Daily Retreat 06/19/09
2009 Jun 19 Fri:SACRED HEART OF JESUS S
Hos 11:1. 3-4. 8c-9/ Is 12:2-3. 4. 5-6 (3)/ Eph 3:8-12. 14-19/ Jn 19:31-37
From today’s readings: “My heart is overwhelmed, My pity is stirred.... You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation..... that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.... a soldier thrust his lance into His side, and immediately blood and water flowed out. ”
Year for Priests
Today, the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, is the beginning of a special “Year for Priests” decreed by Pope Benedict XVI. The intention of the year, the Pope explains, is specifically “to deepen the commitment of all priests to interior renewal for the sake of a more forceful and incisive witness to the Gospel in today’s world.” The Holy Father mentions St. John Vianney, the patron saint of priests, as a particularly inspiring example to follow.
I and other priests have our work cut out for us - I’m certainly aware of how often I fall short of the example of St. John Vianney, let alone the example of Jesus, our great High Priest! And yet, despite our failings and clear unworthiness, God has chosen us priests for service in His Church to Him and His holy people - it’s God’s plan, and God’s idea, and we can only dedicate ourselves, as much as possible, to doing things God’s way!
Especially throughout this Year for Priests, consider the ways God will use you to strengthen the holiness of priests - please pray for priests and future priestly vocations every day, and do your part in this Year for Priests!
Link to Pope Benedict’s Letter Proclaiming this Year for Priests:
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/letters/2009/documents/hf_ben-xvi_let_20090616_anno-sacerdotale_en.html
Hos 11:1. 3-4. 8c-9/ Is 12:2-3. 4. 5-6 (3)/ Eph 3:8-12. 14-19/ Jn 19:31-37
From today’s readings: “My heart is overwhelmed, My pity is stirred.... You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation..... that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.... a soldier thrust his lance into His side, and immediately blood and water flowed out. ”
Year for Priests
Today, the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, is the beginning of a special “Year for Priests” decreed by Pope Benedict XVI. The intention of the year, the Pope explains, is specifically “to deepen the commitment of all priests to interior renewal for the sake of a more forceful and incisive witness to the Gospel in today’s world.” The Holy Father mentions St. John Vianney, the patron saint of priests, as a particularly inspiring example to follow.
I and other priests have our work cut out for us - I’m certainly aware of how often I fall short of the example of St. John Vianney, let alone the example of Jesus, our great High Priest! And yet, despite our failings and clear unworthiness, God has chosen us priests for service in His Church to Him and His holy people - it’s God’s plan, and God’s idea, and we can only dedicate ourselves, as much as possible, to doing things God’s way!
Especially throughout this Year for Priests, consider the ways God will use you to strengthen the holiness of priests - please pray for priests and future priestly vocations every day, and do your part in this Year for Priests!
Link to Pope Benedict’s Letter Proclaiming this Year for Priests:
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/letters/2009/documents/hf_ben-xvi_let_20090616_anno-sacerdotale_en.html
posted by FrPitstick | 6/18/2009
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