November 30, 2024

Tuesday November 10

CHRISTIAN INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES - 01

Daily Dig for November 10

Blaise Pascal
Know then, proud man, what a paradox you are to yourself. Humble yourself, impotent reason. Be silent, dull-witted nature, and learn from your Master your true condition, which you do not understand. Listen to God! See the Earth as a point compared with the vast circles it describes. Stand amazed that this circle itself is only a tiny point in relation to the course traced by the stars revolving in the firmament; that the whole visible world is no more than an imperceptible speck in the ample bosom of nature.
Source: A Third Testament

Sunday November 8 Reading fro the Sunday

New post on A CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGE

GENEROSITY WHICH FLOWS FROM A HEART FULL OF FAITH AND TRUST IN DIVINE PROVIDENCE

by achristianpilgrim

GENEROSITY WHICH FLOWS FROM A HEART FULL OF FAITH AND TRUST IN DIVINE PROVIDENCE
(A biblical refection on THE 32nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME [YEAR B] – 8 NOVEMBER, 2015) 
Gospel Reading: Mark 12:38-44 
First Reading: 1Kings 17:10-16; Psalms: Psalm 146:7-10; Second Reading: Hebrews 9:24-28 
The Scripture Text
And in His teaching He said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to go about in long robes, and to have salutations in the market places and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” 
And He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the multitude putting money into the treasury, and watched the multitude putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came, and put in two copper coins, which make a penny. And He called His disciples to Him, and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For they all contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, her whole living.”  (Mark 12:38-44 RSV) 
In ancient times, widows (especially those without living children) were often visited by misfortune and poverty. Although widows were often poor in earthly possessions, scripture points to some who were rich in faith. The widow of Zarephath was willing to part with her last measure of meal and oil to make a loaf of bread to feed a stranger (1Kings 17:10-16). Through her faith, God performed a miracle through the prophet Elijah.
Similarly the widow at the treasury in Mark’s Gospel put all her holdings, two copper coins, into the collection for the temple. Jesus commented that her offering, although small compared to the offerings of others, was greater since she had “put everything she had” (Mark 12:44). Both widow’s generosity flowed from hearts full of faith and trust in divine providence.
Jesus contrasted the widow’s detachment from material goods with the pride of the Pharisees. The Pharisees were concerned with worldly honors and riches to the point that they would “devour widows’ houses” (Mark 12:40). The widow was able to give everything she had because she valued the things of God over the things of this world. She exemplified the attitude that Jesus pronounced in the Sermon on the Mount: “… lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where you treasure is, there will your heart be also”  (Matthew 6:20-21).
Such a spirit of self-giving is only possible through an interior transformation to God brought about by faith. As Paul wrote: “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). The widow was able to make a sacrificial gift because her heart and mind had been transformed by the love of God.
God promises to reward that generosity which springs from faith. Again, Paul said: “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God” (2Corinthians 9:10-11).
Prayer: Lord Jesus, strengthen our faith and enable us to be generous with our time and our possessions in order to build up YOUR BODY, the Church. Amin.
Jakarta, 6 November 2015 
A Christian Pilgrim

Thursday November 5 Thoughts from Vincent van Gogh

Daily Dig for November 5

Vincent van Gogh
If only we try to live sincerely, it will go well with us, even though we are certain to experience real sorrow, and great disappointments, and will also probably commit great faults and do wrong things. But it certainly is true that it is better to be high-spirited – even though one makes more mistakes – than to be narrow-minded and all too prudent. It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength; and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much; and what is done in love, is well done.

Daily Prayer for November 5

Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt

The eyes of the Lord are on those who love him, a mighty shield and strong support, a shelter from scorching wind and a shade from noonday sun, a guard against stumbling and a help against falling. Ecclesiasticus 34:19, NRSV

Lord God Almighty, 
whose eyes keep watch over the whole world, we come before you with the evil from our surroundings still clinging to us. Grant that our lives may be in your hands. Give us your strength to find the way, even through suffering and distress. For we are yours, O Lord our God, and you have chosen your people to be strong and to be freed from all evils. Help us, we beseech you. May we know that you are with us and may your Word bring us blessing, to the glory of your name forever. Amen.
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Wednesday November 4 For all our Beloved Dead and remembering today especially Sister Claire Andre on her First Anniversary of Death RIP

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Daily Dig for November 4

Albert Einstein
A human being is a part of the whole – called by us Universe – a part limited in time and space. We experience our thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest – a kind of optical delusion of our consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires, and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.

Daily Prayer for November 4

Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt

You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant. Hebrews 12:22–24a, NIV

Lord our God, we thank you that you have redeemed us and that we may feel united with your holy ones, those in heaven and those on earth who are gathered around Jesus Christ, a people growing in number and strength from year to year. We thank you that we too belong to them, and we ask you to keep our hearts aware of this unity so that we may be joyful, redeemed people who find ever greater deliverance, full of praise and thanks, full of certainty and joy. Grant this to us, for we are your people, born out of your power as Savior and gathered for the sake of your kingdom. Guard your gifts and your powers within us. Continue your redemption of the whole world until joy floods through our whole being and we can praise you for the life you have already given us here on earth. Amen.
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Tuesday November 3 St. Martin de Porres

Martin de Porres

Martin de Porres
Martin de Porres Velázquez, O.P., was a lay brother of the Dominican Order who was beatified in 1837 by Pope Gregory XVI and canonized in 1962 by Pope John XXIII. He is the patron saint of mixed-race people. 00f1df31fa0e06d2be6142ab02766ad3

Daily Dig for November 3

Eberhard Arnold
In today’s world situation it is essential that here and there among people there continue to exist rays of light and hope, spiritual realities by which the unity of God’s peace and the brotherliness of true justice are recognized. This is our only task.

