Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Full List of Virtues – From Father Ripperger
Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
happiness day
1 Maccabees, Chapter 12, Verse 28
As
this little soap opera continues, we last see that Jonathan took care of the
Greek Apollonius. In many ways this little ditty is like the gang warfare in
Chicago or LA. Amazingly the area is about the same size. As the story
continues, we see more betrayal. Demetrius forms an alliance with Ptolemy to
take Alexander’s turf and add it to Egypt’s. Then, begins the all-out turf war,
cross and double cross with no real winners; Jonathan then saw
that the time was right, he chose men and sent them to Rome to confirm and
renew the friendship with the Romans. He also sent letters
to the Spartans and other places to the same effect. He is hedging his bet.
Now we come to this verse where Demetrius sends a large army to attack
Jonathan. Jonathan is prepared for this and when Demetrius’ army discovers how
prepared they are they flee by a rouse. Clever little cowards: like all bullies
when confronted they exit stage left. It seems that men haven’t really changed
much since the days of Jonathan Maccabee. Perhaps this is why it is not
included in the protestant bible who wants to see we are in need of God’s help.
We must admit our failures; repent and strive to live our baptismal vows.
Renewal
of Baptismal Promises[1]
V. Do you reject Satan?
R. I do.
V. And all his works?
R. I do.
V. And all his empty promises?
R. I do.
V. Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth?
R. I do.
V. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the
Virgin Mary was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now
seated at the right hand of the Father?
R. I do.
V. Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic church, the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?
R. I do.
V. God, the all-powerful Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given us a new
birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and forgiven all our sins. May he also keep
us faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
(This is a family service that is
directed by one of the parents. The family members renew their baptismal vows
and sprinkle themselves with the Easter water,)
Let
us remember that with our ladies’ help we can live up to these promises.
Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Prayer. SANCTIFY this fast, O God, and mercifully enlighten the hearts of Thy
faithful; and to those whom Thou grantest the grace of devotion mercifully
grant, when they pray to Thee, a favorable hearing.
EPISTLE. Leviticus xix. 1, 2, 11-19.
In those days: The Lord spoke to Moses,
saying: Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and thou shalt
say to them: I am the Lord your God. You shall not steal. You shall not lie,
neither shall any man deceive his neighbor. Thou shalt not swear falsely by My
name, nor profane the name of thy God. I am the Lord. Thou shalt not calumniate
thy neighbor, nor oppress him by violence. The wages of him that has been hired
by thee shall not abide with thee until the morning. Thou shalt not speak evil
of the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind: but thou shalt fear
the Lord thy God, because I am the Lord. Thou shalt not do that which is
unjust, nor judge unjustly. Respect not the person of the poor, nor honor the
countenance of the mighty. But judge thy neighbor according to justice. Thou
shalt not be a detractor nor a whisperer among the people. Thou shalt not stand
against the blood of thy neighbor. I am the Lord. Thou shalt not hate thy
brother in thy heart, but reprove him openly, lest thou incur sin through him.
Seek not revenge, nor be mindful of the injury of thy citizens. Thou shalt love
thy friend as thyself. I am the Lord. Keep ye My laws, for I am the Lord your
God.
GOSPEL. John x. 22-38.
At that time: It was the feast of the Dedication at Jerusalem: and it was
winter. And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. The Jews therefore
came round about Him, and said to Him:
How long dost Thou hold our souls in suspense? if Thou be the Christ,
tell us plainly.
Jesus answered them: I speak to you, and
you believe not: the works that I do in the name of My Father, they give
testimony of Me. But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. My
sheep hear My voice: and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them life
everlasting, and they shall not perish forever, and no man shall pluck them out
of My hand. That which My Father hath given Me, is greater than all: and no man
can snatch them out of the hand of My Father. I and the Father are one.
The Jews then took up stones to stone Him. Jesus answered them:
Many good works I have showed you from My Father; for which of those
works do you stone Me?
The Jews answered Him: For a good work
we stone Thee not, but for blasphemy; and because that Thou being a man, makest
Thyself God. Jesus answered them:
Is it not written in your law: I said, you are gods?
If He called them gods, to whom the word
of God was spoken, and the Scripture cannot be broken: do you say of Him, Whom
the Father hath sanctified and sent into the world:
Thou blasphemest, because I said, I am the Son of God?
If I do not the works of My Father,
believe Me not. But if I do, though you will not believe Me, believe the works:
that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father.
Lenten Calendar[2]
Read:
The Servant Songs, Day Three: (Within the Book of the Prophet Isaiah we
encounter four poetic sections known as the Songs of the Suffering Servant. The
specific identity of this Servant of the Lord remains the topic of scholarly
debate. Perhaps it refers to the prophet Isaiah himself, perhaps the entire
nation of Israel, or possibly the promised Messiah. Christian faith sees these
prophetic utterances fulfilled in the life, ministry, death, and resurrection
of Jesus the Lord.
Because of the Christian identification of the Suffering Servant with
Jesus, the four Servant Songs become a way of encountering the Lord during this
Lenten Season. Not only do they give us a sense of the commitment and endurance
that characterized his messianic ministry, but they become a way of touching
the bruised face of the Messiah, of hearing the resolute determination that
sustained him in the midst of trial, and of rejoicing with him in God’s ultimate vindication of his calling
and service.)
In the third song, we learn of the abuse
and derision the Servant endured at the hands of his enemies.
Reflect: Today we reflect on the third of
the four Servant Songs.
Pray: Take time with
the third servant song today. Read Isaiah 50:4-11.
Act: Here, the
servant knows and declares that his help is with the Lord. He does not allow
suffering to cause him to stop trusting in the Lord. Instead, with strength of
spirit, the servant declares his faith in God. “The Lord GOD is my help . . . I shall not be put to
shame.” Amidst darkness and adversity, because
he fears the LORD, the servant walks not by his own light but by the light of
God.
“If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and
believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
-Rom 10:9
World Missionary Rosary[3]
For an increase in Faith, Hope and Love in the world.
Archbishop Fulton
J. Sheen was a universally popular evangelist, radio/TV personality, writer and
missionary. He is most known for his television series, “Life is Worth Living”
which had a viewing audience of over 30 million people. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen was also
national director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith from 1950 to
1966. In February 1951, he inaugurated a World Mission Rosary during his radio address, The
Catholic Hour. “We must pray, and not for ourselves, but for the world,” he
exhorted. “To this end, I have designed the World Mission Rosary.” Praying this
Rosary, Archbishop Sheen said, would “aid the Holy Father and his Society for
the Propagation of the Faith by supplying him with practical support, as well
as prayers, for the poor mission territories of the world.” Each decade of that
World Mission Rosary calls to mind an area where the Church continues her
evangelizing mission: green for
the forests and grasslands of Africa; blue for the ocean surrounding the islands of the
Pacific; white symbolizing
Europe, the seat of the Holy Father, shepherd of the world; red calling to mind the fire
of faith that brought missionaries to the Americas, and yellow, the morning light of the
east, for Asia. Archbishop Sheen said, “Peace will come only when the
hearts of the world have changed. When the World Mission Rosary is completed,
one has embraced all continents, all people in prayer.”
RULES for parents[4]
Note:
I wonder if this would be an effective strategy in dealing with the tantrums of
Satan, The New World Order, Russia, China and Iran?
Bear in mind the following:
- A
little child kicks and screams because he thinks, —or perhaps because he
knows from experience, —that in order to avoid a scene you will give in to
him and let him have what he wants. You must prove to him that this is a
mistaken idea of his. You are not going to give in.
- Do
not get angry. Do not slap.
- Say
firmly, "No; when you stop screaming, I will speak to you." Then
leave the child alone in a safe room. Or, if he must be in the room with
you, do not notice him. Keep busy with something or other.
- After
a while, say quietly, "Little Jesus does not like screaming and
kicking. He loves you and He does not want you to do that."
- Stop.
Keep quiet. Be patient.
- If
the child slows down at times, waits to see if you will give in, and then
starts up again, do not worry. He is showing that he is beginning to
understand. Ignore him. Finally, he will yield. He may fall asleep.
- Two
or three performances like this will end the bad habit and establish a
good one.
- Remember:
Be gentle; but be firm and consistent. Remain very calm and silent.
International Day of Happiness[5]
The International Day of
Happiness seeks to celebrate and promote world happiness as a fundamental human
goal. It recognizes the need for a more inclusive, equitable and balanced
approach to economic growth, one that promotes sustainable development, poverty
eradication, happiness and well-being of all people.
At the UN Conference on Happiness in 2012, the United Nations proclaimed the
International Day of Happiness. The day was celebrated for the first time on
March 20, 2013 in an effort to highlight the importance of global happiness and
its impact on world development and peace.
International
Day of Happiness Facts & Quotes
·
There
are currently about 1.8 billion young people
in the world, more than ever before, creating an unprecedented opportunity for
economic and social progress. Many studies have proved the link between
happiness and productivity.
·
Happiness
is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. - Mahatma
Ghandi
·
At
this time of grave injustices, devastating wars, mass displacement, grinding
poverty and other manmade causes of suffering, the International Day of
Happiness is a global chance to assert that peace,
well-being and joy deserve primacy. — UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon
International Day of Happiness Top
Events and Things to Do
·
Print
out and hang up posters of the Ten Keys to Happier
Living. Research
has proven that these ten keys have a positive impact on happiness and
well-being.
·
Make
the effort to cross an item off of your bucket list. We all have dreams and
goals and fulfilling them creates happiness and a sense of accomplishment.
·
Give
to others. Whether it's donating to a charity
of your choice, volunteering or giving a thoughtful gift, studies have found
that giving makes us happier.
·
Reduce
the stress in your life. According to the American Psychological Association,
these are the 5 best ways to manage stress:
1) Take a break from the stressor
2) Exercise
3) Smile and laugh
4) Get social support
5) Meditate
·
Watch
a movie about happiness. Our suggestions: Hector and the Search for
Happiness (2014), Eat, Pray, Love (2009), The Pursuit of
Happiness (2008), Bruce Almighty (2003), Click (2006) and The
Bucket List (2007).
Don’t Worry Be Happy[6]
Action for Happiness has developed the 10 Keys to Happier
Living based on a review of the latest scientific research relating to
happiness. Everyone’s path to happiness is different, but the research suggests
these Ten Keys consistently tend to have a positive impact on people’s overall
happiness and well-being. The first five (GREAT) relate to how we interact with
the outside world in our daily activities*. The second five (DREAM) come more
from inside us and depend on our attitude to life.
Giving-Do things for others
Relating-Connect with people
Exercising-Take care of your body
Awareness-Live life mindfully
Trying out-Keep learning new things
Direction-Have goals to look forward to
Resilience-Find ways to bounce back
Emotions-Focus on what’s good
Acceptance-Be comfortable with who you are
Meaning-Be part of something bigger
True
Happiness[7]
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- True
happiness can be found by strengthening one's friendship with God through a
love for sacred Scripture and the sacraments, Pope Benedict XVI said.
Christians today can find many role models in the saintly men and women who
lived throughout history. The pope described the life of the 13th-century
Benedictine mystic, St. Gertrude the Great. Far from being a historical figure
stuck in the past, this "exceptional woman" remains for today's
faithful "a school of Christian life, a principled life, and she shows us
that at the heart of a happy and real life is friendship with Jesus". St.
Gertrude entered the monastery at a very young age and was an extremely
talented student. She loved literature and music and was diligently devoted to
her studies. However, when she was 24, she grew disgusted with her secular
pursuits. She said the sense of turmoil and anxiety she felt was a gift from
God, who was giving her a sign that she needed to "tear down that tower of
vanity and curiosity." While her ardent love of learning helped bring her
to religious life, the saint said it had gone too far and it was driven by
pride. From that moment on, St. Gertrude began to intensify her relationship
with God. She switched her studies from humanistic subjects to theological
works, and in her monastic life, she went from living what she called being
"negligent" to a life of intense prayer and missionary zeal. St.
Gertrude represents one of the most famous female mystics in church history,
and she's called "the Great" because of her "exceptional natural
and supernatural gifts." She displayed "a very profound humility, an
ardent zeal for the salvation of others, an intimate communion with God through
contemplation and a readiness to come to the aid of the needy". "True
happiness is the goal in our life," and the only way to find that kind of
happiness is in forging a friendship with God. "This friendship you learn
through a love for sacred Scripture, a love for the liturgy and (by
cultivating) a deep faith and a love for Mary in order to truly get to know God
better".
Litany
of Humility[8]
O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear
me.
From the desire of being esteemed,
Refrain: Deliver me, Jesus
From the desire of being loved...
From the desire of being extolled ...
From the desire of being honored ...
From the desire of being praised ...
From the desire of being preferred to others...
From the desire of being consulted ...
From the desire of being approved ...
From the fear of being humiliated ...
From the fear of being despised...
From the fear of suffering rebukes ...
From the fear of being calumniated ...
From the fear of being forgotten ...
From the fear of being ridiculed ...
From the fear of being wronged ...
From the fear of being suspected ...
That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than
I ...
That, in the opinion of the world, others may, increase and I may decrease ...
That others may be chosen and I set aside ...
That others may be praised and I unnoticed ...
That others may be preferred to me in everything...
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I
should…
The nation’s capital comes abloom every spring with the
annual National
Cherry Blossom Festival. See the famed cherry blossom trees, lining the
Tidal Basin, while strolling by iconic sites like the Jefferson and Martin
Luther King memorials.
Aids
in Battle[9]
Declarations of Victory from the Word of God
When you become weakened
and the outcome of the war seems uncertain, recall in faith that God’s ultimate
triumph is secure.
·
You
are of God, dear children, and have overcome him, because greater is He who is
in you than he who is in the world. 1 Jn 4: 4
·
The
LORD goes forth like a mighty man, like a man of war He stirs up His fury; He
cries out, He shouts aloud; He shows Himself mighty against His foes. Is 42: 13
·
The
LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the
stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? The LORD is my light and my
salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom
shall I be afraid? Though a host encamp against me, my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. One thing have I asked of
the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all
the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His
temple. For He will hide me in His shelter in the day of trouble; He will
conceal me under the cover of His tent, He will set me upon a high rock. And
now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies round about me; and I will
offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to
the LORD. . . . I believe that I shall see the goodness of the
LORD in the land of the living! Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your
heart take courage; yes, wait for the LORD! Ps 27: 1– 6, 13– 14
·
For,
behold, your enemies, O LORD, for, behold, your enemies shall perish; all
evildoers shall be scattered. Ps 92: 9
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 7-THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT
IV. Economic Activity and Social Justice
2426 The development of
economic activity and growth in production are meant to provide for the needs
of human beings. Economic life is not meant solely to multiply goods produced
and increase profit or power; it is ordered first of all to the service of
persons, of the whole man, and of the entire human community. Economic
activity, conducted according to its own proper methods, is to be exercised
within the limits of the moral order, in keeping with social justice so as to
correspond to God's plan for man.
2427 Human work proceeds
directly from persons created in the image of God and called to prolong the
work of creation by subduing the earth, both with and for one
another. Hence work is a duty: "If any one will not work, let him not
eat." Work honors the Creator's gifts and the talents received from
him. It can also be redemptive. By enduring the hardship of work in union
with Jesus, the carpenter of Nazareth and the one crucified on Calvary, man
collaborates in a certain fashion with the Son of God in his redemptive work.
He shows himself to be a disciple of Christ by carrying the cross, daily, in
the work he is called to accomplish. Work can be a means of sanctification
and a way of animating earthly realities with the Spirit of Christ.
2428 In work, the person
exercises and fulfills in part the potential inscribed in his nature. the
primordial value of labor stems from man himself, its author and its
beneficiary. Work is for man, not man for work.
Everyone should be able to draw from work the means of providing for his life
and that of his family, and of serving the human community.
2429 Everyone has the right of
economic initiative; everyone should make legitimate use of his talents to
contribute to the abundance that will benefit all and to harvest the just
fruits of his labor. He should seek to observe regulations issued by legitimate
authority for the sake of the common good.
2430 Economic life brings into
play different interests, often opposed to one another. This explains why the
conflicts that characterize it arise. Efforts should be made to reduce
these conflicts by negotiation that respects the rights and duties of each
social partner: those responsible for business enterprises, representatives of
wage - earners (for example, trade unions), and public authorities when
appropriate.
2431 The responsibility of the
state. "Economic activity, especially the activity of a market economy,
cannot be conducted in an institutional, juridical, or political vacuum. On the
contrary, it presupposes sure guarantees of individual freedom and private
property, as well as a stable currency and efficient public services. Hence the
principal task of the state is to guarantee this security, so that those who
work and produce can enjoy the fruits of their labors and thus feel encouraged
to work efficiently and honestly.... Another task of the state is that of
overseeing and directing the exercise of human rights in the economic sector.
However, primary responsibility in this area belongs not to the state but to
individuals and to the various groups and associations which make up
society."
2432 Those responsible for
business enterprises are responsible to society for the economic and ecological
effects of their operations. They have an obligation to consider the good
of persons and not only the increase of profits. Profits are necessary,
however. They make possible the investments that ensure the future of a
business and they guarantee employment.
2433 Access to employment and
to professions must be open to all without unjust discrimination: men and
women, healthy and disabled, natives and immigrants. For its part society
should, according to circumstances, help citizens find work and employment.
2434 A just wage is the
legitimate fruit of work. To refuse or withhold it can be a grave
injustice. In determining fair pay both the needs and the contributions of
each person must be taken into account. "Remuneration for work should
guarantee man the opportunity to provide a dignified livelihood for himself and
his family on the material, social, cultural and spiritual level, taking into
account the role and the productivity of each, the state of the business, and
the common good." Agreement between the parties is not sufficient to
justify morally the amount to be received in wages.
2435 Recourse to a strike is
morally legitimate when it cannot be avoided, or at least when it is necessary
to obtain a proportionate benefit. It becomes morally unacceptable when
accompanied by violence, or when objectives are included that are not directly
linked to working conditions or are contrary to the common good.
2436 Unemployment almost always wounds its victim's dignity and threatens the
equilibrium of his life. Besides the harm done to him personally, it entails
many risks for his family.
Plan ahead for next year:
Skiing- Also known as downhill skiing,
Alpine skiing began as a club sport in 1861 at Kiandra in Australia. Today,
most alpine skiing occurs at ski resorts with ski lifts that transport skiers
up the mountain.
Every Wednesday is
Dedicated to St. Joseph
The Italian culture has
always had a close association with St. Joseph perhaps you could make
Wednesdays centered around Jesus’s Papa. Plan an Italian dinner of pizza or
spaghetti after attending Mass as most parishes have a Wednesday evening Mass.
You could even do carry out to help restaurants. If you are adventurous, you
could do the Universal Man Plan: St. Joseph style. Make the evening a family
night perhaps it could be a game night. Whatever you do make the day special.
·
Do the St.
Joseph Universal Man Plan.
·
Devotion to the 7 Joys and Sorrows of St.
Joseph
Dara’s Corner
Coffee with Christ
Christ sips his coffee and looks at me and says, “Strive to be happy by doing the will of the Father. Treasure all Life. Your life and the life of your neighbors and family; because God did not make death, nor does he rejoice in the destruction of the living. For he fashioned all things that they might have being and the creatures of the world are wholesome. Yearn for God’s holy will to be done on earth, and then to strive to align your will with His divine will completely. Forgive, give alms, be pure of heart, seek humility in all things. Be grateful to the Father.”
Daily Devotions
·
Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them
in fasting: Today's Fast: Reparations
for offenses and blasphemies against God and the Blessed Virgin Mary
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Make
reparations to the Holy Face
·
30
Days with St. Joseph Day 1
[3]https://www.hbgdiocese.org/evangelization/the-diocesan-office-of-the-missions/world-mission-rosary/
[6]http://www.actionforhappiness.org/media/80220/10_keys_summary.pdf
[7]http://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2010/true-happiness-is-found-in-close-friendship-with-christ-pope-says.cfm
[8]https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/prayers/view.cfm?id=914
[9]Thigpen, Paul. Manual for Spiritual
Warfare. TAN Books.
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