First Monday of Advent

“Come, let us climb the LORD's mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths.” For from Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and impose terms on many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.

Once we recognize God is our Lord and King, we shall be like the nations mentioned here... we shall find peace. The conflicts in our lives, both great and small, come from rebellions against God. From Adam and Eve to our own sinfulness, we wage a war with ourselves. We do what we know is wrong and avoid the good because being a sinner is easier than being a saint. However, if we want to have a place in the Kingdom of Heaven, then we must climb the mountain of holiness, follow its narrow path, and exert every effort to live good and faithful lives. We might stumble and fall along the way, but as long as we dust ourselves off, return to the right path, and trust in God’s Love, Mercy, and Grace, then we shall eventually find the Gates of Heaven and be found worthy to join in the never-ending Beatific Feast.

Are we climbing the mountain of holiness or sliding into the valley of sin? How can we amend our lives so we can more easily follow the Way, the Truth, and the Life that leads to Heaven? What can we do to become living saints?

O Lord, lead us up the mountain to eternal life with you.

Amen.

Nineteenth Friday in Ordinary Time

His mercy endures forever. Who led his people through the wilderness, for his mercy endures forever; Who smote great kings, for his mercy endures forever; And slew powerful kings, for his mercy endures forever.

If we live holy lives by following God’s commandments, Jesus’ teachings, and the Holy Spirit’s inspirations, then we will triumph over all that stand in our way to Heaven. There will be no wilderness of temptation and sin that will be able to confuse us and lead us astray as long as we allow God’s Light to show us the Way. There will be no enemies, human or otherwise, who will be able to keep us from the Promised Land. Every evil will part from us and every doubt will be washed away if we trust God will be with us through it all. His Mercy will always endure forever and for that reason we should be good and grateful servants.

What wildernesses do we need help passing through? How can we let go and let God lead us through these barren lands to the Promised Land? How can we aid others in their own journeys toward God?

O Lord, be merciful and lead us to eternal life with you.

Amen.

Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord, mighty God! My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the LORD. My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

We should live our life on Earth with the goal of joining God in Heaven. Our hearts should pine to be with God for all eternity. We should yearn to see His Holy Face. We should cry out for the living God to live within us and to help us become good and faithful servants. We should desire to become a dwelling place for the Lord in preparation of entering into His Heavenly Abode when we pass from this earth. To gain eternal life with God we must be willing to lose our worldly one without hesitation or counting the cost.

Do we live our lives with the ultimate goal of reaching God’s Kingdom? Do we yearn to be with God always and forever? How can we welcome God into the dwelling places of our hearts?

O Lord, our souls yearn for you.

Amen.

Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church

Glorious things are told of you, O city of God. They shall note, when the peoples are enrolled: "This man was born there." And all shall sing, in their festive dance: "My home is within you."

Our ultimate home is in the City of God. It is the one and only place where we will find eternal peace and happiness. The worldly homes we live in pass away, but our Heavenly Home will never disappear. If we prepare ourselves to live in Paradise with God, then we shall be rewarded with a home that will never perish. A home filled with love and mercy and grace. A home where we can see the Beatific Vision every day for all eternity and experience everlasting bliss.

Are we preparing ourselves to live with the Holy Trinity in the City of God? What are we doing to make sure we get to Heaven? Do we truly appreciate what the Beatific Vision means and how important it is to bend our lives towards experiencing it for all eternity?

O Lord, help us to be worthy of living with you in the City of God.

Amen.

Fifth Friday of Lent

In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice. I love you, O LORD, my strength, O LORD, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer.

God is always listening for our voice, in good times and in our distress. He waits patiently for us to turn to Him in our triumphs and our hours of need. He hears our prayers of thanksgiving as well as those of petition. He is our Rock in Whom we trust. He is our fortress against fear, doubt, and worries. He is our deliverer from sin, death, and evil. If we come to Him with humble and contrite hearts, He will welcome us into His Grace and lead us to eternal life.

Do we believe God is listening? Then, why do we hesitate or forget to praise His Holy Name, ask Him for help, or plead for His Mercy? How can we show our love for God, Who shows us love and compassion every moment of our lives?

O Lord, we call upon you, hear our voices.

Amen.

Thursday after Ash Wednesday

Blessed are they who hope in the Lord. Blessed the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked Nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent, But delights in the law of the LORD and meditates on his law day and night.

