SCOTUS same-sex marriage passed,5-4 vote

     This morning, Friday, June 26, 2015 the Supreme Court of the United States of America (SCOTUS) announced that same-sex marriage is protected and cannot be banned. The 13 states that still banned same-sex marriage must now comply with the federal ruling. 

     There have been couples lining up to get married since early morning. In one state and county registrar a gay couple that had been together for 54 years were finally married. 

     What does this mean? Has Domestic Partnership has been raised to marriage status? Does it mean those in domestic partnerships don't need to get married? Or should they still take that next step for marriage? Years ago, when same-sex marriage was allowed and then banned in California, many couples who happened to be I the same-sex foun they could not divorce their partner because they were no longer considered married. Their status had reverted to domestic partnership. Couples were now in limbo! 

     Will same-sex couples still be in limbo if this law gets struck down? A dissenting write up was written. I haven't had the chance to read it yet. However, logical dissent was not noted in the report. 

Subconscious bias

http://youtu.be/18zvlz5CxPE

Subconscious bias worth watching. Race car driver engineer. Boxer. Muslim. 

Gospel of 6.23.15

Matthew 7:6,12-14

6. Do not give to dogs what is holy. Do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under foot and turn to attack you

12. So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets. 

13. Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 

14. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few. 

Caridad de las Mercedes. 

From etwn website 

Works of Mercy- Spiritual

Works of Mercy-Spiritual

Matthew 25:34-41

     In the New Testament Jesus gives his disciples directions on how to 

The spiritual works of mercy are:

• To instruct the ignorant;
• To counsel the doubtful;
• To admonish sinners;
• To bear wrongs patiently;
• To forgive offences willingly;
• To comfort the afflicted;
• To pray for the living and the dead.

Catechism -CCD

On May 15, 2015 I wrote the following words from Father Joe of St. Pancratius. He stated there were three things a person needed to do with their faith...

1. Pray Eucharist 

        In front of the Eucharist pray

             (I need more information on this one) 

2. Learn more about your faith

         Go to bible study 

         Read the bible 

         Discuss the bible 

   

3. Service 

        Do something with your faith  

             Works of Mercy are a great way to follow through with your faith 

                   Spiritual or Corporal 

(From new advent Catholic encyclopedia)

The corporal works of Mercy are:

• To feed the hungry;
• To give drink to the thirsty;
• To clothe the naked;
• To harbour the harbourless;
• To visit the sick;
• To ransom the captive;
• To bury the dead.

The spiritual works of Mercy are:

• To instruct the ignorant;
• To counsel the doubtful;
• To admonish sinners;
• To bear wrongs patiently;
• To forgive offences willingly;
• To comfort the afflicted;
• To pray for the living and the dead.

Gospel mark 4:35-21 6.21.15

Gospel according to Mark 4:35-41

Who then is this who even the wind and sea obey?  

     In this reading Jesus calms the wind and sea as he and his disciples cross the sea to another town. He had been sleeping when the wind picked up. The waves came crashing on the boat. The boat took on water. Jesus's disciples were afraid for their lives. One disciple shook him awake...

What happened next? 

What did the disciple say to Jesus? 

How did wuss calm the wind and sea? 

Pictures from LAURATE app. 

A faith like mine

     I would like to recommend the book A FAITH LIKE MINE, published by DK. It summarizes and teaches about the three Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) and "other faiths". It does not cover EVERY aspect of the religions covered. It does, however,  mention a few major holidays. 

     It is aimed at children to give them a taste of other religions. There are many colorful pictures showing people around the world living their faiths.  The pictures shown here were taken from the book. The table of contents, glossary, index and credits are shown. 

Parts of a wedding

     This short summary will help to explain the parts of a wedding. You don't want to miss planning any part of your wedding. It's your wedding, plan it according to your and your culture's beliefs and customs. HAPPY WEDDING. 

1. The Processional 

          Entrance of the wedding party 

2. The Invocation 

          Introduction of the Couple 

3. Vow Exchange 

          The couple exchange prepared vows 

4. Declaration of Intent 

          This is the verbal Declaration to wed--the I DO's

5. Ring exchange 

          The couple exhange rings

6. Pronouncement 

          The marriage is declared Official 

7. Recessional 

          The wedding party exits

From www.theamm.org

Thumbtack's google policy error

I have recently received an email from www.thumbtack.com stating they had made an error in following google policy. They owned up to it. However it affects everyone who participated in this issue. 

