Dear God, open a door for my message, so that I may proclaim the mystery of Christ. I pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Colossians 4:3-4

R4C

R4C
Reconciliation and Forgiveness ~ I am Sorry * Please Forgive Me * Thank You * I Love You. ~ Reconciliation and Forgiveness ~ I am Sorry * Please Forgive Me * Thank You * I Love You. ~ Reconciliation and Forgiveness ~ I am Sorry * Please Forgive Me * Thank You * I Love You.

Generosity from the Heart

Generosity from the Heart


Matt 6:3, "do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing"


If this blog is informative and helpful in your pursuit to follow Jesus, and deepening your Christian faith;

Please support my work. Thank you and God Bless.


Proverbs 11:25, "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."


How to make contibution (click on this link)


May the Lord bless you for your generosity, and may the Mother of God intercede for your every need.


Your act of generosity will be rewarded, and your blessing will be “pressed down, shaken together, and RUNNING OVER.

Psalm 19:14, May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Thursday 13 December 2018

HELP ME LORD!!!! I hope in You Lord and I know You will make a way for me soon


Help me Lord, I need Your merciful miracle, I am in real desperate and urgent situation, but I have not given up. My faith, trust and hope is in You alone my Lord God and Saviour, because I know Lord You are always by my side and Your timing is always perfect. Each and everyday, even in this lowest situation Lord I thank You for everything. I may not see Your blessing but I know Lord You work in mysterious ways which is incomprehensible by me. I am confident Lord that You will make a way for me soon, In Jesus name I pray, trust and hope in You my God.

Advent a time to prepare, reflect and anticipate for the coming of Christ our Saviour, Lord and King

Reflecting Christ’s presence in our lives, as we think about His being born in a manger in Bethlehem to redeem us from our sins so that we may share Eternal Life with Him in Heaven!


Mary and Joseph believed and were able to feel the joy of holding baby Jesus in their arms. The shepherds and wise men believed the angles and the signs and experienced the great gladness of worshipping their Messiah. Those who knew him and recognised him were overjoyed at the coming of Jesus.


The Second Coming reminds us of the timelessness of God’s love, and of the importance of showing others His love in our thoughts, words, and actions. Christ’s love is with us always and He’s counting on us to share it with others!

Hear my cry for Your merciful help O'Lord, I have not doubted You and I thank You for everything everyday


Thank you God for everything, everything in my life is a blessing from you. I am now unable to handle things on my own as financial commitments and debts are have overwhelm me. At times I have no money to even meet my basic daily necessities like even fuel for my car, the situation I am in is almost out of my control. You are my Lord, God and Savior only You can do the impossible, without You I am nothing. All I have is from You, all I am is because of my own faults and all I am going to be depends on You infinite mercy and goodness Lord. Please hear me Lord, as I call upon You in this desperate times and help me. Lord I know that I am a sinner and it is unworthy for You to enter under my roof, but I truly believe and trust that You only have to say the word and I will be healed from my misery. You have said your word does return to You void as in Isaiah 55:11, “so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth, it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” Make a way Lord and provided for to overcome these debts so that my life will change, I will repent and as You have helped me, I too will be a help to others and the needy. Lord I make this pray through Your son JESUS CHRIST. Amen.




He is Elijah who is to come



Who is the greatest in the kingdom of God?

Jesus praised John the Baptist as the greatest person born. Who can top that as a compliment? But in the same breath Jesus says that the least in the kingdom of God is even greater than John! That sounds like a contradiction, right? Unless you understand that what Jesus was about to accomplish for our sake would supersede all that the prophets had done and foreseen. 

"Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel"
The prophet Isaiah proclaimed to the forsaken and dispersed people of Israel some 700 years before the birth of Christ that "your Redeemer - the Holy One of Israel" would come to restore his people and to make all things new (Isaiah 41:14ff). When the Messiah and Redeemer of Israel did appear John the Baptist announced his arrival. He fulfilled the essential task of all the prophets - to be fingers pointing to Jesus Christ, God's Anointed Son and Messiah. John proclaimed Jesus' mission at the Jordan River when he exclaimed, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world" (John 1:29). John saw from a distance what Jesus would accomplish through his death on the cross - our redemption from bondage to sin and death and our adoption as sons and daughters of God and citizens of the kingdom of heaven. 

