African Christians, Pacific, Marianas, and Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Polynesia, Oceania Christians, Black Catholics Everywhere, Black African Saints, Coptic, Orthodox, Roman Catholic Saints, Black Spirituality

AFRICAN DIASPORA, ORIENTAL BRANCH, AFRICAN ROOT BLACK CATHOLIC CHRISTIANS, LATIN, COPTIC, AND ORTHODOX BRANCH PROPHECY MEDITATIONS (INCLUDING THOSE CHRISTIANS OF OCEANIA, CARIBBEAN, PACIFIC ISLANDS, MELANESIA, MICRONESIA, POLYNESIA, NEW GUINEA, MARIANNAS, MARSHALL,AND SOLOMON ISLANDS, ALL AFRICAN HISTORIC AND GEOLOGIC DIASPORA OF THE LATIN, COPTIC AND ORTHODOX RITES).

Afrocentric Rosary Mysteries by St. Brigid Traditional Choir (Los Angeles). Afrocentric Chaplets Divine Mercy moderated by James Wesly Smith,

Daily Afrocentric Chaplet Divine Mercy PT I

Daily Afrocentric Chaplet Divine Mercy PT II

Daily Afrocentric Chaplet Divine Mercy PTlII

MONDAY- Joyful Mysteries of Rosary

Joyful Mysteries

Pray the Joyful Mysteries on Monday and Saturday, the Luminous Mysteries on Thursday, the Sorrowful Mysteries on Tuesday and Friday, and the Glorious Mysteries on Wednesday and Sunday (with this exception: Sundays of Christmas season - The Joyful; Sundays of Lent – Sorrowful. Mysteries/Meditations are events in the Life of Yeshua(Jeus)!

See http://www.rosary-center.org/howto.htm

Daily Afrocentric Chaplet Divine Mercy PT I

Daily Afrocentric Chaplet Divine Mercy PT II

Daily Afrocentric Chaplet Divine Mercy PTlII

DEVOTIONS AND PRAYERS FOR THE LITURGICAL CHURCHES AND ALL OTHER CHRISTIANS WHO SO DESIRE(Including Lutheran, Episcopalian, Anglican, and members in the Mystical Body of Christ –All Christianity combined):

Black Saints of the day—From the Black Saints reference book (James Wesly Smith), 456 pages, paperback, 1000 lines of Black and African Saints in the Latin Rite, Coptic and Orthodox branches of the Mystical Body of Christ (all Christianity combined) to year 599 A.D. Order from BarnesandNobles.com, Ingram Book Group internationally, Amazon, wherever online books are sold, or quickly from www.booklocker.com/books/3088.html

WHAT IS A BLACK SAINT, SINCE CHRISTIANITY CAME FROM AFRICA, NOT TO IT! We include here stories, legends, and myths of the black saints. Companion volumes (Black Saints Narratives, Writings of the Black Saints), cover a more comprehensive examination of the lives of these and other holy folk. Now in the cultural anthropologic sense, the word myth does not mean fiction. Oral and historical traditions show a different reading. Those following cultural anthropology templates (folklore) should be able to glean the kernels of "truth” hidden in the ether of time. In this first volume, we primarily focus on the African East coast and Northern areas (Kemet, Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea, Cush, Abysinnia, the Mauretanias, Libya, and what now is Algeria. These areas proved to be the base of the Ancient African Church in the first 599 years, anno domini. Other volumes will contain additional areas, materials, for example, 600 A.D. to the modern era, as well as the annals, writings, and narratives of the Black Saints, Mystics, and Holy Folk. Those not brothers and sisters, SKIP THIS PART! An old Black adage reports, “your friends don’t need an explanation, and your enemies won’t believe it ‘no way’”. (Not that any readers are enemies, but brothers and sisters know my meaning). So how do we know the saints and companions are Black (instead of just African)? In these pages, we used the age-old American test. Notwithstanding the legal examination (the “One drop rule”) we asked, “How would the inclusion candidate, and his or her companions fare in the American South in 1930s, segregation Mississippi, walking into a Ku Klux Klan rally?) Or Would the saint, mystic, and companions need an identity card in South Africa from the late 1940s to the early 21st century? We also used the “birds of a feather” paradigm. What would happen to those “not black,” associating in the perilous times of martyrdom with those who were? Still, some listed here aren’t ethnically black (unless you count HB Leakey’s discoveries that modern man (Homo Sapiens Sapien)-- the one drop rule-- walked out of Africa million(s) of years ago). Black they are, nevertheless. The American South had a name for them. Presumably, South Africans in the 1940s to 1990s held like epithets. So we include them. They helped lift up the Kingdom of God among Africans, and the descendants of the historical and geologic African Diasporas. These are reckoned among the “holy folk”. Genesis of the Work This writer tired of Western American church racism. Still extant but now waning in this 21st century, we tired of feeling we did not belong. We tired of being psychologically unwilling or unable to receive Blood of Christ in Holy Eucharist without fear that some third- worlder would frown in disdain and refuse to drink afterwards. Further, watching a music awards called Grammys one 1980s night, one prominent Black artist thanked the crowd for “teaching us about Jesus!” I nearly fell out of my chair. Christianity came out of Africa, not to it! As did Yeshua—the Christ, Jesus. “That what was said through the prophet might be fulfilled, ‘Out of Egypt I called my son’”. But we disparage no one’s (group, heritage, and ethnicity) involvement in the faith tradition. We desired, however, the little ones singing, “Yes, Jesus loves me!” included those with melanin. These need the knowledge of their historical involvement in The Way--the people of God of. Hence, this book. In some instances, calendar dates differ while the saint may be the same. Changes in the calendars of the Latin, Byzantine, Coptic, Russian, or Greek rites (Orthodox) caused this. And some dates are approximate, due to the differences in the Latin Rite, Russian, Greek, and Roman, AND Western interpretations/translations of those calendars. Again, under the “birds of a feather” model,we took names without dates from tombs sources, authorities, references to other saints in Africa, Kemet, and environs. Some duplicates appear due to name spellings. Others may be different entities, altogether. Also, acclamation determined the saints in all the early church. Devotions arose for this or that holy person or martyr. As this is remains a work in progress—we’ve found hundreds of saints we have as yet to include. And should the reader find any grammatical or other errors, please let us know at stbernice@yahoo.com. God will bless you all. Author’s note and caveat: With Yeshua’s averment, “I am the vine, you are the branches…” (John 15:5), this writer submits that Christ Jesus knew His church would splinter. Indeed, even Judaism had previously split into segments of Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essennes. Each manifested subdivisions in practice, depending in what continent/territory believers found themselves. Since there were 12 working apostles plus 1, and disciples sent by Yeshua, and disciples of the apostles, themselves--inevitably, different church branches, rites, traditions grew. This book—and following volumes- seeks to include all the saints discoverable, without the Western Church shenanigans of who follows whom. By way of background, the writer belongs to the African root of the Latin rite in the Oriental Church. But he reminds the reader (by way of example and not limitation), that not only is there an Archbishop of Canterbury, as well as the the Chief priest and Archbishop in the Eternal City, but there also exists Pope Shenouda II (as of this writing)-as well as their Holinesses Alexis and Bartholomew, and others administering branches of Yeshua’s universal Church. The writer, Tielhard de Chardin, said years ago that the Church was in involution, slowly re-combining as Yeshua so desired in the beginning. The foolishness of “who is and who ain’t” Christian or “Christian enough” won’t be found here. The reformation is over! (And the then dormant African Church wasn’t a part of it, anyway).

Black Saint Videos

Part I https://www.youtube.com/v/sUnU4xR5D9E

Part II https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMnYwZEfBg4

Black Saints Videos

https://www.angelfire.com/realm/blackcatholics/BlackSaintsVideos.html Black Saints Videos

 

 

PROPHECY MEDITATIONS TODAY

Test! Discern The Spirit! Accept what speaks to YOUR SOUL/SPIRIT. Disregard the rest!

 

Fair use, educational and religious purposes, 17 U.S.C. for those in the African Diasora who would otherwise not be exposed to such.

