Wednesday of Holy Week--The Holy Face

Today's first reading from Isaiah shows Christ's willingness to suffer for our sake.

I gave my back to those who beat me,
my cheeks to those who plucked my beard;
My face I did not shield
from buffets and spitting.

The responsorial psalm goes further:

For your sake I bear insult,
and shame covers my face.
I have become an outcast to my brothers,
a stranger to my mother’s sons,
because zeal for your house consumes me,
Rather they put gall in my food,
and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

The line "zeal for your house consumes me" has always touched me, especially in relation to being an "outcast to my mother's sons."  There will be times, especially now, when being a Christian will put you in direct opposition to those around you; when longing to be in the Presence of God in His house, will make you a laughing stock.  Remember that Jesus walked that road for us and before us. Our consolation *is* being in the Presence.

As always in the psalms, though, it ends praising God.

I will praise the name of God in song,
and I will glorify him with thanksgiving:
“See, you lowly ones, and be glad;
you who seek God, may your hearts revive!
For the LORD hears the poor,
and his own who are in bonds he spurns not.

Hang onto this hope. God will be praised.

Wednesday of Holy Week--The Holy Face

Today's first reading from Isaiah shows Christ's willingness to suffer for our sake.

I gave my back to those who beat me,
my cheeks to those who plucked my beard;
My face I did not shield
from buffets and spitting.

The responsorial psalm goes further:

For your sake I bear insult,
and shame covers my face.
I have become an outcast to my brothers,
a stranger to my mother’s sons,
because zeal for your house consumes me,
Rather they put gall in my food,
and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

The line "zeal for your house consumes me" has always touched me, especially in relation to being an "outcast to my mother's sons."  There will be times, especially now, when being a Christian will put you in direct opposition to those around you; when longing to be in the Presence of God in His house, will make you a laughing stock.  Remember that Jesus walked that road for us and before us. Our consolation *is* being in the Presence.

As always in the psalms, though, it ends praising God.

I will praise the name of God in song,
and I will glorify him with thanksgiving:
“See, you lowly ones, and be glad;
you who seek God, may your hearts revive!
For the LORD hears the poor,
and his own who are in bonds he spurns not.

Hang onto this hope. God will be praised.

Tuesday of Holy Week--Do Not Despair

In today's gospel, Jesus predicts the betrayal of both Judas and Peter.  The stories are parallel but differ in important points.  Judas betrays Christ and later despairs while Peter repents.  Judas does not think that God is great enough, or merciful enough to forgive him.  Peter, on the other hand, weeps for his sins, but repents and goes on to lead the Apostles and the new Church.

We see these differences symbolically in this painting by Andrea del Castagno (1423-1457)Judas is shown in dark garments sitting across the table from Jesus.  Peter, shown as the traditional wise old(er) man and future pope, sits on Jesus' right hand and John the Beloved Disciple sits on his left.

As long as we stay with Christ, we will be saved.

Let us fight against despair and always remember God's mercy is for us individually.

Tuesday of Holy Week--Do Not Despair

In today's gospel, Jesus predicts the betrayal of both Judas and Peter.  The stories are parallel but differ in important points.  Judas betrays Christ and later despairs while Peter repents.  Judas does not think that God is great enough, or merciful enough to forgive him.  Peter, on the other hand, weeps for his sins, but repents and goes on to lead the Apostles and the new Church.

We see these differences symbolically in this painting by Andrea del Castagno (1423-1457)Judas is shown in dark garments sitting across the table from Jesus.  Peter, shown as the traditional wise old(er) man and future pope, sits on Jesus' right hand and John the Beloved Disciple sits on his left.

As long as we stay with Christ, we will be saved.

Let us fight against despair and always remember God's mercy is for us individually.

Monday of Holy Week--Take Courage

Today's gospel reading is the raising of Lazarus from the dead.  St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church tells us that in this story, Jesus is shown as both God and man.  His divinity is shown by his raising Lazarus from the dead and his humanity by his weeping at the death of his friend.

The raising of Lazarus gives us hope in some very real ways.  Lazarus was a human.  Lazarus, doubtless, sinned.  But Jesus nevertheless, raised him from the dead and Jesus, our God, wept for him.

