DIVINE RETREAT UPDATES AND PRAYERS

DIVINE RETREAT UPDATES AND PRAYERS

6/12/2025, 11:12:57 AM

Honor the Hands That Once Held You In life, relationships may shift. People who once walked closely with us may take different paths, and seasons may change. But even when disagreements arise or distance grows, never forget the kindness that was once shared. Do not let pride or conflict blind you from remembering the days someone stood by your side when no one else did. Sometimes, we grow apart from those who were once our greatest support. It is natural. Change is part of life. But betrayal or disrespect toward those who helped you rise is never justifiable. If someone once held your hand through storms, encouraged you in your darkest hour, or believed in you when you had nothing, that memory alone deserves your respect. Let not temporary misunderstandings make you forget years of loyalty. The person may no longer serve a purpose in your life, and that is okay. But dignity and maturity are shown when you can walk away with peace, not bitterness. When you can disagree and still honor the good that once existed between you. Life is too short to repay kindness with cruelty. It takes character to appreciate the past, even when the present is filled with differences. Sometimes, the people who helped you before are no longer meant to be part of your journey, but that doesn't erase their role in getting you to where you are today. If someone helped you build your life, offered you shelter, fed you, or lifted you up when you were down, always hold that memory with reverence. Whether you speak again or not, let your heart remain grateful. It is not weakness to remember the good. It is strength. As the Bible teaches in Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Cherish those who stood with you in adversity. Even if the bond fades, let the gratitude remain. © Kevin moh cf lm | Catholic Apologist 2025. All rights reserved.

DIVINE RETREAT UPDATES AND PRAYERS

6/12/2025, 10:30:02 AM

*CATECHISM OF CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHINGS* (ccc) *171. What is the meaning of the affirmation "Outside the Church there is no salvation"?* This means that all salvation comes from Christ, the Head, through the Church which is his body. Hence they cannot be saved who, knowing the Church as founded by Christ and necessary for salvation, would refuse to enter her or remain in her. At the same time, thanks to Christ and to his Church, those who through no fault of their own do not know the Gospel of Christ and his Church but sincerely seek God and, moved by grace, try to do his will as it is known through the dictates of conscience can attain eternal salvation. *Further reading: CCC 846-848* *172. Why must the Church proclaim the Gospel to the whole world?* The Church must do so because Christ has given the command: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). The missionary mandate of the Lord has its origin in the eternal love of God who has sent his Son and the Holy Spirit because "he desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4). *Further reading: CCC 849-851*

DIVINE RETREAT UPDATES AND PRAYERS

6/12/2025, 5:18:04 PM

*WORD FOR THE DAY* TOPIC: *OBEY GOD EVEN WHEN IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE...* There will be times when God’s calling on your life won’t make sense to the people around you. They will question your direction. They will scrutinize your decisions. They will whisper doubts about your faith. They will laugh at your sacrifices and raise eyebrows at your discipline. They may say, “You could be doing so much more with your life,” “Why are you wasting your time on this path?” or worse, “Are you sure it’s God who is calling you?” For me, obedience to God was never meant to be validated by man. Obedience is not a popularity contest. It’s not a democratic decision. It is not subject to the votes of family, friends, society, or culture. Obedience is an act of trust in the One who sees the end from the beginning, the One who writes the story from the last page backward. And when God calls you, He does not send out memos for human approval. He speaks into the depths of your soul, and if you dare to trust Him, He will lead you through a path that doesn’t make sense to the crowd, but makes perfect sense in the clarity of His divine purpose. Think of Noah, a man asked by God to build an ark. Not near a river. Not beside a sea. But on dry land. There was no cloud in the sky. No forecast of a storm. Yet Noah obeyed. Day by day, plank by plank, in the presence of mocking eyes and doubting minds, Noah built. While others laughed, Noah worked. While others played, Noah prayed. And when the flood came, those who mocked became desperate, and the man they ridiculed became the vessel of salvation. Noah’s obedience didn’t make sense until it was the only thing that did. So too it may be for you. Perhaps you have left a lucrative career to follow a deeper calling. Perhaps you are walking away from toxic relationships that everyone says are “not that bad.” Perhaps you are saying no to shortcuts and yes to the long, quiet road of integrity. Maybe you are sacrificing pleasures now for a greater purpose later. And yes, you feel misunderstood. Misjudged. Even misrepresented. Let me remind you that Abraham walked away from his father’s house not knowing where he was going, but he trusted the One who called him. Moses stood before Pharaoh, a stammering man, yet commanded the mightiest empire to let God’s people go. Mary accepted a divine pregnancy and bore the Son of God while carrying the weight of societal shame. Joseph endured the pit, the prison, and the betrayal, only to be positioned in the palace, because he remained obedient when nothing made sense. Beloved, if God has called you, walk on,even if you walk alone. People will call it madness before they call it wisdom. They will call it rebellion before they call it obedience. But when the rain comes, when the doors of the ark close, when the waters rise, and God lifts you above the chaos, even your doubters will confess: surely, this was the hand of God. Obedience may cost you relationships, reputation, and relevance. But it will never cost you your reward. Let them question you, but don’t question God. Let them laugh at your ark, but don’t stop building. Let them call you crazy, but don’t ignore the voice that called you in the first place. So stand tall. Stand firm. And keep obeying. Even when it doesn’t make sense. Especially when it doesn’t make sense. Because that’s when obedience becomes the loudest declaration of your trust in God. Your servant, _@ Fr. Albert Nwosu (Nwachinemere)_

DIVINE RETREAT UPDATES AND PRAYERS

6/12/2025, 1:55:30 PM

*MY EARLY MORNING LESSON* TOPIC: *EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU SHOULDN'T BE ON SOCIAL MEDIA... DON'T BE TOO LOUD...* We live in a time when silence is mocked and oversharing is applauded. A time when privacy is no longer gold and mystery is no longer attractive. A time when the click of a camera and the tap of a screen can turn the most sacred moments of our lives into public entertainment for people who don’t even care about us. In this digital age, we have confused exposure with relevance. But today, I have one simple message for you: Don’t be too loud. Everything about you shouldn’t be on social media, because there are enemies on your timeline. You see, not everyone that likes your post likes you. Not everyone that comments "Congratulations" is happy for you. Not everyone who follows your journey is cheering for your success. Some are following you to study your moves, waiting for the moment when they can strike, sabotage, or simply celebrate your downfall. There are wolves wearing the mask of emojis. There are serpents wrapped in "likes." There are enemies hiding in plain sight on your timeline. Some of you are wondering why everything in your life suddenly seems to go wrong after that big announcement. You told them about your job offer, and it disappeared. You posted about your relationship, and it started shaking. You announced your next move, and the door was mysteriously shut. Maybe, just maybe, you are feeding your enemies with information they shouldn't have. Let me be clear: social media is not evil. It is a powerful tool, useful for connecting, inspiring, building, and learning. But like fire, if it is not handled with wisdom, it can burn everything you've worked so hard to build. Oversharing is self-sabotage in disguise. Privacy is not secrecy, it is protection. Do you remember how the wise men found baby Jesus? They followed a star. A bright, visible star. A public sign. The moment King Herod saw that sign, he didn’t say “Praise God.” He began plotting. That should tell you something: the light that leads your destiny can also attract demonic attention. Be wise. Don’t dim your light, but don’t hang it carelessly either. Not every miracle should make it to your status. Some testimonies are safer in your prayer closet than on your Facebook wall. There are people who monitor you not because they love you but because they envy you. You call them friends, but they’re frenemies. You tag them in your posts, but they untag you in their hearts. And yet, you keep giving them front-row seats to the most intimate chapters of your life. Why? Some moments are meant to be lived quietly. Some blessings are meant to be enjoyed silently. Some moves are meant to be made in shadows until they speak for themselves. You don’t have to announce everything. You don’t have to tell the world every step. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone. Silence is not weakness, it’s strategy. The happiest people don’t always post, but they live. The most successful people don’t always show, but they grow. The most powerful victories happen behind closed doors. Don’t let the thirst for validation rob you of your divine protection. Remember that what is sacred must be shielded. What is precious must be protected. And what is growing must be guarded. Even Jesus told the healed not to tell anyone. Sometimes silence is obedience. Sometimes silence is wisdom. Sometimes silence is survival. Your servant, _@ Fr. Albert Nwosu (Nwachinemere)_

