Stuff Catholics Like
Here's a sampling:
Holy Scripture
Patron Saints of Scary Stuff
Spiritual Directors
Scapulars
Lists
Catechisms
Candles
Retreats
Monday, August 18, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe, Priest, Martyr of Charity
"I asked the Mother of God what was to become of me. Then she came to me holding two crowns, one white, the other red. She asked if I was willing to accept either of these crowns. The white one meant that I should persevere in purity, and the red that I should become a martyr. I said that I would accept them both." - Saint Maximilian
St. Maximilian Kolbe died 14 August 1941 by lethal carbonic acid injection after three weeks of starvation and dehydration at Auschwitz, his body was burned in the ovens and his ashes scattered
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
D'oh!
I Don't Know What I Know 'til Somebody Tells Me
Girl #1: Did you finish with the Christmas card?
Girl #2: We call it holiday card now. Because everyone is not Catholic.
Girl #1: You know it's not just Catholics that celebrate Christmas; Christians celebrate it too.
Girl #2: Oh they do? I didn't know because I'm Catholic.
Overheard in the office
Girl #1: Did you finish with the Christmas card?
Girl #2: We call it holiday card now. Because everyone is not Catholic.
Girl #1: You know it's not just Catholics that celebrate Christmas; Christians celebrate it too.
Girl #2: Oh they do? I didn't know because I'm Catholic.
Overheard in the office
Monday, August 11, 2008
Saint Clare
Detail depicting Saint Clare from a fresco (1312–20) by Simone Martini in the Lower basilica of San Francesco, Assisi
"They say that we are too poor, but can a heart which possesses the infinite God be truly called poor?" - St. Clare of Assisi
Saturday, August 9, 2008
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross
Edith Stein
"To suffer and to be happy although suffering, to have one's feet on the earth, to walk on the dirty and rough paths of this earth and yet to be enthroned with Christ at the Father's right hand, to laugh and cry with the children of this world and ceaselessly sing the praises of God with the choirs of angels -- this is the life of the Christian until the morning of eternity breaks forth." - St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross
"To suffer and to be happy although suffering, to have one's feet on the earth, to walk on the dirty and rough paths of this earth and yet to be enthroned with Christ at the Father's right hand, to laugh and cry with the children of this world and ceaselessly sing the praises of God with the choirs of angels -- this is the life of the Christian until the morning of eternity breaks forth." - St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross
Friday, August 8, 2008
St. Dominic
by Claudio Coello Spanish painter,
Madrid school (b. 1642, Madrid, d. 1693, Madrid
Oil on canvas, 240 x 160 cm
Museo del Prado, Madrid
"A man who governs his passions is master of the world. We must either command them, or be enslaved by them. It is better to be a hammer than an anvil." - St. Dominic
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Hiroshima August 06, 1945
This is our cry. This is our prayer. Peace in the world.
(Inscription at base of statue of Sadako Sasaki in Hiroshima Peace Park)
(Inscription at base of statue of Sadako Sasaki in Hiroshima Peace Park)
The Transfiguration of the Lord
The Transfiguration
Raphael, 1516-1520
oil on wood
405 × 278 cm
Pinacoteca Vaticana, Vatican City
Raphael, 1516-1520
oil on wood
405 × 278 cm
Pinacoteca Vaticana, Vatican City
BENEDICT XVI
ANGELUS
Saint Peter's SquareSecond Sunday of Lent, 12 March 2006
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Yesterday morning marked the end of the week of Spiritual Exercises preached by Cardinal Marco Cé, Patriarch emeritus of Venice, Italy, here in the Apostolic Palace. They were days dedicated entirely to listening to the Lord, who always speaks to us but expects our still greater attention, especially during this time of Lent.
Today's Gospel reading also reminds us of this, re-proposing to us the episode of the Transfiguration of Christ on Mount Tabor. Awestruck at the sight of the transfigured Lord who was speaking with Moses and Elijah, Peter, James and John were suddenly overshadowed by a cloud, out of which came a voice which proclaimed: "This is my beloved Son on whom my favour rests; listen to him" (Mk 9: 7). When one has the grace to live a strong experience of God, it is as if one is living an experience similar to that of the disciples during the Transfiguration: a momentary foretaste of what will constitute the happiness of Paradise. These are usually brief experiences that are sometimes granted by God, especially prior to difficult trials.
No one, however, is permitted to live "on Tabor" while on earth. Indeed, human existence is a journey of faith and as such, moves ahead more in shadows than in full light, and is no stranger to moments of obscurity and also of complete darkness. While we are on this earth, our relationship with God takes place more by listening than by seeing; and the same contemplation comes about, so to speak, with closed eyes, thanks to the interior light that is kindled in us by the Word of God. Mary's pilgrimage of faith
The Virgin Mary herself, among all human creatures the closest to God, still had to walk day after day in a pilgrimage of faith (cf. Lumen Gentium, n. 58), constantly guarding and meditating on in her heart the Word that God addressed to her through Holy Scripture and through the events of the life of her Son, in whom she recognized and welcomed the Lord's mysterious voice.
And so, this is the gift and duty for each one of us during the season of Lent: to listen to Christ, like Mary. To listen to him in his Word, contained in Sacred Scripture. To listen to him in the events of our lives, seeking to decipher in them the messages of Providence. Finally, to listen to him in our brothers and sisters, especially in the lowly and the poor, to whom Jesus himself demands our concrete love. To listen to Christ and obey his voice: this is the principle way, the only way, that leads to the fullness of joy and of love.
***
And so, this is the gift and duty for each one of us during the season of Lent: to listen to Christ, like Mary. To listen to him in his Word, contained in Sacred Scripture. To listen to him in the events of our lives, seeking to decipher in them the messages of Providence. Finally, to listen to him in our brothers and sisters, especially in the lowly and the poor, to whom Jesus himself demands our concrete love. To listen to Christ and obey his voice: this is the principle way, the only way, that leads to the fullness of joy and of love.
***
After the Angelus:
I am happy to greet all the English-speaking visitors present at today's Angelus, especially the group of pilgrims from Ontario, Canada. On this Second Sunday of Lent, the Gospel of St Mark presents to us an account of the Transfiguration. God the Father instructs us to listen to Jesus, his beloved Son. Let us pray that our Lenten journey will open our hearts to Christ and his saving message! He leads us through his suffering and death to a share in his glorious Resurrection. Upon all of you I invoke God's abundant Blessings and wish you a good Sunday!
I wish a blessed Sunday to everyone!
© Copyright 2006 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana
I wish a blessed Sunday to everyone!