 

Fr Doucette - Mon, Dec 22, 2008: "Do not delay"

FATHER MELVIN DOUCETTE

"Do not delay"

Monday, December 22, 2008 Dear Friends,

The Canticle of Mary

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
My spirit rejoices in God my savior.
For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness;
Behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.
The Mighty One has done great things for me,

And holy is his name.
His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him.
He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart.
He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted the lowly.
The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty.
He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy,
According to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham
And to his descendants forever. Luke 1:46?55

 

 

Here is another message from Our Lord addressed to Joseph. Jesus spoke to him in these words, At the visitation of Her cousin Elizabeth and all the wonderful things that happened there as She arrived, She was filled with joy and She sang Her beautiful canticle, which is called the Magnificat.

She exults in God, Her Savior, and She proclaims His greatness. She is very humble as She considers Herself a handmaid but She knows that She will be called blessed forever. God the Father has done great things for Her by choosing Her to be My Mother. The Father is merciful to the humble people but He will send away those filled with pride. He is always ready to help His people, Israel.

This is a great teaching for all of you. Imitate your Blessed Mother in Her faith, Her love and in Her joy. Always be humble before the Father and He will fill you with many good things. Offer yourself totally to Him and repent of all your sins and He will show you mercy. I came among you at Christmas to show you our great mercy and love. Do not delay, come and accept our mercy and we will live in your heart.

Father Melvin

Important Message to littlest of servants December 20, 2008

While in Church this morning after receiving HOLY COMMUNION I received the following very important message from JESUS.

JESUS told me how much HE LOVES US. That we are truly HIS little children and when we receive HIM in HOLY COMMUNION HE sweeps us off our feet and holds us tightly in HIS MOST LOVING ARMS.

That just as a loving father holds his children in his arms it is the same except the love that HE has for us is a million times a million times a million times a million times and HIS VOICE TRAILED OFF repeating it over and over again, that of a human father.

That if HE was to allow us to feel the full extent of HIS LOVE FOR US OUR HEARTS WOULD BURST FROM HAPPINESS. That HIS LOVE FOR US would overwhelm OUR HEARTS and we would die from HAPPINESS.

That is why HE shields us from the full extent of HIS LOVE after we receive HIM IN HOLY COMMUNION. We have an assignment from HIM to complete before we can go home to HIS LOVE. HE waits in the BLESSED SACRAMENT for us to receive HIM, to visit HIM, to adore HIM so that we will receive the LOVE AND STRENGTH that only HE CAN GIVE, so that we can complete the assignment given to us. It is when our assignment is complete (when we die) that our HEARTS and SOULS will feel the FULL EXTENT OF HIS LOVE.

Mother of Perpetual Light December 19,2008

The Words of these messages are being received in poetic verse allegedly from the Blessed Mother under the title "The Mother of Perpetual Light". On a number of occasions alleged messages were also received from the Eucharistic Jesus starting with the words "I Am The Bread, I Am The Wine", also in poetic verse.

For many more messages and information go to www.jesusmaryjoseph.org Only 2008 and Special Needed messages are posted here. All messages are posted daily at the web site.

We now have three complete books of messages. You may download the complete books from the web site

See the archives for more information

FOR THESE TIMES YOU WERE CHOSEN

YOU WILL SOON SEE THE EARTH LIKE YOU HAVE NOT BEFORE;
THIS ALL MUST COME TO PASS SO THIS LAND GOD CAN RESTORE.
THE EARTH WILL BE SCORCHED BEFORE RE-CREATION BEGINS
SO THAT THE LAND WOULD BE FREE FROM TEMPTATIONS AND SINS.

ALTHOUGH YOUR NAMES ARE NOT LISTED IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION,
YOU WERE CHOSEN BY GOD DURING THIS TIME OF TRIBULATION.
GOD’S PLAN AT THIS TIME YOU MAY NOT UNDERSTAND,
BUT YOU WILL WHEN YOU ENTER INTO THE NEW PROMISED LAND.

IN THE MEANTIME, DEAR CHILDREN, THERE ARE CROSSES TO BEAR
TO HELP PAVE THE WAY TOWARDS THE LAND YOU WILL SHARE.
THE CROSSES AT TIMES WILL BE HARD TO ENDURE,
BUT EACH CROSS IS NOW NEEDED TO HELP MAKE THIS LAND PURE.
YOU ASK WHY THE BURDENS ARE ON THOSE WHO NOW PRAY

AND NOT ON THE ONES WHO STILL GOD DISOBEY.
HOW CAN GOD, MY DEAR CHILDREN, ON THE OTHERS RELY
IF THEY CARE NOT WHERE THEIR SOULS MAY END UP WHEN THEY DIE?

