Fr. Stephen Kakande CSSp

EL ALIMENTO DE HOY PARA EL ALMA

CONVERSIÓN DE SAUL A PABLO

Hoy celebramos la fiesta de la conversión de San Pablo“Saulo, Saulo, ¿por qué me persigues?” Le respondí: "¿Quién es usted, señor?" Y él me dijo: “Yo soy Jesús el Nazareno a quien vosotros perseguís”. Hechos 22:7-8Celebramos hoy una de las mayores conversiones jamás conocidas. La conversión de Saulo de Tarso es tan significativa que se le otorga el estatus glorioso de Fiesta dentro de nuestra Iglesia. ¿Por qué? Ciertamente se nos podrían ocurrir muchas razones. Veamos dos de ellos.Primero, la conversión de Saulo resultó en uno de los más grandes evangelistas que nuestra Iglesia haya conocido. Saulo, a quien más tarde Jesús le dio el nombre de “Pablo”, era un hombre de increíble celo y compromiso incondicional con la fe. Fue celoso antes de convertirse en seguidor de Cristo Jesús y llevó ese celo hasta su conversión, entregándolo todo a la proclamación del Evangelio.Su ministerio como Apóstol de Cristo resultó no sólo en la fundación de numerosas comunidades cristianas, sino también en que catorce cartas atribuidas a él o a sus seguidores pasaran a formar parte de nuestra Sagrada Escritura. Sus escritos son profundos, profundos y muy personales. Su amor, celo y cuidado por las comunidades cristianas que fundó brillaron al revelarse como un verdadero pastor de Dios.En segundo lugar, su conversión se produce después de una feroz persecución a la recién fundada Iglesia cristiana. Saulo va de ciudad en ciudad, acorralando a nuevos cristianos y persiguiéndolos. El relato más conocido de esta persecución es cuando consiente en la lapidación de San Esteban, el primer mártir cristiano, anteriormente en los Hechos de los Apóstoles.El pasaje de las Escrituras citado anteriormente, que proviene de la Primera Lectura de la Misa de hoy, revela que Jesús se aparece a Saulo y le pregunta por qué lo persigue. Saulo, de manera confusa, no comprende que su persecución a la Iglesia es en realidad una persecución al mismo Jesús. Esta revelación que recibe Saulo lo coloca en un poderoso camino de conversión.Una verdad que esto revela es que, a veces, encontramos división e incluso persecución dentro de la Iglesia de una persona a otra. Esto no debería sorprendernos ni socavar nuestra fe. Jesús era muy consciente de este hecho con San Pablo y decidió utilizarlo a pesar de su horrible persecución de los cristianos. Este pasaje debería llamarnos a considerar toda persecución y discordia más como una oportunidad que como algo. Es una oportunidad para que Jesús saque mucho bien de algo que es profundamente doloroso.Reflexiona hoy sobre tu propia experiencia de discordia y división dentro de la Iglesia o incluso dentro de tu propia familia. Aunque es importante reconocer el dolor y el daño que esto produce, no pierdas la esperanza de que Dios pueda convertir todas las cosas en bien y usarlas todas para Su gloria.Señor, veo el dolor, la confusión y la división dentro de Tu Iglesia e incluso dentro de mi propia familia. Veo conflicto y discordia en toda la sociedad. Mientras veo y encuentro estas dificultades, dame esperanza para que pueda confiar en Tu plan divino mientras Tú permites todas las cosas para Tu gloria. Jesús, en Ti confío.

ellos.pr

TODAY’S FOOD FOR THE SOUL

CONCERSION OF SAUL TO SAUL

“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” I replied, “Who are you, sir?” And he said to me, “I am Jesus the Nazarean whom you are persecuting.” Acts 22:7-8
We celebrate, today, one of the greatest conversions ever known. The conversion of Saul of Tarsus is so significant that it is given the glorious status of a Feast within our Church. Why? We could certainly come up with many reasons. Let’s look at two of them.

First, Saul’s conversion resulted in one of the greatest evangelists our Church has ever known. Saul, who later was given the name “Paul” by Jesus, was a man of incredible zeal and wholehearted commitment to the faith. He was zealous before becoming a follower of Christ Jesus and he carried that zeal into his conversion giving his all to the proclamation of the Gospel.

His ministry as an Apostle of Christ resulted not only in the foundation of numerous Christian communities, it also resulted in fourteen letters attributed to him or his followers becoming part of our Sacred Scripture. His writings are deep, profound and very personal. His love, zeal and care for the Christian communities he founded shone forth as he was revealed as a true shepherd of God.

Secondly, his conversion comes after a fierce persecution of the newly founded Christian Church. Saul goes forth from town to town, rounding up new Christians and persecuting them. The most well-known account of this persecution is when he consents to the stoning of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, earlier in the Acts of the Apostles.
The Scripture passage quoted above, which comes from the First Reading of the Mass for today, reveals Jesus appearing to Saul asking him why he is persecuting Him. Saul, in a confused manner, does not understand that his persecution of the Church is actually a persecution of Jesus Himself. This revelation Saul receives sets him on a powerful path of conversion.

