Friday, September 1, 2023
DAY 18 – VIRGIN MOST POWERFUL, PRAY THAT WE RECEIVE THE FRUIT OF PEACE
GOD’S WORD
“The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11)
“But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” (Psalm 37:11)
“My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.” (Proverbs 3:1-2)
“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
HEROES’ WORDS
“But above all preserve peace of heart. This is more valuable than any treasure. In order to preserve it there is nothing more useful than renouncing your own will and substituting for it the will of the divine heart. In this way his will can carry out for us whatever contributes to his glory, and we will be happy to be his subjects and to trust entirely in him.” -St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
“Who except God can give you peace? Has the world ever been able to satisfy the heart?” -St. Gerard Majella
“Peace is better than a fortune.” -St. Francis de Sales
MEDITATION
Fruit of Peace: the tranquility of order. Peace is first of all the absence of conflict. But it is also the serenity experienced because there is no conflict. It is the calm that accompanies agreement of human wills, and is the foundation of every well-ordered society. (Fr. John Hardon, Modern Catholic Dictionary)
PRAYERS FOR TRADITIONAL 54 DAY NOVENA
THE GLORIOUS MYSTERIES OF THE HOLY ROSARY
Prayer before the recitation: Sign of the cross. Hail Mary.
In petition (first 27 days): Hail, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, my Mother Mary, hail! At thy feet I humbly kneel to offer thee a Crown of Roses, full-blown white roses, tinged with the red of the passion, to remind thee of thy glories, fruits of the sufferings of thy Son and thee, each rose recalling to thee a holy mystery, each 10 bound together with my petition for a particular grace. O Holy Queen, dispenser of God’s graces, and Mother of all who invoke thee! Thou canst not look upon my gift and fail to see its binding. As thou receivest my gift, so wilt thou receive my petition; from thy bounty thou wilt give me the favor I so earnestly and trustingly seek. I despair of nothing that I ask of thee. Show thyself my Mother!
In thanksgiving (last 27 days): Hail, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, my Mother Mary, hail! At thy feet I gratefully kneel to offer thee a Crown of Roses full blown white roses, tinged with the red of the passion, to remind thee of thy glories, fruits of the sufferings of thy Son and thee, each rose recalling to thee a holy mystery; each 10 bound together with my petition for a particular grace. O Holy Queen, dispenser of God s graces, and Mother of all who invoke thee! thou canst not look upon my gift and fail to see its binding. As thou receivest my gift, so wilt thou receive my thanksgiving; from thy bounty thou hast given me the favor I so earnestly and trustingly sought. I despaired not of what I asked of thee, and thou hast truly shown thyself my Mother.
Say: The Apostles’ Creed, Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be.
For each of the following Mysteries, say: Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be.
The Resurrection – Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Fatima Prayer.
Concluding Prayer: I bind these full-blown roses with a petition for the virtue of faith and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet.
The Ascension – Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Fatima Prayer.
Concluding Prayer: I bind these full-blown roses with a petition for the virtue of hope and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet.
The Descent of the Holy Spirit – Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Fatima Prayer.
Concluding Prayer: I bind these full-blown roses with a petition for the virtue of charity and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet.
The Assumption of Mary – Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Fatima Prayer.
Concluding Prayer: I bind these full-blown roses with a petition for the virtue of union with Christ and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet.
The Coronation of the Blessed Mother – Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Fatima Prayer.
Concluding Prayer: I bind these full-blown roses with a petition for the virtue of union with thee and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet.
Say: The Hail Holy Queen.
Spiritual Communion: My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
In petition (first 27 days): Sweet Mother Mary, I offer thee this spiritual communion to bind my bouquets in a wreath to place upon thy brow. O my Mother! Look with favor upon my gift, and in thy love obtain for me (specify request, see below). Hail Mary …
In thanksgiving (last 27 days): Sweet Mother Mary, I offer thee this Spiritual Communion to bind my bouquets in a wreath to place upon thy brow in thanksgiving for (specify request, see below) which thou in thy love hast obtained for me. Hail, Mary, etc.
