Archive for the ‘Christianity’ Category

Today Christians Commemorate St. Thomas Becket, Bishop and Martyr For Christ Jesus – Please Pray For Us!

Friday, December 29th, 2023

St Thomas BecketSt. Thomas Becket (1118-1170)
Image Courtesy: —
Aquinas and More

(Franciscan Media) Today is the 5th Day in the Octave of Christmas and we remember St.Thomas Becket, the other Thomas that was martyred for Jesus Christ.

A strong who wavered but for a moment but then learned that one cannot come to terms with evil and so he became a strong churchman, a martyr and a Saint–Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury murdered in his Cathedral on the 29 December, 1170

Thomas Becket’s career began as a stormy one–While Archdeacon of Canterbury he was made Chancellor of England at the age of 36 by his friend King Henry II when Henry felt it advantageous to make his Chancellor the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas gave him fair warning, he might not accept all of Henry’s intrusions into Church affairs nevertheless, he was made Archbishop (in 1162) and resigned his Chancellorship and reformed his whole way of life.

Troubles followed, Henry insisted on usurping Church rights–at one time supposing some conciliatory action possible, Thomas came close to compromise and momentarily approved the ‘Constitutions of Clarendon’ which would have denied the Clergy the right of trial by a Church Court and prevented them from making direct appeal to Rome but Thomas, rejected the ‘Constitutions’ fled to France for safety and remained in exile for seven years.

When Thomas returned to England in 1170 he suspected it would mean certain death because he refused to remit censures, Thomas placed upon Bishops favored by King Henry who cried out in a rage: “Will no one rid me of this troublesome Priest.”

Four knights taking his words as his wish, slew Thomas in the Canterbury Cathedral.

In 1173 Thomas was canonized–In July the following year, King Henry in an attempt to calm a public revolt, did a public penance at St.Thomas’ tomb which became a pilgrimage for the faithful.

More here on St. Thomas Becket from Catholic Online

St. Thomas Becket: A Saint For This Season – Natl Catholic Register

Related: For Today’s Holy Scripture Readings for the 5th Day in the Octave of Christmas, Visit: -USCCB

On Christmas Eve, Christians Celebrate The ‘Christmas at Greccio’

Sunday, December 24th, 2023

Christmas at Greccio

(Franciscan Media) What a better way to prepare for the arrival of the Christ Child then to take a brief journey to Greccio, the spot in Central Italy where St. Francis of Assisi created the first Christmas crib in 1223

Francis recalling a visit he had made years before to Bethlehem, resolved to create the manger that he had seen there. The ideal spot was a cave in nearby Greccio. One would find a baby (we’re unsure if it was a live infant or the carved image of a baby) hay upon which to lay him, an ox and a donkey to stand beside the manger. Word went out to the people of the town–at the appointed time, they arrived carrying torches and candles.

One of the Friars began celebrating Mass–Francis himself gave a sermon. His biographer Thomas of Celano recalls that Francis ‘stood before the manger…overcome with love and filled with a wonderful happiness.’

For Francis, the simple celebration was meant to recall the hardship Jesus suffered even as an infant, a Savior who chose to become poor for our sake, a truly human Jesus.

On Christmas Eve, as we pray around the Christmas cribs in our homes, we welcome into our hearts that same Savior.

An Inspiration Of Time With God For Today

Saturday, December 23rd, 2023

O God, redeem Israel from all its troubles.
Psalm (Tehillim) 25:22
Image Courtesy: To Israel with LOVE

Prayer of David for Guidance and Deliverance

“To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in You I trust! Do not let me be put to shame, do not let my enemies exult over me. Do not let those who wait for You be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.

Make me to know Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all day long.

Be mindful of Your mercy O Lord and of Your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to Your steadfast love remember me, for Your goodness’ sake, O Lord!

Good and upright is the Lord; therefore He instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble His way. All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep His Covenant and His decrees.

For You name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great. Who are they that fear the Lord? He will teach them the way that they should choose.