The spirit of Elijah is sent in advance through John's words 
John the Baptist bridges the Old and New Testaments. He is the last of the Old Testament prophets who point the way to the Messiah. He is the first of the New Testament witnesses and martyrs. He is the herald who prepares the way for Jesus the Messiah. Jesus confirms that John has fulfilled the promise that Elijah would return to herald the coming of the Messiah (Malachi 4:5). Jesus declares that John is nothing less that the great herald whose privilege it was to announce the coming of the Redeemer - the Holy One of Israel.

Jesus equates the coming of the kingdom of heaven with violence (Matthew 11:12). John himself suffered violence for announcing that the kingdom of God was near. He was thrown into prison and then beheaded. Since John's martyrdom to the present times the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence and persecution at the hands of violent men. The blood of the martyrs throughout the ages bear witness to this fact. The martyrs witness to the truth - the truth and love of Jesus Christ who shed his blood to redeem us from slavery to sin and Satan and the fear of death. The Lord Jesus gives us the power of his Holy Spirit to overcome fear with faith, despair with hope, and every form of hatred, violence, jealousy, and prejudice with love and charity towards all - even those who seek to destroy and kill. 

We proclaim the joy of the Gospel of Christ even in the midst of suffering and violence 
God may call some of us to be martyrs for our faith in Jesus Christ. But for most of us our call is to be dry martyrs who bear testimony to the joy of the Gospel in the midst of daily challenges, contradictions, temptations and adversities which come our way as we follow the Lord Jesus. What attracts others to the Gospel of Jesus Christ? When they see Christians loving their enemies, being joyful in suffering, patient in adversity, pardoning injuries, and showing comfort and compassion to the hopeless and the helpless. Jesus tells us that we do not need to fear our adversaries. He will fill us with the power of his Holy Spirit and give us sufficient grace, strength, and wisdom to face any trial and to answer any challenge to our faith. Are you eager to witness to the joy and freedom of the Gospel?

Lord Jesus, by your cross you have redeemed the world. Fill me with joy and confidence and make me a bold witness of your saving truth that others may know the joy and freedom of the Gospel of your kingdom of peace and righteousness.

source: From the desk of Don Schwager, 
hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East

Wednesday 5 December 2018

Persevere, God knows....

Persevere 
even if no one appreciates 
what you are doing 
for GOD.

According to Your Faith

According to your Faith be it done to you.
(Matthew 9:29)
A lot of times when people have a need, they think that if God wanted to, He would just automatically meet it. But Jesus didn’t say, according to your need be it unto you; He said, according to your faith. That’s why it’s so important to have an attitude of expectancy every single day. If we want God to move in our lives, we have to approach every day filled with faith and hope. Scripture tells us in Romans that “faith comes by hearing the Word of God.” The more you meditate on the Word of God, the more your faith will grow and the more you will see Him working in your life. Remember, God longs to bless you, and He’s given you everything you need to be successful in life. All things are possible to those who believe! Believe in His goodness today, believe His Word, and according to your faith, be it done for you! 



Prayer 
Father, thank You for Your hand of blessing in my life today. I open my heart to You and trust that You have a good plan for me. Give me a heart filled with faith and hope to believe for every promise You have for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.


The Man, the Wife, the Donkey and the Critics


So Very True.

This is the LORD - we have waited for him



What sign does God give his people that the promised Messiah, God's Anointed Son, will come to bring his heavenly peace and blessing and kingdom power to overcome the power of sin and oppression? 

In Jesus's time the people were in eager expectation that the Messiah would come soon. The prophets foretold that he would come in the power of Elijah and would perform mighty signs like Moses did when he delivered his people from slavery in Egypt. Some 700 years before Jesus came, Isaiah had prophesied that God would provide a heavenly banquet for all peoples and would destroy death once and for all (Isaiah 25:6-8). Jesus, God's Anointed Son, came to fulfill that promise. 

Signs of the coming of God's kingdom of grace and power 
Jesus' miracles are both a sign of the coming of God's kingdom and a demonstration of God's power to deliver his people from slavery to sin and Satan's oppressive rule. Jesus' miracles also showed the magnitude of God's mercy.

