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✓  Receive New Releases Early   Receive one of our new releases— a faithfully Catholic book—every 30 days ✓  Low Price   You pay only $15 per month ✓  Free Shipping!   We even cover the cost of shipping to U.S. addresses Through our new Book Club, Sophia is sharing with you the fundamental elements of the Catholic Faith at a price you can afford—only $15 per month!  You can cancel anytime. Here’s how the Book-of-the-Month Club works:  1) Click here and join our Sophia Catholic Book-of-the-Month Club. 2) Your credit card will be charged $15 each month.  (Shipping to U.S. mailing addresses is free, and there are no other costs!) 3) You will receive one of our new releases each month, offering you a steady supply of books that will help you deepen your understanding of our Faith. When joining the Book-of-the-Month Club, you save up to 40% over purchasing these fine Catholic books separately. You can easily cancel anytime. Join by clicking  HERE   When you order today, we will ship your first book:  List Price + Shipping = $24.95. Book Club Price = $15 You save 40%    America’s most experienced and revered saint-watcher, Patricia Treece, has gathered numerous fascinating reports of miraculous healings brought about in our lifetime. The healings documented here are not hasty judgments made by gullible, overwrought believers; they’re instantaneous, complete, and permanent cures for which scientific medicine still has no explanations — cures that also meet the Vatican’s stringent seven-part test of authenticity. The following month we will ship you . . .  Here you'll find the keys to prayerful participation at Mass. You’ll learn how to quiet your soul and concentrate your mind so that you can grow more receptive to the graces Christ offers you in the Mass. In subsequent months you'll receive our many upcoming new releases: In The One-Minute Aquinas, the Great Doctor will concisely answer those fundamental questions you've always had. Meditations for Lent will lift your soul to God in the 40 days leading to Easter. Phil Lawler's new book articulates how we can build a Catholic counter-culture in a post-Christian world. Scott Hahn's Letter and Spirit will show us how  we should read Scripture and allow it to animate our lives.   All of these books are yours for only $15 per month. And it's all with FREE SHIPPING to U.S. mailing addresses Join by clicking  HERE You can easily cancel anytime.   A deal like this is rare.  We will barely cover our costs in offering you the Book-of-the-Month Club, but this is our small way of providing you with reliably Catholic resources. You can join the Club for your own benefit, or you can sign up a friend or family member who is eager to learn more about the richness of our Catholic Faith.  Either way, we will send a reliably Catholic books at one low predictable price.   Join by clicking  HERE Order online above, or call 1-800-888-9344 www.SophiaInstitute.com   View our Fall 2013 Catalog:

Would you settle for Purgatory?

