Tuesday, 19 February, 2019

The Importance of Attentiveness in Prayer

Posted on Wednesday, 2 October, 2013Sunday, 20 August, 2017 by Zheluo Cai

The Importance of Attentiveness in Prayer

Reflection: 2 Corinthians 7:14–15; Acts 6:4; 1 Corinthians 14:15; 1 Peter 3:12

God does not give ear to the prayer to which even he who prays gives no attention. This lack of attention but too often occurs with us through the temptation of the evil one. He knows well the utility of prayer; he envies us the privilege of being able to address ourselves to God, and therefore stirs up a tumult of thoughts in those that are at prayer so as to lead the mind off that holy exercise and rob it of its fruit. Against his malice we must practice constancy of will, so that the more he attacks us with troubling thoughts, so much the more stoutly must the soul stand fast in the faithful observance of its whole state of life.

Hugh of St. Victor (1096 – 1141)

Watch - Lassa Fever in Nigeria Thursday, 7 February, 2019
Nigerian health officials have declared an outbreak of Lassa fever in Nigeria. Travelers to Nigeria should avoid contact with rats, especially rat urine and feces, and keep their accommodations or campsites clean.
Watch - Andes Virus (Hantavirus) in Argentina Monday, 28 January, 2019
There is an outbreak of Andes virus in Argentina, specifically in Chubut Province of Patagonia. Travelers to Argentina should avoid contact with rodents and their droppings (urine and feces), and avoid close contact with anyone who may be sick.

ASTRONOMY PICTURE OF THE DAY: Methuselah Nebula. Credit & Copyright: Don Goldman. The lovely, symmetric planetary nebula catalogued as MWP1 lies some 4,500 light-years away in the northern constellation Cygnus, the Swan. At 15 light-years, it is one of the largest planetary nebulae known. Based on its expansion rate the nebula has an age of 150 thousand years, a cosmic blink of an eye in the 10 billion year life of a sun-like star. But planetary nebulae represent a very brief final phase in stellar evolution, as the nebula’s central star shrugs off its outer layers to become a hot white dwarf. In fact, planetary nebulae ordinarily only last for 10 to 20 thousand years.

Florida Students to Speak with NASA Astronaut Aboard International Space Station Friday, 15 February, 2019
University and high school students from Florida will have an opportunity to talk with a NASA astronaut on the International Space Station next week.
NASA Selects New Mission to Explore Origins of Universe Wednesday, 13 February, 2019
NASA has selected a new space mission that will help astronomers understand both how our universe evolved and how common are the ingredients for life in our galaxy’s planetary systems.

IMAGO DEI: The Ndebele tribe or amaNdebele, one of the smaller ones of the Nguni speaking tribes that migrated to South Africa, were the first Nguni speaking people to move into the interior of the country instead of the coastal areas. The Nguni tribes represent nearly two thirds of South Africa’s Black population and can be divided into four distinct groups; the Central Nguni (the Zulu-speaking peoples), the Southern Nguni (the Xhosa-speaking peoples), the Swazi people from Swaziland and adjacent areas and the Ndebele people of the Northern Province and Mpumalanga.

Yemen - Level 4: Do Not Travel Thursday, 14 February, 2019
Do not travel to Yemen due to terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, and armed conflict. Terrorist groups continue to plot and conduct attacks in Yemen. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting public sites, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Additionally, there is a continuing threat of kidnapping/detention by terrorists, criminal elements, […]
Burkina Faso - Level 3: Reconsider Travel Thursday, 14 February, 2019
Reconsider travel to Burkina Faso due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do not travel to: The Sahel Region due to crime and terrorism. The East Region due to crime and terrorism. The Provinces of Koulpelogo, Loroum, Yatenga, Sourou, Kossi, Banwa, Kenedougou, or within 50km of the Mali border […]

Mozambique Monday, 18 February, 2019
Latest update: Summary - The FCO now advise against all but essential travel to the districts of Nangade, Quissanga and Ibo in Cabo Delgado province; Terrorism section and summary - addition of information on the recent increase in attacks by groups with links to Islamic extremism
GOV.UK
Albania Monday, 18 February, 2019
Latest update: Safety and security section (Political situation) - Opposition parties held a major demonstration on 16 February 2019. Another protest is expected in central Tirana on Thursday 21 February. You should check the local media for the latest information, remain vigilant and avoid any demonstrations
GOV.UK

WORK OF ART: Studies of the Foetus in the Womb are two-coloured annotated sketches by Leonardo da Vinci made in around 1511. Da Vinci studied human embryology with the help of anatomist Marcantonio della Torre and saw the foetus within a cadaver. The studies were initially bequeathed to Francesco Melzi. In c. 1582–90 they were bought from his heirs by Pompeo Leoni, and by 1630 they belonged to Thomas Howard, 2nd Earl of Arundel. Since 1690 the studies have been housed in the Royal Collection, United Kingdom.