© Copyright 2006 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
Psalm 119
1 Happy those whose way is blameless, who walk by the teaching of the LORD.
2 Happy those who observe God's decrees, who seek the LORD with all their heart.
3 They do no wrong; they walk in God's ways.
4 You have given them the command to keep your precepts with care.
5 May my ways be firm in the observance of your laws!
6 Then I will not be ashamed to ponder all your commands.
7 I will praise you with sincere heart as I study your just edicts.
8 I will keep your laws; do not leave me all alone.
9 How can the young walk without fault? Only by keeping your words.
10 With all my heart I seek you; do not let me stray from your commands.
11 In my heart I treasure your promise, that I may not sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your laws.
13 With my lips I recite all the edicts you have spoken.
14 I find joy in the way of your decrees more than in all riches.
15 I will ponder your precepts and consider your paths.
16 In your laws I take delight; I will never forget your word.
17 Be kind to your servant that I may live, that I may keep your word.
18 Open my eyes to see clearly the wonders of your teachings.
19 I am a sojourner in the land; do not hide your commands from me.
20 At all times my soul is stirred with longing for your edicts.
21 With a curse you rebuke the proud who stray from your commands.
22 Free me from disgrace and contempt, for I observe your decrees.
23 Though princes meet and talk against me, your servant studies your laws.
24 Your decrees are my delight; they are my counselors.
25 I lie prostrate in the dust; give me life in accord with your word.
26 I disclosed my ways and you answered me; teach me your laws.
27 Make me understand the way of your precepts; I will ponder your wondrous deeds.
28 I weep in bitter pain; in accord with your word to strengthen me.
29 Lead me from the way of deceit; favor me with your teaching.
30 The way of loyalty I have chosen; I have set your edicts before me.
31 I cling to your decrees, LORD; do not let me come to shame.
32 I will run the way of your commands, for you open my docile heart.
33 LORD, teach me the way of your laws; I shall observe them with care.
34 Give me insight to observe your teaching, to keep it with all my heart.
35 Lead me in the path of your commands, for that is my delight.
36 Direct my heart toward your decrees and away from unjust gain.
37 Avert my eyes from what is worthless; by your way give me life.
38 For your servant fulfill your promise made to those who fear you.
39 Turn away from me the taunts I dread, for your edicts bring good.
40 See how I long for your precepts; in your justice give me life.
41 Let your love come to me, LORD, salvation in accord with your promise.
42 Let me answer my taunters with a word, for I trust in your word.
43 Do not take the word of truth from my mouth, for in your edicts is my hope.
44 I will keep your teachings always, for all time and forever.
45 I will walk freely in an open space because I cherish your precepts.
46 I will speak openly of your decrees without fear even before kings.
47 I delight in your commands, which I dearly love.
48 I lift up my hands to your commands; I study your laws, which I love.
49 Remember your word to your servant by which you give me hope.
50 This is my comfort in affliction, your promise that gives me life.
51 Though the arrogant utterly scorn me, I do not turn from your teaching.
52 When I recite your edicts of old I am comforted, LORD.
53 Rage seizes me because of the wicked; they forsake your teaching.
54 Your laws become my songs wherever I make my home.
55 Even at night I remember your name in observance of your teaching, LORD.
56 This is my good fortune, for I have observed your precepts.
57 My portion is the LORD; I promise to keep your words.
58 I entreat you with all my heart: have mercy on me in accord with your promise.
59 I have examined my ways and turned my steps to your decrees.
60 I am prompt, I do not hesitate in keeping your commands.
61 Though the snares of the wicked surround me, your teaching I do not forget.
62 At midnight I rise to praise you because your edicts are just.
63 I am the friend of all who fear you, of all who keep your precepts.
64 The earth, LORD, is filled with your love; teach me your laws.
65 You have treated your servant well, according to your word, O LORD.
66 Teach me wisdom and knowledge, for in your commands I trust.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I hold to your promise.
68 You are good and do what is good; teach me your laws.
69 The arrogant smear me with lies, but I observe your precepts with all my heart.
70 Their hearts are gross and fat; as for me, your teaching is my delight.
71 It was good for me to be afflicted, in order to learn your laws.
72 Teaching from your lips is more precious to me than heaps of silver and gold.
73 Your hands made me and fashioned me; give me insight to learn your commands.
74 Those who fear you rejoice to see me, because I hope in your word.
75 I know, LORD, that your edicts are just; though you afflict me, you are faithful.
76 May your love comfort me in accord with your promise to your servant.
77 Show me compassion that I may live, for your teaching is my delight.
78 Shame the proud for oppressing me unjustly, that I may study your precepts.
79 Let those who fear you turn to me, those who acknowledge your decrees.
80 May I be wholehearted toward your laws, that I may not be put to shame.
81 My soul longs for your salvation; I put my hope in your word.
82 My eyes long to see your promise. When will you comfort me?
83 I am like a wineskin shriveled by smoke, but I have not forgotten your laws.
84 How long can your servant survive? When will your edict doom my foes?
85 The arrogant have dug pits for me; defying your teaching.
86 All your commands are steadfast. Help me! I am pursued without cause.
87 They have almost ended my life on earth, but I do not forsake your precepts.
88 In your kindness give me life, to keep the decrees you have spoken.
89 Your word, LORD, stands forever; it is firm as the heavens.
90 Through all generations your truth endures; fixed to stand firm like the earth.
91 By your edicts they stand firm to this day, for all things are your servants.
92 Had your teaching not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your precepts; through them you give me life.
