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  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 19, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Morning Prayer (Lauds) If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, you should precede it with the Invitatory Psalm. INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy...

  • Office Readings

    Posted December 19, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Office of Readings If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, you should precede it with the Invitatory Psalm. INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spi...

  • Saint of the Day

    Posted December 19, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Saint of the Day Pope St. Anastasius I Pope St. Anastasius I (d. 401 A.D.) was a 4th century Bishop of Rome. The writings of the Church Fathers tell us that he was a distinguished Roman Christian known for his charity and holiness. He was elevated to the...

  • Verse of the Day

    Posted December 19, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Verse of the Day "The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complain...

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted December 19, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: Weekdays of Advent: December 19th View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Lk 1,5-25): In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there lived a priest named Zechariah, belonging to the priestly clan of Abiah. Elizabeth, Zechariah's wife, also belonged to a priestly family. Both of the...

  • Lectionary Readings

    Posted December 19, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   December 19 2019   « December 18  |  December 20 » Thursday of the Third Week of AdventLectionary: 195 Reading 1 Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a There was a ...

  • Max Lucado

    Posted December 18, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    He Lives Within You by Max Lucado   The virgin birth is more, much more, than a Christmas story; it is a picture of how close Christ will come to you. The first stop on his itinerary was a womb. Where will God go to touch the world? Look deep within Mary for an answer. &n...

  • Daily Scripture and Reflections

    Posted December 18, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Daily Scripture & Reflection “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34 NIV   A Time to Think The greatest joys in life are found not only in what we do and feel but also in our quiet hopes and la...

  • Sapphries

    Posted December 18, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    The Hand Through The Fire Wednesday, December 18, 2019 Once when I was planning a mission trip to China, I went home after a service and laid down to nap. I dreamed I saw a Bible burning in someone’s hand. When I woke up, I saw a fax that had just come in. The fax was about believe...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 18, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Compline (Night Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 18, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Vespers (Evening Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world withou...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 18, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    None (Afternoon Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without...

  • Daily Prayers

    Posted December 18, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Lighthouse Ministries Daily Prayer Dear Lord Jesus,   You said that You are "the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6).   Your Word tells me that Your ways are higher than my ways...   As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 18, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Sext (Midday Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without en...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 18, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Terce (Mid-Morning Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world with...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 18, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Morning Prayer (Lauds) If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, you should precede it with the Invitatory Psalm. INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy...

  • Office Readings

    Posted December 18, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Office of Readings If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, you should precede it with the Invitatory Psalm. INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spi...

  • Saint of the Day

    Posted December 18, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Saint of the Day St. Winebald St. Winebald (701-761 A.D.) was a Saxon prince born into a holy and royal family in England. His father, St. Richard the King, and his mother, St. Wunna of Wessex, are both saints, as well as his brother, St. Willibald, his ...

  • Verse of the Day

    Posted December 18, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Verse of the Day "But no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ou...

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted December 18, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: Weekdays of Advent: December 18th View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Mt 1,18-24): This is how Jesus Christ was born. Mary his mother had been given to Joseph in marriage but before they lived together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph, her ...

  • Lectionary Readings

    Posted December 18, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   December 18 2019   « December 17  |  December 19 » Wednesday of the Third Week of AdventLectionary: 194 Reading 1 Jer 23:5-8 Behold, the days ar...

  • Meditations

    Posted December 18, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Meditation of the Day "It is, then, in following the will of God, in spite of all the difficulties that may arise both from within and from without, in the constant offering of ourselves to God as the creatures of His hand to do and to be what He would have us, in the ...

  • Verse of the Day

    Posted December 18, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Lighthouse Ministries Verse of the Day As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 17, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Compline (Night Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 17, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Vespers (Evening Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world withou...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 17, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    None (Afternoon Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 17, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Sext (Midday Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without en...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 17, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Terce (Mid-Morning Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world with...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 17, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Morning Prayer (Lauds) If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, you should precede it with the Invitatory Psalm. INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy...

  • Office Readings

    Posted December 17, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Office of Readings If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, you should precede it with the Invitatory Psalm. INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spi...

  • Saint of the Day

    Posted December 17, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Saint of the Day St. John of Matha St. John of Matha (1154-1213) was born near Provence, France to noble and pious parents, and was dedicated to God from his birth. He learned the arts of a nobleman and advanced in Christian virtue, tending the sick and ...

  • Verse of the Day

    Posted December 17, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Verse of the Day "Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, 'I will never leave you or forsake you.' So we can say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?'&rdqu...

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted December 17, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: Weekdays of Advent: December 17th View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Mt 1,1-17): This is the document of the origins of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah...

