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walkingdownthepathofnight · 6 years

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List of deities I want to work with!

Goddesses:

•Aradia- Italian folkloric figure described at the Gospel of Witches by Charles Leland. She is the daughter of Diana and Lucifer and she descends to the Earth to teach witchcraft to the poor masses who are defenceless against the oppression of christianity.

•Artemis Diana (I dont seperate them)- Grecoroman deity. Goddess of the Moon, hunting and wild animals. She is a virgin/maiden goddess and the twin sister of Apolo. Also known as Phoebe

•Hekate- Titan Goddess of witchcraft, crossroads, ghosts and apparitions. She is also a moon goddess. She is part of the train of Persephone among the kakodaimones (evil daemons). She and Artemis share the epithet Kourotrophos (taking care, raising children). Her symbols are the hounds, keys, snakes, daggers, torches, bulls and horses. She is also called trimorphe (she is a triple goddess herself)

•Demeter- Mother of Persephone/Kore. She is a mother and earth goddess and a goddess of agriculture. She brings the seasons when Persephone returns to her(spring, summer) or leaves her (autumn, winter).

•Persephone- Daughter of Demeter, wife of Hades, Queen of the Underworld, Goddess of Spring, flowers and fertility

•Gaia- the All Mother (Gaia Pammetor), the mother of all living things and of all the Gods. The Earth Goddess, Mother Nature

•Rhea-Cybelle- Titan Goddess of the earth and fertility, wife of Kronos and Mother of Zeus.

•Selene- The moon herself envisioned as a goddess. She is the lover of Endymion with who she had over 50 offsprings. Pan tricked her that he was Endymion and seduced her.

•Aphrodite- Goddess of love, beauty, sex, pleasure, lust, war, persuasion and democracy.

•Hestia- Goddess of the Hearth. Every fire in a household is sacred to her and all altars are her altars whatever the god the altar is dedicated to. She is protecting you sacred space and your home.

•Freya- Norse Goddess. I dont know much about Freya yet other that either her or Frigga gave the name to the day friday. I think she is a love goddess and an earth goddess. Her brother is Freyr. I think she takes some of the heroes that die in battle while others go to Valhalah. *to all the Norse pagans who may see this please correct me if Im wrong*

•The Morrighan- Celtic goddess of war and death. She is a triune goddess as well. Her sacred animal is the raven.

•Ceridwen- Celtic Goddess of magic. A mother goddess. I know her myth but im not pretty sure about the names so I will update it later.

•Isis- or Aset. Goddess of magick death and rebirth. She is the mother of Horus and the wife of Osiris, who was murdered by his brother Set. She brought him back to life by connecting his shuttered body parts.

•Lilith- Dark goddess of storms, sex, sexual lust and witchcraft. She is the first wife of Adam and a feminist figure. She was casted away from Paradise for wanting to be equal with Adam while having sex. She is also considered a succubus.

•The Green Woman- a Wiccan deity/figure/spirit. She is the representation of Nature and the fertile earth. Concort of the Green Man.

•The Star Goddess- an Important figure in the Feri (Faery) Tradition of Witchcraft (not to be mistaken as fairy wicca/witchcraft). She is a hermaphrodite deity. She is called the God Herself. She is the creator of everything. She gave birth to the devine twins, who were her conscorts until she took them back inside her ans rebirth them as the Blue/Peacock god.

Gods:

•Cain/Qayin- biblical figure revered in qayanite traditions of witchcraft, the Sabbatic craft (cultus sabbati), the American folkoric witchcraft etc. He is the first murderer, the creator of civilization, he is god of the Green kingdom and of Death. He is the Black man, the Devil at the crossroads.

•Apollo Karneios- Greek god of the sun, poetry, music, the arts and divination. Karneios is an epithet of him. As Karneios he is depicted with goat or ram horns. He is the twin brother of Artemis.

•Pan- Satyr god of nature, the wilderness, shepherds, flocks and domestic animals, sex and lust. He is a wild God always with an erection, a part of the train of Dionysus. His father is Hermes. He seduced a lot of Nymphs and has many male lovers calked eromenoi (he is PANsexual!!!)

•Dionysus Kerasforos- He is the god of wine and vines, sex, orgies and madness. He is a cthonic god. He is flamboyant and often dresses with female clothing(kerasphoros means he has horns)

•Hades- God of the underworld, judge of the souls of the dead. Husband of Persephone and brother of Zeus.

•Ouranus- Primordial god of the Sky. Also a Father god. He is the concort of Gaia.

•Kronus- Titan and cthonic god of Time and sky. He ate his children except Zeus.

•Helios- he is the Sun envisioned as a god. He rides his chariot at the sky from dawn till dusk.

•Hermes- the messenger of the gods and of humans. God of sex and lust and fertility( he sometimes is depicted with an enormous phallus), he is a psychopomp guiding the souls to the underworld. He is also a trickster god and patron of thieves and beguilers. He is the link between the Sky and Gods, the earth and humans, and the Underworld with its dead.

•Wodan (Wotan, Woden, Odin)- Norse god. King of the gods. He is a Sky god and a god of death. He is in charge of the wild hunt. He holds every knowledge and he is wise. His wife is Frigga. He takes some of the heroes who died glorious in battle to reside with him in Valhala. (Same with Freya I dont know a lot so correct me)

•Cernunnos- Celtic god of the wild. He is depicted with stag horns. He is protectir of the wild animals and of nature. If he is depicted with an errect phallus he is also a god of fertility.

•Bucca- a fae in cornish folklore and a deity in Cornish Traditional witchcraft. Bucca is similar to the fugure of Baphomet. A hermaphrodite god with goat characteristics. God of witches. The Devil at the crossroads.

•Lucifer- the fallen angel, the rising star. A rebel. God of light, the sun and knowledge. Concort of Lilith. A deity revered in Luciferianism and Luciferian witchcraft.

•The Green Man- a Wiccan deity/figure/spirit. A personification of Nature and the wilderness and a deity of fertility.

•The Blue God- a major deity in the Feri Tradition of Witchcraft. Concort of the Star Goddess. He merged from the union of the devine twins. He is also hermaphrodite and a flamboyant and ambiguous figure

•Baphomet- a deity presented first from Eliphas Levi as the Goar of Mendes. Baphomet is a symbol of the great creator. A hermaphrodite deity full of duality and everything that makes the world.

33 deities till now and I believe more will come it the future…..

*Note that with most of this deities I havent established a deeper connection or dont know everything about them yet in great depth. Correct me if Im wrong but please be kind. I will update this as soon I have more experience with all of them*

#gods #deities #witchcraft #paganism #eclectic

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roman-catholic-mass-readings · 6 years

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23rd June >> Mass Readings (USA)

for

Saturday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

Saturday memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Saturday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

(Liturgical Colour: Green)

First Reading

2 Chronicles 24:17-25

They murdered Zechariah between the sanctuary and the altar (Matthew 23:35).

