What does it avail to know that there is a God, which you not only believe by Faith, but also know by reason: what does it avail that you know Him if you think little of Him?

– St Thomas More

14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.”

— St. Pio of Pietrelcina

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USCCB and EWTN

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For audio link to today’s readings click:

http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/10_03_05.mp3 Audio

For link to today’s video Reflection click:

http://www.usccb.org/video/reflections.shtml Video

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EWTN

Today in the Word

Moody Radio Online

Today in the Word Radio Online

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Parables of Jesus – Dives and Lazarus, or Lazarus and Dives, also called The Rich Man and the Beggar Lazarus Luke 16:19-31

< >< For direct link to today’s & other video Reflections click >< >

http://www.usccb.org/video/reflections.shtml Video

< >< Daily Mass Readings Online Sources>< >

USCCB and EWTN

For link to Scripture readings and Bible search click:

New American Bible USCCB

Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition EWTN

For audio link to today’s readings click:

http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/10_03_04.mp3 Audio

< >< Other sources of inspiration on God’s Word >< >

EWTN

Today in the Word

Moody Radio Online

Today in the Word Radio Online

< >< Bible Online >< >

BibleGateway.com Devotion Scriptures unless noted from New International Version

< >< One Walk >< >

Follow what I am thinking, listening and reading visit www.RichardAngulo.com

To open up a second User Account, once you have created two accounts. You can start up the second account by selecting the Skype Short cut icon and while holding the Shift Key down Right Click and select “Run as..”.

This year I found myself giving this more thought and given today’s social and business networking environment I decided to see what’s being said on the Internet by others. Here are my summary with links to what I found listed in order by that which I related with most.

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You’re only offended if you choose to be offended. (Deepak Chopra)

The PC (politically correct) movement has really gone too far. In an effort to offend no one, I am often wished “Happy Holidays” as I leave stores this season.
And it sucks.
Really? A generic wish? Just in case I’m Jewish? Or Muslim? Or Atheist? Eff, I’d rather someone wish me “Happy Kwanzaa” instead of the generic “Happy Holidays.”
I grew up hearing “Merry Christmas” this time of year. I miss it.
Yes, I know everyone isn’t Christian. (I’m not, either.)

Can we just do away with all the PC-ness around holiday greetings? Please. – Etiquette Bitch http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/etiquette-bitch/2009/12/only-if-you-choose-to-be-offended.html

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Merry Christmas!

Over the centuries, Christmas has lost a lot of it’s religious meaning and become more of a secular holiday in today’s global marketplace. Yes, Christmas is a religious holiday in which Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who we believe to be our savior – but the global truth is that we were not the first ones to claim a winter holiday for our religion. Christmas has become and continues to be a global holiday, which means something different to everybody. Christmas should not be recognized as a mere Christian holiday, but as a celebration of family, a time we celebrate the past year with loved ones and prepare for the new. Christmas is truly about love (and let’s not forget about receiving gifts!) and the time we have with each other.
That’s what I feel Christmas is in today’s culture. Please stop calling them holiday trees. Call it was it is and recognize the history and meaning of the day.

Politically Correct’ Holiday Greeting
http://bogopolis.com/blog/?p=442

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Etiquetteer is delighted to wish you a Merry Christmas!

While many are saddened by the secularization of Christmas, including Etiquetteer, it’s an even sadder day when Christians respond critically to a pleasant greeting because it isn’t Perfectly Christian. Really, it’s enough to make Etiquetteer bark “Bah, humbug!” and just stay home by the Christmas tree in Perfect Propriety. They’d be Better Off — and Better Christians, too — by cheerfully replying “I love celebrating Christmas!” instead of making you feel bad.

Encouraging Perfect Propriety in an Imperfect World
http://etiquetteer.com/2009/11/29/holiday-greetings-verbal-vol-8-issue-25/
Etiquetteer is delighted to wish you a Merry Christmas!

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‘Tis the season, not only for corny holiday cliches, but for bickering about the proper way to wish people a happy merry whatever.

But the principle is, if someone’s trying to be nice, do you give them some credit for that, or do you sneer at their attempt just because it doesn’t measure up to your standards, or meet your preferences?

Atheist Etiquette – HOW TO GET ALONG WITH REAL PEOPLE..
http://atheistetiquette.wordpress.com/2009/12/02/seasons-greetings/

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P.S. Proper accepted etiquette seems to be using specific holiday greetings when you know the holiday a person celebrates, and using the generic “Happy Holidays” when you do not.

Sending business greeting cards: 7 etiquette tips
http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/articles/19622/1/Sending-business-greeting-cards-7-etiquette-tips/Page1.html#

Holiday Card or Christmas Card—Which Should you Send? Business Greeting Card Etiquette
http://knol.google.com/k/linda-cress-dowdy/holiday-card-or-christmas-card-which/gtm2ar0qj5b7/13#

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Here is what I will use this year

Merry Christmas and the Happiest of Holiday Greetings!
Whether Hanukkah, Eid al-Adha, Kwanzaa or other
I wish you and yours great joy, peace and a prosperous New Year.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Read: 1 Peter 5:1-4

To the elders among you, I appeal: . . . Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care. – 1 Peter 5:1-2

TODAY IN THE WORD
In the July 15, 1974 issue of Time magazine, historians were asked how they would answer the questions: “What makes a true leader? Who are the true leaders of history?” One British military historian, Correlli Barnett, responded this way: “Greatness has nothing to do with morality. A leader gets people to follow him.” According to Barnett, Napoleon, Hitler, and Al Capone were all great leaders.

We come to a different exposition of leadership in today’s reading. Peter appeals to the elders of the churches, exhorting them toward Christian leadership. Reminding them of his own witness of Christ’s suffering and promise of glory, Peter declares: “Be shepherds of God’s flock” (v. 2). Peter remembered well the calling that Christ gave him in John 21:15-19, and he extends that call to the elders of the churches in Asia Minor. Christ’s command to feed His sheep was not just for Peter or the apostles; all subsequent leaders of the church are called to care for and nourish God’s people.

What are the marks of a true shepherd? Scripture first describes the attitude of leadership. True leaders do their work willingly, not out of a sense of obligation (v. 2a). Second, Scripture explains the purpose of leadership. Rather than leading in order to serve one’s own needs (e.g. in striving only for monetary gain), a true leader is “eager to serve” (v. 2b), focusing on the needs of others first. Third, Scripture indicates the manner of leadership. A true leader does not “lord it over” others, seeking power and authority; rather, they offer a humble “example to the flock” (v. 3).

Finally, a true shepherd of God’s flock will always remember that there is a Chief Shepherd to whom they are accountable (v. 4). Ultimately, it is Christ’s church, not ours. And Christ is the true Shepherd of His people. Any leader of Christ’s church is only an under-shepherd of that one great “Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” (1 Peter 2:25).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As we come to the final Sunday in Advent, today’s passage fittingly calls us to remember both Christ’s first coming as a humble and serving Shepherd, and his second coming when that “Chief Shepherd appears” (v. 4). As you contemplate the attitude, purpose, and manner of Christ’s leading of His church, recognize what a high (and challenging) call the leaders of your own church have received. Pray for them, and find some way to encourage them this week through a personal note, phone call, or conversation.

via todayintheword.org