  • Lectionary Readings

    Posted December 17, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   December 17 2019   « December 16  |  December 18 » Tuesday of the Third Week of AdventLectionary: 193 Reading 1 Gn 49:2, 8-10 Jacob called his s...

  • Meditations

    Posted December 17, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Meditation of the Day "The works of her, who was to be the Mother of the God-man, were altogether and in every way most perfect, and even to understand them exceeds the capacity of all human creatures and of the angels. Her interior acts of the virtues were so precious...

  • Why Was Jesus Born? Here Are 12 Reasons

    Posted December 16, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    December 16, 2019 Why Was Jesus Born? Here Are Twelve Reasons Stephen Beale During Lent, reflecting on the reasons why Jesus died is a fruitful exercise in devotion. Likewise, during Advent and as we approach Christmas, we ought to wonder why Christ was born. The answer isn’t as obvio...

  • Wuwei, aka Wu-wei

    Posted December 16, 2019 by Larry Makinson

    Practice non-action.  Work without doing.  This is wuwei, aka wu-wei.   "According to the Daoists, the entirety of the cosmos unfolds spontaneously (ziran) through the incessant fluctuations of the Way (Dao). All things in the universe—including all human beings—hav...

  • Saint of the Day

    Posted December 16, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Saint of the Day St. Adelaide of Burgundy St. Adelaide (931-999 A.D.) was the virtuous daughter of King Rupert II of Burgundy, France. She became the Queen of Italy after being given in marriage to the future King of Italy. When her husband died, she was...

  • Verse of the Day

    Posted December 16, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Verse of the Day "Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters, since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ.  For the wrongdoer will be paid back for what...

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted December 16, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: Monday 3th of Advent View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Mt 21,23-27): Jesus had entered the Temple and was teaching when the chief priests, the teachers of the Law and the Jewish authorities came to him and asked, «What authority have you to act like this? Who gave y...

  • Lectionary Readings

    Posted December 16, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   December 16 2019   « December 15  |  December 17 » Monday of the Third Week of AdventLectionary: 187 Reading 1 Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a When Balaam rai...

  • Sapphries

    Posted December 15, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    The Time Of The Fig And Olive Tree Monday, December 16, 2019 The sacred Hebrew year is a prophetic picture of the age. It ends in autumn with the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and The Feast of Tabernacles – all linked to the end of the age. The autumn is the time when th...

  • Daily Prayers

    Posted December 15, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Lighthouse Ministries Daily Prayer Dear Lord Jesus, Thank You for coming to give to me with Your love and Your grace.   Thank You for making a way for me to be restored to You.   Please help me to love You and to love all others...   Jesus sa...

  • Verse of the Day

    Posted December 15, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Lighthouse Ministries Verse of the Day Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 15, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Monday 16 December 2019Monday of the 3rd week of AdventCompline (Night Prayer) (today)The Compline after First or Second Vespers of a Sunday may be substituted for the Compline of a weekday.________INTRODUCTIONO God, come to our aid.    O Lord, make haste to help us.Glory be to the Fa...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 15, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Monday 16 December 2019Monday of the 3rd week of Advent Vespers (Evening Prayer)Introduction (without Invitatory)If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, use the version with the Invitatory Psalm instead.O God, come to our aid.    O Lord, make haste to help us.Glory be t...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 15, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Monday 16 December 2019Monday of the 3rd week of AdventAfternoon Prayer (None) Introduction (without Invitatory)If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, use the version with the Invitatory Psalm instead.O God, come to our aid.    O Lord, make haste to help us.Glory be to...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 15, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Monday 16 December 2019Monday of the 3rd week of AdventMidday Prayer (Sext) Introduction (without Invitatory)If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, use the version with the Invitatory Psalm instead.O God, come to our aid.    O Lord, make haste to help us.Glory be to th...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 15, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Monday 16 December 2019Monday of the 3rd week of AdventMid-Morning Prayer (Terce) Introduction (without Invitatory)If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, use the version with the Invitatory Psalm instead.O God, come to our aid.    O Lord, make haste to help us.Glory be...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 15, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Monday 16 December 2019Monday of the 3rd week of Advent Morning Prayer (Lauds) Introduction (without Invitatory)If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, use the version with the Invitatory Psalm instead.O God, come to our aid.    O Lord, make haste to help us.Glory be to...

  • Office Readings

    Posted December 15, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Monday 16 December 2019Monday of the 3rd week of Advent Office of Readings (combined with Lauds)This is the Office of Readings joined to another Hour, as described in §99 of the General Instruction. To see the Office of Readings on its own, use the menu button on the right.Introduction (without...

