Shepherds of Christ  
       Daily Writing          

July 30, 2011

July 31st Holy Spirit Novena
Scripture selection is Day 4 Period I.

The Novena Rosary Mysteries  
for July 31st are Glorious.

                  

Please pray for Jimmy.
 
Pray for everything to do with
Fr. Joe's Cycle B Book.

  

The Florida Book Store

 

 

                Given July 29, 2011

                R. They killed the Hebrew males at the
                time of Moses' birth by throwing them
                in the River — because the Egyptians
                thought the Jews could grow too fast
                and be too powerful —

                    So Moses' mother put Moses in
                a basket and sent him on the River —
                The Pharaoh's daughter took him
                as her own —

                    Moses was trained like an
                Egyptian

                    The Hebrews were slaves, they
                were forced to build and if they
                grew weak they were whipped and
                suffered —

                    Moses killed an Egyptian and so he
                left — he went to Midian — there he
                lived 40 years and he married the
                daughter of Jethro —

                    God appeared to Moses in a
                burning bush

                    God sends Moses to Egypt
                to deliver Israel from the bondage in Egypt —

                The burning bush would not be
                    consumed —

                    God speaks to Moses from the
                burning bush —

    

Exodus 3: 13-14

Moses then said to God, 'Look, if I go to the Israelites and say to them, "The God of your ancestors has sent me to you," and they say to me, "What is his name?" what am I to tell them?' God said to Moses, 'I am he who is.' And he said, 'This is what you are to say to the Israelites, "I am has sent me to you."'

    

                R. Moses and Aaron announce the
                plan to the Pharaoh (who was Moses'
                brother he grew up with because the
                old Pharaoh had died)

                    The Pharaoh rejected them
                and so God sent the plagues —
                The Plagues were the River of blood,
                Frogs, Mosquitoes, Horseflies, death
                of the Egyptians' livestock, boils,
                hail, locusts, darkness, and death
                of the first-born by the Angel of Death,
                Pharaoh was obstinate —

                Pharaoh at first agreed to let them finally
                    go and then he was sorry —
                    He sent out after them in
                    pursuit —

                God divided the Red Sea and it
                    closed in on the Egyptians

  

Exodus 14: 15 — 15:1  

Yahweh then said to Moses, ‘Why cry out to me? Tell the Israelites to march on. Your part is to raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, so that the Israelites can walk through the sea on dry ground, while I, for my part, shall make the Egyptians so stubborn that they will follow them, and I shall win glory for myself at the expense of Pharaoh and all his army, chariots and horsemen. And when I have won glory for myself at the expense of Pharaoh and his chariots and horsemen, the Egyptians will know that I am Yahweh.’

    Then the angel of God, who preceded the army of Israel, changed station and followed behind them. The pillar of cloud moved from their front and took position behind them. It came between the army of the Egyptians and the army of Israel. The cloud was dark, and the night passed without the one drawing any closer to the other the whole night long. Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and Yahweh drove the sea back with a strong easterly wind all night and made the sea into dry land. The waters were divided and the Israelites went on dry ground right through the sea, with walls of water to right and left of them. The Egyptians gave chase, and all Pharaoh’s horses, chariots and horsemen went into the sea after them. In the morning watch, Yahweh looked down on the army of the Egyptians from the pillar of fire and cloud and threw the Egyptian army into confusion. He so clogged their chariot wheels that they drove on only with difficulty, which made the Egyptians say, ‘Let us flee from Israel, for Yahweh is fighting on their side against the Egyptians!’ Then Yahweh said to Moses, ‘Stretch out your hand over the sea and let the waters flow back on the Egyptians and on their chariots and their horsemen.’ Moses stretched out his hand over the sea and, as day broke, the sea returned to its bed. The fleeing Egyptians ran straight into it, and Yahweh overthrew the Egyptians in the middle of the sea. The returning waters washed right over the chariots and horsemen of Pharaoh’s entire army, which had followed the Israelites into the sea; not a single one of them was left. The Israelites, however, had marched through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water to right and left of them. That day, Yahweh rescued Israel from the clutches of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the sea–shore. When Israel saw the mighty deed that Yahweh had performed against the Egyptians, the people revered Yahweh and put their faith in Yahweh and in Moses, his servant.

Song of victory

It was then that Moses and the Israelites sang this song in Yahweh’s honour: 

    I shall sing to Yahweh, 
            for he has covered himself in glory, 
        horse and rider 
            he has thrown into the sea.

      

Exodus 15: 1-6, 17-18

R. Let us sing to the Lord; he has covered himself in glory.

It was then that Moses and the Israelites sang this song in Yahweh’s honour:

I shall sing to Yahweh, 
        for he has covered himself in glory, 
    horse and rider 
        he has thrown into the sea. 
Yah is my strength and my song, 
to him I owe my deliverance. 
He is my God and I shall praise him, 
my father’s God and I shall extol him. 

R. Let us sing to the Lord; he has covered himself in glory.

Yahweh is a warrior; 
Yahweh is his name. 

Pharaoh’s chariots and army 
    he has hurled into the sea 
the pick of his officers 
    have been drowned in the Sea of Reeds. 

R. Let us sing to the Lord; he has covered himself in glory.

The ocean has closed over them; 
they have sunk to the bottom like a stone. 
Your right hand, Yahweh, 
    wins glory by its strength, 
your right hand, Yahweh, 
    shatters your foes,

R. Let us sing to the Lord; he has covered himself in glory.

You will bring them in and plant them 
on the mountain which is your heritage, 
the place which you, Yahweh, 
    have made your dwelling, 
the sanctuary, Yahweh, 
    prepared by your own hands. 
        Yahweh will be king 
            for ever and ever.

R. Let us sing to the Lord; he has covered himself in glory.

           

                R. God gave Moses the 10 Commandments
                    at Mount Sinai —

   

Exodus  20: 1-17

Then God spoke all these words. He said, ‘I am Yahweh your God who brought you out of Egypt, where you lived as slaves.

   ‘You shall have no other gods to rival me.

   ‘You shall not make yourself a carved image or any likeness of anything in heaven above or on earth beneath or in the waters under the earth.

   ‘You shall not bow down to them or serve them. For I, Yahweh your God, am a jealous God and I punish a parent’s fault in the children, the grandchildren, and the great–grandchildren among those who hate me; but I act with faithful love towards thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.

   ‘You shall not misuse the name of Yahweh your God, for Yahweh will not leave unpunished anyone who misuses his name.

   ‘Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. For six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath for Yahweh your God. You shall do no work that day, neither you nor your son nor your daughter nor your servants, men or women, nor your animals nor the alien living with you. For in six days Yahweh made the heavens, earth and sea and all that these contain, but on the seventh day he rested; that is why Yahweh has blessed the Sabbath day and made it sacred.

   ‘Honour your father and your mother so that you may live long in the land that Yahweh your God is giving you.

   ‘You shall not kill.

   ‘You shall not commit adultery.

   ‘You shall not steal.

   ‘You shall not give false evidence against your neighbour.

   ‘You shall not set your heart on your neighbour’s house. You shall not set your heart on your neighbour’s spouse, or servant, man or woman, or ox, or donkey, or any of your neighbour’s possessions.’

   

                R. The Israelites couldn't wait —
                They were impatient and grumbling

                They made a golden calf and were
                    worshipping it —

                Moses smashed the tablets with the
                    commandments when he came
                    down the mountain and saw this —

                Moses went back up the Mountain
                    and asked pardon —

                Moses was on the mountain
                    40 days and 40 nights —

                Moses did what God called him to
                    do because he knew God was
                    calling him —
                    No matter how afraid he was
                    Moses relied on the Lord except —
                    later when he struck the rock twice for water.

                The Pharaoh thought he had all the power —
                    but God stood behind Moses and
                    Aaron —

                Moses and Aaron said: God called to the
                    Pharaoh to
                        "Let My People Go"

                Pharaoh rejected them

                The Egyptians were merciless —
                    they demanded their bricks or
                    they beat the Hebrews —
                    The Hebrews worked and worked and
                    were beaten unmercilessly
                    by the Egyptians —               

                Moses suffered for his courage
                    because the slaves were treated
                    worse because of Moses and Aaron
                    and this made Moses under more
                    pressure and
                    they blamed Moses —

                Moses continued delivering the message
                    of the Lord to "Let My People Go"

                When Moses went up the mountain —
                    they thought he was dead or
                    something —
                    So they did their own thing —
                    so they made a molten calf —

                How could they lose their faith
                    like this?

