Thankful

And it came to pass, when he was ina certain city, behold a man full of leprosy, who seeing Jesus, and falling on his face, besought him, saying: Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And stretching forth his hand, he touched him, saying: I will. Be thou cleansed. And immediately the leprosy departed from him. And he charged him that he should tell no man, but, Go, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing according as Moses commanded, for a testimony to them. But the fame of him went abroad the more, and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities. And he retired into the desert, and prayed.
Luke 5:12-16 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father I think there are times when we too should lay ourselves at Jesus feet and ask for cleansing of the many sins that invade our souls. We are filled with leprosy in our dealings with people, often pointing our soiled and dirty fingers. Where is our testimony of being cleansed of the sins and ills that mar our bodies and souls. Do we change when say we are faith filled and give our lives as examples of God's grace. As your children dear Father we seek to live in your light, but if we are the children of evil then we will always seek to sin. Your sent your Son to bring us hope that we too can become clean from the sins that eat away at our bodies and souls.

The Spirit of the Lord

And Jesus returned in the power of the spirit, into Galilee, and the fame of him went out through the whole country. And he taught in their synagogues, and was magnified by all. And he came to Nazareth, where he was brought up: and he went into the synagogue, according to his custom, on the sabbath day; and he rose up to read. And the book of Isaias the prophet was delivered unto him. And as he unfolded the book, he found the place where it was written:

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. Wherefore he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, he hath sent me to heal the contrite of heart, To preach deliverance to the captives, and sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of reward.

And when he had folded the book, he restored it to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them: This day is fulfilled this scripture in your ears. And all gave testimony to him: and they wondered at the words of grace that proceeded from his mouth, and they said: Is not this the son of Joseph?
Luke 4:14-22 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father we can say Jesus truly did fulfill your will. What a blessing He is to you too and to us all. We revere your Holy Word and we love your Son for delivering us from sin. This reading reminds me of the many times when I open the Bible and come across a passage that would speak of your desire for me to live my life. The many times also I wouldn't understand because I didn't have my eyes or ears attuned to you. But your Son's testimony is solid proof of your love for us, for me. I treasure each moment of everyday when I can pray to you and give back to you what you so lovingly gave freely to me, your Son and your love. Thank you dear Father for this gift.

John's Mission

Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent Mass in the Morning


And Zachary his father was filled with the Holy Ghost; and he prophesied, saying: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; because he hath visited and wrought the redemption of his people: And hath raised up an horn of salvation to us, in the house of David his servant: As he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets, who are from the beginning: Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us: To perform mercy to our fathers, and to remember his holy testament, The oath, which he swore to Abraham our father, that he would grant to us, That being delivered from the hand of our enemies, we may serve him without fear, In holiness and justice before him, all our days. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways: To give knowledge of salvation to his people, unto the remission of their sins: Through the bowels of the mercy of our God, in which the Orient from on high hath visited us: To enlighten them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death: to direct our feet into the way of peace.
Luke 1:67-79 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father your sending us what we need most, your loving Son to guide our steps. You gave us a powerful prophet in John the Baptist to prepare the way for Him. So we would no longer sit in darkness but in the light of your Son. He came to teach us to repent of our sins so we would be open to your Son Jesus. He gives us a path to you, because our human natures need repentance and forgiveness for the way we live our lives. What a prophet John the Baptist was to lead us home. May we seek to reconcile our heart and souls to you dear Father, for you are the home we seek. Amen

Unable To Speak

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zachary, of the course of Abia; and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name Elizabeth. And they were both just before God, walking in all the commandments and justifications of the Lord without blame. And they had no son, for that Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years. And it came to pass, when he executed the priestly function in the order of his course before God, According to the custom of the priestly office, it was his lot to offer incense, going into the temple of the Lord. And all the multitude of the people was praying without, at the hour of incense. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing on the right side of the alter of incense. And Zachary seeing him, was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him: Fear not, Zachary, for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John: And thou shalt have joy and gladness, and many shall rejoice in his nativity. For he shall be great before the Lord; and shall drink no wine nor strong drink: and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And he shall convert many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias; that he may turn the hearts of the fathers unto the children, and the incredulous to the wisdom of the just, to prepare unto the Lord a perfect people. And Zachary said to the angel: Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years. And the angel answering, said to him: I am Gabriel, who stand before God: and am sent to speak to thee, and to bring thee these good tidings. And behold, thou shalt be dumb, and shalt not be able to speak until the day wherein these things shall come to pass, because thou hast not believed my words, which shall be fulfilled in their time. And the people were waiting for Zachary; and they wondered that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak to them: and they understood that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he made signs to them, and remained dumb. And it came to pass, after the days of his office were accomplished, he departed to his own house. And after those days, Elizabeth his wife conceived, and hid herself five months, saying: Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he hath had regard to take away my reproach among men.

