Daily Reflections

Gratia Vobis Ministries, Inc.

Abundant Life from the Mountain

By Fr. Maurice Emelu / December 1, 2021 /

It’s Advent Day-4. I reflect on the symbolism of the mountain as a place of divine revelation, and the Church as its true meaning.  The Great Invitation  The prophecy of Isaiah 25:6 sets the ecstatic tone of God’s invitation to us: “On this mountain, the Lord of hosts will provide for…

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Costs and Benefits: Feast of St. Andrew, the Apostle

By John and Kathy Schultz / November 30, 2021 /

What is the Cost? When a decision involving finances arises, the practical approach is to do a CBA or “cost benefit analysis.” In other words, we take the time to review the options which provide the best approach to achieving benefits while preserving savings. (Thank you, Wikipedia!) If you have…

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A Centurion’s Story

By Deborah van Kroonenburg / November 29, 2021 /

Unworthy ‘Lord I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof … but only say the word and my soul shall be healed’ The priest lifts up the consecrated host and Jesus Christ is really truly present with us, body blood, soul and divinity. As we gaze on…

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Gratia Vobis Ministries, Inc.

Keep the Fire Burning

By Sister Veronica Schueler, F.S.E. / November 28, 2021 /

Signs in the Sun and Moon There is a moment in Cormac McCarthy’s dystopian novel The Road when a character says, “Keep a little fire burning; however small, however hidden.” Like the depictions of hell in Dante’s Inferno, it is not hard to picture what the Apocalypse might entail. In…

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Gratia Vobis Ministries, Inc.

Be Vigilant and Alert at All Times

By Fr. John Opara / November 27, 2021 /

On New Year’s Eve, most people normally keep vigil to welcome the New Year. In most traditional cultures, people stay awake to usher in the New Year or to celebrate the gift of the New Year. Christians also stay awake on the eve of the New Year, to welcome it…

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Advent Is Coming

By Arlene Braganza / November 26, 2021 /

Today’s first reading sounds scary and apocalyptic, with horrendous visions of weird-looking beasts looking to devour and destroy anything in their paths. And then we have the image of the Ancient One with hair as white as wool, who I liken to God the Father. He was attended to by…

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Confidence in Crisis Moments

By Fr. Luke Ijezie / November 25, 2021 /

In moments of crisis and near hopelessness, we are encouraged to keep hoping. Why? We have a God who cares. He has a way of intervening to rescue His people even when there seems to be no other way. So, if you are in the throes of hardship, frustration, inner…

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Holding Fast To The Mass

Call To Faith and Courage

By Nicole Buchholz / November 24, 2021 /

The readings today speak of times of persecution. They are a call to fidelity and a courageous response to live in the truth. We also celebrate the courage of St. Andrew Dung-Lac and 116 other martyrs who died in a persecution of Catholics between 1820-1862. Choose Death to Choose Life…

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The End of Time

By Fr. Cyriacus Uzochukwu / November 23, 2021 /

The Destruction of the Temple My dear friends, today’s Gospel presents an interesting discussion about the temple of Jerusalem which was the pride of the Jews at the time of Jesus. They admired its magnificence especially the decorations which were of fine stonework of golden jewels and votive offerings. The…

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Gratia Vobis Ministries, Inc.

Two Small Coins

By Brett and Taylor Akins / November 22, 2021 /

Have you ever received a gift that wasn’t necessarily great because of the price tag, but because of the meaning behind it? When my husband and I went on our first date, I happened to be in the same town as him for the weekend celebrating my 23rd birthday with…

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