Thursday, March 2, 2017
Deuteronomy, Chapter
10, Verse 12-13
12 Now, therefore, Israel, what does the LORD, your God, ask of you but to
fear the LORD, your God, to follow in
all his ways, to love and serve the LORD, your God, with your whole heart and
with your whole being, 13 to keep the
commandments and statutes of the LORD that I am commanding you today for your
own well-being?
What is meant by serving God?
Doing the will of God in all things
which He requires of us, in whatever state of life we may be placed, and doing
this with fidelity, with unwearied zeal, and out of love for Him. (Goffine’s
Devout Instructions, 1896)
When
we are bored and familiar with routine work, let us generously offer ourselves
to the Lord for He indeed knows our needs and will take care of our well-being.
Preparing for Battle[2]
Know
Your Enemy
God
allows evil because He’s powerful enough to bring out of even the greatest evil
a much greater good. The crucifixion of Jesus Christ provides a vivid
illustration of this reality. Meanwhile, our days in this life provide a season
for God to test, purify, strengthen, and perfect us, making us fit to live with
Him forever in heaven. To that end, the demons serve as useful tools for Him as
they constantly test us by tempting us, so that we become purer and stronger
and closer to perfection every time we resist the temptation. In this sense, we
might say, quoting St. Augustine: “As an artist, God makes use even of the
Devil.”
International
Women’s Day celebrates women’s achievements throughout the world. Its
purpose is to promote women’s equality, encourage support for repressed women
and promote appreciation toward women everywhere. Many organizations,
including the United
Nations, use this day to also celebrate extraordinary achievements
of ordinary women. International Women's Day was initially promoted by the Socialist
Party of America. In 1909, it designated this day in remembrance of a
major strike by the International Ladies’ Garment Workers Union. The
holiday is now recognized internationally and is an Official National Holiday
for many countries, including: China, Russia and Ukraine. It is observed annually
on March 8th.
International
Women's Day Facts & Quotes
·
In
2016, the theme for International Women's Day as promoted by the United Nations
was Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for
Gender Equality.
·
On
the eve of World War I, women across Europe and Russia celebrated the holiday
by protesting the war and campaigning for peace.
·
On
this day, the US Dept. of State and the First Lady award the International
Women of Courage Awards. Ten women, are given the award -
who have exemplified exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for human rights, women’s equality, and social progress, often at great personal risk
·
I am an example of what is possible when girls from the very beginning of their lives are loved and nurtured by people around them. I was surrounded by extraordinary women in my life, grandmothers, teachers, aunts, cousins, neighbors, who taught me about quiet strength and dignity.-Michelle Obama
·
There is one universal truth, applicable to all countries, cultures and communities: violence against women is never acceptable, never excusable, never tolerable.- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
International
Women's Day Top Events and Things to Do
·
Organize
a sporting
event for women. Numerous studies have shown many benefits for women that
play sports. A recent study by the EY Women Athletes Business Network
even found that women that play sports were more likely to excel in business.
·
If
you're a woman, try learning a task that is typically done by men. Such a
chore may be: changing the oil on your car, computer programming, mowing the
lawn, painting, and any home improvement project.
·
If
you’re a man, show appreciation by performing a chore for your special lady
that is typically done by her. This may include cooking, cleaning, child
care or anything that the special woman in your life does.
·
Watch
a movie that portrays strong empowered women. Our favorites: Bend It Like Beckham (2002), Elizabeth (1998), Erin
Brockovich
(2000), The Help (2011), A League of Their Own (1992), Mulan (1998), My
Fair Lady
(1964), Norma Rae (1979), Volver (2006).
The
Church gives thanks for all the manifestations of the feminine
"genius" which have appeared in the course of history, in the midst
of all peoples and nations; she gives thanks for all the charisms which the
Holy Spirit distributes to women in the history of the People of God, for all
the victories which she owes to their faith, hope and charity: she gives thanks
for all the fruits of feminine holiness.
-John Paul II, Apostolic Letter
Each one should
judge his own conduct without having to compare it with what someone else has
done. (Gal. 6:4)
In
the twilight of life, God will not judge us on our earthly possessions and
human successes, but on how well we have loved. (St. John of the Cross)[4]
Let
us remember Christ’s words to us on service, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross,
and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever
loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it.” (Mk. 8:34-35)
Life seen as mere self-centered earthly existence and lived in denial of Christ
ends in destruction, but when lived in loyalty to Christ, despite earthly
death, it arrives at fullness of life. True discipleship is total commitment to
Christ through self-renunciation and acceptance of the cross of suffering, even
to the sacrifice of life itself.
[2]Thigpen,
Paul. Manual for Spiritual Warfare (Kindle Locations 115-124). TAN Books.
Kindle Edition.
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