FEAST OF SAINT RAYMOND OF PENYAFORT – 7th JANUARY
January 7, 2023
FEAST OF SAINTS APOLLINARIS THE APOLOGIST AND SAINT THORFINN OF HAMAR- 8th JANUARY
January 8, 2023
7 January, 2023
God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 1 John 4:9
O Lord, Almighty and Eternal, Righteous and Gracious, Merciful and Faithful, your Being is of Infinite Majesty and Goodness, your attributes are Infallible and your Might is Invincible. Multitudes of heavenly beings extol your Powerful Name in endless chants and songs. You created us to be as perfect as you are, in your own image and likeness. You hold the reins of our lives in the palm of your hands and only your plans work for us.
Yet, we mortals, dared to rebel against you, even in our nothingness. We sold our souls to the evil one and had to be ransomed for our sins by your own begotten Son, in order to be redeemed and sanctified, reclaimed and restored, and to be your own, forevermore. You proved, dear Father, that you cherish your creation unconditionally. Our beloved Messiah shed his blood for our iniquity, dying a most gruesome death, by being crucified on the Cross.
Forgive us, dear Abba Father, bless and strengthen us in our weakness and fickleness, to grow strong in faith and duty, to enable us to be your worthy adopted children, and to gain salvation and liberation. May we come into your Presence, cleansed and full of atonement, which your Son has already gained for us. May your free grace and favor lead us to eternal life and peace, in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