When the disciples were confronted by Jesus with the task of feeding four thousand people many miles away from any source of food, they exclaimed: Where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them (Matthew 15:33) ? The Israelites were confronted with the same dilemma when they fled Egypt and found themselves in a barren wilderness. Like the miraculous provision of manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4, 15; Psalm 78:24-25), Jesus, himself provides bread in abundance for the hungry crowd who came out into the desert to seek him. The Gospel records that all were satisfied and they took up what was leftover. 

Jesus nourishes us with the true bread of heaven 
In the multiplication of the loaves and fishes we see a sign and a symbol of what God always does. God knows our needs and he cares. When God gives, he gives in abundance. The Gospel account records that the leftovers from the miraculous meal was more than seven times the amount they began with. Seven is a symbol of completion and wholeness. When God gives, he gives until we are satisfied. When God works for his people he gives abundantly - more than we could deserve and more than we need. He nourishes us with his life-giving word and with the bread of heaven. In the kingdom of heaven God will feast us at his banquet table. Are you satisfied with God's provision for you? And do you long with expectant hope for the coming of his kingdom in all its fullness?

Lord Jesus, you alone can satisfy the longing and hunger in our hearts. May I thirst for your kingdom and find joy in your presence. Give me the true bread of heaven and nourish me with your life-giving word.

source: From the desk of Don Schwager, 
hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East

Tuesday 4 December 2018

The unpleasing ways to God on how the consecrated host, the Holy Eucharist is handled by humans


SACRILEGE 
"My Son is not pleased with the manner in which His Body and Blood is being given to all of the humans upon earth. "Communion in the hand has not been, and will not be accepted by Heaven. This is a sacrilege in the eyes of the Eternal Father, and must not be continued, for you only add to your punishment when you continue on in the ways that have been found to be unpleasing to the Eternal Father." 
- Our Lady, June 30, 1984

SOILED HANDS 
"No soiled hands can touch My Son's Body. Only God can purify the hands." 
- Our Lady, September 7, 1970 

UNCLEAN HANDS
"Look, my child, upon the abominations that have fallen into the cup. Unclean hands shall stain the Body of your Creator." 
- St. Michael, September 28, 1973

PURIFIED FINGERS 
"We ask and repeat that no one handle in unconsecrated hands the Body of My Son! It will be defiled and discarded, unless only a legally-ordained priest, a man of God, with purified fingers of the Holy Spirit, give the Body and Blood of My Son to each one under his care." 
- Our Lady, September 6, 1975 

GREATEST SORROW 
"The greatest sorrow that smites My Heart, My children, is the desecration to My Son's Body. These abominable acts are being committed by His own in His houses, His churches upon earth. "I repeat again that none shall bring the sacred Body of My Son, His Body and Blood, to another but a legally-ordained priest with consecrated hands. I say, My children, consecrated hands, blessed hands, washed clean by the Holy Spirit! No man shall render excuses for defilement of My Son's Body."
- Our Lady, May 14, 1977


Prayer to Mother of Perpetual Help


Oh Mother of Perpetual Help, grant that I may ever invoke your powerful name, the protection of the living and the salvation of the dying. Purest Mary, let your name henceforth be ever on my lips. Delay not, Blessed Lady, to rescue me whenever I call on you. In my temptations, in my needs, I will never cease to call on you, ever repeating your sacred name, Mary, Mary.

What a consolation, what sweetness, what confidence fills my soul when I utter your sacred name or even only think of you! I thank the Lord for having given you so sweet, so powerful, so lovely a name. But I will not be content with merely uttering your name. Let my love for you prompt me ever to hail you Mother of Perpetual Help.

Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for me and grant me the favour I confidently ask of you. 
(Then say three Hail Mary's)

Wednesday 28 November 2018

Prayer for the Homeless

Let us pray for the Homeless regardless why they are in that position, they are our brothers and sisters and need our prayers. Especially those facing winter, floods, heat wave, storms and other calamity, woe and affliction. Let us be thankful to God for we have a warm home by His grace.


