Posted by admin on December 2, 2009
Luke 1:15-17
In the reference to drinking “neither wine nor strong drink,” the angel is describing a “Nazarite”. This is not someone from Nazareth, but a word used to designate a person set aside for the Lord’s special work. (The legendary strong man Samson was a Nazarite.) The angel also likens John to Elijah, one of Israel’s greatest prophets who lived around 850 B.C.
There’s no doubt about it. This Child is destined for greatness.
I, too, am destined for greatness. God has created me and put me on earth for a purpose. And God has sent the Spirit upon me to help me carry out the work for which I was created.
Now, honestly, do I believe that?
Do I really believe that God had something particular in mind in creating me?
Take some time to think about this… and then some time to talke to the Lord about it.
~ Spend some quiet time with the Lord.
Posted by admin on December 1, 2009
Luke 1:8-15
The angel tells Zechariah that his prayer has been heard. We hadn’t been told what Zechariah was praying for, but now we know. He was praying for Israel, of course, as a Jewish priest would do. But he also was praying for a child.
Sometimes we’re afraid to pray for things that seem unrealistic.
Three times in the birth story we’ll hear angels say, “Do not be afraid” — to Zechariah here, to Mary and the Annunciation, and to the shepherds in the field. And Jesus, in his public life, will say these same words five times.
Anything in particular I’d really like to pray for? “Do not be afraid.”
~~ Spend some quiet time with the Lord. ~~
Posted by admin on
Luke 1:5-7
Zechariah and Elizabeth were childless, which in their culture was a great misfortune, even a disgrace. One can imagine their feelings of failure and inadequacy.
All of us feel barren in one way or another. We haven’t “produces” in our life what others (or ourselves) had hoped we would. Our failure to live up to “what might have been” leaves us with a certain empty feeling.
But God does things through us that we ourselves cannot do, or even measure. And God does them often in ways we do not understand.
That’s the secret. Let God do what God wants to do through me. That is the path to greatness — no matter what my age, no matter what my condition.
O Lord, let me let YOU do what You want to do through me today!
~~ Spend some quiet time with the Lord. ~~
Posted by admin on November 27, 2009
John Henry Cardinal Newman
The Mission of My life
God has created me to do Him some definite service.
He has committed some work to me,
which He has not committed to another.
I have my mission – I may never know it in this life,
but I shall be told it in the next.
I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons.
He has not created me for nothing.
I shall do good. I shall do His work.
I shall be an angel of peace,
a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it,
if I do but keep His commandments
and serve Him in my calling.”
Therefore, I will trust Him, whatever, wherever I am.
I cannot be thrown away.
If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him;
in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him.
If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him.
He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about.
He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink,
hide my future from me – still He knows what He is about.
Amen!
Posted by admin on
We are so pleased to participate in the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway, sponsored by Catholic Frugal Mommy.
Handmaid For The Lord has donated one of our beautiful Catholic Saint’s Charm Bracelet in Red for the giveaway. Aside from the Crucifix the saint’s chosen for the bracelet are: St. Faustina/Divine Mercy, St. Joseph, Our Lady of the Rosary, St. Maria Goretti, St. Padre Pio, and St. Therese.
We are one of 11 other Catholic companies to offer items that make wonderful Christmas gifts with the true meaning of Christmas! Please visit Catholic Frugal Mommy to enter for one of these great prizes!
Advent Reflection - Wednesday, Week 1
