What We Bring to Prayer What we bring to the pursuit of the God of life is what we will get out of it. The regularity of prayer, the depth of our lectio, the embrace of silence, the space we give to the search for God, the surrender of our own obsessions with self to the concerns of God for the world—all these will determine the quality of the contemplation we achieve. Prayer becomes the olive press we walk, the chafing wheel we tread which, over and over again, breaks open our hearts to the Word of God. Then, finally, after years of immersion in daily prayer, we begin to be what we have prayed for all those years. –from the book In God's Holy Light: Wisdom from the Desert Monastics | †Quote
"It is better to be a child of God than king of the whole world!"
— St. Aloysius Gonzaga † MEDITATION OF THE DAY
"It is necessary to have an absolutely sure intention in all our actions, so that the generous fulfillment of our daily duties may be directed toward the highest supernatural ideal. Thus, our life, apart from moments of prayer, will be a prayerful life. It is clear that the habit of giving an upward glance to God at the moment of action is a great assistance in aiding us to behave always with a pure intention and in freeing us from our natural impulses and fancies, so, that, retaining our self-mastery, or rather, God becoming the sole Master, all our movements become dependent upon the Holy Spirit. We see in the Gospel that whenever our Lord was about to undertake some important step, He always paused for a moment to raise His eyes to Heaven, and only after this moment of recollection did He take up the work He had to do. 'He lifted up His eyes to Heaven' is a phrase that recurs with significant frequency. And doubtless, when there was no outward sign of this prayer, there was the inward offering. The ideal is the same for us. The constant subjection of self to the guidance of the Holy Spirit is made easier from the fact of His presence in the soul, where He is asked explicitly to preside over all our doings . . . We shall not submit wholeheartedly to the invisible Guest unless He is kept in close proximity to us."
— Raoul Plus, S.J., p. 37-8
AN EXCERPT FROM
How to Pray Always TODAY'S FEAST DAY HOLY NAME OF JESUS
The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus is historically associated with the Feast of the Circumcision of Jesus. According to Jewish law, on the 8th day after his birth, a male child was circumcised and received his name, thus becoming a full member of God's covenant people. The name 'Jesus' means 'God Saves' and is the name that St. Joseph was instructed by an angel to name the Divine Child, the sacred name before which "every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Phil. 2:10-11). Devotion to the Most Holy Name of Jesus was popularized by St. Bernardine of Siena in the 15th century, often symbolized by the monogram IHS (denoting the first three letters of the Greek spelling of Jesus' name). Today the feast of the Holy Name of Jesus is celebrated on January 3rd. † VERSE OF THE DAY
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer."
Psalm 19:14 |  click to read more | | Most Holy Name of Jesus Saint of the Day for January 3 Although Saint Paul might claim credit for promoting devotion to the Holy Name because Paul wrote in Philippians that God the Father gave Christ Jesus "that name that is above every name" (see 2:9), this devotion became popular because of 12th-century Cistercian monks and nuns but especially through the preaching of Saint Bernardine of Siena, a 15th-century Franciscan. Bernardine used devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus as a way of overcoming bitter and often bloody class struggles and family rivalries or vendettas in Italian city-states. The devotion grew, partly because of Franciscan and Dominican preachers. It spread even more widely after the Jesuits began promoting it in the 16th century. In 1530, Pope Clement V approved an Office of the Holy Name for the Franciscans. In 1721, Pope Innocent XIII extended this feast to the entire Church. Reflection
Jesus died and rose for the sake of all people. No one can trademark or copyright Jesus' name. Jesus is the Son of God and son of Mary. Everything that exists was created in and through the Son of God (see Colossians 1:15-20). The name of Jesus is debased if any Christian uses it as justification for berating non-Christians. Jesus reminds us that because we are all related to him we are, therefore, all related to one another. | Christmas Weekday Reading 1 1 Jn 2:29–3:6 If you consider that God is righteous,
you also know that everyone who acts in righteousness
is begotten by him. See what love the Father has bestowed on us
that we may be called the children of God.
Yet so we are.
The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
Beloved, we are God's children now;
what we shall be has not yet been revealed.
We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him,
for we shall see him as he is.
Everyone who has this hope based on him makes himself pure,
as he is pure. Everyone who commits sin commits lawlessness,
for sin is lawlessness.
You know that he was revealed to take away sins,
and in him there is no sin.
No one who remains in him sins;
no one who sins has seen him or known him. Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:1, 3cd-4, 5-6
R. (3cd) All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and melodious song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. Alleluia Jn 1:14a, 12a
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us.
To those who accepted him
he gave power to become the children of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Jn 1:29-34 John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said,
"Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
He is the one of whom I said,
'A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.'
