THEME:
THE WAYS OF THE PATRIARCHS
DAY 7 (Return of Jacob to Bethel)
Gen. 35:1 “Arise, go up to Bethel, and live there; and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.”
MEDITATION
Nearly thirty years have passed since Jacob vowed to return to Bethel. Do not delay in keeping your vows. Jacob was preoccupied with prosperity and security at the expense of purity and piety. He is near Bethel but not near to the God of Bethel. God said to Jacob “Arise, go up to Bethel” Bethel means house of God. Most times we easily forget the “house of God” through our actions and inactions. Jacob forgot his previous encounter at Bethel and lived as if he was never directed. In fact under his watch many had foreign gods. Thus he was desecrated. He needed to go to Bethel for renewal. Beloved, we all have need for renewal either through confession, re-consecration or deeper appreciation of our faith in God.
PRAYERS
- Hail Mary 21 times and Thank you Jesus 21 times.
- Bible Study: 35:1-29
- Lessons:
- Renewal of commitment is very important. Most Christians are rather fascinated by new experience and encounter while they have not fully lived out the details of their previous encounter. Jacob’s experience at Bethel was not new, he only needed to gain deeper appreciation of what he had already experienced- Jacob needed renewal.
- There cannot be renewal without separation. Jacob put away those foreign gods which he had so long tolerated and which were so offensive to God. Every act of renewal calls us to put away all that is offensive to God.
- Jacob’s renewal involved reconciliation with those who had been injured by his sins. We cannot be reconciled to God without being reconciled with men. Matthew 5:23-24 says “So then, if you bring your gift to the altar and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother and then come and present your gift”.
- Christians must realize that renewal of our relationship with God does not mean life free from difficulties. That you are Spirit-filled does not mean you are sickness free. St. Paul calls them light affliction. 2 Cor.6:4-5 says 6:4But as God’s servants, we have commended ourselves in every way, with great endurance, in persecutions, in difficulties, in distresses, in beatings, in imprisonments, in riots, in troubles, in sleepless nights, in hunger. 2 Cor 12:7-10 says “Therefore, so that I would not become arrogant, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to trouble me—so that I would not become arrogant. I asked the Lord three times about this, that it would depart from me. But he said to me, “My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” So then, I will boast most gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may reside in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, with insults, with troubles, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.” In fact, these adversities and afflictions are the very things which draw us nearer to God and strengthen our faith James 1:2-4 “My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything.” If Jacob had not had the tragedy at Dinah, the slaughter of the Shechemites he would have remained amongst the Canaanites.
- Silence (5 to 10 minutes) (write down your own lessons; learn to hear from God and write down whatever God says to you)
- Intercessory Prayers : Prayer for Spiritual Revewal
PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL RENEWAL
God, heavenly Father, look upon me and hear my prayer during this period of the year. By the good works you inspire, help me to discipline my body and to be renewed in spirit. Without you I can do nothing. By your Spirit help me to know what is right and to be eager in doing your will. Teach me to find new life through penance. Keep me from sin, and help me live by your commandment of love.
God of love, bring me back to yourself. Send your Spirit to make me strong in faith and active in good works. May my acts of penance and charity bring me your forgiveness, open my heart to your love, and prepare me for the time when I shall see you as you are.
Lord, nourish me with your word of life and make me one with you in love and prayer. Fill my heart with your love and keep me faithful to the Gospel of Christ. Give me the grace to rise above my human weakness. Give me new life by your Sacraments, especially the Mass.
Father, our source of life, I reach out with joy to grasp your hand, let me walk more readily in your ways. Guide me in your gentle mercy, for left to myself I cannot do your will.
Father of love, source of all blessings, help me to pass from my old life of sin to the new life of grace. Prepare me for the glory of your Kingdom. I ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever Amen..
- The Litany to the Precious Blood of Jesus.
LITANY OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST
Lord, have mercy on us
Lord, have mercy on us
Christ, have mercy on us
Christ, have mercy on us Lord, have mercy on us
Lord, have mercy on us
Christ, hear us
Christ, graciously hear us
God, the Father of heaven
have mercy on us
God the Son, Redeemer of the world *
God, the Holy Spirit *
Holy Trinity, One God *
O most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, the Blood of Salvation
*Cover us and the whole world.*
The ocean of the Blood of Jesus Christ
Set us free( *R* your response)
The Blood of Jesus Christ,
Full of holiness and compassion *R*
Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,
Our strength and power
*R*
Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,
The Everlasting Covenant *R*
Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,
The foundation of the Christian faith *R*
Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,
The armor of God *R*
Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,
The Divine Charity *R*
Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,
The scourge of demons *R*
Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, The help of those in bondage *R*
Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,
The sacred wine *R*
Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,
The power of Christians *R*
Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,
The defender of the Catholic wall *R*
Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,
The Christian’s true faith *R*
Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,
The healing blood
Save us (Response)
Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,
The anointing blood
*R*
Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,
The boldness of the children of God
*R*
Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,
The commander of Christian warriors
*R*
Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,
The blood of resurrection
*R*
Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,
The drink of heavenly angels
*R*
Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,
The consolation of God the Father
*R* Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,
The power of the Holy Spirit
*R*
Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,
The circumcision of the Gentiles
*R*
Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,
The peace of the world
*R*
Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,
The sunshine of heaven and earth
*R*
Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,
The rainbow in heaven
*R*
Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,
The hope of innocent children
*R*
Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,
The Word of God in our hearts *R*
Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,
The heavenly weapon *R*
Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,
The Divine Wisdom *R*
Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,
The foundation of the world *R*
Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,
The mercy of God the Father *R*
O most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ
Cleanse the sins of the world
O most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ
*R*: Refine the world
O most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ
*R* Teach us how to console Jesus
Let us Pray
O Precious Blood of our salvation, we believe, hope and trust in You. Deliver all those that are in the hands of the infernal spirits we beseech You. Protect the dying against the works of evil spirits and welcome them into Your eternal glory. Have mercy on the whole world and strengthen us to worship and console the Sacred Heart. We adore you, O Precious Blood of mercy. Amen.
O most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ
*R* Heal the wounds in the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. (repeat 3 times)
Today is the last day of this prayer. Our confidence is in Christ Jesus! Therefore, we can say that our petitions are answered and our spirit lifted. Let us continue to deepen our faith through thorough studies of the Scriptures and prayers not just for fleshy gains but for eternal life.
