Archive for the ‘Daily Bible Readings’ Category

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?

September 18, 2008

When: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 12:00 AM to Thursday, September 18, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Words written in red; Words of Jesus

And he said to all, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

Luke 9: 23 – 26

You should never praise anyone until you see how he turns out in the end!

— St. Francis of Assisi

Abba, Father, Lord God, humble and thankful I seek Your mercy and grace all the time know that it is a gift from You above, and asking only serves to connect me to You through Jesus motivate by His teachings and all the words of the Prophets and Sages that came before and after His passion. So my Abba Father guide my heart, give me a discerning mind to walk with Jesus as my guide and through Him You as my source of source. This I ask in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Galatians 6:14-18<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Gal&ch=6&bv1=14&ev1=18>

14 But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. 17 Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen

Galatians 2:16, 20<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Gal&ch=2&bv1=16&ev1=16&bv2=20&ev2=20>; Philippians 1:20-21<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Phil&ch=1&bv1=20&ev1=21>

Luke 9:23-26<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Luke&ch=9&bv1=23&ev1=26>

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

Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao<http://www.audible.com/adbl/site/products/ProductDetail.jsp?productID=BK_HAYH_000200&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes> By Dr. Wayne W. Dyer Five hundred years before the birth of Jesus, a God-realized being named Lao-tzu in ancient China dictated 81 verses, which are regarded by many as the ultimate commentary on the nature of our existence. The classic text of these 81 verses, called the Tao Te Ching or the Great Way, offers advice and guidance that is balanced, moral, spiritual, and always concerned with working for the good. In this program, Dr. Wayne W. Dyer has reviewed hundreds of translations of the Tao Te Ching and has created 81 distinct essays on how to apply the ancient wisdom of Lao-tzu to today's modern world. This work contains the entire 81 verses of the Tao, compiled from Wayne's researching of 10 of the most well-respected translations of text that have survived for more than 25 centuries.

Become a Better You: 7 Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day<http://www.audible.com/adbl/site/products/ProductDetail.jsp?productID=BK_SANS_000999&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes> (Abridged) By Joel Osteen Is this as good as it gets? Or can you enjoy more of what life has to offer? You can live happily every day, best-selling author Joel Osteen suggests, but you must discover the potential within yourself and learn how to use it to live better and to help others better themselves as well. God didn't create you to be average. You were created to excel! You have everything you need to fulfill your God-given destiny, and there is no limit to what you can accomplish if you discover how to be a better you! Become a Better You will guide you in the process of uncovering your hidden resources. Addressing such topics as building your confidence, developing better relationships, finding peace within, and staying passionate about life,

Can a Catholic Be a Democrat?<http://www.sophiainstitute.com/productdetails.cfm?sku=191> By David Carlin author of The Decline and Fall of the Catholic Church in America. That's a good question, since these days both parties endorse policies or engage in activities that contradict some or many Catholic teachings about abortion, poverty, immigration, war and peace, or other issues of life and justice. But that's not always been the case.

Posted in Daily Bible Readings | Leave a Comment »

For perseverance is essential to any good deed, as the voice of truth tell us: "Whoever perseveres to the end will be saved.

September 3, 2008

When: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 12:00 AM to Thursday, September 04, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Words written in red; Words of Jesus

And he arose and left the synagogue, and entered Simon's house. Now Simon's mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they be sought him for her. And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her; and immediately she rose and served them. Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. And demons also came out of many, crying, "You are the Son of God!" But he rebuked them, and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ. And when it was day he departed and went into a lonely place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them; but he said to them, "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose." And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.

Luke 4: 38 – 44

We should reflect on Mary Magdalene's attitude and the great love she felt for Christ; for though the disciples had left the tomb, she remained. She was still seeking the one she had not found, and while she sought she wept; burning with the fire of love, she longed for him who she thought had been taken away. And so it happened that the woman who stayed behind to seek Christ was the only one to see him. For perseverance is essential to any good deed, as the voice of truth tell us: "Whoever perseveres to the end will be saved.

