• Monday, December 9, 2024

    Bishop Robert Barron

    Cycle C

    Solemnity

    Immaculate Conception

    Advent

    2nd wk of Advent

    Topics

    AnnunciationBlessed Virgin Mary.Immaculate ConceptionPope Pius IX

    Bible References

    Luke 1:26-38

    Friends, today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

    In 1854, Pope Pius IX declared the dogma of the Immaculate Conception—the truth that Mary, through a special grace, was preserved free from original sin from the first moment of her conception. 

    Were this not the case, the angel would not have referred to her at the Annunciation as Kecharitomene (full of grace). Why would God do such a thing? And wouldn’t this imply that Mary does not need to be redeemed? 

    The traditional answer is that God wanted to prepare a worthy vessel for the reception of his Word. Just as the Holy of Holies in the temple was kept pure and inviolate, so the definitive Temple, the true Ark of the Covenant, which is Mary herself, should all the more be untrammeled. 

    Bl. John Duns Scotus explained that Mary is indeed redeemed by the grace of her Son, but since that grace exists outside of time, it can be applied in a way that transcends the ordinary rhythms of time. Therefore, Mary, by a kind of preemptive strike, was delivered by Christ’s grace from original sin.

    Gospel Reflections

    Meditate on Daily Gospel Reflections from Bishop Robert Barron
    Monday, December 9, 2024 Bishop Robert Barron Cycle C Solemnity Immaculate Conception Advent 2nd wk of Advent Topics AnnunciationBlessed Virgin Mary.Immaculate ConceptionPope Pius IX Bible References Luke 1:26-38 Friends, today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  In 1854, Pope Pius IX declared the dogma of the Immaculate Conception—the truth that Mary, through a special grace, was preserved free from original sin from the first moment of her conception.  Were this not the case, the angel would not have referred to her at the Annunciation as Kecharitomene (full of grace). Why would God do such a thing? And wouldn’t this imply that Mary does not need to be redeemed?  The traditional answer is that God wanted to prepare a worthy vessel for the reception of his Word. Just as the Holy of Holies in the temple was kept pure and inviolate, so the definitive Temple, the true Ark of the Covenant, which is Mary herself, should all the more be untrammeled.  Bl. John Duns Scotus explained that Mary is indeed redeemed by the grace of her Son, but since that grace exists outside of time, it can be applied in a way that transcends the ordinary rhythms of time. Therefore, Mary, by a kind of preemptive strike, was delivered by Christ’s grace from original sin. Gospel Reflections Meditate on Daily Gospel Reflections from Bishop Robert Barron
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  • Sunday, December 8, 2024
    Bishop Robert Barron
    Cycle C
    Advent
    2nd wk of Advent

    Share

    Read on USCCB
    Listen on Hallow
    Bible References

    Luke 3:1-6

    Friends, in today’s Gospel, Luke quotes from the prophet Isaiah:
    “Prepare the way of the Lord,
    make straight his paths.” (Isa. 40:3)

    Advent is a great liturgical season of waiting—but not a passive waiting. We yearn, we search, and we reach out for the God who will come to us in human flesh. In short, we prepare the way of the Lord Jesus Christ.

    This preparation has a penitential dimension, because it is the season in which we prepare for the coming of a Savior, and we don’t need a Savior unless we’re deeply convinced there is something to be saved from. When we have become deeply aware of our sin, we know that we can cling to nothing in ourselves, that everything we offer is, to some degree, tainted and impure. We can’t show our cultural, professional, and personal accomplishments to God as though they are enough to save us. But the moment we realize that fact, we move into the Advent spirit, desperately craving a Savior.

    In the book of Isaiah (Isa. 64:7), we read:
    “Yet, O Lord, you are our father;
    we are the clay and you the potter:
    we are all the work of your hands.”

    Today, let us prepare ourselves for the potter to come.

