As followers of Christ, we are to practise moral strength and courage.
Monday, December 11, 2023
THE SUFFERING OF WOMEN
The woman with haemorrhage
"To Jesus this woman was not lost in the crowd; in her hour of need, to Him she was all that mattered. Jesus is like that for every one of us. [1]
The extraordinary, and the movingly beautiful thing, about this scene is that all at once amidst that crowd Jesus halted; and for the moment it seemed that for Him no one but that woman and nothing but her need existed. She was not simply a poor woman lost in the crowd; she was someone to whom Jesus gave the whole of Himself." [2]
[1] William Barclay, Gospel of Matthew, page 348
[2] William Barclay, Gospel of Matthew, page 347
Barclay, William. The Daily Study Bible, Gospel of Matthew, Vol 1: CH. 1-10. Revised Edition. 1981.
Saint Andrew Press: Scotland.
Saturday, December 2, 2023
TRUST IN GOD
Trust is utter confidence in the other person. Part of what we understand about real trust is confidence, relationship. Also part of trust is self-surrender. When we trust, we surrender some of our control. We trust in God by taking our hands off the controls of our own lives, and letting events develop at their own pace. Trust is a crucial part not only of our secular lives, but also of our spiritual lives.
Trust in God is essential, but not easy to do. As human beings, we like to be in control, in charge. Yet we need to sit back and relax in the gentle embrace of the Holy Spirit. God knows what is best for us.
We are not to omit careful thinking; but we should not pursue the thoughts of our minds without giving credence to God. Flying according to God's Flight Plan is always best. In this way, God shall direct your paths.
Our ways are influenced by our families, cultures, personality, talents, time of life. In all these, we need to trust God to direct us. We need to turn every area of our life over to God. We are called to make Him a vital part of everything we do.
God can direct us also by disappointments, or by realizing our dreams. We may be directed not always in pleasant paths, but always the right paths.
Trust in the Lord with your whole heart, and do not trust in your own undertakings alone.
Jesus Christ told us, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; and trust also in Me." John 14:1
Resource: Public sermon by Reverend Vanessa Wyse Jackson July 2016. Dublin, Ireland
Friday, December 1, 2023
LET US TRUST IN THE LORD JESUS
Let us trust in the Lord Jesus to successfully complete
the work of holiness in each one of us that He began.
OUR COMPANION JESUS
We link hands with Jesus as He companions us
on our discovery journey towards Heaven.
Friday, November 10, 2023
PRAYER IN THANKSGIVING FOR CONCEPTION
IN PREPARATION FOR
MOTHERHOOD AND FOR YOUNG MOTHERHOOD
PRAYER IN THANKSGIVING
FOR CONCEPTION
I rejoice in my
conception, Lord, and I give thanks that the father of my little one and I have
been chosen to share in the work of Your love. In Your great and tender wisdom,
You do not wish to multiply the human family by Your power alone. You allow us,
Your humble creatures, to share in Your creative might. The soul of our tiny
baby will be Your work alone; our baby’s body will be Your work and ours, too,
for we are the father and mother.
But, soul and body, this
little one will be our companion forever as well as Yours. May this child ever
remind us that You and we have worked lovingly side by side.
How can I ever return
sufficient thanks for this great honour? I offer humbly my homage and heartfelt
devotion.
Pages 15 to 16. “In Preparation for Motherhood and for Young
Motherhood”, publishing details unknown
JESUS' FAVOURITE BOOKS
Jesus' favourite books were from Deuteronomy (Torah), Isaiah (Prophets) and Psalms (Writings)
Books of the Tanakh
Torah [Law, Teaching]
Neviim [Prophets]
Ketuvim ]Writings]
Jesus linked Himself to God by using the metaphor as a shepherd sorting his sheep. God is often called the Shepherd of Israel. Jesus thus proclaimed His Oneness with the Father.
CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH - A GREAT RESOURCE
CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IS A GREAT RESOURCE.
https://www.archeparchy.ca/wcm-docs/docs/catechism-of-the-catholic-church.pdf
With thanks to archeparchy.ca
THE MEANING OF LIFE
Welcome to all here today. All of us in this church are here because we are on a continuing search, a search for God. We are looking for a meaning in our lives, an answer to the question; what is my life about?
We are here in the spirit of fellowship, walking alongside each other in our unique search for God. Each of us will have a different answer and a different relationship with God.
