-- 1Cor 1:18-25 --

 -- 1Cor 1:18-25 --

    For the word of the cross, to them indeed that perish, is
foolishness: but to them that are saved, that is, to us, it is the
power of God. For it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the
wise: and the prudence of the prudent I will reject. Where is the
wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath
not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For, seeing that in the
wisdom of God, the world, by wisdom, knew not God, it pleased God, by
the foolishness of our preaching, to save them that believe. For both
the Jews require signs: and the Greeks seek after wisdom. But we
preach Christ crucified: unto the Jews indeed a stumblingblock, and
unto the Gentiles foolishness: But unto them that are called, both
Jews and Greeks, Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God. For
the foolishness of God is wiser than men: and the weakness of God is
stronger than men.  DRB
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
    The Good News of Jesus Christ sounds foolish to many. Our society
worships power, influence and wealth. Jesus came as a humble, poor
servant, and he offers his kingdom to those who have faith, not to
those who do good deeds to try to earn his gifts. This looks foolish
to the world, but Christ is our power, the only way we can be saved.
Knowing Christ personally is the greatest wisdom anyone could have.

<<>><<>><<>>
July 2nd - Saints Acestes, Longinus, and Megistus

(died 67)
Saints Acestes, Longinus, and Megistus were Roman soldiers and Martyr
of the Church. According to Holy Legend, these three brave men were
the soldiers assigned to convey Saint Paul to his martyrdom.

On the journey from the prison to the place of execution, these three
soldiers were struck by the joy that Saint Paul emoted, and impressed
by his courage and commitment to his cause. Confused, they questioned
him, asking Paul who this king was=E2=80=94a king that he loved so much he =
was
willing to die for so joyfully and courageously.

Despite having little time, Paul preached the Gospel to them with
every step and every movement, and they were converted on the spot. As
they approached the place of execution, the three soldiers were
horrified at what was about to occur. The bravely declared themselves
Christians, and witnessed to the crowd. Based upon their =E2=80=9Ctreason,=
=E2=80=9D
they were immediately beheaded, martyrs for the faith under the
persecution of Emperor Nero. Their acts were recorded by Church
historian Eusebius.

Today, on the feast of Saints Acestes, Longinus, and Megistus, we pray
for courage and strength to bear witness to the Gospel, and openness
to those we encounter, that we may understand their needs, hear their
stories, and genuinely interact in the spirit of Christ.
 by Jacob

Saint Quote:
The faith of those who live their faith is a serene faith. What you
long for will be given you; what you love will be yours for ever.
Since it is by giving alms that everything is pure for you, you will
also receive that blessing which is promised next by the Lord: the
Godhead that no man has been able to see. In the inexpressible joy of
this eternal vision, human nature will possess what eye has not seen
or ear heard, what man's heart has never conceived.
--Pope St. Leo the Great

Bible Quote:
26 If any one thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue
but deceives his heart, this man=E2=80=99s religion is vain. [James 1:26]
RSVCE


<><><><>
Dear God, give me courage,
for perhaps I lack it more than anything else.

I need courage before men against their threats
and against their seductions.

I need courage to bear unkindness,
mockery, contradiction.

I need courage to fight against the devil,
against terrors and troubles, temptations,
attractions, darkness and false lights,
against tears, depression, and above all fear.

I need Your help, dear God.

Strengthen me with Your love and Your grace.

Console me with Your blessed Presence
and grant me the courage to persevere
until I am with You forever in heaven.
Amen.