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

Tuesday, November 30
ST. ANDREW, APOSTLE
Rom 10: 9-18
Mt 4: 18-22

During this time of Advent, we concentrate on the Pauline spirit: reading the simpler Letters, seeing how our life resembles his or does not resemble it, trying to reach the point of Christ truly lives in me...the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.

What can I add to that except to express my astonishment at how quickly time seems to pass--approaching the end of 2010!!!

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

Monday, November 29
ADVENT WEEKDAY
Is 4: 2-6
Mt 8: 5-11

The way of the perfect is the way of simplicity . Their prayer is the prayer of simplicity and the Holy Spirit is their guide (VMC 806).

Simplicity? Possibly what is meant is a concentration on the Institute, on its prayers and on its goals. Invoking the Holy Spirit as we begin to pray is a sure way of not getting lost in secondary considerations. Simple prayer flows from a simple life.

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

Sunday, November 28
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Is 2: 1-5
Rm 13: 11-14
Mt 24: 37-44

Imitate the great Eucharistic silence. Live in that silence, avoiding useless words. The less you speak with people the easier it will be to talk to God (VMC 809).

Sound advice as we begin another year in the Lord's service. Have a few less "idle words" to give an account of when we stand before the Lord.

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

Saturday, November 27
OF THE DAY
Rev. 22: 1-7
Lk. 21: 34-36

If we work hard and are committed to daily progress in the apostolate then we can say we love the Lord (AAP 1960).

Quite right--as long as we are convinced that our daily occupation is our major and most effective apostolate, while our "work for the Church" whatever it might be is less important. Hard to believe, isn't it?

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

Friday, November 26
BLESSED JAMES ALBERIONE, priest
Mass and Office in the "Ceremonies of the Holy Family Institute"
OR
Rv 20: 1-4, 11-21:2
Lk 21: 29-33

Let's work! Let's work! We'll rest in Heaven. the more we think of Heaven, the more we feel more committed to work on earth (APD 1956).

The words of a man in whose life it would be difficult to find even an hour of legitimate recreation, not to talk of vacation!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

I just wanted to take the time to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving, even if you don't celebrate this holiday today. God has given us so much to be thankful for, that every day is a Thanksgiving. But it is wonderful to have a particular day set aside just for that purpose. So Happy Thanksgiving to each and everyone of you. Enjoy your families, friends and food. I thank God for you all and for all the blessings he showers upon you.

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

Thursday, November 25
OF THE DAY
St. Catherine of Alexandria, Virgin
Rev 18: 1-2, 21-23; 19: 1-3, 9
Lk 21: 20-28

The truly good deed takes place in silence, is related to God and must begin from our personal holiness.

A rather sobering statement! We do so many "good deeds" but...in silence...for God only...based on our personal holiness? Do we do ANY really good deeds? God have mercy on us!

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

Wednesday, November 24
ST. ANDREW DUNG-LAC & Companions
Rev. 15: 1-4
Lk 21: 12-19

In heaven one will be as high as one has been humble, docile and obedient on earth (FSP 131).

Simple, isn't it? Well,...just try being humble, docile and obedient for, say, a month!

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

Tuesday, November 23
OF THE DAY
St. Clement 1, Pope and Martyr
St. Columban, Abbot
Blessed Miguel Augustin Pro, Martyr
Reb. 14: 14-19
Lk 31: 5-11

Don't be like dogs, running here and there until they aer out of breath. Some people have a thousand thoughts, a thousand curiosities, a thousand worries...and no thought for the great problems of life (IVMC 803).

That seems to say it all! What REAL problem will I think of today?

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

Monday, November 22
ST. CECILIA, Virgin and Martyr
Rev. 14: 1-3, 4-5
Lk. 21: 1-4

There are different ways of making the Visit, but the first way is to make it, the second way is to make it and the third way is to make it! (VMC 835).

Have we time for the Visit? No? And if we were offered 1000.00 to do it...would we find the time? Of course! But the advantages of Adoration are INFINITELY GREATER. So let's find the time!