But as a community - a fellowship - we have a common interaction with each other and with God that is special. None of us is an island, we all need assistance from other people. And, in our spiritual church, we need our fellowship community.
CANDLE-LIGHTING
CEREMONY
As we begin to look deeper into the question of the meaning in our lives, let us light our fellowship candle from this large candle. This great Easter candle burning here before our altar symbolises Jesus Christ.
We bless this candle at Eastertime, and it symbolizes for us the life and energy of Jesus Christ our Savour. His Light burns for all to see, and enlightens our candle.
We are enlightened by Christ, and share with others the goodness and encouragement we have received from Him, much as we share the Light of this candle. (During this ceremony, light a candle. If you are worshipping with your family or congregation, other members of your community may light their candles from your candle, and then pass the light on from candle to candle until the entire church stands with the lit candles.) If there is danger of fire, then use flameless battery-operated candles. If this is not possible, why then, let the love in your heart shine like a candle before God.
OPENING
PRAYER
Lord Jesus Christ, we bow our heads before you in supplication and praise. You, the Son of God, have great powers of Being. Look kindly on us here today, as we gather to praise and worship you. We give thanks for your goodness and support to us in our lives.
I now invite you all to blow out your candles and be seated.
MESSAGE
The theme
today is John 17:18
"As
You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world."
Jesus' message to us in these heartfelt words of His is that the core of the meaning in our life is to be as He was; a messenger to others of the goodness and promises of God. Because God sent Jesus out into the world, Jesus will now send us out into the world.
God keeps
us secure in our faith through His power, and sets us apart in our faith
through His Word. Jesus thus sends us out to share our faith with the world. We
are thus, to be missionaries of His Word.
To be a missionary is to share what God has done for you and the word of the Bible. In order to know the right time to share, you have to be sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. There are different ways of sharing the message that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and is our Saviour. These ways include sharing the message of Jesus with your family, your friends and colleagues. Your approach can be casual. You talk about familiar interests, but gradually move to the message of Jesus.
Another approach is to share the Gospel, showing people who ask about God what God says about Himself. Tell others of Romans 10:9, "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
As missionary you can give your testimonial to others. You can open it up like this; I had a personal spiritual experience. Would you like to hear about it? If they say yes, then just describe how you came to know Jesus. You briefly talk about the circumstances of your life and how you came to know Jesus.
In my own life I have experienced that witnessing to Jesus can happen in so many ways. Years ago I illustrated a book my mother wrote on the sacraments and faith in Jesus Christ. I drew pictures, one of them of a girl receiving communion and seeing Jesus behind the host. After publication, I read a newspaper critic's review. She perceived my artwork as exceptionally poor. I sighed, and moved on. What to do? I knew I was not a great artist, but my heart certainly belonged to the Lord.
Ten years later, when I had long forgotten about the book, a young lady traced my whereabouts and appeared at my work one day. She wished to tell me she had come across a copy of the book at a second hand book sale. She purchased it, took it home, and read and reread the book during the night. The book spoke deeply to her. In the early hours of the morning as she stared at the picture of the girl seeing Jesus behind the host at communion, faith in Jesus Christ was born in her. She became a Christian and was baptised.
She met a young man and over time he had become a Christian after attending church with her. They were both about to be married shortly in the church, and were intending any family God would gift them with to know about Jesus Christ as Savior. She wanted to thank my mother and myself for the gift of faith which had come to her from God through the book.
I was stunned. What a critic had experienced as poor art unsuitable for the book had been part of the inspiration Jesus had used to gift the precious gift of faith to another. Truly I realised that God's ways are not our ways. Jesus used my weakness as an artist to let His great Light shine through. I had found the meaning of my life; to bring others to Christ, as others have brought me to Him. Ponder after our shared Eucharist how Christ is sending you out into the world. How is He calling you to share His message?
OFFERTORY
During this offertory time, please tithe a gift which you can afford. Perhaps you will give the gift of your time to help another. Maybe you can listen to someone in need of support. Perhaps you wish to tithe a gift of service, or give a gift of funds to someone in need. Please remember that orphanages are desperately in need of assistance. Please be generous to those in need, according to your ability.
If you are
unemployed, retired, sick or with little funds, please gift of your prayer for this
world which is so desperately in need of holy servants of God.