94 I am yours; save me, for I cherish your precepts.
95 The wicked hope to destroy me, but I pay heed to your decrees.
96 I have seen the limits of all perfection, but your command is without bounds.
97 How I love your teaching, Lord! I study it all day long.
98 Your command makes me wiser than my foes, for it is always with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, because I ponder your decrees.
100 I have more insight than my elders, because I observe your precepts.
101 I keep my steps from every evil path, that I may obey your word.
102 From your edicts I do not turn, for you have taught them to me.
103 How sweet to my tongue is your promise, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through your precepts I gain insight; therefore I hate all false ways.
105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path.
106 I make a solemn vow to keep your just edicts.
107 I am very much afflicted, LORD; give me life in accord with your word.
108 Accept my freely offered praise; LORD, teach me your decrees.
109 My life is always at risk, but I do not forget your teaching.
110 The wicked have set snares for me, but from your precepts I do not stray.
111 Your decrees are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.
112 My heart is set on fulfilling your laws; they are my reward forever.
113 I hate every hypocrite; your teaching I love.
114 You are my refuge and shield; in your word I hope.
115 Depart from me, you wicked, that I may observe the commands of my God.
116 Sustain me by your promise that I may live; do not disappoint me in my hope.
117 Strengthen me that I may be safe, ever to contemplate your laws.
118 You reject all who stray from your laws, for vain is their deceit.
119 Like dross you regard all the wicked on earth; therefore I love your decrees.
120 My flesh shudders with dread of you; I hold your edicts in awe.
121 I have fulfilled your just edict; do not abandon me to my oppressors.
122 Guarantee your servant's welfare; do not let the arrogant oppress me.
123 My eyes long to see your salvation and the justice of your promise.
124 Act with kindness toward your servant; teach me your laws.
125 I am your servant; give me discernment that I may know your decrees.
126 It is time for the LORD to act; they have disobeyed your teaching.
127 Truly I love your commands more than the finest gold.
128 Thus I follow all your precepts; every wrong way I hate.
129 Wonderful are your decrees; therefore I observe them.
130 The revelation of your words sheds light, gives understanding to the simple.
131 I sigh with open mouth, yearning for your commands.
132 Turn to me and be gracious, your edict for lovers of your name.
133 Steady my feet in accord with your promise; do not let iniquity lead me.
134 Free me from human oppression, that I may keep your precepts.
135 Let your face shine upon your servant; teach me your laws.
136 My eyes shed streams of tears because your teaching is not followed.
137 You are righteous, LORD, and just are your edicts.
138 You have issued your decrees in justice and in surpassing faithfulness.
139 I am consumed with rage, because my foes forget your words.
140 Your servant loves your promise; it has been proved by fire.
141 Though belittled and despised, I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your justice is forever right, your teaching forever true.
143 Though distress and anguish come upon me, your commands are my delight.
144 Your decrees are forever just; give me discernment that I may live.
145 I call with all my heart, O LORD; answer me that I may observe your laws.
146 I call to you to save me that I may keep your decrees.
147 I rise before dawn and cry out; I put my hope in your words.
148 My eyes greet the night watches as I meditate on your promise.
149 Hear my voice in your love, O LORD; by your edict give me life.
150 Malicious persecutors draw near me; they are far from your teaching.
151 You are near, O LORD; reliable are all your commands.
152 Long have I known from your decrees that you have established them forever.
153 Look at my affliction and rescue me, for I have not forgotten your teaching.
154 Take up my cause and redeem me; for the sake of your promise give me life.
155 Salvation is far from sinners because they do not cherish your laws.
156 Your compassion is great, O LORD; in accord with your edicts give me life.
157 Though my persecutors and foes are many I do not turn from your decrees.
158 I view the faithless with loathing, because they do not heed your promise.
159 See how I love your precepts, LORD; in your kindness give me life.
160 Your every word is enduring; all your just edicts are forever.
161 Princes persecute me without reason, but my heart reveres only your word.
162 I rejoice at your promise, as one who has found rich spoil.
163 Falsehood I hate and abhor; your teaching I love.
164 Seven times a day I praise you because your edicts are just.
165 Lovers of your teaching have much peace; for them there is no stumbling block.
166 I look for your salvation, LORD, and I fulfill your commands.
167 I observe your decrees; I love them very much.
168 I observe your precepts and decrees; all my ways are before you.
169 Let my cry come before you, LORD; in keeping with your word give me discernment.
170 Let my prayer come before you; rescue me according to your promise.
171 May my lips pour forth your praise, because you teach me your laws.
172 May my tongue sing of your promise, for all your commands are just.
173 Keep your hand ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I long for your salvation, LORD; your teaching is my delight.
