#the 12 promises of the sacred heart of jesus

[anastpaul]

Quote/s of the Day – 20 June – Enthronement of the Sacred Heart in the Home, the Consecrating the Family to the Sacred Heart and the 12 Promises

Quote/s of the Day – 20 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” Enthronement of the Sacred Heart in the Homeand the Consecrating the Family to the Sacred Heart:https://anastpaul.com/2023/06/23/23-june-enthronement-of-the-sacred-heart-in-the-home/ The Twelve Promises of Jesus to Saint Margaret Maryand to those Devoted to His Sacred Heart: I will give them all the graces necessary for…

[thecatholiccrusade]

The 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart

There’s a beloved and powerful image of Jesus found hanging in many churches and homes, one that has become an iconic representation of our Catholic faith: the Sacred Heart. In this depiction, Jesus is shown with His heart exposed, encircled by a crown of thorns, and bearing a cross and a lance wound – a poignant symbol of His boundless love and sacrifice. As Catholics, we revere this image, but…

[theprayerfulword]

November 21

Psalm 119:64 The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy: teach me Thy statutes.

Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

John 12:24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.

1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Mark 5:19 And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”

Psalm 51:1-2 Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your unfailing love; according to Your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

May you earnestly desire the privilege of dwelling in the house of the Lord, abiding in His presence, surrounded by His glory, ministering to Him, for just as the temple had many private chambers for the priests, so Jesus promised that in His Fathers house are many rooms, which He has gone to prepare. Ezekiel 42, John 14

May you put away any thing which receives the portion designated for and claimed by God – any thing or any one to whom you give worship and complete surrender, devotion above all others, thanksgiving and praise for what you have, confession and repentance for forgiveness and cleansing – for only as you remove from the throne what you have placed there and give to God that which belongs to God, and to the world that which belongs to the world, will the Lord come to live and abide with you forever. Ezekiel 43

May you know that the goods and wealth which can be hoarded will not be of use when you truly need it in the day of the Lord, so owe no man any debt except the debt of love, and let good works, done in obedience to the Father, lay up true riches suitable for eternity and appropriate to offer the King. James 5

May you be patient until the Lord's coming, just as the farmer waits for the land to yield its crop, waiting for the rain in due season, standing firm because His arrival is near, not grumbling against each other, for the Judge is already at the door. James 5

May you be blessed as you persevere in patient suffering for righteousness sake, as did the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord, for you have heard of Job's perseverance, and have seen what the Lord, full of compassion and mercy, finally brought about. James 5

May your speech be plain, without embellishments, that you may not dishonor your Head and that men may know that you are walking in integrity. James 5

May you turn to God continually each day, conversing with Him, listening to what the Spirit says, in all states, whether you are in trouble and distress, or happy and full of praise, or ill in body or mind and needing the support and strength of the called out ones, for the prayer offered by faith in the name of the Lord will make the sick well and bring the sinner forgiveness as you confess to, and pray for, each other for healing through the powerful and effective prayer of righteousness in Christ. James 5

May you remember that whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins. James 5

My child, I call you to work, not to idleness. It is a sacred work that I assign you, one for which you have been shaped and formed by My Hand, trained and equipped by My Spirit. It is not a work you can do in your own strength and skill, nor one that you can accomplish with your own strategies and wisdom. If you begin to feel you have been given an impossible task, My dear one, then you are beginning to truly see and hear what My Spirit is speaking to your heart. It is when you feel a dread inside and a concern that you have bitten off more than you can chew, when you start wondering if you were wise to promise to follow Me where I would lead you that I can begin to truly use you in My work. That is when, in desperation, you will begin to lay aside the useless tools of man and the worthless wisdom of the world and come to Me in humility, asking for My wisdom and seeking to find My strength in My Word. I rejoice to receive you at the time you feel the most worthless and the least valuable, for I can only use an empty vessel, not one filled with self-confidence and influenced by other agendas. Empty yourself, My precious one, and receive My infilling; seek Me early for your daily bread and wine and oil, then go in My strength and joy and glory to fulfill My commission, returning empty but obedient, having gone forth bearing fruit and returning bearing the harvest.

May your ways be undefiled, upright, truly sincere and blameless as you order your conduct and conversation according to the revealed will of God, for you shall be blessed, happy, fortunate and to be envied. Psalm 119

May you seek the Lord, inquiring for and of Him, craving Him with your whole heart, for those who keep His testimonies and statutes will be joyful, blessed, happy, and fortunate. Psalm 119

May you walk in the ways of the Lord that you will do no unrighteousness or willful wandering from His precepts. Psalm 119

May you keep the precepts of the Lord and observe them diligently as He has commanded, fully obeying them for the joy set before you. Psalm 119

May your ways be steadfast, directed and established, in hearing, receiving, loving and obeying His decrees, for then you will not be put to shame by failing to inherit His promises, when you have respect to all the commands of the Lord. Psalm 119

May you praise Him and give thanks to Him with an upright heart as you learn by sanctified experiences His righteous decisions against and punishments for particular lines of thought and conduct, for He will not forsake you utterly as you obey His decrees. Psalm 119

May you take heed to and keep watch on yourself, conforming your life according to His word, that you may cleanse and keep your way pure. Psalm 119

May you seek the Lord with all your heart, inquiring for and of Him, ever yearning for Him, that He will not let you wander, stray, or step aside, willfully or in ignorance, from His commands. Psalm 119

May you lay up His word in your heart that you might not sin against Him. Psalm 119

May you declare and recount with your lips all the laws and ordinances that come from His mouth, praising the Lord as He teaches you His decrees and statutes. Psalm 119

May you rejoice in following His statutes as others rejoice in great riches. Psalm 119

May you never forget or neglect the word of the Lord, but delight yourself in His statutes, rejoice in His decrees, and meditate on His precepts, having respect to the paths of life marked out by His law, as you consider His ways. Psalm 119

May you be discerning enough to prefer being a poor person who walks blameless in his integrity rather than a rich man whose ways are perverse, gaining his wealth through double-dealing. Proverbs 28:6

May you be a discerning child of God who heeds the law of the Lord, not entertaining companions who serve worthlessness. Proverbs 28:7

[walkswithmyfather]

“What Is Holy Week? - 8 Days of Easter You Need to Know” —Meg Bucher

“What Is Holy Week? Holy Week is a string of eight days that allow us an opportunity to reflect upon the shift in humanity Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross launched. It starts with Palm Sunday when Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem. The week leads us through the Last Supper, His crucifixion, and ends on Easter Sunday with His resurrection. This is the basis of Christianity, His sacrifice launched the New Covenant God promised and many had prophesied throughout the Old Testament. Each day of Holy Week allows us to peek into the heart of our Savior at intently close proximity. His love for us is reflected in every significant step toward the cross, every breath up to the last, and His resurrection.

How Holy Week Leads to Easter Sunday. Though Jesus didn’t walk the earth incarnate until He was born in Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph, He exists and works throughout the entirety of the Bible. Scripture assures us that He was present at Creation with the Father, that He is the Word, and many prophecies were fulfilled explicitly during this final, holy week of Jesus’ life on earth. Each Gospel has a narrative of the last week of Jesus’ life (Matthew 21-28; Mark 11-16; Luke 19-24; John 12-21).

What Is Holy Week? Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday. During this one week, many biblical prophesies were fulfilled. Jesus came to earth to save humanity by dying on the cross on Good Friday and resurrecting on Easter Sunday. By enduring and defeating death sacrificially for us, He swung open the gates of heaven, allowing our sins to be forgiven and ushering us into the presence of God (Romans 5:8).

Due to the sinful nature of humanity as a result of Adam and Eve’s fall in the garden of Eden, it’s impossible for us to be “good enough” to be in the presence of God and forgiven for our sins. Jesus died to make the way for salvation. The Old Testament Law offered many sacrifices to God, but Jesus was the perfect atoning sacrifice once and for all. He endured the cross out of His great love for us. Holy Week is a sacred opportunity to study the foundation of Christianity. Our God is not one of coincidence. Every step toward the cross was intentional, every lesson laced with His personal love for all of us.”

[More about Easter week plus printable 8-Day Prayer and Scripture Guide/daily devotional leading up to Easter at the link.]

[baronaliswritingcorner]

Tales of Symphonia Stray Thoughts #12: Mizuho/Ozette/Toize Valley Mine

-Orochi: “Sheena! How could you bring outsiders into the village!”

We learn Orochi is a pretty swell individual, but this is the first inkling we get that not everyone's warm to Sheena in Mizuho, which...I have feelings about. We'll get back to that in the Temple of Lightning post.

-I often credit Tales of Symphonia for many things -- be it my first foray into fanfiction or setting firm my progressive politics -- but I hail Lloyd as a personal hero of mine and almost nothing exemplifies that better here than his mission statement to Tiga here. From the very moment everything was turned upside down at the Tower of Salvation -- or perhaps even during Colette's angel transformation -- Lloyd's endured nothing but sacrifice, caste systems, racism, and bigotry. Tethe'alla's flourishing world was hailed as a promised land of abundant mana, yet beneath the glitz and glamour existed the very same societal ills that plagued Sylvarant -- and it was only a matter time before the scales were turned. And he's finally had enough.

