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  • Lectionary Readings

    Posted February 3, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   February 3 2019   « February 2  |  February 4 » Fourth Sunday in Ordinary TimeLectionary: 72 Reading 1 Jer 1:4-5, 17-19 The word of the LORD cam...

  • Meditations

    Posted February 3, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Meditation of the Day "Undertake courageously great tasks for God's glory, to the extent that he'll give you power and grace for this purpose. Even though you can do nothing on your own, you can do all things in him. His help will never fail you if you have confidence ...

  • Hypocrisy

    Posted February 2, 2019 by Tony Villari

    I have been accused of many things in my life, a hypocrite not being the least, nor the worst.  This is something I can admit without hesitation.  I have to because I put it out there; I wear it in plain view.  It isn't that I'm proud of it, but to deny it would evidence the very trut...

  • Max Lucado

    Posted February 2, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    God Listensby Max Lucado You can talk to God because God listens. Your voice matters in heaven. He takes you very seriously. When you enter his presence, the attendants turn to you to hear your voice. No need to fear that you will be ignored. Even if you stammer or stumble, even if what you have to...

  • Daily Scripture and Reflections

    Posted February 2, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Daily Scripture & ReflectionBe doers of the word and not merely hearers.— James 1:22 A Time to ThinkLove is the story and the prayer that matters the most. —Brian Doyle, author A Time to ActBe willing to take lovingly each small gift of life. A Time to PrayGod, thank You for the momen...

  • Daily Prayers

    Posted February 2, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Dear Lord God, Thank You for Your mercies which are new every morning. Lamentations 3:22-23 Thank You for removing my transgressions from me as far as the east is from the west. Psalm 103:12 Help me to live in the freedom that Your grace provides. Please help me to remember that You know me, not...

  • Devotion of the Month

    Posted February 2, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Devotion of the Month The Passion of Our Lord The month of February is traditionally dedicated to the Passion of Our Lord in anticipation of the liturgical season of Lent. In this month, we begin to meditate on the mystery of Jesus' sufferings which cu...

  • Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

    Posted February 2, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do you, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world fo...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted February 2, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Protect us Lord, as we stay awake: Watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace. Alleluia. This prayer is especially for those who have trouble sleeping at night. Concentrate on the Lord, and Ask your Guardian Angle to guide you and protect you...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted February 2, 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 February 2, 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 February 2, 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 February 2, 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 February 2, 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...

  • Saint of the Day

    Posted February 2, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Saint of the Day St. Lawrence of Canterbury St. Lawrence of Canterbury (d. 619 A.D.) was among the original band of missionaries sent from Rome to evangelize England with St. Augustine, the first Archbishop of Canterbury. As a fruit of their labor the re...

  • Verse of the Day

    Posted February 2, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Verse of the Day "Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it—the Lord is his name: Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things which you have not known." Jeremiah 33: 2-3  

  • Feast Day

    Posted February 2, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Today’s Feast Day Feast of the Presentation of the Lord February 2nd is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or Candlemas. It is based on the Scripture passage in Luke 2:...

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted February 2, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: February 2nd: The Presentation of the Lord View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Lk 2,22-40): When the day came for the purification according to the law of Moses, Joseph and Mary brought the baby up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, as it is written in the law of th...

  • Lectionary Readings

    Posted February 2, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   February 2 2019   « February 1  |  February 3 » Feast of the Presentation of the LordLectionary: 524 Reading 1 Mal 3:1-4 Thus says the Lord God:...

  • Meditations

    Posted February 2, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Meditation of the Day "So, if God has not resolved to cast His work back into nothingness forever, if this earth, sanctified by the footsteps of Christ, is destined, once radiant and renewed, to remain forever, then man must rise again in a future life to reconquer its...

  • Scripture Speaks

    Posted February 1, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    February 1, 2019 Scripture Speaks: Prophets in Their Own Home Gayle Somers The people in Nazareth, Jesus’ hometown, wanted to kill Him after they heard Him speak in their synagogue. How did familiarity breed such contempt? Gospel (Read Lk 4:21-30) St. Luke tells us that after Jes...

  • The Presentation & Waiting for God

    Posted February 1, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    February 1, 2019 The Presentation & Waiting for God Thomas Griffin The next step after Jesus’ birth would be to present him for circumcision in the Temple eight days later according to Genesis 17:12. Circumcision was one of the constitutive elements of the covenant made between Abraham ...

  • Where Is My Faith?