175 Let me live to praise you; may your edicts give me help.
176 I have wandered like a lost sheep; seek out your servant, for I do not forget your commands.
2 Happy those who observe God's decrees, who seek the LORD with all their heart.
3 They do no wrong; they walk in God's ways.
4 You have given them the command to keep your precepts with care.
5 May my ways be firm in the observance of your laws!
6 Then I will not be ashamed to ponder all your commands.
7 I will praise you with sincere heart as I study your just edicts.
8 I will keep your laws; do not leave me all alone.
9 How can the young walk without fault? Only by keeping your words.
10 With all my heart I seek you; do not let me stray from your commands.
11 In my heart I treasure your promise, that I may not sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your laws.
13 With my lips I recite all the edicts you have spoken.
14 I find joy in the way of your decrees more than in all riches.
15 I will ponder your precepts and consider your paths.
16 In your laws I take delight; I will never forget your word.
17 Be kind to your servant that I may live, that I may keep your word.
18 Open my eyes to see clearly the wonders of your teachings.
19 I am a sojourner in the land; do not hide your commands from me.
20 At all times my soul is stirred with longing for your edicts.
21 With a curse you rebuke the proud who stray from your commands.
22 Free me from disgrace and contempt, for I observe your decrees.
23 Though princes meet and talk against me, your servant studies your laws.
24 Your decrees are my delight; they are my counselors.
25 I lie prostrate in the dust; give me life in accord with your word.
26 I disclosed my ways and you answered me; teach me your laws.
27 Make me understand the way of your precepts; I will ponder your wondrous deeds.
28 I weep in bitter pain; in accord with your word to strengthen me.
29 Lead me from the way of deceit; favor me with your teaching.
30 The way of loyalty I have chosen; I have set your edicts before me.
31 I cling to your decrees, LORD; do not let me come to shame.
32 I will run the way of your commands, for you open my docile heart.
33 LORD, teach me the way of your laws; I shall observe them with care.
34 Give me insight to observe your teaching, to keep it with all my heart.
35 Lead me in the path of your commands, for that is my delight.
36 Direct my heart toward your decrees and away from unjust gain.
37 Avert my eyes from what is worthless; by your way give me life.
38 For your servant fulfill your promise made to those who fear you.
39 Turn away from me the taunts I dread, for your edicts bring good.
40 See how I long for your precepts; in your justice give me life.
41 Let your love come to me, LORD, salvation in accord with your promise.
42 Let me answer my taunters with a word, for I trust in your word.
43 Do not take the word of truth from my mouth, for in your edicts is my hope.
44 I will keep your teachings always, for all time and forever.
45 I will walk freely in an open space because I cherish your precepts.
46 I will speak openly of your decrees without fear even before kings.
47 I delight in your commands, which I dearly love.
48 I lift up my hands to your commands; I study your laws, which I love.
49 Remember your word to your servant by which you give me hope.
50 This is my comfort in affliction, your promise that gives me life.
51 Though the arrogant utterly scorn me, I do not turn from your teaching.
52 When I recite your edicts of old I am comforted, LORD.
53 Rage seizes me because of the wicked; they forsake your teaching.
54 Your laws become my songs wherever I make my home.
55 Even at night I remember your name in observance of your teaching, LORD.
56 This is my good fortune, for I have observed your precepts.
57 My portion is the LORD; I promise to keep your words.
58 I entreat you with all my heart: have mercy on me in accord with your promise.
59 I have examined my ways and turned my steps to your decrees.
60 I am prompt, I do not hesitate in keeping your commands.
61 Though the snares of the wicked surround me, your teaching I do not forget.
62 At midnight I rise to praise you because your edicts are just.
63 I am the friend of all who fear you, of all who keep your precepts.
64 The earth, LORD, is filled with your love; teach me your laws.
65 You have treated your servant well, according to your word, O LORD.
66 Teach me wisdom and knowledge, for in your commands I trust.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I hold to your promise.