They will abide in prosperity and their children shall possess the land. The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear Him and He makes His Covenant known to them. My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He will pluck my feet out of the net.

Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart and bring me out of my distress. Consider my affliction and my trouble and forgive all my sins.

Consider how many are my foes and with what violent hatred they hate me. O guard my life and deliver me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in You. May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You.

Redeem Israel, O my God,
out of all its trouble.” –Psalm 25:1-22

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

Why Pray at the Western Wall? -Chabad.org

An Inspiration Of Time With God For Today

Friday, December 22nd, 2023

“O King of all nations and keystone of the Church,
come and save man whom You formed from the dust!”

God lifts the poor from the dust; From the dunghill,
He raises the pauper, to seat them with princes
and a seat of honor He causes them to inherit.
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s and
He placed the world upon them. –1 Samuel (Shmuel) 1:8

Hannah’s Prayer

“My heart rejoices in the Lord, in the Lord my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies for I delight in Your deliverance. There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides You; there is no Rock like our God! Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the Lord is a God who knows and by Him deeds are weighed. The bows of the warriors are broken but those who stumbled are armed with strength. Those who were full hire themselves out for food but those who were hungry are hungry no more. She who was barren has borne seven children but she who has had many sons pines away. The Lord brings death and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and raises up. The Lord sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; He seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are of the Lord’s on them He has set the world. He will guard the feet of His faithful servants but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness. It is not by strength that one prevails; those who oppose the Lord will be broken. The Most High will thunder from Heaven; the Lord will judge the ends of the earth. He will give strength to His king and exalt the horn of His anointed.” Amen! –1 Samuel 2:1-10

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

The Story/Song of Hannah -Chabad.org

An Inspiration Of Time With God For Today

Thursday, December 21st, 2023

“Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you, blessed are you among women and blessed the the fruit of your womb, Jesus!” –Cf. Luke 1:28; 42

Mary Visits Elizabeth

Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth, when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaded for joy! Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” –Luke 1:39-45

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

The Angelus Prayer -EWTN

Today Christians Honor Blessed Pope Urban V – Please Pray For Us!

Tuesday, December 19th, 2023

Pope Urban VBlessed Pope Urban V (1310-1370)

(uCatholic) Blessed Pope Urban V was born Giullaume de Grimoard in France Languedoc, he studied Canon Law and Theology in Avignon becoming a Benedictine Monk and in 1352 he was named Abbott of his Monastery , serving as a papal diplomat and was sent as an Ambassador to various locations–also serving as a Bishop around Italy and throughout Europe.

In 1362 the man elected Pope declined the office, when the Cardinal’s could not find another person among them for that important office, they turned to a relative stranger–the holy person we honor today.

Pope Urban V proved a wise choice, as a Benedictine Monk and Canon Lawyer, he was deeply spiritual and brilliant, living simply and modestly which did not always win him friends among clergymen who become used to comfort and privilege.

Still Pope Urban V pressed for reform and saw to the restoration of the Churches and Monasteries. Except for a brief period, he spent most of his 8 years as Pope living away from Rome at Avignon, seat of the papacy from 1309 until shortly after his death.

Pope Urban V came close but was not able to achieve one of his biggest goals–reuniting the Eastern and Western Churches.

Today Christians Honor Blessed Anthony Grassi, Please Pray For Us!

Monday, December 18th, 2023

Bl-Anthony-GrassiBlessed Anthony Grassi (1592-1671)

(uCatholic) Anthony’s father died when his son was only 10 yrs old but the young lad inherited his father’s devotion to Our Lady of Loreto. as a schoolboy, he frequented the local Church of the Oratorian Father’s, joining the religious order when he was 17

Already a fine student, he soon gained a reputation in his religious community as a ‘walking dictionary’ who quickly grasped scripture and theology. For sometime he was tormented by scruples but they reportedly left him at the very hour he celebrated his first Mass, from that day serenity penetrated his very being.