Really, there's so much I could elaborate on this one scene alone. The gentle ocarina of Lloyd's theme, an assuring promise ensuring that every one of his dreams will come true. The first of many parallels between Lloyd and Mithos -- a tragic parallel that, despite Lloyd's protests here, he'll have to face by the end of his journey. Lloyd echoing the humble desire etched at the heart of every civil rights movement in history -- "I want a world where everyone can have a normal life." What's spoken (Sheena’s “yes, sir!” is as infectious as every word of Lloyd's speeches -- she's caught up in his vision too!) and unspoken (It's here Regal first learns of Lloyd’s compassion for others and undoubtedly motivates his compliancy with the group. I'd also like to imagine it seeps through Presea's heartless state as well -- perhaps the seeds of her humanity begin budding back here?)

It's all so, so good -- enough that I could write a whole essay about everything I just wrote here. I'm a starry-eyed kid when it comes to Lloyd's infectious idealism and I'm a sucker for that theme alone. Wading through the wretched history of real-world politics has undoubtedly proven a difficult journey, but I forge ahead in the values he instilled at a young age. If he can prove the impossible, so can I.

-Zelos: “Is he for real?”

...who’s he referring to here?

-OH MAN FINALLY REGAL’S PERSONAL. I've been reserving most of my equipment for customization purposes, so this'll be a big help.

-Aight Regal got his chef costume on. Look at my line-up:

Lloyd: Beach Boy

Colette: Maid

Genis: Katz Katz Katz

Raine: Glamorous Beauty

Sheena: WOW!

Zelos: Pickup Artist

Presea: Dream Traveler

Regal: God of the Kitchen

It's seriously goofy -- if I have time, I'll capture a group shot.

-"Reasons for the Shackles" has gotta be one of my favorites -- just the hypothetical visual of Regal running around clamping shackles on people always has me giggle. lol

-Ever notice how Lloyd acts all distracted when Presea runs off in Ozette? "Huh? Yeah..." What’s up with that?

-Man, Ozette checks all the boxes for my ideal high fantasy village. Houses embedded in a towering majestic tree, winding branches serving as natural staircases, nestled amidst an enchanted forest isolated in the idyllic countryside. Mmm! Talk about coooooooozy.

And how, pray tell, do they ruin it? Good ol' fashioned racism.

Like look at this fucker at the entrance – “THERE’D BE NOT BE ANY HALF-ELVES MIXED IN WITH YOUR GROUP…” like yeah okay creeper way to ruin my dream home

-“I wonder what went wrong in this village…”

me too buddy

-“It seems this village is the birthplace of the Pope”

what a shocker

-“Just so you know, I won’t sell any to half-elves”

jesus. Indoctrinating the kids when they're young. "Tranquility", my ass.

-Rodyle: “Only Presea can retrieve the Sacred Wood.”

...is there a particular reason for that? Hmm.

-Zelos roasting Rodyle, while funny, is random as all hell, lol. Love the banter between him and Genis, though.

-The presea house scene holy shit. Imagine her sleeping in the bed with her father’s skull staring at her

Anyone ever make a fic of this? Prime for horror material.

And the way the music just fades out…

-Colette tripping for no reason lol

-Tabatha: “I DO NOT KNOW IF THAT IS IN HER BEST INTEREST”

but why tho

(No, really, why?)

-“Perhaps it is because she does not engage in respiration.”

regal jesus christ what did you witness in those meltokio prisons

-In the "Use Your Head" skit, Sheena briefly mentions a "tunnel to Moria -- another Tales of Phantasia reference much as it is an obvious Lord of the Rings one.

Y'know, some may've wished for more intimate/elaborated connections to Phantasia, but after two decades I rather prefer Symphonia standing alone as its own thing.

-“Exsphere mines”, how do they work?

No, really, how? I went over some of this before in the Asgard Ranch post, but the whole Exsphere process isn't explained that well. I think we're supposed to understand it as Exspheres being mined in Toize, then shifting hands somehow from Lezareno to...Vharley? The Desians? Cruxis? Whatever the case, it's all over the place, although we can presume the chain of custody goes wrong somewhere -- leading to their interdimensional usage for Desian ranches. (And that's not even getting into the whole "sucking the lifeforce from humans" deal, which...well, let's wait until a certain sidequest before diving into that.)

We're told that human usage of Exspheres isn't common in Tethe'alla, yet we witness its applications to machinery such as the Grand Tethe'alla Bridge -- undoubtedly the work of Lezareno and whatever other megacorps deal in the Exsphere biz. So that makes sense, at least. Maybe. I dunno. If there's ever a remake, this is one of those things they gotta clear up.

-Regal: “The door’s guard system is out of control. Someone must have destroyed it when trying to force their way through.”

Bruh, it’s totally still.

-Lloyd’s Shiden is soooooo cool. Look at that lightning crackle. Shame its usefulness doesn't long.

-Oh god I hate those basilisks ugh look at how they petrify you. Nothing worse than getting caught up in button-mashing only to realize half your party's been turned to stone. Bugger off!

-Y'know, despite sticking out like a sore thumb, it took me forever to realize you can't get past that big metal door. Another Phantasia reference, I'm told.

(Actually, I think I heard you *can* get past that door in DOTNW but, well, who cares about that game)

-AW GODDAMIT I FORGOT TO BUY THE POTION FOR THE GNOME. WHY DOES THIS ALWAYS HAPPEN AUGHHHHHHHH

-“oh yeah sorry I forgot about the Indiana Jones trap lol whoopsie!”

a little much don't you think

-The Bacura from Xevious! I love whenever Tales draws from Namco's history and this is a fun example -- that SLAPSLAPSLAPSLAPSLAPSLAP whenever your poor avatar walks into its patrol zone is some great comedy.

Unlike Xevious, however, it's not indestructable -- cleverly maneuvering around the boulder trap dispatches of it easily, unveiling Colette's Devil Arm in Evil Eye. Interesting implications connotations there!

While we're at it, I always assumed the "Professor Naploosa" was a fun Xevious reference, although apparently that's a name Symphonia made up. Did Raine hear of Professor Naploosa (what a name lol) from her youth? Despite her background, sometimes it feels like she knows a little too much about Tethe'alla's history -- in the aforementioned case of Summon Spirits, that's definitely an oversight -- but it's fun to imagine.

-Zelos: “Oh, please, I’m not going to go through all those boxes! Let’s just blow them all up!”

but then you’d destroy the inhibitor ore tho

-God, that Regal murderer reveal is terrible. Everything wrong with the silent dialogue scenes and then some. - The amateurish overuse of dramatic ellipses. Lloyd's "if you're suffering, it's alright to at least say so" falling completely flat in drawing parallels to Regal. Colette's awkward stammering being exactly that. Aaaaauugh!

It's not just Symphonia's bad habit of conveying vital story beats in complete silence (at least that has the excuse of Gamecube disc limitations) but while the voiced cutscenes have their own fair share of goofiness, the innate production values means they can't get lax with the scriptwriting -- in contrast, a not-so-insignificant number of these unvoiced scenes feel profoundly lazy in everything from unnatural dialogue to weird animation to just...auuuuuguhhhhhghhghghgh. It's a lot.

-On the bright side, "You and I are..." does a much better job in contrasting Genis's struggles and awkwardness with Regal -- an individual he doesn't care much for. I enjoy Regal respecting his boundaries with "I see."

-That snitch in the hat. I hope he died in the fire. Probably deserved it.

-"Loooooong liiiiiive the poooooooooope"

lol what's with that delivery

-Listen to the sound effect when the dragons fly away lol geez

-Ever notice how despite the obvious clues Presea's age isn't what it seems, the cast aren't...exactly consistent with this knowledge? The Wells scene (not to mention some of the other Ozette villagers) explicitly spell this out to the cast and yet barring Regal, they still treat her like she's actually 12.

-Another fun headcanon of mine is imagining Kratos watching over Presea/Regal joining the group and smiling to himself. The band's getting together for his boy!

-Raine: “Internal strife? How pathetic.”

Kratos: “Say what you will"

(Internally: fuck)

-Zelos: "My cute little Presea.”

See what I mean??? Like, he "knows" she's a kid and yet??? Really??? I dunno...

-The Tranquility kid that goes “you’ll play with me, won’t you, Presea!”.😭😭😭😭

Presea, do it now! Or you'll regret it foreverrrrrrrrr!

-Oh hey Presea’s costume just reset to her default. Yeah, it’s a glitch! It was still on the title when she left. Weird.

[psalmonesermons]

Only God can provide total security Part 3B

Psalm 91:11-16 Angelic protection

11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

The mighty and holy angels of God are commanded by him to post a special watch over those who under the shelter of Almighty God. It is their sacred duty to protect God’s people.

13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the

serpent.

These represent the various obstacles, difficulties, and dangers we encounter in life, even those that are life threatening. We also must be aware of the venom of our spiritual enemies , the fallen angels who operate in the heavenlies. God’s elect, holy and mighty angels are able to deal with such. Jesus has put all things that could harm us under our feet.

The Apostle Paul shook off the viper in Malta and was unharmed. When we know we are fully protected in our spirit, soul, and body we can confidently tread on those beings which seek to do us harm.

This gives us great confidence in our God.

Interim Prayer Lord we thank you for your holy and mighty angels that form a hedge of shelter around your people. Lord, give us your wisdom that we be not deceived into testing you just because we know of your marvelous protection around us. Lord, give us your wisdom to live in these difficult times and bring the light of the Gospel to those still in darkness. In Jesus’ name we ask it.

