on the anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy, wondering if today’s Gospel takes on special meaning

Let’s go ahead and take a look at this scripture.

27 “But I say to you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.

29 To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from him who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt.

30 Give to every one who begs from you; and of him who takes away your goods do not ask them again.

31 And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them.

32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.

33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.

34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again.

35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return;  and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish.

36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;

38 give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

(Saint Luke 6:27-38 – RSV-CE)

Thank you father for giving me perspective!

Now don’t get me wrong, I do not believe we are to turn our backs on our enemies to make it easier for them to shoot us. We should never forget what happened seven years ago. I do however think we as a nation need to pursue our national security with right intentions that don’t include hatred or revenge. I also feel we as individuals need to be more loving of our enemies.  We always talk about how powerful prayer is.  Let’s apply that to our enemies and see how powerful it can be. Let’s put our prayers where our mouth is. I think we’ll be surprised.  So let’s forgive for our enemies, pray for our enemies. Let’s pray for peace, not only in the world but also in the hearts of anyone that are filled with anger, hatred and revenge.

Original content Copyright 2007 Marc Smith
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Prayers to see her dream come true would be much appreciated.

Original content Copyright 2007 Marc Smith
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On Monday, I’ll be traveling to Pittsburgh. I have a request for this day. Either in the comments here of on my contact page, let me know the names anyone you know who has made the ultimate sacrifice for this great country. On Friday, I plan to go before the Blessed Sacrament at the Pittsburgh Oratory and pray for these brave souls. I would be happy to include anyone by name, so just let me know.

Oh…And everyone have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord,
And let perpetual Light shine upon them.
May their souls
And the souls of all the faithful departed
Through the mercy of God
Rest in peace.
Amen.

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Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord,
And let perpetual Light shine upon them.
May their souls
And the souls of all the faithful departed
Through the mercy of God
Rest in peace.
Amen.

Technorati Tags: memphis, prayer request

From Rose Marie:

Please help me pray for my son. He is making himself sick so this is urgent, besides driving me crazy and I am already crazy with a mother that has Alzheimer’s I take care of. Dear Lord and beloved Mary let Mr. Swartz offer Michael the job and real soon.

At a time when we have young men and women dyeing overseas in combat, it’s more import than ever for us to remember the sacrifices they and all those who have gone before them have made.

Don’t let the day be all about not going to work, cooking out, or going to the pool. Also, don’t make it about policy. It doesn’t matter what you think about the wars we’ve fought or are fighting. This day is about the people who made the supreme sacrifice. Let’s not desecrate their honor by making it about anything else. Just keep them in your thoughts an prayers.

Eternal rest grant unto them oh Lord. And may perpetual light shine on them. May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

WASHINGTON (CNS) — With the permission of the Vatican, the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services has begun an inquiry that could lead to the canonization of Maryknoll Father Vincent R. Capodanno, a U.S. Navy chaplain who died in 1967 while serving with the Marines in Vietnam.

Go read the whole thing, it’s a great story. Also please be sure to say a prayer for the conoization of servant of God Vincent R. Capodanno.

The Phillipines has a bill in their Government that would promote artificial contraception and establish a 2 child per limit for each family. This policy has caused China to force abortions and sterilizations.

Please, the Phillipines are 87% Catholic, let us pray against this. Please join me in a special Rosary today.

[A Catholic Life: Special Rosary today: for the Phillipines]

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Catholic, prolife, philippines, prayer request

Bishop Marko Sopi, Apostolic Administrator of Prizren, Serbia and Montenegro, has died. His death fell just 5 days after his 10th anniversary of episcopal consecration. He had also served as a priest for 37 years. May he rest in peace.

Eternal rest grant unto them oh Lord. And may perpetual light shine on them. May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

[Catholic-Hierarchy News: Bishop Sopi Died]

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Eternal rest grant unto them oh Lord. And may perpetual light shine on them. May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

[Singer Lou Rawls Dies at 72 - Forbes.com]