    Posted February 1, 2019 by Tony Villari

    I hate it when people toss the Bible up in my face, especially when they rail about what they've been told the Bible says, instead of actually understanding it.  My lack of total acceptance of the "good book" damns me for all eternity but, oh well.  Why is it that I can have a deeper faith...

  • Devotion of the Month

    Posted February 1, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Devotion of the Month The Passion of Our Lord The month of February is traditionally dedicated to the Passion of Our Lord in anticipation of the liturgical season of Lent. In this month, we begin to meditate on the mystery of Jesus' sufferings which cu...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted February 1, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Somos Peregrinos Caminamos al Senor, Poco a Poco Vamos Allegar We are Pilgrims walking to the Lord, Little By Little we will Arrive, May the Lord Bless you now and forever more Amen.   Compline (Night Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, m...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted February 1, 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 February 1, 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 February 1, 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 February 1, 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...

  • Daily Prayers

    Posted February 1, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Dear Lord God, I pray that I will remember that You are the God who brings life from tiny seeds buried in soil. You designed the butterfly who waits in a chrysalis while transformation takes place. Help me to trust You as You mold me into a display of Your splendor. Thank You for Your promise to...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted February 1, 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...

  • Saint of the Day

    Posted February 1, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Saint of the Day St. Brigid of Ireland St. Brigid of Ireland (451–525 A.D.), also known as St. Brigit of Kildare, was born to a pagan Irish chieftain and a Christian slave mother. Being the daughter of a slave woman, she also was a slave, and wor...

  • Verse of the Day

    Posted February 1, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Verse of the Day "To watch over mouth and tongue is to keep out of trouble." Proverbs 21:23  

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted February 1, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: Friday 3rd in Ordinary Time View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Mk 4,26-34): Jesus said, «In the kingdom of God it is like this. A man scatters seed upon the soil. Whether he is asleep or awake, be it day or night, the seed sprouts and grows, he knows not how. The soi...

  • Lectionary Readings

    Posted February 1, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   February 1 2019   « January 31  |  February 2 » Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary TimeLectionary: 321 Reading 1 Heb 10:32-39 Remember the day...

  • Masculine Qualities for Fathers, and can be applied to Individu

    Posted January 31, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    This article can also be used for all Individuals even If you ARE NOT married and are single. It all Applies.   January 31, 2019 Masculine Qualities for Fathers Raising Daughters Alan Migliorato The word “man” is used very loosely in our modern vocabulary. Someone can be co...

  • Our Ego Keeps Us From the Greatness We Were Made For

    Posted January 31, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    January 31, 2019 Our Ego Keeps Us From the Greatness We Were Made For Constance T. Hull Our souls are expansive. They are able to reach depths that we cannot fully fathom. When we begin to see this part of ourselves we often experience fear and awe. We do not know what to do with this part of...

  • Max Lucado

    Posted January 31, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    He Understands by Max Lucado   I know I’d read that passage a hundred times. But I’d never seen it. Maybe I’d passed over it in the excitement of the resurrection.   But I won’t miss it again. It’s highlighted in yellow and underlin...

  • Daily Scripture and Reflections

    Posted January 31, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Daily Scripture & Reflection But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV) &nb...

  • Daily Prayers

    Posted January 31, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Dear Lord God,   Thank You for loving me.   Thank You for filling the earth with Your glory.   I surrender all to You today.   May Your Holy Spirit repair, refine, and refresh me so that I may serve You.   Please help me to...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted January 31, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Protect us Lord, as we stay awake; Watch over us as we Sleep. that Wake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace. Alleluia.   Compline (Night Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the ...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted January 31, 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 January 31, 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 January 31, 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 January 31, 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 January 31, 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...

  • Saint of the Day

    Posted January 31, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Saint of the Day St. John (Don) Bosco St. John Bosco (1815–1888) was born in Italy to a poor farming family. His father died when he was two, leaving his religious instruction to his pious mother. At the age of nine he had his first of many power...

  • Verse of the Day

    Posted January 31, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Verse of the Day "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumul...

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted January 31, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: Thursday 3rd in Ordinary Time Saints January 31st: St. John Bosco, priest View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Mk 4,21-25): Jesus also said to the crowd, «When the light comes, is it to be put under a tub or a bed? Surely it is put on a lampstand. Whatever is hidden w...

  • Lectionary Readings

    Posted January 31, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   January 31 2019   « January 30  |  February 1 » Memorial of Saint John Bosco, PriestLectionary: 320 Reading 1 Heb 10:19-25 Brothers and sisters:...

