Whispers – Daily Mass Quotes begins after this Intro.
Please scroll down. Latest entry is the first in list.
Elijah’s Whisper – My Whisper
Then the LORD said (to Elijah), “Go outside and stand on the mountain before the LORD; the LORD will be passing by.” A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD – but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake – but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was fire – but the LORD was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound. When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave. A voice said to him, “Elijah, why are you here?”
1 Kings 19:11-13
Why are YOU here, beloved?
Was it to discover magnificent colors? Was it to find colorful music or awesome videos? Was it just curiosity? Was it accidental? Were you really looking for God, for Hope, for true LOVE somewhere in this menagerie we call the web?
Or were you just hiding in a cave, waiting on the Lord to Whisper in your ear – a Word – LIFE! Life, it’s in You! And YOU are beautiful in the Eyes of God, no matter what the world may say or think.
You are Loved!!
Every day the Lord whispers in our ears – Words of HOPE, Words of LOVE, and maybe not even words – just His JOY in our hearts.
Let’s follow the Scriptures of our daily Mass and see if we can catch those Words – simple but beautiful – Whispers to the Wind . . .
Link to Scriptures by Date
To find Quote sources, click on the Link above,
select Today’s Readings or pick date from calendar.
Link to Saint of the Day
Every Picture links to a video, website or
literature for more information.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11-30-14 Catholic Daily Mass Quotes
November 30, 2014
(1st Sunday of Advent, Year B)
The prophet Isaiah said, “No ear has ever heard, no eye ever seen, any God but you doing such deeds for those who wait for him.” Is 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7
Happy Advent beloved! A new Church year! The B Year – when we concentrate now on the Gospel of Mark. And today, the first Sunday of Advent, we begin our memorial period of waiting.
We’re waiting for the coming of the new-born Christ Child on Christmas day. And we’re awaiting the return of Jesus at His next coming. The end of time? Or the just the end of our own physical lives? Either way, we are reminded to be prepared. Eliminate sin from our lives and generously give of ourselves to those in greater need – ALL through and in the love of Jesus within us. All in hope for the eternal life that Jesus promised to those who love Him.
Blessed be this awesome Season. Blessed be Jesus. And blessed be YOU beloved – for you are his beloved Child, now and for eternity!
11-29-14 Catholic Daily Mass Quotes
November 29, 2014
Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.“ Lk 21:34-36
After arriving at the Newark Airport at 4:30 pm, the evening prior to my 7:20 am flight to Chicago, for fear of not being able to travel the Garden State Parkway at 3:00 am with the continuing threat of ice and snow, I found myself with lots and lots of time to explore and waste. So following a dinner, internet movie, checking e-mail, calling home, and reading an instruction manual, I joined my fellow pariahs in trying to catch a Z or two sitting in the softest restaurant booth that could be found . . . It didn’t really work! Minutes seemed like hours and the time just didn’t pass. So at 2:30 am I finally gave up trying and just walked around the terminal again.
By the time that airplane seat finally met my bottom, I blinked my eyes shut and the next time they opened was somewhere 3/4 the way to Chicago and the stewardess was collecting the remnants of people’s snacks that I totally missed. And then sitting there next to Julia Roberts’ even more beautiful twin sister, I began to wonder if I had been snoring or drooling or even just sitting there with my silly mouth open as I went into a total state of lethargic sleep. But then I realized that she seemed to be even more out of it than I was. Of course I couldn’t sleep any more, but seeing her banging her head against the window and uncomfortably trying to get comfortable with sleep coming and going and coming and going – I finally lent her my coat to use as a pillow which seemed to help. And then there was rest – all around! Never a word, barely a thank you, I again allowed Jesus to work through me and there was JOY!
Jesus told us to never let that day catch us off guard, beloved, and we’ll never know where He will use us next!
So OK, beloved, I promise I’ll stop talking about that New Jersey trip. But, as you can probably imagine by now, after 3-days of reference to it – It was quite remarkable, to say the least!
