Purgatory

 

"Purgatory reveals the great love God bears for us and cleanses the imperfections of those who desire to be united with Him."

Saint Josemaría Escrivá

"When you look upon Purgatory, you perceive My sweet and boundless Providence toward those wretched souls who squandered their time and now, separated from the body, no longer have the opportunity to earn merit. I have allowed the duration of their punishment to be shortened through the agency of you—who are still alive and have the opportunity for good works—by means of almsgiving, devotions, fasting, and prayers offered in the state of sanctifying grace and with trust in My Mercy."

The Lord Jesus to Saint Catherine of Siena

"While I was in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament on the Feast of Corpus Christi, a person engulfed in flames suddenly appeared before me; the heat radiating from them was so intense that I felt as though I were burning along with them. In prayerful contemplation, I saw that this soul was in Purgatory, and I began to weep bitterly for them."

Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque

"Do not fear Purgatory because of the suffering we associate with it; rather, one should desire to avoid it by pleasing the Lord God."

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux to a fellow nun

"Every time a soul is able to leave Purgatory thanks to your prayer and sacrifice, you bring Me such great joy—as if you had rescued Me Myself from suffering."

The Lord Jesus to St. Gertrude the Great

"The souls suffering in Purgatory are brides of God who are undergoing purification."

Saint Veronica Giuliani

Saturdays were the days when Saint Gemma would meet with Our Lady of Sorrows. Galgani also offered up prayers and sufferings daily for the souls in Purgatory; indeed, her guardian angel encouraged her to do so.

"Every suffering, even the slightest, brings them comfort," he explained.

"The souls in Purgatory are suspended, as it were, between earth and heaven; for they are no longer inhabitants of earth, yet heaven remains closed to them. Thus, they might be called homeless."

Blessed Honorat Koźmiński

"Purgatory—a necessary purification before meeting the Lord God."

Saint John Paul II

"Blessed is he who, while still alive, aids the souls in Purgatory through good deeds; for God’s justice demands that those deprived of the living's help be purified in fire."

An angel speaking to Saint Bridget of Sweden

"The Mother of God holds the title of Mother of the Souls in Purgatory. 'I am,' she says, 'the Mother of all those who are in the place of penance. My prayers mitigate the punishments imposed upon them for their sins.'"

Revelations of Saint Bridget of Sweden

"Faced with the perfect holiness of God, the souls of some deceased persons feel so unclean and unworthy to approach Him that they voluntarily submit to an unspeakably great, yet purifying, torment. Nevertheless, they are happy, for they know they are saved."

Saint Catherine of Genoa

"Purgatory is God's infirmary." "There are very few souls, even among the saints, who have managed to enter heaven without passing through purgatory."

Saint John Vianney

"The greatest suffering of souls is an immense longing for eternal love—for God. Souls in purgatory cannot help themselves; only the prayers of the living can assist them in reaching heaven. Such aid is a great act of mercy toward them."

Saint Faustina Kowalska

"For a long time, I have felt the need to offer myself as a victim for poor sinners and for the souls undergoing purification. This desire grows ever stronger in my heart—so much so that it has become, I might say, an intense passion. It is true that I have offered this sacrifice to the Lord several times, allowing Him to pour out upon me the punishments prepared for sinners and for the souls being purified—even a hundredfold upon me—provided that He converts and saves sinners and soon welcomes the souls in purgatory into heaven. It seems to me that Jesus desires this. I am certain He will not hesitate to grant me this permission."

Saint Padre Pio

"Do not worry! I am currently speaking with several souls who are on their way from purgatory to paradise. They stopped here to thank me because I remembered them during Holy Mass this morning."

Saint Padre Pio

"It is not the case that they have died and we are alive. It is actually they who are alive, while we are the ones dying."

The late Father Piotr Pawlukiewicz.

"Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in eternal peace through the infinite mercy of God. Amen."

