It's all about Love

"In this is where it appears that the Bible is a book of a people and for a people; an inheritance, a testament handed over to readers so that they can put into practice in their own lives the history of salvation witnessed in the text. There is therefore a reciprocal relationship of vital belonging between the people and the Book: the Bible remains a living Book with the people which is its subject which reads it; the people cannot exist without the Book, because it is in it that they find their reason for living, their vocation and their identity. " - The Pope, Oct. 27, 2008 , from the General Assemble of the Synod of Bishops

I found this message from the Pope to be very profound and encouraging. Actually, there were quite a few passages that I think are very essential messages to the world. Of course, much was said about love. Loving God, loving your neighbor, loving yourself, and loving to read the scriptures. The Pope also asked that we share in prayer for Christians, who are persecuted on a daily basis, living in Iraq and India. It's hard to imagine what it must be like for people living in other countries not able to have religious freedom like we do in the U.S.A. I know that God gives them the mercy and love to live every day.

The Pope aso stated that he will be going to Africa (Angola and Cameroon) in Spring 2009. It was reported yesterday that there are over 10,000 displaced because of the fighting taking place in Congo. I don't understand all the details but there is still a connection with rebels from Rwanda (Hutus vs. Tutsis). The UN commander in charge of the peacekeeping operation in Congo resigned as well.
I pray that the innocent people in these fighting areas are protected by the Heavenly Father, that they stay safe, receive any medical attention they need, food, and shelter. I also pray for a showering of God's almighty mercy and love to fall upon all these people regardless of their tribe. I pray for peace in Africa. Amen.

other motivational messages from the Pope(see the Vatican news link):

"....the Church’s principal task, at the start of this new millennium, is above all to nourish ourselves on the Word of God, in order to make more effective new evangelization, the announcement of our times."

"What this requires first of all is a more intimate knowledge of Christ and an ever-more docile acceptance of his Word."

The Lord's Prayer

"..for your Father knows what you need, before you ask Him. Pray, then, in this way:

(In the Name of the Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit)

'Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed by Thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
Forgive our trespasses as we
forgive those who trespassed against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.'

(I pray this in the name of Jesus...)

Amen

Matthew 6:8-13

I heard a little Angel clipped her wing

Ouchie Mama! Sophia broke her little arm today and had to have surgery. Many people were praying for her- family,Grandparents, Aunts, cousins friends, and people she doesn't even know were praying for her. I was even praying for her in the restroom at Borders!! Anyways, I came home and was trying to get caught up on Sophia's progress and I saw the e-photo Jerry had sent. Sophia looked so peaceful in her post surgery slumber-with her pink cast. I started to reflect on how small (and fragile!) children are and how they manage their pain when they get hurt. I was thinking of how I know, now more than ever before, to call on Jesus when I'm in pain, suffering, or having something as miniscule as a lousy day at work. Jesus comes through, in His on way, everytime. I do believe that our Heavenly Father does hear our cries and prayers. I prayed again for Sophia after looking at her picture and I also prayed for children all over the world that their bones would be healed and that they would receive a great sense of comfort.



I also read from the Gospel According to St. John when Jesus was talking to his disciples before his Last Supper:

" And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."(John 14:13)

"If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. (John 14:14)

"And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that he may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be with you ." (John 14:16-17)

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." (John 14:26)