Joke of the Day 11/2

A priest with a lisp hired a sinner to paint his church. To save money, the sinner man added water into the paint can. It didn’t work well. The preacher told him: Young man, you need to repaint and thin no more.

Featured Saint

Featured Saint 11/2

St James the monk

Claim to fame: St James the monk lived in a cave for 15 years and struggled with much strenuous fasting and prayer. Some followers of evil sent him a harlot that he might fall into sin with her. She decorated herself and entered the cave of St James. She flirted with him to entice him to commit sin with her, trying to get close to him. St James preached to her the Christianity and the harlot repent by his hand. She went back to the city thanking God in joy. When St James finished his struggle, he departed in peace.

Quote: 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry. 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. II Timothy 4:5

Fun fact: Many miracles were wrought through the hands of St James the monk, even during his life.

Spiritual Message

Spiritual Message of the Day 7/1

January: St Joseph’s Month

Each year in January and after celebrating Nativity, many of the church readings include the role of St Joseph as the carer being the father for baby Jesus. St Joseph is a unique saint who is full of virtues and hence a strong intercessor. Some of his virtues are:

1. A man of faith – not only in believing the strange message from Archangel Gabriel but also in his faith in God’s support throughout Mary’s pregnancy and the remainder of his life 

2. A pure man – he dealt with this young attractive girl with all purity.

3. A man of great mercy –  he did not want to expose St Mary but rather chose to protect her.

4. A man of self-denial – he suffered a great deal to be always there for St Mary and the little baby.

5. A heavenly man – he encountered many angels and they directly conversed with him on many occasions.

6. A man of great obedience – in all what heaven directed him without questioning.

7. A true father – who is much respected and loved by Jesus. St Mary used this love to convince Jesus to return with them to Gallilee.

Do yourself a favour and invite St Joseph to be your patron saint throughout the month of January.

-Fr Jonathan Ishak