From: richarra@gmail.com   
      
    -- Philippians 3:7-9 --   
      
   But the things that were gain to me, the same I have counted loss for   
   Christ.  Furthermore, I count all things to be but loss for the   
   excellent knowledge of Jesus Christ, my Lord: for whom I have suffered   
   the loss of all things and count them but as dung, that I may gain   
   Christ. And may be found in him, not having my justice, which is of   
   the law, but that which is of the faith of Christ Jesus, which is of   
   God: justice in faith.  [Php 3:7-9] DRB   
   __________________________   
      
   After Paul considered everything he had accomplished in his life, he   
   said that it was all "a loss" when compared with the greatness of   
   knowing Christ. This is a profound statement about values: a person's   
   relationship with Christ is more important than anything else. To know   
   Christ should be our ultimate goal. Consider your values. Do you place   
   anything above your relationship with Christ? If your priorities are   
   wrong, how will you reorder   
      
   <<>><<>><<>>   
   December 9th - St. Gorgonia of Nazianzen   
      
   Gorgonia was the only daughter of St. Gregory the Elder of Nazianzen   
   and his wife St. Nonna. She had two brothers, St. Caesarius and St.   
   Gregory. As you can see this was a very devout 4th century family.   
   Gorgonia was probably born in the earlier part of the 4th century. We   
   know very little details about her life and what we do know comes from   
   her funeral oration given by her brother Gregory.   
      
   Gorgonia married and had three children. She endeavored to raise them   
   as devoutly as she and her brothers had been raised. Gregory tells us   
   of her great love for God and her tremendous faith in His love and   
   care for her.   
      
   Gorgonia was known for her gentle disposition and her great love for   
   the poor whom she always took care of when she was able. She spent as   
   much time as she could attending the services of the church and she   
   often took care of its building and material needs. As was often the   
   custom in her time, she didn't receive baptism until the later part of   
   her life. She died about the year 375.   
      
   While we don't know many details about the life of St. Gorgonia what   
   does become very apparent is that holiness in ourselves gives birth to   
   holiness in others. Her life is an encouragement to all parents to   
   live a life of goodness so as to encourage the growth of goodness in   
   their families.   
      
      
   Saint Quote:   
   As the Lord knows for what we all are adapted, He gives to all their   
   positions as He sees to be most for His glory, for their salvation,   
   and the good of their neighbors.  Our mistake, then, is in not   
   submitting ourselves totally to whatever He wishes to do with us.   
   --St. Teresa   
      
   Bible Quote:   
    What man of you that hath an hundred sheep: and if he shall lose one   
   of them, doth he not leave the ninety-nine in the desert, and go after   
   that which was lost, until he find it? 5 And when he hath found it,   
   lay it upon his shoulders, rejoicing:   (Luke 15:4-5)   
      
      
   <><><><><>   
   Daily Thoughts and Prayers for Our Beloved Dead   
      
   "Have pity on me, have pity on me, at least you my friends, because   
   the hand of the Lord hath touched me" Job. 19-21.   
      
   ELEVENTH DAY   
      
   St. Francis de Sales tells us: "Devotion to the Souls in Purgatory   
   contains in itself all the works of mercy, which super-naturalized by   
   a spirit of Faith, should merit us Heaven.''   
      
   Prayers:   Our Father, Three Hail Marys, Gloria, De Profundis.   
      
   De Profundis   
      
      Out of the depths, I have cried to Thee,   
   O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.   
      Let Thine ears be attentive to the   
   voice of my supplication.   
      If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities,   
   O Lord, who shall stand it?   
      For with Thee there is merciful   
   forgiveness: and by reason of Thy   
   law I have waited for Thee, O Lord.   
   My soul hath relied on His word;   
   my soul hath hoped in the Lord.   
      From the morning watch even until   
   night; let Israel hope in the Lord.   
   Because with the Lord there is mercy;   
   And with Him plenteous redemption.   
      And He shall redeem Israel from   
   all its iniquities.   
      Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,   
   And let perpetual light shine upon them:   
      May they rest in peace. Amen.   
      
   O Lord Jesus Christ, deliver the souls of the faithful departed from   
   the flames of hell, and let Thine angels bring them into the holy   
   light. We offer Thee, O Lord, a sacrifice of prayer and praise, accept   
   them in behalf of all the Souls in Purgatory, that they may pass from   
   death to life everlasting with Thee in Heaven.   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)