Is your goal Purgatory? Make it Heaven with these 17 steps No matter how faithful to Christ you are, it's far too easy to allow a gap to grow between your beliefs and your day-to-day actions. Familiarity can blunt your fervor and even make you less vigilant against sin. That's why you need Seventeen Steps to Heaven— a warm guide that reveals what you must do to begin living a life with God at the center of everything you do. The beloved Catholic writer Fr. Leo J. Trese helps you through these steps to integrate into your actions the truths you profess. He gives you solid ways to look squarely at the reality and love of God and to root out contrary attachments in your life. He also shows you how to improve your confessions, pray more fervently, and let the thought of Heaven inspire you to be holy. Fr. Trese doesn't mince words: unlike all too many modern writers, he speaks bluntly of Hell and of the devastating magnitude of sin. But don't despair! He also discloses the remedies you can use to root out even the most entrenched sinful habits and attachments. Simple, profound, and insightful, Seventeen Steps to Heaven is an effective and long-lasting antidote to the spiritual dry rot that infects the souls of even the most careful Catholics. Learn how to make your salvation a reality as you learn: Why Heaven is worth living for, working for, and suffering for in this life.   Opportunities for Christian charity: they're innumerable, if you know where to look for them.   Winning converts: how you can get started.   God's anger: what the inspired writers of Scripture mean when they use this phrase—and how you can avoid his anger.   "It's only a venial sin": why this statement is a tragedy.   Do you truly belong to Christ?  Four qualities you'll have if you do.   What you must do if your confessions have become routine, casual, and thoughtless.   Suffering from strong temptations?  Three things you can do today to overcome them.   God's judgment: how you can (and should) start getting ready now for this moment of divine truth.   Four ways you should pray today—if you are serious about pleasing God.   Sin: the full extent of the harm it does to your soul (it's worse than you probably think).   Plus: so much more to help you attain a truly soul-nourishing relationship with God. Seventeen Steps to Heaven by Fr. Leo J. Trese List Price: $14.95  — 176 Pages Paperback and eBook Order online HERE Save 30% when you order the set: Regular Price: $29.90 Order the set  at this link for only $19.99   If you’re ready to take the next step on the path of spiritual progress, Am I Living a Spiritual Life? will provide you with the solid, faithful direction you need to develop a rich spiritual life, deepen it through regular prayer, and model it humbly in your relationships with others. From these short, accessible chapters, you’ll learn how to identify the greatest challenges you face as you seek to live a spiritual life, and you’ll discover sound, proven strategies you can use to overcome each one of those challenges. Am I Living a Spiritual Life? will also show you: How to hear and follow God’s special call for you. How to find silence amid the world’s noise.   How to combat loneliness, listlessness, fatigue, and fear.   How to make your spiritual life bear fruit in your family and community.   How to balance your active life with your prayer life.   The right way to use Scripture, spiritual reading, and meditation.   How your own temperament affects your spiritual life.   The secret to maintaining spiritual peace when life’s in turmoil.   How to pray even when you’re tired and discouraged.   How to sort out seemingly conflicting calls from God. How to tell if you need a spiritual director (and how to find a good one). Spiritual life is communion with God through prayer, and loving reflection on Him. When that proves difficult, turn to the wise counsel found in these pages. No longer will you wonder if you’re living a spiritual life, for your soul will soon be soaring upward to God and dwelling in happy contemplation of Him.   Save 30% when you order the set HERE   (Consumer orders to U.S. addresses only) Order online above, or call 1-800-888-9344 www.SophiaInstitute.com   View our Fall 2013 Catalog:

THE GOD WHO CALLS

1^ST READING - Ephesians 2:19-22 (or Romans 8:12-17)

P S A L M - Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5 (or Psalm 68:2, 4, 6-7, 20-21)

R: Their message goes out through all the earth.

1 [2] The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmamentproclaims his handiwork. 2 [3] Day pours out the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge. (R) 3 [4] Not a word nor a discourse whose voice is not heard; 4 [5] through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message. (R) 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord; the glorious company of Apostles praise you.

Luke 6:12-16 (or Luke 13:10-17)

SABBATH

We celebrate today the feast of the Apostles Simon and Jude. It is so comforting to know that the call of the first Apostles was preceded by Jesus “going to the mountain to pray, spending the night in communion with God” (v 12). This shows that the choice of the Apostles was a most personal and intimate act on Jesus’ part. It was an assurance as well of Jesus’ commitment to accompany them at every moment.

       This brought to mind an old story.

       Wishing to encourage her young son’s progress in playing the piano, a mother took her boy to a piano concert. After they were seated, the mother spotted a friend in the audience and went to greet her. Seizing the opportunity to explore the wonders of the concert hall, the little boy rose and eventually found his way through a door marked “No Admittance.” When the lights dimmed to signal the start of the concert, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that the child was missing.

       When the curtains parted, the mother saw her child onstage sitting by the piano, innocently plinking out, “Twinkle, twinkle, little star...” At that moment, the great piano master went onstage, quickly approached the kid and whispered to him, “Don’t stop, keep on playing.” Then leaning over, the master reached down with his left hand and began filling in the basspart. Soon, his right arm reached around to the other side of the child and added a running obligato. Together, the old master and the young novice transformed a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience.

       As with the little boy in the story, the Master will be there to encourage us. What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy, but with the hand of the Master, our life’s work can be beautiful. So, listen carefully and hear the voice of the Master, whispering in your ear, telling you, “Don’t stop, keep on playing.” His strong arms will help you turn your feeble attempts into true masterpieces. It is God who calls. While God doesn’t always call the well-equipped, He always equips well those whom He calls.Fr. Joel O. Jason

REFLECTION QUESTION: Whenever you set out to do something, do you make sure you are spirit-led and inspired through prayer?

