USCCB Novena for Life -- Day Nine

DAY NINE January 26, 2014 St. Mary's Rosary for Life

Intercession:    For repentance, healing and peace in every heart and every nation Prayer: Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be     Reflection:      In today's Gospel Jesus preaches, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." And after calling the first apostles, he went around all of Galilee, "proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people" (Mt 4:23). Repentance is necessary for healing, but the Lord doesn't want us to remain stuck in misery over our sins. With healing comes peace and the joy of knowing we are loved and forgiven by God. The message of the Gospel of Life is one of great joy! Our call to live this Gospel is not marked with sadness and despair, but with hope, expectation and exuberant joy. "It is up to you, young followers of Christ, to show the world that faith brings happiness and a joy which is true, full and enduring...The Gospel is the "good news" that God loves us and that each of us is important to him. Show the world that this is true!" (Pope Benedict XVI, Message for the 27th World Youth Day, March 15, 2012)

Acts of Reparation (choose one) Spend quality time with a family member or friend; ask them if they would like to help out at a local charity with you. Say three Hail Marys for your parish priest. Without our priests, we could not have the sacraments. Make a "quiet hour" today, turning off all electronic devices (cell phone, iPod, computer, television, radio, video game system) and retreat to your room.