Father God hear my cry, and deliver me

 Please Lord God I pray you have mercy on me, I am in great finance difficulty where even basic needs like food have become difficult and I am currently jobless at my age late fifties, looking for job that I can perform, it is difficult due to age factor. Lord I believe that there is nothing impossible for you, with you help my situation can change. In Jesus mighty name, I pray. Amen. 

Father God, You are always good.

Help me, Father God.

Have mercy on me.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Merry Christmas, I need you Father God

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Father God, I really need you. I believe in your power and your miracle. There is nothing greater than you. Without you I am nothing. I ask you Lord, as Christmas approaches in 3 day time, to able me feel the Joy of the birth and coming of your only begotten Son Jesus. Open the door of you mercy and providence, grant the financial breakthrough that I need. As a human I worry but I truly believe you can do wonders cause nothing is impossible. You only need to command and it will be done. Do it Lord for your glory. All praise, glory and thanks be to you alone Father God, creator of all. Sent forth your angels to help me. Amen.

Have mercy on me and help me God.

Father God I need your mercy

 Father God help me, I need your miracle to settle my due payments. Only can help in this impossible and hopeless time. I have faith, believe and trust in your power. Nothing is beyond you, help me me find a way, make a way for me. You alone are my provider and I depend on you. Help me in these times till I get a job. 

Help me, I am jobless at moment. 😢

CHRISTMAS is a time for giving especially those who are in serious 

and urgent need,

Thanks in advance for your kindness and merciful heart.

He Fell at Jesus' Feet Giving Thanks

Luke 17:11-19

11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." 14 When he saw them he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17 Then said Jesus, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" 19 And he said to him, "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well."


What can adversity teach us about the blessing of thanksgiving and the healing power of love and mercy? The Book of Proverbs states: A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity (Proverbs 17:17). When adversity strikes you find out who truly is your brother, sister, and friend. The Gospel records an unusual encounter between two peoples who had been divided for centuries. The Jews and Samaritans had no dealings with one another even though Samaria was located in the central part of Judaea. Both peoples were openly hostile whenever their paths crossed. In this Gospel narrative we see one rare exception - a Samaritan leper in company with nine Jewish lepers. Sometimes adversity forces people to drop their barriers or to forget their prejudices. When this band of Jewish and Samaritan lepers saw Jesus they made a bold request. They didn't ask for healing, but instead asked for mercy.

Mercy is heartfelt sorrow at another's misfortune
The word mercy literally means "sorrowful at heart". But mercy is something more than compassion, or heartfelt sorrow at another's misery and misfortune. Compassion empathizes with the sufferer. But mercy goes further - it removes suffering. A merciful person shares in another's misfortune and suffering as if it were his or her own. And such a person will do everything in his or her power to dispel that misery.

Mercy is also connected with justice. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), a great teacher and scripture scholar, said that mercy "does not destroy justice, but is a certain kind of fulfillment of justice. ..Mercy without justice is the mother of dissolution; (and) justice without mercy is cruelty." Mercy.."moves us to do what we can do to help the other." Mercy seeks to remedy the weakness of others, and where sin is involved to lead others to recognize their need for repentance and turning away from wrongdoing. Pardon without repentance negates justice.

God's mercy brings healing of mind, heart, and body
So what is the significance of these ten lepers asking Jesus to show them mercy? They know they are in need of healing, not just physical, but spiritual healing as well. They approach Jesus with faith and with sorrow for their sins because they believe that he can release the burden of their guilt and suffering and restore both soul and body. Their request for mercy is both a plea for pardon and release from suffering. Jesus gives mercy to all who ask with faith and contrition (true sorrow for sin).

Why did only one leper out of ten return to show gratitude? Gratefulness, a word which expresses gratitude of heart and a thankful disposition, is related to grace - which means the release of loveliness. Gratitude is the homage of the heart which responds with graciousness in expressing an act of thanksgiving. The Samaritan approached Jesus reverently and gave praise to God.