68 You are good and do what is good; teach me your laws.
69 The arrogant smear me with lies, but I observe your precepts with all my heart.
70 Their hearts are gross and fat; as for me, your teaching is my delight.
71 It was good for me to be afflicted, in order to learn your laws.
72 Teaching from your lips is more precious to me than heaps of silver and gold.
73 Your hands made me and fashioned me; give me insight to learn your commands.
74 Those who fear you rejoice to see me, because I hope in your word.
75 I know, LORD, that your edicts are just; though you afflict me, you are faithful.
76 May your love comfort me in accord with your promise to your servant.
77 Show me compassion that I may live, for your teaching is my delight.
78 Shame the proud for oppressing me unjustly, that I may study your precepts.
79 Let those who fear you turn to me, those who acknowledge your decrees.
80 May I be wholehearted toward your laws, that I may not be put to shame.
81 My soul longs for your salvation; I put my hope in your word.
82 My eyes long to see your promise. When will you comfort me?
83 I am like a wineskin shriveled by smoke, but I have not forgotten your laws.
84 How long can your servant survive? When will your edict doom my foes?
85 The arrogant have dug pits for me; defying your teaching.
86 All your commands are steadfast. Help me! I am pursued without cause.
87 They have almost ended my life on earth, but I do not forsake your precepts.
88 In your kindness give me life, to keep the decrees you have spoken.
89 Your word, LORD, stands forever; it is firm as the heavens.
90 Through all generations your truth endures; fixed to stand firm like the earth.
91 By your edicts they stand firm to this day, for all things are your servants.
92 Had your teaching not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your precepts; through them you give me life.
94 I am yours; save me, for I cherish your precepts.
95 The wicked hope to destroy me, but I pay heed to your decrees.
96 I have seen the limits of all perfection, but your command is without bounds.
97 How I love your teaching, Lord! I study it all day long.
98 Your command makes me wiser than my foes, for it is always with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, because I ponder your decrees.
100 I have more insight than my elders, because I observe your precepts.
101 I keep my steps from every evil path, that I may obey your word.
102 From your edicts I do not turn, for you have taught them to me.
103 How sweet to my tongue is your promise, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through your precepts I gain insight; therefore I hate all false ways.
105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path.