I did not know him,
but the reason why I came baptizing with water
was that he might be made known to Israel."
John testified further, saying,
"I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky
and remain upon him.
I did not know him,
but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me,
'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain,
he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.'
Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God." | Meditation: John 1:29-34 The Most Holy Name of Jesus (Optional Memorial) John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him. (John 1:29) It's amazing how such a small instrument like a telescope can show us something millions of miles away. For the Moon and some planets, in fact, the view becomes so clear that you're able to describe them in detail. John the Baptist seemed to have had a spiritual kind of telescope. From his mother's womb, he recognized Jesus present within Mary. As a prophet living in the desert, he kept his focus on his mission to testify to the coming Messiah and to call people to repentance. Jesus was so impressed with John's keen vision that he once said that "among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist" (Matthew 11:11). Now, before we go thinking that John was so holy we could never hope to become as clear as he was, we should remember that he had quite a bit of help: the Holy Spirit. John even confessed that he didn't recognize Jesus at first; it was only after the Spirit opened his eyes that he was able to say, "Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God" (John 1:34). So what do you think it would be like if you had a spiritual telescope? What kinds of things would you see? You might notice one of your children being generous to one of his siblings. That's Jesus at work. You might hear about a neighbor reaching out to another neighbor who has just lost her husband. That's Jesus at work. Or you might sense a prompting in your own heart to offer to pray with a friend who is hurting. That, too, is Jesus at work. God is working everywhere. Jesus is always "coming toward" us with his grace and his blessing, inviting us to share that grace with the people around us (John 1:29). So ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes today so that you can see Jesus. You might be surprised by what he shows you. And don't worry if you don't see anything right away. Simply asking the Spirit for this grace is itself a sign that Jesus is at work in you. "Holy Spirit, help me to see Jesus and to share him with the people around me." 1 John 2:29–3:6
Psalm 98:1, 3-6 | 2 cents : "The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now". I write with a joyful heart to my beloved siblings in Christ. Peace be with you. Take heart, our Lord is near. I can only write with the hope that God our Father is pleased with the righteousness you have offered by your sacrifice of self to the world. Once you can sacrifice yourself, then you are like the true Son of God, true Child of God, Jesus Himself. For no one took His life. He gave it. God gave it. It takes a tremendous heart to be this faithful. This obedient. This loving. Yet, we have been called to this destiny. To no longer live for self, but to the greater Good...God. In this world, they are saying He is not good. The Antichrist hates the good. But we are children of Good, and we are destined to show this very truth, so that He may abide in us and show the world the light of truth. The Love of God. | Let us pray today: "All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise." I sing joyfully, and I sing more joyfully when you sing with me. What does this mean, all this "singing"? It means the proclamation of the Good news and living it, no longer alone, but together in Christ! We are Christian. We are children of God, " ...those who accepted him he gave power to become the children of God." What a power! Children of God with power. Power to what? Defeat sin, and live forever. What else could your heart desire? | John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." The sacrificial lamb, the one that God had promised Abraham. The one from the beginning. Did our Lord delay? Why was it the appropriate time 2,000 years ago? It was about 2,000 years before Christ came that God said He would provide the lamb, not Abraham's son, but God's own son. Here we are about 2,000 years after Christ. Here we are celebrating the Most Holy Name of Jesus. The Lamb Of God's name. How can we celebrate the name? What does the name mean again? HE SAVES. Now, Child of God, you are special. You have accepted Him, thus becoming a child of God. What about those who have not accepted? And what about those who are rejecting Him? HE SAVES. He lives through you and me. His desires is what should be our desire now, the desire to Save souls. Begin within your family. And then go out from there. Why would you want to save someone in Iraq and not your very own family? You have a special mission...to make Children of God. This is why the devil hates natural marriage, because it creates angels and angels are light. Now, humans don't create divine angels, but the Church does through baptism, this is where the priest, the Father comes in! Holy Angels, for we are made little less than angels. Baptism is where it's at. Children of God. Incorporated one in Christ. All that we have to look forward to now is the 2nd coming, when Jesus will come with all His glory to judge the living and the dead. In the first years, people thought Jesus would come any day. All we can say today is we are one day closer to the 2nd coming. It is said that "The Church will endure persecution. Worse yet, the faith of many will grow cold and they will abandon the faith, even betraying and hating one another. " Shall we hasten the day? Shall we let hatred win? I tell you, it's almost as if I have to fight hatred DAILY on all fronts, little signs of hatred in speech at home, work, and community, the kind that aims to divide people from JESUS. The world wants you to be ONE with what it says is truth and unity, but this is not all TRUTH, the Antichrist promises a false peace if you do what it says. And so, I write to you daily to encourage you in this fight of light. Continue to be light. Let not the sun fall on your watch. Lawlessness will be signs of the end. Yet, it happens repeatedly. Sin brings death. Think abortion, think unnatural marriage. All this "gender" confusion and hysteria is a dirty bomb implemented by evil. Its real focus is to bring lawlessness, that is disorder. When one is on drugs, they feel euphoric, but it is a high that can bring one so low, it will kill. So it is today. This year, be on guard for lawlessness. People will make laws to suit their fancy and not God's will. You are a child of God in baptism. You are Jesus. You are the hope that will endure forever. Yours is the joy because you live in the truth that is Jesus. How many Hail Marys can you pray to save a soul? As many as it takes until it is accomplished. And we are speaking about grace. If something is worth it, you will do whatever it takes while the world does whatever it wants. You see, in the end, Victory has been declared, and you are destined to be Victorious in Jesus.