PETITION: May our Church and our country find hope as we unite at the foot of the cross. (Please add your own petitions to this powerful novena)
All of the daily Novena Prayers and Reflections are found in this book: 54 Day Basic Training in Holiness
All of the daily Novena Prayers and Reflections are also posted at usgraceforce.com
You can join the United State Grace Force Facebook group HERE, to receive the reflections each day.
Spanish language Novena prayers and reflections are available at https://rosarycoasttocoast.
Those who would like to pray with others via The Telephone Rosary, call 1-951-799-9866 daily at 6 pm Eastern.
Enroll in the worldwide Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary! Click here: https://championshrine.
You are welcomed to join Fr. Richard Heilman as he prays the rosary "over our country" at sunrise from a lookout tower atop Blue Mounds State Park:
SEPTEMBER
September--Our buildings need to be winterized. Now is the time to think of energy conservation measures, adding caulking and painting, completing needed repairs, composting yard waste, and protecting garden plants for late fall and winter. Do we regard our abodes as God's dwelling space, a sacred trust and healthy place? Do we cherish the abundance of space and use it properly as good stewards?
Overview of September[1]
The month of September is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, whose memorial the Church celebrates on September 15. September falls during the liturgical season known as Ordinary Time, which is represented by the liturgical color green. This symbol of hope is the color of the sprouting seed and arouses in the faithful the hope of reaping the eternal harvest of heaven, especially the hope of a glorious resurrection. It is used in the offices and Masses of Ordinary Time.
September is Harvest Time
Since man is both a spiritual and physical being, the
Church provides for the needs of man in his everyday life. The Church's liturgy
and feasts in many areas reflect the four seasons of the year (spring, summer,
fall and winter). The months of August, September, October and November are
part of the harvest season, and as Christians we recall God's constant
protection over his people and give thanksgiving for the year's harvest.
September is the end of the
summer season and the start of the fall season.
Explanation of Ember Days—Three days set apart for fasting,
abstinence, and prayer during each of the four seasons of the year. They were
the Wednesday, Friday and Saturday after St. Lucy (or Lucia, d. 304) (December
13), the First Sunday of Lent, Pentecost, and the feast of the Holy Cross
(September 14). Since the revision of the Roman calendar in 1969, Ember Days
are to be observed at the discretion of the National Conference of Bishops.
Moreover, their observance may be extended beyond three days and even repeated
during the year. Possibly occasioned by the agricultural feasts of ancient
Rome, they came to be observed by Christians for the sanctification of the
different seasons of the year, and for obtaining God's blessing on the clergy
to be ordained during the Embertides. (Etym. Anglo-Saxon oemerge,
ashes.) — Modern Catholic Dictionary by John A. Hardon, SJ, Doubleday, 1980.
So, during these times the Church had a threefold focus:
(1) sanctifying each new season by
turning to God through prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
(2) giving thanks to God for the
various harvests of each season; and
(3) praying for the newly ordained
and for future vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
Since the reorganization of the Roman calendar in 1969
after the Second Vatican Council, Ember Days are still retained in principle,
but how and when they are to be observed is at the discretion of each country's
Episcopal Conference. There is no longer set Mass readings for the Ember Days
in the Ordinary Rite. Another harvest feast is September 29, the Feast of the
Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Before the revision of the calendar,
this used to be only the feast of St. Michael. In many countries this day was
referred to as "Michaelmas" and is celebrated with traditional foods
and customs
September is the time to
reflect on the Sorrows of Mary
September Devotion: Our Lady of Sorrows.[2] Since the 16th century Catholic piety
has assigned entire months to special devotions. Due to her feast day on
September 15, the month of September has traditionally been set aside to honor
Our Lady of Sorrows. All the sorrows of Mary (the prophecy of Simeon, the three
days' loss, etc.) are merged in the supreme suffering at the Passion. In the
Passion, Mary suffered a martyrdom of the heart because of Our Lord's torments
and the greatness of her love for Him. "She it was," says Pope Pius
XII, "who immune from all sin, personal or inherited, and ever more
closely united with her Son, offered Him on Golgotha to the Eternal Father
together with the holocaust of her maternal rights and motherly love. As a new
Eve, she made this offering for all the children of Adam contaminated through
his unhappy fall. Thus she, who was the mother of our Head according to the
flesh, became by a new title of sorrow and glory the spiritual mother of all
His members."
