September 30, 2014 - Tuesday

He hushed the storm to silence,
the waves of the sea were stilled. (Psalm 107:29 NABRE)


As a musician, Psalm 107 has a structure I instantly understand. It has a refrain and verses much like the songs we hear today. The verses in turn have a common form and are a progression of images and situations that tell a great story.

In my life, I have problems, temptations and hurts that tug me away from God. They turn my head. They get in my path.  Yet, however insurmountable these are to me, they are nothing to God.  He is bigger than all my problems, much bigger. And in his endless compassion and mercy, he is always there to save me.

When I need help, I have to ask for it--this requires faith, confidence that God will answer, and humility. And when the Lord does save me from a particular distress, it's my place to thank him for his mercy.

I am grateful to hear the tiny whispering sounds of the Lord (1 Kings 19:11-13).  As Pope Francis reminds us, prayer as listening is powerful--sensitive listening to the promptings of the Spirit in the world around us.*


Today, I will thank my Lord for saving me from many distresses over the years, big and small, by whispering; and I will be open to opportunities to act as God's saving arms for others, by listening.


Saint Jerome, patron of librarians, pray for us.

September 29, 2014 - Monday

I know your works, your love, faith, service, and endurance, and that your last works are greater than the first. (Revelation 2:19 NABRE)


The book [of Revelation, with all it's symbolic and allegorical language] is an exhortation and admonition to Christians of the first century to stand firm in the faith and to avoid compromise with paganism, despite the threat of adversity and martyrdom; they are to await patiently the fulfillment of God’s mighty promises.*

Today's verse is from Jesus' words spoken to John in a dream, which he is to write in a letter to the church at Thyatira (modern Akhisar in Turkey). (Rev 2:18-29)

The letter to Thyatira [from which today's verse is drawn] praises the progress in virtue of this small Christian community but admonishes them for tolerating a false prophet who leads them astray. Her fate is sealed, but there is hope of repentance for her followers. Otherwise, they too shall die. They are warned against Satanic power or knowledge. Those who remain faithful will share in the messianic reign, having authority over nations, and will in fact possess Christ himself.*

Today, I will remember that God provides for and protects me, and I will stand firm in my faith.


Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, archangels who provide God's protection, communication and guidance in ways which defy description, pray for us.

September 28, 2014 - Sunday

The Lord announced:
“Those bringing news are a great Army. (Psalm 68:11 NABRE)


Today's verse comes from a passage celebrating the establishment of God's people in the promised land. Though it has several conflicting translations, the message comes through quite clearly:  God, who had set aside a home land for his chosen people, brought them to it and protected them against all opposition.

The Lord does the same for us today. Not only does he provide all we need, he protects us from our real enemy, the deceiver who seeks the ruin of souls.


Today, I will remain grateful that God protects me from the evil that would ruin my soul.


Saint Wenceslaus, who stood for Christian values in the midst of political unrest, pray for us.

September 27, 2014 - Saturday

Plans are made in human hearts,
but from the LORD comes the tongue’s response. (Proverbs 16:1 NABRE)


As I sit here struggling with a respond to today's verse, I suddenly smile with the realization that it is a perfect summary of the process I go through each morning!  It perfectly describes the source of this blog's daily inspiration.  And it reminds me once again that this is not about me but about bringing glory to our God!

After sitting with today's verse, praying about it and even researching its ideas, I find that my original plan to discuss the great-yet-often-unwelcome gift of unanswered prayers is replaced by a message that we do not provide for ourselves, only God does.  I am led to awareness that what God provides is what we need.

About 300 years ago, Matthew Henry an insightful Bible commentators wrote, "As we read this [verse], it teaches us a great truth, that we are not sufficient of ourselves to think or speak any thing of ourselves that is wise and good, but that all our sufficiency is of God, who is with the heart and with the mouth, and works in us both to will and to do."*  Henry goes on to reference Philippians 2:13, "For God is the one who, for his good purpose, works in you both to desire and to work."

