Archive for the ‘Daily Bible Readings’ Category

whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave; even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

February 21, 2008

When: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 12:00 AM to Thursday, February 21, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

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Words of Jesus

"… It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave; 28 even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Matthew 20:26-28

What little love for God you have when you give in without a fight because it's not a grave sin!

— St. Josemaria Escriva

Abba, Father, Lord God, Father of light, in You is found no shadow of change but only the fullness of life and limitless truth. Open my heart to the voice of Your Word and free me from the original darkness that shadows my vision. Restore my sight that I may look upon Your Son who calls us to repentance and a change of heart, for He lives and reigns with You forever and ever. O Lord give me a servants heart and the wisdom and knowledge to know how, when and who You want me to serve. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Jeremiah 18:18-20<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Jer&ch=18&bv1=18&ev1=20>

18 Then they said, "Come, let us make plots against Jeremiah, for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not heed any of his words." 19 Give heed to me, O LORD, and hearken to my plea. 20 Is evil a recompense for good? Yet they have dug a pit for my life. Remember how I stood before thee to speak good for them, to turn away thy wrath from them.

Psalm 31:5-6, 14-16<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Ps&ch=31&bv1=5&ev1=6&bv2=14&ev2=16>

5 Into thy hand I commit my spirit; thou hast redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God. 6 Thou hatest those who pay regard to vain idols; but I trust in the LORD. 14 But I trust in thee, O LORD, I say, "Thou art my God." 15 My times are in thy hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors! 16 Let thy face shine on thy servant; save me in thy steadfast love!

Matthew 20:17-28<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Matt&ch=20&bv1=17&ev1=28>

17 And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, 18 "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death, 19 and deliver him to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day." 20 Then the mother of the sons of Zeb'edee came up to him, with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. 21 And he said to her, "What do you want?" She said to him, "Command that these two sons of mine may sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom." 22 But Jesus answered, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?" They said to him, "We are able." 23 He said to them, "You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father." 24 And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave; 28 even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Lenten Reflections<http://origin.ewtn.com/faith/lent/>

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

We must pass on the forgiveness He has given us by the shedding of His blood on Calvary. He who is greatest among you shall be your servant; whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

February 21, 2008

When: Tuesday, February 19, 2008 12:00 AM to Wednesday, February 20, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

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Words of Jesus

He who is greatest among you shall be your servant; 12 whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Matthew 23:12

Prayer is powerful beyond limits when we turn to the Immaculata who is queen even of God's heart.

— St. Maxamillian Kolbe

Abba, Father, Lord God, how grateful I am to know that on the days when I cannot find the words and focus my thoughts to pray for what is on my heart, You always find away to convict and enlighten me. As in the words of the Prophet Isaiah – Come now, let us set things right, says the Lord, and with the movie about David and in today's Lenten Reflection by Father Al Lauer:

If most problems come from unforgiveness, we can understand why Jesus emphasizes forgiveness to an extreme degree. When Peter suggested to Jesus that we should forgive seven times, he was correct. (Mt 18:21) Seven in the Bible stands for an indefinite number of times, so Peter was saying we should forgive indefinitely. This is the correct answer but not the correct emphasis. Jesus proclaims we should forgive "seventy times seven," indefinitely times indefinitely. (Mt 18:22) Jesus further emphasizes forgiveness by saying God's kingdom is a matter of forgiveness and those who do not forgive are handed over to torturers. (Mt 18:23, 34)

And when the disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray, Jesus told them to pray they be forgiven as they forgive. (Mt 6:12) This means prayer will hurt rather than help us if we do not forgive. This is the only point in the Lord's prayer on which Jesus commented. He reiterated: "If you forgive the faults of others, your heavenly Father will forgive you yours.

If you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive you." (Mt 6:14-15) Jesus insists on forgiveness. We must pass on the forgiveness He has given us by the shedding of His blood on Calvary.

