July 13, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Tuesday, July 13
OF THE DAY
St. Henry
Isaiah 7: 1-9
Matt 11: 20-24

At meals we have a variety of foods on the table but if we just look at them and then leave the table...what will happen? So also in the spiritual life. The Lord's help is available, but must ask for it (VMC 673).

And perhaps we should clarify that we should ask not for what WE want, but for what HE wants...It's not always easy to convince ourselves that there could be a viable alternative to our ideas!

July 12, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Monday, July 12
OF THE DAY
Is 1: 10-17
Mt 10: 34-11: 1

Truly saintly actions must be a) done with the right intention, b) show fidelity in little things and c) be done with enthusiasm (VMC 671)

This requires 2: frequent offering of our thoughts, words and action (repeating the morning Offering), b)attention to what we are doing and c) goodwill. It's a tough program, so...let's get started today!

July 11, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Sunday, July 11
15TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Dt 30: 10-14
Col 1: 15-20
Lk 10: 25-37

A house where there is a truly religious life is a great grace in a country or in a diocese (FSP 327)

Agreed. And is our parish not better because we are in it, trying to live the truly Christian life among so many who live in the exact opposite way?

July 10, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Saturday, July 10
OF THE DAY
B.V.M. on Saturday
Isaiah 6: 1-8
Mt 10: 24-33

We have to avoid two errors: limiting our "sanctity" to purely eternal practices, or not troubling ourselves about these practices with the excuse that our hearts are given to God (VMC 689).

This hardly needs comment except to remind you--politely--that a "sanctity" which never does anything to spread the Good News of the Institute is not pleasing to God.

Fr. Mickler: An Introduction to St. Paul

July 9, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Friday, July 9
OF THE DAY
St. Augustine Zhao Rong, Priest
Hos 14: 2-10
Mt. 10: 16-23

In the consecrated life there are not usually challenges requiring heroism. Heroism, however, is required to keep faithful to what we have professed and to show this faith moment by moment (VMC 686)

This seems to say it all. Our job is to DO it all. Ah, that little word "DO" so dear to Fr. Alberione!

July 8, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Thursday, July 8
OF THE DAY
Hos 11: 1-4, 8-9
Matt 10: 7-15


We are all servants, nobody is the boss. We all seek perfection, nobody is perfect (VMC 691).

Authority is a service though we don't usually see it that way. When all seek perfection in humility and faith, then authority is pleasant--also for the one having authority. When there is no search for perfection then both authority and service fail their purpose.

Fr. Mickler on the Society of St. Paul And It's Media Mission

July 7, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Wednesday, July 7
OF THE DAY
First Wednesday of the month--St. Joseph
Hos 10: 1-3, 7-8, 12
Matt 10: 1-7

A timely advice, seasoned with the sweetness of charity, supported by the strength of fervent exhortation, can save a soul from a fall, from the wrong road, from ruination (DA 91).

St. Augustine puts it this way: "Have you saved a soul (= go someone to turn from sin)? Then you have assured your own salvation.