Novena for Life VI

Day Six

Preaching the Gospel of Life in Every Moment

Prayer
Father of life, from the beginning of each day and into the night, teach me the sacred value of every human life from its very beginning until its end in you.

A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans 14: 7-9, 10c-12
No one lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself. For if we live, we live for the Lord and If we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. For this is why Christ died and came to life, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written: "as I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bend before me, and every tongue shall give praise to God." So then each of us shall give an accounting of himself to God.

(silent reflection)

Prayer
God of all creation, infuse in the minds and hearts of all who serve us in government, the academy and the healing sciences the right of every
human being to the respect of their God-given lives.

A Reflection by Pope John Paul II*
For the Christian, [the commandment "You shall no kill"] involves an absolute imperative to respect, love and promote the life of every brother and sister, in accordance with the requirements of God's bountiful love in Jesus Christ. "He laid down his life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren" (1John 3:16)...It resounds in the moral conscience of everyone as an irrepressible echo of the original covenant of God the Creator with mankind. It can be recognized by everyone through the light of reason and it can be observed thanks to the mysterious working of the spirit who, blowing where he wills (cf. John 3:8), comes to and involves every person living in this world. It is therefore a service of love which we are all committed to ensure to our neighbor, that his or her life may be always defended and promoted especially when it is weak or threatened

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...

* Pope John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae, no. 77

~~~~~~~

Today we are invited to pray for LIFE. Give thanks for LIFE. Bear witness to LIFE. This is the time to reflect on all those hugs, giggles, tears and pain.
If you can visit our Lord in the tabernacle. Spend REAL time with him.

And in so doing say,
"Thanks be to God."

+++++++

Since I first posted this Novena for Life, God has blessed this family with two more children There are 10 grand children all told.

Their smile and music, their tears and their runny noses all bring us together in love, joy, and celebration of that most precious of gifts, LIFE!!!! Ron and I have also been blessed by the addition of two very special step-grandchildren. The too have their talents and gifts and the add to the joy of our family!

~~~^j^~~~
A Sincere
Thanks be to God!!!

Novena for Life V

Photography by Jerry Harpur

Day Five
Resting Only in Your Truth

Prayer
Father of life, help me to bring every longing to the infinite fulfillment of every heart's expectations.

A Reading from Saint Paul's Letter to the Romans 2:14-15
For it is not those who hear the law who are just in the sight of God; rather, those who observe the law will be justified. For when the Gentiles who do no have the law by nature observe the prescription of the law, they are a law for themselves even though they do not have the law. They show that the demands of the law are written in their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even defend them on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge people's hidden works through Christ Jesus.

(silent reflection)

Prayer
God of all creation, when I am afraid, weak, or uncertain, open my mind to your truth and goodness, that reading your work written on my heart, I might learn to treasure the life of every man.

A Reflection by Pope Benedict XVII*
An "adult" faith is not a faith that follows the trends of fashion and the latest novelty; a mature adult faith is deeply rooted in friendship with Christ. It is this friendship that opens us up to all that is good and gives us a criterion by which to distinguish the true from the false, and deceit from truth...We must develop this adult faith; we must guide the flock of Christ to this faith. And it is this faith-only faith-that creates unity and is fulfilled in love...on this theme, St. Paul offers us some beautiful words as a fundamental formula for Christian existence, in contrast to the continual ups and downs of those who, like children, are tossed about by the waves: make truth in love. Truth and love merge in Christ. To the extent that we draw near to Christ, in our own lives too, Truth and love are blended. Love without truth would be blind; truth without love would be like " a clanging cymbal" (1Cor 13-1).

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...

*Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, Homily, Mass for the Election of the Pope, 18 April 2005

~~~~~~

I would ask for prayers for all those who this day may be traveling to Washington, DC to participate in the Right to Life march that their journey might be safe and all return home safe and sound. I pray this for all who represent St. John the Baptist Church and all churches that have members of this one family in Christ participating.

I would also ask for prayers for Christian Unity. Needless to say this is a week in which we must all pray incessantly and with determination. We must pray for those who profess to be Christian and yet represent values that are less than Christian. May God convert their hearts and souls again to the love of their fellow man, born and unborn.

And so I interject this reflection by Pope John Paul II:

Unity, penance, prayer.

In the school of the Apostle of the Gentiles we can gain consciousness that we are all in need of conversion.

There is no Christian without penance.

"There is no true ecumenicism without interior conversion"

"Who are you to pass judgement on another..."(Romans 13:4). Let us rather recognize our faults together. This holds good as well for the grace of unity: "All have sinned." We ought to see and say this in all seriousness and draw our conclusions...

Jesus Christ is the salvation of us all..."We are at peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1) and among ourselves...we believe and together profess all that...

All our gratitude for what remains in common to us and unites us must not blind us to what still divides us...We are called to go forth together, in dialogue of truth and love, to full unity of the faith...We must not leave anything untried. We must do everything to unite ourselves. We owe this to God and to the world...

The will of Christ and the signs of the times urges to common testimony of the increasing fullness of truth and love...The tasks awaiting us are great and grave..."The Spirit helps us in
our weakness" (Romans 8:26).

~*~*~*~*~
And for the privilege to live in a nation in which I can pray without reprisal I say,
Thanks be to God.

Novena for Life IV

Quebec, 2003

Day Four
To Love Through Amazement

Prayer
Father of life, as you have given me the gift of life, so may I give it away each day to your, and to my brothers and sisters, that through penitence, prayer, and charity my days on earth may lead me home to you.

A Reading from the first Letter of Saint John 3:14-16, 19-20
We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brother. Whoever does not love remains in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in him. The way we came to know love was that he laid down his life for us; so we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers...Now this is how we shall know that we belong to the truth and reassure our hearts before him in whatever our hearts condemn, for God is greater than our hearts and knows everything.

(silent reflection)

Prayer
God of all creation, help me to listen with everyone I meet to the profound and persuasive echo in their heart of the Gospel of Life and the joy of your presence.

A Reflection by Pope John Paul II*
Yes, dear brothers and sisters, our Christian communities must become genuine "schools: of prayer, where the meeting with Christ is expressed not just in imploring help but also in thanksgiving, praise, adoration, contemplation, listening and ardent devotion until the heart truly "falls in love." Intense prayer, yes, but it does not distract us from our commitment to history: by opening our heart to the love of God it also opens it to the love of our brothers and sisters, and makes us capable of shaping history according to God's plan.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...

*Pope John Paul II, Apostolic Letter, Novo Millenio Inuente, no. 33

~~~~~~~

Since I wrote about "Rachel" two years ago things have changed for her. Last year the home she managed in China for children with critical health problems was closed. Now she is working stateside to get health care for these children at risk. "Rachel's" place of work has changed, but not her mission. Please pray for her and all work to improve the value of everyone's lives.

I feel the need today to tell the story of a young lady from our parish who is a living witness to us all. She daily lives out the word of God by deed and example. Rachel (this is not her real name but those who know her will recognize who it is, and I cannot tell this story without a name for that is what will give this story life). Rachel lives this "life of love" every day. She began this journey of love when she was a university student and spent a summer in India caring for the indigent, sick and dying. Rachel says she felt the tug of our Lord to go to China after graduation, and as parents are wont to do, tried in all ways to discourage her going to this godless place in fear and love for her. I would have been no different if one of my children had said the same thing to me. For we love them and want the very best for them. But again His ways are not our ways.

Rachael did indeed go to China where she cares for handicapped, abandoned, and orphaned babies and children, most of whom are girls. Rachel openly witnesses to her faith daily. She travels by bus making several transfers to attend Mass daily. She and fellow employees pray and study together. She walks among the people with the assurance of the Holy Spirit. This tender, gentle, soft spoken young lady daily LIVES the Word of God.

Rachel says she could not say "no" to the call for she was compelled to do so. The Lord's summons to her was so strong that she could not deny Him. And so it is, that in the midst of the parish of St. John the Baptist (though far from us) , we have a living example of what it means to truly answer the call and live it daily.