Ingratitude leads to lack of love and kindness, and intolerance towards others
If we do not recognize and appreciate the mercy and help shown to us, we will be ungrateful and unkind towards others. Ingratitude is forgetfulness or a poor return for kindness received. Ingratitude easily leads to lack of charity and intolerance towards others, as well as to other vices, such as complaining, grumbling, discontentment, pride, and presumption. How often have we been ungrateful to our parents, pastors, teachers, and neighbors? Do you express gratitude to God for his abundant help and mercy towards you and are you gracious, kind, and merciful towards your neighbor in their time of need and support?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, may I never fail to recognize your loving kindness and mercy. Fill my heart with compassion and thanksgiving, and free me from ingratitude and discontentment. Help me to count my blessings with a grateful heart and to give thanks in all circumstances.

source: From the desk of Don Schwager,

hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East

What Do You Want Me to Do for You?

Luke 18:35-43

35 As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; 36 and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. 37 They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." 38 And he cried, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" 39 And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" 40 And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, 41 "What do you want me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, let me receive my sight." 42 And Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well." 43 And immediately he received his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

Meditation

Have you ever encountered a special moment of grace, a once in a life-time opportunity you knew you could not pass up? Such a moment came for a blind and destitute man who heard that Jesus was passing by. The Gospel of Mark identifies this man as Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52). This blind man was determined to get near the one person who could meet his need. He knew who Jesus was and had heard of his fame for healing, but until now had no means of making contact with the Son of David, a clear reference and title for the Messiah.

Faith and persistence is rewarded
It took raw courage and bold persistence for Bartimaeus to get the attention of Jesus over the din of a noisy throng who crowded around Jesus as he made his way out of town. Why was the crowd annoyed with the blind man's persistent shouts? He was disturbing their peace and interrupting their conversation with Jesus. It was common for a rabbi to teach as he walked with others. Jesus was on his way to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem and a band of pilgrims followed him. When the crowd tried to silence the blind man he overpowered them with his loud emotional outburst and thus caught the attention of Jesus.

This incident reveals something important about how God interacts with us. The blind man was determined to get Jesus' attention and he was persistent in the face of opposition. Jesus could have ignored or scolded him because he was interrupting his talk and disturbing his audience. Jesus showed that acting was more important than talking. This man was in desperate need and Jesus was ready not only to empathize with his suffering but to relieve it as well.

The blind man recognized Jesus with eyes of faith
A great speaker can command attention and respect, but a man or woman with a helping hand and a big heart is loved more. Jesus commends Bartimaeus for recognizing who he is with the eyes of faith and grants him physical sight as well. Do you recognize your need for God's healing grace and do you seek Jesus out, like Bartimaeus, with persistent faith and trust in his goodness and mercy?

Bartimaeus was not only grateful for the gift of faith and the gift of physical sight, but for the opportunity to now follow Jesus as one of his disciples. Luke tells us us that he immediately followed Jesus and gave glory to God. The crowd also gave praise to God when they saw this double miracle of spiritual and physical vision. Cyril of Alexandria, a 5th century church father, comments on this double vision:

Now that he was delivered from his blindness, did he neglect the duty of loving Christ? He certainly did not. It says, "He followed him, offering him glory like to God." He was set free from double blindness. Not only did he escape from the blindness of the body but also from that of the mind and heart. He would not have glorified him as God, had he not possessed spiritual vision. He became the means of others giving Christ glory, for it says that all the people gave glory to God.(Commentary on Luke, Homily 126)

Do you give glory to God for giving you the "eyes of faith" to recognize him as your Lord and Healer?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, open the eyes of my heart and mind that I may see and understand the truth and goodness of your word. May I never fail to recognize your presence with me and to call upon your saving grace in my time of need and healing.


Source: Don Schwager, Kairos

O God, come to my assistance

O God, come to my assistance; O LORD, make haste to help me!

LORD God, I truly depend on You.

I trust You will have mercy on me and provide for my needs.