DIVINE RETREAT UPDATES AND PRAYERS

6/12/2025, 10:27:04 AM

*SHALOM* *AFTERNOON DOSE* *🔥 ARE YOU IN SEARCH OF TRUTH? DISCOVER THE SPIRIT WHO LEADS YOU THERE. 🔥* Have you ever found yourself hungry for real truth, not opinions, not theories, not Rumors, but truth that frees, transforms, and anchors your soul? In today’s world, everyone claims to have it, yet confusion reigns. But Jesus, in His own words, pointed to the real source of truth: The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth. *_“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth...” (John 16:13)_* Truth isn’t something we invent, it is something revealed. It comes from God's own mouth, through His Spirit, and is preserved in His Word. And this truth isn't just a body of knowledge; it’s a relationship with the God who cannot lie (Titus 1:2). *📖 The Word of God Is Truth* Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them in your truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17). This means God's Word is not just true, it is Truth itself. It’s the standard by which all other “truths” must be measured. But here’s the catch: you cannot understand this Word by human reasoning alone. *🌬️ You Need the Spirit of Truth* You need revelation, not just information. You need the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit, not just to read Scripture but to understand it, to live it, and to discern truth from error. “Now we have received… the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God.” (1 Corinthians 2:12) He helps us go beyond ink and paper into the living voice of God. That’s why those who fellowship with the Holy Spirit often say, “How did I miss this verse before?” or “It suddenly makes sense!” *🕊️ The Spirit of the Word* The Holy Spirit is the original Author of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16), the One who inspired the prophets, the apostles, and all who penned God’s message. And He hasn’t changed. He still speaks guiding, teaching, correcting, and confirming the truth in our hearts. If you feel lost in confusion, or unsure about what’s right and wrong in today’s noisy world, ask the Spirit of Truth to guide you. “We belong to God, and anyone who knows God listens to us… This is how we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” (1 John 4:6) *💡How Do You Access This Truth?* *1. Humble yourself before God's Word.* Be ready to correct your own ideas if they don’t align. *2. Ask for the Spirit of Truth.* You don't need a theology degree, you need a soft heart and a sincere prayer. *3. Fellowship with the Holy Spirit daily.* The more you relate with Him, the more truth He unveils. *4. Walk in obedience.* Revelation increases when obedience is present. *✨ Truth Is Not a Concept. It's a Person.* Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life…” (John 14:6) and He sends the Spirit of Truth to lead you to Himself. So, if you are searching for truth, you're really searching for the One who reveals it. And today, He stands ready to open the Word, light your path, and breathe understanding into your heart. Invite the Spirit of Truth. He will not mislead you. He will guide you into all truth. 🕊️ Truth is calling. Will you follow? *🕊️ 🧎🛐Spirit of Truth, Lead Us into Light, truth* Heavenly Father, I come before You in humility and awe, knowing that You are the God of all truth, and in You there is no shadow of falsehood. You have not left us alone in confusion or darkness, You have sent us the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, to dwell in us and guide us into all truth. Lord, I intercede today not only for myself but for all who are earnestly seeking You, for the doubting, the searching, the questioning, the wandering. There are so many voices around us, and so much deception. But You have said, “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13) So I ask now, Holy Spirit, come! Come into our hearts and into our minds. Break every veil of confusion. Tear down the strongholds of false doctrines and worldly reasoning. Shine Your light upon the Scriptures, that we may not only read the Word but receive it with revelation. Spirit of Truth, I pray for those who feel lost in their faith, rekindle in them a fire to seek Your Word. I lift up my generation, who are drowning in opinions and misled by the spirit of error. Let there rise a hunger for truth, not shaped by culture, but grounded in Christ. Let Your voice silence every lie. Spirit of the Living God, breathe on pastors, teachers, and leaders. Let them not teach with the words of human wisdom, but with truth born of the Spirit. Guard Your Church from division, deception, and compromise. Raise up those who will boldly speak Your Word not watered down, not redefined, but as it is: pure, sharp, and living. Father, awaken us to the truth of Your thoughts, The truth that convicts but also heals, The truth that cuts but also restores, The truth that exposes but then clothes us in grace. We cannot know You unless You reveal Yourself to us. We cannot walk with You unless You lead us. So I cry out today: Lead us, Spirit of Truth. Reveal Jesus. Reveal the Father's will. Reveal what is yet to come. And may our lives, rooted in Your truth, shine like beacons in this dark world. Let Your truth not remain in our minds alone, but transform our hearts and actions. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen. *✨Enjoy a gracious Thursday - God bless*

