Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 03-15-18

USCCB.org/RNAB ^ | 03-15-18 | Revised New American Bible

[Salvation]

March Devotion: Saint Joseph

Since the 16th century Catholic piety has assigned entire months to special devotions. Due to the solemnity of Saint Joseph on March 19, this month is devoted to this great saint, the foster father of Christ. "It greatly behooves Christians, while honoring the Virgin Mother of God, constantly to invoke with deep piety and confidence her most chaste spouse, Saint Joseph. We have a well grounded conviction that such is the special desire of the Blessed Virgin herself." --Pope Leo XIII

FOR OUR WORK
Glorious Saint Joseph, pattern of all who are devoted to toil, obtain for me the grace to toil in the spirit of penance, in order thereby to atone for my many sins; to toil conscientiously, putting devotion to duty before my own inclinations; to labor with thankfulness and joy, deeming it an honor to employ and to develop, by my labor, the gifts I have received from Almighty God; to work with order, peace, moderation, and patience, without ever shrinking from weariness and difficulties; to work above all with a pure intention and with detachment from self, having always before my eyes the hour of death and the accounting which I must then render of time ill-spent, of talents unemployed, of good undone, and of my empty pride in success, which is so fatal to the work of God. All for Jesus, all through Mary, all in imitation of thee, 0 Patriarch Joseph! This shall be my motto in life and in death. Amen.

FOR THE INTERCESSION OF SAINT JOSEPH
O Joseph, virgin-father of Jesus, most pure spouse of the Virgin Mary, pray every day for us to the same Jesus, the Son of God, that we, being defended by the power of His grace and striving dutifully in life, may be crowned by Him at the hour of death.

Prayer Source: Prayer Book, The by Reverend John P. O'Connell, M.A., S.T.D. and Jex Martin, M.A., The Catholic Press, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, 1954

St. Joseph
St. Joseph was an ordinary manual laborer although descended from the royal house of David. In the designs of Providence he was destined to become the spouse of the Mother of God. His high privilege is expressed in a single phrase, "Foster-father of Jesus." About him Sacred Scripture has little more to say than that he was a just man-an expression which indicates how faithfully he fulfilled his high trust of protecting and guarding God's greatest treasures upon earth, Jesus and Mary.

The darkest hours of his life may well have been those when he first learned of Mary's pregnancy; but precisely in this time of trial Joseph showed himself great. His suffering, which likewise formed a part of the work of the redemption, was not without great providential import: Joseph was to be, for all times, the trustworthy witness of the Messiah's virgin birth. After this, he modestly retires into the background of holy Scripture.

Of St. Joseph's death the Bible tells us nothing. There are indications, however, that he died before the beginning of Christ's public life. His was the most beautiful death that one could have, in the arms of Jesus and Mary. Humbly and unknown, he passed his years at Nazareth, silent and almost forgotten he remained in the background through centuries of Church history. Only in more recent times has he been accorded greater honor. Liturgical veneration of St. Joseph began in the fifteenth century, fostered by Sts. Brigid of Sweden and Bernadine of Siena. St. Teresa, too, did much to further his cult.

At present there are two major feasts in his honor. On March 19 our veneration is directed to him personally and to his part in the work of redemption, while on May 1 we honor him as the patron of workmen throughout the world and as our guide in the difficult matter of establishing equitable norms regarding obligations and rights in the social order.

Excerpted from The Church's Year of Grace, Pius Parsch.

St. Joseph is invoked as patron for many causes. He is the patron of the Universal Church. He is the patron of the dying because Jesus and Mary were at his death-bed. He is also the patron of fathers, of carpenters, and of social justice. Many religious orders and communities are placed under his patronage.