Daily Prayer for November 3

Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5, NIV

Lord our God, rule over us in strength, and grant us your light. Let your Spirit be with us to confirm what has already taken place in our hearts, so that we have joy and trust even under all the strain and stress of this life. Shine into the darkness of the world. Shine for all people. May we be shown more and more clearly what we have been created for. Strengthen our faith for the future, our faith in everything good, for however hidden the good may be, it must at last come to the light. May we and all the world bring praise and honor to you. Amen.
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Picture Collage of All Souls Day Prayer Service at the Cemeteries of the Poor Clare Sisters November 2nd, 2015 And we pray for all our Beloved Dead , Parents, Family and Dear Friends

Today we celebrate All Saints Day. We rejoice in the Saints. Their loving doctrine gives us life. They live in God! With the Gospel as our guide we will come to share in the same inheritance.

Sunday November 1st Solemnity of All Saints We are in that number so happy Feast to you and yours.

THEY ARE THE ONES WHOSE LIVES REFLECTED THE PERFECTION AND HUMILITY OF THE BEATITUDES

by achristianpilgrim

THEY ARE THE ONES WHOSE LIVES REFLECTED THE PERFECTION AND HUMILITY OF THE BEATITUDES
(A biblical reflection on the FEAST OF ALL SAINTS – Sunday, 1 November 2015
 All-Saints
Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:1-12 
First Reading: Revelation 7:2-4,9-14; Psalms: Psalm 24:1-6; Second Reading: 1John 3:1-3 
The Scripture Text
Seeing the crowds, He went up on the mountain, and when He sat down His disciples came to Him. And He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: 
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
“Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on My account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:1-12 RSV) 
The feast of All Saints reminds us of all the men, women, and children who now worship the Lord in heaven and pray for us on earth. They are the ones whose lives reflected the perfection and humility of the Beatitudes. They are the ones who embraced Jesus’ call to become like Him and allow His Spirit to free them from sin. They testify that anyone can become saint – anyone can become a citizen of heaven.
This is a day to recognize not only the martyrs and canonized saints of our faith, but the entire host of unknown witnesses who have also lived lives of faithfulness and holiness and have received their eternal reward. Some of these saints may even include people we have known – family members, friends, and business associates: anyone with “clean hands and a pure heart” (Psalm 24:4).
In the book of Revelation, John described a vision of the heavenly host that overwhelmed him. “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and whence have they come?” (Revelation 7:13), he asked the angel. The reply? “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 7:14-15).
All God asks is that we continually keep our hearts clean before Him. All He asks is that we look to Him for the wisdom and power we need to live as His daughters and sons. He will do the rest.
Jesus holds out the conditions and promises of sainthood for everyone. Let us take comfort and courage from the power of His Spirit within us. Let us also find encouragement in the prayers of the saints who have gone before us. On this day, when we celebrate our communion with all the saints of heaven, let us rejoice in Jesus’ promise that we will receive rewards for following Him – now and in the life to come.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, the saints in heaven behold Your glory and know the rewards of Your life. Fill me with hope in Your promise of eternal life. May we all share the joy of Your saints in heaven. Amen.
Jakarta, 31 October 2015 
A Christian Pilgrim

Friday October 30 Mercy is Above Justice but the Other side of the Coin.


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Daily Dig for October 30

Albert Camus
What the world expects of Christians is that they should speak out, loud and clear; that they should voice their convictions in such a way that not even the slightest doubt could arise in the heart of the simplest person. And more: that they should get away from words and abstractions and confront in their deeds the bloodstained face of history.
Source: Camus

Daily Prayer for October 30

Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt

Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord. Psalm 117, NIV

Lord our God, we thank you that we may come to you and that our spirits can reach out for your help and your comfort. May we draw strength from communion with you, our Father. May we realize more fully that we are your children, truly your children, who throughout our pilgrimage are allowed to know you as our refuge and our help. Remember our world, and grant that many hearts awaken and turn to you, looking to you in all the fear and need which sweep over many people in our time. Let your Spirit be revealed to our hearts in quiet, bringing many experiences from you, O Lord our God, and from your kingdom. Protect us every day in the many lands throughout the earth. For the nations are yours; they shall receive life and blessing from you, and at last your kingdom will be revealed in all the world, to the eternal glory of your name. Amen.
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Thursday October 29 , 2015 "And While there is a Soul in Prison, I Am Not Free" Eugene V. Debs

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Daily Dig for October 29

Eugene V. Debs
Years ago I recognized my kinship with all living human beings, and I made up my mind that I was not one bit better than the meanest person on earth. I said then, and I say now, that while there is a lower class, I am in it; while there is a criminal element, I am of it; and while there is a soul in prison, I am not free.
Source: Statement to the court upon being convicted of violating the Sedition Act, September 18, 1918

Daily Prayer for October 29

Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness. Psalm 89:15–16, NIV

Dear Father in heaven, 
how lovingly you have thought of us! How much good you let us experience again and again! So our hearts are happy, and we go to rest this night full of joy and thanks because we are your children. Our thanks and joy shall be our service to you day and night. More than this you do not ask, and in this we will be faithful. We want to be joyful and to be glad for our lives. Even when we face dark hours, O Lord our God, we are filled with hope that brings us joy for the future as well as for the present, with assurance that your salvation is coming. We rejoice in what you give us already today. Amen.
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