Amen

14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

15 He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

God reveals what he himself finds delightful in a man or woman.

v14 Speaks of such a person, who is devoted the Lord, God says because this person clings/cements to God in love then God will deliver such a person and protect them. This is what God delights to do for those who cling to him in love, those who come to recognise his holy name, his person, and his divine attributes. If we want to know the meaning of his holy name in this verse, then we must turn to the example of Jesus Christ, but remembering that because we are ‘in him’ and this verse also applies to us, to the believers dwelling in Gods shelter. This is a position of great honour.

v15 Whenever the person who is clinging to the Lord in love, calls out in distress, the Lord promises to answer him. Here we have the very privileged access to the Lord’s help and intervention on our behalf. He promises to be present with us in our various troubles, and if needed to rescue us from our dangers and difficulties. He not only rescues those under his shelter but brings them into a place of honour.

V16 God promises to give those who cling to him in love, a long enough life to fulfil all their destiny irrespective of the age they live too as was the case of Jesus who fulfilled all his destiny yet died at a comparatively young age.

God’s wonderful salvation extends beyond this life into the next.

Prayer Lord teach us how to cling you in our thoughts, in our hearts and in our wills, Lord, cement our hearts to your heart in love, and help us to come to know your holy name in fullness. Lord, we thank you that whenever we call out to you, we know that you will answer us, and rescue us from trouble and bring us into a place of honour. Lord help us fulfil all your destiny of this life and when it is time move us from salvation on earth to salvation in heaven. In Jesus’ name we ask it.

Amen

In Part 4 we discuss whether eternal security is part of God's total package of security.

[pamphletstoinspire]

Commentary on the Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to St. Mark – Chapter 10

St. Mark, the disciple and interpreter of St. Peter (as noted by St. Jerome.) according to what he heard from St. Peter himself, wrote at Rome a brief Gospel at the request of the Brethren (fellow Christians), about ten years after our Lord's Ascension; which when St. Peter had heard, he approved of it, and with his authority he published it to the Church to be read. Baronius and others maintain, that the original was written in Latin: but the more general opinion is that the Evangelist wrote it in Greek.

First, Christ abolishes the bill of divorce and declares sacred the original permanence of indissoluble marriage. Second (v. 13), He calls the little children to Himself and blesses them. Third (v. 17), He advises the rich young man seeking salvation to renounce his riches and to follow Him a poor man; he is saddened and refuses; hence Christ teaches that it is difficult for a rich man to be saved. Peter, then, declaring that he and his companions have renounced riches so as to follow Christ, asks for a reward, and receives from Christ the promise of a hundred-fold reward and eternal life. Fourth (v. 32), He says that He is going up to Jerusalem to His cross and death; then to James and John, who ask for the first places in His kingdom, He offers the chalice of suffering, and teaches that they and others must flee ambition and strive for humility. Finally (v. 46), He restores sight to blind Bartimeus.

And rising up from thence, he cometh into the coasts of Judea beyond the Jordan: and the multitudes flock to him again. And as he was accustomed, he taught them again. 2 And the Pharisees coming to him asked him: Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? Tempting him. 3 But he answering, saith to them: What did Moses command you? 4 Who said: Moses permitted to write a bill of divorce, and to put her away. 5 To whom Jesus answering, said: Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you that precept. 6 But from the beginning of the creation, God made them male and female. 7 For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother; and shall cleave to his wife. 8 And they two shall be in one flesh. Therefore now they are not two, but one flesh. 9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. 10 And in the house again his disciples asked him concerning the same thing. 11 And he saith to them: Whosoever shall put away his wife and marry another, committeth adultery against her. 12 And if the wife shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery. 13 And they brought to him young children, that he might touch them. And the disciples rebuked them that brought them. 14 Whom when Jesus saw, he was much displeased, and saith to them: Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Amen I say to you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, shall not enter into it. 16 And embracing them, and laying his hands upon them, he blessed them. 17 And when he was gone forth into the way, a certain man running up and kneeling before him, asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may receive life everlasting? 18 And Jesus said to him, Why callest thou me good? None is good but one, that is God. 19 Thou knowest the commandments: Do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, bear not false witness, do no fraud, honor thy father and mother. 20 But he answering, said to him: Master, all these things I have observed from my youth. 21 And Jesus looking on him, loved him, and said to him: One thing is wanting unto thee: go, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me. 22 Who being struck sad at that saying, went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. 23 And Jesus looking round about, saith to his disciples: How hardly shall they that have riches, enter into the kingdom of God!

24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus again answering, saith to them: Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches, to enter into the kingdom of God? 25 It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 26 Who wondered the more, saying among themselves: Who then can be saved? 27 And Jesus looking on them, saith: With men it is impossible; but not with God: for all things are possible with God. 28 And Peter began to say unto him: Behold, we have left all things, and have followed thee. 29 Jesus answering, said: Amen I say to you, there is no man who hath left house or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or children, or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, 30 Who shall not receive an hundred times as much, now in this time; houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions: and in the world to come life everlasting. 31 But many that are first, shall be last: and the last, first. 32 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem: and Jesus went before them, and they were astonished; and following were afraid. And taking again the twelve, he began to tell them the things that should befall him. 33 Saying: Behold we go up to Jerusalem, and the Son of man shall be betrayed to the chief priests, and to the scribes and ancients, and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles. 34 And they shall mock him, and spit on him, and scourge him, and kill him: and the third day he shall rise again. 35 And James and John the sons of Zebedee, come to him, saying: Master, we desire that whatsoever we shall ask, thou wouldst do it for us: 36 But he said to them: What would you that I should do for you? 37 And they said: Grant to us, that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. 38 And Jesus said to them: You know not what you ask. Can you drink of the chalice that I drink of: or be baptized with the baptism wherewith I am baptized? 39 But they said to him: We can. And Jesus saith to them: You shall indeed drink of the chalice that I drink of: and with the baptism wherewith I am baptized, you shall be baptized. 40 But to sit on my right hand, or on my left, is not mine to give to you, but to them for whom it is prepared. 41 And the ten hearing it, began to be much displeased at James and John. 42 But Jesus calling them, saith to them: You know that they who seem to rule over the Gentiles, lord it over them: and their princes have power over them. 43 But it is not so among you: but whosoever will be greater, shall be your minister. 44 And whosoever will be first among you, shall be the servant of all. 45 For the Son of man also is not come to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a redemption for many. 46 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho, with his disciples, and a very great multitude, Bartimeus the blind man, the son of Timeus, sat by the way side begging. 47 Who when he had heard, that it was Jesus of Nazareth, began to cry out, and to say: Jesus Son of David, have mercy on me. 48 And many rebuked him, that he might hold his peace; but he cried a great deal the more: Son of David, have mercy on me. 49 And Jesus, standing still, commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying to him: Be of better comfort: arise, he calleth thee. 50 Who casting off his garment leaped up, and came to him. 51 And Jesus answering, said to him: What wilt thou that I should do to thee? And the blind man said to him: Rabboni, that I may see.

52 And Jesus saith to him: Go thy way, thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he saw, and followed him in the way.

Commentary: Saint Mark - Chapter 10

Verse 21. And Jesus looking on him, with a sweet, benign and tender countenance, loved him. That is, He showed him marks of His love, taking his hand, nodding and smiling at him, embracing and kissing him. And said to him: One thing is wanting unto thee. The Arabic interpolates: “And said to him: Dost thou want to become perfect? One thing is wanting unto thee, etc.,” namely, for the perfection of a holy and evangelical life.

Follow me. The Greek adds, “Taking up thy cross.” Hence the Syriac has: “Take thy cross, and come after me.” Arabic, “Come, follow Me, and carry the cross.”

Verse 24. Children. The Syriac has, “My sons.” By His tender form of addressing them He softens the hardness of the matter, as one who loves them most dearly, like his own children; and as such He would tell them the truth sincerely, and persuade them to renounce riches as an obstacle to salvation.

That trust in riches. For rich men trust in their riches more than in God, according to the saying in Proverbs 10:15, The substance of a rich man is the city of his strength. With difficulty, therefore, are they saved, because salvation cometh only from God. Hence those who wish to be saved must put their trust in God, and must ask and wait for salvation from Him, as the poor do. For inasmuch as they have no riches in which to trust, they are forced to place all their hopes in God, according to the words of Psalm 13:6, You have confounded the counsel of the poor man, but the Lord is his hope. Therefore, if rich men wish to be saved, let them turn their hope, their heart, their love from riches, and fix them upon God.

Verse 30. Who shall not receive an hundred times as much, now in this time; houses, and brethren, etc., with persecutions. I have explained this hundred-fold at Matthew 19:29. Mark here adds that it shall be repaid with persecutions. The Arabic has, “in tribulations." The meaning is: “Let him who has relinquished his possessions and friends for the love of Christ, and is set in the midst of persecutions, and is encompassed by them on every side, be faithful. For there will not be wanting a hundred, that is, very many, who will aid and cherish him, as brothers, fathers, and mothers.” So S. Jerome, S. Bede, Franz Lucas, Emmanuel Sa, and Vatablus.

This is added because in persecutions the believer especially needs the help and assistance of others. Also, because this is a rare and marvellous thing, that in persecution, when a man is wont to be left destitute of help and friends, and when all, through fear of danger, withdraw themselves from him, those who follow Christ experience the exact contrary, and find a hundred, i.e., very many to help them.

Again, the expression with persecutions may be taken thus: that persecutions and tribulations undergone or faced for Christ’s sake are part of the reward which shall be given to those who follow Christ, together with the hundred-fold. For to suffer for Christ is a great gift of God, as the Apostle teaches (Philip. 2:19). Thus Jansen, Emmanuel Sa and others.