11-28-14 Catholic Daily Mass Quotes
November 28, 2014
In St. Johns revelation, he said, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Rv 20:1-4, 11-21:2
Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Lk 21:29-33
There is something new a-brewin’ beloved. Just like the snow storm I just experienced and the death of a 93-year ‘young’ uncle, something old has passed on and something new was a-blowin’ in. All the branches were re-dressed in white. All the darkness was awash in brightness. Life continues for us, beloved, but for my Uncle Matt a new life begins – just as it will for ALL of us one day. And in that day we will be reunited, together in the Love of Jesus. A new heaven and a new earth all bound in and by His Words. What better reason could there be to rejoice, just like a husband inebriated by the beauty of his wife! Awash in white and bound together in Love!
11-27-14 Catholic Daily Mass Quotes
November 27, 2014
(Thanksgiving Day)
And now, bless the God of all, who has done wondrous things on earth; who fosters people’s growth from their mother’s womb, and fashions them according to his will! May he grant you joy of heart and may peace abide among you; may his goodness toward us endure in Israel to deliver us in our days. Sir 50:22-24
Happy Thanksgiving, beloved!
Having originally come from New Jersey and being away for quite a long, long time and then returning, I never look forward to the traffic, the crowds and the attitudes. But, you know what, it’s funny, you just don’t see the attitudes you used to there any more. We’ve gone from much more personal people-to-people relationships, where the least wrong look on a face to the least wrong move of the shopping cart would provoke feelings of personal attack (or occasional kindness) from others, to lives where everyone had a phone glued to their ears and were not even caring about others looks or actions because they were so fully attentive to someone else on their cells. But today, even that behavior is out-dated. Today everyone has their “smart” phones propped in front of them and are busily tapping away with their thumbs to even notice anyone else in their vicinity.
And you know what the really cool thing about it all was? Today, when you’re in an airport and everyone is so self-immersed in their tapping, if you gently begin an interrupting conversation and ask people about themselves – they seem to be thrilled that anyone else cares enough to ask!!! And wallah, you’ve made a new friend – even IF, you never learn each others’ names. Seems in the past, at least for me, that was a quite impossible thing to accomplish!
We, or at least I, tended to look at all this new “communication – or non-communication” technology with a negative view. What ever happened to people talking to one another face to face? But, through this trip, I’ve come to see it all in a different light. Just like Jesus in all of our hearts, we all have this need for communion with one another. We have a need to know that we are important – even if we may feel we’re not.
My last minute trip to northern New Jersey to visit my last remaining aunt on my dad’s large family side, at the death of her husband, just two days before Thanksgiving, when my own kids were coming home from all over the country to visit me and Mary Ann, was maybe a little crazy. It was maybe a little expensive, even though CheapOAir helped a little on that. And it was even a little crazier, when after the booking I found out that there was supposed to be a major snowstorm brewing in the northeast exactly when I would be there.
But it was worth every penny to see the surprise on my cousin’s faces that I came all the way from Missouri to see them, to be one of the only three cousins (besides Aunt Ro’s own kids) to have made the effort, and to be the representative of our immediate family to give my family’s and my sisters’ regards and love.
And maybe getting lost in the snowstorm, maybe having the return flight cancelled, and maybe even just catching a few winks as I stayed all night in the Newark Airport were well worth the price to let my aunt and cousins know that they ARE important enough to receive a visit from Jesus working through me . . .
All in Praise and Thanksgiving for HIS blessings upon us all, beloved. Isn’t life awesome, when we do His bidding!
11-26-14 Catholic Daily Mass Quotes
November 26, 2014
Jesus said, “You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your heads will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your life.” Lk 21:12-19
Welcome back faithful followers.