    Gospel Reflections

    Meditate on Daily Gospel Reflections from Bishop
    Sunday, December 8, 2024 Bishop Robert Barron Cycle C Advent 2nd wk of Advent Share Read on USCCB Listen on Hallow Bible References Luke 3:1-6 Friends, in today’s Gospel, Luke quotes from the prophet Isaiah: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” (Isa. 40:3) Advent is a great liturgical season of waiting—but not a passive waiting. We yearn, we search, and we reach out for the God who will come to us in human flesh. In short, we prepare the way of the Lord Jesus Christ. This preparation has a penitential dimension, because it is the season in which we prepare for the coming of a Savior, and we don’t need a Savior unless we’re deeply convinced there is something to be saved from. When we have become deeply aware of our sin, we know that we can cling to nothing in ourselves, that everything we offer is, to some degree, tainted and impure. We can’t show our cultural, professional, and personal accomplishments to God as though they are enough to save us. But the moment we realize that fact, we move into the Advent spirit, desperately craving a Savior. In the book of Isaiah (Isa. 64:7), we read: “Yet, O Lord, you are our father; we are the clay and you the potter: we are all the work of your hands.” Today, let us prepare ourselves for the potter to come. Gospel Reflections Meditate on Daily Gospel Reflections from Bishop
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  • Saturday, December 7, 2024
    Bishop Robert Barron
    Cycle C
    Advent
    1st wk of Advent

    Topics

    Evangelization

    Saints

    Saint Ambrose

    Bible References

    Matthew 9:35-38,
    Matthew 10:1,
    Matthew 10:5a,
    Matthew 10:6-8

    Friends, today Jesus instructs us to pray for laborers for the harvest, for disciples to do the work of evangelization. We need to organize our lives around evangelization. Everything we do ought to be related somehow to it. This doesn’t mean that we all have to become professional evangelizers. Remember, you can evangelize by the moral quality of your life. But it does mean that nothing in our lives ought to be more important than announcing the victory of Jesus.

    We should think of others not as objects to be used, or annoying people in the way of realizing our projects, but rather as those whom we are called to serve. Instead of saying, “Why is this annoying person in my way?” we should ask, “What opportunity for evangelization has presented itself?” Has God put this person in your life precisely for this purpose?

    Gospel Reflections

    Meditate on Daily Gospel Reflections from Bishop Robert Barron
    Saturday, December 7, 2024 Bishop Robert Barron Cycle C Advent 1st wk of Advent Topics Evangelization Saints Saint Ambrose Bible References Matthew 9:35-38, Matthew 10:1, Matthew 10:5a, Matthew 10:6-8 Friends, today Jesus instructs us to pray for laborers for the harvest, for disciples to do the work of evangelization. We need to organize our lives around evangelization. Everything we do ought to be related somehow to it. This doesn’t mean that we all have to become professional evangelizers. Remember, you can evangelize by the moral quality of your life. But it does mean that nothing in our lives ought to be more important than announcing the victory of Jesus. We should think of others not as objects to be used, or annoying people in the way of realizing our projects, but rather as those whom we are called to serve. Instead of saying, “Why is this annoying person in my way?” we should ask, “What opportunity for evangelization has presented itself?” Has God put this person in your life precisely for this purpose? Gospel Reflections Meditate on Daily Gospel Reflections from Bishop Robert Barron
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  • Friday, December 6, 2024
    Bishop Robert Barron
    Cycle C
    Advent
    1st wk of Advent

    Bible References

    Matthew 9:27-31

    Friends, today in our Gospel, two blind men beg Jesus to heal them.

    Blindness in the Bible is very often a symbol of spiritual blindness: the incapacity to see what truly matters. Focused on the worldly goods of wealth, pleasure, power, and honor, most people don’t see how blind they are to the truly important things: giving oneself to the grace of God and living a life of love. If you have not surrendered to the grace of God, you are blind. How wonderful it is, then, that these men in the Gospel can cry out to Jesus in their need.

