Scripture, Reflection and Prayer for Thursday, February 25, 2010

My child, conduct your affairs with meekness, and you will be loved by those whom God accepts.
- Sirach 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 for Tuesday, February 23, 2010

If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, le that person be anathema. Come, O Lord. -
1 Corinthians 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 for Monday, February 22, 2010

Be Shepherds of Christ's flock that is under your care..., not lording it over those entrusted to you but being examples to [them].
- 1 Peter 5:2-3

Reflection: Authority is a duty, a burden, a debt, a ministry to others, to lead them to the life of God. It is a channel, and it is called the care of souls. This is the pastoral function.
- Pope Paul VI

Prayer: O Lord, protect and guide those who have been given authority in the Church, especially Pope Benedict XVI. Make them generous and courageous in the exercise of their ministry.

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

Scripture, Reflection and Prayer for Friday, February 19, 2010

Thoroughly wash me from my guilt, and cleanse me of my sin. For I acknowledge my offense.
- Psalms 41:4-5

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 for Thursday, February 18, 2010

My Father, if this cup cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.
- Matthew 26:42

Reflection: There is a higher wisdom: a wisdom that reveals the true meaning of our human weakness and our pain. That wisdom is revealed in Christ. He knows what it is to suffer; He experienced it on the road to Calvary.
- Pope John Paul II

Prayer: O Lord, the wisdom of the world tells me to think only of myself. Teach me to enter into th emystery of surrendering to the Father's will. Let me say, "Not my will, but Your will be done."

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

Scripture, Reflection and Prayer for Wednesday, February 17, 2010

So now, O children, give heed to me and do not reject instruction and wisdom.
- Proverbs 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 every day of my life.

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

Scripture, Reflection and Prayer for Tuesday, February 16, 2010

All the promises of God find their "Yes" in Christ; and therefore through Him also rises the "Amen" to God to our glory.
- 2 Corinthians 1:20

Reflection: In Christ we find hope, because He is the symbol of hope, friendship, unending love, and the Father's indescribable affection for every individual. We know that all the promises and hopes find their complete fulfillment in Christ, because in Christ God's very word has found its "Yes."
- Pope John Paul II

Prayer: Lord Jesus, be the source and the goal of my life. Be my all, and lead me to the Father.

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