psalm 89

light of the world

in life or death, we belong to God

saint Catherine

Saint Frances of Rome

SOLEMNITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, MOTHER OF GOD

PSALM

THIS IS MY BELOVED SON,

PSALM

Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori

Profile

Born to the nobility, Alphonsus was a child prodigy; he became extremely well-educated, and received his doctorate in law from the University of Naples at age 16. He had his own legal practice by age 21, and was soon one of the leading lawyers in Naples, though he never attended court without having attended Mass first. He loved music, could play the harpsichord, and often attended the opera, though he frequently listened without bothering to watch the over-done staging. As he matured and learned more and more of the world, he liked it less and less, and finally felt a call to religious life. He declined an arranged marriage, studied theology, and was ordained at age 29.

Preacher and home missioner around Naples. Noted for his simple, clear, direct style of preaching, and his gentle, understanding way in the confessional. Writer on asceticism, theology, and history; master theologian. He was often opposed by Church officials for a perceived laxity toward sinners, and by government officials who opposed anything religious. Founded the Redemptoristines women‘s order in Scala in 1730. Founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Liguorians; Redemptorists) at Scala, Italy in 1732.

Appointed bishop of the diocese of Sant’Agata de’ Goti, Italy by Pope Clement XIII in 1762. Worked to reform the clergy and revitalize the faithful in a diocese with a bad reputation. He was afflicted with severe rheumatism, and often could barely move or raise his chin from his chest. In 1775 he resigned his see due to ill health, and went into what he thought would be a prayerful retirement.

In 1777 the royal government threatened to disband his Redemptorists, claiming that they were covertly carrying on the work of the Jesuits, who had been suppressed in 1773. Calling on his knowledge of the Congregation, his background in thelogy, and his skills as a lawyer, Alphonsus defended the Redemptorists so well that they obtained the king‘s approval. However, by this point Alphonsus was nearly blind, and was tricked into giving his approval to a revised Rule for the Congregation, one that suited the king and the anti-clerical government. When Pope Pius VI saw the changes, he condemned it, and removed Alphonsus from his position as leader of the Order. This caused Alphonsus a crisis in confidence and faith that took years to overcome. However, by the time of his death he had returned to faith and peace.

Alphonsus vowed early to never to waste a moment of his life, and he lived that way for over 90 years. Declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius IX in 1871.

When he was bishop, one of Alphonsus’s priests led a worldly life, and resisted all attempts to change. He was summoned to Alphonsus, and at the entrance to the bishop‘s study he found a large crucifix laid on the threshold. When the priest hesitated to step in, Alphonsus quietly said, “Come along, and be sure to trample it underfoot. It would not be the first time you have placed Our Lord beneath your feet.”

OPEN YOUR HEART

psalm

remain

Remain

In life, we all have ups and downs. There are seasons that are more difficult than others, seasons of testing, trials, and temptation where our character is being developed and our faith in God is being strengthened. Sometimes it can feel like you are taking two steps forward and then three steps backward. But if we’re not careful, we’ll start thinking that life is always going to be this way. Even in the strong seasons, you’ll start looking for things to go wrong. If you are controlled by your circumstances, if you’re up when things are up and down when things don’t go your way, life is going to be a roller coaster. God’s plan is for you to be stable, consistent, not moved by any of these things. Jesus said, “I am the vine. You are the branches. If you abide in Me, you will bear much fruit and your fruit will remain.” The word “remain” means “to be fixed, immovable, not affected by circumstances.” If you will just keep abiding in Him, just keep meditating on His Word, He’ll bring you through. He’ll make you strong; He’ll keep you stable, and you’ll keep moving forward into the life of blessing He has prepared for you! ******************************************** BRO. BRYAN ASUIT

prayer

PSALM

PRAYER

FEAST OF SAINT THOMAS THE APOSTLE

THE REWARD OF DILIGENCE

The Reward of Diligence

God longs to pour out His favour and blessing on you. He longs to show you His goodness and provision. He promises to do His part, but you have to do your part. You have to be diligent. First of all, be diligent in seeking His ways and following His commands. Then, be diligent with what you have in your hand, with your time and resources. In Matthew 25, Jesus tells a parable about three men whose employer entrusted them with some money called talents. Two of the men were diligent and invested the talents and received a great return. The third man was afraid and buried what he was given. The first two men were rewarded and praised for their diligence while the third man was rebuked. Follow the example of the first two men and look for ways to be diligent with what you have in your hand. Whatever you do, do it with excellence. Be the best you can be and go the extra mile even when you think it goes unnoticed. Understand that when people don’t notice, God notices and promises to reward the appetite of the diligent. ****************************** BRYAN ASUIT

Saint Processus of Rome

Saint Processus of Rome

Memorial

• 2 July

Profile

Prison guard at the Mamertine prison in Rome, Italy. Worked with Saint Martinian. Guarded Saint Peter the Apostle and Saint Paul the Apostle when they were imprisoned in Rome. Converted to Christianity and was baptized by them. Tortured and executed in the persecutions of Nero. Martyr.

Died

• beheaded on the Aurelian road outside Rome, Italy
• relics in Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vatican, Rome

Canonized

• publicly venerated from the 4th century

All things are possible with God

All Things Are Possible

Are you facing something today that seems impossible? With man, it may be, but with God, ALL things are possible. If you seem to be in an impossible situation, get “with God!” Sometimes it’s so easy to focus on our problems and try to solve them in our own strength. But remember, the battle belongs to the Lord. He has a plan for your victory. He has a plan to give you a way out. He is making the things that seem impossible, possible. You can trust Him today. The Bible says that He has plans for your good, not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Start believing and confessing today, “I am with God, and with God all things are possible!” Are your bills piling up? With God, all things are possible. Do your relationships need healing? With God, all things are possible. Is there sickness in your body? With God, all things are possible! As you meditate on God’s Word, His power is activated in your life. He will strengthen you and lead you forward into that place of victory He has in store for you. *************************************************************** Bryan Asuit.