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NINE-MONTH NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

NINE-MONTH NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
Start March 12 to December 12

Friday, April Fools Day, 2016

Baruch, Chapter 6, Verse 14
Each has in its right hand an ax or dagger, but it cannot save itself from war or pillage. Thus it is known they are not gods; do not fear them.

Baruch who was the scribe of Jeremiah argues against the temptation to worship Babylonian gods. He sets forth reasons such as they are weak, helpless, attended by unworthy ministers who use these frightening gods with weapons to enslave and control the masses and in like manner the priests frightened the Jews into condemning Christ. To this Peter testifies, “The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus whom you handed over and denied in Pilate’s presence, when he had decided to release him. You denied the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. The author of life you put to death, but God raised him from the dead; of this we are witnesses.”(Act 3:13-15) Christ now compels us-Do not fear. We are blessed because we are the receivers of the apex of God’s graces through Jesus Christ and He has given us His own mother as our mother. Even greater is the salvation we have received via the action of Divine Mercy.

If you are afraid to start again or are discouraged by failure it is because you do not understand you can do nothing without Christ. Therefore if you have sinned go to confession and receive His Body and Blood: being renewed.

I remember in 2006 when I and my wife Mary were blessed with being able to make a trip to Israel. I was reflecting upon the graces I had received. I was thanking the Lord for I had touched the spot on the earth where He was born, and I had touched the spot where He had died, and I had touched the spot where He had ascended into heaven. I was prideful and thought how lucky am I. Then my Lord reminded me that a greater grace still awaits me and everyone in the Holy Eucharist. Be honest, humble yourself and make a sincere effort. Leave all else in His hands-saying: Jesus I Trust in You!

Pride wants immediate success. Be brave and renew your intentions, make a resolution daily to do the will of God and seek to please Him.

Don't be an April Fool-seek Him while you can. This day was the day my father went in for surgery for a large aneurysm and because he had a rare blood type-bled out and was declared brain dead. He did not prepare his soul but in the end He received the last rites before his death. I prayed and offered Masses for six months to a year. Don't be a fool.

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