Daily
Prayers for September
At Morning
O most
holy Virgin, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ: by the overwhelming grief you
experienced when you witnessed the martyrdom, the crucifixion, and the death of
your divine Son, look upon me with eyes of compassion, and awaken in my heart a
tender commiseration for those sufferings, as well as a sincere detestation of
my sins, in order that, being disengaged from all undue affection for the
passing joys of this earth, I may sigh after the eternal Jerusalem, and that
henceforward all my thoughts and all my actions may be directed towards this
one most desirable object. Honor, glory, and love to our divine Lord Jesus, and
to the holy and immaculate Mother of God. Amen. --Saint Bonaventure
At
Noon
Mary, most holy Virgin and
Queen of Martyrs, accept the sincere homage of my filial affection. Into thy
heart, pierced by so many swords, do thou welcome my poor soul. Receive it as
the companion of thy sorrows at the foot of the Cross, on which Jesus died for
the redemption of the world. With thee, O sorrowful Virgin, I will gladly
suffer all the trials, contradictions, and infirmities which it shall please
our Lord to send me. I offer them all to thee in memory of thy sorrows, so that
every thought of my mind, and every beat of my heart may be an act of
compassion and of love for thee. And do thou, sweet Mother, have pity on me,
reconcile me to thy divine Son Jesus, keep me in His grace, and assist me in my
last agony, so that I may be able to meet thee in heaven and sing thy glories.
Amen.
At
3PM
Most holy Virgin. and
Mother, whose soul was pierced by a sword of sorrow in the Passion of thy
divine Son, and who in His glorious Resurrection wast filled with never-ending
joy at His triumph; obtain for us who call upon thee, so to be partakers in the
adversities of Holy Church and the sorrows of the Sovereign Pontiff, as to be
found worthy to rejoice with them in the consolations for which we pray, in the
charity and peace of the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
At Twilight
O most holy and afflicted
Virgin! Queen of Martyrs! thou who didst stand motionless beneath the Cross,
witnessing the agony of thy expiring Son--through the unceasing sufferings of
thy life of sorrow, and the bliss which now more than amply repays thee for thy
past trials, look down with a mother's tenderness and pity on me, who kneel
before thee to venerate thy dolors, and place my requests, with filial
confidence, in the sanctuary of thy wounded heart; present them, I beseech
thee, on my behalf, to Jesus Christ, through the merits of His own most sacred
death and passion, together with thy sufferings at the foot of the cross, and
through the united efficacy of both obtain the grant of my present petition. To
whom shall I resort in my wants and miseries if not to thee, O Mother of Mercy,
who, having so deeply drunk of the chalice of thy Son, canst compassionate the
woes of those who still sigh in the land of exile? Offer for me to my Savior
one drop of the Blood which flowed from His sacred veins, one of the tears
which trickled from His divine eyes, one of the sighs which rent His adorable
Heart. O refuge of the universe and hope of the whole world, do not reject my
humble prayer, but graciously obtain the grant of my petition.
At Slumber.
Mary most sorrowful, Mother of Christians, pray for us. Virgin most sorrowful, pray for us.
September is the month dedicated to contemplation of the Angels.
Devotion to the Angels is a mark of Predestination[3]
The Church has always practiced and encouraged devotion to the holy angels. All ancient liturgies make mentions of them and the protection they provide to men. It is their greatest desire to aid us in all our acts of religion by uniting their supplications to ours. We should honor and love angels as well as our fellow mankind for it is though the Precious Blood of Christ, we are all united. Christ is the head of angels as well as men, and it is as Man that He is Head of the angels. To honor them and love them we must first know them and earnestly strive to cultivate their friendship.
September is the month of Angels and Mary is the Queen of Angels
The church traditionally honors angels during the month of September. Paul in Colossians states of Christ, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile all things for him, making peace by the blood of his cross through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.”