106 I make a solemn vow to keep your just edicts.
107 I am very much afflicted, LORD; give me life in accord with your word.
108 Accept my freely offered praise; LORD, teach me your decrees.
109 My life is always at risk, but I do not forget your teaching.
110 The wicked have set snares for me, but from your precepts I do not stray.
111 Your decrees are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.
112 My heart is set on fulfilling your laws; they are my reward forever.
113 I hate every hypocrite; your teaching I love.
114 You are my refuge and shield; in your word I hope.
115 Depart from me, you wicked, that I may observe the commands of my God.
116 Sustain me by your promise that I may live; do not disappoint me in my hope.
117 Strengthen me that I may be safe, ever to contemplate your laws.
118 You reject all who stray from your laws, for vain is their deceit.
119 Like dross you regard all the wicked on earth; therefore I love your decrees.
120 My flesh shudders with dread of you; I hold your edicts in awe.
121 I have fulfilled your just edict; do not abandon me to my oppressors.
122 Guarantee your servant's welfare; do not let the arrogant oppress me.
123 My eyes long to see your salvation and the justice of your promise.
124 Act with kindness toward your servant; teach me your laws.
125 I am your servant; give me discernment that I may know your decrees.
126 It is time for the LORD to act; they have disobeyed your teaching.
127 Truly I love your commands more than the finest gold.
128 Thus I follow all your precepts; every wrong way I hate.
129 Wonderful are your decrees; therefore I observe them.
130 The revelation of your words sheds light, gives understanding to the simple.
131 I sigh with open mouth, yearning for your commands.
132 Turn to me and be gracious, your edict for lovers of your name.
133 Steady my feet in accord with your promise; do not let iniquity lead me.
134 Free me from human oppression, that I may keep your precepts.
135 Let your face shine upon your servant; teach me your laws.
136 My eyes shed streams of tears because your teaching is not followed.
137 You are righteous, LORD, and just are your edicts.
138 You have issued your decrees in justice and in surpassing faithfulness.
139 I am consumed with rage, because my foes forget your words.
140 Your servant loves your promise; it has been proved by fire.
141 Though belittled and despised, I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your justice is forever right, your teaching forever true.
143 Though distress and anguish come upon me, your commands are my delight.
144 Your decrees are forever just; give me discernment that I may live.
145 I call with all my heart, O LORD; answer me that I may observe your laws.
146 I call to you to save me that I may keep your decrees.
147 I rise before dawn and cry out; I put my hope in your words.
148 My eyes greet the night watches as I meditate on your promise.
149 Hear my voice in your love, O LORD; by your edict give me life.
150 Malicious persecutors draw near me; they are far from your teaching.
151 You are near, O LORD; reliable are all your commands.
152 Long have I known from your decrees that you have established them forever.
153 Look at my affliction and rescue me, for I have not forgotten your teaching.
154 Take up my cause and redeem me; for the sake of your promise give me life.
155 Salvation is far from sinners because they do not cherish your laws.
156 Your compassion is great, O LORD; in accord with your edicts give me life.
157 Though my persecutors and foes are many I do not turn from your decrees.
158 I view the faithless with loathing, because they do not heed your promise.
159 See how I love your precepts, LORD; in your kindness give me life.
160 Your every word is enduring; all your just edicts are forever.
161 Princes persecute me without reason, but my heart reveres only your word.
162 I rejoice at your promise, as one who has found rich spoil.
163 Falsehood I hate and abhor; your teaching I love.
164 Seven times a day I praise you because your edicts are just.
165 Lovers of your teaching have much peace; for them there is no stumbling block.
166 I look for your salvation, LORD, and I fulfill your commands.
167 I observe your decrees; I love them very much.
168 I observe your precepts and decrees; all my ways are before you.
169 Let my cry come before you, LORD; in keeping with your word give me discernment.
170 Let my prayer come before you; rescue me according to your promise.
171 May my lips pour forth your praise, because you teach me your laws.
172 May my tongue sing of your promise, for all your commands are just.
173 Keep your hand ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I long for your salvation, LORD; your teaching is my delight.
175 Let me live to praise you; may your edicts give me help.
176 I have wandered like a lost sheep; seek out your servant, for I do not forget your commands.
Aleksandr Isayevich Solzhenitsyn December 11, 1918 – August 3, 2008
[Of] the problems of both East and West as "a disaster" rooted in agnosticism and atheism.
He referred to it as "the calamity of an autonomous, irreligious humanistic consciousness."
"It has made man the measure of all things on earth—imperfect man, who is never free of pride, self-interest, envy, vanity, and dozens of other defects.
We are now paying for the mistakes which were not properly appraised at the beginning of the journey. On the way from the Renaissance to our days we have enriched our experience, but we have lost the concept of a Supreme Complete Entity which used to restrain our passions and our irresponsibility."
obit: http://www.lastingtribute.co.uk/tribute/solzhenitsyn/2867109
He referred to it as "the calamity of an autonomous, irreligious humanistic consciousness."
"It has made man the measure of all things on earth—imperfect man, who is never free of pride, self-interest, envy, vanity, and dozens of other defects.
We are now paying for the mistakes which were not properly appraised at the beginning of the journey. On the way from the Renaissance to our days we have enriched our experience, but we have lost the concept of a Supreme Complete Entity which used to restrain our passions and our irresponsibility."
obit: http://www.lastingtribute.co.uk/tribute/solzhenitsyn/2867109
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