February 29, 2016
Marian Shrine E-Newsletter
Volume 4, Issue 28
Fr. Jim McKenna

Martha...you are worried and upset about many things.' Luke 10:41
 
Worry acts like a thief; it robs us of the joy God wants us to experience each day. Basically, all our worries come down to two things: that we won't get what we need or that we'll lose what we've got.
 
Martha was a 'worrywart' and it showed up when Jesus came to dinner. She worked hard in the kitchen while her sister Mary sat listening to Jesus. In frustration Martha asked, '...Lord, don't You care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself'? Worry makes us forget who's servant and who's Lord.
 
Notice three things in this story:
  (1) Martha was busy serving, but she wasn't enjoying it. No doubt she wanted to please Jesus; it's just that she allowed her work for the Lord to become more important to her than her relationship with the Lord. Has that happened to you?
  (2) Satan didn't take Martha out of the kitchen; he just stole her purpose for being there. Satan doesn't turn you against the church; he just makes you focus on yourself. He doesn't take away your ministry, he just discourages you by saying you're overworked and not appreciated.
  (3) God values your attitude more than your actions. 'Do everything without complaining. A bad attitude spoils the gift you offer to God. Jesus said, 'Martha...only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen...it...'. What did Mary choose? Sitting at the feet of Jesus. He always prefers the quiet devotion of a sincere heart to the noisy attitude of a complainer. Think about it.
 
God bless you.
In Mary Help of Christians,
I remain,
Fr. Jim McKenna SDB
Director

 
Walking with the Church

Q. Crucifixion seems to me to be a horrific form of death. Where did it
originate? Did the Romans think it up themselves or did they get it from
somewhere else?
A.  Crucifixion was an eastern custom that was taken up by the Romans. It meant being scourged
first, then taking up your cross (or crossbeam at least) and carrying it
to the place of crucifixion and then being put to death. Not all criminals were crucified. Torture and
death on the cross were inflicted in Roman society on only two classes of people- rebels and slaves. Roman
citizens were never crucified. Such a death would be beneath their      dignity. Only the lowest forms of life (in Roman eyes) were subjected to a form of execution that was             compounded in its cruelty by humiliation and disgrace.

 
Know your Bible - Part 2

What languages was the Bible written in?
The Bible was written in three languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Koine Greek.
 
When was the Bible canonized?
The entire New Testament as we know it today, was canonized before the year 375 A.D. The Old Testament had previously been canonized long before the advent of Christ.
 
What does "canon" mean?
"Canon" is derived front the Greek word "Kanon," signifying a measuring rod. Thus, to have the Bible "canonized" meant that it had been measured by the standard or test of divine inspiration and authority. It became the collection of books or writings accepted by the apostles and leadership of the early Christian church as a basis for Christian belief. It is the standard by which all Christians throughout the ages live and worship.
 
When was the first translation of the Bible made into English?
1382 A.D., by John Wycliffe.
 
When was the Bible printed?
The Bible was printed in 1454 A.D. by Johannes Gutenberg who invented the "type mold" for the printing press. It was the first book ever printed.
 
What is the oldest almost-complete manuscript of the Bible now in existence?
The Codex Vaticanus, which dates from the first half of the fourth Century. It is located in the library of the Vatican in Rome. There are older fragments of the Bible that are still preserved however-- the oldest being a tiny scrap of the Gospel of John was found in Egypt, dating back to the beginning of the second century. (It is currently in the Rayland's Library in Manchester, England).
 
What is the longest book in the Bible?
The book of Psalms.
 
What is the shortest book in the Bible?
2 John.
 
What is the longest chapter in the Bible?
Psalm 119
 
What is the shortest chapter in the Bible?
Psalm 117
 
What is the longest verse in the Bible?
Esther 8:9
 
What is the shortest verse in the Bible?
John 11:35
 
Which book in the Bible does not mention the word "God?"
The book of Esther.
 
Who was the oldest man that ever lived?
Methuselah who lived to be 969 years old (Genesis 5:27).
 
Who does the Bible say was the meekest man in the Bible (not including Jesus)?
Moses (Numbers 12:3).
 
How many languages has the Bible been translated into?
The Holy Bible has been translated into 2,018 languages, with countless more partial translations, and audio translations (for unwritten languages). (This is an enormous amount of In comparison, Shakespeare, considered by many to be the master writer of the English language, has only been translated into 50 languages.)
 
Is the Bible still the best-selling book in the world?
Yes, indeed!
Laughter the best medicine

Point of View
Wife to husband, after several rounds of drinks at a cocktail party: "Henry, don't take another cocktail. Your face is already getting blurred."
 
A Matter of Time
"For the last time," a husband shouted towards the bedroom, "are you ready to go?"
"For heaven's sake, be quiet," retorted his wife. "I've been telling you for the last hour that I'll be there in a minute.
 
An Office Break
A government clerk sat at the table after breakfast one morning engrossed in his newspaper for over an hour. Finally he asked for another cup of coffee. "Coffee!" echoed his wife. "But look at the time. Aren't you going to the office today?"
"Office?" exclaimed the startled man. "Heavens! I thought I was at the office."
 
The Devotion of the Three Hail Marys 
The devotion of the THREE HAIL MARYS is a very simple yet most efficacious devotion.
Everyday, recite Three Hail Marys, adding the invocation: "O Mary, My Mother, keep me from mortal sin." Many people recite the Three Hail Marys as part of their morning and night prayers. To practice this devotion in time of danger, stress, special need or temptation, is a sure means to obtain Our Lady's help.

Thank you dearest Mother for granting our prayers. Alice,NY

Thank you Mary for all the favors received. Sandra Dantes, Bahrain

My sincere thanks to Mary Help of Christians for saving my husband after a heart attack  
and for having blessed him with good health. Dear Mother bless our family with good health and keep us under your protection. A Devotee

Thank you dear Mother Mary for coming to my aid during a difficult situation.
Mary Ann, Australia
 
In Closing
Dear devotees of Our Lady and Don Bosco,
If you have received a miracle through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, we would like to hear from you. Email us at MaryShrine@aol.com.
 
Bookstore hours: Monday - Saturday - 10 am to 5 pm, Sundays: 12 - 4 pm

Weekday Masses: 12 noon. Confessions on weekdays begin at 11.30 am.
Sunday Masses: 11 am and 12.30 pm

Other activities: Day Retreats, Weekend retreats, Don Bosco Summer Camp, Eucharistic Adoration, Friday night Lenten Dinners, 50/50 raffle, 350 club, Rosary Madonna Statue. Rent Lomagno Hall, Rent our Banquet Hall.

MEMORIES
Remember a Loved One: Engrave plaques on Wall of Memories, adopt a Tree, Engrave blocks on Walk of Honor, All Souls, All year Candle lighting, Holiday (Christmas and Easter), Flowers, Schedule a Mass, Bell Chimes.

MASS INTENTIONS
To offer a mass intention, please write to
Fr. Jim McKenna SDB
174 Filors Lane,
Stony Point, NY 10980


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Marian Shrine
174 Filors Lane, Stony Point, NY 10980
(845) 947-2200