Make haste Lord, do not delay LORD,

I am in need of Your urgent help.

Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me.

Make haste to answer me, O LORD.

LORD You are my help and deliverer.

Only You can do what is impossible and saved me.

O LORD, I trust in You alone.

Amen, Amen, Amen.

[Malaysia Only], Hong Leong Bank, 

Stanley, AC#-15850090650


[Other parts of World] click link below
http://resource4christians.blogspot.com/p/action-httpswww.html

Place great trust in My fathomless mercy

 ✝ “I desire trust from My creatures. Encourage souls to place great trust in My fathomless mercy. Let the weak, sinful soul have no fear to approach Me, for even if it had more sins than there are grains of sand in the world, all would be drowned in the unmeasurable depths of My mercy.”

Jesus to St. Faustina Kowalska, (diary 1059)  

🙏🏽✝❤️🙂

Jesus King of Mercy, I trust in You.

Lord HELP me, have mercy on me. Only a miracle from You can saved me.

Lord God, I thank you for always being there for me and a my lowest You saved me. Lord I am in desperate need of Your urgent HELP once again, please shoe me Your mercy and send You angel a good Samaritan to help me. I am only human Lord and I worry but my faith in You never fades. Lord I trust in You, All my hope is You alone. I know You know all that I am going through now. I seek you Lord, and ask of Your help and I know Lord I will receive You merciful help, Only a miracle from You Lord can save me. I hope You will make a way and good news will come to me. 

Lord You have to say the Word and I will be saved.

[Malaysia Only]

Hong Leong Bank,

Stanley

AC#-15850090650

[Other parts of World]

click link below

http://resource4christians.blogspot.com/p/action-httpswww.html

Just say to God, Lead me, Help me

 

Solutions

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. And do not lean on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)

So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34)

Whatever your need is, take it to Him who has all authority in heaven and earth, to Jesus Christ who is Lord of all. Come boldly to His throne of grace to find mercy, grace, and help in your time of need (Hebrews 4:16). You will experience His presence, He will hear and help you!  He doesn't grow tired, He just gives, and gives again. He gives more grace when the burdens grow greater. Lord we thank You for what You have done and are doing today.  

Happy New Year 2021

Thank You Lord God 

for all the blessing and graces in the past year.

Please continue to shower 

Your blessings, graces, mercy, and protection 

in this current new year.

Without You Lord God, 

I am nothing,

and nothing is impossible for You.

AMEN.

He Fell at Jesus' Feet Giving Thanks

 

What can adversity teach us about the blessing of thanksgiving and the healing power of love and mercy? The Book of Proverbs states: A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity (Proverbs 17:17). When adversity strikes you find out who truly is your brother, sister, and friend. The Gospel records an unusual encounter between two peoples who had been divided for centuries. The Jews and Samaritans had no dealings with one another even though Samaria was located in the central part of Judaea. Both peoples were openly hostile whenever their paths crossed. In this Gospel narrative we see one rare exception - a Samaritan leper in company with nine Jewish lepers. Sometimes adversity forces people to drop their barriers or to forget their prejudices. When this band of Jewish and Samaritan lepers saw Jesus they made a bold request. They didn't ask for healing, but instead asked for mercy.

Mercy is heartfelt sorrow at another's misfortune

The word mercy literally means "sorrowful at heart". But mercy is something more than compassion, or heartfelt sorrow at another's misery and misfortune. Compassion empathises with the sufferer. But mercy goes further - it removes suffering. A merciful person shares in another's misfortune and suffering as if it were his or her own. And such a person will do everything in his or her power to dispel that misery.

Mercy is also connected with justice. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), a great teacher and scripture scholar, said that mercy "does not destroy justice, but is a certain kind of fulfilment of justice. ..Mercy without justice is the mother of dissolution; (and) justice without mercy is cruelty." Mercy.."moves us to do what we can do to help the other." Mercy seeks to remedy the weakness of others, and where sin is involved to lead others to recognise their need for repentance and turning away from wrongdoing. Pardon without repentance negates justice.