Patron: Against doubt; against hesitation; Americas; Austria; Diocese of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; California; Belgium; Bohemia; bursars; cabinetmakers; Canada; Carinthia; carpenters; China; Church; confectioners; craftsmen; Croatian people (in 1687 by decree of the Croatian parliament) dying people; emigrants; engineers; expectant mothers; families; fathers; Florence, Italy; happy death; holy death; house hunters; immigrants; interior souls; Korea; laborers; Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin; Archdiocese of Louisville, Kentucky; Diocese of Manchester, New Hampshire; Mexico; Diocese of Nashville, Tennessee; New France; New World; Oblates of Saint Joseph; people in doubt; people who fight Communism; Peru; pioneers; pregnant women; protection of the Church; Diocese of San Jose, California; diocese of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; social justice; Styria, Austria; travelers; Turin Italy; Tyrol Austria; unborn children Universal Church; Vatican II; Viet Nam; Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston West Virginia; wheelwrights; workers; working people.

Symbols: Bible; branch; capenter's square; carpenter's tools; chalice; cross; hand tools; infant Jesus; ladder; lamb; lily; monstrance; old man holding a lily and a carpenter's tool such as a square; old man holding the infant Jesus; plane; rod.

 

 

Prayer to St. Joseph

Pope Pius X composed this prayer to St. Joseph, patron of working people, that expresses concisely the Christian attitude toward labor. It summarizes also for us the lessons of the Holy Family's work at Nazareth.

Glorious St. Joseph, model of all who devote their lives to labor, obtain for me the grace to work in the spirit of penance in order thereby to atone for my many sins; to work conscientiously, setting devotion to duty in preference to my own whims; to work with thankfulness and joy, deeming it an honor to employ and to develop by my labor the gifts I have received from God; to work with order, peace, moderation, and patience, without ever shrinking from weariness and difficulties; to work above all with a pure intention and with detachment from self, having always before my eyes the hour of death and the accounting which I must then render of time ill spent, of talents wasted, of good omitted, and of vain complacency in success, which is so fatal to the work of God.

All for Jesus, all through Mary, all in imitation of you, O Patriarch Joseph! This shall be my motto in life and in death, Amen.

Litany of Saint Joseph
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Holy Joseph, pray for us.
Illustrious Son of David, pray for us.
Light of the Patriarchs, pray for us.
Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us.
Chaste Guardian of the Virgin, pray for us.
Foster-Father of the Son of God, pray for us.
Faithful Protector of Christ, pray for us.
Head of the Holy Family, pray for us.
Joseph most just, pray for us.
Joseph most chaste, pray for us.
Joseph most prudent, pray for us.
Joseph most courageous, pray for us.
Joseph most obedient, pray for us.
Joseph most faithful, pray for us.
Mirror of patience, pray for us.
Lover of poverty, pray for us.
Model of working men, pray for us.
Ornament of the domestic life, pray for us.
Guardian of virgins, pray for us.
Pillar of the family, pray for us.
Consoler of the miserable, pray for us.
Hope of the sick, pray for us.
Patron of the dying, pray for us.
Terror of demons, pray for us.
Protector of the Holy Church, pray for us.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
V. He hath made him master of His house.
R. And ruler of all His possessions.

Let us pray.
O God, who in Thy ineffable providence didst vouchsafe to choose blessed Joseph to be the Spouse of Thy most holy Mother: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may have him for our intercessor in Heaven, whom on earth we venerate as out most holy Protector. Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.

Was St. Joseph a tzadik?
St. Joseph: Patron saint of three Popes [Catholic Caucus]
St. Joseph and the Staircase
St. Joseph, Foster Father, Novena [Catholic/Orthodox Caucus]
Patron of a “Happy Death” A Special Role for St. Joseph [Catholic/Orhtodox Caucus]
Lists Every Catholic Should be Familiar With: The 7 Sorrows and 7 Joys of St. Joseph
Catholic Group Blasts Pelosi For Invoking St. Joseph on Pro-Abortion Health Care Bill
THE SEVEN SORROWS AND SEVEN JOYS OF ST. JOSEPH
Joseph, Mary and Jesus: A Model Family
Season of Announcement - Revelation to Joseph

