Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, Psalm 138:1-5, John 1:47-51

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Bless the LORD, all you angels,
you ministers, who do his will. Ps. 103:21


Feast of the Archangels Michael, Raphael, & Gabriel


Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, Psalm 138:1-5, John 1:47-51


Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

All that I have experienced of You and all that faith teaches me assures me that I have put my faith, hope, and love in the all power, almighty, invincible, ever living Lord God of hosts. To You is due all praise, glory, worship, adoration, and thanksgiving this is why our whole lives must be a celebration of You our awesome God.

Thrones, dominions, angels, Archangels, all creation, and all Your creatures live to praise You, honor You, and serve You. In this O Lord, is our own joy, delight, gladness, and purpose for being.

To You Son of God and Son of Man the Father has given all authority, glory, power, and Kingship. You are appointed to rule all that is in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. Your Archangels serve You and do Your bidding. They are Yours to command and You send them to minister to a sad and fallen world. They do battle for us at Your command and in the end the victory is Yours. You plant Your foot on the seas, and You ride the storms of our lives and at Your command, "Hush, be still." The peace that You came to give the world will descend on us all will bow down joyfully as we receive Your yoke, and are led and protected by Your rod and staff.

Psalm 138:1-5

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

Grant O Lord that I am counted among those who in the sight of Your angels and sights sing Your praises joining our voices to theirs as we exult in Your goodness, and Your love.

When I, together with all Your people come together to offer You worship in the Liturgy grant O Lord to cause the heavens to open and flood us with Your grace to enable us be in the world yet not part of it.

Thank You for choosing me to be born Catholic with all the privileges that come with being grafted to Your Body, and to partake at every Holy Eucharist of the Bread of Angels.  Thank You for hastening to my side even before the cry for help escaped from my lips. Thank for hearing my sighs and for ministering to me and wiping away my tears. Thank You for granting me Your strength when I had none of my own. Thank You for always building me up no matter how foolish, or sinful I have been.

I long for the day Beloved when all the rulers, powers, and authorities on earth, in all the world will bend the knee to You, and acclaim You as our Ruler, our Lord, and our King. And at Your Name every tongue will confess that You are Lord to the glory of the Father and the Holy Spirit forever.


John 1:47-51

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

Nathanael had no hesitation in declaring You the Son of God and King of Israel after his first encounter with You. What prompted him Beloved, to believe what the others struggled to understand, even Peter who made his famous declaration about You only after it was Father revealed to him by the Father?

Perhaps Nathanael knew himself. He knew his faith. He was convinced of his beliefs, and he lived out that faith visibly. He
was a man of God and a man for others and You recognized him as one who was after the heart of God and You applauded him. But You promised Nathanael that he would soon come to truly believe that You were truly whom he had just confessed you to be based on so much more that just Your personal knowledge of himself. He would become a powerful witness after he walked in intimacy with You for three years and truly came into that knowledge which first made him declare, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."

You too assured him that he would see Your glory as he say the heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on You the Son of Man and the Son of God.

Haggai 1:1-8, Psalm 149:1-6, 9, Luke 9:7-9

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord;
no one comes to the Father except through me. Jn 14:6


Haggai 1:1-8, Psalm 149:1-6, 9, Luke 9:7-9


Haggai 1:1-8

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

Very often we make excuses and find reasons for doing the wrong things we do and find excuses and reasons for not doing the things we ought to do. We actually are stupid enough to fool ourselves that all is well with us when in fact we have deliberately closed our ears to Your voice lest we hear something that will make demands of us and shake us out of our lethargy, complacency, and comfort zone.

We are called to build the Kingdom of God, to establish here on earth but before we can begin to do that we must first find the Kingdom within us where You can make Your home in us.

If we are dissatisfied with our lives, if we are constantly anxious, if we suffer from indifferent physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health it is simply because we have put our own selfish creature comforts before Your will and  our own needs and wants are of paramount importance to us. 

Forgive our blinkered vision Beloved and grant us the wisdom to discern Your will in all things and to do it.

Psalm 149:1-6, 9

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

If from the moment we are conceived and  until we draw our last breath we who are baptized know nothing but misery, pain, discomfort, and want we ought to have the wisdom to know that like Job we must still be able to raise our hearts, minds, and voices in genuine, joyful, praise to God. Why? Because this life lasts for but a span and You have created us for eternal happiness with You in heaven.

Many Saints discovered this truth and they endured all things in faith, hope, and trust in Your love. Grant me the grace O Lord to be able to praise You always, everywhere and in all circumstance for You dwell in the praises of Your people whom You have called by name. 

Luke 9:7-9

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul, 

The world is full of people like Herod who have heard of You for we live in an age where it is impossible for most people all over the world to at least heard something about who You are. Yet, they are so wrapped up in their world and their affairs that even if they may be curious enough to wonder about You they are do not make the least effort to do anything more. They begin with curiosity and they end with it going no further than Herod than just wondering who You are.

We indulge our desire to know by seeking information from the vast resources available to us in this digital age yet we take eternal truths lightly. Many have come to know You because something they heard about You triggered within them a desire to know more about You and they found You waiting to reveal Yourself and Your love to them.

When they ask themselves with a genuine desire to know, "Who then is this about whom I hear such things?" And set out with determination to find out they will find You at the door of their heart already waiting to enter.

Ezra 9:5-9, Tobit 13:2-4, 7-8, Luke 9:1-6

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

FEAST OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

The Kingdom of God is at hand;
repent and believe in the Gospel. Mk 1:15

Ezra 9:5-9, Tobit 13:2-4, 7-8, Luke 9:1-6


Ezra 9:5-9

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

No matter how gravely we sin, You remember that we are after all poor, weak, creatures who have been born into concupiscence to sin. How easy it is for us to forget Your goodness, Your mercy, Your tenderness, and to allow ourselves to be lured and ensnared by our senses, our lack of discipline, our willingness to stray from the path of righteousness taken in by the world and all its empty promises. Yet You never abandon us. When we fall on our knees in sorrow for our unfaithfulness, when we cry out to You in our wretchedness, You are quick to hasten to us, forgive us, and strengthen us with Your love and Your grace. 

When we are aware of our guilt and strike or breasts in contrition; confessing that it is we who have sinned, You wash us, strengthen us, robe us in robes of righteousness, welcome us back home as the Father welcomed the prodigal son, and You invite us to the Banquet of Love, restoring all we lost and more simply because we are Yours. 

Tobit 13:2-4, 7-8

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

If I desire You to remain always close to me then my mouth must praise You continually, giving You thanks for the many mercies You have shown me and the constant shower of blessing that You pour upon me. Yes, I have been an exile when I strayed from You who are my home but it has been my own doing. You never leave me. You never forsake me. It is I who turn my back to You when I allow myself to be lured by my flesh, the world, and the enemy who is constantly on the prowl waiting for me to show the slightest sign of weakness so he can prey on me and devour me.

Grant my Beloved, through the many graces that You shower upon me each day, to contemplate Your love for me, to recall Your many blessings on me and mine from the moment I was conceived until this present moment and to look with hope to a future that will continually draw me ever closer to Yourself and You lead me home to the Kingdom.

The secret of living in joy, in hope, in faith, is praise to You, the God of our life, who never abandons us but will remain true to His Word to stay with us forever.

Luke 9:1-6

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

The most tragic thing in all the world is when those who have heard the Good News preached to them reject You because of fear of rejection, or fear of being persecuted, or fear of losing their temporal home, or the comfort of the life they are familiar with. When convinced of the truth that You are the Son of God and the only way to Heaven, they still refuse to believe preferring instead to reject the messenger as well as the Gospel of life rather than lose everything for Your sake and for the sake of the Gospel.

Just as You summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority, You continue to call people to go out into the world, forsaking home, family, and friends to make You known and loved for there is salvation in no other but in You and Your Name. You empower those whom You choose and the more we rely on You to supply all our needs the more effectively will we be able to evangelize and draw the sick, the lonely, the marginalized, the forgotten, the rejected, the outcast, to You. Thank You for revealing to us that You came for the sick not for the righteous. It is our broken world that needs You. Grant my Beloved that I may never lose an opportunity to make You known and loved. Thank You for Your mercies that are new every morning. Thank You for keeping me always before You and for never forsaking me. Without You I can do nothing. But with You I can do all things because You strengthen me.

Ezra 6:7-8, 12, 14-20, Psalm 122:1-5, Luke 8:19-21

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Blessed are those who hear the word of God
and observe it. Lk 11:28


Ezra 6:7-8, 12, 14-20, Psalm 122:1-5, Luke 8:19-21 



Ezra 6:7-8, 12, 14-20

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

The excitement of the people of God who were set free and allowed to return home and not just to return but were given all they needed to rebuild the Temple, was something that they had  not even dreamed in their most extravagant dreams. 

The way of the Lord is truly beyond our limited capability to comprehend for Your ways are not ours, Your thoughts are not our thoughts. You do the impossible. You have the power to change the hearts of men and women, and change the course of history. Thank You for being so intimately concerned with the world and with us. If it were not so the Father would not have sent You into the world to redeem us who had forsaken the way of the Lord.

King Cyrus and king Darius could not do enough to make the way of the people of Israel joyful and easy. They left as captives, they were exiled far away from all they loved, for years they endured hostility and hardship, they were not permitted to worship You nor could they offer sacrifices on the days prescribed, for they were far away from the Temple in Jerusalem. Their hearts longed for You and yearned to return home. It is through sorrow that You purify our hearts and You teach us what is truly important for our salvation.

Thank You for coming to the world and for revealing to us that the Kingdom of God is already among us, it is in our hearts, and that we are called to build it and adorn it as long as we live. Our lives must be a celebration of Your love for us. We must live together in harmony with one another so the world looks at us in amazement and say, "Look at those Christians, how they love one another."

Psalm 122:1-5

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

Each time we come together to praise You as God's community of love, we ought to rejoice and celebrate for we are going into the house of God, we enter the gate of heaven, we are before Him, the Lord through whom the heavens, the earth and all that is was created. 

Each time we come in Your Holy Presence we ought to be gloriously alive to the truth, that God so loved the world that He sent His only, most beloved Son, to become the means by which all are saved.

Each time we set foot into Your house, we ought to become aware that we are the most privileged people in all the world for we are actually in the Present of the Most High, Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier and that God will actually become Bread in order to come into the hearts of those He has saved. Without this food we would perish by the wayside in this valley of tears.

Thank You Lord for all You have done for us and grant us the necessary graced in order that we may someday come to that place created for us ever since the foundation of the world.

Luke 8:19-21 

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

Isn't it amazing how obtuse some Christians are when they read this passage and believe that You are somehow denigrating Your Mother. They are positively gleeful as they insist that not only did You belittle her but they actually cast a slur on her perpetual virginity by their assertion that this verse proves that You had brothers in the flesh.

You said, "Let those who have ears to hear, hear." Thank You for the One, Holy, Catholic, Church who for 2000 years has contemplated the Word and has understood that here You are giving Your Mother the highest praise and You invite all of us who are Your brother and sisters to imitate her, the disciple par excellence when You say, "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it." Who more perfectly of all the men and women who ever lived, will ever hear and act on the Word of God to whom she gave flesh, whom she nourished with her body, and whom she adored, loved, and served all the days of her life, than she did?

Ezra 1:1-6, Psalm 126:1-6, Luke 8:16-18

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father. Mt 5:16

Ezra 1:1-6, Psalm 126:1-6, Luke 8:16-18


Ezra 1:1-6

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

All the rulers of the earth bow down to Your will whether they know it or not for You are the King of kings and Lord of lords. The chosen people were taken into exile and longed to go back home, the Temple of Jerusalem lay in ruins, just as their lives and they would have continued to live in hopeless longing to return home had You not inspired king Cyrus to let his people go.

Not only to go but to laden them with all kinds of gifts that would help them to fulfill their most ardent longing, to rebuild the Temple of the Lord. The king actually ordered his subjects all over his kingdom not only to let the chosen people of God go, but to assist them by giving them all they needed. And so it was, You people who were exiled far away from home returned to their land with joy and laughter, with hope for glorious future for them and their children and above all to fulfill their dearest dream, to re-build the House of God.

We too are exiles, far from home, thank You Beloved for giving us all we need through Your Word, the Church, the treasure of the Sacraments, that make it possible for us to return home after our exile here on earth, with songs of gladness and praise to our awesome God. 

Psalm 126:1-6

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

How beautifully, how vividly, the psalmist captures the joy of the exile as he returns home along with his family, his friends, his people. It was something they dreamed about but never believed would happen in their lifetime and yet this wonderful thing was upon them. Laughter bubbled forth from the joy that welled up in their hearts. They were going home. No longer would they be strangers in a strange land where they were aliens, foreigners, slaves.

God was bringing His people back, they were free once more. We too are exiles Beloved, far from our Father's house. We thank Him for sending You to us to set us free from slavery to sin, to our flesh that often weighs us down, to the world, and the wiles of the enemy. Thank You for Your precious Blood that takes away sin and restores us once again the family of God. Thank You for the seed of Your Word which through Your grace and help we scatter wherever we are. With Your help the seed will yield a plentiful harvest, and when we come into Your glorious presence may we bring with us an abundance of good fruit. 

Luke 8:16-18

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

A lamp is lit when it is dark and once lit it is placed where it will shed the greatest light. You point out that no one is so ridiculous or foolish as to conceal it under a vessel or under the bed, for its very purpose will be lost and the light will go out.

Through the absurdity of such an action You reveal an important truth. We who are baptized are alight with Your light and we are called to shed this light wherever we go. We are to take our place in the world and there ensure that many who are in darkness, are able to find their way to You through Your light that shines in us. If however, we choose to  extinguish the flame by walking in sin, then we can be certain that You will call us publicly to account for deliberately choosing to go in the way of sinners. Nothing is hidden from God, we may choose to fool ourselves, but in the end all will be made known. This is why You give us this warning today,

"Take care, then, how you hear.
To anyone who has, more will be given,
and from the one who has not,
even what he seems to have will be taken away."

Isaiah 55:6-9, Psalm 145:2-3,8-9, 17-18, Philippians 1:20-24-27, Matthew 20:1-16

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Open our hearts, O Lord,
to listen to the words of your Son. Acts 16:14B

Isaiah 55:6-9, Psalm 145:2-3,8-9, 17-18, Philippians 1:20-24-27, Matthew 20:1-16


Isaiah 55:6-9

Dear Love, Beloved bridegroom of my soul,

I can only seek You in faith while I am alive. I am given this short span of life on earth to know You, love and serve You. You are not distant from me, You come to me each day and dine with me and I with You. You ear my prayers, You console me, You make Your home in my poor sinful soul, You help me overcome my weaknesses and to strive after holiness and perfection. Although I stumble and fall several times each day You do not abandon me but remain close encouraging me every step of the way. Help me never to forget that Your way is always better than mine and to say always, "Your will do done."

Psalm 145:2-3,8-9, 17-18

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

How good it is to come n Your Presence every morning and to be blessed by You. I thank You for the many graces You make available to me, The words of wisdom, hope, love, and consolation that strengthen my poor soul and helps me on my journey. Thank You for always being kind, merciful, gracious, tender, compassionate, and forgiving. Thank You for being mindful of my inability to do anything on my own and for lifting me up and doing for me what I am unable to do for myself. Thank You for hastening to my side each time I call, which is often, and for always, always assuring me of Your never ending love for me.

Philippians 1:20-24-27

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

How confident Paul was in his faith and how certain that he mirrored You in his life. In life or in death he was convinced that he magnified You because he relied on You completely. He emptied himself in order so the Holy Spirit could fill him and use him for Your glory. His passion to know You and make You known consumed him. His life was not easy and he knew that death would mean entering into life with You and yet he was prepared to choose living in this world and go on laboring in Your vineyard for the sake of those whom he could assist in the path of holiness. Give me a generous spirit Beloved, that I may seek Your will always, over my own.

Matthew 20:1-16

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

The Gospel values turns the wisdom of the world on its head. God tells us clearly that it is the meek and humble of heart who will receive a reward. In the world the world tells us that we must seek to promote ourselves, push ourselves to the front of the line, get ahead in the race to grab the best or we will be left behind. The world teaches us to take the best for ourselves in order to be successful. But Your way is so different - You give Your gifts to whoever You choose and the more we allow ourselves to be emptied of our ego and allow the Holy Spirit to take control of our lives, the more we are able to be used by You for Your Kingdom and Your glory.  The first shall be last and the last first is the way God rewards us. To You it does not matter at what hour we come to know You and love You but when we do whether it be at the first hour or the last, Your salvation is freely given to all.

1 Timothy 6:13-16, Psalm 100:1-5, Luke 8:4-15

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS


Feast of St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina

Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart
and yield a harvest through perseverance. Lk 8:15

1 Timothy 6:13-16, Psalm 100:1-5, Luke 8:4-15

1 Timothy 6:13-16

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

There is only one great commandment love. There is one sure way to eternal life, believing in You and the One who sent You. There is no secret to knowing joy in this world and eternal joy in the next. You are our joy, our peace, our treasure, our hope in the present and in the future, In life and in death. We believe that at the appointed time You will come again our blessed Lord and only ruler, King of kings and Lord of lords. You will come to claim Your Own and we will see You our God as You are, we will become like You, and we will never know sadness again. Maranatha Lord Jesus! Maranatha!

Psalm 100:1-5

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

The psalmist knew how to be happy and who was the source of his joy.

We who are called by Your Name are even more blessed than he, for we know You, and we are members of Your Body, we are nourished by Your Flesh and Blood. In fact, we ought to rejoice even more than he for he never tasted the Bread of Angels.

He danced before the Ark, we come before Your Real, Holy Presence in the Blessed Sacrament anytime and adore You. Thank You Father for Your kindness to us poor sinners. Thank You for making provision for us to approach You through Jesus Your Son, thank You for the free gift of Your Holy Spirit who draws us into Your Life.

How blessed we are.

Luke 8:4-15

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

The seed of Your Word is always good however the soil of our hearts in which they are scattered can be conducive to receiving it and bearing a rich harvest or it can be received by an unreceptive, cold, indifferent heart. It can be lost deliberately because we have not tended it carefully and allowed it to bear fruit. We have squandered the graces You give us and missed opportunities to be true disciples.

In the end I will be judged by the quality of fruit I have borne as well as the quantity. In the end my carelessness will decide my fate. 

Grant my soul's beloved that the soil of my heart  be rich so when I receive the seed of Your word I may embrace it with a generous and good heart and bear fruit through perseverance." I need help Beloved, I cannot do it on my own.

Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13, Psalm 19:2-5, Matthew 9:9-13

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist


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


Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13, Psalm 19:2-5, Matthew 9:9-13

Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

What joy it is O Lord to be Your prisoner. Bound to You with chains of love and receiving from You all the grace necessary to be what God created us to be. Filled with the power of the Spirit of God, to go forth into the world boldly as St. Matthew did, and fulfill the destiny that God intended for me. To live a life of holiness and purity and to desire nothing more than this, to make You known and loved so all may come to know the Truth that saves and embrace it.

Grant me O Lord the virtues that will enable me to strive after the things that make for goodness. Grant me humility,gentleness, patience, so that I may bear with my brothers and sisters just as You bear with me. Then will we know peace, the peace that only You can give. Thank You for calling me by name, and for entrusting to me the gift that will in a small measure draw others to You as I in my own little way make You known and loved.

Psalm 19:2-5

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

While it might seem that the world has forgotten You and that it seems hell bent to let go of all principles that Wisdom dictates is folly, destructive, and contrary to God's will and plan God continues to be praised, adored, worshiped and glorified by those who continue to believe, hope, and trust for we know in whom we have placed our faith. We have put our faith in You O Lord, who are our God and who has won the victory and reigns triumphantly in heaven and in the hearts that are Yours and Yours alone.

Matthew 9:9-13

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

How comforting it is to know that You came for sinners like me. Matthew was used to be looked down upon by both Jews and the Romans alike. He congregated with sinners like himself because  the self-righteous would have nothing to do with him and treated him as an outcast.  

Thank You for the invitation to Matthew, "Follow Me." Thank You for grace that enables the sinner to accept Your invitation. Thank You for constantly calling me to be the person that God created me to be and for grace that makes it possible to strive to be holy and perfect. Thank You for the never ending stream of mercy that flows from Your Sacred Heart giving me hope and strength to begin anew each day. 

1 Timothy 3:14-16, Psalm 111:1-6, Luke 7:31-35

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS


Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life,
you have the words of everlasting life. Jn 6:63, 68


1 Timothy 3:14-16,  Psalm 111:1-6, Luke 7:31-35

1 Timothy 3:14-16

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

Thank You for the letters of St. Paul that are full of wisdom inspired by Your glorious Holy Spirit. Thank You for the zeal with which St. Paul preached the Good News of our salvation. Thank You for revealing this truth, that the Church which You founded, the Church of the living God, which is One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic is the pillar and foundation of truth. She can neither deceive nor be deceived for she has as her Bridegroom, the Christ, the Son of the Living God.

You came into the world incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became Man, raised to life in the power of God death had no power over You. Your Name has been preached to the ends of the earth and we wait for Your coming in glory in the same way You were taken up in glory. You are our hope. In You we rejoice.


Psalm 111:1-6

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

You have put a song of praise in my heart. Thank You for the Sacraments, for Baptism which made me a child of God and grafted me into Your Body, the Church. Thank You for the work of salvation that saves all who believe in Your holy Name. Thank You for the work of redemption that gave us so glorious a Savior. Thank You for all creation that is sustained by the Word of God and the Breath of His Spirit. Thank You for being mindful of Your creatures and for becoming our Food and Drink in the Holy Eucharist. Thank You for being mindful of the Covenant of Love that You have made with us - an eternal Covenant and for the inheritance that is ours because the Father, in His goodness desires that we be made co-heirs with You to the Kingdom of Heaven.

Truly You are a great an awesome God and worthy of all praise.

Luke 7:31-35

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

There are the crowds and there are Your followers, Your disciples, Your Apostles, and those who belong to You inner circle. The crowds are made up of those who seek to have their ears tickled. They crave signs, they want to be titillated. They are perverse. They believe what is convenient and what does not cause them any discomfort. The crowd prefers stagnation to change that challenges.

We see it in the world today - a lack of discipline, a self-indulgence of the senses and a readiness to believe the lies that pander to their weaknesses. Sin is glorified. Good is made to appear evil and evil good. The time is upon us to choose the side that we will take. Will we take our place with You or against You. Are we prepared to lay down our life as You did for Truth or will be content to be carried with the surge of deceit and sin that lulls us into a false sense of well being.

There is a warning today to those who care to listen. Sinners and tax collectors who repent will be saved but those who trumpet the wisdom of the world will be destroyed. The Wisdom of God always prevails.

1 Timothy 3:1-13, Psalm 101:1-3, 5-6, Luke 7:11-17

Daily Holy Mass Readings

A great prophet has arisen in our midst
and God has visited his people. Lk 7:16

1 Timothy 3:1-13, Psalm 101:1-3, 5-6, Luke 7:11-17

1 Timothy 3:1-13

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

All who are baptized are called to be witnesses to Your love and to the Good News. The faithful are members of Your Body and although St. Paul says that those who wish to serve You as bishops or priests must have an irreproachable character the same holds true for all of us who acknowledge You as Lord and Savior. 

I must not be lewd, licentious, given to sinful habits, loud, boastful, unable to control those who are entrusted to my care. I must show character and dignity in every situation aware always that I am called to bear witness to You always and in all circumstances. And above all I must be gentle, kind, merciful, forgiving, understanding, patient, and above reproach. Those who see me must see You always reflected in me.

Psalm 101:1-3, 5-6

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

The psalmist also reminds me of the kind of person I am called to be as a Christian, called by Your Name. I must strive always to walk the way that leads to Life. You have given me an example of how to live in the world - to be in the world yet not of it. Your eyes are upon me always. You provide the grace I need to choose to walk in Your Light. You have withheld nothing good from me but have poured upon me grace upon grace in the Sacraments. 

Grant me Beloved, the will I need, the discipline I need, to choose always what is right, good, and fitting for a daughter of the Most High God.

Luke 7:11-17

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

You are the Lord of life, You are the Giver of Life, You are God, You are the Son of God, You are our Savior, our Redeemer, the Messiah. You are the hope of the world. You came into the world in accord with the Father's will. You came to reveal the nature of the God of Abraham, of Isaac, of Jacob - Love. 

Love became incarnate of the Virgin Mary, Love became flesh and dwelt among us. Love wept, Love understood our pain, Love understood the widow's grief, bereft of her only son taken in death. Love saw His own Mother's grief when she stood at the foot of the Cross. She would be inconsolable. She would have to wait for the Resurrection. But the widow's grief Love could alleviate and Love did.  

Love said tenderly to the weeping widow, "Do not cry." And then Love gave life back to the young man and restored him to his mother.

Thank You Beloved, for understanding. Thank You for becoming Love incarnate. Thank You for telling me in Your Word today, "I love you." 

1 Timothy 2:1-8, Psalm 28:2, 7-9, Luke 7:1-10

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

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

1 Timothy 2:1-8, Psalm 28:2, 7-9, Luke 7:1-10

1 Timothy 2:1-8

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

Your word is clear - we are called to be people of prayer all the time. We are called to pray for the world, for those who are in authority, those who govern us, so that they will be led, guided, and inspired by the Spirit of Love and Truth. If we all offered supplication everyday we would live in a much happier and peaceful world. If each of the baptized lived in such a way that all who looked at us would desire what we have and so come to the knowledge of the One True God.

You stand at the right hand of the Father and make intercession for us unceasingly for You gave Yourself up for us in order that we may enter into Your life and live. We thank You for choosing St. Paul once an enemy of the Church, to preach, teach, and witness to the Gospel and its power and glory to Gentiles so that all may hear the Good News that saves us.

Grant O Beloved, that we who are baptized might live in peace and harmony with one another so all who see us may say as they once did, "See how they love one another."

Psalm 28:2, 7-9

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

You have always heard every prayer I prayed, every sigh I sighed, You have wiped away all my tears, and turned my sorrow to gladness, and my tears to laughter. Each time I raised my hands and heart to You I have never been disappointed. This is why I trust in You for I am confident that I will always be heard. You are my rock, my strength, my shield, my deliverer, my protector, my Lord and my God. In you alone I place all my faith, hope, confidence and trust. My heart exults and glories in Your love for me, for Your tender compassion, mercy, and pity. You know how impossible it is for me to help myself because I am so terribly weak. I throw myself upon You and You raise me up. Thank You!

Luke 7:1-10

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

The centurion belonged to a nation and to a people hated by the Jews yet this particular man was respected and held in great affection by the elders for he had shown sympathy for the Jewish people and had even built a synagogue for them. They held him in high esteem. Having heard of You Beloved, and knowing that his slave was ill and dying, he asked his Jewish friends to intercede for him. He dared not come himself for he believed he was unworthy to approach You.

How many of us Beloved, treat You casually, take You for granted, approach the Sacraments unworthily, are indifferent to the commandments? Yet, here we have a foreigner who understands who You are and will not dare to take You for granted. Rather he approaches his Jewish friends to plead on his behalf.

The faithful recall his words and repeats them at every Holy Mass before we receive You in Holy Communion, and will do so until You come again in glory, "Lord I'm not worthy for You to enter under my roof, say but the word and I shall be healed."

Sirach 27:30---28:7, Psalm 103:1-4, 9-12, Romans 14:7-9, Matthew 18:21-35

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

I give you a new commandment, says the Lord;
love one another as I have loved you. Jn 13:34

Sirach 27:30---28:7, Psalm 103:1-4, 9-12, Romans 14:7-9, Matthew 18:21-35

Sirach 27:30---28:7

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

You call me this day to forgive if I desire to be forgiven. If I refuse to remember that I am but human like my brothers and sisters and hold a grudge against anyone then I cannot expect mercy, forgiveness or healing from You. Grant me the grace to forgive as I have been forgiven and to remember that my days here are limited. When my life here comes to an end You will judge me and the mercy and forgiveness I show others will be the measure used to judge me. Grant that I may overlook the faults in another for I am full of faults and flaws myself.

Psalm 103:1-4, 9-12

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

Today the psalmist reminds me that You are kind, merciful, slow to anger and rich in compassion. I am truly and humbly grateful that You remember that I am but a weak and miserable sinner and if You were not a kind to me I would have no hope of ever being saved. Grant O Lord that I may never forget how You love me and because You do You pardon all my faults when I approach Your throne of grace and beg for forgiveness. Thank You for answering my prayers. Thank You for Your loving hand of protection that is always extended over me and those whom I love. If You dealt with me according to my sins and my merits I would be lost forever thank You for You unending mercy, compassion, and loving kindness. Thank You for forgiving and forgetting my sins when I approach You in the confessional. Truly You are an awesome God.

Romans 14:7-9

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

Thank You for reminding me today that I am all Yours and Yours alone I wish to be. Undeserving as I am of Your love, I thank You for loving me anyway. Because I belong to You I must remember that by virtue of my baptism I belong no longer to myself but to You. I glory in this truth Beloved, I am Yours. If I live or die I am Yours and nothing can separate me from You not in this life or in the life to come for I have chosen to belong to You just as You chose me from all eternity.

Matthew 18:21-35

My dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

The theme of today's Sunday liturgy is forgiveness. I am reminded of how much God has forgiven me and I must remember to use that same limitless measure in forgiving my brothers and sisters who offend me; or sin against me. If I fail to show mercy or withhold forgiveness then I can be certain that I will be shown neither mercy or compassion.  Because we are in the flesh and the sin of Adam and Eve have rendered us weak we are bound to fall some more than others and that is why we are constantly approaching You for forgiveness, mercy, and pardon. You forgive the sinner over and over again no matter how many times he asks to be forgiven You are tireless in offering the sinner mercy. This is why we too are called not to keep an account of the sins of others but to forgive as often as we are approached to forgive from the heart.

1 Timothy 1:15-17, Psalm 113:1-7, Luke 6:43-49

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Whoever loves me will keep my word,
and my Father will love him,
and we will come to him. Jn 14:23


1 Timothy 1:15-17, Psalm 113:1-7, Luke 6:43-49


1 Timothy 1:15-17

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

This is my consolation, because I am a sinner I can count on Your unconditional, constant, merciful, and tender love for You came for sinners not the righteous. This is what St. Paul reminds me of today. He is positively boasting about the fact that he was once the chief of sinners but You did not abandon him to his sins instead You showed immense patience in order to give the rest of us sinners hope. 

The repentant sinner, no matter how imperfect his contrition, will like the prodigal son, always find a welcome in the Father's house. All glory, praise, honor, and thanksgiving to You our God of such incomprensible, awesome mercy.

Psalm 113:1-7

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

It is always right and fitting that we Your servant praise and bless Your most holy and awesome Name with every breath for as long as we live in this world and eternally in heaven.

We thank You that from the rising of the sun to its setting praise rises up to Your throne unceasingly. Thank You Beloved for raising up the lowly, the poor, the weak, the sick, the weary, the forgotten, the outcast, the sinner, the prisoner, those suffering from every infirmity both physical and spiritual and ministering to each according to our need. Amen.

Luke 6:43-49

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

You said by our fruit we will be known whether we are for God or not. You point out that if the fruit of our work is corrupt and spoiled, fit only to be thrown out it is because our lives are rotten and devoid of grace. If however, with the grace that is made available to us in such abundance, in the Sacraments, we toil and labor in Your Vineyard, even if the work is hidden from the world, the fruit we produce will be pleasing to You. 

You remind us that it is not enough to pay lip service to You but that our lives must be deeply rooted in You and must have its firm foundation on You only then will we be able to withstand and overcome the snares, the wiles and the traps that the world and the devil constantly set out for us.

Thank You for grace, thank You for my Guardian Angel, thank You for Your constant intercession for us sinners and for the intercession of Mary, our Mother.


Jesus said to his disciples:
"A good tree does not bear rotten fruit,
nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit.
For every tree is known by its own fruit.
For people do not pick figs from thornbushes,
nor do they gather grapes from brambles.
A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good,
but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil;
for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.

"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' but not do what I command?
I will show you what someone is like who comes to me,
listens to my words, and acts on them.
That one is like a man building a house,
who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock;
when the flood came, the river burst against that house
but could not shake it because it had been well built.
But the one who listens and does not act
is like a person who built a house on the ground
without a foundation.
When the river burst against it,
it collapsed at once and was completely destroyed."