Do not be angry, be reconciled

Do you allow sin or anger to master your life? 

The first person to hate his brother was Cain. God warned Cain: 'Why are you angry? ..Sin in couching at the door; it's desire is for you, but you must master it (Genesis 4:6-7). Sin doesn't just happen; it first grows as a seed in one's heart. Unless it is mastered, by God's grace, it grows like a weed and chokes the life out of us. 

Do not allow the seed of anger and evil to grow in your heart

Jesus addressed the issue of keeping the commandments with his disciples. The scribes and Pharisees equated righteousness with satisfying the demands of the law. Jesus showed them how short they had come. Jesus points to the heart as the seat of desire, choice, and intention. Unless forbidden and evil desires are uprooted and cut-out, the heart will be poisoned and the body become a slave to sin and passion. 

Jesus illustrates his point with the example of the commandment to not kill. Murder first starts in the heart as the seed of forbidden anger that grows within until it springs into words and actions against one's brother or neighbor. This is a selfish anger that broods and is long-lived, that nurses a grudge and keeps wrath warm, and that refuses to die. Anger in the heart as well as anger in speech or action are equally forbidden. The Lord Jesus commands by grace - take away the anger in your heart and there will be no murder.

Only God's purifying love and mercy can free us from bitterness and anger

What is the antidote for overcoming anger and rage? Mercy, forbearance, and kindness spring from a heart full of love and forgiveness. God has forgiven us and he calls us to extend mercy and forgiveness towards those who cause us grief or harm. In the cross of Jesus we see the supreme example of love and the power for overcoming evil. Only God's love and grace can set our hearts and minds free from the tyranny of wounded pride and spiteful revenge. Do you harbor any anger towards another person? And are you quick to be reconciled when a rupture has been caused in your relationships? Ask God to set you free and to fill your heart and mind with his love and truth.

Eusebius, a 3rd century church father, offered the following prayer as instruction for his fellow Christians:

"May I be no man's enemy, and may I be the friend of that which is eternal and abides. May I never quarrel with those nearest me: and if I do, may I be reconciled quickly. May I love, seek, and attain only that which is good. May I wish for all men's happiness and envy none. May I never rejoice in the ill-fortune of one who has wronged me. When I have done or said what is wrong, may I never wait for the rebuke of others, but always rebuke myself until I make amends. May I win no victory that harms either me or my opponent. May I reconcile friends who are angry with one another. May I never fail a friend who is in danger. When visiting those in grief may I be able by gentle and healing words to soften their pain. May I respect myself. May I always keep tame that which rages within me. May I accustom myself to be gentle, and never be angry with people because of circumstances. May I never discuss who is wicked and what wicked things he has done, but know good men and follow in their footsteps."

Do you seek to live peaceably and charitably with all?

"Lord Jesus, my heart is cold. Make it warm, compassionate, and forgiving towards all, even those who do me harm. May I only think and say what is pleasing to you and be of kind service to all I meet."

source: From the desk of Don Schwager, 

hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East

Psalm 130 ~ Penitential psalm

A call for help, a cry for forgiveness, and it is all about waiting for the Lord in hope.

1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.

2 Lord, hear my voice!

Let your ears be attentive

to the voice of my supplications!

3 If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,

Lord, who could stand?

4 But there is forgiveness with you,

so that you may be revered.

5 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,

and in his word I hope;

6 my soul waits for the Lord

more than those who watch for the morning,

more than those who watch for the morning.

7 O Israel, hope in the Lord!

For with the Lord there is steadfast love,

and with him is great power to redeem.

8 It is he who will redeem Israel

from all its iniquities.

Testimony of God’s rescue from the depths of guilt and awareness of sin, and ascends step by step up to giving confidence to others in their trust in God.

So enriching to the Sacrament of Marriage ~ Three Words For Married Couples from Pope Francis

"Sometimes people ask me what to do so that our families can go on and overcome difficulties. I suggest to them to use three words, three words which express three attitudes … three words which can help you to live out your married life, because in married life there are difficulties. 