     Due to a Google policy I have to state that you cannot follow back on the thumbtack link I have posted.  Within a few days I will be removing the link. It's a shame, too. 

Today's Gospel reading June 11, 2015

     In the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Today's reading comes from the Gospel of Matthew 10:7-13.

     Jesus instructs his apostles in what manner to go out and preach the kingdom of heaven. He states in Matthew to do the following:

•heal the sick

•raise the dead

•cleanse the lepers

•cast out demons

•you received your gift without pay 

      •give your gift without payment 

•take no gold, silver, or copper in your belts

•no bag for your journey, nor two tunics 

     •nor sandals, nor staff

          •a laborer deserves his food. 

Further more, Jesus states, 

•in every town or village you enter find out who is worthy...

     •stay with him until you depart

     •as you enter the house, salute it

           •if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; 

           •but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.

AMEN. 

Read more 

Caridad de las Mercedes 

www.ewtn.com

Catholic tv mass prayers and responses

     How many thought EWTN was the only  multimedia resource for Catholicism? Well, I want to share with you Catholic TV website. They celebrate the holy mass daily. They even have a mass prayer and response page to follow along. You can either print and take it with you or follow along at home. 

     A reminder that attending a Sunday mass at church is still the obligation. However, if you are home sick, the car broke down, etc... Watching the mass is still a good way to replenish your spirit. 

Daily reading for June 9, 2015

First reading          2 Corinthians 1:18-22

Responsorial         Psalm 119:129-133, 135

Gospel reading  Matthew 5:13-16 

(Recap)You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. 

Passing judgement

     In the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit. Amen. 

     Forgive me, Father for I have sinned. Today I passed judgment on a group of kids because of a statement made by one of the kids. I made a generalized statement out loud that was heard by the person in authority above me. 

     I immediately regret my general statement and the negative impact it may have on all parties involved, especially the kids. 

     Dear Lord, I pray I can hold my tongue better, when a generalized statement pops into my head. May I find positive things in everyone. I ask this in your name, Dear Lord.

     Amen. 

Caridad dr las Mercedes 

Corpus Christi Sunday

     Yesterday, June 7, 2015 the Catholic Church celebrated Corpus Christi Sunday. It is not a day to celebrate the town of Corpus Christi, Texas. 

     The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) is a feast day. It is a day we solemnly celebrate via the liturgy the "...tradition and belief in the body and blood of Jesus Christ and (H)is real presence in the Eucharist..." (Wikipedia). 

Readings of the day 

First reading Exodus 24:3-8

Responsorial Psalm 116:12-13, 15-16, 17-18

Second reading Hebrew 9:11-15

Alleluia John 6:51

Gospel Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

From LAUDATE app

From Wikipedia app

Prayers for RGA

Please continue to pray for RGA. He saw his cardiologist today. He should have news tomorrow. He had raised angiogram when he last saw his dr. after a trial Rx intake failure. 

Caridad de las Mercedes 

9 ways to love

Thank you chaplain from the US Army 

Nervous disorders; sanity

Dear Heavenly Father; 

     We come to you in prayer in hopes that our nerves may be soothed, through the Holy Spirit, in this time of calamity and chaos. Please help us to remember that through You, Oh Lord, peace and salvation are attained. Thank you, Lord. 

Thank you for healing my nerves. Thank you for healing my family's nerves. 

Amen. 

St. Dymphna pray or us. 

Blessed Virgin Mary, pray for us. 

Angels and saints, pray for us. 

Good Saint Dymphna, great wonder-worker in every affliction of mind and body, I humbly implore your powerful intercession with Jesus through Mary, the Health of the Sick, in my present need. (Mention it.) Saint Dymphna, martyr of purity, patroness of those who suffer with nervous and mental afflictions, beloved child of Jesus and Mary, pray to Them for me and obtain my request.

(Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Glory Be.)

RIP Beau Biden

It was reported today that Beau Biden,  the son of the Vice President of The United States of America, Joe Biden, has passed away from brain cancer. 