And what of her parents? They are gracious, loving supporters of their gift, their treasure from God.

~~~~~~~
As for her presence in my life and how I have been touched by her, I say,
Thanks be to God!

Novena for Life III

Quebec, 2003

Day Three
To Truth Through Amazement

Prayer
Father of life, unworthy though I am, implant within my heart an amazement that you have shared your life with me, and have destined me for eternal bliss.

A Reading from the First Letter of Saint John 1John 3:1-2
See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

(silent reflection)

Prayer
God of all creation give me the grace to live this day as a prelude and a preparation for eternal life with you.

A Reflection by Pope John Paul II*
Revelation therefore introduces into our history a universal and ultimate truth which stirs the human mind to ceaseless effort; indeed, it impels reason continually to extend the range of its knowledge until is senses that it has done all in its power, leaving no stone unturned...The truth of Christian Revelation, found in Jesus of Nazareth, enables all men and women to embrace the "mystery" of their own life... Christian Revelation is the true lodestar of men and women as they strive to make their way amid the pressures of an immanentist habit of mind and the constriction of a technocratic logic. It is the ultimate possibility offered of love which began with creation. To those wishing to know the truth, if they can look beyond themselves and their own concerns, there is given the possibility of taking full and harmonious possession of their lives precisely by following the path of truth.

Our Father. . .
Hail Mary. . .
Glory Be. . .

*Pope John Paul II, Encyclical, Fides et Ration, nos, 14, 15.

~~~~~~~

"To those wishing to know the truth, if they can look beyond themselves and their own concerns, there is given the possibility of taking full and harmonious possession of their lives precisely by following the path of truth." As I read this, I was struck by the wealth of insight in these words. Imagine, Cathy. If you can be less selfish and more selfless you can follow the Way without those burdens that claim you when the "I" in you is overshadowed by concerns for the "other". The "truth" is I know and have experienced the "path of truth". But wanderlust causes me to roam and I have to stumble, twist an ankle or stub a toe in order to know I must find my way back to "the path." It doesn't take a rocket scientist to "read" this map.

Taking full and harmonious possession of my life means loving Him who made me and loving what he made, Me! Some days I am not so easy to love, by me or anyone else. Knowing that God always does, no matter what, is the hardest part of the concept to understand and yet since it is true I must glory in that and in turn love "me" as well. So it is that true self-love means giving up the "ego" as I envision it and accept the vision of Truth as it really is. God made me, God loves me, and I have been saved by His Son. Amen.

~~~~~~~
~Today I have again been amazed!~
Wishing you all an amazing day!
Thanks be to God.

Novena for Life II

Niagara Falls, 2003

Day Two
Living life for Eternity

Prayer
Father of life, here and now, reveal the greatness of your love in the inestimable value of each and every human life.

A reading from the second Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians 4:14--5:1
Know that the One who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and place us with you in his presence. Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God. Therefore, we are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. , as we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory; but what is unseen is eternal.

(silent reflection)

Prayer
God of all creation, help us to see our earthly lives as but the beginning of the plans you have in store for us.

A Reflection by Pope Benedict XVI*
I believe. . .that our life tends in the end toward a discovery of love, toward receiving love and giving love. And the crucified Christ, who presents us with love lived out to the end, as he himself says in the Gospel of John, lifts this principle up into the realm of absolute reality. God himself is love. In this sense, love is indeed both the fundamental rule and ultimate aim of life. . . Human love always lays claim to eternity. Love contradicts death. . .This human love is turned from a promise into a fulfillment of reality only when it is wrapped in a love that can truly impart eternity. [Love] is what we are looking for and is the goal toward which our lives are directed. But within its own framework and on its own terms it directs our view toward God and brings us to wait upon God.

Our Father. . .
Hali Mary. . .
Glory Be. . .

*Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, God and the World, p. 185f

~~~~~~~

Example of his gracious love...I shared this story 2 years ago and thought it appropriate to tell it again.

The Beginning of the Trip

I told you I would tell you about the beginning of the trip and I think this is a perfect time to do that. You see nearly a week ago, I began my journey to my mother's for a visit. I had packed and prepared for days in advance even to double checking the itinerary. Yours truly READ the itinerary incorrectly. I thought I left here at 10:30 a.m. en route to INDY. Well, that was not my departure time. It was my arrival time to INDY. I was to leave here at 8:30 a.m. I discovered this error at 8:10 a.m. My kind and loving husband, my belongings and yours truly left for the airport knowing that I would miss my flight. (The Hand of God: we did this in peace, calm, generosity of spirit and love.) When I arrived at the check-in counter I told the attendant that I had missed my flight and was told I needed to contact the carrier because I had purchased the ticket through Expedia. In the next hour and twenty minutes (Ron hoping that the cell phone battery was fully charged) Felice worked with all the airlines involved, but apparently none of them could resolve my dilemma. She was generous, kind and diligent. AND she was on overtime caring for me. We laughed together and I was lifted up by her understanding. (One could say that is her job. I prefer to see it as The Hand of God.) When all was said and done the only thing for me to do, she said was to present myself to the check-in counter again and ask if they would issue a new itinerary. I fully expected a full day's delay. When I approached the counter I explained to the agent again what I had been told and she started to work on my "project", when a gentleman standing behind her in blue jeans and a sweatshirt, asked her to take care of the man behind me, he would take care of me. ( The Hand of God: in less than ten minutes he had me rerouted from here to Atlanta, to Salt Lake City, to Billings with arrival only three hours later than anticipated.) My flight out was in about 20 minutes. Ron asked him about the penalty fee charged for the change of plans. ( The Hand of God: the gentleman said there is no time). That my dear friends is how my wonderful trip to my mother's started and I have to tell you that I did not experience one moment of anxiety or fear. Calm prevailed. And what of the $100.00? It donated to the Newburgh Food Pantry in gratitude to The Hand of God.

