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One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

 


<< Monday, May 20, 2013 >> St. Bernardine of Siena
 
Sirach 1:1-10
View Readings
Psalm 93:1-2, 5 Mark 9:14-29
 

THE YEAR OF FAITH

 
"What an unbelieving lot you are!" —Mark 9:19
 

Because of their lack of faith, Jesus' disciples couldn't help a man by freeing his son from a mute and deaf spirit (Mk 9:18). The father himself couldn't help free his son without praying for greater faith (Mk 9:24). The greater our faith, the better we can help, free, and love people. Therefore, we too should cry out to the Lord: "I do believe! Help my lack of faith!" (Mk 9:24, our transl.)

Do you love the Lord and people so much that you are trying to grow in faith? "Faith is confident assurance concerning what we hope for, and conviction about things we do not see" (Heb 11:1). Faith in the Lord is the result of a good relationship with Him. Therefore, to grow in faith means to communicate more deeply with the Lord, to spend more time with Him, and to serve Him in greater self-sacrifice.

In October 2012, Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed a Year of Faith. We still have several months remaining in the Year of Faith, so during this time, let's give Jesus prime time daily and deeply. Let's make this a year of increased faith. Let's grow in union with Him and thereby in faith. Then we will be able to show our love for Him and others as never before. Lord, "increase our faith" (Lk 17:5).

 
Prayer: Holy Spirit of Pentecost, produce in me the fruit of faith (Gal 5:22).
Promise: "Fear of the Lord is glory and splendor, gladness and a festive crown. Fear of the Lord warms the heart, giving gladness and joy and length of days." —Sir 1:9-10
Praise: St. Bernardine of Siena helped reform the Franciscans by his preaching on penance and conversion. He was well known for propagating devotion to the Name of his Best Friend, Jesus.

35 posted on 05/20/2013 7:31:16 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All

Prayer for Life

 

Dearest Lady of Guadalupe, fruitful Mother of Holiness, teach me your ways of gentleness and strength.  Hear my prayer, offered with deep-felt confidence to beg this favor...

O Mary, conceived without sin, I come to your throne of grace to share the fervent devotion of your faithful Mexican children who call to thee under the glorious Aztec title of "Guadalupe"--the Virgin who crushed the serpent.

Queen of Martyrs, whose Immaculate Heart was pierced by seven swords of grief, help me to walk valiantly amid the sharp thorns strewn across my pathway.  Invoke the Holy Spirit of Wisdom to fortify my will to frequent the Sacraments so that, thus enlightened and strengthened, I may prefer God to all creatures and shun every occasion of sin.

Help me, as a living branch of the vine that is Jesus Christ, to exemplify His Divine charity always seeking the good of others. Queen of Apostles, aid me to win souls for the Sacred Heart of my Savior.  Keep my apostolate fearless, dynamic and articulate, to proclaim the loving solicitude of Our Father in Heaven so that the wayward may heed His pleading and obtain pardon, through the merits of your merciful Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen.


36 posted on 05/20/2013 7:34:35 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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