Our hope should rest in the Lord.  The world can’t promise us anything will last forever. Only God can give us eternal happiness. The wicked will promise us much, but all they can deliver is empty. The way of sinners may be easier to walk on earth, but after death it becomes a way of ruin and suffering. However, if we delight in the laws of the Lord and meditate on them, then we shall live good and faithful lives worthy of salvation.

Do we meditate on the commandments of the Lord? How can we be more faithful to them? What can we do to resist the temptations of the world and live holy lives?

O Lord, we hope in you.

Amen.

Sixth Wednesday of Ordinary Time

To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise. How shall I make a return to the LORD for all the good he has done for me? The cup of salvation I will take up, and I will call upon the name of the LORD.

God has done many good things for us. He gave us existence and life. He has provided us with every good thing and blessing we experience. He has given us graces, gifts, and talents to use for His Glory and the good of others. All He asks in return is our love and the sacrifice of praise. If we do these things, then He gives us even more… the promise of eternal life with Him in Heaven.

Do we praise God for the goods He has done us? Are we using the graces, gifts, and talents we’ve received from God for His Glory and the good of others? How are we making ourselves into living sacrifices of praise?

O Lord, let us return what we can to you through sacrifice, love, and praise.

Amen.

Fifth Tuesday in Ordinary Time

O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth! When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you set in place—What is man that you should be mindful of him, or the son of man that you should care for him?

It is an amazing and humble thought to realize God cares for us. In all the universe, He has chosen to create us in His Divine Image and made us co-heirs to His Kingdom. He loves us unconditionally and gives us every grace to help us to grow in faith, hope, and love. He wants us to succeed in our spiritual lives and lead us to holiness and life everlasting with Him. All of creation, He made for us. How wonderful for us that God wants to spend forever with us and is willing to help us along the narrow way.

Are we open to God’s help as He leads us toward salvation? How can we care for others like God cares for us? What can we do to be worthy co-heirs of the Heavenly Kingdom?

O Lord, thank you for caring so much for us.

Amen.

Feast of Saint Andrew, Apostle

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The Scripture says, No one who believes in him will be put to shame. There is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all, enriching all who call upon him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

No one who is true to the Way, the Truth, and the Life of Christ will ever be put to shame. Even if we suffer for our faith, lose all our worldly goods, or lose our health, we will never be abandoned by God. If we confess Him with our mouths and believe in Him in our hearts, then we will be saved and prosper in the next life. God will justify and save us if we do His Will without complaint or hesitation. He will enrich us with virtues and grace whenever we call upon Him. He will lead us to eternal life if we know, love, and serve Him and all His children to the best of our abilities.

Do we confess God through our thoughts, words, and works? Do we trust God will not allow us to be put to shame? Do we call on the name of God whenever we are in need?

O Lord, we confess and believe in you and your saving graces.

Amen.

Thirtieth Saturday in Ordinary Time

Indeed I shall continue to rejoice, for I know that this will result in deliverance for me through your prayers and support from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. My eager expectation and hope is that I shall not be put to shame in any way, but that with all boldness, now as always, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me life is Christ, and death is gain. If I go on living in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. And I do not know which I shall choose. I am caught between the two.

Paul rejoices at the prospect of life or death. He sees both paths as ways to fulfill his calling. In the same way, we are called to be detached enough from life to be not afraid of death. Death is just a doorway to Christ and a new life. We have nothing to fear from it. If God sees fit to take our lives today, then our response should be, "Amen. So be it!" If He lets us live for many years to come, then we should response, "Amen. So be it!" Both options should spark a fire of hope within us. Life should spark within us an eagerness to do fruitful labor and magnify Christ in thought, word, and work. Death should spark within us the joyful expectation of spending the rest of eternity with our Beloved God. There is no loss for us in death as long as we live the Christ-like life and strive to follow the inspirations of the Holy Spirit and the commandments of our Heavenly Father.

Do we rejoice in God no matter what He is asking of us? Are we bold in our faith, always seeking ways to magnify the Lord? How can we cultivate the attitude of detachment we need to be willing to live or die for our Heavenly Father?

O Lord, we shall rejoice in life or death as long as both lead us ever closer to you.

Amen.

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through man, the resurrection of the dead came also through man. For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life, but each one in proper order: Christ the firstfruits; then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ.

Death will not prevail against us if we are true disciples of Christ. If we allow our thoughts, words, and works to be guided by the inspirations of the Holy Spirit, then we shall overcome sin and death. Just as Christ raised from the dead after his crucifixion, so too, we will rise if we put our trust in Him. God will bring us back to life if we if we belong to Him. And the only way to belong to Him is if we follow the Way, the Truth, and the Life of Christ, our Lord and Exemplar.