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

Sunday, November 21
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST THE KING
2 Sam 5: 1-3
Col 1: 12-20
Lk 23: 35-43

For the apostle, the Visit is an audience, a school, where the disciple dialogs with the Master (VMC 848)

So a lot of time should be given to simple "Conversation"--outlining our needs and the needs of others and asking the Lord's advice and directions--which, however, may come to us much later.

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

Saturday, November 20
OF THE DAY
Rev. 11: 4-12
Lk 20: 27-40

The prudent man always compares his life with the judgment of God and the account he will have to give of the talents he received.


In our case we have received the extra talent of Institute membership--a blessing but also a responsibility. ow is the time to read the Statute and see if we are corresponding to its main requirements.

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

Friday, November 19
OF THE DAY
Rev 10: 8-11
Luke 19: 45-48

On earth we execute tasks out of obedience but in heaven the reward is for those who have been more humble, more believing and more loving of others and of God (FSP 132).

What can we add to this if not to say that there will be surprises in heaven: the lowly and forgotten may "go up higher" and, if this means us, why worry if life on earth is not all that great? Some day the "not-so-great" will end and the indescribably great begin.

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

Thursday, November 18
OF THE DAY
DEDICATION OF THE BASILICA OF SS PETER AND PAUL IN ROME, Apostles
Rose Philippine Duchesne, Virgin
Rev 5: 1-10
Lk 19: 41-44

One thing for sure is not found in Paradise: sadness (VMC 783).

But it is found quite frequently on earth and we must not be ashamed if we FEEL sad--it's an emotion like any other--just bear it patiently and try to shake it off as quickly as possible.

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

Wednesday, November 17
ST. ELIZABETH OF HUNGARY, Religious
Rev. 4: 1-11
Lk 19: 11-28

Two loves in the heart of Jesus: love of the Father, love of people. (VMC 767).

Two loves in our hearts: love of Jesus and a love or ardent desire to share our vocation with others, not simply to have names on a list, but rather more people with the Lord in their lives.

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

Tuesday, November 16
OF THE DAY
St. Margaret of Scotland
St. Gertrude, Virgin
Rev. 2: 1-6, 14-22
Luke 19: 1-10

The members of our Institutes are not recognizable as consecrated persons because they wear no habit and live a civilian life, but their hearts are pleasing to God and many of them will become Saints (MCS p 60).

Prayer: Lord, Jesus, my Divine Master, help me to live the life you have destined me to lead, for Your greater glory and the greater sanctification of as many souls as possible, including my own. May the whole world come to know and love You, especially under the title You chose for Yourself, Jesus Master, Way, Truth and Life.

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

Monday, November 15
OF THE DAY
ST. ALBERT THE GREAT, Bishop, Doctor
Rev 1: 1-5, 2: 1-5
Lk 18: 35-43

Our life has value if we reach heaven and we must give God an account of how we spent it. Life is short...but with eternal consequences (MCS p. 53).

How many even THINK OF this in our time, not to talk of BELIEVING it and still less of putting it into practice! Sometimes we may feel we have no special gifts from God but we have terrific ones!

Care For Creation

CARE FOR CREATION
By Christy Baldwin
Illustrator: Shelly Draven


I have to admit I was hesitant when I first got the request to review “Care for Creation” by Christy Baldwin. I’m all for protecting our world and its resources, but I didn’t want to read any tree-hugging nonsense about environmental responsibility, not even in a children’s book. I get enough of that on the news. But it was a short book and it couldn’t do any harm to read it. I might even learn something. And if I didn’t like it, I could just say so.

“Care for Creation” surprised me, but not in its content. It is indeed all about protecting our environment and the ways in which we can do that, but I expected it to be preachy and pompous. It isn’t. Its message of responsible stewardship is delivered in a gentle manner that all can understand and accept. Appropriate Bible verses support the author’s message while Shelly Draven’s lovely illustrations provide the perfect complement to the text.

I’m not sure what age group the book is intended to reach. There are some larger words and concepts that, for younger children, may have to be explained and discussed with parents or teachers. That is not necessarily a drawback. Discussion is always good. It is just something parents and teachers might want to be aware of.