After the death of Jehoiada, the princes of Judah came and paid homage to King Joash, and the king then listened to them. They forsook the temple of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and began to serve the sacred poles and the idols; and because of this crime of theirs, wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem. Although prophets were sent to them to convert them to the LORD, the people would not listen to their warnings. Then the Spirit of God possessed Zechariah, son of Jehoiada the priest. He took his stand above the people and said to them: “God says, ‘Why are you transgressing the LORD’s commands, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have abandoned the LORD, he has abandoned you.’” But they conspired against him, and at the king’s order they stoned him to death in the court of the LORD’s temple. Thus King Joash was unmindful of the devotion shown him by Jehoiada, Zechariah’s father, and slew his son. And as Zechariah was dying, he said,“(May the LORD see and avenge.”

At the turn of the year a force of Arameans came up against Joash. They invaded Judah and Jerusalem, did away with all the princes of the people, and sent all their spoil to the king of Damascus. Though the Aramean force came with few men, the LORD surrendered a very large force into their power, because Judah had abandoned the LORD, the God of their fathers. So punishment was meted out to Joash. After the Arameans had departed from him, leaving him in grievous suffering, his servants conspired against him because of the murder of the son of Jehoiada the priest. He was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 89:4-5, 29-30, 31-32, 33-34

R/ For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.

“I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant: Forever will I confirm your posterity and establish your throne for all generations.”

R/ For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.

“Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him, and my covenant with him stands firm.I will make his posterity endure forever and his throne as the days of heaven.”

R/ For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.

“If his sons forsake my law and walk not according to my ordinances, If they violate my statutes and keep not my commands.”

R/ For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.

“I will punish their crime with a rod and their guilt with stripes. Yet my mercy I will not take from him, nor will I belie my faithfulness.”

R/ For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.

Gospel Acclamation

2 Corinthians 8:9

Alleluia, alleluia.

Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich.

Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Matthew 6:24-34

Do not worry about tomorrow.

Jesus said to his disciples: “No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

————————-

Saturday memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

(Liturgical Colour: White)

First Reading

Genesis 3:9-15, 20

I will put enmity between your offspring and the offspring of the woman.

After the man, Adam, had eaten of the tree, the LORD God called to the man and asked him, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden; but I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself.” Then he asked, “Who told you that you were naked? You have eaten, then, from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat!” The man replied, “The woman whom you put here with me– she gave me fruit from the tree, and so I ate it.” The LORD God then asked the woman, “Why did you do such a thing?” The woman answered, “The serpent tricked me into it, so I ate it.” Then the LORD God said to the serpent:

“Because you have done this, you shall be banned from all the animals and from all the wild creatures;On your belly shall you crawl, and dirt shall you eat all the days of your life.I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers;He will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel.”

The man called his wife Eve, because she became the mother of all the living.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm

1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd

R/ My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

“My heart exults in the LORD, my horn is exalted in my God. I have swallowed up my enemies; I rejoice in my victory.”

R/ My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

“The bows of the mighty are broken, while the tottering gird on strength. The well-fed hire themselves out for bread, while the hungry batten on spoil. The barren wife bears seven sons, while the mother of many languishes.”

R/ My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

“The LORD puts to death and gives life; he casts down to the nether world; he raises up again. The LORD makes poor and makes rich, he humbles, he also exalts.”

R/ My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

“He raises the needy from the dust; from the dung heap he lifts up the poor, To seat them with nobles and make a glorious throne their heritage.”

R/ My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

Gospel Acclamation

cf. Luke 1:28

Alleluia, alleluia.

Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you;

blessed are you among women.

Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23

For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king.

David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph. Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah. Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile.

After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.

Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,

and they shall name him Emmanuel,

which means “God is with us.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

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dfroza · 4 years

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A call to have the thoughts of our Creator

and to be courageous in Love to endure the things of this world, in patience & in kindness. to stand for what is believed. to hold the hope of eternal life in Love.

Today’s reading in the Scriptures begins with chapter 4 in the Letter of First Peter:

[Learn to Think Like Him]

Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want.

You’ve already put in your time in that God-ignorant way of life, partying night after night, a drunken and profligate life. Now it’s time to be done with it for good. Of course, your old friends don’t understand why you don’t join in with the old gang anymore. But you don’t have to give an account to them. They’re the ones who will be called on the carpet—and before God himself.

Listen to the Message. It was preached to those believers who are now dead, and yet even though they died (just as all people must), they will still get in on the life that God has given in Jesus.

Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!

[Glory Just Around the Corner]

Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.

If you’re abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It’s the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. If they’re on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that’s a different matter. But if it’s because you’re a Christian, don’t give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name!

It’s judgment time for God’s own family. We’re first in line. If it starts with us, think what it’s going to be like for those who refuse God’s Message!

If good people barely make it,

What’s in store for the bad?

So if you find life difficult because you’re doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he’s doing, and he’ll keep on doing it.

The Letter of 1st Peter, Chapter 4 (The Message)

Today’s paired chapter of the Testaments is chapter 16 of Leviticus that describes the Day of Atonement when Moses was given instructions for Aaron to enter the inner room of the Sanctuary (Holy of Holies) where the Ark of the Covenant was, a sacred space where the presence of God’s Spirit was. similar to how the Spirit now exists in the hearts of those who have become His living Temple as daughters & sons of our Creator, the living Church.

and this is all because of the baptism of the heart in grace (inside, Anew) illuminated by the Son who is the eternal Word of God, of which we are also instructed to be baptized in water when we “believe...” as a sign of what the heart has chosen to be its purest treasure.

(A point of rebirth and cleansing)

and we realize that this ancient ceremony for the removal of sins that was done by a human priest and involved the blood of animals all pointed to the cross and what was fulfilled by it, because the Son is the True High Priest of the New Covenant that we now see and His blood that is pure became our redemption. He is the eternal Temple and we are joined to Him through faith, just as Israel is. there is and always will be significance with Israel and Jerusalem as a birthplace and a place of renewal that will include all of beautiful earth at some point.

Chapter 16:

[The Day of Atonement]

After the death of Aaron’s two sons—they died when they came before God with strange fire—God spoke to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron not to enter into the Holy of Holies, barging inside the curtain that’s before the Atonement-Cover on the Chest whenever he feels like it, lest he die, because I am present in the Cloud over the Atonement-Cover.

“This is the procedure for Aaron when he enters the Holy Place: He will bring a young bull for an Absolution-Offering and a ram for a Whole-Burnt-Offering; he will put on the holy linen tunic and the linen underwear, tie the linen sash around him, and put on the linen turban. These are the sacred vestments so he must bathe himself with water before he puts them on. Then from the Israelite community he will bring two male goats for an Absolution-Offering and a Whole-Burnt-Offering.