Lead kindly Thou, O Lord, and with Your grace I will bravely travel on. Amen.

Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles, pray for us.

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Today's Mass Readings, Sunday, October 27, 2013 with Reflection

1^ST READING - Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18

12 The Lord is a God of justice, who knows no favorites. 13 Though not unduly partial toward the weak, yet he hears the cry of the oppressed. 14 The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint. 16 The one who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens. 17The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal, 18 nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds, judges justly and affirms the right, and the Lord will not delay.

P S A L M - Psalm 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23

R: The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

1 [2] I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. 2 [3] Let my soul glory in the Lord; the lowly will hear me and be glad. (R) 16 [17] The Lord confronts the evildoers, to destroy remembrance of them from the earth. 17 [18] When the just cry out, the Lord hears them, and from all their distress he rescues them.(R) 18 [19] The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. 22 [23] The Lord redeems the lives of his servants; no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in him. (R)

2^ND READING - 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

6 Beloved: I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. 8 From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance. 16 At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, and entrusting to us the message of salvation.

Luke 18:9-14

9 Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. 10 “Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity — greedy, dishonest, adulterous — or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’ 13 But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ 14 I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

SABBATH

THE PRAYER THAT PIERCES THE CLOUDS The Gospel parable of this Sunday portrays two people who went to the temple to pray. God was pleased with the prayer of the tax collector. The prayer of the Pharisee was rejected as it did not reach God because it was not directed to God in the first place. Although the Pharisee began with, “O God, I thank you…”, the rest of his prayer was a litany of his perceived virtues. His prayer reached its destination: himself. The problem is, what he does is not consistent with who he is. All his actions were a façade. The tax collector, on the other hand, could not boast of even a single virtue. With head bowed, he could only mutter, “O God, be merciful to me a sinner.” And yet, the Gospel concluded by saying that he went home justified. God saw his prayer as sincere.        We catch God’s attention when we do things in humility. The First Reading today affirms, “The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal, nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds….” Humility, though, is not self-deprecation or self-hate. We are not being humble when we ignore our gifts and talents. That is false humility at best. At worst, it is wallowing in low self-esteem.        There is a thin line separating pride and humility. They actually share something in common. Both begin with an acknowledgment of one’s gifts and talents, but this becomes pride when it is done in a spirit of isolation. The Pharisee in the Gospel knew his gifts and virtues but he saw them in a spirit of isolation, “I thank you because I am not like the rest of humanity.” This engenders pride and arrogance. But when done in a spirit of communion, self-knowledge breeds humility and gratitude. It means placing one’s giftedness at the service of the common good. That way, one can never be proud as he now sees himself as a servant. And service is kindred to humility.        Let Sirach’s admonition be our guide today. May our prayers and actions pierce the cloud and not rest till they reach their destination — the bosom of God. Fr. Joel O. Jason REFLECTION QUESTION: Make an accounting of your gifts. Have they benefited people other than yourself? I thank You, Lord, for I am wonderfully made. Make my life a blessing to others. Amen. Blessed Bartholomew of Vicenza, pray for us. Do you want to receive this in your email. To get Bo Sanchez to send it to you personally, register and log-on to http://kerygmafamily.com. Lots of surprises await.

Today's Mass Reading - Sunday, October 20, 2013 with Reflection

1^ST READING - Exodus 17:8-13

8 In those days, Amalek came and waged war against Israel. 9 Moses, therefore, said to Joshua, “Pick out certain men, and tomorrow go out and engage Amalek in battle. I will be standing on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” 10 So Joshua did as Moses told him: he engaged Amalek in battle after Moses had climbed to the top of the hill with Aaron and Hur. 11 As long as Moses kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the fight, but when he let his hands rest, Amalek had the better of the fight. 12 Moses’ hands, however, grew tired; so they put a rock in place for him to sit on. Meanwhile Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other, so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 And Joshua mowed down Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

P S A L M - Psalm 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

R: Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

1 I lift up my eyes toward the mountains; whence shall help come to me? 2My help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (R) 3 May he not suffer your foot to slip; may he slumber not who guards you: 4 indeed he neither slumbers nor sleeps, the guardian of Israel. (R) 5 The Lord is your guardian; the Lord is your shade; he is beside you at your right hand. 6 The sun shall not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. (R) 7 The Lord will guard you from all evil; he will guard your life. 8 The Lord will guard your coming and your going, both now and forever. (R)

2^ND READING - 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2

14 Beloved: Remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it, 15 and that from infancy you have known the sacred scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 4: 1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power: 2 proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The word of God is living and effective, discerning reflections andthoughts of the heart.