    They are, of course, making a petition for physical healing, but it’s much more than that for us. It’s asking for that one thing that finally matters: spiritual vision—to know what my life is about, to know the big picture, to know where I’m going. You can have all the wealth, pleasure, honor, and power you want. You can have all the worldly goods you could desire. But if you don’t see spiritually, it will do you no good; it will probably destroy you.
    Gospel Reflections

    Meditate on Daily Gospel Reflections from Bishop Robert Barron
    Friday, December 6, 2024 Bishop Robert Barron Cycle C Advent 1st wk of Advent Bible References Matthew 9:27-31 Friends, today in our Gospel, two blind men beg Jesus to heal them. Blindness in the Bible is very often a symbol of spiritual blindness: the incapacity to see what truly matters. Focused on the worldly goods of wealth, pleasure, power, and honor, most people don’t see how blind they are to the truly important things: giving oneself to the grace of God and living a life of love. If you have not surrendered to the grace of God, you are blind. How wonderful it is, then, that these men in the Gospel can cry out to Jesus in their need. They are, of course, making a petition for physical healing, but it’s much more than that for us. It’s asking for that one thing that finally matters: spiritual vision—to know what my life is about, to know the big picture, to know where I’m going. You can have all the wealth, pleasure, honor, and power you want. You can have all the worldly goods you could desire. But if you don’t see spiritually, it will do you no good; it will probably destroy you. Gospel Reflections Meditate on Daily Gospel Reflections from Bishop Robert Barron
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  • 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
    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
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  • BrotherMichaelMurphy
    @MichaelMurphy

    2h
    ·
    ·
    Guns of Gab (Uncensored)
    Bruce Jenner is a man. He should be able to use whatever restroom he chooses in the male only mental hospital he gets sent to for promoting his vile delusion and brainwashing vulnerable kids. he is not a victim, he is not a Christian, he is not conservative or MAGA, and he is not 'one of the few people who are genuinely trans'. he is a pervert and a reprobate. #freedom has nothing to do with allowing such people to tell lies to vulnerable people. he might support lower taxes for elites like himself but does he agree that men are men and that men who pretend to be women are dangerous to society? No he doesn't? he may profess to believe that 18 is the magic number when a person can 'transition' and mutilate their bodies, but has anyone ever actually transitioned? of course the yhavent. transitioning is a lie from the enemy who seeks to kill steal and destroy. Jesus Christ the son of the Great I AM called by his Father's holy name, will cast that snake and all transgender who do not repent of their delusion and obey the gospel into the eternal fires. acts 2:38 is where you should start and the whole king James Bible's counsel which is God's own Word should guide you to victory. otherwise you will join Bruce Jenner in those fires where youll never have to meet a 'Christian bigot' ever again and you can 'enjoy' you 'safe space'. Amen
    BrotherMichaelMurphy @MichaelMurphy 2h · · Guns of Gab (Uncensored) Bruce Jenner is a man. He should be able to use whatever restroom he chooses in the male only mental hospital he gets sent to for promoting his vile delusion and brainwashing vulnerable kids. he is not a victim, he is not a Christian, he is not conservative or MAGA, and he is not 'one of the few people who are genuinely trans'. he is a pervert and a reprobate. #freedom has nothing to do with allowing such people to tell lies to vulnerable people. he might support lower taxes for elites like himself but does he agree that men are men and that men who pretend to be women are dangerous to society? No he doesn't? he may profess to believe that 18 is the magic number when a person can 'transition' and mutilate their bodies, but has anyone ever actually transitioned? of course the yhavent. transitioning is a lie from the enemy who seeks to kill steal and destroy. Jesus Christ the son of the Great I AM called by his Father's holy name, will cast that snake and all transgender who do not repent of their delusion and obey the gospel into the eternal fires. acts 2:38 is where you should start and the whole king James Bible's counsel which is God's own Word should guide you to victory. otherwise you will join Bruce Jenner in those fires where youll never have to meet a 'Christian bigot' ever again and you can 'enjoy' you 'safe space'. Amen
    Like
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  • Elvis Presley, known as the "King. Was an American singer, actor, and cultural he influence on music and culture remains unmatched. His early interest in gospel music shaped his style, blending rock, country, and blues into a revolutionary sound.

    Presley gained national attention with hits like Heartbreak Hotel (1956), Hound Dog, and Jailhouse Rock. His stage presence, charming looks, and charisma made him an instant star. Beyond music, Elvis starred in over 30 films, including Love Me Tender (1956) and Viva Las Vegas (1964).

    In the 1960s, Elvis dominated the charts but faced challenges from the counterculture movement. A 1968 television special marked his comeback and revitalized his career, showcasing his enduring appeal. In the 1970s, Las Vegas and his tours solidified his legend.

    Elvis struggled with prescription drug dependency. Despite the premature end of his career, his legacy continues through his music, Graceland (his home museum), and millions of fans worldwide.
    Elvis Presley, known as the "King. Was an American singer, actor, and cultural he influence on music and culture remains unmatched. His early interest in gospel music shaped his style, blending rock, country, and blues into a revolutionary sound. Presley gained national attention with hits like Heartbreak Hotel (1956), Hound Dog, and Jailhouse Rock. His stage presence, charming looks, and charisma made him an instant star. Beyond music, Elvis starred in over 30 films, including Love Me Tender (1956) and Viva Las Vegas (1964). In the 1960s, Elvis dominated the charts but faced challenges from the counterculture movement. A 1968 television special marked his comeback and revitalized his career, showcasing his enduring appeal. In the 1970s, Las Vegas and his tours solidified his legend. Elvis struggled with prescription drug dependency. Despite the premature end of his career, his legacy continues through his music, Graceland (his home museum), and millions of fans worldwide.
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  • After Trump gave his victory speech, this began to ring out….(They were all at the right rally!) via David J Harris on XBrother sent me thisElvis sang this Gospel song as well - in the playlistAll glory to God

    https://gab.com/SoCalMike101/posts/113436669790248509
    After Trump gave his victory speech, this began to ring out….(They were all at the right rally!) via David J Harris on XBrother sent me thisElvis sang this Gospel song as well - in the playlistAll glory to God https://gab.com/SoCalMike101/posts/113436669790248509
    GAB.COM
    SoCalMike βœοΈπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ on Gab: 'After Trump gave his victory speech, this began t…'
    SoCalMike βœοΈπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ on Gab: 'After Trump gave his victory speech, this began to ring out…. (They were all at the right rally!) πŸ™πŸ½πŸ”₯πŸ™ŒπŸ½ via David J Harris on X Brother sent me this Elvis sang this Gospel song as well - in the playlist All glory to God'
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  • THE PLACE CURSED BY GOD
    We all know who Judas was? Judas Iscariot was a disciple and one of the original Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. According to all four canonical gospels, Judas betrayed Jesus to the Sanhedrin in the Garden of Gethsemane by kissing him and addressing him as "rabbi" to reveal his identity in the darkness to the crowd who had come to arrest him. His name is often used synonymously with betrayal or treason. However, today I would like to share with you something very disturbing that is connected to the character of Judas and more specifically to the way he died and how it affected the land of Israel.
    https://rumble.com/v4cg066-the-place-cursed-by-god.html
    THE PLACE CURSED BY GOD We all know who Judas was? Judas Iscariot was a disciple and one of the original Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. According to all four canonical gospels, Judas betrayed Jesus to the Sanhedrin in the Garden of Gethsemane by kissing him and addressing him as "rabbi" to reveal his identity in the darkness to the crowd who had come to arrest him. His name is often used synonymously with betrayal or treason. However, today I would like to share with you something very disturbing that is connected to the character of Judas and more specifically to the way he died and how it affected the land of Israel. https://rumble.com/v4cg066-the-place-cursed-by-god.html
    0 Comments 1 Shares 858 Views

  • -- Response to NC Catastrophe Provides Opportunity to View Gospel in Action
    https://surgecolumns331790116.wordpress.com/2024/10/19/response-to-nc-catastrophe-provides-opportunity-to-view-gospel-in-action/
    -- Response to NC Catastrophe Provides Opportunity to View Gospel in Action https://surgecolumns331790116.wordpress.com/2024/10/19/response-to-nc-catastrophe-provides-opportunity-to-view-gospel-in-action/
    SURGECOLUMNS331790116.WORDPRESS.COM
    Response to NC Catastrophe Provides Opportunity to View Gospel in Action
    By Michael L. Brown Striker Summary: The response from caring Christian people to the devastation wreaked in North Carolina by Hurricane Helene has provided observers to view a luminous example of …
    Love
    2
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