Today's psalm (27) tells us to "wait for the Lord with courage.  Be stouthearted and wait for the Lord."

Hat tip to Vivificat for the link.

Monday of Holy Week--Take Courage

Today's gospel reading is the raising of Lazarus from the dead.  St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church tells us that in this story, Jesus is shown as both God and man.  His divinity is shown by his raising Lazarus from the dead and his humanity by his weeping at the death of his friend.

The raising of Lazarus gives us hope in some very real ways.  Lazarus was a human.  Lazarus, doubtless, sinned.  But Jesus nevertheless, raised him from the dead and Jesus, our God, wept for him.

Today's psalm (27) tells us to "wait for the Lord with courage.  Be stouthearted and wait for the Lord."

Hat tip to Vivificat for the link.

The State as Religion

The Beacon Blog has a thought provoking post entitled, Nothing Outside the State, in which it postulates that for some people, the State has become their religion.  I agree with A Conservative Blog for Peace who says that this is true for both the right and the left.  There is no area of our lives in which the state does not have a say.  It regulates us from the moment we are born (and before) to the moment we die.  It makes common transactions  into unbearably complicated and frustratingly impossible labyrinths.

By becoming all-pervasive, the state leaves us unable to follow our own consciences and our own faith. The state makes our decisions for us, about what we teach our children, about life, and about death.

Over the years, there has been much hand wringing over the possibility of religion becoming (too) political.  I think, now, the opposite has happened.  (People's) politics has become (their) religion.  Most Americans are happy with neither party, and those who operate within the two party system are extremists who seem unable to work with members of the other party, and, often, with those in their own party as well.  They see their party and its platform as a kind of fundamentalist scripture from which they dare not deviate.  This does not bode well for the future of the United States.

The State as Religion

The Beacon Blog has a thought provoking post entitled, Nothing Outside the State, in which it postulates that for some people, the State has become their religion.  I agree with A Conservative Blog for Peace who says that this is true for both the right and the left.  There is no area of our lives in which the state does not have a say.  It regulates us from the moment we are born (and before) to the moment we die.  It makes common transactions  into unbearably complicated and frustratingly impossible labyrinths.

By becoming all-pervasive, the state leaves us unable to follow our own consciences and our own faith. The state makes our decisions for us, about what we teach our children, about life, and about death.

Over the years, there has been much hand wringing over the possibility of religion becoming (too) political.  I think, now, the opposite has happened.  (People's) politics has become (their) religion.  Most Americans are happy with neither party, and those who operate within the two party system are extremists who seem unable to work with members of the other party, and, often, with those in their own party as well.  They see their party and its platform as a kind of fundamentalist scripture from which they dare not deviate.  This does not bode well for the future of the United States.

Being Christian in the Modern World--Denying Christ

Today we heard the gospel reading that included Peter's denial of Christ.  Three times, Peter denies he knew Jesus. He does this even after Jesus warned him he would.  He does it anyway, seemingly oblivious to what he has done until Jesus looks at him with love; then he remembers.

I wondered if, in our quest to avoid offending, we don't deny Christ when we hesitate to wear a crucifix, or keep our ashes on our foreheads, when we are going out among the general public.  Where do our rights as Christians begin and end? What about consideration for others' feelings?  If your work place doesn't have explicit rules about wearing religious jewelry, is it ok to wear it?

What is the purpose of wearing religious jewelry?

What do you all think?

Being Christian in the Modern World--Denying Christ

Today we heard the gospel reading that included Peter's denial of Christ.  Three times, Peter denies he knew Jesus. He does this even after Jesus warned him he would.  He does it anyway, seemingly oblivious to what he has done until Jesus looks at him with love; then he remembers.

I wondered if, in our quest to avoid offending, we don't deny Christ when we hesitate to wear a crucifix, or keep our ashes on our foreheads, when we are going out among the general public.  Where do our rights as Christians begin and end? What about consideration for others' feelings?  If your work place doesn't have explicit rules about wearing religious jewelry, is it ok to wear it?

What is the purpose of wearing religious jewelry?

What do you all think?

