JESUS IS LORD. ALWAYS!

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Fountain of Mercy

"Lord God, fountain of all mercy, look upon our gifts on this feast of St. Joseph. Let our sacrifice become the protection of all who call on you…." (Offertory Prayer on the feast of St. Joseph the Worker)

God our Father is the fountain of all mercy. O that I would remember this at the moment of need.

The gifts we bring up to the altar, bread and wine, fruits of our labor represent our sacrifice. We join this with the one sacrifice of Jesus Christ and ask the Father and fountain of all mercy for our protection from evil and all who call upon Him.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Staying in the word

"If you stay in my word, you will indeed be my disciples, and you will know the truth." (John 8: 31)

The truth here is a person, Jesus Christ Himself. Essential to knowing Him is a relationship that develops through daily communion with His word.

St. Jerome says: "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Jesus Christ."

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

The Carpenter’s Son

"This is the carpenter's son, surely? Is not his mother the woman called Mary, and his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Jude?" (Matthew 13: 55)

The people of Nazareth where Jesus grew up saw Him only as the carpenter's son and the son of Mary. But things are not always what they seem. His words and miracles are opportunities for them to probe deeper into the person of Jesus. They did not. Their minds were closed.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Be fruitful

"Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and subdue it." (Genesis 1: 28)

"Be fruitful" means be productive.

The Holy Spirit is the principle and source of fruitfulness. The Holy Spirit helps us abide in Christ as the branch abides in the tree.

Monday, January 26, 2009

St. Joseph the Worker

"God our Father, creator and ruler of the universe, in every age you call man to develop and use his gifts for the good of others. With Joseph as our example and guide, help us to do the work you have asked and come to the rewards you have promised….." (Prayer on the feast of St. Joseph the Worker May 1st)

Help me to develop my talents, Lord. Lead and guide me to work you have called me to do.

St. Joseph pray for me.