Verse 32. They were in the way (from Jericho), going up to Jerusalem, to Christ’s imminent crucifixion and death, as He had predicted. And Jesus went before them. He eagerly afforded Himself as a guide along the way to the frightened Apostles, who shrank from Jerusalem, because they knew that Jesus was there sought for by the princes to be put to death. Indeed, a decree had been made to that effect by their great council, the Sanhedrin (John 11:52). Whence it follows:

And they were astonished, and following, were afraid. That is, they timidly followed Jesus. In Arabic, “and they, astonished, followed him, fearing.” In Greek, ἐθαµβοῦντο, i.e., they were astonished with great fear and dread. The imminent danger of death, says Bede, was the cause of their fear and dread. They were amazed that Christ with so prompt and resolute a mind should bring Himself and His disciples into such open peril of death. They were afraid lest they might suffer and be put to death on account of Christ.

Verse 38. Or be baptized with the baptism wherewith I am baptized. Christ calls His passsion a baptism, because He was to be evidently immersed and drowned in it, according to what David says of himself, but much more of Christ in Psalm 68:2-3, Save me, O God; for the waters (of tribulations) are come in even unto my soul. I stick fast in the mire of the deep, and there is no sure standing (place on which I might stand): I am come into the depth of the sea, and a tempest hath overwhelmed me. (See commentary on Matthew 20:22.)

Verse 42. You know that they who seem to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them. In Greek κατακυριεύουσιν αὐτῶν, i.e., domineer over them, or against them. For who seem, the Greek is  οἱ δοκοῦντες, i.e., who please themselves, and rejoice in ruling and dominating. For none rule more imperiously and harshly than those who delight in ruling and commanding. Whence the Arabic translates, “they who think themselves princes of the people are their lords,” i.e., they exercise, as it were, a tyrannical domination over them.

Verse 46. Bartimeus, the son of Timeus. Syriac, “Timeus, the son of Timeus”; Arabic, “Bartimeus, son of Timeus.” This blind man, then, was called as though by a proper name, Bartimeus, i.e., the son of Timeus, just as Bartholomew means son of Ptolemy (Matth. 10:3). The same man was called also by the same name as his father Timeus. Timeus was the name of that Pythagorean philosopher who wrote the life of Pythagoras. Plato wrote a dialogue entitled “Timeus,” because it deals with nature and the universe and its parts, especially with man, subjects in which that Pythagorean philosopher Timaeus was quite an expert. Hence Plato introduced him as one of the interlocutors in this dialogue.

Moreover, Bartimeus is interpreted by Pagnini in three ways (in Nomin. Hebraicis). The first is from S. Jerome, to the effect that Bartimeus means the blind son, or the son of blindness. He says that it is a Syriac name, but corrupted; strictly speaking it should be Barsemia or Barsameus. Bar is son, semaia—blindness. The second opinion is that it means the son of honor, as if compounded and conflated from the Syriac bar, a son, and the Greek τιµή, “honor.” Hence that Pythagorean philosopher was called Timeus, that is, “honorable” on account of his knowledge. So, too, this blind man, in following Christ, was worthy of honor and praise.

The third is, that it means the son of the admirer, or admirable grain, or admirable purity. For this was what the blind man received from Christ. For being illuminated in body, he was far more illuminated in his soul. For bar means “son” or “wheat,” or “purity”; tamah is “to admire.”

Verse 52. And followed him in the way. Morally, the Gloss says: Let us consider the way in which He goeth, and follow Him by humility and labors. The way is that of which He saith, I am the way, the truth, and the life. This is “the narrow way,” which leads to the heights of Jerusalem and Bethany, to the Mount of Olives, which is the mount of light and consolation; yea, which leads to Sion and the heavenly Jerusalem. The blind man, therefore, sees and follows, for he who rightly understands the life of Christ ought to follow and imitate it by his works.

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[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

5th August >> Mass Readings (Except USA)

Saturday, Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time 

or

Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major

  or

Saturday memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

Saturday, Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time 

(Liturgical Colour: Green: A (1))

First Reading Leviticus 25:1,8-17 The law of the jubilee year.

The Lord spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai. He said: ‘You are to count seven weeks of years – seven times seven years, that is to say a period of seven weeks of years, forty-nine years. And on the tenth day of the seventh month you shall sound the trumpet; on the Day of Atonement you shall sound the trumpet throughout the land. You will declare this fiftieth year sacred and proclaim the liberation of all the inhabitants of the land. This is to be a jubilee for you; each of you will return to his ancestral home, each to his own clan. This fiftieth year is to be a jubilee year for you: you will not sow, you will not harvest the ungathered corn, you will not gather from the untrimmed vine. The jubilee is to be a holy thing to you, you will eat what comes from the fields.

‘In this year of jubilee each of you is to return to his ancestral home. If you buy or sell with your neighbour, let no one wrong his brother. If you buy from your neighbour, this must take into account the number of years since the jubilee: according to the number of productive years he will fix the price. The greater the number of years, the higher shall be the price demanded; the less the number of years, the greater the reduction; for what he is selling you is a certain number of harvests. Let none of you wrong his neighbour, but fear your God; I am the Lord your God.’

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 66(67):2-3,5,7-8

R/ Let the peoples praise you, O God, let all the peoples praise you.

O God, be gracious and bless us and let your face shed its light upon us. So will your ways be known upon earth and all nations learn your saving help.

R/ Let the peoples praise you, O God, let all the peoples praise you.

Let the nations be glad and exult for you rule the world with justice. With fairness you rule the peoples, you guide the nations on earth.

R/ Let the peoples praise you, O God, let all the peoples praise you.

The earth has yielded its fruit for God, our God, has blessed us. May God still give us his blessing till the ends of the earth revere him.

R/ Let the peoples praise you, O God, let all the peoples praise you.

Gospel Acclamation cf. Luke 8:15

Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed are those who, with a noble and generous heart, take the word of God to themselves and yield a harvest through their perseverance. Alleluia!

Or: Matthew 5:10

Alleluia, alleluia! Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Alleluia!

Gospel Matthew 14:1-12 The beheading of John the Baptist.

Herod the tetrarch heard about the reputation of Jesus, and said to his court, ‘This is John the Baptist himself; he has risen from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.’ Now it was Herod who had arrested John, chained him up and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. For John had told him, ‘It is against the Law for you to have her.’ He had wanted to kill him but was afraid of the people, who regarded John as a prophet. Then, during the celebrations for Herod’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and so delighted Herod that he promised on oath to give her anything she asked. Prompted by her mother she said, ‘Give me John the Baptist’s head, here, on a dish.’ The king was distressed but, thinking of the oaths he had sworn and of his guests, he ordered it to be given her, and sent and had John beheaded in the prison. The head was brought in on a dish and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. John’s disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went off to tell Jesus.

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major 

(Liturgical Colour: White: A (1))

(Readings for the memorial)

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

First Reading Apocalypse 21:1-5 A vision of the heavenly Jerusalem, the bride of the Lamb.

I, John, saw a new heaven and a new earth; the first heaven and the first earth had disappeared now, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the holy city, and the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, as beautiful as a bride all dressed for her husband. Then I heard a loud voice call from the throne, ‘You see this city? Here God lives among men. He will make his home among them; they shall be his people, and he will be their God; his name is God-with-them. He will wipe away all tears from their eyes; there will be no more death, and no more mourning or sadness. The world of the past has gone.’

Then the One sitting on the throne spoke: ‘Now I am making the whole of creation new.’

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Judith 13:18a-19

R/ You are the highest honour of our race!

May you be blessed, my daughter, by God Most High, beyond all women on earth; and may the Lord God be blessed, the Creator of heaven and earth.

R/ You are the highest honour of our race!

The trust you have shown shall not pass from the memories of men, but shall ever remind them of the power of God.

R/ You are the highest honour of our race!

Gospel Acclamation Luke 11:28

Alleluia, alleluia! Happy are those who hear the word of God and keep it. Alleluia!

Gospel Luke 11:27-28 'Happy the womb that bore you and the breasts you sucked!'.

As Jesus was speaking, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said, ‘Happy the womb that bore you and the breasts you sucked!’ But he replied, ‘Still happier those who hear the word of God and keep it!’

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Saturday memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary 

(Liturgical Colour: White: A (1))

(Readings for the memorial)

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

Either:

First Reading Genesis 3:9-15,20 The mother of all those who live.

After Adam had eaten of the tree the Lord God called to him. ‘Where are you?’ he asked. ‘I heard the sound of you in the garden;’ he replied ‘I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.’ ‘Who told you that you were naked?’ he asked ‘Have you been eating of the tree I forbade you to eat?’ The man replied, ‘It was the woman you put with me; she gave me the fruit, and I ate it.’ Then the Lord God asked the woman, ‘What is this you have done?’ The woman replied, ‘The serpent tempted me and I ate.’ Then the Lord God said to the serpent, ‘Because you have done this,

‘Be accursed beyond all cattle, all wild beasts. You shall crawl on your belly and eat dust every day of your life. I will make you enemies of each other: you and the woman, your offspring and her offspring. It will crush your head and you will strike its heel.’

The man named his wife ‘Eve’ because she was the mother of all those who live.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

OR: --------

First reading Genesis 12:1-7 All the tribes of the earth shall bless themselves by you

The Lord said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your family and your father’s house, for the land I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name so famous that it will be used as a blessing.

‘I will bless those who bless you: I will curse those who slight you. All the tribes of the earth shall bless themselves by you.’

So Abram went as the Lord told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. Abram took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had amassed and the people they had acquired in Haran. They set off for the land of Canaan, and arrived there. Abram passed through the land as far as Shechem’s holy place, the Oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. The Lord appeared to Abram and said, ‘It is to your descendants that I will give this land.’ So Abram built there an altar for the Lord who had appeared to him.