“Aaron will offer the bull for his own Absolution-Offering in order to make atonement for himself and his household. Then he will set the two goats before God at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and cast lots over the two goats, one lot for God and the other lot for Azazel. He will offer the goat on which the lot to God falls as an Absolution-Offering. The goat on which the lot for Azazel falls will be sent out into the wilderness to Azazel to make atonement.

“Aaron will present his bull for an Absolution-Offering to make atonement for himself and his household. He will slaughter his bull for the Absolution-Offering. He will take a censer full of burning coals from the Altar before God and two handfuls of finely ground aromatic incense and bring them inside the curtain and put the incense on the fire before God; the smoke of the incense will cover the Atonement-Cover which is over The Testimony so that he doesn’t die. He will take some of the bull’s blood and sprinkle it with his finger on the front of the Atonement-Cover, then sprinkle the blood before the Atonement-Cover seven times.

“Next he will slaughter the goat designated as the Absolution-Offering for the people and bring the blood inside the curtain. He will repeat what he does with the bull’s blood, sprinkling it on and before the Atonement-Cover. In this way he will make atonement for the Holy of Holies because of the uncleannesses of the Israelites, their acts of rebellion, and all their other sins. He will do the same thing for the Tent of Meeting which dwells among the people in the midst of their uncleanness. There is to be no one in the Tent of Meeting from the time Aaron goes in to make atonement in the Holy of Holies until he comes out, having made atonement for himself, his household, and the whole community of Israel.

“Then he will come out to the Altar that is before God and make atonement for it. He will take some of the bull’s blood and some of the goat’s blood and smear it all around the four horns of the Altar. With his finger he will sprinkle some of the blood on it seven times to purify and consecrate it from the uncleannesses of the Israelites.

“When Aaron finishes making atonement for the Holy of Holies, the Tent of Meeting, and the Altar, he will bring up the live goat, lay both hands on the live goat’s head, and confess all the iniquities of the People of Israel, all their acts of rebellion, all their sins. He will put all the sins on the goat’s head and send it off into the wilderness, led out by a man standing by and ready. The goat will carry all their iniquities to an empty wasteland; the man will let him loose out there in the wilderness.

“Finally, Aaron will come into the Tent of Meeting and take off the linen clothes in which he dressed to enter the Holy of Holies and leave them there. He will bathe in water in a Holy Place, put on his priestly vestments, offer the Whole-Burnt-Offering for himself and the Whole-Burnt-Offering for the people, making atonement for himself and the people, and burn the fat of the Absolution-Offering on the Altar.

“The man who takes the goat out to Azazel in the wilderness then will wash his clothes and bathe himself with water. After that he will be permitted to come back into the camp. The bull for the Absolution-Offering and the goat for the Absolution-Offering, whose blood has been taken into the Holy of Holies to make atonement, are to be taken outside the camp and burned—their hides, their meat, and their entrails. The man assigned to burn them up will then wash his clothes and bathe himself in water. Then he is free to come back into the camp.

“This is standard practice for you, a perpetual ordinance. On the tenth day of the seventh month, both the citizen and the foreigner living with you are to enter into a solemn fast and refrain from all work, because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. In the presence of God you will be made clean of all your sins. It is a Sabbath of all Sabbaths. You must fast. It is a perpetual ordinance.

“The priest who is anointed and ordained to succeed his father is to make the atonement:

He puts on the sacred linen garments;

He purges the Holy of Holies by making atonement;

He purges the Tent of Meeting and the Altar by making atonement;

He makes atonement for the priests and all the congregation.

“This is a perpetual ordinance for you: Once a year atonement is to be made for all the sins of the People of Israel.”

And Aaron did it, just as God commanded Moses.

The Book of Leviticus, Chapter 16 (The Message)

my personal reading of the Scriptures for Tuesday, may 12 of 2020 with a paired chapter from each Testament along with Today’s Psalms and Proverbs

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agwitow · 7 years

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“Prompt from @toreblogallthethings: “Drink this, it will make your teeth stop hurting", she said.

(note: this turned out a lot longer than I intended)

The day of the challenge dawned sunny, but with heavy clouds on the horizon and a brisk wind. Walduk felt sure his mother would have declared it to be an omen of some sort. Probably a bad omen. They were always bad omens. Part of him was glad she wasn’t there to croak about omens and the ill favour of the gods.

He immediately felt guilty.

He should never be glad that his mother was one of the ones taking during the last season of cold. Even if she would have declared him fated to fail, he still wished she could be there to see him. It was an honour to have even been selected for the challenge. She would have been proud of him.

Walduk strode with a purposeful stride. The other chosen were leaving their homes and joining the march to the training grounds. There were fifteen men and women in total. All chosen from among the clan’s finest warriors.

The chieftain and wise woman were waiting for the chosen. Leoven, the chieftain, wore ceremonial armour made of a single piece of carved bone. Legend claimed that the founder of their clan had slain a dragon and crafted that armour from its skeleton. The gleaming white was carved with sacred runes and had been freshly polished with a special oil so that the sun reflected off of it in a rainbow shimmer of colours.

Iriel, the wise woman, was somehow even more striking. She wore a fringed skirt with pure black fur around the waist. The leather was dyed almost as dark as the fur and had runes picked out with colourful beads. Otherwise her skin was only covered with painted scars--the reds, blues, yellows, and greens almost seemed to glow against her dark brown skin. Walduk wasn’t sure if it was simply a trick of the paint, or some inherent part of the magic of the ceremonial scars carefully placed on her body. She was as tall as Leoven, and if it hadn’t been taboo for a wise woman to wrestle in the mud, she would have given the chieftain a hard fight.

“Welcome, chosen ones,” Leoven intoned formally. “This is a sacred day for the Canegri, and you have been chosen by the gods themselves to compete in the challenge. Only those favoured by the gods will survive, and only the true Champion of the Canegri will succeed.”

Iriel ran her eyes over the assembled warriors. “Each of you must climb the Ancestor’s Mountain, cross the Gorge of Souls, and find the final resting place of Canegri’s Dragon. The first to bring back a tooth with be named Champion of the Canegri.”

Walduk’s heart quickened. Only the chosen know what the challenge entails, and he no longer wondered that none of the previous fifteen returned. Instead, he eyed his chieftain and wise woman with new eyes. Each had to have completed the challenge to have their positions.

“You may each select two items from the clan’s stores. Choose wisely, as these are the only items beyond the clothes on your back that you may take,” Iriel instructed. She gestured and a large chest materialized in front of her.

Leoven opened the lid to reveal an assortment of items. Gleaming metal armour, wicked looking weapons, weathered tools, and other items filled the chest. Everyone stared at the contents for a moment in stunned silence, and then the first warrior darted forward.

She was wiry. snatched up a curved dagger and thick staff, and then ran toward the base of the mountain. The others sprang into action and elbowed each other out of the way in their haste to reach the chest first. Walduk stood back and waited until they had all grabbed their two items and run off.