In hard times, don't forget about the humble carpenter Joseph
Saint Joseph: Complete submission to the will of God (Pope Benedict XVI) (Catholic/Orthodox Caucus)
St. Joseph as Head of the Holy Family (Catholic/Orthodox Caucus)
St. Joseph, Patron of a Peaceful Death [Catholic Caucus]
Octave: St. Joseph, A 'Man’s Man', Calling Men to Jesus
St. Teresa de Avila's Devotion to St. Joseph (Catholic Caucus)
Catholic Men's National Day of Prayer, MARCH 15, 2008, The Solemnity of St. Joseph (Catholic Caucus)
The Role and Responsibility of Fatherhood - St. Joseph as Model
St. Joseph - Foster Father of Jesus
Some divine intervention in real estate-[Bury St. Joseph Statues in Ground]

Many Turn To Higher Power For Home Sales
St. Joseph the Worker, Memorial, May 1
Catholic Devotions: St. Joseph the Worker
Nothing Will Be Denied Him (St. Joseph)
The Heart of a Father [St. Joseph]
St. Joseph's DAY
Quemadmodum Deus - Decree Under Blessed Pius IX, Making St. Joseph Patron of the Church
Father & Child (Preaching on St. Joseph)
March 19 - Feast of St. Joseph - Husband of Mary - Intercessor of civil leaders
St. Joseph's Spirit of Silence

St. Joseph's Humility (By St. Francis de Sales)
St. Joseph [Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary], Solemnity, March 19
St Joseph’s Paternal Love
The Heart of St. Joseph
MORE THAN PATRON OF HOMES, IT'S TIME FOR ST. JOSEPH TO GAIN HIGHEST OF RECOGNITION [Fatherhood]
The Importance of Devotion to St. Joseph
St. Francis de Sales on St. Joseph (Some Excerpts for St. Joseph's Day 2004)
St. Joseph: REDEMPTORIS CUSTOS (Guardian Of The Redeemer)
(Saint) Joseph the Patriarch: A Reflection on the Solemnity of St. Joseph
How I Rediscovered a "Neglected" Saint: Work of Art Inspires Young Man to Rediscover St. Joseph

Novena to Saint Joseph

O Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.

O Saint Joseph, assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.

O Saint Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath, Amen.

O Saint Joseph, hear my prayers and obtain my petitions. O Saint Joseph, pray for me. (mention your intention)

St. Joseph Novena

O good father Joseph! I beg you,  by all your sufferings, sorrows and joys, to obtain for me what I ask.

(Here name your petition).

Obtain for all those who have asked my prayers, everything that is useful to them in the plan of God. Be near to me in my last moments, that I may eternally sing the praises of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Amen.

(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be)

[Salvation]

March, 2018

The Holy Father's Prayer Intention

Formation in Spiritual Discernment: That the Church may appreciate the urgency of formation in spiritual discernment, both on the personal and communitarian levels.

[Salvation]

Daily Gospel Commentary

Thursday of the Fourth week of Lent

Commentary of the day
Aphrahat (?-c.345), monk and Bishop near Mosul
Demonstrations, no. 21

"If you had believed Moses, you would have believed me"

      Moses was persecuted, as Jesus was persecuted. When Moses was born, they concealed him so that he might not be slain by his persecutors. When Jesus was born they carried him off in flight into Egypt so that Herod, his persecutor, might not slay him. In the days when Moses was born, children used to be drowned in the river; and at the birth of Jesus the children of Bethlehem and its vicinity were slain. To Moses God said: "Those who were seeking your life are dead " (Ex 4:19), and to Joseph the angel said in Egypt: "Arise, take up the child, and go into the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the life of the child are dead" (Mt 2:20). Moses brought out his people from slavery to Pharaoh; and Jesus delivered all nations from slavery to Satan… When Moses sacrificed the lamb, the firstborn of Egypt were slain; and when they crucified him, Jesus became the true lamb… Moses brought down manna for his people; and Jesus gave his body to the nations. Moses sweetened the bitter waters by wood; and Jesus sweetened our bitterness by his cross, by the wood of the tree of his crucifixion. Moses brought the Law down to his people; and Jesus gave his covenants to the nations. Moses conquered Amalek by the spreading out of his hands; and Jesus conquered Satan by the sign of his cross.

