One Walk

11/14/2008

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The Words of Jesus of Nazareth

The Return

Watch therefore, for you know not the hour when your Lord will come.

At the end of time, the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the heavens, causing the nations of the earth to tremble. All will see the Messiah, the Son of Man, appearing with power and great glory; and they will see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of the living God, returning on the clouds of heaven. And he will send his angels with the great sound of a trumpet , and they will gather together his chosen ones as from the four winds, from the farthest ends of the heavens and earth, and reward everyone according to his works.

As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be at the time of the coming of the Son of Man. In the days that preceded the great flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, and carelessly celebrating, until the day that Noah entered into the ark.

It was the same in the days of Lot. Men and women ate and drank, bought and sold, planted and built. But on the day that Lot departed from Sodom, it rained fire and molten sulfur from heaven, and destroyed them all. So will it be on the day that the Son of Man is revealed.

Do not let your heart be overwhelmed by the pursuit of earthly pleasure or the anxieties of life. Let not my returning find you unprepared; for like the springing of a trap will it suddenly come upon the earth.

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Abba, Father, Lord God, thankful and humbled I look at my Lord Jesus’ Words ‘Whoever seeks to gain his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it’ and I can see and feel the viscous cycle of the human condition that plagues me, and for which the only cure is death, the only remedy is Jesus, the only comfort is His living Words. The human condition of a eternal spiritual being learning to walk under the sun in the physical body, with all its desires can only be cured by dying to itself in its physical form which as the desires of the flesh are temporary and passing, to rise in and with Jesus as the spiritual beings which we are, eternal and at home, one with Jesus. This is why He took on human form and humbled Himself that we may have an example, so we would have a way, and He would be our light. This is why we can only find ourselves at the foot of the Cross, where in His blood we are cleansed and purified of our sins, and washed free of the body to rise free in the spirit. So when we stumble and fall we must land at His feet on the Cross where we will see and feel the spirit and die to the body. Help me Jesus! In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

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It is to those who have the most need of us that we ought to show our love more especially.

— St. Francis de Sales

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2 John 4-9
Psalm 119:1-2, 10-11, 17-18
Luke 17:26-37

26  As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of man.  27  They ate, they drank, they married, they were given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.  28  Likewise as it was in the days of Lot — they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built, 

29  but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom fire and sulphur rained from heaven and destroyed them all —  30  so will it be on the day when the Son of man is revealed.  31  On that day, let him who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away; and likewise let him who is in the field not turn back.  32  Remember Lot’s wife.  33  Whoever seeks to gain his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it.  34  I tell you, in that night there will be two in one bed; one will be taken and the other left.  35  There will be two women grinding together; one will be taken and the other left."  37  And they said to him, "Where, Lord?" He said to them, "Where the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together." 

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

The Words of Jesus of Nazareth by Lee Cantelon

Ask and It Is Given, Volume 1: The Law of Attraction Unabridged By Esther Hicks and Jerry Hicks Narrated by Jerry Hicks – Ask and It Is Given, by Esther and Jerry Hicks, which presents the teachings of the nonphysical entity Abraham, will help you learn how to manifest your desires so that you’re living the joyous and fulfilling life you deserve. As you listen, you’ll come to understand how the Universal laws that govern your time/space reality influence your relationships, health issues, finances, career concerns, and more. It’s your birthright to live a life filled with everything that is good, and this audio program will show you how to make it so in every way!

The Pontiff in Winter: Triumph and Conflict in the Reign of John Paul II By John Cornwell Narrated by John Lee – Pope John Paul II is one of the most famous and influential political figures of the world. Now, best-selling author and journalist John Cornwell has written an accessible and provocative portrait of this highly charged figure, focusing primarily on the last five years and the major world events, and scandals within the Church that have impacted the papacy. The result is a thoughtful assessment of John Paul II’s legacy to the Church. In an age when many people see the Catholic Church as an institution in crisis, Cornwell raises the level of debate by posing difficult questions; chief among them is the effectiveness of a system that grants lifetime power to an individual vulnerable to the vicissitudes of aging and illness.