                They made a molten calf —
                They worshipped it —

                After God was with them in sending
                    Moses —
               
                God heard their cries — He was answering them —

                They could not be pure
                    and wait on the Lord —

                Like sheep without a
                    shepherd they followed
                    one who spoke to
                    make the calf and
                    worship it —

                After all God had done —

                Moses came down with
                    the Law on the
                    Tablets and he was
                    so upset Moses
                    broke them —
                    He smashed them —

                There was one who constantly
                    opposed Moses — who
                    spoke to disobey God and
                    work against Moses

                It's like the devil —
                    tempting —
                    lying —

                Calling the righteous
                    man a fool for following
                    God —

                All Moses did and some
                    wanted to oppose
                    Moses —

                The devil wants the
                    good to battle him —

                The devil wants to win —
                The devil wants to rule —
                The devil wants men under
                    his ways —

                Seek God's forgiveness for
                    your evil ways and obey
                    your God —

                Moses had to pray and ask
                    God's forgiveness for
                    the sins of the Israelites —

                The people were formed by
                    God, but they continued
                    to complain —

                They complained in the desert
                    when God gave Manna —

                Aaron and Miriam were jealous —
                    they criticized Moses —

                God didn't like Miriam
                    and Aaron criticizing
                    Moses, God's chosen one —

                Moses had to put up
                    with all who
                    challenged him —

                God didn't like them
                    challenging Him !!

                God was forming them
                    into His people —

                Moses was chosen by God —

                It is a gift —

                Others can be jealous of a
                    real prophet and not listen —

   

Luke 10: 38-42

In the course of their journey he came to a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. She had a sister called Mary, who sat down at the Lord's feet and listened to him speaking. Now Martha, who was distracted with all the serving, came to him and said, 'Lord, do you not care that my sister is leaving me to do the serving all by myself? Please tell her to help me.' But the Lord answered, 'Martha, Martha,' he said, 'you worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are needed, indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the better part, and it is not to be taken from her.'

   

                R. God sent Joshua to help —

                They must have faith —

                Joshua believed in God's
                    promises

                The people argued and
                    grumbled —

                God tested them, they
                    were so weak in their
                    faith —
                    they grumbled —
                    they argued —

                They rose up over
                    Moses, Joshua, Aaron —

                Men challenged God —

                They sinned against God
                    and then tried to rise
                    up against the one
                    He appointed —

                They fought each other —

                They tested the hand of
                    God — leading them —
                    forming them into
                    what He wanted —

                The Lord spoke over and over
                    again and they challenged
                    Him over and over again —
                    When they sinned — they
                    didn't listen when He
                    tried to reach them —
                    He had to test them —

                Many spoke against Him after
                    all He did for them —

                Joshua led them into
                    the Promised Land —
                    His heart was what
                    God wanted —

                Today after all God has given us
                    People even grow old in
                    their pride and arrogance —
                    they are to learn to
                    be docile and serve
                    God — praise and
                    thank Him —

                We don't own the air —
                We don't own the water — 

 

 

 

           

                R. We can act like God is not
                    giving us all we have —
                    This is foolish to
                        ignore God —

                The 1st commandment is =>

                      1. I, the Lord, am your God. You shall not have other gods besides me.
 

                God loves us so much —
                He gives us so much —

                We need faith —
                We need to be pure —
                We need to be thankful —

                Not test God —
                Obey Him —

                Moses and Aaron were arrogant
                    about the water —

                Moses struck the rock
                    twice — he was angry
                    and showed his impurities —

                Moses was not permitted
                    to go to the Promised Land

                Heaven is a reward to those
                who love and serve the Lord —
                God showed us He does
                not build His Kingdom on
                angry and prideful people —
                People seeking dominance
                    for dominance sake —

                They must repent — tell God
                    they are sorry —
                    Pray for mercy —

                We see the journey of the Israelites,
                    God wants us to love God and
                    love each other and work together —
                    We follow in the footprints of
                    Jesus —
                    We must take up our cross
                    and follow Him —

                Heaven is a reward promised
                 To those who love and serve
                the Lord —

                The Israelites were the chosen people —
                They believed in the one true
                    God —

                The Lord led the Israelites
                    into the Promised Land
                    under Joshua

 

Trinity Sunday

Exodus 34: 4-6, 8-9

So he cut two tablets of stone like the first and, with the two tablets of stone in his hands, Moses went up Mount Sinai in the early morning as Yahweh had ordered. And Yahweh descended in a cloud and stood with him there and pronounced the name Yahweh.

Then Yahweh passed before him and called out, ‘Yahweh, Yahweh, God of tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in faithful love and constancy,

Moses immediately bowed to the ground in worship, then he said, ‘If indeed I do enjoy your favour, please, my Lord, come with us, although they are an obstinate people; and forgive our faults and sins, and adopt us as your heritage.’

     

Daniel 3: 52-55

    May you be blessed, 
        Lord, God of our ancestors, 
    be praised and extolled for ever. 
    Blessed be your glorious and holy name, 
    praised and extolled for ever. 
    May you be blessed in the Temple 
        of your sacred glory, 
    exalted and glorified above all for ever: 
    blessed on the throne of your kingdom, 
    exalted above all, glorified for ever: 
    blessed are you who fathom the abyss, 
        enthroned on the winged creatures, 
    praised and exalted above all for ever: 

 

2 Corinthians 13: 11-13

To end then, brothers, we wish you joy; try to grow perfect; encourage one another; have a common mind and live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. 

    Greet one another with the holy kiss. All God’s holy people send you their greetings. 

    The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

 

John 3: 16-18

For this is how God loved the world: 
    he gave his only Son, 
    so that everyone who believes in him 
        may not perish 
    but may have eternal life. 
    For God sent his Son into the world 
    not to judge the world, 
    but so that through him 
        the world might be saved. 
    No one who believes in him 
    will be judged; 
    but whoever does not believe 
        is judged already, 
    because that person does not believe 
    in the Name of God’s only Son. 

 

Trinity Sunday

May 18, 2008

INTRODUCTION – (Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, John 3:16-18) Our basic belief in the Trinity comes out of our attempt to know who Jesus is and to know about the special relationship Jesus has with the Father and with the Spirit who was sent from the Father and the Son. Since our knowledge of Jesus comes from the teaching of the apostles, the gospels and the letters of St. Paul, the fundamental elements of our belief in the Trinity comes from these sources. However, the use of the word “Trinity” to refer to God did not come about until the year 200 AD. It took another 125 years for this doctrine to be formulated in the Nicene Creed which was drawn up at the Council of Nicea in 325 AD. This Creed is the profession of faith which we proclaim each week.

    Today in our first reading we hear about Moses who lived 1300 years before Christ. At that time all the nations around him believed in many gods. God’s effort at that time to reveal God’s self was to try to teach his people that there was no such thing as a multiplicity of gods, but there was only one God. Moses and God’s people were to honor and serve this one God only. This is expressed in the first commandment. I am the Lord thy God, thou shalt not have strange gods before me. In our reading today we hear God revealing his sacred name to Moses. In the Hebrew bible, that name is spelled YHWH, but it was never pronounced. That’s because the Jews were afraid of taking the slightest risk of using God’s sacred name in vain (which the second commandment forbad). So whenever YHWH came up in the text, they always substituted the title “Lord,” as we hear in today’s first reading. We often associate God in the Old Testament with fire and brimstone, but God’s self-revelation to Moses in today’s reading is that God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity; characteristics of God that appear also in today’s gospel.

HOMILY – From the beginning of recorded history (and long before, I’m sure), human beings have tried to understand the great power that created the world and all that is in it. Nations conceptualized this powerful force in ways they could understand. They pictured gods somewhat like themselves or like animals with divine powers, and they pictured many different gods. The only exception to the practice of worshipping many gods is the Pharaoh Akhenaten, the predecessor to the famous King Tutankhamen. Akhenaten decreed there was only one god, Aten, the sun god. His religion lasted a few years until he died, then the Egyptians went back to their former ways of worshipping Amun, Re, Osiris, etc. I have been listening to a series of lectures about Hinduism, and the lecturer mentioned that in Hindu tradition there are 330 million gods. That would be a job to keep all of them happy. God has made life simple for us in telling us there is only one God we must honor. Even that’s too many for some people.

    God made it simple for us, but not too simple, for the God we honor is very mysterious, a God we could never have conceived of if it had not been revealed to us. For our God is a God bursting with personality. So much personality, that there are three persons in God, so closely united in being and power and love that there is only one God. And that’s the mystery.

