MEDITATION OF THE DAY

The message of Micah reached its climax as heaven and earth were called upon to bear witness to the nation's crimes. God spoke directly to his people and recalled for them the history of his saving work. He reminded them that he was not only Almighty God, but a loving and merciful God who had brought them out of bondage in Egypt (Micah 6:2). Israel owed everything to the grace of her Lord and against the backdrop of this grace, the people's greed and injustices were an abomination. In practical terms, God called the people through Micah to examine their relationship with him and ways, not our own. God's aim is to form us into a righteous people, even as he is righteous. Our relationships with one another should be marked by "loving kindness." Because God first loved us, we are enabled to love one another.

As we ponder the love of God as reflected in the cross, we can almost hear Jesus say: "O my people, what more could I have done for you?" (Isaiah 5:4). The cross of Jesus has the power to pierce sinful hearts and bring about deep interior change in us enabling us to live according to God's plan.

"Father, when we look at the cross we know there is nothing you have not done for us. By the power of your spirit, open our hearts to this truth so that we may live according to the plan you have for us."

Today's Saint

St. Lawrence of Brindisi (1559-1619)

At first glance perhaps the most remarkable quality of Lawrence of Brindisi is his outstanding gift of languages. In addition to a thorough knowledge of his native Italian, he had complete reading and speaking ability in Latin, Hebrew, Greek, German, Bohemian, Spanish and French.

He was born on July 22, 1559, and died exactly 60 years later on his birthday in 1619. His parents William and Elizabeth Russo gave him the name of Julius Caesar, Caesare in Italian. After the early death of his parents, he was educated by his uncle at the College of St. Mark in Venice.

When he was just 16 he entered the Capuchin Franciscan Order in Venice and received the name of Lawrence. He completed his studies of philosophy and theology at the University of Padua and was ordained a priest at 23.

With his facility for languages he was able to study the Bible in its original texts. At the request of Pope Clement VIII, he spent much time preaching to the Jews in Italy. So excellent was his knowledge of Hebrew, the rabbis felt sure he was a Jew who had become a Christian.

In 1956 the Capuchins completed a 15-volume edition of his writings. Eleven of these 15 contain his sermons, each of which relies chiefly on scriptural quotations to illustrate his teaching.

Lawrence’s sensitivity to the needs of people—a character trait perhaps unexpected in such a talented scholar—began to surface. He was elected major superior of the Capuchin Franciscan province of Tuscany at the age of 31. He had the combination of brilliance, human compassion and administrative skill needed to carry out his duties. In rapid succession he was promoted by his fellow Capuchins and was elected minister general of the Capuchins in 1602. In this position he was responsible for great growth and geographical expansion of the Order.

Lawrence was appointed papal emissary and peacemaker, a job which took him to a number of foreign countries. An effort to achieve peace in his native kingdom of Naples took him on a journey to Lisbon to visit the king of Spain. Serious illness in Lisbon took his life in 1619.

Quote
“God is love, and all his operations proceed from love. Once he wills to manifest that goodness by sharing his love outside himself, then the Incarnation becomes the supreme manifestation of his goodness and love and glory. So, Christ was intended before all other creatures and for his own sake. For him all things were created and to him all things must be subject, and God loves all creatures in and because of Christ. Christ is the first-born of every creature, and the whole of humanity as well as the created world finds its foundation and meaning in him. Moreover, this would have been the case even if Adam had not sinned” (St. Lawrence of Brindisi, Doctor of the Universal Church, Capuchin Educational Conference, Washington, D.C.).

JOURNEY WITH THE SAINTS
Do not believe only what the eyes of your body tell you. What is not seen is here more truly seen, for what is seen belongs to time, but what is not seen belongs to eternity. ST. AMBROSE.

Helloooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo anybody here?