  • Guardian Angle Prayer

    Posted January 31, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    You might have heard about angels, but have you ever heard about Guardian Angels? We all know who angels are and why they are around us all the time. But, do we know who Guardian Angels are and why they exist? Every wondered if you were appointed a specific angel just to tak...

  • Why we as Catholics use so many Candles.

    Posted January 30, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Why Do Catholics Use So Many Candles? December 14, 2017 By Ashley Osmera 17 Comments Walk into any Catholic Church, and it’s impossible to miss seeing candles. There are candles on the altar, a special candle near the tabernacle, and candles in front of images or statues of th...

  • The Glory of the Hidden Stars

    Posted January 30, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    January 30, 2019 The Glory of the Hidden Stars Br. Joseph Graziano, O.P. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world (Jn 1:8-9). The cold keeps many from wondering at a January night sky where ev...

  • On The Honor Found in Suffering for Christ

    Posted January 30, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    January 30, 2019 On the Honor Found in Suffering for Christ St. John of Avila “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort, who comforteth us in all our tribulation; that we also may be able to comfort them who are in all dis...

  • Spiritual Battles Beg For Spiritual Responses

    Posted January 30, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    January 30, 2019 Spiritual Battles Beg For Spiritual Responses Kathleen Beckman Scripture reminds us, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). Christ chose the Twelve (Apostles) to do the same. From start to finish, the life of Chri...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted January 30, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.   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 n...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted January 30, 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...

  • Daily Prayers

    Posted January 30, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Dear Lord God,   I pray that You will anoint me so that I can join with Jesus "to proclaim good news to the poor...to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Luke 4:18-19   Please send me to "bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release ...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted January 30, 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 January 30, 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 January 30, 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 January 30, 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...

  • Saint of the Day

    Posted January 30, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Saint of the Day St. Martina of Rome St. Martina of Rome (d. 228 A.D.) was born to a noble Roman family and orphaned at a young age. She was zealous in the practice of her faith, remained a virgin, and, in preparation for the Christian persecutions sweep...

  • Verse of the Day

    Posted January 30, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Verse of the Day "Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted January 30, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   January 30 2019   « January 29  |  January 31 » Wednesday of the Third Week in Ordinary TimeLectionary: 319 Reading 1 Heb 10:11-18 Every priest ...

  • Lectionary Readings

    Posted January 30, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   January 30 2019   « January 29  |  January 31 » Wednesday of the Third Week in Ordinary TimeLectionary: 319 Reading 1 Heb 10:11-18 Every priest ...

  • Meditations

    Posted January 30, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Meditation of the Day "What is time, with regard to myself? It is my present and actual existence. Past time, or my past existence, is no longer anything, as far as I am concerned; I can neither recall it, nor change anything in it. The time to come, or my future exist...

  • Two Subtle Enemies of Holiness

    Posted January 29, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    January 29, 2019 Two Subtle Enemies of Holiness Thomas Griffin On any journey there is bound to be points of challenge and difficulty, storms and threats to our safety. The spiritual life is no different. There can be attack’s from outside of us, but what is most dangerous is what comes...

  • How Early Christians Changed How We View Death

    Posted January 29, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    This is a long posting.  Reminder when Death comes the Spirit is risen to heaven.   January 29, 2019 How Early Christians Changed How We View Death Mike Aquilina & James L. Papandrea The Conquest of the Last Enemy “The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” That was wh...

  • Hell Is Just a Four Letter Word

    Posted January 29, 2019 by Tony Villari

    In religious tradition, the Abrahamic in particular, hell conjures up visions of eternal damnation, punishment, and torment to be endured in the afterlife for sins wrought in the present.  But is this what "Holy Scripture" really says?  Or, as I believe and have asked many times ...

  • Sapphries

    Posted January 29, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    The Other Way To LoveTuesday, January 29, 2019Ephesians 5:25 says, “Husbands love your wives as Messiah loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” It doesn’t say, “husbands love your wives your own way,” because how you love may leave much to be desired. But your lo...

  • Max Lucado

    Posted January 29, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    How Do I Have a Quiet Time?by Max Lucado I’m a new Christian who is trying to figure out how to grow closer to God. Friends tell me I need to have a quiet time with God each day, but I can’t figure out exactly what to do. Denalyn and I like to go to the same restaurants over and over a...

  • Daily Scripture and Reflections

    Posted January 29, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Daily Scripture & ReflectionTo everything, there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV A Time to ThinkPut your trust in God and just calmly go your way. —Dr. Norman Vincent Peale A Time to ActRecognize that your faith will lead you to great things. A...

