Praying With Scripture

2008-08-23T11:18:00.000-07:00

Today's Saint: St. Rose of Lima reminds me of how I complain about the extra mile I am triing to forfill, when at the same time I forget about those who HAVE TO walk many extra miles just to survive. My sufferings are minor. (Great mainly in my head)

Please Jesus, let me absorb, without complaining, if only a faction of the sufferings of others, so that I could be more gracious of your suffering that you have absorbed for me. Thank you, my King and Savior.

2008-02-29T01:43:00.001-08:00

United In Christ.

Chitika | Owna

Religious Resources

2008-02-16T17:38:00.000-08:00

The Baptism of the Lord

2008-01-12T17:52:00.000-08:00

Is 42:1-4,6-7

Ps 29:1-4,3,9-10

Acts 10:34-38

Mat 3:13-17

Link of the Month:
Today's Heartfelt Blessing

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

2007-09-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

Wisdom 9:14-18
Philomen 9-10, 12-17
Luke 14: 14-33

If you find yourself stuck in traffic; Don't despair.
There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

HAVE YOU SAID YOUR ROSARY TODAY?

Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. We ask this in the name of Jesus our Lord and Savior.
Amen.

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2007-07-05T21:14:00.000-07:00

Scripture Readings
for July 8, 2007

Is 66:10-14

Psalm 66:1-7,16

Gal 6:14-18

Lk 10:1-12, 17-20

Morning Prayer
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
He has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of hte house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.

THis was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.

In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the
shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Catholic Church Extension Society

A MONTH FOR MOTHERS

2007-05-06T16:08:00.000-07:00

In this month when we remember mothers, please shower blessings on all those caregivers - grandparents, teachers, foster parents and mentors whose gentle presence makes a difference in our children's lives. Bless, too, those single parents, mothers and fathers alike, who work so hard to be present at all times. Bless parents who can't be with their children. Bless us all, and help us to raise children with their eyes on YOU.

The month of May is dedicated to Mary, Mother of God. Let us pray with Mary to her Son, now and always.

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

When you are lonely and fearful, call Psalm 51.
When you worry, call Matthew 6:10-24.
When the world seems bigger than God, call Psalm 90.
When you are in danger, call Psalm 91.
If discouraged about work, call Psalm 126.
If your pocketbook is empty, call 2 Corinthians 9:8-11.
If you're losing confidence in people, call Psalm 118.
When you are reviewing your investments and returns, call Mark 10:17-11.
When you want to speak with one of God's representatives, call 2 Corinthians 5:14-21.

Emergency numbers may be dialed direct. No operator assistance is necessary. All lines are open 24 hour a day! As God feeds your faith, doubt will starve to death!
Pass it on !!!!

Our Daily Walk, Christian Books and Gifts
707 Elm St. (between Shortstop and Post Office), Wakefield, KS 67487
(785) 461-5511
Store hours are Thursday & Friday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm and Saturday 10:00 am - 3:30 pm. Proprietors are Janet and Ricky Hahn.
Gift Registry and Gift Certificates Available.
Special ordering for Christian items not currently in stock.

Link of the Month: Our Daily Walk; Christian Books and Gifts. http://rdailywalk.com

Empty Egg

2007-04-09T09:33:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter!

EMPTY EGG

Jeremy was born with a twisted body and a slow mind. At the age of 12
he was still in second grade, seemingly unable to learn. His teacher,
Doris Miller, often became exasperated with him. He would squirm in his
seat, drool, and make grunting noises. At other times, he spoke clearly and
distinctly, as if a spot of light had penetrated the darkness of his brain.
Most of the time, however, Jeremy just irritated his teacher.

One day she called his parents and asked them to come in for a
consultation. As the Forresters entered the empty classroom, Doris said
to them, "Jeremy really belongs in a special school. It isn't fair to him to be
with younger children who don't have learning problems. Why, there is a
five year gap between his age and that of the other students."

