October 1, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Friday, October 1

THERESE OF THE CHILD JESUS, Virgin and Doctor
First Friday of the month--the Sacred Heart
Jb 38: 1, 12-21, 40:3-5
Lk 10: 13-16



MONTHLY INTENTION

Thanks to you, women workers, committed in all the areas of social, economic, cultural, artistic and political life, for the indispensable contribution that you make.

Political and also military--15% of the US Armed Forces are women and this is replicated in other lands. What are the short-term effects of this social change? What will the long-term bring? Important questions.

SHORT PRAYER TO ST. THERESE IN TIME OF NEED:

Little Flower, in this hour, show your power.

September 30, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Thursday, September 30
ST. JEROME, Priest and Doctor
Jb 19: 21-27
Lk 10: 1-2

Consider the Pope as the source of grace, the distributor of holiness. The mark of the true Catholic union with the Pope (VMC 733).

These words of our saintly Founder should continue to inspire and guide us in the midst of the Satanic attacks on the Holy Father.

Prayer: St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in the day of battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into Hell, Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

September 29, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Wednesday, September 29
MICHAEL, GABRIEL, & RAPHAEL, Archangels
Dn 7, 9-10, 13-14
Jn 1: 47-51

Let us remain in the light: Jesus Christ. Let us enlighten others through our apostolate which is a sharing of the Christ-light (MCS 455).

I have underlined this thought many times: The words we say, the print on the paper or the pictures on the screen cannot--quite obviously--convert people. How could they? They conversion comes from Christ in our words, writing, films. But first He must be in us, in our life, in our spirit.

September 28, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Tuesday, September 28
OF THE DAY
SS. Wencelaus, and Lawrence Ruiz and Companions, Martyrs
Jb 3: 1-3, 11, 17:20-23
Lk 9:51-56

Think with the Church, love the Church, cooperate with the Church, be among its holiest, most devout and most active members.

"Church" here really means God revealed in various ways: in your pastor, in the Pope, in Vatican pronouncements, in the well-known principles etc.

September 27, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Monday, September 2
ST. VINCENT de PAUL, Priest
Jb 1:22
Lk 9:46-50

St. Vincent said that must love God with the sweat of our brow (VMC 751).

I am not sure which Vincent the Founder has in mind but the thought applies to everyone, “Vincents” or not. The Founder also remarks that the Lord’s sweat in the carpenter’s shop was just as effective as his sweat in Gethsemane.

September 26, 2010 Blessed Father James Alberione Movie Trailer

This is the trailer for a movie currently being made about the Founder of the Pauline Family, Blessed James Alberione. Please pray for the successful completion and distribution of this project. If you would like to make a donation please contact me and I will put you in contact with Sister Helena Burns or someone else involved with the film. God bless you. In Jesus the Divine Master through Mary Queen of Apostles and St. Paul.

September 26, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Sunday, September 26
26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Am 6: 1, 4-7
1 Tm 6: 11-16
Lk 16: 19-31


Love everyone: the souls in Purgatory, those dying, those reached by the Pauline apostolate...love all and pray for all. (VMC 761)

As regards the souls, we have that bookmark with the names of our dear ones--ask for it if you don't have it. The dying and especially the dying unprepared have to be in our mind all day and so also the countless numbers the Paulines reach.

September 26, 2010 With Anonymous

I got this image from Donna Sunblad's Pumping Your Muse Site: http://pymprompts.blogspot.com/2008_09_01_archive.html

REMEMBERING

Always remember to forget, the things that made you sad.

But never forget to remember; the things that made you glad.

Always remember to forget the friends that proved untrue.

But don't forget to remember; those that have stuck by you.

Always remember to forget, the troubles that passed away.

But never forget to remember; the blessings of each day.

~ Anonymous

September 25, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Saturday, September 25
OF THE DAY
Eccles 11: 9-12:8
Lk 9: 43-45

When things go well, we give glory to God. When they go badly we accept our mistakes with humility and try to do better (VMC 773)

How do you give glory to God? Usually by not talking about what is accomplished, (and in our hearts by not thinking how great we are). How accept our mistakes? In much the same way!

September 24, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Friday, September 24
OF THE DAY
Eccles 3: 1-11
Lk 9: 18-22

Never lose heart. Keep always a healthy optimism recalling that our past experiences are our tutors for the future (VMC 773).

This is particularly important in our time when the Church is falling apart and there are loud cries for the heads of its leaders. Not to worry. That's what happened with Jesus and the apostles. And where are those who persecuted them?

Thought: You are Peter and upon this rock I shall build my church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail upon it. Thank you Jesus Master for the great gift of Your Catholic Church and the Holy Spirit to watch over and guide it always.

September 23, 2010 With Father Jeff

I got the image from photobucket. I don't know who the photographer is, but will gladly give him or her credit if someone does.

"Don't tell God how big the storms in your life are. Tell the storms in your life HOW BIG YOUR GOD IS." ~Father Jeff (at an HFI conference)

September 23, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Thursday, September 23
ST. PIO OF PIETRELCINA, Priest
Eccles 1: 2-11
Lk 9: 7-9

Have the heart, that is the desires and the love of Jesus for souls; let your heart be like the heart of Jesus (APD 1965).

