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We look at two more forms of prayer: intercession and thanksgiving. Fr. Mike emphasizes that in the age of the Church, intercession, or asking on behalf of another, is participating in Christ’s mediation. He also emphasizes that in all things we must give thanks, even in times of suffering and grief. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2634-2638.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/oW_hwjojGJs?si=vPEVOPYC-bWmHY
“Let us say boldly with St. Bernard that we have need of a mediator with the Mediator Himself, and that it is the divine Mary who is the most capable of filling that charitable office. It was through her that Jesus Christ came to us, and it is through her that we must go to Him. If we fear to go directly to Jesus Christ, our God, whether because of His infinite greatness or because of our vileness or because of our sins, let us boldly implore the aid and intercession of Mary, our Mother. She is good, she is tender, she has nothing in her austere and forbidding, nothing too sublime and too brilliant. In seeing her, we see our pure nature.”— St. Louis de Montfort, p. 42
//Catholic Company//
SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2021
“As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I entrust you and your families to her maternal intercession, that she may guide us on our pilgrim way to the fullness of Christ’s promises. May God bless you!” Pope Francis
WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 2021
“The Lord wants to tell us that before the observance of His commandments, before the beatitudes, before works of mercy, it is necessary to be united to Him, to abide in Him. We cannot be good Christians if we do not abide in Jesus… The fruitfulness of our life depends on prayer… Let us entrust ourselves to the intercession of the Virgin Mary. She always remained completely united to Jesus and bore much fruit. May she help us abide in Christ, in His love, in His word, to bear witness to the Risen Lord in the world.” Pope Francis
Creating God, you change our mourning into dancing. In hope we pray: Teach us your hidden wisdom, O God.
Inspire scientists, medical researchers, and health-care workers in their efforts to stop the spread of disease.
Teach us your hidden wisdom, O God.
Ease the suffering of those who have suffered trauma, and sensitize us to the hurts of others.
Teach us your hidden wisdom, O God.
Help us to celebrate and protect life in all its stages and to order our days in peace and love.
Teach us your hidden wisdom, O God.
Our Father . . .
May the joy of holy Easter fill our hearts and lead us to rejoice always in Jesus, the salvation of God. Amen.
“O Holy Mary! My Mother; into thy blessed trust and special custody, and into the bosom of thy mercy, I this day, and every day, and in the hour of my death, commend my soul and body. To thee I commit all my anxieties and sorrows, my life and the end of my life, that by thy most holy intercession, and by thy merits, all my actions may be directed and governed by thy will and that of thy Son.”
— St. Aloysius Gonzaga
//The Catholic Company//
God of love, on this night you make a new covenant with your Church. In hope we pray: Let us find our gladness in you, O God.
Help us to recognize and receive the challenges to which the Eucharist calls us.
Let us find our gladness in you, O God.
Animate us toward love of our neighbor, care for the poor, and delight in your praise.
Let us find our gladness in you, O God.
Receive all the faithful departed at the heavenly banquet table.
Let us find our gladness in you, O God.
Our Father . . .
May God open our minds and hearts to receive the mysteries revealed to us as we celebrate the Paschal Triduum. Amen.
THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2021
“Surely, there will be moments when faith can waver, when it seems that God does not see or act… And it is true too in these days of global health crisis and great insecurity. At times like these, remember that Jesus is by your side. Do not stop dreaming! Do not give up! Do not lose hope! From heaven the saints are watching over us. Let us pray to them and never tire of begging their intercession… Let them accompany you to a better future, a future of hope.” Pope Francis
Fr. Mike highlights the wisdom and faith of Judith, heroine of the Old Testament, and shows us how her prayer in not just a prayer of intercession, but also one of praise. The readings are Jeremiah 37-38, Judith 8-9, and Proverbs 17:5-8.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/f27psD92Kv8
