Archive for February, 2024

Today Christians Celebrate the Feast of St. Peter Damian, Cardinal-Bishop, Doctor of the Church – Please Pray For Us!

Wednesday, February 21st, 2024

St. Peter Damian

Saint Peter Damian (1007-1072)
Image Courtesy: Faith Warriors

(Franciscan Media) Peter was born into a good family but was orphaned at an early age and went to live with his brother.

According to EWTN his bother treated him more life a slave than one so closely related. Peter escaped poverty and the neglect of his brother, when he was sent away to another brother that was an Archpriest in Italy Raveena, who took pity on him and had the charity to provide him with an education–Peter became a professor

Maybe because he was orphaned, Peter was very good to the poor, it was an ordinary thing for him to have an impoverished person or two dine with him and he enjoyed the opportunity this provided to minister to them.

Already in those days, Peter was very strict with himself, he wore a chalice underneath his clothing, fasted rigorously and spent many hours in prayer–Later he left teaching and gave himself to prayer with the Benedictines of the Reform of Saint Romuald at Fonte Avellnam–they lived two Monks to a hermitage. Peter was so eager to pray, sleeping so little and studying the Bible, that he soon suffered severe insomnia, finding that he had to use some prudence to take better care of himself.

His superiors ordered that Peter make frequent appeals to the religious, as he had acquired a very good character for virtue and learning–later he founded 5 other hermitages (monasteries) encouraging his brother in a life of prayer and solitude, wanting nothing more for himself. The Holy See however periodically called on Peter to be a peacemaker/troubleshooter between two Abbey’s in dispute or between a Cleric and government official in some disagreement with Rome.

Pope Stephen IX in 1057 made Peter the Cardinal-Bishop of of Ostia (Rome) but such was his reluctance, that nothing less than Pope Stephen IX threatening him with excommunication and his commands, induced Peter to acquiesce.

Peter worked hard to to wipe out simony (buying or selling ecclesiastical privileges) and encouraged his priest’s to observe celibacy and even encouraged the diocesan clergy to live together to maintain scheduled prayer and religious observances–wanting to restore the discipline among the religious and priests, warning them against needless travel, violations of poverty and too comfortable of living.

Following Peter’s retirement, he continued to edify the Church by his penance and writing bust was still called to serve as a personal representative to the Pope.

Henry, Archbishop of Ravenna having been excommunicated for grievous moral offenses, Peter was sent by Pope Alexander II to take care of the affairs of the Church. When Peter arrived, he found the Bishop deceased but found his accomplices. Bringing them around to a sense of their guilt, he imposed suitable penances upon them.

This was Peter’s last undertaking for the Church before God, being pleased with his his labors soon after called him home on the 22 February, 1072

Peter was Canonized in 1823 by Pope Leo XII and in 1828 made Doctor of the Church.

An Inspiration Of Time With God For Today

Monday, February 19th, 2024

Jesus: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do
for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me.”
Matthew 25:45
Images Courtesy of: Thomas R@Twitter
and Deacon Paul O’Connor

Judgment of the Nations

Jesus: “When the Son of Man comes in His glory and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him and He will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats and He will put the sheep at His right hand and the goats at the left.

Then the King will say to those at His right hand, ‘Come you that are blessed by My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, for I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed Me, I was naked and you gave Me clothing, I was sick and you took care of Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw You hungry and gave You food or thirsty and gave You something to drink? When was it that we saw You a stranger and welcomed You or naked and gave You clothing? When was it that we saw You sick or in prison and visited You?’

The King will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of My family, you did it to Me.’

Then He will say to those at His left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from Me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave Me no food, I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome Me, naked and you did not give Me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’

Then they will also answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not take care of You?’

Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’

These will go away into eternal punishment but the righteous into eternal life.'” –Matthew 25:31-46

Related: For Today’s Most Holy Scripture Readings, Visit: -USCCB

An Inspiration Of Time With God For Today

Sunday, February 18th, 2024

Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed against Me and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! — For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, says the Lord God.
Turn then and live. –Ezekiel 18:31A-32 (NRSVCE)
Image Courtesy: Blue Army Shrine Our Lady of Fatima

  • All Scripture is inspired by God
    and is useful for teaching, for reproof,
    for correction and for training in righteousness.
    2 Timothy 3:16

A Psalm of Asaph (5th Century BCE)

To those who who go the right way
I will show the salvation of God! (Psalm 50:23B)

The mighty One, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth  from the rising of the sun to its setting. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth! Our God comes and does not keep silence, before Him is a devouring fire and a mighty tempest all around Him. He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that He may judge His people; “Gather to me My faithful ones, who made a Covenant with Me by sacrifice!” The heavens declare His righteousness, for God Himself is judge.

