God has deemed it better to bring good out of evil than not to permit evil at all.

January 16, 2008

When: Wednesday, January 16, 2008 12:00 AM to Thursday, January 17, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

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

Words of Jesus

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

John 17:20-21

God has deemed it better to bring good out of evil than not to permit evil at all. — St. Augustine

Abba, Father, Lord God, thank you for today this day a chance to forgive, forget, love, hope, help and give. Days like this are truly a gift from You; days when we feel good enough about ourselves to think of others first and in doing so reflect the image of Jesus. O how I pray that through Jesus in the Spirit You would help me see, know and make everyday like today. St. Augustine's quote today reminds me of Joseph and how he spoke to his brothers about how they meant to harm him, but You meant it for good. And while the hardships Joseph endured were severe, You were with Him always and he in You. Today's readings also speak of the fact of faith; if we are to believe and practice that belief we can expect no more than that which all who have believed and practiced before, for when we believe we know that we are not of this world and cannot look to any man for counsel for as man in human form we are all plagued with the same flaws, but in You and through Christ Jesus we can find all we need to walk under the sun. And if we keep seeking, keep asking and keep praying we will have days like today and they will grow in number no matter what our state and condition. Thank You Lord God, thank You Jesus; in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit I give thanks and pray – have mercy on us and on the whole world, Amen.

1 Corinthians 4:9-13</vbible/search.asp?abbr=_1Cor&ch=4&bv1=9&ev1=13>

9 For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. 11 To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are ill-clad and buffeted and homeless, 12 and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 13 when slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become, and are now, as the refuse of the world, the off scouring of all things.

Psalm 126:1-6</vbible/search.asp?abbr=Ps&ch=126&bv1=1&ev1=6>

1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." 3 The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad. 4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the watercourses in the Negeb! 5 May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy! 6 He that goes forth weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

Matthew 10:16-22</vbible/search.asp?abbr=Matt&ch=10&bv1=16&ev1=22>

16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you up, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour; 20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; 22 and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.

Pope Benedict XVI Encyclical Letter

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi_en.html

Posted in Bible Readings, Daily Bible Readings, Daily Prayers, Richard Angulo | Leave a Comment »

God has deemed it better to bring good out of evil than not to permit evil at all.

January 16, 2008

When: Wednesday, January 16, 2008 12:00 AM to Thursday, January 17, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

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

Words of Jesus

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

John 17:20-21

God has deemed it better to bring good out of evil than not to permit evil at all. — St. Augustine

Abba, Father, Lord God, thank you for today this day a chance to forgive, forget, love, hope, help and give. Days like this are truly a gift from You; days when we feel good enough about ourselves to think of others first and in doing so reflect the image of Jesus. O how I pray that through Jesus in the Spirit You would help me see, know and make everyday like today. St. Augustine's quote today reminds me of Joseph and how he spoke to his brothers about how they meant to harm him, but You meant it for good. And while the hardships Joseph endured were severe, You were with Him always and he in You. Today's readings also speak of the fact of faith; if we are to believe and practice that belief we can expect no more than that which all who have believed and practiced before, for when we believe we know that we are not of this world and cannot look to any man for counsel for as man in human form we are all plagued with the same flaws, but in You and through Christ Jesus we can find all we need to walk under the sun. And if we keep seeking, keep asking and keep praying we will have days like today and they will grow in number no matter what our state and condition. Thank You Lord God, thank You Jesus; in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit I give thanks and pray – have mercy on us and on the whole world, Amen.

1 Corinthians 4:9-13</vbible/search.asp?abbr=_1Cor&ch=4&bv1=9&ev1=13>

9 For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. 11 To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are ill-clad and buffeted and homeless, 12 and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 13 when slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become, and are now, as the refuse of the world, the off scouring of all things.

Psalm 126:1-6</vbible/search.asp?abbr=Ps&ch=126&bv1=1&ev1=6>

1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." 3 The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad. 4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the watercourses in the Negeb! 5 May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy! 6 He that goes forth weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

Matthew 10:16-22</vbible/search.asp?abbr=Matt&ch=10&bv1=16&ev1=22>

16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you up, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour; 20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; 22 and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.

Pope Benedict XVI Encyclical Letter

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi_en.html

Posted in Daily Bible Readings | Leave a Comment »

No mother could snatch her child from a burning building more swiftly than God is constrained to succor a penitent soul.