O Lord God, Forgive my sins against the unity of your family; make me love as you loved me. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Isaiah 1:10, 16-20<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Is_&ch=1&bv1=10&ev1=10&bv2=16&ev2=20>

10 Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom! Give ear to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomor'rah! 16 Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, 17 learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow. 18 "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; 20 But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."

Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Ps&ch=50&bv1=8&ev1=9&bv2=16&ev2=17&bv3=21&ev3=21&bv4=23&ev4=23>

8 I do not reprove you for your sacrifices; your burnt offerings are continually before me. 9 I will accept no bull from your house, nor he-goat from your folds. 16 But to the wicked God says: "What right have you to recite my statutes, or take my covenant on your lips? 17 For you hate discipline, and you cast my words behind you. 21 These things you have done and I have been silent; you thought that I was one like yourself. But now I rebuke you, and lay the charge before you. 23 He who brings thanksgiving as his sacrifice honors me; to him who orders his way aright I will show the salvation of God!"

Matthew 23:1-12<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Matt&ch=23&bv1=1&ev1=12>

1 Then said Jesus to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; 3 so practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do; for they preach, but do not practice. 4 They bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with their finger. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by men; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, 6 and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues, 7 and salutations in the market places, and being called rabbi by men. 8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brethren. 9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10 Neither be called masters, for you have one master, the Christ. 11 He who is greatest among you shall be your servant; 12 whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Lenten Reflections<http://origin.ewtn.com/faith/lent/>

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

Of us God demands purity of heart, that purity which is the life of the soul. He wants besides, since we possess no virtues worthy of Him, a deep respect and true humility. Let us simply be faithful, humble, and confident. He will do the rest.

February 18, 2008

When: Monday, February 18, 2008 12:00 AM to Tuesday, February 19, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

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Words of Jesus

Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.

Luke 6:37-38

Of us God demands purity of heart, that purity which is the life of the soul. He wants besides, since we possess no virtues worthy of Him, a deep respect and true humility. Let us simply be faithful, humble, and confident. He will do the rest.

— St. Peter Julian Eymard

Abba, Father, Lord God, how? I start to ask how we maintain a joyous and positive spirit under the sun given our human condition with a nature prone to sinfulness disobedience and selfish pride. Today's readings at first remind me of this state, while convicting me again of my past sins and permanent condition of selfish pride. My mind is a flurry of thoughts, regrets and hopes. Yet as I start to ask, I see in Jesus Your unconditional love and I read St Peter Julian Eymard and I am reminded that there is nothing I can do but continue to be faithful, continue to seek humbleness, and be confident in Your love, words and promise. Then Jesus tells me who I am to judge; for the measure I give will be the measure I receive. I have no right to judge anyone for that is up to You. I must extend this to myself and cease self judgment for I cannot change what happened, nor can I control what will happen, but I can if I stay in Jesus, obedient to His commands, in the now, the moment. O Lord God create in me a clean heart, renew my spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Daniel 9:4-10<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Dan&ch=9&bv1=4&ev1=10>

4 I prayed to the LORD, my God, and confessed, "Ah, Lord, great and awesome God, you who keep your merciful covenant toward those who love you and observe your commandments! 5 We have sinned, been wicked and done evil; we have rebelled and departed from your commandments and your laws. 6 We have not obeyed your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, our fathers, and all the people of the land. 7 Justice, O Lord, is on your side; we are shamefaced even to this day: the men of Judah, the residents of Jerusalem, and all Israel, near and far, in all the countries to which you have scattered them because of their treachery toward you. 8 O LORD, we are shamefaced, like our kings, our princes, and our fathers, for having sinned against you. 9 But yours, O Lord, our God, are compassion and forgiveness! Yet we rebelled against you 10 and paid no heed to your command, O LORD, our God, to live by the law you gave us through your servants the prophets.

