ICEMANforChrist

JanuaryCreeks, rivers, and other forms of moving water, including ice, manifest the flow of life itself. A gurgling stream or rushing river, even in midwinter's rest, is the sign that new life is coming forth, even when it is not yet perceptible in a snow-covered landscape. Our life in Christ begins through the saving water of Baptism; since this is so, we have an obligation to protect and save the water. Water pollution is widespread, denying safe drinking water to millions of people.


1 sirach JANUARY 1 SUNDAY/MARY, MOTHER OF GOD/NEW YEARS DAY
Sirach, Chapter 4, Verse 20 My son, watch for the right time; fear what is evil; do not bring shame upon yourself.
Shame is generally connected with sexual ungodliness. Leviticus which is the book of the law on holiness in chapter 18 lists every sort of sexual sin. Sex is good and was invented by God and carries no shame if it is done at the right time open to life between a husband and a wife.
Leviticus 18 begins with:
My decrees you shall carr…

FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY-ST SYLVESTER
Genesis, Chapter 15, verse 1 Sometime afterward, the word of the LORD came to Abram ina vision: Do not fear, Abram! I am your shield; I will make your reward very great.
Let us take heart for the word (Christ) appeared to Abram and told him to not to fear the world. Abram was sore afraid because he had just been in battle with four Kings to rescue Lot his nephew and he feared retribution. Christ is our shield against the world (the four kings east, west, north and south) and he has rewarded us the spiritual children of Abram with eternal life. Our shield is our Faith. Do you believe? Do you really believe? Think of a shield it protects the heart from the arrows of the devil-which is doubt. But notice the shield does not protect the eyes and the head unless it is raise. When doubt comes around raise your shield of Faith and after the assault lower the shield and advance using your reason and your head and eyes in faith to make a difference in the worl…

Colossians, Chapter 3, Verse 15 And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful.
Today would be a good day to rest in the Lord and go to Mass and receive His body and blood.  As we receive realize that He has given us peace with God and saved us.  Such is the love of our God, the Father!  After Mass follow the Exhortation given from the 1896 edition of Goffines Divine Instructions.
“Ponder with care on the truths and doctrines which the holy Church has laid before thee in the epistles and gospels; thank God with thy whole heart for the great favors and benefits which thou hast received in the incarnation and birth of Jesus Christ; examine thyself also whether thy faith is living and efficient, that thou mayest have the hope of being a child and heir of God; ask thyself whether, during the past year, Christ has been thy fall or thy resurrection? Hast thou confessed Him in heart and deed, or hast thou been a Christia…