January 15, 2008

When: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 12:00 AM to Wednesday, January 16, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

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

Words of Jesus

Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever he does, that the Son does likewise.

For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself, and has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of man."

"I can do nothing on my own authority; as I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me."

John 5:19, 26-27, 30

No mother could snatch her child from a burning building more swiftly than God is constrained to succor a penitent soul.

— St. Henry Suso

Abba, Father, Lord God, today You remind me how important attitude is, through those I believe have mastered the use of Your Word in fight the demons we create within ourselves; John Maxwell and Joyce Meyers. Then in Samuel You show me how Hannah despite her state continued to turn to You in faith, and how that faith grew strong in her attitude of complete supplication in prayer and trust in Your will, content in what ever You willed, yet confident in that she would be heard. And You show how Jesus gave Himself completely to Your will and Purpose, and through prayer and oneness with You reflected in all He did the authority of that oneness and purpose in all He saw, said and did. Clearly I too, have known some of these things, but have failed to maintain the attitude to fulfill. O Lord God through Jesus Words help me to practice Thy presence in the Spirit in all I see, say and do today. And if I get nothing else done, let me spend this day conscious of Your presence. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

1 Samuel 1:9-20<../vbible/search.asp?abbr=_1Sam&ch=1&bv1=9&ev1=20>

9 After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh, Hannah rose. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the LORD. 10 She was deeply distressed and prayed to the LORD, and wept bitterly. 11 And she vowed a vow and said, "O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thy maidservant, and remember me, and not forget thy maidservant, but wilt give to thy maidservant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head." 12 As she continued praying before the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard; therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman. 14 And Eli said to her, "How long will you be drunken? Put away your wine from you." 15 But Hannah answered, "No, my lord, I am a woman sorely troubled; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the LORD. 16 Do not regard your maidservant as a base woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation." 17 Then Eli answered, "Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have made to him." 18 And she said, "Let your maidservant find favor in your eyes." Then the woman went her way and ate, and her countenance was no longer sad. 19 They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the LORD; then they went back to their house at Ramah. And Elka'nah knew Hannah his wife, and the LORD remembered her; 20 and in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, "I have asked him of the LORD."

(Ps) 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-8<../vbible/search.asp?abbr=_1Sam&ch=2&bv1=1&ev1=1&bv2=4&ev2=8>

1 Hannah also prayed and said, "My heart exults in the LORD; my strength is exalted in the LORD. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in thy salvation. 4 The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble gird on strength. 5 Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn. 6 The LORD kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up. 7 The LORD makes poor and makes rich; he brings low, he also exalts. 8 He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and on them he has set the world.

Mark 1:21-28<../vbible/search.asp?abbr=Mark&ch=1&bv1=21&ev1=28>

21 And they went into Caper'na-um; and immediately on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; 24 and he cried out, "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." 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!" 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching! With authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him." 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.

Pope Benedict XVI Encyclical Letter

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi_en.html

Posted in Bible Readings, Daily Bible Readings, Daily Prayers, Richard Angulo | Leave a Comment »

No mother could snatch her child from a burning building more swiftly than God is constrained to succor a penitent soul.

January 15, 2008

When: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 12:00 AM to Wednesday, January 16, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

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

Words of Jesus

Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever he does, that the Son does likewise.

For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself, and has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of man."

"I can do nothing on my own authority; as I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me."

John 5:19, 26-27, 30

No mother could snatch her child from a burning building more swiftly than God is constrained to succor a penitent soul.

— St. Henry Suso

Abba, Father, Lord God, today You remind me how important attitude is, through those I believe have mastered the use of Your Word in fight the demons we create within ourselves; John Maxwell and Joyce Meyers. Then in Samuel You show me how Hannah despite her state continued to turn to You in faith, and how that faith grew strong in her attitude of complete supplication in prayer and trust in Your will, content in what ever You willed, yet confident in that she would be heard. And You show how Jesus gave Himself completely to Your will and Purpose, and through prayer and oneness with You reflected in all He did the authority of that oneness and purpose in all He saw, said and did. Clearly I too, have known some of these things, but have failed to maintain the attitude to fulfill. O Lord God through Jesus Words help me to practice Thy presence in the Spirit in all I see, say and do today. And if I get nothing else done, let me spend this day conscious of Your presence. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

