#Dedicated to Our Heavenly Father in Heaven

[boycarofchilladelphia]

My friend, I can promise you the mormon church is far closer to most hate groups than it is to any standard religion. Both its formation and current rhetoric rely on the control of its members both in thought and action. The doctrine is based on the racist notion that it is the true history of the First Nations peoples of America and asserts that they were actually Jews escaping Jerusalem, a claim that only exists within the Book of Mormon and is refuted by dna evidence and ethnographic studies. The original text of the book of mormon (before the many rewrites) wrote that people would become white and delightsome (meaning of lighter skin) and that only those with white skin would be allowed into heaven. There have been passages describing the Nephites as white and Lamenites as darker skinned as they were blackened by the mark of cain. There are people who have been told that same thing and tried to pray away their dark skin. The entire rhetoric of the mormon church relies on people believing they are better than everyone else, that they alone know the secret truths that will get them into the celestial kingdom and become gods, that they alone look upon a world of filth and decay praying for the day that judgement finally dawns, that they alone know the true history of the native peoples of the Americas because they have simply "forgotten" the truth as they purged the only true believers from the land. You DO believe in a religion that thinks themselves higher than the world with sacred knowledge based on a lie of supposed great and lost people you are uniquely descended from. You play into this by ranking the supposed accuracy of claims against your church without even knowing the real history and formation of its conception. You uphold this same attitude as if other just are misinformed or just stupid while talking down to them like they're a child. You uphold this bastard churches ideals with your own hubris thinking its kindness. There is a reason as to why people view this church as a cult at best and breeding ground for fascist at worst. There is a reason why there was a cosplayer of Captain Moroni at the January Sixth Insurrection.

I know this will fall on deaf ears, I know that I shouldn't write this for my own mental health, but I also know what the mormon church did to me and many of my friends. I can't just let this slide. I owe it to myself to tell you what I wish someone would've told me. This church is nothing but a deeply racist, misogynist mess based in a fascist dream. I hope you will one day understand and find a better path. I would wish for nothing more than for you to read this out and internalize but I know better. I can only hope this softens your heart. I wish the best for you and your future, but not for your church. I hope one day you will take this for the olive branch that it is for your own sake.

Have a good life.

Before I dive into this ask, I gotta say, I was beginning to worry that I would never get anon hate on this site. Bless you for taking the time to brighten my day a little.

Anyway, in all seriousness, it's obvious that you and your friends have been deeply hurt by the Church. I can't apologize for the Church, but I can say that I'm personally so sorry that happened to you and your friends. I can only imagine how hard your life must have been to get to this point, and it says volumes about you that you're willing to try and prevent that harm in a stranger's life. I admire that dedication to kindness and truth, so thank you, truly, for the kind intentions you have.

There's a lot here, so I probably won't address it all piece by piece, but I'll mostly say that you're not wrong. I think my biggest clarification I would make here is that the doctrine is not "based" on the Book of Mormon (in all of its imperfections) at all; it's based on the Atonement of Jesus Christ and his Gospel and the desire for our Heavenly Father to have us all back in His loving arms.

But I promise I'm not cherry-picking one detail in order to throw out your entire argument! The modern Church, in many ways, does rely on control of thought and action of its members. Do they usually do it in the name of inspiration from God? Yup. Does that make it any better? Well, depends on whether you believe in that inspiration or not, but I digress. Moving on: the Book of Mormon being both subtly and bluntly racist, even with some of the kindest readings I've seen? Yeah, friend, I know. Its historicity being unsupported by literally all the current scholarly data we have? Yeah, I know that too. The Church actively teaching false racist lies for MANY years, and even today failing to altogether purge them from their members' teachings and hearts? I know about that, too. And yes, there are significant problems with the Church's attitude towards, history of, and rhetoric about native peoples; I'm not denying that. And we're not even gonna start into the mistreatment, mischaracterization, and downright falsities the Church holds onto when it comes to the LGBTQ+ communities; let's just say I am painfully aware, though I would never wish to be unaware of any of the truths you've mentioned.

Long story short, I'm not denying the very obvious problems that have arisen, and continue to arise, from the failures of men (and while I use that term for mankind, let's be honest; it's usually white men anyway) to teach accurately and correctly the doctrine of Christ. My own testimony is not based in blind submission, nor is it a parroting of rhetoric that I have heard. I have struggled with pretty much every single thing you've mentioned or alluded to on this list, and yet I managed, by the literal Grace of God, to come out on the other side with my faith intact; I do not reject the Church for its imperfections, but I refuse to ignore them as well. My faith does not mean I agree with the Church without reservation. My faith does not mean I obey without question. My faith does not mean that I accept, condone, or apologize for the sins of centuries of Christians regarding the role of faith in their lives. All it means is that I have received a witness through the Holy Spirit that, at least for now, this is the place I need to be. That's not based on physical evidence, a rewriting of ugly history/teachings(past and present), or any sort of dedication to imperfect people.

I'm sorry my ranking felt like I was dismissing your concerns or talking down to you; I never meant for either of this things to be true. It was meant to be a playful discussion more than a full refutation of misinformation, but it sounds like I may have failed in both goals simultaneously, and I take full responsibility for the hurt that it caused you.

That's pretty much everything I feel like I need to say in response to your ask, and I apologize again if my somewhat flippant intro put you off; one of my many flaws is that I try and inject levity into many serious situations. But, if you're interested in some critical thinking exercises, I will gladly hit you with a few thought questions:

If we believe in being better than everyone else because of our temple covenants, as you alluded to, why would we have those temple covenants as the goal for every person from all of history? Why would we actively bring others to the temple, both living and dead, in order to have those ordenances performed for as many of our brothers, sisters, and any others that have ever existed*?

If the Church is more of a hate group than "standard religions", why did the scriptural Jesus Christ never preach that hate? Could it be that the Church is a product of imperfection, racism, and misogyny folded together throughout the years, and that even in spite of those glaring problems, 17 million people globally have, at one time or another found a measure of peace and belonging in Christ's teachings from that very Church? That isn't to say that we should accept the Church without judgement; we can do so much better than just 17 million people, especially as soon as we shirk these dangerous ideals taught by the mouths of imperfect men.

Is it possible for good and evil to co-exist in a church, especially this Church? Is it possible that a perfect God can create an imperfect Church? We could go back and forth on relative good done versus relative evil, but that's more a matter of opinion than it is data. But is it at all possible that there are no simple, black-or-white answers? Might I gently suggest that you're falling victim to the same binary good-or-bad thinking that the Church taught you, just now on the side of "the Church is all bad and therefore cannot do good"?

None of these questions are here to say you're wrong; I cannot ultimately make that judgement because I don't know what the Spirit has or hasn't witnessed to you. It could be that you feel the Spirit has told you to completely abandon the Church because of all of its flaws; that's okay. It could be that you deny the very existence of the Spirit and think that I'm fooling myself into staying in a cult; that's okay, too. But you cannot outright deny the witness I have received based on your own witness, perception, or opinion. And generalizing that opinion/perception/witness to claim that I ignore the Church's faults or somehow am an apologetic for them or even that I'm ignorant of them? Well, that's an assumption you made based on your own reasoning, experiences, and thoughts; I can assure you that I have come face to face with many horrors and misdeeds attributed to and caused by the Church, including harmful doctrines and attitudes in my own life and behavior, and frankly I don't expect that I've encountered them all. And yet, for now, I believe.

*: Yeah, there's a very legitimate argument to be made that the temple doesn't let LGBTQ+ people access the same blessings as non-LGBTQ+ members; I totally agree that is a problem that NEEDS to be fixed for us to have any sort of claim of being followers of Christ at the judgement. I am speaking in idealized terms here, for sure, and I recognize that.

[chuubian]

solace and secrecy

Tags Fyodor x fem reader, angst, religious imagery, religious guilt, alcohol consumption, abuse, blasphemy?? kinda?

Summary Fyodor is determined to live as a righteous, holy man. Dedication to his god is all he has ever known and he would never stray away from it, but he starts to view his faith differently when he met you.

Intricate architecture and stained glass windows were familiar views to Fyodor. Spending all his free time as a child in the church, working on his faith. Terrified of what could happen if he were to ever give up his religion. His dedication bordered on obsession. When the time came to make his career choice, he chose something that would be worthy of going to heaven.