DIVINE RETREAT UPDATES AND PRAYERS

6/12/2025, 5:15:34 PM

*WORD FOR THE DAY* TOPIC: *OBEY GOD EVEN WHEN IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE...* There will be times when God’s calling on your life won’t make sense to the people around you. They will question your direction. They will scrutinize your decisions. They will whisper doubts about your faith. They will laugh at your sacrifices and raise eyebrows at your discipline. They may say, “You could be doing so much more with your life,” “Why are you wasting your time on this path?” or worse, “Are you sure it’s God who is calling you?” For me, obedience to God was never meant to be validated by man. Obedience is not a popularity contest. It’s not a democratic decision. It is not subject to the votes of family, friends, society, or culture. Obedience is an act of trust in the One who sees the end from the beginning, the One who writes the story from the last page backward. And when God calls you, He does not send out memos for human approval. He speaks into the depths of your soul, and if you dare to trust Him, He will lead you through a path that doesn’t make sense to the crowd, but makes perfect sense in the clarity of His divine purpose. Think of Noah, a man asked by God to build an ark. Not near a river. Not beside a sea. But on dry land. There was no cloud in the sky. No forecast of a storm. Yet Noah obeyed. Day by day, plank by plank, in the presence of mocking eyes and doubting minds, Noah built. While others laughed, Noah worked. While others played, Noah prayed. And when the flood came, those who mocked became desperate, and the man they ridiculed became the vessel of salvation. Noah’s obedience didn’t make sense until it was the only thing that did. So too it may be for you. Perhaps you have left a lucrative career to follow a deeper calling. Perhaps you are walking away from toxic relationships that everyone says are “not that bad.” Perhaps you are saying no to shortcuts and yes to the long, quiet road of integrity. Maybe you are sacrificing pleasures now for a greater purpose later. And yes, you feel misunderstood. Misjudged. Even misrepresented. Let me remind you that Abraham walked away from his father’s house not knowing where he was going, but he trusted the One who called him. Moses stood before Pharaoh, a stammering man, yet commanded the mightiest empire to let God’s people go. Mary accepted a divine pregnancy and bore the Son of God while carrying the weight of societal shame. Joseph endured the pit, the prison, and the betrayal, only to be positioned in the palace, because he remained obedient when nothing made sense. Beloved, if God has called you, walk on,even if you walk alone. People will call it madness before they call it wisdom. They will call it rebellion before they call it obedience. But when the rain comes, when the doors of the ark close, when the waters rise, and God lifts you above the chaos, even your doubters will confess: surely, this was the hand of God. Obedience may cost you relationships, reputation, and relevance. But it will never cost you your reward. Let them question you, but don’t question God. Let them laugh at your ark, but don’t stop building. Let them call you crazy, but don’t ignore the voice that called you in the first place. So stand tall. Stand firm. And keep obeying. Even when it doesn’t make sense. Especially when it doesn’t make sense. Because that’s when obedience becomes the loudest declaration of your trust in God. Your servant, _@ Fr. Albert Nwosu (Nwachinemere)_

DIVINE RETREAT UPDATES AND PRAYERS

6/12/2025, 6:31:11 PM

*READINGS FOR, JUNE 13TH 2025.* *FRIDAY OF THE TENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C(I).* *THE MEMORIAL OF SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA, Priest & Doctor of the Church.* *LITURGICAL COLOUR: WHITE 🤍* *FIRST READING* “He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.” *A reading from the second Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians (2 CORINTHIANS 4: 7 — 15)* Brethren: We have the treasure [of the apostolate] in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken;’ struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For while we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we too believe, and so we speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. *The Word of the Lord......* *Thanks be to God.* *RESPONSORIAL PSALM* Taken from Psalm 116: 10 — 11, 15 — 16, 17 — 18 (R.) 17a And the response is; *R/. A thanksgiving sacrifice I make to you, O Lord.* Or: *Alleluia.* I trusted, even when I said, “I am sorely afflicted,” and when I said in my alarm, “These people are all liars.” *R/.* How precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful. Your servant, Lord, your servant am I, the son of your handmaid; you have loosened my bonds. *R/.* A thanksgiving sacrifice I make; I will call on the name of the Lord. My vows to the Lord I will fulfil before all his people. *R/.* *GOSPEL ACCLAMATION* Philippians 2: 15d, 16a *Alleluia.* You will shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life. *Alleluia.* *GOSPEL* ”Every one who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her.” *† A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (MATTHEW 5: 27 — 32)* At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that every one who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away; it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell. “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce. ’ But I say to you that every one who divorces his wife, except on the ground of un-chastity, makes her an adulteress; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” *The Gospel of the Lord.......* *Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.*

