† "The Lure Of ....."

† Quote of the Day "You are rewarded not according to your work or your time but according to the measure of your love." — St. Catherine of Siena T

Web Version   Subscribe   Forward   † Quote of the Day "You are rewarded not according to your work or your time but according to the measure of your love." — St. Catherine of Siena Today's Meditation "We are the holy Church. But I do not say 'we' as though to indicate only we who are here, you who have just been listening to me. I mean all of us who are here and by the grace of God faithful Christians in this church, that is, in this city; all those in this region, in this province, across the sea, all those in the whole world. Such is the Catholic Church, our true mother, the true spouse of so great a husband." —St. Augustine, p. 87 An excerpt from Augustine Day by Day Daily Verse "Because he cleaves to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will rescue him and honor him." — Psalm 91:14-15 St. Anne St. Joachim St. Anne and St. Joachim (1st c. B.C.) are the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the maternal grandparents of Jesus. Their names have been preserved in Church tradition since the second century, although little is known of their lives. It is believed that St. Joachim and St. Anne, although wealthy, lived a devout and simple life of voluntary poverty, chastity, and generosity to the poor. According to legend, after long years of suffering from infertility and praying for a child, Joachim and Anne were each separately visited by an angel in their old age, who announced that they would give birth to a very special child. Their moment of joy at this happy news is depicted with their embrace and kiss at the Golden Gate in Jerusalem. It was from their holy and chaste marriage that the Immaculate Conception was brought into the world. According to tradition, when the Child Mary was three years old, they dedicated her to God and presented her to live in the Jerusalem temple until the time of her betrothal to St. Joseph. St. Anne is the patroness of unmarried women, wives, expectant mothers, pregnancy, women in labor, grandmothers, childless couples, and against poverty and sterility. Women praying to meet their future spouse often turn to St. Anne. St. Joachim is the patron of fathers and grandfathers. Their feast day is July 26th. See more about St. Anne. See more about St. Joachim. Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary • Readings for the Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary Reading 1 JER 3:14-17 Return, rebellious children, says the LORD, for I am your Master; I will take you, one from a city, two from a clan, and bring you to Zion. I will appoint over you shepherds after my own heart, who will shepherd you wisely and prudently. When you multiply and become fruitful in the land, says the LORD, They will in those days no longer say, "The ark of the covenant of the LORD!" They will no longer think of it, or remember it, or miss it, or make another. At that time they will call Jerusalem the LORD's throne; there all nations will be gathered together to honor the name of the LORD at Jerusalem, and they will walk no longer in their hardhearted wickedness. Responsorial Psalm JER 31:10, 11-12ABCD, 13 R. (see 10d) The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock. Hear the word of the LORD, O nations, proclaim it on distant isles, and say: He who scattered Israel, now gathers them together, he guards them as a shepherd his flock. R. The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock. The LORD shall ransom Jacob, he shall redeem him from the hand of his conqueror. Shouting, they shall mount the heights of Zion, they shall come streaming to the LORD's blessings: The grain, the wine, and the oil, the sheep and the oxen. R. The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock. Then the virgins shall make merry and dance, and young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, I will console and gladden them after their sorrows. R. The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock. Alleluia LK 8:15 R. Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance. R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel MT 13:18-23 Jesus said to his disciples: "Hear the parable of the sower. The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the Kingdom without understanding it, and the Evil One comes and steals away what was sown in his heart. The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and receives it at once with joy. But he has no root and lasts only for a time. When some tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, he immediately falls away. The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit. But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold." Daily Meditation: Matthew 13:18-23 The seed sown on the rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit. (Matthew 13:23) When he explains the parable of the sower to his disciples, Jesus makes it clear that the quality of the seed was not lacking. It was good seed, since the word of God can be nothing less than supremely good. Furthermore, Jesus says that this seed was spread across all types of soil, even though only some soil yielded plants capable of bearing fruit. And that's where the disparity in fruitfulness comes from—the condition of the soil. Hard, rocky, thorn-infested ground does not make for a good garden. No matter how good a seed is, it still needs well-tilled and fertile earth for it to grow. But soil does not till itself. A barren field will remain that way unless someone comes along with a hoe and gets to work. This is the work Jesus wants to do in our hearts. Like a wise landowner, he is not afraid to get his hands dirty! Just look at the cross: his "work" that day involved blood, sweat, and tears. But through that work, he removed the