As you go out from our place of worship to the challenges and work of your daily life, let Jesus' strength and our commitment as a community strengthen you. As you extend the meaning of your life as missionary of Christ to your family, friends and colleagues, I pray that the strength and love of Jesus Christ and His angels bear you up in all your decision making and difficult times.
BENEDICTION
May the
blessing of Almighty God be with all of us as we go out to share the love and
message we have received today to others. May you all be strengthened and
enriched by the grace of God given to you.
Amen.
Rev Catherine Nicolette Whittle
GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH IS AT ALL NIGHT PRAYER VIGIL TO ASK GOD FOR PEACE IN ISRAEL AND GAZA. WHY NOT JOIN US?
We place our prayers for peace in Israel and Gaza, directly before the Throne of Almighty God
Dear Lord, Saviour and Creator of all humankind, please look favourably upon our petition and grant this miracle of peace. Amen
GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH HAS VIEWED FOOTAGE OF DEAD, DYING AND UNBELIEVABLE SUFFERING IN ISRAEL AND GAZA. WE ASK ALMIGHTY GOD TO MAKE A MIRACLE AND BRING PEACE IN ISRAEL AND GAZA. WE ARE AT ALL NIGHT PRAYER VIGIL. WHY NOT JOIN US?
We pray for
- End to the war in Israel and Gaza
- For all those who have died
- For all who are suffering
- For all who have lost loved ones
- For all who have been orphaned
- For all who have been disabled through injury
- That those who are buried may be rescued
- For those in the helping professions
- That food, blankets and medical assistance as well as all needs may be made available to those in need
- For all animals killed and hurt in the conflict, that there may be succour
- For your special intentions
Good Shepherd Church is praying the Divine Mercy Novena. Please join us at
Good Shepherd Church is praying before the Lourdes Grotto
Prayer request has been handed in to Lourdes Grotto
Light a candle for Israel and Gaza
Holy Rosary
Stations of the Cross
Bible Reading
With thanks to directfromlourdes.com, compepraytherosary.org, ebible.org
Monday, October 23, 2023
MOTHER MARY - THE HOLY. AMAZON PRIME HAS MADE THE MOVIE '"THE UNHOLY" AVAILABLE; ALLEGED NEWS. WHY NOT SIGN THE PETITION?
MOTHER MARY - THE HOLY
AMAZON PRIME REPORTEDLY HAS MADE AVAILABLE THE MOVIE "THE UNHOLY", A 2021 SUPERNATURAL HORROR FILM; ALLEGED NEWS. THE TENOR OF THE FILM IS ENCAPSULATED IN THE NAME "THE UNHOLY". FURTHER, PROMOTIONAL SLOGAN FOR THE FILM "THE UNHOLY" IS "BE CAREFUL WHO YOU PRAY TO THE UNHOLY".
PROMOTIONAL POSTER SHOWS A STATUE OF OUR LADY OF GRACE, AND BELOW THE STATUE IN A POND, THE REFLECTION OF OUR LADY IN A TATTERED GOWN, LONG AND POINTED FINGERS AND APPARENT DEMON-FACE WITH BURNING EYES.
IT BECOMES MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER TO UNDERSTAND THAT MARY THE MOTHER OF JESUS CHRIST IS HOLY.
WHY NOT SIGN THE PETITION TO TELL AMAZON PRIME TO STOP BLASPHEMING THE HOLY MARY AND DEVOTION TO HER. CLICK IN THE FOLLOWING LINK:
The coming of Mother Mary - otherwise known as Our Lady - was foretold to humanity by Almighty God. In Genesis 3:15, God told satan "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; it will crush your head, and you will bruise His Heel." So God already planned to sent an immaculately conceived human woman to our race. He would ask her if she would consent to be the Mother of His only begotten Son. If she agreed, the Messiah - Jesus Christ of Divine Father and born of human mother - would crush satan's rule on earth. Likewise, satan would only hurt the Savior, not bring about His annihilation.
We see that Jesus indeed died by crucifixion as a result of historical events which were overshadowed by satan's hour of darkness. Yet Jesus - Who had been borne by holy Mary - was not destined to remain dead. On the third day after His crucifixion, Jesus arose again - alive forevermore. Furthermore, Christ has promised that all of good will shall rise again to eternal joy in heaven.