God bless you all...

~~~~~~~
And thanks be to God!

Novena for Life I

As they have for many years, The Knights of Columbus offer the Novena For Life at our parish. As members of the parish of St. John the Baptist Church prepare to board buses tomorrow I would ask you all to join me in praying this Novena For Life. We pray for those who travel, those who teach, those who nurture, those who council, and those who serve.

Day One
Created to Live with You

Prayer
Father of life, help us to long for the fullness of life and to know the wonder of what awaits us beyond the dimensions of this earthly existence.

A reading from the Book of Job 19:1, 23-27a
The Job answered and said: Oh, would that my words were written down! Would that they were inscribed in a record: That with an iron chisel and with lead they were cut in the rock forever! But as for me, I know that my Vindicator lives, and that he will at last stand forth upon the dust; Whom I myself shall see; my own eyes, not another's, shall behold him; And from my flesh I shall see God; my inmost being is consumed with longing.

(Silent reflection)

Prayer
God of all creation grant us the wisdom to understand fully the mystery that life has no meaning apart from you.

A Reflection by Pope John Paul II*
The Eucharist is a straining towards the goal, a foretaste of the fullness of joy promised by Christ (cf. Jn 15:11); it is in some way the anticipation of heaven, the "pledge of future glory". . . Those who feed on Christ in the Eucharist need not wait until the hereafter to receive eternal life; they already possess it on earth, as the first-fruits of a future fullness which will embrace man in his totality. For in the Eucharist we also received the pledge of our bodily resurrection at the end of the world; "He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day" (Jn 6:54)

Our Father. . .
Hail Mary. . .
Glory Be. . .
*Ecclesia de Eucharistia, no. 18.

So I invite you join me again tomorrow. Until then.

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Immaculate Conception of Blessed Virgin Mary
POriginally uploaded by love_llegado (on/off/busy/slowly catching up mode)

Music Monday-- CANTICLE OF THE SUN

I have joined this today because I wish to share the Glory of God. I found this opportunity at Blessings for the Day. She has chosen a lovely song and thought I would offer one of my favorites, The Canticle of the Sun by Mary Haugen. Have a grand day praising the "glory of our God."

If you wish to join in this Music Monday visit Shawntele's lovely blog Saved By Grace each Monday for a musical and inspiring start to your week. She hosts Music Monday where we are invited to post a song or video. This meme is a fun and easy way to do that. It is a delightful place to visit.

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!!!

A Day with Providence

I'm off to Saint Meinrad Archabbey today for gathering of Providence Associates. We will pray and have reflection together. Share a meal and then return to our homes knowing that God was in our midst and we have the support of others on the journey.

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God~

Picture Puzzle Day

Saint Francis of Assisi
Santa Fe, New Mexico
July, 2008

I thought I'd start back slowly for "Simon's" sake after his visit to the IT Dr. It is great to have your personal computer physician. However, it is still frightening when awaiting the diagnosis. This time Mike could treat the illness and now "Simon" is home.

Wishing all who visit her a wonderful weekend!!!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!!!

Please enjoy the puzzle this weekend and if you wish to share a puzzle with us just add your name to Mr. Linky below!

Bad Haiku Friday

When the words won't come
And the pencil lead is dull
Chew off the eraser

Won't you please visit Catholic Teacher Musings and join in this haiku fun!!! Wishing you all a grand Friday!!!!!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!!

I Need To Explain...

Click here to view these pictures larger

I was preparing my post for today when my computer got "sick"! Yes, ailing. "Simon" is again at the IT Dr. for treatment. This happened about a year ago if I'm not mistaken...Perhaps an yearly physical is not such a bad idea.

Well, the only thing I completed before the incident was uploading the picture. I'm surprised there weren't more comments just wondering what in the world I was trying to accomplish. I had forgotten that I had posted it from Shutterfly and so what you saw was what you got. I apologize.

The picture was taken in South Dakota when we went to visit my mother in Montana last summer...I guess I have to choose another picture for my post tomorrow. Right now I'm glad to have "Simons's" little brother "Saul"! I'm having to learn more about him.

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!!!

The Hope of Spring Mosiac Monday

The words didn't come today! Don't know where they are but today they did not accept my invitation. Will just offer the invitation again. In the meantime, here is my offering for Mosaic Monday.

Please visit Mary and The Little Red House. Her pictures are grand and so are the pictures of others!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Bad Haiku Friday

It seems like weeks since I have done this. I am always challenged to do better or worse as the case may be...Here is today's offering. Please stop by Laura's house at Catholic Teacher Musings and play with her on this Bad Haiku Friday.

Silly Sam the cat
Upon my pillow he sat
Where am I to sleep?

And OH!



My head's all stuffy
My eyes watery and red
DRAT that winter cold!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!!!

First Snow

Wishing you all a warm and cozy day!