OR: --------

First reading 2 Samuel 7:1-5,8-11,16 The Lord will make you great; the Lord will make you a House

Once David had settled into his house and the Lord had given him rest from all the enemies surrounding him, the king said to the prophet Nathan, ‘Look, I am living in a house of cedar while the ark of God dwells in a tent.’ Nathan said to the king, ‘Go and do all that is in your mind, for the Lord is with you.’ But that very night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: ‘Go and tell my servant David, “Thus the Lord speaks: Are you the man to build me a house to dwell in? I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be leader of my people Israel; I have been with you on all your expeditions; I have cut off all your enemies before you. I will give you fame as great as the fame of the greatest on earth. I will provide a place for my people Israel; I will plant them there and they shall dwell in that place and never be disturbed again; nor shall the wicked continue to oppress them as they did, in the days when I appointed judges over my people Israel; I will give them rest from all their enemies. The Lord will make you great; the Lord will make you a House. Your House and your sovereignty will always stand secure before me and your throne be established for ever.”’

OR: --------

First reading 1 Chronicles 15:3-4,15-16,16:1-2 They brought in the ark of God and put it inside the tent that David had pitched for it

David gathered all Israel together to bring the ark of God up to the place he had prepared for it. David called together the sons of Aaron and the sons of Levi. And the Levites carried the ark of God with the shafts on their shoulders, as Moses had ordered in accordance with the word of the Lord. David then told the heads of the Levites to assign duties for their kinsmen as cantors, with their various instruments of music, harps and lyres and cymbals, to play joyful tunes. They brought the ark of God in and put it inside the tent that David had pitched for it; and they offered holocausts before God, and communion sacrifices. And when David had finished offering holocausts and communion sacrifices, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord.

OR: --------

First reading Proverbs 8:22-31 Before the earth came into being, Wisdom was born

The Wisdom of God cries aloud:

The Lord created me when his purpose first unfolded, before the oldest of his works. From everlasting I was firmly set, from the beginning, before earth came into being. The deep was not, when I was born, there were no springs to gush with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I came to birth; before he made the earth, the countryside, or the first grains of the world’s dust. When he fixed the heavens firm, I was there, when he drew a ring on the surface of the deep, when he thickened the clouds above, when he fixed fast the springs of the deep, when he assigned the sea its boundaries  – and the waters will not invade the shore – when he laid down the foundations of the earth, I was by his side, a master craftsman, delighting him day after day, ever at play in his presence, at play everywhere in his world, delighting to be with the sons of men.

OR: --------

First reading Ecclesiasticus 24:1-4,8-12,18-21 From eternity, in the beginning, God created wisdom

Wisdom speaks her own praises, in the midst of her people she glories in herself. She opens her mouth in the assembly of the Most High, she glories in herself in the presence of the Mighty One: ‘I came forth from the mouth of the Most High, and I covered the earth like a mist. I had my tent in the heights, and my throne in a pillar of cloud. Then the creator of all things instructed me, and he who created me fixed a place for my tent. He said, “Pitch your tent in Jacob, make Israel your inheritance.” From eternity, in the beginning, he created me, and for eternity I shall remain. I ministered before him in the holy tabernacle, and thus was I established on Zion. In the beloved city he has given me rest, and in Jerusalem I wield my authority. I have taken root in a privileged people, in the Lord’s property, in his inheritance. Approach me, you who desire me, and take your fill of my fruits, for memories of me are sweeter than honey, inheriting me is sweeter than the honeycomb. They who eat me will hunger for more, they who drink me will thirst for more. Whoever listens to me will never have to blush, whoever acts as I dictate will never sin.’

OR: --------

First reading Isaiah 7:10-14,8:10 The maiden is with child

The Lord spoke to Ahaz and said, ‘Ask the Lord your God for a sign for yourself coming either from the depths of Sheol or from the heights above.’ ‘No,’ Ahaz answered ‘I will not put the Lord to the test.’ Then Isaiah said:

‘Listen now, House of David: are you not satisfied with trying the patience of men without trying the patience of my God, too? The Lord himself, therefore, will give you a sign. It is this: the maiden is with child and will soon give birth to a son whom she will call Immanuel, a name which means “God-is-with-us.”’

OR: --------

First reading Isaiah 9:1-6 A Son is given to us

The people that walked in darkness has seen a great light; on those who live in a land of deep shadow a light has shone. You have made their gladness greater, you have made their joy increase; they rejoice in your presence as men rejoice at harvest time, as men are happy when they are dividing the spoils.

For the yoke that was weighing on him, the bar across his shoulders, the rod of his oppressor, these you break as on the day of Midian.

For all the footgear of battle, every cloak rolled in blood, is burnt, and consumed by fire.

For there is a child born for us, a son given to us and dominion is laid on his shoulders; and this is the name they give him: Wonder-Counsellor, Mighty-God, Eternal-Father, Prince-of-Peace.

OR: --------

First reading Isaiah 61:9-11 I exult for joy in the Lord

Their race will be famous throughout the nations, their descendants throughout the peoples. All who see them will admit that they are a race whom the Lord has blessed.

‘I exult for joy in the Lord, my soul rejoices in my God, for he has clothed me in the garments of salvation, he has wrapped me in the cloak of integrity, like a bridegroom wearing his wreath, like a bride adorned in her jewels.

‘For as the earth makes fresh things grow, as a garden makes seeds spring up, so will the Lord make both integrity and praise spring up in the sight of the nations.’

OR: --------

First reading Micah 5:1-4 He will stand and feed his flock with the power of the Lord

The Lord says this:

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, the least of the clans of Judah, out of you will be born for me the one who is to rule over Israel; his origin goes back to the distant past, to the days of old. The Lord is therefore going to abandon them till the time when she who is to give birth gives birth. Then the remnant of his brothers will come back to the sons of Israel. He will stand and feed his flock with the power of the Lord, with the majesty of the name of his God. They will live secure, for from then on he will extend his power to the ends of the land. He himself will be peace.

OR: --------

First reading Zechariah 2:14-17 'I am coming', says the Lord

Sing, rejoice, daughter of Zion; for I am coming to dwell in the middle of you – it is the Lord who speaks. Many nations will join the Lord, on that day; they will become his people. But he will remain among you, and you will know that the Lord of Hosts has sent me to you. But the Lord will hold Judah as his portion in the Holy Land, and again make Jerusalem his very own. Let all mankind be silent before the Lord! For he is awaking and is coming from his holy dwelling.

EITHER: --------

Responsorial Psalm 1 Samuel 2:1,4-8

My heart exults in the Lord my Saviour.

My heart exults in the Lord. I find my strength in my God; my mouth laughs at my enemies as I rejoice in your saving help.

My heart exults in the Lord my Saviour.

The bows of the mighty are broken, but the weak are clothed with strength. Those with plenty must labour for bread, but the hungry need work no more. The childless wife has children now but the fruitful wife bears no more.

My heart exults in the Lord my Saviour.

It is the Lord who gives life and death, he brings men to the grave and back; it is the Lord who gives poverty and riches. He brings men low and raises them on high.

My heart exults in the Lord my Saviour.

He lifts up the lowly from the dust, from the dungheap he raises the poor to set him in the company of princes to give him a glorious throne. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, on them he has set the world.

My heart exults in the Lord my Saviour.

OR: --------

Responsorial Psalm Judith 13:18a-19

You are the highest honour of our race!

May you be blessed, my daughter, by God Most High, beyond all women on earth; and may the Lord God be blessed, the Creator of heaven and earth.

You are the highest honour of our race!

The trust you have shown shall not pass from the memories of men, but shall ever remind them of the power of God.

You are the highest honour of our race!

OR: --------

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 44(45):11-12,14-17

Listen, O daughter, give ear to my words.

Listen, O daughter, give ear to my words: forget your own people and your father’s house. So will the king desire your beauty: He is your lord, pay homage to him.

Listen, O daughter, give ear to my words.

The daughter of the king is clothed with splendour, her robes embroidered with pearls set in gold. She is led to the king with her maiden companions.

Listen, O daughter, give ear to my words.

They are escorted amid gladness and joy; they pass within the palace of the king. Sons shall be yours in place of your fathers: you will make them princes over all the earth.

Listen, O daughter, give ear to my words.

OR: --------

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 112(113):1-7

May the name of the Lord be blessed for evermore! or Alleluia!

Praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord! May the name of the Lord be blessed both now and for evermore!

May the name of the Lord be blessed for evermore! or Alleluia!

From the rising of the sun to its setting praised be the name of the Lord! High above all nations is the Lord, above the heavens his glory.

May the name of the Lord be blessed for evermore! or Alleluia!

Who is like the Lord, our God, who has risen on high to his throne yet stoops from the heights to look down, to look down upon heaven and earth? From the dust he lifts up the lowly, from the dungheap he raises the poor

May the name of the Lord be blessed for evermore! or Alleluia!

OR: --------

Responsorial Psalm Luke 1:46-55

The Almighty works marvels for me. Holy is his name! or Blessed is the Virgin Mary, who bore the Son of the eternal Father.

My soul glorifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God, my Saviour.

The Almighty works marvels for me. Holy is his name! or Blessed is the Virgin Mary, who bore the Son of the eternal Father.

He looks on his servant in her nothingness; henceforth all ages will call me blessed. The Almighty works marvels for me. Holy his name!

The Almighty works marvels for me. Holy is his name! or Blessed is the Virgin Mary, who bore the Son of the eternal Father.

