Welcoem to posts!!
in the future - u will be able to do some more stuff here,,,!! like pat catgirl- i mean um yeah... for now u can only see others's posts :c
Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Reflection:
My dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, today we celebrate the renowned Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. On this sacred day, we commemorate the victory Christ had over the holy cross. For by dying he has destroyed death itself, and through his glorious resurrection he has restored life within us by giving us that state of grace from our sins and evil. What was once an instrument of death that was bestowed upon Jesus where he surrendered to Godâs will profoundly on his day of suffering saying: âFather, into your hands I commend my spirit.â has transformed into a catalyst of triumph, of resurrection, and of eternal life. Where he willingly gave up his life as the shepherd of his own flock. This very cross that bore that very Body of Christ gave us a sense of hope, victory, and faith about eternal life. It is proclaimed in the Apostleâs Creed where it states: âwas crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hellâ This shows that he himself after his death loosened the bindings of the gates to the Kingdom of Heaven for two days from Good Friday to Holy Saturday. He descended into hell to free those stuck there what felt like an eternity to play his role as a savior and mediator. Paving a road of salvation for the sake of our redemption by giving us these precious sacraments. Where we can reconcile with him, and receive his most holy body and blood that continues to give us that state of grace and harmony among him, and our neighbors. Today we are called to glorify in the Holy Cross of Jesus in worship and penance. Through whom he bestowed upon us sinners an expiation of our sins through salvation, and laying the foundation of his church with his holy cross to bring ourselves closer to Christ through his word and holy sacraments. We celebrate these feasts so that we may never forget the accomplishments and work the Lord has set out for us, and to recall how God limited his powers just for us. We must not take for granted the victory that Christ has triumphed over evil, sin, and death. But we must everyday remember the Good Shepherdâs sacrifice, and we must bear our own weight of the cross by walking with Christ through our personal burdens and hardships. Without Christâs sacrifice, there is no line of priests after Melchizedek. Without Christsâ sacrifice, there is no blotting out of sins for the triumphant redemption of our souls. Without Christâs sacrifice, there is no mediator between us and the Father. The point of this is if we had no holy sacrifice on the altar, we wouldnât have such great gifts and spirit to even persevere with our lives. There wouldâve been no hope, no faith, and most of all no savior. For on that very day where Jesus had to bear his cross up to calvary has changed the course of our lives forever whether you know it or not. Changing the course of my faith and billions of others, knowing that we have a chance to appeal to him, and increase our spirit of piety so we may be great workers in the Lordâs vineyard. My dear brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge that this very wood of the cross is what has sparked an indelible change within our interpersonal faith with God. We must never forget that one sacrifice he made on the altar for the sake of sanctification and freeing souls from the perils of hell. So that we may continue to embrace his most sacred heart and divine mercy, and continue to spread the good news of Christ by delving in deeper to the mysteries of what the holy cross has conducted for us. Amen.