God's mercy brings healing of mind, heart, and body

So what is the significance of these ten lepers asking Jesus to show them mercy? They know they are in need of healing, not just physical, but spiritual healing as well. They approach Jesus with faith and with sorrow for their sins because they believe that he can release the burden of their guilt and suffering and restore both soul and body. Their request for mercy is both a plea for pardon and release from suffering. Jesus gives mercy to all who ask with faith and contrition (true sorrow for sin).

Why did only one leper out of ten return to show gratitude? Gratefulness, a word which expresses gratitude of heart and a thankful disposition, is related to grace - which means the release of loveliness. Gratitude is the homage of the heart which responds with graciousness in expressing an act of thanksgiving. The Samaritan approached Jesus reverently and gave praise to God.

Ingratitude leads to lack of love and kindness, and intolerance towards others

If we do not recognise and appreciate the mercy and help shown to us, we will be ungrateful and unkind towards others. Ingratitude is forgetfulness or a poor return for kindness received. Ingratitude easily leads to lack of charity and intolerance towards others, as well as to other vices, such as complaining, grumbling, discontentment, pride, and presumption. How often have we been ungrateful to our parents, pastors, teachers, and neighbours? Do you express gratitude to God for his abundant help and mercy towards you and are you gracious, kind, and merciful towards your neighbour in their time of need and support?

Lord Jesus, may I never fail to recognise your loving kindness and mercy. Fill my heart with compassion and thanksgiving, and free me from ingratitude and discontentment. Help me to count my blessings with a grateful heart and to give thanks in all circumstances.

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

Lord have mercy on me

Lord Jesus have mercy on me, 

I need Your healing Lord, Your miracle wonder,

to overcome my current urgent and desperate situation.

All my trust and hope is in You alone,

You alone can bring me out of my situation

and save me from shaming the people I love and myself.

I know Lord You are with me 

and Your timing is always right.

You only have to say the Word, 

and I will be healed.

I trust in You, Jesus

that You have heard my prayer and the worry of my heart 

and by the will mercy and will 

of God the Almighty Father 

You will save me, heal me and provide for me.

- AMEN -

By Your Word Lord, I am Healed

Lord, You only have to say the Word, 

and I will be heal.

Matthew 8:8

The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed."

Even though I am unworthy of his presence within me, Jesus enters under my roof anyway. We humbly ask Jesus to say the word, and by this prayer, we have faith that, Jesus will enter under our roof, our souls shall be healed. The Centurion demonstrates to  us about faith and hope, and its dependence on real understanding of the Word of God.

In asking for healing for others we help heal ourselves. God has given us everything, given freely, created us, sustaining us, and sacrificing His own Son for our salvation. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy" (Matthew 5:7), therefore we need to merciful to others, having compassion, pity, and forgive others as God has promised to forgive us all our sins. God’s mercy is greater than our sins, that through Jesus by His Cross and Resurrection, we are truly saved. Is is by our confidence in God’s mercy which able us to partake of the Body and Blood of Jesus is the Holy Eucharist and the Blessed Sacrament.

Be Reconciled to Your Brother

Are you ever driven by anger, rage, or revenge? The first person to hate his brother was Cain, the son of Adam and Eve. God warned Cain: Why are you angry? ..Sin is couching at the door; it's desire is for you, but you must master it (Genesis 4:6-7). Sin doesn't just happen to us - it first grows as a tiny seed in our heart. Unless it is uprooted by God's grace, it grows like a weed and chokes the vine and all its fruit.

Forbidden anger must be uprooted from our heart

Jesus addressed the issue of keeping the commandments with his disciples. The scribes and Pharisees equated righteousness with satisfying the outward observance of the law. Jesus showed them how short they had come. Jesus points to the heart as the seat of desire and choice. Unless evil and forbidden desires are eradicated, the heart will be corrupted. Jesus points to forbidden anger with one's brother. This is a selfish anger that broods and is long-lived, that nurses a grudge and keeps wrath warm, and that refuses to die. Harbouring anger in the heart as well as anger in speech and action are equally forbidden by God.