Yes, it’s been a few days since I’ve caught up on these reflections. Been to a funeral of a beloved uncle in a far-away place. Carried my Lord in my heart, and on my arm and in the whole adventure of it all. Weathered snowstorms, being lost in the wilderness, sleeping in an airport and sitting next to Julia Roberts (or at least her look-alike). And finally coming home to family and an awesome TG dinner on Thanksgiving Day! So yes, some may hate us because of His name – but OH the blessings when we keep Him in our hearts!
And welcome back my beloved, and my Whispers!
I missed you too!
11-25-14 Catholic Daily Mass Quotes
November 25, 2014
Jesus said, “When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.” Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.” Lk 21:5-11
As we near the end of the Church’s liturgical year, our readings are coming from the Book of Revelation and Jesus’ prophesies of His second coming. Funny, as we check off His list of calamities, we’ve got the wars, the earthquakes, the famines and the plagues. But, you know what, beloved, we’ve had them ever since His time and long before that too. And that doesn’t mean that a final end will never come. But it does mean that, as Jesus said, we are not to allow ourselves to become all paranoid and terrified by these signs. IF we are in God’s good graces, yes, death will still come, and it will undoubtedly be frightening, but WE KNOW that it will only lead to a LIFE so incredibly, so indescribably better, that the temporary (inconvenience) of death will be but a blink of the eye – before our awakening!
So, have hope, beloved and know that we ARE in His loving hands!
11-24-14 Catholic Daily Mass Quotes
November 24, 2014
(St. Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs)
“Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD? Or who may stand in his holy place? He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, who desires not what is vain.” Ps 24
This is our ultimate goal. To ascend the mountain of the LORD. And the best way to accomplish that, as the Psalmist says, is to have a clean heart. And to have a clean heart means to be sinless and not desire whatever in life is vain. That means to be very careful of what we watch and listen too. To have a caring heart for everyone, especially the poor, and to love, and to love, and to love. It all starts with Jesus. Only through Jesus will we ever be able to accomplish all that. So to start with, beloved, we get to know Him. We rely on Him and we pray always. And that mountain will become for us as flat as a plain.
Peace and all blessings to you, always!
11-23-14 Catholic Daily Mass Quotes
November 23, 2014
(The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe)
Jesus was teaching His disciples about the importance of charity in this life, and how, when we are a charitable person, sometimes we don’t even recognize it. These are the “Righteous” ones. “Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.’ ” Mt 25:31-46
When the things we do for others, beloved, come purely from our heart, out of respect, out of courtesy, out of love, then we become one of those “righteous” whom Jesus was talking about. And every person we treat in that way is Jesus. It may not be how they look or what they wear or how they speak. But our charity will speak volumes to our God. And that is exactly how He would like every single one of His children to act.
Jesus said, in paraphrase, ‘then, be holy, beloved, just as my Father in Heaven is holy’ and you will be living in His kingdom now and forever!
11-22-14 Catholic Daily Mass Quotes
November 22, 2014
(Saint Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr)
Jesus said to them, “The children of this age marry and remarry; but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they are the children of God because they are the ones who will rise.” Lk 20:27-40
“Will there be marriage in heaven?” they asked.
At the wedding feast of the Lamb, Jesus is the bridegroom and we are His bride. And everything we do on earth is in preparation for that feast. At that banquet, God our father will unveil us with a kiss, as we come into His Kingdom forever.
What a blessed promise to hope for, beloved!
What a beautiful eternity!
St. Cecilia – patron of musicians!
Painting by Orazio Gentileschi (1618-21)
11-21-14 Catholic Daily Mass Quotes
November 21, 2014
(The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
In John’s vision, he said – I went up to the angel and told him to give me the small scroll. He said to me, “Take and swallow it. It will turn your stomach sour, but in your mouth it will taste as sweet as honey.” Rv 10:8-11
After Jesus drove out and scolded the money changers in the Temple area, The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people, meanwhile, were seeking to put him to death, but they could find no way to accomplish their purpose because all the people were hanging on his words. Lk 19:45-48
What is it in life, beloved, that could possibly keep us “hanging?”
Maybe it’s shopping the sales or hunting the BIG game.
Maybe it’s watching a Monday Night Football game
or playing with cuddly little grandchildren.
Maybe it’s being enveloped in enchanting music or
entranced in an ‘edge of our seat’ movie.
Or maybe it’s enjoying exotic travel or
even making lots of money.
You see, all of these words and activities tend to be sweet to somebody. Maybe it’s even us. Today we call them our “hot buttons.”
But what was it about the Words of Jesus that struck the “hot-buttons” of the people who listened to Him? And why did the Gospel writer, Luke, say that the people were “Hanging on His Words?”
You see, Words can be pretty powerful. Especially, depending on who they’re coming from.
I think we can understand the magnetism of the Voice that John heard coming from Heaven. It was unseen. It was powerful. It was probably even scary. And when something that dramatically overpowering tells us to ‘eat a piece of paper,’ we just DO it.
Maybe we never suspected that it would be sweet to our taste. But not everything that’s sweet to our taste is good for our stomach.
John longed to take-in the Goodness and the Righteousness of God’s precepts. But that didn’t mean that everyone else would feel the same way. And having received God’s message, it was then John’s obligation to inform the world around him that God was not very happy with their behavior. And an assignment like that, could turn anyone’s stomach sour!
So we can get a good idea of what the Sweetness of God’s promise, His Word, meant to John, the visionary – in the Book of Revelation. Just hearing that Word of God was clearly John’s hot-button. But doing what it commanded was not quite as thrilling.
And then, Jesus, being the WORD of God, presented the same sweetness and sourness to the people He spoke with, depending on which side of the fence they sat.
What the Pharisees and Jewish religious leaders heard, were accusations. And it was sour to their taste.
On the other hand, what the poor and infirmed masses heard, were Promises. They heard a promise of freedom. They heard a promise of healing. And they heard a promise of hope in a world that seemed so hopeless to them.
If we were lonely and someone promised that we would never be lonely again; if we were poor and someone promised that we would never be hungry again; if we were abandoned and someone promised us that God would never leave us; I think we would hang on to that “someone” so tightly, that we would never, ever let go.
And that “someone,” of course, is our Lord, Jesus Christ. To everything else in the world, we may cling with a light piece of thread. But to Jesus Christ, to this Word of God, we are bound to the sweetness and we are enduring of the sourness, because we know that all of His Promises are our Lifeline to Heaven!
11-20-14 Catholic Daily Mass Quotes
November 20, 2014
In John’s visionary revelation, he saw the twenty-four elders who stood before the throne of God, bow down to the Lamb and – They sang a new hymn: “Worthy are you to receive the scroll and break open its seals, for you were slain and with your Blood you purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue, people and nation. You made them a kingdom and priests for our God, and they will reign on earth.” Rv 5:1-10
“Purchased for God!”
That’s us, beloved. A kingdom of priests for God. Once we can get that fact into our minds, circulating through our veins, Oh what a change it can make for us. We are His beloved! And we are called to convince EVERYONE else of that fact.
They are His beloved too!
11-19-14 Catholic Daily Mass Quotes
November 19, 2014
St. John had a vision of God as King on a throne with a multitude of creatures worshiping Him. As they worshiped, he observed, Day and night they do not stop exclaiming: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty, who was, and who is, and who is to come.” Rv 4:1-11
We worship God because He is our Creator. He loves us so very much that He sent His only begotten Son to live with us and teach us His ways. And His ways are of peace and love and justice. To Him and Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we sing out along with the angels: “Holy, Holy, Holy are You, our Lord and God.”
To You we offer our all!
11-18-14 Catholic Daily Mass Quotes
November 18, 2014
(St. Rose Philippine Duchesne)
The Lord revealed to St. John, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me. I will give the victor the right to sit with me on my throne, as I myself first won the victory and sit with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Rv 3:1-6, 14-22
Who’s knocking on our door, beloved? Are we listening? The Spirit of the Lord is calling us! Are we ready and willing to dine with the Lord?
