Walk On Water (WOW) quote for today, February 01, 2013

Walk On Water (WOW) quote for today     "Marital love is a reflection of how God loves. It is free, total, faithful and fruitful." - - Christopher West

 

Canticle of Sechariah Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has come to his people and brought about their redemption. He has raised up the sign of salvation in the house of his servant David, as he promised through the mouth of the holy ones, his prophets through the ages: to rescue us from our enemies and all who hate us, to take pity on our fathers, to remember his holy covenant and the oath he swore to Abraham our father, that he would give himself to us, that we could serve him without fear – freed from the hands of our enemies – in uprightness and holiness before him, for all of our days. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High: for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his path,to let his people know their salvation, so that their sins may be forgiven. Through the bottomless mercy of our God, one born on high will visit us to give light to those who walk in darkness, who live in the shadow of death; to lead our feet in the path of peace. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.     Prayers:

 

Almighty Father,

let your light so penetrate our minds that, walking in your commandments, we may always follow you, our leader and guide.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

  who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

  one God, for ever and ever.

Amen

Source: Morning Prayers

My Thursday Daily Blessings, January 31, 2013

My Thursday Daily Blessings

Be still, quiet your heart and mind, the Lord is here loving you, talking to you...............................................

 

 Memorial of Saint John Bosco, Priest and Founder of the Salesian Missionaries

 (Catholic Observance)

Thursdsay of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (Roman Rite Calendar)

First Reading: Heb 10:19-25

Brothers and sisters:
Since through the Blood of Jesus  we have confidence of entrance into the sanctuary  by the new and living way he opened for us through the veil,  that is, his flesh, and since we have “a great priest over the house of God,”
let us approach with a sincere heart and in absolute trust,  with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience  and our bodies washed in pure water.
Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope,  for he who made the promise is trustworthy.
We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works.
We should not stay away from our assembly,  as is the custom of some, but encourage one another,  and this all the more as you see the day drawing near.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 24: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6

"Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

"

 

 

Gospel: Mk 4:21-25

 

Jesus said to his disciples,
“Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand?
For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible;  nothing is secret except to come to light.
Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.”
He also told them, “Take care what you hear.
The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you,  and still more will be given to you.
To the one who has, more will be given;
from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

** Reflection:

What does the image of light and a lamp tell us about God's kingdom? Lamps in the ancient world served a vital function, much like they do today. They enable people to see and work in the dark and to avoid stumbling. The Jews also understood "light" as an expression of the inner beauty, truth, and goodness of God. In his light we see light ( Psalm 36:9). His word is a lamp that guides our steps (Psalm 119:105). God's grace not only illumines the darkness in our lives, but it also fills us with spiritual light, joy, and peace. Jesus used the image of a lamp to describe how his disciples are to live in the light of his truth and love. Just as natural light illumines the darkness and enables one to see visually, so thelight of Christ shines in the hearts of believers and enables us to see the heavenly reality of God's kingdom. In fact, our mission is to be light-bearers of Christ so that others may see the truth of the gospel and be freed from the blindness of sin and deception.

Jesus remarks that nothing can remain hidden or secret. We can try to hide things from others, from ourselves, and from God. How tempting to shut our eyes from the consequences of our sinful ways and bad habits, even when we know what those consequences are. And how tempting to hide them from others and even from God. But, nonetheless, everything is known to God who sees all. There is great freedom and joy for those who live in God's light and who seek his truth. Those who listen to God and heed his voice will receive more from him; they will not lack what they need to live as Christ's disciples, and they will shine as lights to those who hunger for God's truth and wisdom. Do you know the joy and freedom of living in God's light?

** Prayer:

"Lord Jesus, you guide me by the light of your saving truth. Fill my heart and mind with your light and truth and free me from the blindness of sin and deception that I may see your ways clearly and understand your will for my life. May I radiate your light and truth to others in word and deed."

 Amen.

Sources: 

 

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

**Don Schwager

Author and Writer, Sword of the Spirit

Editor of Living Bulwark

and member of Servants of the Word, UK