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Feast of Saint Augustine Devotion:
My dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, today we celebrate an important day not just for me, but the Dominicans. For we today celebrate the feast of Our Holy Father Saint Augustine, who was a Bishop and Doctor of the Church. Saint Augustine is known to be a prominent church father that has dynamically shaped our faith and church as we know it today. Some of you may know that in real life, I have received the great sacrament of confirmation where the Holy Spirit descended upon me increasing its gifts. I have chosen for my confirmation name to be Saint Augustine to serve as a patron and intercessor for me due to his great works of theology, and for my discernment for priesthood I currently experience in real life. What has truly inspired me is his confessions and the Rule of Saint Augustine he has written. Inspiring me to be more charitable, and to become more chaste by continuing to pray for continence. The Rule of Saint Augustine is also known to be one of the core foundations of the Dominicans as our Holy Father. He calls us to love one another as Jesus has loved us, and to live in moderation by being obedient and respecting the governance of Christ. The Confessions of Saint Augustine reflects on his sinful life, and the concepts of evil and the transformative nation of the divinity of God. His conversion has inspired me and many others to take my faith more seriously, and to trust in Godâs providence by accepting his love and mercy with open arms. His wisdom and guidance left an indelible mark on our Church, and our Dominican Order. Saint Augustineâs pastoral zeal is known to be powerful, inspiring, and greatly enhanced the mission of evangelization around the world by giving us a greater understanding of our faith. Where he, along the Lord has taught us his statutes, and brings in the idea of Christ being the expiation of our sins. My dear brothers and sisters, as we continue celebrating the Feast of Our Holy Father Saint Augustine, let us take time out of our days by praying to Saint Augustine for his intercession. Whether it would be for vocations, chastity, or charity, he stands as a great intercessor and church father that gave us an astounding understanding of our faith. Let this serve as a call to walk in his footsteps, and embrace the transformative power of our merciful God. For he serves as a beacon of guidance for our spiritual journey, and faith. Saint Augustine, pray for us. Amen.
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Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord Devotion:
My dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, today we celebrate a remarkable event in Jesusâ life that would shape the course of our faith and Church forever. As you may recall in the Lenten Season, you may recall the extraordinary event of Jesus ascending the holy mountain with his servants Peter, James, and John to witness the Transfiguration. On that high mountain, he himself transfigured into a luminous figure with dazzling clothes, standing alongside Elijah, and Moses alone. From there, Jesus was told about prophecies about what would happen to him from death by shedding blood on that cross, to the joyful resurrection. Showing that this is Godâs chosen Son to be the Paschal Lamb, and to reconcile us with God by unlocking a path to salvation sacramentally. This very event has laid the cornerstone and foundation of the Church, showing Jesus as the central figure. Laying out a future that will lead to our redemption, the summit of our lives with the institution of the Eucharist, and with a joyful resurrection and ascension while instructing his Apostles on the Early Church, delegating Peter to be that rock. Celebrating our sorrows, and victories filled with an abundance of triumph, and reconciliation through Christ his Son, our Lord, and our King. His transfiguration being so luminous symbolizes his purity, that not even blemishes on Earth can even bleach it. Showing he is free of evil, sinless, chaste, and cleansed from any iniquities to the point that nothing can ever blemish him. In the Book of Daniel, it prophesies that some day when the Son of Man comes, he will take up his throne and transfigure into kingship, glory, and dominion. Linking that to todayâs Gospel from Mark where Jesus took up that throne of kingship to become the Son of Man that will be sacrificed to free us, and unlock the gates of heaven with the keys. All of us are gathered to exult in praise of the Good News of Christ, and spread it around the world by tongue. Todayâs second reading coming from one of the eyewitnesses of the transfiguration that being Peter, testifies to us about honor and glory we have received from the Father, and that his beloved Son shall be obeyed, and worshiped in his name. Although he betrayed Jesus by denying him three times during his passion, he realized his wrongdoings and turned back to him asking for his mercy. Later on he was given the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven becoming the first pope, setting a rock for our church as the foundation. This gives us a lesson on how it isnât too late to turn back to God and beg him for his love and mercy, and we can do it now by sacramentally reconciling with God through repenting our sins. My dear brothers and sisters, as we continue to reflect on these luminous mysteries, we shall take time out of our day in contemplative prayer by dedicating it to the transfiguration. We must reflect on that luminous mystery about what happened on Calvary on that very wood of the cross. Let us not take for granted the salvation he has unlocked for us, rather we shall sacramentally reconcile with God by going to confessions, and talk about our sins to a priest for Jesusâ absolution to forgive us of our sins and for us to enter into a state of grace. Bringing us back to the flock of the Good Shepherd that will lead us on a path to holiness, and everlasting life in the kingdom of heaven. In hopes that in his second coming, we will be judged accordingly to reap in security in the eternal kingdom as we strive to reconcile with God cleansed of our sins and iniquities. May all of us contemplate in our prayers that his transfiguration that prophesied the death and victory of the cross lead us to safely repent, and spread his Gospel with our own words and actions. So that through his paschal mystery, it may be a beacon of light of guidance that will bring us to the grace and peace of God with the communion of saints. Amen.