So how can you defeat darkness? Remain with oil to burn bright, remain pure. Purely His. I've yet to run into a full fledged and staunch homosexual in my life that is pouring and sacrificing themselves to the point of bloodshed for Jesus. The aim of homosexualism is against the will of God. The fight against one another with hatred is what I see. Lawlessness. No! This is wrong, and be ready to be hated for saying it is wrong. Be ready but remain faithful. Victory is at hand because Jesus is at hand. If the world hates you, it is because it hated Him first. Never shall I hate a person that carries the life spark from God, and everyone carries this spark. But I shall hate sin. And I shall love truth. I shall hate darkness. I shall love Jesus, the very name itself saves souls. So in the name of Jesus we pray:
Lord, lead us to your harbor of truth.
Lead us into Mercy.
Lead us to live a life of unwavering faith.
Lead us to true love...the Love of You God.
Lead us to eternal happiness, the crowning of achievement of worldly sacrifice, the flesh, so we may soar in Heaven to give Glory To God! | adrian Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy Christ, have mercy Christ, have mercy Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy God our Father in heaven have mercy on us God the Son, have mercy on us Redeemer of the world have mercy on us God the Holy Spirit have mercy on us Holy Trinity, one God have mercy on us Jesus, Son of the living God have mercy on us Jesus, splendor of the Father have mercy on us Jesus, brightness of everlasting light have mercy on us Jesus, king of glory have mercy on us Jesus, dawn of justice have mercy on us Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary have mercy on us Jesus, worthy of our love have mercy on us Jesus, worthy of our wonder have mercy on us Jesus, mighty God have mercy on us Jesus, father of the world to come have mercy on us Jesus, prince of peace have mercy on us Jesus, all-powerful have mercy on us Jesus, pattern of patience have mercy on us Jesus, model of obedience have mercy on us Jesus, gentle and humble of heart have mercy on us Jesus, lover of chastity have mercy on us Jesus, lover of us all have mercy on us Jesus, God of peace have mercy on us Jesus, author of life have mercy on us Jesus, model of goodness have mercy on us Jesus, seeker of souls have mercy on us Jesus, our God have mercy on us Jesus, our refuge have mercy on us Jesus, father of the poor have mercy on us Jesus, treasure of the faithful have mercy on us Jesus, Good Shepherd have mercy on us Jesus, the true light have mercy on us Jesus, eternal wisdom have mercy on us Jesus, infinite goodness have mercy on us Jesus, our way and our life have mercy on us Jesus, joy of angels have mercy on us Jesus, king of patriarchs have mercy on us Jesus, teacher of apostles have mercy on us Jesus, master of evangelists have mercy on us Jesus, courage of martyrs have mercy on us Jesus, light of confessors have mercy on us Jesus, purity of virgins have mercy on us Jesus, crown of all saints have mercy on us Lord, be merciful Jesus, save your people From all evil Jesus, save your people From every sin Jesus, save your people From the snares of the devil Jesus, save your people From your anger Jesus, save your people From the spirit of infidelity Jesus, save your people From everlasting death Jesus, save your people From neglect of your Holy Spirit Jesus, save your people By the mystery of your incarnation Jesus, save your people By your birth Jesus, save your people By your childhood Jesus, save your people By your hidden life Jesus, save your people By your public ministry Jesus, save your people By your agony and crucifixion Jesus, save your people By your abandonment Jesus, save your people By your grief and sorrow Jesus, save your people By your death and burial Jesus, save your people By your rising to new life Jesus, save your people By your return in glory to the Father Jesus, save your people By your gift of the holy Eucharist Jesus, save your people By your joy and glory Jesus, save your-people Christ, hear us Christ, hear us Lord Jesus, hear our prayer Lord Jesus, hear our prayer Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us Let us pray.
Lord, may we who honor the holy name of Jesus enjoy his friendship in this life and be filled with eternal joy in the kingdom where he lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. | |