Prayer for the Homeless
Bless the homeless, this day and everyday,
keep them from physical and emotional harm,
fill their hearts with hope for the future and for today,
comfort the homeless as they walk their difficult paths.
May I know that anyone, even me, can be homeless.

Bless the homeless with enough food to sustain them,
with enough warmth to shield them from the elements,
with the power to wrestle personal demons and win,
with the will to go on, and build their lives again.

May hope touch each homeless heart, spirit and life,
let the kindness of others bring lasting benefits,
bring freedom from addiction, illness and misery,
open their humanity to include and embrace themselves.

Bless the homeless with self acceptance and love, 
spark their imaginations with belief in the future,
bringing the possibility of a better life,
a safer life and a more secure life.

Not a hair of your head will perish


If the Gospel message is good news, then why do so many people treat Christians with contempt and hostility for their beliefs and practices?

Jesus warns his followers that they will be confronted with wickedness, false teaching, persecution, as well as the temptation to renounce their faith when it is put to the test. 

Satan destroys and kills - God restores and gives life
The real enemy of the Gospel - the good news of Jesus Christ - is Satan (also called Lucifer), the powerful leader of the fallen angels who rebelled against God and who were cast out of heaven. Satan opposes God and all who follow his rule of peace and righteousness (moral goodness) on the earth. Jesus calls Satan a "murderer" who turns brother against brother and the "father of lies" who twists the truth and speaks falsehood (John 8:44). Satan not only opposes God's rule, he seeks to destroy all who would obey God. Satan will use any means possible to turn people away from God. He tempts people through envy, deception, hatred, and fear to provoke hostility towards those who follow the Lord Jesus Christ.

What is Jesus' response to hostility and persecution? Love, forbearance, and forgiveness. Only love - the love which is rooted in God's great compassion and faithfulness - can overcome prejudice, hatred, and envy. God's love purifies our heart and mind of all that would divide and tear people apart. Knowing God as our compassionate Father and loving God's word of truth and righteousness (moral goodness) is essential for overcoming evil. Jesus tells us that we do not need to fear those who would oppose us or treat us harshly for following the Lord Jesus. He promises to give us supernatural strength, wisdom, and courage as we take a stand for our faith and witness to the truth and love of Christ. 

The Gospel is good news for the whole world because it is God's eternal word of truth, love, pardon, and salvation (being set free from sin and evil) through his Son, Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus has won the victory for us through his atoning death on the cross for our sins and his rising from the grave - his resurrection power that brings abundant life and restoration for us. That is why the Gospel has power to set people free from sin, fear and death, and bring peace, pardon, and new life. 

Endurance never gives up hope in God 
Jesus tells his disciples that if they endure to the end they will gain their lives - they will inherit abundant life and lasting happiness with God. Endurance is an essential strength which God gives to those who put their trust in him. Endurance is the patience which never gives up hope, never yields to despair or hatred. Patience is long-suffering because it looks beyond the present difficulties and trials and sees the reward which comes to those who persevere with hope and trust in God. That is why godly endurance is more than human effort. It is first and foremost a supernatural gift of the Holy Spirit which enables us to bear up under any trial or temptation. 

Endurance is linked with godly hope - the supernatural assurance that we will see God face to face and inherit all the promises he has made. Jesus is our supreme model and pioneer who endured the cross for our sake (Hebrews 12:2). "God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Jesus willingly shed his blood for us - to win for us pardon and peace with God. Our joy and privilege is to take up our cross each day to follow the Lord Jesus. 

True martyrs live and die as witnesses of Christ and the Gospel of peace
The word "martyr" in the New Testament Greek means "witness". The Book of Revelation says that "Jesus was the faithful witness ...who freed us from our sins by his blood" (Revelation 1:5). Tertullian, a second century lawyer who converted when he saw Christians singing as they went out to die by the hands of their persecutors, exclaimed: "The blood of the martyrs is seed." Their blood is the seed of new Christians, the seed of the church. 

The third century bishop, Cyprian said: "When persecution comes, God's soldiers are put to the test, and heaven is open to martyrs. We have not enlisted in an army to think of peace and to decline battle, for we see that the Lord has taken first place in the conflict." True martyrs live and die as witnesses of the Gospel. They overcome their enemies through persevering hope and courage, undying love and forbearance, kindness, goodness, and compassion.