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is brought to you each week by RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing.This week, we had a Prayer to Our Lady of the Smile, Prayer for Healing of the Family Tree, and a special intention.  We also had a bit of wisdom from Fr. Benedict Groeschel and  congratulations go out to my cousin on the birth of her 4th child,  and a song from 1928, You're the Cream in my Coffee.

Have a great week, everyone!

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is brought to you each week by RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing.This week, we had a Prayer to Our Lady of the Smile, Prayer for Healing of the Family Tree, and a special intention.  We also had a bit of wisdom from Fr. Benedict Groeschel and  congratulations go out to my cousin on the birth of her 4th child,  and a song from 1928, You're the Cream in my Coffee.

Have a great week, everyone!

You're the Cream in my Coffee--1928

I was reminded of this song on Cute Overload today and thought I'd post it.  Enjoy.

You're the Cream in my Coffee--1928

I was reminded of this song on Cute Overload today and thought I'd post it.  Enjoy.

Fr. Groeschel--Faith in the Midst of Politics

Fr. Benedict Groeschel is a Franciscan priest in New York City.  The order he helped to found, the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal serve "the materially poor" around the world, and Fr. Groeschel has amassed a very faith-filled perspective on life, including politics.

I was heartened and encouraged to read his take on the recent passing of the health care bill, and, especially his opinion on our current president.  The debate on both sides of this issue has been contentious to say the least, and some of us have avoided thinking much about it due to the nasty nature of opinions expressed.

Fr. Groeschel told Deal Hudson, "I think it's a mistake to impute any kind of invidious intent to Obama -- he's from Chicago, he's a pragmatist, a man who learned to be tough growing up."

Deal goes on to say,

There was something cathartic for me in hearing Father Groeschel speak about Obama without any of the rancor that has become common among many pro-life Catholics -- including myself. It's as if he were saying to me, "Deal, I've been around a long time, and known a lot of people; and this kind of man and these kinds of events are nothing new -- take a deep breath."

I deeply appreciate Fr. Groeschel's trust in the Almighty and his focus on what is important: the poor, life at all stages, and faith.

Fr. Groeschel--Faith in the Midst of Politics

Fr. Benedict Groeschel is a Franciscan priest in New York City.  The order he helped to found, the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal serve "the materially poor" around the world, and Fr. Groeschel has amassed a very faith-filled perspective on life, including politics.

I was heartened and encouraged to read his take on the recent passing of the health care bill, and, especially his opinion on our current president.  The debate on both sides of this issue has been contentious to say the least, and some of us have avoided thinking much about it due to the nasty nature of opinions expressed.

Fr. Groeschel told Deal Hudson, "I think it's a mistake to impute any kind of invidious intent to Obama -- he's from Chicago, he's a pragmatist, a man who learned to be tough growing up."

Deal goes on to say,

There was something cathartic for me in hearing Father Groeschel speak about Obama without any of the rancor that has become common among many pro-life Catholics -- including myself. It's as if he were saying to me, "Deal, I've been around a long time, and known a lot of people; and this kind of man and these kinds of events are nothing new -- take a deep breath."

I deeply appreciate Fr. Groeschel's trust in the Almighty and his focus on what is important: the poor, life at all stages, and faith.

Congratulations!

My cousin had her 4th baby yesterday! William Jeffrey weighed in at 11 lbs. 3oz and was delivered without the aid of medication. (I can hear your gasp from here!)

He joins his 2 sisters and brother in a wonderful family.

Congratulations!

My cousin had her 4th baby yesterday! William Jeffrey weighed in at 11 lbs. 3oz and was delivered without the aid of medication. (I can hear your gasp from here!)

He joins his 2 sisters and brother in a wonderful family.

Prayer for Healing the Family Tree

This beautiful pray for healing of the family tree was written by Rev. John Hampsch and comes from Catholic Warriors by way of Vivificat.


Heavenly Father, I come before you as your child, in great need of your help; I have physical health needs, emotional needs, spiritual needs, and interpersonal needs. Many of my problems have been caused by my own failures, neglect, and sinfulness, for which I humbly beg your forgiveness, Lord. But I also ask you to forgive the sins of my ancestors whose failures have left their effects on me in the form of unwanted tendencies, behavior patterns, and defects in body, mind, and spirit. Heal me, Lord, of all these disorders.