DIVINE RETREAT UPDATES AND PRAYERS

6/12/2025, 6:28:28 PM

*MASOMO YA MISA, JUNI 13 2025.* *IJUMAA YA JUMA LA KUMI, KIPINDI CHA KAWAIDA, MWAKA C(I).* *KUMBUKUMBU YA MTAKATIFU ANTONI WA PADUA, Padre na Mwalimu wa Kanisa.* *RANGI YA KILITURJIA: NYEUPE 🤍* *SOMO LA KWANZA* *Somo katika barua ya pili ya Mtakatifu Paulo kwa Wakorintho (2 WAKORINTHO 4: 7 — 15)* Yeye aliyemfufua Bwana Yesu atatufufua sisi pia pamoja na Yesu na kutuweka pamoja namyi mbele yake. Ndugu: Tunayo hazina hii [ya utume] katika vyombo vya udongo ili ionekane ya kuwa uwezo huu mkubwa mno unatoka kwa Mungu, si kwetu. Tunasongwa toka pande zote, lakini hatugandamizwi chini. Twahangaika, lakini hatukati tamaa. Tunadhulumiwa, lakini hatuachwi bila msaada. Tunaangushwa lakini hatuangamii. Kila wakati tunayachukua maumivu ya kifo cha Yesu miilini mwetu, ili uzima wake Yesu ufafanuke pia katika miili yetu. Kwa maana sisi tulio wazima tunatolewa daima tufe kwa ajili ya Yesu ili uzima wake Yesu ufafanuke pia katika miili yetu inayokumbwa na kifo. Kwa hiyo ndani yetu sisi kinatendeka kifo, ndani yenu ninyi uzima. Lakini roho ya imani tuliyo nayo ni sawa kwetu na kwenu kama ilivyoandikwa: Nilisadiki, kwa hiyo nimesema." Nasi tunasadiki tukisema. Tunajua ya kuwa yeye aliyemfufua Bwana Yesu atatufufua sisi pia pamoja na Yesu na kutuweka pamoja nanyi mbele yake. Hayo yote nayavumilia kwa ajili yenu, ili kwa shukrani ya wengi zaidi neema iongezeke na kumtukuza Mungu zaidi. *Neno la Bwana.....* *Tumshukuru Mungu.* *ZABURI YA KUITIKIZANA* Zaburi 116: 10 — 11, 15 — 16, 17 — 18 (K.) 17a *K. Nitakutolea dhabihu ya kukushukuru, ee Bwana.* Nilitumaini hata niliposema, "Mimi nimetaabika sana," nami nilisema katika mshtuko wangu, "Watu hawa wote ni waongo." *K.* Kina thamani kubwa machoni pa Bwana kifo cha wacha Mungu wake. Ee Bwana, hakika mimi ni mtumishi wako, mimi ni mtumishi wako, nwana wa mjakazi wako; umevifungua vifungo vyangu. *K.* Nitakutolea dhabihu ya shukrani, na kulita jina la Bwana. Nitamtimizia Bwana nadhiri zangu mbele ya watu wake wote. *K.* *SHANGILIO LA INJILI* Wafilipi 2: 15d, 16a *K. Aleluya. W. Aleluya.* K. Mtang'aa kama mianga katika ulimwengu, mkilishikilia neno la uzima. *W. Aleluya.* *INJILI* Kila amtazamaye mwanamke kwa kumtamani, amekwisha kuzini naye. *† Somo la Injili takatifu ilivyoandikwa na Mathayo (MATHAYO 5: 27 — 32)* Wakati ule: Yesu aliwaambia wafuasi wake, "Mmesikia kwamba imenenwa: Usizini.' Nami nawaambieni, kila amtazamaye mwanamke kwa kumtamani, amekwisha kuzini naye moyoni mwake. Jicho lako la kulia likikukosesha, uling'oe na kulitupilia mbali, kwa maana yakufaa zaidi kupotewa na kiungo kimoja kuliko kutupwa mwili wako mzima Jehanamu. Na mkono wako wa kulia ukikukosesha, uukate na kuutupilia mbali. Afadhali upotewe na kíungo kimoja kuliko kutupwa mwili wako mzima Jehanamu. Tena imenenwa, Mtu anayemwacha mke wake, ampe hati ya talaka." Mimi lakini nawaambieni, kila anayemwacha mke wake isipokuwa kwa sababu va ndoa ya maharimu anamtia katika hali ya uzinzi; kadhalika mtu akimwoa mwanamke aliyeachwa, anazini." *Injili ya Bwana......* *Sifa Kwako Ee Kristo.*

DIVINE RETREAT UPDATES AND PRAYERS

6/12/2025, 10:29:08 AM

*SHALOM* 🔊 *ANNOUNCEMENT!!!* 📢 🌟 *OUR NEXT NOVENA*🌟 🎈 *EUCHARISTIA – CORPUS CHRISTI NOVENA* 🎈 📅 *START:* Friday, 13th June 2025 ⛪ *FEAST DAY:* Sunday, 22nd June 2025 Dear friends, I am delighted to invite you to our upcoming novena in preparation for the *Solemnity of Corpus Christi*, titled *"Eucharistia."* *"Eucharistia"* is the Greek word for *thanksgiving* – and at the heart of this novena is a desire to cultivate a spirit of deep *gratitude* for the immeasurable gift of the *Eucharist*, where Jesus gives Himself to us, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. Over these *nine days of prayer and reflection*, we will journey into the mystery of the Eucharist: 🔹 Its power to transform lives 🔹 Its role in gathering us as one Body in Christ 🔹 Its call to love, sacrifice, and communion This novena is not just a series of Prayers it is a *spiritual invitation* to grow in our *understanding*, *love*, and *adoration* of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. I warmly encourage everyone to join in *individually*, as a *family*, or within your *faith group or community*. Let us prepare our hearts to receive the Lord with *renewed faith, hope, and love.* 📍 *Mark your calendars.* 📖 *Come, let us give thanks.* 🙏 *Come, let us adore.* Let’s walk this journey of *"Eucharistia"* together where *gratitude becomes worship* and *worship becomes transformation.* 📬 For more information and to receive the novena materials directly, kindly contact via WhatsApp 📧📱 - +254703574738... *Jesus, in the Most Holy Eucharist, we adore You!*

DIVINE RETREAT UPDATES AND PRAYERS

6/12/2025, 9:57:57 AM

*_Catholic Daily Reflections_* *_The Burden of Anger_* _June 12, 2025_ _Thursday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time_ *_“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna.” Matthew 5:21–22_* The passage quoted above gives us three deepening levels of sin that we commit against another. These sins were new teachings not contained in the Old Testament. By this teaching, Jesus’ call to radical holiness and love of neighbor is made very clear. The first level of sin is simply to be “angry” interiorly. The sin of anger is an interior attitude of disgust toward another. Jesus says that the consequence of having anger toward another is that you will be “liable to judgment.” The second level of sin is when you say to another “Raqa.” This Aramaic word is difficult to translate but would include some form of expression of one’s anger toward another. It would be a derogatory way of saying to another that they are unintelligent or inferior. The third level of sin Jesus identifies is when you call another “fool.” This word is an even stronger expression of Raqa and would be a verbal criticism of them, indicating that the person is a lost soul in a moral sense. It’s a strong moral condemnation of another that is expressed. So, do you struggle with anger? Jesus’ calling to freedom from all levels of this sin is a high one. There are many times in life when our passion of anger is stirred up for one reason or another, and that passion leads to one of these levels of sin. It’s a common temptation to want to condemn another with whom you are angry in the strongest way possible. It’s important to understand that this new teaching of Jesus is truly not a burden when understood and embraced. At first, it can seem that these laws of our Lord against anger are negative. That’s because lashing out at another gives a false sense of satisfaction, and these commands of our Lord, in a sense, “rob” us of that satisfaction. It can be a depressing thought to think about the moral obligation to forgive to the point that disordered anger disappears. But is it depressing? Is this law of our Lord a burden? The deep truth is that what Jesus teaches us in this passage is, in many ways, more for our own good than that of others. Our anger toward another, be it interior, verbally critical or all-out condemning, can be hurtful toward the person with whom we are angry, but the damage these forms of anger do is far worse for us than them. Being angry, even interiorly, even if we put on a happy face, does great damage to our soul and our ability to be united to God. For that reason, it is not this new law of our Lord regarding anger that is the burden, it is the anger itself that is a heavy burden and a burden from which Jesus wants you free. Reflect, today, upon the sin of anger. As you do, try to see your disordered anger as the real enemy rather than the person with whom you are angry. Pray to our Lord to free you from this enemy of the soul and seek the freedom that He wants to bestow. *_My merciful Lord, You call us to perfect freedom from all that burdens us. Anger burdens us. Help me to see the burden that my anger imposes upon me and help me to seek true freedom through the act of forgiveness and reconciliation. Please forgive me, dear Lord, as I forgive all who have hurt me. Jesus, I trust in You._*