Archive for the ‘Christianity’ Category

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.

Today Christians Honor Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska, Founder of Felician Sisters – Please Pray For Us!

Tuesday, January 30th, 2024

Blessed Mary Angela TruszkowskaBlessed Mary Angela Truszkowska

(FranciscanMedia) Today we celebrate the life a woman who submitted to God’s will throughout her life.

Born Sophia Camille Truskowska prematurely on the 16 May, 1825 in Poland Kalisz, according to The Franciscan Family she was the eldest of 7 children. With care and love of her family, she grew up to be a lively, inquisitive child and observant of all people and events around her.

As a young girl, Sophia contracted tuberculosis, this forced a period of convalescence and gave her ample time for silent reflection and this is where she developed a spirit of contemplative prayer.

Sophia felt called to serve God by working with the poor, including street children and the elderly homeless in Poland Warsaw’s slums–In time, her cousin Clothilde Ciechanowska joined her in the work.

On 21 November, 1855 the two Women made private vows and consecrated themselves to the Blessed Virgin Mother. In this simple ceremony, the first Felician community came into existence–this date has remained the official founding date of the ‘Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Felix of Cantalice’ and became known as the Felician Sisters.

As their numbers grew, so did their work and so did the pressures on ‘Mother Angela’ –the name Sophia took in her religious life.

Mother Angela served as Superior for many years, until her health forced her to resign at the age of 44, she watched the Order of the ‘Felician Sisters’ grow and expand, including missions to the United States among the Sons & Daughters of Polish immigrants.

Pope John Paul II beatified her in 1993 at St. Peter’s Square and said that, “Blessed Mary Angela’s life was marked with love, she was concerned about all people, those hungry for bread, the heartbroken, the homeless and those hungering for the truth of the Gospel.”

Related: Felician Sisters Beginnings

Today Christians Celebrate Feast of Servant of God Brother Juniper – Please Pray For Us!

Monday, January 29th, 2024

Servant of God -- Brother JuniperServant of God Brother Juniper –Image Courtesy: uCatholic

(Franciscan Media) “Would to God, my Brothers, I had a whole forest of such Juniper’s,” said Saint Francis of this Holy Friar.

One doesn’t know much about Juniper before he joined the Friars in 1210 — Francis, sent him to establish ‘places’ for the Friars in Italy, Gualdo Tadino and Viterbo.

When St. Clare of Assisi (1194-1253) was dying, Juniper consoled her, he was devoted to the passion of Jesus and known for his simplicity.

Several stories about Juniper, in ‘The Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi’ illustrate his exasperating generosity. Once, Juniper was taking care of a sick man who had a craving to eat pig’s feet. This helpful Friar went to a nearby field, captured a pig and cut off one foot, prepared it and served this meal to the sick man he was caring for. The owner of the pig was furious and immediately went to Juniper’s superior. When Juniper realized his mistake, he apologized profusely–he also ended up talking this angry man into donating the rest of the pig to the Friars.

Another time, Juniper had been ordered to quit giving part of his clothing to half-naked people he met along the road. Desiring to obey his Superior, Juniper once told a man in need, that he could not give the man his tunic but he would not prevent the man from taking it either. In time, the Friars learned not to leave anything lying around, for Juniper would probably give it away.

Servant of God Brother Juniper, passed away in 1258 of natural causes and was buried at Ara Coeli Church in Italy Rome.

Today Christians Celebrate the Feast of Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys, Founder Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame – Please Pray For Us!

Friday, January 12th, 2024

St MarguetiteSt. Marguerite Bourgeoys (1620-1700)
Image Courtesy: Catholic Online

(Vatican) Marguerite, born the 6th of 12 children in France Troyes, she lost her Mother when she was just 19 yrs old.

The following year in a course of a procession held on the 07 October in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary, Marguerite had an unforgettable experience–her eyes resting on a statue of the Blessed Virgin, at that moment, she felt inspired to withdraw from the world and to consecrate herself to the service of God and with that unchanging fidelity to what she believed God’s will to be for her, an allegiance that characterized her life thenceforth, she set about to discern her vocation.

Marguerite registered at once as a Member of the ‘Congregation of Troyes’ an association of young ladies devoted to the charitable work of teaching children in the poor districts of the town. While still engaged in this, she learned about the foundation of ‘Ville Marie’ (present day Montreal) in 1642 and at that time, believed it was a first call to missionary life.