How can we lead life-giving lives that bring others and ourselves closer to God? What can we do to prepare ourselves for our death and the life that comes afterward? Do we pray for the souls of those whom have gone before us?

O Lord, give us your life-giving Spirit today so we might enjoy your presence forever and ever.

Amen.

Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Therefore, we are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal. For we know that if our earthly dwelling, a tent, should be destroyed, we have a building from God, a dwelling not made with hands, eternal in heaven.

The things in this world are indeed transitory… temporary. It might not feel that way as we live in the midst of our transition, but this is the truth. Whatever difficulties we face in this life are as nothing before the vast, great, and wonderful future God has promised us if we follow Him. The momentary afflictions of this world may weigh us down while we are on earth, but in the end, they will have no weight at all in the next life. Whatever goods we have here on earth will pale and vanish in comparison to the beauty and spiritual richness we will enjoy in Heaven. God’s Eternal Love will infuse everything in the afterlife and this alone will be enough for us forever and ever.

Do we recognize that this world is only transitory? How can we place more worth on our happiness in the afterlife than the pleasures of this world? Are we doing everything in our powers to prepare ourselves a dwelling place in Heaven?

O Lord, let us not be discouraged by the world, but trust in you and our eventual eternity in Heave with you.

Amen.

Fourth Monday of Lent

Lo, I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; The things of the past shall not be remembered or come to mind. Instead, there shall always be rejoicing and happiness in what I create; For I create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people to be a delight; I will rejoice in Jerusalem and exult in my people.

God is preparing a new world for us after our lives in this one. This is why it is so important to remember that our time on earth is only a prologue to our eternity. It lays the groundwork for what comes in the next life. We either build up a strong foundation that allows us to build a bridge to Heaven or we fail to do so and find ourselves lost to Hell. These are the two destinations that await us after our lives on earth end. There is no middle, lukewarm path. We are either destroyed because of our selfishness and sin or we are renewed in the spirit of love and truth and unite with God forever. The choice is ours.

How are we preparing for the afterlife? Are we building a bridge to Heaven? What can we do to make better choices so we can be united with God for all eternity?

O Lord, let us be filled with joy and happiness with you forever and ever.

Amen.

Memorial of Saint Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr

"I do not know how you came into existence in my womb; it was not I who gave you the breath of life, nor was it I who set in order the elements of which each of you is composed. Therefore, since it is the Creator of the universe who shapes each man's beginning, as he brings about the origin of everything, he, in his mercy, will give you back both breath and life, because you now disregard yourselves for the sake of his law."

It can be difficult to disregard ourselves for the sake of our faith, but it is necessary if we want to receive the reward of eternal life. Throughout our lives we will be tempted in many ways to abandon or compromise our beliefs, to do evil, and turn our backs on God. We might be lured by pride, envy, wrath, greed, lust, gluttony, or sloth, but these sins lead to death. The only way to live forever is to choose faith, hope, love, prudence, temperance, fortitude, and justice as the pillars of our every thought, word, and work. By building our lives around these holy virtues, we can overcome all temptations, avoid sin, and embrace the Way, the Truth, and the Life of Christ.

Are we willing to give up everything for God? How can we resist temptations to selfishness and sin? What are we doing to build our lives on virtue and self-giving?

O Lord, we are willing to disregard ourselves for your sake and the sake of your children.

Amen.

Fourth Monday of Lent

Lo, I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; The things of the past shall not be remembered or come to mind. Instead, there shall always be rejoicing and happiness in what I create; For I create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people to be a delight; I will rejoice in Jerusalem and exult in my people.

This world is only a way point on our road to forever. It is not meant to be the beginning and the end of our lives. It is only the end of the beginning. It is the inciting event that propels us into eternity either as selfish sinners doomed to Hell or selfless saints destined to share our afterlives with God. If we allow this world to consume us, then there will be nothing left of us for God to save. We shall have no thoughts, words, or works to show Him. However, if we know, love, and serve God and His children with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths, then we shall be saved. We shall witness the creation of the new heavens and earth. We, like God, will forget the things of the past and instead we shall rejoice and be happy.

Do we realize that the things of this world are fleeting and will never satisfy the true desires of our hearts? Are we willing to die to our lives so that we might live forever with God? What are we doing to prepare ourselves for the new creation and eternal life with God?