— St. Gregory the Great

Abba, Father, Lord God, humble and thankful I come to You confused and uncertain, out of rhythm out of touch, disconnected by the noise, busyness and yes worries under the sun, even though I know most all are of my own doing. As I write You know I think of the Spirit, the breath of life under the sun, and the key to life above. I breathe in asking Jesus to fill me with His wisdom for walking under the sun in step, as one with You, and His knowledge for understanding, forgiving and loving everything and everybody as Your creations and children. How do I create the toughness to walk through the challenges and tribulations that await me each day, yet maintain the fruit of the Spirit in every moment, thought, word and interaction? Guide me, take my hand and pull me through this cloud help me to persevere by placing my feet on solid faith where I can sour high above noise, busyness and worries with the Spirit, filling me with hope in Jesus' promise, and teaching me to love as You love me. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

1 Corinthians 3:1-9<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=_1Cor&ch=3&bv1=1&ev1=9>

Psalm 33:12-15, 20-21<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Ps&ch=33&bv1=12&ev1=15&bv2=20&ev2=21>

Luke 4:38-44<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Luke&ch=4&bv1=38&ev1=44>

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

Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao<http://www.audible.com/adbl/site/products/ProductDetail.jsp?productID=BK_HAYH_000200&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes> By Dr. Wayne W. Dyer Five hundred years before the birth of Jesus, a God-realized being named Lao-tzu in ancient China dictated 81 verses, which are regarded by many as the ultimate commentary on the nature of our existence. The classic text of these 81 verses, called the Tao Te Ching or the Great Way, offers advice and guidance that is balanced, moral, spiritual, and always concerned with working for the good. In this program, Dr. Wayne W. Dyer has reviewed hundreds of translations of the Tao Te Ching and has created 81 distinct essays on how to apply the ancient wisdom of Lao-tzu to today's modern world. This work contains the entire 81 verses of the Tao, compiled from Wayne's researching of 10 of the most well-respected translations of text that have survived for more than 25 centuries.

Become a Better You: 7 Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day<http://www.audible.com/adbl/site/products/ProductDetail.jsp?productID=BK_SANS_000999&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes> (Abridged) By Joel Osteen Is this as good as it gets? Or can you enjoy more of what life has to offer? You can live happily every day, best-selling author Joel Osteen suggests, but you must discover the potential within yourself and learn how to use it to live better and to help others better themselves as well. God didn't create you to be average. You were created to excel! You have everything you need to fulfill your God-given destiny, and there is no limit to what you can accomplish if you discover how to be a better you! Become a Better You will guide you in the process of uncovering your hidden resources. Addressing such topics as building your confidence, developing better relationships, finding peace within, and staying passionate about life,

Posted in Daily Bible Readings | Leave a Comment »

To discover the actual will of the Lord in our lives involves; receptive listening to the Word of God, fervent constant prayer, recourse to a wise spiritual guide, faithful discernment of the gifts talents given by God, as well as the diverse situations..

September 3, 2008

When: Tuesday, September 02, 2008 12:00 AM to Wednesday, September 03, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Words written in red; Words of Jesus

And he went down to Caper'na-um, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the sabbath; and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word was with authority. And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon; and he cried out with a loud voice, "Ah! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God." But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!" And when the demon had thrown him down in the midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. And they were all amazed and said to one another, "What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out." And reports of him went out into every place in the surrounding region.

Luke 4: 31 – 37

To be able to discover the actual will of the Lord in our lives always involves the following: a receptive listening to the Word of God and the Church, fervent and constant prayer, recourse to a wise spiritual guide, and a faithful discernment of the gifts and talents given by God, as well as the diverse social and historic situations in which one lives.

