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Catholic wisdom for the day.......

Scott1

Well-Known Member
November 21, 2004, Christ the King

“He rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of his beloved Son.” (Colossians 1:12-13)

READINGS:
1. 2 Samuel 5:1-3
2. Colossians 1:12-20
3. Gospel of Luke 23:35-43

REFLECTION: Jesus taught that he would lead in ways other than the people expected. Instead of leading them in battle against enemy nations, he would fight against the enemies of spiritual darkness and evil. Jesus would lead people into the kingdom of his Father now on earth and forever.

PRAYER: Father all powerful, God of love, You have raised our Lord Jesus Christ from death to life, resplendid in glory as King of Creation. Bring all humankind together in Jesus Christ your Son. Amen.

FAMILY DISCUSSION/ACTIVITY:

Monday:
These days you are preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving. Remember the needy today in prayer and charity.

Tuesday:
These beautiful autumn days can remind us of the grandeur of creation. Take a walk today and celebrate this.

Wednesday:
Pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary today for all celebrating Thanksgiving, for safety in travel and peace in families and the world.

Thursday:
Enjoy the day of Thanksgiving with friends and family.

Friday:
Spend some time today in Thanksgiving and preparation for the Church’s New Year which begins this Sunday. Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:37-44

Saturday:
Read and meditate on the readings for Sunday, the first week of Advent.

PRAYER: Pray the Our Father.
 

Scott1

Well-Known Member
Do not abandon me, Lord, My God, do not go away from me! Hurry to help me, Lord, my Savior. (Ps.37)

God our creator, we need your help in order to offer you a fitting service and praise. May we live in this faith that we profess and continue to grow in our trust in your promise of eternal life. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
 

Scott1

Well-Known Member
Sing and play music in your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Eph 5)

Lord Jesus, on this day that we celebrate the tradition of Thanksgiving, let us pause to give you thanks for the wonders of your creations, for the gift of life, for the bountiful resources our world possesses and for your loving presence in our lives. We ask that you open our hearts to the concern of our neighbors and to those who are alone. We pray with grateful hearts for the grace to share your goodness with those whom we encounter each day. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
 

Scott1

Well-Known Member
Sorry this is late.....

November 28, 2004, First Sunday of Advent

“The night is far spent; the day draws near. Let us cast off deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” (Romans 13)

READINGS:
1. Isaiah 2: 1-5
2. Romans 13:11-14
3. Gospel of Matthew 24:37-44

REFLECTION: On the first Sunday of Advent, which is the First Sunday of the Year in our Church calendar, all things seem new again. None of us are the same this Advent that we were in past Advents. Advent offers us an opportunity to stop and long and wait and pray for better things. May it not pass us by this year.

PRAYER: Lord, Jesus, so often we are asleep to your action in our lives. We remain numb to the message you so lovingly try to give. Wake us up to your presence and help us keep alert for your coming. Amen.

FAMILY DISCUSSION/ACTIVITY:

Monday:
Place some decoration or symbols, such as the Advent wreath or Advent candle, on your table as a reminder of this season in the Church.

Tuesday:
Plan with the children ways to celebrate Advent, such as an Advent calendar, an empty crib to fill with straws of good deeds.

Wednesday:
Light an Advent candle and gather with family or friends to pray the rosary.

Thursday:
Take time today to pray in silence, asking God to open your heart and mind to His presence.

Friday:
During this season, do something special for the needy.

Saturday:
Prepare for Sunday’s liturgy by reading and reflecting on the readings for the second week of Advent. Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-9, Matthew 3:1-12

PRAYER: Lord, here we are on the doorstep of Advent. May it be a time of renewal for us and a time of growth in the values that really matter. Amen.
 

Scott1

Well-Known Member
I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. (Ps 23)

Lord Jesus, as we walk this journey of faith this Advent Season, may we become more aware of the need for us to take time in silence and reflect on your presence in our lives. May we come to know you in the silence of our hearts. We ask this in your name. Amen.

Prayers to Huajiro during this tough time....
 

Scott1

Well-Known Member
December 5, 2004, Second Sunday of Advent

“May God, the source of all patience and encouragement, enable you to live in perfect harmony.” (Romans 15)

READINGS:
1. Isaiah 11: 1-10
2. Romans 15:4-9
3. Gospel of Matthew 3:1-12

REFLECTION: This Advent may our waiting be for more than presents and parties. May our hearts and vision expand to include the good of all creation, and may we long for justice and for the new heaven and the new earth which God has promised through his prophets.

PRAYER: Come! Lord Jesus. Come!

FAMILY DISCUSSION/ACTIVITY:

Monday:
Remember today especially all those who have given their lives in the war with Iraq.