    As I said earlier, we came to know this mystery through the coming of Jesus, through Jesus’ teachings, and the teachings of the apostles. Jesus is God, equal to the Father in every way, but not the same as the Father. The Spirit who comes from the Father and the Son is equal to each of them, and yet not the same as the Father and the Son. Should we be surprised that God is mysterious, that God would be greater than we can understand? If we had a God we could totally understand, wouldn’t that be more a God we created out of our own mind, than the God who created us and this entire universe, which also happens to be beyond our ability to fully comprehend.

    But, you might ask, what does the idea of the Trinity do for me?

    Consider this: when two people are in love with one another they want to know and be known by their lover. God is in love with us. God wants us to know him as much as we are capable and that’s why God revealed God’s self to us. It’s just part of the process of getting to know God better, so we can spend eternity enjoying God’s presence and God’s love.

    Another thing the idea Trinity does for us is it tells us God is not some lonely monarch who needs people around who will entertain him or love him. God is a family who is full of love and fully fulfilled within God’s own self. We are loved, not because God is lonely, but because God is so overflowing with love it just pours out to us and we are fulfilled by that love.

    Another thing the idea of the Trinity does for us is it helps us know Jesus better. We have the wonderful honor of sharing his life and being one with him through works of charity, prayer and the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.

    We reflect we are in God’s presence, a mystery to us now, but one day, through our love for him and our fidelity to him we will experience all the love and greatness and beauty of who God is forever. “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish, but might have eternal life.” Amen.

     

                R. We do not want to be slaves of
                    the devil —

                Jesus is the Savior —

                Adam and Eve sinned — Jesus came to
                    save us from our sins

                Song: A Song from Jesus

 

Excerpt of The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, by Louis J. Puhl, S.J. pp. 60-61
 

136. THE FOURTH DAY

        A MEDITATION ON TWO STANDARDS

The one of Christ, our supreme leader and lord,
the other of Lucifer, the deadly enemy of our
human nature

PRAYER.   The usual preparatory prayer.

window at a former Jesuit Seminary

137. FIRST PRELUDE.   This is the history. Here it will be that Christ calls and wants all beneath His standard, and Lucifer, on the other hand, wants all under his.

138. SECOND PRELUDE.   This is a mental representation of the place. It will be here to see a great plain, comprising the whole region about Jerusalem, where the sovereign Commander-in-Chief of all the good is Christ our Lord; and another plain about the region of Babylon, where the chief of the enemy is Lucifer.

139. THIRD PRELUDE.   This is to ask for what I desire. Here it will be to ask for a knowledge of the deceits of the rebel chief and help to guard myself against them; and also to ask for a knowledge of the true life exemplified in the sovereign and true Commander, and the grace to imitate Him.
   

FIRST PART

THE STANDARD OF SATAN

140. FIRST POINT.   Imagine you see the chief of all the enemy in the vast plain about Babylon, seated on a great throne of fire and smoke, his appearance inspiring horror and terror.

141. SECOND POINT.   Consider how he summons innumerable demons, and scatters them, some to one city and some to another, throughout the whole world, so that no province, no place, no state of life, no individual is overlooked.

142. THIRD POINT.   Consider the address he makes to them, how he goads them on to lay snares for men and bind them with chains. First they are to tempt them to covet riches (as Satan himself is accustomed to do in most cases) that they may the more easily attain the empty honors of this world, and then come to overweening pride.

   The first step, then, will be riches, the second honor, the third pride. From these three steps the evil one leads to all other vices.
   

SECOND PART

THE STANDARD OF CHRIST

143.   In a similar way, we are to picture to ourselves the sovereign and true Commander, Christ our Lord.

144. FIRST POINT.   Consider Christ our Lord, standing in a lowly place in a great plain about the region of Jerusalem, His appearance beautiful and attractive.

145. SECOND POINT.   Consider how the Lord of all the world chooses so many persons, apostles, disciples, etc., and sends them throughout the whole world to spread His sacred doctrine among all men, no matter what their state or condition.

146. THIRD POINT.   . . .
   

end of excerpt

 

                R. From Response in Christ

click to chapter one

Response in Christ - The Concept of the Christian Life - Chapter 1

         1. The Christian Life as Prefigured in the Mosaic Covenant (excerpt)

In the age prior to the coming of Christ, salvation history was rooted in the Mosaic period. At the heart of this Mosaic era was the great salvific event of the exodus (Ex 15:1-18). Through this event Yahweh led the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery and under Moses formed them into His People. The history of the Jewish people previous to this exodus event was merely a preparation for this central happening. Thus Israel in recalling its ancient traditions could see that Yahweh's covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob was a preparation for the great covenant definitively established through Moses on Mount Sinai.

    God, then, within the framework of salvation history has determined to communicate Himself according to a covenant. What is covenant? In reference to salvation history it is a mutual life relationship in love between God and His People, and among the People themselves. God on His part communicates His own life through grace, and man in return gives himself to God and his fellowman in loving service. There are various laws governing the multiple aspects of this life-relationship. There is a formal worship with its determined ritual. Yet everything centers around the essence of covenant, the life relationship.

    As mentioned, the Mosaic covenant dominated the Old Testament period. At the heart of the formation of this covenant there was a transition process involved as the Jews were led forth from Egyptian slavery to freedom under the leadership of Moses. The Egyptians had finally consented to this departure of the Jews under the pressure of the last of the plagues inflicted upon them. Under this plague the Egyptians' first-born were slain. The Jews escaped this deathblow of Yahweh by marking their doorposts with the blood of the paschal lamb: ". . . I will go through the land of Egypt and strike down all the first-born in the land of Egypt, man and beast alike, and I shall deal out punishment to all the gods of Egypt, I am Yahweh! The blood shall serve to mark the houses that you live in. When I see the blood I will pass over you and you shall escape the destroying plague when I strike the land of Egypt." (Ex 12:12-13).

    As the Jewish people escaped from Egyptian bondage they experienced a transition which was essentially religious in nature. This transition was from a less perfect to a more perfect type of existence, for in being released from slavery they were gradually formed into Yahweh's People. The definitive event of this formation occurred on Mount Sinai. Here the covenant between Yahweh and His People was sealed with sacrificial blood. Moses sprinkled with blood both the altar, representing Yahweh, and the Jewish people. Since blood signified life for the Jews, such an action had deep meaning for them. It symbolized the sealing of the covenant, the establishment of a new life-relationship between Yahweh and themselves. 

end of excerpt
 
 

                July 30, 2011

                R. The Book of Genesis
                    I. Primeval History
                   II. Patriarch Abraham
                  III. Patriarch Isaac and Jacob
                  IV. Joseph and his Brothers

                God is the Creator — God created
                man out of love — God gave Adam and
                Eve such gifts —

                Adam and Eve sinned —

                We see in Genesis the importance
                of covenant —

                God speaks to us through creation —
                Everyday the day goes to night —
                Here where I live the night is
                dark — where Mary appeared in
                Clearwater her image was clothed
                with the sun by day and at night
                her image and Jesus' face
                would shine bright in gold and
                rainbow — gold as I did the
                prayer services on the 5ths

                God speaks to us in creation —
                All creation bears the handprint of God —
                We see more clearly the vision of God
                    by studying creation — 

 

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

 

                R. Creation is the foundation of God's
                    saving plan —

                Christ is the light of salvation —

                God created the world, the seen and unseen —
                God created the world out of nothing —

                The human creature is the apex
                    of creation —

                God created for a purpose —
                God created for meaning —

                God said "Let there be light"

                God calls and there is a response
                    to God's call —

                There was light God called day —
                There is dark God called night —
                God made dry and wet lands —
   


 

                R. What God created was a gift to us —
                The air we breathe is a gift —
                The waters are a gift —

 

 

Psalm 23: 1-6

Yahweh is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 
In grassy meadows he lets me lie. 

By tranquil streams he leads me 
    to restore my spirit. 
He guides me in paths of saving justice 
    as befits his name. 

Even were I to walk in a ravine as dark as death 
I should fear no danger, for you are at my side. 
Your staff and your crook are there to soothe me. 

You prepare a table for me 
    under the eyes of my enemies; 
you anoint my head with oil; 
    my cup brims over. 

Kindness and faithful love pursue me 
    every day of my life. 
I make my home in the house of Yahweh 
    for all time to come.