— Pope John Paul ll

Abba, Father, Lord God, thankful and humble I come to You with my mind filled with things to share and discuss with You. Most of all I humbly thank You for this past few days of family, thought and reflection. You are teaching me about the twist and turns, ups and downs of walking under the sun and the need to control the emotion by staying focused on You, staying on purpose; knowing that purpose is not a result, a destination or accomplishment, but a state, a process, a walking with eyes of faith, listening ears, and focused mind. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

1 Corinthians 2:10-16<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=_1Cor&ch=2&bv1=10&ev1=16>

Psalm 145:8-14<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Ps&ch=145&bv1=8&ev1=14>

Luke 4:31-37<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Luke&ch=4&bv1=31&ev1=37>

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

Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao<http://www.audible.com/adbl/site/products/ProductDetail.jsp?productID=BK_HAYH_000200&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes> By Dr. Wayne W. Dyer Five hundred years before the birth of Jesus, a God-realized being named Lao-tzu in ancient China dictated 81 verses, which are regarded by many as the ultimate commentary on the nature of our existence. The classic text of these 81 verses, called the Tao Te Ching or the Great Way, offers advice and guidance that is balanced, moral, spiritual, and always concerned with working for the good. In this program, Dr. Wayne W. Dyer has reviewed hundreds of translations of the Tao Te Ching and has created 81 distinct essays on how to apply the ancient wisdom of Lao-tzu to today's modern world. This work contains the entire 81 verses of the Tao, compiled from Wayne's researching of 10 of the most well-respected translations of text that have survived for more than 25 centuries.

Become a Better You: 7 Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day<http://www.audible.com/adbl/site/products/ProductDetail.jsp?productID=BK_SANS_000999&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes> (Abridged) By Joel Osteen Is this as good as it gets? Or can you enjoy more of what life has to offer? You can live happily every day, best-selling author Joel Osteen suggests, but you must discover the potential within yourself and learn how to use it to live better and to help others better themselves as well. God didn't create you to be average. You were created to excel! You have everything you need to fulfill your God-given destiny, and there is no limit to what you can accomplish if you discover how to be a better you! Become a Better You will guide you in the process of uncovering your hidden resources. Addressing such topics as building your confidence, developing better relationships, finding peace within, and staying passionate about life,

Posted in Daily Bible Readings | Leave a Comment »

seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. "do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day’s own trouble be sufficient for the day.

September 3, 2008

When: Monday, September 01, 2008 12:00 AM to Tuesday, September 02, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Words written in red; Words of Jesus

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day.

Matthew 6: 31 – 34

Prayer is the bulwark of chastity.

— St. Gregory the Great

Abba, Father, Lord God, thankful, humble I look back at this day to feel love and loved; seeking but accepting, for what more could one ask than to feel love and loved, and to be able to express that feeling and appreciation to those that matter most. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Genesis 2:4-9, 15<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Gen&ch=2&bv1=4&ev1=9&bv2=15&ev2=15>

Psalm 90:2-5, 12-14, 16<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Ps&ch=90&bv1=2&ev1=5&bv2=12&ev2=14&bv3=16&ev3=16>

Matthew 6:31-34<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Matt&ch=6&bv1=31&ev1=34>

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

Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao<http://www.audible.com/adbl/site/products/ProductDetail.jsp?productID=BK_HAYH_000200&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes> By Dr. Wayne W. Dyer Five hundred years before the birth of Jesus, a God-realized being named Lao-tzu in ancient China dictated 81 verses, which are regarded by many as the ultimate commentary on the nature of our existence. The classic text of these 81 verses, called the Tao Te Ching or the Great Way, offers advice and guidance that is balanced, moral, spiritual, and always concerned with working for the good. In this program, Dr. Wayne W. Dyer has reviewed hundreds of translations of the Tao Te Ching and has created 81 distinct essays on how to apply the ancient wisdom of Lao-tzu to today's modern world. This work contains the entire 81 verses of the Tao, compiled from Wayne's researching of 10 of the most well-respected translations of text that have survived for more than 25 centuries.