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Optional Memorial of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome Devotion:
My dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, we have all gathered to celebrate the anniversary of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, being dedicated to Our Lady for her role in our salvation, and faith. In exactly ten days from now, we will celebrate a Solemn occasion of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrating her assumption into Heaven where she joined her divine son in the Eternal Kingdom. We reflect on this day of the dedication of the Major Basilica where we venerate the Mother of the Church by asking for her intercession to guide us, and unite ourselves into the one faith of our Holy Catholic Church. Our Ladyâs obedience and devotion to her Son is known to be formidable. For she is a symbol of patience, and an abundant amount of maternal love that she had for her Son, raising him to be our salvation of the world and as a King. This Major Basilica dedicated to the Mother of the Church always calls us to worship God, and sacramentally connecting ourselves in a relationship with God. As you may have heard from todayâs collect before the readings, we ask the Blessed Virgin Mary to intercede for us to ask God to pardon the faults of our servants. Asking that her Immaculate Heart with her maternal love can care for us, asking the God of reconciliation to pardon us, and forgive us of our iniquities. Just like how she provided for her Son, nourishing him, and loved him no matter what he did. In todayâs Gospel of Matthew where Jesus withdrew alone after the Passion of Saint John The Baptist, we can see the feeding of the 5,000 with barley loaves of bread and fish. We reflect on his pastoral care he had for 5,000 people he doesn't even know. This shows his role as a good shepherd as he tends to care for his flock, and continues to nourish the people who need help the most. This can correlate to Maryâs maternal care she had for her child, giving him the necessities needed, the nourishment he needed for his spiritual life, and serving as a model to him for him to serve to others. For when God sent himself down to Earth, he humbled himself by laying his life down just to care for us with his Sacred Heart. Building this church upon the rock of Peter, with this Basilica of Saint Mary Major serving as a testament for us to fulfill that spiritual hunger, hungering and thirsting for his mercy and love. My dear brothers and sisters, as we continue to wait upon the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, let us pray in contemplation begging for her intercession to keep our church safe, and to help us renew ourselves within Christ. The sacred places in the Basilica serve as a reminder for us to worship, reflect, and participate within our community. May the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary continue to help this church withstand the test of time, evil, and sin. So that the promise of Christ to Peter continues to prevail as the netherworld is shunned away from us. The Mother of this Catholic Church has brought us a man of salvation, a man of redemption, and a man of love, chastity, and purity. Let us follow her Immaculate Heart, and ask that through its intercession, we may be pardoned of our faults and cleansed of our sins, evil, iniquities, and our old selves. So that renewed in this, we may become holy in the name of the Lord. Amen.