In our Gospel reading today, as Jesus continued on his journey to Jericho, after healing the blind man on the side of the road, he encountered another needy man who sought His healing. The man, a short and highly despised tax collector, was so interested in seeing Jesus, that he climbed up a tree in order to get a better view. Jesus stopped and invited himself to dine at the house of this man, Zacchaeus. In turn, Zacchaeus took the opportunity to repent of any wrong doing of his past and devote the remainder of his life to Jesus!
Jesus responded, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.” Lk 19:1-10
EVERY DAY, Jesus invites us to dine with Him in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar at Mass. Have we heard His call? Are we willing to get up a little earlier? Are we willing to move out of our comfort zones to spend a little time with our Lord? It can truly make an indescribable difference in how our whole day proceeds! Come beloved, and give it a try.
You just might be surprised!
11-17-14 Catholic Daily Mass Quotes
November 17, 2014
(St. Elizabeth of Hungary)
When the blind man heard that it was Jesus passing by, “He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me!” Lk 18:35-43
Persistence despite the opposition.
That’s Faith!
Sight!
11-16-14 Catholic Daily Mass Quotes
November 16, 2014
(33rd Sunday Ordinary Time A)
St. Paul said, “Concerning times and seasons, brothers and sisters, you have no need for anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief at night.” 1 Thes 5:1-6
What are we willing to do, beloved, to assure that we make it to heaven in God’s good graces? Take a risk, go out of our way to help others, or maybe even devote our lives to sanctifying our own family. Whatever it may be, we are not called to cower in fear of the Lord and do nothing. Pray, beloved, that He will show us our own special calling and then – take a chance, and do it – just do it!
11-15-14 Catholic Daily Mass Quotes
November 15, 2014
Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. And then He asked, “Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Lk 18:1-8
On the one hand, we don’t want to be a noisy gong or a squeaky wheel. But on the other hand, the noisy, squeaky ones get responded to. Jesus says that sometimes its OK to be squeaky. But it really doesn’t matter unless we have the faith to believe we will be answered. The key being the FAITH, beloved. Faith grows, but will never grow unless we exercise it. Pray and then expect God’s response!
11-14-14 Catholic Daily Mass Quotes
November 14, 2014
St. John wrote, “. . I ask you, not as though I were writing a new commandment but the one we have had from the beginning: Let us love one another.” 2 Jn 4-9
. . . The BIGGEST priority in our lives – Love!
And St. John said, “God IS Love!”
Jesus, speaking to His disciples about His return in the “end times” said, “Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it.” Lk 17:26-37
Whatever we cling to in the end will surely be the proof of our true commitment. When that end is imminent, beloved, what will we grasp for? Will it be photos or money, a pet or a statue, a computer or a cell phone? Will we be able to take them with us wherever we go after this earthly life is completed? Ummm, no! Will we just follow the crowd?
But if our TRUE commitment is the Lord, none of that other stuff will really matter. And we WILL be with our Lord in the next life forever. So the message is: that we need to grow SO absolutely close to Jesus in this life that when it IS over, He will be ALL that we grasp for and hang on to – through our journey back home.
11-13-14 Catholic Daily Mass Quotes
November 13, 2014
(Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, Virgin)
Asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, Jesus said in reply, “The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed, and no one will announce, ‘Look, here it is,’ or, ‘There it is.’ For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.” Lk 17:20-25
Two fish were swimming in the middle of the ocean. One fish excitedly exclaimed to the other, “Beware of the flood! Beware of the flood!” The other fish asked, “Why should we be worried about a flood? We’re living in the middle of the ocean!” The first fish answered, “Because the flood will mark the end of time as we know it!” So the second fish asked, “Well do you know what time it is now? And do you think a little more water will have the least bit of impact on us?” The first fish took a deep, watery breath of relief, thinking, “Ahhh, what a life!”