Become a Better You: 7 Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day<http://www.audible.com/adbl/site/products/ProductDetail.jsp?productID=BK_SANS_000999&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes> (Abridged) By Joel Osteen Is this as good as it gets? Or can you enjoy more of what life has to offer? You can live happily every day, best-selling author Joel Osteen suggests, but you must discover the potential within yourself and learn how to use it to live better and to help others better themselves as well. God didn't create you to be average. You were created to excel! You have everything you need to fulfill your God-given destiny, and there is no limit to what you can accomplish if you discover how to be a better you! Become a Better You will guide you in the process of uncovering your hidden resources. Addressing such topics as building your confidence, developing better relationships, finding peace within, and staying passionate about life,

Posted in Daily Bible Readings | Leave a Comment »

For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. ..It is always selfishness which takes something away from God to satisfy the ego. ..so selfishness clips our wings..

August 30, 2008

When: Saturday, August 30, 2008 12:00 AM to Sunday, August 31, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
 
Words written in red; Words of Jesus
"For it will be as when a man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted to them his property;  to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them; and he made five talents more. So also, he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, `Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.’ His master said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.’ And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, `Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.’ His master said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.’ He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, `Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not winnow; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’  But his master answered him, `You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed, and gather where I have not winnowed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.’ 
Matthew 25: 14 – 30
 
It is always selfishness which takes something away from God to satisfy the ego. We are too calculating, afraid of giving too much, and so selfishness clips our wings and keeps us from reaching full union with God.
— St. Thomas Aquinas
 
Abba, Father, Lord God, thankful and humble I ask and pray for eyes of faith so that I may sours with eagles in serving You, with Jesus in my Heart and the fruit of the Spirit on my lips, never looking back always to do the most with what You have given me especially those spiritual gifts that are mine to be given to others in service of You, in Jesus name. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
 
26  For consider your call, brethren; not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth;  27  but God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong,  28  God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are,  29  so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.  30  He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom, our righteousness and sanctification and redemption;  31  therefore, as it is written, "Let him who boasts, boast of the Lord."
Psalm 33:12-13, 18-21
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! 13  The LORD looks down from heaven, he sees all the sons of men; 18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love,  19 that he may deliver their soul from death, and keep them alive in famine.  20 Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and shield.  21 Yea, our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. 
Matthew 25:14-30
 
Audio books I am listening to and other books or readings I am reading:
When I Lay My Isaac Down: Unshakable Faith in Unthinkable Circumstances (Unabridged) By: Carol Kent Sometimes we make sacrifices to help us get ahead, to allow us more time with family, or because we believe in the cause. And then there are sacrifices in which we have no say, "Isaac experiences" as in Genesis 22, thrust upon us without warning or survival instructions. This audio book outlines eight transformational power principles that Gene and Carol Kent learned in the process of facing the news that forever changed their lives.
Becoming a Person of Influence By: John C. Maxwell and Jim Dornan "You can immediately [sense a] spark when you hear John Maxwell and Jim Dornan talk about leadership. Their understanding of influence is like mine for guitars; it’s woven into the fabric of their being." – (Bob Taylor, President, Taylor Guitars). With influence, you can achieve success at home, work, and in every other area of life.
 

Posted in Daily Bible Readings | Leave a Comment »

He hands over the body and soul to weakness in order to purify them in contempt of earthly things and in the love of His Majesty.

