Scripture, Reflection and Prayer 02/27/2009

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
- Prov 1:7

Reflection: Science can purify religion from error and superstition. Religion can purify science from idolatry and false absolutes. Each can draw the other into a wider world, a world in which both can flourish.
- Pope John Paul II

Prayer: O Lord, the world tells us that our faith and our science are opposed. It tells us we must live either by our mind or by our heart. Teach me Your truth where mind and heart, science and faith are no longer opposed.

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

Scripture, Reflection and Prayer 02/26/2009

Live in a manner worthy of the Lord and please Him in all ways, bearing fruit in every good work.
- Col 1:10

Reflection: In a secularized world, to speak and act in the name of Jesus can bring opposition and even ridicule. It often means being out of step with the majority opinion. Yet if we look at the New Testament, we find encouragement for perseverance in this testing of our faith.
- Pope John Paul II

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me never to measure my morality by the standards of an unbelieving world. Let the Gospel be the source of my beliefs and the goal of my actions.

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

Scripture, Reflection and Prayer 02/25/2009

My child, conduct your affairs with meekness, and you will be loved by those whom God accepts. - Sir 3:17

Reflection: The meek endure conflict and jealousy, rivalries that arise within families and among neighbors. They do not, however passively accept situations of injustice. They are anything but indifferent, but they do not respond to violence with violence, to hatred with hatred.
- Pope John Paul II

Prayer: O Lord, let me always fight injustice when I see it, but by being willing to die for justice, never to kill for it.

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

Scripture, Reflection and Prayer 02/24/2009

At once the father of the boy exclaimed, "I do believe; help what little faith I have."
- Mk 9:24

Reflection: We must be convinced of the necessity of having a living, authentic, and active faith. That is all the more true today, when we face so many difficulties. It is not enough to have a vague, weak, or uncertain faith.
- Pope John XXIII

Prayer: O Lord, I often feel like the man in the Gospels who asked You to help what little faith he had. Fill my heart with Your gift of faith, and let my faith be active and living.
From: Minute Meditations from the Popes (Catholic Book Publishing Corp., New York)

Scripture, Reflection and Prayer 02/23/2009

If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let that person be anathema. Come, O Lord.

- 1 Cor 16:22

Reflection: It is He, it is only He Who can quench the deep and mysterious thirst of your spirits. Jesus, Jesus; He is the light and salvation of the world and of each of us.

- Pope Paul VI

Prayer: St. Polycarp was so in love with You, Lord Jesus, that nothing else was important to him, not even his life, for he died a Martyr. Grant me that same single-mindedness and that same courage.

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

Scripture, Reflection and Prayer 02/19/2009

Thoroughly wash me from my guilt, and cleanse me of my sin. For I acknowledge my offense.

- Ps 51:4-5

Reflection: Only those persons who recognize that they are sinners, in need of salvation because they cannot save themselves, only they can extend their hands to Jesus as to their Savior.

- Pope John Paul II

Prayer: O Lord, help me to admit that I need others in my life, that I cannot make it alone. And of all of those whom I need, I need You most, for You are my God and my all.

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

Scripture, Reflection and Prayer 02/17/2009

So now, O children, give heed to me and do not reject instruction and wisdom.

- Prov 8:32-33

Reflection: Mary is the clearest and surest sign that God always comes to us with His love. She sings with all her being that whatever we receive from God is grace.The Virgin is our true teacher in the journey of faith.

- Pope John Paul II

Prayer: O Lord, the seven founders of the Servites followed the example of Mary Your Mother in serving God's People. Help me to learn that same generosity and live it everyday of my life.

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