Whom He Wanted

Email not displaying correctly? View in your browser.

Email not displaying correctly? View in your browser. Minute Meditations The Gospel Of all the promises and gifts that God could give us, nothing compares with the glory and splendor of being his divinely adopted children in Jesus. Being a son or a daughter is a priceless gift. Nothing we could ever do on our own would obligate God to make us members of his divine family. He does so purely out of his love and mercy. — from Zealous St. Vincent of Zaragossa PRIEST Feast: January 22 Information: Feast Day: January 22 Born: 1798 in Rome, Italy Died: 1850 Canonized: 1963 by Pope John XXIII   A contemporary of Cardinal Newman's and the Cure of Ars', St. Vincent Pallotti was a very modern saint who organized so many remarkable pastoral programs that he is considered the forerunner of Catholic Action. He was a man of great ideas and great vision and was able to inspire others to tackle great things. He is the founder of the Pallottine Fathers and the Pallottine Missionary Sisters; however, this was but the tip of the iceberg of his accomplishments. He left behind schools, guilds, and institutes that carried the Catholic mission into the very heart of contemporary society. He was born in Rome in 1795 and began studies for the priesthood very early. Although he was very bright, he was not attracted by studies, even though he was ordained a priest at twenty-three and earned a doctorate in theology soon afterward. He was given an assistant professorship at the Sapienza University but resigned it soon after to devote himself to pastoral work. Before long, his zeal was known all over Rome. He organized schools for shoemakers, tailors, coachmen, carpenters, and gardeners so that they could better work at their trade, as well as evening classes for young farmers and unskilled workers. He soon became known as a "second St. Philip Neri." He gave away his books, his possessions, and even his clothes to the poor, and once dressed up as an old woman to hear the confession of a man who threatened "to kill the first priest who came through the door." In 1835, he founded his two congregations and was instrumental in the founding of a missionary order in England and several colleges for the training of missionaries. He died at the age of fifty-five and his body lies incorrupt in the church of San Salvatore in Rome. He was canonized by Pope John XXIII in 1963. Read more: http://ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/V/stvincentpallotti.asp#ixzz3xyiWSn3C Patron Saint of: Wine trade Daily Prayer - 2016-01-22 Presence Lord, help me to be fully alive to your Holy presence. Enfold me in your love. Let my heart become one with yours. Freedom By God's grace I was born to live in freedom. Free to enjoy the pleasures He created for me. Dear Lord, grant that I may live as You intended, with complete confidence in Your Loving care. Consciousness I ask how I am within myself today? Am I particularly tired, stressed, or off-form? If any of these characteristics apply, can I try to let go of the concerns that disturb me? The Word of God Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children Reading 1 1 Sm 24:3-21 Saul took three thousand picked men from all Israel and went in search of David and his men in the direction of the wild goat crags. When he came to the sheepfolds along the way, he found a cave, which he entered to relieve himself. David and his men were occupying the inmost recesses of the cave. David's servants said to him, "This is the day of which the LORD said to you, 'I will deliver your enemy into your grasp; do with him as you see fit.'" So David moved up and stealthily cut off an end of Saul's mantle. Afterward, however, David regretted that he had cut off an end of Saul's mantle. He said to his men, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD's anointed, as to lay a hand on him, for he is the LORD's anointed." With these words David restrained his men and would not permit them to attack Saul. Saul then left the cave and went on his way. David also stepped out of the cave, calling to Saul, "My lord the king!" When Saul looked back, David bowed to the ground in homage and asked Saul: "Why do you listen to those who say, 'David is trying to harm you'? You see for yourself today that the LORD just now delivered you into my grasp in the cave. I had some thought of killing you, but I took pity on you instead. I decided, 'I will not raise a hand against my lord, for he is the LORD's anointed and a father to me.' Look here at this end of your mantle which I hold. Since I cut off an end of your mantle and did not kill you, see and be convinced that I plan no harm and no rebellion. I have done you no wrong, though you are hunting me down to take my life. The LORD will judge between me and you, and the LORD will exact justice from you in my case. I shall not touch you. The old proverb says, 'From the wicked comes forth wickedness.' So I will take no action against you. Against whom are you on campaign, O king of Israel? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog, or a single flea! The LORD will be the judge; he will decide between me and you. May he see this, and take my part, and grant me justice beyond your reach!" When David finished saying these things to Saul, Saul answered, "Is that your voice, my son David?" And Saul wept aloud. Saul then said to David: "You are in the right rather than I; you have treated me generously, while I have done you harm. Great is the generosity you showed me today, when the LORD delivered me into your grasp and you did not kill me. For if a man meets his enemy, does he send him away unharmed? May the LORD reward you generously for what you have done this day. And now, I know that you shall surely be king and that sovereignty over Israel shall come into your possession." Responsorial Psalm PS 57:2, 3-4, 6 and 11 R. (2a) Have mercy on me, God, have mercy. Have mercy on me, O God; have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. In the shadow of your wings I take refuge, till harm pass by. R. Have mercy on me, God, have mercy. I call to God the Most High, to God, my benefactor. May he send from heaven and save me; may he make those a reproach who trample upon me; may God send his mercy and his faithfulness. R. Have mercy on me, God, have mercy. Be exalted above the heavens, O God; above all the earth be your glory! For your mercy towers to the heavens, and your faithfulness to the skies. R. Have mercy on me, God, have mercy. Alleluia 2 Cor 5:19 R. Alleluia, alleluia. God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mk 3:13-19 Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles, that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons: He appointed the Twelve: Simon, whom he named Peter; James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him. - - - Some thoughts on today's scripture If being a preacher of the kingdom also included the power to cast out devils, then this was a role which people could not just take upon themselves. It involved a direct sharing in Jesus' own power -- they had to be hand picked and invited to it. Whenever Jesus wished to converse with his Father in prayer, as in this case, he went up into the hills. This shows how important the choosing of his twelve co-workers was to him. Each one of us in our own way is picked out by Jesus for some task in life which is very special to him. Conversation What feelings are rising in me as I pray and reflect on God's Word? I imagine Jesus himself sitting or standing near me and open my heart to him. Conclusion I thank God for these few moments we have spent alone together and for any insights I may have been given concerning the text. Meditation: Mark 3:13-19 View NAB Reading at USCCB.org Subscriber? Login to view archives. 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Jesus . . . summoned those whom he wanted. (Mark 3:13) There was a couple who decided to adopt children, but when they were given the opportunity to be matched with a child, they were overwhelmed. The agency presented them with an album filled with babies' pictures and asked them to choose one from all of these children. When the woman's eyes fell on one particular child, in her heart she knew that this was the child God had chosen for their family. Years later, upon hearing this story from her adoptive parents, the daughter was awed. Her birthmother had protected her in the womb; her adoptive family had chosen her from among so many others; and here she is today, alive, healthy, and loved! In today's Gospel reading, we hear another story about being chosen—Jesus' choice of the twelve apostles. Of all of Jesus' followers, these were the men he chose and sent out to preach and drive out demons (Mark 3:14). Who would have thought that such simple, common fishermen would join a tax collector—Matthew—and a political activist—Simon the Zealot—and band together to have such an impact on the world? God has a call and a plan for each of us, even for each child in the womb, waiting to be born. Today, believers in the United States observe the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. It's a day when we can affirm that God wants each of these vulnerable children, just as that young girl's mother wanted her. It's a day when we can band together—no matter where we are—and pray for an end to abortion around the world. God has given each of us the precious gift of life. He has called each of us by name and set us apart for his purposes. Today, let's thank him for all he has done for us. At the same time, let's dedicate ourselves to protecting all the vulnerable children yet to be born. Especially during this Year of Mercy, may they be welcomed into life, and may they all live to fulfill God's call for them! "Father, thank you for calling me your child! Protect each unborn child today. May they all be brought forth to live a full and blessed life!" 1 Samuel 24:3-21 Psalm 57:2-4, 6, 11 Whom He wanted Podcast Page: http://hipcast.com/podcast/HLrDxCkX my2cents: First of all, thank you for your prayers, no baby number 7 yet, maybe another couple days.  In the doctor's office, I could almost see the prayers you gushed forth.  I believe very strongly in you.  I believe very strongly in prayer.  My prayer is that you believe in mine.  And I rushed out typing the texted message to me in spanish to you.  And today I'll start with it!  :) If I were to change my manner of acting in front of others, I would make them happy. If I desired always the good of others, I would be more happy. If I understood fully my mistakes and defects, I would be humble and compassionate with others. If I changed the "having" more for "being" more, how much more blissful I would be! If I would change being "me" to being "us", it would begin a civilization of love. If I would follow decidedly Jesus and His Gospel, it would start a true joy. If I loved "seriously" the others, they would change. If I would change my manner of thinking towards others, I would understand them. If I would criticize less and applaud more, how many friends would I gain! If I would find the positive in everyone, with how much joy I would treat them! If I would change my manner of treating others, I'd have more friends. If I would accept others as they are, I'd suffer less. If I were to understand that we all make mistakes, I'd be more humble. If I had a better sense of humor, I'd relativize my little problems. If I'd think before speaking and acting, I'd save many words and even a failure. If I'd be more <intelligent> I wouldn't be hung up on looks of people and of things. If I would see beyond my belly button, I'd see more than one person that needs me. If I'd make myself do the good for others, I'd be more happy. If I'd take more into consideration my defects, I'd be more compassionate. If I would be less self-sufficient, I'd be enriched with the good of the others. If I were to trust more in God our Father, I'd feel more like a child in the arms of a loved one. If I were to commune more and better with Christ, I'd be capable of swallowing alot more from others. If I... If I can not change the world, I can change my own self. " Ahh, wonderful thoughts, and will you apply them to your life?  Perhaps your life will change!  Don't forget, giving hurts.  Working out hurts, and it makes you stronger.  Such was the case of David when Saul enters the cave.  A movie plot couldn't be better than the bible, unless we make it out to be.  Here we have a killer accidentally entering the cave where the innocent victim was hiding.  Here was the chance of a lifetime to take out the killer!  And what did David do?  Trusted in God and God's word.  He CHOSE LIFE.  And the blessings ensue.  What would you do with your enemy in your clutches?  Because we are taught to "defend ourselves" but what about others?  What about their salvation?  What about what God says in your life?  We take destiny by the hand...and let our destiny be our Father in Heaven. We prayed the Psalms "Have mercy on me, O God; have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. In the shadow of your wings I take refuge, till harm pass by."  We plead over and over "have mercy Lord!" but do we have mercy on one another?  This is the message of the day, Mercy.  David had mercy.  God had mercy on David's soul, even though David would goof up pretty bad in coming years of being a king.  Suddenly, we realize how important mercy is...being merciful, choosing life.  Let us think about the moment of conception, when an egg is fertilized; from this moment on, the human being is flourishing, growing faster than anything in the world at an astonishing rate, rushing and gushing forth and a heart is beating at about 20 days already, and by then, most people realize "oh my gosh, I'm pregnant!" and they seek for an end to the "undue burden", they seek how to stop it "before it's too late" but the moment was late at conception!  We can not put an end to a beating heart nor conception, and this is what our world "contraception" mentality brings.  This is not mercy.  This is not compassion.  And let's take it a step further in to reality, the spiritual realms.  There are times when a person finally starts believing and wanting to join the church.  Their heart is formed and ready for more, and then an unkind act from a "christ" follower smashes them and tears them to pieces, and they wilter, falter, and die.  Who do you think God will have mercy on now?  Suddenly, choosing life is more than flesh, but spiritual.  Watch how we treat God. In comes the Lord of our life and today and chooses those to follow Him and call them apostles.  What is so beautiful in hindsight of witnessing this beautiful moment in everyone's lives?  And why isn't it a day of great celebration, the day Jesus chose the 12 Apostles including the one that would betray Him?  Why not?  Well, it is, for those who love it.  Let's examine the importance of this day:  +God chooses followers. +The followers follow and stumble. +The followers ultimately give their lives to God. Ultimately their hearts where convinced in the Son of God, in complete surrender, and one did not and surrendered to death instead of life.  It is then, significant.  This day Jesus said "I'm choosing you, to die for Me".  This, this is a glorious day.  Do you feel the call?  I know I have a song stirring inside of me that will sing to this effect, that when you choose to follow Him, expect things to fall to pieces, and then, be built up again with Him at the center of your life.  This is the importance of mercy at work.  Because it shows that mercy gives to death what it desires...death to self, and life to Him.  As if to say to death "You want my life so bad? Huh?  Then you can have it!" and let your worldly life die.  And then turn to God "Ok Lord, I'm empty, and I'm ready for all of You."  This is the case when every Apostle gave up their worldly lives and families and followed the Lord.  The first death had occurred.    For a converted soul, you know the day.  You know the day you gave your life to the Lord.  You know the day you were called.  You know the day you promised.  You know the promise is a covenant.  You know the promise is a Holy Sacrament.   You know you are very capable of achieving the goal of sainthood.  And that is not a goal to aim for alone in of itself, but to be in love with Christ, following Him wherever He goes...even To The Cross adrian Subscribe to the visit Going4th.com mailing list.

visit Going4th.com,