The ‘Suggested Activities’ and ‘Discussion Questions’ in the Interactive Guide at the end, make “Care for Creation” well worth reading and gives it the potential to be integrated into a science, social-studies or religion class if desired. All in all, I was very impressed with the book and would recommend it to those who desire to raise awareness about and to present a Christian perspective on caring for the environment to children.


Book web site:
http://www.CareForCreationBook.com

Christy Baldwin Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001044000739

Tribute Books website:
http://www.tribute-books.com

Tribute Books Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Archbald-PA/Tribute-Books/171628704176

Tribute Books Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/TributeBooks

Christy Baldwin Bio:

Writing has been a passion of Christy's since she was very young. As a child, she loved to write stories for her grandfather and poems just for fun. She lives in Mason, Ohio with her family and is active in church, Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts and volunteering with various organizations. Christy has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Cedarville University and a master's degree in Special Education from the University of Scranton. She is a stay at home mom who enjoys spending time with her kids and being involved in their schools. Her previous children's titles include Nine Things Nathan Noticed at Night and Remembering Wilma.

November 14, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wtih Father Tom

Sunday, November 14
33rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Mt 3: 19-20
2 Ts 3: 7-12
Lk 21: 5-19

The devotion to the Divine Master sums up and completes all other devotions because it presents Jesus Truth in whom we believe, presents Jesus Way to follow and Jesus Life who makes it all possible (VMC 579).

We have THE way of honoring the Divine Master! What a great blessing!

Please pray for those who have died or will die on this day. May Jesus our Divine Master have mercy on them and grant them eternal rest.

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

Saturday, November 13
FRANCIS XAVIER CABRINI, Virgin
3 Jn 5-8
Lk 18: 1

Know how to be bearers of joy everywhere--a ray of that joy that the blessed have in Heaven (AAP 1960).

A tall order at any time, but especially in today's grim conditions: economic hardship and--unfortunately--no inclination to seek consolation and encouragement in the Lord. We who have more training in the spiritual should try to make life a little easier for those we meet.

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

Friday, November 12, 2010
ST. JOSAPHAT, Bishop and Martyr
2 Jn 1: 3-9
Lk 17: 26-37

All of us are called to the highest level of prayer and this is nothing else but to make a reality of St. Paul's phrase: "Christ lives in me." (FSP 24)

And so we try to THINK as Christ would think, avoiding any thoughts He would not entertain. We try to SAY what He would say and avoid what he would not say. We try to DO what He would do and avoid what He would not do. Sound simple? Just try it--for ONE DAY!

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

Thursday, November 11
ST. MARTIN OF TOURS, Bishop
Phil 7-20
Lk 17: 20-25

The person who has preserved his/her innocence and is humble, trusting and prayerful can become a saint. And the person who has sinned but rose again and it humble, trusting and prepared to struggle can also become a saint. The road to holiness is always open (APD, 1957).

That seems to say it all. We just have to apply it to our lives.

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

Wednesday, November 10
ST. LEO THE GREAT, POPE & Doctor
Tit 3: 1-7
Lk 17: 11-19

You entered the Congregation as simple Christians and the Congregation forms you instead as Religious (AAP 1957).

I hope this applies also to us. Much will depend on our faith. We are NOT "Religious" (this is another Church category) but neither are we "simple Christians" and this conviction must gradually transform our thinking, our speaking and our acting.

November 9, 2010 With Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Tuesday, November 9
DEDICATION OF THE LATERAN BASILICA
Ez 47: 1-2, 8-9, 12
Jn 2: 13-22

No soul so pleases the Lord as the one that does the will of God (MCS 43)

Which for us is the observance of the Statute. When did you last read it and did you find something in your life to correct?

(Nothing? Great! Give me a short list of your miracles and I'll get your Cause going in Rome--more fun to be a Saint before you die!)

November 8, 2010 With Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Monday, November 8
OF THE DAY
Ti 1: 1-9
Lk 17: 1-6

The more you are faithful to the Constitutions, the more you will be holy. You will enjoy the consecrated life and there will be a holy competition among you for the progress, intensity and greater breadth of the apostolate (FSP).

