Author Archives: Steve Benner

Walter RauschenbuschBorn the son of a German preacher in upstate New York, Walter Rauschenbusch’s childhood was steeped in traditional Protestant doctrine and biblical literalism. While attending Rochester Theological Seminary, he came to believe that Jesus died “to substitute love for selfishness as the basis of human society.” For Rauschenbusch, the Kingdom of God was “notContinue reading “Oremus for Friday, July 26, 2024”

JamesJames, often called ‘the Great’, was a Galilean fisherman who, with his brother John, was one of the first apostles called by Jesus to follow him. The two brothers were with Jesus at his Transfiguration and with him again in the garden of Gethsemane. They annoyed the other followers of Jesus by asking to sit one onContinue reading “Oremus for Thursday, July 25, 2024”

Thomas à KempisThe name of Thomas à Kempis is perhaps more widely known than that of any other medieval Christian writer. The Imitation of Christ, which he composed or compiled, has been translated into more languages than any other book except the Holy Scriptures. Millions of Christians have found in this manual a treasured andContinue reading “Oremus for Wednesday, July 24, 2024”

Anne HutchinsonAnne Hutchinson had immigrated to Massachusetts in hope of finding religious freedom. She was an outspoken advocate of the rights and equality of women, challenging the dominant views of the Puritan leadership. She held Bible studies in her home for the women of her community, at which she welcomed critical examination of the faith.Continue reading “Oremus for Tuesday, July 23, 2024”

Mary MagdaleneAll four gospels give Mary Magdalene a unique place among Jesus’ followers. Probably from Magdala by the Sea of Galilee, she is described as having been healed by Jesus before accompanying him during his ministry. Along with other faithful women, she stayed beside the cross during the crucifixion and was the first disciple toContinue reading “Oremus for Monday, July 22, 2024”

Antiphon1 Ant. The ordinances of the Lord are right, *bringing joy to all hearts, sweeter than honey or the honeycomb.Therefore your servant will observe them.V. The heavens declare the glory of God, *and the firmament proclaims the work of his hands.Day unto day conveys the message, *and night unto night imparts the knowledge. Psalm 19 Almighty God,to whomContinue reading “Oremus for Sunday, July 21, 2024”

Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/hb7yfm6y Give peace, O Lord, to those who wait for you,that your prophets be found true.Hear the prayers of your servant,and of your people Israel. Sirach 36 Almighty God,to whom all hearts are open,all desires, known,and from whom no secrets are hid:Cleanse the thoughts of our heartsby the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,that we may perfectlyContinue reading “Oremus for Saturday, July 20, 2024”

Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/y4dwv48e We have come to know and to believein the love that God has for us. 1 John 4 Almighty God,to whom all hearts are open,all desires, known,and from whom no secrets are hid:Cleanse the thoughts of our heartsby the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,that we may perfectly love youand worthily magnify your holyContinue reading “Oremus for Friday, July 19, 2024”

Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/292eca36 Your merciful love, O God,we have received in the midst of your temple.Your praise, O God, like your name,reaches the ends of the earth;your right hand is filled with saving justice. Psalm 48 Almighty God,to whom all hearts are open,all desires, known,and from whom no secrets are hid:Cleanse the thoughts of our heartsby the inspirationContinue reading “Oremus for Thursday, July 18, 2024”

Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/2p8skw3h I am the true vine and you are the branches, says the Lord.Whoever remains in me, and I in him, bears fruit in plenty, alleluia. John 15 Almighty God,to whom all hearts are open,all desires, known,and from whom no secrets are hid:Cleanse the thoughts of our heartsby the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,that we mayContinue reading “Oremus for Wednesday, July 17, 2024”