You might recall that I once quoted a writing from Father. Lamera where he asked the Lord to make an exchange of hearts--so to speak! Did it take place? Well, Father. Lamera was a saintly man, as I (Father Tom) can testify, so SOME exchange took place. Would you like to make a similar request?

September 22, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Wednesday, September 22
OF THE DAY
Pr 30: 5-9
Lk 9: 1-6

A Christian is not allowed to become discouraged and still less to give in to the temptations of a world intent on dragging humanity toward atheism (VMC 774).

Interesting point: I quoted this thought for the first time in February of 1997. I was here. Where were YOU then? Is your present spiritual situation better? And should we not both thank God for His goodness to us?

September 21, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Tuesday, September 21
MATTHEW, APOSTLE and EVANGELIST
Eph. 4: 1-7, 11-13
Mt 9: 9-13

Why should we become discouraged if we are no more successful than Jesus and St. Paul were? Let's just keep doing our best (VMC).

Jesus ended his days on the Cross. Paul was beheaded. Both had substantially failed at the material level. That could happen for us. But...does it matter?

September 20, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

I am going to be away from my computer, on retreat, for the next few days, but I wanted to make sure I posted the daily thoughts. God bless you all.


Monday, September 20
ANDREW KIM TAEGON, priest and PAUL
CHONG HASANG and companions. Martyrs.
Pr. 3: 27-34
Lk 8: 16-18

Be happy in the holy Will of God, no matter what happens (VMC 783).

Very correct in theory--the Will of God is always aimed at our best interests. In practice? What are my aims and goals for this day? Are they concentrated on the Will of God or on doing my own will no matter what God thinks?

September 19, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Sunday, September 19
25th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Am 8: 4-7
Tm 2: 1-8
Lk 16: 1-13

Feel in your hearts a great joy because what you are doing is not useless. (VMC 784).

What does the Founder mean? A LOT of what we are trying to do for Institute appears useless! Not so. It is the EFFORT we make that the Lord blesses and the PERSEVERANCE as long as we are able. The real success...is pleasing Him!

September 18, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Saturday, September 18
OF THE DAY
1 Cor 15: 35-37, 42-49
Lk 8: 4-15

Holy Mass can be divided into three sections:
1. Epistle, Gospel and Homily = teaching of Christ Truth;
2. Consecration/Offering/Sacrifice = Christ Way;
3. Holy Communion = Christ Life

The problem we have with the Mass--and here I repeat myself--is often...the celebrant! His attitude to the Holy Sacrifice DOES make a difference. Let us pray for priests in this sense too.

September 17, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Friday, September 17
OF THE DAY
St. Robert Bellarmine, Bishop, Doctor
1 Cor 15: 12-20
Lk 8: 1-3

What can you give? God, His Word. How powerful you are when you cite a phrase from the Gospel! (FSP 444).

Well, yes, or perhaps...maybe. Just TALKING is not enough. WE always need ACTION. We need a convincing LIFESTYLE. The Master preached from the manger, in Nazareth, in just being alive.

September 16, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Thursday, September 16
Cornelius Pope Cyprian Bishop, Martyrs
1 Cor 15: 1-11
Lk 7: 36-50

If there is sufficient piety the Lord will bless our studies and our apostolate; our administration will be exact and the lord will provide for our needs (VMC 829)

Always put prayer first: in practical terms, stopping for a few seconds before beginning a task; studying the schedule to find ten minutes twice a day, plus a few minutes for exam. The Lord will see and bless us.

September 15, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Wednesday, September 15
OUR LADY OF SORROWS
Heb 5: 7-9
Jn 19: 25-27

Abandoned into the hands of the Father, Mary accompanies her Son to Calvary. The will of the Lord is sovereign in her mind and will (AAP 1960).

Accepting the will of God in our pain does not mean that we feel nothing. It means that we keep on doing what should be done as best we can, pain or not.

September 14, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Tuesday, September 14
THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
Nm 21: 4-9
Phil 2: 6-11
Jn 3: 13-17

Let all those sufferings at the service of God and offer them in union with the sacrifice on the altar: our little sufferings in union with Jesus the victim (FSP 284)

We have quite a bit of suffering among us as the monthly list shows--and that is to all because some prefer to suffer in silence. If they wish: but there is also a grace in allowing others to pray for them.

September 13, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Monday, September 13
ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, Bishop, Doctor
1 Cor 11: 17-26, 33
Lk 7: 1-10

The Mass is the sun of piety, queen of devotions, source of living water and of graces flowing from the Sacraments (VMC 833).

The problem here is that in spite of the shortage of priests, Mass for most of us is easily available. So we need a renewed effort each time to remind ourselves that this is not just like yesterday but a new appearance of the Risen Lord in this time and place.