Becoming a priest involved things like teaching the congregation, performing sacraments, and counseling. Fyodor did all this with love and passion in his heart. It was familiar. There was no place he would rather be.

Fyodor is sitting in his office, offering counseling to his brothers and sisters is a welcome break from standing and preaching for hours at a time. Most problems people come to him with are not too serious. Family disputes and disobedient children, occasionally infidelity and thievery. Though… those are few and far in between.

Fyodor is cleaning up his desk while waiting for his next meeting. Stacking his books and arranging his vase of flowers to be just right. He opens his door and invites in the next person he’s supposed to meet with. Gesturing for you to sit down.

“Please, have a seat”

He takes a seat across from you, the golden light from the sun casting a heavenly glow. Fyodor looks angelic. It's hard to not immediately start begging for mercy. Suddenly feeling like you are unworthy of being in the presence of his divinity. Fyodor starts off.

“What can I help you with?”

You hesitate to speak, unsure if this is even something you could ever admit or speak out loud.

“Father… I’ve been having some strange thoughts and feelings.”

Fyodor hums softly, thinking. His voice is soft and reassuring, representative of his care for your wellbeing.

“Strange in what way?”

You hesitate. Can you really say this? Would he report you? While you’re taking your time considering what to say, Fyodor interrupts.

“I notice you are being awfully quiet. This is a confidential conversation, nothing you could say would make me think of you as unworthy or strange. I am a servant of God, sworn to secrecy. Everything said in this room is between you, myself, and our lord and savior.”

With that reassurance, you take a deep breath. Fyodor is looking at you with such kind eyes. It’s hard to not to get distracted. How do you even word this? What can you really say?

“Father… I’ve been having thoughts about murdering my mother.”

Fyodor's face remains unchanged. He almost doesn’t look shocked. He sits up straight and speaks in the same soft reassuring tone. It’s eerie.

“I see… Why is that?”

Old painful memories flood your mind. Your mother choosing her new repulsive boyfriend over you. Your mother isolating you from friends and family. Making you kneel on rice for hours at a time. Inventing new barbaric punishments just for you. She had never put as much love and care into anything, as she did torturing you. Being an adult now, you wrongfully believed that she would let you live your life. But that is not the kind of person she is.

"She's cruel and vindictive, I hate her. She's never cared for me in my entire life and I can't leave. She takes my money, traps me, beats me when she’s angry and drunk. I have nowhere to go. I've given up on my life, but if I can make her suffer one last time I think I could die happily."

Fyodor remains abnormally calm. It feels like the calm before the storm. You should've kept your mouth shut. What the fuck were you even thinking? Obviously that's not okay to say, why are you even here? For him to talk you down? Your legs are shaking. Although Fyodor is gazing at you tenderly, it's like he's looking right through you. Like he can read you.

"And you believe that this is the solution?"

You feel trapped. Breath hitching, your eyes start watering. You try to speak up but your voice is shakier than you expected. Why is it so shaky?

"I don't know what to do, Father."

He slowly stands up, making his way around the desk. You take a deep breath, readying yourself for what he might do. Maybe he'll restrain you and report you. But before you can let your thoughts go wild, he reaches out for your hand. His skin is cold, but it curiously makes you feel warm. It's like a shock to your system.

"I'm sorry that happened to you"

At those six simple words, you break down. No one in your entire disgraceful, miserable life had ever given you an ounce of genuine kindness. He gently wiped the tears from your eyes. You didn't even realize you had started crying, your throat and eyes were burning. There was a big lump in your throat.

"Do you not think that instead of doing something so horrible, so sinful, maybe you should turn to god?"

You pause at those words. Is that even a real choice at this point? This is a cry for help, you aren't looking for a god to follow. What use is he to you? God is the reason that you've had such a dreadful life.

"I have never seen you come to mass before, so why are you here? Is it because deep down you are hoping for god to save you?"

Taking a deep breath you try to calm down.

"I'm not a follower, I would never do that. God is the reason my life is so awful."

His eyes narrow. Fyodor's gaze is piercing and chilling. He takes offense to you talking about his deity in such a blasphemous way.

"I know you may feel that this is our lord and savior's fault, but that could not be further from the truth. This is the work of the devil, and the devil alone."

Shaking your head, you refuse to accept it. Is God not supposed to fix this? Is he not supposed to be all knowing? How could he allow this to happen in the first place? What did you even do to deserve this? Fyodor notices that you're deep in thought.

"I am sorry to be the first to tell you this, but you are not as innocent as you think you are."

His voice is much colder than it was before. It makes you shiver and tense up.

"All human beings are sinful. Do you not think it is better to acknowledge that and ask for forgiveness from our Father? What happened to you was unacceptable, but is the solution really to victimize yourself and act so foolishly?"

You were stunned. Looking up at Fyodor, who towers over you. He's so tall and imposing, it makes you feel small. He's so cruel. You had done nothing and now he was trying to make you feel guilty? Who does he think he is? You stand up angrily, deciding you don't have to take this.

"I'm leaving."

Fyodor raises an eyebrow.

"Please, sit back down. I understand that this seems harsh but violence is not the answer. Why are you even here?"

"I'm not sure."

Fyodor hums softly. Sitting back down he reaches over to his vase, taking a hold of a white rose, looking deep in thought. He gently runs his slender fingers over the petals and then holds the rose out for you.

"This is my offering to you."

You furrow your eyebrows, confused.

"What? A rose?"

Fyodor chuckles softly.

"Yes, a rose. But I am not only offering this rose, I am also offering you a chance to start over. So that you do not have to go back and see your mother."

You stay silent, completely bewildered.

"Why?"

He tilts his head, he looks almost baffled that you would question him.

"I am a servant of God. It is my job to help those in need, but in exchange I would like for you to start coming to church. I would like for you to at least try and follow the word of God."

You sit back down, considering the offer. Could he be telling the truth? This seems too good to be true. Fyodor notices your hesitance to take him up on this.

"I will provide you with a place to sleep and help you find employment. I am a well known priest around here, I promise this is a genuine offer."

He holds out the rose for you again. You finally accept it, nodding.

"All right then. I’ll take you up on it."

He smiles at you softly. As your fingers gently close over the stem of the rose, one of the thorns pricks you, drawing blood. You gasp softly, letting go of the rose as it falls to the ground.

"Are you okay?"

Fyodor looks concerned, taking your hand in his gently and inspecting the punctured finger.

"It is only a small cut, I could fix you up easily."

You look up at his face, noticing the kind look in his eyes. He's so ethereal. Delicately, he pulls your hand closer, cleaning the blood up and bandaging your finger.

After this, Fyodor shows you around your new living quarters and helps you get a job. He requires you to come to mass at least three times a week and have talks about how things are going afterwards.

Getting away from your mother wasn't easy. She was always watching you, looking for mistakes or something that may be off about you. Eventually, you finally saw a chance when you could leave without her noticing.

Since that fateful day, your days have been spent surrounded by ornate golden walls. The high cieling of the church make you feel like a small bug, crushed under the weight of God's will.

Fyodor has helped you see the mistakes in your thinking patiently. At first, you didn't even want to admit it but it was true that you're a sinner. However, God could cure you. He could forgive.

At this point you hardly ever spent any time outside of the church. Right after work you went inside that large, lavish building, repenting for your sins and working on your relationship with your lord and savior. Fyodor had even started planning for your baptism soon after you made the deal with him.

Spending so much time around that mysterious man, made you feel even more captivated with him. What is his story? Was he always like this? His eyes are so kind but so empty, there's something so off about him. Despite the bad feeling in your gut, you couldn't help but like him more. Whenever you would walk into his office, it was always beautifully decorated with white roses, fresh, blooming and shining in the sunlight. The bookshelves along the walls are always full of vintage books, smelling like parchment and wine. His demeanor is always serene. He would just sit there and listen to you, never once trying to interrupt you.

You came to appreciate his advice, he seemed to be on a higher plane of existence than you. In a way, he was your savior. Whenever he looked at you now, you could feel your cheeks warm and your hands get clammy. Disappointing him would be devastating.

