Thursday, December 15, 2022

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 Votive Mass in honor of the Virgin Mary for the season of Advent

 

Thursday of the Third Week of Advent 

Isaiah, Chapter 54, Verse 8

In an outburst of wrath, for a moment I hid my face from you;

But with enduring LOVE I take pity on you, says the LORD, your redeemer.

 

As with some other Old Testament themes, Second Isaiah uses that of Israel as the Lord’s bride in a new manner. Whereas Hosea and Jeremiah had depicted Israel as the Lord’s spouse to emphasize both Israel’s infidelity and the Lord’s continued love (Hos 1–3; Jer 2:2; 3:1–15) and Ezekiel to accuse Israel unsparingly (Ez 16; 23), Second Isaiah speaks only of the love with which the Lord restores the people, speaking tender words with no hint of reproach.

 

“God is love”[1]

(1 John 4:8)

 

There is only one true love – God’s love. Only God’s love will go on and on and on. Only God’s love can conquer death and sin. All false loves – which ignored true virtue – will come to and end. God’s love alone is everlasting (see Jeremiah 31:3).

 

Therefore, we can adopt the following statement as a spiritual maxim: “ALL THAT IS NOT GOD IS NOT WORTHY OF ME.”

 

You were made for God. There is no possibility of true happiness without God. Thus, Saint Augustine says in very famous words: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”

 

Anything that drags you away from God is not worthy of you...because you were made for God. Anything that attempts to lure you into taking your repose in perishable things is not worthy of you…because you were made for God and everlasting happiness.

 

Dear God, you have given me a mind with which to know you, and a heart with which to love you. Oh Lord, let me fathom the immensity of my soul and the immensity of my desires, and cling more tenaciously to You who alone are the fulfillment of all desire. 

 

Let us abandon the illusion, as Dr. Susan Muto says, that our “ALL” could be found in anything other than God.

 

Spiritual Crib[2] 

A special devotion that can be performed during Advent to prepare for the coming of the Infant Savior. It can be adapted for adults and/or children and applied as is appropriate to your state in life. 

·       5th day, December 15th: THE STRAW—Mortification Today the infant Jesus desires mortification from us; therefore, let us watch for opportunities with a joyful heart. Not look about when we are walking; not lean back when sitting; not warm ourselves when cold; not satisfy the taste at table; when tempted to impatience not to show it and yield our own opinion to that of others. Today really listen to others

Thursday Feast

Thursday is the day of the week that our Lord gave himself up for consumption. Thursday commemorates the last supper. Some theologians believe after Sunday Thursday is the holiest day of the week. We should then try to make this day special by making a visit to the blessed sacrament chapel, Mass or even stop by the grave of a loved one. Why not plan to count the blessing of the week and thank our Lord. Plan a special meal. Be at Peace.



Catechism of the Catholic Church

PART THREE: LIFE IN CHRIST

SECTION ONE-MAN'S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT

CHAPTER THREE-GOD'S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE

Article 3 THE CHURCH, MOTHER AND TEACHER

II. The Precepts of the Church

2041 The precepts of the Church are set in the context of a moral life bound to and nourished by liturgical life. the obligatory character of these positive laws decreed by the pastoral authorities is meant to guarantee to the faithful the indispensable minimum in the spirit of prayer and moral effort, in the growth in love of God and neighbor:

2042 The first precept (“You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation.") requires the faithful to participate in the Eucharistic celebration when the Christian community gathers together on the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord. 

The second precept (“You shall confess your sins at least once a year.") ensures preparation for the Eucharist by the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation, which continues Baptism's work of conversion and forgiveness.

The third precept (“You shall humbly receive your Creator in Holy Communion at least during the Easter season.") guarantees as a minimum the reception of the Lord's Body and Blood in connection with the Paschal feasts, the origin and center of the Christian liturgy.

2043 The fourth precept (“You shall keep holy the holy days of obligation.") completes the Sunday observance by participation in the principal liturgical feasts which honor the mysteries of the Lord, the Virgin Mary, and the saints.

The fifth precept (“You shall observe the prescribed days of fasting and abstinence.") ensures the times of ascesis and penance which prepare us for the liturgical feasts; they help us acquire mastery over our instincts and freedom of heart.

The faithful also have the duty of providing for the material needs of the Church, each according to his abilities.

Daily Devotions

·       Today's Fast: Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them in fasting: Today's Fast: Families of St. Joseph.

·       Jesse Tree: Mary: Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38 Symbols: lily, crown of stars, pierced heart



·       Offering to the sacred heart of Jesus

·       Drops of Christ’s Blood

·       Universal Man Plan

·       Rosary.



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