 clickable | | Human and Divine Knowing that God not only knows but experienced what it was to be a human being, composed of blood and flesh and bone, limited by all the things that limit us, should give us patience with our weakness and joy in our strength. In our prayers for help, we can say, "You know what it's like," and be confident that he does. But we can also look to the end of the story and know that by being one of us, he was able to raise us up to overcome those limits—and the final limit of death itself. As St. Irenaeus put it so well, "He became human so that we might become divine." —from the book The Peace of Christmas: Quiet Reflections with Pope Francis |  MorningOffering.com | †Saint Quote
"Only in Christ can men and women find answers to the ultimate questions that trouble them. Only in Christ can they fully understand their dignity as persons created and loved by God."
— Pope St. John Paul II † MEDITATION OF THE DAY
"There is nothing to be dreaded in human ills except sin—not poverty, or disease, or insult, or ill treatment, or dishonor, or death, which people call the worst of evils. To those who love spiritual wisdom, these things are only the names of disasters, names that have no substance. No, the true disaster is to offend God, to do anything that displeases him."
— St. John Chrysostom, p. 334
AN EXCERPT FROM
A Year with the Church Fathers † VERSE OF THE DAY
"Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary."
Isaiah 40:31 |  click to read more | | ST. BASIL THE GREAT St. Basil (330 – 379 A.D.) was born to wealthy and pious parents in Cappadocia, Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). His family was renowned for their great sanctity; his grandfather was martyred under the persecution of Roman Emperor Diocletian, and his grandmother, mother, and several siblings are all numbered among the saints. St. Basil became a monk and founded several monasteries, famously writing a monastic rule of life which has proved to be the most lasting of those in the East. He studied under the finest teachers and was a respected man of great learning, as well as a zealous defender of orthodoxy against many heresies that threatened the Catholic faith, especially Arianism. He was appointed the bishop of Caesarea and in this role became one of the most influential saints in Church history. His life of deep prayer, austerities, and humility, combined with his uncommon preaching and teaching gifts, guided him in leading one of the most politically and ecclesiastically important Sees of the day, for which he earned the name "the Great." He is a Doctor of the Church, and one of the group of three saints called the Cappadocian Fathers, together with his brother, St. Gregory of Nyssa, and his lifelong friend, St. Gregory of Nazianzus. St. Basil's feast day is celebrated on January 2nd, a shared feast day with his close friend St. Gregory Nazianzus. | Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church
Lectionary: 205 Reading 1 1 JN 2:22-28 Beloved:
Who is the liar?
Whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ.
Whoever denies the Father and the Son, this is the antichrist.
Anyone who denies the Son does not have the Father,
but whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well. Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you.
If what you heard from the beginning remains in you,
then you will remain in the Son and in the Father.
And this is the promise that he made us: eternal life.
I write you these things about those who would deceive you.
As for you,
the anointing that you received from him remains in you,
so that you do not need anyone to teach you.
But his anointing teaches you about everything and is true and not false;
just as it taught you, remain in him. And now, children, remain in him,
so that when he appears we may have confidence
and not be put to shame by him at his coming. Responsorial Psalm 98:1, 2-3AB, 3CD-4 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.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
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. Alleluia HEB 1:1-2 R. Alleluia, alleluia.
In times, past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets:
in these last days, he has spoken to us through his Son.
R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel JN 1:19-28 This is the testimony of John.
When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him
to ask him, "Who are you?"
He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted,
"I am not the Christ."
So they asked him,
"What are you then? Are you Elijah?"
And he said, "I am not."
"Are you the Prophet?"
He answered, "No."
So they said to him,
"Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us?
What do you have to say for yourself?"
He said:
"I am the voice of one crying out in the desert,
'Make straight the way of the Lord,' as Isaiah the prophet said."
Some Pharisees were also sent.
They asked him,
"Why then do you baptize
if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?"
John answered them,
"I baptize with water;
but there is one among you whom you do not recognize,
the one who is coming after me,
whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie."