greatest obstacle of all: our bondage to sin and death. Yet Jesus' work in us is not done. He wants to make the "soil" of our hearts rich so that we can produce "a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold" (Matthew 13:23). And so he lovingly invites us into his work of reclamation. He wants us to pick up our trowel and join him in his work of tilling. How? Notice that those in Jesus' parable who fell away initially heard "the word of the Kingdom," but they did not understand it or persevere in nourishing the seed of that word (Matthew 13:19). Understanding God's word and then acting on it are the keys to bearing fruit. Our tilling of the soil requires that we dig deep into the Scriptures. Then, as we pray and listen to the Lord, he will help us discover what his word means for our lives. But it's not all up to us. We still need Jesus, our "Good Farmer," to water and fertilize the soil of our hearts with his grace so we can do whatever he asks of us. Our God is so faithful. Let's trust him to bring about an abundant harvest! "Jesus, thank you for the work you are doing in me so that I can bear fruit for your kingdom." Jeremiah 3:14-17 (Psalm) Jeremiah 31:10-13 Hear AI Read it to you. Updated 7/10/24 Reflections with Brother Adrian: In the Holy Scripture we hear today: "The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit. But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold."......" end quote. From Bishop Barron: "...So from these sad cases we can construe the nature of good soil. When we understand the faith, when we take the time to read theology, to study the Scriptures; when we persevere, discipline ourselves, and practice the faith; when we have our priorities straight; then the seed will take root in us. And it will bear fruit thirty, sixty, or a hundredfold." end quote Bishop Barron. I don't know about you, but I'm always wondering if I'm bearing fruit for God's vineyard. My name means fertile soil, and I'm constantly ready for the call of the Lord to say yes. It has gotten me in tight spots with schedule and balancing of work and family but by the grace of God, His will is done. If only we are not afraid. Saying yes though, is the easy call to answer for me. This week, I was at an economic council meeting which I've been a board member of for years, and we usually start with a prayer. As I walked in, the current president asked if I would lead with prayer, and I joked "did somebody die? Usually I get asked to pray only when somebody dies!" LOL. But looking back, it is not much of a joke. I don't get asked for prayers much outside of funerals. As a matter of fact, asking people to come pray with me is like asking them to come to a funeral. Just try to do a weekly rosary and invite people, see how that goes, let me know! For prayer groups and reunions for me for the last 15 years has been nothing but a solid challenge. But nevertheless, the seeds must be spread. What chokes us from doing God stuff? When Father Joseph read the scriptures today in daily Mass in the nursing home, he read the spanish scripture which said the word "seductions" of worldly things choked people. Aren't we seduced in the world? Gotta have that money! Gotta have that extra toy! Gotta have that pleasure! Gotta have that lust! And like fools we wonder after the mirage. What else chokes us? Fear. Anxieties. So many things choke us. I've noticed when I get overloaded with stress and problems, I literally feel tensed and almost choking or drowning in problems. It is not a good feeling. I'm learning that I have to snap out of it, and pray. Some people take to meditation and yoga, but all that focuses on yourself again or on worldly things, so the best thing to do is to focus outwardly to God. Once again, who is God? I can't explain God, nobody can. The only thing that I can say about His being, is two words "Terribly Amazing". And the word "amazing" to be said of God is a sign of love and fear and wonder and a true sign that the Holy Spirit is working within you. For years of reflections and ministry, I can very easily see how the parable of the seed works when I see people go to a retreat, they are touched and some go back to the "real world" and quickly lose what they felt or learned. The evil one seduces it out of them real quick if there are no roots. It is as if the seed fell on rocky ground. Or birds come snatch it away, black crows and vultures, take advantage and make you "snap back" into their own version of reality. But sometimes, maybe 1 out of 50 people, will actually take the word and touch of God and be forever grateful. This is the cause of a saint. The person that is touched is forever grateful. And this moves the person to become a servant and slave of Love, God the Father. You see, God isn't that concerned with the world problems, He's got it figured out. His concern is His desire of this beautiful gift of love from above. And the greatest action of Love is Jesus, as is exemplified and given metaphysically in the Holy Eucharist. And so the question is, is it really that hard to be fruitful? Don't listen to protestants who say you don't have to work out salvation, because the whole truth is not there. We do have to be active and thereby, fruitful. But first by letting God manifest Himself in you, like in the Eucharist. So that you may grow and grow others in love of God for the sake of each other's greater good. Lord, Precious Blood of Jesus. Make our Hearts like unto Yours! audio Random Bible Verse 1 Ephesians 5:1–2 Walk in Love 5 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. If one day you don't receive these, just visit Going4th.com God Bless You! Peace Going4th For questions or comments contact Adrian@going4th.com. For more go to www.Going4th.com ©2024 Going4th | Andrews TX Preferences   Subscribe   Forward   Unsubscribe     Powered by GoDaddy Email Marketing ®

† "What Do You WIsh?.... ."