With your help I sincerely forgive everyone, living or dead members of my family tree, who have directly offended me or my loved ones in any way, or those whose sins have resulted in our present sufferings and disorders. In the name of your divine Son Jesus, and in the power of his Holy Spirit, I ask you Father, to deliver me and my entire family tree from the influence of the evil one.

Free all living and dead members of my family tree, including those in adoptive relationships, and those in extended family relationships, from every contaminating form of bondage. By your loving concern for us, heavenly Father, and by the shed blood of your precious Son Jesus, I beg you to extend your blessing to me and all my living and deceased relatives. Heal every negative effect transmitted through all past generations, and prevent such negative effects in future generations of my family tree.

I symbolically place the cross of Jesus over the head of each person in my family tree, and between each generation; I ask you to let the cleansing blood of Jesus purify the blood lines in my family lineage. Set protective angels to encamp around us, and permit Archangel Raphael, the patron of healing, to administer your divine healing power to all of us, even in areas of genetic disability. Give special power to our family members’ guardian angels to heal, protect, guide, and encourage each of us in all our needs. Let your healing power be released at this very moment, and let it continue as long as your sovereignty permits.

In our family tree, Lord, replace all bondage with a holy bonding in family love. And let there be an ever-deeper bonding with you, Lord, by the Holy Spirit, to your Son Jesus. Let the family of the Holy Trinity pervade our family with its tender, warm, loving presence, so that our family may recognize and manifest that love in all our relationships. All of our unknown needs we include with this petition that we pray in Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

Prayer for Healing the Family Tree

This beautiful pray for healing of the family tree was written by Rev. John Hampsch and comes from Catholic Warriors by way of Vivificat.


Heavenly Father, I come before you as your child, in great need of your help; I have physical health needs, emotional needs, spiritual needs, and interpersonal needs. Many of my problems have been caused by my own failures, neglect, and sinfulness, for which I humbly beg your forgiveness, Lord. But I also ask you to forgive the sins of my ancestors whose failures have left their effects on me in the form of unwanted tendencies, behavior patterns, and defects in body, mind, and spirit. Heal me, Lord, of all these disorders.

With your help I sincerely forgive everyone, living or dead members of my family tree, who have directly offended me or my loved ones in any way, or those whose sins have resulted in our present sufferings and disorders. In the name of your divine Son Jesus, and in the power of his Holy Spirit, I ask you Father, to deliver me and my entire family tree from the influence of the evil one.

Free all living and dead members of my family tree, including those in adoptive relationships, and those in extended family relationships, from every contaminating form of bondage. By your loving concern for us, heavenly Father, and by the shed blood of your precious Son Jesus, I beg you to extend your blessing to me and all my living and deceased relatives. Heal every negative effect transmitted through all past generations, and prevent such negative effects in future generations of my family tree.

I symbolically place the cross of Jesus over the head of each person in my family tree, and between each generation; I ask you to let the cleansing blood of Jesus purify the blood lines in my family lineage. Set protective angels to encamp around us, and permit Archangel Raphael, the patron of healing, to administer your divine healing power to all of us, even in areas of genetic disability. Give special power to our family members’ guardian angels to heal, protect, guide, and encourage each of us in all our needs. Let your healing power be released at this very moment, and let it continue as long as your sovereignty permits.

In our family tree, Lord, replace all bondage with a holy bonding in family love. And let there be an ever-deeper bonding with you, Lord, by the Holy Spirit, to your Son Jesus. Let the family of the Holy Trinity pervade our family with its tender, warm, loving presence, so that our family may recognize and manifest that love in all our relationships. All of our unknown needs we include with this petition that we pray in Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

Special Intention

My dh meets with his boss today.  Please pray that God's will is done for him.  Thanks so much.

Special Intention

My dh meets with his boss today.  Please pray that God's will is done for him.  Thanks so much.

Prayer to Our Lady of the Smile

Gentle Mary, My Mother,
I place before you the worries,
hurts and hopes of my heart.
They shrink my soul and I feel heavy and hopeless.
Darkness closes in around me.
I reach out to you,
bright Lady of Hope.
Smile on me.
Smile on my loved ones
and the intentions 
I place before you.
Your tender smile works miracles and heals,
as you did with St. Thérèse,
the Little Flower.

You are my true Mother.
You show the tender mercy of God.
Smile on me, Blessed Mother,
and all will be well.

Hat tip to Crown of Thorns, Crown of Glory.

Prayer to Our Lady of the Smile

Gentle Mary, My Mother,
I place before you the worries,
hurts and hopes of my heart.
They shrink my soul and I feel heavy and hopeless.
Darkness closes in around me.
I reach out to you,
bright Lady of Hope.
Smile on me.
Smile on my loved ones
and the intentions 
I place before you.
Your tender smile works miracles and heals,
as you did with St. Thérèse,
the Little Flower.

You are my true Mother.
You show the tender mercy of God.
Smile on me, Blessed Mother,
and all will be well.

Hat tip to Crown of Thorns, Crown of Glory.

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is brought to you each week by RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing.

This week seems to have been a week of prayers.  First we had a post about a new daily prayer resource, DivineOffice.org, a superb resource for daily prayer, then we had a prayer before bed from the '66 movie, A Man for All Seasons, St. Patrick's Breastplate, and finally, some prayers to St. Joseph on his feast day.

We also had an adorable short film about St. Patrick's early life as told by an Irish girl, Mary, to her teacher, and later animated.

Our non-prayer related post for this week had to do with the future of publishing.

I hope everyone has a productive week.

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is brought to you each week by RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing.

This week seems to have been a week of prayers.  First we had a post about a new daily prayer resource, DivineOffice.org, a superb resource for daily prayer, then we had a prayer before bed from the '66 movie, A Man for All Seasons, St. Patrick's Breastplate, and finally, some prayers to St. Joseph on his feast day.

We also had an adorable short film about St. Patrick's early life as told by an Irish girl, Mary, to her teacher, and later animated.

Our non-prayer related post for this week had to do with the future of publishing.

I hope everyone has a productive week.

St. Joseph, Pray for Us!

Tomorrow is the feast of St. Joseph who is the patron saint of workers.  In this current economy, St. Joseph is one we can turn to in our difficulties finding employment and making ends meet.

This site has some beautiful prayers to St. Joseph.  A few are below. The second prayer, below, was written by Pope John XXIII.

Prayer to St. Joseph for Employment

Dear Saint Joseph, you were yourself once faced with the responsibility of providing the necessities of life for Jesus and Mary. Look down with fatherly compassion upon me in my anxiety over my present inability to support my family. Please help me to find gainful employment very soon, so that this heavy burden of concern will be lifted from my heart and that I am soon able to provide for those whom God has entrusted to my care. Help us to guard against bitterness and discouragement, so that we may emerge from this trial spiritually enriched and with even greater blessings from God. Amen.

Prayer to St. Joseph, as Patron of Workers

Blessed St. Joseph, patron of all working people, obtain for me the grace to labor in a spirit of penance for the atonement of my many sins. Help me to be conscientious in my work so that I may give as full a measure as I have received.

May I labor in a spirit of thankfulness and joy, ever mindful of all the gifts I have received from God that enable me to perform these tasks. Permit me to work in peace, patience, and moderation, keeping in mind the account I must one day give of time lost, talents unused, good omitted, and vanity of success, so fatal to the work of God. Glorious St. Joseph, may my labors be all for Jesus, all through Mary, and all after your holy example in life and in death. Amen.

St. Joseph, Pray for Us!

Tomorrow is the feast of St. Joseph who is the patron saint of workers.  In this current economy, St. Joseph is one we can turn to in our difficulties finding employment and making ends meet.

This site has some beautiful prayers to St. Joseph.  A few are below. The second prayer, below, was written by Pope John XXIII.

Prayer to St. Joseph for Employment

Dear Saint Joseph, you were yourself once faced with the responsibility of providing the necessities of life for Jesus and Mary. Look down with fatherly compassion upon me in my anxiety over my present inability to support my family. Please help me to find gainful employment very soon, so that this heavy burden of concern will be lifted from my heart and that I am soon able to provide for those whom God has entrusted to my care. Help us to guard against bitterness and discouragement, so that we may emerge from this trial spiritually enriched and with even greater blessings from God. Amen.