“St. Michael and the Angels” is a beautiful and inspiring book
telling all about the angels. Filled with stories from the lives and writings
of the saints, it tells of the role which the good angels play in the divine
economy of saving souls. Led by St. Michael, the Prince of the heavenly host,
the angels act as our guardians, serve as messengers from God to us and from us
to God, surround the altar during Mass, and bear the graces of the Mass like
incense to the altar of God on high. Here is explained the relationship of the
angels to the Blessed Virgin Mary and how, if she is to send them to our aid,
we must request her to do so. Included too is the prayer to our guardian angel
asking him to go in our place to attend Mass when we cannot, plus the way the
good angels protect us against the evil spirits. The book also discusses in
detail the pre-eminent role of St. Michael as "Champion of the
Church," "Defender of Christians," "Guardian of
Purgatory," and "Helper of the Sick and Dying."
It is also a good practice to ask for angelic help throughout our
day. There are nine choirs of angels and three hierarchies three within three.
Remember to ask their assistance about every two hours throughout your
day
Upon rising (7 am) address the first
choir of angels, the Seraphim. Their chief characteristic is great and ardent
love. They were made for one thing alone-----to love the God of Love. Without
ceasing they honor, praise, and love the most Blessed Trinity-----they can do
nothing else-----this is their happiness. Practice upon rising to try to become
a Seraph of love: let this be your habitual disposition. Love and do what God
wills. Ask this great gift feverently. Aspiration: "Oh! Blessed Seraphim!
Make us love." Say the Shema Yisrael.
At the fourth hour (11
am) of
the day address the third choir is the choir of Thrones. They are
called Angels of Peace, calm, tranquility, and stability. Ask them for
that peace of soul which is the fruit of a good conscience. Invoke their aid
for such as are prone to hatred, passion and impatience; and after their
example, practice being meek, calm, and peaceful with all. Practice: Dispose
yourself to great sweetness and patience. Aspiration: "O Holy Thrones!
Obtain that Divine peace, which surpasses all understanding, may keep our
hearts and minds in Jesus Christ, Our Lord."
At the sixth hour (1
pm) of
the day address the fourth choir
of angels which is the choir of Dominations. They are consumed by their
yearning for the interests of God: their principal office is to manifest His
will. We should also beg of God to manifest His will to us by these Blessed "Intelligences"
and then take care to fulfill it scrupulously, as being the shortest way to
perfection and sanctity. We should ask these Angels to help us to spread God's
kingdom upon earth, for the conversion of heretics and infidels, and for the
return of lukewarm and fallen away Catholics to the practice of the faith.
Practice: Give practical proof of your zeal for the glory of God; do something
for His reign in souls, as instructing the ignorant. Aspiration: "Holy
Dominations! Animate us with thy zeal."
At the eighth hour (3
pm) of
the day address the fifth choir
of angels which is the choir of Principalities. The Principalities watch over
Empires, Provinces, and Dioceses. Purity of intention is the virtue
ascribed to them, for in their high functions they never seek but the honor and
interest of God alone. Let us imitate them. It is the intention which stamps
the action with merit or demerit. Practice: In all you do and say, seek the
greater glory of God. Aspiration: "O Holy Spirits! May we, like
thee, seek God, for God alone." Now would be a good time to also pray a divine mercy prayer.
At the 10th hour (5 pm) of the day address the
sixth choir of angels the Powers.
These Angels have unlimited mastery over the wicked Spirits; they are endowed
with great intelligence and are able to discover their schemes and plans for
our destruction. Their power is so incredible that one alone of them would be
able to destroy the entire infernal host. It is well to invoke them in
temptation: but to merit their assistance we must take care to avoid the occasions of sin. Practice: Resist the
attacks of vice and passion; frequently make acts of diffidence in self and
confidence in God; combat your evil inclinations. Aspiration: "Lord! Send
Thy Angels to assist us."
At the 12th hour (7 pm) of the day address the
seventh choir of angels the Virtues. Energy and strength are attributed to
the Virtues. They have dominion over the elements; all nature is subjected to
their control. Hence, they can raise or appease the tempest. We may profitably
invoke them in unforeseen accidents, sickness, etc. We may also have recourse
to them for that strength necessary to lead a penitential life and root out the
inclinations of depraved nature. All persons inclined to the contemplative life
should call on this choir of Angels for help, for good thoughts alone do not
make holy, one needs also strength to persevere and to accomplish this great
task. Practice: Visit the Blessed Sacrament to obtain grace to overcome your
evil dispositions. Aspiration: "Holy Virtues! Strengthen and fortify
us."
At the 14th hour (9 pm) of the day
address the eighth choir of angels the Archangels. The Archangels are
distinguished from the Angels by the greater importance of their functions: the
Guardians of those invested with authority in the Church and State and are
remarkable for their love and care of men. Let us imitate them, doing our
neighbor all the good we can and invoking in his behalf these Blessed Spirits.
Members of this choir are the holy spirits who stand before the throne of God,
ever ready to announce His commands. St. Michael is the warrior leader of God’s
angels. St. Gabriel is the special messenger of The Holy Spirit. St. Raphael is
the angel of Joy. Practice-----Two Acts of Charity, with great affection.
Aspiration: "Holy Archangels! Pray for us, and for our priests."
At the 16th hour (11
pm) of
the day address the Ninth choir of the angels. They are charged with the
execution of the Divine ordinances and are appointed the Guardians of men. Humility
is the virtue particularly ascribed to them-----for though the least among
the Choirs, yet they see their celestial companions without desiring their
greater, more excellent endowments. The Guardian Angels exercise continual
watchfulness over the souls committed to their care. Their number is
exceedingly great, and it is not necessary when an Angel has accompanied his
charge into Heaven, that he be again assigned to a soul in any future
generation. Our Guardian, who is our companion in life, will also be forever at
our side in Heaven. The joy of these Angels is immeasurably increased when
souls entrusted to their care enter Heaven. The Guardian Angels of the lost
souls are not deprived of their share of joy. God in His justice increases also
theirs with the others, and then assigns them to the special guard of the Queen
of Angels, where they with great joy praise the Infinite Justice of God. Let
us, like the humble Guardian Angels, love the lowest place, especially when
placed therein by Divine Providence, and to behold with joy the preference
given to others. Practice: Three Acts of Humility, interior and exterior.
Aspiration: "Who is like God!"
Information was obtained from: http://www.catholictradition.org/Angels/angels.htm
September
Travel and Events
Belgian Beer Weekend September 1-3. The drinking fun doesn’t end in Budapest! Head
to Belgium for Belgian Beer Weekend. Held at Brussel’s Grand Place square, this
annual celebration in early September showcases Belgian brews from more than 30
small and big breweries.
·
Southern Arizona Beer Tour
Oktoberfest September 16-Oct. 3. Raise a stein
to Oktoberfest. This annual, 16-day celebration of all
thing’s beer kicks off in late September in Munich. Can’t make it to Germany?
Bring your taste for brewski to these US Oktoberfest events.
·
Oktoberfest in Arizona 2023
Constitution Day Celebrate
Constitution Day and the anniversary of the signing of the US Constitution with
a trip to Washington, DC, on September 17. The National Archives has the
original Constitution on display in the Rotunda, along with the Bill of Rights
and Declaration of Independence. Make the most out of your trip to DC and pay a
visit to the Smithsonian museums and
monuments along the National Mall.
Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance
(Hong Kong) September 28-30.
Top off Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations with the Tai Hang fire dragon dance.
This 3-day-long event, held during the Mid-Autumn Festival, carries on a
tradition that’s more than 100 years old. In the Hong Kong community of Tai
Hang, some 300 performers take to the streets, dancing, waving incense sticks
and animating a 220-foot-long dragon.
Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival Call it an
excuse to party: Come Sept. 29, 2023, the 3-day Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival
begins. In mainland China, the annual festival is the second biggest holiday of
the year (right behind the country’s spring festival).
Texas State Fair (Dallas) September 29-Oct
22 “Our state fair is a great state fair.” How can
it not be when it’s in Texas? Beginning the last Friday in September, the
annual Texas State Fair unfolds over 24 days in Dallas, TX, with plenty of fun
for the whole family, including the chance to ride this Ferris wheel – the
largest in North America.
Iceman’s Calendar
·
September 1st MASS First
Friday
·
September 2nd MASS First
Saturday
·
September 3rd Fourteen
Sunday after Pentecost
·
September 4th Labor
Day
·
September 6th MASS First
Wednesday
·
September 8th Nativity
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
·
September 10th Fifteen
Sunday after Pentecost
·
September 11th Patriot
Day
·
September 14th Feast
of the Holy Cross
·
September 15th Our
Lady of Sorrows
o
Rosh
Hashanah begins at Sunset
·
September 20 Ember
Wednesday fast
·
September 29th Full
Harvest Moon
·
September 21st Feast
of St. Matthew
·
September 22nd Ember
Friday fast
· September
23rd fall
begins
o
Ember
Saturday fast
· September
24th Sixteenth
Sunday after Pentecost
·
September 29th Feast
of St. Michael the Archangel
Introduction to Nehemiah
Nehemiah's a Hebrew cupbearer to Artaxerxes, who allows him to return to Jerusalem to help set things in order and rebuild the city. Gentile leaders from different provinces (specifically, leaders of the Ammonites, Samaritans, and Arabs) try to derail the rebuilding project, but thanks to some military readiness, Nehemiah and his workers successfully speed-build the walls of the city. After this, Nehemiah reads the riot act to Israelite officials and nobles who have been oppressing the poor, charging ridiculous interest on loans, and forcing the people to pawn their land in order to eat. He successfully evades charges of rebellion against the Persian king drummed up by his enemies, and has Ezra give everyone a crash course on the Laws of Moses. The surviving Jews return from exile to repopulate Jerusalem, and Nehemiah—who's come back from a trip to the Persian capital in Susa—shapes up the backsliding Jews, breaks up more interfaith marriages, and saves the day. And he's the first to admit it.
SEPTEMBER 1 First Friday
Nehemiah, Chapter 2, Verse 1-3
1 In
the month Nisan of the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when the wine was in
my charge, I took some and offered it to the king. Because I had never before
been sad in his presence, 2 the king asked me, “Why do you look
sad? If you are not sick, you must be sad at heart.” Though I was seized with
great FEAR, 3
I answered the king: “May the king live forever! How
could I not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins,
and its gates consumed by fire?”
Here
the God of God’s moves the heart of a great and powerful King toward Nehemiah like
He did with Joseph the many years before when he was sold into slavery by his
brothers. Our God is a God of love and life and desires only to nurture our
souls.
25 Ways to Nurture Your Soul[4]
1. Take walks in
nature and notice everything.
2. Engage in
creative art eg. create a scrapbook from your favorite photos.
3. Sing in the
shower, the car, the bedroom, anywhere!
4. Listen to
soothing music.
5. Put on some
music and dance.
6. Read a good
fictional book.
7. Savor every
bite of your meal.
8. Meditate in
serene surroundings.
9. Soak in a
bubble bath.
10. Go on a
relaxing vacation.
11. Bake a cake.
12. Visit a
museum or an art gallery.
13. Watch a
comedy. Laugh!
14. Write poetry.
15. Do a random
act of kindness.
16. Daydream.
17. Play the violin
or any musical instrument.
18. Connect with
your romantic partner via an engaging conversation over tea.
19. Connect with God.
20. Make peace
with the person you just fought with.
21. Volunteer
your services to a non-profit organization and not just via a monetary
donation.
22. Play with
your kids.
23. Journal or
write creatively.
24. Say yes to a
new adventure!
25.
Find every reason to celebrate and feel the joy when you do!
First Friday[5]
"On Friday during Holy Communion,
He said these words to His unworthy slave, if I mistake not: I promise you in
the excessive mercy of my Heart that its all-powerful love will grant to all
those who receive Holy Communion on nine first Fridays of consecutive months
the grace of final repentance; they will not die under my displeasure or
without receiving their sacraments, my divine Heart making itself their assured
refuge at the last moment."
With regard to this promise it may be
remarked:
(1) that our Lord
required Communion to be received on a particular day chosen by Him.
(2) that the nine
Fridays must be consecutive.
(3) that they must be
made in honor of His Sacred Heart, which means that those who make the nine
Fridays must practice the devotion and must have a great love for our Lord.
(4) that our Lord
does not say that those who make the nine Fridays will be dispensed from any of
their obligations or from exercising the vigilance necessary to lead a good
life and overcome temptation; rather He implicitly promises abundant graces to
those who make the nine Fridays to help them to carry out these obligations and
persevere to the end.
(5) that perseverance
in receiving Holy Communion for nine consecutive First Fridays helps the
faithful to acquire the habit of frequent Communion, which our Lord eagerly
desires: and
(6) that the practice
of the nine Fridays is very pleasing to our Lord since He promises such great
reward, and that all Catholics should endeavor to make the nine Fridays.
Today
the church remembers Saints Joseph Arimathea and Nicodemus[6],
who lived in first century in Jerusalem at the time of Christ and are mentioned
in the Gospels. They received the dead body of Jesus deposited from the cross,
wrapped it in linen and placed it in a tomb owned by Joseph. Joseph was a
"noble counselor" and disciple of the Lord, waiting for the kingdom
of God. Nicodemus was a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, who were the
ruler of the Jews. He came to Jesus at night asking questions about his
mission. In the presence of the Sanhedrin who wanted to seize Jesus, Nicodemus
defended his cause.
Fitness
Friday
Fitness Friday-Hunting
Workout
Recognizing
that God, the Father created man on Friday the 6th day I
propose in this blog to have an entry that shares on how to recreate and renew
yourself in strength, mind, soul and heart.
Elk
hunting[7]
(or indeed any rough-country hunt where drastic elevation changes are a routine
part of the hunt) requires a different kind of planning and conditioning than
your usual whitetail hunt. The most common problem out-of-state hunters
experience is not being in good enough physical condition to handle constant
up-and-down foot travel at high elevation - especially when carrying a pack.
The result is a physically exhausted hunter who is unable to perform. Hours and
days of precious hunting time are wasted due to need for rest and recovery.
Here’s a twelve-week plan that will prep you for the high country. There are
two main components to physical prep for rough-country hunting: cardiovascular
and muscular. Plan on exercising thirty to forty-five minutes per weekday,
alternating between cardio and muscular workouts. Be sure to stretch and warm
up gradually before workouts and cool off gradually afterwards.
1.
Week One: Start out easy on yourself
to lower risk of hurting joints or tendons.
Mon/Wed/Fri cardio: Go for a brisk 45-minute walk, preferably including up and
down terrain.
Tues/Thurs/Sat muscular: Spend 30 minutes climbing up and down the local
bleacher stairs (or a nice steep hill). Take regular short rests.
2.
Week Two: Step it up a little.
Mon/Wed/Fri cardio: Add short stints of jogging to your walk.
Tues/Thurs/Sat muscular: same 30-minute routine, just cut down on rest time.
3.
Week Three: Start getting focused.
Mon/Wed/Fri cardio: Begin pushing yourself, walking less and jogging more.
Tues/Thurs/Sat muscular: Same 30-minute routine, add three squats and three
lunges (don’t use weights) alternately during short rest periods.
4.
Week Four: You should be feeling much
stronger by now and hurting less. Remain careful to avoid injury.
Mon/Wed/Fri cardio: Try to jog the majority of your 45 minutes.
Tues/Thurs/Sat muscular: Try to spend the entire 30 minutes climbing your
stairs or hillside, alternating between five squats and five lunges every few
minutes. Only rest at the ten- and twenty-minute marks.
5.
Week Five: By now you should be
enjoying your workouts.
Mon/Wed/Fri cardio: Warm up, then alternate two-minute sprints with walking to
catch your breath. 45 minutes.
Tues/Thurs/Sat muscular: Wear a pack with 20 pounds of weight in it during your
routine. Rest when needed.
6.
Week Six: You should be feeling like a
bonafide athlete.
Mon/Wed/Fri cardio: Back to jogging but pick up the pace a bit.
Tues/Thurs/Sat muscular: Try to get through your routine – hiking with pack and
five crunches/lunges every five minutes – without stopping to rest.
7.
Week Seven: Halfway there!
Mon/Wed/Fri cardio: Back to sprinting/walking. Push yourself.
Tues/Thurs/Sat muscular: Add five pounds to your pack (total 25), same routine.
8.
Week Eight: Second amendment week.
Mon/Wed/Fri cardio: Trade the jogging in for a smooth relaxed 45 min run.
(Faster than jogging, but not a sprint)
Tues/Thurs/Sat muscular: Same routine as week seven but carry your bow or rifle
(empty of course) or object of similar weight/balance).
9.
Week Nine: Hang in there.
Mon/Wed/Fri cardio: Sprinting and walking. Keep pushing.
Tues/Thurs/Sat muscular: Add five pounds – you’re up to 30 pounds plus your
rifle/bow. Stay strong and focused.
10. Week Ten: Home stretch – only three weeks till the hunt.
Mon/Wed/Fri cardio: More smooth relaxed running. Keep it strong.
Tues/Thurs/Sat muscular: Same routine, add another five pounds. You’re up to
thirty-five now, approximately the weight of a three-day bivy pack. Keep up the
squats and lunges, they will prep you for big tough steps when climbing and crouching
while stalking.
Catechism of the Catholic
Church
PART TWO: THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN
MYSTERY
SECTION ONE-THE
SACRAMENTAL ECONOMY
CHAPTER ONE THE PASCHAL MYSTERY IN THE AGE OF THE
CHURCH
Article 2-THE PASCHAL MYSTERY IN THE CHURCH'S
SACRAMENTS
I. The Sacraments of Christ
1114 "Adhering to the teaching
of the Holy Scriptures, to the apostolic traditions, and to the consensus . . .
of the Fathers," we profess that "the sacraments of the new law were
. . . all instituted by Jesus Christ our Lord."
1115 Jesus' words and actions
during his hidden life and public ministry were already salvific, for they
anticipated the power of his Paschal mystery. They announced and prepared what
he was going to give the Church when all was accomplished. the mysteries of
Christ's life are the foundations of what he would henceforth dispense in the
sacraments, through the ministers of his Church, for "what was visible in
our Savior has passed over into his mysteries."
1116 Sacraments are "powers
that comes forth" from the Body of Christ, which is ever living and
life-giving. They are actions of the Holy Spirit at work in his Body, the
Church. They are "the masterworks of God" in the new and everlasting
covenant.
MEDICINAL PLANTS
Day 18 NERVOUS
SYSTEM-Revealed by
Heaven to Luz De María
NETTLE
Scientific name: Urtiga dioica L. Family: Urticaceae
As a
painkiller, it helps to manage both anxiety and stress and to treat other
nervous problems. It has benefits to retard aging and prevent memory-related
problems. Anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, hepato-protective. It
can be used to combat many ailments. The most effective way to ingest it is as
infusion.
The Blessed
Mother announced to me a disease that will attack the nervous and immune system
causing serious problems on the skin, for which she told me to use the leaf of
the nettle and ginkgo plants. Luz de María Reflection, 11.10.2014
Daily
Devotions
·
30 DAY TRIBUTE TO MARY 18th ROSE: Sin
of Pontius Pilate
o
30
Days of Women and Herbs – Frauendreissiger
§
Meadowsweet
(Filipendula ulmaria, spirea)
· Unite
yourself in the work of the Porters of
St. Joseph by joining them in fasting: Today's Fast: End
to abortion
·
Religion
in the Home for Preschool: September
·
Litany of the Most Precious
Blood of Jesus
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Rosary
[3] St. Michael and the Angels, Tan
Books, 1983.
[4] https://www.evelynlim.com/25-ways-to-nurture-your-soul/
[5]https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/prayers/view.cfm?id=876&repos=3&subrepos=3&searchid=2158533
[7]https://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/game-changers/your-12-week-plan-get-shape-elk-hunting-season
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