† Quote of the Day "Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you." — St. Augustine Today's Meditation "The

Web Version   Subscribe   Forward   † Quote of the Day "Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you." — St. Augustine Today's Meditation "The difficulty that so many generally find in the study of mystical theology [is that] they want to discover fixed rules in it, like those of asceticism, which are based on the ordinary conditions of virtue, whereas the one and only rule is to be attentive to the inspiration of the Spirit of sanctification, who is not content merely with the good but ever urges us in each single instance to what is most perfect, best, most in conformity with God's pleasure." —J.G Arintero, O.P., p. An excerpt from Stages in Prayer Daily Verse "O Lord, be gracious to us; we wait for thee. Be our arm every morning, our salvation in the time of trouble." — Isaiah 33:2 St. James St. James the Greater (died 44 AD) is the brother of St. John the Apostle, and was one of Jesus's original 12 Apostles. The title "Greater" was added to distinguish him from St. James the Lesser, and is believed not to concern status or holiness, but physical height. Besides being the son of Zebedee, what is known of St. James's life comes after he and his brother were called to leave their father and their nets and follow after Jesus. James was one of the three apostles invited to witness the miraculous Transfiguration of Christ on Mount Tabor. As well, his righteous anger at seeing a Samaritan town reject Jesus inspired him to ask Jesus to call down fire on the town, which Jesus gently rebuked. Following Christ's Resurrection and Ascension, James preached the Gospel across the Roman empire before traveling to Spain, where he spread the Gospel for many years. The famous "Camino de Santiago" pilgrimage path in Spain is named in his honor (Santiago is Spanish for James). At the end of his life, James returned to Jerusalem, where he was the first apostle to be martyred. His feast day is July 25th. Feast of Saint James, Apostle Reading 1 2 Cor 4:7-15 Brothers and sisters: We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being given up to death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since, then, we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke, we too believe and therefore speak, knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and place us with you in his presence. Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God. Responsorial Psalm Ps 126:1bc-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6 R. (5) Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing. R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. Then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad indeed. R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the torrents in the southern desert. Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, They shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves. R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. Alleluia See Jn 15:16 R. Alleluia, alleluia. I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord. R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 20:20-28 The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, "What do you wish?" She answered him, "Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your Kingdom." Jesus said in reply, "You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?" They said to him, "We can." He replied, "My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father." When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus summoned them and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." Daily Meditation: 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 We are afflicted . . . ; perplexed . . . ; persecuted, but not abandoned. (2 Corinthians 4:8-9) If today is the feast of St. James, why are we reading a passage from St. Paul? Perhaps it's because this passage captures the life of every apostle—every follower of Jesus, for that matter. Surely James had times when he could relate to feeling "afflicted," "perplexed," and even "persecuted" as he devoted himself to building up the Church (2 Corinthians 4:8, 9)! Tradition tells us that some time after Pentecost, St. James traveled to the Roman province of Hispania, which is modern-day Spain, to preach the gospel. But despite his heroic, prayerful efforts, James saw very few conversions. Perplexed and frustrated, he sat down one day by the Erbo River in what is now the town of Zaragoza and poured out his heart. James was so afflicted by doubts that he was ready to give up altogether when the Virgin Mary appeared to him. She comforted James and promised him that his efforts were not in vain. Even if he didn't live to see it, the people of Hispania would eventually be converted. Then she told him to go back to Jerusalem. James returned and joined the other leaders there in caring for the new converts during a time of persecution by King Herod. A few years later, he was