† "Where I am from,... "

† Quote of the Day "Confession heals, confession justifies, confession grants pardon of sin. All hope consists in confession. In confession there is

Web Version   Subscribe   Forward   † Quote of the Day "Confession heals, confession justifies, confession grants pardon of sin. All hope consists in confession. In confession there is a chance for mercy. Believe it firmly, do not doubt, do not hesitate, never despair of the mercy of God." St. Isidore of Seville Today's Meditation "Reading the holy Scriptures confers two benefits. It trains the mind to understand them; it turns man's attention from the follies of the world and leads him to the love of God. Two kinds of study are called for here. We must first learn how the Scriptures are to be understood, and then see how to expound them with profit and in a manner worthy of them . . . No one can understand holy Scripture without constant reading . . . The more you devote yourself to the study of the sacred utterances, the richer will be your understanding of them, just as the more the soil is tilled, the richer the harvest." —St. Isidore of Seville, p. 201 Cover image from the book, Witness of the Saints Daily Verse "God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like hinds' feet, he makes me tread upon my high places." Habakkuk 3:19 St. Isidore of Seville (560 – 636 A.D.) was born in Carthagena, Spain, to noble and pious parents. After the example of their parents, he, as well as his two brothers and sister, all became saints. Isidore received his early education at the cathedral school in Seville where a group of learned men taught classical education, among them was his brother Leander, the Archbishop of Seville. The cathedral school was the first of its kind in the country and Isidore excelled in his studies there. He became a man of great learning, zeal, piety, and apostolic endeavor, assisting his brother in converting the Visigoths from the Arian heresy. He followed his brother in becoming next Archbishop of Seville, leading his diocese for nearly 40 years. Isidore was an important saint for his time. He was one of the most learned men of the 6th century and is considered the last of the early Church Fathers. He was a prolific writer on the sciences and the classics which in effect helped preserve western civilization during the early middle ages following the barbarian invasions. He composed history books, a dictionary with a structure akin to a database, and an encyclopedia which was used for nine centuries. St. Isidore reunited Spain after the barbarian onslaught, making it a center of culture and learning. He required seminaries to be built in every diocese, wrote a rule for religious orders, and founded schools that taught every branch of learning. Spain then became a model for similar renewal in other European countries. For his great learning and written works he was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XIV. St. Isidore of Seville is the patron of computers, schoolchildren, and the internet. His feast day is April 4th. Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent Reading 1 Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22 The wicked said among themselves, thinking not aright: "Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us; he sets himself against our doings, Reproaches us for transgressions of the law and charges us with violations of our training. He professes to have knowledge of God and styles himself a child of the LORD. To us he is the censure of our thoughts; merely to see him is a hardship for us, Because his life is not like that of others, and different are his ways. He judges us debased; he holds aloof from our paths as from things impure. He calls blest the destiny of the just and boasts that God is his Father. Let us see whether his words be true; let us find out what will happen to him. For if the just one be the son of God, he will defend him and deliver him from the hand of his foes. With revilement and torture let us put him to the test that we may have proof of his gentleness and try his patience. Let us condemn him to a shameful death; for according to his own words, God will take care of him." These were their thoughts, but they erred; for their wickedness blinded them, and they knew not the hidden counsels of God; neither did they count on a recompense of holiness nor discern the innocent souls' reward. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 34:17-18, 19-20, 21 and 23 R. (19a) The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. The LORD confronts the evildoers, to destroy remembrance of them from the earth. When the just cry out, the LORD hears them, and from all their distress he rescues them. R. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. Many are the troubles of the just man, but out of them all the LORD delivers him. R. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. He watches over all his bones; not one of them shall be broken. The LORD redeems the lives of his servants; no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in him. R. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. Verse Before the Gospel Matthew 4:4b One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God. Gospel John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 Jesus moved about within Galilee; he did not wish to travel in Judea, because the Jews were trying to kill him. But the Jewish feast of Tabernacles was near. But when his brothers had gone up to the feast, he himself also went up, not openly but as it were in secret. Some of the inhabitants of Jerusalem said, "Is he not the one they are trying to kill? And look, he is speaking openly and they say nothing to him. Could the authorities have realized that he is the Christ? But we know where he is from. When the Christ comes, no one will know where he is from." So Jesus cried out in the temple area as he was teaching and said, "You know me and also know where I am from. Yet I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me." So