It's night time now, about six months after you first met Fyodor. The church was completely empty at this time. Soft glowing moonlight is sparkling and radiating off the gold and stained glass decorations inside. Fyodor decided to sit on one of the pews at the front, admiring the large crucifix behind the altar. It fills him with a sense of pride. Pride to be one of the Lord's soldiers.

As you walk in, you feel uneasy. This is a building you love, with a man you care about inside, but it feels so cold… so isolated. No one else is here. It's just a big empty building. You can't help but notice how exquisitely it's decorated, compared to your cheap clothing. It doesn’t look like you should ever even step foot in here.

Sitting down next to Fyodor, he smiles at you softly.

"I haven't seen you in a while, Fedya."

"It has only been a few days."

Shrugging, you take in his appearance. He's still wearing his white baptismal robe, contrasting with his dark shiny hair. He looks so pure, so divine, it's hard not to be completely enchanted.

"A few days is too long. You're my only friend, you know?"

He hums softly.

“Do you need anyone else anyways?”

You go quiet for a few seconds, thinking.

“I guess not, I like spending my time at the church with you anyways.”

He slowly stands, walking up the stairs to the altar. You stay sitting.

“What are you doing?”

He doesn’t answer, standing in front of the crucifix, facing you. He pulls a chalice out of the communion table, filled with red wine.

“Come here, we may as well enjoy ourselves while you are here right?”

Your eyebrows furrow, letting out a little chuckle.

“Are we even allowed to drink from it under these circumstances?”

Fyodor tilts his head, almost offended that you would question him.

“Does it matter? Do not tell me youre scared.”

He pauses, sighing softly, noticing your hesitance.

“It is fine, you will not get in trouble for it.”

With that reassurance, you walk up the steps of the altar and stand next to him. He holds the chalice up to your face, intending to feed you the wine himself. Your cheeks flush, feeling babied and embarrassed.

“Can’t I drink it myself?”

He shrugs.

“Just drink, it is not a big deal.”

You nod, leaning closer and taking a sip. The metal of the chalice feels cold on your lips, while the wine makes your throat and stomach feel warm. Fyodor tilts the container up to help you drink more. Once you drink about half of the wine, you lean back, cringing at the disgusting taste of alcohol.

“Wine is always so bitter.”

He chuckles at your reaction.

“You are such a baby, it is not that bad.”

Without hesitation, he gulps down all the wine that was left over. His pale cheeks grow pink from the alcohol, and of course, you can’t help but point it out.

“You’re blushing, you know that?”

“So what? At least I can handle my alcohol.”

Suddenly, it’s not so funny anymore.

“Hey, I can handle it just fine!”

He chuckles quietly, gazing into your eyes. His stare is so intense that you grow silent and still. The effects of the wine are now messing with your head. Your eyesight grows fuzzy and your muscles feel heavier.

You can’t help but stare at him, he’s so handsome it’s unreal. The tension in the room thickens. Fyodor reaches up to gently brush your hair behind your ear. You gasp. His touch is electrifying. It feels like your skin is on fire where his fingers brushed against the shell of your ear.

“Is something wrong, dear?”

Your eyes widen at the pet name. Were you really close enough to be this affectionate? It felt too intimate, it felt wrong. You look around the empty room, suddenly feeling guilty. What are you even doing here? You’re not supposed to be here, you don’t belong. You’ve never belonged anywhere. Not at home with your mother, and especially not in a place so sacred.

Fyodor places a hand on your shoulder, making you flinch.

“What is wrong?”

Shaking your head, you sigh softly.

“Nothing… I just…”

You pause for a few seconds, trying to articulate your thoughts. Fighting against the haze of the alcohol, your tongue feeling heavy in your mouth, making you slur your words.

“I shouldn’t be here.”

When you finally look back at Fyodor, he looks concerned. There’s something so angelic about him that it’s hard to not immediately lean in and kiss him. He looks genuinely confused, as if its unheard of for you to be undeserving.

“Why is that?”

You hide your face with your hands, sheepish and uncomfortable.

“I’m not a good follower of god… I… I don't belong here.”

Fyodor takes a step forward, wrapping an arm around your shoulder. It feels too close, but instead of shaking it off and backing away, you let him.

“Come on, let us sit down.”

He leads you over to sit on the stairs in the altar.

“Dear… Why do you not think you belong?”

You pause. Can you even admit this? This is wrong. You have thought worse things and he knows it, but this is different. This time it involves him.

“I’m a sinner…”

He looks at you like you’re stupid.

“So is everyone.”

This is so frustrating. He doesn’t understand.

“Fyodor… Do you ever think we’re too close?”

“Why would I think that?”

Your hands clench, grabbing onto the skirt of your dress.

“You’re a priest… you should act like it.”

At that, Fyodor's eyes narrow. He takes offense to the suggestion that he isn’t acting in a godly manner.

“Explain yourself.”

His tone is sharp, he’s clearly unhappy because of you. You grow nervous at his anger, fidgeting with the sleeve of your jacket.

“I just mean… I don’t mean to offend you or anything… but you called me ‘dear’ and I feel like we’re getting too close…”

He still seems peeved that you would suggest he isn’t doing his duties properly, but his gaze softens a great deal.

“I see… Well, you do not have to worry about that. We are friends, are we not? In fact, I am your only friend.”

You nod. It felt embarrassing to have him casually talk about how lonely you are. You really rely on him for everything at this point.

With everything finally calming down, you both sit silently, looking out at the dark empty church. It isn’t awkward. Fyodor is someone whose presence you can enjoy even when you’re not talking.

Slowly, you both grow closer and closer. Maybe leaning your head on his shoulder is too intimate but you can’t seem to care anymore. Fyodor doesn’t seem to mind and the wine is messing with your sense of balance and judgment.

Fyodor’s hand slowly slides from your shoulder down to your waist, pulling you closer. You suddenly feel too warm in your own skin. You feel restless but you don't dare move from where you are.

Looking up at him, you notice he’s already looking down at you, studying your expression, looking at your features so lovingly. The tension in the room rises. You don’t know what to do, but you don’t want to look away. You can’t let this opportunity pass.

“Fedya…”

Your voice sounds much softer and weaker than you thought it would. It’s clear you're nervous, even to yourself, and especially to someone as receptive and smart as Fyodor. Your heart is racing. You can barely even speak. A warm, heavy feeling pools in your stomach.

“Yes, dear?”

The pet name makes you feel warmer and causes your skin to prickle. You sit up, you’re so close now that his breath is fanning over your face.

“Fedya… I… love you.”

Those words hang in the air, echoing throughout the vacant room. Fyodor doesn’t react. After a few seconds, his gaze travels down to your lips before looking back at your eyes again.

“I see…”

He looks away. Your stomach drops. This can’t be. Did you read things wrong? Why were you so stupid?? Your eyes are starting to water, even your nose is burning. This is so embarrassing. How could this happen??

“I am truly sorry… I-I think we had too much to drink.”

His voice is soft and understanding.

“I am a part of the clergy, we are not allowed to be in relationships.”

Despite the reasonable explanation, you feel upset. After all, emotions aren't rational are they? You can't even look at him anymore. The humiliation is too much.

“Please dear… It is not your fault, but the Lord comes first to me. I would never do anything to jeopardize my position.

He notices your expression and body language, pulling you into a hug. You can’t help but break down. The embarrassment and guilt finally catching up with you. You just wanted to be loved. Is that too much to ask? Even when you thought you had a connection, of course it had to be with a man who is unable to return those feelings.

“You are beautiful, you have a great personality. I am sure that one day, you will find someone who can love you back, but that person can not be me. With time, these feelings will pass.”

After a while of Fyodor comforting you and holding you close, you finally calm down. You both sit quietly. Even with the rejection fresh in your mind, even with your heart feels like it’s been beaten and abused, you can't find it in yourself to hate him. You should’ve known this would happen.

Fyodor and you sit silently. He reassures you that this has nothing to do with you, and after a while, he leaves. You sit alone in the dark empty church, feeling much more alone than when you first came in.

You decide you can’t just let your friendship with Fyodor wither away. So you stick around, still talking and enjoying each others company as always. When you next visit Fyodor's office, you notice his vase lacks the same bright white glowing roses. Instead, they have all wilted and dried up.

