Monday, July 6, 2020
Introduction
to the book of Zechariah[1]
The prophecies of
First Zechariah can be dated to the late sixth century B.C., contemporary with
those of Haggai; the oracles of Second Zechariah are somewhat later. The most
striking feature of First Zechariah is a series of visions in which the prophet
describes the centrality of Jerusalem, its Temple, and its leaders, who
function both in the politics of the region and of the Persian empire and in
God’s universal rule. These visions clearly relate to the Temple restoration
begun in 520 B.C. The prophet is acutely aware of the devastation that comes from
disobedience to God’s word, as had been spoken by God’s prophetic emissaries.
Yet, it was now clear in this century after the rebuilding of the Temple and
the repatriation of many of the exiles, that Judah would not soon regain
political autonomy and a Davidic king. So, the various poems, narratives,
oracles, and parables of Second Zechariah maintain the hope of previous prophets
by depicting a glorious restoration. At that time all nations will recognize
Jerusalem’s centrality and acknowledge God’s universal sovereignty.
JULY 6 Monday
MARIA GORETTI-FRIED CHICKEN
13 Just as you became a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you that you may be a blessing. Do not FEAR; let your hands be strong. 14 Thus says the LORD of hosts: Just as I intended to harm you when your ancestors angered me—says the LORD of hosts—and I did not relent, 15 so again in these days I intend to favor Jerusalem and the house of Judah; do not FEAR!
Today reflect on how the Rosary meditations show us
how Mary, Jesus and the Holy Spirit show us how to love God with our whole
Heart, Mind, Soul and Strength.
St. Maria Goretti was born of a poor family in Corinaldi, Italy, in 1890. Near Nettuno she spent a difficult childhood assisting her mother in domestic duties. She was of a pious nature and often at prayer. In 1902 she was stabbed to death, preferring to die rather than be raped.
"The life of this simple girl—I shall
concern myself only with highlights—we can see as worthy of heaven. Even today
people can look upon it with admiration and respect. Parents can learn from her
story how to raise their God-given children in virtue, courage and holiness;
they can learn to train them in the Catholic faith so that, when put to the
test, God's grace will support them and they will come through undefeated,
unscathed and untarnished.
"From Maria's story carefree children
and young people with their zest for life can learn not to be led astray by
attractive pleasures which are not only ephemeral and empty but also sinful.
Instead they can fix their sights on achieving Christian moral perfection,
however difficult and hazardous that course may prove. With determination and
God's help all of us can attain that goal by persistent effort and prayer.
"So, let us all, with God's grace,
strive to reach the goal that the example of the virgin martyr, Saint Maria
Goretti, sets before us. Through her prayers to the Redeemer may all of us,
each in his own way, joyfully try to follow the inspiring example of Maria
Goretti who now enjoys eternal happiness in heaven."
Patron: Against impoverishment; against
poverty; children; children of Mary; girls; loss of parents; martyrs; rape
victims; young people in general.
- Please
visit this The
Pilgrimage of Mercy: Tour of St. Maria Goretti's Major Relics for more
information on St. Maria, in particular this article
for a more detailed account of St. Maria Goretti's life and Alessandro
Serenelli's conversion.
- This
saint's feast day is a wonderful launching point to teach our children
about purity, chastity and modesty. Sex education should be taught by the
parents with a Catholic approach. Young girls can use St. Maria as a
model.
- A
highly recommended book is St. Maria Goretti: In Garments All Red by Rev.
Godfrey Poage. Young teens to adult will enjoy this account of her life.
What are the seven
wounds or scars of Christ?[3]
Matthew wrote,
“And plaiting a crown of thorns, they put it on His head… (ch. 27:9, also John 19:5).
The type of thorns that were grown in Jerusalem were called the Arabian
Nebulae. This plant had sharp thorns that were up to 4 inches long. It is
estimated that the cruel crown had over 100 spicules or thorns. This crown was
pushed into Jesus’ head causing deep wounds. The prophecy given to Ezekiel
appears to apply not only to him in his day, but also of Jesus. “And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children
of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their
fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day… And
thou, son of man, be not afraid of them,
neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and
thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed
at their looks, though they be a rebellious house” (Ezekiel 2:3, 6).
In
addition, Jesus received blows on his face on two different occasions. This
could have caused additional wounds or scars. Matthew wrote,
“Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms
of their hands” (Matthew 26:67; John 18:22). This was a fulfillment to
the Old Testament prophecy. “I gave My back to those who struck Me, and
My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame
and spitting” (Isaiah 50:6).
2-The wounds on
His back
“Then
Pilate therefore took Jesus and scourged Him” (Matthew 27:20; John 19:1). The
Romans used the brutal cat-of-nine tails whip to scourge prisoners. At the tips
of the whip were nine strands of leather which had sharp bones or metal balls
attached with nails. As the whip was lashed on the back of the prisoners, it
would tear out the flesh causing intense bleeding. According to the law,
victims could be whipped up to 40 times.