August 30, 2008

When: Friday, August 29, 2008 12:00 AM to Saturday, August 30, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
 
Words written in red; Words of Jesus
"I have loved you just as the Father has loved me. You must go on living in my love. If you keep my commandments you will live in my love just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and live in his love. I have told you this so that you can share my joy, and that your happiness may be complete. This is my commandment: that you love each other as I have loved you. There is no greater love than this – that a man should lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I tell you to do. I shall not call you servants any longer, for a servant does not share his master’s confidence. No, I call you friends, now, because I have told you everything that I have heard from the Father.
John15:9-15
 
The Martydom of St. John the Baptist
For Herod had sent and seized John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Hero’di-as, his brother Philip’s wife; because he had married her.  For John said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife."  And Hero’di-as had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not,  for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he was much perplexed; and yet he heard him gladly.  But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and the leading men of Galilee.  For when Hero’di-as’ daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will grant it."  And he vowed to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom."  And she went out, and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?" And she said, "The head of John the baptizer."  And she came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter."  And the king was exceedingly sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her.  And immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard and gave orders to bring his head. He went and beheaded him in the prison,  and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother.  When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.
Mark 6: 17 – 29  
 
These days, faithful Catholics lose elections; in his day, they lost their lives.
 
 
"By the age of fifty-five, as a lawyer, officer of the realm, husband, father, popular citizen, speaker, and writer, he had achieved as much fame, wealth, professional success, and genuine affection as any person could desire."
Barack Obama?
Joe Biden?
"Nevertheless, for what most called a foolish scruple of conscience, he threw all that away and died three years later — alone — in broken health. His closest political colleagues abandoned him; he was condemned as a traitor, beheaded, and his head placed on a spike on a bridge."
 
 
These days, faithful Catholics lose elections; in Thomas More’s day, they lost their lives.
Thomas More knew that. He knew that the lustful Henry VIII might kill him for his fidelity to the Church. . . . which is why More constantly asked, "How much evil can I tolerate?
Where must I take my stand?" Those were dangerous questions in a dangerous time, yet as a politician — a Catholic politician —fear never caused Thomas More to waver:
"In a storm," he said, "you don’t abandon ship just because you can’t control the wind."
 
Henry VIII was also once a Mass-going Catholic . . . a politician with faith so strong he wrote A Defense of the Seven Sacraments, one of the most successful works of Catholic apologetics that had yet been produced. Indeed, Pope Leo X personally bestowed on Henry the title, Defender of the Faith, never guessing that a short decade later, Henry would be the mortal enemy of the Faith he had just so ably defended.
 
You know, Thomas More was a Catholic, not a partisan. With the ax that would kill him hovering near, his last words saluted the very politician who had condemned him to death: "I die the King’s good servant, but God’s first."
 
What about you? As politicians in both Parties embrace ever more positions that attack central teachings of our Church, can you stay silent . . . or even vote for them? And if you do, will you, at the end of the day, be able to face God and say, "I die my Party’s good servant, but God’s first"?
 
"In a storm," Thomas More said, "don’t abandon ship just because you can’t control the wind." You and I can’t control the anti-Catholic winds blowing through the major political parties today, but, we can learn what, as Catholics, we can do — nay, must do — if, as did St. Thomas More, we are to stay engaged in politics and faithful to God and His Church.
 
David Carlin’s ‘Can a Catholic Be a Democrat?’ can help:
•       Clarify your understanding of the issues in this election, and help you see just what is (and is not) at stake;
•       Show you which political positions you as a Catholic can live with, and which require you, like Thomas More, finally to take a stand;
•       Help you explain even non-negotiable Catholic positions to your friends, relatives, and fellow party members;
•       Equip you to make your own party less hostile to your Catholic Faith;
•       And, as you vote in November, ensure that the choices you make there will leave you able finally to say, "I was my Party’s good servant, but God’s first."
 
