†Saint Quote of the Day
"Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love."
–St. Therese of Lisieux - The Little Flower †Today's Meditation
"Is it not your duty to give yourself entirely to Him the same at every moment? As you advance in years, God's benefits also become more numerous; your gratitude and, therefore, your fidelity ought also grow. God alone created your heart, and He created it for Himself alone. He alone should be its master…God does not think it too much that He should give Himself entirely to you. Live your life, therefore, entirely for Him. Give Him all and in Him you will find all."
—Alexander De Rouville, p. 31 An Excerpt From
The Imitation of Mary †Daily Verse
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be."
–John 14:1-3 |  click to read more | | St. Lawrence of Rome St. Lawrence of Rome (d. 258 A.D.) was likely a Spaniard by birth who lived in Rome while Christianity was outlawed under pain of death. He was appointed by Pope St. Sixtus II as archdeacon over the seven deacons of Rome, and held the sacred duty of tending to the Church's wealth and distributing alms to the poor. After Pope St. Sixtus II was beheaded by Roman Emperor Valerian, along with the six other deacons, Lawrence was left as the highest-ranking clergy in Rome. He was ordered by the Roman authorities to appear before the tribunal—a summons to his execution—along with the treasures of the Church that were in his possession. St. Lawrence then quickly distributed the Church's wealth to the poor so that the government could not confiscate it. On the appointed day, August 10th, Lawrence responded to the summons by bringing with him a multitude of the poor and crippled of Rome; these he proclaimed to be the true treasure of the Church. This angered the authorities so greatly that Lawrence was ordered to be burned alive on a gridiron. He was bound to the metal grate and slowly roasted to death over hot coals. During his torture Lawrence famously mocked his torturers by saying, "I am done on this side, turn me over." St. Lawrence is the patron saint of many causes including cooks, chefs, comedians, deacons, librarians, students, and the poor. His feast day is August 10th. | Feast of Saint Lawrence, deacon and martyr Reading 1 2 Cor 9:6-10 Brothers and sisters:
Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion,
for God loves a cheerful giver.
Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you,
so that in all things, always having all you need,
you may have an abundance for every good work.
As it is written: He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever. The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food
will supply and multiply your seed
and increase the harvest of your righteousness. Responsorial Psalm Ps 112:1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 9 R. (5) Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Blessed the man who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in his commands.
His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth;
the upright generation shall be blessed.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Well for the man who is gracious and lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice;
He shall never be moved;
the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
An evil report he shall not fear;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear
till he looks down upon his foes.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Lavishly he gives to the poor,
his generosity shall endure forever;
his horn shall be exalted in glory.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need. Alleluia Jn 8:12bc R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness
but will have the light of life, says the Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Jn 12:24-26 Jesus said to his disciples:
"Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies,
it remains just a grain of wheat;
but if it dies, it produces much fruit.
Whoever loves his life loses it,
and whoever hates his life in this world
will preserve it for eternal life.
Whoever serves me must follow me,
and where I am, there also will my servant be.
The Father will honor whoever serves me."
| Whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. (2 Corinthians 9:6) "Turn me over. I'm done on this side." Many of us are familiar with this quote from St. Lawrence, whose feast we celebrate today. When Pope Sixtus II was executed by the Roman Emperor Valerian on August 6, AD 258, Lawrence, a deacon, was left to run the papal household. A day after Sixtus' death, the prefect of Rome gave Lawrence three days to hand over the riches of the Church. Instead, Lawrence sold most of the Church's assets and distributed the money to the poor. When the deadline arrived, Lawrence produced these recipients and told the prefect, "These are the riches of the Church." For that, the prefect sentenced Lawrence to be roasted to death over a fire, where he uttered his famous last words. The story of Lawrence's bravery, his care for the poor, and his good humor spread throughout the city of Rome. It gave comfort and courage to other Christians facing persecution, and it moved a number of unbelievers to profess their faith in Jesus. If this man could face such a painful death with joy, they reasoned, then perhaps it really was true that Jesus had risen from the dead. And that would mean that he had overcome death for everyone who believes! St. Lawrence's witness is a dramatic illustration of St. Paul's words in today's first reading that anyone who "sows bountifully will also reap bountifully" (2 Corinthians 9:6). Lawrence sowed bountifully as he joyfully served the Lord and as he willingly gave up his life for Christ. And he reaped bountifully: in his ability to face death cheerfully, in the conversions he inspired, and in his glorious entry into heaven. This promise of reaping bountifully is for us as well. Jesus wants to give us so much. He wants to fill us with joy and courage and the hope of the resurrection. So let's sow bountifully today by loving the Lord and serving his people every chance we get. "Lord, teach me to sow bountifully for the sake of your kingdom!" Psalm 112: 1-2, 5-9
John 12:24-26 | From today's 1st Holy Scripture:
"Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion,
for God loves a cheerful giver....." end of verse. When it comes to being a cheerful giver, boy, I've got a lot of work to do. Or is it most of us? Right? Because I get to see the givers and how much they give, and boy, for years, it is slim pickings! Thank God for cheerful givers, those who give with their hearts, not with their minds.
These people give with faith. Ever notice your checking account running empty? The first question I ask myself and my wife is "did we forget to tithe?", because I've noticed that our Lord provides, provided that we provide. Boy is it ever hard when I try to help people and they don't do their part! I just don't feel like helping them after a while! And I'm talking about drug addicts and people that just don't want to work. Everybody has to do their part. Especially when it comes to giving. And giving it all. | We pray today:
"Well for the man who is gracious and lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice;
He shall never be moved;
the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance.
Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need......"_ end of Psalm. | In the Gospel today we heard:
"Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life.
Whoever serves me must follow me...." end of Gospel verse. Ever seen those around you that seem to have it made? They don't go to church, and they are living up life, enjoying all they can, eating, drinking, pleasures, cruises, going out, etc.? They are just loving their life, just soaking everything in.
And that there is the problem I believe our Lord is talking about. All in, and nothing out. The light is just soaked in and no light given out! That is exactly the opposite our Lord wants from us!
Our Lord wants us to be givers! Not takers alone. Sure we all need this and that, but what about giving this and that too!
LOL, I say this thinking about the times I'm invited on our local Catholic radio fundraisers, and I'm on the radio pleading, like a beggar for the radio station. Why do I do it? First, because I was asked. Second, because being a beggar is hard, and a heavy cross, but you know what I like? I help people constantly, and I see how they beg me, and I get to learn how to be a beggar too, and some of these are really good beggars! LOL.
But the saints that are good, know how to ask. All the saints are dirt poor and build up worldwide networks to help the poor. Some of them are just poor porters, gate keepers that help the poor. In other words, it is an honor to give. It is an honor to be asked to give. Sounds messed up right? If I told you the many that owe me in the thousands and thousands, you'd be surprised and some might live with animosity and rancor, and want them taken to court and demanded "pay back what you owe". But even Scripture brings this up. It is their own head on the chopping block if they decide to be dishonest. It is not my head. I cannot judge. Sure I'm out all that money I could've used for my kids college and things I was saving for...but someone else asked, and now?
LOL, Faith my friend. I'm holding on to dear life!
The people know why I gave, love.
Because in the end, if you are giving...you are to intend to give love. And love is a one way street. Just ask our Lord. He gives and gives all day long. Light. Love. Mercy. And these things together are the grace light we need to see the reality of God's will.
In doing God's will, we see God's will...being done. |
Let us pray.
Our Father, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy will be done. |  Click To Hear | Random Bible Verse 1
John 5:24 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. | If one day you don't receive these, just visit Going4th.com
God Bless You! Peace | | |
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