   

                Sing: Valleys of Green

                R. God made plants and fruit and
                    rain and snow, the sun and
                    moon, the stars —
                    God made these things with order —
                    God made birds and fish and the
                    ability to be fruitful and multiply —

                This is a mystery!

                God made animals —

                God made Adam in His image
                    and likeness —

                Man is the apex of creation —

                We are to be good stewards of
                    what God has made —

                God made man and woman to
                    propagate

                God gives man freedom and
                    knowledge and the ability
                    to create —

                God is one God in three
                    Persons —

 

 

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Excerpt from Response to God's Love by Fr. Edward Carter, S.J.

... In reference to Christianity, God himself is the ultimate mystery. Radically, God is completely other and transcendent, hidden from man in his inner life, unless he chooses to reveal himself. Let us briefly look at this inner life of God.

    The Father, in a perfect act of self-expression, in a perfect act of knowing, generates his son. The Son, the Word, is, then, the immanent expression of God's fullness, the reflection of the Father. Likewise, from all eternity, the Father and the Son bring forth the Holy Spirit in a perfect act of loving.

    At the destined moment in human history, God's self-expression, the Word, immersed himself into man's world. God's inner self-expression now had also become God's outer self-expression. Consequently, the mystery of God becomes the mystery of Christ. In Christ, God tells us about himself, about his inner life, about his plan of creation and redemption. He tells us how Father, Son, and Holy Spirit desire to dwell within us in the most intimate fashion, how they wish to share with us their own life through grace. All this he has accomplished and does accomplish through Christ.

end of excerpt

  

                R. God calls us to relationship —

                Here are the commandments —

     

The Ten Commandments

  1. I, the Lord, am your God. You shall not have other gods besides me.
  2. You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain.
  3. Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.
  4. Honor your father and your mother.
  5. You shall not kill.
  6. You shall not commit adultery.
  7. You shall not steal.
  8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
  9. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife.
  10. You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor.

 

Matthew 22: 36-40

'Master, which is the greatest commandment of the Law?' Jesus said to him, 'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second resembles it: You must love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments hang the whole Law, and the Prophets too.'

    

                R. God created us out of love —

                We are to love —

                It is a gift of man and woman to
                    co-create in marriage —

                They are to raise children as God
                    intends — teach them about love —
                    teach them to live by His Plan —

                God told us to observe the Sabbath Day —

                This day is to remind us, the world
                    is in God's hands —

                We are to honor God —

                The world God created was orderly,
                    beautiful, peaceful, loving,
                    harmonious —
                    It was a world that was good —
                    It was a world without sin —

                There was not death —
                There was not disease
                There was not violence and war —

                There is order and good when we
                    follow God's will —

                There is disorder and evil
                    when we work against
                    God's will —

 

From the Priestly Newsletter Book III - 2000 Issue 3 p. 44-45

The Father's Will for Us  - Our Source of Peace

  • Pope John Paul II instructs us: "The Church, as a reconciled and reconciling community, cannot forget that at the source of her gift and mission of reconciliation is the initiative, full of compassionate love and mercy, of that God who is love (see 1 John 4:8) and who out of love created human beings (see Wisdom 11:23-26; Genesis 1:27: Psalms 8:4-8)…He created them so that they might live in friendship with Him and in communion with one another.

"God is faithful to His eternal plan even when man, under the impulse of the evil one (see Wisdom 2:24) and carried away by his own pride, abuses the freedom given to him in order to love and generously seek what is good, and (instead) refuses to obey his Lord and Father. God is faithful even when man, instead of responding with love to God’s love, opposes Him and treats Him like a rival, deluding himself and relying on his own power, with the resulting break of relationship with the One who created him. In spite of this transgression on man’s part, God remains faithful in love.

"It is certainly true that the story of the Garden of Eden makes us think about the tragic consequences of rejecting the Father, which becomes evident in man’s inner disorder and in the breakdown of harmony between man and woman, brother and brother (see Genesis 3:12 ff; 4:1-16). Also significant is the Gospel parable of the two brothers (the parable of the ‘prodigal son’; see Luke 15:11-32) who, in different ways, distance themselves from their father and cause a rift between them. Refusal of God’s fatherly love and of His loving gifts is always at the root of humanity’s divisions.

"But we know that God…like the father in the parable (of the prodigal son), does not close His heart to any of His children. He waits for them, looks for them, goes to meet them at the place where the refusal of communion imprisons them in isolation and division. He calls them to gather about His table in the joy of the feast of forgiveness and reconciliation.

"This initiative on God’s part is made concrete and manifest in the redemptive act of Christ, which radiates through the world by means of the ministry of the Church." 13
__________
13. Pope John Paul II, as in Celebrate 2000!, Servant Publications, pp. 140-141.
 

                R. Man and woman are to love
                    God and each other —

                The world is a gift and we are to
                    bring forth fruit —

                We are to be pure, live more and more
                    in the image of Jesus and
                    help build the Kingdom —

                God put man in a garden —

                Adam and Eve sinned

                We have a wounded human nature
                    because of original sin —

                The serpent tempted Eve in
                    the garden —

                The devil tries to make evil look good
                    and good look evil —

                The devil is the grand deceiver
                The devil is a liar —

                We have a free will to obey God
                    or satan —

                Death is the consequence of the sin
                    of Adam and Eve —

                Disobedience to God brings disorder —
  

Genesis 3: 3-7, 11-13

But of the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden God said, "You must not eat it, nor touch it, under pain of death." ’ Then the snake said to the woman, ‘No! You will not die! God knows in fact that the day you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods, knowing good from evil.’ The woman saw that the tree was good to eat and pleasing to the eye, and that it was enticing for the wisdom that it could give. So she took some of its fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened and they realised that they were naked. So they sewed fig–leaves together to make themselves loin–cloths.

‘Who told you that you were naked?’ he asked. ‘Have you been eating from the tree I forbade you to eat?’ The man replied, ‘It was the woman you put with me; she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.’ Then Yahweh God said to the woman, ‘Why did you do that?’ The woman replied, ‘The snake tempted me and I ate.’

   

                R. Sin is trying to live independent
                    of God —

                Sin entered the world, because of
                    this, harmony is distorted —

                Man sees with distorted vision —
                Man sees God, others and himself
                    with distorted vision
                    because of original sin

                Man has a wounded human
                    nature and he can act
                    in the 7 deadly sins rather
                    than virtuously —

                The 7 deadly sins are pride, greed, envy,
                    wrath, lust, gluttony, and sloth

                Blame enters the world —
                Concupiscence enters the world —

                We have a weak human nature and
                    tendency to sin —
   

Genesis 3: 15-18

    I shall put enmity
    between you and the woman,
    and between your offspring and hers;
    it will bruise your head
    and you will strike its heel.’

     To the woman he said:

     I shall give you intense pain
        in childbearing,
     you will give birth to your children
        in pain.
     Your yearning will be for your husband,
      and he will dominate you.

   To the man he said, ‘Because you listened to the voice of your wife and ate from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat,

     Accursed be the soil because of you!
     Painfully will you get your food from it
     as long as you live.
   It will yield you brambles and thistles,
     as you eat the produce of the land.

     

                R. Mary is the woman clothed
                    with the sun —

   

Revelation 12: 1-2

    Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman, robed with the sun, standing on the moon, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was pregnant, and in labour, crying aloud in the pangs of childbirth.

   

                R. Sin upsets the order God wanted —

                Man will suffer because of
                    his sin

                Man suffers because of the sin
                    of Adam and Eve our
                    physical parents —

                God expeled Adam and Eve from
                    the garden —

                Baptism washes original sin
                    away, but we still have
                    a wounded human nature

                Cain killed his brother —

                The sin of Cain is very serious with
                    the slaying of Abel

                Noah was a descendant of Seth, Adam and Eve's son —
                Noah found favor with God —

                The world had become corrupt
                    so God flooded the earth —

                The flood is loving

                    It shows God's mercy for the
                world had become corrupt

                Those on the Ark are saved —

                God gives us the Church today —

                God gives us baptism to
                    cleanse us of our sins —

                God shows the Covenant
                    with Noah and the
                    sign of the rainbow —

                Abraham was blessed by God —

                God made a covenant with
                    Abraham —

                God came to Abram
                    in a vision

                God told Abram he will
                    be the father of
                    many nations —

                Sarai is barren at first

                Ishmael is born to Hagar
                    her servant —

                God gave Abram the name
                    Abraham —

                God promises His Covenant
                    as everlasting —

                Isaac is born to
                    Abraham and Sarah

                Abraham is tested with Isaac —

                This shows Abraham's faith —

                Children are a gift

                Isaac and Rebekah have
                    Jacob and Esau (twins)—

                Jacob sees the ladder to
                    heaven in a vision

                Jacob and Rachel
                    have Joseph

                This is in Genesis
   

 

Isaiah 55: 1-3

Oh, come to the water 
    all you who are thirsty; 
though you have no money, come! 
Buy and eat; come, buy wine and milk 
without money, free! 
Why spend money on what cannot nourish 
and your wages on what fails to satisfy? 
Listen carefully to me, 
and you will have good things to eat 
and rich food to enjoy. 
Pay attention, come to me; 
listen, and you will live. 