This happened in Bethany across the Jordan,
where John was baptizing. | Catholic Meditations
Meditation: John 1:19-28 Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church (Memorial) Who are you? (John 1:19) Maybe you've heard of a "humblebrag," a term coined during the social-media age. Humblebragging is a kind of boasting camouflaged in humble language. A humblebrag, for example, would be a mother posting on Facebook that she just spilled wine all over the papers she needed to sign up her son for a special school program for gifted students. On the surface, she is talking about how clumsy she can be, but underneath, she is bragging about her son's accomplishments. While the word "humblebrag" may be new, the concept is probably as old as humanity itself. It also shows how tricky distinguishing between true and false humility can be. Does humility mean downplaying our accomplishments? Is it really bragging when we are merely telling someone about something good that has happened to us? John the Baptist might be able to help us. When some of the Jewish leaders came to question him about his ministry, John didn't play games or mince words. Rather, his answers revealed a deeply humble man. John admitted that he wasn't the Messiah. He wasn't even the "Prophet" whom Moses had promised would arise in Israel's hour of need (John 1:24; Deuteronomy 18:15). At the same time, John also believed that God had indeed sent him. That's why he could be bold, even audacious, in calling kings and commoners alike to repentance. John shows us that true humility is simply being sure of who you are and being clear about who you are not. John wasn't down on himself by any means. And neither should we belittle ourselves or carry around a negative self-image. It's true, none of us is perfect, so we shouldn't judge other people when they fall. But neither are we the world's savior. We can't fix every problem or bear every burden. Whatever we are or are not, one thing is certain: we are made in the image of God. We are graced with innumerable blessings, especially the gift of the Spirit. God has given each of us a special calling, just as he did for John. Just knowing this can breed a healthy confidence, even as it frees us up to think about other people more than ourselves. So who are you? "Lord, thank you for gracing me with your love." |  clickable | The Paschal Mystery, the New Exodus, and the Heavenly Kingdom come to us when Christ comes to us—in the Eucharist, in all seven sacraments, and whenever we lift up our minds in prayer and study of the Gospel.
— Dr. Scott Hahn
from The Gospel of Mark | my2cents:
"Who is the liar? Whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ."
And the lies still exist. They persist, and continue to say that Jesus is not the Christ. Modern Judaism followers persist in this lie. The Muslims, the Buddhists, all others say that Jesus is not the Christ, the Savior of the World, and instead they put something or someone else in the place. Judaism has been fulfilled in Christ. Muslims say Christ is a good prophet, but that is extremely watered down! HE IS THE PROPHET. THE Prophet of God who accomplished all the feats and promises that no one else can match, even though Jesus said we could. A few things have been done, but not all, not all in one, not all like Christ! So be weary of the liar around you. He denies Jesus. It is trying to grow in education...to educate the young ones saying "Jesus was a nice guy....and that's it". That is a direct lie. Jesus is still King. Whether we accept Him or not, the Truth Remains Victorious on His throne of justice. | Let us pray: "The LORD has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God."
Jesus came down to show us God Himself on earth. This is how God is. Just. Obedient. Compassionate. Unwavering. Solid in joy. And His peace makes the earth tremble. If you like to say "God is Good", then, prove it. Prove that God is good. How? Has He really been good to you? How do you repay Him for so much goodness? Have you been forgiven? I mean, really really ever felt the forgiveness from someone? I have. Various times, and it has molded me into who I am today. Mercy has changed my life forever. But what about in the confessional? Some people get healed spiritually, and some even physically through Confession or annointing of the Sick. How does mercy do that? Mercy is amazing, and it has a face....Jesus, Christ, the Savior. | The Pharisees and others came to John the Baptist demanding answers. "Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us?
What do you have to say for yourself?" They wanted to be sure...without having faith.
How many times do we demand answers....so we don't have to lift a finger in faith? That's the always modern problem, we want something...for nothing.
All the rest were flocking to John just believing, in repentance, and asking for mercy. All the rest doubted and stayed away from repentance and mercy. The very message of John of the Holy Spirit. | He said: "I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, 'Make straight the way of the Lord". In the same way, I could say I am a voice of one crying out in the desert. I live in a sandy part of the world, it is not very populated, it is dry, and right now the weather is actually bearable for this time of year. I am writing to distant lands, many of which I will never know about. I am writing to hearts, some far, and some close...to the Lord. I know my audience, I pray for each one, and how? Daily, that's how often, and with silent prayer, prayers of the heart which God hears clearly. The message we are to live out and spread is the same "make straight the way of the Lord". Make way, and make the way straight. Straighten up. It'd be better if we straightened ourselves up, rather than Our Father having to come in to do it for us. That would be ideal. REPENT. Or will something drastic have to happen before you repent of your horrible ways? What is horrible? That which is horrible and deplorable before the throne of Justice. In one word...Sin.
