LD writes: “I am so tired of Christians trying to sell me essential oils! One of the most commonly repeated reasons I get – besides how they can cure everything from cancer to hangnails – is that they ‘come from the Bible.’ It’s true the Magi brought oils to the baby Jesus, but is this the same thing that is being sold by doTERRA and Young Living?” Read the rest…
At the end of the journey
November 21
“Each and every one of us, at the end of the journey of life, will come face to face with either one or the other of two faces… And one of them, either the merciful face of Christ or the miserable face of Satan, will say, ‘Mine, mine.’ May we be Christ’s!”
-Venerable Fulton Sheen
For Reflection:
May we be Christ’s indeed. But not just us, everyone we love and everyone we know. Read the rest…
Did Chick-fil-A Cave to LGBT Bullies?
(Wikicommons V343790)
Commentary by Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
The jury of public opinion is still arguing over whether or not Chick-fil-A caved to LGBT pressure when the company decided to stop donating to two groups that support traditional marriage; however, the company says it fully intends to continue to contribute to faith-based organizations and the LGBT community isn’t happy about it.
It is great and has no end
November 20
“O Israel, how great is the house of God, and how vast is the place of His possession! It is great and has no end, it is high and immense.”
-Baruch 3: 24, 25
For Reflection:
Do you ever think about eternity? It has no end. Let that sink in.
Bishop Fulton Sheen Beatification Set for December 21
Venerable Servant of God Fulton J. Sheen
One of the most influential Catholic figures of the 20th Century – Venerable Servant of God Fulton J. Sheen – will be beatified in his home diocese of Peoria, Illinois on December 21, 2019.
What Does the Book of Maccabees Teach Us About the Yoga Debate?
The martyrdom of Eleazar
Today’s first reading was from the second book of Maccabees where a courageous man of God named Eleazar chose death rather than cause scandal by pretending to eat forbidden meat. What does this Scripture teach us about the heated debates surrounding yoga, mindfulness, centering prayer, and a variety of other practices that originate in non-Christian religions?
The crown of glory
November 18
“And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away.”
-1 Peter 5:4
For Reflection:
We are sons and daughters of the Most High God, known and chosen by Him before the world began. How does this thought inspire you?
Jury Rules Against Pro-Life Videographers
A jury in San Francisco’s U.S. District Court handed down a mulit-million dollar verdict against undercover journalists David Daleiden and Sandra Merrick on Friday, a decision that could cost them over $2.2 million in alleged damages against Planned Parenthood.
As the lightning comes from the east
November 18
“For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west,
so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”
-Matthew 24:27
For Reflection:
When the Lord returns, nature will speak to His power and glory. How does nature speak to you about God’s power today?
The day is coming
November 17
“Lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven,
when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble,
and the day that is coming will set them on fire,
leaving them neither root nor branch,
says the LORD of hosts.
But for you who fear my name, there will arise
the sun of justice with its healing rays.”
-Malachi 3:19-20
For Reflection:
We long for the day when Jesus will come in all His glory and all will know that He is Christ the King. But for now, we must endure a world that is largely opposed to Him. Where do you find strength to persevere?