Luke 18:1-8

1 Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said, 2 “There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. 3 And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, ‘Render a justdecision for me against my adversary.’ 4 For a long time the judge wasunwilling, but eventually he thought, ‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, 5 because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.’” 6 The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. 7 Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? 8 I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

SABBATH

CRY FOR HELP I once saw a photo of a man holding aloft, with one hand, a grand piano, to the amusement of onlookers. Later, they discovered that the piano was tied to an invisible cord from above. It was a trick to amuse people in the park but there is a certain level of truth in that picture. We become strong when we attach ourselves to an invisible source from above. Today’s Responsorial Psalm summed it: “Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”        In today’s First Reading, Israel was in battle with Amalek and his soldiers. Moses asked for help from the Lord. Help came in the form of a staff that Moses had to hold in his hands and keep aloft during battle. When Moses’ hands grew tired, all he needed was another pair of hands (those of Aaron and Hur) to support his arms as Joshua engaged in battle.        When David faced Goliath, he asked for help from the God of Israel. All he had were five stones and a slingshot. Placed in the service of God and anointed by Him, he downed the giant Goliath.        Samson faced thousands of heavily armed Philistines. He asked for help from God and the help came in the form of a jawbone of a donkey he found lying on the ground. It was something very ordinary, but with God’s anointing, Samson defeated the enemy of thousands.        What do all these tell us? First, when we ask help from the Lord, let us not expect something extraordinary. Most of the time, God uses the natural — a staff, a stone, a jawbone — to achieve something supernatural. Blessed Mother Teresa said, “Be ready to do the ordinary and God will do the extraordinary.” Second, God is God not to rocking-chair Christians who pray and then sit down on their rocking chair, waiting for the blessings to fall on their laps. God is God to blue-jeans Christians who are willing to roll up their sleeves, dirty their clothes and work with God’s anointing.        So, the next time you are in trouble, ask God for help. But remember, too, that when you need a hand, there’s always one at the end of your own arms. Fr. Joel O. Jason REFLECTION QUESTIONS: When you cry to God for help, do you focus only on what you do not have? Do you look at what you have and place them for God’s anointing? Lord Jesus, I will pray as if everything depended on You and I will also work as if everything depended on me. Amen. St. Maria Bertilla Coscardin, pray for us. Do you want to receive this in your email. To get Bo Sanchez to send it to you personally, register and log-on to http://kerygmafamily.com. Lots of surprises await.

