Saturday, December 2, 2023

- November 26, 2023

First Saturday

END OF SLAVERY DAY

Job, Chapter 6, Verse 21

It is thus that you have now become for me; you see a terrifying thing and are AFRAID.

Job is a horrifying thing to look upon. He is just plain nasty. Full of oozing sores and covered in filth. He kind of looks like our savior on the way to pay for our sins. Job is scaring his neighbors, and they find no fun in fear. Can you run away from your fears?

Taking Courage[1]

The words “Be Not Afraid” are written more than 365 times in the Bible. God has reminded us continuously throughout Sacred Scripture to have no fear and trust in Him. Sometimes circumstances let our fear take the lead while our faith in God lags.

St. John Paul II reminds us to “Be Not Afraid”.

“Have no fear of moving into the unknown. Simply step out fearlessly knowing that I am with you, therefore no harm can befall you; all is very, very well. Do this in complete faith and confidence.”

We must remember the greatness of our God and trust in His plan, even during times when it seems like He is not there.

1. Here are three important tips to keep in mind:

Remember that Christ has defeated sin and death so that we can have an abundant life in Him.

John 10:10 says that “A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). Christ came into this world, vulnerable and susceptible to suffering, so that we may be freed from the bondage of sin through His death. His Resurrection from the dead should be a cause of great joy for us. Our fears should shrink from the realization of Christ’s Redemption.

2. Get out of your comfort zone.

This saying may sound cliche, but it is imperative! As Neale Donald Walsch has said: “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” It is not until we face our fears that we will truly start living our lives to the full.

3. Do not become discouraged!

Bad times are bound to happen, but It is important to have faith during those times, though it may be difficult. Deuteronomy 31:8 says that “It is the LORD who goes before you; he will be with you and will never fail you or forsake you. So do not fear or be dismayed.” It is important to remember God’s presence in our lives. Although there is bound to be hard times throughout life, we must recognize that God is with us more than ever during those tumultuous times, even if His Presence is not felt. When confronted with unforeseen circumstances, we have two choices to make. We can either allow ourselves to be paralyzed by fear, or we can surrender ourselves to God. In the end, the choice to have faith in the face of fear will deepen our trust in God. Let us not run away from fear, but face it head on, knowing that God is in control. He will not allow our fears to get the better of us, but He will use them for our own benefit, drawing us closer and closer to Himself.

1805 Four virtues play a pivotal role and accordingly are called "cardinal"; all the others are grouped around them. They are: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. "If anyone loves righteousness, [Wisdom's] labors are virtues; for she teaches temperance and prudence, justice, and courage." These virtues are praised under other names in many passages of Scripture.

First Saturday^{^[2]}

The elements of this devotion, therefore, consist in the following four points, all of which must be offered in reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

1. Confession: This confession can be made before the First Saturday or afterward, provided that Holy Communion be received in the state of grace. In 1926, Christ in a vision explained to Lucia (Fatima) that this confession could be made a week before or even more, and that it should be offered in reparation.

2. Holy Communion: Before receiving Holy Communion, it is likewise necessary to offer it in reparation to Our Lady. Our Lord told Lucia in 1930, “This Communion will be accepted on the following Sunday for just reasons, if my priests allow it so.” So, if work or school, sickness, or another just reason prevents Communion on a First Saturday, with this permission it may be received the following Sunday. If Communion is transferred, any or all of the other acts of devotion may also be performed on Sunday if the person so desires.

3. Rosary: The Rosary is a vocal prayer said while meditating upon the mysteries of Our Lord’s life and Passion and Our Lady’s life. To comply with the request of our Blessed Mother, it must be offered in reparation and said properly while meditating.

4. 15-minute meditation: Also offered in reparation, the meditation may embrace one or more mysteries; it may include all, taken together or separately. This meditation should be the richest of any meditation, because Our Lady promised to be present when she said “...those who keep me company....”

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery[3]

The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery aims to end slavery in the world. Contemporary forms of slavery include sexual exploitation, forced marriage, trafficking of persons and recruitment of children for armed conflict. The International Labour Organization estimates that there are currently 21 million people enslaved in the world, a business that generates around 150 billion US dollars in illegal profits every year. The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery was designated by the United Nations General Assembly as a day to be celebrated every December 2nd. The day marks the 1949 adoption of the UN Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others.

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery Facts & Quotes

· The average cost of a slave globally is $90.

· Human trafficking is the third largest international crime industry after illegal drugs and arms trafficking. It generates a profit of approximately 32 billion every year.

· 1 million children are enslaved worldwide.

· Child slavery is a crime against humanity. Humanity itself is at stake here. A lot of work still remains, but I will see the end of child labor in my lifetime. – Kailash Satyarthi, Indian children’s rights advocate and founder of Bachpan Bachao Andolan.

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery Top Events and Things to Do

· Watch a movie about the horrors of slavery. Some suggestions are: 12 Years a Slave (2014), Django Unchained (2014) and Amistad (1997)

· Donate to a charity fighting to end slavery.

· Spread awareness by using the hashtags #InternationalDayforAbolitionofSlavery, #EndSlavery and #HumanRightsMatter.

· Volunteer your time at a local rescue center for victims of human trafficking. These centers assist victims in sharing their stories, regaining their lives and dignity, and helping to reduce this problem.

· Read a book about the horrors of slavery. Some suggestions are Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Beloved and Chains.

Catechism of the Catholic Church

PART THREE: LIFE IN CHRIST

SECTION ONE-MAN'S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT

CHAPTER ONE-THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON

1700 The dignity of the human person is rooted in his creation in the image and likeness of God (article 1); it is fulfilled in his vocation to divine beatitude (article 2). It is essential to a human being freely to direct himself to this fulfillment (article 3). By his deliberate actions (article 4), the human person does, or does not, conform to the good promised by God and attested by moral conscience (article 5). Human beings make their own contribution to their interior growth; they make their whole sentient and spiritual lives into means of this growth (article 6). With the help of grace they grow in virtue (article 7), avoid sin, and if they sin they entrust themselves as did the prodigal son to the mercy of our Father in heaven (article 8). In this way they attain to the perfection of charity.

Jesse Tree[4]

Jesse Tree Scriptures (The Symbols Are Only Suggestions)

· December 1 Creation: Gen. 1:1-31; 2:1-4 Symbols: sun, moon, stars, animals, earth

· December 2 Adam and Eve: Gen. 2:7-9, 18-24 Symbols: tree, man, woman