Shepherds of Christ          Daily Writing

October 8, 2009

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October 8, 2009

Mary, Mother of God

Numbers 6: 22-27

Yahweh spoke to Moses and said, 'Speak to Aaron and his sons and say:

    "This is how you must bless the Israelites. You will say:

May Yahweh bless you and keep you.
May Yahweh let his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you.
May Yahweh show you his face
    and bring you peace."

This is how they must call down my name on the Israelites, and then I shall bless them.'

Galatians 4: 4-7

Luke 2: 16-21

So they hurried away and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw the child they repeated what they had been told about him, and everyone who heard it was astonished at what the shepherds said to them. As for Mary, she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds went back glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as they had been told.

January 1, 2007 

Today we begin a new year.  It’s been a difficult year in many ways. Yet we celebrate.  Why?  Perhaps because 2003 is over. Perhaps because we’ve made it this far in spite of problems and dangers.  Hopefully, we celebrate also in gratitude for the good things that happened. And finally I think we celebrate because we are essentially optimistic people.  We have hope in the future in spite of possible dangers and inevitable problems.  Optimism is the only attitude a Christian can adopt because we believe in the goodness of God and his plans for our eternal happiness.  St. Paul’s statement in Romans has always been a source of strength and optimism for me: “For those who love God, all things work out for good.”  (Rom. 8, 28)  If I didn’t believe that, I would be very depressed.  Our optimism is grounded in reality, however, and we can be sure the coming year will not be wonderful in every way.  So we begin the year with prayer, the greatest prayer we have, the Mass, asking for God's blessing and help for the future.   

My friends suggested I make my remarks short and sweet; no one will feel like listening to anything too heavy or too lengthy today, they assured me.  Well, I will be short, but the beginning of a new year is a profound event.  And so I want to offer two ideas that are extremely important.   

The first concerns how we answer the most profound questions about the meaning of life, the meaning of our own life and where our life is taking us.  Popular culture, TV talk shows, the people we hang around with, the books we read, the variety of religious beliefs in the world today all give us ideas as to why we’re here and where we’re going.  Everything we do this year will be fundamentally guided by the answers we give to these questions.  Even to make no decision about these basic life issues is to make a decision.  Our faith tells us there is only one reliable answer: the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Jesus is God's Son who came to earth to show us the way to eternal life.  “I am the way, the truth and the life,” he tells us. Any other way will lead us nowhere.  That’s why we pray, why we come to Mass, why we are encouraged to read the Scriptures, so we can be guided by his light, his wisdom, his truth.   

My second profound thought is about time.  It is precious.  Use it well.  And if we haven’t used it well in the past, it’s not too late to start over.   Amen. 

 

 

Baptism of the Lord

Isaiah 42: 1-4, 6-7

Luke 3: 15-16, 21-22

January 8, 2007 

INTRODUCTION: Today’s first reading is closely connected with Jesus’ baptism.  This first reading was written over 500 years before Christ.  It is a mysterious passage in that scholars do not know who the prophet was writing about.  But in hindsight, we can see how perfectly Jesus fulfilled this description of God's servant.  The words that introduce our first reading are directly connected with the account of Jesus’ baptism.  In our first reading God introduces his servant in this way: “Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am well pleased.”  And it is on this servant that God has put his spirit.  God's words at Jesus’ baptism are almost exactly the same except for one word that is changed.  At Jesus’ baptism,  God speaks of Jesus as his Son.  And upon Jesus God the Father sends the Spirit.  We have here something more than just an introduction of God's Son to the world and his being empowered by the Spirit.  The words of the Father also gave direction to Jesus’ future work.  Jesus was being called for the victory of justice.  He was to be a covenant of the people, a light for the nations as described in this servant passage from Isaiah.   

HOMILY: The baptism of John the Baptist was a baptism of repentance.  Jesus was God's Son, human like us in every way, except he was without sin.  Why would he present himself for baptism by John?  If you are confused about the baptism of Jesus you are in good company.  The early Church was confused and somewhat uncomfortable about it.  St. Matthew reports John saying to Jesus “I ought to be baptized by you, yet you come to me.”  St. Luke, as we heard in today’s gospel, hardly mentions the baptism itself.  And St. John in his gospel makes only an indirect reference to it.  Yet all the gospels as well as the Acts of the Apostles know that it happened, but they struggled to understand it.   

