† "They were struck with awe ......."

The Precious Blood "Prayer to the Precious Blood" written by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: Lord Jesus, by faith in Your merits, I now take Your Precious

Web Version   Subscribe   Forward   The Precious Blood "Prayer to the Precious Blood" written by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: Lord Jesus, by faith in Your merits, I now take Your Precious Blood and sprinkle it over myself and my family right from the crown of my head to the very soles of my feet. I claim total and complete protection for my life and my family. Lord Jesus, keep me free today from evil, sin, temptation, Satan’s attacks and afflictions, fear of darkness, fear of man, sickness, diseases, doubts, anger, all calamities and from all that is not of thy Kingdom. Fill me, Lord Jesus, with the gift of Your Holy Spirit, and grant me the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, understanding and discernment so that I will live today in Your glory by doing that which is right. Amen. † Saint Quote: “Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.” St. Augustine Daily Verse Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 EWTN Daily Saint St. Bernardino Realino (1530–1616) was born in Italy to a noble family. He grew into an accomplished "Renaissance Man" of his day; he studied law and medicine, had a successful career as an attorney and judge, and served as the mayor of three cities. At the age of 34 he completed an eight-day retreat with Jesuit priests, and during this time he discerned a call to the religious life. He entered the Jesuit order and was ordained a priest in 1567. As a priest he preached, taught, and visited the sick and poor in the areas of Naples and Lecce. He was much loved and venerated by the people he ministered to, especially because of the miracles he performed. It was commonly believed among the people that he was a living saint. Even public scandal and civil strife were calmed due to his holy influence. While he was on his death bed, the city leaders of Lecce came to request of him that he become the official patron saint of their city once he entered heaven. After St. Bernardino's death, vials of his blood were kept for veneration, which were observed to liquefy and exhibit unusual phenomena for more than a century. St. Bernardino Realino's feast day is July 2nd. Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 380 Reading 1 Amos 7:10-17 Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, sent word to Jeroboam, king of Israel: "Amos has conspired against you here within Israel; the country cannot endure all his words. For this is what Amos says: Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be exiled from its land." To Amos, Amaziah said: "Off with you, visionary, flee to the land of Judah! There earn your bread by prophesying, but never again prophesy in Bethel; for it is the king's sanctuary and a royal temple." Amos answered Amaziah, "I was no prophet, nor have I belonged to a company of prophets; I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores. The LORD took me from following the flock, and said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel.' Now hear the word of the LORD!" You say: prophesy not against Israel, preach not against the house of Isaac. Now thus says the LORD: Your wife shall be made a harlot in the city, and your sons and daughters shall fall by the sword; Your land shall be divided by measuring line, and you yourself shall die in an unclean land; Israel shall be exiled far from its land. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11 R. (10cd) The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just. The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul; The decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The command of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eye. R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; The ordinances of the LORD are true, all of them just. R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just. They are more precious than gold, than a heap of purest gold; Sweeter also than syrup or honey from the comb. R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just. Alleluia 2 Corinthians 5:19 R. Alleluia, alleluia. God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Matthew 9:1-8 After entering a boat, Jesus made the crossing, and came into his own town. And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Courage, child, your sins are forgiven." At that, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, "Why do you harbor evil thoughts? Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"– he then said to the paralytic, "Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home." He rose and went home. When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to men. Praise to You Oh Lord Jesus Christ! From Word Among Us WAU.org Daily Meditation: Amos 7:10-17 Prophesy not against Israel. (Amos 7:16) When historians in the future look back at our present, they will likely dub this the “Age of the Influencer.” Social media is filled with videos of people recommending new products. Many are health and beauty products that promise to turn back ageing, build muscle, and restore vitality. It sounds good, but there’s a catch: some influencers are paid by the makers of these products to say such positive things. Amos was definitely not a paid influencer! He was determined to deliver the unvarnished truth, even if it made powerful people uncomfortable. But because he prophesied against the king, the chief priest, Amaziah, tried to banish him. “Never again prophesy in Bethel; for it is the king’s sanctuary and a royal temple” (Amos 7:13). He hoped that by getting rid of