₦airaland Forum

MEDITATION OF THE DAY
Jerusalem will be trampled down by the pagans until the age of the pagans is completely over (Gospel Reading Luke 21:20-28)

As he presented Jesus teaching on the end times, Luke expanded the scope from Jerusalem and the temple (Lk 21:20-24) to encompass the whole of creation. And yet, even in the midst of such upheavel, Jesus encouraged them: "When these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near".  All these events are signs that Jesus return is imminent, and for anyone who believes in him, such signs should bring joy and anticipation.
We can view the upheaval that we see in the world today as another sign pointing toward the final reality.  We don't know when the end will come, but we do know that it will come in an unmistakable, recognizable way.

Jesus told us: "There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves"(Luke 21:25).  Then the end will come with Jesus return as judge.  How can we be sure that we will survive these times? Jesus promised: "God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16).  While the coming judgment will cause many to faint "with fear and foreboding" (Luke 21:26), it can be a time of hope and encouragement for us.  God wants to take away our fear of his judgment by planting the cross of Christ deep in our hearts.  He wants to make us increasingly confident in the power of Jesus salvation to keep us safe.

The more we trust in God, relying on his Spirit's power to obey his commands, the less we fear the coming judgment.  On the cross, Jesus paid the penalty for all our sins.  In his resurrection, he poured out his Spirit to empower us to live in faith, obedience, and love.  Let us accept Jesus more deeply into our lives.  Let us ask him to give us the confidence to "look up" when the end comes and our redemption draws near. 

PRAYER
Jesus, we accept your great love for us.  Keep us alert so that we will live each day for you and be ready for your coming." AMEN

JOURNEY WITH THE SAINTS
One who is anchored in God does not suffer any loss, even if attacked by a thousand waves and a thousand storms.  On the contrary, he emerges stronger.  St. John Chrysostom.

Today's Saint

Servant of God John of Monte Corvino (1247-1328)

At a time when the Church was heavily embroiled in nationalistic rivalries within Europe, it was also reaching across Asia to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Mongols. John of Monte Corvino went to China about the same time Marco Polo was returning.

John was a soldier, judge and doctor before he became a friar. Prior to going to Tabriz, Persia (present-day Iran), in 1278, he was well known for his preaching and teaching. In 1291 he left Tabriz as a legate of Pope Nicholas IV to the court of Kublai Khan. An Italian merchant, a Dominican friar and John traveled to western India where the Dominican died. When John and the Italian merchant arrived in China in 1294, Kublai Khan had recently died.

Nestorian Christians, successors to the dissidents of the fifth-century Council of Ephesus’ teaching on Jesus Christ, had been in China since the seventh century. John converted some of them and also some of the Chinese, including Prince George from Tenduk, northwest of Beijing. Prince George named his son after this holy friar.

John established his headquarters in Khanbalik (now Beijing), where he built two churches; his was the first resident Catholic mission in the country. By 1304 he had translated the Psalms and the New Testament into the Tatar language.

Responding to two letters from John, Pope Clement V named John Archbishop of Khanbalik in 1307 and consecrated seven friars as bishops of neighboring dioceses. One of the seven never left Europe. Three others died along the way to China; the remaining three bishops and the friars who accompanied them arrived there in 1308.

When John died in 1328, he was mourned by Christians and non-Christians. His tomb quickly became a place of pilgrimage. In 1368, Christianity was banished from China when the Mongols were expelled and the Ming dynasty began. John’s cause has been introduced in Rome.

Quote

In 1975, Pope Paul VI wrote, "The Church evangelizes when she seeks to convert, solely through the divine power of the Message she proclaims, both the personal and collective consciences of people, the activities in which they engage, and the lives and concrete milieus which are theirs" (Evangelization in the Modern World, #18).

Ok, I was thinking whether you have taken me to that level – as if I don’t have even a minute for my God again. I now understand you. Yes, the strength is coming back gradually. I know God will not let me go below this present strength, instead I will come out stronger. If it will be possible to walk down to any Catholic Parish to Book Mass for this intention, I will do it. Oby, I mean what I’m saying because now is the time – tomorrow may be the end. I sound unserious? I mean my word.

It mustn't be any Catholic Parish, because when you book mass, it is also advisable to attend the mass also. so when you say any parish, you might book it where it will b far from your home and it will be difficult for you to attend.

Sure today is the acceptable time, tomorrow might be too late, its good to be prepared at all times because no one knows when the MASTER will come knocking. May God help all of us, especially those who love him and will want to be wit him on that last day.

I remember the Legion prayer "The Confer O Lord on Us" That all the faithfuls may gather at the last day without the lost of any one.

Please don’t allow God’s blessing to bring down tears – let it be joy for you

No its tears of Joy. When i think of how wonderful he is, i can't control my tears.
Na dey make me at atimes if i dey dance inside house like this, my people will just be laughing, i no wan know o

ebos:
Oby, you said so? You sure say I weak to that level? Hum! Anyway, just continue praying for me and others. I believe the power of prayer. I know God will bless you too as you continue to do so.