Jesus did not have sin to repent of, so John’s baptism had no relevance in this regard.  One approach to understanding this event is to see it as a clarification of who Jesus is.  He is God's Son, his beloved, with whom the Father is well pleased.  There would be no question about Jesus’ identity.   Jesus’ identity had already been revealed to us in Luke’s gospel when the angel told Mary at the annunciation that she would conceive her child through the power of the Holy Spirit and he would be holy and would be called Son of God.  Jesus’ identity was also revealed when Jesus was lost in the temple for three days and when he was found he said to his parents:  “why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know I must be in my Father’s house?”  But his identity was hidden from everyone around them.  It was only when Jesus was baptized and God announced to the world “This is my beloved Son” and the Spirit came down upon him that the world was to know who he was.   

Our baptism gives us our identity too.  It tells us: we are God's child, sharing God's life, beloved by the Father and called to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to our heavenly Father.  So often we forget who we are and that we are God's beloved.  The advertising media is constantly telling us we don’t measure up, we’re not worthwhile.  We’re not as beautiful, as shapely, as energetic, as stylish, as popular, as successful, as wonderful, as happy as we should be.  But do not despair!  The ads tell us the product they happen to be promoting will make everything better.  It will solve our problems and make us over into someone worthwhile.  

God has already made us someone worthwhile.  He first made us in his image and likeness.  More than that he has given us his life.  He has made us his beloved son or daughter.  Archbishop Tutu, the Anglican bishop from South Africa, says he always preaches one message to his people there.  His message is simple and he repeats it over and over again.  It is that “God loves you.”  “I tell them that,” he says, “because the entire culture tells them that they are unlovable, and I have to give them the message of who they really are, because God loves them.” 

Through baptism we have been defined forever as God's children and the only one who can deface or destroy that dignity that has been given to us is we, ourselves.   

But, Jesus’ baptism not only clarified for all the world who Jesus was, but it also gave Jesus his mission.  He was to be a covenant of the people and a light for the nations.  Especially he was called to establish justice on the earth.  Justice here means “righteousness,” fidelity to God, goodness, living up to what we know God wants of us.  Who we are should define how we live .  If a person is a policeman, he or she is to work to uphold the law.  If a person is a doctor, he or she has a concern about people’s health.  If a person is a teacher, he or she is oriented toward helping people grow in wisdom and knowledge.  If we are God's child, we are called to live up to that dignity.  And in trying to live up to that dignity, who better could we imitate than the perfect Son of God, with whom the Father was well pleased.    

As we celebrate Jesus’ baptism, may we at the same time celebrate our own.  May we rejoice in God's gift of love and life given to us, and may we live up to the high dignity with which God has blessed us. 

Order the Abraham DVD

Shepherds of Christ   P. O. Box 627
China, IN  47250   1-888-211-3041

 

  Statues

 

Sacred Heart of Jesus w/glass - 18	Our Lady-Guadalupe w/glass - 12	Limpias - 8
Immaculate Heart w/glass - 18	I Heart - Ivory w/glass - 18	Our Lady of Grace w/glass - 18
Our Lady-Mt. Carmel w/glass - 18	Our Lady of Lourdes w/glass - 18	Infant of Prague w/glass - 24
Sacred Heart of Jesus w/glass - 24	Sacred Heart -Blessing w/glass - 24	Sorrowful Mother w/glass - 24
I Heart - Ivory w/glass - 24	I Heart of Mary w/glass - 24	Our Lady of Lourdes w/glass - 24
Our Lady-Guadalupe w/glass - 28	Our Lady of Grace w/glass - 24	Our Lady-Mt. Carmel w/glass - 24
Fatima w/glass - 11	Pilgrim Virgin w/glass - 12	Pilgrim Virgin w/glass - 15
Fatima w/glass - 18	Pilgrim Virgin w/glass - 18	Pilgrim Virgin w/glass - 27

St. Padre Pio	St. Joseph	St. Therese
St. Francis	St. Anthony	St. Claire
Limpias	St. Jude	Divine Mercy
Holy Family	Angel	St. Philomena
Pieta - Marble	Pieta - Color	Holy Family
St. Anthony - 18	St. Francis - 18	St. Joseph - 18
St. Therese - 18	St. Rita - 18	St. Clare - 12
St. Rita - 12	St. Padre Pio - 12	Divine Mercy - 12

 

       

Shepherds of Christ Ministries P. O. Box 627 China, IN  47250

Toll free - 1-888-211-3041 Local - 1-812-273-8405 fax - 1-812-273-3182 web: www.sofc.org e-mail: info@sofc.org

	Size	Price	Quantity
Holy Family	24"	$180
Limpias	24"	$125
St. Anthony	24"	$125
St. Claire	24"	$125
St. Francis	24"	$125
St. Joseph	24"	$125
St. Jude	24"	$125
St. Padre Pio	24"	$125
St. Therese	24"	$125
Divine Mercy	22"	$125
Angel	22"	$100
St. Philomena	20"	$100
St. Philomena	16"	$65
St. Joseph	18"	$65
St. Francis	18"	$65
St. Anthony	18"	$65
St. Rita	18"	$65
St. Therese	18"	$65
Pieta - Color	15"	$75
Pieta - Marble	15"	$75
Holy Family	12"	$60
St. Padre Pio - standing	12"	$40
St. Padre Pio - sitting	8"	$50
St. Rita	12"	$40
Divine Mercy	12"	$40
St. Claire	12"	$40
Limpias	8"	$25
Our Lady of Guadalupe w/glass	28"	$500
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel w/glass	24"	$500
Immaculate Heart of Mary w/glass	24"	$500
Immaculate Heart - Ivory w/glass	24"	$500
Infant of Prague w/glass	24"	$500
Our Lady of Grace w/glass	24"	$500
Our Lady of Lourdes w/glass	24"	$500
Sacred Heart of Jesus w/glass	24"	$500
Sacred Heart -Blessing w/glass	24"	$500
Sorrowful Mother w/glass	24"	$500
Immaculate Heart of Mary w/glass	18"	$300
Immaculate Heart - Ivory w/glass	18"	$300
Sacred Heart of Jesus w/glass	18"	$300
Our Lady of Lourdes w/glass	18"	$300
Our Lady of Grace w/glass	18"	$300
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel w/glass	18"	$300
Our Lady of Guadalupe w/glass	12"	$200
Fatima w/glass	11"	$150
Fatima w/glass	18"	$250
Pilgrim Virgin w/glass	12"	$160
Pilgrim Virgin w/glass	15"	$200
Pilgrim Virgin w/glass	18"	$250
Pilgrim Virgin w/glass	27"	$450

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Fr. Joe's Homily Books  

Guiding Light - The Word Alive in Our Hearts $10.00

Guiding Light - Focusing on the Word $10.00

 

Fr. Carter's Books
  

Priestly Newsletter Book I 12 Newsletters July 1994 - June 1996 $12.00	Priestly Newsletter Book 2 17 Newsletters 1996 - 1999 $12.00	Priestly Newsletter Book 3 4 Newsletters & Prayers 2000 $12.00
Synopsis of the Spiritual Life Spirituality Handbook $3.00	Messages given by Jesus and Mary 1994 Tell My People $10.00	The Pain and the Joy $10.00
	Priestly Newsletter on CD 2000 - Issue 1 $10.00	Priestly Newsletter on CD 2000 - Issue 2 $10.00

 

Fr. Pasquini's Books
   

Authenticity   Prayers and Meditations $10.00	In Imitation of Two Hearts For those suffering or in Nursing Homes   $10.00	Light, Happiness and Peace Journeying through traditional Catholic Spirituality $10.00
Medicine of Immortality Prayers and Meditations - will assist the reader in growth toward a deeper understanding of the mystery of the Eucharist $10.00	Ecce Fides - Pillar of Truth Ideal for RCIA, Adult & Youth Bible Study, Homeschooling, Catholic Identity Studies $10.00	Shepherds of Christ Newsletters 9 Newsletters 2006 - 2008 $36.00

  