LOOK BACK NOT, DEAR CHILDREN, AT WHAT YOU LEFT BEHIND,
BUT LOOK FOR THE RAINBOW WHERE GOD’S TREASURES YOU’LL FIND.
GOD CHOSE YOU, MY DEAR CHILDREN, FOR THIS TIME OF THE END
SO WHEN NEW EDEN’S READY, YOU’LL BE THERE TO ATTEND.

THY WILL BE DONE 12-19-2008

Message IMMACULATE HEART to littlest of servants December 21, 2008

JESUS SPEAKS ABOUT HIS MOTHER'S HEART

The HEART OF MY MOTHER is the sure refuge. In Her HEART you will find OUR LOVE. In Her HEART you will find MY HEART because OUR HEARTS ARE UNITED AS ONE.

In Her HEART you will find your way, your sure path to salvation. In Her HEART you will find your MOTHER'S MOST PERFECT LOVE for you.

In Her HEART you will find the bridge that leads to MY HEART. In Her HEART, Her MOST WONDERFUL HEART, you will find the MOST PERFECT HEART ever created by GOD.

Her HEART is and reflects GOD'S PERFECTION.

It is MY MOST ARDENT DESIRE that you come to Her HEART. Her HEART will be your SHIELD, YOUR PROTECTION, YOUR HOME.

HER HEART IS MY HEART. The TWO HEARTS ARE UNITED FOREVER. Come to HER HEART and open the door to YOUR SALVATION.

JESUS OF THE TWO HEARTS

Message to Victoria Spalding for the 19th/Healing Service/ Immaculate Heart of Mary Church

Words of Our Lady (taken by Victoria Spalding, SFO) December 19, 2008

My children, I come here tonight as your loving Mother and as your example of obedience to the Father. The Father loves each one of you, my dear children, and so He is sending me to you to make known His mercy and love.

Each time one of you comes to my Son, looking for His mercy and forgiveness, the Father showers you with His blessings from above. So do not be afraid this Advent to come looking for the babe, who saved you, and who redeemed you from your sins.

He awaits you in utmost poverty and abjection, so that you may comfort His soul and give Him glory everlasting, by your repentance in your heart. For each time, one of you comes to my Son, in the hopes of being redeemed by His grace, He gives you not only glory everlasting, but God, Himself.

Therefore, my dear children, do not delay in purposefully coming to my Son this Advent and Christmas, so that you may give my Son the praise and glory that is due the Father for all eternity. For in honoring my Son, you honor the Father, who has made you and called you to be His very own children. And in this manner, my dear children, you will inherit life eternal.

I love you, my dear children. Come closer to the Father’s love for you, by repenting of your sins and believing in my Son, Jesus Christ.

I am with you, my dear people. Go in the comfort and peace of your God.

REFLECTION

MARY is the GREATEST example of obedience and humility we can have, next to Jesus. Everything that Our Lady does she does out of obedience to the Father and out of love for her Son and for us. And her main role as our Mother is to point us in the direction of her Son, who in turn, leads us to the Father.

OUR LADY IS SO HUMBLE THAT EVEN WHEN SHE ACCEPTED THE ANGEL’S INVITATION TO BECOME THE MOTHER OF GOD, SHE DID NOT BOAST ABOUT HERSELF. INSTEAD SHE SPOKE IN THE MAGNIFICAT OF HER NOTHINGNESS.

Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant" Luke 1:46

In this message, Our Lady is pointing to her Son, who came to us, as she said, in utmost poverty and abjection. When I think of Jesus being born in a stable, I think of Him as being born in the first homeless shelter. And that is where God dwells, among the poor and the lowly.

You see, for God to be born as a man, was an infinite humiliation in itself, even if God had been born in a palace and laid upon cushions of gold. But Our God loved us so much that He went even further than that.