captured by Herod's men and beheaded (Acts 12:1-2). Because James' heart had always been with the people of Hispania, some of his disciples took his body back there for burial in what is now the city of Compostella. Every year, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims travel the winding Camino de Santiago, which ends at the Cathedral of St. James in that city. There, in fulfillment of Mary's promise, they thank this brave, faithful follower of Jesus for his prayers and heavenly help. If you are facing affliction, perplexity, or even persecution, don't give up! Remember St. James and all the apostles. No matter what they endured, Jesus never abandoned them. He won't abandon you, either! "Lord, give me your grace so that I can remain faithful to you, just as St. James was." Psalm 126:1-6 Matthew 20:20-28 Hear AI Read it to you. Updated 7/10/24 Reflections with Brother Adrian: In the Holy Scripture we hear today: "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many......" end quote. In a family gathering a week ago, the presidential issue came up, and one said something like "that's why I don't vote". I said "but you have to vote, we may have blood on our hands if we are neutral". Most neutral people cause most wars. Why? How? Because to say neutral is to say "I don't care what happens" and then to be able to say "see, I told you". It is an excuse to wash your hand like Pontius Pilot and to free yourself from any binding to appear to be good. And why the talk about voting at all? Because today we heard our Lord talking about power. And He speaks about those that will use the power to "Lord it over others" to "make their power felt". He asks us not to be that way, to throw our weight around, snubbing others and putting others down. On this day of the Feast of St. James the Greater, we should feast upon the life of St. James as one who has lived and died for our Lord Jesus, the Way. And this is the "Way" speaking: "Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many". The early followers of Christ were not yet known as "Christians" but they were known as those of "the Way". And this is the "way" our Lord asks us to be, servants of servants. Is this way, beneficial? It could cost us our lives! Who does it benefit the most? God, the Father benefits the most. And what about us? If we were so worthy as to have a morsel of what He benefits, everlasting life, it would be amazing, wouldn't it? Let me give you an example of the "way" that already existed before Jesus our Lord walked this earth. It is the Old Testament bible story of Daniel when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon besieged Jerusalem and took Jehoiakim and some of his princes into captivity (Daniel 1:1). The King was forcing his "religion" his beliefs in other things, other gods onto the people. Daniel and the youth of Judah refused to eat the meat that the king provided. They preferred to be pure. Eventually the youth are found to be stronger and smarter than the rest that were held captive. I say this because I've noticed two college students lately in the last 3 years at universities. One, was not that great in school grades, really struggled through junior college, but I kept encouraging him in the things of God and for him not to give up. The other student was top 10 percent of his class, with aims at very high engineering aspirations but had shown signs soon of deviating from faith. Fast forward, today, the first one today is at an internship with a worldwide company before his last year at a university, the other has dropped all aspirations of engineering to psychotic medicines and is now essentially dropped out of the university. Does this always happen? Not always, but it is a clear example of how remaining close to God can be a real blessing. All the message is to remain. Remain with our Lord and do not let go. As for the world powers. I believe the people in nations get the people they deserve. If they are neutral, then the devil can easily get an upper hand at any given moment with his 50/50 shot from neutral people at getting control. What's more, exorcists say that the devil loves to work most in government and in universities, which makes sense when it comes to world domination. That is the job of the devil; that is the design from the beginning. But we have the upper hand if we become servants of the servant of God...Jesus. Humble. Servants. Jesus, King of the Universe! It's actually an easy win, if we would just let Him be King and center of all of our lives! St. James, Patron of the Cursillos, Pray for us! Sacred Blood of Jesus, poured out for our salvation, bless us forever! Random Bible Verse 1 Psalm 24:7–8 7 Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle! If one day you don't receive these, just visit Going4th.com God Bless You! Peace Going4th For questions or comments contact Adrian@going4th.com. For more go to www.Going4th.com ©2024 Going4th | Andrews TX Preferences   Subscribe   Forward   Unsubscribe     Powered by GoDaddy Email Marketing ®