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The Words of Jesus of Nazareth

The Kingdom of Heaven

The kingdom of heaven can be likened to a farmer’s wheat field, planted with good seed. One night, while the farmer slept, his enemy came and sowed darnel weeds among the wheat. When the first blades of wheat finally pushed up through the earth, weeds appeared alongside. Seeing this, the servants rushed to the farmer, and with distressed voices wept: “Sir, did not we sow good seed in your field? Why then are there so many darnel weeds?”

The farmer answered: “An enemy has done this.”

“Shall we try to remove them?” the servants asked.

“No,” the farmer replied. “If you pull up the weeds, you will uproot the wheat as well. Let them both grow together until the harvest time; and at the time of the harvest I will instruct the reapers as follows: ‘Gather first the weeds, and bind them into bundles for burning. Then gather the wheat into my storehouse.’”

Here is the lesson: he that sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world. The good seed represents the children of the kingdom, while the remaining seeds represent those deceived by the wicked one. The enemy that planted the weeds is the evil one. The harvest is the end of the world, and the reapers are the angels. Just as the darnel weeds were gathered and burned in the fire, so will it be at the end of this age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather everything that has caused humankind to stumble and those who live lawlessly outside of the kingdom, and will exile them to a place of weeping and regret. Then the righteous will shine as brightly as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. If you have ears to hear, then hear these words.

One cannot be liberated from the kingdom of the evil one without first binding his power.

Do not allow your worries to consume tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself. Surely there is enough to concern you each day without fretting about the future. Which of you by mental effort can add one inch to your height?

Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all of your needs will be provided.

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Abba, Father, Lord God, thankful and humble I ask that Your grace and mercy be with me and mine, that You would bless us  indeed, enlarging our territory and keeping us from evil and from causing pain. That You through Jesus would open our hearts to the Heaven that surrounds us, awakening us to the eternal emptiness of our never ending desires of the body and instead learn to walk in the fullness of Your Heavenly Kingdom on earth, just as it is in the eternal Heaven that awaits us as eternal spiritual beings. Let us start and end each day as Jesus will do at the time of the harvest by searching our mind and heart and binding up every weed that we have allowed to be sown in us from the pursuit of our desires, and learn to die to them as we burn then in the conviction of our spirit which walks and lives with Jesus who is always with us, to guide, teach and convict us, as we first seek His Kingdom and always asking in His name for Your continued blessings, mercy and grace. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen. 

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The measure of charity may be taken from the want of desires. As desires diminish in the soul, charity increases in it; and when it no longer feels any desire, then it possesses perfect charity.

— St. Augustine

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Philemon 7-20
Psalm 146:7-10
Luke 17:20-25

20  Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, he answered them, "The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed;  21  nor will they say, `Lo, here it is!’ or `There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you."  22  And he said to the disciples, "The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and you will not see it.  23  And they will say to you, `Lo, there!’ or `Lo, here!’ Do not go, do not follow them.  24  For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of man be in his day.  25  But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. 

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

The Words of Jesus of Nazareth by Lee Cantelon

Ask and It Is Given, Volume 1: The Law of Attraction Unabridged By Esther Hicks and Jerry Hicks Narrated by Jerry Hicks – Ask and It Is Given, by Esther and Jerry Hicks, which presents the teachings of the nonphysical entity Abraham, will help you learn how to manifest your desires so that you’re living the joyous and fulfilling life you deserve. As you listen, you’ll come to understand how the Universal laws that govern your time/space reality influence your relationships, health issues, finances, career concerns, and more. It’s your birthright to live a life filled with everything that is good, and this audio program will show you how to make it so in every way!