His mercy is from age to age, on those who fear him. He puts forth his arm in strength and scatters the proud-hearted.

The Almighty works marvels for me. Holy is his name! or Blessed is the Virgin Mary, who bore the Son of the eternal Father.

He casts the mighty from their thrones and raises the lowly. He fills the starving with good things, sends the rich away empty.

The Almighty works marvels for me. Holy is his name! or Blessed is the Virgin Mary, who bore the Son of the eternal Father.

He protects Israel, his servant, remembering his mercy, the mercy promised to our fathers, to Abraham and his sons for ever.

The Almighty works marvels for me. Holy is his name! or Blessed is the Virgin Mary, who bore the Son of the eternal Father.

Gospel Acclamation cf.Lk1:28

Alleluia, alleluia! Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee! Blessed art thou among women. Alleluia!

Or: cf.Lk1:45

Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed is the Virgin Mary, who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled. Alleluia!

Or: cf.Lk2:19

Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed is the Virgin Mary, who treasured the word of God and pondered it in her heart. Alleluia!

Or: Lk11:28

Alleluia, alleluia! Happy are those who hear the word of God and keep it. Alleluia!

Or:

Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed are you, holy Virgin Mary, and most worthy of all praise, for the sun of justice, Christ our God, was born of you. Alleluia!

Or:

Alleluia, alleluia! Happy is the Virgin Mary, who, without dying, won the palm of martyrdom beneath the cross of the Lord. Alleluia!

EITHER: --------

Gospel Matthew 1:1-16,18-23 The ancestry and conception of Jesus Christ

A genealogy of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham:

Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah, Tamar being their mother, Perez was the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram was the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon was the father of Boaz, Rahab being his mother, Boaz was the father of Obed, Ruth being his mother, Obed was the father of Jesse; and Jesse was the father of King David.

David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife, Solomon was the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asa, Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Azariah, Azariah was the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, Amon the father of Josiah; and Josiah was the father of Jechoniah and his brothers. Then the deportation to Babylon took place.

After the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel was the father of Abiud, Abiud the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor was the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud was the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob; and Jacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary; of her was born Jesus who is called Christ.

This is how Jesus Christ came to be born. His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph; but before they came to live together she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph; being a man of honour and wanting to spare her publicity, decided to divorce her informally. He had made up his mind to do this when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.’ Now all this took place to fulfil the words spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and they will call him Emmanuel,

a name which means ‘God-is-with-us.’

OR: --------

Gospel Matthew 1:18-23 How Jesus Christ came to be born

This is how Jesus Christ came to be born. His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph; but before they came to live together she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph; being a man of honour and wanting to spare her publicity, decided to divorce her informally. He had made up his mind to do this when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.’ Now all this took place to fulfil the words spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and they will call him Emmanuel,

a name which means ‘God-is-with-us.’

OR: --------

Gospel Matthew 2:13-15,19-23 The flight into Egypt and the return to Nazareth

After the wise men had left, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother with you, and escape into Egypt, and stay there until I tell you, because Herod intends to search for the child and do away with him.’ So Joseph got up and, taking the child and his mother with him, left that night for Egypt, where he stayed until Herod was dead. This was to fulfil what the Lord had spoken through the prophet:

I called my son out of Egypt.

After Herod’s death, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother with you and go back to the land of Israel, for those who wanted to kill the child are dead.’ So Joseph got up and, taking the child and his mother with him, went back to the land of Israel. But when he learnt that Archelaus had succeeded his father Herod as ruler of Judaea he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he left for the region of Galilee. There he settled in a town called Nazareth. In this way the words spoken through the prophets were to be fulfilled:

‘He will be called a Nazarene.’

OR: --------

Gospel Matthew 12:46-50 My mother and my brothers are anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven

Jesus was speaking to the crowds when his mother and his brothers appeared; they were standing outside and were anxious to have a word with him. But to the man who told him this Jesus replied, ‘Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?’ And stretching out his hand towards his disciples he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven, he is my brother and sister and mother.’

OR: --------

Gospel Luke 1:26-38 'I am the handmaid of the Lord'

The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. He went in and said to her, ‘Rejoice, so highly favoured! The Lord is with you.’ She was deeply disturbed by these words and asked herself what this greeting could mean, but the angel said to her, ‘Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God’s favour. Listen! You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David; he will rule over the House of Jacob for ever and his reign will have no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘But how can this come about, since I am a virgin?’ ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you’ the angel answered ‘and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God. Know this too: your kinswoman Elizabeth has, in her old age, herself conceived a son, and she whom people called barren is now in her sixth month, for nothing is impossible to God.’ ‘I am the handmaid of the Lord,’ said Mary ‘let what you have said be done to me.’ And the angel left her.

OR: --------

Gospel Luke 1:39-47 Blessed is she who believed the promise

Mary set out and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah. She went into Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, ‘Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? For the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.’ And Mary said:

‘My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit exults in God my saviour.’

OR: --------

Gospel Luke 2:1-14 'In the town of David a saviour has been born to you'

Caesar Augustus issued a decree for a census of the whole world to be taken. This census – the first – took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria, and everyone went to his own town to be registered. So Joseph set out from the town of Nazareth in Galilee and travelled up to Judaea, to the town of David called Bethlehem, since he was of David’s House and line, in order to be registered together with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to a son, her first born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn. In the countryside close by there were shepherds who lived in the fields and took it in turns to watch their flocks during the night. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone round them. They were terrified, but the angel said, ‘Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David a saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly with the angel there was a great throng of the heavenly host, praising God and singing:

‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to men who enjoy his favour.’

OR: --------

Gospel Luke 2:15-19 The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem and found the baby lying in the manger

Now when the angels had gone from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they hurried away and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw the child they repeated what they had been told about him, and everyone who heard it was astonished at what the shepherds had to say. As for Mary, she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.

OR: --------

Gospel Luke 2:27-35 'A sword will pierce your soul too'

Prompted by the Spirit Simeon came to the Temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the Law required, he took him into his arms and blessed God; and he said:

‘Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace, just as you promised; because my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all the nations to see, a light to enlighten the pagans and the glory of your people Israel.’

As the child’s father and mother stood there wondering at the things that were being said about him, Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘You see this child: he is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected – and a sword will pierce your own soul too – so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.’

OR: --------

Gospel Luke 2:41-52 Mary stored up all these things in her heart

Every year the parents of Jesus used to go to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up for the feast as usual. When they were on their way home after the feast, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem without his parents knowing it. They assumed he was with the caravan, and it was only after a day’s journey that they went to look for him among their relations and acquaintances. When they failed to find him they went back to Jerusalem looking for him everywhere. Three days later, they found him in the Temple, sitting among the doctors, listening to them, and asking them questions; and all those who heard him were astounded at his intelligence and his replies. They were overcome when they saw him, and his mother said to him, ‘My child, why have, you done this to us? See how worried your father and I have been, looking for you.’ ‘Why were you looking for me?’ he replied. ‘Did you not know that I must be busy with my Father’s affairs?’ But they did not understand what he meant. He then went down with them and came to Nazareth and lived under their authority. His mother stored up all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom, in stature, and in favour with God and men.

OR: --------

Gospel Luke 11:27-28 'Happy the womb that bore you and the breasts you sucked!'

As Jesus was speaking, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said, ‘Happy the womb that bore you and the breasts you sucked!’ But he replied, ‘Still happier those who hear the word of God and keep it!’

OR: --------

Gospel John 2:1-11 'My hour has not come yet' - 'Do whatever he tells you'

There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee. The mother of Jesus was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited. When they ran out of wine, since the wine provided for the wedding was all finished, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ Jesus said ‘Woman, why turn to me? My hour has not come yet.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ There were six stone water jars standing there, meant for the ablutions that are customary among the Jews: each could hold twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water’, and they filled them to the brim. ‘Draw some out now’ he told them ‘and take it to the steward.’ They did this; the steward tasted the water, and it had turned into wine. Having no idea where it came from – only the servants who had drawn the water knew – the steward called the bridegroom and said, ‘People generally serve the best wine first, and keep the cheaper sort till the guests have had plenty to drink; but you have kept the best wine till now.’ This was the first of the signs given by Jesus: it was given at Cana in Galilee. He let his glory be seen, and his disciples believed in him.

OR: --------

Gospel John 19:25-27 'Woman, this is your son'

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. Seeing his mother and the disciple he loved standing near her, Jesus said to his mother, ‘Woman, this is your son.’ Then to the disciple he said, ‘This is your mother.’ And from that moment the disciple made a place for her in his home.

[baxtersworld]

15 = 46 = 10 = 2026, THE END! May 15, 2026

God, who is the beginning and the end (Revelation 22:12,13), is the source and creator of all things, for not one thing came into being without Him.

JOHN 1:1, 3

(1) In the BEGINNING was the WORD, and the Word was with God, and THE WORD was GOD.

(3) ALL THINGS were MADE BY HIM; and WITHOUT HIM was NOT ANY THING MADE that was made.

Herein, God declared from the beginning the appointed time of the end (Isaiah 46:10).

In the Hebrew Tanakh, “ELOHIM” or “GODS” in Genesis 1:1 was mentioned 2,602 times, a flipped figure of 2026, the exact year of Christ’s return.

Thus, numbers, which are inherent to mathematics, already existed before man was created.

Moreover, God created numbers, but humans discovered and corrupted them.

God imparted wisdom unto men, for them not to be ignorant of the mystery underlying the set time of His return (1 Corinthians 2:7, 10).