 
 
Surely nothing is too much for Him when there is a question of sanctifying a soul. He hands over the body and soul to weakness in order to purify them in contempt of earthly things and in the love of His Majesty. Let us accept these appearances of evil in order to have the real goods they produce, and we will be happy both in this life and in the next
— St. Vincent de Paul
 
Abba, Father, Lord God, thankful, humble I know only You through Jesus in the Spirit can move my heart to act as Jesus would. These days at least at this time in this Country we may not have to die for our faith, but we sure will have to die to ourselves for our faith. For as Jesus said we cannot serve two masters; so we cannot serve others and ourselves, we must always be willing and able to die to ourselves, our pride, our selfishness, our very thought that causes us to hesitate or pause in serving others even, especially when we know we may, will or are being taken advantage of. As hard as it is we must seek Jesus so in the Spirit and He will move us ‘not to resist an evil person; but to turn the other cheek to him also, and let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.‘ For to us that seek Him, we can never be satisfied under the sun, by anything from under the sun. For if we seek we belong to Him, and we die to ourselves to be with Him, over and over; this I know, this is what I seek to do. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
 
1  In thee, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame!  2  In thy righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline thy ear to me, and save me! 
3  Be thou to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for thou art my rock and my fortress.  4  Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel man.  5  For thou, O Lord, art my hope, my trust, O LORD,
Mark 6:17-29
 
Audio books I am listening to and other books or readings I am reading:
When I Lay My Isaac Down: Unshakable Faith in Unthinkable Circumstances (Unabridged) By: Carol Kent Sometimes we make sacrifices to help us get ahead, to allow us more time with family, or because we believe in the cause. And then there are sacrifices in which we have no say, "Isaac experiences" as in Genesis 22, thrust upon us without warning or survival instructions. This audio book outlines eight transformational power principles that Gene and Carol Kent learned in the process of facing the news that forever changed their lives.
Becoming a Person of Influence By: John C. Maxwell and Jim Dornan "You can immediately [sense a] spark when you hear John Maxwell and Jim Dornan talk about leadership. Their understanding of influence is like mine for guitars; it’s woven into the fabric of their being." – (Bob Taylor, President, Taylor Guitars). With influence, you can achieve success at home, work, and in every other area of life.
 

Posted in Daily Bible Readings | Leave a Comment »

In order to discover the character of people we have only to observe what they love.

August 30, 2008

When: Thursday, August 28, 2008 12:00 AM to Friday, August 29, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
 
Words written in red; Words of Jesus
Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.  But know this, that if the householder had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched and would not have let his house be broken into.  Therefore you also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.  "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?  Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes will find so doing.  Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.  But if that wicked servant says to himself, `My master is delayed,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eats and drinks with the drunken, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know,  and will punish him, and put him with the hypocrites; there men will weep and gnash their teeth. 
Matthew 24: 42 – 51
 
In order to discover the character of people we have only to observe what they love.
— St. Augustine
 
Abba, Father, Lord God, thankful and humbled I know that each generation must learn to praise Thy works for the next, not in words but in works, always learning to be ready, declaring and giving thanks to Thy mighty acts in every thought, word and act while forgiving as we are forgiven. Help me to serve this purpose with mine. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
 
3  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  4  I give thanks to God always for you because of the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus,  5  that in every way you were enriched in him with all speech and all knowledge —  6  even as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you — 
7  so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ;  8  who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
Psalm 145:2-7
Matthew 24:42-51
 
Audio books I am listening to and other books or readings I am reading:
When I Lay My Isaac Down: Unshakable Faith in Unthinkable Circumstances (Unabridged) By: Carol Kent Sometimes we make sacrifices to help us get ahead, to allow us more time with family, or because we believe in the cause. And then there are sacrifices in which we have no say, "Isaac experiences" as in Genesis 22, thrust upon us without warning or survival instructions. This audio book outlines eight transformational power principles that Gene and Carol Kent learned in the process of facing the news that forever changed their lives.
Becoming a Person of Influence By: John C. Maxwell and Jim Dornan "You can immediately [sense a] spark when you hear John Maxwell and Jim Dornan talk about leadership. Their understanding of influence is like mine for guitars; it’s woven into the fabric of their being." – (Bob Taylor, President, Taylor Guitars). With influence, you can achieve success at home, work, and in every other area of life.
 
 

Posted in Daily Bible Readings | Leave a Comment »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »