Thursday, January 29, 2009

Healing Mass at World Apostolate of Fatima, USA

Our Lady of Fatima - World Apostolate of Fatima, USA - Blue Army Shrine

The National Blue Army Shrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is celebrating a Healing Mass on February 1, and on Sunday, March 8, 2009 in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at 3:00 PM. The Healing Mass will be celebrated with Father Paul and include the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. The Catholic shrine is located in scenic Warren County on 674 Mountain View Road, Washington, New Jersey.

Matthew 4:23-24 reminds us of the healing power of Jesus. The scripture states that "He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed ... and paralytics, and he cured them."

In time of sickness, it’s prudent to visit a physician for medical treatment. However, scripture tells us in James 5, Verse 14-15 that during times of illness, we should focus on the Word of God and also seek help from our minister or priest by "summoning the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven."

© 2009 Loci B. Lenar

Monday, January 19, 2009

Miracle on the Hudson - US Airways Flight 1549

Survivors seek meaning, new purpose after 'miracle'

Charlotteobserver.com - David Sanderson (center) and Don Norton (right), who were passengers on US Airways Flight 1549, pray with Pastor Rob Singleton (left) on stage at Southbrook Community Church in Weddington during the Sunday morning service. (Photo and caption by Robert Lasher)

According to the article posted on CharlotteObserver.com, many of the passengers prayed before the aircraft 'landed' in the Hudson and believe a miracle was responsible for everyone surviving. Passenger, Lori Lightner, who turned 36 on Sunday, said it was a miracle.

In my opinion, the Lord saved the passengers and crew of Flight 1549 by answering their prayers. Clearly the pilot’s actions were heroic and his experience cannot be disputed for making a brave decision to land the jet into the Hudson River. However, in scripture, we read about God’s divine hand in changing circumstances into our favor. Isaiah 65:24 states, “Before they call, I will answer, while they are yet speaking, I will hearken to them.”