The Pontiff in Winter: Triumph and Conflict in the Reign of John Paul II By John Cornwell Narrated by John Lee – Pope John Paul II is one of the most famous and influential political figures of the world. Now, best-selling author and journalist John Cornwell has written an accessible and provocative portrait of this highly charged figure, focusing primarily on the last five years and the major world events, and scandals within the Church that have impacted the papacy. The result is a thoughtful assessment of John Paul II’s legacy to the Church. In an age when many people see the Catholic Church as an institution in crisis, Cornwell raises the level of debate by posing difficult questions; chief among them is the effectiveness of a system that grants lifetime power to an individual vulnerable to the vicissitudes of aging and illness.

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The Words of Jesus of Nazareth

The Blessings

Blessed are you who hear the word of God and follow it where it leads. In doing so, you will be like the servant who, when the master comes, is found doing right.

Blessed are you, who put your whole trust in God. Yours is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you, who are acquainted with sorrow, for you will be appointed great comfort and courage. Blessed are you, who with humility recognize your need of God. The whole earth will be yours. Blessed are you, who hunger and thirst after righteousness. You will be satisfied and filled. Blessed are you, who are merciful. You will receive mercy in return. Blessed are you, who are pure in heart. You will see God.

Blessed are you peacemakers, for you will be called the children of God. Blessed are you, who pursue salvation. You will become the citizens of the kingdom of God . Blessed are you when you suffer blame and are spoken of evilly for doing my will. Rejoice! Leap for joy! Great is your reward in heaven. In a similar manner, they persecuted the prophets before your time.

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Abba, Father, Lord God, thankful for Your blessings and grateful for The Words of Jesus which are my daily bread and the drink that refreshes my spirit, cleansing and purifying my heart until it is one with His. For Blessed are we when we can connect with His Words and feel the Spirit alive within us able to feel and heed His Words. It is His teachings that help us feel our way to understanding that He does not see that world under the sun as we under the sun do. For under the sun we seek darkness, but He teaches us to walk in the light, we are prideful and He teaches humility, we are selfish and He teaches us how to be merciful, we seek comfort, but He teaches us how to walk seeking His will above all wherever it leads us and whatever we must pass through, for He is our light and Sheppard and we are His sheep and will not be lost as long as we hear His voice. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

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Christ does not force our will, He only takes what we give Him. But He does not give Himself entirely until He sees that we yield ourselves entirely to Him.

— St Teresa of Avila

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Titus 3:1-7

1  Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for any honest work,  2  to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all men.  3  For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by men and hating one another;  4  but when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,  5  he saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit,  6  which he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,  7  so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life. 
Psalm 23:1-6

1  The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want;  2  he makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters;  3  he restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.  4  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.  5  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies; thou anointest my head with oil, my cup overflows.  6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Luke 17:11-19

11  On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Sama’ria and Galilee.  12  And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance  13  and lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us."  14  When he saw them he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed.  15  Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice;  16  and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan.  17  Then said Jesus, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?  18  Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?"  19  And he said to him, "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well."  

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

The Words of Jesus of Nazareth by Lee Cantelon

Ask and It Is Given, Volume 1: The Law of Attraction Unabridged By Esther Hicks and Jerry Hicks Narrated by Jerry Hicks – Ask and It Is Given, by Esther and Jerry Hicks, which presents the teachings of the nonphysical entity Abraham, will help you learn how to manifest your desires so that you’re living the joyous and fulfilling life you deserve. As you listen, you’ll come to understand how the Universal laws that govern your time/space reality influence your relationships, health issues, finances, career concerns, and more. It’s your birthright to live a life filled with everything that is good, and this audio program will show you how to make it so in every way!

The Pontiff in Winter: Triumph and Conflict in the Reign of John Paul II By John Cornwell Narrated by John Lee – Pope John Paul II is one of the most famous and influential political figures of the world. Now, best-selling author and journalist John Cornwell has written an accessible and provocative portrait of this highly charged figure, focusing primarily on the last five years and the major world events, and scandals within the Church that have impacted the papacy. The result is a thoughtful assessment of John Paul II’s legacy to the Church. In an age when many people see the Catholic Church as an institution in crisis, Cornwell raises the level of debate by posing difficult questions; chief among them is the effectiveness of a system that grants lifetime power to an individual vulnerable to the vicissitudes of aging and illness.

