40 Days Of Prayer And Reflection - The Way Of The Cross; Station 9 Jesus Falls A Third Time

We welcome you to join us from now until Good Friday, in praying the Way of The Cross. Each Day, save for Sundays, we will feature one station for your prayer and reflection. If you are just joining now or would like to spend time with one of the previous stations, you may do so using this link: The Way Of The Cross 2012 Station  9 Jesus Falls A Third Time We adore You O Christ And We Praise You... For By Your Holy Cross, You have Redeemed The World. The spirit is willing, but His flesh is so very weak. It is hard to conceive how awful the weight of His cross must be. He falls and we wonder, will he ever get up? Can he get up?...

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40 Days Of Prayer And Reflection - The Way Of The Cross; Station 8 Jesus Consoles The Women

We welcome you to join us from now until Good Friday, in praying the Way of The Cross. Each Day, save for Sundays, we will feature one station for your prayer and reflection. If you are just joining now or would like to spend time with one of the previous stations, you may do so using this link: The Way Of The Cross 2012 Station 8 Jesus Consoles The Women We adore You O Christ And We Praise You... For By Your Holy Cross, You have Redeemed The World. Luke 23:27-28 "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children." Christ Speaks To Me:  How often have I desired to gather you together...

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40 Days Of Prayer And Reflection - The Way Of The Cross; Station 7 Jesus Falls A Second Time

We welcome you to join us from now until Good Friday, in praying the Way of The Cross. Each Day, save for Sundays, we will feature one station for your prayer and reflection. If you are just joining now or would like to spend time with one of the previous stations, you may do so using this link: The Way Of The Cross 2012 Station 7 - Jesus Falls A Second Time We adore You O Christ And We Praise You... For By Your Holy Cross, You have Redeemed The World. We often forget that the scourging itself, prior to the crucifixion, was often fatal. It was intended to at least horribly weaken the victim, as well as hasten their death. Beaten,...

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40 Days Of Prayer And Reflection - The Way Of The Cross; Station 6 - Veronica Helps Jesus

We welcome you to join us from now until Good Friday, in praying the Way of The Cross. Each Day, save for Sundays, we will feature one station for your prayer and reflection. If you are just joining now or would like to spend time with one of the previous stations, you may do so using this link: The Way Of The Cross 2012 Station 6 - Veronica Helps Jesus We adore You O Christ And We Praise You... For By Your Holy Cross, You have Redeemed The World. Legend has it that a woman came forward from out of the jeering crowds to wipe the sweat, dirt, and blood from Jesus' face. In gratitude, Jesus made his likeness appear on the...

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40 Days Of Prayer And Reflection - The Way Of The Cross; Station 5 Jesus Is Helped By Simon

We welcome you to join us from now until Good Friday, in praying the Way of The Cross. Each Day, save for Sundays, we will feature one station for your prayer and reflection. If you are just joining now or would like to spend time with one of the previous stations, you may do so using this link: The Way Of The Cross 2012 Station  - 5 Jesus Is Helped By Simon We adore You O Christ And We Praise You... For By Your Holy Cross, You have Redeemed The World. Mark 15:21 "They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus." Christ Speaks To...

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40 Days Of Prayer And Reflection - The Way Of The Cross Station 4: Jesus Meets His Mother

We welcome you to join us from now until Good Friday, in praying the Way of The Cross. Each Day, save for Sundays, we will feature one station for your prayer and reflection. If you are just joining now or would like to spend time with one of the previous stations, you may do so using this link: The Way Of The Cross 2012 Station  4 - Jesus Meets His Mother  We adore You O Christ And We Praise You... For By Your Holy Cross, You have Redeemed The World. Though the gospels do not record a meeting between Our Lord and His mother on the path to His crucifixion, John's gospel does attest to the fact that she was indeed present,...