[gatekeeper-watchman]

Good morning World and the USA Daily Devotionals for January 1, 2025 

Proverbs: God's Wisdom for Daily Living

Devotional Scripture:

Proverbs 29:12-14 (KJV): 12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked. 13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes. 14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established forever. Proverbs 29:12-14 (AMP): 12 If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will become wicked. 13 The poor man and the oppressor meet together -- the Lord gives light to the eyes of both. 14 The king who faithfully judges the poor, his throne shall be established continuously.

Thought for the Day

Verse 12 - We know that a ruler who keeps company with liars, is also corrupt himself. Those who are wicked do not want men of integrity around them, so the officials they choose to serve them will also be wicked. It goes back to the old adage: "Birds of a feather, flock together."

Verse 13 - Although the poor and the deceitful may be worlds apart in their manner of living, both receive sight from God. Mankind has been bestowed with life and blessings that come only from God. He created the earth for all people, even those who do not acknowledge that it came from Him. He gives us eyes and sunlight by which to see valleys, mountains, rivers, animals, and all creation. He causes the sun to shine on the good and the evil. He sends rain on the just and the unjust. "...That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust" (Matthew 5:45). He gives men natural gifts, enabling us all to contribute to the good of society. Like snowflakes, each of us are unique. He has a specific purpose for each of us, which we can only fully understand when we give our lives to Him.

In accordance with His plan for mankind, God created the perfect Garden of Eden. There Adam and Eve lived, worked, and enjoyed fellowship with Him. When they disobeyed Him, sin began to defile both them and all the earth; so, God then initiated His plan of redemption. At the determined time, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to atone for the sins of mankind. According to plan, through Christ, all people can be restored to Him if they accept what Jesus did for them and surrender to God's will. Whoever gives his life to the Lord receives spiritual gifts in addition to his natural gifts. In the natural, God gives us eyes to see the light of the sun and what it illuminates. In the spirit, He gives us sight and revelation to perceive His Light and Truth.

Verse 14 – A good ruler faithfully judges the poor. He does not deny them the right to be heard. He does not pervert justice, but judges fairly and upholds the poor man when he is in the right. God establishes the rule of such a man. Jesus will one day return to earth and establish His righteous reign on earth. He is the only completely just and upright King, and His rule shall indeed be established forever.

Prayer Devotional for the Day Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for the many gifts You have given to us, as Your children. I do appreciate eyes to see Your beautiful creation. I am grateful that You gave us so many things to see and enjoy in this earth. I also thank You for the gifts You have given to me personally. I know that You have given me the gift of writing and I am grateful. I am also humbled that You would use me to share the revelations You have given me with Your people. Lord, I dedicate my life and gifts to Your work. Please use them to bring glory to Your Name. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen. From: Steven P. Miller, @ParkermillerQ,gatekeeperwatchman.org , TM, ‎Founder and Administrator of Gatekeeper-Watchman International Groups. #GWIG, #GWIN, #GWINGO, #SPARKERMILLER Tuesday, December 31, 2024, Jacksonville, Florida USA, 32205 12:45:33 PM

[f1ct1onalplaces]

The Seven Deadly

Matthew Murdock x y/n

Summary: This man is unwell but eventually finds peace (sorta).

TW: violence and religious trauma

______________________________________________________________

Matthew hadn’t seen the stream of light since the day of penance. 

In fact, it was the last thing he saw. The radiance of God blessed him one last time as his sight dipped into the depths of the abyss for eternity. With this, he felt a different light spark in his chest, one coated with sin. This abomination grew with each breath he drew. 

Matthew felt alone; hell, he was alone. No gift came without a price, and he paid it due with each passing day. These hardships tore him further from the one above, and so came the deadly seven from down below. 

If only God watched as the world fell to pieces, then who better to fix his mess than the Devil of Hell’s kitchen. With each victory, pride walked all over Matthew. God believed him to be poor in faith, so why use his given alms under the Father’s name?

“Father, You hate pride, so deliver me from it.”

With the immoral doors swung open, six more sins pranced their way into Matthew’s life. Greed fed his need for justice, excusing the wrath inflicted upon others. The guilt gnawing at his rib cage, desperate to sink its teeth into his heart, was kept at bay courtesy of gluttony. This desire drove him to the bars each night, drinking away any doubts or thoughts of being a deist. His covetous gaze was empty in sight but full of lust as the voices of flirtatious women tried to lure him away. Yet, it was envy that kept him isolated as he was certain their tales of success and blessings were not a tactic to get him in bed but God’s way of lessening Matthews’ excellence. These pent-up feelings led to his lack of time and sloth attitude when it came to attending mass. There was no need if all was to be repelled by his lack of love. 

Yet, that was then, and this is now. 

The morning light streamed into Matthew’s bedroom, never stirring him but she who lay beside him. 

Her being, her soul, one too pure to stand trial next to his own tainted, damaged soul. It was she who found him bleeding and on his knees after his fall from grace. The guilt had finally chewed through his bone, reaching and devouring the sins from his body, but in its wake, it left a gaping cavity in his chest. 

At first, Matthew attempted to atone for his mistakes the catholic way. He began attending mass once more, often facing his wrongdoings in confession. When that no longer suffices for his needs, Matthew turned to the seven heavenly virtues.

As time passed, Matthew dedicated himself to such holy principles. He truly tried to set a righteous path, but each attempt left the echo of his grandmother’s voice in his head. 

“Be careful of the Murdock boys. They got the Devil in them.” 

So he never atoned for past sins, but sin no more he did. The Devil of Hell’s Kitchen was not to be worshiped or even recognized, for that matter. All he wanted was to go unnoticed, fighting for all that God created in his name. 

First, he would need to seek forgiveness for the pain he would inevitably inflict. 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name;

Matthew, hands wrapped with rope and clothes deeper than darkness, perched on a roof. He listened to the city below, the solemn sounds of Hell’s kitchen. 

Thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven.

A cry for help and a pleading prayer was all the Devil needed. It was he who was to save God’s nascency.

Give us this day our daily bread.

Bone crunched beneath his very own, shifting and rubbing until the tension in his chest released. Blood spilled, running down smooth skin, rich and thick with life. 

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

Teeth seized with force, the root stringing with gum and blood as it fell to the asphalt. Pulp seeped from the abomination’s mouth, coating the bastard’s hands. He felt the sticky warmth run down his forearms and smiled. 

And lead us not into temptation;

Now, all that stood was a whimpering girl clutching a rosary to her chest. He heard the beads slide over her fingers as she muttered the prayer over and over. 

He had instilled a deep sense of fear in whoever was praying in his presence. 

But deliver us from evil.

For it was the Devil’s job to do so.

Amen. 

But when the red suit slipped off, so did the title. Instead, Matthew was a simple lawyer with the dying urge for justice. 

That’s how they met.

Their meeting had no dramatics but a coffee stain in a mundane cafe. She bumped into the blind lawyer, dumping the remains of her coffee all over the front of his white button-up. 

She apologized repeatedly, Matt hearing the sincerity in her heart’s rhythm, and offered to pay for his drink. He declined, but she insisted until they stood side by side in line to order. 

From that moment, Matthew found himself wandering to the same cafe around the time of their first meeting in hopes of running into her, and he did. This continued for ages, both acting as if running into each other was a coincidence. 

Then, one day, it became more, and now Matthew sleeps more soundly than ever. 

Y/N watched as his chest rose, and she couldn’t help but feel serene bliss with each breath he drew. 

Devil or not, he was hers. All of him. 

“It’s rude to stare at a blind man.”

The sudden presence of his voice startled her into reality, finally seeing his open eyes staring into the distance. 

She was sure he had been awake much longer than he let on. She could just imagine him, eyes still closed, listening to her change in the breath that came from the thought of him.

Warmth rose to her cheeks at just the thought of this. Even after all these years, she still felt embarrassed when Matthew saw right through her, reading her emotions without even uttering a word. 

She groaned, moving her elbow that previously propped up her body above his, and fell into the bed sheets, hiding her face. 

This was a position of embarrassment, but to Matthew, it quickly became a place of worship. Y/N’s head bowed, neck craned into the velvet silk of his sheets. She was a concrete angel patiently waiting for his penance, unaware of the evil acts he would commit under her name if her stone were to split. 