Our bishops today agree, telling us that words, like actions, often produce results different from those which were planned, and this comes under the agency of God.*

And the ultimate value of this understanding is summed up beautifully by today's saint, Vincent de Paul who wrote, "Strive to live content in the midst of those things that cause your discontent. Free your mind from all that troubles you, God will take care of things. You will be unable to make haste in this [choice] without, so to speak, grieving the heart of God, because he sees that you do not honor him sufficiently with holy trust. Trust in him, I beg you, and you will have the fulfillment of what your heart desires."*

Today, I will trust that God will take care of things.


Saint Vincent de Paul, patron of charities, pray for us.

September 26, 2014 - Friday

Even to your old age I am he,
even when your hair is gray I will carry you;
I have done this, and I will lift you up,
I will carry you to safety. (Isaiah 46:4 NABRE)


God is God. There is no other equal to him. In stark contrast, we read that at the time of Isaiah, nearly 2800 years ago, man-made gods cast in gold or silver had to be carried by men. Here the one true God explains how he carries his people through this life and protects them.  Even today, thousands of years later, God remains and he is faithful to his word!

Lord, I praise you. You alone are worthy of my praise. Thank you for the many times in my life when you have carried me through suffering, trials, temptations, and the many results of my own weakness. I trust in your Word, and I know you will lift me up, carry me and keep me safe.


Today, I will give praise to God because he carries me safely through life's difficult times.


Saint Cosmas and Damian, third century martyrs in Syria, pray for us.

September 25, 2014 - Thursday

Yet you, God, are my king from of old,
winning victories throughout the earth. (Psalms 74:12 NABRE)


Praise you, Jesus. Thank you for the many victories you have won for your people. Thank you for the many victories you have won in my heart. Even though our eyes have not seen you, even though our ears have not heard you, still we believe. We believe because of your grace. I choose you because you first chose me. Thank you for choosing me.

Lord God, deliver us from evil. Protect us from evil around us. Protect me from evil within. Do not let fear overcome me. Even as I draw closer to you and evil seems to cling to me.  Guard me.  Give me your Spirit and lead my thoughts, my tongue, and my actions.

I will draw strength from you, Lord, and I will put on your armor:  your breastplate of righteousness, boots ready for the gospel of peace, a shield of faith, a helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is your word.*


Today, I will praise my God in all circumstances, grateful for his Divine Mercy and confident in his protection.


Blesseds Louis Martin and Zelie Guerin, parents of Saint Therese of Lisieux, pray for us.
Saint Michael the Archangel, pray for us.

September 24, 2014 - Wednesday

What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? (Matthew 18:12 NABRE)


Isn't it interesting how our Lord perceives us? If we read the full story of the lost sheep (which is told in the gospels of Matthew and Luke), we glimpse Jesus' tenderness and protectiveness toward us, the sheep of his flock, his little ones. We glean real insight into his esteem for each of us: He values each one of us so much that even when we stray from him, he seeks us out, putting all others aside as he does.

As disciples of Jesus, we are called to seek out fellow disciples who have gone astray.* That is Matthew's message here. We are responsible to each other. We are Jesus' legs, arms, voice and heart in this life.

And so, we pray for the grace to find the lost and invite them back. We pray for the courage to leave all else aside as we search for them. We lean deeply into the Holy Spirit and rely on the intercession of the angels and saints as we ask for their help and protection. We ask for the heart of Jesus for the lost, the same burning desire to find them, and the words to encourage them back to the flock.

Today, I will pray for clear awareness, sight for one who may be lost, Jesus' heart for that person, and for the chance to leave all else aside in search of one of the master's stray little ones.


Saint Pacifico of San Severino, who offered your sufferings for the conversion of sinners, pray for us.

September 23, 2014 - Tuesday

The living, the living give you thanks,
as I do today.
Parents declare to their children,
O God, your faithfulness. (Isaiah 38:19 NABRE)


My children are miracles of God! As parents, my wife and I have been given the indescribable gift of time with them. For years, we had the amazing pleasure of watching over and guiding them as they grew, first as infants, then children, then young adults.  Now we have the unequaled privilege to know the beautiful people they have become. They are the great joys of our lives.  Our love for them is the closest hint we have of God's great love for us.  What overwhelming joy when we can sense it!

God our father loves us without limit.  His mercy has no end.  As parents, we care for his children who are entrusted to us.  As parents, we reflect--however imperfectly--his caring, compassion and faithfulness.