Marriage is something so beautiful and so wonderful that we have to look after it, because it is forever. And the three words are: 'May I?', 'Thank you,' and 'I'm sorry.' 

'May I?': always ask your spouse, wife to husband and husband to wife, 'What do you think? What shall we do?' Never trample on the other. 'May I?'

The second word: be appreciative. How many times the husband needs to say to his wife, 'Thank you.' And how many times the wife must say to her husband, 'Thank you.' Thank each other, because the sacrament of marriage is conferred by the two spouses, one to the other. This sacramental relationship is maintained with gratitude. 'Grazie.'

The third word is 'I'm sorry.' It is a very difficult word to say. In marriage there is always some misunderstanding between husband and wife. Knowing how to recognise that and to apologise, to ask forgiveness, does a lot of good.

Remember these three words, which have helped so much in married life: 'May I?', 'Thank you,' and 'I'm sorry.'

By Pope Francis 

“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” – Mark 10:7-9

Mercy upon All O' Lord

O LORD, Who hast mercy upon all,

take away from me my sins,

and mercifully kindle in me

the fire of Thy Holy Spirit.

Take away from me the heart of stone,

and give me a heart of flesh,

a heart to love and adore Thee,

a heart to delight in Thee,

to follow and enjoy Thee, 

for Christ's sake. Amen.

source: FB fren Angelica Celia

HELP-MY-WORK/CONTRIBUTION

Everyone who suffers is on a cross

source: FB post

HELP-MY-WORK/CONTRIBUTION

The Little Chaplet of the Three Hail Mary

The Virgin Mary promised St. Mechtilde that whoever would pray Three Hail Mary every day would receive Her help during life and Her special assistance at the moment of death, the Virgin Mary would appear to them with such brightness and beauty that the mere sight of her would bring consolation and the joys of heaven.

Mary, my Mother, free me from falling into mortal sin.
By the power granted You by the Eternal Father....

By the wisdom granted You by the Son....

By the love granted You by the Holy Spirit....

Hail Mary,full of grace,
the Lord is with You,
Blessed are You among women
and blessed is the fruit of Your womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Feast of St. Josephine Bakhita ~ 8 February

St. Josephine Bakhita canonised on 1st October, 2000.

PRAYER for

Victims and Survivors of Human Trafficking and Slavery

St. Josephine Bakhita, as a child sold as a slave, you endured untold sufferings.
Once liberated, you found true redemption in your encounter with Christ and His Church.
O St. Bakhita, assist all who are trapped in modern slavery. Intercede with God for their release from all forms of captivity and human trafficking, including those who enslave them.
Comfort them and let them see our Merciful God in your life’s example of Hope and Faith. Help them find healing from their multiple woundedness.
We ask all these in the name of Jesus the Christ, the Wounded Healer. Amen.

Sins that crucified our Lord Jesus

source: Pray the Holy Rosary Daily (FB)

Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus

This beautiful litany is over five centuries in use by the faithful, having been composed by the celebrated preachers of the Holy Name, the Franciscan friars SS. Bernardine of Siena and John Capistran

Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, hear us.
Jesus, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Splendor of the Father, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Brightness of eternal Light, have mercy on us.
Jesus, King of Glory, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Sun of Justice, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary, have mercy on us.
Jesus, most amiable, have mercy on us.
Jesus, most admirable, have mercy on us.
Jesus, the mighty God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Father of the world to come, have mercy on us.
Jesus, angel of great counsel, have mercy on us.
Jesus, most powerful, have mercy on us.
Jesus, most patient, have mercy on us.
Jesus, most obedient, have mercy on us.
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Lover of Chastity, have mercy on us.
Jesus, our Lover, have mercy on us.
Jesus, God of Peace, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Author of Life, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Model of Virtues, have mercy on us.
Jesus, zealous for souls, have mercy on us.
Jesus, our God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, our Refuge, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Father of the Poor, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Treasure of the Faithful, have mercy on us.
Jesus, good Shepherd, have mercy on us.
Jesus, true Light, have mercy on us.
Jesus, eternal Wisdom, have mercy on us.
Jesus, infinite Goodness, have mercy on us.
Jesus, our Way and our Life, have mercy on us.
Jesus, joy of the Angels, have mercy on us.
Jesus, King of the Patriarchs, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Master of the Apostles, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Teacher of the Evangelists, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Strength of Martyrs, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Light of Confessors, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Purity of Virgins, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Crown of all Saints, have mercy on us.