How many things are we worried about, beloved, or waiting for in anxious expectation? When in reality their time has already come and maybe even passed. Jesus came to set us free, to allow us the reality of His Kingdom here and now – IF we just open our eyes to it. As the air we breathe, belongs to one another. As the light we see, we ALL see. So the Kingdom of God is in, and through, and about us all. Just breathe in the Spirit of God and breathe out the Love of Jesus! The Kingdom of God is at hand!
11-12-14 Catholic Daily Mass Quotes
November 12, 2014
(St. Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr)
Jesus sent the ten lepers away. As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. Lk 17:11-19
It’s interesting that Jesus told the man, AFTER he was healed, that his Faith had saved him. Throughout the Gospels we see that word, Faith, used in many different ways.
There was a Roman Centurion who knew that Jesus could heal his loved one, even from a distance. And so he traveled that distance, himself, to ask Jesus for the favor of God’s healing Grace. And Jesus praised him for his FAITH. (Mt 8:5-13)
Then there was a woman who suffered from hemorrhages. She believed that even just a touch of Jesus’ cloak could heal her. In this case it seemed as though she stole the healing from behind the back of Jesus. But again Jesus praised her for her Faith. (Lk 8:43)
Today’s ten lepers were hoping that Jesus could heal them. Their faith wasn’t really strong enough to believe that Jesus could or would – really do that. So when Jesus sent them off to the priests, they were NOT immediately and miraculously healed on the spot. But as they traveled along, their healing finally did occur. The question was, did they realize that
it was Jesus who healed them?
Was their faith strong enough, by then, to acknowledge that it was because of the Lord that they were healed? It didn’t seem so, because only one man came back to thank Jesus. He was the one who had that ‘true faith.’ And because of that faith, Jesus said that he was “saved.”
Do we ever pray for something, beloved, only to find out that it never seems to happen – at least – on our time schedule. And then, later, when it actually does happen, do we remember that it was really the answer to our prayer?
Is our faith strong enough to recognize the Grace of God in His many Gifts to us, so many, they can’t even be counted?
And then, if it is, do we remember to go back and thank Him for all those Gifts? Maybe it’s a healing. Maybe its the strength to endure our suffering. Maybe its even as simple as the warmth of our home, the food we’re given, and the friends we have.
There’s a chant that the kids in our youth group often say to one another that goes like this:
God is Good!
(and the response is)
All the Time!
And for that we can do nothing better than to
give Him THANKS.
__________________________________
St. Josaphat was a monk and archbishop from the Ukraine. He lived in the late 1500’s early 1600s. He was devoted to bringing unity to the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches. He was killed for his effort to bring this unity.
Martyrdom of Josaphat Kuntsevych
Józef Simmler – cyfrowe.mnw.art.pl
http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Saints/saint.aspx?id=1197&calendar=1
11-11-14 Catholic Daily Mass Quotes
November 11, 2014
(St Martin of Tours, Bishop)
St. Paul and Jesus were teaching their disciples the principles of good, moral, servant leadership in today’s Scriptures. St. Paul said to Titus that a leader should serve “as a model of good deeds in every respect, with integrity in your teaching, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be criticized,” Ti 2:1-8, 11-14
People tend to gravitate to leaders who show compassion and understanding. Leaders who are willing to serve, as well as teach the principles of good service. Just as Jesus modeled servant leadership to His disciples, we are to model good behavior, leadership and integrity to our children, friends, coworkers and everyone we meet. That’s being Christian!
11-09-14 Catholic Daily Mass Quotes
November 9, 2014
(Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, 32nd Sunday, A)
In one of the prophet Ezekiel’s visions, he described water flowing from beneath the Temple of the LORD. It went from a tiny trickle to a mighty river. The vision concluded: “Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of every kind shall grow; their leaves shall not fade, nor their fruit fail. Every month they shall bear fresh fruit, for they shall be watered by the flow from the sanctuary.
Their fruit shall serve for food, and their leaves for medicine.” Ez 47
Now, think about this temple of the earth in which we live, God’s temple. It provides us with food for nourishment, for everyone. Yes, there is enough for everyone! And the only reason anyone goes hungry is because other people have kept it from them. God has provided the food, and we are called to distribute it equitably amongst ourselves.
Then there is the medicine. And the same thing goes – God provides the plants. The medicine is hidden within their leaves. Mankind is responsible for finding and distributing it amongst themselves so that all may be healed. But that’s not what we always do. Because of our greed, every link along the chain from discovery to prognosis to prescription to the very use of God’s medicines has become something only the wealthy can afford. It almost makes us wonder what ever happened to the “humanity” part of humanity.
Yet, change is always possible!
And by the grace of God and the model of Jesus we can come back to be as God had designed us. All it takes is one. All it takes is Love. All it takes is us, beloved! If we can stay persistent in our love and not let the world taint us with its greed – there’s no question, we are bound to win. Just look around at all the Good there already is in the world. We just need to keep it up.
God bless!
11-08-14 Catholic Daily Mass Quotes
November 8, 2014
St. Paul said, “In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.” Phil 4:10-19
It doesn’t necessarily come with age. It doesn’t necessarily come with experience. It doesn’t have to do with sex or race or culture. With an open heart and a love for God, for Jesus, beloved, we can learn this secret through the Holy Spirit working within us. Christ empowers us. When we can rely totally upon Him, then we have learned the secret. It can be done from earliest youth to the oldest of the aged. From the lowest of farm hands to the highest of corporate execs.
We’ve heard the saying a thousand times,
“Let go and let God.”
. . . and He will help you FLY!
11-07-14 Catholic Daily Mass Quotes
November 7, 2014
(St. Didacus of Alcala’)
Jesus said, “the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than (are) the children of light.” Lk 16:1-8
A child, at a very early age, learns that when he screams he gets attention. Maybe it starts out that he’s hungry. Maybe he needs a change of diaper. But as that initial call and response progresses, the child, depending on the response of the parents, learns that he just might get anything he wants, if he makes a big enough fuss.
And some children never grow up!
They can yell and they can cry, they can steal and even kill in order to get their heart’s desire. And some, as they learn the consequences of getting caught, then learn how to do it covertly. We are a very creative people.
And the driving force for all that creativity is always – the end result. Is it money that we so greatly desire? Is it power? Is it fame that drives us? Or is it even self preservation? If I don’t do this – I’ll lose my job, or my family, or even my life.
Jesus was rebuking his disciples with a parable that made precisely that point: asking them where the creativity, the prudence, the cunning of the “children of the light” is. Asking if their ‘true desire‘ really IS attainment of the kingdom of God?
And we might ask the same questions of ourselves?
Where are the evangelists who want to save the souls of those they love, at any cost, and with all of their creativity?
Where are the philanthropists who want to support the causes that promote life, and respect, and human dignity – against the immorality of a depraved generation?
Where are the missionaries who want to help the poor and the homeless and the hungry to find a way out of their suffering – just because doing that fulfills their own heart’s desire to share the love of Jesus and to gain a kingdom of peace and accomplishment for themselves?
Jesus didn’t want to berate his disciples for underachievement. He just wanted to challenge their motivation, like any good corporate manager would, in order to get the very best effort out of his people.
If we truly are the Children of the Light, beloved, (which we ARE) then let’s do a little shining, through our Love, and our Zeal, and our Commitment to saving souls – and most importantly our own!
11-06-14 Catholic Daily Mass Quotes
November 6, 2014
Jesus said, “there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.” Lk 15:1-10
Ever lose something, beloved, that was very valuable to you? A key to the car that had to get you home, a child in a department store, a dog (or a sheep)? And then, maybe after praying to St. Anthony, but purely by the grace of God, it or they were found!
What an incredible series of emotions that goes through you. Anger at yourself or the lost one, exhilaration at the find, relief from the worry about their safety, JOY! Well, that’s how God feels about each and every one of us. We ARE His precious, beloved, lost ones. And He loves us so very much. All He asks is that we recognize our lostness and allow Him to find us. Repent and then rest in the arms of our loving God!
11-05-14 Catholic Daily Mass Quotes
November 5, 2014
Jesus said, “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” Lk 14:25-33
The cost of discipleship.
But just what does that mean, “Carry his own cross?“
Jesus says later, “everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.” ibid
And that sounds kind of rough!
But what it really means is that when we tend to hold on too tightly to some of those possessions, they can actually become gods to us. And then we no longer possess them, but they possess us: our car, our home, our toys. What is it, beloved, that we’re clinging to? What is it that would really, truly upset us, if we lost it?
I guess once we get old enough or beat up enough to have lost wallets to theft, houses to fire, cars to wrecks and even family members to death, we learn how expendable everything really is. We learn how to love without possessing. We learn that we really don’t possess anything! Even these very lives of ours.
And that’s also when we learn to carry this cross of solitude, of non-possession. But remember, beloved, though it may be a cross of solitude, it is not a cross of isolation. Jesus is with us every step of the way. He IS our God, our solitary possession. And when we realize that and follow Him – then we become truly free. We become truly ALIVE!
11-04-14 Catholic Daily Mass Quotes
November 4, 2014
(Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop)
St. Paul said, “Brothers and sisters: Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and, found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Phil 2:5-11
Beautiful song, Creed of St. Paul.
Emptied, Humbled, Obedient, Died,
Exalted!
Thus, we bow at the Name of Jesus!
He IS Lord!
11-03-14 Catholic Daily Mass Quotes
November 3, 2014
(St. Martin de Porres)
St. Paul said, “Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves,” Phil 2:1-4
Jesus said, “when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Lk 14:12-14
Which brings us to the question, “Is, what I do for others done for their benefit or for mine???” And THAT’s a really heavy question! One we can ponder all day long, in everything we do, in every thought we think. When the answer finally, or occasionally, comes up that it was done purely for them, then, we are walking the pathway to God’s kingdom. And we WILL be repaid, just as Jesus said!
11-02-14 Catholic Daily Mass Quotes
November 2, 2014
(Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed – All Souls Day)
The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself. Wis 3:1-9
So they ask – Where is our hope? Why are Christians so full of joy and hope? THIS is why! Death has no hold on us!
If you ever get to feeling down or depressed, beloved, copy this quote down and read it – read it often. Jesus conquered death FOR US. So let them insult us and tease us and persecute us. We have the promise of eternal life!
Jesus said, “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.” Jn 6:37-40
So fear not, beloved. We are his chosen Children. We DO believe and we WILL be raised – That’s His promise.
11-01-14 Catholic Daily Mass Quotes
November 1, 2014
(Solemnity of All Saints)
Jesus said, “Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.” Mt 5:1-12a
What do they say, ‘No pain, no gain!’ Well, sounds like we can say the same thing for our eternal life. Not that anyone appreciates being insulted or persecuted. But just knowing that God is watching and counting our costs. Just knowing that there will be reward for all this pain – makes the pain a little easier to bear.
When we think of all the martyred saints, I’m sure they didn’t go through what the went through to become a saint. They went through the suffering because of their intense love for God; their love for Jesus. When we can love Jesus that much; that we are willing to suffer for his Name sake. Then we’re clearly walking the road to Paradise. And God knows, that we’ll be saints for Him.
Blessed be His Name!
____________________________
Happy November, beloved!
Please stop by and visit October’s Daily Mass Quotes too…
Link below.
___________________
EARLIER MONTH’S QUOTES can be found
in monthly subcategories of – “Whispers“
Link to Previous Month’s Whispers
Link back to Whispers to the Wind
Link to Saint of the Day
(also in Time page, under Liturgical Seasons section)
______________________end of page
Whispers to the Wind 