Mrs. Forrester cried softly into a tissue, while her husband spoke. "Miss
Miller," he said, "there is no school of that kind nearby. It would be a
terrible shock for Jeremy if we had to take him out of this school. We
know he really likes it here."
Doris sat for a long time after they had left, staring at the snow outside
the window. Its coldness seemed to seep into her soul. She wanted
to sympathize with the Forresters. After all, their only child had a
terminal illness. But it wasn't fair to keep him in her class. She had 18
other youngsters to teach, and Jeremy was a distraction.
Furthermore, he would never learn to read and write. Why waste any
more time trying?

As she pondered the situation, guilt washed over her. Here I am
complaining when my problems are nothing compared to that poor
family, she thought. Lord, please help me to be more patient with
Jeremy. From that day on, she tried hard to ignore Jeremy's noises
and his blank stares. Then one day, he limped to her desk, dragging
his bad leg behind him.

"I love you, Miss Miller," he exclaimed, loud enough for the whole class
to hear. The other students snickered, and Doris' face turned red.

She stammered, "Wh-why that's very nice, Jeremy. N-now please,
take your seat."

Spring came, and the children talked excitedly about the coming of
Easter. Doris told them the story of Jesus, and then to emphasize
the idea of new life springing forth, she gave each of the children a
large plastic egg. "Now," she said to them, "I want you to take this
home and bring it back tomorrow with something inside that shows
new life. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Miss Miller," the children responded enthusiastically--all except
for Jeremy. He listened intently; his eyes never left her face. He did
not even make his usual noises. Had he understood what she said
about Jesus' death and resurrection? Did he understand the
assignment? Perhaps she should call his parents and explain the
project to them.

That evening, Doris' kitchen sink stopped up. She called the landlord
and waited an hour for him to come by and unclog it. After that, she
still had to shop for groceries, iron a blouse, and prepare a
vocabulary test for the next day. She completely forgot about
phoning Jeremy's parents.

The next morning, 19 children came to school, laughing and talking as
they placed their eggs in the large wicker basket on Miss Miller's
desk. After they completed their math lesson, it was time to open the
eggs. In the first egg, Doris found a flower. "Oh yes, a flower is certainly
a sign of new life," she said. "When plants peek through the ground, we
know that spring is here." A small girl in the first row waved her arm.
"That's my egg, Miss Miller," she called out. The next egg contained a
plastic butterfly, which looked very real. Doris held it up. "We all know
that a caterpillar changes and grows into a beautiful butterfly. Yes,
that's new life, too."
Little Judy smiled proudly and said, "Miss Miller, that one is mine."
Next, Doris found a rock with moss on it. She explained that moss,
too, showed life. Billy spoke up from the back of the classroom,
"My daddy helped me," he beamed.

Then Doris opened the fourth egg. She gasped. The egg was
empty. Surely it must be Jeremy's she thought, and of course, he
did not understand her instructions. If only she had not forgotten
to phone his parents.

Because she did not want to embarrass him, she quietly set the egg
aside and reached for another. Suddenly, Jeremy spoke up.
"Miss Miller, aren't you going to talk about my egg?"
Flustered, Doris replied, "But Jeremy, your egg is empty." He
looked into her eyes and said softly, "Yes, but Jesus' tomb was
empty, too."

Time stopped. When she could speak again, Doris asked him,
"Do you know why the tomb was empty?"
"Oh, yes," Jeremy said, "Jesus was killed and put in there. Then
His Father raised Him up."

The recess bell rang. While the children excitedly ran out to the school
yard, Doris cried. The cold inside her melted completely away.

Three months later, Jeremy died. Those who paid their respects at the
mortuary were surprised to see 19 eggs on top of his casket, all of
them empty.

If this blesses you, pass it on. Happy Easter

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

2007-01-22T12:53:00.000-08:00

Neh. 8:2-4a,5-6,8-10
Ps. 19:8-10,15
1 Cor. 12:12-30 or 12:12-14,27
Lk. 1:1-4;4:14-21

A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk, I have a work station.

Not only are sins of the fathers visited upon the children, but nowadays the sins of the children are visited upon the fathers.

Diversity Youth Ministry
is for high school students (9th -12th grades) who want to connect their Catholic faith to their American way of life and who want to have fun!

