Catholic Links/Resources for Worship at Home
TODAY'S MEDITATION: 2 TIMOTHY 1:1-3, 6-12
A spirit . . . of power and love and self-control . . . (2 Timothy 1:7)
Do you ever feel a little anxious when you look at the state of the world? That’s probably how Paul’s young friend, Timothy, felt. It appears he was naturally reserved, since Paul advised the Corinthians to “see that he is without fear in your company” if Timothy came to visit (1 Corinthians 16:10). It looks like he might have been a worrier too since Paul counsels him to drink a little wine for his stomach ailments (1 Timothy 5:23).
But Paul’s best advice comes in today’s reading. He encourages Timothy to “stir into flame” the gift of the Holy Spirit that he received at his baptism (2 Timothy 1:6). That’s the same Holy Spirit that you received at your baptism. It’s the same Spirit who gave you the same gifts of power and love and self-control when you were confirmed. What do these gifts look like?
Paul reminds Timothy that this power comes from God. It’s not dependent on “our works but according to . . . the grace bestowed on us in Christ” (2 Timothy 1:9). And because it comes from God, this power can make us brave and unashamed: brave enough to offer to pray with a friend who is hurting. Brave enough to share our faith with a family member who is struggling. Brave enough to turn away from gossip and to change the tone of a negative conversation.
The Spirit also helps us to love. He helps us to lift up each child of God, not just the ones we find attractive, but also the ones who try our patience or who rub us the wrong way. That’s because the Spirit has poured the unconditional love of God into our hearts (Romans 5:5). As we believe in and experience that love, we let go of divisive thoughts, and we become more free to care for the people around us.
Finally, the self-control that comes from the Holy Spirit enables us to rise above our fears and to harness our inner drives. It helps us turn aside from harmful thoughts and overcome old habits that threaten to trip us up.
Power, love, and self-control. These are gifts from the Spirit to you. This is your heritage. Step out in faith and try them out!
“Jesus, thank you for the generous gifts you have given me through your Holy Spirit!”
Psalm 123:1-2
Mark 12:18-27
|
DIOCESE OF BUFFALO CORONAVIRUS UPDATE - March 15, 2020 A full list of parishes that offer live-streamed Masses can be found HERE. Funerals services in Church should be delayed or postponed until it is permissible for a congregation to assemble. Parishioners should be advised of the possibility of having a Memorial Mass on a future date when it is safe and permissible to gather. If a funeral service did take place in a Church, there must be no more than 10 people present and proper social distancing must be observed. A Priest / Deacon is allowed to have a Vigil / Prayer Service at a Funeral Home as long as social distancing and safety guidelines are adhered to. It is the responsibility of the Funeral Director to administer these guidelines. A Priest / Deacon may officiate at a Graveside Service with distancing precautions observed. Information about schools and home study instruction is available HERE.
Click the links below for free online Magnificat and daily Mass readings from The Word Among Us!
Magnificat
The Word Among Us
In addition to its online edition, MAGNIFICAT is offering complimentary access to its iOS and Android Apps throughout May. To register for free access in English, visit www.magnificat.com/free. For free access in Spanish, visit and register at www.magnificat.com/gratis.
Growing up Catholic Worship@Home
Living with Christ is offering FREE downloadable PDFs of daily and Sunday mass texts HERE. You can also download our FREE Living with Christ and Vivir En Cristo prayer apps, for either iPhone or Android smart phones, to get the daily scripture readings and a wide variety of prayers in English and Spanish.
Living Faith Daily Devotions & Mass Readings