Conquer your most stubborn vices

Conquer your most stubborn vices— and start cultivating virtue TODAY.   There’s more to goodness than keeping the Commandments: you’ve got to cultivate virtue, too, so that you please God in what you do — not merely in what you don’t do. In this new release of Romano Guardini's classic, you’ll learn countless ways to grow in such virtue.   The wise Msgr. Guardini, a German priest hailed by Pope Benedict XVI as “a great figure,” leads you from a consideration of virtue in itself to a discussion of each of the key virtues that will make you holy and lead you to God. Here you’ll learn how to begin practicing the virtues and make them part of your daily routine. You’ll also learn about: Envy:  It’s the hidden sin—even in the spiritually mature.  Learn how to fight it Courtesy: how good manners are spiritually vital to souls “What is truth?” The surprising answer to Pilate’s question will transform you Patience: it’s the prerequisite for all moral growth, and only the morally strong attain it Orderliness: not a moral virtue in itself, but lack of it may cost your soul Why a sense of humor is so important — even to your spiritual health The strange contradiction in blaming God for the evil in the world Belief in “progress”: in our day it can be a form of idolatry The tyranny of justice: why so many justice movements turn unjust (knowing this is the key to our future as a society) Asceticism: it’s not just for monks — without it, you may not be saved! Trashy movies: there’s spiritual danger even in the ones that don’t obviously glorify sin Discover why noise weakens the soul, and how silence is balm for your spiritual life Plus: many other topics to help you grow in the virtues that lead you to God! Learning the Virtues that Lead You to God by Msgr. Romano Guardini List Price: $14.95 - 224 Pages Paperback and eBook Order online HERE Save 30% when you order the set: Regular Price: $29.90 Order the set  at this link for only $19.99 Christ came not to call saints but to make them — often out of weak, stupid, and sinful men. That’s why the saints are not only models of holiness for us to imitate; they’re reminders that God’s grace can outshine every human flaw. As Alban Goodier’s classic Saints for Sinners shows us, even the greatest saints had to battle the same stubborn vices, temptations of the flesh, and bouts of spiritual dryness that afflict you and me today. In these pages, with a style that perfectly blends hagiographical detail, spiritual meditation, and a skilled storyteller’s touch, Archbishop Goodier brings us the tales of: The mercenary fighting man and itinerant gambler who left behind his rough soldier's habits and founded a religious order to care for the sick   The backward, sickly teenager, disowned by his family and dogged by the Inquisition,who became a miraculous healer and paragon of humble simplicity   The willful Tuscan beauty with a bad reputation who forsook vanity and lust to answer God's call to live in poverty and penitence   The brilliant, brooding Spanish nobleman who gave up everything to be a missionary — only to see most of his efforts fail   The royal chaplain and daring Counter-Reformer who escaped the gallows but had to endure a lifelong interior martyrdom of doubt and discouragement   The hedonistic heretic and womanizer who traded worldly pleasure for divine happiness, and became one of the Church's greatest theologians   And other inspiring tales of imperfect souls "made perfect in infirmity" Read these stories and find in them delight and encouragement, as well as hope. You'll come to see that there is no one so sinful, weak, or desolate that God has not already raised another like him to the heights of glory.   Save 30% when you order the set HERE   (Consumer orders to U.S. addresses only) Order online above, or call 1-800-888-9344 www.SophiaInstitute.com View our Latest Catalog:

PRAYER FOR RISING AGAIN

I failed again, O Lord. I made void again the promise I made to you. I fell short on doing what I should, and I yielded to my own whims and tendencies.

But to whom shall I go? It is only you who have the words of everlasting life. There's no one who would carry me to the waters. I am dependent on the morsels that fall from your table. I am weak, o Lord. And I am aware that without you, I cannot do anything good.

That's why I come to you again , O Lord. I come to you sinful and sorrowful. Clean me again from my filthiness, consume the darkness that is creeping again to my heart, purchase me again, and restore me, as I approach your great Sacrament of Reconciliation.

And when I come back, may I find the grace to maintain my guard, avoiding the occasion of sin and controlling my urges. May the concupiscence and my weakness be the cross that I bear, as I follow you, trying with all my best to follow your example. Help me and have mercy on me, Lord. Receive me again in your great love for me as I drop down at the foot of your cross. If you will it, you can make me clean. Amen.

PRAYER IN THE HOUR OF DISASTER AND TREMBLING

God the Father, when your Son is still with his chosen ones, he stilled the storm of the sea, and he imparted a valuable lesson: that in the midst of trembling, one has to foster faith above all else. He showed to us what we must fear above all else: doubt, since doubt is our way of not trusting you, Who is above all else.

Now we experience the familiar trembling in our hearts. In these hours of fear, we turn again to you, in the name of Jesus, that we may face the storms of life with faith and trust in You. We turn to you as nature accuses us of its weary lot, since we profess ourselves as your children, and You as our Father.

We invoke the most powerful name of Jesus, to calm the storms of life. And may every storm lead to the restoration of peace, and most of all -- to our unshakable faith in you.

We ask the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of all the saints, that they may send you their sweetest supplications. Look with love and mercy to us, who with them, are co-heirs to the heavenly promises. May your protection be ever felt like never before.

We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

WHY SHOULD PEOPLE PRAY THROUGH THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY?