God may call some of us to be martyrs who shed their blood for bearing witness to Jesus Christ. But for most of us, our call is to be 'dry' martyrs who bear testimony to the joy and power of the Gospel in the midst of daily challenges, contradictions, temptations and adversities which come our way as we follow the Lord Jesus. 

We do not need to fear our adversaries
What will attract others to the truth and power of the Gospel? When they see Christians loving their enemies, being joyful in suffering, patient in adversity, pardoning injuries, and showing comfort and compassion to the hopeless and the helpless. Jesus tells us that we do not need to fear our adversaries. God will give us sufficient grace, strength, and wisdom to face any trial and to answer any challenge to our faith. Are you ready to lay down your life for Christ and to bear witness to the joy and freedom of the Gospel?

Lord Jesus Christ, by your atoning death on the cross you have redeemed the world. Fill me with joyful hope, courage, and boldness to witness the truth of your love for sinners and your victory over the powers of sin, Satan, and death.

source: From the desk of Don Schwager, 
hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East

Jesus, my God, l adore You


Jesus, my God, l adore You,
here present in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar,
where You wait day and night to be our comfort 
while we await Your unveiled presence in heaven.

Jesus, my God,
I adore You in all places 
where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved 
and where sins are committed 
against this Sacrament of Love.

Jesus, my God,
I adore You for all time,
past, present and future,
for every soul that ever was,
is or shall be created.

Jesus, my God,
who for us has endured hunger and cold,
labour and fatigue,
I adore You.

Jesus, my God, who for my sake
has deigned to subject Yourself
to the humiliation of temptation,
to the perfidy and defection of friends,
to the scorn of Your enemies,
I ADORE YOU..... Amen!

To Mary, Spouse of the Holy Spirit


Daughter of the Most High, Mother of God, faithful Spouse of the Holy Spirit ­yet also Mary of Nazareth, Joseph’s wife, my mother- hear my prayer for grace, O Full of Grace.

Pray your Spouse, the Holy Spirit, to come upon me, to shelter me from all ill, to strengthen me to do what is right, to teach me all truth. Pray Him come to me and abide with me, and be within me a fountain springing up unto eternal life. May he sustain me in sorrow, sanctify me in life, and receive me at the hour of my death. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for me. 

Our Lady of the Holy Spirit: Hear our prayer!

Through the Holy Spirit you became the Mother of Jesus; from the Holy Spirit may I too have Jesus. 

Through the Holy Spirit your flesh conceived Jesus; through the same Spirit may my soul receive Jesus. 

Through the Holy Spirit you were able to know Jesus, to possess Jesus, and bring him into the world; through the Holy Spirit may I too come to know your Jesus. 

Imbued with the Spirit, Mary, you could say: “I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to your word”; in the Holy Spirit, lowly as I am, let me proclaim the great truths about Jesus. 

In the Spirit you now adore Jesus as Lord and look on him as Son; in the same Spirit, Mary, let me love your Jesus. 

AMEN.

Elevation of the Mass is Sacred


The story is that this is from a real miraculous photo taken from a priest saying his first Mass. I don't know but I do know the theology of this image is perfect in showing the blood our our Savior running down His precious body and falling into the cup of our Salvation. The Elevation of the Mass is Sacred. See the alter boy adore Jesus! I love this!

For this reason I kneel at every Communion and I receive on my tongue. the reality of Catholic Communion is that Jesus's passion and death is renewed on the cross at every Mass and its consequence - the renewal of all Salvific Graces for mankind.

All these graces are then given to me as a gift! Jesus Himself is the gift of Divine Mercy!

I, with all other who receive, are then called to take this gift of the Perpetual Sacrifice and offer Him back to God the Father in reparation for our sins, the sins of the whole world, and all other petitions and acts of gratitude and worship.

A Miracle Prayer ~ Heart of JESUS



Dear Heart of Jesus,
in the past I have asked many favours,
This time I ask You,
this special one
(mention favour).
Take it dear Heart of Jesus,
and place it within Your Heart,
where Your Father sees it.
Then in His merciful eyes,
it will become Your own
favour not mine.
Amen.