Be merciful, spare us, O Jesus!
Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Jesus!

From all evil, deliver us, O Jesus.
From all sin, deliver us, O Jesus.
From your wrath, deliver us, O Jesus.
From the snares of the devil, deliver us, O Jesus.
From the spirit of fornication, deliver us, O Jesus.
From everlasting death, deliver us, O Jesus.
From the neglect of your inspirations, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through the mystery of your holy Incarnation, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your Nativity, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your Infancy, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your most divine Life, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your Labors, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your Agony and Passion, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your Cross and Dereliction, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your Sufferings, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your Death and Burial, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your Resurrection, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your Ascension, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your Institution of the Most Holy Eucharist,

deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your Joys, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your Glory, deliver us, O Jesus.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,

spare us, O Jesus!
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,

graciously hear us, O Jesus!
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,

have mercy on us, O Jesus!

Jesus, hear us.
Jesus, graciously hear us.

Let us pray.

O Lord Jesus Christ, you have said, "Ask and you shall receive; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you"; mercifully attend to our supplications, and grant us the grace of your most divine love, that we may love you with all our hearts, and in all our words and actions, and never cease to praise you.

Make us, O Lord, to have a perpetual fear and love of your holy name, for you never fail to govern those whom you solidly establish in your love. You, who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

Be still

Oh Lord, You know my heart better than I know it myself. You know my struggles and You hold each hope and fear in Your caring hands. Teach me, LORD, to be still and to know that You are God.

You are in Your holy temple; let all the earth, including my mind and heart, be silent before You, resting in Your sovereignty. Like Elijah, teach me to wait for Your still, small voice and quiet the earthquakes and blazing fires in my life.

Replace my restless doing with inner calm, and help me, like Mary, to sit at Your feet in quiet adoration even if there are a million things clamoring for my attention. Just as You spoke over the tumultuous sea and storms, so speak over my heart Your shalom.

“Peace. Be still,” You said to them, and immediately they quieted. Teach my heart to cease striving and to know– to have an intimate and deep, personal, first-hand experience–that You are God.

Help me cultivate a quiet heart, like a baby content in its mother’s arms, no longer coming to You with a “gimme” spirit but instead calmly nestling against Your heart. Help me find quietness and happiness in intimate communion with You. You will be exalted over all the earth, and You’ve got the details of my day covered. I can rest in You. Amen

Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.

source: FB Friend

5 Steps to Read Y-Bible ~ Youcat

Forget your own unhappiness

Forget your own unhappiness
by creating a little happiness for others
because ....
when you are good to others,
you are best to yourself.
Just remember ....
the things you do for yourself
are gone when you are gone
but ....
the things you do for others
remain as your legacy!

source: FB, anonymous

Thursday Devotion to the Holy Eucharist

''Make me believe in Thee more and more, in Thee l hope,

in Thee my Love to store"
(St.Thomas Aquinas, Hymn ''Adore te devote")

I love You, my Jesus,
With my whole soul,
for You are infinitely perfect
and all worthy of my love.
Give me the grace nevermore in any way to offend You.
Grant that l may be renewed
by Your Eucharistic presence here on earth
and be found worthy to arrive with Mary
at the enjoyment of Your eternal and blessed presence in heaven.
Amen.