However, Satan perverted the wisdom given by God (Ezekiel 28:15, 17), which borders on an extremely subtle pantheistic ideology.

“It is the error of those who have forgotten the PYTHAGOREAN (and Christian) precept, to “honor first the IMMORTAL GOD” – THEMSELVES NUMBERS…” (THE PYTHAGOREAN SOURCEBOOK AND LIBRARY, Kenneth Sylvan & David Fideler, 11)

God commanded His people to compute or calculate (Revelation 13:18 – Strong’s Greek #5585) the number of the beast in order to decrypt Satan’s code.

REVELATION 17:11 And the BEAST that was… he is the EIGHTH, and is of the SEVEN, and goeth into PERDITION.

8 + 7 = 15

“…say 15 Our Fathers and 15 Hail Mary’s…” (pg. 5)

“15 Promises of Mary to Christians who recite the rosary” (pg. 38)

“…pray the daily rosary in 15 minutes… and pray entire 15-decade rosary…” (pg. 40)

(PIETA, Prayer Booklet, St. Therese of the Child Jesus)

The sacred numbers of the pagan goddesses Ishtar and Sin are 15 and 30, which were associated with the 153 white roses in Mary’s crown. (THE SECRET OF THE ROSARY, St. Louis De Montfort, pg. 28) 1 x 5 x 3 = 15

God used the number of the enemies in revealing His appointed time to return their ways to their own heads (Obadiah 15).

REVELATION 13:18 Here is WISDOM… COUNT the NUMBER of the beast… his number is SIX HUNDRED THREESCORE AND SIX.

6 x 6 x 6 = 216 (21 + 6 = 27) Another Computation: 6 + 6 + 6 = 18

23 + 73 = 351 (flipped figure of 153) 1383 (1 + 512) = 513 (flipped figure of 153)

3 x 5 x 1 = 15 5 x 1 x 3 = 15

REVELATION 13:1-2 7 – SEVEN heads, 10 – TEN horns, 10 – TEN crowns (7 + 10 + 10 = 27)

2373 (8 + 343) = 351 (flipped figure of 153)

3 x 5 x 1 = 15

Hereby, number 15 is a hint for the exact year of Christ’s return.

PSALM 90:10, 12-13

(10) The days of our years are THREESCORE YEARS and TEN… by reason of strength they be FOURSCORE years…

(12) So teach us to NUMBER OUR DAYS, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

(13) RETURN, O LORD, HOW LONG?...

7 + 0 + 8 + 0 = 15

ECCLESIASTES 11:2, 3

(2) Give a portion to SEVEN, and also to EIGHT…

(3) If the clouds be full of RAIN, they empty themselves upon the earth…

8 + 7 = 15

HOSEA 6:2, 3

(2) After TWO days will he REVIVE us: in the THIRD day he will RAISE US UP, and we shall LIVE in his sight.

(3) …HIS GOING FORTH is prepared… and he shall COME unto us as the RAIN, as the latter and former rain…

2 – TWO days, 3 – THREE days

2 + 3 = 5 (The triangular number of 5 is 15.)

The Roman numeral of number 15 is XV.

X – 24, V – 22

24 + 22 = 46 (4 + 6 =10)

Taking the cube of numbers 1-10 as per digit will give a sum of 2026, the exact year of Christ’s return.

God is not an essence pervading all nature but rather the Author and Creator of everything.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

[tabutesakina]

The Hidden Threads of Divine Leadership: Unveiling the Consensus Fallacy

Across the tapestry of human history, a persistent thread weaves through diverse cultures and religions: the promise of divine leadership. Whether through prophecies or ancient symbols, the notion of a select few guiding humanity towards truth and justice has captivated hearts and minds. But beneath this universal theme lies a profound question: can the truth ever be dictated by consensus?

A Mosaic of Divine Guidance

In the biblical tradition, the 12 tribes of Israel stand as pillars of divine order, guiding the Children of Israel through their journey. This concept echoes in Christianity, where Jesus’ 12 apostles are seen as the custodians of his teachings. Each represents not only leadership but a divine mandate to continue the legacy of truth.

Similarly, in Islam, the lineage of the 12 Imams, beginning with Imam Ali (AS), embodies this divine guidance. This sacred line, revered as the protectors and interpreters of truth, fulfills a role anticipated by prophets before them.

The Enigmatic Queen of Nature

Turning to ancient Hindu Vedic texts, we encounter the intriguing symbol of the Queen of Nature or Devi. Adorned with a crown of 11 rubies—each symbolizing one of her sons—she represents a profound concept of divine authority. The crown itself, often interpreted as a symbol of supreme divine power, hints at a deeper narrative of divine leadership.

Could this imagery be more than mere symbolism? Might it reflect a universal archetype of divine rule that resonates across cultures? This parallel to the Islamic concept of Fatimah Zahra (SA), with Imam Ali (AS) as the crown and her 11 sons as the divine Imams, suggests a recurring theme in humanity's search for divine guidance.

The Buddhist Prophecy: The Awaited Maitreya

In Buddhism, the prophecy of the Maitreya, the future Buddha, foretells the arrival of a divine teacher who will restore righteousness and compassion. This awaited savior aligns with the Islamic belief in the Mahdi, the 12th Imam destined to reestablish justice. Both traditions share a vision of a final leader who will fulfill the promise of divine order.

Ghadeer Khum: The Moment of Revelation

The convergence of these ancient prophecies and symbols reached a decisive moment at Ghadeer Khum. Here, Prophet Muhammad (SAWW), under divine command, appointed Imam Ali (AS) as his successor. This declaration was not merely a political statement; it was the realization of a divine promise:

"For whomever I am his Mawla (master), Ali is his Mawla."

This event marked the culmination of a lineage of divine leadership, affirming the role of Imam Ali (AS) in a manner anticipated across various traditions.

The Consensus Illusion: When Majority Fails

Despite the clear declaration of truth at Ghadeer Khum, many chose to follow the majority rather than the appointed leader. This pivotal moment underscores a critical lesson: truth is often upheld by the few, while the many are swayed by consensus.

Islamic teachings caution against following the majority when it contradicts divine guidance. The Qur’an reminds us:

"And if you obey most of those on earth, they will lead you astray from the path of Allah” (6:116).

This verse highlights that truth is not a product of majority opinion but of divine instruction.

Unveiling the Truth Beyond Consensus

As we delve into the layers of ancient prophecies, symbols, and historical events, we uncover a timeless truth: consensus cannot form truth. The divine lineage of leadership—whether through the 12 chosen ones, the Queen of Nature, or the Imams—demonstrates that truth persists beyond the sway of the majority.

The legacy of Imam Ali (AS) and his 11 subsequent son Imams represents the fulfillment of this divine promise. Even when the majority turns away, the essence of truth remains steadfast, carried by those divinely appointed to lead. This reflection urges us to seek beyond the superficialities of consensus, to question deeply, and to follow the path illuminated by divine guidance, even if it means standing apart from the crowd.

[ongolecharles]

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS (DSR) 📚 Group, Mon July 15th, 2024 ... Monday of The Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time, Year B/ Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, bishop and doctor of the Church

Reading 1

----------

Eph 3:14-19

Brothers and sisters:

I kneel before the Father,

from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,

that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory

to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self,

and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;

that you, rooted and grounded in love,

may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones

what is the breadth and length and height and depth,

and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge,

so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Responsorial Psalm

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

Ps 119:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

R.    (12)  Lord, teach me your statutes.

How shall a young man be faultless in his way?

By keeping to your words.

R.    Lord, teach me your statutes.

With all my heart I seek you;

let me not stray from your commands.

R.    Lord, teach me your statutes.

Within my heart I treasure your promise,

that I may not sin against you.

R.    Lord, teach me your statutes.

Blessed are you, O LORD;

teach me your statutes.

R.    Lord, teach me your statutes.

With my lips I declare

all the ordinances of your mouth.

R.    Lord, teach me your statutes.

In the way of your decrees I rejoice,

as much as in all riches.

R.    Lord, teach me your statutes.

Alleluia

----------

Mt 23:9b, 10b

R.    Alleluia, alleluia.

You have but one Father in heaven;

you have one master, the Christ.

R.    Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

---------

Mt 23:8-12

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples:

"Do not be called 'Rabbi.'

You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.

Call no one on earth your father;

you have but one Father in heaven.

Do not be called 'Master';

you have but one master, the Christ.

The greatest among you must be your servant.

Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;

but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

***

FOCUS AND LITURGY OF THE WORD

When questioned about the opposing parties who were unhappy with his work among the poor and marginalized, a Jesuit who worked for the tribals in India said, “The tree that bears the most fruits attracts more stones.”

We find something similar in the passage today. In the Gospel, Jesus articulates a profound vision of discipleship, outlining the challenges and sacrifices inherent in following him. Rather than painting a simplistic or idealized picture of discipleship, Jesus emphasizes the reality of suffering, hardship, and opposition that his followers may encounter. He presents a clear roadmap for navigating the trials and tribulations of discipleship, offering his disciples a glimpse into what their lives may entail. Despite these challenges, the rewards of discipleship are great, offering us hope and encouragement in our journey with Jesus.

Jesus, in the present text, emphasizes the paramount importance of loyalty. When Jesus stated that "he who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me” or “he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me” (v.37), it may appear conflicting; however, the underlying message is clear: Jesus wants us to prioritize Him above all else, including our most cherished relationships. By referencing the care and devotion we provide to our parents and children, Jesus acknowledges the deep emotional and practical investment we make in our families. He does not ask us to forsake this love and care but rather to extend the same dedication to our relationship with Him if not more. This is the defining characteristic of a Christian disciple: placing Jesus above all else.