      Moses brought out water from the rock for his people; and Jesus sent Simon Peter (the rock) to carry his doctrine among the nations. Moses lifted up the veil from his face and spoke with God; and Jesus lifted up the veil from the face of the nations, that they might hear and receive his doctrine (2 Co 3:16). Moses laid his hand upon his messengers and they received priesthood; and Jesus laid his hands upon his apostles, and they received the Holy Spirit. Moses ascended the mountain and died there; and Jesus ascended into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of his Father.

[Salvation]

"If you say the Holy Rosary every day, with a spirit of faith and love, our Lady will make sure she leads you very far along her Son's path."

~St. Josemaria Escriva

[ebb tide]

Does “discernment” come before or after “accompaniment”?

Where do the Ten Commandments come into play?

[Salvation]

What are you talking about? Some new thread?

[Salvation]

The Angelus

The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary:  And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.  Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.  Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word.  Hail Mary . . .  And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us.  Hail Mary . . .  Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.  Let us pray:  Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.  "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you" (Lk 1:28)   "Blessed are you among women,  and blessed is the fruit of your womb" (Lk 1:42).

[ebb tide]

Nope. I’m talking about your post #22 concerning Bergoglio’s new key words: “discernment” and “accompaniment”, i.e. discern evil to be good and accompanying one into Hell.

[Salvation]

LOL!

[Salvation]

Saint of the Day

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/3535060/posts?page=6

[Salvation]

Information: St. Louise de Marillac

Feast Day: March 15

Born: 12 August 1591 at Meux, France

Died: 15 March 1660 at Paris, France

Canonized: 11 March 1934 by Pope Pius XI

Major Shrine: Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Rue du Bac, Paris, France

Patron of: disappointing children, loss of parents, people rejected by religious orders, sick people, social workers, Vincentian Service Corps, widows

[Salvation]

CATHOLIC ALMANAC

Thursday, March 15

Liturgical Color: Violet

Today the Church remembers
St. Longinus. He was the Roman
centurion who proclaimed Christ
as the Son of God at the
Crucifixion and pierced with a
lance Christ’s side from which
blood and water flowed.

[Salvation]

Catholic Culture

Lent: March 15th

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent

MASS READINGS

March 15, 2018 (Readings on USCCB website)

COLLECT PRAYER

We invoke your mercy in humble prayer, O Lord, that you may cause us, your servants, corrected by penance and schooled by good works, to persevere sincerely in your commands and come safely to the paschal festivities. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

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Recipes (1)

• Cheese Manicotti

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Activities (1)

• Value of Fasting, The

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Prayers (6)

• Prayer for the Fourth Week of Lent
• Novena to St. Joseph
• Lent Table Blessing 4
• Novena to St. Joseph II
• Traditional Novena Prayer to St. Joseph
• Prayer in Honor of St.Louise de Marillac

Library (0)

» Enjoy our Liturgical Seasons series of e-books!

Old Calendar: St. Louise de Marillac, widow (Hist); St. Longinus (Hist)

According to the 1962 Missal of Bl. John XXIII the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, today is the feast of St. Louise de Marillac. She was born in 1592, and married in 1613. When her husband died she made a vow of widowhood and devoted herself entirely to works of charity. St. Vincent de Paul, who became her spiritual director, gradually initiated her into his own charitable works for the poor and afflicted, and in 1639 they founded the Congregation of the Daughters of Charity to which St. Louise dedicated the rest of her life. She was canonized by Pope Pius XI on March 11, 1934.