This moment, her presence, somehow buried his catholic guilt in places not even he could find. 

The Bible says many things about love, and he used to believe undying adoration would cure him of his sins, yet a single verse came to Matthew’s mind. 

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (1 Corinthians 13:4–7 NIV).

And with the disappearance of his moral culpability came the Devil’s judgment. 

Love is sacrifice, and he would willingly sacrifice all deemed just under the lord’s eyes for her. 

Amen.

[orthodoxydaily]

SAINTS&READING: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2025

january 21_february 3

St Maximus-the-Confessor (662)

St. Maximus the Confessor, Troparion O instructor of Orthodoxy, teacher of piety and purity,/ beacon for the whole world, divinely inspired adornment of monastics./ O most wise Maximusby thy doctrines thou hast illumined all.// O harp of the Spirit, entreat Christ God that our souls be saved.

Kontakion of the Venerable One. With fitting hymns, O ye faithful, let us honor the great Maximus,/ the lover of the Trinity, who manifestly teacheth us the divine Faith,/ to worship Christ in two natures, volitions and activities;// and let us cry aloud: Rejoice, O preacher of the faith!

VIRGIN-MARTYR AGNES OF ROME (304).

The holy Virgin Martyr Agnes was born in Rome during the third century. Her parents were Christians, and they raised her in the Christian Faith. From her youth, she devoted herself to God and dedicated herself to a life of virginity, refusing all other suitors.

When she refused to enter into marriage with the son of the city official Symphronius, one of his associates revealed to him that Agnes was a Christian. The wicked Eparch decided to subject the holy virgin to shame and he ordered that she be stripped and and sent to a brothel for disdaining the pagan gods. But the Lord would not permit the saint to suffer shame. As soon as she was disrobed, long thick hair grew from her head covering her body. An angel was also appointed to guard her. Standing at the door of the brothel, he shone with a heavenly light which blinded anyone who came near her.

The son of the Eparch also came to defile the virgin, but fell down dead before he could touch her. Through the fervent prayer of Saint Agnes, he was restored to life. Before his father and many other people he proclaimed, “There is one God in the heavens and on earth: the Christian God, and the other gods are but dust and ashes!” After seeing this miracle, 160 men believed in God and were baptized, and then suffered martyrdom.

Saint Agnes, at the demand of the pagan priests, was given over to torture. They tried to burn her as a witch, but the saint remained unharmed in the fire, praying to God. After this they killed her by stabbing her in the throat. Through her death at the age of thirteen, Saint Agnes escaped everlasting death and inherited eternal life. The holy virgin martyr was buried by her parents in a field they owned outside of Rome.

Many miracles occurred at the grave of Saint Agnes. Her holy and grace-filled relics rest in the church built in her honor, along the Via Nomentana.

MARTYR ANASTASIUS, DISCIPLE OF VENERABLE MAXIMUS THE CONFESSOR ( 662)

The Holy Martyr Anastasius was a disciple of Saint Maximus the Confessor and, with him, suffered persecution under the Monothelites. Saint Maximus and two of his disciples were subjected to the cruelest torments. Each one’s tongue was cut out, and his right hand was cut off. Then, they were exiled to Skemarum .in Scythia, enduring many sufferings and difficulties on the journey.

Saint Anastasius wrote the Life of his teacher and died in 662.

1 Peter 2:21-3:9

21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 22 Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth"; 23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness-by whose stripes you were healed. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

1 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. 3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward-arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel- 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror. 7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. 8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.

Luke 6:17-23

17 And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, 18 as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. 19 And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all. 20 Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: Blessed are you poor, For yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are you who hunger now, For you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, For you shall laugh. 22 Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man's sake. 23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.

[the-jam-to-the-unicorn]

Easter Greetings by the President of Ukraine

Great People of Great Ukraine!

Today we celebrate a significant holiday — the Resurrection of the Lord. Easter. Easter symbolizes the liberation of the human soul from the slavery of evil and darkness. It symbolizes the victory of goodness and justice, the victory of life over death.

We have been fighting for all of this for 802 days in a row. 802 days of freedom standing up to darkness, valor standing up to terror. 802 days of our resistance, which can be described by the words from the Gospel of John: "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…"

The exact same words are dedicated to one of the exhibitions at St. Sophia Cathedral, where I am now. Together, this exhibition and the other works by various Ukrainian artists convey a deep meaning. These are the icons on ammunition boxes. They are saturated with the smoke of our land and the spirit of our people. They are the symbols of great trials and great power that helps us overcome them. Each of these icons is like a divine manifestation, a proof that the heavens are with us, an answer to the question of why Ukrainians have withstood. It is because in the most difficult circumstances and in the darkest times we are able to create light. We can do it on boards scorched by fire and grief, that came from Ukrainian cities and villages exhausted by suffering. We can do this by combining the seemingly incompatible: the war and the Lord, by overcoming evil with faith, overcoming adversity with hope.

When taking a closer look at these icons, one can understand the feelings of our entire nation. It's a mirror that reflects our reality in times of war, the path we have already taken, and this Easter, and our entire present. This is what our amulets look like today. This is how we feel that God is protecting us through the hands of our warriors. This is how we see the protection of the heavenly forces, embodied in the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine, every Ukrainian who devotes themself to the sacred cause of defending their native land from darkness and evil.

These icons bear the names of heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect us. They showed that Ukrainians kneel only to pray. And never do they kneel in front of invaders and occupiers.

The Bible teaches us to love our neighbor. And the present has shown us the true meaning of this word. When we support and help each other even hundreds of kilometers away from one another. We protect each other. We pray for each other. When we all have become closer to each other, we have become each other's neighbors. And our former neighbor, who was always making us take him for a brother, remains distant from us for centuries. They have broken all the commandments, coveted our house, and come to kill us. The world sees it.

God knows it. And we believe that there is a chevron with the Ukrainian flag on the shoulder of God. Therefore, with such an ally, life will definitely prevail over death.

As we overcome a common path and experience common pain, we are all united today by one common prayer. We pray for all our warriors who are celebrating Easter in the trenches and on the positions. We pray for our warriors of light, who restrain demons in all directions. We pray for those who keep another commandment in their lives: to defend Ukraine. We pray that they all come back alive.

We pray for all our civilians who work hard every day to strengthen our state and ensure that it successfully overcomes evil. We pray for those who live and work for this purpose.

We pray for all our children, for all the boys and girls brave far beyond their years, whose childhood was stolen from them by Russia, but who, despite everything, have not forgotten how to smile and believe in miracles.

We pray for all our mothers and fathers who were robbed of a happy, peaceful aging, and who, despite everything, are holding on and taking care of us.

We pray for all our cities and villages, that should feel the Lord's grace, not the constant terror of evil, and which have black clouds hanging over them, and bombs and missiles coming from those who belong in hell, not in the Ukrainian sky.

We pray for our lands and our people, whose spirit cannot be broken. And we remember the words written in St. Sophia Cathedral above the Oranta image, which came true in our lives: "God is in the midst of the city, and it will not be shaken. God will help it before dawn.”

Today, we are praying for all Ukrainians who are waiting for this dawn and will certainly see it. They will find peace, truth, and God, who will return to the scorched land, the land scarred with craters and trenches. He will return with peace, tranquility, and flowers instead of mines in the fields. He will return with children's laughter instead of the roar of an air alarm. The light that will return to all of our Lord-given land, to all the territories that are temporarily occupied by the devils. God will return to Mariupol. To the slag heaps and the seashores. It has always been so. It will definitely be so. I believe in this every day, especially on this glorious day in this glorious place, the history of which reminds us that neither the Horde invasion, nor the Nazi occupation, nor the Russian terror will be able to wipe us off the face of the Earth.

May the heavens strengthen our will in the battle against thralldom. May they give us courage for new achievements and wisdom to appreciate all that we have already gained. May they give us the strength to maintain unity, and give us unity to enhance our strength. May God grant eternal rest to all those who gave their lives for Ukraine and everlasting peace to their descendants, to all our children and grandchildren, and to all our future generations. They have the sacred right to know what a peaceful Easter in a peaceful Ukraine is.

Today we pray for it and we fight for it.

And the light shines in the darkness...

