunday's 2nd reading, St. James reinforces this (James 5:7-11): "Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm. Indeed we call blessed those who have persevered." Amen, may we persevere until the end.
Roses 12.12.2022: When the Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego at Tepeyac Hill (Mexico City) in 1531, She asked him to have the bishop build a church at that site. The bishop demanded a sign from the Lady. In response, the Lady directed Juan to gather some roses in his tilma to bring to the bishop. When Juan opened his tilma, he found that his cloak had miraculously acquired an image of the Virgin Mary. This event brought about the conversion of 9 million indigenous people to Catholicism. Today, the tilma is still intact and venerated at the "Basilica of Guadalupe" built on this site. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.
Bloom 12.11.2022: In today's Mass 1st reading (Isaiah 35), we hear about the transformation of Christ bringing us out of our deserts. "The desert and the parched land will exult; They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song. Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing." With Christ and with our right attitude and right focus, we are empowered to bloom--when our flower is at its fullest and brightest!
Diego 12.10.2022: Yesterday was the feast day of St. Juan Diego (1474-1548 ), named Cuauhtlatoatzin at birth, a native to Mexico. He became the first Roman Catholic indigenous saint from the Americas and patron saint of Indigenous people. When a group of 12 Franciscan missionaries arrived in Mexico in 1524, Diego and his wife were among the first baptized Catholic in the region. On Dec. 9, 1531 (491 years ago), he received the vision of Our Lady of Guadalupe who left a miraculous imprinted image of herself on his flower-filled cloak. Remaining perfectly preserved from 1531 to present time, this imprinted cloak is housed at the "Basilica of Guadalupe" in Mexico City, one of the world's most-visited Catholic shrines, helping millions convert to the Catholic Faith. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.
Popes 12.09.2022: Jesus said (Matthew 16:18-19), "And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” With that, Christ made St. Peter the first pope of the Catholic Church and there has been a direct line of succession ever since, with 266 popes total through Pope St. Francis today.
Pious 12.08.2022: On this Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, we are reminded of the perfect purity and pious of Mary. "No sin would touch her, so that she would be a fitting and worthy vessel of the Son of God. The Immaculate Conception does not refer to the virginal conception and the birth of Christ, but rather to Mary's being conceived without inheriting Original Sin." (US Catechism for Adults, 142-143). Today is a day to attend Mass and pray the Hail Mary.
Sugar 12.07.2022: We learn in Confirmation class that a good way to remember how to pray your reflective prayers is to follow the acronym "S.U.G.A.R.:" S=Sorrow where we are sorry for our sins and what we have failed to do to make the world better. U=Understanding of others' weaknesses which leads us to forgive others. G=Gratitude for the life, blessings and gifts & talents that God has given us. A=Asking God for what our petitions may be. R=Receiving the graces that God sends us. A helpful way of daily prayer that can make this life and the next life much sweeter!
Shoes 12.06.2022: On this Feast Day of St. Nicholas, remember to set your shoes out! Not just little shoes, but the biggest you have. :) St. Nicholas was a bishop in the city of Lycia, near modern day Turkey during the 4th century. Born to wealthy parents who died when he was young, St. Nicholas was known for his generosity and kindness, which gave rise to legends of miracles he performed for the poor and unhappy. Devotion to Nicholas then extended to all parts of Europe. His legendary habit of secret gift-giving gave rise to the tradition of Santa Claus. After the Blessed Virgin and Jesus, he is said to be the most pictured by Christian artists. Pray for us (and visit us :).
Padre 12.05.2022: Born 1887 in Italy, St. Padre Pio was an Italian priest who was known for his piety, charity, and preaching. When he was once hearing confessions, he felt pain in his hands and feet. He noticed the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, appearing on his hands and feet. The wounds smelled of roses, and although they continued to weep the rest of his life, they never became infected. Doctors who later examined the stigmata were amazed these perfectly round shape. Padre Pio became internationally famous. He was known to say, "Pray, hope and don't worry." He died Sept. 23, 1968. Pray for us.
