Yesterday, our Advent post introduced us to seven of the most common misconceptions regarding forgiveness. It presented to us that forgiveness does not mean that we condone the hurtful behavior nor does it mean that our pain doesn't matter. It doesn't mean that once we extend it, everything is magically "okay" and it doesn't mean that we allow ill will toward us to continue. It doesn't mean that we stay in an abusive or harmful situation nor does it mean that a just resolution to our situation is unnecessary. And, it does not mean that we feel forgiveness.
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"For 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).
The whole purpose of Christmas is reconciliation. Through the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, His passion, death, and resurrection, God's mercy flowed into the world, the breach of original sin was mended, and fellowship between God and man was restored. Each Christmas commemorates again this wondrous gift of reconciliation and love.
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I have often been amazed at how God answers a particular question, responds to a petition, or gives me guidance on a specific issue through Sacred Scripture. The reality of this points to a great truth -- God is always seeking to reveal Himself and His will to us. In fact, one spiritual writer tells us that God already had us in mind when He inspired the evangelists in their writings. Consider this as you pray the Scriptures using Lectio-Divina.
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The season of Advent is upon us. It is the time of year when we prepare for the coming of the Lord, both as the infant Son of God born in a lowly manger, and also as our Triumphant King in His second coming when he will reign for all eternity.
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Hopefully, your experience of praying Holy Scripture using the Lectio-Divina form of prayer was a good one. However, it can take a bit of perseverance if this is new to you. Do not be discouraged, but continue to call upon the assistance of the Holy Spirit.
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The ancient prayer form called Lectio-Divina is a perfect way for us to enter into an ever deepening relationship with God, and the season of Advent provides us with the perfect opportunity to use it. The following six steps lead us in this beautiful method of prayer:
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The following blog is being reposted from the teaching series that I gave previously. I hope that you enjoy it!
Great events are marked by great preparation. A wedding, the coming of a new baby, graduations, special anniversaries, significant birthdays, and celebrations of all sorts are often months in the planning.
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Side altar at Central Association of the Miraculous Medal Shrine in Germantown, PA
The world-renowned sacramental we call the Miraculous Medal has several connections that perhaps are not so well known – to the Vincentian Order for priests and brothers, to the Daughters of Charity religious Order for women, and to the city of Philadelphia. Exploring how these fit together hopefully will help us celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal on November 27th with a renewed understanding that will be pleasing to her.
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One of the many beauties of our Catholic faith is the fact that, very often, those who rise to the heights of the altar of saints have the humblest beginnings. A case in point can be found in the life of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850 – 1917), whose feast day is today.
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Dear Friends,
Today I received the graphic below from a friend. It speaks a word of encouragement and exhortation to us in light of today’s political situation. I read it on the air during our radio broadcast, Women of Grace Live, heard at 11AM ET VIA EWTN. A caller asked me to post it, so here it is. May these words bolster your faith in our God for Whom nothing is impossible,
Blessings and joy in Jesus,
Johnnette
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