One week into Lent, I came across this prayer at CatholicDoors.com. May God grant us all the grace of a fruitful Lent.
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
During the Holy Season of Lent You call us to a closer union with Yourself.
Help me to prepare to celebrateThe Paschal Mystery With mind and heart renewed.
Give me a spirit of loving reverence
For You, our Father,
And of willing service to my neighbor.
As I recall the great events
That gave us new life in Christ,
Bring the image of Your Son
To perfection within my soul.
This great season of grace is Your gift
To Your family to renew us in spirit.
Give me strength to purify my heart,
To control my desires,
And so to serve You in freedom,
Teach me how to live
In this passing world with my heart set
On the world that will never end.
I ask for the grace
To master my sinfulness
And conquer my pride.
I want to show to those in need
Your goodness to me by being kind to all.
Through my observance of Lent,
Help me to correct my faults
And raise my mind to You,
And thus grow in holiness
That I may deserve
The reward of everlasting life.
In Your mercy grant me this special favor:
(State your intention(s) here...)
The days of the life-giving Death
And glorious Resurrection of Jesus Christ, Your Son, are approaching.
This is the hour When He triumphed over Satan’s pride,
The time when we celebrate
The great event of our Redemption.
The Suffering and Death of Your Son
Brought life to the whole world,
Moving our hearts to praise Your glory.
The power of the Cross revealsYour judgment on this world
And the kingship of Christ crucified.
Father, through His love for us
And through His Sufferings, Death and Resurrection,
May I gain eternal life with You in heaven. Amen
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent. It is the day when Catholics all over the world receive ashes mark in the shape of a cross on their foreheads or sprinkled with ashes on their heads.
Ashes come from burning palm branches from the previous Palm Sunday. The use of ashes can be traced even in the old testament. It signifies mourning, repentance and mortality.
The homily emphasized fasting and almsgiving. We deny ourselves that we have something to give to those in need. In this age when people are more inclined to think about themselves, it would certainly make a difference. The little self-denials are powerful in shaping our character. When we get used to putting others before ourselves we become less concerned about our comfort. By depriving ourselves with little things, we also become one with others who have less. In a matter of time, we realize that we can live without really a lot. Thus, making us more sensitive and aware of the excesses that clutter our lives.
I hope that we make the most of the 40 days of Lent. We can only grow in our faith if we make the effort and there is no better time than now.
Ashes come from burning palm branches from the previous Palm Sunday. The use of ashes can be traced even in the old testament. It signifies mourning, repentance and mortality.
The homily emphasized fasting and almsgiving. We deny ourselves that we have something to give to those in need. In this age when people are more inclined to think about themselves, it would certainly make a difference. The little self-denials are powerful in shaping our character. When we get used to putting others before ourselves we become less concerned about our comfort. By depriving ourselves with little things, we also become one with others who have less. In a matter of time, we realize that we can live without really a lot. Thus, making us more sensitive and aware of the excesses that clutter our lives.
I hope that we make the most of the 40 days of Lent. We can only grow in our faith if we make the effort and there is no better time than now.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes
Today starts the novena to Our Lady of Lourdes. As this year marks the 150th anniversary of the apparition, "a daily Plenary Indulgence is granted to the Christian faithful who, from 8 December 2007 until 8 December 2008, devoutly and in accordance with the established conditions, visit the Grotto of Massabielle, as well as those who, from 2-11 February 2008, visit a blessed image of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lourdes solemnly displayed for public veneration in any church, oratory, grotto or suitable place." (Apostolic Penitentiary Decree)
Here is the novena prayer from http://www.rosary-center.org/oll.htm.
Most Holy Mother Mary, at Lourdes you asked us to do penance and to pray for the conversion of sinners. Obtain for each of us the grace of true repentance. Help those for whom we pray, and especially those who most need God's mercy. Your Divine Son so loves every soul that He gave His life to pay the price for our redemption. Help us to return His love by making the sacrifices needed to keep his commandments.
Most Holy Mother you offered your Divine Son to the Eternal Father when you presented Him in the temple; offer us to the Father as your other children; watch over us and guide us.
Blessed Mother, obtain for me the grace I most need, and especially these favors that I ask in this Novena, if they be in keeping with God's will. Amen. (Here make your requests)
THE MEMORARE
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful; O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petition, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. (Add your daily Rosary)
Here is the novena prayer from http://www.rosary-center.org/oll.htm.
Most Holy Mother Mary, at Lourdes you asked us to do penance and to pray for the conversion of sinners. Obtain for each of us the grace of true repentance. Help those for whom we pray, and especially those who most need God's mercy. Your Divine Son so loves every soul that He gave His life to pay the price for our redemption. Help us to return His love by making the sacrifices needed to keep his commandments.
Most Holy Mother you offered your Divine Son to the Eternal Father when you presented Him in the temple; offer us to the Father as your other children; watch over us and guide us.
Blessed Mother, obtain for me the grace I most need, and especially these favors that I ask in this Novena, if they be in keeping with God's will. Amen. (Here make your requests)
THE MEMORARE
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful; O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petition, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. (Add your daily Rosary)
Friday, February 1, 2008
Wasting young lives
As I was browsing through what happened today in history, I came across the sad story of Private Eddie Slovik. I wonder if the name rings a bell to most of you. On 31 January 1945, he was executed by firing squad for the crime of desertion during World War II. The only American soldier executed for desertion since the American Civil War.
I thought his story is interesting that I searched for more information. I found one here.
What touched my heart was the thought that there are some people who have not had happiness in their lives. I thought about children who, instead of building happy memories in their young minds were struggling with issues and problems created by adults in their lives. I wonder how do we expect to raise good men and women when adults themselves cannot make sense of their lives.
It is a vicious cycle. However, we have to start somewhere. I cannot overemphasize the role of preparing ourselves even before marriage and before we bring children into this world. As a consequence of our spiritual maturity, we build stronger families and raise well-balanced children.
I am not saying that one cannot rise above his circumstances. St. John Bosco was poor and thus he made the effort to help young people learn skills to make them productive and keep them away from distractions. There are also a lot of inspiring stories of people who grew up under unfavorable conditions but made it. These are the exceptions. There are many more who are trapped by the cruelties of their childhood. Made bitter by their experiences they become the dregs of society.
Christians need to bring the love of God to them like St. John Bosco. It will make a big difference in their lives. Maybe it was a coincidence that I read about Slovik on the feast of St. John Bosco. It gave me much to reflect on young lives being wasted.
Let us ask St. John Bosco to pray for our young people. Those who have not known love and guidance in their families, that they find people who will show God's love to them.
I thought his story is interesting that I searched for more information. I found one here.
What touched my heart was the thought that there are some people who have not had happiness in their lives. I thought about children who, instead of building happy memories in their young minds were struggling with issues and problems created by adults in their lives. I wonder how do we expect to raise good men and women when adults themselves cannot make sense of their lives.
It is a vicious cycle. However, we have to start somewhere. I cannot overemphasize the role of preparing ourselves even before marriage and before we bring children into this world. As a consequence of our spiritual maturity, we build stronger families and raise well-balanced children.
I am not saying that one cannot rise above his circumstances. St. John Bosco was poor and thus he made the effort to help young people learn skills to make them productive and keep them away from distractions. There are also a lot of inspiring stories of people who grew up under unfavorable conditions but made it. These are the exceptions. There are many more who are trapped by the cruelties of their childhood. Made bitter by their experiences they become the dregs of society.
Christians need to bring the love of God to them like St. John Bosco. It will make a big difference in their lives. Maybe it was a coincidence that I read about Slovik on the feast of St. John Bosco. It gave me much to reflect on young lives being wasted.
Let us ask St. John Bosco to pray for our young people. Those who have not known love and guidance in their families, that they find people who will show God's love to them.
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