Thursday, December 5, 2024
Bishop Robert Barron

Cycle C

Advent

1st wk of Advent

Bible References

Matthew 7:21,
Matthew 7:24-27

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus closes his Sermon on the Mount by showing us the importance of applying his teaching: “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse.”

This is the heart of it: if you are rooted in God, then you can withstand anything, precisely because you are linked to that power which is creating the cosmos. You will be blessed at the deepest place, and nothing can finally touch you.

But the one who does not take Jesus’ words to heart “will be like the fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.” When the inevitable trials come, the life built on pleasure, money, power, or fame will give way.

So the question is a simple one: Where do you stand? How goes it with your heart? On what, precisely, is the whole of your life built?
Gospel Reflections

Meditate on Daily Gospel Reflections from Bishop Robert Barron

https://audio.com/tonyone/audio/screen-recording-30-11-2024-17-39-39-audio-extractor… Breezing Things is a Soothing Soundscape of Gentle Winds and Tranquil Moments. It is perfect for unwinding, meditation, or finding peaceful focus." It creates an inviting atmosphere for listeners who seek a peaceful, ambient experience. Free mp3 download

We all start out knowing magic. We are born with whirlwinds, forest fires, and comets inside us. We are born able to sing to birds and read the clouds and see our destiny in grains of sand.
But then we get the magic educated right out of our souls. We get it churched out, spanked out, washed out, and combed out. We get put on the straight and narrow and told to be responsible. Told to act our age. Told to grow up, for God’s sake. And you know why we were told that? Because the people doing the telling were afraid of our wildness and youth, and because the magic we knew made them ashamed and sad of what they’d allowed to wither in themselves.
~ Robert R. McCammon

The most beautiful castles from around the world, each known for its architecture, history, and stunning surroundings:

1. Neuschwanstein Castle (Germany)
Location: Bavaria, Germany
Highlights: Perched on a rugged hill, Neuschwanstein Castle is often called a “fairy-tale castle.” Built in the 19th century by King Ludwig II, its Romanesque architecture and dramatic mountain backdrop make it one of the most visited castles in the world.
2. Château de Chambord (France)
Location: Loire Valley, France
Highlights: A masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture, this massive château features elegant towers and extensive grounds. Its double-helix staircase is rumored to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci.
3. Alhambra (Spain)
Location: Granada, Spain
Highlights: The Alhambra is a stunning example of Moorish architecture. Its intricately designed walls, arches, and courtyards are set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains, blending both beauty and history.
4. Edinburgh Castle (Scotland)
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Highlights: Situated on an extinct volcanic rock, this medieval fortress dominates Edinburgh’s skyline. It’s rich in history and offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
5. Himeji Castle (Japan)
Location: Himeji, Japan
Highlights: Known as the "White Heron Castle," Himeji is a striking, white castle that dates back to the 14th century. Its stunning design and well-preserved structure make it one of Japan’s most iconic castles.
6. Bran Castle (Romania)
Location: Bran, Romania
Highlights: Often referred to as “Dracula’s Castle,” Bran Castle is perched on the edge of a cliff and has a gothic, mysterious charm. It’s set amidst the beautiful Carpathian mountains and is a major tourist attraction in Transylvania.
7. Pena Palace (Portugal)
Location: Sintra, Portugal
Highlights: With its bright colors and eclectic architecture, Pena Palace looks like something out of a fairy tale. Set high on a hill overlooking the lush Sintra mountains, it combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish styles.
8. Mont Saint-Michel (France)
Location: Normandy, France
Highlights: Rising dramatically from a tidal island, Mont Saint-Michel is a medieval abbey and fortress surrounded by a quaint village. Its mystical appearance, especially at high tide, makes it one of the most enchanting castles in the world.
9. Prague Castle (Czech Republic)
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
Highlights: One of the largest ancient castles in the world, Prague Castle dominates the city’s skyline. Its Gothic architecture and historical significance are matched by stunning views of Prague’s old town.
10. Windsor Castle (England)
Location: Windsor, England
Highlights: One of the residences of the British royal family, Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Its blend of Georgian, Gothic, and medieval architecture adds to its grandeur and charm.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Hurricane Milton churned across Florida on Thursday after plowing into the state as a Category 3 storm, bringing misery to a coast still ravaged by Helene, pounding cities with winds of over 100 mph (160 kph) after producing a barrage of tornadoes, but sparing Tampa a direct hit.

Hurricane Milton is now a Category 5 storm, with maximum sustained winds in excess of 160 mph, according to the latest data from the National Hurricane Center.

https://www.zerohedge.com/weather/milton-explosively-intensifies-major-hurricane-forcing-florida-declare-largest-evacuations

WAS JESUS A MAN??? Yes or No???

It seems that every "Christian" out there thinks that Jesus IS the Most High.....
And it just makes no sense!

Examine these verses!
You CANNOT argue that Jesus was not a MAN.
He lived as a MAN, He died as a MAN, and He was even the self proclaimed
"Son of MAN." But right here in Mathew 24:36 He tells you that
"NO MAN KNOWS THE DAY" only the Father knows the day!

Jesus is NOT the Most High folks!
He is the SON of the most high!

He does NOT pray to himself!
He prays to HIS FATHER, the Most High!


Matthew 24
1599 Geneva Bible

30 And then shall appear the [s]sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the [t]kindreds of the earth [u]mourn, and they shall see the Son of man [v]come in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

31 And he shall send his Angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect, from the [w]four winds, and from the one end of the heavens unto the other.

32 [x]Now learn the parable of the fig tree: when her bough is yet [y]tender, and it putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near.

33 So likewise ye, when ye see all these things, know that the kingdom of God is near, even at the doors.

34 Verily I say unto you, this [z]generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.

35 [aa]Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

36 [ab]But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no not the Angels of heaven, but my father only.

There are many other passages where He says that His words are not His own, but of HE WHO SENT ME. Preachers seem to even need this lesson!

While I'm no bible scholar by any means.....
I do know that the FATHER is NOT also "The Son"

The Father dwells within the Son, He gives the Son messages for the people, and spiritually "they are one" because Jesus is FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT OF THE FATHER!

But He is not the father! He is the SON!
He's my Lord and Savior, He's the head of the church and He has ALL AUTHORITY on this earth! But those things were given to Him BY THE FATHER!

There are so many examples of Jesus Himself denying being the Father!
Jesus was baptized by John, and the heavens opened and the Most High said "This is my beloved SON, with whom I'm well pleased"

So..... what happened there?
Are you claiming that Yahuwah Himself was baptized, and after He left his human body, jumped up into heaven to then speak to John???

You have to be mentally ill to believe this!
And I already know 100 people will argue with me about this.....

But I also know their arguments make no sense!
They turn the entire bible into nonsense!

There is the FATHER, and at His Right Hand is the SON!
The Father's spirit fills the SON, the SON speaks the Father's words....
But He is NOT the Father!

At least not without some SERIOUS MENTAL GYMNASTICS!!!

The Gaemi typhoon capsized an oil tanker in Manila Bay. Super Typhoon Carina, along with an enhanced seasonal monsoon, produced massive waves with maximum sustained winds of 185 kph, bringing heavy rainfall over various parts of the country. This may cause a huge oil spill from the tanker, which is carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel.

“The Winds of Change Have Arrived:” Melania Calls For Americans to Reunite, Wield Love Over Politics https://www.infowars.com/posts/the-winds-of-change-have-arrived-melania-calls-for-americans-to-reunite-wield-love-over-politics/