All sessions are from 10:30 am to 12:15 pm in the St. Xavier School Assembly Room. Please email Eve Coberly at divsty@yahoo.com or call 785-461-5057 if you are planning to be a part of Diversity or want more information on the program.
See you there!!

What if -
GOD couldn't take the time to bless us today because we couldn't take the time to thank Him yesterday?

What if -
God stopped loving and caring for us because we failed to love and care for others?

Peace on Earth

2007-01-02T23:02:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy Easter.
I say this because we should celebrate these ALL YEAR LONG.
With God's blessing, we shall succeed bringing "PEACE ON EARTH".

"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies." === Mother Teresa

Yours In The Service Of Jesus Christ; George McMillin

*****************************

In this Christmas Season and throughout the year, we wish God's blessings on all of you, your families near and far. Let all hearts rejoice in the wonder of HIS Presence and LOVE. Let us continue to share the many blessing given freely to us by our Savior.
Saint Xavier Staff

Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2006-09-27T08:30:00.000-07:00

"ANYWAYS", by Mother Teresa

Wis. 2:12,17-20
Ps. 54:3-4,5,6-8
Jas. 3:16-4:3
Mk. 9:30-37

What are the similarities between the just one in the Book of Wisdom and Jesus?
What are some Differences?

How do you assess James's suggestion about jealousy and selfish ambition as the origin of our wars and conflicts?
Does it make sense?
Or is it too simplistic?

Are there wars and conflicts in your life?
What can you do about them?

IT'S ALL IN HOW YOU SAY IT

A priest and a pastor from two churches are standing by the side of the road, ferverishly pounding a handmade sign into the ground with a large rock. The sign reads:
"The End is Near! Turn Yourself Around Now Before It's Too Late!"
As a car speeds past them, the driver yells, "Leave us alone you religious nuts!"

From the curve they hear screeching tires and big splash.

The pastor turns to the priest and asks, "Do you think the sign should just say "Bridge out?"

Twenty-Second Sunday In Ordinary Time

2006-09-07T04:46:00.000-07:00

Dt. 4:1-2,6-8
Ps. 15:2-5
Jas 1:17-18,21b-22,27
Mk. 7:1-8,14-15,21-23

How do you react to James's definition of true religion?
What is most challenging?
What seems to be lacking?

What is your definition of true religion?
What elements are most important for you?

How do you measure up with regard to the characteristics of true religion that emerge from today's readings?
Where might you improve?

By the way, it may be difficult for you to believe that God knows your name...but he does. Written on his hand, spoken by his mouth, whispered by his lips... your name.
Isaiah 49:16

STEWARDSHIP OF TALENT: Your Role In Our Parish

Are you serving in a parish ministry at St. Xavier? With hectic work schedules and family like, we all need time to relax and exercise - but we also need to rejuvenate ourselves through service. Reaching out in love to others, while sometimes difficult, is nonetheless spiritually enriching. In fact, it is a necessary part of Christian Life. As St. Paul often reminds us in scripture, every baptised person has a role to play in the community.

Every week many ministries are meeting, working, praying, and having fun together. If you take the initiative to get involved, there is ministry where your talents will make a difference!

ACTION STEPS TO INCREASE YOUR INVOLVEMENT:

Re-commit yourself to you current parish ministries

Choose at least one new ministry to join

Plan to attend parish-wide events announced in our bulletin

The Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2006-06-23T19:48:00.000-07:00

Jb. 38:1, 8-11
Ps. 107:23-26, 28-31
2 Cor. 5:14-17
Mk. 4:35-41

Imagine yourself in the boat with Jesus and his disciples. What do you see?
What do you hear?
How do you feel?

Think about some occasion when you were in serious danger. How did you act?

How might today's readings contribute to you appreciation of the new creation brought about through Jesus?

STEWARDSHIP

"Neither in my youth, nor now that I am old, have I seen a just man forsaken... begging bread"
Psalm 37:25

"Give liberally and be ungrudging when you do so, for on this account the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake."
Deuteronomy 15:10

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also".
Luke 12:34

"All tithes from the land, whether the seed from the ground or the fruit from the tree, are the LORD'S; they are holy to the LORD."
Leviticus 27:30

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The best thing a parent can give their children is presence.