  • Daily Prayers

    Posted January 29, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Dear Lord God, I pray for those who are grieving today. I pray for those who have lost loved ones. I pray for those who have lost relationships. I pray for those who have had to surrender their dreams. I pray for all who have experienced loss of hope and loss of innocence. I pray that You will...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted January 29, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Protect us Lord, as we stay Awake: Watch over us as We Sleep. That Awake, we may Keep Watch With Christ, and asleep, Rest in his Peace. Alleluia.     Compline (Night Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory b...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted January 29, 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 January 29, 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 January 29, 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 January 29, 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 January 29, 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...

  • Saint of the Day

    Posted January 29, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Saint of the Day St. Aquilinus of Milan St. Aquilinus of Milan (d. 1015 A.D.), also known as St. Aquilinus of Cologne, was born to a noble family in Bavaria, Germany. He received his education in Cologne, Germany and was ordained to the priesthood. He wa...

  • Verse of the Day

    Posted January 29, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Verse of the Day "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near." Philippians 4:4-5  

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted January 29, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: Tuesday 3rd in Ordinary Time View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Mk 3,31-35): Jesus' mother and brothers came. As they stood outside, they sent someone to call him. The crowd sitting around Jesus told him, «Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you&raqu...

  • Lectionary Readings

    Posted January 29, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   January 29 2019   « January 28  |  January 30 » Tuesday of the Third Week in Ordinary TimeLectionary: 318 Reading 1 Heb 10:1-10 Brothers and sis...

  • Meditations

    Posted January 29, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Meditation of the Day "Prayer, considered as petition, consists entirely in expressing to God some desire in order that He may hear it favorably; a real desire is, therefore, its primary and essential condition; without this, we are merely moving the lips, going throug...

  • Still "Locked Away from Christ"

    Posted January 28, 2019 by Tony Villari

    Note to the reader: The following was originally published as two-parts back on January 5, 2014. First, I wrote Locked Away from Christ and, after I thought about it, I became so aggravated that I immediately wrote Locked Away from Christ - Parte Seconda, in lieu of deleting part one ...

  • Max Lucado

    Posted January 28, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Loved by a Faithful Godby Max Lucado "I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ...”Philippians 3:8 Peer through the small window in the wall of the Roman jail. See the man in chains? The aging fellow with the stooped shoulders and hawkish nose?...

  • Sapphries

    Posted January 28, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    But I Say To YouMonday, January 28, 2019Messiah said, “You have heard it said... but I say to you”. Notice, the first phrase, “You have heard it said,” is speaking of an event that takes place in the third person. It’s said to somebody by someone, somewhere. The second ...

  • Daily Scripture and Reflections

    Posted January 28, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Daily Scripture & ReflectionCast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22 NKJV A Time to ThinkFaith means being sure of what we hope for now. It means knowing something is real, this moment, all around you, even when you don&rsq...

  • Daily Prayers

    Posted January 28, 2019 by Pastor Charles Stilwell ULCM

    Dear Lord God, I pray that today Your Holy Spirit will remind me that all of my hope comes from You. You are my daily help and the light that illuminates my path. Please help me to trust You more today. Help me to choose Your ways over my desires and to resist my selfish habits. Help me to love...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted January 28, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    May each day this week be a good day, even though the weather in many parts of the country will not be grate, May the Lord Always Watch Over You.   Compline (Night Prayer) INTRODUCTION   O God, come to our aid.   O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the...

  • Liturgy of the Hours

    Posted January 28, 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 January 28, 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 January 28, 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 January 28, 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 January 28, 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...

  • Saint of the Day

    Posted January 28, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Saint of the Day St. Thomas Aquinas St. Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274) was born into a wealthy and noble family in Aquino, Italy. He was the pious and brilliant son of a count, and a lucrative future was planned for him. When Thomas set off to enter ...

  • Verse of the Day

    Posted January 28, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

      Verse of the Day "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against t...

  • Gospel/Homily

    Posted January 28, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    Liturgical day: Monday 3rd in Ordinary Time Saints January 28th: St. Thomas Aquinas, priest and doctor View 1st Reading and Psalm Gospel text (Mk 3,22-30): The teachers of the Law who had come from Jerusalem said, «He is possessed by Beelzebul: the chief of the demons helps him to drive...

  • Lectionary Readings

    Posted January 28, 2019 by Arch Bishop Micheal Ralph Vendegna S.O.S.M.A.

    USCCB »  Bible »  Daily Readings   January 28 2019   « January 27  |  January 29 » Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the ChurchLectionary: 317 Reading 1 Heb 9:...