1 Samuel 1:9-20<../vbible/search.asp?abbr=_1Sam&ch=1&bv1=9&ev1=20>

9 After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh, Hannah rose. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the LORD. 10 She was deeply distressed and prayed to the LORD, and wept bitterly. 11 And she vowed a vow and said, "O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thy maidservant, and remember me, and not forget thy maidservant, but wilt give to thy maidservant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head." 12 As she continued praying before the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard; therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman. 14 And Eli said to her, "How long will you be drunken? Put away your wine from you." 15 But Hannah answered, "No, my lord, I am a woman sorely troubled; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the LORD. 16 Do not regard your maidservant as a base woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation." 17 Then Eli answered, "Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have made to him." 18 And she said, "Let your maidservant find favor in your eyes." Then the woman went her way and ate, and her countenance was no longer sad. 19 They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the LORD; then they went back to their house at Ramah. And Elka'nah knew Hannah his wife, and the LORD remembered her; 20 and in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, "I have asked him of the LORD."

(Ps) 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-8<../vbible/search.asp?abbr=_1Sam&ch=2&bv1=1&ev1=1&bv2=4&ev2=8>

1 Hannah also prayed and said, "My heart exults in the LORD; my strength is exalted in the LORD. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in thy salvation. 4 The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble gird on strength. 5 Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn. 6 The LORD kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up. 7 The LORD makes poor and makes rich; he brings low, he also exalts. 8 He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and on them he has set the world.

Mark 1:21-28<../vbible/search.asp?abbr=Mark&ch=1&bv1=21&ev1=28>

21 And they went into Caper'na-um; and immediately on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; 24 and he cried out, "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." 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!" 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching! With authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him." 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.

Pope Benedict XVI Encyclical Letter

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi_en.html

Posted in Daily Bible Readings | Leave a Comment »

"Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men."

January 14, 2008

When: Monday, January 14, 2008 12:00 AM to Tuesday, January 15, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

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

Words of Jesus

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

"Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you. "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.

Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.

Matthew 5:1-15

The Devil never runs upon a man to seize him with his claws until he sees him on the ground, already having fallen by his own will. – St. Thomas More

Abba, Father, Lord God, today the Word's of Jesus to Simon and Andrew lift me up, "Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men." O how I seek to be a light on the hill, to be an example, to be a light that draws others to You; and in doing so help them to also seek to understand and know how blessed we are. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

1 Samuel 1:1-8</vbible/search.asp?abbr=_1Sam&ch=1&bv1=1&ev1=8>

1 There was a certain man of Ramatha'im-zo'phim of the hill country of E'phraim, whose name was Elka'nah the son of Jero'ham, son of Eli'hu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an E'phraimite. 2 He had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Penin'nah. And Penin'nah had children, but Hannah had no children. 3 Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the LORD of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phin'ehas, were priests of the LORD. 4 On the day when Elka'nah sacrificed, he would give portions to Penin'nah his wife and to all her sons and daughters; 5 and, although he loved Hannah, he would give Hannah only one portion, because the LORD had closed her womb. 6 And her rival used to provoke her sorely, to irritate her, because the LORD had closed her womb. 7 So it went on year by year; as often as she went up to the house of the LORD, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. 8 And Elka'nah, her husband, said to her, "Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?"

Psalm 116:12-19</vbible/search.asp?abbr=Ps&ch=116&bv1=12&ev1=19>

12 What shall I render to the LORD for all his bounty to me? 13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD, 14 I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people. 15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. 16 O LORD, I am thy servant, the son of thy handmaid. Thou hast loosed my bonds. 17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD. 18 I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people, 19 in the courts of the house of the LORD, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!

Mark 1:14-20</vbible/search.asp?abbr=Mark&ch=1&bv1=14&ev1=20>

14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, 15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel." 16 And passing along by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men." 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zeb'edee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them; and they left their father Zeb'edee in the boat with the hired servants, and followed him.

Pope Benedict XVI Encyclical Letter

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi_en.html

Posted in Bible Readings, Daily Bible Readings, Daily Prayers, Richard Angulo | Leave a Comment »

"Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men."

January 14, 2008

When: Monday, January 14, 2008 12:00 AM to Tuesday, January 15, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

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

Words of Jesus

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

"Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you. "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.

Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.