Today's Saint

St. Mary Magdalene 

Except for the mother of Jesus, few women are more honored in the Bible than Mary Magdalene. Yet she could well be the patron of the slandered, since there has been a persistent legend in the Church that she is the unnamed sinful woman who anointed the feet of Jesus in Luke 7:36-50.

Most Scripture scholars today point out that there is no scriptural basis for confusing the two women. Mary Magdalene, that is, “of Magdala,” was the one from whom Christ cast out “seven demons” (Luke 8:2)—an indication, at the worst, of extreme demonic possession or, possibly, severe illness.

Father W.J. Harrington, O.P., writing in the New Catholic Commentary, says that “seven demons” “does not mean that Mary had lived an immoral life—a conclusion reached only by means of a mistaken identification with the anonymous woman of Luke 7:36.” Father Edward Mally, S.J., writing in the Jerome Biblical Commentary, agrees that she “is not, the same as the sinner of Luke 7:37, despite the later Western romantic tradition about her.”

Mary Magdalene was one of the many “who were assisting them [Jesus and the Twelve] out of their means.” She was one of those who stood by the cross of Jesus with his mother. And, of all the “official” witnesses that might have been chosen for the first awareness of the Resurrection, she was the one to whom that privilege was given.

MEDITATION OF THE DAY

Today we commemorate Mary Magdalene, the disciple of Jesus who was present at his death and the first to see the risen Savior (John 20: 11 - 18 and Mark 16: 9). From the moment of her conversion, she remained faithful in following Jesus, even when others faltered. She was able to perservere in her fidelity to the Lord because she knew the intense love of Jesus. Pope St. Gregory the Great (c. 540 - 604), in a sermon on this gospel, emphasized two points: Mary's perseverance and the Lord's love for her: Gregory said; "What love this woman had who would not leave the tomb, even though his disciples went away! She sought him whom she had not found, wept as she sought, and yearned with loving desire for him whom she thought they had taken away. He showed himself, therefore, only to her who had remained to search, for the power behind every good work is perseverance." Mary's perseverance was not just at the tomb of Jesus. After Jesus has expelled the seven demons from her (Mk 16: 9), she undertook to minister to his needs along with the other holy women (Lk 8: 2-3), witnessed his crucifixion (Matt 27 :56), and attended his burial (matt. 27: 61). On Easter morning, she went again to anoint his body. Her faithfulness was rewarded beyond compare. When the risen Lord appeared to Mary at the tomb, she experienced once again the enormous love that Jesus had for her. First he called her "woman," then he called her "Mary." Gregory wrote; "He calls her by name as though to say: 'Recognize him who recognizes you. I know you, not just as one woman among thousands, but as yourself'." This is the same love that Jesus has for each of us. He recognizes us as individuals and knows us intimately. He knows all our weaknesses and failures, yet that does not diminish his great love for us. On this feast of Mary Magdalene, think about how intensely the Lord loves you and forgives you all your sins, just as he forgave Mary's sins. Knowing that the Son of God cares deeply for every aspect of your life, persevere in following him by daily prayer, by reading his word, and by being obedient to his commands.

Catholics are still
pushing this thread
since last year.

zigam:

Catholics are still
pushing this thread
since last year.

yes, and you are welcome to join us

Oby1:

Helloooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo anybody here?

hi oby, i am here.

ke kwanu?

Hey! bros how work, seems is only our two today.
Carlos if i may ask again where is pamperme, please can you call her since i don't have her phone no.

work's fine and you won't believe i don't have her no. as well.

Carlosein:

work's fine and you won't believe i don't have her no. as well.

This is serious issue, i no believe but shey na your wife to bi which one kon b say u no get her no. as well, abegi call her.

wao, like this thread. y'all good job!

Oh! And I went to FATIMA!! wht a beautiful place!!

Nella:

wao, like this thread. y'all good job!

Oh! And I went to FATIMA!! wht a beautiful place!!

Nella u are most welcome to join us.

wow, you were in fatima! lucky you.

Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Reading 1
Jer 1:1, 4-10

The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah,
of a priestly family in Anathoth, in the land of Benjamin.

The word of the LORD came to me thus:

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I dedicated you,
a prophet to the nations I appointed you.
“Ah, Lord GOD!” I said,
(I know not how to speak; I am too young.”

But the LORD answered me,
Say not, “I am too young.”
To whomever I send you, you shall go;
whatever I command you, you shall speak.
Have no fear before them,
because I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD.

Then the LORD extended his hand and touched my mouth, saying,

See, I place my words in your mouth!
This day I set you
over nations and over kingdoms,
To root up and to tear down,
to destroy and to demolish,
to build and to plant.

Responsorial Psalm
Ps 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5-6ab, 15 and 17

R. I will sing of your salvation.
In you, O LORD, I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your justice rescue me, and deliver me;
incline your ear to me, and save me.
R. I will sing of your salvation.
Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to give me safety,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked.
R. I will sing of your salvation.
For you are my hope, O Lord;
my trust, O God, from my youth.
On you I depend from birth;
from my mother’s womb you are my strength.
R. I will sing of your salvation.
My mouth shall declare your justice,
day by day your salvation.
O God, you have taught me from my youth,
and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds.
R. I will sing of your salvation.

Gospel
Mt 13:1-9

On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea.
Such large crowds gathered around him
that he got into a boat and sat down,
and the whole crowd stood along the shore.
And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying:
“A sower went out to sow.
And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path,
and birds came and ate it up.
Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil.
It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep,
and when the sun rose it was scorched,
and it withered for lack of roots.
Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it.
But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit,
a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.
Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

Oby and Carlosein,

Good job there. It's like you are online now? But I have few minutes to stay here, only that forex is kicking my butts big time since yesterday.

Carlosein:

Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel
Mt 13:1-9

On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea.
Such large crowds gathered around him
that he got into a boat and sat down,
and the whole crowd stood along the shore.
And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying:
“A sower went out to sow.
And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path,
and birds came and ate it up.
Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil.
It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep,
and when the sun rose it was scorched,
and it withered for lack of roots.
Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it.
But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit,
a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.
Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

MEDITATION OF THE DAY
Jesus described four possible responses to the word of God.  The seed on the footpath refers to those people who quickly lose the word because they do not understand.  The seed on rocky ground describes those who have no firm foundation.  The seed fallen among thorns relates to those who receive the good news but later abandon it for hte lure of the world.  Finally, the seed on good soil describes those who hear the word of God, accept it, and conform their lives to it.  When most people read or hear this parable, they identify themselves with the seed planted in good soil.  If we examine ourselves honestly, however, we would probably see taht some other part of the story better describes us.  God's call to us often involves more than we think.  It is a call to nothing less than total dedication, to living so that we give glory to God.  When Jesus came upon the man who had been born blind (John 9 ), he said that this had happened so that God could be glorified in his works (John 9: 3 - 4 ).  The man when healed joyfully proclaimed what God had done.  Despite pressure and threats from the Pharisees, he continued to glorify God.  We all face a similar choice: We can give glory to God for his work in us, or we can live very narrow and self-centered lives.  We can fealessly proclaim the marvels of God or we can be bound by fears of rejection to the point where we dilute God's action and deny him glory.  Do we believe that the gospel has changed us, or do we believe change happened as the result of our own efforts?  Do we believe that everyone needs salvation, or that Jesus is just an option in God's plan?  The answers to these questions can be found by examining the fruit that is being borne in our lives.  God is asking us if we want to be vibrant Christains who transform the world or passive people who sometimes pray and occassionally read scripture.  If we acknowledge the action of God in our lives and desire to serve him, the seed will be productive.  We will yield thirty, sixty, or even a hundredfold.

ebos:

Oby and Carlosein,

Good job there. It's like you are online now? But I have few minutes to stay here, only that forex is kicking my butts big time since yesterday.

