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To all who work in the field of health care, mental health and medical science, for those on the frontlines of this pandemic and all support workers. We are praying for you, with grateful hearts for your continued dedication and sacrifice.
Catholic Social Teaching 101
Call to Family, Community, and Participation
Tuesday, Aug 11, 2020
MEMORIAL OF CLARE, VIRGIN
We are what we love
Those who enter consecrated life in the Catholic Church make at least three vows—of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Known as the Evangelical Counsels, the vows are meant to shield disciples from greed, lust, and pride. For most religious orders, poverty is simply a commitment to shared (rather than individual) ownership. But Clare of Assisi, among the first followers of Saint Francis and the first woman known to write a set of monastic guidelines, made sure her order of Poor Clares owned nothing at all. “We become what we love,” she wrote. “If we love things, we become a thing.” In honor of Clare, take some time to examine what you love and what you own to see whether anything is hampering your spiritual life.
TODAY'S READINGS: Ezekiel 2:8-3:4; Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14
“Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest.”
#takefiveforfaith
August the 11th is the day the church remembers with thanksgiving the life and witness of St. Clare. She was the friend and companion of Francis, and founder of the Poor Clares. Her love for Christ, her share in the vision of St. Francis and her extraordinary gifts as a soul-guide, friend, and leader made her a shining light and a clear mirror of Christ for thousands in her lifetime and still a light and inspiration to Christians from many denominations today.
Clare wrote:
Place your mind before the mirror of eternity!
Place your soul in the brilliance of glory!
Place your heart in the figure of the divine substance!
And transform your entire being into the image of the Godhead Itself through contemplation.
So that you too may feel what His friends feel as they taste the hidden sweetness that God Himself has reserved from the beginning
for those who love Him”
📷 Closeup of Tapestry of St. Clare in Sacred Heart’s St. Francis Chapel, original painting by Vicki Sheridan
“Without diminishing our beliefs, we approach others with love rather than domination. We approach others with a desire to share what is important to us rather than make them feel insignificant or stupid. We approach others with a readiness to understand them rather than presuming that they should think like us. We approach others with respect, even reverence, creating an atmosphere of friendship rather than jumping into an argument we must win. We approach others, if need be, with a forgiving spirit rather than imposing feelings of guilt. We approach them with joy and hope rather than fear and suspicion.”
~ Seeking a Gospel Life
Lester Bach OFM
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Today is the feast of St. Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr (d. 258), who when asked to collect the treasures of the church gathered the blind, lame, poor, widowed, orphaned and sick and said "These are the treasures of the church."
Take time today to pray for the people closest to you who are most in need of the prayers and care of the church.
St. Lawrence, pray for us.
#spiritjuice
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Hello, can someone please recommend to me a great study Catholic Bible? One that is the best version that is closely, if not, is the same used in church? If one exists where it’s translated without gender inclusive wording and one where it has some interpretations afterwards or notes afterwards or explanations afterwards, something to guide those reading the Bible? I’m looking for myself and also for someone who is wanting to become a Catholic and is looking for a bible to understand and that is the best Catholic version closest to what is said in church. Thank you!
The translation used in the readings at mass are from The New American Bible. Many NAB Catholic editions have cross references and bible study tools to assist you. After that it’s just personal preference for features like book tabs, print and spine etc. Get what you really like. It will accompany you through a lifetime of faith!
Monday • August 10, 2020
FEAST OF LAWRENCE, DEACON, MARTYR
Be inspired by the martyrs among us
Lawrence, a Roman deacon who was martyred in 258, is one of the most venerated of saints, and there are many legends about his gruesome death, which prompted widespread conversions to Christianity in his city. Most Christians aren’t called to such spectacular sacrifice, but there are other types of martyrs—ordinary folks in every generation who face adversity with total commitment to God and sow the seeds of faith all around them. They are martyrs at the hands of disease, hatred, bigotry, selfishness, and cruelty. They fight the good fight and leave us all the better for it. Pray for that level of faith and perseverance.
Today's readings: 2 Corinthians 9:6-10; John 12:24-26
“Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life.” #takefiveforfaith
Don't give up on the Lord. He will never give up on you.
#lifeteen #NotJustForTeens