PROPHECIES
The prophets foretold that the promise of God regarding the coming of Mary to world history would be fulfilled. The book of Isaiah tells us that God promised Ahaz a sign that the Davidic dynasty would continue despite the threats of invading armies: "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold, a young woman shall conceive and bear a son and shall call His Name Emmanuel" (Is 7:13-14).
APPARITIONS
For over two millennia, Mother Mary has constantly appeared in apparitions to uncounted people. Many apparitions occur which are not reported. Other apparitions have been reported over the centuries: Our Lady appeared in Lourdes, Guadalupe, Fatima, Ngome and many other areas. Many of Mother Mary's holy apparitions have been documented in The Miracle Hunter:
http://miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/index.html
The hallmarks of an apparition of Our Lady include the following:
- The Mother of God is always holy and dignified in appearance
- True miracles - which only bring good, peace and happiness to the recipients - often occur during or after the apparition
- Those to whom Mother Mary appear either come to faith in Jesus Christ, such as Alphonse Ratisbonne :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie-Alphonse_Ratisbonne
- or have their faith strengthened
- or their lives deepen in holiness, such as Juan Diego after he witnessed the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Guadalupe
It behoves all humanity to respect the Mother of God. Let us only read holy books which honor her name. Moreover, let us only watch non-blasphemous films which speak the truth of Mother Mary's holiness.
Holy Mary is honored as the Mother of the Son of God, the King of Heaven. Chapter 12 in the Book of Revelation shows that Mary wears the Queen Mother crown in Heaven.
Satan's time on earth is limited: this being knows that his nemesis is a little Nazarene lady who bore the Son of God. During our time on earth let us follow the example God set for us and honor the holy woman He chose as Mother of His Son.
Amazon Prime has made the movie "The Unholy" available. This film does not show the wonder of the true nature of Mother Mary, the Mother of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
WHY NOT SIGN THE PETITION?
With thanks to americaneedsfatima.org, miraclehunter.com and wikipedia
Thursday, May 11, 2023
PLEASE SIGN PETITION TO TELL ETSY TO STOP SELLING PARODY CRUCIFIX AND SLINGSHOT; ALLEGED NEWS
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God and Saviour of the world, we pray in reparation for hurts to Your Loving Heart and thank You for Your great sacrifice on the cross for love of our world. Amen
A parody crucifix and slingshot are being sold, Alleged News. Parody crucifix and slingshot do not show respect for the Saviour Who suffered and died for the sake of all.
Please sign the petition to tell Etsy to stop selling the blasphemous crucifix and slingshot which uses the corpus of a crucifix as its handle, Alleged News.
https://www.tfp.org/petition/tell-etsy-to-stop-selling-this-blasphemous-crucifix-now/?PKG=TFPE3078
With thanks to tfp.org
Sunday, April 9, 2023
EASTER SUNDAY SERVICE
EASTER SUNDAY SERVICE
Today we relive the glorious events of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The Savior was crucified between two condemned, died and - after three days - rose again. How thankful are we to have such a great Messiah.
Jesus Christ has conquered sin, death. and the devil. He has emptied hell.
The Son of God loves us and works untiringly to bring each one safely into heaven. Alleluia!
Let us pray for all who have ever gone before, for all peoples now, and for all who will ever exist in the future until the Last Day: that they may attain everlasting life with our resurrected Savior forever.
Priest: "The Easter Vigil begins in darkness. The darkness of the tomb is split open as the Light of the world resurrects and pours life-giving light to the whole world.
O God, grant that our hearts may be purified by your beloved Son Jesus Christ.
We offer You our love and praise in honor of so glorious a gift to our world,
Amen."
EASTER VIGIL READING
Mark 16
The Resurrection
16 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?”4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” 8 And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
9 Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons.10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.
Jesus Appears to Two Disciples
12 After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.
The Great Commission
14 Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. 15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.
BAPTISM
If you have been baptized, here quietly renew your promises to Jesus to continue practising holiness in your life, and to be faithful to Him.
If you have been baptized, and fallen away from your faith, why then, just renew your baptismal promises and start all over again.
If you have never been baptized, why not accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior?
He truly is the Son of God, and is waiting for you. Invite joy into your life and accept Him. Seek baptism.