Faithful to my resolution I will make no comment on the "holy competition" aspect of our lives. But, let me put it this way: do you understand what apostolate is most useful and meritorious for us?

November 7, 2010 With My Daily Bread

"...My life is my choice. Will I try to please God in all things, or will I prefer some earthly satisfaction against His holy will?

PRAY:

Lord, grant me Heavenly wisdom so that I may learn to seek you above everything else."

~My Daily Bread p.13

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

Sunday, November 7
32nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
First Sunday of the month-The Divine Master, Way, Truth and Life
2 Mc 7: 1-14
2 Th 2: 16-3:5
Lk 20: 27-38

St. Paul is the exemplar of a strong character, of a man of virtue and a teacher of virtue. Women should model themselves on him, with fortitude as their ideal both as a virtue and as a gift of the Holy Spirit (FSP 468).

Strength! And is it not true that women possess this virtue at least as much as men and more so? They are always mothers and caregivers; we are just overgrown babies!

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

Saturday, November 6
OF THE DAY
B.V.M. on Saturday
First Saturday of the month--Mary, Queen of Apostles.
Phil 4: 10-19
Lk 16: 9-15

The strength of one's convictions is extremely important because sooner or later we meet trials and discouragements and have to show what we believe--or don't believe (FSP 118).

This comment applies especially to the years after Perpetual Profession when the various goals have been reached and we are STILL not perfect or eve close! Was it all in vain? Of course not. But if you rest on your oars now...don't be surprised if you drift!

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

Friday, November 5
OF THE DAY
First Friday of the month--the Sacred Heart
Phil 3: 17-4:1
Lk 16: 1-8

The essential aspect of prudence is to remember always that life is for eternity and to do everything during our lives with eternity in mind. (APD 57)

How simple! And yet, how little practiced even by people like us who have known this all our lives! What to do? Offer to God the next hour and the one after that and the subsequent one...all day long (and at night if you wake) and let Him do the rest.

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

Thursday, November 4
ST. CHARLES BORROMEO, Bishop
First Thursday of the month--the Angel Guardians
Phil 3: 3-8
Lk 15: 1-10

Why was I created? To know, love and serve God. Why am I consecrated? To know, love and serve God better. And then? To enjoy God forever in Paradise.

True. But paradise is not my automatic right even if I live perfectly. It is a FREE GIFT. God has no obligations toward us. We have all obligations toward Him.

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

Wednesday, November 3
OF THE DAY
St. Martin de Porres, Religious
First Wednesday of the month--St. Joseph
Phil 2: 12-18
Lk 14: 25-33

Preparation for death can be varied but one good way is to accept everything contrary to our likes in penance for our sins (FSP 270).

This program may sound impossible: when did we ever accept EVERYTHING contrary to our likes? True, but let's distinguish between the initial repugnance which we cannot control and our subsequent behavior. If we said: "Thank you, Jesus," after or first involuntary reaction...we are preparing well!

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

Tuesday, November 2
ALL SOULS
First Tuesday of the month--the Souls in Purgatory
Wis 19: 1, 23-27
Rm 5: 5-11
Jn 6: 37-40
(3 Masses permitted)

If you find yourself in some difficulty, ask the help of your sisters and brothers who already possess their reward because they accomplished well their mission on earth (FSP 93)

Undoubtedly. But also remember to pray FOR these departed members. Our prayer for the living is never certain of an immediate or successful outcome. Not so for the dead for whom it is always welcome and effective.

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

Monday, November 1

ALL SAINTS

First Monday of the month--St. Paul

Rev. 7: 2-14

1 Jn 3: 1-3

Mt. 5: 1-12

MONTHLY INTENTION

That the Church may continue to be enriched with women who make a reality of their vocation to holiness in the style of the holy women who were brave witnesses to Christ.

And what a huge number that it--more women Saints than men! And what a disaster that in our modern world women are being treated in non-Western cultures in one way and in Western cultures in another, but in both cases with disrespect.