Good day bros. Eyaa but make you know just leave am to be kicking your butts like that naw, do something, fire am back.
How you dey.

Does Ebos stand for Ebuka? I know what Viee, carlosein, lindiwe stands for, but ebos i don't know.

Today's Saint
St. Bridget (1303?-1373)

From age seven on, Bridget had visions of Christ crucified. Her visions formed the basis for her activity—always with the emphasis on charity rather than spiritual favors.

She lived her married life in the court of the Swedish king Magnus II. Mother of eight children (the second eldest was St. Catherine of Sweden), she lived the strict life of a penitent after her husband’s death.

Bridget constantly strove to exert her good influence over Magnus; while never fully reforming, he did give her land and buildings to found a monastery for men and women. This group eventually expanded into an Order known as the Bridgetines (still in existence).

In 1350, a year of jubilee, Bridget braved a plague-stricken Europe to make a pilgrimage to Rome. Although she never returned to Sweden, her years in Rome were far from happy, being hounded by debts and by opposition to her work against Church abuses.

A final pilgrimage to the Holy Land, marred by shipwreck and the death of her son, Charles, eventually led to her death in 1373. In 1999, she, Saints Catherine of Siena and Edith Stein were named co-patronesses of Europe.

Quote

Despite the hardships of life and wayward children (not all became saints), Margery Kempe of Lynn says Bridget was “kind and meek to every creature” and “she had a laughing face.”

Nella:

wao, like this thread. y'all good job!

Oh! And I went to FATIMA!! wht a beautiful place!!

Yes Nella you are quite welcome to the gathering of the saints. We need your contribution too.

So tell us more about FATIMA.

Oby, If I tell u my Igbo name, I don't think u have seen any person answering such name before. It's unique. From Ebo, then add 2 more characters to get my name.

Oby, honestly, I didn't notice that market chart was about to break the Resistance, then I mistakenly entered market since yesterday and my server could not connect till this morning. I'm deeply down in loss. I may attach the loss right away.

Anyway, how's work?

ebos:

Oby, If I tell u my Igbo name, I don't think u have seen any person answering such name before. It's unique. From Ebo, then add 2 more characters to get my name.

Ok, can you tell me and also the meaning. At least for once, open up naw

Oby1:

Ok, can you tell me and also the meaning. At least for once, open up naw

I have been opening up more than 6 times, yet still want me to open up once. My name means person wey dey separate fight. Try to get it now.

ebos:

Oby, honestly, I'm losing dollars right now. Over - I didn't notice that market chart was about to break the Resistance, then I mistakenly entered market since yesterday and my server could not connect till this morning. I'm deeply down in loss. I may attach the loss right away.

Anyway, how's work?

Mine o mine thats quite high, so so sorry.  Don't worry you will make it up very soon, but anytime is like this run to a cyber cafe to close market.

Maybe, you guys may think I'm joking. Just, check my loss at the Live Forex showing -1448.658. That is the loss attached but I will remove it now.

Though, the loss is part of my gain this month, the capital I deposited for this month is not touched.

ebos:

I have been opening up more than 6 times, yet still want me to open up once. My name means person wey dey separate fight. Try to get it now.

I no fit laugh   Get serious for once.

Oby, remove my loss (figure) you quoted me. remove it, I posted it for you and not to be displayed. Please, remove it, I have edited the one I posted.

Oby1:

I no fit laugh Get serious for once.

Oby, I'm serious. dat's the meaning of my name. Dem say, our compound guys dey fight the time wey dey born me, but as dem hear the news, na him the fight stop and they begin celebrate. Na him make dey name me dat name. [b]Ebo, [/b]just 5 characters.

ebos:

Oby, remove my loss (figure) you quoted me. remove it, I posted it for you and not to be displayed. Please, remove it, I have edited the one I posted.

I have removed it.