I shall make an everlasting covenant 
    with you 
in fulfilment of the favours 
    promised to David. 

 

Psalm 145: 8-9, 15-18

Het
Yahweh is tenderness and pity, 
slow to anger, full of faithful love.

Tet
Yahweh is generous to all, 
his tenderness embraces all his creatures.

Ain
All look to you in hope
and you feed them with the food of the season.

Pe
And, with generous hand,
you satisfy the desires of every living creature.

Zade
Upright in all that he does, 
Yahweh acts only in faithful love.

Qoph
He is close to all who call upon him, 
all who call on him from the heart.

 

Romans 8: 35, 37-39

Can anything cut us off from the love of Christ-can hardships or distress, or persecution, or lack of food and clothing, or threats or violence;

No; we come through all these things triumphantly victorious, by the power of him who loved us. For I am certain of this: neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nothing already in existence and nothing still to come, nor any power, nor the heights nor the depths, nor any created thing whatever, will be able to come between us and the love of God, known to us in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

Matthew 14: 13-21

When Jesus received this news he withdrew by boat to a lonely place where they could be by themselves. But the crowds heard of this and, leaving the towns, went after him on foot. So as he stepped ashore he saw a large crowd; and he took pity on them and healed their sick. 

    When evening came, the disciples went to him and said, ‘This is a lonely place, and time has slipped by; so send the people away, and they can go to the villages to buy themselves some food.’ Jesus replied, ‘There is no need for them to go: give them something to eat yourselves.’ But they answered, ‘All we have with us is five loaves and two fish.’ So he said, ‘Bring them here to me.’ He gave orders that the people were to sit down on the grass; then he took the five loaves and the two fish, raised his eyes to heaven and said the blessing. And breaking the loaves he handed them to his disciples, who gave them to the crowds. They all ate as much as they wanted, and they collected the scraps left over, twelve baskets full. Now about five thousand men had eaten, to say nothing of women and children.

        

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

August 3, 2008

INTRODUCTION – (Isaiah 55:1-3, Romans 8:35, 37-39, Matthew 14:13-21) Today’s first reading sounds like an invitation to a summer picnic. But it is not. The prophet was speaking to God’s people who were captives and exiles in Babylon over 500 years before Christ, announcing that their captivity was ended. God was getting ready to bring them back home. The rich and abundant food mentioned in this reading symbolized the blessings they would soon enjoy. Those who come to receive God’s blessings will be satisfied beyond their wildest dreams and those who come to him would receive these blessings free of charge. Notice how often the word “come” is used. Too often we allow temptation to lead us away from God, looking for happiness and satisfaction in the wrong places only to end up paying dearly for something that was worth little or nothing. If the food mentioned here sounds pretty common and ordinary, I’m sure some of the foods mentioned were luxuries for an exiled and enslaved people! Our first reading is meant to prepare us for the gospel where Jesus feeds a multitude in a miraculous way.

HOMILY – There was a minister who began his sermon every Sunday by first bowing his head for a moment of prayer. One day his little daughter asked him why he did that. He was pleased that his daughter noticed this gesture of prayer he started with and he told her “I ask God to help me preach a good sermon.” Then she said, “Then why doesn’t he help you do it?” Notice, I never bow my head before I preach for fear some one might say that to me some day!

    Seriously though, the little girl found out God doesn’t always give us everything we ask for. But in today’s first reading he tells us he will give us what we truly need if we come to him. In the gospel we hear how Jesus responded to the needs of the people who came to him.

    St. Matthew describes Jesus feeding the people by telling us: “he took bread, said the blessing, broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples.” The connection with the Eucharist is obvious and deliberate. As St. Matthew tells us about the miracle of the loaves and fishes, he wants us to be aware of how Jesus feeds us in a miraculous way in the Eucharist.

    There was an article in the Catholic Telegraph this past week describing a study of Catholics in Britain. I’m sure it’s the same on this side of the Atlantic Ocean. The study said many Catholics are getting away from regular Mass attendance and the sacraments because of the high stress in their lives. They are exhausted by the end of the week with all the demands of home and job, and Church is just one more thing to do and the easiest thing to skip. The report said “Families who do go to Mass regularly are making tremendous sacrifices to do so.”

    And yet, this is where we will best find the strength and help we need to cope and to survive. Jesus promises it to us. Research has shown that, in general, those who attend Church regularly live happier and more successful lives. It is natural for us to think of Jesus feeding us when we go to Holy Communion. For he feeds us then with his own body and blood. But another way he feeds us that we may not think of is with his word. He tells us in the first reading: “come to me heedfully,” in other words come alert and attentively. He tells us “listen, that you may have life.”

    Before Jesus feeds us with himself in Communion, he feeds our minds and hearts with his word. We hear over and over how our health is affected by the food we eat. What we feed our minds affects, not only our heath, but  also our moods, our attitudes, our values, our relationships with others and with God. Questions we might ask ourselves are: 1) How much time do we spend reading trash? 2) How many hours a day is the TV on in our homes? 3) How much time do we sit at our Lord’s feet letting him feed our minds and hearts with his presence? 4) How willing are we to believe him when he says: “heed me, and you shall eat well, you shall delight in rich fare. Come to me heedfully, listen, that you may have life.” On average, I spend two hours a day in prayer. I’m not saying this to brag, but to assure you it is a real source of strength for me.

    I would like to give an example of someone whose life changed and who was a dynamic force for good in the world because he let our Lord feed his mind and heart. The example is from the life of St. Ignatius Loyola who started the Jesuit order. He died in Rome on this day (July 31st) almost 450 years ago. In his younger years, St. Ignatius was a soldier, on his way to military fame and fortune. In a particular battle a cannon ball shattered his leg. During his long convalescence waiting for his leg to heal, he wanted to pass the time with some books about war and knights in shining armor, which were his favorite topics, but none were available. Gutenberg had lived only 100 years earlier, so there were not a lot of books to read. All Ignatius could find was a book about Christ and books on the lives of the saints. So out of desperation he read them. He tells us during this time something interesting happened to him. When he thought about worldly things and knights and fair damsels he felt intense pleasure. But when he gave these thoughts up out of weariness he felt dry and depressed. Yet when he thought of the saints and spiritual things he not only experienced pleasure but, even after he dismissed these thoughts, he still experienced great joy. He didn’t notice this right away, but one day, in a moment of insight, it became obvious to him and he marveled at the difference.

    St. Ignatius came to Christ and let himself be fed by Christ’s Holy Spirit. It changed his life and it continues to influence the world for the better because of the spiritual renewal he began in the Church through his order. Life is full of stress and pressure for all of us. Sure we can see prayer and the Mass as one more thing to do, and it always feels that way before we start to pray or before we get ready to go to Mass, but when we truly open ourselves to its power we will receive a peace and strength that the world cannot give. Jesus promises it.

