FEAST OF ST NOBERT, BISHOP AND FOUNDER OF A RELIGIOUS ORDER.
St NOBERT, BISHOP AND FOUNDER OF A RELIGIOUS ORDER.
"One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?”
"Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.”
"The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, He is One and there is no other than he. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
"And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.”
"And no one dared to ask him any more questions." (Mark 12: 28 - 34).
Thursday 6th June 2024 in the 9th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Nobert (1080 - 1134), Bishop.
Nobert started life as a prodigal of some sort. The grace of Christ knocked him off his horse and then embraced him. Nobert quickly rose from the rubbles and showed his true colors. He became a priest and then a Bishop and worked hard to implement the reforms of Pope St Gregory VII. He was a noted preacher. He died as Archbishop of Magdeburg in Germany.
What does it mean that "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength."
For some the Greatest Commandment may mean:
"Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and God will provide you with all you need." (Cf Matthew 6: 33).
We love God because God loves us first. Our love for God is in direct proportion to our awareness of God’s love for us. For example, if all you know is that God loves you 10 kilos for example, you endeavor to love Him back 10 kilos. What if your perception and awareness of God's love for you is 100 kilos, your love for God grows in direct proportion to 100 kilo love.
The Liturgy of the Hours (LOTH) has this maxim which transformed my life:
"It's not from chance springs any of our comforts but from Your gracious ordaining O most gracious Father" (My equivalent translation).
When I became aware that nothing that happens to me is an accident, I started to pay attention. For example: Today, my bus was on time. Thank You Father. I got a refreshing soda from QuickTrip. Thank You Father. I enjoyed a good nap. Thank You Father. As the day goes on, the thanks multiply. By the time I go to bed about 11 pm, there will be lots of things to thank the Heavenly Father for. 
The Church honors the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus every June.
FRIDAY 7TH JUNE IS THE SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS.
Plan to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus this Friday by attending Holy Mass and receiving Holy Communion.
Read of the abundant promises made to people who honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus especially in June.
For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below.
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