September 12, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Sunday, September 12
24TH Sunday in Ordinary Time
Ex 32: 7-14
1 Tim 1: 12-17
Lk 15: 1-32

Holy Mass is the center of Catholic worship, it is THE source of grace, it is the sun of devotions (VMC 832)

True, but we must prepare as best we can and we must remember what we have done. This is easier for people than for priests who are called to rush through several liturgies often when they are tired and ill. The Year for the Priest has ended, but prayer for priests should never end.

September 11, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Saturday, September 11
OF THE DAY
Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday
1 Cor. 10: 14-22
Lk. 6: 43-49

We have to bring the whole human being to God. He has to live in Christ with his whole being and in every part of it (VMC 822).

And so--talking first about ourselves-we need to control our minds, then our speech and then our actions. Great program--until you try to put it into effect!


PRAYER: Lord, on this anniversary of 9-11, let us pray for the victims, the survivors and those who orchestrated the attack. Please have mercy on our will and grant us peace.

September 10, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Friday, September 10
OF THE DAY
1 Cor 9: 16-19, 22-27
Lk 6: 39-42

Bind yourselves to the Pauline spirit: the Gospel, the Constitutions, the Letters of St. Paul. That's our way to heaven (VMC 828)

There are, of course, more attractive ways--popular devotions, new Saints, the latest revelation...Let's stay with what the Church has honored for twenty centuries!

September 9, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Thursday, September 9
ST. PETER CLAVER, Priest
1 Cor. 8: 1-7, 11-13
Lk. 6: 27-38

Not colorless piety but piety of a Pauline color directed to the Divine Master, the Queen of Apostles and St. Paul (VMC 830).

The first time I quoted this was in 1997--have we learned since then to address the Lord as "Jesus, Divine Master" or simply, "Jesus, Master"? Interesting point.

September 8, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Wednesday, September 8
NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Mi 5: 1-4
Mt 1: 1-16, 18-23

The style of God does not change: He was born of Mary in Bethlehem and is born of her in every soul: she forms Him in us.

The day we were born! We usually know that. But the day we were baptized? That is less well-known and yet that is the day that makes our birth worthwhile.

September 7, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Tuesday, September 7
OF THE DAY
First Tuesday of the month--the Souls in Purgatory
1 Cor 6: 1-11
Lk 6: 12-19

Mary always gives us Jesus. She is a species of branch which bears him and offers him to us (VMC 622).

The Lord could have entered into the human race in a variety of ways. He chose Mary. All the great Saints were totally devoted to her. We, the not-so-great saints, cannot be different.

September 6, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Monday, September 6
OF THE DAY
1 Cor 5: 1-8
Lk 6: 6-11

St. Paul was the Doctor of the Gentiles but the real Doctor and Teacher of peoples was Mary because St. Bernard says that if Paul was a "vessel of election" Mary was a "vessel of divinity" (VMC 617).

Put Mary in the forefront of our lives: first prayer in the morning to her, frequent prayer during the day and recourse for inspiration, last prayer at night.

September 5, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Sunday, September 5
23RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Wis. 9: 12-18
Pil. 9-10, 12-17
Lk 14: 25-33

The world needs Jesus Christ, Way, Truth and Life and Mary gives Him through the apostles and the apostolates which she raises up, forms, assists and crowns with glory in heaven (VMC 613).

How true! How much the world would benefit if the teaching of Jesus, Truth, the behavior of Jesus Way and the inspiration of Jesus, Life, became the norm!

September 4, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Saturday, September 4
OF THE DAY
Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday
First Saturday of the month--Mary, Queen of Apostles

If many times you don't feel like talking, your piety and your demeanor speak for you (AAP 1958, 284)

The Founder was addressing Sisters and he himself was the best example of what he said. All those who came into contact with him knew he was "different".

September 3, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Friday, September 3
GREGORY THE GREAT, Pope, Doctor

(For the Pastorelle or Shepherdess Pauline Sisters: B.V.M. Mother of the Good Shepherd--their special Feastday).
First Friday of the month--Sacred Heart
1 Cor 4: 1-5
Lk 5: 33-39

You will always see yourselves as Shepherdess Sisters if you love souls as Jesus loved them and are ready to sacrifice yourselves for them (AAP 1960).

And this applies equally to all of us!

September 2, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Thursday, September 2
OF THE DAY
First Thursday of the month--the Guardian Angels
1 Cor 3: 18-23
Lk 5:1-11

Together with the priest there is work of women associated with priestly zeal (MCS p. 219).

The Founder had our Sisters in mind, but it can apply to mothers, natural sisters and , of course, to the women members of HFI. Let us pray for and help each other.

September 1, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

I got this image from the writer's site: Pumping Your Muse (created by Donna Sunblad) http://pymprompts.blogspot.com/2008_10_01_archive.html

Wednesday, September 1

OF THE DAY

First Wednesday of the month--St. Joseph

1 Cor 3: 1-9

Lk 4: 38-44

MONTHLY INTENTION

For women all over the world, worried for persons they love, wounded in their human or maternal dignity, blistered in their body and spirit, that they may find comfort in the Sorrowful Virgin "whose heart was pierced by a sword".

Included in these challenges to women's rights and the denial of their equal dignity with men, is their almost universal exploitation as sex-objects--something in reality far worse than the crimes listed.