Psalm 79:8-9, 11, 13<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Ps&ch=79&bv1=8&ev1=9&bv2=11&ev2=11&bv3=13&ev3=13>

8 Do not remember against us the iniquities of our forefathers; let thy compassion come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low. 9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name; deliver us, and forgive our sins, for thy name's sake! 11 Let the groans of the prisoners come before thee; according to thy great power preserve those doomed to die! 13 Then we thy people, the flock of thy pasture, will give thanks to thee for ever; from generation to generation we will recount thy praise.

Luke 6:36-38<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Luke&ch=6&bv1=36&ev1=38>

36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. 37 "Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back."

Lenten Reflections<http://origin.ewtn.com/faith/lent/>

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 object of our prayer-life is to empty ourselves and be filled with the Trinity.

February 17, 2008

When: Sunday, February 17, 2008 12:00 AM to Monday, February 18, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

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Words of Jesus

"O faithless and perverse generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me."

Matthew 17:17

Celebrate the feast of Christmas every day, even every moment in the interior temple of your spirit, remaining like a baby in the arms of the heavenly Father, where you will be reborn each moment in the Divine Word, Jesus Christ!

— St. Paul of the Cross

Abba, Father, Lord God, today You give the words of Mother Angelica to calm and feed me…

The object of our prayer-life is to empty ourselves and be filled with the Trinity. The first thing Jesus did when He became Man was to empty Himself.

"His state was Divine, yet He did not cling to His equality with God, but emptied Himself to assume the condition of a slave and become as men are; and as all men are, He was humbler yet." (Phil. 2:6,7)

Our mission in life, then, is to cooperate with God's Grace and empty ourselves and be filled with the Trinity.

We are not to seek detachment to be free of responsibility, but to enable us to love both God and man with a pure love.

We are not to withdraw from the world to be alone, but to be with God.

We are to do penance, not because it erases our guilt, but because it wipes away the traces of sin.

We are to empty ourselves, not for the sake of self-control, but to be filled with God- transformed into Jesus.

There is no definite method by which we can become selfless. Each one of us has a particular virtue and faults that make the process of becoming like Jesus different. We must look at Jesus, read His Word in Scripture and ask His Spirit to enlighten our minds and give us that particular way by which we can best attain the goal He has set for us …. Mother Angelica

O my Jesus help me to let go of myself and embrace You becoming Your image, liken my heart to Yours so I may see with Your eyes, speak with Your words, act in Your ways, and feel with Your heart. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Genesis 12:1-4<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Gen&ch=12&bv1=1&ev1=4>

1 Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who curses you I will curse; and by you all the families of the earth shall bless themselves." 4 So Abram went, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.

Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20, 22<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Ps&ch=33&bv1=4&ev1=5&bv2=18&ev2=20&bv3=22&ev3=22>

4 For the word of the LORD is upright; and all his work is done in faithfulness. 5 He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD. 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. 22 Let thy steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in thee.

2 Timothy 1:8-10<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=_2Tim&ch=1&bv1=8&ev1=10>

8 Do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel in the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not in virtue of our works but in virtue of his own purpose and the grace which he gave us in Christ Jesus ages ago, 10 and now has manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Matthew 17:1-19<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Matt&ch=17&bv1=1&ev1=19>

1 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain apart. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light. 3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Eli'jah, talking with him. 4 And Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is well that we are here; if you wish, I will make three booths here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Eli'jah." 5 He was still speaking, when lo, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces, and were filled with awe. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and have no fear." 8 And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. 9 And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, "Tell no one the vision, until the Son of man is raised from the dead." 10 And the disciples asked him, "Then why do the scribes say that first Eli'jah must come?" 11 He replied, "Eli'jah does come, and he is to restore all things; 12 but I tell you that Eli'jah has already come, and they did not know him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of man will suffer at their hands." 13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist. 14 And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and kneeling before him said, 15 "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; for often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. 16 And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him." 17 And Jesus answered, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me." 18 And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?"

Lenten Reflections<http://origin.ewtn.com/faith/lent/>

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

He who desires anything but God deceives himself, and he who loves anything but God errs miserably.

