† " Poured into your lap.... "

† Quote of the Day "Work hard every day at increasing your purity of heart, which consists in appraising things and weighing them in the balance of G

Web Version   Subscribe   Forward   † Quote of the Day "Work hard every day at increasing your purity of heart, which consists in appraising things and weighing them in the balance of God's will." — St. Francis de Sales Today's Meditation "Once, while I was wondering why Our Lord so dearly loves the virtue of humility, the thought suddenly struck me, without previous reflection, that it is because God is the supreme Truth and humility is the truth, for it is the most true that we have nothing good of ourselves but only misery and nothingness: whoever ignores this, lives a life of falsehood. they that realize this fact most deeply are the most pleasing to God, the supreme Truth, for they walk in the truth." —St. Teresa of Avila, p. 175-176 An excerpt from Interior Castle Daily Verse "[I pray] that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of [your] hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones, and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might." — Ephesians 1:17-19 St. Patrick Of Ireland St. Patrick (387-493) was born in Kilpatrick, Scotland, to Roman-British parents. He was kidnapped by Irish raiders at the age of sixteen and sold as a slave to a Druid high priest. He worked as a shepherd and spent much time in prayer as he labored in the fields. He also acquired a perfect knowledge of the Celtic language and the Druid cult, which later enabled him to evangelize the Celtic people. After six years of slavery, an angel told him to flee his oppressive master and return to his native land. Upon returning to Britain, Patrick desired to devote himself to God's service. He went to France and placed himself under the direction of St. Germain, who ordained him a priest and sent him to evangelize the pagans in Ireland. St. Patrick devoted the rest of his life to converting the island to Christianity. He was ordained a bishop and himself ordained many priests. He divided the country into dioceses, held local Church councils, founded monasteries, and urged the people to greater holiness. He suffered much opposition from the Druids and occult magicians, who, threatened by Christianity, conjured demonic power to defy Patrick. However, the prayer, faith, fearlessness, and episcopal authority of Patrick triumphed, and he was so successful in his endeavor that in the Middle Ages Ireland became known as the Land of Saints, and himself the "Apostle of Ireland." Later, the missionaries sent from Ireland to Europe were largely responsible for the Christianizing of the continent. St. Patrick's feast day is March 17th. Monday of the Second Week in Lent Lectionary: 230 Reading 1 Daniel 9:4b-10 "Lord, great and awesome God, you who keep your merciful covenant toward those who love you and observe your commandments! We have sinned, been wicked and done evil; we have rebelled and departed from your commandments and your laws. We have not obeyed your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, our fathers, and all the people of the land. Justice, O Lord, is on your side; we are shamefaced even to this day: we, the men of Judah, the residents of Jerusalem, and all Israel, near and far, in all the countries to which you have scattered them because of their treachery toward you. O LORD, we are shamefaced, like our kings, our princes, and our fathers, for having sinned against you. But yours, O Lord, our God, are compassion and forgiveness! Yet we rebelled against you and paid no heed to your command, O LORD, our God, to live by the law you gave us through your servants the prophets." Responsorial Psalm Psalm 79:8, 9, 11 and 13 R. (see 103:10a) Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins. Remember not against us the iniquities of the past; may your compassion quickly come to us, for we are brought very low. R. Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins. Help us, O God our savior, because of the glory of your name; Deliver us and pardon our sins for your name's sake. R. Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins. Let the prisoners' sighing come before you; with your great power free those doomed to death. Then we, your people and the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; through all generations we will declare your praise. R. Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins. Verse Before the Gospel See John 6:63c, 68c Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life. Gospel Luke 6:36-38 Jesus said to his disciples: "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. "Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you." Praise to You Oh Lord Jesus Christ! Daily Meditation: Luke 6:36-38 Give and gifts will be given to you. (Luke 6:38) Doesn't Jesus make it sound as if he's promising us something like the "pot of gold at the end of the rainbow" that we hear about on St. Patrick's Day? But there's one important difference in the reward Jesus speaks of here: we receive it only as we respond to his invitation to give, to forgive, and to put an end to judgmental and condemning thoughts within us. St. Patrick, whose feast we celebrate today, is a perfect illustration of this spiritual principle. In his Confessio, Patrick describes how he had been kidnapped from his home in England and taken as a slave to Ireland. Up to that point, he hadn't paid much attention to his faith. But the trauma of his kidnapping awakened something in him: I prayed frequently during the day. More and more the love of God increased, and my sense of awe before God. Faith grew, and my spirit was moved, so that in one day I would pray up to one hundred times. . . . As I realize now, the Spirit was burning in me. (16) This rich prayer life set Patrick on a path that would dramatically turn his life around. After making his escape back to England, he continued to seek the Lord. Some years later, in response to a dream, he decided to return to Ireland to preach and care for the people there. He had forgiven his captors and knew nothing but love for them. And that love was contagious—he led thousands to the Lord and established churches all over the island, despite the constant risk of martyrdom. Obedient to Jesus' words in today's Gospel, Patrick forgave the people—and he knew the joy of the Lord's forgiveness. He gave his life to the Lord and gave himself to the Irish—and the Lord gave him the gifts of joy, courage, faith, and perseverance. And he gave him the greatest gift of all: a deep, abiding relationship with Christ. Let's follow Patrick's example. Let's give the gifts of our love, our forgiveness, and our presence to the people God puts in our lives. Not because we want more of his gifts, but because we are so grateful for all the gifts we have received already! "Jesus, teach me how to give to others as you have given to me—and as St. Patrick gave to the people of Ireland!" Daniel 9:4-10 Psalm 79:8-9, 11, 13 Reflections with Brother Adrian: From today's Holy Gospel: "Jesus said to his disciples: "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. "Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you;........." - Word of the Lord! Isn't there something spectacular about being made in His image, and being called one of God's children? How so? Are you all knowing? You will know the one thing necessary. Are you all mighty and powerful? With Him, we are one. Are you omniscient? In the next reality, the real life, we can see all around us all at once, and this is possible only because we are made like Him, but for now, the eyes behind our head are simply the ones our Guardian Angel has for us, so yes, this is amazing. But forget all those super amazing things for a moment. Think about the power we have to: forgive. The power to show love like no other. Who exercises this power has something to show the world...that God lives, and that true love reigns. It is indeed the message of the Holy Cross, the crucifixion of the heart of God which is the culmination of this lent. Evil people love to quote the bible as they live in sin "Don' JUDGE ME!". But that is a thread of the whole scripture that is taken out of context, kind of like when protestants say "call no man a father". All we have to do as faithful Catholics, the first Christians is to respond with this line "let us read the rest of the text in that Gospel" and then we will have the broader picture. And in this case, our Lord goes on to say after stating not to judge, He said "do not Condemn!". We judge everything, it is in our nature! But, we are not to condemn others, unless, we want to be condemned ourselves. Do unto others as you would like done to you. Amen? So how can we judge with the Lord's heart? A fraternal correction is good. Pointing the sheep in the right direction is to be made in the Good Shepherds image. Our Lord says that "love covers a multitude of sins." If this is true, then, we should be covering the world with this truth, that He may live and reign through us, that His will be done, in mercy, in healing, in spreading His word as He would love to do. We've no further to look than today's Saint Patrick, who was kidnapped. He fled home, but was converted to come save those who tortured him. You see, Jesus became alive in the conversion, and went back to save the world. He wants to do that constantly through all of us, conquering enemies with arms wide open. Let us then be shrewd, and humble. Saint Patrick, pray for us! Random Bible Verse 1 Psalm 23:4 [Psalm 23] 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,1 I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 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 ©2025 Going4th | Andrews TX Preferences   Subscribe   Forward   Unsubscribe     Powered by GoDaddy Email Marketing ®

† " You have paid the .... "

† Quote of the Day "What does Jesus Christ do in the Eucharist? It is God who, as our Savior, offers himself each day for us to his Father's justice.