One truth this reveals is that, at times, we encounter division and even persecution within the Church from one person to another. This should not shock us or undermine our faith. Jesus was quite aware of this fact with St. Paul and chose to use him despite his horrible persecution of Christians. This passage should call us to look at all persecution and discord more as an opportunity than anything. It’s an opportunity for Jesus to bring great good out of something that is deeply painful.

Reflect, today, upon your own experience of discord and division within the Church or even within your own family. Though it is important to acknowledge the pain and hurt this produces, do not lose hope that God can turn all things into good and use everything for His glory.

Lord, I see the hurt, confusion and division within Your Church and even within my own family. I see conflict and discord within the whole of society. As I see and encounter these hardships, give me hope so that I can trust in Your divine plan as You permit all things for Your glory. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/ugandan-priest-named-acting-bishop-for-louisi-NV_179583

Ugandan priest named acting bishop for Louisiana diocese, USA He will serve the diocese as its leader until Pope Francis appoints a new bishop.

*PRAISE GOD BELOVED OF GOD!*
📌GOD SPEAKS TO YOU DAILY. *LISTEN!

*19/01/2024*

*Psalms 71:12-14*
*[12]Don't stay so far away, O God; my God, hurry to my aid!*

*[13]May those who attack me be defeated and destroyed. May those who try to hurt me be shamed and disgraced.*

*[14]I will always put my hope in you; I will praise you more and more.*

Be blessed. Amen.

Olwaleero mpezeza omwaka mulamba bukyanga nzija e buzungu

In today's Gospel, four men carried their paralyzed friend to Jesus for healing (Mk 1). They cannot enter the house because of the huge crowd, so they, in the Greek, "unroof the roof." Often, when we are struggling, it is our friends who carry us to God. The miracle, then, is not only Jesus's healing, but his friends' great love. Do something for someone today as an act of love.

*1 Corinthians 10:13*

*Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.*

THE GREATEST VIRTUE TO DRIVE US IN THE NEW YEAR

*THE VIRTUE OF THE LOVE OF GOD*
1. Love is God's Character ( *Jh 3:16* )

2. Love is God's Nature ( *1 John 4:7* )

3. Love is God's Command *Mt 22:37*

4. Love is God's Fruit ( *Galat 5:22* )

5. Love is the Greatest Gift from God ( *1 Corinthians 13:13* )

6. Love is God's Will for us ( *Rev 2:4* )

7. Love is the Virtue of God to revive His people ( *John 21:15-17* )

8. Satan, Sins and Worldly pleasures are the enemies of Love ( *Mt 24:12* )

9. Love is the allegiance we pledge to God ( *Romans 8:35-39* )

10. Love holds and strengthen our Salvation in God ( *Romans 5:8* )

11. Love makes our lives meaningful in the Lord ( *1 Corinthians 13:1* )

12. Love call for our blessings and greatness in God ( *Psalm 127:2* )

13. Love deliver us from curses and yokes of life ( *Deuteronomy 23:5* )

LOVE MAKES THINGS POSSIBLE

Every 1st of January of each year, the Church gives us Numbers 6:24-26 as model of praying for God's blessing. So it goes:
"The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.” Amen.

It indeed looks strange that the feast of St. Stephen (a Martyr), should follow immediately after the joyful celebration of the Birth of Jesus. Yet, it is very fitting that the first feast celebrated after Christmas should be that of the first person recorded as giving his life in the service of his Lord and Master Jesus Christ, and for the vision of life that the Gospel represents. God chose to become like us, but it is for us to choose whether we want to be like God! Jesus came to transform our violence into His gentleness. Our texts from the first reading recounts the story of the disciple Stephen who was called to more than just corporal works of mercy (Acts 6:8-10,7:54-59). Today's feast, reminds us that the ugliness of human violence can only be changed with the divine tenderness of forgiveness and love (Mt 10:17-22). If God so loved us, we must love one another. May the Almighty, ever-living God, grant us the courage to be true and faithful witnesses of God's Love, like St. Stephen. Blessings

Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14).

>>May your womb conceive and bear a child.
>> May your endeavors conceive and bear fruits
>> May your employment conceive and bear fruits
>> May your relationship conceive and bear lasting love.
>> May your finances conceive and bear profits.
>> May your mind conceive great ideas and bear for you development.
>>May your marriage conceive and bear peace.
>> May you conceive to whatever is necessary for you to meet your desired spouse.
>> May you conceive God’s blessings and bear all your heart's desires.
>>May you conceive to God's unstoppable favor in eyes of men and women and bear prosperity
>>May you conceive God’s protection and bear total victory against all your enemies.
IN JESUS' NAME I PRAY FOR YOU.

In today's Mass at Capilla Ntra. Sra. de la Caridad del Cobre, I have prayed for our active parishioners Mercedes & Robert, as they celebrate 17 years in marriage. Happy anniversary to them.

Happy Thanksgiving Day to everyone.