*** Say this prayer 3 times for 3 days and your favour will be granted. Never been known to fail. Must promise publication of prayer.


Something funny ....but it is what happen

An atheist once said to me,
"Why doesn't your God come and 
physically show Himself to us?"
I replied, 
"He did and they nailed Him on a cross."

Tuesday 20 November 2018

They did not want me to reign over them



How does God establish his kingdom here on the earth?


The Jews in Jesus' time had a heightened sense that the Messiah would appear soon to usher in the kingdom of God's justice, love, and peace on the earth (Isaiah 11:1-9). Jesus, in fact, spoke in messianic terms of the coming reign of God. Perhaps his entry into Jerusalem would bring about such a change and overthrow of Roman domination. 


Parable of the talents

Jesus speaks to their longing for a new kingdom in the parable of a nobleman who went away to receive a kingdom. The parable reveals something important about how God works his plan and purpose with his people. The parable speaks first of the king's trust in his subjects. While he goes away he leaves them with his money to use as they think best. While there were no strings attached, this was obviously a test to see if the Master's workers would be industrious and reliable in their use of the money entrusted to them. The master rewards those who are industrious and faithful and he punishes those who sit by idly and who do nothing with his money. 

The essence of the parable seems to lie in the servants' conception of responsibility. Each servant entrusted with the master's money was faithful up to a certain point. The servant who buried the master's money was irresponsible. One can bury seeds in the ground and expect them to become productive because they obey natural laws. Coins, however, do not obey natural laws. They obey economic laws and become productive in circulation. The master expected his servants to be productive in the use of his money. 


The Lord rewards those who faithfully use their gifts and talents for doing good by giving them more 

What do coins and the law of economics have to do with the kingdom of God? The Lord entrusts the subjects of his kingdom with gifts and graces and he gives his subjects the freedom to use them as they think best. With each gift and talent, God gives sufficient means (grace and wisdom) for using them in a fitting way. As the parable of the talents shows, God abhors indifference and an attitude that says it's not worth trying. God honors those who use their talents and gifts for doing good. Those who are faithful with even a little are entrusted with more! But those who neglect or squander what God has entrusted to them will lose what they have. 


The Lord expects us to be good stewards of the gifts and graces he gives us

There is an important lesson here for us. No one can stand still for long in the Christian life. We either get more or we lose what we have. We either advance towards God or we slip back. Do you seek to serve God with the gifts, talents, and graces he has given to you?

The Lord Jesus offers us a kingdom of justice, love, and peace and he calls us to live as citizens of this kingdom where he rules as Lord and Master. Through his atoning death on the cross and through his resurrection victory, Jesus frees us from a kingdom of darkness where sin and Satan reign. Through the power of the Holy Spirit the Lord gives us freedom to live as his servants and to lay down our lives in loving service of our neighbors (Galatians 5:1,13). Do you trust in God's grace to make good use of the gifts and talents he has given you?

Lord Jesus, be the ruler of my heart and mind and the master of my home and goods. Fill me with a generous and wise spirit that I may use the gifts, talents, time, and resources you give me for your glory and your kingdom.

source: From the desk of Don Schwager, 
hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East


Monday 19 November 2018

What is the significance for Catholics in signing our forehead, mouth (lips) and heart (breast) before the Gospel


During the Liturgy of the Word during Mass, prior to the holding the Holy Gospel the priest will silently prays with the following prayer, "Cleanse my heart and my lips, almighty God, that I may worthily proclaim your holy Gospel", or if it is a deacon to proclaim the Gospel, then the priest will bless him the following words, "May the Lord be in your heart and on your lips, that you may proclaim his Gospel worthily and well, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit". Next when priest/deacon opens the Holy Gospel and says "The Lord be with you", and the congregation respond, "And with Your Spirit". 

Then the priest/deacon says, "A reading from the Holy Gospel according to ....", and the congregation acclaim saying, "Glory to you, O Lord" whilst making the sign of the cross with his thumb on the Holy Gospel and on his forehead, mouth (lips), and heart (breast), which everyone in the congregation does at the same time. While signing of the three cross, the congregation should silently in the pray these words. "May the Word of the Lord be on my mind, on my lips, and in my heart". On feast days or solemnities, the priest/deacon will then incenses the Holy Gospel before he starts reading. All this is done just before the proclamation of the Holy Gospel at Mass.