God's love and truth sets us free from anger and malice

What is the antidote to anger and rage? Mercy, kindness, and forbearance 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 and harm. In the cross of Jesus we see the supreme example of love and forgiveness and the power of goodness 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 goodness. Paul the Apostle reminds us that "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us" (Romans 5:5). Through the grace and help of the Holy Spirit we can overcome malice with good, hatred with kindness, and injury with pardon.

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. (Prayer of Eusebius, 3rd century)

source: From the desk of Don Schwager, 

hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East

He fell at Jesus' feet giving thanks

What can adversity teach us about the blessing of thanksgiving and the healing power of love and mercy?

The Book of Proverbs states: A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity (Proverbs 17:17). When adversity strikes you find out who truly is your brother, sister, and friend. The Gospel records an unusual encounter between two peoples who had been divided for centuries. The Jews and Samaritans had no dealings with one another even though Samaria was located in the central part of Judaea. Both peoples were openly hostile whenever their paths crossed. In this Gospel narrative we see one rare exception - a Samaritan leper in company with nine Jewish lepers. Sometimes adversity forces people to drop their barriers or to forget their prejudices. When this band of Jewish and Samaritan lepers saw Jesus they made a bold request. They didn't ask for healing, but instead asked for mercy.

Mercy is heartfelt sorrow at another's misfortune

The word mercy literally means "sorrowful at heart". But mercy is something more than compassion, or heartfelt sorrow at another's misery and misfortune. Compassion empathizes with the sufferer. But mercy goes further - it removes suffering. A merciful person shares in another's misfortune and suffering as if it were his or her own. And such a person will do everything in his or her power to dispel that misery. 

Mercy is also connected with justice. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), a great teacher and scripture scholar, said that mercy "does not destroy justice, but is a certain kind of fulfillment of justice. ..Mercy without justice is the mother of dissolution; (and) justice without mercy is cruelty." Mercy.."moves us to do what we can do to help the other." Mercy seeks to remedy the weakness of others, and where sin is involved to lead others to recognize their need for repentance and turning away from wrongdoing. Pardon without repentance negates justice. 

God's mercy brings healing of mind, heart, and body

So what is the significance of these ten lepers asking Jesus to show them mercy? They know they are in need of healing, not just physical, but spiritual healing as well. They approach Jesus with faith and with sorrow for their sins because they believe that he can release the burden of their guilt and suffering and restore both soul and body. Their request for mercy is both a plea for pardon and release from suffering. Jesus gives mercy to all who ask with faith and contrition (true sorrow for sin).

Why did only one leper out of ten return to show gratitude? Gratefulness, a word which expresses gratitude of heart and a thankful disposition, is related to grace - which means the release of loveliness. Gratitude is the homage of the heart which responds with graciousness in expressing an act of thanksgiving. The Samaritan approached Jesus reverently and gave praise to God.

Ingratitude leads to lack of love and kindness, and intolerance towards others

If we do not recognize and appreciate the mercy and help shown to us, we will be ungrateful and unkind towards others. Ingratitude is forgetfulness or a poor return for kindness received. Ingratitude easily leads to lack of charity and intolerance towards others, as well as to other vices, such as complaining, grumbling, discontentment, pride, and presumption. How often have we been ungrateful to our parents, pastors, teachers, and neighbors? Do you express gratitude to God for his abundant help and mercy towards you and are you gracious, kind, and merciful towards your neighbor in their time of need and support?

"Lord Jesus, may I never fail to recognize your loving kindness and mercy. Fill my heart with compassion and thanksgiving, and free me from ingratitude and discontentment. Help me to count my blessings with a grateful heart and to give thanks in all circumstances."

source: From the desk of Don Schwager, 

hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East

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

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, 

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