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Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Devotion:
My dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, in todayâs Gospel from Matthew where Jesus dictated his bread of life discourse, it truly shows the significance of Jesusâ sacrifice on that cross. When Jesus instituted that first mass during the Last Supper as the Eternal High Priest, he literally turned the bread and wine into the body, blood, soul, and divinity of himself through transubstantiation. It is a reminder to us that at every mass when the Bread and Wine are consecrated, it is the true body and blood of Christ. For he is the sacrificial Lamb for the passover anointed on doorposts for the sake of our sins and iniquities. This core element of the Mass is what is known as the summit of our lives, the summit of our faith, the summit of our souls. The Bread of God is a divine essence and substance descending down from heaven onto us to give life to us sinners. For those who do not consume his Body and Blood have no life within them, no flame in them to bring them into the Heavenly Kingdom of the Father. All of us here were born with the nature of sinning and going against Godâs divine rule. But Jesus unlocked a path for us to let us sacramentally reconcile for God for the absolution of our sins to enter into a state of grace. He also passed down authority through the Apostles to institute that same sacrifice he made on that day before he was to suffer willingly for us as the mediator for our faults. Nourishing us spiritually and physically as we pursue in our faith to holiness, and reconciliation with God by reaching the Father through Christ his Son. So that we may never thirst, or hunger for anything ever again, for he is the Good Shepherd, for there is nothing we shall want. In the first reading from the Book of Exodus, the Lord tells Moses about raining down bread upon him, where it is scattered everywhere for everyone to gather portions, testing them to see if they will follow his divine instruction. Instructing us to eat his flesh reminding us that he is the Lord, our God, our way and truth. He calls us to follow, trust, and embrace in his instructions, love, callings, and signs. Asking us to keep the flame of our soul and spiritual life aflame, and burning. In Saint Paulâs Letter to the Ephesians, he asks us to set our old ways and leave it to waste, instead focus on building ourselves by renewing our faith and heart to become contrite, humble, and reveal our new self in his truth, and holiness. Telling us to not live as gentiles, but as faithful Christians. Opening ourselves to new practices and new faith, leaving behind our old ways as gentiles, and moving us to a more renewing and everlasting devotion to God. My dear brothers and sisters, as we continue to remind ourselves of the sacrifice that Christ made as the bread of life on the altar, let us take time out of our days devoting our prayers to the eucharist. You can do so by going to Eucharistic Adorations wherever itâs being held, spending your time with Christ as he is truly present in that sacrament. We must pray in sincerity, contemplation, and ever devoted to his mercy for through his flesh, we have redeemed us all by anointing our doorposts with grace, love, and humility. Let the mystery of our faith seep into you as you embrace his body, blood, soul, and divinity. May the Lordâs flesh and precious blood keep us safe, united, and protected by driving out evil and temptation to sin, driving us away from our old nature, and bringing us to a renewed heart, and soul that continues to be faithful, and true to his testaments. Amen.
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Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola Devotion:
My dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, today we commemorate a memorial about Saint Ignatius of Loyola, a priest who is known to be the founder of the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. Saint Ignatius was a Spanish priest that has significantly contributed to the reformation of the Catholic Church. He wasnât a devoted Catholic in his early life, but rather a soldier for the Spaniard Army. At one point, he got terribly injured and wounded in battle, making him have to go through a multitude of surgical procedures. After that during his recovery phase, he had an immense spiritual conversion and experienced a vocation to Religious Life, having a vision of Christ and Saint Francis Assisi influencing him to lay down his life in service of God. He read many religious texts he had, and Scriptures. He also completed many pilgrimages in the Holy Land with his missionary and pastoral zeal, wanting to strictly do it whilst in repentance. He imitated the Scriptures in todayâs readings from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah which urges us to repent for Godâs restoration, and to stand as we renew our minds and hearts. In 1539, he decided to take up Religious vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. He had six companions with him, one of them notably being Saint Francis Xavier. With them, he founded the Society of Jesus that year, and was approved as an official religious order by Pope Paul III in 1540. After he founded the Jesuits, he published a remarkable book known as Spiritual Exercises. It is an Ignatian guide that contains sets of meditation, prayers, and contemplations. This shows Saint Ignatiusâ great pastoral zeal and his compassion for Christ, guiding others to imitate the lifestyle of Christ, and to follow it and share it among one another. Laying out a map to guide people to find the treasure known as the Kingdom of Heaven as found in todayâs Gospel from Matthew. Telling us to contemplate in prayer and repent in the name of the Lord as we continue to guide ourselves to that treasure, achieving that goal of holiness while reaping the fruits of the eternal Kingdom in refuge for peace. He has guided the Jesuits to leave an indelible mark on the Catholic Church during the Counter-Reformation of the Church. He led it by emphasizing the importance of education, and to develop a personal interconnecting relationship with God. My dear brothers and sisters, as we continue to reflect on the missions and impact Saint Ignatius of Loyola had on the church, let us all try to practice his teachings as found in his book Spiritual Exercises. Let us all try to pray in a more contemplative manner while still doing it in repentance. This will help us strengthen our personal relationship with God, and open our faith to new practices. Saint Ignatiusâ spiritual conversion has taught us that Christ is always there with us no matter what, guiding us on the way with our life and calling us to certain vocations in discernment. Calling us to trust in Godâs providence, and to embrace his love, redemption, and relationship with him. Let the intercession of Saint Ignatius of Loyola keep us safe from harm, danger, and sin as we continue to renew our bond and personal relationship with God and embrace it. Amen.