I no talk sey u weak to the level of sleeping cat o, Afterall no bi the strength dey return back so. God has been blessing me o, i no go lie. I no even fit quantify the blessing, at times it brings tears to my eyes Our God is just too much. I call him God of the whole universe, who sees both the known and the unknown.

Like the Parish priest we have now in my Parish cannot work without the Charismatics, there are some cases he refers to the charismatics.

@Lawyer and others
Can we all know the society each and everyone of us belong to.

ebos:
@Oby

Maybe, the way I see Charismatic is different from the way you see it. Actually, I don’t the pray and pray again. But thank God you are used to them.

Again, how do you cope doing both Legion and Charismatic works? I know Legion don’t joke with their assigned work and it’s very difficult for them to accept excuses – that was the main reason I distanced myself. I know two Priests that were not comfortable with the way Charismatic conduct their prayers. The Protestant method where (I don’t know whether to call it noise – but pardon me ) everybody will be shouting as if the Spirit of God is a confusion One. Because of that they were banned and after 2 years they lifted the ban on them. Another society I love is Sacred Heart and my mum is a strong member of the Sacred Heart Society and she has been encouraging me to join.

As you said, Auxiliary Membership will be ok for you at the Legion Level while you remain active member at the Charismatic Group. But always remember us in your prayer. Hope you don’t pray for yourself only?

Is not easy, but like i told you i'm not frequent in the Legion duties or meeting, i want to belong to the auxilliary member, where our duty is just to say the prayers.
Is not all priest that understand the Charismatic way, u know we have different priest and we have the charismatic priest.

Yes, sacred heart is another good society, my mum and dad are in sacred heart and also a charismatic member.

Sure, do you know how much i put u and others who are weak in my prayers (i'm not greedy in my prayers ). Infact the more you pray for others, that is the more u pray for yourself.

@oby and ebos

How did you guys manage to ward of all those anti catholic bashers? These few days without them, has provided a serene environment for catholics to enjoy these thread peacefully and spiritually and it actually underscores the object of this post. It is totally devoid of all those irritating insults in the guise of advise and condemnations which the catholic doctrine preaches against. Well done to you guys and keep the banner flying. Enjoying you guys all the way every moment i log on

I think the Keeping Silent Method (KSM) did the work.

ancient

i have a tight schedule today

u?

Heart of Jesus bleeding for his people

Demarcate

word of God

them

none

when was the last time you were accused wrongly?

What kind of punches?

decay

Damage to the system

@Ebos

But, you didn't tell us the society you belong.

I'm a Charismatic member also a Legionary (but not frequent). I'm comtemplating being an auxilliary member, so as to have time for myself too.

However, the Society I find difficult to join is Charismatic Renewal.

I was finding it difficult before to be a Charismatic member, but since i joined it, i must tell you i never regretted it. I now understand all about them.

MEDITATION OF THE DAY
The fingers of a human hand appeared and began to write. (Daniel 5:1-6. 16-17. 23-28)

The mysterious tale of the handwriting on the wall was meant to underscore the sovereignty and power of God over all the earth. King Belshazzar had committed a grievous offense against God's sanctity by using sacred objects from Jerusalem's temple to honor the idols of Babylon. This defilement prompted the terrifying vision of the moving hand and the cryptic message.
God knows us completely; he sees our afflictions and our triumphs and his hand is upon us (Psalm 139:14) No matter what we face, he sees our condition and responds with love. No problem is so big nor sin so terrible that it can turn him away from us. Our Father wants us to look to him in prayer for wisdom and guidance. We are his body, the church, and when we pray he hears us and answers us according to the riches of his mercy.

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, we come to you with this request: increase our faith and help us to rely humbly on God. By your Spirit grant us wisdom and give us a heart of love and obedience. Father, protect your sons and daughters. AMEN

JOURNEY WITH THE SAINTS[/b]A soul that loves God is loved by him, and God himself comes to dwell in her, The Lord, then, never departs from a soul unless he is driven away, even though he should know that she will soon banish him from her heart. [b]St. Alphonsus LIguori

Today's Saint

St. James of the Marche (1394-1476)

Meet one of the fathers of the modern pawnshop!

James was born in the Marche of Ancona, in central Italy along the Adriatic Sea. After earning doctorates in canon and civil law at the University of Perugia, he joined the Friars Minor and began a very austere life. He fasted nine months of the year; he slept three hours a night. St. Bernardine of Siena told him to moderate his penances.

James studied theology with St. John of Capistrano. Ordained in 1420, James began a preaching career that took him all over Italy and through 13 Central and Eastern European countries. This extremely popular preacher converted many people (250,000 at one estimate) and helped spread devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. His sermons prompted numerous Catholics to reform their lives and many men joined the Franciscans under his influence.