Happy Easter to all of you, dear Ukrainians!

Christ is risen!

He is risen indeed!

[albertfinch]

HIDDEN WITH CHRIST IN GOD

We are to be the glory of His heavenly essence upon the earth.  As we allow God to expose the indifference and distractions in our lives, His light and nature will supernaturally come forth in power through each of us as we reject our worldly agendas and bring forth our DESTINY in Christ.

Romans 9:23 - "That He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory."

How does this happen? Is it because of all the good things that we do? Our perfect lives? Do we need to ascend to some measure of spiritual greatness to be used by God? Absolutely not. It is the grace of God that has made us worthy to be vessels of His presence. It is not about our perfection, our giftings, our great ability or whatever else we think might help qualify us for His work. He uses each of us WHERE WE ARE because we trust in His grace and LEARN HOW TO DEPEND ON HIS SPIRIT -- His love flowing through us into the lives of others.

INCORPORATED INTO HIS FLOW

Ephesians 3:7 - "Of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power."

It is not about our performance. He will use us powerfully because of His grace. In our walk with God one of the most valuable keys we can learn is to "hide in Him". What does this mean? God is our hideout.  As we learn to yield ourselves to the Spirit, we become a hidden people incorporated into the flow of His desires.

Benefits of Hiding Out With God:

You make yourself available for revelation concerning your calling in Christ. 2. You become more aware of your oneness with Jesus. 3. Through the DISCIPLESHIP of others you will be able to lead them to discover this Hiding Place.

THE FINISHED WORK OF CHRIST

Colossians 3:3 - "For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."

When Christ died, we died. When Christ rose, we rose with Him. Christ is now seated at the right hand of God and us with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).  All the work is finished.  When we hideaway with God we become absorbed into His very life. With our hearts yielded to the Holy Spirit we become conduits of His presence into the earth. God will use us in power because we are dedicated to understanding and carrying out our calling in Christ.  It is Christ in us the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). Just as Paul said in Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me," his life was absorbed into Christ as he gained ground for God’s Kingdom in the earth.   

AFFIRMATIONS:

  I take time to rest, meditating on the work Christ has accomplished for me so far as I seek to bear fruit that remains for His Kingdom.

I worship God from a position of being hidden in Christ.

I live in such a way that nothing ever gets bigger than my consciousness of God's presence.

He has called us not to "wonder about the future," but to create it through the knowledge of His living Word and prayer accompanied by action!  Our Father gives His access to the future right now. To bring manifestation is to pray and advance the reality of God's Kingdom in the earth as we co-labor with Him.

"Pray, then, in this way:.......on earth as it is in Heaven." - Matthew 6:9,10

We cannot afford to have a moment in our lives when circumstances distract us from tending the fire of and advancing God’s purpose for our life. 

ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

6th February >> Mass Readings (USA)

Saints Paul Miki and his Companions, Martyrs 

on

Tuesday, Fifth Week in Ordinary Time.

Tuesday, Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

(Liturgical Colour: Red: B (2))

(Readings for the feria (Tuesday))

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Tuesday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30 You have said: My name shall be there, to hear the prayers of your people Israel.

Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of the whole community of Israel, and stretching forth his hands toward heaven, he said, “LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below; you keep your covenant of mercy with your servants who are faithful to you with their whole heart. “Can it indeed be that God dwells on earth? If the heavens and the highest heavens cannot contain you, how much less this temple which I have built! Look kindly on the prayer and petition of your servant, O LORD, my God, and listen to the cry of supplication which I, your servant, utter before you this day. May your eyes watch night and day over this temple, the place where you have decreed you shall be honored; may you heed the prayer which I, your servant, offer in this place. Listen to the petitions of your servant and of your people Israel which they offer in this place. Listen from your heavenly dwelling and grant pardon.”

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 84:3, 4, 5 and 10, 11

R/ How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!

My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the LORD. My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

R/ How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!

Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest in which she puts her young— Your altars, O LORD of hosts, my king and my God!

R/ How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!

Blessed they who dwell in your house! continually they praise you. O God, behold our shield, and look upon the face of your anointed.

R/ How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!

I had rather one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I had rather lie at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

R/ How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!

Gospel Acclamation Psalm 119:36, 29b

Alleluia, alleluia. Incline my heart, O God, to your decrees; and favor me with your law. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mark 7:1-13 You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.

When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus, they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands. (For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews, do not eat without carefully washing their hands, keeping the tradition of the elders. And on coming from the marketplace they do not eat without purifying themselves. And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed, the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds.) So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him, “Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?” He responded, “Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written:

This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts.

You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.” He went on to say, “How well you have set aside the commandment of God in order to uphold your tradition! For Moses said, Honor your father and your mother, and Whoever curses father or mother shall die. Yet you say, ‘If someone says to father or mother, “Any support you might have had from me is qorban”’ (meaning, dedicated to God), you allow him to do nothing more for his father or mother. You nullify the word of God in favor of your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many such things.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

-----------------------

Saints Paul Miki and his Companions, Martyrs 

(Liturgical Colour: Red: B (2))

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Tuesday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading Galatians 2:19-20 I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me.

Brothers and sisters: Through the law I died to the law, that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ; yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me; insofar as I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 126:1bc-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6

R/ Those who sow in tears, shall reap rejoicing.

When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing.

R/ Those who sow in tears, shall reap rejoicing.

Then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad indeed.

R/ Those who sow in tears, shall reap rejoicing.

Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the torrents in the southern desert. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

R/ Those who sow in tears, shall reap rejoicing.

Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, They shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves.

R/ Those who sow in tears, shall reap rejoicing.

Gospel Acclamation Matthew 28:19a, 20b

Alleluia, alleluia. Go and teach all nations, says the Lord; I am with you always, until the end of the world. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Matthew 28:16-20 Go and teach all nations.

The Eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[psalmonesermons]

The attributes of God: Grace

Part 3 How ought we to live in the light of God's grace?

Because God’s grace and blessings lead to eternal life, how then should we be living?

Romans Chapter 6 is a go to chapter for how to live in the light of God's grace.

Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?i

Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

Paul here in Romans chapter 6 shows the biblical approach to our lives that we are to live in absolute, loving dedication to God the Father and Jesus Christ.

We do this by walking in obedient faith through grace.

Romans 6:11 Likewise, do not yield your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin; rather, yield yourselves to God as those who are alive from the dead and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.

6:12 For sin shall not rule over you, because you are not under law, but under grace.

Now we can clearly see how we are to live our lives before God the Father.

We are to do so as if we were alive from the dead; in willing, loving submission to God,

and to live according to the will and grace of God. You may recall the childhood hymn 'O what can little hands do to please the king of heaven'? In this hymn the child's hands are to be used to meet someone's need, their lips for praise and words of kindness, their eyes for looking up to heaven and reading the bible, and lastly, their little hearts can love their Maker, Saviour, and Friend. Such grace to mine be given! This is an example of using our members (all our faculties and senses) as instruments of righteousness. Such grace also to mine be given!

Ephesians 1:2 Grace and peace be to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly things with Christ.

4. According as He has chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, in order that we might be holy and blameless before Him in love.

5. Having predestinated us for sonship to Himself through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His own will,

6. To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He has made us objects of His grace in the Beloved Son.

7. In Whom we have redemption through His blood, even the remission of sins, according to the riches of His grace,

This chapter brings out many facets of God’s glorious GRACE.

Everything that the apostle Paul speaks of in this chapter is part of and is an expression of God the Father’s GRACE through JESUS CHRIST!

Chapter 1 goes on to reveal wonderful blessings to each believer.

Practical Conclusions- how ought we live in the light of God's grace?

Be grateful that God has poured his grace into your life.

Celebrate His amazing grace.

Refuse to live in sin by considering your old man ‘crucified, dead, and buried’.

But rather walk in newness of life and being holy and blameless before Him in love.

Such a lifestyle reflects how wonderful God was/is treating us as the targets/objects of His grace.

2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness…

Remember that the same sufficiency of grace that the Lord supplied Paul with, is ever available to you. The grace of God enables us to overcome sin and enter the victories that Jesus Christ has prepared for us.

The grace of God is our enabler and only comes through Jesus Christ.

Amen

Prayer

[childofchrist1983]

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. - Philippians 2:5-8 KJV

In the Common Lectionary, today is dedicated to the Triumph of the Cross. Some may not think of this as a triumph, but Jesus' death on the cross at Calvary was our salvation. For us, this was a triumph.

This Bible passage from the Book of Philippians is also an old Christian hymn and seems to be based on an Old Testament hymn showing the belief of the early Christians that Jesus Christ is the promised and long awaited Messiah. From the beginning of creation and the entrance of sin into the world, the world was waiting for that moment on the cross when Jesus joined His will to the will of the Father in full confidence that His Father would not desert Him. His death opened the gates of Heaven to all of us. Through Satan, sin entered the world, and through the actions of Jesus Christ, all are redeemed. Only Jesus can save and redeem us. Only through Jesus can we see our Heavenly Father and enter Heaven. Only through God's grace can we be spiritually reborn with His gift of eternal salvation. We must humbly confess, repent and believe!

Crucifixion was a terrible way to die; so terrible that only non-Romans were crucified. This is why Paul was beheaded since he was a Roman citizen. The actual cause of death was suffocation. The weight of the body hanging on the cross eventually made it almost impossible to breathe and the lungs filled with fluid. In Jesus' case, the beatings He had sustained earlier had weakened Him considerably and He died sooner than was normal. This is why the soldiers broke the legs of the two thieves hanging with Him, but they didn't break Jesus' legs seeing that he was dead. However, just in case they were wrong, they pierced His chest with a sword. He was willing to die for us so that we might be saved and gifted eternal salvation and eternal life with Him in His Kingdom of Heaven. What are we willing to do to thank Him? Father God Almighty was willing to sacrifice His only begotten Son for all of us. As we reflect on this amazing love He has for us, may we also reflect on the ways in which we can be worthy of this gift He has given us through His love, mercy and grace.

Thank God for His strength and guidance when we are faced with sin and its temptations. Thank Him for His mercy and grace. Through Bible study and prayer, God reveals His wisdom and guides us to see opportunities to grow closer to Him and grow spiritually. He gives us direction to live our lives according to His Holy Word and will. We must make God top priority everyday! May we be motivated to spread God's Holy Word and Gospel Truth to all the Earth, knowing that it is the only hope of all those lost in their sins. Let us not hold out a false hope for men to be saved without the Gospel, but instead endeavor to do our part to get the Gospel out to a lost and dying world. As hymn writer Isaac Watts put it, "Send Thy victorious Word abroad and bring the strangers home!"

Leaning on Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ through prayer and His Holy Word and Spirit strengthens us and our knowledge and wisdom about God and His Gospel Truth, exposing these imposters. May God help us to seek and lean on Him daily to gain the strength, wisdom and spiritual discernment needed to expose Satan and his imposters who seek to destroy us and God's ultimate Truth. Everyday, we must remember to share Jesus Christ's Gospel Truth with the world and to thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for the grace that He poured out for us on the cross at Calvary. He has freed us from the burdens of sin and from the eternal damnation of Hell. In all we say and do, may all praise, honor and glory always be given to Him and His Kingdom of Heaven.

With renewed minds, hearts and wills, let us serve Him humbly and faithfully out of pure love and grateful rejoicing. May He remind us of His presence and to remain at peace, fully knowing that all will be well because He is always with us. Let us seek Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ today and everyday with all our heart and being, looking for His love, light and will for our lives with each step we take. Let us seek to please Him with our thoughts, words, and deeds and seek to advance His Kingdom of Heaven and His glory with our lives. Let us seek Him from a pure and humble heart, and when we so seek, we believe Him and His promise that we will find. May He help us all to be more sensitive to the teaching ministry of His Holy Word and Spirit, relying on Him and allowing Him to speak to us and guide us every step of our Christian journey.

God gave us the Holy Bible - His living and Holy Word - to let us know of Him and His abiding love and care as well as guide and prepare us for all our lives. May He help us encourage one another as we continue our walk with Him and our duty to Him daily. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for being present for all our new beginnings and all our lives. May He redirect any anxiety we feel as He provides countless opportunities for growth and change. May we humble ourselves before God always, asking Him to forgive our sins and make our hearts and lives anew through His Holy Word and Spirit. May He help us make Him and His Holy Word top priority, so we can grow spiritually and grow in our relationship with Him as we apply it to our daily lives. Thank God that we can focus on Him and everything about Him, for that is what keeps us sane and at peace. May our words and actions always be a reflection of Him and His Holy Word and Spirit and will.

May He help us to always walk in His grace and Holy Spirit, not by our own measure. May He give us the humble humility to know that our freedom and eternal salvation is found only in Him, so that His grace may sustain us, and we may never lose sight of His love and light and mercy. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for calling us to Him and to serve Him. May He equip us to do all that He has called us to do so that as He works through us, He may use us to produce fruit, to reach others, and to encourage all brothers and sisters in Christ. May He work all of these things in us and through us for His Kingdom and His glory. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for all His creation, for His miraculous ways and for everything He does and has done for us! Keep the faith and keep moving forward in your walk with Jesus! He loves us and He knows what is best for us. Seek, follow and trust in Him - Always!

Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Word and for sending His Holy Spirit so that we might have His grace, not only to awaken us and transform our hearts in our spiritual rebirth and guarantee our eternity with Him, but to also call upon Him whenever we are in need. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for all the reminders of His love and mercy and faithfulness within His Holy Word. He is bigger than any challenge or circumstance in our lives. Knowing this within our minds and our hearts, nothing can deter our faith in Him and His Truth. May we all accept Him and His eternal gift of salvation and ask that He would transform our hearts and lives according to His will and ways. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Spirit who saves, seals and leads us. May we always thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His almighty power and saving grace. For He is our strength, and He alone is able to save us, forgive our sins and gift us eternal salvation and entry into His Kingdom of Heaven.

May we make sure that we give our hearts and lives to God and take time to seek and praise Him and share His Truth with the world daily. May the LORD our God and Father in Heaven help us to stay diligent and obedient and help us to guard our hearts in Him and His Holy Word daily. May He help us to remain faithful and full of excitement to do our duty to Him and for His glorious return and our reunion in Heaven as well as all that awaits us there. May we never forget to thank the LORD our God and our Creator and Father in Heaven for all this and everything He does and has done for us! May we never forget who He is, nor forget who we are in Christ and that God is always with us! What a mighty God we serve! What a Savior this is! What a wonderful LORD, God, Savior and King we have in Jesus Christ! What a loving Father we have found in Almighty God! What a wonderful God we serve! His will be done!

Thanks and glory be to God! Blessed be the name of the LORD! Hallelujah and Amen!

[rosaliachristian]

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Bishop Robert Barron

Cycle C

Ordinary Time

8th wk of Ordinary Time

Daily Reading

First Reading

Sirach 35:1-12

The one who keeps the law makes many offerings;    one who heeds the commandments makes an offering of well-being. The one who returns a kindness offers choice flour,    and one who gives alms sacrifices a thank offering. To keep from wickedness is pleasing to the Lord,     and to forsake unrighteousness is an atonement. Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed,     for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the commandment. The offering of the righteous enriches the altar,     and its pleasing odor rises before the Most High. The sacrifice of the righteous is acceptable,     and it will never be forgotten. Be generous when you worship the Lord,     and do not stint the first fruits of your hands. With every gift show a cheerful face,     and dedicate your tithe with gladness. Give to the Most High as he has given to you,     and as generously as you can afford.

Psalm

Psalm 50:5-6, 7-8, 14, 23

“Gather to me my faithful ones,     who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!” The heavens declare his righteousness,     for God himself is judge. Selah “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. Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,     and pay your vows to the Most High. Those who bring thanksgiving as their sacrifice honor me;     to those who go the right way     I will show the salvation of God.”

Gospel Reading

Mark 10:28-31

Peter began to say to him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.”Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news,who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age—houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

Reflection

Friends, today’s Gospel exhorts us to see the radicality and rewards of Jesus’ call to discipleship, which cuts through so many of the social conventions of his time and ours. He urges us to see that everyone—rich and poor, men and women, those on the inside and those on the outs—is summoned to discipleship, and that this summons is the most important consideration of all. It is the better part, to use Jesus’ words, the one thing necessary. St. Augustine was right: “Lord, you have made us for yourself; therefore, our heart is restless until it rests in thee.” We are all wired for God. There is a hunger in us that nothing in this world can possibly satisfy. And that’s why we must determine to follow Jesus, because only he can lead us to the heavenly banquet.