However, the punishment would frequently end at 39 lashes because the effects
were often fatal.
This
was a fulfillment of several Old Testament prophecies to the wounds or scars of
Jesus. “The plowers plowed on my back; they made their furrows long” (Psalms
129:3). “I gave My back to the smiters” (Isaiah 50:6).
Also, “They shall smite the Judge of Israel with a rod” (Micah 5:1).
Jesus indeed endured suffering and pain for those whom He loves.
3 and 4-The wounds
on His two hands
Perhaps
the most notable scars or wounds of Jesus are those on His hands from the
crucifixion. “So Pilate, wanting to gratify the crowd, released Barabbas to
them; and he delivered Jesus, after he had scourged Him, to be crucified” (Mark 15:15
also Matthew 27:26, 35; John 19:1, 17). The nailing of Jesus’ hands was a
fulfillment to a Messianic Psalm. “For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of
the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet” (Psalm 22:16). Also,
the prophet Zechariah foretold of the Messiah’s pierced hands.
“And one shall say unto Him, what are these wounds in Thine hands?…” (ch.
13:6). He also added, “They shall look upon Him Whom they have pierced” (Zechariah 12:10).
After
the resurrection, Jesus invited Thomas “the
doubter” to see and touch His nail-pierced hands for himself. “Reach your
finger here, and look at My hands… Do not be unbelieving, but believing” (John
20:27).
5 and 6- The
wounds on His two feet
The
New Testament records that Jesus was crucified by nailing His feet. “And when
they were come… to Calvary, there they crucified Jesus” (Luke 23:33;
John 19:16-18). This was a fulfillment to the Old Testament prophecy that
stated, “For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed
me: they pierced my hands and my feet” (Psalm 22:16). Also, “They shall look
upon Him Whom they have pierced” (Zechariah 12:10). The piercing of the feet was an important part of the
crucifixion. When the victim was nailed in the feet to the cross, this was essential to them being
able to breathe. As they hung with arms extended, breathing was very difficult
and the person would have to push up with their legs onto their nail-pierced
feet in order to inhale. It caused excruciating pain with every breath, but it was how the victim
temporarily survived. This is why the guards would break the legs of the victim
in order for the person to expire. However, it was prophesied of Jesus that
none of His bones would be broken. “He keepeth all his bones: not one of them
is broken” (Psalm 34:20).
“The
Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not
remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought
Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away… But
when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his
legs… For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled,
A bone of him shall not be broken” (John 19:31, 33, 36).
7- The wound on
His side
In
order to verify Jesus’ death,
“one of the soldiers with a spear pierced His side, and forthwith came there
out blood and water” (John 19:34). This fulfilled the Old Testament prophecy
that stated, “They shall look upon Him Whom they have pierced” (Zechariah
12:10). After the resurrection, Jesus invited Thomas “the
doubter” to put his hand also into His side saying, “Reach your finger here…and
put it into My side…” (John 20:27).
This
final piercing of Jesus showed the state of His heart. The
fact that both water and blood came out demonstrates the extreme stress and
trauma He was under. It was so intense that it brought about a condition known
as pericardial effusion. This is where fluid builds around the heart and can be
fatal. It is often said that this event shows that Jesus died of a broken
heart.
Jesus’ wounds of
love
God
demonstrated inexplicable love for the lost race in enduring this sacrifice for
us. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him
should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). “Greater love hath no
man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
The
scars or wounds on Christ’s glorified body will remain throughout eternity to
testify to the Creator’s infinite
love for humanity. “And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine
hands? Then he shall answer, those with which I was wounded in the house of my
friends” (Zechariah 13:6).
National Fried Chicken Day[4]
·
The bird gets the spotlight on Fried Chicken Day, and stomachs
are rumbling already. Move over vegetarians, there’s a deep-fried chicken leg
and breast coming this way!
·
To add more pizzazz to the day, coat the
legendary southern food in spices and yell “Yeehaw!” Cover the chicken with a
mixture of cayenne pepper, garlic powder and paprika to put the spring back in
the step. A little hot sauce? Sure, let’s go all out! Serve the mouth-watering
fried food with chicken gravy to up the yum-factor even more.
· Pair the succulent bird with waffles for a classic combo. Or, why not make chicken the star of the show and add a tasty side dish? Lip-smacking sides include buttermilk biscuits, cold potato salad or coleslaw. With fried chicken on the plate, the taste is sure to taste clucking good!
Daily
Devotions
·
Eat waffles and Pray for the assistance
of the Angels
·
Trust in God in the midst of troubles.
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Rosary
Starting Tomorrow:
Let Freedom Ring: 40 Days to Freedom from the Devil[5]
July 7-August 15, 2020
Goal:
Through acts of
reparation, fasting, penance, charity, and prayer (both personal and
sacramental) we call upon the power of God to release ourselves, our families,
our parishes, our dioceses, and our nation from all demonic influence and oppression.
