If you would be ashamed to sign your name to your conversation, don't say it.
Lord, my words can have far reaching effects. May the effect always be good.
S C R I P T U R E S F O R T H E D A Y
On that day your flock will be given pasture and the lamb will graze in
spacious meadows; The oxen and the as ses that till the ground will eat
silage tossed to them with shovel and pitchfork. Upon every high mountain
and lofty hill there will be streams of running water. ~Isaiah 30:19-21,
23-26
Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, "Go to the lost
sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: 'The
Kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse
lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you
are to give." ~Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8
M E D I T A T I O N F O R T H E D A Y
We continue with Isaiah's dream . a peaceable kingdom of plenty of food,
provisions and justice for all. In today's Gospel too, Jesus provides for
the lost sheep of the house of Israel. The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!
P R A Y E R F O R T H E D A Y
I pray that I may not only trust that Isaiah's dream will come to pass,
but that I may work to bring it about. I pray too, that I may always be
involved in bringing about the fullness of God's kingdom.
Hello my friends! Hope you all had a very blessed Sunday! Ours started out very early this morning. I got up around 4 because I had some soreness in my leg and it felt better to be out of bed, I made coffee at five - and we had our coffee early, then we went to Mass at 7:30 in our old town because it was the Anniversary of Linus' sister's husband's death and she had a Mass for him, so we all went to the Mass and breakfast at her place, everyone was there, all his brothers and sisters and spouses, - good breakfast, two different kinds of quiches and breads, salads, Christmas candy, just a whole lot of food! Lots of visiting and after we got home, we took a nap, and then Lori and Linus with Sammy picked out two Christmas trees - and we all went to her house to set it up, and she made a delicious supper for us! Glad she is feeling better! So our whole day was blessed! Please remember Nick in your prayers - Lori heard from Elicia that now he has pneumonia. We are praying hard for that man - we don't know even what he looks like, but that's doesn't matter.
At 8 tomorrow morning Father Matthew is coming for pancakes, I'll make him apple pancakes. Then in the afternoon I'm sure I'll be at Lori's office.
Praying for all of you for all of your needs and desires. O Lord, hear our prayer.
FIVE WAYS TO HAVE A MORE JOYFUL CHRISTMAS
1. STOP, LOOK, AND LISTEN:
If you discover yourself becoming dulled to the joys of the season, STOP! Slow the pace down and become still, taking time to LOOK and LISTEN. Take a winter walk, curl up in a favorite chair or before the fireplace. Helen Keller once observed, "The seeing see little." So feel the comfort of the glow of a candle, or the red of the poinsettias. Listen with new ears to laughter and bells, and to the expression of love of found in the story of the first Christmas.
2. BE WILLING TO BE SURPRISED:
Remember that God can come in the least likely ways - a Holy Child born in a village stable, a brightly shining star, an angel song in the night sky. Watch for Him to come in equally surprising ways to you, too. When we live as if God is going to "surprise" us at any moment, in any way, in any place, then He usually does!
3. FIND WAYS TO ANTICIPATE CHRISTMAS:
How about keeping an advent calendar? Commit yourself to perform at least one special act of kindness for each day of advent. Write a note, letter, card or e-mail to someone to express your gratitude, to tell someone you love them, to forgive an old hurt, or just to count your blessings.
4. FREE YOUR CHILDLIKE SPIRIT:
Jesus held up childlikeness as a quality to be cultivated (Mark 10:15). Children are experts at dreaming up simple things as delights that adults don't, or have forgotten how to do. Can't you picture a little boy singing "Jingle Bells" to a plastic Jesus in a store? Christmas often comes in precious moments like this, when we spontaneously show our adoration for the Baby in the manger.
5. SHARE THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS WITH SOMEONE ELSE:
Nothing multiplies the sense of wonder in your life like giving it away. The more you share (not just things, but yourself) the brighter Christmas grows.
I hope that these simple steps will help you, or someone you can share these with, keep the wonder and excitement of Christmas alive during this busy season.
Just remember that "Jesus is the reason for the season."
THE BIBLE & THE COAL BASKET
Author Unknown
December 5, 2010
The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains
of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning, Grandpa was
up early sitting at the kitchen table reading from his old worn-out
Bible.
His grandson who wanted to be just like him tried to imitate him in
any way he could. One day the grandson asked, "Papa, I try to read the
Bible just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do
understand I forget as
soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bible do?" The
Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said,
"Take this coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of
water." The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked
out before he could get back to the house.
The grandfather laughed and said, "You will have to move a little
faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to
try again.
This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he
returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was
"impossible to carry water in a basket," and he went to get a bucket
instead. The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a
basket of water. You can do this. You're just not trying hard enough,"
and he went out the door to watch the boy try again. At this point,
the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather
that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out
before he got far at all. The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but
when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty.
Out of breath, he said, "See Papa, it's useless!"
"So you think it is useless?" The old man said, "Look at the basket."
The boy looked at the basket and for the first time he realized that
the basket looked different. Instead of a dirty old coal basket, it
was clean. "Son, that's what happens when you read the Bible. You
might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it
will change you from the inside out.
That is the work of God in our lives.
To change us from the inside out and to slowly transform us into the
image of His son.
Take time to read a portion of God's word each day.
Try Something Different
I'm sitting in a quiet room at the Milcroft Inn, a peaceful little place hidden back among the pine trees about an hour out of Toronto. It's just past noon, late July, and I'm listening to the desperate sounds of a life-or-death struggle going on a few feet away.
There's a small fly burning out the last of its short life's energies in a futile attempt to fly through the glass of the window pane. The whining wings tell the poignant story of the fly's strategy: Try harder.
But it's not working.
The frenzied effort offers no hope for survival. Ironically, the struggle is part of the trap. It is impossible for the fly to try hard enough to succeed at breaking through the glass. Nevertheless, this little insect has staked its life on reaching its goal through raw effort and determination.
This fly is doomed. It will die there on the windowsill.
Across the room, ten steps away, the door is open. Ten seconds of flying time and this small creature could reach the outside world it seeks. With only a fraction of the effort now being wasted, it could be free of this self-imposed trap. The breakthrough possibility is there. It would be so easy.
Why doesn't the fly try another approach, something dramatically different? How did it get so locked in on the idea that this particular route and determined effort offer the most promise for success? What logic is there in continuing until death to seek a breakthrough with more of the same?
No doubt this approach makes sense to the fly. Regrettably, it's an idea that will kill.
Trying harder isn't necessarily the solution to achieving more. It may not offer any real promise for getting what you want out of life. Sometimes, in fact, it's a big part of the problem.
If you stake your hopes for a breakthrough on trying harder than ever, you may kill your chances for success.
(Price Pritchett)
- - -
Lord of the past, Thanks for the blessings you have given me.
Lord of the present, be with me now.
Lord of the future, guide my steps in your ways.
The Barber
A man went to a barber-shop to have his hair and his beard cut as always. He started to have a good conversation with the barber who attended him. They talked about various things and various subjects. Suddenly, they touched the subject of God.
The barber said: "Look man, I don't believe that God exists as you say."
"Why do you say that?" asked the client.
"Well, it's so easy, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God does not exist. Oh, tell me, if God existed, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be no suffering nor pain. I can't think of loving a God who permits all of these things."
The client stopped for a moment, thinking, but he didn't want to respond so as not to cause an argument. The barber finished his job and the client went out of the shop. Just as he got out of the barber shop he saw a man in the street with long and unkempt hair and beard (it looked like it had been a long time since he had his cut, and he looked so untidy).
The client entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber:
"You know what? Barbers do not exist."
"How can you say they don't exist?" asked the barber. "I am a barber and here I am, I exist!"
"No!" the client exclaimed. "They don't exist because if they did there would be no people with long hair and beard like that man on the street." "Ah, barbers do exist, what happens is that people do not come to me."
"Exactly!" affirmed the client. "That's the point. God does exist, what happens is people don't go to Him and do not look for Him.
That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."
It Hurts, Mommy
A mother rushes her three-year-old child to the local
emergency room after she realizes her son is acting
disorientated. The pediatrician, after a few initial tests,
informs the mother her son is suffering from a severe
insulin attack.
"Your child has juvenile diabetes," hurriedly states the
doctor. "We will need to act fast before his blood becomes
completely toxic and he lapses into a coma." The baby boy,
still disoriented, begins to scream as these strangers attempt
to draw blood, administer medicine, and insert an IV, all
involving numerous needles. At the first hint of pain, the
boy kicks wildly and screams.
Nurses race to hold the child's arms and legs down so
others can locate veins and insert needles. The mother tries
to calm the boy, saying, "Mommy's here. It will be okay
sweetie. The doctor is going to make you feel better."
The little boy, still being held down and prodded, looks
into his mother's eyes and cries out, "Mommy, it hurts!
These people are hurting me! Make them stop!" The mother
knows it is the only way to save her son.
There are times when we become disoriented. We
experience the intense pains of life. We cry out in
desperation, "God, it hurts! I don't understand what is
happening here! Please, God, make it stop!"
And in true form, with infinite wisdom and grace, the
Creator of the Universe whispers confidently to us, "I know
you are hurting. Though you are in grief and pain, I will
show you compassion. My love for you is unfailing
(Lamentations 3:32)."
In times of affliction and suffering, it is a comfort to
know you have unlimited access to the God of all
understanding and comfort. God knows "the way that you
take". Following His steps, treasure His words, and you
will "come forth as gold" (Job 23:10-12). Trust in His
power, that in ALL things, God will work them for the
good of those who love him (Romans 8:28)."
Build a Spiritual Crib
Our greatest glory lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall!
The following directions show you how to build a spiritual crib in your heart for Christ. Use it to put Christ into your Christmas in a real, living way. Read the thought indicated about Christ's first crib.
Practice it during the day. Do this daily during December and make your heart a worthy crib for Christ on Christmas Day.
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DEC.1 - THE STABLE
Frequently during the day offer your heart to the little Infant Jesus. Ask Him to make it His home. - Sweet Jesus, take my heart and make it meek and pure.
DEC.2 - THE ROOF
See that the roof of the stable is in good condition, so that the Infant Jesus is protected from rain and snow. This you will do by carefully avoiding every uncharitable remark. --Jesus, teach me to love my neighbor as myself.
DEC.3 - CREVICES
Carefully stop every crevice in the walls of the stable, so that the wind and cold may not enter there. Guard your senses against temptations. Guard especially your ears against sinful conversations.--Jesus, help me to keep temptations out of my heart.
DEC.4 - COBWEBS
Clean the cobwebs from your spiritual crib. Diligently remove from your heart every inordinate desire of being praised. Renew this intention at least three times today. --My Jesus, I want to please You in all I do today.
DEC.5 - FENCE
Build a fence about the crib of your heart by keeping a strict watch over your eyes, especially at prayer. --Sweet Jesus, I long to see You.
DEC.6 - MANGER
Fix the best and warmest corner of your heart for the manger of Jesus. You will do so by abstaining from what you like most in the line of comfort and amusement. --Mary, use these sacrifices to prepare my heart for Jesus in Holy Communion
DEC.7 - HAY
Supply the manger of your heart with hay, by overcoming all feelings of pride, anger or envy. Jesus, teach me to know and correct my greatest sins.
DEC.8 - SOFT STRAW
Also provide your manger with soft straw by performing little acts of mortification; for instance, bear the cold without complaints; or sit and stand erect. --Dear Jesus, Who suffered so much for me, let me suffer for love of You.
DEC.9 - SWADDLING CLOTHES
Prepare these for the Divine Infant by folding your hands when you pray, and praying slowly and thoughtfully. --Jesus let me love you more and more.
DEC.10 - BLANKETS
Provide the manger of your with soft warm blankets. Avoid harsh and angry words; be kind and gentle to all. --Jesus, help me to be meek and humble like You.
DEC.11 - FUEL
Bring fuel to the crib of Jesus. Give up your own will; obey your superiors cheerfully and promptly. --Jesus, let me do Your will in all things
DEC.12- WATER
Bring fresh clean water to the crib. Avoid every untruthful word and every deceitful act. --Dearest Mary, obtain for me true contrition for my sins.
DEC.13 - PROVISIONS
Bring a supply of food to the crib. Deprive yourself of some food at mealtime or candy as a treat. --Jesus, be my strength and nourishment.
DEC.14 - LIGHT
See that the crib has sufficient light. Be neat and orderly about your person; keep everything in its place in your room. --Jesus, be the life and light of my soul.
DEC.15 - FIRE
Take care to have the crib of your heart warmed by a cozy fire. Be grateful to God for the love He has shown us in becoming man; behave with grateful respect towards your parents and relatives. -- Jesus, how can I return Your love; how can I show my gratitude to You?
DEC.16 - THE OX
Lead the ox to the crib. Obey cheerfully without making excuses and without asking "why." --I will obey for love of You, Jesus.
DEC.17 - THE DONKEY
Bring the donkey to the crib. Offer to the Divine Infant your bodily strength; use it in the service of others. --Jesus, accept my service of love; I offer it for those who do not love You.
DEC.18 - GIFTS
Gather some presents for the Divine Infant and His Blessed Mother. Give alms for the poor and say an extra decade of the rosary. --Come, Jesus, to accept my gifts and to take possession of my heart.
DEC.19 - LAMBS
Strive to bring some little lambs, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like Yours.
DEC.20 - SHEPHERDS
Invite the shepherds to pay homage to our newborn King. Imitate their watchfulness; stress in your speech and thoughts the idea that Christmas is important because Jesus will be born again in you. Jesus, teach me to love You above all things.
DEC.21 - THE KEY
Provide the stable with a key to keep out thieves. Exclude from your heart every sinful thought, every rash judgment --Dear Jesus, close my heart to all that hurts you.
DEC.22 - ANGELS
Invite the angels to adore God with you. Cheerfully obey the inspirations of your guardian angel and of your conscience. -- Holy Guardian Angel, never let me forget that You are with me always.
DEC.23 - ST. JOSEPH
Accompany Saint Joseph from door to door. Learn from him silently and patiently to bear refusals and disappointments. Open wide your heart and beg Him to enter with the Blessed Virgin Mary. --Saint Joseph, help me to prepare for a worthy Christmas Communion.
DEC.24 - THE BLESSED VIRGIN
Go meet your Blessed Mother. Lead her to the manger of your heart and beg her to lay the Divine Infant in it. Shorten your chats and telephone conversations and spend more time today thinking of Jesus and Mary and Joseph. --Come, dear Jesus, Come; my heart belongs to You. "Devotions in Preparation for the Coming of the Christ child, and at the Crib, from Christmas to Purification"
With that, I'll say Good night and Sweet Dreams!! May your Monday be blessed and peaceful in every way!!
God bless you all! Enjoy the Gift of God's Day!!
Closing prayer:
Advent Prayer
Father in heaven, our hearts desire the warmth of Your love and our minds are searching for the light of Your Word. Increase our longing for Christ our Savior and give us the strength to grow in love, that the dawn of His coming may find us rejoicing in His presence and welcoming the light of His truth. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.
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