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40 Days of Prayer and Reflection - Lenten Prayer Week Six

Lenten Prayers - Week Six Fifth Sunday of Lent Lord, you are the resurrection and the life. (see John 11:25) Monday “Lord, your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life.” (Psalm 23:6) Tuesday Lord, help me to have faith in you for who you are. (see John 8:24) Wednesday Lord, I pray to know the truth, the truth that will set me free. (see John 8:31) Thursday “The Lord is our God, bringing justice everywhere on earth.” (Psalm 105:7) Friday “I sing praises to you Lord. You rescue the oppressed from the wicked.” (Jeremiah 20:13) Saturday You, O Lord, are our God. We are your people. (see Ezekiel 37:...

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40 Days of Prayer and Reflection - Table Prayers For Lent

Blessing for the Family Meal Bless us, Lord, and the food we are about to eat. May our love for one another, and the food we share, strengthen us to share your love with others. Amen. Week Five—Lord of Healing Blessed are you, Lord of Healing. You remove the pain of separation and want, And heal us of all our hurts. Help us to be for others, In our family and world, The healing and hopeful presence That Jesus is for us. Amen. All: Lord, hear us and keep us in your lov...

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40 Days Of Prayer And Reflection - The Way Of The Cross Station 3: Jesus Falls

We welcome you to join us from now until Good Friday, in praying the Way of The Cross. Each Day, save for Sundays, we will feature one station for your prayer and reflection. If you are just joining now or would like to spend time with one of the previous stations, you may do so using this link: The Way Of The Cross 2012 Station 3 - Jesus Falls We adore You O Christ And We Praise You... For By Your Holy Cross, You have Redeemed The World. Jesus, the burden of the cross caused the blood to flow from your wounds and the strength to ebb from your bones. You fell to the dust...but you pulled yourself up again. Christ Speaks To Me: The...

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40 Days Of Prayer And Reflection - The Way Of The Cross: Station 2 Jesus Takes His Cross

We welcome you to join us from now until Good Friday, in praying the Way of The Cross. Each Day, save for Sundays, we will feature one station for your prayer and reflection. If you are just joining now or would like to spend time with one of the previous stations, you may do so using this link: The Way Of The Cross 2012 Station Two - Jesus Takes His Cross We Adore You O Christ And We Praise You... For by Your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world. John 19:17 "...and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha." Christ Speaks To Me: This cross, this chunk...

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40 Days Of Prayer And Reflection - The Way Of The Cross Station 1: Jesus Is Condemned

During Lent, we are called to realize that following Jesus doesn't mean just going to mass every week or being kind to others. To follow Jesus we must follow the Way of The Cross. Catholics have a beautiful way of prayerfully entering into this very experience, a particular Lenten Devotion - or method of prayer - that invites us to immerse ourselves in the story and experience of the Cross. It is appropriately named "The Way Of The Cross" others may also refer to it as "The Stations Of The Cross" because the reflections and prayers are broken up into 14 separate 'stations'. This devotion was originally brought...

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40 Days Of Prayer And Reflection - Spiritual Directive: Give Gratuitously

Your love, insofar as it is from God, is permanent. You can claim the permanence of your love as a gift from God. And you can give that permanent love to others. When others stop loving you, you do not have to stop loving them. On a human level, changes might be necessary, but on the level of the divine, you can remain faithful to your love. One day you will be free to give gratuitous love, a love that does not ask for anything in return. One day also you will be free to receive gratuitous love. Often love is offered to you, but you do not recognize it. You discard it because you are fixed on receiving it from the same person to...

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40 Days Of Prayer And Reflection - Lenten Moments: Prayer

Focusing Scripture: Matthew 6:7-15 “When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.  ‘Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven,    hallowed be your name...” Theme: Prayer “The Christian family is the first place of education in prayer.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2685) The home is where we learn to pray, where we learn to persevere in prayer. At home, prayer awakens us to Christ’s presence in the midst of life. Reflective Moment What is your definition...

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40 Days of Prayer and Reflection - Table Prayers For Lent

Blessing for the Family Meal Bless us, Lord, and the food we are about to eat. May our love for one another, and the food we share, strengthen us to share your love with others. Amen. Week Four—Lord of Compassion Blessed are you, Lord of Compassion. You feel the pain of those in need And take their suffering upon yourself. Help us to identify more with those in need, In our neighborhoods and throughout the world, And to do our part to ease the burdens they bear. All: Lord, hear us and keep us in your love....

