Scripture, Reflection and Prayer for Wednesday, January 19, 2011

The Gospels are the heart of all the Scriptures "because they are our principal source for the life and teaching of the Incarnate Word, our Savior."
- CCC No. 125

Reflection: St. Jerome says, "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ." This is especially true where the four Gospels are concerned. Every effort to know Christ better must include a deep familiarity with Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.


Prayer: Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, unfold for your people the mystery of your Word mad flesh through the sacred writings of the Evangelists.

From: Day by Day with the Catechism (Catholic Book Publishing Corp., New York)

Scripture, Reflection and Prayer for Tuesday, January 18, 2011

The Old Testament is an indispensable part of Sacred Scripture. Its books are divinely inspired and retain a permanent value, for the Old Covenant has never been revoked.
- CCC No. 121

Reflection: God spent a long time preparing the world for his Son, and the whole fascinating process is chronicled in the Old Testament, an important part of the greatest story ever told.


Prayer: Father of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, reveal yourself to us through the history, the prophets, and the wisdom of the Hebrew Scriptures.

From: Day by Day with the Catechism (Catholic Book Publishing Corp., New York)

Scripture, Reflection and Prayer for Monday, January 17, 2011

"In the sacred books, the Father who is in heaven comes lovingly to meet his children, and talks with them."
- CCC No. 101

Reflection: It has often been said that when we pray we speak to God, and when we read the Bible he speaks to us. In our relationship with God, we need to make sure we're not doing all the talking.


Prayer: Lord, inspire us and give us the strength to read the Bible regularly that it may bear fruit in a well-ordered life of wisdom.

From: Day by Day with the Catechism (Catholic Book Publishing Corp., New York)

Scripture, Reflection and Prayer for Wednesday, January 12, 2011

God communicates himself to man gradually. He prepares him to welcome by stages the supernatural Revelation that is to culminate in the person and mission of the incarnate Word, Jesus Christ.
- CCC No. 53

Reflection: Whether taken over the course of history or in our own brief story, God's relationship with his creatures grows and deepens over time, in a million small moments. We draw near or create distance with every choice we make.


Prayer: Lord of creation, by your all-wise plan, everything grows. Help us to grow in our knowledge of you through the constant purification of our mind, heart, and will.

From: Day by Day with the Catechism (Catholic Book Publishing Corp., New York)

Scripture, Reflection and Prayer for Monday, January 10, 2011

This search for God demands of man every effort of intellect, a sound will, [and] "an upright heart."
- CCC No. 30

Reflection: Our minds, our hearts, and our wills are the map, the fuel, and the vehicle we use on our journey toward God, "Getting to God" must be the aim of all our thoughts, our emotions, and our desires.


Prayer: All-powerful God, cleanse my mind of every worthless evil or distracting thought. Cleanse my will of every worthless evil or distracting desire.

From: Day by Day with the Catechism (Catholic Book Publishing Corp., New York)

Scripture, Reflection and Prayer for Thursday, January 06, 2011

The plan of this Catechism...is built on four pillars: the baptismal profession of faith (the Creed), the sacraments of faith, the life of faith (the Commandments), and the prayer of the believer (the Lord's Prayer).
- CCC No. 13

Reflection: These four essential elements of our faith were taught to many of us when we were children, but we cannot let our understanding of these great pillars of the faith remain at an immature level.


Prayer: Lord, give us the courage to make full use of all that you have given us to know you to the best of our ability.

From: Day by Day with the Catechism (Catholic Book Publishing Corp., New York)

Scripture, Reflection and Prayer for Wednesday, January 05, 2011

The Catechism of the Catholic Church aims at presenting an organic synthesis of the essential and fundamental contents of Catholic doctrine, as regards both faith and morals.
- CCC No. 11

Reflection: The Catechism doesn't attempt to be an encyclopedia that passes judgement on every human activity. Rather, the Church speaks to us about faith and morals, knowing that the good life begins with what we believe and how we act.


Prayer: Father, so many things are vying for our time and attention. Help us to focus on that which is most important, our relationship with you.

From: Day by Day with the Catechism (Catholic Book Publishing Corp., New York)

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Scripture, Reflection and Prayer for Monday, January 03, 2011

Quite early on, the name catechesis was given to the totality of the Church's efforts to make disciples, to help men believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
- CCC No.4

Reflection: The good news of the Gospels set apart from contemporary news in that it is good, but more importantly because it builds up and strengthens those who hear it, inviting them into the Body of Christ.


Prayer: Jesus, help us to live the dignity that is ours as members of Your body. May we always look to You, our head, for guidance and example.

From: Day by Day with the Catechism (Catholic Book Publishing Corp., New York)