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The Words of Jesus of Nazareth

The Call

You have not chosen me. I have chosen you, and appointed you to produce good fruit from the lives that you live, fruit that will last.

A man had two sons. He said to the elder: "Son, go and work today in my vineyard."

"I will not," the son replied; but later he experienced a change of heart, and went to the fields to work.

Then the father said to the younger son: "Go into the fields as well."

Immediately he answered: "I will." But he remained at home, and ignored his father’s words. Which of these two sons fulfilled their father’s request?

If you wish to follow me, you must first put aside your own desires and your self-centered ways. Sacrifice your pride and follow me. Those who desire eternal life must put aside their old way of life. All who do this for my sake will discover new life – both here on earth as well as in heaven.

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Abba, Father, Lord God, grateful for Your blessings and awareness You as my source of source; humbled by my awareness of my physical being which hides who I am and limits what I can be through its desires, pride and selfishness; lifted up by my spiritual being by Jesus above the realm of the physical into the Kingdom of Heaven where in dying to physical the spirit is strengthened, and I am united with You my source through Jesus. Granted me a conscious discerning spirit able to know and control the emotions of the physical with the certainty of faith, the promise of hope, and the reality that in love I am united with You my source through Jesus in the Spirit overcoming the physical and becoming a light to those I love and those whose path I cross. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

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Moreover the strongest support is provided not only to protect the young from evil, but also to rouse them and attract them more easily and gently to the performance of good works. Like the twigs of plants, the young are easily influenced, as long as someone works to change their souls. But if they are allowed to grow hard, we know well that the possibility of one day bending them diminishes a great deal and is sometimes utterly lost.

— Saint Joseph Calasanz

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Titus 2:1-8, 11-14
Psalm 37:3-4, 18, 23, 27, 29

3  Trust in the LORD, and do good; so you will dwell in the land, and enjoy security. 

4  Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.  18  The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their heritage will abide for ever;  23  The steps of a man are from the LORD, and he establishes him in whose way he delights;  27  Depart from evil, and do good; so shall you abide for ever.
Luke 17:7-10

7  "Will any one of you, who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep, say to him when he has come in from the field, `Come at once and sit down at table’?  8  Will he not rather say to him, `Prepare supper for me, and gird yourself and serve me, till I eat and drink; and afterward you shall eat and drink’?  9  Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded?  10  So you also, when you have done all that is commanded you, say, `We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’" 

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

The Words of Jesus of Nazareth by Lee Cantelon

Ask and It Is Given, Volume 1: The Law of Attraction Unabridged By Esther Hicks and Jerry Hicks Narrated by Jerry Hicks – Ask and It Is Given, by Esther and Jerry Hicks, which presents the teachings of the nonphysical entity Abraham, will help you learn how to manifest your desires so that you’re living the joyous and fulfilling life you deserve. As you listen, you’ll come to understand how the Universal laws that govern your time/space reality influence your relationships, health issues, finances, career concerns, and more. It’s your birthright to live a life filled with everything that is good, and this audio program will show you how to make it so in every way!

The Pontiff in Winter: Triumph and Conflict in the Reign of John Paul II By John Cornwell Narrated by John Lee – Pope John Paul II is one of the most famous and influential political figures of the world. Now, best-selling author and journalist John Cornwell has written an accessible and provocative portrait of this highly charged figure, focusing primarily on the last five years and the major world events, and scandals within the Church that have impacted the papacy. The result is a thoughtful assessment of John Paul II’s legacy to the Church. In an age when many people see the Catholic Church as an institution in crisis, Cornwell raises the level of debate by posing difficult questions; chief among them is the effectiveness of a system that grants lifetime power to an individual vulnerable to the vicissitudes of aging and illness.

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The Words of Jesus of Nazareth

Faith that Moves Mountains

According to your faith, so you will receive.

As you live your life invigorated by the breath of God, the conflicts of this earth will be overcome by heaven’s power: and whatever you allocate on earth will be that which is in accordance to heaven’s plan.