“Hear, O My people and I will speak, O Israel, I will testify against you. I am God, your God. Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you; Your burnt offerings are continually before Me. I will not accept a bull from your house or goats from your folds. For every wild animal of the forest is Mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know the birds of the air and all that moves in the field is mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and all that is in it is mine. Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats? Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving and pay your vows to the Most High. Call on Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you shall glorify Me.”

 

To the wicked God says: “What right have you to recite My Statues or take a Covenant on your lips? For you hate discipline and you cast My Words behind you. You make friends with a thief when you see one and you keep company with adulterers. You give your mouth free rein for evil and your tongue frames deceit. You sit and speak against your kin; you slander your own mother’s child. These things you have done and I have been silent; You thought that I was one just like yourself but now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you. Mark this then, you who forgot God or I will tear you apart and there will be no one to deliver.”

 

“Those who bring thanksgiving as their sacrifice honor Me; To those who go the right way I will show the salvation of God.” –Psalm 50:1-23

  • You May Know the Joy of Salvation and Eternal Life
    in Heaven Today Through The Good News
    of Christ Jesus!

Related: Why Does God Send People to Hell?  -The Fatima Center

Final Battle Will Be Over Marriage and the Family -ChurchPOP

Today Christians Celebrate the Feast of Blessed John of Fiesole, Universal Patron of Artists – Please Pray For Us!

Sunday, February 18th, 2024

Blessed Fra Angelico‘Annunciation and Decent from the Cross’
by Blessed John of Fiesole
Popularly Known as Blessed Fra Angelico

(Franciscan Media) Blessed John of Fiesole born in Vicchio overlooking Italy Florence, he took up painting as a young lad studying under the watchful eye of a local painting master and became known for the beauty of his paintings.

Given the name “Guido” at Baptism, he joined the Dominicans at the age of 20 taking the name ‘Fra Giovanni’ (nicknamed Angelico) by his brothers he eventually became known as ‘Fra Angelico’ as he ministered Jesus Christ by his life, his words and paintings.

Continuing studying painting and perfecting his own techniques which included broad brush strokes, vivid colors and generous life like figures, Michelangelo once said of Fra Angelico:

“One has to believe that this good Monk has visited paradise and been allowed to choose his models there.”

Whatever his subject matter, Fra Angelico sought to generate feelings of religious devotion in response to his paintings. Among his most famous works are the ‘Annunciation and Descent From the Cross’ as well as ‘Frescoes’ in the Monastery of San Marco in Florence.

Between 1425 and 1447 ‘Fra Angelico’ served in leadership positions for the Dominican convents and other ecclesiastical institutes at Fiesole in Florence, Cortona and Orvieto.

The fame of ‘Fra Angelico’ genius, merited him the esteem of  Pope Eugenio IV (1383-1447) and Nicholas V (1397-1455) whom they contracted with for the task of ‘frescoing painting’ several rooms in the Vatican Palace.

Fra AngelicoFra Angelico Frescoes in the ‘Cappella Niccolina
of the Plazzi Pontifica in the Vatican’

Fra Angelico passed away on this date (18 February) 1455 in the ‘Convent of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva’ in Rome and was buried in the adjoining Basilica, where his body was covered by a simple slab on which was carved his portrait, with a personality that was uncomplicated and clear.

“The virtue and and profound religious spirit which characterized the life of this artist and Dominican, is reflected in his (Fra Angelico) spirituality, his purity and the luminosity of his art,” wrote the Dominican Sisters.

Even before his official as ‘Blessed of the Church’ Fra Angelico had been given the faithful title ‘Beato Angelico’ in a moving ceremony on the 18 October,  1984 when Pope Saint John Paul II on his knees in front of ‘Fra Angelico’ tomb, proclaimed him solemnly to be the universal patron of all artists.

“The incarnation was on of Fra Angelico’s favorite themes and he painted over 25 variations of it, his painted meditations, so needed at the time of the early Renaissance are still necessary today. God became man to bring us closer to Himself by way of all things human–He makes all things new by fashioning them into possible vehicles of grace for us, so that by visible realities and concrete concepts, we can arrive at an understanding and a love of higher, invisible realities, all leading to God Himself.”