Quit gripping about your church. If it was perfect you couldn't belong.

Opportunity may knock once, but temptation leans on the bell.

WE COULD LEARN A LOT FROM CRAYONS:
some are sharp,
some are pretty,
some are dull,
some have weird names,
and all are different colors...
but they all have to learn to live in the same box.

New Link of the Month: Sacred Space

Pentecost

2006-06-02T16:16:00.000-07:00

Acts 2:1-11,
Ps. 104:1ab,24ac,29bc-30,31,34
1 Cor. 12:3b-7,12-13

How does the Paraclete/Holy Spirit carry on the mission of the earthly Jesus?

Imagine yourself among Jesus' disciples gathered in Jerusalem on Pentecost.
What do you see?
What do you hear?
What do you feel?

In Paul's concept of human nature what is the relation of the person's spirit to the Holy Spirit?
Why do we need the help of the Holy Spirit to live a life of Christian virtue?

STEWARDSHIP

The word tithe is Greek for "tenth". For centuries the Catholic Church has recommended that we as Christians give one tenth of the fruits of our labor back to God. Of that 10%, the Church asks that we give 5% to our Parish and 5% to other charities.

Old Testament:

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and try me in this, says the Lord of hosts:
See if I will open for you the floodgates of heaven, to pour down blessing upon you without measure?"

New Testament:

"Avoid greed in all forms. A man may be wealthy, but his possessions do not guarentee eternal life."

"Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's"

Sixth Sunday of Easter

2006-05-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

Acts 10:25-26,34-35,44-48
Ps. 98:1-4
1 Jn. 4:7-10
Jn. 15:9-17

How is Jesus the model of Christian love?
What does his example contribute to your understanding of abiding in love?

In what ways have you experienced being loved by God?
Does this experience affect how you understand yourself and act in relation to others?

Why did Peter and his fellow Jewish Christians decide to baptize Cornelius?
Is this a case of the Holy Spirit being ahead of the church and leading it forward?

Fifth Sunday of Easter

2006-05-12T17:01:00.000-07:00

Acts 9:26-31
Ps.22:26-27,28,30,31-32
1 Jn. 3:18-24
Jn. 15:1-8

Blessing Prayer For Mother's Day
God of Love, Listen to our prayer,
Holy Mary, Mother of Jesus, Bend down your ear to our request and bless our mother.
Bless her with the Strength of Your Spirit,
     she who taught us how to stand and to walk.
Bless her with the Melody of Your Love,
     she who taught us how to speak, sing and pray to You.
Bless her with a place at Your Eternal Dinner Table,
     she who showed us how to feed ourselves and fed us while we were helpless but embraced in her love.
Bless her today, now in this lifetime, with good things and with health.
Bless here with joy and love and laughter, with pride in her children, and surround her with good friends.
This blessing and all graces, we pray, descend upon our mother:
in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
AMEN.

MOTHER'S DAY
In the United States, Mother's Day did not become an official holiday until 1915. Its establishment was due largely to the perserverance and love of one daughter, Anna Jarvis (1864-1948)
Anna's mother had provided strength and support as the family made their home in West Virginia and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where her father served as a minister. As a girl, Anna had helped her mother take care of her garden, mostly filled with white carnations, her mother's favorite flower. When Mrs. Jarvis died on May 5, 1905, Anna was determined to honor her. She asked the minister at her church in West Virginia to give a sermon in her mother's memory. On the same Sunday in Philadelphia their minister honored Mrs. Jarvis and all mothers with a special Mother's Day service. Anna Jarvis began writing to congressmen, asking them to set aside a day to honor mothers. In 1910, the governor of West Virginia proclaimed the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day and a year later every state celebrated it. The offical Mother's Day flower is the red carnation.

LAUGHING WITH MOM
Things Mom's NEVER SAY...

"How on earth can you see the TV sitting so far back?"

"Just leave all the lights on.. it makes the house look more cheery."