Do not be afraid any longer, but believe. Everything is possible to the one who believes.

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Abba, Father, Lord God, thankful and humble, I stand at a cross roads, committed to overcome the ways under the sun; but uncertain as to which path to take. I seek and look for the narrow path but need Your help. O that You would bless me indeed, enlarge my territory, keep me from evil, and from causing pain. Continue to teach me how to forget as soon as I forgive, and to only look to You through Jesus in the Spirit for my daily bread, and expect, seek and ask nothing from those under the sun. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

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The love of worldly possessions is a sort of bird line, which entangles the soul, and prevents it flying to God.

— St. Augustine

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Titus 1:1-9
Psalm 24:1-6

3  Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place? 4  He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false, and does not swear deceitfully. 5  He will receive blessing from the LORD, and vindication from the God of his salvation. 6  Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob.
Luke 17:1-6

1  And he said to his disciples, "Temptations to sin are sure to come; but woe to him by whom they come!  2  It would be better for him if a millstone were hung round his neck and he were cast into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. 

3  Take heed to yourselves; if your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him;  4  and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, and says, `I repent,’ you must forgive him."  5  The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"  6  And the Lord said, "If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this sycamine tree, `Be rooted up, and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. 

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

The Words of Jesus of Nazareth by Lee Cantelon

Ask and It Is Given, Volume 1: The Law of Attraction Unabridged By Esther Hicks and Jerry Hicks Narrated by Jerry Hicks – Ask and It Is Given, by Esther and Jerry Hicks, which presents the teachings of the nonphysical entity Abraham, will help you learn how to manifest your desires so that you’re living the joyous and fulfilling life you deserve. As you listen, you’ll come to understand how the Universal laws that govern your time/space reality influence your relationships, health issues, finances, career concerns, and more. It’s your birthright to live a life filled with everything that is good, and this audio program will show you how to make it so in every way!

The Pontiff in Winter: Triumph and Conflict in the Reign of John Paul II By John Cornwell Narrated by John Lee – Pope John Paul II is one of the most famous and influential political figures of the world. Now, best-selling author and journalist John Cornwell has written an accessible and provocative portrait of this highly charged figure, focusing primarily on the last five years and the major world events, and scandals within the Church that have impacted the papacy. The result is a thoughtful assessment of John Paul II’s legacy to the Church. In an age when many people see the Catholic Church as an institution in crisis, Cornwell raises the level of debate by posing difficult questions; chief among them is the effectiveness of a system that grants lifetime power to an individual vulnerable to the vicissitudes of aging and illness.

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The Words of Jesus of Nazareth

The Promise of the Spirit

It is the Spirit that has the power to give life.

When the Comforter, the Spirit of truth, whom I will send to you from the Father has come, he will testify of me. He will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I have told you.

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Abba, Father, Lord God, O why do I look to anyone but You. Why do I ask anyone but You. And why do I expect anything from anyone but You. For I am as anyone else, weak by human being only made strong by my spirit being where through Jesus I am one with You; selfish and prideful until I am emptied of myself at the foot of the Cross where I am cleansed by the blood of Jesus, born again in the Spirit. O that You would help me walk in the spirit always. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

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The soul united to God and transformed in him draws from within God a divine breath, much like the most high God himself. And God, abiding in the soul, breathes forth the life of the soul as its exemplar. This I take to be what Paul meant when he said: because you are children of God, God has sent to the Spirit of his Son into your heart’s crying, Abba, Father; this is what takes place in those who have achieved perfection.

— St. John of the Cross

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Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12
Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9
1 Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17
John 2:13-22

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

The Words of Jesus of Nazareth by Lee Cantelon

Ask and It Is Given, Volume 1: The Law of Attraction Unabridged By Esther Hicks and Jerry Hicks Narrated by Jerry Hicks – Ask and It Is Given, by Esther and Jerry Hicks, which presents the teachings of the nonphysical entity Abraham, will help you learn how to manifest your desires so that you’re living the joyous and fulfilling life you deserve. As you listen, you’ll come to understand how the Universal laws that govern your time/space reality influence your relationships, health issues, finances, career concerns, and more. It’s your birthright to live a life filled with everything that is good, and this audio program will show you how to make it so in every way!