they tried to arrest him, but no one laid a hand upon him, because his hour had not yet come. Praise to You Oh Lord Jesus Christ! Daily Meditation: John 7:1-2, 10, 25-3 Jesus cried out in the temple. (John 7:28) Imagine being trapped in a deep, dark cavern. People stagger about, confused and stumbling over rocks. At last a light appears. Someone has found a lamp! Everyone scrambles toward a man holding a burning torch. But instead of rejoicing, they seize him and angrily snuff out the light. What a strange reaction: people stuck in darkness extinguishing the light they had finally found. Yet that is a lot like what happens in today's Gospel. Jesus had worked wonders and proclaimed the good news of salvation, but many people wanted to kill him (John 7:1). Even those who believed in his teaching doubted he was the Christ (7:27). But look how Jesus responds! Against this strange, sad preference for darkness, he cries out with words that proclaim who he truly is: "I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true" (7:28). So many forces are arrayed against him, yet Jesus continues to call out to his people. We are now at a point during Lent when the plot quickens, and our readings begin to point toward the cross. Jesus has already revealed himself as the Messiah. But many in authority not only fail to welcome his light, but they actively seek to extinguish it. Now every time Jesus openly announces himself, his very life is in danger. Yet Jesus cannot seem to keep quiet. One moment he hides himself because his hour has not yet come, and the next he shows up in the heart of Jerusalem, crying out in the Temple. The darkness continues to deepen, but his light still shines. Jesus will do whatever he needs to in order to save his people and fulfill his mission. Do you ever feel as if you're stumbling in the darkness? Jesus is crying out to you! He is calling you by name so that you can come out of the darkness into the light of his love. So listen to his voice. Don't run away or snuff out his light! Welcome him, come close to him, and allow him to bring his light into your heart. "Lord Jesus, I hear you calling me. Come, shine your light in me." Wisdom 2:1, 12-22 Psalm 34:17-21, 23 Reflections with Brother Adrian: Hear AI Read it for u From today's Holy Gospel: "So Jesus cried out in the temple area as he was teaching and said, "You know me and also know where I am from. Yet I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me." So they tried to arrest him, but no one laid a hand upon him, because his hour had not yet come....." - Word of the Lord! From Roberto Juarez: "The Feast of Tabernacles was one of the most important celebrations of the Jewish people, in which they remembered God's protection during the exodus in the desert. Jesus, wisely, does not go immediately to Jerusalem because he knows that his life is in danger. However, he does so afterwards in secret, showing that he follows God's times and not those of men. • Am I able to wait for God's timing, or do I get impatient when things don't go the way I want them to? • Do I seek to act according to God's will or according to my own plans? Jesus teaches us that we must trust in God's Providence and not be carried away by the pressure of the world. Upon arriving in Jerusalem, people question their identity: some believe in Him, but others doubt because they know His human origin and do not understand His true divine nature. • Do I trust that God has a perfect timing for everything in my life? • Am I willing to bear witness to my faith, even if I face difficulties or rejection? 'Lord Jesus, Help me to trust your timing and to recognize you in my life. Give me the courage to follow you, even when I face doubts or difficulties. May I always seek your will and not mine.' Amen. ......." end quote Roberto Juarez. From Bishop Barron: "The Gospels are never content with such a reductive description. Though they present Jesus quite clearly as a teacher, they know that he is infinitely more than that. They affirm that something else is at stake in him and in our relation to him......" end quote. From brother Adrian: Those Pharisees, those Sauducees, those group of unbelievers! They truly did not know, truly did not care! God was right there, right in front of them! They could not hear nor see the Lord Himself! Isn't that crazy? Yet, here He is today, right in front of us, and many of us don't see, don't care. That's the attitude of an atheist, "don't see it, don't care about it", right? But why are we like that? Why can't we be a people of faith? And remember what I like to equate faith with? Love. A people of love, because God is Love, and so, we are a people of God, a light for the world, not to be hidden, but to be exposed to the dark world. Such was the walk of faith of our Lord Jesus. Such is calling to walk in His steps...so that He might live, through you and me. Lord, Help us walk in Your way! Live in Your life! Be in Your truth! WOW Random Bible Verse 1 Jude 20–21 [Jude 1] "But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life." Word of the Lord! 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 would have believed me,... "

† Quote of the Day "Lord, help me to make time today to serve you in those who are most in need of encouragement or assistance." — St. Vincent de Pau

Web Version   Subscribe   Forward   † Quote of the Day "Lord, help me to make time today to serve you in those who are most in need of encouragement or assistance." — St. Vincent de Paul Today's Meditation "At times, you may become discouraged when you pray because your sins seem to jump out at you. You may actually feel worse than ever. But don't let that get you down. It's actually a sign of progress because the closer you draw to the perfect holiness of God, the more your own imperfections will stand out against the pure light of His holiness...This explains why really holy people are often the last ones to admit it, because the holier they get, the less holy they feel." –J. Augustine Wetta, O.S.B, p.91 An excerpt from Humility Rules: Saint Benedict's 12-Step Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem Daily Verse "'Ah Lord God! It is thou who hast made the heavens and the earth by thy great power and by thy outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for thee, who showest steadfast love to thousands, but dost requite the guilt of fathers to their children after them, O great and mighty God whose name is the Lord of hosts, great in counsel and mighty in deed; whose eyes are open to all the ways of men, rewarding every man according to his ways and according to the fruit of his doings." — Jeremiah 32:17-19 St. Richard Of Chichester St. Richard of Chichester (1197-1253), also known as St. Richard de Wyche, was born in Worcestershire, England to a land-owning squire. His father died when he was young, causing the family to suffer hardship for many years. The situation became dire enough for Richard to suspend his studies to take over the family estates and make them profitable again. He went on to Oxford to study for the priesthood, and was so poor that he and two companions shared a set of clothes which they took turns wearing to class. He obtained degrees at the universities in Paris and Bologna before being appointed as the Chancellor of Oxford University. Richard became well-known for his learning and sanctity. As a result he next became Chancellor for the Archbishop of Canterbury, St. Edmund Rich, to whom he was a faithful companion and advisor. Years later St. Richard was ordained the Bishop of Chichester. In this position he entered into power struggles with King Henry III, who withheld his diocesan revenues and blocked his access to the cathedral. St. Richard had many accomplishments as bishop, including establishing greater order and reverence to the liturgy, vigorously defending the rights of the Church, assisting the poor and the oppressed, and preaching a crusade against the Saracens at the request of the Pope. He died of fever surrounded by his closest friends at about 56 years of age. He was buried in the Chichester Cathedral and his shrine became a popular place of pilgrimage before being destroyed by King Henry VIII. St. Richard's feast day is April 3rd. Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent Reading 1 Exodus 32:7-14 The LORD said to Moses, "Go down at once to your people whom you brought out of the land of Egypt, for they have become depraved. They have soon turned aside from the way I pointed out to them, making for themselves a molten calf and worshiping it, sacrificing to it and crying out, 'This is your God, O Israel, who brought you out of the land of Egypt!'" The LORD said to Moses, "I see how stiff-necked this people is. Let me alone, then, that my wrath may blaze up against them to consume them. Then I will make of you a great nation." But Moses implored the LORD, his God, saying, "Why, O LORD, should your wrath blaze up against your own people, whom you brought out of the land of Egypt with such great power and with so strong a hand? Why should the Egyptians say, 'With evil intent he brought them out, that he might kill them in the mountains and exterminate them from the face of the earth'? Let your blazing wrath die down; relent in punishing your people. Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, and how you swore to them by your own self, saying, 'I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky; and all this land that I promised, I will give your descendants as their perpetual heritage.'" So the LORD relented in the punishment he had threatened to inflict on his people. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 106:19-20, 21-22, 23 R. (4a) Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people. Our fathers made a calf in Horeb and adored a molten image; They exchanged their glory for the image of a grass-eating bullock. R. Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people. They forgot the God who had saved them, who had done great deeds in Egypt, Wondrous deeds in the land of Ham, terrible things at the Red Sea. R. Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people. Then he spoke of exterminating them, but Moses, his chosen one, Withstood him in the breach to turn back his destructive wrath. R. Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people. Verse Before the Gospel John 3:16 God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life. Gospel John 5:31-47 Jesus said to the Jews: "If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is not true. But there is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that the testimony he gives on my behalf is true. You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth. I do not accept human testimony, but I say this so that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. But I have testimony greater than John's. The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. Moreover, the Father who sent me has testified on my behalf. But you have never heard his voice nor seen his form, and you do not have his word remaining in you, because you do not believe in the one whom he has sent. You search the Scriptures, because you think you have eternal life through them; even they testify on my behalf. But you do not want to come to me to have life. "I do not accept human praise; moreover, I know that you do not have the love of God in you. I came in the name of my Father, but you do not accept me; yet if another comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God? Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father: the one who will accuse you is Moses, in whom you have placed your hope. For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me, because he wrote about me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?" Praise to You Oh Lord Jesus Christ! Daily Meditation: John 5:31-47 These works that I perform testify on my behalf. (John 5:36) Jesus had angered the religious leaders by curing a man on the Sabbath and then calling God his Father. Now they were trying "all the more to kill him" (John 5:18). Jesus knew he couldn't convince them that he was the Son of God if he testified to it himself. But the works he was performing—these were proof, he told them, that the Father had sent him (5:36). Tragically, that didn't change their minds. Even though these leaders had witnessed firsthand Jesus' many healings and miracles, they just couldn't believe that he had really come from God. Unlike the men in today's Gospel, we believe in Jesus. But for whatever reason, we, too, can sometimes fail to notice or acknowledge the works of God or the effect they have on our lives. Yet when we take the time to step back and look at all that God is doing in us and for us, we can grow in faith and in our love for him. For example, when we step outside our homes, we can marvel at the beauty of God's creation. Everything in this world was made so that we could flourish and take delight in it. Everything speaks of God's works, from a stunning sunset to a beautiful butterfly. Or what about the sacraments? These "works" are marvelous, indeed! Baptism brings us new life and incorporates us into Christ's body. The Sacrament of Reconciliation absolves us of all our sins. The Eucharist, Jesus' very presence, nourishes and sustains us on our journey to heaven. And then there is God's work in us. He doesn't just create us and leave us on our own. Every day he pours out his life and his grace in us through his Holy Spirit so that we can become more like him and share his love with the world. All these works testify to Jesus. Let's remember to keep them in the forefront of our minds, especially when we are tempted to doubt the love and power of the Lord. Jesus' works didn't stop when he ascended to heaven. He is working even now, even today. Can you see it? "Lord, help me to recognize and give thanks to you for all the great works you are doing in the world today!" Exodus 32:7-14 Psalm 106:19-23 Reflections with Brother Adrian: Hear AI Read it for u From today's Holy Gospel: "But you do not want to come to me to have life. "I do not accept human praise; moreover, I know that you do not have the love of God in you. I came in the name of my Father, but you do not accept me; yet if another comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God? Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father: the one who will accuse you is Moses, in whom you have placed your hope. For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me, because he wrote about me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?...." - Word of the Lord! From Roberto Juarez: "Jesus points out that many do not believe in Him because they seek the glory of men rather than God. Even Moses, whom they trust, will accuse them, because he himself spoke of Jesus in his writings. • Where do I look for my recognition: in human applause or in God's approval? • Is my faith authentic or conditioned by what others think of me? True faith does not seek prestige or power, but obedience and love for God. This gospel invites us to: Recognize Jesus as the one sent by the Father, witnessed by Scripture, the prophets, and their works. To live a sincere faith, which does not seek the glory of the world, but the truth of God. Search Scripture with an open heart, to find Christ in it and to allow ourselves to be transformed by his Word. 'Lord Help me to seek you with a sincere heart and to discover yourself in your Word. Don't let me be carried away by vainglory, but may he always seek to do your will. Amen.'......." end quote Roberto Juarez. From Bishop Barron: "Friends, in today's Gospel, Jesus says that his Father's works testify to his identity. Jesus' words are the Father's words, and his deeds are the Father's deeds. His story is the Father's story. Nature speaks of God, the philosophers say true things about God, the arts can reflect him, the lives of the saints can indicate him—but Jesus is the icon. We sense in this passage, if I can put it this way, the humility of the Logos. Neither the words nor the deeds of Jesus are "his own." They are received from the Father. The Trinitarian theological tradition respects this when it speaks of the Son as the interior word of the Father and as having received everything from the Father......" end quote. From brother Adrian: As time has progressed, it seems I am writing less, and letting others write more. Let God speak! And who will you believe? I am the last of the reflections, not to have the last word, but to let others be first. Will the last be first? Only God will know! But the Pharisees would not let our Lord be first, they would not accept His words or testimony or miracles. Now we can more easily believe our Lord's words. Right? But do we really? How hard is it to let go...of yourself into self surrender to our God? How much have you given up of yourself this lent? In about 2 weeks, we will be in Holy week and Easter. How much of ourselves can we give to God until then? What is your goal? How much percent of your finances, your time, your talent, your love can you give until then? My OCIA class last night was full, and fully interested, and one question was given "in the next hour, how can you be more Christlike in your part of the world? What can you do? Some said, pray, another said read the bible, another said listen to Gospel music, and the answer I sought was more into action, our interactions with others. "Will you offer yourself to your siblings or parent to help?" I asked. How many of us offer ourselves up to others, and thus...to God Himself? The Pharisees had a hard time letting go...of themselves. Those who can't give...cannot receive. 'Lord, help me let go of myself, to You, to more fully believe, and trust, and love You. So that I may hunger to love you and serve you in those around me, every day, and every hour. Let Your Holy Will be done.' Random Bible Verse 1 Colossians 2:6–7 [Colossians 2] Alive in Christ " Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." Word of the Lord. 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 ®