And This is My Prayer for You...

In the second reading today, Phil 1:4-6, 8-11, Paul writes;

And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,  filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.

 

This is my prayer too, for all us. Advent Blessings as we wait in joyful hope!

 

This is what God did...

I dropped off the box of Mike's coats today. And this is what God did...

As I was walking from the clothing bank to the food bank a woman stopped me and asked if I was the one who brought the clothes today. I told her yes and she thanked me. Isn't God amazing!

I will remember this woman when I go to pack-up the rest of his stuff.

Prayer of the Immaculate Conception
O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, did prepare a worthy dwelling place for your Son, we beseech you that, as by the foreseen death of this, your Son, you did preserve her from all stain, so too you would permit us, purified through her intercession, to come unto you. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end.

Amen.

The Immaculate Conception Of The Blessed Virgin Mary

O Immaculate Mother,
in the presence of all the heavenly court
I choose you this day,
for my mother and mistress.
I deliver and consecrate to you,
as your servant, my body and soul,
my goods, both interior and exterior,
and even the value of all my good actions,
past, present and future;
leaving to you the entire
and full right of disposing of me,
and all that belongs to me, without exception,
according to your good pleasure,
for the greater glory of God,
in time and in eternity. Amen.

- St. Louis Mary De Montfort

 

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Packing up Boxes

It's been a while that I've been meaning to do this, pack up boxes of Mike's stuff. His clothes, shoes and donate all of it. I've been feeling so guilty hanging on to it. I've kept what I've wanted, made crafts with the kids with his socks, tshirts. I've given away his clothes. But there is still so much left and still so many people that need. I decided that this weekend I would donate it all to a local food/clothing bank where I volunteer. As I started packing up his winter coats though, something happened. Memories started flooding back. Memories of when he wore that blue coat when we went snowboarding and snowtubing. Or when I bought him that one leather coat for Christmas one year, and then he didn't like it so we went and returned it and picked out another one together...this one. Then I started digging through his pockets and found some of his stuff. His black leather gloves, business card holder and business cards. Tears began to fall. I haven't cried in some time and I really miss him. I shut the box and realized this was it. This was all I was going to do for now, but perhaps donating these clothes, these warm coats now before the 1st snowfall would be helpful. The rest will be taken at another date, hopefully soon.

 

I pray for the strength to do so.

 

 

 

 

St. Ambrose Pray for Us!

O Lord, 
you have mercy on all, 
take away from me my sins, 
and mercifully set me ablaze 
with the fire of your Holy Spirit. 
Take away from me 
the heart of stone, 
and give me a human heart, 
a heart to love and adore you, 
a heart to delight in you, 
to follow and enjoy you, 
for Christ's sake. Amen.

- St. Ambrose of Milan

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Magnificat

 

My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
For He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden,
For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with His arm:
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
and exalted those of low degree.
He has filled the hungry with good things;
and the rich He has sent empty away.
He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy;
As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to His posterity forever.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen
 
Gregorian Chant of the Canticle of Mary