Matthew 5:1-15

The Devil never runs upon a man to seize him with his claws until he sees him on the ground, already having fallen by his own will. – St. Thomas More

Abba, Father, Lord God, today the Word's of Jesus to Simon and Andrew lift me up, "Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men." O how I seek to be a light on the hill, to be an example, to be a light that draws others to You; and in doing so help them to also seek to understand and know how blessed we are. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

1 Samuel 1:1-8</vbible/search.asp?abbr=_1Sam&ch=1&bv1=1&ev1=8>

1 There was a certain man of Ramatha'im-zo'phim of the hill country of E'phraim, whose name was Elka'nah the son of Jero'ham, son of Eli'hu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an E'phraimite. 2 He had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Penin'nah. And Penin'nah had children, but Hannah had no children. 3 Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the LORD of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phin'ehas, were priests of the LORD. 4 On the day when Elka'nah sacrificed, he would give portions to Penin'nah his wife and to all her sons and daughters; 5 and, although he loved Hannah, he would give Hannah only one portion, because the LORD had closed her womb. 6 And her rival used to provoke her sorely, to irritate her, because the LORD had closed her womb. 7 So it went on year by year; as often as she went up to the house of the LORD, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. 8 And Elka'nah, her husband, said to her, "Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?"

Psalm 116:12-19</vbible/search.asp?abbr=Ps&ch=116&bv1=12&ev1=19>

12 What shall I render to the LORD for all his bounty to me? 13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD, 14 I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people. 15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. 16 O LORD, I am thy servant, the son of thy handmaid. Thou hast loosed my bonds. 17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD. 18 I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people, 19 in the courts of the house of the LORD, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!

Mark 1:14-20</vbible/search.asp?abbr=Mark&ch=1&bv1=14&ev1=20>

14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, 15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel." 16 And passing along by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men." 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zeb'edee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them; and they left their father Zeb'edee in the boat with the hired servants, and followed him.

Pope Benedict XVI Encyclical Letter

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi_en.html

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Sometimes hatred is charming, while love must show itself severe.

January 13, 2008

When: Sunday, January 13, 2008 12:00 AM to Monday, January 14, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

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Words of Jesus

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."

Luke 4:18-19

Sometimes hatred is charming, while love must show itself severe. – St. Augustine

Abba, Father, Lord God, today's readings are presented in the Lector Workbook to clearly show Your hand in the formation of the early Church and just as importantly the growth and change within the Apostles, like Peter. I feel three themes that cause me to discuss them with You. First the same speculations' surround Books of the Old and New Testament; clearly You inspired the Prophets, Apostles and Writer's of these Books to write them through Your Spirit. So too Your Spirit has been with and is within our Church founders and those that have translated and organized these Books for use by the people; as it has been, is, and will be throughout the generations. For it is Your Spirit that inspires us to seek to know and understand; whether out of fear or love. It is Your Spirit that we must keep turning to for this understanding; we must pray and meditate on Your Word keeping a humble heart or we risk forgetting all we know, all we do, all we have is a gift. gift from You through the Spirit. The second theme centers around Jesus' authority and the power of Your Spirit within Him, and how if one opens his or her heart it becomes clear that He is the way and the light; His Word, His Teachings, His Love and His Passion. One with You and Your Spirit. The third theme is that the mystery of You the Father Lord God, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit is one that we must accept without understanding, knowledge by faith, in hope and with love, always being reminded that we will never understand while in human form under the sun and that is Your will. That we believe and act by faith, in the hope of the promise of Your Word through Jesus Chris always with us in the Holy Spirit. For one day with You is truly better than one thousand elsewhere. Amen

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7</vbible/search.asp?abbr=Is_&ch=42&bv1=1&ev1=4&bv2=6&ev2=7>

1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him, he will bring forth justice to the nations. 2 He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; 3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. 4 He will not fail or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law. 6 "I am the LORD, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, 7 to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.

Psalm 29:1-4, 3, 9-10</vbible/search.asp?abbr=Ps&ch=29&bv1=1&ev1=4&bv2=3&ev2=3&bv3=9&ev3=10>

1 Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory of his name; worship the LORD in holy array. 3 The voice of the LORD is upon the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, upon many waters. 4 The voice of the LORD is powerful, the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. 9 The voice of the LORD makes the oaks to whirl, and strips the forests bare; and in his temple all cry, "Glory!" 10 The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king for ever.

Acts 10: 34-38</vbible/search.asp?abbr=Acts&ch=10&bv1=34&ev1=38>

34 And Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I perceive that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation any one who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 You know the word which he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37 the word which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

Matthew 3:13-17</vbible/search.asp?abbr=Matt&ch=3&bv1=13&ev1=17>

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" 15 But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now; for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness." Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him; 17 and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

Pope Benedict XVI Encyclical Letter

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi_en.html

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