Prayer to St. Joseph, as Patron of Workers

Blessed St. Joseph, patron of all working people, obtain for me the grace to labor in a spirit of penance for the atonement of my many sins. Help me to be conscientious in my work so that I may give as full a measure as I have received.

May I labor in a spirit of thankfulness and joy, ever mindful of all the gifts I have received from God that enable me to perform these tasks. Permit me to work in peace, patience, and moderation, keeping in mind the account I must one day give of time lost, talents unused, good omitted, and vanity of success, so fatal to the work of God. Glorious St. Joseph, may my labors be all for Jesus, all through Mary, and all after your holy example in life and in death. Amen.

The End of Books?

The End of Books?

St. Patrick's Breastplate

This prayer, The Lorica of St. Patrick, is a prayer attributed to St. Patrick. It is said that Patrick wrote this prayer to invoke God's protection when going to convert the King of Ireland. At any rate, it is an ancient Irish prayer of protection and very powerful.

St. Patrick's Breastplate

This prayer, The Lorica of St. Patrick, is a prayer attributed to St. Patrick. It is said that Patrick wrote this prayer to invoke God's protection when going to convert the King of Ireland. At any rate, it is an ancient Irish prayer of protection and very powerful.

The St. Patrick's Day Volkswagen

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, here is an adorable cartoon on St. Patrick.  The story is told by a little girl named Mary and the award winning animation includes something near and dear to my heart--a VW bus. Hence, the St. Patrick's Day Volkswagen.

The St. Patrick's Day Volkswagen

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, here is an adorable cartoon on St. Patrick.  The story is told by a little girl named Mary and the award winning animation includes something near and dear to my heart--a VW bus. Hence, the St. Patrick's Day Volkswagen.

Prayer Before Bed

I wanted to share this prayer before retiring from the 1966 movie, A Man For All Seasons.

Dear Lord,
give us rest tonight
or if we must be wakeful, cheerful;
careful only for our soul's salvation.
For Christ's sake,
~Amen.

Prayer Before Bed

I wanted to share this prayer before retiring from the 1966 movie, A Man For All Seasons.

Dear Lord,
give us rest tonight
or if we must be wakeful, cheerful;
careful only for our soul's salvation.
For Christ's sake,
~Amen.

A New Daily Prayer Resource

I wanted to let you all know about a wonderful new site I've come across:  DivineOffice.org. It has the entire Liturgy of the Hours; Morning Prayer, Daytime Prayer, Evening Prayer, Office of Readings, Night Prayer, including music! When I pray morning prayer, it is frustrating to me as a musician, when I see a hymn printed out that I don't know the music to. This site solves that problem.

Another great thing about this site is that it is on podcast and you listen to a group praying, rather than feel as if you are praying alone.  It really highlights the fact that we are indeed praying with the entire Church.

They pray slowly and with much feeling.  No rote type praying here!

I've linked this site on my sidebar under the picture of the praying knight.

Hat Tip to Stumbling Back Home.

A New Daily Prayer Resource

I wanted to let you all know about a wonderful new site I've come across:  DivineOffice.org. It has the entire Liturgy of the Hours; Morning Prayer, Daytime Prayer, Evening Prayer, Office of Readings, Night Prayer, including music! When I pray morning prayer, it is frustrating to me as a musician, when I see a hymn printed out that I don't know the music to. This site solves that problem.

Another great thing about this site is that it is on podcast and you listen to a group praying, rather than feel as if you are praying alone.  It really highlights the fact that we are indeed praying with the entire Church.

They pray slowly and with much feeling.  No rote type praying here!

I've linked this site on my sidebar under the picture of the praying knight.

Hat Tip to Stumbling Back Home.

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is brought to you each week by RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing.

This week, I posted a beautifully haunting Eastern Christian chant, "Oh Lord, I Have Cried Out Unto Thee" as well as a post about the beauty of confession and the promise of eternity.

A birthday shout out to my mom and aunt, a childhood nursery rhyme, a reminder to turn the clocks forward, and  a wish for a happy Mothering Sunday round out the week.

Think Spring!

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is brought to you each week by RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing.

This week, I posted a beautifully haunting Eastern Christian chant, "Oh Lord, I Have Cried Out Unto Thee" as well as a post about the beauty of confession and the promise of eternity.

A birthday shout out to my mom and aunt, a childhood nursery rhyme, a reminder to turn the clocks forward, and  a wish for a happy Mothering Sunday round out the week.

Think Spring!

Mothering Sunday

Happy Mother's Day to all those in the U.K.!

Also, Happy Laetare Sunday!

Mothering Sunday

Happy Mother's Day to all those in the U.K.!

Also, Happy Laetare Sunday!

Don't Forget!!

Don't forget to turn your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed tonight.

Don't Forget!!

Don't forget to turn your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed tonight.

Promise

My husband and I were talking last night of the importance of hanging on to the positive, every day. This is not denial or ignorance. This is hanging on to whatever small gift we are given, this minute, this day.  No matter how tiny it may seem, there is always a glimmer of hope.

Nothing lasts but the promise of eternity.  Therefore, whatever small positive may exist *is* the hope we have to hang onto today.

Grab it and don't let go.

Promise

My husband and I were talking last night of the importance of hanging on to the positive, every day. This is not denial or ignorance. This is hanging on to whatever small gift we are given, this minute, this day.  No matter how tiny it may seem, there is always a glimmer of hope.

Nothing lasts but the promise of eternity.  Therefore, whatever small positive may exist *is* the hope we have to hang onto today.

Grab it and don't let go.

Rest

Make frequent use of confession to avail yourself of God's grace available in the sacrament.  These are trying times and the evil one is all too ready to take full advantage of our weaknesses.

God's grace is there for the asking, ready to be poured out on us like a balm for our tired souls.

Come to Me, all ye who are tired and overburdened and I will give you rest. 

Rest

Make frequent use of confession to avail yourself of God's grace available in the sacrament.  These are trying times and the evil one is all too ready to take full advantage of our weaknesses.

God's grace is there for the asking, ready to be poured out on us like a balm for our tired souls.

Come to Me, all ye who are tired and overburdened and I will give you rest. 

Happy Birthday!!!

Tomorrow is my mom and aunt's 83rd birthday. They were born March 10, 1927, the 3rd and 4th of 7 children; 2 boys and 5 girls. They both live in an assisted living facility in the community they grew up in.

We are blessed to have them with us.

Happy Birthday!!!

Tomorrow is my mom and aunt's 83rd birthday. They were born March 10, 1927, the 3rd and 4th of 7 children; 2 boys and 5 girls. They both live in an assisted living facility in the community they grew up in.

We are blessed to have them with us.

Today's Nursery Rhyme

Pussy cat, pussy cat
wilt thou be mine? 
Thou shalt not wash dishes
nor yet feed the swine, 
but sit on a cushion 
and sew a fine seam
and feed upon strawberries, 
sugar and cream. 

I used to love this nursery rhyme as a kid. I told my dad that I wanted to "feed upon strawberries, sugar and cream" but I wasn't so keen on "sewing a fine seam". He assured me that such a life of luxury was unrealistic. I still don't like doing dishes (or sewing)!

Today's Nursery Rhyme

Pussy cat, pussy cat
wilt thou be mine? 
Thou shalt not wash dishes
nor yet feed the swine, 
but sit on a cushion 
and sew a fine seam
and feed upon strawberries, 
sugar and cream. 

I used to love this nursery rhyme as a kid. I told my dad that I wanted to "feed upon strawberries, sugar and cream" but I wasn't so keen on "sewing a fine seam". He assured me that such a life of luxury was unrealistic. I still don't like doing dishes (or sewing)!

O Lord, I Have Cried Out Unto Thee

I visited Byzantine Ramblings this morning and heard this Psalm (140).  It is such a heart felt prayer.


O Lord, I have cried out unto Thee.
Hear Thou me.
Hear Thou me O Lord.
Give ear to the voice of my supplication.
When I cry out unto Thee, hear Thou me O Lord.
Let my prayer be sent forth before Thee as the incense
and the lifting up of my hands
as the evening sacrifice.

