Monday, February 14, 2022

Monday

Sirach, Chapter 40, Verse 26-27

²⁶Wealth and vigor make the heart exult, but better than either, FEAR of God. In the fear of the Lord there is no want; whoever has it need seek no other support. ²⁷ The fear of God is a paradise of blessings; its canopy is over all that is glorious.

Everyone serves something. Some serve gain, some serve pleasure, some serve others but the wise person serves the Lord not out of servile fear but Holy fear; that is out of love.

Can we say with Joshua, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Jos. 24:15) If we serve the Lord our own house should be open to our kindred. If everyone did this, would we have any who are homeless? Search your hearts; do you have kindred who are in need? Sustain them. Real charity is looking after widows and orphans.

In the summer of 2011, four Air Force officers deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During their stay there, they discovered beautiful hand-crafted artisan scarfs produced by a group of local women. Over time, it was brought to light that all of these women had tragically lost their husbands to the Taliban and now had the responsibility of providing for their families – most of which was through the sales of their handmade crafts. This fact brought a realization to the four Air Force Officers that a vehicle of empowerment for the local population did not exist. Thus, Flying Scarfs was officially founded, and with it, a business means through which the local Afghani widows could continue to find financial stability.[1]

Today “Flying Scarf’s” is no longer in business. The website is for sale. I pray this soldier of Christ are doing well. Today pray for the Women and Children of Afghanistan. Real evil the callose abandonment of widows and orphans. My heart cry’s that a catholic President let this happen.

[1] http://www.flyingscarfs.com/

Valentine's Day[2]

Valentine's Day is a celebration of love and friendship. The holiday derived its name from two Roman martyrs for love, both named Valentine. The first Valentine was beheaded on February 14th, but not before leaving a note signed from your Valentine for his lady. The second Valentine was supposedly a bishop who secretly married young couples, an act that was forbidden by the Roman Emperor who wanted young men to first serve as soldiers before marrying. Valentine ignored the law and was beheaded on February 14. An ancient Roman festival called Lupercalia, a celebration for which young men randomly chose the name of a young girl to escort to the festivities, has also been linked to the origins of Valentine's Day.

Since then, the custom of selecting a sweetheart on February 14th has spread through Europe and its colonies and transformed itself into the celebration of love and friendship that we know today.

Valentine's Day Facts & Quotes

· Symbols for Valentine's day include hearts, chocolate, flowers, and Cupid - the Roman God of Love.

· 52% of US consumers will send out at least 1 Valentine's Day card, 47% will send candy, and 34% will send flowers.

· Love looks not with the eyes but with the mind. And therefore, is winged Cupid painted blind. - William Shakespeare (A Midsummer Night's Dream)

Valentine's Day Top Events and Things to Do

· Send someone you care for a Valentine's Day card. Take the time to write a small note or love poem inside. Sign it, from your Valentine.

· Go to a special romantic dinner with your sweetheart. Tip: Book early as this is one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants.

· Watch the movie Valentine's Day (2010) or the Notebook (2004). Both are romance movies with star casts.

· Send a Secret Valentine to someone several days before, and then reveal your identity on February 14th.

· Remember other important people in your life, such as your parents, grandparents and old friends. Send them a small card or gift to remind them of how much you care.

Catholic Things to Do[3]

· Read the Golden Legend account of St. Valentine's life.

· Pray to St. Valentine for an increase of true, sacrificial love within marriages.

· Make Valentines for those closest to you — your family and friends. If you have children, teach them to make valentines from red construction paper and doilies.

· Begin to read and discuss some of St. John Paul II's works on marriage; for example, Love and Responsibility or his The Theology of the Body Human Love in the Divine Plan (Parish Resources).

Drops of Christ’s Blood[4] St. Elizabeth, Queen of Hungary, with St. Matilda and St. Bridget, wishing to know something of the Passion of Jesus Christ, offered fervent and special prayers. Upon which Our Lord revealed to them:

To all the faithful who shall recite for 3 years, each day, 2 Our Fathers, 2 Hail Mary’s and 2 Glory Be’s in honor of the drops of Blood I lost, I will concede the following 5 graces:

1. The plenary indulgence and remittance of your sins.

2. You will be free from the pains of Purgatory.

3. If you should die before completing the said 3 years, for you it will be the same as if you had completed them.

4. It will be upon your death the same as if you had shed all your blood for the Holy Faith.

5. I will descend from Heaven to take your soul and that of your relatives, until the fourth generation.

Blessed by His Holiness Pope Leo XIII in Rome, April 5, 1890

The thought of saving souls should always be on our mind. St. John Bosco stated it well. "There is nothing more holy in this world than to work for the good of souls, for whose salvation Jesus Christ poured out the last drops of His blood." St. Vincent de Paul tells us that: "The salvation of men and our own are so great a good that they merit to be obtained at any price."

Sad to say, the great majority of Catholics put forth little or no effort in promoting the greater honor and glory of God and the salvation of souls. Let us keep in mind that if we manage to save one soul, we also ensure the salvation of our own. The Holy Ghost reveals this to us in the Holy Bible. [St. James 5: 19-20] This little practice gives us a very easy way to save our own soul as well as the ones dearest to us------our family.

Daily Devotions

· Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them in fasting: Today's Fast: Catholic Politian’s and Leaders.