  • Max Lucado

    Posted December 15, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Following the Star by Max Lucado   Suppose you could give a gift to Christ, what would it be? How could you possibly select a gift for the One who not only has everything but who made everything?   The Wise Men did. They can be an example for us. In addition to t...

  • Daily Scripture and Reflections

    Posted December 15, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Daily Scripture & Reflection Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men. Luke 2:14 KJV   A Time to Think Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.—Peg Bracken.   A Time to Act Whe...

  • Daily Prayers

    Posted December 15, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Lighthouse Ministries Daily Prayer Dear Lord Jesus,   I thank You for coming to us as Immanuel, God with us, as Isaiah prophesied and as Matthew wrote in his Gospel...   Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a...

  • Verse of the Day

    Posted December 15, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Lighthouse Ministries Verse of the Day Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14   “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His ...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 15, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Compline (Night Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 15, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Vespers (Evening Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world withou...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 15, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    None (Afternoon Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 15, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Sext (Midday Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without en...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 15, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Terce (Mid-Morning Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world with...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 15, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Morning Prayer (Lauds) If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, you should precede it with the Invitatory Psalm. INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy...

  • Office Readings

    Posted December 15, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Office of Readings If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, you should precede it with the Invitatory Psalm. INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spi...

  • Saint of the Day

    Posted December 15, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Saint of the Day St. Virginia Centurione Bracelli St. Virginia Centurione Bracelli (1587–1651) was born in Genoa, Italy, to an aristocratic family. She was pious and desired the religious life, however, at the age of fifteen she was forced int...

  • Verse of the Day

    Posted December 15, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Verse of the Day "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey...

  • Feast Day

    Posted December 15, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Today’s Feast Day Gaudete Sunday The Third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday. Advent is a penitential season of abstinence, sacrifice, and prayer in order to prepare our souls for the advent or coming of the Lord. On Gaudete ...

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted December 15, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: Sunday 3th (A) ofAdvent View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Mt 11,2-11): When John the Baptist heard in prison about the activities of Christ, he sent a message by his disciples, asking him: «Are you the one who is to come or should we expect someone else?». Jes...

  • Lectionary Readings

    Posted December 15, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   December 15 2019   « December 14  |  December 16 » Third Sunday of AdventLectionary: 7 Reading 1 Is 35:1-6a, 10 The desert and the parched land ...

  • Max Lucado

    Posted December 14, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    The Meek Were Kneeling by Max Lucado   “Blessed are the meek,” Jesus explained. Blessed are the available.   That’s why the announcement went first to the shepherds. They didn’t ask God if he was sure he knew what he was doing. Had the ang...

  • Daily Scripture and Reflections

    Posted December 14, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Daily Scripture & Reflection When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. Matthew 1:24 NIV   A Time to Think At Christmas, all roads lead home.—Marjorie Holmes   A Time to Act As you refl...

  • Daily Prayers

    Posted December 14, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Lighthouse Ministries Daily Prayer Dear Father in Heaven,   Your perfect love is greater than I can ever imagine.   I present myself to You as a living sacrifice, as the Apostle Paul urged...   I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercie...

  • Verse of the Day

    Posted December 14, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Lighthouse Ministries Verse of the Day I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1

  • Saint of the Day

    Posted December 14, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Saint of the Day St. John of the Cross St. John of the Cross (1542–1591) was born to a poor family in Old Castile, Spain. His father married below his rank and was disinherited as a result. After his father's early death, John was raised in pover...

  • Verse of the Day

    Posted December 14, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Verse of the Day "Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from your birth, carried from the womb; even to your old age I am he, even when you turn gray I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carr...

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted December 14, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: Saturday 2nd of Advent View saints December 14th: St. John of the Cross View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Mt 17,10-13): As they were coming down the mountainside, the disciples then asked Jesus, «Why do the teachers of the Law say that Elijah must come first...

  • Lectionary Readings

    Posted December 14, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   December 14 2019   « December 13  |  December 15 » Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the ChurchLectionary: 186 Reading 1 ...

  • Meditations

    Posted December 14, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Meditation of the Day "Jesus has many lovers of His heavenly kingdom, but few cross-bearers. Many desire His consolation, but few His tribulation. Many will sit down with Him at table, but few will share His fast. All desire to rejoice with Him, but few will suffer for...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 13, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Saturday 14 December 2019Saturday of the 2nd week of AdventCompline (Night Prayer)________INTRODUCTIONO God, come to our aid.    O Lord, make haste to help us.Glory be to the Father and to the Son    and to the Holy Spirit,as it was in the beginning,    i...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 13, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Saturday 14 December 2019Saint John of the Cross, Priest, Doctor  on Saturday of the 2nd week of Advent(First Vespers of tomorrow, 3rd Sunday of Advent)Vespers (Evening Prayer)Introduction (without Invitatory)If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, use the version with the Invita...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 13, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Saturday 14 December 2019Saturday of the 2nd week of AdventAfternoon Prayer (None) Introduction (without Invitatory)If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, use the version with the Invitatory Psalm instead.O God, come to our aid.    O Lord, make haste to help us.Glory b...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 13, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Saturday 14 December 2019Saturday of the 2nd week of AdventMidday Prayer (Sext) Introduction (without Invitatory)If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, use the version with the Invitatory Psalm instead.O God, come to our aid.    O Lord, make haste to help us.Glory be t...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 13, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Saturday 14 December 2019Saturday of the 2nd week of AdventMid-Morning Prayer (Terce) Introduction (without Invitatory)If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, use the version with the Invitatory Psalm instead.O God, come to our aid.    O Lord, make haste to help us.Glor...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 13, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Saturday 14 December 2019Saint John of the Cross, Priest, Doctor  on Saturday of the 2nd week of AdventMorning Prayer (Lauds) Introduction (without Invitatory)If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, use the version with the Invitatory Psalm instead.O God, come to our aid. &n...

  • Office Readings

    Posted December 13, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Saturday 14 December 2019Saint John of the Cross, Priest, Doctor  on Saturday of the 2nd week of AdventOffice of Readings (combined with Lauds)This is the Office of Readings joined to another Hour, as described in §99 of the General Instruction. To see the Office of Readings on its own, us...

  • Abraham's Birth:

    Posted December 13, 2019 by Joseph Esquivel

    The Book of Jasher Chapter VIII.   And it was in the night that Abram was born, that all the servants of Terah, and all the wise men of Nimrod, and his conjurors came an ate and drank in the house of Terah, and they rejoiced with him on that night. And when all the wise men and conjurers ...

  • Max Lucado

    Posted December 13, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    He Makes a Difference by Max Lucado   We get what sin is. But, what we struggle with is how to make up for it?   To put it simply—we’re not good enough! If I lose my temper in traffic, can I make up for it by waving at the next four cars? If I’m greedy...

  • Daily Scripture and Reflections

    Posted December 13, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Daily Scripture & Reflection Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity. Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV   A Time to Think Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone. —Charles Schulz   ...

  • Sapphries

    Posted December 13, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Hell & The Neverending Banquet Friday, December 13, 2019 There’s an old Twilight Zone episode where a criminal dies and wakes up in a mansion, the paradise of a lifetime. A man in a white suit appears to grant him his every wish. Whatever the criminal wishes, he gets. Money, women,...

  • Daily Prayers

    Posted December 13, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Lighthouse Ministries Daily Prayer Good morning Lord,   Thank You for all Your blessings and provisions in my life, especially the wisdom I receive from Your Holy Spirit.   And thank You that I don't need to worry about anything.   Just as You care...

  • Verse of the Day

    Posted December 13, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Lighthouse Ministries Verse of the Day Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why d...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 13, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Compline (Night Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 13, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Vespers (Evening Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world withou...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 13, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    None (Afternoon Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 13, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Sext (Midday Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world without en...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 13, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Terce (Mid-Morning Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,   is now, and ever shall be,   world with...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted December 13, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Morning Prayer (Lauds) If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, you should precede it with the Invitatory Psalm. INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy...

  • Office Readings

    Posted December 13, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Office of Readings If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, you should precede it with the Invitatory Psalm. INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son   and to the Holy Spi...

  • Saint of the Day

    Posted December 13, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Saint of the Day St. Lucy St. Lucy (Lucia) of Syracuse (283–304 A.D.) was born to a wealthy Christian family on the island of Sicily. Her father died when she was in her infancy. Lucy grew in piety, and at a young age secretly consecrated her vir...

  • Verse of the Day

    Posted December 13, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Verse of the Day "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." John 10:10  

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted December 13, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: Friday 2nd of Advent View saints December 13th: St. Lucia, virgin and martyr View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Mt 11,16-19): Jesus spoke to the crowds: «Now, to what can I compare the people of this day? They are like children sitting in the marketplace, abo...

  • Lectionary Readings

    Posted December 13, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   December 13 2019   « December 12  |  December 14 » Memorial of Saint Lucy, Virgin and MartyrLectionary: 185 Reading 1 Is 48:17-19 Thus says the ...