Fifteen Promises of the Rosary~The Third Promise

    The third promise to those who faithfully pray the Rosary is that this prayer shall be a powerful armor against hell. It will destroy vice, decrease sin and defeat heresies. Jesus is the Incarnate Word of Our Creator. There is no duplicity in Jesus. His love and mercy are unconditional.

      The the evil one otherwise known as the "father of lies" lures souls through deception. The dire eternal consequences of sin are disguised by his false promises of wealth, popularity and painless immortality. God is truth. Real life involves joy, sorrow, happiness and suffering. True Christian behavior is vividly depicted in the words and actions of Our Lady. It is of great significance that there are very few words spoken by our Lady in Scripture. Her actions, exemplified by quiet obedience, trust, sacrificial love, fidelity and purity, outshine all elaborate objections to Catholic devotion to her. The Holy Rosary was once called the "Poor Man's Bible." Anyone who understands the history of the practice of praying the Rosary realizes that the central motivation for this prayer is holy contemplation of the life of our Savior. The more we incorporate His words, life and actions into our hearts and souls, the more likely we are to turn away from sin. We are therefore more likely to recognize and be drawn to Him. Many questions about the Holy Rosary are answered  @ Archbishop Fulton Sheen's comprehensive audio presentation. 

"outsiders"

     The month of November is dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory. As Catholic Christians, we are not citizens of this world, but of Heaven. We are not perfect. We aspire to obey God's commands although inundated with the distractions and demands of daily life.  In His infinite mercy, He affords us the way to purification of our souls, and eventual worthiness for entry into Heaven. Many are the episodes in our journey with Jesus that we feel like "outsiders" in relation to our peers. It is within our Church families that we freely experience God's presence and graces. We pray to be inspired by the generosity of Jesus and Mary as we consider the needs of those who suffer the tragedy of economic distress, violence, war, death and displacement.  We are grateful for the guidance of our Priests and religious, as we the laity, work together with them in bringing more souls to Christ. Our Holy Father invites us to pray with him for Countries Receiving Refugees (general Prayer intention) and for Collaboration of Priests and Laity (mission prayer intention)

     "Martha therefore said to Jesus,'Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But now also I know that whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it Thee.' Jesus saith to her, 'Thy brother shall rise again.' Martha saith to Him, 'I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.' Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life, he that believeth in me, although he be dead shall live.'"

John 11:21-25

Douay Rheims Roman Catholic Bible

the redemptive message

     September is dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of Mary. Because of His infinite love for all humans, God created us and all of nature on earth and in the heavens. Jesus suffered and died to make it possible for Heaven to be the ultimate destination of our immortal souls. Our Blessed Mother suffered every pain with Jesus on our behalf. Society attempts to highlight the importance of technology and material things, elevating possessions above the sanctity of life. Technology has the potential to outstrip in speed and impact, the simple message of God's generous love for all humankind. This all too frequently devalues human life in the eyes of many. The urgency of sharing the redemptive message of Jesus cannot be overestimated. Our Holy Father asks us to join him in prayer for the Centrality of the Human Person (general prayer intention) and for the Mission to Evangelize (mission intention).

"And thy own soul an sword shall pierce, 

that out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed."

Luke 2:35

Douay Rheims Roman Catholic Bible