Method:
Each day will be broken into prayer, reflection, and
reparation.
Reflection:
A reflection
(rotating from Fr. Peckman, Fr. Altman & Fr. Heilman) will be written for
each day on a particular manifestation of the demonic and the sin it leads to.
It will commend a corresponding virtue to cultivate.
Prayer:
Prayers of
reparation and exorcism will be followed by a litany
·
Monday:
Litany of Humility
·
Tuesday:
Litany of St. Michael the Archangel
·
Wednesday:
Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus
·
Thursday:
Litany of St. Joseph
·
Friday:
Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
·
Saturday:
Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
·
Sunday:
Litany of the Blessed Sacrament
Acts of
Reparation and Penance:
Factoring into
this will be variables of age, ability, and availability.
*
To pray a Rosary for the Intention of exorcism of the day's area of
reflection
*
To pray a Divine Mercy Chaplet in reparation for the sin caused by the area of
the day's reflection
*
To commit one act of either a spiritual or corporal works of mercy for either
one who has been harmed by our sin or who has harmed us by their sin.
*
To commit to fasting or abstinence days as prescribed below.
*
To commit to a prescribed time of exercise based on one's abilities
*
To commit to going to confession once a week (where available)
*
To refrain from all use of the conventional media throughout the 40 days and to
limit one's use of social media to one hour a day for non-business or
evangelical use.
Levels
Understanding
that age, health, and the Covid 19 pandemic are current factors...
·
Black
level: (For clerics)
o
Acts
of reflection and prayer remain intact. Added is a commitment to a Holy Hour
every day.
§
Cleric
commits to fasting 3xs a week (unless age or medical condition is an issue).
§
Cleric
commits to abstaining from sweets, soda, junk food, and fast food for all 40
days.
§
Clerics
with medical conditions and over the age of 65 commit to a half hour of
exercise. Otherwise they commit to one hour of exercise, with the
understanding that one can exercise and pray the Rosary and Divine Mercy
Chaplet at the same time.
§
They
also commit to making more time for the confessional, daily Mass, and praying
the entirety of the Divine Office (all hours) for the 40 days.
§
The
prayer, reflection, some acts of reparation can be done during Holy Hour and/or
exercise time.
§
Clerics
commit to confession once a week. Clerics, in a special way, should offer the
prayers for those placed under their pastoral care and do their acts of
reparations for those harmed by the actions of any cleric, including
themselves.
·
Blue
level: Recommended for those called to go "All In!"
o
Acts
of Reflection and prayer remain intact.
§
Person
commits to fasting 3xs a week (Wednesday, Friday, and any other day, save
Sunday).
§
Abstinence
from sweets, soda, junk food, and fast food for all 7 days.
§
One
hour of exercise with the understanding that one can exercise and pray the
Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet simultaneously.
·
Red
Level: Recommended for those who do not think they can do the blue level:
o
Acts
of Reflection and prayer remain intact.
§
Person
commits to fasting 2xs a week on Wednesdays and Fridays.
§
Abstinence
from sweets, soda, junk food, and fast food for the other four days.
§
One
hour of exercise, with the understanding that one can exercise and pray the
Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet at the same time
·
White
Level: Recommended for pregnant women, senior citizens, those with serious
medical conditions:
o
Acts
of Reflection and prayer remain intact.
§
Abstinence
3xs a week from sweets, soda, junk food, & fast food instead of fasting.
§
Half
hour of exercise instead of an hour. That other half hour can be used to do
spiritual reading.
§
It
should be noted that praying the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet can be done
while exercising
Prayer for Freedom
from the Devil
(We
will all pray the following prayer each day)
My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
At a word from You the devil and his minions flee in
terror.
You are the source of all truth. You are the source of
all strength.
By the power of Your Cross and Resurrection, we
beseech You, O Lord
To extend Your saving arm and to send Your holy angels
To defend us as we do battle with Satan and his
demonic forces.
Exorcise, we pray, that which oppresses Your Bride, the
Church,
So that within ourselves, our families, our parishes,
our dioceses, and our nation
We may turn fully back to You in all fidelity and
trust.
Lord, we know if You will it, it will be done.
Give us the perseverance for this mission, we pray.
Amen.
Our Lady of the
Immaculate Conception ... pray for us
St. Joseph ...
pray for us
St. Michael the
Archangel ... pray for us
(the patron of
your parish) ... pray for us
(your
confirmation saint) ... pray for us
Communication:
A reflection will be sent out every day via US Grace
Force email (sign-up below). Prayers and Litanies will accompany each day. It
will also be posted on US Grace Force Website (usgraceforce.com) and shared on various
platforms of social media.
ENLIST
IN THE UNITED STATES GRACE FORCE
(Please recruit family and friends to enlist!)
[1] http://www.usccb.org/bible/scripture.cfm?bk=Zechariah&ch=
[2]https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2019-07-06
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