† Quote of the Day "Humility, obedience, meekness, and love are the virtues that shine through the Cross and the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. O my Jesus, help me imitate you!" — St. Anthony Mary Claret Today's Meditation "In the old days, people demanded 'an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth,' and to repay evil for evil. Patience was not yet on the earth, because faith was not on the earth either. Of course, impatience made full use of the opportunities the Law gave it. That was easy when the Lord and Master of patience was not here. But now that he has come and put the grace of faith together with patience, we are no longer allowed to attack someone even with a word—not even to call someone a fool without facing the danger of judgment. The Law found more than it lost when Christ said, 'Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven' (Matthew 5:44-45). This most important commandment summarizes in a word the universal discipline of patience, since it does not allow us to do evil even to people who deserve it." —Tertullian, p. 104
An excerpt from A Year with Church Fathers Daily Verse "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help." — Hebrews 4:14-16 | St. Anthony Mary Claret (1807–1870) was born in Spain, the fifth of eleven children, the same year Napoleon invaded the country. He took up his father's trade of weaving before entering the priesthood. He served as a parish priest with a missionary's zeal for the salvation of souls. He often preached multiple sermons in a single day, traveled to preach parish missions and retreats for the clergy, and heard confessions for hours on end. His labors were rewarded by many people returning to a fervent practice of the Catholic faith, especially as a result of his meek and gentle manner. He was made Archbishop of Santiago and sent to Cuba from 1849-1857. His great reforms of the neglected diocese, both ecclesiastically and socially, were so sweeping and effective that his life was threatened. He was recalled back to Spain as confessor to the queen, where his tireless and fruitful priestly work continued. To increase his apostolic efforts he founded the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, known today as the Claretians. He also founded a major Catholic publisher in Spain, and wrote or published hundreds of books. He was so opposed in his efforts that he was severely persecuted and eventually exiled to Paris, along with the Spanish queen, by revolutionary enemies of religion. He took part in the First Vatican Council, his wisdom and sanctity being evident to all, before suffering a stroke and dying in exile in France. During his life St. Anthony Marie Claret had the gift of prophesy and reading of consciences, in addition to performing many miracles. A resplendent light was also observed to shine from his face as he offered the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. His feast day is October 24th. | Thursday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time Reading 1 EPH 3:14-21
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.
Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine,
by the power at work within us,
to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus
to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Responsorial Psalm PS 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19
R. (5b) The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
Exult, you just, in the LORD;
praise from the upright is fitting.
Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;
with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
For upright is the word of the LORD,
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
But the plan of the LORD stands forever;
the design of his heart, through all generations.
Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
But see, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,
upon those who hope for his kindness,
To deliver them from death
and preserve them in spite of famine.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. Alleluia PHIL 3:8-9 R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I consider all things so much rubbish
that I may gain Christ and be found in him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel LK 12:49-53 Jesus said to his disciples:
"I have come to set the earth on fire,
and how I wish it were already blazing!
There is a baptism with which I must be baptized,
and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!
Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth?
No, I tell you, but rather division.
From now on a household of five will be divided,
three against two and two against three;
a father will be divided against his son
and a son against his father,
a mother against her daughter
and a daughter against her mother,
a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law." | Daily Meditation: Ephesians 3:14-21 Know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. (Ephesians 3:19) A way of knowing that "surpasses knowledge"? What is St. Paul talking about? Maybe this will help. Many languages make a distinction between "knowing-that" and "knowing-by-experience." For instance, there's a big difference between knowing that lightning exists and being struck by lightning. Or, perhaps less dramatically, there's a big difference between knowing the chemical composition of ice cream and enjoying the taste of its velvety sweetness. Let's apply this to our spiritual lives. We can know some things about God. We know that he loves each one of us. We can read it in the Scriptures or hear it preached at Mass. We also know that Christ demonstrated his love by dying for us. But God longs for us to know his love in a far deeper way, by experience. In today's first reading, St. Paul invites us to do just that—to personally enter into the love that God has for us. So let's do it! First, remember that God is the One who calls you and leads you in prayer. He places a thirst to know him in your heart. So step one is to ask him to fan into flame your desire to experience his love. Next, let's take a look at some objections or hesitations you might have. Do you think you don't deserve to know God's love? That's true of all of us, but it's no obstacle to God! Are you embarrassed about your sins and shortcomings? Ask his forgiveness, set right what you can, and know that God never refuses his mercy. Have you had hurtful experiences with human love? Those didn't come from God! In fact, they break his heart, especially when he sees how the memory of those experiences can close your heart to his love. Do you think all you can get is a glimpse of Christ's love? A glimpse is a good start, but there's always more. God wants to overcome your objections so that you can know his love in a way that goes beyond mere knowledge. So take some time today to open your heart, and let God show you just how much he loves you. "Lord, I know that you love me! Help me to experience that love in a deeper way today." Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19
Luke 12:49-53 | Reflections with Brother Adrian: |  Click to hear Audio | In the Holy Scripture we hear today:
"Jesus said to his disciples:
"I have come to set the earth on fire,
and how I wish it were already blazing!
There is a baptism with which I must be baptized,
and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!
Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth?
No, I tell you, but rather division......." end quote. | From Bishop Barron:
"This is why Jesus wants to cast a consuming fire on the earth. He wants to burn away all that is opposed to God's desire for us. He has to clear the ground before something new can be built. Is this utterly painful? Yes!" end quote.
Isn't the Lord called the prince of peace? Why is there so much division in the world the, especially if it comes down to sharing His message?
It's even debated in the political rallies and realms and is a heavy issue in communistic countries, always a division, always a fight!
Why all of this trouble if He is the prince of Peace?
It is the same reason the Jews had...they would not accept the prince of Peace as their Lord and Savior.
And it is the same for all of your problems in life. We reject Him, and so there is division, animosity, and even hatred.
Because someone has refused the Prince of Peace.
This is not the fault of the prince. No. This is not God's fault.
It is our mere rejection, like the prodigal son, like the sin of Eve, it is that initial rejection that opens Pandora's box.
There is then, division. The fight continues, until the world will end.
The fight for life. We must choose life though, Jesus is the Life. The world teaches hatred but disguised as love. Their version of love asks you to hate other people. Our version of love calls to end hatred. There are opposing views and so there are divisions.
If only we would see the same view, that of Jesus.
You see? Has this clarified scripture for you? Has this opened up your eyes, that we have been fooled to follow the ways of darkness?
You will know there is darkness when there is division, false accusations, lies, and no peace.
But in the ways of the Holy Spirit, there is true peace, all the way to the end. There is love, all the way. Because His love is not conditional, like ours as humans. His love is unfathomable, and unconditional. I learned that by listening to our priest, especially because he's always singing in homilies "give me that unconditional love". A love that loves regardless. Those that hate you, you love them regardless. When you Love God without conditions. When you can't imagine a love like that, and it is true. Today, I ask for prayers for a women's cursillo, that they may experience this love that changes lives and saves more lives forever. |  audio | Random Bible Verse 1
Psalm 68:19 19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. Selah | If one day you don't receive these, just visit Going4th.com
God Bless You! Peace | | |