Related: Fra Angelico Paintings — Convent of San Marco

An Inspiration Of Time With God For Today

Saturday, February 17th, 2024

“Each one of them is Jesus in disguise.” -St. Teresa of Calcutta
Image Courtesy: KTLA

How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? –1 John 3:17

Warnings & Encouragements

When a crowd of many thousands had gathered so that they were trampling one another, Jesus began to speak, first to His disciples saying, “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight and what you have whispered (gossip) in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.

I tell you My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more but I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after your body has been killed has authority to throw you into Hell. Yes I tell you, fear Him! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows.

I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges Me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God but whoever disowns me before others will also be disowned before the angels of God and everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man (Jesus) will be forgiven but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

When you are brought before Synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”

The Parable of the Rich Fool

Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance for me.’

Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?”

Then Jesus said to the crowd, “Watch out! Be on guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

Jesus then told them a parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops?’ Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones and there I will store my surplus grain and I’ll say to myself, you have plenty of grain laid up for ,many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.’

God then said to him, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?”

Jesus: “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

Do Not Worry

Jesus said to His disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you eat or about your body what you will wear. For life is more than food and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn, yet God feeds them and how much more valuable are you than birds! Who of you worrying can ad a single hour to your life? Since you can not do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will He clothe you? You of little faith! For the pagan world runs after all such things and your Father knows that you need them but seek His Kingdom and these things will be given to you as well.

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the Kingdom! Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in Heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their masters to return from a wedding banquet so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or towards daybreak but understand this: If the owner of the house had known what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man (Jesus) will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.” 

Peter asked, ‘Lord, are you telling this parable to us or to everyone?’

Jesus answered, “Who then is the faithful and the wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions but suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time in coming,’ then begins to beat the other servants both men and women and to eat, drink and get drunk. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.

The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows but the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with a few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”

Not Peace But Division

Jesus: “I have come to bring fire on the earth and how I wish it were already kindled but I have a baptism to undergo and what constraint I am under until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

Interpreting the Times

Jesus said to the crowd: “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘Its going to rain’ and so it does and when the south wind blows, you say, ‘Its going to be hot’ and it is. Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky, how is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time?

Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right? As you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, try hard to be reconciled on the way or your adversary may drag you off to the judge and the judge turn you over to the officer and the officer throw you into prison. I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.” –Luke 12:1-59

Related: Sister Lucia dos Santos: Final Battle Between God and Satan, Marriage and the Family

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Today Christians Celebrate the Feast of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, Patron Saints of Europe – Please Pray For Us!

Wednesday, February 14th, 2024

Saints Cyril & MethodiusSt. Cyril (827-869) & St. Methodius (815-884)
Image Courtesy:
St’s Cyril and Methodius Parish

(Franciscan Media) These brothers the Apostle’s of Slovakia were born in Thessalonica —  After a brilliant course of studies, Cyril (called Constantine until he became a Monk shortly before his death) refused the Governorship of a district such as his brother had accepted among the Slovakia speaking population. Cyril withdrew to a Monastery where his brother Methodius became a Monk after some years in the government post.

A decisive change in their lives occurred when the ‘Duke of Moravia’ (of present day the Czech Republic) asked the Eastern Emperor Michael for political independence from German rule and Ecclesiastical autonomy — Cyril and Methodius, undertook the missionary task.

Cyril’s first undertaking was to invent an alphabet (still used in some Eastern Liturgies) his assistants probably formed the ‘Cyrillic’ alphabet from Greek capital letters–together they translated the Gospels, the Psalter the Liturgical books together with the Letters of Saint Paul (Romans, 1st & 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, 1st and 2nd Timothy, Titus and Philemon) into Slovakian language.

Cyril’s and Methodius free use of the common language spoken among the people they worked, led to opposition from the German Clergy, the Bishop refused to consecrate Slavic Priests and Bishops, Cyril was forced to appeal to Rome.

On Cyril’s and Methodius visit to Rome, they had the joy of seeing their new liturgy approved by Pope Adrian II. Cyril long  working through his disabilities, died in Rome on the 14 February, 869 just 50 days subsequent to taking the monastic habit.

Methodius continued his missionary work for 16 more years as Papal Legate for the Slovakian people, Consecrated a Bishop.

Legend has it that in a feverish period of activity, Methodius translated the entire Holy Scriptures into the Slovakian language in 8 months. With his health worn out, Methodius passed away on the 06 April, 885 — In 1980 Pope Saint John Paul II declared them Co-Patrons of Europe.

On the 17 June, 2009 Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI addressing Saint’s Cyril and Methodius said, they were classic examples of what today is meant by the term “inculturation” every people must integrate the message revealed into its own culture and express its saving truth in its own language.