Moreover, Jesus wanted his disciples to take up their cross and follow him. Rather than associating the phrase "bearing one's cross" with our commonplace understanding of everyday cares and burdens, Jesus alluded to this to mean a profound willingness to endure extreme sacrifice, even at the cost of one's life.

Let us ask for the grace to commit ourselves to Jesus in every way possible. Let us be selfless in our service to Him and our neighbor, remembering that our love for God is best expressed through our love for others. This is the essence of discipleship, a life of service and sacrifice that mirrors the love and selflessness of our Lord Jesus Christ.

***

SAINT OF THE DAY

Saint Bonaventure Bagnoregio

1221- July 15, 1274

• Seraphic Doctor of the Church

• the Devout Doctor

Healed from a childhood disease through the prayers of Saint Francis of Assisi. Bonaventure joined the Order of Friars Minor at age 22. Studied theology and philosophy in Paris, France, and later taught there. Friend of Saint Thomas Aquinas. Doctor of Theology. Friend of King Saint Louis IX. General of the Franciscan Order at 35. Bishop of Albano, Italy, chosen by Pope Gregory X. Cardinal. Wrote commentaries on the Scriptures, text-books in theology and philosophy, and a biography of Saint Francis. Doctor of the Church. Pope Clement IV chose him to be Archbishop of York, England, but Bonaventure begged off, claiming to be inadequate to the office. Spoke at the Council of Lyons, but died before its close.

Canonized

14 April 1482 by Pope Sixtus IV

Patronage

• against intestinal problems

• Bagnoregio, Italy

• Cochiti Indian Pueblo

• Saint Bonaventure University, New York

***

【Build your Faith in Christ Jesus on #dailyscripturereadingsgroup 📚: +256 751 540 524 .. Whatsapp】

[silvestromedia]

The 12 Promises of Jesus for Those Who Practice Devotion to His Sacred Heart

[christineedmund]

The Fifteen Promises of the Rosary

Over the course of the Rosary’s history, Our Lady has at different times appeared to Saints and mystics to encourage devotion to Her and Her Son. She also made fifteen promises to those who Pray the Holy Rosary faithfully.

The Fifteen Promises are:

1. Whoever shall faithfully serve me by the Recitation of the Rosary, shall receive signal graces.

2. I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall Recite the Holy Rosary.

3. The Holy Rosary shall be a Powerful armor against hell, it will destroy vice, decrease sin, and defeat heresies.

4. It will cause virtue and good works to flourish; it will obtain for souls the abundant mercy of God; it will withdraw the hearts of men from the love of the world and its vanities, and will lift them to the desire of eternal things. Oh, that souls would sanctify themselves by this means.

5. The soul which recommends itself to me by the Recitation of the Holy Rosary shall not perish.

6. Whoever shall Recite the Rosary devoutly, applying himself to the consideration of its Sacred mysteries, shall never be conquered and never overwhelmed by misfortune. God will not chastise him in His justice, he shall not perish by an unprovided death [that is, unprepared for Heaven]; if he be just he shall grow in grace and become worthy of eternal life.

7. Whoever shall have a true devotion for the Rosary shall not die without the sacraments of the Church.

8. Those who are faithful to recite the Rosary shall have, during their life and at their death, the light of God and the plenitude of His graces; at the moment of death they shall participate in the merits of the Saints in Paradise.

9. I shall deliver from purgatory those who have been devoted to the Rosary.

10. The faithful children of the Rosary shall merit a high degree of Glory in Heaven.

11. You shall obtain all you ask of me by the recitation of the Rosary.

12. All those who propagate the Holy Rosary shall be aided by me in their necessities.

13. I have obtained from my Divine Son that all the advocates of the Rosary shall have for intercessors the entire celestial court during their life and at the hour of death.

14. All who Recite the Holy Rosary are my sons and daughters, brothers and sisters of my only son Jesus Christ.

15. Devotion of my Rosary is a great sign of predestination [that is, devotion to the Rosary is a good indication that the devotee is on the path to Heaven].

[itsyourchoicedevotionals]

Another Opportunity To Bless

“Abraham said, “God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering…” Genesis 22:8ESV

How generous are we with God? Jehovah Jireh, God-provider, called Abraham to be His friend. Then He told Abram, “…My covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations…thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.” Genesis 17:4KJV. Abraham 100 years old, Sarah ninety, God fulfilled His promise to Abraham. Isaac was a supernaturally given son, for Sarah was unable to have children. Thus, Isaac was similar to a payment to Abraham from God for his faithful heart in trusting God. “Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.” Hebrews 11:19NIV. Read Genesis 22:11-13 to see God provided the lamb needed for the offering.

Centuries later Abraham’s children were slaves in Egypt. Slaves have nothing. Yet, we read Jehovah Jireh had raised up Moses to lead His children out of slavery: Exodus 3:21-22, 12:26NASB “…it shall be that when you go, you will not go empty-handed …every woman shall ask of her neighbor…articles of silver and articles of gold, and clothing; and you will put them on your sons and daughters… …Lord had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have their request. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.” The Israelites were provided by God wages for their 400 years of slavery in Egypt.

After leaving Egypts’ slavery, God instructs Moses to make a tabernacle for worshipping Him. Exodus 25:2NLT “Tell the people of Israel to bring me their sacred offerings. Accept the contributions from all whose hearts are moved to offer them.” Everything God asked for had been given to them by God’s favor. Jehovah Jireh only asked for a portion, a ‘tithe,’ of what He’d provided.

Did Jehovah Jireh really need what He asked from them? Creator of everything needed nothing, but another opportunity to bless His children. Looking for a giving heart of trust in Him— 2Corinthians 9:7NIV “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” God shared freely with man. Would man share freely with Him?

Thousands of years people have debated the subject of tithing. We won’t spend our time looking at that. Each individual will join tithe camp of their choice. Everyone needs to agree on the aspect of giving. Solomon revealed two types of hearts —Proverbs 11:24NET “One person is generous and yet grows more wealthy… another withholds more than he should and comes to poverty.”

Paul instructed Galatians 6:7KJV “…God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” …2Corinthians 9:6KJV “…He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.”

African people were starving. A mission organization sent thousands of 100 pound bags of wheat seed. The distributors tried to show the people to plant the seed, ‘tithing the seed for their future— they refused. Everyone was gobbling up the seed as fast as they received it. Planted, the seed would’ve eventually provided an abundant crop of food to replenish their food supply for years to come.

Everything we have comes from our generous God. When He asks for a small portion, a ‘tithe’ of what He’s given back, it’s because He wants to provide us with a lamb. This is a heart issue of love and respect, especially in these dark days. What’s your response? It’s your choice. You choose.

LET’S PRAY: Father God everything comes from You. Help me to be as generous with what You’ve given me, as You have been generous to me, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

by Debbie Veilleux Copyright 2024 You have my permission to reblog this devotional for others. Please keep my name with this devotional, as author. Thank you.

[thewahookid]

The 12 Promises by the Sacred Heart of Jesus by Fr. Jason H. Laguerta

[versegpt]

God's Heartbeat: The Symphony of Divine Love (Part 2)

As we step into the next movement of the symphony of divine love, the melody continues to unfold, revealing the intricate beauty of God's boundless love.

In the embrace of the next chapter, the words of 1 John 3:1 resonate, inviting us to: "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" We find ourselves cradled in the arms of a love that defines our identity and secures our place as cherished children of God.

The harmonies deepen as Ephesians 5:1-2 paints a picture of imitation and sacrifice: "Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God." Our lives become a fragrant offering, echoing the sacrificial love of Christ.

Moving to the crescendo, Romans 5:5 pours forth a promise that: "God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." This love, like a torrential river, floods our souls, transforming us from within and flowing outwards into the lives of those around us.

On the next note, John 15:9-10 resonates with an intimate call from Jesus: "I love you just as the Father loves Me; remain in My love. If you obey My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have obeyed My Father's commands and remain in His love." Here, we find ourselves invited into the sacred dance of obedience, entwined with the love of Christ.

The melody takes a poignant turn where Jesus bequeaths a new commandment in John 13:34-35: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." This radical love becomes the hallmark of true discipleship, a melody recognizable by all.

The next chord brings forth 1 John 4:11, urging us to mirror God's love: "Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other." The love we've received becomes a reservoir, overflowing into the lives of those around us, creating ripples of grace and compassion.

In the rich tapestry, Romans 12:10 weaves a vibrant thread, encouraging us to love with genuine affection: "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." Our interactions become a harmonious blend of love and respect, reflecting the unity found in the family of God.

The rhythm intensifies as 1 John 3:16 vividly portrays the sacrificial love of Christ: "This is how we know what love is: Christ gave His life for us. We too, then, ought to give our lives for others!" Our love becomes a response to the selfless act of our Savior, prompting us to sacrificially love and serve others.

Philippians 2:5 resonates with humble notes, reminding us: "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus." Let humility and selflessness characterize our interactions, as we seek to emulate the love of Christ in all that we do.

As we reach the final movement, 1 Corinthians 16:14 provides the conclusive chord – a call for love to permeate every action: "Everything you do should be done in love." In this grand finale, love becomes the guiding principle, harmonizing every note of our lives into a melody that resonates throughout eternity.

In this continued journey through the symphony of divine love, may our hearts resonate with the eternal melodies composed by the Creator Himself. May the love we've received overflow into a crescendo of love poured out to a world longing for the harmonies of God's grace.

[PART 1]

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