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40 Days of Prayer and Reflection - Lenten Prayer Week Five

Lenten Prayers - Week Five Fourth Sunday of Lent “You, Lord, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.” (Psalm 23:1) Monday “I prayed to you, Lord God, and you healed me, saving me from death and the grave.” (Psalm 29:2) Tuesday “The Lord all-powerful is with us. The God of Jacob is our fortress.” (Psalm 46:11) Wednesday Lord, you will never forget me. (see Isaiah 49:15) Thursday “Remember me, Lord, when you show kindness by saving your people!” (Psalm 106:4) Friday Lord, you are there to rescue all who are discouraged and have given up hope. (see Psalm 34:18) Saturday “You, God, are my shield, the protector of everyone whose heart is...

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40 Days Of Prayer And Reflection - Video Reflection: The Problem of Sin

Loyola Press editor Jim Manney talks about the problem of sin and falling short of ideals in our relationship with God. This video is a part of An Ignatian Prayer Adventure.   For Further Reflection please see; An Ignatian Prayer Adventure: Week...

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40 Days of Prayer and Reflection - Lenten Moments: Letting Go Of Hatred

Focusing Scripture: Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18 “You shall not hate in your heart anyone of your kin; you shall reprove your neighbour, or you will incur guilt yourself. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbour as yourself: I am the Lord.” Theme: Letting go of hatred. So much of how we are supposed to live is easier said than done, isn’t it? We really want to hold onto that grudge sometimes. We really want to hang onto our anger and return hurt for hurt. Yet when we hold on to grudges, to anger, when our energy is focused on revenge, our hearts cannot be at peace in Jesus. He pulls...

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40 Days Of Prayer And Reflection - Spiritual Directive: Always Come Back To The Solid Place

Greek Orthodox monastery of Rousanou, Meteora, Greece You must believe in the yes that comes back when you ask, "Do you love me?" You must choose this yes even when you do not experience it. You feel overwhelmed by distractions, fantasies, the disturbing desire to throw yourself into the world of pleasure. But you know already that you will not find there an answer to your deepest question. Nor does the answer lie in rehashing old events, or in guilt or shame. All of that makes you dissipate yourself and leave the rock on which your house is built. You have to trust the place that is solid, the place where you can say yes to God's love...

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40 Days of Prayer and Reflection - Video Reflection; “O felix culpa—O happy fault.”

Paul Brian Campbell, SJ, publisher of Loyola Press and People for Others blogger, discusses how we can learn great things from our sins. This video is a part of An Ignatian Prayer Adventure. ...

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40 Days of Prayer and Reflection - Lenten Moments: For The Least Among Us

Focusing Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46 “When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink.” Theme: For the least among us. Jesus tells us that he is in the faces of the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the imprisoned. The least loveable among us—that is where Jesus is. And he is rather clear—“feed me, clothe me, visit me. . . and the reign of God will be yours.” Reflective Moment In our community, where are the hungry, the naked, the most forgotten? How can we reach out to them? Living the Message Choose one simple way you will reach out to a forgotten person today (i.e., pack a lunch and...

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40 Days of Prayer and Reflection - Lenten Prayer Week Four

Lenten Prayers - Week Four Third Sunday of Lent O Lord, we have heard you ourselves, and we are certain that you are the Savior of the world! (see John 4:42) Monday “In my heart, I am thirsty for you the living God. When will I see your face?” (Psalm 42:2) Tuesday “Show me your paths and teach me to follow; guide me by your truth and instruct me.” (Psalm 25:4) Wednesday Help me, oh Lord, to follow your commands, to teach them to my children and to my children’s children. (see Deuteronomy 4:9) Thursday We worship the Lord with thankful hearts and songs of praise. (see Psalm 95:2) Friday Lord, that I may love you with all my...