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Tuesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time Devotion:
My dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, today we reflect on the themes of repentance, works in faith, and Godâs mercy and justice. These themes reflect on the core foundations of the Catholic Church and our spiritual journey. In the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah, we can see Jeremiah pleading for Godâs mercy for the sins of Judah. Symbolizing Jeremiah as a weeping prophet who was compassionate and caring for the City of Judah and wanted to repent for their sins, and griefs on how far Judah has been led astray from God. But in a way to reconcile with God, Jeremiah states that they recognize their own wickedness, and the guilt of their fathers that sinned against God, begging him for his grace and mercy. We can take this event as an example that serves as a way of informing us to always be in repentance with God, follow him in his principles and divinity. We are all here unworthy of his mercy and grace, and we are all here to sacramentally repent in his name to avoid the nearest occasions of sin. All of us are to learn to recognize that we are all sinners in nature, and we seek for the fruits of his salvation and Word as we await his answer for us as we pray in penance, and in sincerity. Jeremiah serves as a great role model for being a true example of representing repentance, and reconciliation. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus explains the parable of the weeds to his Apostles after telling them it. He explains that those who are a sower for good seeds are the children for Godâs kingdom, and the weeds down by enemies are children of the Evil one, the Devil. Explaining to us that it has a deeper meaning spiritually, that those weeds will be burnt by the harvesters of Angels, denying those unclean for the Kingdom. Preparing us for his second coming where he will judge both the living and the dead and the outcomes of what will happen for sinners, and for those who have ears to hear for his Word will be welcomed into the light of his face and work to strive for virtue, and fight off evil and sin. So my dear brothers and sisters, let us again reflect on these themes of repentance, work, and Godâs mercy. Recall Jeremiah weeping in repentance for God and wanting to amend the sins of Judah by reconciling it with God with his compassion, and devotion to him. Let us try to imitate him and work with each other by helping one another, for salvation is from man by man. Even those who seem hopeless, and helpless in need of God and his guidance. We must draw people close to that, and bring those who need him the most to reap as good seeds, bearing the Word of God and the fruits of it. For those seeds will be collected into the Kingdom of Heaven by Angels, and those who donât bear it are to be burnt and casted away from the Kingdom, being forever separated from him. May God guide us as we work with ourselves and our brothers and sisters as we work to reach salvation man by man through Christ by renewing our hearts and souls in him, and we hope to experience Godâs love and mercy for us, for he is always here for us no matter what. So that we may understand our difference and purpose we have for this world, to leave an indelible mark on people to draw close to Godâs heart and divinity. Amen.
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Sunday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time Devotion:
My dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, in todayâs Gospel, we witness the great miracle of Christ where he multiplied loaves of bread and fish to 5,000 people. This marks a significant turning point in Jesusâ providence and pastoral zeal for his ministry. His compassion to his faithful shows he is willing to flourish his providence in what seems impossible to the average person. Before he did so, he tested his Apostle Philip for the people in need for basic nourishment. Asking him where he could buy food for the people that need to eat knowing what Philip will do in that case. Philipâs practical response of saying that even buying it at places wonât feed enough of them to even have little. But Andrew on the other hand had a hopeful response pointing out a boy already had some bread and fish hoping that others did so they wouldnât have to buy as many. But Jesus instructed all of them to recline, and trust in his providence. By giving thanks to the bread and fish he multiplied it so it had more than enough to feed the 5000 people gathered for his pastoral care and ministry. This shows Jesusâ great abundance and humility for his generosity, reminding us that we should share our gifts among our brothers and sisters. The feeding of the 5,000 serves as a testament to trust in Godâs vision and signs, and actively work in our faith by participating in his works by letting it guide us. So that by actively participating in his missions and ministry, we may be bearing the fruits of eternal life with our faith by seeking his flesh, for he is the bread of life. We are here to be reconciling with God sacramentally through his flesh, and through repentance by spreading the Gospel around the world. For the Eucharist and his Blood is our healing, our spiritual medicine that will bring life within us. For those who have not consumed are lifeless with no flame of spirit in them. The Second Book of Kings hints towards the feeding of the 5,000 instructing us to feed it to those who need to eat, and that there will be leftovers. Showing that Jesus is a Prophet fulfilling the prophecies said in the Scriptures to feed the 5,000 and to gather any leftovers that remained. This shows how Jesus is our Eternal High Priest, a Prophet, and a King. Being the Son of Man, he came down for us to teach us in his ministry, and to imitate it. His Priestly characteristics shows him being charitable, and humbling himself to care for those below him. Gathering us into his spirit, and into one faith by calling us to discernment. In the Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians, he urges to live with humility, patience, and bearing witness to neighbors with love. Telling us to gather with Christ in one spirit, one baptism, and one true God. We must preserve the unity of Christians to be gathered into one Body of Christ, united in our One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church with one common mission. Helping others and ourselves to holiness to reap the fruits of the Heavenly Kingdom of God. My dear brothers and sisters, as we ponder on the mysteries of Christâs miracle on the 5,000 people he fed, I invite you all in repentance to try to imitate Christâs pastoral ministry. Let us try to humble ourselves and contribute to our works with our faith by being charitable to one another and fulfill our missions bestowed upon Jesus before his ascension by proclaiming his Holy Gospel, spiritually nourishing those who seek the truth the most. We are all called to unite the Christian world being passed down the Apostles. It is our job to preserve our traditions and to stand and defend our faith with what we got. We must do this whilst in repentance, letting the Lord feed us with knowledge and wisdom to answer all our needs. All of us were born to be servants of God, and through the shedding of Christâs blood, he has redeemed us by sacramentally giving us a way to reconcile with God. It is a call to arms to us to help bring people to Christ so they may also reconcile with God, and realize the truth behind our faith. May God keep the gifts of the Holy Spirit within us as a flame for us to follow, and to keep aflame with our faith and works, and bring us to reaping the fruits of his love, mercy, and Kingdom. Amen.