O Lord, I Have Cried Out Unto Thee

I visited Byzantine Ramblings this morning and heard this Psalm (140).  It is such a heart felt prayer.


O Lord, I have cried out unto Thee.
Hear Thou me.
Hear Thou me O Lord.
Give ear to the voice of my supplication.
When I cry out unto Thee, hear Thou me O Lord.
Let my prayer be sent forth before Thee as the incense
and the lifting up of my hands
as the evening sacrifice.

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is brought to you each week by RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing.This week, I talked about the prayer, "Take Lord, Receive" by St. Ignatius Loyola, the Rosary,  The Peter, Paul and Mary song, Jesus Met the Woman at the Well (from today's Year C Gospel) Chocolate Covered Peeps, and a special intention for my husband.

I pray that we all have a good week.

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is brought to you each week by RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing.This week, I talked about the prayer, "Take Lord, Receive" by St. Ignatius Loyola, the Rosary,  The Peter, Paul and Mary song, Jesus Met the Woman at the Well (from today's Year C Gospel) Chocolate Covered Peeps, and a special intention for my husband.

I pray that we all have a good week.

Jesus Met the Woman at the Well

Tomorrow's gospel, for those parishes using Year A for the scrutinies is from the Gospel of John and tells the story of Jesus talking to the Samaritan woman at the well.  Every year, when my aunt and uncle sang in their parish, they would sing this Peter, Paul and Mary song on the Sunday this gospel was read.  Every year, I think of them and the times dh and I helped them sing this song.

Jesus Met the Woman at the Well

Tomorrow's gospel, for those parishes using Year A for the scrutinies is from the Gospel of John and tells the story of Jesus talking to the Samaritan woman at the well.  Every year, when my aunt and uncle sang in their parish, they would sing this Peter, Paul and Mary song on the Sunday this gospel was read.  Every year, I think of them and the times dh and I helped them sing this song.

Special Intention

I wanted to ask you all to please pray for my husband who is going in for a chest xray for possible lung cancer on Tuesday.  Please pray that God sends us all we need to go through this and that if it is His will, that my husband be healed.

Special Intention

I wanted to ask you all to please pray for my husband who is going in for a chest xray for possible lung cancer on Tuesday.  Please pray that God sends us all we need to go through this and that if it is His will, that my husband be healed.

The Rosary

The Rosary is what I always go back to.  It is the prayer that I turn to when I don't know what to pray.  It opens the passageways of my spirit and lets in what God wants me to absorb.  It softens my heart against cynicism and despair and unites my prayer with Our Lady's.

The Rosary

The Rosary is what I always go back to.  It is the prayer that I turn to when I don't know what to pray.  It opens the passageways of my spirit and lets in what God wants me to absorb.  It softens my heart against cynicism and despair and unites my prayer with Our Lady's.

Chocolate Peeps

It's about time.

Just sayin'.

Chocolate Peeps

It's about time.

Just sayin'.

Take Lord, All My Liberty

This song, Take Lord, Receive, is a prayer by St. Ignatius Loyola also called the Susipe Prayer or the Offering of One's self. This version is by John Foley and was surprisingly difficult to find on YouTube.

Here is an English translation of the prayer from the Latin:

Receive, O Lord, all my liberty. Take my memory, my understanding, and my entire will. Whatsoever I have or possess Thou hast bestowed upon me; I give it all back to Thee and surrender it wholly to be governed by Thy Will. Give me love for Thee alone along with Thy grace, and I am rich enough and ask for nothing more.

Take Lord, All My Liberty

This song, Take Lord, Receive, is a prayer by St. Ignatius Loyola also called the Susipe Prayer or the Offering of One's self. This version is by John Foley and was surprisingly difficult to find on YouTube.

Here is an English translation of the prayer from the Latin:

Receive, O Lord, all my liberty. Take my memory, my understanding, and my entire will. Whatsoever I have or possess Thou hast bestowed upon me; I give it all back to Thee and surrender it wholly to be governed by Thy Will. Give me love for Thee alone along with Thy grace, and I am rich enough and ask for nothing more.