Lord God, thank you for this great gift of parenthood.  May we continue to declare to our children, O God, your faithfulness.


Today, I will pray for all parents entrusted with the care of God's children.


Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.

Saint Joseph, husband of Mary, pray for us.

Saint Monica, patron of mothers, pray for us.

Saint Rita of Cascia, patron of parents, pray for us.

Saint Pio of Pietrelcini, Padré Pio, whose feast day it is and who is praised for your dedication to prayer, charity and your witness to the power of suffering, pray for us.

Saint John Paul II, who cannonized Padré Pio and who teaches us to "open wide the doors to Christ," pray for us.

September 22, 2014 - Monday

It is my wish, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or argument. (1 Timothy 2:8 NABRE)


Paul's words to Timothy, who was at the time administrator of the entire Ephesian community,* are a call to prayer.  Reading his letter, which addresses a variety of pastoral problems, I am reminded to pray in every place and to take note of Paul's guidance regarding my attitude in prayer.  I should pray without anger or argument toward other believers.

Lord, give me the grace to pray in every place and at all times throughout my day.  Release me from any anger or resentment I hold toward others who believe in you, for it is by our love for each other that the world will recognize us as Christians.


Today, I will pray constantly, in all the places I go.


Saint Thomas of Villanova, who encourages us to be rich in mercy and charity, pray for us.

September 21, 2014 - Sunday

If possible, on your part, live at peace with all. (Romans 12:18 NABRE)


When Paul wrote his letter to the Romans, he had not yet traveled to Rome or even met many of the believers from there. He had only heard stories of how the young Church was doing (Acts 18:2). Written almost twenty-five years after Jesus' ascension, probably while Paul was in Corinth on his second missionary journey, this letter offers believers many practical details on how Christians should live together.

Lord Jesus, I ask that your Spirit lead my heart today so that I may be an ambassador for my homeland. May your gifts to me, given by grace through your Holy Spirit, find expression today in ways that encourage other believers, especially those who may have become weak in their faith.  If it is at all possible, allow me the chance to share part of our relationship with someone who needs encouragement. If I have a small portion of wisdom, allow me to speak it to someone who wrestles with a difficult decision.  If I can be generous, allow me to contribute to the needs of your people.


Today, I will pray for a heart open to your whispered call, a heart filled with courage to reach out to others in need, and a heart confident that you will provide all I will need to answer your call.


Saint Matthew, patron of accountants, bankers, bookkeepers and tax collectors, pray for us.

September 20, 2014 - Saturday

I declare: “Gods though you be,
offspring of the Most High all of you."  (Psalm 82:6 NABRE)


In the gospel of John (10:34), "Jesus uses this verse [from the Psalms] to prove that those to whom the word of God is addressed can fittingly be called 'gods.'”* And Saint Peter writes to Gentile believers years later in the young Church, telling them it is because of God's gifts that we will share in the divine nature.*

Heady stuff!  In isolation it's a thought that at first seems a bit absurd. But as soon as we recognize it as a theme that runs through the entire Bible, we can see it as one more representation of God's promise of salvation. 

And in this life, Jesus calls me and Peter encourages me to live virtuously, according to the teachings of Jesus Christ and his Church.

My value and my worth come not from what I do or think, but because I am wonderfully made* in the likeness of God.*  I do well to always remember this and to act accordingly.

Today, I will remember that I am created in God's image.  I am fit to be called a god.  I have been called to live a certain way. And I have been given the power of the Holy Spirit to do so.*


Saints Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang and Companions, Korean martyrs, pray for us.

September 19, 2014 - Friday

Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back.  (Luke 6:30 NABRE)


Skepticism is a good thing.  In the form of critical thinking, it helps us evaluate and moderate our willingness to believe what is false.  It is an attitude of challenge.  It demands proof.  It can help lead our thinking toward wisdom.

However, in some cases, religious skeptics, whom I would even agree at times are reacting rightly to ill-considered religious extremism, can themselves overgeneralize and dismiss faith as harmful self-deception.  Faith should never be dismissed, even if certain things remain unexplained.