3 February 2019, Holy Father Pope Francis first visit to United Arab Emirates

800 years bback in the 1219, Saint Francis met with Sultan Malik al Kamil and had his visit to the lands of Islam. Now Pope Francis is on his 3 day apostolic and state visit to UAE and was welcomed by Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, upon his arrival at the Abu Dhabi airport, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, 3 February 2019 to promote dialogue and understanding and renounce violence and extremism. Pope Francis is seeking to turn a page in Christian-Muslim relations while also ministering to a unique, thriving island of Catholicism as he embarks on the first-ever papal trip to the Arabian Peninsula, the birthplace of Islam. Pope Francis will participate in a conference on interreligious dialogue sponsored the Emirates-based Muslim Council of Elders, an initiative that seeks to counter religious fanaticism by promoting a moderate brand of Islam. The Abu Dhabi trip’s theme is “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace,” a line taken from a prayer by St. Francis of Assisi, with a focus on “how all people of goodwill can work for peace,” according to the Holy See Press Office.

The Son of man is Lord of the Sabbath

What does the commandment "keep holy the Sabbath" require of us?

Or better yet, what is the primary intention behind this command? The religious leaders confronted Jesus on this issue. The "Sabbath rest" was meant to be a time to remember and celebrate God's goodness and the goodness of his work, both in creation and redemption. It was a day set apart for the praise of God, his work of creation, and his saving actions on our behalf. It was intended to bring everyday work to a halt and to provide needed rest and refreshment. Jesus' disciples are scolded by the scribes and Pharisees, not for plucking and eating corn from the fields, but for doing so on the Sabbath. In defending his disciples, Jesus argues from the scriptures that human need has precedence over ritual custom.

When David and his men were fleeing for their lives, they sought food from Ahimelech the priest (1 Samuel 21:1-6). The only bread he had was the holy bread offered in the Temple. None but the priests were allowed to eat it. In their hunger, David and his men ate of this bread. Jesus reminds the Pharisees that the Sabbath was given for our benefit, to refresh and renew us in living for God. It was intended for good and not for evil. Withholding mercy and kindness in response to human need was not part of God’s intention that we rest from unnecessary labor. Do you honor the Lord in the way you treat your neighbor and celebrate the Lord's Day?

Lord Jesus, may I give you fitting honor in the way I live my life and in the way I treat my neighbor. May I honor the Lord's Day as a day holy to you. And may I always treat others with the same mercy and kindness which you have shown to me. Free me from a critical and intolerant spirit that I may always seek the good of my neighbor.

source: From the desk of Don Schwager, 

hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East

Good night prayer to Guardian Angel

Good night, my Guardian Angel,

The day has sped away, Well spent or ill,

its story is written down for aye.

And now, of God's kind Providence,

Thou image pure and bright,

Watch over me while l'm sleeping.

My Angel dear.... Good night. Amen.

Jesus is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament the Sacred Host

"Jesus has remained in the Sacred Host for us! So as to stay by our side, to sustain us, to guide us. And love can only be repaid with love."

"How could we not turn to the Blessed Sacrament each day, even if it is only for a few minutes, to bring him our greetings and our love as children and as brothers? "

~ St Josemaria Escriva ~

Forgive us Lord

Teach us to have an authentic desire to serve you. Send your HOLY SPIRIT and form us to be like your faithful servants. Stay with us and Protect us from every evil, teach us to sober-minded as St.Peter shared in...

1 Peter 5:8 "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

Keep us always in your loving arms. Amen.

It is so hard ....

Thank you Lord for everything

Read this in silence!.. 

Thank you Lord for everything.

Forgive me of all of my sins. 

Heal me from the hurts from my past.

I love You and need You! 

Cover me with Your precious and Holy Blood, 

my family, my friends, my life projects. 

Give me Your dreams Lord. 

Bless and protect everyone that seeks You, 

needs You and believes in You. 

If you love God 

and you are not ashamed of Him, 

share or post this for a day 

and you will see what He will do. 

THANK YOU LORD.