Stational Church

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St. Louise de Marillac
St. Louise de Marrillac married an official of the royal court, Antony Le Gras, and after his death in 1625 was an active supporter of the charitable work of St Vincent de Paul, who came to put more and more reliance on her. Mademoiselle Le Gras, as she was known, became the co-founder with him of the Daughters of Charity, whose 'convent is the sick-room, their chapel the parish church, their cloister the city streets'; it was she who drew up the first draft of their rule of life. Her clear intelligence and wide sympathy played a big part in the beginnings of the congregation, whose aspirants she trained and whose rapid growth involved responsibilities which largely fell on her. At the time of her death there were already over forty houses of the sisters in France, the sick poor were looked after at home in twenty-six Parisian parishes, hundreds of women were given shelter, and there were other undertakings as well. St Louise was not physically robust, but she had great powers of endurance, and her selfless devotion was a source of incalculable help and encouragement to Monsieur Vincent.

— Dictionary of Saints by Donald Attwater.

Patron: Disappointing children, widows, loss of parents, sick people, social workers, Vincentian Service Corps, people rejected by religious orders.

Symbols: Saint Louise is depicted wearing the original Vincentian habit of grey wool with a large headdress of white linen (typical of poor women in 17th century Brittany), perhaps with an infant in her arms.

Things to Do:

• Teach your children this simple morning aspiration by St. Louise: "Grant me the grace to spend this day without offending You and without failing my neighbor."

• Begin planning a family Passion presentation or play in which all can participate. You may want to plan this for the end of Lent — Spy Wednesday or Holy Thursday would be particularly appropriate days for this.

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St. Longinus
St. Longinus was the Roman centurion who pierced the side of Christ with a lance. He is said to have converted to Christianity after experiencing the darkness after Christ's death.

St. Luke tells us that the centurion "gave praise to God", and exclaimed, "Truly this was an upright man." (Luke 23:47)

What was believed to be the Holy Lance of Longinus, was given to Innocent VIII in 1492.

Things to Do:

• Read more about the statue of St. Longinus at St. Peter's Basilica.

• Read The Life of Saint Longinus from the Golden Legend.

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The Station is at the church of Saints Sylvester and Martin, which is one of the most venerable in Rome. It was originally built by Pope St. Sylvester, and still bears his name: but in the sixth century, it was consecrated to St. Martin of Tours. In the seventh century, it was enriched with the relics of Pope Saint Martin, which were brought from Chersonesus, where he had died a martyr a few years before. This church was the first Title of St. Charles Borromeo. It was also that of the learned liturgiologist, the Blessed Joseph-Mary Tommasi, whose body is now venerated in this church, and has been miraculously preserved, even to this day, in a state of incorruption.

[Salvation]

The Word Among Us

Meditation: John 5:31-47

4th Week of Lent

Even they testify on my behalf. (John 5:39)

Imagine you were alive in the early first century. Would you have believed that Jesus was the Son of God? You probably would have wanted some evidence.

That’s precisely what Jesus gave his listeners in today’s Gospel—evidence. He shared four “signs” that point to his divinity: human testimony, miracles, the Father’s affirmation, and the Scriptures.

How about us? Truth be told, we often need evidence to help us in our faith. And God is more than willing to give it to us. He loves helping us believe that it’s all true: that Jesus is God’s Son, that he loves us and poured himself out for us on the cross, and that he’s offering us eternal life.

Actually, God is constantly sending us signs. We can see them every time we attend Mass: in our fellow parishioners, in the miracle of our own love for the Lord, in the Liturgy of the Word, and in the Eucharist. But beyond Mass, God gives us signs in the ordinary routines of our day-to-day lives. We just have to open our eyes, and the Spirit will help us see them.

For instance, if you are reading the Mass readings today, and just one line or one word jumps out at you, that’s evidence that the Lord is at work in you. He is sending you a message, just for you!