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Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary Devotion:
My dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, today we celebrate a memorial of two significant figures of the Catholic Church, Saints Joachim and Anne. These two Saints are known to be the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and grandparents of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Saints Joachim and Anne are known to have had great piety, patience, and faith while longing to have a child together. While waiting for the great announcement of joy for their child, they lived a life of fasting, and prayer as found in the writings of the Apocryphon of Saint James, whose feast we celebrated yesterday. Their steadfast faith and prayerful devotion to God while playing the role with a great divine plan that will redeem us all. By Immaculately Conceiving the Blessed Virgin Mary, they paved a new path for humanity and Christendom. Being conceived free of sin, she has become the Mother of God of our Savior, marking a turning point between our relationship with God. Giving us a way to reconcile God from our sins, and creating a way to redemption, and salvation. Forging a formidable divine child capable of both a divine and human nature. The Saints Joachim and Anne are known to be patron saints of Grandparents. The reason why is because they serve as an impeccable model for grandparents today, trying to guide and nourish future generations to come. The Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary also shaped the Church and its path by playing a key role in the divinity of Christ. This connects to todayâs responsorial on how the Grandparents of Christ imitated his ministry by shepherding and nourishing him by guiding his Mother on how to take care of him. Where She and Saint Joseph guarded him, and nourished him as their Son. In todayâs Gospel according to Matthew, Jesus explains the Parable of the Sower. The Seed sown on the rich soil represents the Blessed Virgin Maryâs parents. Showing the characteristics of their steadfast faith and how they listen and understand the Word of God. Understanding that at the moment of them being announced that they bear the child free from sin, they knew what they must do when raising her, and they listened and nourished her for they knew that the Savior of the World would be coming from her. Today, they are venerated as one of the most significant figures of the church, and continue to be a model for us today for us to imitate, and be like when we grow up. So my dear brothers and sisters, we must all learn that it is our task to continue to pass down the Word of the Lord to future generations, and nourish them to help prepare themselves for a spiritual life. It is our duty and salvation to do so as we continue on with devoting our faith and trust in God, and let his providence help us as we prepare ourselves to nourish a future generation to come live closer to Christ, just as Saints Joachim and Anne did so when raising the Blessed Virgin Mary to raise the Son of Man. May the intercession of Saints Joachim and Anne unite us, and protect us as we prepare ourselves to understand the difference we can make by bringing people closer to Christ.
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Feast of Saint James The Great, Apostle Devotion:
My dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, we celebrate a feast of one of Jesusâ great Apostles. We celebrate the Feast of Saint James the Greater, son of Zebedee. He is known to be one of the important Apostles, being the brother of John. He has followed along with Jesus through many important aspects of his life, from the Transfiguration of being taken up with Peter and John to witness Jesus transfigure with Elijah and Moses on his side. He also witnessed Jairiusâ resurrection, Jesusâ agony in the garden and his resurrection, and his many teachings and miracles. Witnessing his teachings and miracles alongside being brothers with John has significantly shaped his faith and devotion to Christ being proclaimed the Sons of Thunder. This shows the characteristics of Saint Jamesâ great missionary zeal and devotion through his evangelization up until his Martyrdom, being the first Apostle to be martyred. He is known to be the Patron Saint of Spain and Pilgrims by his preaching and spreading Christ throughout the country. Along with his steadfast faith and unwavering devotion, he is known to play a key role in the Early Church. He did so by helping provide instruction for the new converts and organizing the beliefs of the Church while bearing true witness to the Gospels through his Apostolic authority. He did so by writing many letters about his teachings and missionary works he has done. By doing so, he has encouraged the faithful to strengthen their faith and bond with God, and to follow him and embrace him by leading them the right way to salvation. Saint James has left a great legacy by influencing the world to start their Christian communities to expand Christendom. He flourished his evangelization and witness testimonials by being there in person to witness Christ commit to his pastoral ministry, and replicates it through our Catholic Church. His missionary trips have also led to the founding of the Church in Spain, which has greatly influenced the relationship between the Spanish and the Catholic Church. So my dear brothers and sisters, as we continue to ponder and reflect on the great accomplishments and works that Saint James have done, let us ponder on what the Church wouldâve been without Saint James the great, how different would the world be if Saint James hadnât been called by Jesus to spread his ministry and the Church. Let us not take for granted the works of Saint James and his missionary works that he has done, and let him serve as a guide for us as a true witness of Christ to enhance our faith, and imitate his evangelization of the Word of the Lord. Let us ask Saint James in prayer through his intercession to pray for us to give us the fortitude and strength to preach the Gospels, and to spread the Church to those who strive to learn, and for those who are led astray from the Good Shepherd, may he help us understand the difference we can make and share, and bring everyone to Christ. May God and Saint Jamesâ intercession strengthen us as we continue to pursue our faith, and open our hearts as we fulfill our missions to spread the Scriptures through our words and actions. Amen.
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