"I don't have a tissue with me... just use your sleeve."

"Don't bother to wear a jacket - the wind-chill is bound to improve."

Fourth Sunday of Easter

2006-05-05T16:25:00.000-07:00

Acts 4:8-12
Ps. 118:1,8-9,21-23,26,29
1 Jn. 3:1-2
Jn. 10:11-18

Who are You?
What are your most important identity markers?
Where does being a child of God fit in?

How might the distinctive character of Christian identity as shaped by Jesus' death and resurrection manifest itself in idividual Christians and in Christian communities?

How does the repeated emphasis on the paschal mystery affect your understanding of Christ as the Good Shepard?
In what senses is Jesus no ordinary shepard?

From the Old Testament Book of Proverbs;

"Better a dry crust with peace than a house full of feasting with strife."
(Proverbs 17:1)

"Depending on an unreliable person in a crisis is like trying to chew with a loose tooth or walk with a crippled foot."
(Proverbs 25:19)

MAY CROWNING CEREMONY

    Images of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Infant Jesus have been revered by Christians from ancient time. The reverence for the image is directed to the persons represented. Crowning a statue of the Lord's Mother is symbolic of the honor we give her as the one chosen by God to bear His Son, our Salvation.

    During the Month of May - a month both named for and dedicated to Mary - Catholics have long honored her by placing a crown on her image. The tradition in the United State and many other countries has been for school children to have a "May Crowning" ceremony, with a procession, pretty dresses and a wreath of fresh flowers that one child get to place on the statue. A song for these festivals, "Bring Flowers of the Fairest", with its refrain "O Mary, we crown thee with blossoms today, Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May..." has a familiar favorite for generations.

    Cardinal Glemp notes that "the Church recognizes in the Blessed Virgin Mary a perfect example of a Christian way of life, filled with deep faith and true love for all people.. (The Mother of God) will guide us and support us...enabling us to meet and overcome the challenges of the times in which, through God's will, we live on this Earth."

Third Sunday of Easter

2006-04-29T12:42:00.000-07:00

Acts 3:13-15, 17-19
Ps 4:2,4,7-9
1 Jn 2:1-5a
Lk 24:35-48

How might the power of Jesus' resurrection more effectively shape life within you family, religious community or parish?

How would you describe to someone else the effects of Easter on you own identity as a Christian?

In what ways does the church's mission flow from Jesus' resurrection?
What should be the emphases of the mission?

Celebrate MARY the Mother of Jesus
The month of May is traditionally the time the people from many cultures and generations have shown a special devotion to Mary. Mary's "yes" to doing God's will is a good example for all believers. The Church focuses on her during two months of the year' May and October. In May, we experience the new life of spring and celebrate Mary as the Mother of the Life-Giving Savior and Mother of God's people, the Church.

Ideas For Families To Celebrate Mary In May

Create a space in a prominent place in your home where a favorite statue or picture of Mary can be placed for the month of May. Family members can take turns putting fresh flowers or other "treasure" around the shrine daily. Gather together nightly for prayer.

In the spring, plant a small flower garden in a flower box or in our yard in honor of Mary. In October, cut and place these flowers at a special place dedicated to Mary in your home.

Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us.
Mary, Mother of Mercy, pray for us.

WHY GO TO CHURCH?
A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday "I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them...So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all."

This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher.

"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this..They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!" Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!

Second Sunday of Easter

2006-04-21T19:05:00.000-07:00

The Lord is risen! Alleluia! Let us give thanks and be glad!

Acts 4:32-35
Ps 118:2-4,13-15,22-24
1 Jn 5:1-6
Jn 20:19-31

DID YOU KNOW?

Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation.

The three Sacraments of Initiation are Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.

In the Eastern Church, infants receive all three Sacraments of Initiation at once.

The Western Church separates these Sacraments over time to allow for a gradula catechesis.

The Sacrament of Confirmation brings about a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

The gifts of the Spirit are given in Confirmation

They are Wisdom, Understanding, Right Judgment, Knowledge, Courage, Reverence, and Wonder (Awe).