Beau Biden served as attorney general. He also served in the military in 2003 when his reserve was called up for duty, (Wikipedia). 

From LAUDATE app  

Prayer for the deceased person 

Lord Jesus, our Redeemer, You willingly gave Yourself up to death so that all people might be saved and pass from death into a new life. Listen to our prayers; look with love on Your people who mourn and pray for their dead brother/sister. Lord Jesus, You alone are holy and compassionate; forgive our brother/sister his/her sins.
By dying You opened the gates of life for those who believe in You; do not let Your brother/sister be parted from You, but by Your glorious power give him/her light, joy, and peace in heaven where You live for ever and ever.
Amen.

Caridad de las Mercedes 

Reach Out When Suffering

In the name of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. Amen. 

     Dear GOD, Almighty: please bring down the Holy Spirit and heal our bumps bruises. Help us to remember, Lord, You are our comfort and our salvation. You are with us in times of happiness, and sadness. You will not leave us, your children. Amen. 

(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be) 

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 

     We all suffer from life's bumps and bruises throughout our lives. Many times we can take those bumps and bruises easily. Other times, when the bumps become potholes the size of SUVs and the bruises become beatings (or beat downs) we want to simply hide-away in a cave away from everyone, when the pressures become too much. 

     It is at times like these that we must remember that evil delights in separating us from GOD in many forms. Separating us from our family, friends, coworkers, and especially GOD, through the stress and anxiety that fills our lives. 

     When we are over worked and feel shackled (chained) and no one offers to help; no one offers to smile or say "hello" "how ya doing", we feel bullied and afraid. 

     It is when we least feel like reaching out that we must remember: being alive in GOD comes with benefits. GOD wants us to reach out for help. HE GIVES US MANY opportunities and resources to ask for help. GOD has placed us in a community. His community. 

     

     Our community starts with God as our head of household and our families. It slowly expands to our playmates and classmates as we grow up. As we mature we meet new friends, parishioners and coworkers.  

• GOD: Pray to God with all your heart and soul. Ask Him for help. Read the Bible for inspiration.

• Place of worship: (Church, Temple, Mosque) seek out fellowship. In fellowship you and your group can help each other by praying for each other. 

•Family: speak to your spouse about your troubles. Your spouse is your partner in marriage and life. Pray together for healing and love. 

•Work: After praying, talk to your boss and/or coworkers about the issue you may be having at work. You may find a helping hand. 

Friends: reach out to your friends. Sometimes it may be easier than reaching out to your spouse due to the issue. Talking with your friend may lead you with strength to speak to your spouse. As always, pray. 

Professionals: many times we feel we cannot talk to our family, friends, or coworkers. Sometimes we feel we can't even approach our priest/minister, rabbi, or imam.  We can always talk to a professional who is not in our regular circle of influence. A neutral party. There are many secular or religious therapists, counselors, and doctors in mental health who can be of service.

Please pray and reach out for help. 

Amen. 

The following verses are but A FEW taken from a compiled list from WHERE IS GOD MINISTRIES. 

Exodus 33:14,

Deuteronomy 31:8; 33:27,

Psalm 9:9-10; 16:8; 27:1, 3; 32:7-8; 

Taken from WHERE IS GOD MINISTRIES(th) 

Compiled by Rebecca Groothius

www.whereisgod.net/stress.htm 

20 Bible verses on HOPE

http://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/hope-bible-verses/

Caridad de las Mercedes 

St. Dymphna patron saint of nervous disorders

St. Dymphna patron saint against insanity. Her feast day is May 15. 

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05221b.htm

Here is a beautiful site referring to her. It shows the prayer accorded to her for intercession to God. 

The following is he prayer from the above mentioned website. 

Good Saint Dymphna, great wonder-worker in every affliction of mind and body, I humbly implore your powerful intercession with Jesus through Mary, the Health of the Sick, in my present need. (Mention it.) Saint Dymphna, martyr of purity, patroness of those who suffer with nervous and mental afflictions, beloved child of Jesus and Mary, pray to Them for me and obtain my request.

(Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Glory Be.)

Saint Dymphna, Virgin and Martyr, pray for us.