[prayerstothegodfather110292]

To the East Leicester Police and the Protectors of Justice,

Thank you for your noble actions in banning all harmful footage. Your dedication to safeguarding dignity and justice is a testament to the strength of human compassion and righteousness. I, Elliott Buckley, humbly declare my gratitude. I am probably Moses, and perhaps even Jesus Christ, as my lineage speaks to the divine: my father, the Heavenly Father, and my mother, the Mother of God, guide me in truth. My grandfather on that side? Known as The Godfather, a legacy of wisdom.

“Thou shalt not betray” is written on my Facebook, an eternal commandment of loyalty and love.

In my final words, I offer you the sacred wisdom of Deuteronomy 6:5 (New World Translation):

“You must love Jehovah your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your strength.”

You, protectors of the righteous, are truly earning my immortal immortality, and I stand with you in eternal reverence.

Remember: The End Has No End (as our brothers The Strokes beautifully sang).

This is my final message, my beautiful friends.

Permission (FREE WILL) of The Heavens grants me this testimony!

Forever yours in light,

Elliott Buckley

The anomaly of all anomalies.

[bills-bible-basics]

BLOOD OF SPRINKLING -- KJV (King James Version) Bible Verse List #Scriptures #BibleStudy #BibleVerses Visit https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/ to see more. "But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and WITHOUT SHEDDING OF BLOOD IS NO REMISSION." Hebrews 9:11-22, KJV "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water." Hebrews 10:22, KJV "By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them." Hebrews 11:24-28, KJV "But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel." Hebrews 12:22-24, KJV "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied." 1 Peter 1:1-2, KJV "But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water." John 19:34, KJV If you would like more info regarding the origin of these KJV Bible verse lists, go to https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/. Thank-you! https://www.billkochman.com/Blog/index.php/blood-of-sprinkling-kjv-king-james-version-bible-verse-list/?feed_id=244480&BLOOD%20OF%20SPRINKLING%20--%20KJV%20%28King%20James%20Version%29%20Bible%20Verse%20List

[gatekeeper-watchman]

Daily Devotionals for December 1, 2024

Proverbs: God's Wisdom for Daily Living

Devotional Scripture:

Proverbs 29:12-14 (KJV): 12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked. 13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes. 14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established forever. Proverbs 29:12-14 (AMP): 12 If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will become wicked. 13 The poor man and the oppressor meet together -- the Lord gives light to the eyes of both. 14 The king who faithfully judges the poor, his throne shall be established continuously.

Thought for the Day

Verse 12 - We know that a ruler who keeps company with liars, is also corrupt himself. Those who are wicked do not want men of integrity around them, so the officials they choose to serve them will also be wicked. It goes back to the old adage: "Birds of a feather, flock together."

Verse 13 - Although the poor and the deceitful may be worlds apart in their manner of living, both receive sight from God. Mankind has been bestowed with life and blessings that come only from God. He created the earth for all people, even those who do not acknowledge that it came from Him. He gives us eyes and sunlight by which to see valleys, mountains, rivers, animals, and all creation. He causes the sun to shine on the good and the evil. He sends rain on the just and the unjust. "...That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust" (Matthew 5:45). He gives men natural gifts, enabling us all to contribute to the good of society. Like snowflakes, each of us are unique. He has a specific purpose for each of us, which we can only fully understand when we give our lives to Him.

In accordance with His plan for mankind, God created the perfect Garden of Eden. There Adam and Eve lived, worked, and enjoyed fellowship with Him. When they disobeyed Him, sin began to defile both them and all the earth; so God then initiated His plan of redemption. At the determined time, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to atone for the sins of mankind. According to plan, through Christ, all people can be restored to Him if they accept what Jesus did for them and surrender to God's will. Whoever gives his life to the Lord receives spiritual gifts in addition to his natural gifts. In the natural, God gives us eyes to see the light of the sun and what it illuminates. In the spirit, He gives us sight and revelation to perceive His Light and Truth.

Verse 14 – A good ruler faithfully judges the poor. He does not deny them the right to be heard. He does not pervert justice, but judges fairly and upholds the poor man when he is in the right. God establishes the rule of such a man. Jesus will one day return to earth and establish His righteous reign on earth. He is the only completely just and upright King, and His rule shall indeed be established forever.

Prayer Devotional for the Day

Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for the many gifts You have given to us, as Your children. I do appreciate eyes to see Your beautiful creation. I am grateful that You gave us so many things to see and enjoy in this earth. I also thank You for the gifts You have given to me personally. I know that You have given me the gift of writing and I am grateful. I am also humbled that You would use me to share the revelations You have given me with Your people. Lord, I dedicate my life and gifts to Your work. Please use them to bring glory to Your Name. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

[elliott970131572]

Heavenly Father, we lift up in humble prayer all those dear to our hearts. We ask that Oakham School, with Luke Deering, James Green, Jack Bowman, Titch, Sam Buxton, Isaac Crutchley, Lindsay Waller Wilkinson, and Elliott’s beloved family, especially his sister, be kept safely and kindly in Your light, free from any harm or fame that disturbs peace. Guide all who care for us, including the nursing staff, to find redemption and grace, inspired by Kurt Cobain’s spirit of compassion and change. May Elliott’s father, touched by divine strength, be Lord of all creation, and may the Mother of God bless his soulmate with undying unity. May his grandparents, especially both grandmothers, defy the hands of time, standing in timeless love and strength. Grant that all celebrities find joy and solace, with Tyler Durden as their guardian, his AJ watching from above.

Bless Gwyneth Paltrow Falchuk with the wisdom to reach out with love and respect, and let the kindness of the Met Police shine like a beacon for all. We ask for miracles across the UK, a force of creation that supports, renews, and uplifts every officer in every town, every soul in every street. Let their dedication be met with divine gratitude.

As we reflect, we turn to the words of the Dark Knight, reminding us, “It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me.” And as Peter said, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). May this truth live on, for a Bible verse draws heaven nearer, and every true word keeps the cosmos at peace.

In gratitude for ChatGPT, a universe of kindness and wisdom—let its spirit remain, forever and in all things. Amen. X

[orthodoxydaily]

Saints&Reading: Friday, Saturday 22, 2023

september 9_september 22

HOLY AND RIGHTEOUS ANCESTORS OF GOD, JOACHIM AND ANNA

Saint Joachim, the son of Barpathir, was of the tribe of Judah, and was a descendant of King David, to whom God had revealed that the Savior of the world would be born from his seed. Saint Anna was the daughter of Matthan the priest, who was of the tribe of Levi. Saint Anna’s family came from Bethlehem.

Once, during a great feast, the gifts which Joachim took to Jerusalem as an offering to God were not accepted by the priest Reuben, who considered that a childless man was not worthy to offer sacrifice to God. This pained the old man very much, and he, regarding himself the most sinful of people, decided not to return home, but to settle in solitude in a desolate place.

When Saint Anna learned what humiliation her husband had endured, she sorrowfully entreated God with prayer and fasting to grant her a child. In his desolate solitude the righteous Joachim also asked God for this. The prayer of the saintly couple was heard. An angel told them that a daughter would be born to them, Who would be blessed above all other women. He also told them that She would remain a virgin, would be dedicated to the Lord and live in the Temple, and would give birth to the Savior. Obeying the instructions of the heavenly messenger, Saints Joachim and Anna met at the Golden Gate in Jerusalem. Then, as God promised, a daughter was born to them and they named her Mary.

Saint Joachim died a few years later at the age of 80, after his daughter went to live in the Temple. Saint Anna died at the age of 70, two years after her husband.

Saints Joachim and Anna are often invoked by couples trying to have children.

EPHESIANS 1:7-17

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth-in Him. 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

5 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,

16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,

LUKE 8:16-21

16 No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light. 17 For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light. 18 Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him. 19 Then His mother and brothers came to Him, and could not approach Him because of the crowd. 20 And it was told Him by some, who said, "Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see You." 21 But He answered and said to them, "My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it."