In 1621 at the age of 29, Anthony was struck by lightning while praying in the Church of the Holy House at Loreto, he was carried paralyzed from the Church expecting to die. When he recovered in a few days, he realized that he had been cured of acute indigestion.  Anthony’s scorched clothes were donated to the Loreto Church as an offering of thanks for his new gift of life. More important, Anthony now felt that his life now belonged entirely to God and each year thereafter he made a pilgrimage to Loreto to give thanks.

Anthony also began hearing confessions and came to be regarded as an outstanding confessor. Simple and direct, he listened carefully to penitents, said a few words, giving a penance and absolution, frequently drawing on his gift of reading consciences. In 1635 he was elected ‘Superior of the Fermo Oratory, he was so well regarded, that he was reelected every three years until his death. Anthony was a quiet person and a gentle Superior, who did not know how to be severe–at the same time, he kept the Oratorian Constitutions literally, encouraging the community to do likewise.

Full biographical article here from Franciscan Media

An Inspiration Of Time With God For Today

Sunday, December 17th, 2023

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has anointed me
to bring ‘Good News’ to the poor (humble).”
Luke 4:18(a) (Cited: Isaiah 61:1)
Image Courtesy: 1RomanCatholic@Twitter

The Good News of Deliverance

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord has anointed me; He has sent me to bring Good News to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion to give them them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display His glory. They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.

Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, foreigners shall till your land and dress your vines but you shall be called Priests of the Lord, you shall be named Ministers of our God; you shall enjoy the wealth of the nations and in their riches you shall glory because their shame was double and dishonor was proclaimed as their lot, therefore they shall possess a double portion; everlasting joy shall be theirs.

For I the Lord love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will faithfully give them their recompense and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants shall be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for He has clothed me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with garland and as a bride adorns herself with jewels. For as the earth brings forth from its shoots and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. –Isaiah 61:1-11

Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus Song

Mary said, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me, Holy is His name! His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as He promised our ancestors.” –Luke 1:46-55

You May Know the Joy of Salvation,
Forgiveness of Sins
and the Assurance of Eternal Life in Heaven Today,
Through ‘The Good News’ of Christ Jesus!

Related: For Today’s Most Holy Scripture Readings for the Third Sunday of Advent, Visit: -USCCB

Today Christians Celebrate Feast of Blessed Honoratus Kozminski – Please Pray For Us!

Saturday, December 16th, 2023

Blessed Honoratus Kozminski

Blessed Honoratus Kozminski –Image Courtesy: Debra Babin Kerner@Twitter

(Catholic Online) Blessed Honoratus Kozminski was born in Biala Podlaska (Poland, Siedice) and studied architecture at the School of Fine Arts in Warsaw.

When Wenceslaus was almost 16 yrs of age his father passed away. Suspected of of participating in a rebellious conspiracy, the young man was imprisoned from April 1846 until the following March. In 1848 he received the Capuchin habit and a new name–four years later he was ordained.

In 1855 he helped Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska establish the Felician Sisters.

Honoratus served as Guardian in a Warsaw friary, dedicating his energies to ministering, to giving spiritual direction and to hearing confessions, he worked tirelessly with the Secular Franciscan Order.

More here from  Franciscan Media

An Inspiration Of Time With God For Today

Friday, December 15th, 2023

The Lord will come; Go out to meet Him!
He is the Prince of peace.

Jesus: “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness but will have the Light of Life.” –John 8:12

The Two Ways

Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked or take the path that sinners tread or sit in the seat of scoffers but their delight is in the Law of the Lord and on His Law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by the streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.

The wicked are not so but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous but the way of the wicked will perish. –Psalm 1:1-6

Jesus: “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness but will have the Light of Life.” –John 8:12

Jesus: “To what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another,

‘We played the flute for you and you did not dance;
we wailed for you and you did not mourn.’

For John came neither eating nor drinking and they say, ‘He has a demon;’ the Son of Man came eating and drinking and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” –Matthew 11:16-19

You May Know the Joy of Salvation,
Forgiveness of Sins
and the Assurance of Eternal Life Today,
Through ‘The Good News’ of Christ Jesus!

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