Luke 1:5-25 (Douay-Rheimms Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father how often in my own life have I kept my mouth shut and not spoken of your goodness to others. Or witness a wrong and never spoke a word to correct it out of being afraid of being reprimanded or told to mind my own business. And some would say what does this have to do with today's reading. Well Zachary lost his voice when he didn't trust in the Angel Gabriel's words to him. Then I too wonder how often the Lord has trusted me with his Words and I have not spoken them, yet at times when the opportunity arises to speak I fall silent. And it is those times that the timing to speak is not right. Trusting in the Holy Spirit to guide my words when speaking of God's Word is a well thing to do. Zachary on the other hand was advanced in years and it made what the Angel Gabriel say harder to believe, in this I too had the same problem. Being in advanced age and receiving the presence of God in my own life when tales of these things happen to those who are young. But you dear Father have touched my life to understand the beauty of your Word. The truth of your Word is believable.

What has us Paralyzed?

Monday of the Second Week of Advent

And it came to pass on a certain day, as he sat teaching, that there were also Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, that were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judea and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was to heal them. And behold, men brought in a bed a man, who had the palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him. And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in, because of the multitude, they went up upon the roof, and let him down through the tiles with his bed into the midst before Jesus. Whose faith when he saw, he said: Man, thy sins are forgiven thee. And the scribes and Pharisees began to think, saying: Who is this who speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone? And when Jesus knew their thoughts, answering, he said to them: What is it you think in your hearts? Which is easier to say, Thy sins are forgiven thee; or to say, Arise and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say to thee, Arise, take up thy bed, and go into thy house. And immediately rising up before them, he took up the bed on which he lay; and he went away to his own house, glorifying God. And all were astonished; and they glorified God. And they were filled with fear, saying: We have seen wonderful things to day.
Luke 5:17-26 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father are we also as paralyzed as this man in the Gospel. I know I am at times, when sin paralyzes my soul from moving closer to you. And the same can be said of fear of the unknown. Yet your forgiveness is greater than fear and strengthening to our souls, where we are able to get up and walk free from the fear that kept us paralyzed. Your love brought healing, your forgiveness allowed me to get up and walk. How many in this world are afraid to walk in the light of your Son because of their fear of those who sin and those who are sinless for fear of their judgement. After all when we live in sin we have no conscience, we cause hurt, fear, anguish and we paralyze the soul to live. Jesus came to forgive and to heal what paralyzes the soul as he speaks of in this Gospel. Which is easier to say, you are forgiven or get up and walk. What has us paralyzed from doing God's will.

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

And in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. Who having heard, was troubled at his saying, and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the most High; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father; and he shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever. And of his kingdom there shall be no end. And Mary said to the angel: How shall this be done, because I know not man? And the angel answering, said to her: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And behold thy cousin Elizabeth, she also hath conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her that is called barren: Because no word shall be impossible with God. And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Luke 1:26-38 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father you gave to us a woman who has conquered many a hardened heart for love of you. The Gospel gives us an accounting of the visit that will give to us your Beloved Son. A woman who goes to the ends of the earth to give us a chance at life. She comes to us each day as a loving Mother, soothing our fears and also chastising us for our foolishness. Don't our own mothers do the same when we err and when we strive to do good. Just as you do for us when we go astray, you come to find us and bring us home to you where you teach us forgiveness. Our Mother is a model of perfection and her love for you dear Father is shown in how she said "YES," when you asked her to do your will and be the mother of your Son. When you ask us to do your will, we find all sorts of excuses don't we. And still we find our Mother in our midst trying to tell us to love you and do your will. Our Mother who loves us knows best.

Take Heed

And take heed to yourselves, lest perhaps your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and the cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly. For as a snare shall it come upon all that sit upon the face of the whole earth. Watch ye, therefore, praying at all times, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that are to come, and to stand before the Son of man.
Luke 21:34-36 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer

Dear Father I remember when I once did what you admonish us not to do. As a young person fresh out of school wanting to experience life and not really finding it but burying it in partying and having fun. Wasted days for sure. Living life in such a way does not prepare our souls for your coming, nor for the day when we go to our death and find which eternity we will spend it in. How easily the snares of the earth do capture us and take us away from you dear Father. There is truth in these words of yours that praying frees us when we pray from the heart. If I didn't go through this myself and find out the hard way I would have lived my life in better preparation. You still found me worthy and continue to love me even when I fall flat on my face. You pick me us so I can stand before your Son and proclaim my undying love to him. Thank you my Beloved.