River 12.04.2022: Today's Gospel at Mass reminds us of when John the Baptist appeared in the Bible, preaching and baptizing people in the Jordan River, including Jesus Christ himself. John said (Matthew 3:1-3), "'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!' Prophet Isaiah said John would be: 'A voice of one crying out in the desert, prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.'" Jesus is baptized as a symbol of giving His will up to His Father and the beginning of His earthly ministry. When Jesus comes up out of the water, John sees the Spirit of God descending like a dove upon Jesus.
Trent 12.03.2022: 469 years ago from tomorrow, the Council of Trent ended (lasted 1545-1553). It was one of the most important councils of the Church and addressed reforms needed at that time. Members redefined Roman Catholic doctrine and theology in ways that endured through much of today. Highlights included: Scripture and tradition are important sources of religious authority (as opposed to Scripture alone); individuals cannot interpret Scripture for themselves but must rely on the Church for Scriptural understanding; and the reassertion of the mediating role of clergy through the experience of the liturgy.
Final 12.02.2022: Here's another way to remember the grace of final perseverance. Father John Hardon wrote that observance of first Friday (today) of each month, encouraged by the Church, based on a promise made to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-90), that special favors such as the grace of final perseverance would be given to those who receive Holy Communion on nine successive first Fridays. May we be steadfast in grace and good through our final moments.
Built 12.01.2022: Jesus said in today's Gospel (Matthew 7: 24-25), “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock." That is the strength we are all looking for!
After 11.30.2022: On this feast day of St. Andrew, we read in today's Gospel about how Jesus called Andrew to be one of his first Apostles. "As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, 'Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.' At once they left their nets and followed him." St. Andrew is said to have spread the gospel in Turkey and Greece until he was eventually martyred on an X-shaped cross (choosing not to be worthy of an upright cross). We are reminded that when Jesus calls us for our mission, we follow after him.
Amity 11.29.2022: In today's 1st reading (Isaiah 11), the prophet describes what type of amity (peace & harmony) is possible in a world embracing the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: "Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid. The cow and the bear shall be neighbors. The baby shall play by the cobra’s den, and the child lay his hand on the adder’s lair. There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the LORD, as water covers the sea." What a wonderful world that we can make this world be!
Begin 11.28.2022: We begin the new Catholic Liturgical Year on the First Sunday of Advent then move to Christmas, Ordinary Time, Lent, Triduum (Three Days), Easter, Pentecost and Ordinary Time again, finishing with the feast of Christ the King (as we did last week). Notice that we are reading the Gospel of Matthew in this Year A of a 3 year cycle in which most of the Bible incorporated. The liturgical calendar's purpose is to celebrate and understand the life and mystery of Jesus Christ and the expectation of his return in glory.
Preps 11.27.2022: On this first day of Advent, the Gospel at Mass reminds us it is a time for preparation. Advent means "coming or arrival" of Jesus. Therefore we do our "preps:" this could be praying or receiving the Sacraments more often; going to Mass on week days; doing more acts of charity; making peace through forgiveness; and so forth. Jesus said (Matthew 24:44), "So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come." May we prepare for the birth of Our Lord and His 2nd coming at the end of time.
Watch 11.26.2022: On this last day of the Catholic liturgical year, during which the Church focuses on the end times readings, Jesus reminds us to keep watch. (Luke 21: 34-36) “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations.” May we be grateful for our blessings each day and strive to keep the faith each day as if its our last.
Enjoy 11.25.2022: During this Thanksgiving weekend, may everyone enjoy time with their family, away from the hustle and bustle of life. Every family home is called to be a "little church," even if some members drive you crazy some time. The family home can be a domestic church if it strives to be a community of virtues, grace, forgiveness, prayer, unselfish love, and Christian charity. We can enjoy our little slice of Heaven on earth through how we approach our family. Enjoy!
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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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