Weekly Prayers
Monday 19 November 2018.
Judas Maccabeus was a Jewish General who died in 164BC. At a time when the People of Israel were fighting for their survival, Judas Maccabeus led them to victory in a series of great battles and events. His story has much to do with the Jewish Festival of Hannukah. For us he is important because of a statement he made.
In the Second Book of Maccabeus in the Old Testament we are told that after a great battle Judas Maccabeus looks at the dead soldiers and said :
‘It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins.’
This starts the great tradition in our Church of praying for the dead which is important for us in this month of November.
Let us say an ‘Eternal Rest’ for all who have died but need our prayers on the road to Heaven.
Eternal Rest grant unto them…….
Tuesday 20 November 2018.
Today is the feast day of St Agapius. Agapius died in 306 AD as a Martyr. Agapius was a Christian living in Palestine; he was taken prisoner on three occasions and tortured due to his faith. Arrested a fourth time, he was offered a pardon if he denied Christ. When he refused he was tortured until death.
As Christians, we all have faith. The Bible says in Romans, Chapter 12 that each of us is given ‘a measure of faith.’ There may be times when we feel our faith has been ‘tested’. It is important that we remain strong in our belief and that we remember that God will always bless us in every way.
Our Father…
Wednesday 21 November 2018.
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary commemorates the dedication of herself to God which Mary made from early in her childhood. This was under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit who filled her with grace at her Immaculate Conception. Many Catholics turn to Mary in a time of need to intercede for them to help untie the knots present in our life through her faith.
Let us pray at these times to Our Lady of Knots,
Virgin Mary, Mother of fair love, Mother who never refuses to come to the aid of a child in need, Mother whose hands never cease to serve your beloved children because they are moved by the divine love and immense mercy that exists in your heart, cast your compassionate eyes upon me and see the snarl of knots that exist in my life.
Hail Mary….
Thursday 22 November 2018.
Today is the feast of Saint Cecilia, the Patron Saint of music. Born in Rome during the 2nd Century into a rich and noble family, Cecilia converted to Christianity at a young age. However, due to her family’s status, her parents forced her to marry Valerian of Trastevere. On the day of her wedding, while praying to God, it is said that Cecilia heard heavenly music in her heart. This is why throughout history Cecilia is pictured playing a musical instrument or singing to God.
After their marriage, both Cecilia and her husband developed a ministry devoted to providing burials to martyred Christians. When the Christian faith of her husband and his followers was discovered by the Senate they were captured and later executed. Cecilia buried her husband and his followers, but subsequently was arrested and she too died as a result of her faith.
We pray to Saint Cecilia, who chose to die instead of denying our Lord. We ask Saint Cecilia to help us be united closer to Christ! We remember in a special way all the members, staff and pupils of our Music Department and ask God to bless them in their work.
Our Father…
Friday 23 November 2018.
May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing that you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.
St Thérèse of Lisieux (1873-1897), Carmelite nun and Doctor of the Church
Let us place our trust in God, knowing that his love for us is infinite.
Hail Mary, full of grace…
