5 decades for the necessities and intentions of at least 10 others, peace, the salvation of souls, the ending of abortion, the intentions of the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI, the Holy souls in Purgatory, and the spreading of Devotion to the Divine Mercy of Jesus.
Today's Mass Readings:
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Hebrews 7:25 -- 8:6
Psalm 40:7-10, 17
Mark 3:7-12
I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of the hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.
-- St. Paul in his second letter to Timothy (2 Tim 1:6-8)
Read more: http://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/inspiration.htm#20#ixzz1BbCqAuKT
Today's Homily
see post below this one for the video.
Saint of the day:
(257?-288?)
Nothing is historically certain about St. Sebastian except that he was a Roman martyr, was venerated in Milan even in the time of St. Ambrose and was buried on the Appian Way, probably near the present Basilica of St. Sebastian. Devotion to him spread rapidly, and he is mentioned in several martyrologies as early as a.d. 350.
The legend of St. Sebastian is important in art, and there is a vast iconography. Scholars now agree that a pious fable has Sebastian entering the Roman army because only there could he assist the martyrs without arousing suspicion. Finally he was found out, brought before Emperor Diocletian and delivered to Mauritanian archers to be shot to death. His body was pierced with arrows, and he was left for dead. But he was found still alive by those who came to bury him. He recovered, but refused to flee. One day he took up a position near where the emperor was to pass. He accosted the emperor, denouncing him for his cruelty to Christians. This time the sentence of death was carried out. Sebastian was beaten to death with clubs. HE was buried on the Appian Way, close to the catacombs that bear his name.
What to do as a polite Catholic???
It has finally happened, my being Catholic in a family of Protestant's has become an issue. During Christmas we went to Church services with some family members who were offended when my son and I did not go up for communion. My unbelieving realative can go up and partake of the Host and that is OK. It seems strange to me that we are the one's who offend others simply by following our creed. We believe that we can only commune with those who are in full communion with the Church. This offends more Protestants than I ever imagined, they want us to commune with them, but they do not want to share our faith.
For me this is the saddest thing. I joined the Catholic Church believing it is THE CHURCH Jesus founded. We can trace Her history back to the day of Pentecost. All other denominations broke off from someone else. Yet we are the one's who are at fault? Go figure.
As polite Catholics we have to defend ourselves graciously. We must take the ribbing and the sublime persecution graciously and lovingly. Why? Because this is what Jesus did. His family wanted to put Him away as a crazy person and He did not rant or rave about it. He simply went on doing what He was called to do. This site is dedicated to Him and I must follow in His footsteps. I am not at all understanding all of this, yet I know He is faithful and will see to it that everything will work out for His glory. I just wish I could have seen it coming.
I find that every Protestant wants Christian Unity as long as it is their way. None believe we should all be Catholic. Why is that? True Christian Unity must be Catholic. It is the only way it will work. Holy Mother Church does love all of Her children even those who through misguided good intentions split the very church they proclaim to defend. How can you say you love Jesus and not love His Church?
God bless, Todd
No comments:
Post a Comment