If you wake up with the thought that you should try to befriend a coworker who rubs you the wrong way, that’s evidence that the Holy Spirit is changing your heart.

If you go out of your way to do something special for a loved one today, that’s a sign of God’s presence. He’s making you more like Jesus, who is endlessly generous and kind.

Even your desire to pray and read this magazine today points to Jesus risen and active in your life.

Today, try to see the signs that God will be sending you. And even if you can’t find anything specific, remember that he has already sent the greatest of signs—Jesus—to live with you. He has already given you the most moving of signs of his love: his cross.

“Jesus, open my eyes to see the signs that point to you.”

Exodus 32:7-14
Psalm 106:19-23

[Salvation]

Marriage = One Man and One Woman Until Death Do Us Part

Daily Marriage Tip for March 15, 2018:

The spring wedding season is almost here. Do you know someone who’s getting married soon? Send a quick note or e-mail assuring them of your prayers.

[Salvation]

Regnum Christi

March 15, 2018 – God’s Testimony

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent

John 5:31-47

Jesus said to the Jews: “If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony cannot be verified. But there is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that the testimony he gives on my behalf is true. You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth. I do not accept testimony from a human being, but I say this so that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. But I have testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. Moreover, the Father who sent me has testified on my behalf. But you have never heard his voice nor seen his form, and you do not have his word remaining in you, because you do not believe in the one whom he has sent. You search the Scriptures, because you think you have eternal life through them; even they testify on my behalf. But you do not want to come to me to have life. I do not accept human praise; moreover, I know that you do not have the love of God in you. I came in the name of my Father, but you do not accept me; yet if another comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God? Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father: the one who will accuse you is Moses, in whom you have placed your hope. For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me, because he wrote about me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”

Introductory Prayer: Jesus, the gift of faith permits me to soar higher. I believe in you! I lend myself to this intricate duty of faith, and with a hopeful trust, I leap toward your infinite love. I love you, Lord. I have come to spend this time with you just because I want to be with you.

Petition: Lord, help me to live with purity of intention.

1. Seeking Human Praise: Jesus said, “I do not accept human praise.” Why? His Father deserves all the credit for anything that exists because, after all, he created everything. Knowing and accepting this is indeed a quick path to holiness. Jesus is God, but he leaves us a splendid example of how man should search for God’s glory and not his own. When we look for our own “fan club,” we are really stripping God of the glory that he alone deserves. When we seek praise from men and work hard to be accepted by them, we are standing before a guillotine that severs a head from its body. However, by purifying our intentions and glorifying God alone through all our actions and thoughts, eternal life is merited for us and for many souls.

2. The Proper Motives for Our Deeds: Self-seeking doesn’t work. True, selfless love does. There are some advantages to living a life that seeks only God’s glory. The benefit achieved is order. We learn to maintain the proper hierarchy in our values and to keep things in their place. When parents need to punish a wayward child, their question is: “Are we punishing him because he has done something wrong and needs to be taught a lesson?” Or do they allow their anger to get the best of them, and the punishment then becomes a release valve for their fury? Likewise, in our use of the material goods we have at our disposal, do we use them out of pure love of God or only for our comfort?

3. True Peace of Heart: When children do something wrong, they usually act nervously when their wrongdoing is uncovered. However, when they are mistakenly blamed, they show a convincing innocence, and the accuser retracts in time to avoid harm. The same could be said about purity of intention. If a soul labors only for God’s glory, then a certain guarantee of fulfillment necessarily accompanies his destiny. No matter how many obstacles and misunderstandings might besiege him, the soul who follows God’s will enjoys peace.

Conversation with Christ: Lord Jesus, you teach me in the Gospel to add a supernatural dimension to all my enterprises and efforts. This mortal existence on earth is a mere drop in the ocean compared to eternity that will quickly engulf me. Help me to do all for your greater glory.