Today's verse challenges the skeptic, or at least it should.  To one who dismisses faith, even in part, as an imagined emotional salve that makes the believer feel better in some way, this verse and the passage from which it is drawn, Luke 6:27-36, must be confusing!  In it, Jesus calls us to love our enemies in ways that go against our human nature.


Today, I will seek balance, confident in my faith and willing to question what is presented to me.


Saint Januarius, third century Bishop of Naples, whose relic reminds us that miracles do occur, pray for us.

September 18, 2014 - Thursday

But he shall judge the poor with justice,
and decide fairly for the land’s afflicted.
He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth,
and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked.  (Isaiah 11:4 NABRE)


A good part of Isaiah's message is that we need to behave ethically if we wish to live in the presence of our holy God.  He also calls us to rely on God's promises.  He calls us away from vain attempts to find security in human plans.  For him, who lived during a time of tremendous pressure on Israel's Northern Kingdom, the vision of God's majesty was so overwhelming that military and political power faded into insignificance.* 

Today's verse predicts, and describes in part, the ideal king who would come in David's line, though no specific king is named.  Interesting.  I think of David's son, Solomon.  

Today, I will pray the Rosary for our leaders, that they seek to behave ethically. I will pray it for peace in our troubled world.  And I will pray it for families where God's true peace can be planted in young hearts.


Our Lady of Fatima, who calls us to pray the Rosary, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, husband of Mary, pray for us.
Saint Monica, patron of mothers, pray for us.
Saint Joseph of Cupertino, whose prayer life is a model for us all, pray for us.
Saint John Paul II, whose feast day will be October 22, pray for us.
Saint John XXIII, whose feast day will be October 11, pray for us.

September 17, 2014 - Wednesday

When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.  (Colossians 3:4 NABRE)


Writing from prison, Saint Paul encourages the believers at Colossae (a town he had not yet visited) to avoid some inaccurate teachings about Jesus.  In today's verse, he reminds us, even today, that our lives are connected to Jesus through our baptism.

The submersion of baptism represents our burial, with Christ, to our old life.  As we rise out of the baptismal water, we recall his Resurrection and our new life in the Spirit.  And because he becomes our new life, we can claim what he promised.

Paul's message:  Stay focused.


Today, I will avoid the snares and pitfalls of this life and focus on living life in the Spirit as I am called to by Jesus and encouraged to by all the saints.


Saint Robert Bellarmine, patron of catechists and catechumens, pray for us.

September 16, 2014 - Tuesday

When Jesus arrived at the official’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion,
he said, “Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they ridiculed him.
When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand, and the little girl arose.  (Matthew 9:23-25 NABRE)


Faith first.  Proof follows.  With God, when we let go and trust in his promises, it's not uncommon that we find miracles become apparent to us.  When the synagogue official expressed his faith in Jesus' ability to raise his daughter from death, he expressed faith in God's ability to deliver the impossible.  And because of his faith, Jesus restored life to the girl.

For anyone who willingly chooses to put their faith in God's promises, miracles begin to become visible.  Not all are death-defying, though that does happen.  Most are small, and even quickly forgotten.  But each one becomes another proof for the believer that Jesus does what he promises in our lives.  Through his Spirit, he is active in our lives, right now!

I always find myself feeling like I dance at the edge of superstition when I think this way; however, when I reign in my self-judgment, I see that even when I maintain a sober, skeptical perspective, I've experienced certain coincidences which are far too frequent and entirely too common to be just that.  they become my proofs, increasing my confidence with time that my faith is not foolishness.

I cannot give you faith, but I can encourage what is within you.  Don't look for proof first.  It will disappoint you.  Flip that coin over.  Consider stepping out in faith first and see where it leads you.


Today, I will seek to have the kind of faith of the official.  I will not seek proof first, but will openly accept insight as it comes to me, especially when it is unexpected.


Saint Cyprian, whose life reminds us that the Church grows over time, pray for us.

September 15, 2015 - Monday

For I will slake the thirst of the faint; the appetite of all the weary I will satisfy.  (Jeremiah 31:25 NABRE)


God promises to satisfy the needs of his people.  In this passage, God speaks to his people through Jeremiah's dream.  In it, God promises to restore the kingdom of Judah which had been overrun by outside nations.  This occurs about 600 BC, while they are suffering in exile.

