O God, whose nature and property is ever to have mercy and to forgive, receive our humble petitions, and though we are tied and bound with the chain of our sins, yet let the pitifulness of thy great mercy loose us; for the honor of Jesus Christ, our mediator and advocate. Amen. The Gregorian Sacramentary

First reading and Psalm Revelation 7:9-17 Psalm 34:1-10, 22 Second reading 1 John 3:1-3 Gospel Matthew 5:1-12 Prayer: Father, I thank you that I can be called your child, help me, I pray, to live in such a way that I reflect what it means to be a member of your family. And after my... Continue Reading →

St. Teresa of Avila wrote The Interior Castle as a guide for the other sisters of her order as they sought out spiritual depth. She divides the spiritual pilgrimage into a series of seven circles, or, rooms within the interior of a person trying to encounter God. Her picture is of a person seeking the... Continue Reading →

There are things practiced in a vulgar style by some people, such as control over pleasures. For as, among the heathen, there are those who, from the impossibility of obtaining what one sees, and from fear of men, and also for the sake of greater pleasures, abstain from the delights that are before them; so... Continue Reading →

Come, O thou Traveler unknown,Whom still I hold, but cannot see!My company before is gone,And I am left alone with Thee;With Thee all night I mean to stay,And wrestle till the break of day. I need not tell Thee who I am,My misery and sin declare;Thyself hast called me by my name,Look on Thy hands,... Continue Reading →

John Locke is remembered as a preeminent philosopher, particularly on the role and regulation of government. He also had some good thoughts on the role of religion in individuals and society. Though it is difficult to pin down his exact beliefs, these are useful thoughts for everyday life. "I thought that I had no time... Continue Reading →

I believe in God the Father Almighty,Creator of Heaven and earth;I believe in Jesus Christ,His only Son, our Lord,He was conceived by the Holy Spiritand born of the Virgin Mary.He suffered under Pontius Pilate,was crucified, died, and was buried.He descended to the dead.On the third day He rose again.He ascended into Heavenand is seated at... Continue Reading →

First reading and Psalm Deuteronomy 34:1-12 Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 Second reading 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 Gospel Matthew 22:34-46 Prayer: Lord, may I, like your servants before me, follow you unquestioningly, committed, and without fail, strive to enter the promise you have prepared for me, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Calvin's Institutes Is a monumental work of systematic theology. It was the first Protestant systematic theology and has been widely influential and a governing influence in many churches even today. This long (1000 pages) and at places dense work will be difficult for some to wade through. I found the book to be more devotional... Continue Reading →

A charge to keep I have,A God to glorify,A never-dying soul to save,And fit it for the sky. To serve the present age,My calling to fulfill:O may it all my powers engageTo do my Master's will! Arm me with jealous care,As in Thy sight to live;And O Thy servant, Lord, prepareA strict account to give!... Continue Reading →