~~~^j^~~~
~~~Thanks be to God~~~

Picture Puzzle Day

Do you have time to play today? If you do please take some time to rest here and put together the puzzle. I'm offering you some quiet space in which you can play and not be expected to do anything but enjoy your time here. There are no calculations to be done here or any serious concerns to be addressed. No bookkeeping or bills to pay. Just stay and play! And when you're finished with mine, wander over to the side bar and enjoy the Winter Berries.

Backyard Spring

Please join the fun and offer us one of your pictures so we can play along. Please leave a comment and then link us to your Picture Puzzle Day. Thank you!!!!!

Sisters In Faith

I do so enjoy surprises. I had one offered me by Tracy at Catholic Mom in Minnesota. The Sisters In Faith Award is a beautiful surprise and one which I will be proud to pass along. As a recipient of this award you are asked to pass it to those who reflect the spirit of this award. This difficult part choosing the recipient. Well, there are those who I would choose but have already been chosen. Those chosen are the ones that touch my life daily, lift me up and often carry me forward and so I begin.

The instructions are as follows:
1. To pass this award on to sisters who have been blogging with me from almost the beginning.

2. Include at least one new Sister In Faith.

Those who have touched my life for lo these nearly three years are:

1. Lisa at Are We There Yet?

2. Bia at La Dolce Vita: the sweet life with three sons

3. Marcy at Blessings Each Day

4. Pia at Beyond the Horizon

5. Bernie at On My Own

6. Laura at Catholic Teacher Musings

Two New Blog Friends:

1. Queenmothermamaw

2. Eileen at Umma's World

~~~^j^~~~
For everyone and everything
I truly say,
"Thanks be to God!!"

I would also recommend stopping by my sidebar and doing today's puzzle. It was fun and really a lovely scene. I truly wish you all God's blessing today and everyday!

Once in a Blue Moon..

I have to go back to work today after being off for 10 days...But before I go back to the real world of people, places and things that have impact on my life, I thought I would share with you some highlights of the last few days. It will be hard to go back, but I also look forward to seeing friends I work with to share their Holiday tales. They are always so grand!

Aunt Rhonda turns 60 on 12/31/2009. What a grand time we had!!

My camera is on the "fritz" so in order to get the "Blue Moon" had to prove it wasn't just another "spot" on a negative.

Previewing the work of an up-and-coming artist, Neil Ackerman. Good JOB!!!

The real winter, with frigid temperatures and gloomy skies.

But it brings us all back to the Manger to which I say,
"Thanks be to God!!!

Saturday Evening Post Fest...

I accepted the invitation by Dorothy at Musings at 86 and went to the Saturday Evening Post Blog Fest. It was great fun. And there is a lot of great blog posts to be read from the last year. Mine was listed in the 80's but don't let that deter you!!! I know each and everyone of you who read this will have a post that should be added to the list!!! JUMP on BOARD!!! It was great fun!!!


Thought I'd add one of my favorite Norman Rockwell pictures. It's from an old calendar, 2007. Click on the picture to enlarge and enjoy Mr. Rockwell's handiwork.

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

My best wishes for a Happy, Holy, and Healthy New Year to all. God Bless you abundantly this New Year!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks Be to God!