God promises to satisfy our needs even today.  What a huge statement:  God promises.  Do I believe it?  Do my circumstances keep me from believing God will really satisfy all my needs?  When I become lost in my own sorrows and trials, it can be difficult to remember God's promise.  And that is why, as Saint Paul tells us, we should "pray without ceasing"* and "in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make [our] requests known to God."*  In each moment, be with God.

We should make it our purpose in life to be constantly turned to God, believing he will satisfy our needs.  When I consider the courage of Mary at the foot of the cross, I realize her trust in God's promise at that moment did not depend on her circumstances.

Today, I will give up my anxiety and trust in God's promise to satisfy all my needs.


Our Lady of Sorrows, who stood fearlessly at the cross of your son, Jesus, pray for us.

September 14, 2014 - Sunday

May grace and peace be yours in abundance through knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.  (2 Peter 1:2 NABRE)


Living in the Roman world, Saint Peter knew how difficult it is to live a Christian life "in a hostile, secular environment that espoused different values and subjected the Christian minority to ridicule and oppression."*

Today, we face the same challenges in our own culture.  We are called to follow Jesus in a society whose values can often have more to do with personal gain, individualism, consumerism and wealth accumulation than grace, peace, faith and mercy.

As a result, the advice Saint Peter offers in his letters is still useful today.  I find myself challenged each day to find ways to live God's purpose for my life in all the little details, but Peter's call to increase my knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord is a constant reminder to stay focused on what is important and eternal rather than what is passing away and temporary.

Today, I will remind myself that true grace and peace come only from God.


Saint Helena, on this feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, pray for us.

September 13, 2014 - Saturday

“Come,” says my heart, “seek his face”;
your face, LORD, do I seek!  (Psalms 27:8 NABRE)


Today's verse is an idiomatic expression used to describe how King David seeks to commune with God in the Temple.*  It is an invitation by his very heart to return to their place of worship, to go to God and to spend time with him.

Do I seek time with the Lord?  Where do I find God in my own life?  Do I remember that I am his Temple?  Am I aware that I share space with God in every moment of my life?  Do I remember that I can spend time with God anytime of day or night because he is always with me?  Honestly, sometimes I forget!

Lord, my heart wants to spend time with you but I get so busy sometimes I forget you are already with me.  Remind me gently, when life's business overwhelms me, of your presence within me.  When I look to the sky for you, I know you are there.  When I see ocean sunrises, I recognize you in them.  When I see all the grand things of this world, I believe you are in all of them.  But I need not look beyond my own space, Lord, because you are as close as my own breath and you understand me better than I understand myself.  


Today, I will welcome God's presence within me, sharing my whole experience of this life as my gift to his glory.


Saint John Chrysostom, patron of orators, preachers and speakers, pray for us.

September 12, 2014 - Friday

and receive from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.  (1 John 3:22 NABRE)


Today's verse is part of a challenging passages that tells us to trust God in all things.  More specifically, 1 John 3:19-24 tells us to believe in Jesus and to love one another as he commanded.*  And if we do this, even at those times when our emotions tell us to do otherwise, we will receive what we ask for.

Toward the end of the first century, about 60-70 years after Jesus' Ascension, some former members of the early Christian community had refused to acknowledge Jesus as the Christ.*  John writes his letters in part to combat this and other ideas about Jesus which he personally knew to be false.

We can see Jesus' own teaching as the source of John's reassuring words.  In both Matthew (7:7-11 and 21:22) and John's (14:13-14) gospels, Jesus tells us exactly the same thing:  to trust confidently in God!


Lord, may our national motto, In God We Trust, continue to find a place in our hearts.

Today, on this feast of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I will open my heart to God's ways, wherever they may lead me.


Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us.

September 11, 2014 - Thursday

From the ends of the earth I call;
my heart grows faint.
Raise me up, set me on a rock. (Psalms 61:3 NABRE)


The Psalmist calls on God to save him from death.

Today, on this thirteenth anniversary of the evil acts of murder and terror carried out on American soil, we pause to remember those we lost that day as well as those who survived but are still suffering and dying in the aftermath.

We should also pause and pray for our own hearts, that our lives may be expressions of God's Spirit in this world. It is a good day to pray in the spirit of Saint Francis:

Lord make me an instrument of your peace
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is error, truth;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, Joy.

O Divine Master grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
To be understood,as to understand;
To be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Holy Spirit of God, I ask that you remove all the unseen hurt imposed on us who witnessed the dark evil unleashed that terrible day. Release us especially from any rage planted in us that day. Replace lingering demons with angels led by your divine mercy and love. Fill us with the wisdom to live as people after your own heart. Light new flames of compassion and understanding in our hearts. Lord, heal us.


Today, I will meditate on the peace prayer of Saint Francis, seeking a change of heart.


Saint Jean-Gabriel Perboyre, missionary and martyr for Christians in China, pray for us.

September 10, 2014 - Wednesday

Peter said, “I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, [rise and] walk.”
Then Peter took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles grew strong.
He leaped up, stood, and walked around, and went into the temple with them, walking and jumping and praising God. (Acts 3 6-8 NABRE)


Suddenly, after receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Peter begins performing miracles in the name of Jesus Christ.  It is only in Jesus' name that he is able to give these signs.  And we do rely on our signs.  In this case, the sign led at least this one man to understand the saving power of Jesus and to begin praising God.

Lord, help me to be watchful for signs of your presence and involvement in my day.  Keep me aware of all the small ways in which you mark my trail for me.  Though there is much to see and distract me along my journey, make me have keen eyes for your markers so that I may stay on the right path that leads me home to you.

Today, I will seek stillness within, so that I will recognize God's presence there.


Pedro de Corpa and Companions, martyrs for the law of God, pray for us.

September 9, 2014 - Tuesday

Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs in Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.
After this, he and his mother, [his] brothers, and his disciples went down to Capernaum and stayed there only a few days. (John 2:11-12 NABRE)


Signs carry meaning:  Red octagons mean stop.  Signs send messages:  Billboards advertise products.  The writer of John's gospel describes what Jesus did in Cana as a sign:  His changing of water into wine at the wedding reception meant something and was a message--it was the first time he revealed his glory to his disciples.

It is at this point that Jesus' disciples begin to believe in him, after they see this first sign with their own eyes.  It occurs to me that they did not have faith yet.  Instead, they were eyewitnesses of this sign.  Faith is believing in something you cannot see.

The Apostles would witness many other signs and it was their job, their calling, their mission to tell others about what they saw.  Today, we cannot be eyewitnesses to Jesus' signs, but by faith we can be witnesses of his glory by the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit.


Today, I will reflect on the truth of Jesus' glory which was demonstrated before many eyewitnesses.


Saint Peter Claver, patron of African-Americans, pray for us.

September 8, 2014 - Monday

...instruct certain people not to...concern themselves with myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the plan of God that is to be received by faith.  (1 Timothy 1:4 NABRE)


There is an expression:  He can't see the forest for the trees.  When we become overly concerned with details, we often lose sight of the big picture and the details become distractions from what is most important.  In some cases, the details can even mislead us.

In today's verse, written perhaps thirty years after Jesus' Ascension, Saint Paul instructs Timothy to restrain false and useless teaching that had sprung up in the Christian community at Ephesus.*  A predominantly gentile community, where there was some drifting away by some toward gnosticism,* and Paul instructs Timothy to preserve and redirect the community back to correct church doctrine and organization.*


Today, I will ask the Holy Spirit to provide me with insight regarding any cultural influences on my own thinking that contradict what is most important, and I will ask for a new direction in any illuminated areas of my life.


Blessed Virgin Mary, through whose birth the nature [we] inherited from our first parents is changed, and the birth of whose son is the dawn of our salvation, pray for us.  Pray for an increase of peace in our world.  I ask this today, on the celebration of your birth.

September 7, 2014 - Sunday

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!  (2 Corinthians 9:15 NABRE)


Let's remember to be grateful for Jesus, who is God's surpassing gift to you and me.

Today's verse is from a passage about generosity.  In it Saint Paul speaks directly to me about my call to give bountifully to those who share the message of Jesus through preaching and service to others.  As motivation, Paul reminds me that I can never outdo the generosity God shows me every day.  And more than that, Paul's words encourage me to give without concern of giving more than I can afford.  In his letter, he quotes from Proverbs, "whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."*

With this as background, I am reminded of a time in the past when evil interrupted my giving; and how it took many years for me to realize that this was just another way evil attacks the good works of Jesus' Church.  Imagine it, I, the same person whose faith is now fairly well documented here, was so angry at the scandalous actions of certain priests that I withheld nearly all financial contributions to the Church!  Like many, I felt deeply offended and betrayed by our holy men and I couldn't imagine giving money to aid this religious institution.

I never left the Church and my faith in God never wavered, but when trust is broken it can take time to heal.  Perhaps it was time, certainly it was prayer, but finally I came to see that the Church instituted by Jesus is far more than the sinful behavior of fallible men.  This Church of ours, it is something eternal.  It is a true force of good in our world.  And now I see that such a thing is too much for evil to tolerate!  So once again, we can recognize the presence of evil as it takes advantage of our human weaknesses in order gain a foothold.

It seems almost silly to me now, to have withdrawn my support at a time when I probably should have doubled it!  So I let this be a warning to myself!  Evil always comes in disguise.  It looks right and good, but it is not.  And only through prayer can we begin the process of recognizing it.  And then, we course correct if necessary!  We take action.  We give!


Today, I will give liberally and cheerfully of my time, talent and treasure to my Church.


Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, founder of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, pray for us.

September 6, 2014 - Saturday

Then I will rejoice in the LORD,
exult in God’s salvation.  (Psalm 35:9 NABRE)


Today's verse is a tricky one!  Out of context as it is here, there is a joy in it.  And it is tempting to evaluate it as such.  We can take away a pleasant reminder of the joy we should experience as Christians who have the promise of salvation.  Very encouraging, isn't it?

But there seems to be more to it.  Have you ever been falsely accused of something you didn't do?  Have you ever had your reputation unjustly smeared by someone?  Have you ever experienced the soul-crushing helplessness of enduring lies you cannot stop?  Well, King David knew all about this.  Imagine his rage, recall your own.  Consider how that must have combined with the feeling of helplessness, remember your own.  And wonder with me how long it may have gone on--days, weeks, months--that his enemy's false accusations circulated about him.  I wonder how exhausting it must have been.  Well, after asking the Lord to destroy his enemies, in his completely justifiable righteous anger, in today's verse, David predicts how he will feel after God does in fact destroy his enemies.

How human this is!  How familiar it feels.  Now consider Jesus' response to false accusations, ridicule, lies and the threat of death by his own people, even as he hung nailed to that cross:  “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”  (Luke 23:34)

And so I am convicted by this, called to seek forgiveness, even for the unforgivable.


Today, I will pray for a forgiving heart, especially at those times when I am unjustly accused, mistreated, ridiculed, lied about, or threatened.  I will ask the Lord to shield my spirit from the bitter anger and rage that can destroy far more than my physical self, but my eternal soul as well.


Blessed Claudio Granzotta, artist who joined his own suffering and death with Christ’s Cross, pray for us.

September 5, 2014 - Friday

For you have been a refuge to the poor,
a refuge to the needy in their distress;
Shelter from the rain,
shade from the heat.
When the blast of the ruthless was like a winter rain.  (Isaiah 25:4 NABRE)


Have you ever had a moment of insight, a flash of understanding, a light bulb moment?  The prophet Isaiah had many such moments and was open to them.  He had visions and in them he realized an overwhelming sense of God's perfect holiness and our deep sinfulness.

Today's verse paints a very clear image of God's protection for the weakest among his people.  In it, Isaiah depicts God as a shelter from all types of harm.  He protects the poor and the needy suffering pain, anxiety or sorrow.  He protects them especially from anyone who lacks pity or compassion.

I am certain that each of us is called to be part of God's sheltering refuge.  We are responsible to each other, to provide protection from the rain, heat, and blasts of cold winter rain which cause harm to those who are not able to shelter themselves.


Today, I will follow the example of Mother Teresa, seeking to assist others in need.