The Pontiff in Winter: Triumph and Conflict in the Reign of John Paul II By John Cornwell Narrated by John Lee – Pope John Paul II is one of the most famous and influential political figures of the world. Now, best-selling author and journalist John Cornwell has written an accessible and provocative portrait of this highly charged figure, focusing primarily on the last five years and the major world events, and scandals within the Church that have impacted the papacy. The result is a thoughtful assessment of John Paul II’s legacy to the Church. In an age when many people see the Catholic Church as an institution in crisis, Cornwell raises the level of debate by posing difficult questions; chief among them is the effectiveness of a system that grants lifetime power to an individual vulnerable to the vicissitudes of aging and illness.

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The Words of Jesus of Nazareth

Disciples and Servants

Consider that which you possess in this life: family, money, and earthly possessions. Unless you are willing to make a total commitment, even of what you cherish, you cannot truly follow me.

The person who is diligent in small things will also be trusted with much; and the person who is dishonest with little will also be dishonest with a great deal. If you cannot be trusted with earthly riches, how shall you be trusted with spiritual treasures? And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to others, how shall you be trusted with riches of your own?

I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. Be as wise as serpents, but as harmless as doves.

You have seen how the earthly rulers exercise their authority, inconsiderate of the poor. This is not how it is to those in the kingdom of God . Whoever would be great among you must first become your servant. And whoever of you would be the greatest, must first be servant of all. Even so, I have come, not to be served, but to serve, and to give my life as a ransom for many.

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Abba, Father, Lord God, aware of Your presence, thankful for Your grace, humbled by mercy I ask and pray that You would bless me indeed, enlarge my territory, keep me from evil and causing pain. That You would help me to empty myself and walk in humility counting myself no better than anyone else, yet committed to doing my best with those gifts that You have bestowed on me, in appreciation and honor of You and for Your glory. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

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God does not require of us extraordinary things.

— The Cure of Ars

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Philippians 4:10-19

11  Not that I complain of want; for I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content.  12  I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want.  13  I can do all things in him who strengthens me. 
Psalm 112:1-2, 5-6, 8-9

5  It is well with the man who deals generously and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice.  6  For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered for ever.  8  His heart is steady, he will not be afraid, until he sees his desire on his adversaries. 
Luke 16:9-15

9  And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous mammon, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal habitations.  10  "He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much.  11  If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will entrust to you the true riches?  12  And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?  13  No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon."  14  The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all this, and they scoffed at him.  15  But he said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts; for what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. 

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

The Words of Jesus of Nazareth by Lee Cantelon

Ask and It Is Given, Volume 1: The Law of Attraction Unabridged By Esther Hicks and Jerry Hicks Narrated by Jerry Hicks – Ask and It Is Given, by Esther and Jerry Hicks, which presents the teachings of the nonphysical entity Abraham, will help you learn how to manifest your desires so that you’re living the joyous and fulfilling life you deserve. As you listen, you’ll come to understand how the Universal laws that govern your time/space reality influence your relationships, health issues, finances, career concerns, and more. It’s your birthright to live a life filled with everything that is good, and this audio program will show you how to make it so in every way!

The Pontiff in Winter: Triumph and Conflict in the Reign of John Paul II By John Cornwell Narrated by John Lee – Pope John Paul II is one of the most famous and influential political figures of the world. Now, best-selling author and journalist John Cornwell has written an accessible and provocative portrait of this highly charged figure, focusing primarily on the last five years and the major world events, and scandals within the Church that have impacted the papacy. The result is a thoughtful assessment of John Paul II’s legacy to the Church. In an age when many people see the Catholic Church as an institution in crisis, Cornwell raises the level of debate by posing difficult questions; chief among them is the effectiveness of a system that grants lifetime power to an individual vulnerable to the vicissitudes of aging and illness.

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