With John of Capistrano, Albert of Sarteano and Bernardine of Siena, James is considered one of the "four pillars" of the Observant movement among the Franciscans. These friars became known especially for their preaching.

To combat extremely high interest rates, James established montes pietatis (literally, mountains of charity) — nonprofit credit organizations that lent money at very low rates on pawned objects.

Not everyone was happy with the work James did. Twice assassins lost their nerve when they came face to face with him. James was canonized in 1726.

Quote

"Beloved and most holy word of God! You enlighten the hearts of the faithful, you satisfy the hungry, console the afflicted; you make the souls of all productive of good and cause all virtues to blossom; you snatch souls from the devil’s jaw; you make the wretched holy, and men of earth citizens of heaven" (Sermon of St. James).

ebos:
So, which societies you all belong? Maybe, I have to go for Legion. Though, for years I have not attended and I have not identified with any other society. So, let me believe I still belong to Legion

To be upgraded from lukewarm member to Active member

@Ebos

I tell you, this thread has encouraged me a lot.  It’s being a very long time I heard someone (Catholic(s)) encouraging me to take things of God serious.  This thread has provided the needed help.  With the help of this thread and by the special grace of God, I have been able to say my Rosary 4 consecutive days.

When I see some people saying that they have been reciting their rosaries – I think of myself.  I ask myself if they are not human beings like me.  Now, I have taken my rosary serious and I will be reciting it everyday or at least 3-4 times a week.  As time goes on, I will come back to my normal approach to Rosary.

Glory to Jesus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!,
Honour to Mary

Thank u Jesus for the touch of strength on your son Ebos, thank you Jesus.  Lord i pray that this new found zeal will not be quenched either by friends or anyother distraction in Jesus name.

you can't bet how happy i am hearing this  The Lord is our Strength

catholism is another form of secret society brought into th world by trying to come through christainity, take it or leave it,

Thank you sir

adultery can never help your marriage, instead it will kill your marriage. So don't.

Havana _hospital

Word for thought

@ebos

You danced more than David? I trust God must have stood up because of your dance. Oby, as you made it, don’t you think it was for both of us?

Sure God stood up, infact i'm sure he was dancing with me, because i was really carried away.

Right actions for the future are the best apologies for wrong ones in the past. I hope to make up the lost one. Please, make una no crucify me o. If it was possible for me to attend, I would have been there. In fact, I saw some Parishners from another Parish (matching it) while I was on the way with a few of my colleagues, and like Peter, my mind came to this thread immediately.

I pray u and others like Lawyer will make it next time.

MEDITATION OF THE DAY
God will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; it will absorb all kingdoms. (Daniel 2:31-45)

PRAYER[/b]Lord Jesus, you are the foundation of your Father's kingdom, the cornerstone of the church. Help us to rely on your protection and to remain faithful to you even in the midst of trouble and anxiety. Holy Spirit, renew our hearts in hope, for you have promised to be with us always.

[b]JOURNEY WITH THE SAINTS
Jesus is All, and I desire to belong wholly to him. It is extreme folly and delusion to look elsewhere for any true happiness. St. John Eudes.

Today's Saint

St. Francesco Antonio Fasani 1681-1742

Born in Lucera (southeast Italy), Francesco entered the Conventual Franciscans in 1695. After his ordination 10 years later, he taught philosophy to younger friars, served as guardian of his friary and later became provincial. When his term of office ended, Francesco became master of novices and finally pastor in his hometown.

In his various ministries, he was loving, devout and penitential. He was a sought-after confessor and preacher. One witness at the canonical hearings regarding Francesco’s holiness testified, "In his preaching he spoke in a familiar way, filled as he was with the love of God and neighbor; fired by the Spirit, he made use of the words and deed of Holy Scripture, stirring his listeners and moving them to do penance." Francesco showed himself a loyal friend of the poor, never hesitating to seek from benefactors what was needed.

At his death in Lucera, children ran through the streets and cried out, "The saint is dead! The saint is dead!" Francesco was canonized in 1986.

Quote

During his homily at the canonization of Francesco, Pope John Paul II reflected on John 21:15 in which Jesus asks Peter if he loves Jesus more than the other apostles and then tells Peter, "Feed my lambs." The pope observed that in the final analysis human holiness is decided by love. "He [Francesco] made the love taught us by Christ the fundamental characteristic of his existence, the basic criterion of his thought and activity, the supreme summit of his aspirations" (L'Osservatore Romano, vol. 16, number 3, 1986).

Today is my birthday, shhhhhhhhhh! no tell pilgrim or cgift o! before them spoil my day o!

Very happy birthday to you and many many happy returns.  God's protection on you and above all more Grace from God to keep you focused on the heavenly race.

Hip! Hip!! Hip!!!
HURRAY

@Ebos

So you all made it?  I thank God for that.  I rejoice with you all.

u never tell us whether u made it to the procession, Ebos?

I'm just thinking how Oby, viee and even carlosein danced that very day.

You wan try the dance step? Infact i danced more than David.