He chose to be born in a cave, and laid in the rudest of cribs, to show us that the world was poor and in need of a Savior. Jesus also knew that we would be tempted by worldly possessions, and that it would be hard for us to become poor in spirit, unless He provided the way.

Jesus once said to me:

I CAME WITH NOTHING AND I LEFT WITH NOTHING.

And this is how we will leave this earth also. The only thing we will take with us when we leave is what we give away.

As Franciscans, we pray the Franciscan Crown Rosary, consisting of seven Joyful mysteries. The third mystery is the Birth of Jesus. I’d like to close with a meditation from Our Lady that she gave me, regarding this mystery. (Taken from the book, Mother of Light and Humility)

THIRD JOYFUL MYSTERY

Mary speaks:

When I was about to give birth, my Savior was foremost in my mind. I wondered how I would hold Him and tell Him how much I loved Him. Joseph was beside me through it all, as my Savior did not wish for me to be alone.

Remember how much God wishes to use you to bring His love to others. St. Joseph will be beside you also, if you wish to give birth to Jesus in your hearts. It is only by saying yes to the will of the Father, that you can bear witness of Him to others.

Call upon the Christ Child more, when you need to remember how painful it is to be humiliated. Christ’s infinite humiliation was not that He was born in a manger, but that He would be forgotten by many!

My children, do not forget the Christ Child, who has redeemed you and given birth to your hearts, so that you may live in utmost poverty while on earth, in order that you may enjoy the extreme riches of eternal glory.

Let us pray: Lord, help us to resemble your mercy, so that we may live in obedience and humility all the days of our life! Amen

www.myfathersmercy.com

Message to Eileen Renders December 21, 2008

Hope you are taking comfort in this holy week and enjoying your family? I am guilty I confess, that I have not pondered much in my life about my guardian angel until today. I asked Jesus about my guardian angel, and as you know, I rarely ask Jesus questions, but only listen.

His answer is important to all of us. Please pass along this letter to you, as well as Jesus' message as I want everyone to ponder their guardian angels and work toward a relationship with our guardian angel as Mary Our Blessed Mother of Jesus did.

God bless and a joyful holy season to all!

Eileen

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Invoking The Guidance of our Guardian Angel

Today my husband and I attended our usual 8:00 A.M. Mass at our parish, Our Lady Of Sorrows where I made humble offerings to Jesus and Mary and remembered in prayer all those with special needs and intentions.

Our priest had a beautiful message regarding Our Blessed Mother's visit from the Guardian Angel Gabriel who told her that she had been chosen to become the Mother of Jesus. Father John relayed to us how her acceptance and surrender of God's will is also a reminder to all of us to accept God's will each day and surrender ourselves to Him. In preparing to receive Holy Communion, I prayed an Act Of Contrition and began to wonder exactly who my guardian angel is.

After receiving the most sacred body and blood of Christ in the sacrament of Holy Communion, I knelt in silent commune with Jesus. I thanked Him for His many blessings and I asked Him to please come into my heart. I again surrendered my will to Him and quietly asked who my guardian angel is. Then I prayed, Speak Lord (if it be Your will), Your servant listens.

Jesus responded to my heart saying, Eileen My child, Lepidus is your guardian angel. He in life was an ancient soldier, a warrior! It is important to acknowledge your guardian angel each day who is always beside you to protect you. Ask your guardian angel to guide you and lead you always on the path that is God's will for you. Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Continue to pray for your brothers and sisters. Amen.

Now I will be researching about my guardian angel, Lepidus. Initially what I have learned is that he, Marcus Aemillius Lepidus came after the death of Julius Caesar, he supported Mark Anthony and was joined by Anthony in Gaul after the defeat of Mutina (modern Modena). In 43 BC they formed the Second Triumvirate with Octavian (Agustus).

After the battle of Phillippi (42 BC), Lepidus received the governorship of Africa, whence he returned (36 BC) to conquer Sicily. Octavian suspected him of trying to keep Sicily for himself and deprived him of his offices, except that of pontifex maximus.

Medjugorje Day By Day Dec 23 - TO BE LIKE FLOWERS

December 25, 1996

"Dear children! Today I am with you in a special way, holding little Jesus in my lap and I invite you, little children, to open yourselves to His call. He calls you to joy. Little children, joyfully live the messages of the Gospel, which I am repeating in the time since I am with you.

Little children, I am your Mother and I desire to reveal to you the God of love and the God of peace. I do not desire for your life to be in sadness but that it be realized in joy for eternity, according to the Gospel. Only in this way will your life have meaning. Thank you for having responded to my call."

The Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ:

"Jesus, what made You so small? LOVE!" -St. Bernard of Clairvaux

"Today the Magi gaze in deep wonder at what they see: heaven on earth, earth in heaven, man in God, God in man,

One Whom the whole universe cannot contain now enclosed in a tiny body." -St Peter Chrysologus

"How great is God's goodness, how deep His love for us! Let us join the shepherds in giving glory to God: TODAY A SAVIOR HAS BEEN BORN TO US. HE IS CHRIST THE LORD." -St. Basil the Great

While driving in Pennsylvania, a family caught up to an Amish carriage. The owner of the carriage obviously had a sense of humor, because attached to the back of the carriage was a hand printed sign... Energy efficient vehicle. Runs on oats and grass. Caution: Do not step in exhaust.

Mother Teresa -

Thanks be to God for your families. Try to find room for God in your families. If you are capable of bringing prayer back into your homes, you will be equally capable of overcoming all of the hardships that afflict the world.

Meditations by Padre Pio - Faith also guides us and we follow securely in its light the way which leads to God, His homeland, just as the Holy Magi, guided by the star, symbol of faith, reached the desired place.

Archbishop Fulton Sheen - Self-expression often lacks self-restraint

"Leaving to the medical profession those who are suffering from functional and organic disturbances, which affect the mind, our problem is to inquire into the reason for the many marginal or fringe cases of mental instability.

Coming quickly to the point, it appears to be this: Our generation has been raised on the idea of "self-expression," which being translated negatively, means there should never be any self-restraint.

Every desire and impulse, which satisfies the ego, is considered good, any form of self-denial, or repression of biological urges, is considered as harmful to the personality. The ego is flattered and pampered, even to a point where children are raised on the theory that they should never be disciplined, much less punished or reprimanded for their selfishness."

St. Faustina's diary http://www.marian.org/directory_flash.html - November 30, 1936. During Vespers today, an unusual pain pierced my soul. I see that, in every respect, this work is beyond my strength. I am a little child before the immensity of the task, and it is only at the Lord's clear command that I am setting about to carry it out.

On the other hand, even these great graces are a burden for me, and I am barely able to carry them. I see my superiors' disbelief and doubts of all kinds and, for this reason, their apprehensive behavior towards me. My Jesus, I see that even such great graces can be [a source of] suffering.

And yet, it is so; not only may they be a cause of suffering, but they must be such, as a sign of God's action. I understand well that if God himself did not strengthen the soul in these various ordeals, the soul would not be able to master the situation. Thus God Himself is its shield.

As I continued Vespers, meditating on this mixture of suffering and grace, I heard the voice of Our Lady: Know, My daughter, that although I was raised to the dignity of Mother of God, seven swords of pain pierced my heart. Don't do anything to defend yourself; bear everything with humility; God himself will defend you. (786)

I will spend this Advent in accordance with the directions of the Mother of God: in meekness and humility. (792)

Dailys - http://www.catholic-forum.com/e-pistle.html -

MEDJUGORJE DAY BY DAY

These thoughts for a day are taken from a daily meditation book based on the Messages of Our Lady of Medjugorje by Father Richard J. Beyer, Ave Maria Press. 5865 -

Dec 23 - TO BE LIKE FLOWERS

Today Our Lady gives a short but profound message:

Dear children, I would like all you to be like flowers, which will open at Christmas for Jesus, flowers which will not cease to blossom after Christmas. Be the good shepherds of Jesus (First Years Dec 21, 1984).

The Blessed Mother uses the beautiful analogy of a flower to express the blossoming of virtues and good works in the life of the believer.

St. Paul, too, takes up this theme in his letter to the Church of Rome; he urges his people to blossom in fraternal love and the kindness this implies:

Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not claim to be wiser than you are.

Do not repay anymore evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceable with all (Rom 12:13-18).

Reflection:

The virtues that Paul speaks of are of course the fruits of the Holy Spirit, poured forth by God on all who ask with sincere and open hearts. These same gifts are the very qualities that enable us to be, as Our Lady says today, "be good shepherds of Jesus". And as shepherds, we are called to use the gifts of the Spirit in the service of others. The gifts we have received are many. To acknowledge them, to pray for their increase, and to share them with others, is the challenge and promise of our readings today.

Application: In prayer, acknowledge a gift or virtue you have been given, and actually use it for the benefit of someone today. For example, the gift of compassion can be expressed in a visit or phone call to one who is lonely or sick.

Medjugorje Day By Day Dec 22 - DO SOMETHING CONCRETE December 19, 1985

"Dear children! Today I wish to call you to love of neighbor. The more you will to love your neighbour, the more you shall experience Jesus especially on Christmas Day. God will bestow great gifts on you if you surrender yourselves to Him. I wish in a special way on Christmas Day to give mothers my own special motherly blessing, and Jesus will bless the rest with His own blessing. Thank you for having responded to my call."

Thank you for having responded to my call." "Let us follow the star of inspiration and divine attraction which calls us to the crib, and let us go thither to adore and love the Child Jesus and offer ourselves to him" (St. Jane Frances de Chantal). O Come let us adore Him, Jesus, Our Eucharistic Lord!

"Were my eyes to see You come down,
they would cease to weep.
Rain Him down, you clouds—
The One Whom earth has longed for.
Earth, you have given us only thorns.
Be open now and bring forth
the only flower
in which you yourself may flourish."
"This living spring that I long for,
I see in this bread of life."
(Excerpts from the writings of St. John of the Cross)

A minister waited in line to have his car filled with gas just before a long holiday weekend. The attendant worked quickly, but there were many cars ahead of him in front of the service station. Finally, the attendant motioned him toward a vacant pump. "Reverend," said the young man, "sorry about the delay. It seems as if everyone waits until the last minute to get ready for a long trip." The minister chuckled, "I know what you mean; same in my business."

Mother Teresa - What greater love is there than God's love for each one of us? His love isn't a fantasy. It is real.

Meditations by Padre Pio - May the Child Jesus be your guiding star in the desert of this present life.

Archbishop Fulton Sheen - Is the stepchild of modern civilization crazed? "Human beings have always taken for granted that there would be in their midst a few unfortunate individuals whose mental outlook would be warped and unpredictable. But what is disturbing today is the number of otherwise normal people who, in popular language, are "cracking up."

Some are young, otherwise happily married; others are in middle life, with apparent security, but regardless of the age group, as a good American psychiatrist wrote, `Mental cases are the stepchild of modern civilization.'"

St. Faustina's diary http://www.marian.org/directory_flash.html - November 29, 1936. The Mother of God has taught me how to prepare for the Feast of Christmas. I saw her today, without the Infant Jesus. She said to me: My daughter, strive after silence and humility, so that Jesus, who dwells in your heart continuously, may be able to rest.

Adore Him in your heart; do not go out from your inmost being. My daughter, I shall obtain for you the grace of an interior life which will be such that, without ever leaving that interior life, you will be able to carry out all your external duties with even greater care. Dwell with Him continuously in your own heart. He will be your strength. Communicate with creatures only insofar as is necessary and is required by your duties.

You are a dwelling place pleasing to the living God; in you He dwells continuously with love and delight. And the living presence of God, which you experience in a more vivid and distinct way, will confirm you, my daughter, in the things I have told you. Try to act in this way until Christmas Day, and then He himself will make known to you in what way you will be communing and uniting yourself with Him. (785)

MEDJUGORJE DAY BY DAY

These thoughts for a day are taken from a daily meditation book based on the Messages of Our Lady of Medjugorje by Father Richard J. Beyer, Ave Maria Press.

Dec 22 - DO SOMETHING CONCRETE

On this day in Advent, the Madonna called her children to prayer and to works of charity: Dear children, tonight your Mother calls you to prayer during these two days before Christmas. Open your hearts through your prayer and let us keep vigil together for the day of great joy. Dear children, I wish you to decide to do something concrete during these two days (Visionary Prayer Group Dec 22, 1989).

And in Luke's gospel, the Good Samaritan puts his faith into concrete action:

But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him (Lk 10:33-34).

Reflection: Faith and works of charity go hand in hand in the Christian life. "As the flower is before the fruit", writes Richard Whately, "so is faith before good works". Indeed, Christ emphasizes that they will be the criteria for the last judgment:

"Come…inherit the kingdom prepared for you; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing…" (Mt 25:34-35).

Application: "Dear children", Our Lady says today, "I wish you to decide to do something concrete during these two days". In compliance with this message, plan several works of charity you can accomplish in the near future.

SHORT POWERFUL PRAYER THROUGH ST. JOSEPH

"Glorious St. Joseph, tenderhearted father, faithful guardian of Jesus, chaste spouse of the Mother of God, I ask you to join me in praising God the Father through His Divine Son who died on the cross and rose again to give us sinners new life. Through the Holy Name of Jesus, pray with me that we may obtain from the eternal Father the favor we ask. (here state your intention)."

Say this prayer for nine consecutive days.

Fear not! God is your shelter (the 23rd Psalm and the Lord’s Prayer. God never fails. Don’t fail him. Call on Jesus. Jesus on the mainline, tell him what you want!

http://www.live365.com/stations/283424

BLACK CATHOLIC GOSPEL RADIO (Afrocentric Rosary, Stations of Cross, Chaplet of Divine Mercy)

 

AFROCENTRIC CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY DEVOTION

https://www.angelfire.com/realm/blackcatholics/blog/ChapletofDivineMercy.mp3

https://www.angelfire.com/realm/blackcatholics/blog/ChapletPtII.wma

https://www.angelfire.com/realm/blackcatholics/streamaudio/Chaplet_Pt_lII.wma

FRIDAY-AFROCENTRIC SORROWFUL MYSTERIES OF ROSARY , AND STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Part I

https://www.angelfire.com/realm/blackcatholics/blog/11_AfrocentricSorrowfulMysteries--TheCrossScourge_Artis.mp3

Part II

https://www.angelfire.com/realm/blackcatholics/blog/12_AfrocentricSorrowfulMysteries-CrownofThorns-Carrying.mp3

Part IIII

https://www.angelfire.com/realm/blackcatholics/blog/13_StationsoftheCrossI-VII_Artist_Album.mp3

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Part I

https://www.angelfire.com/realm/blackcatholics/blog/13_StationsoftheCrossI-VII_Artist_Album.mp3"

Part II

https://www.angelfire.com/realm/blackcatholics/blog/14_StationsoftheCrossVIII-End_Artist_Album.mp3"

 

For further information:

BLACK CHRISTIANITY’S AFRICAN BEGINNINGS

https://www.angelfire.com/realm/blackcatholics/

BLACK CATHOLICS BLOG

http://blackcatholicsprophecymeditations.blogspot.com

Black, African Saints

www.angelfire.com/realm/blackcatholics/BlackSaintsMysticHoly.html

Black and African Catholics Prophecy Meditations

www.angelfire.com/realm/blackcatholics/recentmeditations.html

https://www.angelfire.com/realm/blackcatholics/blog/

 

 

Black African Catholics Coptic, Latin rite, Orthodox Prophecies Meditations

https://www.angelfire.com/realm/blackcatholics/blog/

Black Saints Videos Part I

LINKS

 

YouTube, Yahoo, MySpace, Google, DailyMotion, Blip.tv, Veoh, Stupid Videos, Sclipo, Viddler and Howcast

Part II

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMnYwZEfBg4

LINKS

YouTube, Yahoo, MySpace, Google, Revver, DailyMotion, Blip.tv, Veoh, Stupid Videos, Sclipo, Viddler and Howcast

James Wesly Smith is an attorney and writer/producer of more than 30 audio visual film projects on the Black Genesis of Christianity, with an emphasis on the Early African Liturgical Churches. His 30 year effort resulted in the reference tome, Black Saints, Mystics, Holy Folk, (Ancient African Liturgical Church) Volume I, and II detailing Black involvement in the Church from before 1 A.D. (See Out of Africa I called my Son, Hosea 11:1, Matthew 2:13-15). Smith may be reached at stbernice@yahoo.com