Philippians 2:1-4, Psalm 131:1-3, Luke 14:12-14

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples,

and you will know the truth, says the Lord. Jn 8:31-32

Philippians 2:1-4, Psalm 131:1-3, Luke 14:12-14

Philippians 2:1-4

My soul's beloved, You who are the great I AM have shown us what it means to truly love. John the apostle and evangelist as well as St. Paul speak of the true nature of love which is the nature of God Himself. Love does not place the good of self before the good of the other. We are called to love one another as You have loved us. You lay down Your life for us in love and we in turn are called to lay down our life for one another. It is in dying that we are born to eternal life in You. In his beautiful hymn to love St. Paul reminds us that love is not proud, it is not boastful, it is not conceited, it seeks its own interest. Love readily forgives. Love makes excuses the frailties of others. God is Love and You invite us to love as You do.

Psalm 131:1-3

My soul's beloved, all the great Saints have discovered that it is in being truly little that they are able to grasp the greatness of God. When we understand how insignificant we are before the great I AM whom the heavens cannot contain and the earth is a mere footstool, we who are less than a puff of wind, here today and gone tomorrow, we will recognize that all our striving for the things of earth that are transient is precious time wasted and will never return. However, if like St. Therese of Lisieux, and St. Francis of Assisi we become the least in the Kingdom of God we will have found true peace, content to rest on the breast of the Son of God as the disciple of love did. Help me my soul's beloved with the help of the Holy Spirit to truly recognize my nothingness before You.

Luke 14:12-14

My soul's beloved, today in all the readings of the Holy Mass, we are reminded of the value of being truly humble, truly loving and giving without seeking to receive in return. The world teaches us to cultivate relationships in high places, with those with influence, wealth and power. Those we are eager to help so they in turn will help us. The world largely ignores, or is blind to the poor, the weak, the helpless, the powerless. They are pushed further and further away to the periphery and beyond lest they disturb us with their poverty, their stench, their piteous cries for help. Let us remember the stern, words we will hear at the time of our judgment, if we fail to help those less privileged than ourselves, "Whatever you did to the least of these little ones, you did it to Me." 

Wisdom 11:22 - 12:2, Psalm 145:1-2, 8-11, 13-14, 2 Thess 1:11-2:2, Luke 19:1-10

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

God so loved the world that he gave his only Son
so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life. Jn 3:16

Wisdom 11:22 - 12:2, Psalm 145:1-2, 8-11, 13-14, 2 Thess 1:11-2:2, Luke 19:1-10

Wisdom 11:22 - 12:2

My soul's beloved, God created all that is in the universe, there is not one created things that was not called into existence by His Eternal Word. He breathed His Spirit into all life and He fashioned all things according to His design. The Wisdom of God and His power holds all things together in perfect harmony. All that lives is because God desires it. It is God who created us from nothing giving us a future and a hope. He knows that we are frail, sinful, weak and in His mercy He has put within us a great hunger for His love that none but You can satisfy. He makes grace upon grace available to us so we can repent, be forgiven. We deserved eternal death but because You love us You would not permit us to perish instead He sent You who love us just as the Father does, to save us. Thank You my soul's beloved for forgiveness of sins in the beautiful Sacrament of Reconciliation and for the words of healing, grace, love and  peace that flow from it.

Psalm 145:1-2, 8-11, 13-14

My soul's beloved grant that I may live to praise You always for You dwell in the praises of those who love You. Thank You for always being gracious and merciful. Thank You for never tiring of forgiving me although I transgress and fall so many times each day. Thank You for Your great compassion for me for You know that I am weak and frail and in need of the grace and strength You make available to me each day. Thank You for all the beauty and splendor of Your creation all around me they prompt me to be aware of You and fill my whole being with gratitude and praise. Thank You for seeking me, for finding me, for lifting me up, for consoling me and for restoring all that I had lost because of my sins.  Keep me close to You all the days of my life.

2 Thess 1:11-2:2

My soul's beloved, St. Paul reminds us that we are called to pray for one another, to intercede for each other, to uphold each other in our prayers. To make the joys and sorrows of each of our brothers and sisters our own. To help each other in our calling to love and serve you all our days. We are called to encourage one another as we grow in faith. We are called to assemble together to praise, worship, and give thanks as we offer to the Father the only acceptable Sacrifice pleasing to Him in accordance with His will. We are called to spread the Good News and not to allow ourselves to be troubled by anything but to remain steadfast in faith, hope and love filled with Your Holy Spirit as we stay close to Mother Church who will keep us safe from all false teachings until You come again in glory.

Luke 19:1-10

My soul's beloved, Mercy is Your Name and You came to seek and save those who would otherwise die in their sins and be lost eternally. We encounter Your mercy always. No matter how great our sins or how many, You love us as You loved Zacchaeus. He was a tax collector, a public sinner, ostracized by his fellow Jews. He was physically and spiritually little. But You came especially for those who know their poverty of spirit and are aware of their need of a Savior because they cannot save themselves. 

Zacchaeus was eager to see You having heard so much about You. How many of us my Lord are prepared to look ridiculous like Zacchaeus. just so long as they can have a glimpse of You. All it required was for him to take that small step and You took the rest. You deliberately stopped right under the branch of the tree where he had perched himself. You called him by name, You asked him to come down because You wanted to have a closer, deeper relationship with him whom every one else shunned. You wanted to enter his home and share a meal with him and his family and Zacchaeus was so  overwhelmed with Your kindness, Your graciousness and love that he contrite of heart was prompted to make amends for past sins, was forgiven, and was restored to a right relationship with God. 

Thank You for reminding us today that You came not for the righteous but for sinners.

Philippians 1: 18-26, Psalm 42:2-3, 5, Luke 14:1, 7-11

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Take my yoke and learn from me
for I am meek and humble of heart. Mt.11:29


Philippians 1: 18-26, Psalm 42:2-3, 5, Luke 14:1, 7-11


Philippians 1: 18-26

My soul's beloved, to rejoice in all things is a gift granted to those who truly believe. To be able to rejoice and give thanks in all the circumstances of our life, and most of all in our struggles is a gift indeed. St. Paul truly understood what a privilege it was that he was chosen as an apostle to the Gentiles, he was aware of the treasures he preached when he preached the Gospel. He experienced the joy of bringing many to true knowledge of You and they in turn brought others to believe. I have not been called to preach and teach in the same way that St. Paul, but I have been given the mission to spread the Good News where I am. I am called to shed Your Light and Your love in the way I live, in the way I speak, in all that I do in public and in secret. I am called to be an authentic witness to those who are within the circle of my influence. That is all You ask of Me. To be preach the Gospel in season and out of season, whether I am seen or not confident that my life whether in life or in death will glorify You. 

Psalm 42:2-3, 5

My soul's beloved, to do the will of the Father was food and drink to You. On the Cross as You cried out, "I thirst." Grant me this thirst my most beloved. A thirst to do Your will in all things, every moment of my life. To check the haughty retort, to serve with humility, to be patient when my patience is tested. To speak gently. Not to judge others in a self-righteous spirit. May I seize every opportunity I can to come before You with the rest of the faithful to celebrate the Holy Eucharist offering to God the only Sacrifice pleasing to Him. To praise Him for the awesome Gift of His Son as food and drink for our souls. Grant that Your Holy Spirit give me an unquenchable thirst for You always.

Luke 14:1, 7-11

My soul's beloved, it is in the fallen nature of human beings to be selfish. To seek the best for ourselves and to shove and push our way to the top and once there we do all in our power to stay there. But You show us another way. The way of humility. One who is humble is always at peace. Prepared to let others take what they wish and content to take what is left over. This is hard. We want to be recognized, feted, acknowledged, thanked, take the place of honor and we become disappointed, hurt, sad, angry, resentful, when these are denied us. We become bitter and we refuse to serve because we have been ignored and overlooked. 

You have taught us that to be joyful always is to become a servant to all. You taught by example, this is why God has exalted You and given You a Name that is above every other. 

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,

but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Jesus, meek and humble of heart make my heart like unto Thine.

Ephesians 2:19-22, Psalm 19-2-5, Luke 6:12-16

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

We praise you, O God,
we acclaim you as Lord;
the glorious company of Apostles praise you. -Te Deum

FEAST OF SAINTS SIMON AND JUDE - APOSTLES 

Ephesians 2:19-22, Psalm 19-2-5, Luke 6:12-16

Ephesians 2:19-22

My soul's beloved, how can I thank You enough for the gift of faith, the gift of baptism, the gift of being Catholic. I owe this awesome gift to the Apostles, the martyrs, the missionaries, the holy ones who took the message of the Gospel that You, the Son of God was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, became Man, for our sake was crucified and died and rose again. You are now seated in glory at the right hand of the Father and to You is given all dominion, authority and power. Taking upon Yourself the death that was ours You gave us Your life that we might live forever with You in eternity. 

Because they preached the Gospel in season and out of season I have received the free gift of salvation and have been counted among those who receive this awesome privilege of being born in a Catholic home and raised Catholic having access to all the graces that are freely granted through the Sacraments. I am a member of the household of God, built on the foundation of the Apostles and prophets of which You my soul's beloved are the cornerstone. Your love holds us all together and we are made temples of God wherein Your Spirit makes His home. 

This is why the Church honors the Apostles who lay down their lives in imitation of You as they carried with them, the light of the Gospel and set the world on fire with Your love.

Psalm 19-2-5

My soul's beloved, the Father loves You so much that He created all things for Your glory and You in turn love the Father so greatly that You gladly, in perfect obedience, do all that the Father asks of You even to the laying down of Your life for His unworthy creatures. You are the Living Word of God and this Word is alive, powerful, beautiful. It is evident in nature, in the universe, on earth. Everything that lives is the work of the Word - day and night the world sings Your praise and we are privileged to add our own praises to that of nature on earth and the glorious ones in heaven - the angels and the saints.

The greatest works are brought forth in celestial silence and the beauty and the majesty of the Gospel continues its saving work even if we are blind and deaf to it. This is God's world, created by Him, redeemed by You and is constantly being sanctified by the Holy Spirit until You come again to claim what is Your Own.

Luke 6:12-16

My soul's beloved, all the greatest things that are accomplished are wrought by prayer. Help me never to forget it. Help me to pray constantly so that everything I do, think and say is in perfect accord with Your will. Help me to do all that You created me to do even if it is nothing spectacular like the Apostles but to be always the little, insignificant handmaid of Your handmaid who said, "I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to your will."

Ephesians 6:10-20, Psalms 144:1-2, 9-10, Luke 13:31-35

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.

Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests. Lk 19:38;  2:14

Ephesians 6:10-20, Psalms 144:1-2, 9-10, Luke 13:31-35

Ephesians 6:10-20

My soul's beloved, St. Paul tells us how we can battle effectively against the powers of darkness which is presently casting its evil all over the world. We see death, destruction, division, everywhere. We live in a culture of death in our thoughts, words, and actions and death is celebrated everywhere - the death of morality, of holiness, of perseverance in virtue. All that is truly good, noble, pure, chaste, prudent is laughed at and scorned. In order to preserve ourselves from this pollution and resist evil we must put on the armor of God. The armor of truth, righteousness, faith, the salvation that You have won for us, the power and might of the Spirit and the Word of God which can cut through bone and marrow to the spirit. We are called to prayer and intercede always and everywhere for those who are actively involved in missionary work all over the world. For those who have given up a life in the world to obey Your call to serve as Your anointed ministers, and as religious men and women who live by the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience in order to make up for the excess in the world.

Just as St. Paul asks for the power to speak boldly, so grant us this same power - not to hold back timidly but to open our mouth in defense of the truth trusting the words will be given to us. Let us consider ourselves as prisoners of love as we do our part in ensuring that all experience Your merciful love and thus come to be saved.

Psalms 144:1-2, 9-10

My soul's beloved, You are my Rock, my Fortress, my Deliverer. You are my hiding place. You train me every day to fight the good fight and to run the race with fortitude. When I am weak You make me strong. When I want to give up You encourage me to go on. The prize is not won by the fainthearted but the valiant. I am weak Lord You know it and I know it this is why I must always cling to You. With You and in You all things are possible but without You I will die. Thank You for Your grace freely poured out at every Sacrament and each time I receive You in the Holy Eucharist. 

You put a song of praise in my  heart, You give me hope, You supply peace in midst of the adversity and courage when I have none. You walk with me always and You will remain with me all my days and deliver me from the wiles of the devil. Thank You,

Luke 13:31-35

My soul's beloved, it is hard to be courageous in the face of grave danger and threat to our lives but here You teach us to trust that no harm will come to us unless the appointed hour has arrived to glorify God. In life as in death we belong to You and we carry out the mission granted to us in season and out of season. We must never tire of loving and carrying out our duties in love for as long as this day lasts. 

You knew that unless Your mission was complete the enemy had no power over You so You continued doing what the Father sent You to do, You were also aware that You had not yet come to the place where all prophets before You were killed. You had not come yet to Jerusalem.  You knew the fate that awaited You there and yet You mourned lovingly over it and over those who would pursue You relentlessly until they killed You. In doing so they were bringing about that hour in which the Son of Man would be raised between heaven and earth and become the bridge, the gateway that made it possible for us to enter heaven.

Ephesians 6:1-9, Psalm 145:10-14, Luke 13:22-30

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

God has called us through the Gospel
to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thess 2:14


Ephesians 6:1-9, Psalm 145:10-14, Luke 13:22-30

Ephesians 6:1-9

My soul's beloved, our whole life must be one that is trained in obedience from our earliest years beginning with obedience to our parents and as we go through life obedience to those in authority over us. We in turn when having authority over others beginning with our role as parents we are called to exercise that authority with wisdom in order that we may raise our children in the knowledge of God. In the work place we are called to work with honor and with sincerity for while we work for a human person we must in fact work as if we were working for God in this way we will strive to work to the best of our ability to please Him. We will be called to give an account of how well we have discharged our duties as children, parents, workers under the authority of others, and as having authority ourselves over others. In all things we must never forget that in the end it is God alone whom we serve. Let us do so with fear and trembling because You my soul's beloved showed us how to lay down our lives in the service other others.   

Psalm 145:10-14

My soul's beloved, everything around me speaks to me of You. It moves me to praise and glorify You in all things. The sky, the soft, cool breeze as the hot winds of summer slowly mellow before the arrival of winter cold. The beautiful azure sky, the sound of the sparrows chirping sweetly in perfect harmony. The warmth of  friendship. The love and laughter of spouse and children. Life is beautiful despite the ugliness that mars our world. If we keep our focus firmly on You, remembering always that our goal in this life is to view all things through the perspective of the Gospel and the destiny that awaits all who know You, love You and serve You joyfully in this life.  Taking heart that no matter how faithless and wicked the world is,  You my soul's beloved are always faithful and that we are never alone for You remain close to us who cling to You for help as You constantly stoop over us and sustain us with Your life and love. Thank You.

Luke 13:22-30

My soul's beloved, today's Gospel is a warning to us who believe that because we know You we will be granted entry into Your Presence. Mere knowledge of You means nothing. You call us to imitate You. It is not enough to go about bustling through life, making a big noise over the work we do, the prayers we say, the prayer meetings we attend, all our sermonizing, and self-righteous nit picking of others we consider less than ourselves because their shortcomings are visible and ours are carefully hidden from the sight of the world. To us you will say, when we find the door closed against us, "I do no know you, depart from Me." 

Help me my soul's beloved, to recognize that I am nothing without You and without the grace and help You pour upon me each day. Without You and Your merciful love I would die in my sins and be lost forever. Stay with Me Lord all the days of my life so I too may be numbered among those who recline at table with You in the Kingdom. Help to realize that I am in truth Your own little nothing only with You raising me and making me one with You does my own life have meaning and purpose.

Ephesians 5:21-33, Psalm 128:1-4, Luke 13:18-21

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Blessed are you Father, Lord of heaven and earth;

You have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom. Mt 11:25

Ephesians 5:21-33, Psalm 128:1-4, Luke 13:18-21

Ephesians 5:21-33

My soul's beloved, to ask a wife to be subordinate to her husband in this present age is anathema simply because the concept of marriage has not been understood as Paul explains it in these verses. To be subordinate is not to be subservient or servile. Paul does not say that the two are unequal. However, what he does say is that a truly mature man will understand  that in the yielding of his wife to him in love, in total surrender and trust, does not belittle her in any way for he recognizes that she is bone of his bone, and flesh of his flesh and therefore he is willing to lay down his life for her as You lay down Your life for Your Church which is Your Body. A husband is called to be Christ to his wife. He loves her most tenderly, he cares for her as if it were himself he cares for. The Sacrament of Matrimony is a great gift in which grace is made available always to help both husband and wife to love, honor, and cherish each other in good times and bad, through all the vicissitudes of life, until death parts them. Without the help of God it would not possible - but with You as the third partner in a marriage it is for we are members of Your Body and it is You who binds us and makes us truly one.

For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother

and be joined to his wife,

and the two shall become one flesh.

This is a great mystery,

but I speak in reference to Christ and the Church.

In any case, each one of you should love his wife as himself,

and the wife should respect her husband.

Psalm 128:1-4

My soul's beloved, You will grant favor upon favor to those who love You and walk in the way of truth. The light it sheds makes clear their path as they walk in freedom as children of God. Those who come together in the Sacrament of Marriage, are granted every grace and blessing they need to live joyous, fruitful lives. A good wife is a jewel in the crown of her husband. A loving, faithful, and generous wife enables her husband to be the man that God created him to be. Their children are a blessing for they grow in grace in the warmth of love of their parents in a home where You are always present.

Luke 13:18-21

My soul's beloved, the Kingdom of God must have its beginnings in every Christian home. The mustard seed of love is planted in the garden of the home. Here it is nurtured, cherished, guarded, from the wiles of the enemy that is constantly attacking the home bringing division, discord, divorce, and treating children like commodities, selfish about their sacred duty in raising their sons and daughters as children who belong to God first. However, through grace, poured upon both husband and wife in the Sacrament of Matrimony, both man and wife are bountiful in love and are prepared to lay down their lives for each other and most especially for their children who are the fruit of their love. In such a home there is room for all as they are open to all that God desires of them. They are a blessing to the world and to the Church, for they are witness to what the Kingdom of God is like and a world where every family is a mustard seed of the Family of God, then truly the Kingdom of God is among us.

Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18, Psalm 34:2-3, 17-19, 23, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14

Daily Holy Mass Readings

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ,

and entrusting to us the message of salvation. 2 Cor 5:19

Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18, Psalm 34:2-3, 17-19, 23, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, 

Luke 18:9-14

Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18

My soul's beloved, I love the book of Sirach and all that he says in these verses are made manifest in You as You act in perfect accordance with the desire of the Father. But to us is revealed that God is love even while it is also perfectly true that You are a God of justice. However, before we speak of justice we must know that God's nature is love this is why His ear is attuned to the weak, the poor, the marginalized, the outcast, the widow, the orphan, the deaf, the mute, the cripple, the leper, and those whom the world has crushed through indifference. 

You saw everything. Even while the crowds pressed around You clamoring to be healed, to be heard, or just to listen to You teach, You were able to recognize the ones who were most in need and You reached out and met them at the point of their need and ministered to them and made them whole.  Grant me this sensitivity as well Lord. Even though I may not be able to do much, help me to give what I can, no matter how little that may be, let me give it wholeheartedly for love of You.

Psalm 34:2-3, 17-19, 23

My soul's beloved, the psalmist echoes what Sirach says. You are close to the brokenheartd, those who are crushed in spirit, who have no one to act on their behalf and ensure that justice is granted to them. You are a God who saves, who redeems, who sets free from every form of bondage and slavery. You hear the cry of everyone who calls to You with sincerity of heart and You will act on their behalf. All that we know of You reveals to us that You are trustworthy and praise for all You have done for us will well in our hearts and spill from our lips. You O Lord, our God are worthy of all love, praise, adoration, worship, and thanksgiving..

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

My soul's beloved, all who are baptized into Your Body, are called to imitate You. Just as You poured Yourself out in love to save the world, so too are we called to pour out ourselves, no matter how little we are, for others. At the end of our life on earth we must be able to say, It is accomplished," as You did from the Cross. Like St. Paul we must say at the close of our life "I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith." If in all sincerity we can say this then the crown of glory will be granted to us. 

Let us not worry if we are persecuted, if no one stands with us, if we are alone for You will always be with us and that is enough. You battle on behalf of those who belong to You and You have assured us that victory already belongs to us. Thank You for calling me from darkness. Thank You for constantly forgiving me my sins. Thank You for strengthening me at every Eucharist. Thank You for Your promise of eternity with You in the Kingdom.

Luke 18:9-14

My soul's beloved, there is always a danger that I may act like the Pharisee when I pray rather than the tax collector who was aware of his unworthiness before You and acknowledged that he was a sinner.

Any good I do, any prayer I pray is possible only because You provide the grace. The self-righteous are judgmental, critical, and are able to pick our the faults in others no matter how small while they are completely blind to their own glaring shortcomings. Preserve me from this ever present weakness and danger in myself. Keep me humble of heart. Help me never to believe I am without sin for then I would be deluding myself - only God is sinless. Help me always to run to You and confess my sins with true repentance and receive the forgiveness that You will readily grant me in order that I may be restored once more life in You. Humility is the hallmark of God. Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto Thine.  Amen. help me to always remember that I too, knowing that I am a sinner, to remain humble.

Ephesians 4:7-17, Psalm 122:1-5, Luke 13:1-9

Daily Holy Mass Readings

I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord,

but rather in his conversion that he may live. Ez 33:11

Ephesians 4:7-17, Psalm 122:1-5, Luke 13:1-9

Ephesians 4:7-17

My soul's beloved, how beautifully Paul describes the glorious destiny that is ours, Your sisters and brothers who are destined as members of Your Body, to grow in perfection, beauty, and holiness so that we are filled with Your Life.

You came down from heaven in order that You might lift us up and draw us into it. To each You have given gifts, grace without measure in order that we may fulfill the ministry that is entrusted to each of us. Our whole life is dedicated in being faithful to Your call in making You known and loved. In this way we build up Your Body which is the Church, You build her up in faith until she reaches perfection. You preserve her from false doctrine and from error  

preached by wicked and deceitful people which tickles the fancy and imagination of those who are easily swept up and tossed about by every old lie dressed up to appear as truth.

We can only live the truth in love if we are united to the Vine and receive our nourishment through the Holy Spirit who holds the Body secure to You, who are the Head. True life is only possible when we are united with You.

Psalm 122:1-5

My soul's beloved, I thank You for the Church, I thank You for her liturgies, I thank You for safeguarding truth within her. I thank You that she is truly Mother in the way that she cares for all her children, entrusted to her by You. Thank You for gathering us together to praise, glorify, exalt, and give You thanks as we gather each week on the Lord's Day, and as often as we can to celebrate the Mystery of Love on our altars as we recall the Father's unfathomable love for us in giving us His only, most beloved Son.  Thank You for the Holy Spirit who unites us in love. Thank You for our glorious destiny when time for us is no more only eternity with You.

Luke 13:1-9

My soul;s beloved, there will always be those in the world who will do horrific things just to show that they are powerful and can do as they please without accountability. The further they are from You, the greater is their belief that they can act with impunity and so they enact wicked laws that go against the divine Law and they force these unjust and wicked laws on those who walk with You in faith. They force us through these laws to take away legitimate rights.

There can be a temptation to compromise with the truth and to deceive ourselves into believing that we do not have a choice and so allow ourselves to be seduced into taking the easy way. However, You remind us in today's parable, that we are called to bear fruit always. We do not just exist and live barren lives devoid of any purpose but just sucking up, like a parasite and producing nothing worthwhile in return. If we are not careful, if we live sterile lives, just living selfishly, we will find that we will be cut down and cast into the flames that never go out.

Thank You for providing all the grace and help we need in order to live according to the values of the Gospel and bear good fruit that will last.

Ephesians 3:14-21, Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, Luke 12:49-53

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

I consider all things so much rubbish
that I may gain Christ and be found in him. Phil 3:8-9

Ephesians 3:14-21, Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, Luke 12:49-53  

Ephesians 3:14-21

My soul's beloved, this is passage written by Paul I have made my own prayer which I pray daily on my knees before You in the Adoration Chapel. I believe that each time I pray it You answer me and give me all that this prayer implores you to grant me.

Father in heaven, I fall on my knees before You. It is from You that every family in heaven and on earth receives its true name. I ask You Lord, from the wealth of Your glory, to give me power through your Holy Spirit to be strong in my inner self. I pray that You my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ may make Your home in my heart through faith. I pray that I may have my roots and foundation in love so that I together with all God's people may have the  power to understand how broad and long, how high and deep is Christ's love. Yes, may I know this love although it can never be fully known and so be filled by the very nature of God.  To you O Holy Spirit who by your power working in me is able to do so much more than I can ever ask for or think of and to God be the glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus, for all time, forever and ever, Amen. 

http://bridegroomofmysoul.blogspot.com/2009/04/prayer-for-today-eph-314-19.html

Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19

My soul's beloved, St. Paul prayer in Ephesians is an echo of this beautiful hymn of thanksgiving and praise to You, O Lord. The entire universe is filled with Your glory and majesty. The earth is filled with all that is good because You created it. Everything that lives gives You praise. The sparrow, and every other living thing praises You and exults in Your loving care. Thank You for grace that enables us to rise above our concupiscence and to strive daily to answer Your call to be holy and perfect as Your Father is holy and perfect for we are His children as You have assured us. 

Your Word, and Your work of salvation are trustworthy and will stand forever. Will encourage all generations and give them a future and a hope that all You have accomplished through the will of the Father in making us co-heirs, are promises made to them as well. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom for once we know You we are awestruck that the Lord God almighty has stooped in unfathomable love and humility, to lay down His very life for us in order to restore what was lost and we dread doing anything to wound You whom our sins wounded unto death on the Cross. Thank You for entering into that death and granting us Your Life . Thank You for delivering us from slavery and leading us freedom as children of God and co-heirs to the Kingdom.

Luke 12:49-53

My soul's beloved, You came to cast the fire of Your Love, the Holy Spirit upon the world and upon all flesh just as the prophet said. It is a cleansing fire that separates those who stand for You and those who stand against You. Within homes there will be those who are prepared to lay down their lives for the sake of the Gospel and those who choose to be slaves to sin and this is what will divide family members. Those who profess their faith in You are a reproach to those who prefer the dark and this is the cause of so much hatred in the world. Christians are hated, despised, persecuted, hunted, imprisoned, murdered, denied their rights, are discriminated against because those who choose to embrace lies find it very uncomfortable to be faced with those who refuse to bow down to fear. But You assure us that in the end the victory You have already won for us will come upon us and fear will be no more only that peace which is beyond all understanding will be ours to savor for it is Your gift to us.

Ephesians 3:2-12, Isaiah 12:2-6, Luke 12:39-48

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Stay awake! 

For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Mt 22:42, 44

Ephesians 3:2-12, Isaiah 12:2-6, Luke 12:39-48

Ephesians 3:2-12

My soul's beloved, You always do the unexpected, You choose whom You will, Your favor rests on the least, the sinner, the weakest of the weak so none can boast that it was through any merit of theirs that You  entrusted with a great mission. Paul is very clear in his letter to the Ephesians, to the other churches he founded, and to us that it is God who revealed to him the unfathomable mysteries of the Kingdom. It was the Spirit who filled him with knowledge and understanding, and empowered him to speak boldly and with clarity of the nature of the Kingdom and how perceive it and receive it.

Paul, who persecuted the nascent Church more viciously, and strenuously than others was inexplicably chosen by You as he was on the way to persecute, imprison, and destroy the Christians in Damascus. Armed with all the authority of those in command he set out eagerly, with great zeal and single minded purpose to carry out the mission he honestly believed was given to him by God. All you needed to do was make Paul realize that it was not the Christians he persecuted but the Lord Himself. Any blow we strike to the members of Your Body is a blow that is also struck to the Head. This is why we are called to be our brother's and sister's keeper. Treating those that are most vulnerable with greater tenderness and compassion. I too am chosen, in my own little way, to make You known and loved. Thank You for providing the necessary grace and help to do it.

Isaiah 12:2-6

My soul's beloved, from the waters of baptism we are permitted to drink freely from the well of life that leads to salvation. You have saved us and the merits You have obtained for us gives us confidence and hope. No longer do we live in fear because we are slaves to sin, we have been set free through Your passion and death and You have made us partakers of Your Resurrection. We walk with courage in the freedom that comes from being children of the Most High. We will praise You, we will exalt Your Name, we will sing of Your goodness, mercy, and everlasting love. We will make You known and loved as we come to know and love You. Thank You my soul's beloved, for making Your home with us, not only on our altars but also in our hearts. Thank You for the intimacy of Your union with us.

Luke 12:39-48

My soul's beloved, I know that my salvation comes from You. I am aware of what God desires of me as His child since I have been washed in the waters of baptism and I am grafted on to You. I am a member of Your Body, the Church, and I have been made co-heir with You to the Kingdom. With this comes great responsibility for God has entrusted me with the riches that are granted to those whom You have called from darkness to walk in Your marvelous light. I am called to be vigilant always for the Enemy is raging and is on the rampage in the world that refuses acknowledge God or His Son whom He sent to save and redeem it. There are grave consequences to burying our head in the sand and pretending that You do not exist.

You have chosen  us to shine Your Light in an increasingly darkening world. You have poured upon us grace upon grace and gifts to help us carry out our mission. You have empowered us and You tell us very clearly that those to whom much has been given will be held to a greater accountability of their stewardship. Help me to carry out the work that You have allotted to me. Help me to be faithful in carrying out all that You ask of me joyfully and promptly, relying not on myself but on You and Your Spirit. You are always with me and I can safely place my hand in Your Own and follow where You lead and be attentive to Your voice. 

2 Timothy 4:10-17, Psalm 145:10-13, 17-18, Luke 10:1-9

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

I chose you from the world,

to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord. Jn 15:16

FEAST OF ST. LUKE - EVANGELIST

2 Timothy 4:10-17, Psalm 145:10-13, 17-18, Luke 10:1-9

2 Timothy 4:10-17

My soul's beloved, today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Luke, the Evangelist, who was called to write the Gospel as he heard it from You Mama, from the Apostles, and others who had known You. He was a gentile and a doctor. He was a man who having come to the knowledge of Truth received his life's mission to record the Good News so that all generations can read the account of Your Life and Your saving work of redemption and accept You as the Messiah and our Savior.

He was a close and trusted companion of Paul. When several of his close collaborators deserted him Luke remained faithful. Without grace we can do nothing to please You. Without grace we cannot remain faithful to the same call that we have received at our Baptism. Even when we lose all our friends we remain steadfast in our faith and we can count on You, my soul's beloved to give us strength to continue our work for Your glory. 

Psalm 145:10-13, 17-18

My soul's beloved, I am privileged to be counted as one of Your friends and I have been granted a mission. By virtue of my baptism,I am invited to spread the Good News of Your glorious Kingdom and to make You known and loved. My part in making this glorious work of salvation may not be as stupendous as that of the Apostles, and others who are given the task of preaching, and teaching, to large groups in different corners of the globe. Mine is a smaller field, but I am called to be just as faithful as they were, just as willing to suffer for the Gospel as they were, just as zealous as they were to preach the Good News of our salvation.  Keep me faithful and grant me the grace to trust You to provide all that I need. 

Luke 10:1-9

My soul's beloved, the seventy-two disciples appointed by You and sent out in pairs is a model for all Your disciples. Luke was a gentile, he did not know You while You were alive. But he received new life once he heard the Good News and was saved. We have been privileged to be baptized as infants and Your free gift of faith has been granted to us, making our mission so much easier for You have empowered us to do all that You did and even greater things, because You have given us Your Holy Spirit.

The harvest indeed is great my Lord. Grant that I may labor diligently and that I may be a faithful witness to You so that others are drawn to know You and love You and in turn carry out the mission give to all who believe. The Kingdom of God is already among us. Help us to make it a reality wherever You have placed us, not so much with words but by the way we live our lives every moment of every day.

Ephesians 2:1-10, Psalm 100:1-5, Luke 12:13-21

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Blessed are the poor in spirit;

for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Mt 5:3

Ephesians 2:1-10, Psalm 100:1-5, Luke 12:13-21

Ephesians 2:1-10

My soul's beloved, St. Paul is right there was a time in my own life when I was ruled by the spirit of the world, the spirit of the age, the spirit of the culture, the spirit of the flesh. I believed in the wisdom of the world and its law of self indulgence and self will, which sets aside the law of God as archaic and having no place for those enlightened by education. There was no joy in such living except for momentary pleasure which in time can and will grow coarse for there is nothing refined, pure, good, holy, graceful, in debasing ones nature and dragging it through the sewer of licentiousness. 

Thank You for being a God of mercy and compassion and not pitiless, judgmental and hardhearted.  Thank You for looking on me with anguished love and for seeking and finding me who like the lost sheep could not find its way home. Thank You for unmerited grace that loved me even when I was undeserving of love. I am aware of my many sins and how much I have been forgiven and I am grateful to You for saving me from myself.  Thank You for the new life that I have received. Thank You for the immeasurable graces You pour upon me so lavishly, grace which through faith in You has saved me.  While it is true my soul's beloved that I am not saved by my works, lest I become proud, arrogant, self-satisfied, and boastful, but my salvation comes from You, it is God's gift which is given to me freely, unreservedly, and magnanimously. Any good I do is because God desires that I do it, has planned that I do it, and I do it because of grace working in me. 

Thank You my soul's beloved for calling me from darkness and death to live in Your marvelous light.

Psalm 100:1-5

My soul's beloved, I am your creation, the sheep of your flock, I belong ot you more completely than I belong to myself. I rejoice and I am glad of Your possession of me. My heart exults in this possession. My soul overflows with praise and thanksgiving for You picked me up from the mire of sin, You cleansed me, fed me, strengthened me, and restored to my dignity as a child of God. 

Thank You for the magnanimity of Your love that makes me a co-heir with Yourself to the Kingdom of heaven. Thank You for the place that You have merited for me. Thank You for the hope and joy I have of living with You, the Father, the Holy Spirit in the company of the angels and saints forever. Guard my children Lord, keep them and the generation that will follow safe in Your fold that they may all come at last to enjoy the beatific vision forever.

Luke 12:13-21

My soul's beloved, it is so easy to get caught up in the business and the busyness of the world that one loses sight of the things that truly matter to our immortal souls. We spend all our waking hours and ruin our time of rest because we are so concerned about buying, selling, getting, and using if we spent half as much time preparing our souls for the hereafter the world would be a better place. Instead, we are filled with envy and jealousy. We want more for nothing of this earth's possessions can ever satisfy the deeper hunger of our soul. 

Thank You for reminding me that I must store up for myself treasures in heaven where thieves cannot steal nor rust destroy. Keep me on the narrow path, the difficult road, that will take me to where You desire me to be eternally.

Exodus 17:8-13, Psalm 121:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14---4:2, Luke 18:1-8

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

The word of God is living and effective,

discerning reflections and thoughts of the heart.  Heb 4:12

Exodus 17:8-13, Psalm 121:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14---4:2, Luke 18:1-8

Exodus 17:8-13

My soul's beloved, while it is true that the battle is the Lord's and so is the victory we, like Moses, are called to be intercessors. We are called to raise up our hands in prayer as the battle between good and evil rages in the world. As long as there are those who sit on the Rock of Peter and yield to the power that emanates from You who are the cornerstone of the Church, we will be victorious against the Enemy. The strength of the Church comes from her total dependence on her Bridegroom. She safeguards the treasures of the faith as received both in Sacred Scripture and Apostolic Tradition and through her Teaching Authority granted to her by none other than her head, You, the Christ, the Son of the Living God she remains invincible for You have assured her that You will remain with her always, until the end of time when You will come again to claim Your Bride and lead her to the heavenly banquet where there will be rejoicing together with angels in heaven as we join them in singing praises to God  forever. 

Psalm 121:1-8

My soul's beloved, how wonderfully reassuring are the words of the Psalmist this morning. Truly I need fear nothing for my help comes from You who are God, Creator of all things visible and invisible by the power of the Word of God. You have appointed angels to take charge of me lest I stumble. They guard me night and day and intercede for me before Your holy throne. I walk all the days of my life in Your shadow. You provide the shade lest the heat of the noonday sun scorch me. You are my help. You keep me close at Your side at Your right hand. You have made a holy Covenant with me and You will remain true for Your Word is worthy of trust. Thank You for every one of Your promises which strengthen me, help me, and sustain me.

2 Timothy 3:14---4:2

My soul's beloved, never was sounder advice given as the advise Paul gives to Timothy. The Word of God is a double edged sword, we are called to know it thoroughly for it has the power to strike through bone and marrow and get right to the heart. In it is all that we need to help, direct, teach, refute error, and to light our path when the way is dark. The Word of God has the power to save for it is alive and active and its Author is the Holy Spirit from whom flows all wisdom and knowledge. It must become our life's work to know Your Word in both the Old and New Testament for they are the arms of our faith and when held aloft with the power of the Teaching Authority of the Church guarantees victory to us individually and as members of Your Body. Grant us a hunger and thirst for Your Word and grant us the wisdom to use the power of the Word to direct us in every situation of our life.

Luke 18:1-8

My soul's beloved, You ask us to pray without growing tired when the answer to our prayers seem long in coming. We are called to pray and to ask others to pray for us and intercede for us when we grow weary and disheartened. We need help this is why You said where two or three are gathered in Your Name You are present in their midst. We are reminded to pray without ceasing, without losing hope even when it seems hopeless like the widow and the unjust, wicked judge in the parable. In God's good time, and in His most perfect way, every prayer will be answered in accordance with His will for He desires to fill His children with every good and perfect gift beginning with the Holy Spirit.

The last line in today's Gospel is so terribly sad and when we look at our world today one sees that there is not much faith in the world and yet we know that You have triumphed, the victory is Yours, peace reigns on earth and as Your faithful remnant intercede along with You faith will be kindled and You will find faith when You return in glory. 

Ephesians 1:15-23, Psalm 8:2-7, Luke 12:8-12

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Feast of St. Teresa of Avila

The spirit of Truth will testify to me, says the Lord,

And you will also testify. Jn 15: 26

Ephesians 1:15-23, Psalm 8:2-7, Luke 12:8-12


Ephesians 1:15-23

My soul's beloved, my Lord Jesus Christ, I wish to thank You this morning for all that the Holy Spirit inspired St. Paul to write concerning those who follow You, receive Your Life, and obey Your command of love. Beginning with Your free gift of faith given to all whom You have chosen to grant it. Thank You my Lord for counting me among Your flock whom You have drawn into Your fold. I thank You for the prayer of the Church that all those who have responded to Your call may grow in wisdom, holiness, and knowledge of God in You who are our Savior and Redeemer through the Holy Spirit who is Your Gift to us. 

You were raised from the dead in a glorious resurrection and because of this we have hope that someday we will share in You life as You shared in our death. Thank You for calling me into this marvelous life of grace granted freely through no merit of my own for I have none. God has placed You on His right and has given You all dominion, authority, power over all things in heaven and on earth, over things seen and unseen. It is His good pleasure that all things are placed under Your nail pierced feet. You are the head of Your Body the Church which was conceived at the foot of the Cross and was born on the day of Pentecost. In You alone is granted salvation to all who believe. Thank You for the gift of faith and for the hope that this faith affords me.

Psalm 8:2-7

My soul's beloved, God our Father has given You rule over all created things as our Lord this is why it is fitting that Your Name is praised and glorified over all the earth in our Sacred Liturgies, through hymns of praise and worship, through all the lives and breathes. We have been created for praise and we have a glorious destiny in heaven where together with the angels and saints we will praise You eternally. 

You created the beautiful world, the heavens and You have given it to us so we may revel in its beauty and give You heartfelt praise and thanksgiving. We deserve nothing and yet in love You give us everything including and above all the total gift of Yourself in the Holy Eucharist so great and marvelous is this gift that even the angels envy us.

Thank You my soul's beloved for counting me among those who know You, love You and serve You.

Luke 12:8-12

My soul's beloved, grant that I may die before I deny You or become too afraid of the world to acknowledge You before others. Not out of fear that You will deny me if I do, but rather because of conviction and faith that make it impossible for me to do so. You have been exceedingly gracious to me even though I am the least deserving of all who belong to You. Keep safe in the shadow of Your love. Continue to bless with Your Holy Spirit so I may be guided by His Wisdom and love in all things so I may grow in knowledge of You and loving You more and more each day. May I never be afraid of what the world may do to my body because I profess You boldly. Teach me to rely wholly on Your Spirit and not on myself for without Him I am truly nothing.