Today we honor the only three angels in scripture who have names. Michael is cited in the books of Daniel and Revelation and is known for being a protector. Gabriel is most famously a messenger, having relayed information to Daniel, but best known for giving Mary the news that she would be mother to our Savior. Raphael is associated with healing and appears in a series of adventures in the Book of Tobit, including his cure of Tobit’s blindness. At various times, each of us needs protection, a message from God, or healing.
Today’s scripture sends a clear reminder that such needs are universal, and God cares for all, calling us to do the same. “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.”
FEAST OF MICHAEL, GABRIEL, AND RAPHAEL, ARCHANGELS
TODAY’S READINGS: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 or Revelation 12:7-12ab; John 1:47-51. “How do you know me?”
#takefiveforfaith #dailyingodsword
Remember always to welcome strangers, for by doing this, some people have entertained angels without knowing it.
- Hebrews 13: 2
Today is the feast of St Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels.
As the various versions of The Prayer of St. Francis put it, we can never attain joy, consolation, peace, forgiveness, love, and understanding by actively pursuing them. We attain them by giving them out. That’s the great paradox at the centre of all spirituality and one of the great foundational truths within the universe itself: The air that we breathe out is the air we will eventually breathe back in.
-Ron Rolheiser OMI
I believe that is beautiful and so true.
Lighten the load of another
You may have heard the old English Christmas song about a Bohemian king who became Saint Wenceslaus, in part because of his great charity. The most famous tale from the charitable king’s life was recorded in the carol “Good King Wenceslaus.” The king helps a poor man keep from freezing by trodding a path in the snow for him, easing the man’s journey to shelter. It ends with an admonishment to do likewise for anyone who suffers and “[you] shall yourselves find blessing.” Do a favor for someone in need today, and like Wenceslaus, you will find blessing.
MEMORIAL OF WENCESLAUS, MARTYR
TODAY’S READINGS: Haggai 1:1-8; Luke 9:7-9.
“Who then is this about whom I hear such things?”
#takefiveforfaith
📸Fr. Joe’s Outreach, #ourneighbor
The joys which accord with the Lord’s will draw those who persevere in them to things which will endure, things eternal.
- St Ambrose of Milan
YOU’RE INVITED!!
Bishop Barron’s The Mass Four Lessons Series
with Father Sheahan
Saturday Mornings
October 21st and 28th, November 4th and 11th
from 9am to 10:15am
Sacred Heart Parish Center
Walk through the Liturgy of the Mass with Bishop Barron and you’ll be transformed through insights on this most privileged and intimate encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ.
See how the Mass brings us out of the fallen world and into the heavenly realm, how it resonates with a call from God and a response from his people, the Church, and, most importantly, how we are intimately joined with the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus through the Holy Eucharist.
The Mass will help you understand how to fully, consciously, and actively participate in the source and summit of the Christian life.
Enrich the faith of others
Before co-founding the Daughters of Charity—serving the “poorest of the poor”—Saint Vincent de Paul began the Congregation of the Mission in 1625. Priests who joined had three requirements: to live in imitation of Christ, to take the gospel to the rural poor, and to educate fellow priests in the practical matters of being a priest. When he realized peasants knew so little about the faith and that local priests were poorly trained in administering the sacrament of Penance, Vincent preached such a stirring parish mission that priests from a nearby town had to be called in to help him hear confessions. How can you help others practice their faith?
MEMORIAL OF VINCENT DE PAUL, PRIEST
TODAY’S READINGS: Ezra 9:5-9; Luke 9:1-6.
“Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere.”
#takefiveforfaith #dailyingodsword