O Lord, we want to be a delight to you and all your children.

Amen.

Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church

Who is the liar? Whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Whoever denies the Father and the Son, this is the antichrist.  Anyone who denies the Son does not have the Father, but whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well. Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you.  If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made us: eternal life.

There are many ways in which we can deny Jesus. We can do it through our sinful words and works. We can be dismissive of those in need. We can choose ourselves over others. We can become so prideful that we see ourselves as better than others. We can fall into despair and falsely believe we are not worthy of God's Love or Mercy. It is important as followers of Christ to remain in and with God in our everyday actions so that we can come to share in the eternal life God offers us. We might be tempted to listen to the world that denies Christ and tells us to do the same, but we must resist and instead confess our belief in Jesus all the more strongly.

What are the ways we are tempted to deny Jesus? How can we solidify Jesus' teachings so they remain in our hearts? How can we more faithfully confess the Good News in spite of what the world tells us?

O Lord, help us to remain in you.

Amen.

First Monday of Advent

Then will the LORD create, over the whole site of Mount Zion and over her place of assembly, a smoking cloud by day and a light of flaming fire by night. For over all, the LORD’s glory will be shelter and protection: shade from the parching heat of day, refuge and cover from storm and rain.

If we lead holy lives, then God will protect and shelter us. He will give us rest and keep us from harm. He will overshadow us with His Love and guide us with the light of His Truth. With God, all things will be possible for us. Our words and works will honor and glorify God. And at the end of time, our world will be remade into a paradise. And if we have been good and faithful servants, then we shall be given the greatest gift of all: eternal life with our Beloved God.

Are we leading holy lives? Do we trust that God will protect us? Are we willing to make Him our refuge not only in this world, but in the next, too?

O Lord, you are our shelter and the light of our lives.

Amen.

Twentieth Tuesday of Ordinary Time

“Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For men this is impossible,
but for God all things are possible.” Then Peter said to him in reply, “We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life.

We can't save ourselves, but thankfully God has chosen to give us every opportunity to accept the salvation He offers it to us through the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Christ. All we have to do is to give up everything and follow Jesus. If we do these things, then we shall grow in faith, hope, and charity. We shall receive rewards more bountiful than any that the world can offer. Last but not least, we shall inherit eternal life. It is not easy to sacrifice everything. We will be tempted to doubt, fear, and run away from Christ, but as long as we stand firmly by his side, even in the midst of trial and tribulation, then we shall be rewarded for our fortitude and persistence.

Do we truly believe that all things are possible with God? Are we willing to give up everything and follow Christ? How can we cultivate a fidelity to God that can withstand the temptations of the world?

O Lord, we are willing to give up everything for your sake.

Amen.

Twelfth Tuesday of Ordinary Time

Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.

Staying on the right path is a constant struggle in our lives. We are continually tempted toward sin and selfishness and away from virtue and self-sacrifice. If we are not careful, we can be led astray by our passions or indifference and find ourselves on the wide road to destruction. Jesus never told us that his Way would be easy to follow. But we should spend every moment trying to find and stay on the narrow path to God because it is the only road to eternal life. This is why we should make sure our footsteps are lit by the lights of faith, hope, and love. Without them we are lost, but with them we will be able to walk securely and live a life worthy of passing through the heavenly gates.

What are the temptations, sins, and distractions that are leading us toward the wide road of destruction? How can we live more virtuous and selfless lives? In what ways can we help others stay upon the narrow path to heaven?

O Lord, lead us to your heavenly gates and life everlasting with you.

Amen.

Eighth Tuesday of Ordinary Time

Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.

Jesus promises us that no matter what we give up to follow him, we shall be rewarded a hundred times more. The worldly things which we place so much importance on are as nothing compared to the boons of eternal life in the age to come. Of course, he also warns us that along with giving everything up, we will also suffer persecutions from others who do not understand why we turn our backs on worldly things. Sometimes those who oppose and tempt us will be family, other times friends, and still more will be our neighbors and those whom we meet each day. We should take heart in Jesus’ call to give everything up and follow him because if we don’t, we risk losing not only our purpose, but also our lives. We just have to be patient and mild, doing God’s work until the day He calls us home and rewards us for our good and faithful service to Him and His children.

Are we willing to give up everything for God? What are those things we have the most trouble letting go of? How can we sacrifice them to God for the forgiveness of our sins, the resurrection of our bodies, and life ever-lasting?

O Lord, we give up everything to you.

Amen.