Can I mention a few prevalent sins? Take it to heart, or dismiss these sins, as you wish. Some came to John for repentance, some did not. Here are some sins to consider that plague many: adulterous thoughts. What's that? You don't have these? I beg to differ. Any deviation from Loving God above all, is an adulterous affair! Ok, not a fit? Let's dig deeper, and see if we can't find a sin that fits you. How about this one, being inconsiderate? Does that one fit you ok? Are you inconsiderate? What's that you say? Sometimes? Not always? I was thinking today, of my Godsons, I really look to them as my sons, and their ages are from mid 20's to almost 50. There is one that I cannot convince of the love of God. He don't go to Mass anymore, and nothing I say seems to matter. Right now I'm on break of harking on him about the issue, LOL. So, has he compiled months of never attending Mass? Or is it all and the same sin to be repented of? He persists in his sin. I've told another "son", that "missing Mass is the equivalent of a married man cheating on his wife". So, he persists in what is basically and adulterous affair against God. And there are many, so many, too many souls that are involved in this sin. So, who is inconsiderate? All the time. Do you repeat the same sin, over and over? That would make you an inconsiderate, right? No? Ok, let's keep digging for a sin that you like that would fit you.
I was talking with someone, and he said that he doesn't like to tell people he is an alcoholic (although he hasn't drunk in a long time now). And so when he goes to get-togethers, where drinking is present, he has a hard time dealing with it. I said "it'd be good to let all those present know you have a drinking problem". He said "it's not that easy to fess up to this problem that I know is not normal". I said "it's best to let them know, because everyone already knows, and it looks worse when you try to hide it" what's more, once fessed up, all those around would do their best to help you! Now, that is a problem, for all of us, isn't it? What's that? Oh, sorry, I forgot, let me tell you the sin, to let you see if this sin fits; this one is called "denial of sin". They say that the addicted must first recognize his problem and admit they have a problem. EEESHH, when I go to our parish confessions, there is literally no line, no long lines like there are in Holy Communion. We dare to accept our Lord and Savior in our body and soul without accepting....the truth.
Does that fit you a little better? Ok, if not, let me find you one that I'm sure will fit since all the rest did not, this one is Pride. Yes! All the others you denied and so you must wear pride. This one keeps many from entering Heaven's gates. This one needs to be addressed. Pride looks good on you on earth, but in Heaven, that dress is super ugly and messed up, and it don't match for the banquet you have been invited to. Because it is a wedding banquet. The groom awaits you with joyful anticipation "I Can't Wait To Be With You Forever" says His eyes with great love and as if tears are ready to burst forth.
His heart is pounding I love you so much it hurts. He went through so much in anticipation for this day. Only, it is not an erotic love, no sir, not at all. It is a love of communal affairs, holy affairs, the kind that involve supreme justice that reigns in Heaven. The kind that has compassion, and is considerate of your every move. The voice cries out in the desert. REPENT. Make way for the Lord. Make the way for the light straight, into our Life.
And Jesus the Christ, enters the scene soon after.
I AM THE WAY.
I AM THE TRUTH.
I AM THE LIFE!!! Lord, there never goes a day that we do not need you, even though many live as if they do not. Let us humbly depend on you and your every move and beckoning call. Lord, please, we need you, open our eyes to ourselves and let us see ourselves as you see us. Children in great need. Children that get stuck. Children that cry for all the wrong reasons. Lord, help us be involved in your Love... forever. Pray for this voice crying out in the desert my friends. I need prayer too. I'm a sinner. But I do feel sometimes that the Spirit of Elijah is within, the Holy Spirit. And the "alcoholic" in today's 2cents, I have prayed that my mantle be passed on to him. It gave me chills when that brother told me soon after that prayer without me asking or hinting, he asked "man, did you pray for me or what? something happened to me that I feel has come over me (for the Lord)". I had chills up my back when he asked me, and I wanted so much to tell him what I did. But I looked at him with glossy eyes and a burning heart and just nodded. The sinner (any sinner) is who I look to with hope from Heaven. I am your connection. Just because I ask the Lord to be involved in my life...more and more, and soon, all my affairs are His. Even my bad ones that I put into His hands to handle. And He handles you with great care. |  click to hear a message | Random Bible Verse 1 Exodus 14:14
14 The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." Thank You Lord | |
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