Many non-Catholics have been trained from childhood to believe that one of the clear proofs of the falsity of Catholicism is to be found in the honor that is paid to the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Catholic Church, and in the innumerable trusting prayers that are offered to her by Catholics. At the same time it is true that many non-Catholics, when they learn what are the genuine foundations of Catholic devotion to Mary , are drawn by it so irresistibly that. ultimately they become Catholics. For the truth is very simple and clear, and is all contained in the following two truths.

1. Mary is the Mother of God. Catholics do not believe that God was bound by any compulsion to have a Mother; they believe that He chose to have a Mother and all that this implies. He chose to permit His human body to be formed in her womb. He chose to permit her to bring Him forth as a tiny baby into the world. He chose to let her feed Him at her breast, carry Him in her arms, guard Him from danger, and teach Him as any child would be taught, to walk and speak and pray. He thereby chose to grant Mary a power over Him that only love can bestow. Catholics believe that in choosing a mother, the Son of God chose to grant her the power over His will that the love of a good mother always wields over a good son.

2. Mary is a mother to all men. Catholics believe that the Son of God chose to come into the world through a mother in order that that mother might accept as His brothers all the children of the sinful race of man. He set an example as to how she should be honored and loved. He prepared her for this motherhood of all by asking her to suffer every conceivable form of pain, thus teaching her sympathy for the sorrows of her children. Had she been His Mother alone, He would have spared her from pain, because He had the power to do so and because He loved her with an infinite love. He wrought His first public miracle at her request, and when He was dying He reminded her that she had been destined from the beginning to be a Mother to all. Catholics therefore believe that Mary will be as eager to help them, in troubles of soul and body, as every natural mother is eager to promote the welfare of her child. The rosaries that Catholics recite are but the expression of their belief in these two truths. They know that if Mary speaks to her Divine Son in their behalf, there can be no doubt about their receiving an answer to their prayers.

Imprimi Potest: John N. McCormick, C.SS.R. Provincial, St. Louis Province Redemptorist Fathers, May 2, 1960

Imprimatur: + Joseph E. Ritter, Archbishop of St. Louis, May 5, 1960

Please Pray At-least A Rosary in Your lifetime before you die & experience the Love of God & Blessed Mary. 

“Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death.”

 "Continue to pray the Rosary every day."

 ** Please Share this if you love Mother Mary.

Today's Mass Readings - Sunday, October 13, 2013 with Reflection

1^ST READING - 2 Kings 5:14-17

14 Naaman went down and plunged into the Jordan seven times at the word of Elisha, the man of God. His flesh became again like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean of his leprosy. 15Naaman returned with his whole retinue to the man of God. On his arrival he stood before Elisha and said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel. Please accept a gift from your servant.” 16 Elisha replied, “As the Lord lives whom I serve, I will not take it;” and despite Naaman’s urging, he still refused. 17 Naaman said: “If you will not accept, please let me, your servant, have two mule-loads of earth, for I will no longer offer holocaust or sacrifice to any other God except to the Lord.”

P S A L M - Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4

R: The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

1 Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. (R) 2 The Lord has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. 3 He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. (R) All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. 4 Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. (R)

2^ND READING - 2 Timothy 2:8-13

8 Beloved: Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David: such is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains, like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. 10 Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory. 11This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with him we shall also live with him; 12 if we persevere we shall also reign with him. But if we deny him he will deny us. 13 If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.                              

Luke 17:11-19

11 As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him. They stood at a distance from him 13 and raised their voice, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” 14 And when he saw them, he said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” As they were going they were cleansed. 15 And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; 16and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? 18 Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” 19 Then he said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.”