DVDs and CDs by Fr. Pasquini
 

Authenticity DVD Prayers on the Ocean $10.00	Nursing Home Mass DVD $10.00	Consolation DVD $10.00
Medicine of Immortality Read by Rita Ring 2 CDs - $17.00	In Imitation of Two Hearts DVD $10.00	Consolation CD by Fr. John $8.00
Nursing Home Mass CD $8.00	Holy Spirit Novena DVD $10.00	Divine Mercy Chaplet DVD $10.00

plus shipping
   

 

Call Kathleen

1-888-211-3041
1-812-273-8405
1-888-321-7671

 

God’s Blue Books

God’s Blue Book 1 – Teachings to Lift You Up     $10.00	God’s Blue Book 4 – The Love of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary $5.00
God’s Blue Book 2 – The Fire of His Love $10.00	God’s Blue Book 5 – So Deep Is the Love of His Heart $5.00
God’s Blue Book 3 – Love God, Love One Another (Fr. Carter's favorite) $10.00	God’s Blue Book 6 – He Calls Us to Action $10.00

  

 

Rosary Books
 

Rosaries from the Hearts of Jesus and Mary $10.00	Rosaries from the Hearts of Jesus and Mary $12.00	Rosary Meditations for Parents and Children's $10.00
Mysteries of Light 1 $5.00	Mysteries of Light 2 $5.00	Little People & Elderly Rosary Book $10.00
Coloring Book $5.00 each	Coloring Book $5.00 each	Coloring Book $5.00 each
Coloring Book $5.00 each	Coloring Book $5.00 each	Coloring Book $5.00 each

 

 

 

 

   

Available for $10.00 each plus postage

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Call Kathleen

   

We are trying to get

Response to God's Love

and the Mass Book out.
 

Anybody who wants to help us

with a donation to get these 2 books

out in the Priestly/hierarchy mailing —

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Prayer Cards

size 5 1/2" x 8 1/2"
$1.00 plus postage

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prayer Card  4" x 6"

.50¢ each plus postage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

Holy Cards available

2" x 3"

Holy Spirit Prayer	Act of Consecration to Immaculate Heart of Mary	Act of Consecration to Sacred Heart of Jesus	Prayer for Priests

 

Prayer before the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass

Prayer for Union with Jesus

Available for .25¢ each plus postage

Call Kathleen

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We are trying to get

Response to God's Love

and the Mass Book out.
 

Anybody who wants to help us

with a donation to get these 2 books

out in the Priestly/hierarchy mailing —

Please call Kathleen 1-888-211-3041

 

 

July 31, 1994

Words of Jesus to Members of
Shepherds of Christ Associates:

"My beloved priest-companion, I intend to use the priestly newsletter, Shepherds of Christ, and the movement, Shepherds of Christ Associates, in a powerful way for the renewal of My Church and the world.

"I will use the newsletter and the chapters of Shepherds of Christ Associates as a powerful instrument for spreading devotion to My Heart and My Mother's Heart.

"I am calling many to become members of Shepherds of Christ Associates. To all of them I will give great blessings. I will use them as instruments to help bring about the triumph of the Immaculate Heart and the reign of My Sacred Heart. I will give great graces to the members of Shepherds of Christ Associates. I will call them to be deeply united to My Heart and to Mary's Heart as I lead them ever closer to My Father in the Holy Spirit."

- Message from Jesus to Father Edward J. Carter, S.J., Founder, as given on July 31, 1994,
feast of Saint Ignatius Loyola, Founder of the Society of Jesus (The Jesuits)

 

  

 

  

 

The China Church is over 140 years old

and we pray in there 24 hours a day.

It needs stucco and so does

the community building.

Can you please help us?

Call Kathleen 1-888-211-3041

 

Likewise the priest house

is 150 years old.

Jesus told us to repair it

which we have been doing.

We need $13,000.00 for this work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can help put the Blue Book V

in the hands of 1,000 people

we need $1,200 postage for this

It is ready to go

Call Kathleen

1-888-211-3041

  

You can help put Fr. Joe's homily

book in the hands of

1,000 priests — it costs $1,100

This can help 1,000 parish priests

talk about Covenant for Lent 

Please help us

It is ready to go

Call Kathleen  1-888-211-3041

1-888-321-7671
1-727-725-9312

 

Crucifix — hand carved by Felix

   

Available for $750.00

 

 

 

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