Thursday, May 2, 2024

May 2

The month of Mary: A Marian Month

Saint of the day:

Saint Athanasius

Patron Saint of Theologians, faithful Orthodox and Roman Catholic Christians


Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter

 

Job, Chapter 31, Verse 34

Because I FEARED the great multitude and the scorn of the clans terrified me—then I should have remained silent, and not come out of doors!

 

Job’s present protest is made, not despite hidden sins which he had been unwilling to disclose, but out of genuine innocence. He is claiming that his only fear was that of the Lord and that all his life he has followed the law of God in the nine areas of moral concern.

 

To practice righteousness in the areas of moral concern we must strive for humility and its source in knowing that all goodness comes from the Spirit. 

 

Areas of Moral uprightness[1]

 

1.      Falsehood and deceit

2.      Exploitation of the land.

3.      Lust and Adultery.

4.      Rights of servants (We are all made in the image of God)

5.      Hardness toward the poor and needy.

6.      Idolatry. Social injustice is the reverse side of idolatry.

7.      Hatred of enemies. Don’t curse. Repay evil with good.

8.     Hospitality. In ancient society, without police you had a duty to protect and help.

9.      Hypocrisy. Integrity between mind, body, and actions.

 

National Day of Prayer[2]

 

National Day of Prayer is an annual holiday that serves to encourage Americans to pray, meditate and repent. It is also used to draw awareness to prayer and religious beliefs. The origins of National Day of Prayer date back to 1787. Benjamin Franklin asked President George Washington to open each day with prayer, and to realize that prayer is deeply intertwined in the fabric of the United States.  However, it was not until February 1952 during the Korean War that Reverend Billy Graham petitioned support of Representative Percy Priest to observe a National Day of Prayer. On April 17, 1952, President Harry Truman signed a bill proclaiming National Day of Prayer, to encourage Americans to turn to God in prayer and meditation. National Prayer Day is celebrated every year on the first Thursday of May.

 

National Day of Prayer Facts & Quotes

 

·         According to the Pew Research Center's Religious Landscape Study of 2015, 23% of Americans have indicated that they are not part of any religion.  The survey is based on responses of more than 35,000 Americans.

·         On October 3, 2008, The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) sued President George W. Bush and staff to challenge the designation of a National Day of Prayer.  On April 14, 2011, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the National Day of Prayer did not cause harm and a feeling of alienation cannot suffice as injury.

·         According to the Pew Research Center, more than 55% of Americans pray every day.  60% of older Americans are likely to pray every day, compared to 45% of young Americans.

·         Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one's weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart. - Mahatma Gandhi, Civil Rights and Freedom Activist

 

National Day of Prayer Top Events and Things to Do

 

·         Attend a religious service at your place of worship on the National Day of Prayer.

·         Offer a prayer for your loved ones and for those who are serving at the frontlines to protect America.

·         Attend a spiritual retreat that appeals to your beliefs.

·         Attend a prayer event on Prayer Day. There are many local events, some religious based, others meditation oriented.

 

Catechism of the Catholic Church

PART FOUR: CHRISTIAN PRAYER

SECTION ONE-PRAYER IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

CHAPTER THREE-THE LIFE OF PRAYER

Article 1-EXPRESSIONS OF PRAYER

I. Vocal prayer

2700 Through his Word, God speaks to man. By words, mental or vocal, our prayer takes flesh. Yet it is most important that the heart should be present to him to whom we are speaking in prayer: "Whether or not our prayer is heard depends not on the number of words, but on the fervor of our souls."

2701 Vocal prayer is an essential element of the Christian life. To his disciples, drawn by their Master's silent prayer, Jesus teaches a vocal prayer, the Our Father. He not only prayed aloud the liturgical prayers of the synagogue but, as the Gospels show, he raised his voice to express his personal prayer, from exultant blessing of the Father to the agony of Gesthemani.

2702 The need to involve the senses in interior prayer corresponds to a requirement of our human nature. We are body and spirit, and we experience the need to translate our feelings externally. We must pray with our whole being to give all power possible to our supplication.

2703 This need also corresponds to a divine requirement. God seeks worshippers in Spirit and in Truth, and consequently living prayer that rises from the depths of the soul. He also wants the external expression that associates the body with interior prayer, for it renders him that perfect homage which is his due.

2704 Because it is external and so thoroughly human, vocal prayer is the form of prayer most readily accessible to groups. Even interior prayer, however, cannot neglect vocal prayer. Prayer is internalized to the extent that we become aware of him "to whom we speak;" Thus vocal prayer becomes an initial form of contemplative prayer.

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[3] 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 May

Monument valley Arizona[4]

Part of the Colorado Plateau, America’s enigmatic landscape, Monument Valley is nature’s wonderland full of spires, buttes, red rock creations, and a stunning desert-like landscape.

I love the unique – and very Instagrammable – landscapes and the endless hiking trails they have here. It’s also a very popular spot to go rock climbing.

Clear skies, warm weather, and cool nights make spring one of the most delightful seasons from March to late this month. In my opinion, the warm and pleasant daytime temperatures, stable weather, and fewer crowds make this a fantastic spring break destination.

    Visitors Center Address: U.S. 163 Scenic, Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536

    Average temperatures – 79 degrees

My highlights…

·         Hiking the most scenic location in the valley, the Wildcat Trail.

·         Catching a breathtaking and Instaworthy sunrise over the naturally formed landscape.

·         Taking a driving tour with my camera and photographing the stunning views.

Today’s Menu

·                     Drink: stagecoach traveler

·                     Salad:  Balsamic Steak Salad

·                     Main dish: The Rachel

o    After Dinner Cigars

THIS WE BELIEVE

PRAYERS AND TEACHINGS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

Prayer to Saint Joseph

St. Joseph, you are the chaste and loving spouse of the Virgin Mary, the foster father of Jesus, the protector and provider of the Holy family and all families. We have complete confidence in your loving care for new life and in your fidelity to the family. We commend our efforts to your prayers and protection. Help us always to defend the gift of human life that it may grow to the abundance of eternal life promised and bestowed on us by your son, our brother, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Rachel’s Corner-Mary’s Month-Do a family Rosary

Religion in the Home for Preschool: May

Family Fun

The World's Only Global Musical Instrument Museum. Home of the MIM Music Theater--a 300-seat acoustically superb performance space--as well as the award-winning Café Allegro (open 11 am - 2 pm daily) and the MIM Museum Store. The average guest spends nearly four hours at MIM. Please allow plenty of time to fully enjoy MIM's galleries and exhibits.

Daily Devotions

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

·         Catholic Activity: Religion in the Home for Preschool: May

·         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

·         Drops of Christ’s Blood

·         Universal Man Plan




[1]The Collegeville Bible Commentary, 1986.

[2]https://www.wincalendar.com/National-Day-of-Prayer

[3] 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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