Here is a chapel for accepting Jesus Christ into your life:
LITANY OF THE SAINTS
Priest: "Let us thank God for the holy men and women who have gone before us, showing that it is possible to reach the holiness God desires for us. Let us remember our holy ones."
Congregation: "We remember you, our holy family in heaven."
BLESSING OF THE WATER
If you do not have holy water, pour some water into a bowl. Sprinkle a little salt in it if you have some. Ask the Lord to bless the water and make it holy. Now you have your own holy water!
The priest blesses the water, and sprinkles the congregation with it.
We remember that Jesus is the Water of Life and brings us to holiness through baptism.
WE NOW REJECT OUR ANCIENT ENEMY SATAN
Priest: "Do you reject sin, so as to live in the freedom of God's children?'
Congregation: "I do."
Priest: "Do you reject the glamour of evil, and refuse to be mastered by sin?"
Congregation: "I do."
Priest: "Do you reject satan, father of sin and prince of darkness?"
Congregation: "I do."
WORDS OF COMFORT
"After the crucifixion, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was very busy after He gave His Spirit back to God the Father. The gospels tell us how the earth shook with earthquake, rocks split. The veil in the Jerusalem Temple split in two. Tombs opened and many saints resurrected, went into the Holy City and appeared to many people. Jesus' sacrifice and death had won redemption and resurrection for humanity. What a great gift!
Thereafter, Jesus descended to the holding place of the dead. He met with all who had passed from the time of our earliest ancestors. They were now freed from the grip of death, and the way of heaven was opened to humanity. The great King Jesus had faced satan, whose power was now vanquished.
After three days, the Power of God reanimated the dead human Body of the Son of God, Christ resurrected and appeared to many. These are wonderful occurrences. We are blessed to have access to Heaven, whereas before Christ died we were condemned through justice to live in eternal banishment from the Luminous Face of God.
Let us rejoice at our wondrous fate as the human children of God.
Do you wish to turn to God to bring areas of your life to be washed in the precious Blood of the Savior? If so, perhaps you will find peace and comfort from visiting the Chapel of Repentance.
If you wish to accept Jesus Christ in your life, visit the following prayer chapel,
THE EUCHARIST
Priest; "As they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed and broke it. He gave it to His disciples, saying; "Take all you, and eat. This is My Body, which is broken for you."
Congregation; "Lord Jesus, You are the Bread of Life."
Priest; "At the end of supper, Jesus took the cup. He gave thanks, and gave it to His disciples, saying, "Take, all of you, and drink; this is My Blood of the new covenant, Which is shed for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of Me." '
Congregation; "Lord Jesus, You are the cup of life, the wine blessed for our salvation."
[Receive communion. If you are unable to attend Holy Mass, receive Jesus spiritually within your heart and soul now. Spend some time in prayer. Let us pray for all affected by the Coronavirus].
LORD'S PRAYER
Priest; "Let us now pray the Lord's prayer in the words Jesus gave us."
Priest and Congregation;
'Our Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come
Thy Will be done
One earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day
Our daily bread,
And forgive us our sins,
As we forgive those who sin against us,
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory,
For ever and ever. Amen."
Congregation; "Lord Jesus, You are the Bread of Life."
Priest; "At the end of supper, Jesus took the cup. He gave thanks, and gave it to His disciples, saying, "Take, all of you, and drink; this is My Blood of the new covenant, Which is shed for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of Me." '
Congregation; "Lord Jesus, You are the cup of life, the wine blessed for our salvation."
[Receive communion. If you are unable to attend Holy Mass, receive Jesus spiritually within your heart and soul now. Spend some time in prayer. Let us pray for all affected by the Coronavirus].
LORD'S PRAYER
Priest; "Let us now pray the Lord's prayer in the words Jesus gave us."
Priest and Congregation;
'Our Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come
Thy Will be done
One earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day
Our daily bread,
And forgive us our sins,
As we forgive those who sin against us,
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory,
For ever and ever. Amen."
We rejoice in His Resurrection. This Easter the tomb is robbed of death, and is empty!
There is Light in the midst of our darkness!
We have been fed by the Word and given new life in the waters of baptism.
We have been given renewed life in the Eucharist, and receive life from Jesus our Lord.
We ask for Your blessing as we go forth to witness to the world the truth that JESUS CHRIST IS THE RISEN SON OF GOD!"
Congregation; "Amen. ALLELUIA!"
With thanks to Youtube
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