This calling was rendered concrete in 1652 when she was introduced to Monsieur de Maisonneve, founder and Governor of the French settlement who was in search of someone who would volunteer her services for the gratuitous instruction of the French-Indian children, according to Franciscan Media when Marguerite arrived, the colony numbered 200 with a hospital and Jesuit Mission Chapel.

Soon after starting the school, Marguerite realized her need for co-workers, returning to France Troyes, she recruited a friend–Catherine Crolo and two other young Women. In 1667 they added classes at their school. A second trip back to France three years later, resulted in 6 more young Women and a Letter form King Louis XIV, authorizing the school–the Congregation of Notre Dame was established in 1676

Marguerite established a school for Indian girls in Montreal–At the age of 69, she walked from Montreal to Quebec, in response to the Bishop’s request to establish a community of her Sister’s in that city.

At the time she passed away (12 January, 1700) Marguerite was referred to as the ‘Mother of the Colony’ acknowledged for her holiness.

The educative and apostolic effort of Marguerite Bourgeoys, continues through the commitment of the members of the community that she founded–More than 2,600 Sisters of the ‘Congregation de Notre Dame’ work in fields of action, according to the needs of time and place — from school, to college or university, in the promotion of the family, parish and diocesan endeavors, they’re on mission in Canada, the United States, Japan, Latin America, Cameroon and most recently, they have established a house in France.

On the 12 November, 1950 Pope Pius XII beatified Marguerite, she was Canonized by Pope John Paul II on the 31 October, 1982 giving the Canadian Church, its first Woman Saint.

Related: Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum, Montreal Canada

Today Christians Honor Blessed William Carter, Martyred for Christ Jesus, Please Pray For Us!

Thursday, January 11th, 2024

Bl William Carter

Bl. William Carter –Image: A Catholic Prayer@Twitter

(Franciscan Media) Born in London, William Carter entered the printing business at an early age. For many years he worked as an apprentice to well known Catholic printers–one of who served a prison sentence for persisting in Catholicism. William also served prison time for printing ‘lewd (i.e. Catholic) pamphlets’ as well as possessing books upholding Catholicism.

Even more, William offended public officials by publishing works that aimed to keep Catholics firm in their faiths. Officials that searched William’s house found various vestments and suspect books and were even able to extract information from William’s distraught wife–Over the next 18 months, William remained in prison, tortured and subsequently learning of his wife’s death.

William was eventually charged with printing and publishing the ‘Treatise of Schisme’ which allegedly incited violence by Catholic and which was said to have been written by a traitor who addressed to traitors.

While William calmly placed his trust in God, the jury met for only 15 minutes before finding him guilty–William made his final confession to a Priest who was being prosecuted along side of him, hanged, drawn and quartered the following day.

In 1987 he was beatified by Pope John Paul II

More here from Catholic Online

Blessed Epiphany of the Lord Jesus!

Sunday, January 7th, 2024

“Where is the Child who has been born King of the Jews? For we have observed His star at its rising and have come to pay Him homage.” When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy! On entering the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother and they knelt down, paid Him homage, then opening their treasure chests, they offered Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. –Matthew 2:2; 10-11
Image Courtesy: Brother Ramon Moreno

The Visit of the Wise Men

In the time of King Herod after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, Wise Men from the East came to Jerusalem asking, “Where is the Child who has been born King of the Jews? For we observed His star at its rising and have come to pay Him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened and all Jerusalem with him and calling together all his chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born? They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the Prophet:

“You Bethlehem, in the land of Judah
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah,
far from you shall come a ruler
who is to Shepherd my people Israel.”
(See: Micah 5:2)

Then King Herod secretly called the Wise Men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared, then he sent them to Bethlehem saying, “Go and search diligently for the Child and when you have found Him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay Him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out and there, ahead of them went the star that they had seen at its rising until it stopped over the place where the Child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy! On entering the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother and they knelt down and paid Him homage, then opening their treasure chests. they offered Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. (See: Isaiah 60:6) Having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. –Matthew 2:1-12

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

The Messiah Would be the Star Coming Out of Jacob -Jews For Jesus

The Messiah Would be the Descendant of Abraham, Whom All Nation Would be Blessed -Jews For Jesus

An Inspiration Of Time With God For Today – Christmas Weekday!

Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024

The Word of God became flesh and lived among us.
To all who received Him, who believed in His name,
He gave power to become children of God.
John 1:14(a);12  Image Courtesy: EWTN

Lamb of God

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who ranks ahead of me because He was before me.’ I myself did not know Him but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that He might be revealed to Israel and John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from Heaven like a dove and it remained on Him. I myself did not know Him but the One who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God!” –John 1:29-34

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

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.