 

 

 

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Rita Ring

Books written by the cofounder of Shepherds of Christ Ministries
Mass Book
A Journey Into the Heart of Jesus - Author: Rita Ring. Discerned by: Fr. Edward J. Carter S.J. Imprimatur
$ 12.00 plus postage

  Mass Book, by Rita Ring: Many of the entries in the Priestly Newsletter Volume II from a spiritual journal came from this book. These entries
  are to help people to be more deeply united to God in the Mass. This book is available in English and Spanish with the Church’s Imprimatur.
  $12
Rosary Meditations for Parents and Children
From the Hearts of Jesus and Mary Author: Rita Ring. Discerned by: Fr. Edward J. Carter S.J. Imprimatur
$ 10.00  plus postage

  Rosary Meditations for Parents and Children, by Rita Ring, Short Meditations for both parents and children to be used when praying the
  rosary. These meditations will help all to know the lives of Jesus and Mary alive in their Hearts. Available in both English and Spanish with
  the Church’s Imprimatur. $10
God's Blue Book I
Teachings to Lift You Up. Author: Rita Ring. Discerned by: Fr. Edward J. Carter S.J.
$ 10.00  plus postage

God's Blue Book I by Rita Ring. Open Anywhere — This book will change your life. These are beautiful love letters to us from Jesus. A million books have been printed and circulated. Jesus loves us so much — He wants a personal relationship with us — He wants us to go to the Eucharist and be with Him before the tabernacle. $10
God's Blue Book II
The Fire of His Love. Author: Rita Ring. Discerned by Fr. Edward J. Carter S. J.
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God's Blue Book II by Rita Ring. Letters from Jesus about His on fire love — Jesus wants this great intimacy with us — On fire love — Personal love letters from Jesus about the love of His Heart — A book on surrender Fr. Carter said! $10
God's Blue Book III
Love God, Love One Another. Author: Rita Ring. Discerned by Fr. Edward J. Carter S.J.
$ 10.00  plus postage

God's Blue Book III by Rita Ring. Fr. Carter's favorite book — It is about loving and forgiving each other — Being pure in heart — A book for unity in family, community, in life!! $10
God's Blue Book 4
The Love of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary Author: Rita Ring
$ 5.00  plus postage

God's Blue Book IV by Rita Ring. This book is about the love Jesus has for Mary and Mary has for Jesus and Jesus and Mary have for us — It is truly the Love of the Two Hearts. Mary appeared every day at the Holy Spirit Center — Fr. Carter was there. Mary's first apparition July 5, 1994. $5
God's Blue Book 5
So Deep Is the Love of His Heart. Author: Rita Ring.
$ 5.00  plus postage

God's Blue Book V by Rita Ring. Jesus wants to be the bridegroom of our soul — He is our beloved — Jesus tells us about pure love — how we are to be pure of heart and love God and love others. It is a must, to hear about love from Jesus — Jesus is love — $5
God's Blue Book 6A
He Calls Us to Action Author: Rita Ring.
$ 10.00  plus postage

God's Blue Book 6A by Rita Ring. Rosaries from Their Hearts during apparitions. Jesus and Mary appeared every day and I received rosaries from Them and They were transcribed from a tape. Also messages of love from Jesus on days of January, 1995 — About Baptism — writings from Fr. Carter and the Scriptures. $10
God's Blue Book 6B
He Calls Us to Action Author: Rita Ring.
$ 10.00  plus postage

God's Blue Book 6B by Rita Ring. Jesus and Mary appeared every day in February, 1995 — So beautiful — transcribed from a tape — the Stations, 7 Sorrows, prayers in the Prayer Manual, the Holy Spirit Novena Book and the Song Book. Pure love — loving and forgiving — a book about Jesus' love, baptism, grace and Fr. Carter's Newsletter. $10

  
Rosaries From the Hearts of Jesus and Mary - Volume I
Red Rosary Book - Author: Rita Ring. Discerned by: Fr. Edward J. Carter S.J.
$ 10.00  plus postage

Rosaries from the Hearts of Jesus and Mary Book 1. Mary appeared in Clearwater December 17, 1996 in rainbow color and these rosaries left the printer the same day from Apparitions of Jesus and Mary — transcribed from a tape. $10
Blue Rosary Book
Rosaries From the Hearts of Jesus and Mary - Volume II
$ 12.00  plus postage

Rosaries from the Hearts of Jesus and Mary Book 2. This is a book of so many rosaries - transcribed from a tape. So many beautiful rosaries.   pages  $12
Short Rosary Meditations for the Ederly, Ill, and Homebound
From the Hearts of Jesus and Mary: Author: Rita Ring. Discerned by: Fr. Edward J. Carter S.J. Imprimatur
This book is 8 1/2" by 11" and you can open it up and sit it on your lap.
$ 10.00  plus postage

Short Rosary Meditations for the Elderly, Ill and Homebound. This book is so important with pictures they can open it and lay it on their laps and pray the rosary. $10
  Messages From Jesus
  Given by Jesus to His Messenger Author: Rita Ring. Discerned by: Fr. Edward J. Carter S.J.
  This book is 8 1/2" by 11" and you can open it up and sit it on your lap.

  $ 10.00  plus postage
Messages for the Elderly, Ill and Homebound. This is a big book of loving messages for nursing home people and homebound from Jesus and Mary — Their lives are so important — united to the Mass offering up their suffering, their lives for the souls of this earth. $10
Daily Messages From Heaven 1
From the Florida Apparition Site Author: Rita Ring. Discerned by: Fr. Edward J. Carter S.J.
$ 10.00  plus postage

Daily Messages From Heaven Volumes 2 thru 5 (Spiral bound)
From the Florida Apparition Site Author: Rita Ring. Discerned by: Fr. Edward J. Carter S.J.
$25.00 each plus postage

Daily Messages from Heaven. First book of Daily Messages. $10
Rosary Meditations for Little People and Elderly
Short Meditations for the Rosary
$ 3.00  plus postage
Color the Lives of Jesus and Mary, Books 1 thru 5
A Coloring Book with Short Meditations on the 15 mysteries of the rosary. Author: Rita Ring. Discerned by: Fr. Edward J. Carter S.J.
$ 5.00 each plus postage

Color the Lives of Jesus and Mary. Volumes 1 through 7. Coloring books and meditations for grade school children and others on the mysteries of the rosary - really good. $5 each.
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  Mysteries of Light
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  Color the Lives of Jesus and Mary. Volumes 6 through 7. Coloring books and meditations for grade school children and others on the mysteries of the rosary - really good. $5 each.

 
  God's Blue Book I on CD, Disk #1
  God's Blue Book I, Disk #1 Read by author: Rita Ring. Discerned by: Fr. Edward J. Carter S.J.
  $ 10.00 plus postage

 
  Mysteries of Light Rosary Book
  Rosaries From the Hearts of Jesus and Mary - Volume I
  $ 5.00  plus postage 

 
  Mysteries of Light Rosary Book
  Rosaries From the Hearts of Jesus and Mary - Volume II
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  Apostle's Manual
  Shepherds of Christ Overview: Very carefully discerned by Fr. Edward J. Carter S. J.
  $ 20.00  

 Apostles Manual. About the Movement - the structure of the Movement — All Ministries - from the time 3 months before Mary appeared in Clearwater and 3 months after. Rosaries of the 13ths, Fr. Carter's Newsletters. Messages from God the Father — Reaching the priests, the Church, the schools and the world. $20
 Songs From Jesus
  Given by Jesus to His Messenger Author: Rita Ring. Discerned by: Fr. Edward J. Carter S.J.
  $ 3.00  

Songs from Jesus Songbook. These loving songs were given from Jesus. So beautiful — Love Songs from Jesus of His love - helping us have pure and loving hearts. $3

 
   
Shepherds of Christ Holy Spirit Novena
  Holy Spirit Novena by: Rita Ring
  $ 1.00  plus postage

 Holy Spirit Novena Booklet. In four languages with the Imprimatur with 18 scripture readings for two complete novenas – this very powerful Holy Spirit Novena has prayers for prayers for Protection by the Blood of Jesus, Healing, Strength and Light, To Be One with God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, One with Jesus, To Dwell in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Prayer for the Holy Spirit and His Gifts, and the Word Alive in Our Hearts. All these prayers take about 10 minutes daily recited out loud. $1

 
  Shepherds of Christ Holy Spirit Novena CD
  Holy Spirit Novena Read by: Rita Ring
  $ 10.00  plus postage


   Holy Spirit Novena CD. Prayers and scripture readings from the Holy Spirit Novena Booklet read by Rita Ring. $10
  Colorea 1 thru 5
  las vidas de Jesús y María (recibido el Imprimátur)
  $ 5.00 each plus postage 

 
  Para Comprender Mejor La Santa Misa
  Una Jornada Hacia el Corazón de Jesús
  $ 10.00  

 
  Meditaciones del Rosario
  para Pequenos y Ancianos
  $ 10.00  

 
 

Fr. Joe Robinson

Inspiring Homilist & Author

Fr. Joseph Robinson has dedicated his life to serving Christ and the Church for over 40 years.
Guiding Light - Steadfast to the Son
Inspiring Homilies Covering Cycle A of the Liturgical Year
$ 10.00 plus postage

Guiding Light homily series - Steadfast to the Son - Cycle A — The sunflower is a great example of how we should be steadfastly guided by light. What a powerful thought that this exceptional plant is not stuck in one pose day in and day out, yet adaptable and magnetized to the sun. We feel the same about our Son. Our heads turns to face Christ as each day presents its challenges to find light. We join together like plants in a field and soak up the Son through the pulpit. We are a warm circle of strength using the wind of our breath to carry our priests' words, Christ's words, to new rich soil. $15

 
Guiding Light - Feed My Soul
Inspiring Homilies Covering Cycle C of the Liturgical Year
$ 10.00 plus postage

Guiding Light - Feed My Soul - Cycle C — In a world rapidly advancing and encouraging personal gain, we are faced with modern problems. There is a challenge to find time in our busy schedules for Sunday Mass or a family meal. We are able to research, shop, bank and even work without hearing one human voice. It is no wonder that we may often feel disconnected and famished at our week's end. In Fr. Joe's third book of homilies from Cycle C, we are reminded of the charity that Christ intended us to show each other. We have a calling to turn the other cheek and be the Good Samaritan to others. We are rewarded with the Father's kingdom and love when we are not worthy. We are not left alone or hungry. $15
Guiding Light - Focusing on the Word
Inspiring Homilies Covering Cycle B of the Liturgical Year
$ 10.00 plus postage

Guiding Light - Focusing on the Word - Cycle B — At times we may feel that our path to Christ is a bit "out of focus". Like the disciples in the Book of Mark, this ordinary life clouds our vision of Christ's Divinity. We may doubt the practicality or possibility of applying His teachings and example to our modern life. Cycle B's homilies are a "guiding light" to help us realize Jesus' Messianic greatness and His promise of better things to come. $15
Guiding Light - The Word Alive in Our Hearts
Inspiring Homilies covering partial year of Cycle A by Fr. Joe Robinson
$ 5.00 plus postage

Guiding Light - The Word Alive in Our Hearts. - Cycle A (partial) — Homilies by the Reverend Joe Robinson given at St. Boniface Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is a tremendous honor Fr. Joe has allowed us to share these great gifts with you – for greater holiness and knowing more and more about God. $10
Fr. Edward J. Carter
Books written by the founder of Shepherds of Christ Ministries

Response to God's Love
...God Himself is the Ultimate Mystery
$ 10.00  plus postage

Response to God’s Love by Fr. Edward J. Carter, S.J. In this book Fr. Carter speaks of God as the ultimate mystery. We can meditate on the interior life of the Trinity. Fr. Carter tells us about our uniqueness in the Father's Plan for us, how the individual Christian, the Church and the world are in the state of becoming. Imprimatur. $10
Shepherds of Christ Spirituality Newsletters 1
Selected Writings on Spirituality—for All People Editor: Fr. Edward J. Carter S.J. Imprimatur
$ 10.00  plus postage

Shepherds of Christ - Selected Writings on Spirituality for all People as Published in Shepherds of Christ Newsletter for Priests. Contains 12 issues of the newsletter from July/August 1994 to May/June 1996. $15
Shepherds of Christ Spirituality Newsletters 2
Selected Writings on Spirituality — for All People Editor: Fr. Edward J. Carter S.J. Imprimatur
$ 12.00  plus postage

Shepherds of Christ - Volume 2: by Fr. Edward J. Carter, S.J. Contains issues 13-29 of the newsletter (September/October 1996 - Issue 5, 1999) $15
Shepherds of Christ Spirituality Newsletters 3
Selected Writings on Spirituality — for All People Editor: Fr. Edward J. Carter S.J.
$ 10.00  plus postage

Shepherds of Christ - Volume 3 by Fr. Edward J. Carter, S.J. Contains Newsletter Issues 1 through 4 of 2000 including Fr. Carter’s tremendous Overview of the Spiritual Life $10
Tell My People
Messages from Jesus and Mary Author: Fr. Edward J. Carter S.J. Imprimi Potest  
$ 10.00  plus postage

Tell My People. Messages from Jesus and Mary (As given to Fr. Edward Carter, S.J.) — One of Fr. Edward Carter, S.J.'s Synopsis of the Spiritual Life — From Jesus to Fr. Carter "On Holy Saturday, 1994, Jesus told me that on the following day, Easter, I would also begin to receive messages for others. Our Lord also told me that some of these were eventually to be published in a book—and here is that book." $10
Spirituality Handbook
Shepherds of Christ Associates Spirituality Handbook - A Way of Spiritual Life
Author: Fr. Edward J. Carter S.J. Imprimi Potest
$ 3.00  plus postage

Spirituality Handbook. Fr. Edward Carter, S.J. did 3 synopsis of the spiritual life. The Spirituality Handbook, the Priestly Newsletter 20he Tell My People book. The way of spiritual life proposed to the members of Shepherds of Christ Associates is centered in consecration to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. All aspects of the spiritual life discussed below should be viewed as means to help members develop their lives in consecration to Christ, the Sacred Heart, and to Mary, the Immaculate Heart. $3
The Spirituality of Fatima
Fatima: The Setting, The Message, The Spirituality of Consecration
$ 5.00  plus postage

The Spirituality of Fatima by Fr. Edward J. Carter, S.J. The Fatima apparitions and messages received official Church approval in 1930. In giving her official approval to the Fatima event, the Church tells us that what took place at Fatima involving the three young visionaries is worthy of our belief. $5

  
  Shepherds of Christ Prayer Manual
  Shepherds of Christ Associates Prayers
  Author: Fr. Edward J. Carter S.J.
  $ .50  plus postage

Shepherds of Christ Prayer Manual. The Shepherds of Christ has prayer chapters all over the world praying for the priests, the Church and the world. These prayers that Father Carter compiled in the summer of 1994 began this worldwide network of prayer. Currently the prayers are in eight languages with the Church’s Imprimatur. We have prayed daily for the priests, the Church, and the world since 1994. Associates are called to join prayer Chapters and help us circulate the newsletter centered on spreading devotion to the Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart and helping to renew the Church through greater holiness. Please form a Prayer Chapter & order a Prayer Manual.

  
 

 
Shepherds of Christ 6:20 Prayers CD
Holy Spirit Novena, Associates Prayer Manual and the Rosary Led by: Fr. Edward J. Carter S.J.
$ 10.00  plus postage
Priestly Newsletter 2000 Issue 1
Audio CD - Read by Father Edward J. Carter
$ 10.00  plus postage

Priestly Newsletter - 2000 #1 - CD. - Christ is Our Strength - Fr. Edward Carter, S.J. read it the year he died. It is so beautiful. "This brief passage contains one of the greatest lessons of the spiritual life. As we progress along our spiritual journey, we become increasingly aware of how weak we are in our-selves, but how strong we are in Christ. To experience our weakness involves suffering. The degree and kind of suffering can vary. The suffering can include the experience of the classical dark night of the spirit as described by St. John of the Cross. One of the main purposes of the dark night is to make a person keenly aware of his or her helplessness without God." quote by Fr. Carter from the newsletter $10
Priestly Newsletter 2000 Issue 2
Audio CD - Read by Father Edward J. Carter
$ 10.00  plus postage

Priestly Newsletter - 2000 #2 - CD. - Suffering: A Source of Life - Fr. Edward Carter, S.J. read it the year he died. Fr. Carter knew suffering that year. His voice is so powerful as he read each Newsletter from his heart and soul. "Every man has his own share in the redemption. Each one is also called to share in that suffering through which the redemption was accomplished. He is called to share in that suffering through which all human suffering has also been redeemed. In bringing about the redemption through suffering, Christ has also raised human suffering to the level of the redemption. Thus each man in his suffering can also become a sharer in the redemptive suffering of Christ..." quote by Fr. Carter from the newsletter $10

Fr. John J. Pasquini

Light, Happiness, & Peace
Journeying Through Traditional Catholic Spirituality Author: Fr. John J. Pasquini
$ 10.00 plus postage

This book Light, Happiness and Peace is a journey into the spiritual life — an awakening of deeper life IN HIM. Here are some of the comments we received from bishops and cardinals about the book. Cardinal – Pontifical Council for Culture – Vatican City “I am sure that this book, Light, Happiness and Peace through a discussion on traditional Catholic Spirituality will contribute in bringing back prayer into the mainstream of life.” $10
In Imitation of Two Hearts
Prayers for Consolation, Renewal and Peace in Times of Suffering Author: Fr. John J. Pasquini
$ 10.00  plus postage