The bishop has a significant role in Confirmation in the Western Church.

THE PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH

Participate in the Sunday Eucharist and refrain from unnecessary work on the Sabbath.

Receive Holy Communion during Easter time.

Confess serious sins at least once a year.

Observe the marriage laws of the Church.

Help support the Church.

Do penance, abstaining from meat and fasting from food on the appointed days.

Join the missionary and apostolate of the the Church.

The Commandments of the Church emerged during the Middle ages. The Commandments of the Church foster a sense of personal responsibility.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT WORRY

Fear is most commonly manifested in our lives through worry. Worry is fear directed toward the negative possibilities in the future. Here are a few good reasons NOT to worry.

It doesn't do any good. In fact it can do great harm by creating negative expectations, which bring their own fulfillment.

It robs us of our ability to live fully in the now. If we cannot live well in the present, we will not be able to make an adequate response in those future circumstances that we so dread.

God's providence does rule our lives. Everything will work out in the long run.

We should remember that the future, about which we worry so much, is not yet real. We must make preparations to live it when it comes, but we should do so in trust that we will have what we need when we need it.

Palm Sunday

2006-04-07T18:22:00.000-07:00

Mk. 11:1-10 (or Jn. 12:12-16, 38)
Is. 50:4-7
Ps. 22:8-9,17-18a, 19-20,23-24
Phil. 2:6-11
Mk. 14:1-15,47 (or 15:1-39)

OPERATION RICE BOWL
The story of the anointing of Jesus is one of the few stories that appears in all four Gospels. As people begin to grumble about the cost and waste of perfume, Jesus responds: "You always have the poor with you and any time you want you can do something good for them."
As we continue our Operation Rice Bowl journey let us remember in prayer that as the community of faith, we have an obligation to reach our to those in need. The Gospel specifically calls us to take action on behalf of the most vulnerable members of society. May our fasting move us to action on behalf of the poor. May our almgiving assist Catholic Relief Services programming in the United States. 78% of your gifts to the Operation Rice Bowl support Catholic Relief Service prorams around the world. The remaining 22% of you contributions stay in the dioceses in the U.S. to assist local hunger and poverty alleviation programs.

When you bring your contributions please mark "RICE BOWL" on the envelope and place in the collection. Thank you for all your support.

Fifth Sunday of Lent

2006-03-31T17:30:00.000-08:00

Jer. 31:31-34
Ps. 51:3-4, 12-15
Heb. 5:7-9
Jn. 12:20-33

Bumper Stickers

I considered atheism, but there weren't enough holidays.

There is always death and taxes; however, death doesn't get worse every year.

OPERATION RICE BOWL
In today's Gospel, Jesus reminds us that judgment, repentance and dying to sin are necessary before we can truly know the joy of God's mercy, forgiveness, and new life in Christ. Jesus put it this way: "If you love your life, you must let it go...If you want to serve me, you must follow me and do what I do."

As we continue our Operation Rice Bowl journey let us remember in prayer that we are one human family, regardless of our differences. Answering the call to love our neighbors will promote a culture of respect and lead to peace in our communities around the world. May our fasting keep us mindful we are "our brothers' and sisters' keepers." May our almsgiving assist Catholic Relief Services as we learn about HIV/AIDS programming in Zambia.

Fourth Sunday of Lent

2006-03-23T18:00:00.000-08:00

2 Chr. 36:14-16, 19-23
Ps. 137:1-6
Eph. 2:4-10
Jn. 3:14-21

Can you recall other examples in the Bible where God's mercy trumps God's justice?
What do these examples tell us about the character of God?

In what sense can today's text from John's Gospel portray Jesus' suffering and death as proof of God's love for the world?

Can God's mercy be a model for us in our lives?
Have you shown mercy to another?

Have you said your Rosary today?

In the Divine Plan, all good comes from Calvary from suffering.

To receive the parish bulletin by email directly to you,
please subscribe at: http://saintxavier.blogspot.com,
and enjoy this free weekly feature.