Resolution: In my conversations today, I will not brag about myself. I will try to focus the conversation on the interests of others.

[Salvation]

Human Testimony and Human Praise

March 14, 2018

Today's Readings

Politics, wellness, child-rearing, nutrition, fashion, religious practice.

Every one of us has multiple opinions on the right or best way to move forward in every single one of these fields, as well as every other issue under the sun.

We can’t all be right, can we?

Humans are full of opinions, and all are based on their limited scope of experience. In a world where today’s icon is tomorrow’s pariah, Jesus’ Gospel words that he accepts neither human testimony nor human praise resonate.

When we hear others say, “That’s between me and God,” we might think it’s a cop-out; a way to evade answering to fellow humans about some thorny issue. On the other hand, God’s final word on anything is the only one we need ultimately be concerned with.

Humans are incredibly susceptible to fashioning God in their own image rather than the other way around (or, in the case of today’s first reading, fashioning God in the image of a golden calf!). We must guard against doing this ourselves, and we must be extremely picky about whose counsel we accept.

In your life, who can you rely upon to listen and advise from a place of wisdom and justice?

http://www.serrainternational.org/content/human-testimony-and-human-praise

[Salvation]

One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

Language: English | Espa�ol

All Issues > Volume 34, Issue 2

<< Thursday, March 15, 2018 >>

Exodus 32:7-14
View Readings

Psalm 106:19-23

John 5:31-47
Similar Reflections

THE TIME OF DECISION IS NEAR

"How can you believe?" �John 5:47

In a little over two weeks, we will be asked six questions. We have been praying and fasting for about thirty days in preparation for answering these questions and making this greatest of all decisions. These are the most challenging and important questions we have ever been or will ever be asked. On Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday, at every Mass in every Catholic Church in the world, we will be invited to renew our baptismal promises. This will mean totally giving our lives to God and living no longer for ourselves but for Him (see 2 Cor 5:15).

The key to the baptismal promises is the fifth promise and question: "Do you believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord?" Jesus is the only Way to the Father (Jn 14:6), and He is the One Who baptizes us in the Spirit (Mk 1:8). Therefore, only by making the fifth baptismal promise will we then be able to make the fourth and the sixth promises. And only by making these last three promises can we make the first three promises and reject Satan, all his works, and all his empty promises.

The saints (e.g. John the Baptizer) witness to Jesus as Lord and God (Jn 5:33). The works of Jesus are an even greater witness (Jn 5:36). Moreover, the Father, Who sent Jesus, witnesses to the lordship and divinity of Jesus (Jn 5:37). Also, the Scriptures testify to Jesus (Jn 5:39). Nevertheless, over four billion people do not believe in Jesus as Lord and God. What will you say when you are asked: "Do you believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son our Lord?" If you say "I do," how will you live your new life?

Prayer: "Lord, I believe! Help my lack of faith!" (Mk 9:24, our transl.)

Promise: "So the Lord relented in the punishment He had threatened to inflict on His people." —Ex 32:14

Praise: Brenda repented deeply and returned to Confession after an absence of fifteen years.

[Salvation]

To My Unborn Child
To my unborn child,
what I wish to give you in times to come,
happiness, and wisdom,
a life filled with fun,
to explore all adventures of your curious mind,
to become knowledgeable of what you’ll find,
as I await your arrival and the presence of newborn cries,
I picture how you’ll look when I open up my eyes.
I feel your movements every time I wake each day,
letting mommy know that you’re okay,
obstacles I hope you’ll overcome,
education I know you’ll get done,
I stay up late reading to you,
talking to my stomach,
a feeling I never knew,
hungry all the time
‘No doubt you’re a son of mine’,
You make me feel happy even when I’m sad,
because the formation of another life makes me glad.
Proud of you I am,
I already know how you’ll be,
a smart ‘lil’ man for mommy to see,
no worries from me a mom to be,
to a special baby boy I can’t wait to see.