Archive for June 13, 2024

Fire!

Posted: June 13, 2024 by CatholicJules in Life's Journeys, Personal Thoughts & Reflections, Testimonies
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Truth be told, ever since my classes ended at Encounter School of Ministry, I have been feeling out of sorts. Not quite on fire as when I was applying what we learnt week after week. So, in desperation I made a decision to overcome once for all any and all habitual sins! Last week on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus I consecrated myself to His Sacred Heart.

I started to feel whole again but wondering why I had not heard His heart for another! Then this evening as I attended the first night of the triduum of St Anthony. I was invited to do penance (just kidding) by getting on a ladder and filling the top portion of St Anthony’s flower wall before the devotion and Mass.

During Holy Eucharist I noticed a sister in Christ who was seated in pew, walked back after receiving communion seem to have lost balance and was walking awkwardly. Another sister in Christ who sat beside her caught her and helped her stabilize a little before leading her back to her seat. I waited after Mass approached her and told her I noticed she was in pain in her leg region. She pointed to her right toe and shared that she had fractured it. I prayed for her swift recovery and for any pain to be gone. Yay!

Then I saw a brother who is still in Seminary but is currently attached to our Parish standing at the foyer talking to some folks from SVDP. I waited patiently for him to finish, then asked if I could speak to him a few minutes. I shared with him that as he was standing close to the Altar, I sensed the Lord wanting me to affirm and encourage him. That he may be experiencing some doubts or facing some distractions. But the Lord is pleased that he is keeping the faith and to the path laid out for him. And will be with him every step of the way. I offered to pray for him as I touched his shoulder. After the prayer his face lit with amazement and asked if I was part of any charismatic group as what I said was prophetic and resonated with him. Praise the Lord!

I then decided to continue praying for others even though I had been awake since 4am! So, I logged in and join the prayer rooms in Sri Lanka via zoom. The Lord sent me two folks with biggie prayer request! One was suffering with incurable Chron’s disease and the other needed prayers for his month suffering from severe depression. Please lift prayers with me for Ashan and Lakshmi.

When we hunger and thirst for souls as He does, He will open doors of opportunity for us. Keep the faith my dear sisters and brothers! Love and miss you all! ❤

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: June 13, 2024 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Once again we are reminded that we have a higher calling as Christians. We lose our Heavenly inheritance if we choose not to forgive, and not to love inspite of the hurts inflicted upon us. For in today’s Gospel our Lord does not mention those who are angry with us, but those whom we are angry with. The higher calling for us is that we are the ones to approach those who have angered us; and for us to seek reconciliation with them.

Then we shall return to remain in full communion with our One triune God, and He shall speak His wisdom and knowledge deep into our hearts. As we go out empowered with the supernatural gifts to minister to our brethren.

Grant me the eloquence of Your great Saint Anthony so that I may speak to the hearts of Your people. Amen

Saint Antony of Padua, Pray for us…

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First reading
1 Kings 18:41-46


‘A cloud no bigger than a man’s hand’

Elijah said to Ahab, ‘Go back, eat and drink; for I hear the sound of rain.’ While Ahab went back to eat and drink, Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel and bowed down to the earth, putting his face between his knees. ‘Now go up,’ he told his servant ‘and look out to the sea.’ He went up and looked. ‘There is nothing at all’ he said. ‘Go back seven times’ Elijah said. The seventh time, the servant said, ‘Now there is a cloud, small as a man’s hand, rising from the sea.’ Elijah said, ‘Go and say to Ahab, “Harness the chariot and go down before the rain stops you.”’ And with that the sky grew dark with cloud and storm, and rain fell in torrents. Ahab mounted his chariot and made for Jezreel. The hand of the Lord was on Elijah, and tucking up his cloak he ran in front of Ahab as far as the outskirts of Jezreel.


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Gospel
Matthew 5:20-26


Anyone who is angry with his brother will answer for it

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If your virtue goes no deeper than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.
    ‘You have learnt how it was said to our ancestors: You must not kill; and if anyone does kill he must answer for it before the court. But I say this to you: anyone who is angry with his brother will answer for it before the court; if a man calls his brother “Fool” he will answer for it before the Sanhedrin; and if a man calls him “Renegade” he will answer for it in hell fire. So then, if you are bringing your offering to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, go and be reconciled with your brother first, and then come back and present your offering. Come to terms with your opponent in good time while you are still on the way to the court with him, or he may hand you over to the judge and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. I tell you solemnly, you will not get out till you have paid the last penny.’