Scripture, Reflection and Prayer 01/27/2009

Do not be afraid. I bring you good tidings of great joy.
- Lk 2:10

Reflection: As people, we are meant to have human joys: the joy of living, the joy of love and friendship, the joy of work well done. As Christians, we have cause for further joy: like Jesus, we know that we are love by God our Father.
- Pope John Paul II

Prayer: O Lord, the Angels announced the birth of Your Son, which brought great joy to the world. May I experience that joy in my heart and share that joy with those who have lost hope.
From: Minute Meditations from the Popes (Catholic Book Publishing Corp., New York)

Scripture, Reflection and Prayer 01/26/2009

Set me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is strong as death, and jealousy as hard as the netherworld; its flames are a blazing fire.
- SS 8:6

Reflection: O Mother of love, you have given me your Heart. Now take firm possession of my heart and offer it completely to the pure love and sole glory of your beloved Son.
- St. John Eudes

Prayer: O Mary, you love all your spiritual children with a never-ending love. Grant me an undying love for you and your Divine Son Jesus both in time and for all eternity.
From: Mary Day by Day (Catholic Book Publishing Corp., New York)

Scripture, Reflection and Prayer 01/21/2009

For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
- 1 Cor 1:25

Reflection: Despite her youth, St. Agnes experienced the victorious strength of the love of Christ. Sustained by that inner force, she was able to "conquer overwhelmingly." May she be your model of courage and generosity in every event of your life.
- Pope John Paul II

Reflection: Teach me to trust in Your strength, O Lord, especially when I feel overwhelmed by my weakness. Help me to recall that I can conquer only by surrendering to Your love.

From: Minute Meditations from the Popes (Catholic Book Publishing Corp., New York)

Scripture, Reflection & Prayer 01/20/09

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. - Mt 26:41

Reflection: There exists a close connection between holiness of life and the promotion of a more human way of life in society, for it is from a converted and reconciled heart that goodness and justice flow in human relations.
- Pope John Paul II

Prayer: Call me back to the fountain of your grace, Oh Lord. Refresh my spirit and give me spiritual energy to share with others.

From: Minute Meditations from the Popes (Catholic Book Publishing Corp., New York)

Scripture, Reflection and Prayer 01/12/09

Those who wish to be My disciples must deny themselves, take up their cross daily and follow Me.

- Lk 9:23

Reflection: Every Cross that we see in the world becomes a silent reminder for us.  The true victory that overcomes hatred in the world is ultimately self-sacrifice, in constant fidelity flowing from the power of love.

- Pope John Paul II

Prayer: Your Cross, Lord Jesus, is a sign of life and invitation to sacrifice. When I am confronted with selfishness and hate, give me the courage to embrace the Mystery of the Cross. Help me to remember that only love truly conquers.

From: Minute Meditations from the Popes (Catholic Book Publishing Corp., New York)

Scripture, Reflection and Prayer 01/6/2009

We have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.
- Mt 2:2

Reflection: Once a star led the Magi to set out on their journey to the Lord. And it may be that the start has not yet appeared in the sky that you see. Nonetheless, in your soul there is that same interior light that guided the Magi.
- Pope John Paul II

Prayer: The Magi followed their star to present their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Child Jesus. Teach me to bring Him the gifts of my heart, hope, and love.

From: Minute Meditations from the Popes (Catholic Book Publishing Corp., New York)

Scripture, Reflection and Prayer 01/5/2009

Make disciples of all nations..., teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you.
- Mt 28:19-20

Reflection: Today, faced with the contradictions of the adult world and the rapidity of change, evangelizers could become discouraged and be tempted to limit their missionary effort. We must revive the Master's invitation to the whole world! To all creatures! To the ends of the earth!
- Pope John Paul II (click on the image for more information on this Pope)

Prayer: O Lord, grant me the courage that inspired St. John Neumann to leave his homeland in order to serve the American people. Teach me how to invite others to share the Faith.

From: Minute Meditations from the Popes (Catholic Book Publishing Corp., New York)

Scripture, Reflection and Prayer 1/02/2009

Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and spiritual to God--which is your spiritual worship.
- Rom 12:1

Reflection: Christian life is a sacrifice. Sacrifice inspired by charity has the merit of bringing us into conformity with the earthly life of Jesus. For He became our brother and died for us in order to assure us of joy and glory forever.
- Pope John XXIII

Prayer: O Lord, teach me the profound meaning of sharing in the Cross of Jesus, Your Son, so that I may live forever in Your love.

From: Minute Meditations from the Popes (Catholic Book Publishing Corp., New York)

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