Daily Thought from the Saints
"When an evil thought is presented to the mind, we must immediately endeavor to turn our thoughts to God, or to something which is indifferent. But the first rule is, instantly to invoke the names of Jesus and Mary and to continue to invoke them until the temptation ceases. He who trusts in himself is lost. He who trusts in God can do all things."
— St. Alphonsus Liguori
Daily Scripture Verse
"For it is not those who hear the law who are just in the sight of God; rather, those who observe the law will be justified."
Romans 2:13
Daily Meditation
"Temptation to a certain sin, to any sin whatsoever, might last throughout our whole life, yet it can never make us displeasing to God’s Majesty provided we do not take pleasure in it and give consent to it. You must have great courage in the midst of temptation. Never think yourself overcome as long as they are displeasing to you, keeping clearly in mind the difference between feeling temptation and consenting to it."
— St. Francis de Sales
Daily Catholic Wisdom
What dear brothers, is more delightful than the voice of the Lord calling to us?
—St. Benedict
A Prayer from Notre Dame University
Rev. Robert Brennan, C.S.C.
Lord, hear those who call out for healing of body, mind, and spirit. May we unite with the sufferings of our brothers and sisters as they call out for your healing. Amen.
The Abbot’s Daily Lectio Divina
Abbot Austin Murphy, O.S.B., St. Procopius Abbey, Lisle, IL
Matthew 8:5-8
Reading
When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” He said to him, “I will come and cure him.” The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.”
Meditation
I am struck by how readily Jesus answers the centurion's request. This indicates how willing the Lord is to come to our aid. But as we see elsewhere in the gospels, peoples' lack of faith gets in the way of Jesus helping them. Faith allows God to act more fully in our lives. The centurion models such faith, as his reply and the subsequent lines in the gospel show.
Prayer
Lord, increase my faith and do not let it falter when I do not see how You are answering my prayers. Amen.
Contemplation…