Term 3 Week 31
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16 - 22 SEPTEMBER
ORDINARY TIME |
Sunday
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24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Mark 8:27-35 The ‘who’ question is central to our human existence: ‘Who are you, my companion on the journey of life?’ ‘Who am I?’ These questions, if we face their implications, confront us with the depths and mystery of our common humanity. Jesus called himself, ‘the Son of Man’, a title that affirmed his sharing in our human condition. When the ‘who’ question is addressed to him we find not only the mysterious depths of our common humanity, but also the mystery of the generous designs of God, conceived with the Son and the Holy Spirit, in the depths of the divine eternity. Gospel Reflection Image from https://pixabay.com/en/passion-cross-good-friday-3111247/ |
Monday
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St Robert Bellamine
This outstanding scholar and devoted servant of God defended the Apostolic See against the anti-clericals in Venice and against the political tenets of James I of England. He composed an exhaustive apologetic work against the prevailing heretics of his day. In the field of church-state relations, he took a position based on principles now regarded as fundamentally democratic - authority originates with God, but is vested in the people, who entrust it to fit rulers. This saint was the spiritual father of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, helped St. Francis de Sales obtain formal approval of the Visitation Order, and in his prudence opposed severe action in the case of Galileo. He has left us a host of important writings, including works of devotion and instruction, as well as controversy. He died in 1621. Taken from https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=101 Image from https://pixabay.com/en/dublin-trinity-college-library-2344423/ |
Tuesday
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Reflection
God is not far away from us, distant from the world we see, touch, hear, smell, and taste. (God) is at the tip of my pen, my spade, my brush. By doing what I do I lay hold of that last end towards which my innermost being tends. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin found in: The Happiness Habit by Daniel O'Leary On This Day As you carry out your work today, from the moment you pick up your pen or pencil, think on today's reflection. Image from https://pixabay.com/en/lavender-violet-nature-3458764/ |
Wednesday
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Saint Januarius
St. Januarius was born in Italy and was bishop of Benevento during the Emperor Diocletion persecution. Bishop Januarius went to visit two deacons and two laymen in prison. He was then also imprisoned along with his deacon and lector. They were thrown to the wild beasts, but when the animals did not attack them, they were beheaded. What is believed to be Januarius' blood is kept in Naples, as a relic. It liquifies and bubbles when exposed in the cathedral. Scientists have not been able to explain this miracle to date. St. Januarius lived and died around 305 A.D. and his feast day is September 19th. Taken from https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=355 What imprisons you? This quote from Richard Rohr offers an opportunity for reflection: What you seek is what you are going to get. What you expect is what you will call forth and recognise. What you are ready for is what will come toward you. But it has to be in you, first, or you won't see it or recognise it even when it's right in front of you. Found in The Happiness Habit by Daniel O'Leary p. 91 Image from https://pixabay.com/en/chainlink-fence-metal-wire-690503/ |
Thursday
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Saints Andrew Kim Taegŏn and Paul Chŏng Hasang
The evangelization of Korea began during the 17th century through a group of lay persons. A strong vital Christian community flourished there under lay leadership until missionaries arrived from the Paris Foreign Mission Society. During the terrible persecutions that occurred in the 19th century 103 members of the Christian community gave their lives as martyrs. Outstanding among these witnesses to the faith were the first Korean priest and pastor, Andrew Kim Taegon, and the lay apostle, Paul Chong Hasang. Pope John Paul II, during his trip to Korea, canonized these martyrs in 1984. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=20 Prayer We pray for peace in this turbulent world. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. John 14:217 NIV Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10 Image from https://pixabay.com/en/wheat-field-agriculture-zen-865098/ |
Friday
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Saint Matthew
Little is known about St. Matthew, except that he was the son of Alpheus, and he was likely born in Galilee. He worked as a tax collector, which was a hated profession during the time of Christ. According to the Gospel, Matthew was working at a collection booth in Capernaum when Christ came to him and asked, "Follow me." With this simple call, Matthew became a disciple of Christ. From Matthew we know of the many doings of Christ and the message Christ spread of salvation for all people. His book is the first of the four Gospels in the New Testament. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=84 Reflection What does the word 'vocation' mean for you? What question could you ask yourself that your future happiness would thank you for? (from David Whyte, poet) ...Every day, every moment: what's the most creative, loving, courageous, and authentic way that I can show up now?... found in Terry Hershey's Sabbath Moment May 8, 2017 Image from https://pixabay.com/en/photos/?q=follow+me&hp=&image_type=all&order=&cat=None&min_width=&min_height= |