SABBATH

ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE WEAK One late night, I was driving back to the seminary. During one traffic stop, a little girl approached me, trying to sell me her last strand of sampaguita. I signaled that I didn’t want it but I rolled down the car window and handed her several packs of biscuits (she looked hungry) which I always carry with me for situations like that. She accepted it, and gave me the sweetest smile and said, “Kunin n’yo na rin po itong sampaguita, thank you ko na lang po para sa biscuits.” I obliged and took the sampaguita and drove away, with my eyes a little moist.        I felt good that I had done a good thing. But I think I felt better that I had allowed the little girl to make an act of gratitude in return for the biscuits I had given her. I saw it in her smile. She felt good being grateful. I received something from her and that made me feel good, too. At that moment, she was not only a recipient; she became a giver, too.        When we do an act of charity, we are told even in the Bible not to expect something in return. Even so, I don’t think it subtracts from our charity when we accept a genuine act of gratitude. In the Gospel,  Jesus even loudly wonders why only one of the 10 healed lepers came back to give thanks. He asks why the other nine were nowhere to be found. This indicates that God does not need our gratitude, yes, but He sure appreciates it.         Allowing others to thank us can also be a virtue. When we give, there is still a danger of feeling as being the “superior” one, the “stronger” one. To accept thanks can also be a form of humility, of vulnerability, and of gratitude. Fr. Joel O. Jason REFLECTION QUESTION: Have you allowed yourself to be weak, by accepting a genuine word or act of gratitude from someone you have helped? God, You have no need of our praise and yet You still delight in the little acts of worship we can give You. Thank You for allowing us to say “thank You”! Amen. St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, pray for us. Do you want to receive this in your email. To get Bo Sanchez to send it to you personally, register and log-on to http://kerygmafamily.com. Lots of surprises await.

Mother Teresa: "Thank God for this book"

Are you easily distracted when praying the Rosary? Abuses of the Rosary: Even pious Catholics commit them. Do you? What makes the string of beads so precious? *       *       * "Let us thank God for this little book. I am sure it will help many to draw closer to Jesus through Mary." Mother Teresa of Calcutta If you already say the Rosary, this book will help you pray it with greater devotion.  If you don't say the Rosary, you'll discover why you should—and how to begin. Unlike most Rosary books, The Rosary of Our Lady doesn't assume you already have a special love for Mary.  Rather, it shows why such love is appropriate to all Christians who yearn to grow closer to Christ.  In these pages, you'll learn how to pray the Rosary as it was meant to be prayed and to identify—and overcome—the bad habits that too easily develop in those of us who pray the Rosary often. Whether you've already spent many hours praying the Rosary or only want a simple, clear, and holy book to introduce the Rosary to a relative or friend,  then this is the book for you.  You'll also learn: How to take your daily concerns with you to the Rosary—and leave them there.   Who should—and shouldn't—pray the Rosary.   What makes up the Rosary?  The beads?  The thoughts behind them?  Or must there be something deeper?   The paradox of the Rosary: Why is the Rosary both easy and difficult?   How much of the Rosary should you be praying?   How to pray the Rosary . . . even in times of exhaustion and stress.   The one petition you must make if you're going to pray the Rosary well.   The "paramount truth" that is the key to linking the words of your prayers to the mystery you're contemplating.   Three practical hints for those who have difficulty with the Rosary. "I recommend it highly." John Cardinal O'Connor   The Rosary of Our Lady List Price: $11.95 - 160 Pages Paperback and eBook Order online HERE Save 40% when you order the set:         Regular Price: $27.90 Order the set  at this link for only $15.99 Watching Jesus grow daily in wisdom and grace, the Blessed Virgin Mary pondered in her heart the secrets of her divine Son. Because Our Lady watched Christ grow each and every day, she created the most valuable manual of Christian perfection that can be had: her own heart. When from the Cross Jesus said, “Behold your mother,” He invited us to read that manual — the book of the heart of Mary — wherein are found the secrets of the King. Unfortunately, few of Mary’s words have come down to us, so we must read her heart as she read the heart of Jesus. We must ponder not only her words, but also the events of her life — her circumstances, her actions, and even her silence. By imitating Our Lady, our lives — like hers — may also come to be full of grace. In The Little Book of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Fr. Raoul Plus helps us to do just that, opening for us the book of the heart of Mary in the simplest yet most vivid ways. In pages filled with great devotion and penetrating wisdom, Fr. Plus moves us past modern misunderstandings and clichés about Mary into an encounter with a woman who was so remarkable that God Himself made her His mother! The Little Book of the Blessed Virgin Mary will awaken in you thoughts and emotions that lead to deeper union with Mary and with her beloved son, Jesus. Save 40% when you order the set HERE   (Consumer orders to U.S. addresses only) Order online above, or call 1-800-888-9344 www.SophiaInstitute.com View our Latest Catalog: