Catholic Fire

By Jean M. Heimann John 8: 1 - 11 In today's gospel, Jesus forgives Mary Magdalene of her sins, while the Pharisees condemn her. Each time I read this passage, I can't help but think of the woman in our own day who has not only slept with a man and become pregnant, and has sought an abortion as a way out of the situation. Society condemns her of her grievous sin, yet what good does that do the sinner? Does it encourage her to repent and reach out to God in her misery? Each one of us is capable of committing the most serious of sins due to our fallen nature. I wonder how many of these upright Pharisees preparing to cast their stones had actually participated in the sin of adultery with her. Jesus seems to be writing something on the ground -- is it the sins of the Pharisees? He is alone with the woman and looks upon her in her frightened and lowly state and He pardons her, opening up His heart of tender love and mercy to her. In the words of Fr. Philippe, OP, " As soon as J...

" I will let fall from Heaven a shower of roses." ~ St. Therese of Lisieux This is the time of year (at least in the midwestern part of the United States) that roses are blooming. With all the rain we have had here lately, they are growing abundantly. Roses always remind me of my dear friend, St. Therese, who often interecedes for me. I can really use her prayers for a special intention now, so I am going to begin the nine day novena to her today. Please feel free to join me in praying for your special intention(s). Novena Rose Prayer O Little Therese of the Child Jesus, please pick for me a rose from the heavenly gardens and send it to me as a message of love. O Little Flower of Jesus, ask God today to grant the favors I now place with confidence in your hands...(mention petitions) St. Therese, help me to always believe as you did, in God's great love for me, so that I might imitate your "Little Way" each day. Amen. (Say this prayer for nine days and St. There...

Click here for the novena prayers. The prayer of the Church venerates and honors the Heart of Jesus just as it invokes his most holy name. It adores the incarnate Word and his Heart which, out of love for men, he allowed to be pierced by our sins. Christian prayer loves to follow the way of the cross in the Savior's steps.-- From the Catechism. P: 2669

Prayer to Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting love of Jesus on the Cross to become a living flame within you, and so became the light of His love to all. Obtain from the heart of Jesus ...(the finances for a Catholic Women's Crisis Pregnancy Center). Teach me to allow Jesus to penetrate and possess my whole being so completely that my life, too, may radiate His light and Love to others. Amen. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Cause of Our Joy, pray for me. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, pray for me. Friday, April 20 ~ Fifth Day – Trust Jesus Blindly Thought for the day: “Confidence in God can do all things. It is our emptiness and lowliness that God needs and not our plenitude.” Ask for the grace to have an unshakeable trust in the God’s power and love for you and for all. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting love of Jesus on the Cross to become a living flame within you, and so became the light of His love to all. Teach me to all...

Prayer to Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting love of Jesus on the Cross to become a living flame within you, and so became the light of His love to all. Obtain from the heart of Jesus ...(the finances for a Catholic Women's Crisis Pregnancy Center). Teach me to allow Jesus to penetrate and possess my whole being so completely that my life, too, may radiate His light and Love to others. Amen. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Cause of Our Joy, pray for me. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, pray for me. Thursday, April 19 ~ Fourth Day – Our Lady Will Help You Thought for the day: “How close we must keep to Our Lady who understood what depth of Divine Love was being revealed as she stood at the foot of the Cross and heard Jesus cry out: ‘I thirst.’ ” Ask for the grace to learn from Our Lady to quench Jesus’ thirst as she did. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting love of Jesus on the Cross to become a living flame within you, and so bec...

Prayer to Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting love of Jesus on the Cross to become a living flame within you, and so became the light of His love to all. Obtain from the heart of Jesus ...(the finances for a Catholic Women's Crisis Pregnancy Center). Teach me to allow Jesus to penetrate and possess my whole being so completely that my life, too, may radiate His light and Love to others. Amen. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Cause of Our Joy, pray for me. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, pray for me. Wednesday, April 18 ~ Third Day – Hear Him Say to You: “I Thirst” Thought for the day: “Just think! God is thirsting for you and me to come forward to satiate His thirst.” Ask for the grace to understand Jesus’ cry of thirst. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting love of Jesus on the Cross to become a living flame within you, and so became the light of His love to all. Teach me to allow Jesus to penetrate and possess my whole being so ...

Prayer to Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting love of Jesus on the Cross to become a living flame within you, and so became the light of His love to all. Obtain from the heart of Jesus ...(the finances for a Catholic Women's Crisis Pregnancy Center). Teach me to allow Jesus to penetrate and possess my whole being so completely that my life, too, may radiate His light and Love to others. Amen. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Cause of Our Joy, pray for me. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, pray for me. Tuesday, April 17 ~ Second Day –Jesus Loves You Thought for the day: “Do not be afraid - you are precious to Jesus. He loves you.” Ask for the grace to be convinced of Jesus’ unconditional and personal love for you. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting love of Jesus on the Cross to become a living flame within you, and so became the light of His love to all. Teach me to allow Jesus to penetrate and possess my whole being so completely ...

Today we pray for the souls who have become lukewarm. CLICK HERE FOR THE NOVENA.

Today we pray for the souls in purgatory. CLICK HERE FOR NOVENA

Thursday in the Octave of Easter Mass Readings Daily Gospel Divine Mercy Novena - 7th day Today in Catholic History 1204 The treacherous Genoese forces of the Fourth Crusade captured the allied city of Constantinople and ravaged it for three days. Culture of Death History 1999 - American President Bill Clinton was cited for contempt of court for giving "intentionally false statements" in the Paula Jones sexual harassment civil lawsuit. Birthdays 1777 - Henry Clay , American statesman (d. 1852) 1831 - Grenville Dodge , Union Army Officer, U.S. Congressman, businessman, and railroad executive who helped construct the Transcontinental Railroad (d. 1916) 1908 - Robert Lee Scott, Jr. , American Air Force pilot (d.2006) 1923 - Ann Miller , American actress and dancer (d. 2004) 1940 - Herbie Hancock , American pianist and composer 1976 - Brad Miller , American basketball player 1979 - Jennifer Morrison , American actress and model (from House, M.D.)

Tuesday in the Octave of Easter " This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad. Alleluia!" Divine Mercy Novena - 5th Day Today's Mass Readings Daily Gospel Today in Catholic History 428 Nestorius (ca. 386–ca. 451) was consecrated bishop of Constantinople. 1585 - Pope Gregory XIII , best known for his reformation of the Gregorian calendar, dies at the age of 83. Culture of Death History 1996 President Bill Clinton vetoed a bill that would have outlawed "partial-birth" abortion. Birthdays 1755 - Samuel Hahnemann , German physician (d. 1843) 1847 - Joseph Pulitzer , American journalist and publisher (d. 1911) 1882 - Frances Perkins , American politician (d. 1965) 1938- Don Meredith , American football player and broadcaster 1950 - Ken Griffey, Sr. , baseball player 1960 - Steve Bisciotti , owner of the Baltimore Ravens