Thursday, April 4, 2024
Countries That Give Financial Incentive To Move There
Moving abroad can be a dream come true. It can be a joy to fully immerse yourself in a different culture or simply the excitement of a new experience. Check out places that pay you to move there.
apartmenttherapy ~ "Japan
No, you can’t move to one of those amazing towers in Tokyo on the Japanese government’s yen. But the country will grant foreigners a year-long visa and up to $10,000 to move to a more rural area that needs a population/economic boost. If you’ve got a family and are looking to make a life-changing move, there are also more incentives available.
Spain
Small towns in Spain are in need of a population boost. For example, Ponga in the northern province of Asturias will pay up to €2,000 for single people to move there and up to €3,000 for families with children. If children are in your future, the government will pay you an incentive of €3,000 for each birth." ~ apartmenttherapy
For the complete list of countries that offer deals to move there, please click the link below:
Thursday in the Octave of Easter
2 Maccabees, Chapter 8, Verse 16
Maccabeus
assembled his forces, six thousand strong, and exhorted them not to be
panic-stricken before the enemy, nor to FEAR
the very large number of Gentiles unjustly attacking them, but to fight nobly.
Judas
sums up their theological position before the battle succinctly: Our opponents
trust in weapons and strategy, whereas we simply trust in an all-powerful God.[1]
Fight or die[2]
One of the greatest
temptations in the Catholic life is that of complacency. We go through the
motions, attending Mass on Sunday and maybe going to a parish program or two,
but the Faith never really penetrates
deep into our souls. It remains a superficial reality; just another thing to
do in our comfortable, civilized lives. We love to complain about the
problems in the Church—rending our garments over this bad bishop or this
corrupt priest. We ask: Where are the saints of the modern Church?
Where are the holy men and women who can be shining lights in this dark world?
We lament the state of things, never realizing that it is that God has called
us to be saints. It is we who must
strive for sanctity as if our lives depended on it—because they do.
Fight for the Crown of Eternal Life
Jesus Christ is calling
you and me to rise above satisfaction and mediocrity and to pursue
greatness. He does not want us to muddle through the Christian life. He wants
us to fight nobly for the crown of eternal life. “Fight your way in at the narrow
door,” he tells us, “There are many who will try and will not be able to
enter.”
Now, realize that this
spiritual combat does not necessarily mean grandiose outward actions. Most of
us are not meant to establish a religious order or to convert a far-flung
nation. The saints constantly tell us that holiness is found in sanctifying our
everyday actions, however small they may be. Even so the point is, no one
coasts into heaven effortlessly. It doesn’t work that way. We have a powerful
enemy who works day and night to destroy us. Every day we encounter temptations
internal and external that, if consented to, will destroy our souls. Men, a survey
has revealed that 50%—that is 1 in 2—Christian
men are addicted to pornography. If you think I am exaggerating the
spiritual dangers, you are wrong. There is a war for your soul, and
if you are not watchful, if you are not vigilant, if you are not
intensely focused on the pursuit of holiness, you will fall away.
Choose Today Who You Will Serve
Holiness begins with a
choice: God or the world. Whom will you serve? You can’t have it both ways. As
with any war, there is no middle ground. You either fight or die. “You cannot
please both God and the world at the same time,” says St. John Vianney, “They
are utterly opposed to each other in their thoughts, their desires, and their
actions.” In other words, you can’t pursue the world’s values and ideals while
calling yourself a Christian and a Catholic. You can’t hold on to pet sins,
abusing God’s mercy by asking his forgiveness, all the while having no real
intention to change.
Take up Your Cross
Christ is calling you to
take up your Cross and follow him. Doing so will bring you more happiness and
more joy than you can possibly imagine. But it will also cost you the comfort
and ease the world promises. “You are like crusaders united to fight against
the world,” said St. Louis de Montfort, “not like Religious who retreat from
the world; lest they be overcome, but like brave and valiant warriors on the
battlefield, who refuse to retreat or even yield an inch. Be brave and fight
courageously.” Men, if you’ve been mediocre, if you’ve been comfortably
complacent, I challenge you today to follow Christ passionately, with all that
you are and have. Clothe yourselves in the armor of God and take up the weapons
of prayer and penance, calling on the powerful intercession of Our Lady, Help
of Christians. Resolve in your heart to do battle, for eternal life, and
then “Be brave and fight courageously.” Your soul depends on it.
- Traditions passed down with Cooking, Crafting, & Caring -
Saint of the day:
Saint Isidore of Seville
Thursday in the Octave of Easter or
Easter Thursday[3] is a day for Commemoration of the
departed which is a Slavic tradition. Thursday of the Dead is described as a
universal day for visiting tombs, engaged in most diligently by townspeople,
followed by fellaheen ("peasants"), and then Bedouins. Women
would go to the cemetery before sunrise to pray for the departed and distribute
bread cakes known as kaʿak
al-asfar
("the yellow roll") and dried fruit to the poor, to children, and to
relatives. Children would also receive painted eggs, generally yellow in color.
The sharing of this tradition between Christians and Muslims is thought to date
back to at least the 12th century when Saladin urged Muslims to adopt Christian
customs in order to promote religious tolerance in the region.
o Have a Mass said for the departed;
offer your daily communion.
§
Easter
Thursday in Slavic
countries, on the other hand, was reserved for remembering departed loved ones.
Mass that day would be offered for the deceased of the parish.
Novena for the Poor
Souls[4]
ON EVERY DAY OF
THE NOVENA V. O Lord, hear my prayer, R. And let my cry come unto Thee. O God,
the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant unto the souls of Thy
servants and handmaids the remission of all their sins, that through our devout
supplications they may obtain the pardon they have always desired, Who livest
and reignest world without end. Amen.
THURSDAY O Lord
God Almighty, I beseech Thee by the Precious Body and Blood of Thy divine Son
Jesus, which He Himself, on the night before His Passion, gave as meat and
drink to His beloved Apostles and bequeathed to His holy Church to be the
perpetual Sacrifice and life-giving nourishment of His faithful people, deliver
the souls in Purgatory, but most of all, that soul which was most devoted to
this Mystery of infinite love, in order that it may praise Thee therefore,
together with Thy divine Son and the Holy Spirit in Thy glory forever. Amen.
Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory Be.
PRAYER OF ST.
GERTRUDE THE GREAT O Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of
Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world
today, for all the holy souls in Purgatory and for sinners everywhere— for
sinners in the Universal Church, for those in my own home and for those within
my family. Amen.
PRAYER FOR THE
DYING O Most Merciful Jesus, lover of souls, I pray Thee, by the agony of Thy
most Sacred Heart, and by the sorrows of Thine Immaculate Mother, to wash in
Thy Most Precious Blood the sinners of the whole world who are now in their
agony and who will die today. Heart of Jesus, once in agony, have mercy on the
dying! Amen.
Faith
and Healing[5]
Shallow minds are easily scandalized
at the thought that, despite Christ Jesus' divine mission and His heroic
earnestness in fulfilling it, despite the limitless possibilities of the
Sacrifice of Calvary glorified in the power of the Resurrection, even now so
many human souls are still sick and diseased, even dead in sin and seemingly
lost in impenitence. But think for a moment of some definite astounding force
in nature, as for instance lightning, or even better, of so simple a force as
the stroke of a hammer or the approach of a lighted match; notice the vast
difference in the effects produced on a block of granite, on a cake of ice, and
on a keg of powder. Even so, the definite effect of the same graces upon
different individual souls depends on the receptivity of each. Yet never doubt,
the doors of the treasury of the merits and fruits of Calvary are wide open;
the fountains of the Savior are pouring out heavenly waters to purify and cure
and refresh souls; the invitation goes out to all:
"Come, eat My bread, and drink the wine which
I have mingled for you. All you that thirst come to the waters, and you that
have no money, make haste, buy, and eat come ye, buy wine and milk without
money! Come! to experience the virtue of the waters, and of the food, and of
the medicine, and of the fire. Come and drink lest you die of thirst! Come and
eat lest your soul hunger and starve! Come, approach the fire of My charity, to
be stirred out of your spiritual coldness and numbness!"
Anointing
of the Sick[6]
The Apostles must have been astonished at their
power to heal the bodies of the faithful while on the road when Christ sent
them out before His death.
Yet, the greatest power was to come after His death
and resurrection. Jesus made it perfectly clear that the power to forgive sins
is far greater than the power to heal. (Mk. 2:9) Jesus healed people of every
disease as a sign of the greater work of forgiveness of sins. For in the gospel
he states, “That you may know that the
Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sin.” (Mk 2:10) The physical
signs were there for the sake of a spiritual reality. “Is
anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of
the church, and they should pray over him and anoint [him] with oil in the name
of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick
person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will
be forgiven.”
(Jas. 5:14-15)
This
is the sacrament we know as the Anointing of the Sick. It must be noted that grave physical
suffering is often accompanied by a great spiritual trial. Sacramental
anointing gives us the grace we need to face our trials. Oils have been used
for millennia to convey the grace and health of God. Anointing helps us
transform physical suffering into something more deeply curative, something
truly releasing. Don’t wait! At the first sign of serious ailment seek the aid
of Christ through this sacrament.
Preparation
for Death[7]
All
Christian life is a preparation for death. We cannot predict the moment of our
passing, but we should be prepared for it both remotely and near term when our
death is imminent. It is best to prepare far in advance by making a lifetime
habit of confession and reception of the Holy Eucharist. However, if seriously
ill do not wait to take action. Confession must be made while we are still
thinking clearly and have the energy for the task, and we should make
arrangements to receive sacramental anointing. Do not rely on others to do this
for you. It is important for you, if you are able, to contact the hospital
chaplain or priest. Remember there is more after our death for the church
teaches us that after our death there is judgment, heaven and hell.
·
Do
not be a nilly willy and avoid thinking about death and we should remind
ourselves that death is a normal part of life and we should have a sense of
humor and it is not a license to make others miserable.
·
We
should try to get our affairs in order so to make it easier on others.
·
We
should choose a Catholic cemetery for the burial of our mortal remains, as a
sign of our belief in the resurrection of the body. Our flesh has been
divinized in baptism, made one the flesh of Jesus in Holy Communion, and so its
repose is a matter of some consequence.
·
We
should keep in mind that at our death as said by Cardinal Newman, “Life is
changed, not ended” and “All who ever lived still live.”
Divine Mercy Novena[8]
Seventh Day - Today Bring Me the Souls Who
Especially Venerate and Glorify My Mercy.
Most
Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most
Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the
greatness of Your Mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God
Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward,
confident in Your Mercy. These souls are united to Jesus and carry all mankind
on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy
will embrace them as they depart from this life.
Eternal
Father turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your
greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the
Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands
are full of deeds of mercy and their spirit, overflowing with joy, sings a
canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God: Show them Your mercy
according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be
accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them, "I Myself
will defend as My own glory, during their lifetime, and especially at the hour
of their death, those souls who will venerate My fathomless mercy."
Catechism
of the Catholic Church
PART THREE: LIFE IN CHRIST
SECTION TWO-THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
CHAPTER
TWO-YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF
Article 9-THE NINTH COMMANDMENT
IN BRIEF
2528 "Everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already
committed adultery with her in his heart" (Mt 5:28).
2529 The ninth commandment warns against lust or carnal
concupiscence.
2530 The struggle against carnal lust involves purifying the heart
and practicing temperance.
2531 Purity of heart will enable us to see God: it enables us even
now to see things according to God.
2532 Purification of the heart demands prayer, the practice of
chastity, purity of intention and of vision.
2533 Purity of heart requires the modesty which is patience, decency, and discretion. Modesty protects the intimate center of the person.
PRAYERS AND TEACHINGS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit[9]
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are, according to Catholic Tradition, wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of God. The standard interpretation has been the one that St. Thomas Aquinas worked out in the thirteenth century in his Summa Theologiae:
- Wisdom is
both the knowledge of and judgment about “divine things” and the ability
to judge and direct human affairs according to divine truth.
- Understanding is
penetrating insight into the very heart of things, especially those higher
truths that are necessary for our eternal salvation—in effect, the ability
to “see” God.
- Counsel allows
a man to be directed by God in matters necessary for his salvation.
- Fortitude denotes
a firmness of mind in doing good and in avoiding evil, particularly when
it is difficult or dangerous to do so, and the confidence to overcome all
obstacles, even deadly ones, by virtue of the assurance of everlasting
life.
- Knowledge is
the ability to judge correctly about matters of faith and right action, so
as to never wander from the straight path of justice.
- Piety is,
principally, revering God with filial affection, paying worship and duty
to God, paying due duty to all men on account of their relationship to
God, and honoring the saints and not contradicting Scripture. The Latin
word pietas denotes the reverence that we give to our
father and to our country; since God is the Father of all, the worship of
God is also called piety.
- Fear
of God is, in this context, “filial” or chaste fear whereby we
revere God and avoid separating ourselves from him—as opposed to “servile”
fear, whereby we fear punishment.
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 stopping 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.
·
According to Mary Agreda[10]
in her visions it was on a Thursday at six o'clock in the evening and at the
approach of night that the Angel Gabriel approached and announced her as Mother
of God and she gave her fiat.
Best Places to Visit in April[11]
Sedona is a beautiful destination year-round. The most popular seasons are March through May and September through mid-December. Lodging rates are slightly lower in July and August, but the most economical prices of the year are available from the first week of January to mid-February.
Spring Season – March through May
Spring is Sedona's busiest visitor season and it's easy to see why. With average high temperatures in the mid-60s to low 80s (degrees Fahrenheit) and lows that are refreshingly chilly, its perfect weather for Sedona's outdoor activities like hiking, jeep tours, and shopping in Uptown Sedona. You'll want to make sure not to miss the spectacle of "Sedona's evening entertainment" an explosively colorful sunset behind Sedona's red rocks. Pro Tip: Be sure to book your Sedona tour or activities several months in advance. You don't want to miss out on the most popular activities during this, Sedona's busiest season.
- 24
CARROT GOLD PUNCH
- Shrimp Enchiladas with
Green Sauce
·
Grilled Southwestern Potato Salad
·
Icebox Cookies
Rachel’s Corner
Many kids all over the country have parents in the military. Many times, holidays center around veterans because of the health issues they face, whether physical or mental, after serving their country. However, Month of the Military Child is all about the kids and what they sacrifice as well, and this month is all about giving them the appreciation they deserve.
How to celebrate Month of the Military Child
The Month of the Military Child is about the military brats
that deal with more struggles than most kids. During this month, help endorse
military family services in your community so families can have the resources
they need to continue without their loved ones nearby. Help fund a school
contest for the military kids, so they know they are appreciated. Give a gift
to a child you know and tell them to thank you. Share this holiday on social
media using the hashtag #monthofthemilitarychild so that way friends and family
members can do something of their own to appreciate the military kids that
sacrifice their parents to a national cause.
4/7: Moonlit Drive-In Movie: 'Despicable Me 3'
The free, Moonlit Drive-In Movie series begins April 7 and continues every Saturday through the end of the month at the Promenade, next to the Golden Spoon Yogurt Parking lot.
Moviegoers are asked to bring a canned food donation to benefit the Harvest Compassion Food Bank. A balloon twister will make free balloon animals. Other contests and activities are planned before the movie is shown on a 32-foot-high inflatable screen.
Daily Devotions
·
Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them
in fasting: Today's Fast: An
increase of the faithful
·
do
a personal eucharistic stations of the cross.
·
Litany of the Most Precious
Blood of Jesus
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Make
reparations to the Holy Face
·
30
Days with St. Joseph Day 17
[1]The Collegeville Bible Commentary,
1986.
[4]Schouppe S.J., Rev. Fr. F. X..
Purgatory Explained
[5]https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2018-04-05
[6] Hahn, Scott, Signs of Life; 40
Catholic Customs and their biblical roots. Chap. 22. Anointing of the Sick.
[7] Hahn, Scott, Signs of Life; 40
Catholic Customs and their biblical roots. Chap. 39. Preparation for Death.
[8]https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resources/holy-week/prayers-for-easter-sunday/nine-day-divine-mercy-novena
[9]http://www.legionofmarytidewater.com/news/news07/april/divinemysteries.htm
[10] Venerable Mary of Agreda. The
Mystical City of God: Complete Edition Containing all Four Volumes with
Illustrations (p. 770). Veritatis Splendor Publications. Kindle Edition
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