Up on the Mountain Top

And when you shall see Jerusalem compassed about with an army; then know that the desolation thereof is at hand. Then let those who are in Judea, flee to the mountains; and those who are in the midst thereof, depart out: and those who are in the countries, not enter into it. For these are the days of vengeance, that all things may be fulfilled, that are written. But woe to them that are with child, and give suck in those days; for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword; and shall be led away captives into all nations; and Jerusalem shall be trodden down by the Gentiles; till the times of the nations be fulfilled. And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, by reason of the confusion of the roaring of the sea and of the waves; Men withering away for fear, and expectation of what shall come upon the whole world. For the powers of heaven shall be moved; And then they shall see the Son of man coming in a cloud, with great power and majesty. But when these things begin to come to pass, look up, and lift up your heads, because your redemption is at hand.
Luke 21:20-28 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer

Dear Father you raise me up to stand tall in a world that doesn't know you very well. You have raised me up from the fears of the trials that bring me down. I had feared each day because of the many things that bring us down. Our own destruction from worry about what each day will be like. Yet I am reminded that the birds are taken care of, and how much more I am important in your eyes than they. You raised me up from the darkness of my own prison to see your glorious hand in shaping my life. Your raised me up from my enemies and showed me redemption. I have seen you in the clouds, in my heart, in the faces of those around me, but most of all I see you in the one place that you live among us in the Bread from Heaven. You dear Father are the greatest and most cherished love I'll ever have and I stand on top of the mountains to proclaim your undying love for me. Amen

Testimony

But before all these things, they will lay their hands upon you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and into prisons, dragging you before kings and governors, for my name's sake. And it shall happen unto you for a testimony. Lay it up therefore into your hearts, not to meditate before how you shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to resist and gainsay. And you shall be betrayed by your parents and brethren, and kinsmen and friends; and some of you they will put to death. And you shall be hated by all men for my name's sake. But a hair of your head shall not perish. In your patience you shall possess your souls.
Luke 21:12-19 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer

Dear Father your chosen ones have suffered throughout the beginning of time and you have always been by their side giving them the courage and voice to give testimony of your love. You love all of us and we are all too often shy to say a simple word of praise in your name for fear of having ourselves thrown into jail or killed. In some countries dear Father they suffer because they cannot be free to do your will. You are with them as with us who are free to be open. We are blessed because we are able to testify to your great name. May I bear witness to your love each and everyday and praise you as you guide my lips to speak on behalf of your love. May many come to be more open to speaking generously of your love and let the Holy Spirit be their voice in times of peril. Amen

Giving

And looking on, he saw the rich men cast their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in two brass mites. And he said: Verily I say to you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast into the offerings of God: but she of her want, hath cast in all the living that she had.
Luke 21:1-4 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer

Dear Father it's so easy to give when we have the means to do so. And so very hard to give up what we don't have to give at all. Yet Jesus in his beautiful way tells me that in that woman's want she gave more than they did, she gave her love with it. It takes love to give up what a person doesn't have extra of. It's sometimes amazing to discover how we grumble giving up the excess and to find a person willingly giving up what they don't have. It boggles the mind doesn't it. Love then has found it's very heart in the poor. Dear Father let love be my guide when I give without cost to myself for it is then I have given from my heart and given all that I have. Amen

Life

And there came to him some of the Sadducees, who deny that there is any resurrection, and they asked him, Saying: Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he leave no children, that his brother should take her to wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children. And the next took her to wife, and he also died childless. And the third took her. And in like manner all the seven, and they left no children, and died. Last of all the woman died also. In the resurrection therefore, whose wife of them shall she be? For all the seven had her to wife. And Jesus said to them: The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: But they that shall be accounted worthy of that world, and of the resurrection from the dead, shall neither be married, nor take wives. Neither can they die any more: for they are equal to the angels, and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection. Now that the dead rise again, Moses also shewed, at the bush, when he called the Lord, The God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; For he is not the God of the dead, but of the living: for all live to him. And some of the scribes answering, said to him: Master, thou hast said well. And after that they durst not ask him any more questions.
Luke 20:27-40 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer

Dear Father as I began to wonder about this passage I was struck with something about the scribes. It was how they questioned Jesus and the fact that they said to him that he answered well. I too began to think of the many times I probably have done this myself and sought answers to questions that I could not answer nor anyone else. And I'm probably not the only one on the face of this earth who has done so. Knowing what pertains to heaven is something we all seek, but cannot fathom unless we are dead and resurrected from that death. But in this reading it is the fact that you are the God of the Living not of the dead that we come to know what heaven is all about. I too had to die to myself to find this answer. To die of what the world has in order for me to live in You as You live in me. Where you are alive ever day that I live. What a JOY that alone is. May many come to realize that life is living in God and without Him we are dead. Amen

Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

As they were hearing these things, he added and spoke a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately be manifested.

He said therefore: A certain nobleman went into a far country, to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And calling his ten servants, he gave them ten pounds, and said to them: Trade till I come. But his citizens hated him: and they sent an embassage after him, saying: We will not have this man to reign over us. And it came to pass, that he returned, having received the kingdom: and he commanded his servants to be called, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. And the first came, saying: Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. And he said to him: Well done, thou good servant, because thou hast been faithful in a little, thou shalt have power over ten cities. And the second came, saying: Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. And he said to him: Be thou also over five cities. And another came, saying: Lord, behold here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin; For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up what thou didst not lay down, and thou reapest that which thou didst not sow. He saith to him: Out of thy own mouth I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up what I laid not down, and reaping that which I did not sow: And why then didst thou not give my money into the bank, that at my coming, I might have exacted it with usury? And he said to them that stood by: Take the pound away from him, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. And they said to him: Lord, he hath ten pounds. But I say to you, that to every one that hath shall be given, and he shall abound: and from him that hath not, even that which he hath, shall be taken from him. But as for those my enemies, who would not have me reign over them, bring them hither, and kill them before me. And having said these things, he went before, going up to Jerusalem.
Luke 19:11-28 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer

Dear Father we live in an age where we rely on the goods of the earth rather than on you. We place most of our trust in the dollar and what it can buy. When you see the interior of our heart and see the fear of loosing what we gained, we find our life in a struggle, it is then it is slowly taken away from us. Why? Was it the part of trusting in money and not you? I look upon my own life then and the ups and downs and how I took care of what you gave. I found myself on the edge of nothing all because of my fear of you and your judgement. Yet you bless me in beautiful ways. You gave me so much more of other things, most especially love in return for the love I gave you. That is a return in abundance, and it's far greater than any money I could ever have. Now that's the blessing of all blessings. Amen

What is My Stature in Life

And entering in, he walked through Jericho. And behold, there was a man named Zacheus, who was the chief of the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was, and he could not for the crowd, because he was low of stature. And running before, he climbed up into a sycamore tree, that he might see him; for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus was come to the place, looking up, he saw him, and said to him: Zacheus, make haste and come down; for this day I must abide in thy house. And he made haste and came down; and received him with joy. And when all saw it, they murmured, saying, that he was gone to be a guest with a man that was a sinner. But Zacheus standing, said to the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have wronged any man of any thing, I restore him fourfold. Jesus said to him: This day is salvation come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Luke 19:1-10 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer

Dear Father not many of us have the stature of Zacheus, one who has money, but many of us live as if we do by using credit beyond our means. The sole survival in this world. How often we too call out to you Jesus, have mercy on us and hope to see you pass by as you did with Zacheus. I know of my many failings in life and when you passed by in mine I received you with joy as did Zacheus. My own stature is one that is not grand and I too fall short, yet I was a sinner in a different way. But you called me by name and chose to dine at my home with me, a sinner. You see dear Father you know everything and still you chose me, just like you chose Zacheus for a purpose. I think it is mostly out of our sinfulness that we truly seek you from our heart, because we love you and seek forgiveness. It is a change in our lives that we seek to bring you closer to us because we know you are our salvation. I thank you Jesus for choosing Zacheus to give us an example of honesty and forgiveness. May our lives seek healing from the day to day burdens and come to seek you in all our needs. Amen

Blind Man

Now it came to pass, when he drew nigh to Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the way side, begging. And when he heard the multitude passing by, he asked what this meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. And he cried out, saying: Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me. And they that went before, rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried out much more: Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus standing, commanded him to be brought unto him. And when he was come near, he asked him, Saying: What wilt thou that I do to thee? But he said: Lord, that I may see. And Jesus said to him: Receive thy sight: thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he saw, and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
Luke 18:35-43 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer

Dear Father I felt like this blind man at one time where I too stood on the wayside. I prayed and prayed for many things and never found the answers because I was always being rebuked by the passersby in my life for looking to you for my needs. Yet as I continued in my faith in spite of those who tried to kill it you took pity on me and brought sight to my weary eyes. My persistence in keeping my faith in you was always important in my life. Your Son dear Father brought me out of the darkness of this life and into the light of His love. It is where I will always remain faithful and true to you. I called out so many times that I too like the blind man found the answer in faith and received the blessing of your love. It's amazing how easy it is to follow you and glorify you. If my sight wasn't restored how dismal life would be without you in it. That's why praising you comes easily to my lips. May many come to see this day, the beauty of your love dear Father. May your touch bring healing where they too will glorify you for the saving grace they have received. Amen

Going Forward

And as it came to pass in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat and drink, they married wives, and were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark: and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise as it came to pass, in the days of Lot: they did eat and drink, they bought and sold, they planted and built. And in the day that Lot went out of Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man shall be revealed. In that hour, he that shall be on the housetop, and his goods in the house, let him not go down to take them away: and he that shall be in the field, in like manner, let him not return back. Remember Lot's wife. Whosoever shall seek to save his life, shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose it, shall preserve it.
I say to you: in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. Two women shall be grinding together: the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left: two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be keft.
They answering, say to him: Where, Lord? Who said to them: Wheresoever the body shall be, thither will the eagles also be gathered together.
Luke 17:26-37 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer

Dear Father I am reminded in this Gospel message to always be prepared. To never go back to the way of sin but to always go forward. That I would only find death in returning to a way of life that is against you. That isn't what I seek to do dear Father. It is my hearts desire to go forward and continue to build the kingdom that is ever present in my heart. And this message also reminds me of the times we encounter disasters in our present day, your advice is one not to save our belongings but to go and not return for the goods of the world. Many a time we hear of people doing exactly that and we find that it's their possessions that are cherished. Without realizing what that choice has implied for them. It's when we go and seek to save the lives of others that we find a saved soul, for they thought of others and not themselves. Dear Father we learn so much from your Word and I am grateful for your loving kindness in our lives to give us sound advice to live by. For one thing possessions are replaceable, lives are not but choosing eternal life is far better. Amen

Faithful

Memorial of Saint Leo the Great, pope and doctor of the Church


And I say to you: Make unto you friends of the mammon of iniquity; that when you shall fail, they may receive you into everlasting dwellings. He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in that which is greater: and he that is unjust in that which is little, is unjust also in that which is greater. If then you have not been faithful in the unjust mammon; who will trust you with that which is the true? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's; who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or he will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Now the Pharisees, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. And he said to them: You are they who justify yourselves before men, but God knoweth your hearts; for that which is high to men, is an abomination before God.
Luke 16:9-15 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer

Dear Father you are the beloved spouse of my heart. It is you whom I long for and wish to serve. If I cannot be honest in this then I fail you. You are the desire of my heart where money cannot buy your friendship or give me peace. It is loving you and giving you my all that I find true friendship and peace with you, for you are by my side. Money doesn't give happiness it only brings fleeting moments, but with you dear Beloved One happiness is joy. When I hear your Word spoken I find joy, when I see you raised at that moment at Mass, I know love for then I behold you in all your glory. That is my treasure, my true happiness. May I come to full unity with you Beloved and never be parted. Amen

Joy

Now the publicans and sinners drew near unto him to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying: This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. And he spoke to them this parable, saying: What man of you that hath an hundred sheep: and if he shall lose one of them, doth he not leave the ninety-nine in the desert, and go after that which was lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, lay it upon his shoulders, rejoicing: And coming home, call together his friends and neighbours, saying to them: Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep that was lost? I say to you, that even so there shall be joy in heaven upon one sinner that doth penance, more than upon ninety-nine just who need not penance.