After reading of the Gospel ends, the priest pronounces the acclamation, "The Gospel of the Lord", and the congregation replies, "Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ". The Priest kisses the Holy Gospel, silently saying "Through the words of the Gospel". 

Next is the homily where we sit and listen as the priest explains what message of the Gospel, what Jesus was trying to share with us and how we can live this out in our lives.

Jesus is knocking at the door of our heart, waiting to get in each and every time we hear or listen to the Gospel.

The signing of three crosses before the proclamation of the Gospel signifies as follows:
  • The signing of cross on the forehead that we understand the Gospel.
  • The signing of cross on the mouth that we will proclaim Gospel.
  • The signing of cross on the heart that we will take and keep the Gospel to heart, and put it into practice, and in with charity.

Friday 16 November 2018

Novena in Honor of Our Lady Mother of Divine Providence


Prayer to the Mother of Divine Providence

Mary, Immaculate Virgin and Mother of Divine Providence, keep my soul with the fullness of thy grace: do thou govern my life and direct it in the way of virtue to the fulfillment of the divine will. Obtain for me the pardon and remission of all my sins; be thou my refuge, my protection, my defense and my guide in my pilgrimage through the world; comfort me in the midst of tribulation; bring me safe through every danger; in the storms of adversity afford me thy sure protection. Obtain for me, O Mary, the renewal of my heart within me, that it may become a holy dwelling place for thy divine Son Jesus; keep far from me, who am so weak and miserable, every kind of sin, negligence, lukewarmness, cowardice and human respect; free me wholly from pride, vainglory, self-love and all earthly affections that hinder the saving effects of thy patronage.

Dear Mother of divine Providence, turn thy motherly gaze upon me, and, if through weakness or malice, I have provoked the threats of the eternal Judge and saddened the Sacred Heart of my dear Jesus, do thou cover me with the mantle of thy protection and I shall be safe.

Thou art the Mother of divine Providence; thou art the Virgin of pardon; thou art my hope on earth. Grant that I may have thee as my Mother in the glory of Heaven.
Amen

* Hail Mary three times

**  Mention Intentions

After each daily intention , pray the Novena Prayer:

Novena Prayer

Remember, O most faithful Lady of Providence,
that you have been given to us by your Son to be our mother.
We entrust to you our labors; bless them.
We commend to you our needs; supply them.
Show for us the same concern you manifested at Cana,
for we trust that whatever you ask of your Son will be done.
Pray for us on our pilgrimage that we may share
the faith and hope that marked your life.
Full of confidence in your power before God,
we place ourselves, our loved ones and all our petitions
in your providential care. Amen.

Litany of Our Lady of Providence

God the Creator of heaven and earth, have mercy on us.
God the son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Most Holy Trinity, Divine Providence, have mercy on us.

Our Lady of Providence, mother of grace and mercy, pray for us.
Our Lady of Providence, help of the sick, pray for us.
Our Lady of Providence, hope of the oppressed, pray for us.
Our Lady of Providence, star of the sea, pray for us.
Our Lady of Providence, tower of David, pray for us.
Our Lady of Providence, queen of the home, pray for us.
Our Lady of Providence, model of disciples, pray for us.
Our Lady of Providence, mother of the Church, pray for us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, spare us O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, hear us O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Pray for us, Our lady of Providence, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

O God, whose ever-watchful Providence rules all things, we humbly implore you through the prayer of the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of your son, to remove from us whatever is harmful and to bestow on us only that which will be helpful. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer to Saint Charbel Makhlouf


Lord, infinitely Holy and Glorified in Your Saints, 
You have inspired Charbel, the saint monk, 
to lead the perfect life of a hermit. 
We thank You for granting him the blessing
and the strength to detach himself from the world 
so that the heroism of the monastic virtues of poverty, 
obedience, and chastity, 
could triumph in his hermitage. 
We beseech You to grant us the grace of loving and serving You, 
following his example. 
Almighty God, Who has manifested 
the power of St. Charbel's intercession 
through his countless miracles and favours, 
grant us...

(Mention intention / request here)

through his intercession.
Amen.