February 17, 2008

When: Saturday, February 16, 2008 12:00 AM to Sunday, February 17, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

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Words of Jesus

"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven… If you love those who love you, what merit is there in that?"

Matthew 5:44,46

He who desires anything but God deceives himself, and he who loves anything but God errs miserably.

— St. Phillip Neri

Abba, Father, Lord God, look upon us and hear our prayer. By the good works You inspire, help us to discipline our bodies and to be renewed in spirit. Lord Jesus, you spoke peace to a sinful world and brought mankind the gift of reconciliation by the suffering and death you endured. I love you and joyfully bear the name 'Christian.' Teach me to follow your example. Increase my faith, hope and charity so that I may struggle to turn hatred to love and conflict to peace. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Deuteronomy 26:16-19<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Deut&ch=26&bv1=16&ev1=19>

16 "This day the LORD your God commands you to do these statutes and ordinances; you shall therefore be careful to do them with all your heart and with all your soul. 17 You have declared this day concerning the LORD that he is your God, and that you will walk in his ways, and keep his statutes and his commandments and his ordinances, and will obey his voice; 18 and the LORD has declared this day concerning you that you are a people for his own possession, as he has promised you, and that you are to keep all his commandments, 19 that he will set you high above all nations that he has made, in praise and in fame and in honor, and that you shall be a people holy to the LORD your God, as he has spoken."

Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Ps&ch=119&bv1=1&ev1=2&bv2=4&ev2=5&bv3=7&ev3=8>

1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD! 2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, 4 Thou hast commanded thy precepts to be kept diligently. 5 O that my ways may be steadfast in keeping thy statutes! 7 I will praise thee with an upright heart, when I learn thy righteous ordinances. 8 I will observe thy statutes; O forsake me not utterly!

Matthew 5:43-48<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Matt&ch=5&bv1=43&ev1=48>

43 "You have heard that it was said, `You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Lenten Reflections<http://origin.ewtn.com/faith/lent/>

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

However great the work that God may achieve by an individual, he must not indulge in self-satisfaction. He ought rather to be all the more humbled, seeing himself merely as a tool which God has made use of.

February 15, 2008

When: Friday, February 15, 2008 12:00 AM to Saturday, February 16, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

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Words of Jesus

if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother,

Matthew 5:23

However great the work that God may achieve by an individual, he must not indulge in self-satisfaction. He ought rather to be all the more humbled, seeing himself merely as a tool which God has made use of.

— St. Vincent de Paul

Abba, Father, Lord God, O how true the words of St. Vincent are, yet just as difficult to walk. We can find peace and rest in Jesus, but we can only walk this way with Him. So with a heart like David we must keep seeking the heart of Christ Jesus. For I believe no man, but the Son of Man knows the way, has walked the walk and talked the Words of Life, that are living, and if we let them, and if we meditate on them, through them in the Holy Spirit He will hold us up, catch us when we stumble and pick us up when we fall. I do not understand why it is this way, but I know in Jesus I will find what I need to carry on. O Lord God as the Palmist cries out I cry out, hear my voice, let Thy ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, I pray, Amen.

Ezekiel 18:21-28<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Ezek&ch=18&bv1=21&ev1=28>

21 "But if a wicked man turns away from all his sins which he has committed and keeps all my statutes and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. 22 None of the transgressions which he has committed shall be remembered against him; for the righteousness which he has done he shall live. 23 Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, says the Lord GOD, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live? 24 But when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity and does the same abominable things that the wicked man does, shall he live? None of the righteous deeds which he has done shall be remembered; for the treachery of which he is guilty and the sin he has committed, he shall die. 25 "Yet you say, `The way of the Lord is not just.' Hear now, O house of Israel: Is my way not just? Is it not your ways that are not just? 26 When a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, he shall die for it; for the iniquity which he has committed he shall die. 27 Again, when a wicked man turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is lawful and right, he shall save his life. 28 Because he considered and turned away from all the transgressions which he had committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