Blessed Teresa of Kolkata (Calcutta), icon of the Good Samaritan, pray for us.

September 4, 2014 - Thursday

For the life was made visible;
we have seen it and testify to it
and proclaim to you the eternal life
that was with the Father and was made visible to us.  (1 John 1:2 NABRE)


In our lifetime, we hear the stories of World War II from veterans who served.  Their accounts remind us of the truth of the events, both horrific and heroic.  Today, as they age, these soldiers share their accounts with us as a legacy so we will remember what happened in their youth.

In today's verse, the ideas of an aging Saint John express the truth of events remembered from his own youth--the words describe his friend, the historical Jesus, in words which unmistakably and with complete certainty tell us of Jesus' divinity.

I am reminded of the words that introduce the film The Song of Bernadette: “For those who believe in God, no explanation is necessary. For those who do not believe, no explanation is possible.”


Today, I will pray for those who believe in God, that they may find strength in the words of Saint John, the example of Rose of Viterbo, and the intercession of Mary; and I will pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for those who do not believe or whose faith has become lukewarm, that they may experience conversion of heart as dramatic as Saint Paul's.


Our Lady of Lourdes, who intercedes on our behalf before her son, pray for us.
Saint Rose of Viterbo, who made a place in her life for God’s grace, pray for us.
Saint Faustina, who shared with us Jesus' message of mercy, pray for us.

September 3, 2014 - Wednesday

The last word, when all is heard: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this concerns all humankind.  (Ecclesiastes 12:13 NABRE)


Today's verse comes from a book filled with skeptical ideas about any absolute values in this life.*  The apparent message of Ecclesiastes, if we only read part of it, is difficult to reconcile with other books of the Old Testament.  If however, we read the final six verses, the Epilogue, we gain the writer's true perspective and the balancing message to the book's overall tone.

Believed to have been written at a time when the Jewish people were oppressed, the book expresses their sense of futility, powerlessness, and distance from God.  Yet, when all is said and done, even at such times, we are told to fear God and keep his commandments.

Fear of God has lost much of its meaning in our culture.  To keep an attitude of respect toward God, to hold him in highest esteem, to humble ourselves, to recognize him as our final judge, these things reflect the fear of God that we are all wise to seek.


Today, I will fear God and consider my own attitude toward him and others throughout the day.


Saint Gregory the Great, patron of teachers, pray for us.

September 2, 2014 - Tuesday

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”  (Matthew 16:15-16 NABRE)


Wow!  Whenever I stop to consider this, I'm amazed!

Not only does Peter recognize Jesus as the long-expected savior of the Jews, he actually recognizes him as the Son of the living God.  That is quite a leap, even though Peter has certainly seen him perform some pretty dramatic miracles by this time.

Remember though, Jesus has never actually explained this about himself.  Peter could never have known this and wouldn't have guessed it.  So "Jesus said to him in reply, 'Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.'"  (Matthew 16:17)

At some point, everyone who has heard the stories about him confronts the question, "What do I believe about Jesus of Nazareth?"

If you're not sure where you stand, it's worth taking the time to find out!  Leave religion aside (to some degree) and go to the source.  Read the Bible and make your decision.  If you're not quite satisfied with what this life seems to be giving you, satisfaction is there.  If you have questions about what your purpose is, you may just find the answers are there too.


Today, I will look at my own belief about Jesus of Nazareth, grateful for what I have come to realize, like Simon Peter, that he is the Son of the living God.


Blessed John Francis Burté and Companions, martyred victims of the French Revolution, pray for us.

September 1, 2014 - Monday

The thief must no longer steal, but rather labor, doing honest work with his [own] hands, so that he may have something to share with one in need.  (Ephesians 4:28 NABRE)


More than this, Saint Paul is talking about our new selves baptized in the Spirit and giving us strong guidance for living our new lives.

He tells us to avoid lying, stealing, bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, reviling, and malice.  Instead, we are to labor at honest work, share with others in need, be truthful, kind, compassionate, and forgiving.


Today, I will live deliberately in the Spirit, removing from my day those activities I should avoid and substituting those activities that strengthen my walk with my God.


Saint Giles, patron of beggars and the disabled, pray for us.