Third Sunday of Lent

2006-03-18T22:45:00.000-08:00

Ex 20:1-17 or 20:1-3, 7-8,12-17
Ps 19:8-11
1 Cor 1:22-25
Jn 2:13-25

Are the Ten Commandments timeless laws applicable in every place?
Or are they something else in the context of the paschal mystery?

How does the Old Testament feast of Passover help us to understand the better Jesus' death and resurrection?
In the framework of the paschal mystery what do the power and wisdom of God look like?

How might more explicit reflection of the paschal mystery affect your participation in the Eucharist?

THE CROSS ROOM
    The young man was at the end of his rope. Seeing no way out he dropped to his knees in prayer.
    "Lord, I can't go on," he said. "I have too heavy a cross to bear." The Lord replied, "My son, if you can't bear its weight, just place your cross inside this room. Then open that other door and pick out any cross you wish."
    The man was filled with relief. "Thank you, Lord," he signed, and he did as he was told. Upon entering the other door he saw many crosses, some so large the tops were not visible. Then spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall. "I'd lke that one, Lord," he whispered. And the Lord replied, "My son, that is the cross you just brought in."

PRAYER FOR LENT
O Good and Gracious God, you call your people back to you this Lent. May this sacred season renew our desire to always live fully the promises of our baptism and to love you with our whole heart. Through more frequent prayer, acts of charity toward our neighbor, and fasting, may we remember that the most important thing we can do is to love you and one another. We ask these things through Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord and our Savior.
AMEN.

"Words may tear our lives apart, bring us stormy weather; A compliment tucked in the heart can heal it back together."

Christianity is the religion of paradoxes. The way up is down; the way to get is to give; the way to be first is to be last; and the way to live is to die.

Second Sunday of Lent

2006-03-11T19:14:00.000-08:00

Gn. 22:1-2,9a,10-13,15-18
Ps. 116:10,15-19
Rom. 8:31b-34
Mk. 9:2-10

Imagine yourself in Abraham's dilemma. What confussion and terror might you feel?
In what sense did Abraham "hope against hope" (see Rom. 4:18)?

Why is it appropriate to read the account of Jesus' transfiguration on the Second Sunday of Lent?
What hope does it hold out for Jesus and for us?

How do you react to Paul's interpretation of Jesus' death as a sign of God's love for us?
What questions does it raise?
What answers does it offer?

WASH DAY

MONDAY - Wash Day: Lord, help me wash away all my selfishness and vanity, so I may serve you with perfect humility through the week ahead.
TUESDAY - Ironing Day: Dear Lord, help me iron out all the wrinkles of prejudice I have collected through the years so that I may see the beauty of others.
WEDNESDAY - Mending Day: O God, help me mend my ways so I will not set a bad example for others.
THURSDAY - Cleaning Day: Lord Jesus, help me to dust out all the many faults I have been hiding in the secret corners of my heart.
FRIDAY - Shopping Day: O God, give me the grace to shop wisely so I may purchase eternal happiness for myself and all others in need of love.
SATURDAY - Cooking Day: Help me, my Saviour, to brew a big kettle of brotherly love and serve it with clean, sweet bread of human kindness.
SUNDAY - The Lord's Day: O God, I have prepared my house for you. Please come into my heart so I may spend the day and the rest of my life in your presence.

More Devotionals are available at:
Operation Rice Bowl
Xavier Youth
Bible Study Aides
Inspirational Insights
Motivational

First Sunday of Lent

2006-03-03T18:32:00.000-08:00

Gn. 9 :8-15
Ps. 25:4-9
1 Pt. 3:18-22
Mk. 1:12-15

When you see a rainbow, what do you think of?
Do you ever imagine it as a symbol of the covenant of Christ?
What aspects of baptism are evoked by the reference to Noah and his ark in the reading from 1 Peter?

How might the covenant with Noah serve as a stimulus for greater ecological sensitivity?

A LENTEN CHALLENGE
Many traveler and visitors are new to our parish. Each week find at least one person you do not know and visit with them and make them feel welcome at St. Xavier Church.

The basis for our Lenten observance is captured in today's reading from 1 Peter:
"Christ suffered for sins once, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that he might lead you to God."