Or what woman having ten groats; if she lose one groat, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently until she find it? And when she hath found it, call together her friends and neighbours, saying: Rejoice with me, because I have found the groat which I had lost. So I say to you, there shall be joy before the angels of God upon one sinner doing penance.
Luke 15:1-10 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer

Dear Father how happy I must have made you on the day that I turned my life around and chose to follow you. How happy you have made my heart by choosing me. From throughout my life I have loved you and didn't realize how I have searched high and low for you. But in my life I kept my eyes shut to your wonderful ways. Oh how the heavens must have rejoiced when I was found and brought home to you. I dear Father have repented so much that doing your will is what I seek. My repentance has given you the key to my heart, one that I am glad to relinquish. If there is anything I could ever tell people about you dear Father, it would be the love you give when a sinner comes home to you. I pray that many will reconcile their lives and come to find the true treasure that is in you. And how heaven will rejoice over their repentance. Amen

Building

And there went great multitudes with him. And turning, he said to them: If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not carry his cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you having a mind to build a tower, doth not first sit down, and reckon the charges that are necessary, whether he have wherewithal to finish it: Lest, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that see it begin to mock him, Saying: This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, about to go to make war against another king, doth not first sit down, and think whether he be able, with ten thousand, to meet him that, with twenty thousand, cometh against him? Or else, whilst the other is yet afar off, sending an embassy, he desireth conditions of peace. So likewise every one of you that doth not renounce all that he possesseth, cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:25-33 (Douay-Rheims)

Prayer

Dear Father there have been many a time when I thought I hated my family and remembered these words of Jesus and thought how is it that I could be a follower of your sons when love is not there. I love you deeply dear Father to see that it is loving you with all my heart that frees me to love others in different ways. You love them all and in this I can not love them any less than you do. It is discovering that I must place all my love in you to know that I can build a home that is solid and quite beautiful. It is filled with the delights of the heart and your fragrance permeates the very air that I breath. It is a home that is beyond compare. May my love for you grow ever stronger. Amen

What is My Excuse

When one of them that sat at table with him, had heard these things, he said to him: Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God. But he said to him: A certain man made a great supper, and invited many. And he sent his servant at the hour of supper to say to them that were invited, that they should come, for now all things are ready. And they began all at once to make excuse. The first said to him: I have bought a farm, and I must needs go out and see it: I pray thee, hold me excused. And another said: I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to try them: I pray thee, hold me excused. And another said: I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. And the servant returning, told these things to his lord. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant: Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the feeble, and the blind, and the lame. And the servant said: Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the Lord said to the servant: Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
But I say unto you, that none of those men that were invited, shall taste of my supper.
Luke 14:15-24 (Douay-Rheims)

Prayer

Dear Father I am reminded of the times I made excuses not to come when you called. Just as when my mother would call us in for dinner when we were kids, how we would hide and refuse to hear, all because we wanted to keep playing. But once we came in we would often find ourselves punished for our wild natures. It was out of love for us that we were disciplined for disobeying when called. After all, there was a lot of work in preparing the meal in the first place. The same can be said of us too when you lovingly call us to come to dinner. In this we sometimes make excuses not to go to Mass and dine at the banquet table, yet you still love us. I tend to think that it is also our hearts you call and when we don't come to you when you touch us, especially when we proclaim that we are yours in the first place, it's no wonder you seek those who are poor, blind, lame. They tend to be more grateful for the food that you supply them, because they have gone so long without. Can we who have lived in faith all our lives possibly be the same ones who turn away and make excuses when you call us to come and dine at your banquet table. Is it because we have grown so accustomed to routine that we took the one source of life from it. Next time the prompting to come when called will spur a bigger desire to come and do your will oh Lord, to know that you are calling me to come and dine at the great banquet table in the kingdom of God. Amen

Whom Shall the Invitation Go To

And he said to him also that had invited him: When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, nor thy kinsmen, nor thy neighbours who are rich; lest perhaps they also invite thee again, and a recompense be made to thee.
But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, and the blind;
And thou shalt be blessed, because they have not wherewith to make thee recompense: for recompense shall be made thee at the resurrection of the just.
Luke 14:12-14 (Douay-Rheims)

Prayer

Dear Father we have forgotten this very thing. How we invite selected people to dine with us out of the very scene we just read about, to get an invitation back. What is amazing in this is our ability to go around saying afterward, oh, guess what, I was invited to dine at so and so's house. All to make ourselves look good in others eyes. But Jesus knows our hearts and the very reason for his saying how blessed we would be when we invite those who cannot repay us in return. It's in the kindness we show others, not in our selfish ways of seeking something we do not deserve. Dear Father you make the way clear to me, to keep charity in my heart for others and not seek recompense for an act of kindness done for another. With this in mind do I do all I can to help another when I know they are living on dire straits and the means of support nearly gone. Have I reached out to them when I know them or do I hold out for those I know will repay me in kind. If that's the case then I would have to say I have a selfish heart then. May your love guide me on my journey and let it bring healing in areas of my life that are not in harmony with your will. Amen