In Imitation of Two Hearts - Prayers for Consolation, Renewal and Peace in Times of Suffering Fr. John J. Pasquini leads a suffering soul to the gentle Hearts of Jesus and Mary. In these most loving Hearts - the prayers by Fr. John Pasquini - help the person suffering to know more deeply the pascal mystery of death/resurrection. President of the Pontifical Council for Health $10
Authenticity
Authenticity - Prayers and Meditations Author: Fr. John J. Pasquini
$ 10.00  plus postage

Authenticity, the Yellow Book of prayers by Fr. John Pasquini, can lead the soul into deeper intimacy with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, can lead to greater love of Mary which leads to the unitive life and greater holiness. The book of prayers Authenticity by Fr. John J. Pasquini is to help one grow ever deeper in the Unitive life. Apostolic Nuncio – Archbishop – Philippines “With Authenticity, much is gained in prayer, and much is accomplished through prayer. More especially if prayer is directed in behalf of the Church.” $10
Medicine of Immortality
Prayers and Meditations for Mass and Eucharistic Adoration Author: Fr. John J. Pasquini
$ 10.00  plus postage

“In Medicine of Immortality, Father John Pasquini offers his readers the richness of Catholic devotional prayer, the wisdom of the Fathers and, most of all, the fruits of his own prayer and meditation before the Blessed Sacrament. I recommend this book to all who wish to grow in their love for the Lord, who sustains the life of His Church through the precious gift of His Body and Blood.” Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago $10
Ecce Fides
Pillar of Truth - Dedicated to defending Catholic beliefs through reason, Scripture, and the life of the Holy Spirit Author: Fr. John J. Pasquini
$ 10.00  plus postage

Ecce Fides is a work dedicated to defending Catholic beliefs through reason, Scripture, and the life of the Holy Spirit. "It is important that we (as people of God) return to the source of life, our faith, which is usefully exposed in this volume, and take it out to our contemporaries, evangelizing them and their cultures and inculturating the Gospel." Cardinal – Pontifical Council for Culture – Vatican City $10

  
Shepherds of Christ Spirituality Newsletters
 Author: Fr. John J. Pasquini
$ 35.00  plus postage

Shepherds of Christ, a book of Spirituality Newsletters, is a compilation of the first nine newsletters from Fr. John J. Pasquini begining in August 2006. The Newsletter has been circulated to the priests and hierarchy spreading devotion to the Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart, promoting love for the Eucharist, greater love for the Church, the Priesthood, Mary and the Holy Spirit, the Mass, Prayer, and greater intimate relationship with God. $35
Authenticity Ocean DVD
The Authenticity Prayer Book is read with the Ocean as a backdrop.
$ 10.00  plus postage

DVD - Prayers from the Authenticity Book read by Rita Ring on the ocean — it is beautiful. 410
Nursing Home Mass DVD
A special mass by Fr. John J. Pasquini for those in nursing homes or homebound.
$ 10.00  plus postage

DVD - A beautiful Mass was done by Fr. John J. Pasquini for Nursing homes and assisted living. It was done at St. Joseph's magnificent chapel — St. Joseph's assisted living in Jupiter, Florida. It last about 33 minutes. We call it the golden Nursing Home Mass from St. Joseph's. $10
Consolation DVD
Give this DVD as a sympathy present.
$ 10.00  plus postage

Consolation by Fr. John J. Pasquini — upon the passing of a loved one. Fr. Pasquini has done a beautiful gift of his most wonderful homily given when someone dear has died. It can be given as a tremendous gift. $10

  
Divine Mercy Chaplet CD
Give this DVD as a gift.
$ 10.00  plus postage

Divine Mercy Chaplet CD. Prayed by Fr. John J. Pasquini $10
Statues/Religious Items

Statues, Crucifixes, and Religious Artwork
These items are very special additions to your home or place of worship.
 

Special 27" Pilgrim Virgin of Fatima/Clearwater Statue with Glass
27" Statue with crown
$ 450.00 plus shipping
Special 18" Pilgrim Virgin of Fatima/Clearwater Statue with Glass  
$ 250.00 plus shipping
Special 15" Pilgrim Virgin of Fatima/Clearwater Statue with Glass
White gown with gold trim around mantel
$ 200.00 plus shipping
Special 12" Pilgrim Virgin of Fatima/Clearwater Statue with Glass
White gown with gold trim around mantel
$ 165.00 plus shipping
Special 18" Our Lady of Fatima/Clearwater Statue with Glass  
Blue and Pink gown with a rosary over her hand.
$ 250.00 plus shipping
Special 11" Our Lady of Fatima/Clearwater Statue with Glass
Blue and Pink gown.
$ 150.00 plus shipping
Crucifix by Felix - Hand Carved
Crucifix with incredible detail!
$ 750.00 plus shipping
Imitation of Two Hearts
Giclee Art Print on Canvas
$ 150.00 plus shipping
Lucia's Vision
Giclee Art Print on Canvas by Harold Kellner
$ 150.00 plus shipping
 
  Mary's Image   12 x 16
  Giclee Art Print on Canvas of Mary's image with a sliver of glass and a little bottle of Jesus and Mary water. The glass will be fixed behind the back of the picture.
  $ 200.00 plus shipping

 

 

 
  Blue Crystal Rosary
  Rosary with the Image of Our Lady of Clearwater
  6mm - $ 30.00 plus shipping
  8mm - $ 40.00 plus shipping

 
  Red Crystal Rosary
  Rosary with the Image of Our Lady of Clearwater
  6mm - $ 30.00 plus shipping
  8mm - $ 40.00 plus shipping

 

 
  Clear Crystal Rosary
  Rosary with the Image of Our Lady of Clearwater
  6mm - $ 30.00 plus shipping
  8mm - $ 40.00 plus shipping
 

 

 
  Mug
  Mug with the Image of Our Lady of Clearwater
  $ 15.00 plus shipping
 
 

 

 

Call Rosie
1-888-211-3041
or
1-727-725-9312

 

Statues  

OL-Guadalupe
w/glass - 28

OL-Grace
w/glass - 24

OL-Mt. Carmel
w/glass - 24

OL-Lourdes
w/glass - 24
  

IH-Mary
w/glass - 24

IH-Ivory
w/glass - 24

SH-Jesus
w/glass - 24

SH-Blessing
w/glass - 24

Sorrow M
w/glass - 24

Inf.-Prague
w/glass - 24

OL-Lourdes
w/glass - 18

OL-Mt. Carmel
w/glass - 18

I Heart
w/glass - 18

I Heart - Ivory
w/glass - 18

OL-Grace
w/glass - 18

SH-Jesus
w/glass - 18

OL-Guadalupe
w/glass - 12
 		 
PV-Fatima
w/glass - 27
 		PV-Fatima
w/glass - 18
 		PV-Fatima
w/glass - 15
 		OL-Fatima
w/glass - 18
 		PV-Fatima
w/glass - 12
 		OL-Fatima
w/glass - 11

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 12

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

St. Michael - 11

Limpias - 8
 		       
           
           
           
           

 


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" $125  
 Pieta - Marble 15" $125  
 Holy Family

12"

 $75  
 St. Padre Pio - standing

12"

 $100  
 St. Padre Pio - sitting

9"

 $100  
 St. Michael

11"

 $40  
 St. Rita

12"

 $40  

 Divine Mercy

12"

 $50  
 St. Claire

12"

 $40  
 Pieta - Color 8" $75  
 Pieta - Marble 8" $75  
 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  


Call for Shipping Price (1-888-211-3041)
 
  Name
    		 Sub-Total
  Address
          		 IN Tax (7%)
  City
   		 Shipping
  State                                            Zip
   		 Donation
  Telephone
    		 Order Total

  

 

Call Rosie
1-888-211-3041
or
1-727-725-9312

 

   

    
Immaculate Heart and Sacred Heart Pictures Available
with & without frames - different sizes available

 

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SofC LogoCopyright © 2011 Shepherds of Christ.
Rights for non-commercial reproduction granted:
May be copied in its entirety, but neither re-typed nor edited.
Translations are welcome but they must be reviewed for moral and 
theological accuracy by a source approved by Shepherds of Christ Ministries 
before any distribution takes place. Please contact us for more information.
All scripture quotes are from the New Jerusalem Bible, July 1990, published by Doubleday.
Revised: January 1, 2011
URL: http://www.sofc.org
Contact Information for Shepherds of Christ
Email: info@SofC.org

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

Telephone: (toll free) 1-888-211-3041 or (812) 273-8405
FAX: (812) 273-3182