Friday, September 23, 2011

Second Day of the Novena to St. Therese



How providential...
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I haven't written about the novenas I make for a long time, but I thought I'd share the meditation from today from my novena to St. Therese with those of you who just might be interested...
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"Therefore charity is a unity:  love of God and love of our brothers are inseparable.  Under the old law it was written, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself' (Lv 19:18), and already that seemed very difficult.  Yet Jesus asked more of his apostles.  he modified this precept of the Old Testament.  he made a new precept of it, his own precept:  'A new commandment I give unto you; that you love one another as I loved you' (jn 13:34).  'I will that you love one another not only as each of you loves himself, I will that you love one another as I myself love you - that means without limits.'
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How strong and eloquent are the words in Holy Scripture which call us to this charity: 'Judge not and you will not be judged.  Condemn not and you will not be condemned.  Forgive and you shall be forgiven.' (lk 6:37)  'Love your enemies,' said Jesus.  'And if you love those who love you, what thanks are due you?  For sinners also love those who love them.  And if you do good to those who do good to you, what thanks are due you?  For sinners do as much... Rather, love your enemies: do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be the sons of the Most High.  For he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.' (Lk 6:27, 32, 33, 35)  This is what distinguishes you from others.  They will know you by the fact you love your enemies.  That will be the sign of recognition.  'If any man says: I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar.' (1 Jn 4:20)" - I Believe In Love, Pere Jean du Coer de Jesus
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If they don't recognize us as Christians by our love, will God?

2 comments:

  1. We already started our 9-day novena in our parish led by habited nuns (Missionary Catechist of St. Therese). We have a big celebration on Oct. 1 with veneration of her relic, distribution of blessed roses, procession to the parish hall where we have our reception. I will remember your intention Terry and those who want to be included in our novena and Masses.

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  2. Thanks very much Fr. Gary! I will unite spiritually with you too.

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