Iriel and Leoven watched him with amused smiles on their faces.

Walduk approached the chest and carefully shifted through the items. There was a single bracer with the pointed teeth of some small predator sewn into a pattern reminiscent of the sun, a thin pole (more of a wand, really) made of willow and topped with a blunt piece of flint, a frayed length of rope, two sturdy steel daggers, a scuffed set of leather armour, and a dented iron helmet. He laid each out on the ground and studied them for a moment.

“May I ask if any of these items have magic?” he asked, looking up at Iriel and Leoven.

Iriel nodded. “Of course. You can ask four times. Which items would you like to know about?”

Walduk chewed his lip and studied the items. Finally he pointed to the bracer, the wand, the rope, and the leather armour.

“The bracer allows you to see in the dark and communicate with nocturnal animals,” Leoven said, his voice rumbling with amusement. “If you tap the flint on the ground, it will burst into a cold flame that does not burn anything--but if you strike something with wand, that thing will catch on fire. Normal fire.”

Iriel actually smiled and picked up where Leoven left off. “If you grab any strand from the rope and pull, it will stretch. The strand is unbreakable until you say ‘tether begone.’ Finally, the armour is simply an old piece of armour. It has no special abilities beyond it’s intended use.”

Walduk thanked Iriel and Leoven, picked up the rope, put on the bracer, and set off toward the mountain. It was a full day’s trek to the base of the mountain, and he wasn’t in a hurry. Not yet. He had never been past the Gorge of Souls, but the goat trails up to it took two days to traverse--assuming a rock slide or other quirk of nature hadn’t made the most direct route impassable. He didn’t know how many of the other chosen knew about the goat trails, but he suspected the Gorge would be the first true obstacle of the challenge.

The first night, Walduk didn’t see any of the other chosen. There were some signs of their passage, but that was to be expected. He found some scraggly brush and crawled beneath it to rest. He was woken in the middle of the night by the panicked cries of a child. He bolted up and peered around. At first he thought the sun was fully up, he was able to see so clearly, but then he remembered what the bracer did.

He looked around for the source of the continued cries and found a young owl struggling against a snake. The owl cried out in pain and fear as its wings fluttered helplessly in the coils of the snake.

“Oh please, oh please, don’t eat me!” the owl cried.

“It’sss not everyday I get to eat ssssuch a tasssty morsssel,” the snake replied and then sunk its fangs into the owl’s wing.

Walduk ran forward and pulled the snake off the owl. “Leave 'em alone,” he snarled.

The snake hissed and writhed and snapped at him, but Walduk was quick. He grabbed the snake behind the head and threw it as hard as he could. The snake sailed through the air and disappeared into a tangle of prickly brier.

Walduk crouched beside the owl. “Are you very injured?”

The owl fluttered its wing and moaned. “It is not so bad, but I surely cannot fly for a few days. Do not leave me, or else the snake will come back after you leave and finish me off!”

“I am on an important journey to the resting place of Cangeri’s Dragon, but I can carry you on my back easily, if you don’t mind coming with me into the mountains,” Walduk said.

“Thank you, thank you,” the owl cooed.

So Walduk picked the owl up and let it sit on his shoulder. Though the quarter moon was high in the sky, he felt no weariness and could as clearly as if it were midday, so he continued on his journey. By the morning, he had caught up to two of the other chosen.

Walduk continued past them while they slept. He climbed through the goat trails all day, and only paused to drink from trickling streams and eat plump berries off mountain shrubs. His feet ached by the end of the day. He found a spot and settled in for the night with the owl nestled against his chest.

It was almost dawn when he heard a scared cry. Walduk set the owl on the ground and crept to investigate the sound. He found an old ram with giant, curling horns half buried beneath the rubble of a rock slide.

“Oh! Why have the gods abandoned me in my old age?” the ram cried. “I shall never get to see my family again, and they shall never know what happened to me.”

“Be calm, old ram,” Walduk said, creeping closer. “I’ll move the rocks and get you free.”

It took until the sun was fully risen before the ram was free. The ram shook itself and limped away from the rubble.

“Are you much injured?” he asked.

“A bit. I surely cannot navigate the mountain face for a few days. Do not leave me, or else I shall become trapped beneath another rock slide after you leave.”

“I am on an important journey to the resting place of Canegri’s Dragon, but I can carry you on my back easily, if you don’t mind coming with me into the mountains,” Walduk said.

The ram shook its heavy head. “I cannot go with you, but if you will carry me to my home, I will owe you a great debt.”

Walduk considered this. He had only caught passed two of the other chosen, and they would not be far behind him. Carrying the ram to its home would certainly put him at the back of the group. He still felt sure that the Gorge of Souls would be the first real challenge, and surely it would have stopped many of the others while they tried to figure out a way to safely cross.

“I will carry you home, old ram, but I will consider the debt paid if you can tell me where to find the resting place of Canegri’s Dragon.”

The ram agreed and Walduk returned to get the owl before slinging the old ram over his shoulders and turning off the trail to the Gorge of Souls. It took two days to reach the ram’s home. In that time, the old ram explained how to find the resting place of Canegri’s Dragon--if he could find a way across the gorge.

Walduk thanked the ram for its help and headed back to the gorge with the owl perched on his shoulder. As he had hoped, almost half of the chosen were clustered at the edge of the gorge when he arrived.

“Has anyone tried to cross yet?” he asked.

“Three have made it across, and five have fallen to their deaths,” one of the other chosen said.

“How did the three make it?” Walduk asked.

The other chosen shook his head. “The luck of the gods. The items they chose helped them. Those who died thought that their items might be of use, but they were wrong. The rest of us have been trying to figure out what powers--if any--our items have, before we try to cross.”

Walduk nodded. “That is wise.”

He camped with the other chosen and helped them test their items, but did not tell them that he already knew what his items did. That night, he waited until everyone else was asleep before pulling out the frayed piece of rope. He grasped one of the strands and pulled, stretching it out. It stretched and stretched until it was surely long enough to reach across the gorge.

“Little owl, are you strong enough to fly again?” he asked.

The owl fluttered its wings. “I believe I am.”

“Then take the end of this rope across to the other side of the gorge and attach it firmly to a rock or tree. That way I can safely cross to the other side.”

“Are you going to sneak away from the others while they sleep?” the owl asked.

“I will cross while they sleep, but I will leave the rope for them so that the brave can cross in the morning.”

The owl nodded and took the rope. Walduk waited until the owl returned and said that the rope was secure on the other side. He tied his end of the rope to a tree and then slowly used it to climb across the gorge. It was slow going and very frightening, but the rope hardly even jostled from his weight. He made it to the other side just as the sun rose.

He silently wished the other chosen luck, but did not wait for them to wake before continuing on his journey. The old ram’s directions were very good, and soon Walduk had caught up to the three chosen who made it across the gorge by themselves.

All three were battered, bruised, and dirty. They crouched outside an ominous looking cave. They were surprised to see Walduk, but also grateful to have another person with them.

“The cave is haunted,” one of the chosen whispered. “The ghost of Canegri’s dragon roars mightily any time someone approaches the entrance.”

“It is not a ghost,” another argued. “It is a monstrous beast with teeth and claws as long as a man’s forearm. I barely escaped with my life when I tried to enter the cave.”

“Nonsense,” the third (the wiry female) said. “It is clearly a demon, bound to this cursed place and hungry for mortal blood. That is why it moans and growls so, and why it is so fearsome.”

Walduk nodded and thought for a bit and then said, “You are all tired. Why don’t you rest and I will keep watch?”

“You want us to sleep so you can sneak into the cave,” the first accused.

The second laughed bitterly. “Let him try. He will either be as scared as us, or dead by morning.”

The third shook her head. “Do not release the demon, lest it devour us all.”

Walduk simply smiled. “I will not risk my life or yours, this I promise.”

The three chosen seemed mollified somewhat and settled down to rest. Walduk waited until it was well and truly night before he approached the cave entrance. It was so dark inside that not even his magically enhanced eyesight could see more than a foot inside. True to what the others had said, he heard mighty sounds. But unlike the others, he could understand the words behind the noises.

“I may be caught and hurt, but I will not let human hunters skin me for my fur,” the beast inside roared.

“I have no wish to skin you,” Walduk replied. “May I come in and see if I can help?”

The creature inside thought for a minute and then asked, “How do I know it is not a trick?”

“You do not,” Walduk admitted. “But my friend says you have mighty claws and teeth. I am alone, so surely you could easily defeat me if you think I have tricked you.”

“This is true. You may enter.”

Walduk crept inside, the owl on his shoulder quivering. Out of the gloom arose a great skeleton. The bones belonged to a beast so large it would have stood at least three times as tall as any man. The jagged teeth in the skull were bigger than his palm, and the rest of the skeleton stretched deeper into the cave.

He was so overcome by awe at the sight of the skeleton that at first he didn’t notice the big bear.

The shaggy creature was half again as tall as Walduk and speared through the leg by a broken piece of the skeleton’s ribs. The smell of sickness filled the space, tickling at the back of his throat. He grimaced.

“I am sorry, great bear, but even if I were to remove the bone trapping you here, it seems your injury has gone sour,” Walduk said sadly. “I know no medicine to help you.”

The bear nodded. “I can feel the sickness in me and know that you are right, but there is a wood witch a day and a half from here. She will have herbs that will help me. Pull the bone from my leg, and I will wait here for you. I surely have three days left.”

Walduk eyed the skeleton’s teeth. All he needed was to remove one and return to Iriel and Leoven. But then the bear would most certainly die. “I will travel to the wood witch and fetch the herbs,” he agreed.

He approached the bear and grasped the bone protruding from the creature’s leg. It took all of his strength to pull the bone out. The bear roared so loudly that Walduk cried out in pain.

The bear collapsed to the ground and panted. Its leg bled freely, but was no longer pinned.

Walduk removed his tunic and tore it into long strips.

“What are you doing?” the bear asked.

“I am binding your leg, else you will not live to see me return from the wood witch.”

“You are a good human. Do you wish me to keep the others out of the cave until you return?”

Walduk thought about it. Three days would surely be long enough for one of the other chosen to work up the courage to enter the cave. Then they would be able to take one of the teeth and be halfway back to the clan before he even returned to the cave. But he didn’t want to see any of them hurt, or give them reason to hurt the great bear further.

“You may do as you wish, but I do not desire you to keep the others out,” he answered at last. “Stay safe and stay strong, great bear. I will return as quickly as I can.”

And so Walduk left the cave and set out to find the wood witch before the others had even woken. The owl, whose wing was completely healed, would fly off to ask directions of the other night creatures and then return to show Walduk the way.

He walked until the sun rose, and then all through the day. The sun was beginning to set again when he crested a rise and saw a massive tree with a door and windows set into the trunk. An old woman, hunched and withered, worked in a small garden before the tree. Leaves and flowers were caught in her wiry white hair, and she only wore a fringed skirt.

“Are you the wood witch?” Walduk called to her.

The old woman looked up and squinted at him. “Who are you to ask?” she demanded.

“I am Walduk, of the Canegri Clan, and I have come to seek your help.”

“I do not help humans,” she said.

“The help I seek is not for me. It is for the great bear that was injured in the cave with Canegri’s dragon.”

The woman snorted. “That beast your ancestor killed was gentle and no threat. It was simply killed for the pleasure of it. It is why I will not help any humans.”

“I can do nothing to stop the beast from being slain, but if I do not bring back your medicine, then the great bear will die.”

“What do you care if a bear dies? Have you not killed many bears for their fur?” she asked.

“I have,” Walduk admitted. “And I will very likely kill many more before my body fails me. But that is a hunt--perhaps not for food, but for a purpose. If this bear dies it will be for no purpose, and that will be a tragedy.”

The wood witch nodded. “I will send you with the medicine to help the bear, but there will be a price.”

“I do not have much I can give,” Walduk said.

“It is a price you will not have to pay for many years,” she assured him.

He eyed her warily. “What will this price be?”

She smiled and her teeth were like chips of moss-covered stone. “One day, some time in the future, I will come to you and tell you that your debt is due. You will have two turnings to find a new champion, and then you will come to me. Your life, for the bear’s.”

Walduk sucked in a sharp breath. It was a steep price. He could still turn back, retrieve a tooth and return home. What was a bear’s life compared to his? He felt guilty for the thought. He was no god, to decide the value of any one life. And he would have two years from when his debt was called until it had to be paid. That would be two years to say goodbye to loved ones. It wouldn’t be a sudden death that left gaping wounds on the hearts of those left. A fair trade, then.

“I agree to your terms,” Walduk told her.

She gave him a small jar of ointment and told him to spread it on the bear’s injury. He thanked her and started the journey back to the cave. He was very exhausted by the time he made it back and he couldn’t hide his disappointment when he saw that the chosen who had been trapped at the gorge had joined the others.

“We thought the monster had eaten you!” one of the chosen exclaimed when they saw him.

“It is no monster,” he told them. “It is an injured bear, and I sought out a wood witch for medicine to help it.”

Another chosen laughed. “Why would you help the bear? Just kill it and take its fur--at least it will no longer be in pain.”

“It is not right to kill for no reason, and so killing this bear would be wrong.”

He didn’t want for anyone else to say anything. Instead, he strode into the cave and called out, “Great bear, I am back. I hope you have not succumbed to your injury.”

“I have not, but I am very weak. I do not think I will last much longer,” the bear replied softly.

Walduk hurried to the bear. The bandages he had tied around the bear’s leg were stiff with dried blood and pus. He removed them and smeared the ointment over the injury. The oily creme had a strong smell of dirt and sharp spice that clogged his nose and made him gag. When all of the ointment had been applied, he stumbled back.

“Thank you, human,” the bear rumbled, rising to stand. It limped a little when it walked, but otherwise seemed in good health. “It seems your companions have overcome their fear of me.”

Walduk turned to see several of the chosen in the cave. They carried torches and gaped at the skeleton and bear. One of them grabbed one of the teeth and tried to break it off. They screamed and clutched at their hand as blood welled up on their palm and spilled over to the ground.

Another tried to break a tooth off by smashing a rock against the tooth, but the rock shattered and the shards buried into the chosen’s flesh.

The bear shook its head. “No human can remove a tooth. All those who try are injured.”

The rest of the chosen abandoned the teeth and turned their attention to the injuries of the two who had tried to take one.

“Could you remove a tooth, great bear?” Walduk asked.

The bear nodded. “I could.”

“Will you please remove a tooth for me?” Walduk asked.

The bear limped to the skull and batted a paw against a tooth. The tooth fell to the ground and Walduk carefully picked it up. He was surprised that as soon as he touched it, the tooth shrank until it was no bigger than a human tooth.

“Will you remove teeth for the other chosen?” he asked.

“Do you want me to?” the bear returned.

“They have all made it this far, they deserve something for their strength, bravery, and cunning,” he replied.

“They can return to their homes safely--that is more than enough repayment,” the bear said.

Walduk bowed and left the cave. The other chosen slowly filed after him. They made a straggling line as they returned to the Clan. The others drifted away, seeking other paths to their home, so that only Walduk strode into the training grounds.

Iriel and Leoven were waiting for him.

“Did you retrieve a tooth?” Iriel asked.

Walduk held out the tooth that had shrunk. He did not bother to explain that it had been bigger before. Neither Iriel nor Leoven seemed surprised to see the small tooth.

“There is one final step to becoming the Champion of the Canegri,” Leoven said. “It is the least pleasant part.”

Walduk couldn’t imagine what might be less pleasant than any of the other things he had faced.

“You must replace one of your own teeth with the dragon’s tooth,” Leoven said after a pause.

Walduk nodded. It seemed no stranger than the past several days. He did not cry out when Iriel pulled one of his teeth out. He spat out blood and opened his mouth so that they could put the dragon’s tooth in to the hole. Pain exploded along his jaw and his vision sparkled. Even when the initial burst subsided, his whole head ached, and especially his teeth. He groaned.

“You are now the Champion of the Canegri,” Leoven said, slapping Walduk’s shoulder.

Iriel gave him a sympathetic smile and handed him a mug of something warm. “Drink this, it will make your teeth stop hurting", she said.

Enjoyed this? I’m posting a short piece of original fiction every day in June as a thank you to all my amazing followers. Send me (non fanfic) prompts :)

#writing #short story #prompt #tumblr-canon #agwitow #toreblogallthethings #long post #not so short story

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gtfovacations-blog · 6 years

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Explore Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area on a Wyoming Travel Adventure

Summer is prime time for National Park travel, but getting away from the tourist pack isn’t always easy. Thankfully, there are quite a few amazing parks that are every bit as breathtakingly beautiful as the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone. Guest contributor, Teresa Otto from The Nomad’s Daughter, is here to tell us how to explore Bighorn Canyon—a truly spectacular destination for anyone who loves wildlife, scenic views and active travel. You’ll find this uncrowded piece of paradise on the border of northern Wyoming and southern Montana in the southern district of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area.

Explore Bighorn Canyon to escape national park crowds

In 2017, Yellowstone National Park hosted four million tourists. Four million folks vying for a front row seat to view Old Faithful geyser. Four million people trying to capture a photo of a bison or bear with no one else in the frame. Four million people.

If you’re into gorgeous views and wildlife, Bighorn Canyon is definitely for you! But if you travel east of crowded Yellowstone, you’ll discover a wonderful area for experiencing the rugged beauty of a tumultuous past, the smell of sagebrush, the sound of echoes bouncing off canyon walls, and the lingering sacredness of ancient people. This unspoiled, untamed land is the Southern District of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (official website). Located roughly between Billings MT, Sheridan WY, and Cody WY—and still part of the Yellowstone ecosystem—this 188 square mile park welcomed just 250,000 people in 2017. Now that’s elbow room. The quote “Spectacular Views, Endless Opportunity” from Bighorn’s website completely sums up the rewards of visiting. The view: one of the top five largest canyons in the US and evidence of the canyon’s early inhabitants. The opportunity: hiking a trail you have all to yourself, exploring the canyon from a boat or kayak, and seeing wild horses and Bighorn sheep for which the canyon is named.

Begin your travel adventure at the Bighorn Canyon Visitors Center

The iconic Arch with a View of the Muddy Bighorn River in the background. No matter how you plan to explore, stop at the visitors’ center near Lovell, Wyoming. There you’ll find maps, educational videos, and well-informed park rangers. Ranger Todd Johnson, whose love of the park is infectious, makes a habit of exploring the park with camera in hand, sharing his knowledge with visitors and commenting on autumn, his favorite season here. ‘In summer, it’s Old Testament hot. Fall is cooler, leaves are changing and the rams are back.’ On the subject of history, Todd tells the origins of Highway 37 entering the park. This road was originally an animal trail. Ancient people following animals used the same path 10,000 years ago. Fur traders and European settlers later traversed this dangerous route, aptly named Bad Pass Trail. Now paved, it’s the only road into the Southern District which is eleven miles northeast of Lovell.

Bighorn Canyon’s best views

The five million-year-old canyon was created by the upheaval of the Pryor and Bighorn Mountains and eroded by the Bighorn River. Two spots provide the best views of the 38 million years and 1000 feet of layered tan, orange and gray rock that forms the canyon walls. The first is Devil’s Canyon overlook. If you don’t mind a bit of a scramble, an unmarked, steep, shale path on the south side of the parking lot entrance leads to a view of the iconic arch framing the canyon behind. Exercise caution on this short path.

Gorgeous view, isn’t it? A mile north of the Devil’s Canyon turnoff, Sullivan’s Knob Trail offers a view of the massive canyon’s grandeur via a moderate 0.75-mile hike. Give a shout-out to the canyon while you’re here. It answers back.

Trekking Through History

Two Eagles Interpretive Trail is a glimpse into the human history of the canyon. Interpretive signs or audio downloads bring the area to life. To walk 10,000-year-old paths among tepee rings is a privilege that could never be enjoyed at an over-crowded park.

A Teepee Ring depicts the area’s long history. Rangers are happy to advise you on the ten additional trails and bear activity. It’s best to make some noise on these remote trails, to bring water, not food, and to carry bear spray. Other hazards to be aware of are rattlesnakes and poison ivy. Personally, I’d rather run into the ivy.

Kayaking in Bighorn Canyon

Kayaking offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal in the canyon. (Photo courtesy of the National Park Service) Bighorn Lake satisfies water-lovers with boating, kayaking, and fishing. The Southern District hosts two marinas—Horseshoe Bend Marina and Barry’s Landing. Horseshoe Bend Marina offers paddle boat rentals and scenic boat excursions during the summer.

Take advantage and go on the half-day kayaking tours led by the rangers. (Photo by Ed Allen) Park rangers lead free half-day kayaking tours on Saturdays between June and early September. Paddling in the shadow of the canyon walls offers a unique perspective but makes you feel a bit small. The park posts these trips (as well as educational events and spectacular photos by Todd Johnson) on their Facebook page. Because spots fill quickly, it’s best to contact the Visitors’ Center for dates and sign up over the phone immediately. The weather-dependent launch site and time are emailed the day before the trip. No experience is needed.

It’s a wonderful experience to slowly kayak past the towering walls of the canyon.

Bighorn Canyon Wildlife

I treasure the wildlife here. Fall is a perfect season to see Bighorn sheep and wild horses as they return to lower elevations after spending summer in the cooler mountains. Bighorn ewes nonchalantly graze at the highway’s edge.

Three Bighorn Ewes grazing on the landscape. A small group of Pryor Mountain wild horses, nicknamed the “Welcome Herd” often congregate near the entrance of the park. They’re not particularly spooky around people, continuing to groom and nuzzle each other despite an audience. Solo stallions graze throughout the park.

We loved seeing the wild mares and colt graze. Mule deer and coyotes can often be spotted, too, but you’d be very lucky to see an elusive cougar or bobcat. Birds are abundant with golden eagles, meadowlarks, red-winged blackbirds, bluebirds and great horned owls calling it home. On a recent Bighorn Canyon visit, I watched a black bear sow and her two cubs foraging near Barry’s Landing. No crowds counting the bears, it was just the three of us.

Our jaws dropped when we saw these beautiful creatures! Finally, the Bighorn River is a fly fisherman’s ‘died and gone to heaven’ place, teeming with rainbow and brown trout. The catch of the day on Bighorn Lake can be walleye, perch, catfish or trout. The peacefulness of this sacred place makes the trip to the Bighorn Canyon an unforgettable experience. In the words of Crow Chief, Arapooash, ‘“The Crow country…is a good country. The Great Spirit has put it exactly in the right place; while you are in it you fare well; whenever you go out of it, whichever way you travel, you fare worse.”

Plan your trip to Bighorn Canyon

Whether you enjoy sightseeing or fishing, hiking or boating, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area will treat you to spectacular views and endless opportunities. Getting here, requires more of an effort than a typical national park trip so follow these tips: Practical Information: Know where to go with the Wyoming Benchmark Road & Recreation Atlas. Includes roads, trails and public land information. Entrance to the recreation area is free. The park has no gas stations, hotels or motels but does have a snack bar (Horseshoe Bend Marina) and four campgrounds (two are boat/hike-in only). The campgrounds do not accept reservations. Limited lodging is available in Lovell, WY. The Northern and Southern Districts are not connected by any roads. Read the full article

#BighornCanyon

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dfroza · 4 years

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eternal gold.

what are you striving to achieve in this temporal life, this short breath that you have been given in a physical body? you are here for a purpose.

and Paul writes of this as we see in Today’s reading of the Scriptures from the Letter of First Corinthians with chapter 9:

And don’t tell me that I have no authority to write like this. I’m perfectly free to do this—isn’t that obvious? Haven’t I been given a job to do? Wasn’t I commissioned to this work in a face-to-face meeting with Jesus, our Master? Aren’t you yourselves proof of the good work that I’ve done for the Master? Even if no one else admits the authority of my commission, you can’t deny it. Why, my work with you is living proof of my authority!

I’m not shy in standing up to my critics. We who are on missionary assignments for God have a right to decent accommodations, and we have a right to support for us and our families. You don’t seem to have raised questions with the other apostles and our Master’s brothers and Peter in these matters. So, why me? Is it just Barnabas and I who have to go it alone and pay our own way? Are soldiers self-employed? Are gardeners forbidden to eat vegetables from their own gardens? Don’t milkmaids get to drink their fill from the pail?

I’m not just sounding off because I’m irritated. This is all written in the scriptural law. Moses wrote, “Don’t muzzle an ox to keep it from eating the grain when it’s threshing.” Do you think Moses’ primary concern was the care of farm animals? Don’t you think his concern extends to us? Of course. Farmers plow and thresh expecting something when the crop comes in. So if we have planted spiritual seed among you, is it out of line to expect a meal or two from you? Others demand plenty from you in these ways. Don’t we who have never demanded deserve even more?

But we’re not going to start demanding now what we’ve always had a perfect right to. Our decision all along has been to put up with anything rather than to get in the way or detract from the Message of Christ. All I’m concerned with right now is that you not use our decision to take advantage of others, depriving them of what is rightly theirs. You know, don’t you, that it’s always been taken for granted that those who work in the Temple live off the proceeds of the Temple, and that those who offer sacrifices at the altar eat their meals from what has been sacrificed? Along the same lines, the Master directed that those who spread the Message be supported by those who believe the Message.

Still, I want it made clear that I’ve never gotten anything out of this for myself, and that I’m not writing now to get something. I’d rather die than give anyone ammunition to discredit me or impugn my motives. If I proclaim the Message, it’s not to get something out of it for myself. I’m compelled to do it, and doomed if I don’t! If this was my own idea of just another way to make a living, I’d expect some pay. But since it’s not my idea but something solemnly entrusted to me, why would I expect to get paid? So am I getting anything out of it? Yes, as a matter of fact: the pleasure of proclaiming the Message at no cost to you. You don’t even have to pay my expenses!

Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized—whoever. I didn’t take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I’ve become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn’t just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!

You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally.

I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.

The Letter of First Corinthians, Chapter 9 (The Message)

and in the paired chapter with this of Genesis 22 we read of an odd request made of Abraham concerning his son Isaac who was a promised seed given to him and his wife Sarah, although God provided an alternative sacrifice rather than allowing harm to come to Isaac, and in the process a mirroring (a foretelling) is seen of how God was willing to offer His Son as a sacrifice in the place of our sins, which is the significance of the cross that occurred in the same place many years later that culminated as a sacred act of grace.

[Genesis 22]

After a period of time, God decided to put Abraham to the test.

Eternal One: Abraham!

Abraham: I am right here.

Eternal One: Take your son, your only son Isaac whom I know you love deeply, and go to the land of Moriah. When you get there, I want you to offer Isaac to Me as a burnt offering on one of the mountains. I will show you which one.

Abraham did as he was told. Early in the morning he got up, saddled his donkey, and taking two of his trusted servants with him and his son Isaac, he cut the wood for the burnt offering and traveled to the place God had told him about. On the third day of the journey, Abraham looked up and saw the place far in the distance.

Abraham (to his servants): Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go over there. We will worship, and then we will come back to meet you here.

Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and set it on the shoulders of his son Isaac to carry. Abraham himself carried the fire and the knife. The two of them walked on together.

Isaac (to Abraham): Father!

Abraham: I am right here, Son.

Isaac: Look, we have the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?

Abraham: God will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.

The two of them continued to walk on together.

When they finally arrived at the place God had shown him, Abraham took some stones and built an altar there and arranged the wood carefully on top of it. Then he bound up his son Isaac with rope and laid him on the altar on top of the stack of wood. Just as Abraham reached over to grab the knife that would kill his son, the special messenger of the Eternal One called his name from heaven.

Special Messenger: Abraham! Abraham!

Abraham: I am right here!

Special Messenger: Don’t lay your hand on the boy or do anything to harm him. I know now that you respect the one True God and will be loyal to Him and follow His commands, because you were willing to give up your son, your only son, to Me.

Abraham glanced up and saw a ram behind him with its horns caught in the thicket. He went over, dislodged the ram, and offered it up as a burnt offering in the place of his son. From that day forward, Abraham called that place, “The Eternal One will provide.” Because of this, people still today say, “On the Mount of the Eternal, all will be provided.”

The special messenger of the Eternal One called out to Abraham yet a second time from heaven.

Special Messenger: Listen to the solemn vow the Eternal One has spoken: “Because you have done what I asked and were willing to give up your son, your only son, I will reaffirm My covenant of blessing to you and your family. I will make sure your descendants are as many as the stars of the heavens and the grains of sand on the shores. I reaffirm My earlier promises that your descendants will possess the lands and sit in the gates of their enemies, and from your descendants all the peoples of the earth will discover true blessing. All this is because you have obeyed My voice.

Then Abraham returned to the place where he left his trusted servants. They traveled together—Abraham, Isaac, and his servants—back to Beersheba where Abraham lived on for some time.

After this happened, Abraham was informed that Milcah had also given birth to many children by his brother, Nahor. Uz was the firstborn, then came his brother Buz, Kemuel (Aram’s father), Chesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, and Bethuel. Bethuel fathered Rebekah. Nahor, Abraham’s brother, had eight children in all by Milcah. Not only that, but Nahor’s concubine (whose name was Reumah) also gave birth to Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah.

The Book of Genesis, Chapter 22 (The Voice)

my personal reading of the Scriptures for Tuesday, february 18 of 2020 with a paired chapter from each Testament along with Today’s Psalms and Proverbs

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roman-catholic-mass-readings · 7 years

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30th Sept >> Mass Readings (USA)

for

Saturday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Saint Jerome, Priest, Doctor

or Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Saturday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

(Liturgical Colour: White)

First Reading

Zechariah 2:5-9, 14-15a

See, I am coming to dwell among you.

I, Zechariah, raised my eyes and looked: there was a man with a measuring line in his hand. I asked, “Where are you going?” He answered, “To measure Jerusalem, to see how great is its width and how great its length.”

Then the angel who spoke with me advanced, and another angel came out to meet him and said to him, “Run, tell this to that young man: People will live in Jerusalem as though in open country, because of the multitude of men and beasts in her midst. But I will be for her an encircling wall of fire, says the LORD, and I will be the glory in her midst.”

Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the LORD. Many nations shall join themselves to the LORD on that day, and they shall be his people and he will dwell among you.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm

Jeremiah 31:10, 11-12ab, 13

R/ The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.

Hear the word of the LORD, O nations, proclaim it on distant isles, and say: He who scattered Israel, now gathers them together, he guards them as a shepherd guards his flock.

R/ The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.

The LORD shall ransom Jacob, he shall redeem him from the hand of his conqueror.Shouting, they shall mount the heights of Zion, they shall come streaming to the LORD’s blessings.

R/ The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.

Then the virgins shall make merry and dance, and young men and old as well.I will turn their mourning into joy, I will console and gladden them after their sorrows.

R/ The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.

Gospel Acclamation

cf. 2 Timothy 1:10

Alleluia, alleluia.

Our Savior Christ Jesus destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.

Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Luke 9:43b-45

The Son of Man is to be handed over to men. They were afraid to ask him about this saying.

While they were all amazed at his every deed, Jesus said to his disciples, “Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

— — — — —

Saint Jerome, Priest, Doctor

(Liturgical Colour: White)

First Reading

2 Timothy 3:14-17

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching.

Beloved: Remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it, and that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 119:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

R/ Lord, teach me your statutes.

How shall a young man be faultless in his way? By keeping to your words.

R/ Lord, teach me your statutes.

With all my heart I seek you; let me not stray from your commands.

R/ Lord, teach me your statutes.

Within my heart I treasure your promise, that I may not sin against you.

R/ Lord, teach me your statutes.

Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes.

R/ Lord, teach me your statutes.

With my lips I declare all the ordinances of your mouth.

R/ Lord, teach me your statutes.

In the way of your decrees I rejoice, as much as in all riches.

R/ Lord, teach me your statutes.

Gospel Acclamation

cf. Acts of the Apostles 16:14b

Alleluia, alleluia.

Open our hearts, O Lord, to listen to the words of your Son.

Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Matthew 13:47-52

Both the new and the old.

Jesus said to the disciples: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away. Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.” Jesus asked them: “Do you understand all these things?” They answered, “Yes.” And he replied, “Then every scribe who has been instructed in the Kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

— — — — — -

Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

(Liturgical Colour: White)

First Reading

Genesis 3:9-15, 20

I will put enmity between your offspring and the offspring of the woman.

“Because you have done this, you shall be banned from all the animals and from all the wild creatures; On your belly shall you crawl, and dirt shall you eat all the days of your life.I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel.”

The man called his wife Eve, because she became the mother of all the living.

The Word of the Lord.

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm

1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd

R/ My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

“My heart exults in the LORD, my horn is exalted in my God.I have swallowed up my enemies; I rejoice in my victory.”

R/ My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

“The bows of the mighty are broken, while the tottering gird on strength.The well-fed hire themselves out for bread, while the hungry batten on spoil.The barren wife bears seven sons, while the mother of many languishes.”

R/ My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

“The LORD puts to death and gives life; he casts down to the nether world; he raises up again.The LORD makes poor and makes rich, he humbles, he also exalts.”

R/ My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

“He raises the needy from the dust; from the dung heap he lifts up the poor, To seat them with nobles and make a glorious throne their heritage.”

R/ My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

Gospel Acclamation

cf. Luke 1:28

Alleluia, alleluia.

Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you;

blessed are you among women.

Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23

For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,

and they shall name him Emmanuel,

which means “God is with us.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

R/ Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

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