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40 Days of Prayer and Reflection - Table Prayers For Lent

Blessing for the Family Meal Bless us, Lord, and the food we are about to eat. May our love for one another, and the food we share, strengthen us to share your love with others. Amen. Week Three—Lord of Hospitality Blessed are you, Lord of Hospitality. You welcome all with open arms. No one is a stranger to your love and concern. Remove the fear and hesitation that keep us From moving beyond the known and comfortable. Help us rejoice in the personal and cultural differences That proclaim your multi-hued love. Draw all people together in praise of the God who is One. All: Lord, hear us and keep us in your lov...

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40 Days Of Prayer and Reflection - Lenten Moments: Fasting That Pleases God

Focusing Scripture: Isaiah 58:1-9 “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin? ” Theme: Fasting that pleases God. In the Scripture reading, Isaiah is clear that the Lord has little time for acts of worship that are empty. Why fast for a day if you’re only going to think about yourself? Why give alms if you’re going...

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40 Days Of Prayer And Reflection - Lenten Moments: Take Up Your Cross

Focusing Scripture: Luke 9:22-25 "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves?" Theme: Take up your cross. How hard it is to forget about ourselves! Particularly in a culture which screams the opposite in so many ways. We being to feel entitled to what we want, to the detriment of others. Jesus preaches about losing ourselves, becoming as nothing. It takes this gutsy kind...

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40 Days Of Prayer And Reflection - Prayer With The Gospels of Lent

These readings can be used in daily prayer through the weeks of Lent or at any other appropriate time in the course of an individual's spiritual life.  Through the course of these readings one will become immersed in the story and the experience of the Passion and Death of Christ. Some Tips for Daily Prayer: *Select a time and a place that is well suited to quiet prayer. Establish a schedule for prayer and stick to it as much as possible.  *As you begin, realize that God is really present and desires to draw closer to you. *Ask the Holy Spirit to be your guide in this time of prayer and seek her inspiration. *You...

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40 Days Of Prayer And Reflection - Litany Prayer: Growing in Gratefulness and Generosity

Leader Loving God, bless our family. Help us to be a family of gratitude. Leader and Family For education                                 May we be grateful, Lord. For health and safety                     May we be grateful, Lord. For food and drink                         May...

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40 Days Of Prayer And Reflection - Spiritual Directive: Cry Inward

A split between divinity and humanity has taken place in you. With your divinely endowed center you know God's will, God's way, God's love. But your humanity is cut off from that. Your many human needs for affection, attention, and consolation are living apart from your divine sacred space. Your call is to let these two parts of yourself come together again. You have to move gradually from crying outward - crying out for people who you think can fulfill your needs - to crying inward to the place where you can let yourself be held and carried by God, who has become incarnate in the humanity of those who love you in community. No one...

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Face-To-Face Lenten Mission A Tremendous Success!

We have been profoundly moved by the way the Holy Spirit worked within the Face-to-face Mission Team and our entire parish to gift us with such a faith-filled and spiritually healing event.  After tallying up all of the numbers, more than 270 people from every single age group enjoyed the lively music, comedic and thought provoking skits, and inspiring, faith building talks led by Ken Yasinski and the Face-to-Face team. Saturday opened with a prayer and blessing for the Mission led by Father Antony and then exploded with music, praise and worship as Ken and his team  led...

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40 Days of Prayer and Reflection - Lenten Prayer Week Three

Lenten Prayers - Week Three Second Sunday of Lent “Lord, it is good for us to be here!” (Matthew 17:4) Monday “Our God, you keep us safe. Now help us! Rescue us.” (Psalm 79:9) Tuesday O Lord, help me be the servant of others. (see Matthew 23:11) Wednesday “You are faithful, and I trust you because you rescued me.” (Psalm 31:5) Thursday Lord, you bless those who trust in you. (see Jeremiah 17:7) Friday I trust you, O Lord, and I remember your miracles and wonders in my life! (see Psalm 105:5) Saturday “With all my heart I praise the Lord, and with all that I am I praise his holy name!” (Psalm 103...

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