Facebook has just reminded me that today is my 3rd priestly anniversary. Thank you Facebook.
So ladies and gentlemen it was on a day like this 21st November 2020 that I was ordained a priest of the Catholic Church. I give glory to God for the blessings received as a priest.

Happy 11th Marriage anniversary to Allen and Ann Marie

¡Felicidades a nuestros hermanos que nos visitan desde la Parroquia Virgen del Carmen de Ponce, Allen & Annmarie en su 11mo Aniversario de Bodas.
Que Dios continué bendiciendo su matrimonio.

Happy birthday to Irma Matienzo

Misa 7:00 pm
¡Feliz cumpleaños Irma Matienzo!
Bendiciones

Without downplaying other factors, sometimes the reason why you have remained single despite your willingness to get a spouse is because you are in a wrong location. Try your chances somewhere else. Move to another city. Relocate yourself to another country. Don't limit yourself to one locality. Let the sky be your only limit.

FELIZ NAVIDAD

🎄 🎄 🎄 ¡La estación más celebrada del año ya está aquí! Las calles, los centros comerciales y las principales tiendas están iluminados. Pero, ¿qué es la Navidad sin regalos para tus seres queridos... 🎁 🎁 🎁 ?

¡Tengo los mejores regalos que podrías elegir! En la última década, he escrito incansablemente libros con una delicadeza, poco común en nuestros tiempos. ¡Sin duda cualquiera de ellos será una elección bien pensada!

Haz este Especial de Navidad con libros de oraciones que nutrirán a tus seres queridos con una transformación de vida, libertad y tranquilidad.

Echa un vistazo a mi colección en Amazon.com, que puedes comprar tanto en formato electrónico como en copias impresas.

Haga su pedido ahora hasta agotar existencias.

Feliz Aniversario de nuestros hermanos Neiza & Luis "Choco". Happy 18th marriage anniversary

Misa 11:00 am

Psalm 111[a]
1 Praise the Lord.[b]

I will extol the Lord with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly.

2 Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them.
3 Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate.
5 He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.

6 He has shown his people the power of his works, giving them the lands of other nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.
8 They are established for ever and ever, enacted in faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever—holy and awesome is his name.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

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Happiness is free

*SAINT OF THE DAY*

*St.Michael, St.Gabriel & St.Raphael*

Feast Day: September 29

*9 Types of Angels*
We may be able to speak directly to God through prayer, but according to the Bible, he reaches us through a variety of angels, each with distinct duties. There are nine types of angels:

1)Seraphim
2)Cherubim
3)Thrones
4)Dominions or Dominations
5)Virtues
6)Powers
7)Principalities
8)Archangels
9)Angels

Michael, Gabriel and Raphael are called "saints" because they are holy. But they are different from the rest of the saints because they were not human. They are angels. They are protectors of human beings and we know something about each of them from the Bible.

*St.Michael*

Michael's name means "who is like God?" Three books of the Bible speak of St. Michael: Daniel, Revelation and the Letter of Jude. In the book of Revelation or the Apocalypse, chapter 12:7-9, we read of a great war that went on in heaven. Michael and his angels battled with Satan. Michael became the champion of loyalty to God. We can ask St. Michael to make us strong in our love for Jesus and in our practice of the Catholic religion.

*St.Gabriel*

Gabriel's name means "the power of God." He, too, is mentioned in the book of Daniel. He has become familiar to us because Gabriel is an important person in Luke's Gospel. This archangel announced to Mary that she was to be the mother of our Savior. Gabriel announced to Zechariah that he and St. Elizabeth would have a son and call him John. Gabriel is the announcer, the communicator of the Good News. We can ask him to help us be good communicators as he was.

*Raphael*

Raphael's name means "God has healed." We read the touching story of Raphael's role in the Bible's book of Tobit. He brought protection and healing to the blind Tobit. At the very end of the journey, when all was completed, Raphael revealed his true identity. He called himself one of the seven who stands before God's throne. We can ask St. Raphael to protect us in our travels, even for short journeys, like going to school. We can also ask him to help when illness strikes us or someone we love.

Fr. Stephen Kakande C.S.Sp: books, biography, latest update Follow Fr. Stephen Kakande C.S.Sp and explore their bibliography from Amazon.com's Fr. Stephen Kakande C.S.Sp Author Page.

www.amazon.com/author/fatherkakandecssp

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C2BS7V8Y/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1695518585&sr=8-1

1000 DREAMS AND THEIR INTERPRETATION PLUS SOLUTION PRAYERS FOR EACH DREAM ~ BOOK 1: Book 1 With Dreams from 1 to 250 (1000 DREAMS AND THEIR INTEPRETATIONS ... PRAYERS FOR EACH DREAM ~ BOOKS 1,2,3 AND 4) 1000 DREAMS AND THEIR INTERPRETATION PLUS SOLUTION PRAYERS FOR EACH DREAM ~ BOOK 1: Book 1 With Dreams from 1 to 250 (1000 DREAMS AND THEIR INTEPRETATIONS ... PRAYERS FOR EACH DREAM ~ BOOKS 1,2,3 AND 4)