Tuesday:
Pray and remember today all the families of those waiting for loved ones to return from the war in Iraq.

Wednesday:
Today is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Pray today that all those involved in the war in Iraq will receive comfort from Mary.

Thursday:
Gather with others today to pray the rosary for world peace.

Friday:
Use your Advent wreath this evening for prayer.

Saturday:
Give spiritual or material gifts today to the needy.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, come again and make all things new. The world needs your life and light. We all need the warmth of Your Presence. Help us to welcome you and to love one another by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
 

Scott1

Well-Known Member
Justice shall flourish in his time and fullness of peace forever. (Ps 72)

Lord, we desire so much to live in peace and that justice will flourish in our time. Yet, our humanness gets in the way and we fall to temptations and live with our limitations. We are in need of your forgiveness in our lives and we need to reach out to those who are hurt by our selfishness and greed. Help us to recognize the need for your help and guidance in our lives. We ask this in your name. Amen.
 

Scott1

Well-Known Member
December 12, 2004, Third Sunday of Advent

“When Jesus’ mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child through the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 1)

READINGS:
1. Isaiah 35: 1-6a, 10
2. James 5:7-10
3. Gospel of Matthew 11:2-11

REFLECTION: Whatever the circumstances, when the angel came and announced to Mary that she would be the mother of the Savior, we know she was open to the Presence of God. That Presence is always available to us, as it was to Mary. We can find it in prayer, but also in a moment of washing pots or peeling carrots, or caring for children and elderly.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, we live in a blessed land. May we never take this for granted. Have mercy on us for our national failings and lead us in more just and righteous ways. Amen.

FAMILY DISCUSSION/ACTIVITY:

Monday:
Do some Advent readings and reflecting. Use materials provided by the parish. Check your web sites for Advent materials.

Tuesday:
Is there a family member (s) with whom you have been out of touch for a long time? Do something this season to get in touch.

Wednesday:
Pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary with the family tonight. Pray for the families of those in military service.

Thursday:
During these days of Advent, continue to be especially mindful of the needy in prayer and service.

Friday:
Plan an Advent dinner tonight. Light the Advent wreath or other candles. Talk about your family’s hopes for this coming year.

Saturday:
Prepare for Sunday’s liturgy by reflecting on the readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Isaiah 7:10-14, Romans 1:1-7, and Matthew:18-24

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, hear our prayer when we call upon you. Listen to our hopes and dreams and satisfy us as you have promised. Come, Lord Jesus, the time is near. Amen.
 

Scott1

Well-Known Member
December 19, 2004, 4th Sunday of Advent

“They settled in a town called Nazareth.” (Matthew 2)

READINGS:
1. Isaiah 7: 10-14
2. Romans 1:1-7
3. Gospel of Matthew 1:18-24

REFLECTION: We’ll never know, of course, what the Holy Family was like, but it would seem that their special contribution lies in the very fact that they lived the way everyone else lived. And because they did, the Holy Family showed us that holiness is found in the ordinariness of our lives.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, you give us life and family and friends, and every sort of blessing. Through all these gifts, we see your goodness, hear your word and are touched by your love. May we relish Your Presence among us and praise and thank you all our days. Amen.

FAMILY DISCUSSION/ACTIVITY:

Monday:
Make a plan to take time this week to read and reflect on the Advent season.

Tuesday:
At dinner tonight light the Advent candle and/or other candles. Pray to the Lord to bless your family now and in the coming New Year.

Wednesday:
Gather the family this evening and pray the rosary for world peace.

Thursday:
Enjoy this day the many Christmas decorations and lights. May they remind you of the light and joy that should be ours as Christians.

Friday:
Christmas Eve. At dinner tonight ask the family to pray especially for all those who are without their families at this time.

Saturday:
Christmas Day. Rejoice and be glad for Christ has chosen to become one with us.

PRAYER: Come Lord Jesus. Come Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Prince of Peace. Come Emmanuel, God with us and fill our hearts with joy. Amen.
 

Scott1

Well-Known Member
January 2, 2005, Epiphany of the Lord

“Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you… Nations shall walk in your light and kings by your shining radiance.” (Isaiah 60)

READINGS:
1. Isaiah 60: 1-6
2. Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
3. Gospel of Matthew 2:1-12

REFLECTION: The word “Epiphany” means revelation. God reveals himself through Jesus. The plan of God is tremendous. The heart of God is huge. His light and love embrace all people. When we pledge ourselves to him, we also take on this all embracing vision of his.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, radiant star of God’s glory, our hearts long to be satisfied by the light of your Presence. May all light and stars remind us of your presence.

FAMILY DISCUSSION/ACTIVITY:

Monday:
The spirit of Christmas continues. Is there anyone you still need to be in touch with this Christmas season? Plan a call, a card, or a letter.

Tuesday:
During this time after Christmas, we think of the Holy Innocent. Call to mind today in your prayers, children the world over who suffer and die through no fault of their own.

Wednesday:
Pray the rosary today with the family. Pray for peace in the world and an end to war and violence.

Thursday:
When we think of Epiphany, we think of stars, and kings, and gifts. At the family table tonight, place the three kings and some stars on the table and pray for grace that God will enlighten you this year.

Friday:
These days of the New Year are days of reflection. Take time to ask, “What do we hope for this New Year?” Write down your hopes.

Saturday:
Take time today to read the Christmas gospels and especially the story of the Magi. Spend time in reflection and prayer.

PRAYER: Lord, may we be wise and kingly persons, giving the gold of your light to the world. Amen.
 

Scott1

Well-Known Member
We have seen his star at its rising and have come to do him homage. (Mt 2)

God our creator, as the star revealed the way for the Wisemen to know where your Son was born, may you illuminate our path so that we may follow your Son in our faith journey. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
 

Scott1

Well-Known Member
The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. To those who accepted him, he gave power to become children of God. (Jn 1)

Almighty and ever-present Father, hear our prayers as we call out to you. Help us to be bearers of peace in our world. To those who are troubled may we bring them peace and may our lives be a source of comfort to those who are in pain. By these actions, may they know of your presence in our world and in their lives. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
 

Scott1

Well-Known Member
Wow.... this is an old thread.... thought I might start it up again.

A Prayer of St. John Chrysostom

O Lord my God, I know that I am not worthy nor sufficient that thou shouldest enter under my roof into the habitation of my soul, for it is all deserted and in ruins, and thou hast not a fitting place in me to lay thy head. But as from the heights of thy glory thou didst humble thyself, so now bear me in my humility; as thou didst deign to lie in a manger in a cave, so deign now also to come into the manger of my mute soul and corrupt body. As thou didst not refrain from entering into the house of Simon the leper, or shrink from eating there with sinners, so also vouchsafe to enter the house of my poor soul, all leprous and full of sin. Thou didst not reject the sinful woman who ventured to draw near to touch thee, so also have pity on me, a sinner, approaching to touch thee. And grant that I may partake of thine All-holy Body and Precious Blood for the sanctification, enlightenment and strengthening of my weak soul and body; for the relief from the burden of my many sins; for my preservation against all the snares of the devil; for victory over all my sinful and evil habits; for the mortification of my passions; for obedience to thy Commandments; for growth in thy divine Grace and for the inheritance of thy Kingdom. For it is not with careless heart that I approach thee, O Christ my God, but I come trusting in thine infinite goodness, and fearing lest I may be drawn afar from thee and become the prey of the wolf of souls. Wherefore I pray thee, O Master, who alone art holy, that thou wouldest sanctify my soul and body, my mind and heart and reins, and renew me entirely. Implant in my members the fear of thee, be thou my helper and guide, directing my life in the paths of peace, and make me worthy to stand at thy right hand with thy Saints; through the prayers and intercessions of thine immaculate Mother, of thy Bodiless Servitors, of the immaculate Powers, and of all the Saints who from all ages have been well-pleasing unto thee. Amen.
 

Scott1

Well-Known Member
PRAYER OF ST. GREGORY THE GREAT
Acclaim To The Suffering Christ


O Lord, You received affronts without number from Your blasphemers, yet each day You free captive souls from the grip of the ancient enemy. You did not avert Your face from the spittle of perfidy, yet You wash souls in saving waters. You accepted Your scourging without murmur, yet through your meditationYou deliver us from endless chastisements. You endured ill-treatment of all kinds, yet You want to give us a share in the choirs of angels in glory everlasting.You did not refuse to be crowned with thorns, yet You save us from the wounds of sin. In your thirst You accepted the bitterness of gall, yet You prepare Yourself to fill us with eternal delights. You kept silence under the derisive homage rendered You by Your executioners, yet You petition the Father for us although You are his equal in Divinity.You came to taste death, yet You were the Life and had come to bring it to the dead.Amen.
 

Scott1

Well-Known Member
Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle;
be our defense against the wickedness
and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him,
we humbly pray.
And do thou,
O prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God
thrust into hell
Satan and all the evil spirits
who prowl about the world
for the ruin of souls. Amen.

Latin
Sancte Michael Archangele,
defende nos in proelio,
contra nequitiam
et insidias diaboli esto praesidium.
Imperet illi Deus,
supplices deprecamur:
tuque,
Princeps militiae caelestis,
Satanam aliosque spiritus malignos,
qui ad perditionem animarum
pervagantur in mundo,
divina virtute,
in infernum detrude. Amen.
 
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