Tuesday, December 25, 2007

The Pope's Midnight Mass Homily

Yet there is no room at the inn. In some way, mankind is awaiting God, waiting for him to draw near. But when the moment comes, there is no room for him. Man is so preoccupied with himself, he has such urgent need of all the space and all the time for his own things, that nothing remains for others – for his neighbour, for the poor, for God. And the richer men become, the more they fill up all the space by themselves. And the less room there is for others.

Saint John, in his Gospel, went to the heart of the matter, giving added depth to Saint Luke’s brief account of the situation in Bethlehem: “He came to his own home, and his own people received him not” (Jn 1:11). This refers first and foremost to Bethlehem: the Son of David comes to his own city, but has to be born in a stable, because there is no room for him at the inn. Then it refers to Israel: the one who is sent comes among his own, but they do not want him. And truly, it refers to all mankind: he through whom the world was made, the primordial Creator-Word, enters into the world, but he is not listened to, he is not received.


--Pope Benedict XVI at Midnight Mass 2007

If you haven't yet read the Pope's message, here it is. The message is truly of hope and better than what I heard at my Christmas mass.

Let's make room for Him in our hearts as only He can bring us true life.

Merry Christmas

Venite Adoremus...Dominuum!

Christ is the Lord...O Praise His Name Forever!!!

December 25--The Feast Day of the Incarnation

On the day we share with family, God wedded Himself to humanity as our brother so that we can share in His role of Priest Prophet and King.

On the day we use to exchange presents to our loved ones...God gave us His greatest present. His only begotten Son.

Lord, may I always do Your perfect will. And thank you for all you've given me. May I be a gift to You.

Everything I have is Yours. Do with it as you will.

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Living Greatly!

"IF YOU ARE WHAT YOU SHOULD BE, YOU WILL SET THE WHOLE WORLD ON FIRE." ~ St. Catherine of Siena

God has wonderful things planned for all of us. All we need to do is trust in Him and He'll do all the rest.

Lord, you made me who I am. I am your slave. Do with me what you will.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Fatherhood and Obedience

"the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, 'Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead.'
He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. " (Matthew 2: 19-21)


St. Joseph,

Thank you for being such a wonderful example of fatherhood. May I always use you as an example of a perfect father. One who protects his family. One who loves and teaches his beloved child.

And one who is fully obedient to God.

I ask that you pray for me. Please ask your adopted Son to please give me the grace to be fully obedient to Him.

Thank you again and may your shining example of love and humility lead me to Him.

Friday, May 18, 2007

Recognition

Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)

Oh God, may I always recognize You in all people. Keep me focused on You. Give me the grace to love You in all people.

And allow me to forgive them as You have forgiven me.

Thank You!

Sunday, April 08, 2007

Alleluia, Alleluia, He is Risen

"Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29)

Thank you, Lord. I gaze in awe at Your presence.

May I be made worthy of Your sacrifice.

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

The True Vine

I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)

O God, without You, I am nothing. A withered branch. With You, I am saved. Remain in me. I need You. Nourish me, Make me grow.

Thank You Lord for all that You have given to me.

Thursday, March 01, 2007

Very Good

"God looked at everything He had made and He found it very good." (Genesis 1: 31)


Can God hate?

No.

Thank You God for Your wonderful creation. My Potter. I am in Your hands. Mold me. Transform me. Make me Your own.

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Render to God

"In the course of time Cain brought an offering to the LORD from the fruit of the soil, while Abel, for his part, brought one of the best firstlings of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not. " (Genesis 4: 3-5)

What does God want from us?

He wants our best.

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Faltering Faith

"Beginning to sink, he cried out, 'Lord, save me!' Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand..." (Matthew 14: 30-31)

When I worry, When I doubt, I need to remember to trust in the Lord.

If my faith starts to falter, If Iwander from Him and start getting lost, I need to remember Peter and ask Christ to save me. Such a short simple prayer.

He'll do it immediately.

Thank you, God.

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Obedience...

His mother said to the servers, "Do whatever he tells you." (John 2: 5)

So many times we are so busy talking that we don't bother listening. We are called to serve God and do what He wants.



Lord, I have heard Your blessed mother. What do You want me to do today?