the messenger, he could safely ignore the message. How about you? Have you ever had to hear a difficult message? Maybe you’ve been convicted by a Scripture passage or a pointed focus in a homily or even a challenge from your own child or another loved one. It’s human nature to want to hear only good things about ourselves, but sometimes the Lord puts someone in the right place at the right time with just the right words to shake us up. No one grows in holiness if they are surrounded by people who only affirm them. We all need people in our lives who are willing to help us see our blind spots and challenge us when necessary. So when you hear such a message, don’t compound the situation by doubling down or trying to shout down the person who speaks it to you. Amaziah made this mistake, claiming that “the country cannot endure” Amos’ words (Amos 7:10). The better response is to examine your heart to see if there is any truth to what you’ve heard. Ask the Lord for the grace to correct any area in your life where you may be falling short of his will. And then trust that he will show you the way forward. Remember: God never convicts us of sin without also giving us a sense of hope and a willingness to make amends. If you follow this conviction, repent of any sin you see, and decide to make a change, he will honor your humility and sincerity of heart. “Jesus, help me to be open to those who will speak a truth that can set me free!” Psalm 19:8-11 Matthew 9:1-8 Reflections with Brother Adrian: Hear 2 Cents Audio From today's Holy Gospel: ".."Why do you harbor evil thoughts? Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"– he then said to the paralytic, "Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home." He rose and went home. When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to men.. ” From Bishop Barron: "... Why does God forgive our sins? Because he wants us alive, he wants us moving, he wants us in action, realizing what we can be. Jesus comes to liberate us for deeper life, to open a new future to us. Sin is a refusal to live according to God’s purposes and desires. Our obsession with past sins paralyzes us. God is opposed to this obsession with the past because it renders us unable to move. I can brood over my past sins to such a degree that I become finally paralyzed, unable to move. “Your sins are forgiven” is another way of saying, “Don’t be paralyzed by sins that you undoubtedly worry about far more than God does.” After saying his sins are forgiven, Jesus says, “Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.” That’s the way it works. First comes the forgiveness of sins, and that is a liberating power in us. Now I can live for the future." end quote. From Roberto Juarez: " Dear brothers and sisters, today's Gospel reminds us that Jesus wants to heal our whole person. Get to know our visible and invisible paralysis. He knows where our deepest wounds are. And he never tires of repeating to us: "Courage, son." Let us ask him to grant us the humility to let ourselves be led to him, like the paralytic. May we never distrust the power of his forgiveness. And that, once raised by his grace, may we walk joyfully, bearing not the weight of our ancient slavery, but the witness of the mercy that has transformed our lives." end quote. The power of forgiveness is a formidable force...from Heaven. How crazy to think that it is within grasp, and we do not fathom the gift. How crazy of us to not desire forgiveness. And how crazy of us to not desire to forgive others...thus, sparing them from harm. But that is how all lived until our Lord appears on earth. He ushered in a new era which we will hear about on Sunday's Gospel...a peace like no other, a meekness that has not been valued. I teach adult O.C.I.A. classes, and when it comes to Sacraments, I am doubling down and their tremendous importance. These existed before the Bible was put together! Just now, I am appreciating...what the Holy Church has to offer. And it came by way of experience and teaching. A good teacher is one who has gone through it themselves, amen? This is why parents are good teachers! Now what about faith...and forgiveness? In Holy Mass we pray "Lord Have Mercy" many, MANY times. My brothers and my sisters, after what I have experienced in the Lord Himself... I can only say this: MERCY IS EVERYTHING, To receive mercy, and to be merciful. His Coming to earth was to bring us Mercy from God the Father by being God the Father's blood, body, soul and divinity in the Holy Eucharist. And there He was, in the flesh, forgiving and healing, and saving a soul, and what did the scribes do? They acted just like those village people that rejected our Lord, for healing, and saving souls... they were so blind! So possessed, or obsessed, or whatever infatuation they were lead to live by! For healing a man...Jesus is condemned. And that healed person is you. You see, the Bible was not written for some odd strangers...but for the Child God wants it read to...His love story written with His own Blood. After writing those words my heart burns and my tears burn my eyes. WHY? Why Lord, so much actual caring for us individually? He heals a broken lamb, because HE Himself is the Lamb that can heal and save. He has experienced rejection just like you. He has experienced pain, just like you. Only this kind of teacher can truly help you. Been there done that. He has a solution...His heart is now offered to you. Click for Audio Random Bible Verse 1 Psalm 31:24 " Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!" 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 ©2026 Going4th | Andrews TX Preferences   Subscribe   Forward   Unsubscribe     Powered by GoDaddy Email Marketing ®

† "The Whole Town Came Out To ......."

† Saint Quote: “Never will we understand the value of time better than when our last hour is at hand.” -St. Arnold Janssen Today’s Meditation "Thi

Web Version   Subscribe   Forward   † Saint Quote: “Never will we understand the value of time better than when our last hour is at hand.” -St. Arnold Janssen Today’s Meditation "This God of all goodness has made those things easy which are common and necessary in the order of nature, such as breathing, eating, and sleeping. No less necessary in the supernatural order are love and fidelity, therefore it must needs be that the difficulty of acquiring them is by no means so great as is generally represented. Review your life. Is it not composed of innumerable actions of very little importance? Well, God is quite satisfied with these. They are the share that the soul must take in the work of its perfection." —Jean-Pierre de Caussade, p. 7 An excerpt from Abandonment to Divine Providence Daily Verse How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good tidings, who publishes peace, who brings good tidings of good, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns.' -Isaiah 52:7 Daily Mass Readings Mass Readings Homily EWTN Daily Saint St Junipero Serra St. Junipero Serra (1713 - 1784) was born to a farming family on the Spanish island of Majorca. He was baptized the same day he was born, and was later sent to be educated by the Franciscans. In 1730 he joined the Franciscans and was ordained to the priesthood. St. Junipero was considered brilliant by his peers; he was well-trained in philosophy and theology, and taught at the university. In 1750 he traveled to the New World and began ministering to the people of Mexico City. In 1768 he moved north and began working in the Californian missions. As a result of his tireless missionary efforts, he is largely responsible for the spread of Catholicism along the western coast of the United States—as testified by the many Californian cities with Spanish Christian names. He founded the first nine of twenty-one Catholic missions that spread along the California coast. He converted thousands of Native Americans to the Christian faith and taught them new methods of agriculture, animal husbandry, and craftsmanship. He died from tuberculosis at the age of 71. The Native Americans he ministered wept at his death out of their love for him. Junipero Serra was beatified by Pope St. John Paul II in 1988 and canonized by Pope Francis during his trip to the United States in 2015, the first canonization Mass to ever take place on American soil. His feast day is July 1st. Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 379 Reading 1 Amos 5:14-15, 21-24 Seek good and not evil, that you may live; Then truly will the LORD, the God of hosts, be with you as you claim! Hate evil and love good, and let justice prevail at the gate; Then it may be that the LORD, the God of hosts, will have pity on the remnant of Joseph.I hate, I spurn your feasts, says the LORD, I take no pleasure in your solemnities; Your cereal offerings I will not accept, nor consider your stall-fed peace offerings. Away with your noisy songs! I will not listen to the melodies of your harps. But if you would offer me burnt offerings, then let justice surge like water, and goodness like an unfailing stream. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 50:7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 16bc-17 R. (23b) To the upright I will show the saving power of God. “Hear, my people, and I will speak; Israel, I will testify against you; God, your God, am I.” R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God. “Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you, for your burnt offerings are before me always. I take from your house no bullock, no goats out of your fold.” R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God. “For mine are all the animals of the forests, beasts by the thousand on my mountains. I know all the birds of the air, and whatever stirs in the plains, belongs to me.” R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God. “If I were hungry, I should not tell you, for mine are the world and its fullness. Do I eat the flesh of strong bulls, or is the blood of goats my drink?” R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God. “Why do you recite my statutes, and profess my covenant with your mouth, Though you hate discipline and cast my words behind you?” R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God. Alleluia James 1:18 R. Alleluia, alleluia. The Father willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Matthew 8:28-34 When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by that road. They cried out, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?” Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding. The demons pleaded with him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine.” And he said to them, “Go then!” They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned. The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district. Praise to You Oh Lord Jesus Christ! From Word Among Us WAU.org Daily Meditation: Amos 5:14-15, 21-24 Seek good and not evil, that you may live. (Amos 5:14) The Israelites thought they were doing well, especially since they were performing the prescribed worship of the Lord. But their worship wasn’t having much effect on their hearts: the rich continued to oppress the poor as injustice grew in the land. So God sent his prophet Amos to tell them that their ceremonies were not acceptable if, at the same time, they were treating their neighbors unfairly. Loving God necessarily meant loving their neighbor. “Seek good and not evil,” Amos urged, “that you may live” (5:14). These words might remind us of a conversation between Jesus and a scribe in which Jesus says that if the scribe loves God and his neighbor, he “will live” (Luke 10:28). It’s as if Jesus is deliberately quoting Amos’ call to seek good, “that you may live” (Amos 5:14)! That you may live. We may be trying to do the right things, but are we doing the things that will help us live? The things that will bring us joy and purpose in this life and with God in the next? God is calling us to “seek good.” He is calling us to actively look for ways we can build up our loved ones and relieve other people’s suffering. If we love them, we are loving the Lord. And if we are loving the Lord, we are opening ourselves to his gift of life—a life lived to the full, a life filled with his Spirit, a life that changes other people’s lives for the good. So take the time to listen to a friend who is struggling, and offer to pray with them. Invite a coworker out for coffee, and let them sense how valuable they are to the Lord. Show up with some groceries at the door of a neighbor with financial troubles—or invite them over for dinner. Seek good! Love the Lord and love your neighbor! It’s the most joy-filled, fulfilling life you’ll ever know! “Lord, help me to seek and do good to others.” Psalm 50:7-13, 16-17 Matthew 8:28-34 Reflections with Brother Adrian: Hear 2 Cents Audio From today's Holy Gospel: "..The demons pleaded with him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine.” And he said to them, “Go then!” They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned. The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district. .. ” From Roberto Juarez: "Today's Gospel presents us with two opposing attitudes. On the one hand, two enslaved men who find true freedom in Christ. On the other, a people who, for fear of losing their securities, prefer that Jesus leave. We too must choose every day. Do we want Christ to really enter our lives? Are we willing to let His presence transform our hearts, even if it means giving up? Let us ask the Lord for the grace not to be afraid of his nearness. May we never put our interests before their presence. May He deliver us from all the bondage of sin. And that, unlike those inhabitants of Gadara, we may always know how to say to him with joy: "Lord, stay with us. Do not turn away from our lives, for you alone have the words of eternal life." end quote. The story of the demoniacs approaching our Lord is an eye opener. If only all demoniacs approached our Lord like them! The world would be different, amen? But, today, silence is a killer. People don't want to speak up. People don't want to speak openly about faith topics. Evil loves weak...silence. But our Lord does not remains silent, and this is how it will be until the end of the world...why? Because Jesus is KING, God incarnate forever. In with us. Literally in us. And so we have much to learn from today's holy Gospel. We see people that cast out Jesus because He cast out demons from their village. So who was really possessed in the story? It is an eye opener, isn't it? Why did they send Him away and made Him feel unwelcome? All we can deduce from context clues is that they saw their crop, their herds, their income, their lives based on their income, which is money, affected them so much that they wanted this miracle worker out of their lives, because their lives were set on something else....Mammon, the god of money. They preferred swine than our Lord. And so Our Lord reminds us that we are not to throw pearls to swine, and why? They cannot value the pearl, and the pearl will get ruined among them. Are we throwing our lives away? Are we spending our oil of our lamps on ourselves? Where do you spend your time mostly? With our Lord? Where do you spend your money mostly? Is it on our Lord's good will? How are you spending your talents? Are they investments for your kingdom...or God's Holy Will Kingdom? And what about our evil spirits that do not desire Him in our lives truly? Sin keeps us from Loving Him truly. We've much to learn from this Gospel. It wasn't just those two demoniacs we are dealing with here...there is much more than meets the eye. The harvest is immense...the willing are few. Let us sacrifice our time, doing God's will...praying as a family, as a community, giving as a family, as a community, we are a whole...the very Body of Christ! Click for Audio Random Bible Verse 1 2 Timothy 2:15 "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,1 a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." 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 ©2026 Going4th | Andrews TX Preferences   Subscribe   Forward   Unsubscribe     Powered by GoDaddy Email Marketing ®