Psalm 130:1-8<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Ps&ch=130&bv1=1&ev1=8>

1 Out of the depths I cry to thee, O LORD! 2 Lord, hear my voice! Let thy ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications! 3 If thou, O LORD, shouldst mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? 4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. 5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; 6 my soul waits for the LORD more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. 7 O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and with him is plenteous redemption. 8 And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

Matthew 5:20-26<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Matt&ch=5&bv1=20&ev1=26>

20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 21 "You have heard that it was said to the men of old, `You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall be liable to judgment.' 22 But I say to you that every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother shall be liable to the council, and whoever says, `You fool!' shall be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Make friends quickly with your accuser, while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison; 26 truly, I say to you, you will never get out till you have paid the last penny.

Lenten Reflections<http://origin.ewtn.com/faith/lent/>

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 asked God to help me love others, as much as He loves me, and God said, "Ah, finally you have the idea."

February 14, 2008

When: Thursday, February 14, 2008 12:00 AM to Friday, February 15, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
 
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Words of Jesus
Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets.
Matthew 7:7,12
 
 
If you won’t abandon Christ, He will not abandon you!  As God helps his servants in a special way, he who serves God should live in great peace. There is only one condition: be friends of God and live as His children.
— St. Thomas Aquinas
 
 
Abba, Father, Lord God, O Jesus, humbled to abjection for me, teach me to humble myself for love of You. Today’s readings remind me that You are always there and if I do not abandon You, You will not abandon me. For as Jesus teaches I need to open the door, I need to ask, I need to pray. So I am prompted to think of Tuesday’s Lenten Reflection by Claudia Minden Welsz:
 
I asked God to take away my pride,
And God said "No."
He said it was not for Him to take away,
But for me to give up.
 
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole,
and God said, "No."
He said her spirit is eternal,
While her body is only temporary.
 
I asked God to grant me patience,
And God said, "No."
He said patience is a by-product of tribulation.
It isn’t granted – it is earned.
 
I asked God to give me happiness,
And God said "No."
He said He gives blessings,
Happiness is up to me.
 
I asked God to spare me pain,
And God said "No."
He said, "Suffering draws you apart from
Worldly cares and brings you close to Me."
 
I asked God to make my spirit grow,
And God said "No."
He said I must grow on my own,
But he will prune me to make it fruitful.
 
I asked God if He loved me,
And God said "Yes."
He gave me His only Son, who died for me,
And I will be in heaven someday
Because I believe.
I asked God to help me love others
As much as He loves me,
And God said,
"Ah, finally you have the idea."
 
O my Jesus, help me to be what those I love need and those in need can turn too. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
 
 
Queen Esther, seized with mortal anguish, had recourse to the Lord. She lay prostrate upon the ground, together with her handmaids, from morning until evening, and said: "God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob, blessed are you. Help me, who am alone and have no help but you, for I am taking my life in my hand. As a child I used to hear from the books of my forefathers that you, O Lord, always free those who are pleasing to you. Now help me, who am alone and have no one but you, O Lord, my God.” “And now, come to help me, an orphan. Put in my mouth persuasive words in the presence of the lion and turn his heart to hatred for our enemy, so that he and those who are in league with him may perish. Save us from the hand of our enemies; turn our mourning into gladness and our sorrows into wholeness.
1 I give thee thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing thy praise; 2 I bow down toward thy holy temple and give thanks to thy name for thy steadfast love and thy faithfulness; for thou hast exalted above everything thy name and thy word. 3 On the day I called, thou didst answer me, my strength of soul thou didst increase. 7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou dost preserve my life; thou dost stretch out thy hand against the wrath of my enemies, and thy right hand delivers me. 8 The LORD will fulfil his purpose for me; thy steadfast love, O LORD, endures for ever. Do not forsake the work of thy hands.
7 "Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or what man of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! 12 So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets.