Archive for May, 2008

Father, I desire that they also, whom thou hast given me, may be with me where I am, to behold my glory which thou hast given me in thy love for me before the foundation of the world.

May 8, 2008

When: Thursday, May 08, 2008 12:00 AM to Friday, May 09, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

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Words of Jesus

"I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. The glory which thou hast given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,

I in them and thou in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them even as thou hast loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom thou hast given me, may be with me where I am, to behold my glory which thou hast given me in thy love for me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world has not known thee, but I have known thee; and these know that thou hast sent me. I made known to them thy name, and I will make it known, that the love with which thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them."

John 17:20-26

Children should be loved for the love of Him who created them, and not for the love of self nor of the children.

— St Catherine of Siena

Abba, Father, Lord God, today's readings and Gospel are rich in hidden treasures worth meditation and contemplation. I give thanks and praise for Thy Wisdom that You made available to us in Thy Word from when Thy first spoke them at the moment of creation and have passed down from generation to generation, first in the Law and then in Love over Anger for our human condition of disobedience and selfish pride and made the Word into Life in and through Jesus Christ who You sent to save us from that which we could not save ourselves; that being ourselves. So I say the words of the Psalmist in prayer 'Preserve me, O God, for in thee I take refuge. I say to the LORD, "Thou art my Lord; I have no good apart from thee." The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; thou holdest my lot. I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I keep the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also dwells secure. For thou dost not give me up to Sheol, or let thy godly one see the Pit. Thou dost show me the path of life; in thy presence there is fulness of joy, in thy right hand are pleasures for evermore' and ask that the pray of Jesus be made live in and through me so that as Jesus ask that the part of the world that I walk see Your Holy Spirit in me and know that it is through and in Jesus that I unlock this Wisdom and begin to know You my Source of Source, and as father, son, brother and friend give reason by example for my father, son, brother and friends to also seek You through and in Jesus. So help me remain watchful in hope, find courage through faith, and let my words, acts and expressions be delivered in love. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Acts 22:30<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Acts&ch=22&bv1=30&ev1=30>; 23:6-11<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Acts&ch=23&bv1=6&ev1=11>

Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Ps&ch=16&bv1=1&ev1=2&bv2=5&ev2=5&bv3=7&ev3=11>

John 17:20-26<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=John&ch=17&bv1=20&ev1=26>

Audio books I am listening to and other books or readings I am reading:

NKJV: The Word of Promise – multi-voiced, faithful rendering of the New King James Version (NKJV) New Testament is presented by a diverse, star-studded cast includes Jim Caviezel from movie The Passion of Jesus Christ.

A New Earth (Unabridged), by Eckhart Tolle

Pope Benedict XVI Apostolic Journey to USA<http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/travels/2008/index_stati-uniti_en.htm>

Pope Benedict XVI Encyclical Letter<http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi_en.html>

The entire life of a good Christian is in fact an exercise of holy desire. You do not yet see what you long for, but the very act of desiring prepares you, so that when he comes you may see and be utterly satisfied.

May 7, 2008

When: Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:00 AM to Thursday, May 08, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

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Words of Jesus

And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name, which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in thy name, which thou hast given me; I have guarded them, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not pray that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; thy word is truth. As thou didst send me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth.

John 17:11-19

The entire life of a good Christian is in fact an exercise of holy desire. You do not yet see what you long for, but the very act of desiring prepares you, so that when he comes you may see and be utterly satisfied.

— St. Augustine

Abba, Father, Lord God, thank You for Your presence which accompanies me from when I wake to when I close my eyes and hope that my dreams maybe filled with You in Jesus. Today I wake rested in You yet anxious under the sun, I feel Your presence through Jesus yet I see and hear the busyness, noise and realities under the sun as I try to keep my thoughts centered on You and to bring together if only in thought all those I love dearly and miss so much. But then the clock catches my attention and reminds me I must keep walking; so my mind begins to search for ways to do what I must without losing the sensation of Your presence with all those I have gather together in my mind with You and Jesus. Then as always when I truly look to You with open heart and mind, You give to me Your words filled in Your truth; and while I know that in thought as in my walk the busyness, noise and realities under the sun will tend to separate me from You and those I love, I know that through the Spirit in Jesus I can be with You and in Your presence I can find the peace and comfort with those I love. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Acts 20:28-38<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Acts&ch=20&bv1=28&ev1=38>

Psalm 68:29-30, 33-36<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Ps&ch=68&bv1=29&ev1=30&bv2=33&ev2=36>

John 17:11-19<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=John&ch=17&bv1=11&ev1=19>

Audio books I am listening to and other books or readings I am reading:

NKJV: The Word of Promise – multi-voiced, faithful rendering of the New King James Version (NKJV) New Testament is presented by a diverse, star-studded cast includes Jim Caviezel from movie The Passion of Jesus Christ.

A New Earth (Unabridged), by Eckhart Tolle

Pope Benedict XVI Apostolic Journey to USA<http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/travels/2008/index_stati-uniti_en.htm>

Pope Benedict XVI Encyclical Letter<http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi_en.html>

I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may accomplish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

May 6, 2008

When: Tuesday, May 06, 2008 12:00 AM to Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

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Words of Jesus

When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify thy Son that the Son may glorify thee, since thou hast given him power over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom thou hast given him. And this is eternal life, that they know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent. I glorified thee on earth, having accomplished the work which thou gavest me to do; and now, Father, glorify thou me in thy own presence with the glory which I had with thee before the world was made. "I have manifested thy name to the men whom thou gavest me out of the world; thine they were, and thou gavest them to me, and they have kept thy word. Now they know that everything that thou hast given me is from thee; for I have given them the words which thou gavest me, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from thee; and they have believed that thou didst send me. I am praying for them; I am not praying for the world but for those whom thou hast given me, for they are thine; all mine are thine, and thine are mine, and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name, which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.

John 17:1-11

There is nothing colder than a Christian who does not seek to save others.

— St. Alphonsus Liguori

Abba, Father, Lord God, O how I await this time each day, to give thanks, to praise and worship You in prayer; not prayers focused on these times and things under the sun, but prayers that will yield fruit for Your kingdom by my example of repentance, obedience and supplication. I feel the power Your works through Jesus in today's readings within the words of St. Paul. 'I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may accomplish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that all you among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom will see my face no more. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all of you' and the words that Jesus prayed 'I am praying for them; I am not praying for the world but for those whom thou hast given me, for they are thine; all mine are thine, and thine are mine, and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name, which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we are one'. And so I ask that Thy will be done in and through me this day, for the sake of Jesus' passion, in honor of the ministry of St. Paul which serves as an example to me. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Acts 20:17-27<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Acts&ch=20&bv1=17&ev1=27>

Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Ps&ch=68&bv1=10&ev1=11&bv2=20&ev2=21>

John 17:1-11<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=John&ch=17&bv1=1&ev1=11>

Audio books I am listening to and other books or readings I am reading:

NKJV: The Word of Promise – multi-voiced, faithful rendering of the New King James Version (NKJV) New Testament is presented by a diverse, star-studded cast includes Jim Caviezel from movie The Passion of Jesus Christ.

A New Earth (Unabridged), by Eckhart Tolle

Pope Benedict XVI Apostolic Journey to USA<http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/travels/2008/index_stati-uniti_en.htm>

Pope Benedict XVI Encyclical Letter<http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi_en.html>

Do you now believe? I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

May 6, 2008

When: Monday, May 05, 2008 12:00 AM to Tuesday, May 06, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

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Words of Jesus

His disciples said, "Ah, now you are speaking plainly, not in any figure! Now we know that you know all things, and need none to question you; by this we believe that you came from God." Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe? The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, every man to his home, and will leave me alone; yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

Man dies only once, and upon his death depends his eternity. If at the hour of his death, someone is living in some bad habit, his poor soul will fall on the side of hell. If, on the other hand, he is in the state of grace, it will take the road for heaven. Oh, happy road!

— St. John Vianney

Abba, Father, Lord God, in today's readings I feel the distinction between repentance; which I have felt to the point of immobility, and an opportunity to feel freedom from sin walking by faith in hope with love reborn in the Spirit. Yet I see and hear the disciples as they mistakenly allow their emotions to cause them to think that they know and understand what Jesus has been telling them. I see in Jesus' reply a statement of fact followed by an warning of what is to come, with the assurance that in Him we have an example to follow and a High Priest that is both God and Son who by the Spirit which is also God and Son in the Spirit within us; the means by which the seed of God is wakened and molds us into the Son's image who is the Father who by the Son will teach us how to walk while we are under the sun through the tribulations that will come like the thief when we least expect them. So Jesus reminds us in His words that we must live by faith with the hope that in and by His love we can overcome these tribulations by taking His yoke and not becoming victim to our own false since of knowledge and understanding that is the nature of our human existence. For only Jesus knows and understands for He overcame and through the Father knows us well, better than we know ourselves. So we must be vigilant in our faith and practice 'presence' for in His presence we are with You and if we remain with You in Him we have the Spirit to guide, comfort and raise us up through, in and out of the most difficult of times under the sun. O that I will walk feeling my way with 'eyes of faith' today, in Your presence and that in some small way Your light within me will be visible to those I encounter. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Acts 19:1-8<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Acts&ch=19&bv1=1&ev1=8>

Psalm 68:2-7<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Ps&ch=68&bv1=2&ev1=7>

John 16:29-33<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=John&ch=16&bv1=29&ev1=33>

Audio books I am listening to and other books or readings I am reading:

NKJV: The Word of Promise – multi-voiced, faithful rendering of the New King James Version (NKJV) New Testament is presented by a diverse, star-studded cast includes Jim Caviezel from movie The Passion of Jesus Christ.

A New Earth (Unabridged), by Eckhart Tolle

Pope Benedict XVI Apostolic Journey to USA<http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/travels/2008/index_stati-uniti_en.htm>

Pope Benedict XVI Encyclical Letter<http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi_en.html>

I will go up to the foot of the Cross; I will press my arms tightly around the cold body, the corpse of Christ, with the fire of my love…I will wrap it in the new winding-sheet of my clean life, and I will bury it…where no one can tear it away from me

May 6, 2008

When: Sunday, May 04, 2008 12:00 AM to Monday, May 05, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

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Words of Jesus

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age."

Matthew 28:16-20

I will go up to the foot of the Cross; I will press my arms tightly around the cold body, the corpse of Christ, with the fire of my love…..I will unail it, with my reparation and mortifications….I will wrap it in the new winding-sheet of my clean life, and I will bury it in the clean rock of my breast, where no one can tear it away from me, and there, Lord, take your rest! Were the whole world to abandon you…serviam! I will serve you Lord.

— St. Josemaria Escriva

Abba, Father, Lord God, I wake with a hunger for Your Word, I come to You like a child wondering what treasure will You reveal to me today? For at during this season of Pentecost each year I look forward with the same wonder and excitement to what You will teach and show me through the truth, power and wonder of Your plan in the Trinity. So it is at Pentecost that my mind is anxious for more evidence, knowledge and teachings on the Holy Spirit. For as I have stated many times I believe Your seed is planted in the hearts of all men; and the heart is where the soul lives, evolves and rest. This seed that always seeks its source, this seed that is a need to know and be in Your presence, connected to its source in all things, in all ways, at all times. This seed which lays dormant until the heart is opened to Jesus and suddenly becomes rooted in and through is passion and begins to grow. Yet I feel while Jesus is my Sheppard, the Holy Spirit is the gardener of my heart. It is the Spirit that in the body and blood of Jesus opened my heart. So when I read the Gospels of Jesus and Acts of the Apostles I connect to His words about the Spirit as He tells His disciples 'for John baptized with water, but before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit'; yet despite that they lived, walked and saw Him as the risen Christ, they doubted. It is at this moment each year that I feel Your mercy and grace, and feel so blessed recalling Jesus' words to Thomas "Is it because you have seen me that you believe?", "Happy are those who have never seen me and yet have believed!" So I give thanks to the Spirit that lives in me, through which Jesus may do His work in me, and in Jesus Your seed awakened by His passion, nourished by His love and sacred heart molds me into the all that You planned and intended me to be. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Acts 1:1-11<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Acts&ch=1&bv1=1&ev1=11>

Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Ps&ch=47&bv1=2&ev1=3&bv2=6&ev2=9>

Ephesians 1:17-23<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Eph&ch=1&bv1=17&ev1=23>

Matthew 28:16-20<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Matt&ch=28&bv1=16&ev1=20>

Audio books I am listening to and other books or readings I am reading:

NKJV: The Word of Promise – multi-voiced, faithful rendering of the New King James Version (NKJV) New Testament is presented by a diverse, star-studded cast includes Jim Caviezel from movie The Passion of Jesus Christ.

A New Earth (Unabridged), by Eckhart Tolle

Pope Benedict XVI Apostolic Journey to USA<http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/travels/2008/index_stati-uniti_en.htm>

Pope Benedict XVI Encyclical Letter<http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi_en.html>

day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth and their words to the end of the world.

May 3, 2008

When: Saturday, May 03, 2008 12:00 AM to Sunday, May 04, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
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Words of Jesus
Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father; how can you say, `Show us the Father’?  Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 

Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father in me; or else believe me for the sake of the works themselves. "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if you ask anything in my name, I will do it. 
John 14:9-14
 
Many wealthy people are disposed to use their abundance not to swell their own pride but to perform works of benevolence.  They consider their greatest gain what they spend to alleviate the distress of others.  This virtue is open to all men, no matter what their class or condition, because all can be equal in their willingness to give, however unequal they may be in earthly fortune.
— Pope St. Leo the Great
 
Abba, Father, Lord God, today the words of the Psalmist direct my prayer; for it is as written ‘day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth and their words to the end of the world. In them You have set a tent for the sun, which comes forth like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.’ For within Your heavenly elements of the world, how beautifully arranged, lay hidden the power and wisdom of You our creator and source of source; Your wisdom is available to all human beings in these words brought to life through and in Jesus Christ in whose name I pray to be opened and rid of self, for no word or sound: the regular functioning of Your heavens and the alternation of day and night can take root in me if myself stands in Your way, You my creator and source of source whose power and wisdom is made live in Jesus and lives within me in Your Holy Spirit. O Lord God in Jesus name I ask and pray that You open my heart and rid me of myself. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
 
1 Corinthians 15:1-8
Psalm 19:2-5
John 14:6-14
 
Audio books I am listening to and other books or readings I am reading:
NKJV: The Word of Promise – multi-voiced, faithful rendering of the New King James Version (NKJV) New Testament is presented by a diverse, star-studded cast includes Jim Caviezel from movie The Passion of Jesus Christ.
A New Earth (Unabridged), by Eckhart Tolle 
Pope Benedict XVI Apostolic Journey to USA
Pope Benedict XVI Encyclical Letter
 

day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth and their words to the end of the world.

May 3, 2008

When: Saturday, May 03, 2008 12:00 AM to Sunday, May 04, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
 
Words of Jesus
Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father; how can you say, `Show us the Father’?  Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 
Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father in me; or else believe me for the sake of the works themselves. "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if you ask anything in my name, I will do it. 
John 14:9-14
 
Many wealthy people are disposed to use their abundance not to swell their own pride but to perform works of benevolence.  They consider their greatest gain what they spend to alleviate the distress of others.  This virtue is open to all men, no matter what their class or condition, because all can be equal in their willingness to give, however unequal they may be in earthly fortune.
— Pope St. Leo the Great
 
Abba, Father, Lord God, today the words of the Psalmist direct my prayer; for it is as written ‘day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth and their words to the end of the world. In them You have set a tent for the sun, which comes forth like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.’ For within Your heavenly elements of the world, how beautifully arranged, lay hidden the power and wisdom of You our creator and source of source; Your wisdom is available to all human beings in these words brought to life through and in Jesus Christ in whose name I pray to be opened and rid of self, for no word or sound: the regular functioning of Your heavens and the alternation of day and night can take root in me if myself stands in Your way, You my creator and source of source whose power and wisdom is made live in Jesus and lives within me in Your Holy Spirit. O Lord God in Jesus name I ask and pray that You open my heart and rid me of myself. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
 
 
Audio books I am listening to and other books or readings I am reading:
NKJV: The Word of Promise – multi-voiced, faithful rendering of the New King James Version (NKJV) New Testament is presented by a diverse, star-studded cast includes Jim Caviezel from movie The Passion of Jesus Christ.
A New Earth (Unabridged), by Eckhart Tolle