Web Version   Subscribe   Forward   † Quote of the Day "What does Jesus Christ do in the Eucharist? It is God who, as our Savior, offers himself each day for us to his Father's justice. If you are in difficulties and sorrows, he will comfort and relieve you. If you are sick, he will either cure you or give you strength to suffer so as to merit Heaven. If the devil, the world, and the flesh are making war upon you, he will give you the weapons with which to fight, to resist, and to win victory. If you are poor, he will enrich you with all sorts of riches for time and eternity. Let us open the door of his sacred and adorable Heart, and be wrapped about for an instant by the flames of his love, and we shall see what a God who loves us can do. O my God, who shall be able to comprehend?" — St. John Vianney Today's Meditation "My daughter, love has brought Me here, and love keeps Me here. My daughter, if you knew what great merit and reward is earned by one act of pure love for Me, you would die of joy. I am saying this that you may constantly unite yourself with Me through love, for this is the goal of the life of your soul. This act is an act of the will. Know that a pure soul is humble. When you lower and empty yourself before My majesty, I then pursue you with My graces and make use of My omnipotence to exalt you." —St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, 576 Daily Verse "Persevere in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving; at the same time, pray for us, too, that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak of the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison, that I may make it clear, as I must speak. Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you know how you should respond to each one." — Colossians 4:2-6 St. Matilda (895-968 A.D.) was born in Prussia, the daughter of a Count, and was raised and educated in a monastery by her grandmother, who was the abbess. A political marriage was arranged for her to Henry I, the future king of Germany. Henry and Matilda enjoyed a happy and blessed marriage. As the Queen of Germany, Matilda became the mother of five important historical figures: Holy Roman Emperor Otto I; Henry, Duke of Bavaria; St. Bruno, Archbishop of Cologne; Gerberga, wife of King Louis IV of France; and Hedwig, mother of Hugh Capet. Matilda was a holy and virtuous woman known for her generosity to the poor. The king adored his queen and attributed his success in battle to her prayers. They reigned seventeen years, and their eldest son succeeded the throne and became Emperor Otto I. After her husband's death, Matilda's two eldest sons chastised her for her generous almsgiving. St. Matilda then took the possessions left to her by her husband and turned them over to her sons, and retired from court. Her sons immediately suffered misfortune, which was attributed to their poor treatment of their holy mother. In order to repair this injustice and regain God's favor, St. Matilda was begged to return to court, which she did, forgiving her sons for their ill will. She continued to help the poor, build churches, and support many monasteries. St. Matilda was a celebrated monarch and was venerated by the people immediately after her death. Her feast day is March 14th. Friday of the First Week of Lent Reading I Ezekiel 18:21-28 Thus says the Lord GOD: If the wicked man turns away from all the sins he committed, if he keeps all my statutes and does what is right and just, he shall surely live, he shall not die. None of the crimes he committed shall be remembered against him; he shall live because of the virtue he has practiced. Do I indeed derive any pleasure from the death of the wicked? says the Lord GOD. Do I not rather rejoice when he turns from his evil way that he may live? And if the virtuous man turns from the path of virtue to do evil, the same kind of abominable things that the wicked man does, can he do this and still live? None of his virtuous deeds shall be remembered, because he has broken faith and committed sin; because of this, he shall die. You say, "The LORD's way is not fair!" Hear now, house of Israel: Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways unfair? When someone virtuous turns away from virtue to commit iniquity, and dies, it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die. But if the wicked, turning from the wickedness he has committed, does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life; since he has turned away from all the sins that he committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7bc-8 R. (3) If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand? Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD; LORD, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication. R. If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand? If you, O LORD, mark iniquities, LORD, who can stand? But with you is forgiveness, that you may be revered. R. If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand? I trust in the LORD; my soul trusts in his word. My soul waits for the LORD more than sentinels wait for the dawn. Let Israel wait for the LORD. R. If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand? For with the LORD is kindness and with him is plenteous redemption; And he will redeem Israel from all their iniquities. R. If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand? Verse before the Gospel Ezekiel 18:31 Cast away from you all the crimes you have committed, says the LORD, and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Gospel Matthew 5:20-26 Jesus said to his disciples: "I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven. "You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, 'You fool,' will be liable to fiery Gehenna. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny." Praise to You Oh Lord Jesus Christ! only $12 (Save $4). Daily Meditation: Ezekiel 18:21-28 He shall surely live. (Ezekiel 18:28) How many times have you heard the phrase "Live in the present"? How many times have you spoken it yourself? Usually, we associate it with focusing on the good things surrounding us right now: a beautiful sunset or a cherished visit with a new grandchild. But today's first reading elevates this idea to a whole new level. Through his prophet Ezekiel, the Lord tells the Israelites not to let their past define them. The "wicked" among them are not trapped in their wickedness, and those who have been "just" should not think they are protected against falling into sin today (Ezekiel 18:21, 24). In God's eyes, neither the past nor the future is as important as today. That's because today is the only day that we have any control over. It's the only day that matters. It's the only day that we can live in. Ezekiel knew that many of the people of his time were living in the past. Some were longing for the golden days when Israel was a prosperous nation. Others were lamenting the sins of their more recent past—sins that led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the people's exile into Babylon. But God wanted them to put all that behind them and focus on how they were going to live today. Rather than let grief consume them, they needed to trust in the Lord's presence and commit to carrying out his commands—even in the land of their captivity. How can we break free from dwelling on the past? One of the best ways occurs in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Confessing our sins and seeking absolution opens our hearts, not just to God's forgiveness, but also to the grace we need to say no to sin and follow him more faithfully. Receiving God's mercy can help propel us forward. It can help us break free from the selfish tendencies that once led us astray. Jesus wants you to "surely live" (Ezekiel 18:28). He wants to fill you with confidence so that you can leave your sins in the past and face the future with joy and trust in him. This is living in the present in the best possible way—with a peaceful heart founded firmly in his goodness. "Lord, thank you for offering me so much mercy! Help me to walk in your light today." Psalm 130:1-5, 7-8 Matthew 5:20-26 Reflections with Brother Adrian: From today's Holy Gospel: "and whoever says, 'You fool,' will be liable to fiery Gehenna. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.........." - Word of the Lord! Bishop Robert Barron said today: "Friends, our Gospel for today is taken from the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus has symbolically established himself as the new Moses, giving a law upon a mountain. His "you have heard that it was said . . . but I say . . ." has revealed that he has authority even over the Torah. To be clear, the Law is not being abrogated here; it is being intensified. The Law was always meant to bring humanity into line with divinity. In the beginning, this alignment was at a fairly basic level. But now that the definitive Moses has appeared, the alignment is becoming absolute, radical, complete. And so Jesus teaches, "You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment." Killing is an action, but that action is rooted in a more fundamental dysfunction: a hateful attitude, a disordered soul, a basic misperception of reality. To be utterly like God, we obviously have to eliminate cruel and hateful actions; but we have to go deeper, eliminating cruel and hateful thoughts and attitudes. For God is love, right through......" end quote from Bishop Barron. Whoever says "you fool" can be held liable? Really? How many times do we hear people call others "stupid"? Right? How many times do we look at others with disdain? You see, the commandments are all ultimately crimes against Love...whether God Himself or, God in humans....and this is where the world is missing the mark...to fail to see God in all of humans...and so we fail God by failing our fellows among us....those we call neighbor. Would you like to suffer punishment for looking down on others or simply calling them fools? Why not help them or lift them up somehow instead...a little biting of the tongue, a little prayer for them. This is what our Lord desires, a true love offering sacrifice. As He said today "Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift." Reconcile with God, and one another....then the lenten sacrifice will give a pleasant aroma to the Heavens....instead of torturous odors that hurt the heart of Love. Random Bible Verse 1 Hebrews 12:3 [Hebrews 12] Do Not Grow Weary "Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted." 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 ©2025 Going4th | Andrews TX Preferences   Subscribe   Forward   Unsubscribe     Powered by GoDaddy Email Marketing ®