An upright intention is the soul of our actions. It gives them life, and makes them good.
-St. Alphonsus
_________________________
From Mary, Help of Christians
Part VI, Thoughts and Counsels of the Saints for Every Day of the Year
Compiled by Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, OFM (© 1909, Benziger Brothers)
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Meditation for September 2, The Vice of Ownership
St. Benedict calls ownership on the part of a monk a vice. I hold nothing as my own. All is common property or ought to be. But each object is sacred; and ought to be regarded as a sacred altar vessel; is it not really a part of the House of God?
I can fail against my vow of poverty by appropriating for my exclusive personal use what ought to remain general, or by not using in accordance with obedience whatever I am permitted to have.
In certain novitiates there is a custom of periodically changing cells, the better to fulfill the word of Scripture We have not here a lasting city, and to prevent the possibility of establishing for oneself a little nest.
At certain intervals, St. Mary Magdalene of Pazzi used to make an examination of poverty in the cells of her religious, the "scrutinium paupertatis," a sort of inventory of the objects used by each.
It is unbelievable how much I manage to accumulate without being aware of it; this is due to lack of vigilance.
I need not be excessively scrupulous, but only beautifully upright. I will resolutely rid myself of whatever is useless. I will ask the necessary permissions.
The more truly poor I am, the more will I resemble Jesus Christ; the freer will I be from harmful attachments, and the farther removed from the tastes and habits of the world, where everyone is thirsty to possess. I will show myself truly detached, by being vigilant in regard to little presents that I give or receive. Everything that is given for my use belongs to God; and must be treated as sacred.
"O Jesus, poor among the poor, give me a truly religious esteem and respect for Holy Poverty."
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
I can fail against my vow of poverty by appropriating for my exclusive personal use what ought to remain general, or by not using in accordance with obedience whatever I am permitted to have.
In certain novitiates there is a custom of periodically changing cells, the better to fulfill the word of Scripture We have not here a lasting city, and to prevent the possibility of establishing for oneself a little nest.
At certain intervals, St. Mary Magdalene of Pazzi used to make an examination of poverty in the cells of her religious, the "scrutinium paupertatis," a sort of inventory of the objects used by each.
It is unbelievable how much I manage to accumulate without being aware of it; this is due to lack of vigilance.
I need not be excessively scrupulous, but only beautifully upright. I will resolutely rid myself of whatever is useless. I will ask the necessary permissions.
The more truly poor I am, the more will I resemble Jesus Christ; the freer will I be from harmful attachments, and the farther removed from the tastes and habits of the world, where everyone is thirsty to possess. I will show myself truly detached, by being vigilant in regard to little presents that I give or receive. Everything that is given for my use belongs to God; and must be treated as sacred.
"O Jesus, poor among the poor, give me a truly religious esteem and respect for Holy Poverty."
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
Gospel for Saturday, 21st Week in Ordinary Time
Optional Memorial: Our Lady's Saturday
Old Calendar: St. Giles, hermit and abbot; Twelve Holy Brothers, martyrs
From: Matthew 25:14-30
The Parable of the Talents
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [14] "For it will be as when a man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted to them his property; [15] to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. [16] He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them; and he made five talents more. [17] So also, he who had the two talents made two talents more. [18] But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. [19] Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. [20] And he who received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, `Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.' [21] His master said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' [22] And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, `Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.' [23] His master said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' [24] He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, `Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not winnow; [25] so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' [26] But his master answered him, `You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed, and gather where I have not winnowed? [27] Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. [28] So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. [29] For to every one who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. [30] And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.'"
________________________________
Commentary:
14-30. A talent was not any kind of coin but a measure of value worth about fifty kilos (one hundred pounds) of silver.
In this parable the main message is the need to respond to grace by making a genuine effort right through one's life. All the gifts of nature and grace which God has given us should yield a profit. It does not matter how many gifts we have received; what matters is our generosity in putting them to good use.
A person's Christian calling should not lie hidden and barren: it should be outgoing, apostolic and self-sacrificial. "Don't lose your effectiveness; instead, trample on your selfishness. You think your life is for yourself? Your life is for God, for the good of all men, though your love for our Lord. Your buried talent, dig it up again! Make it yield" ([St] J. Escriva, "Friends of God", 47).
An ordinary Christian cannot fail to notice that Jesus chose to outline his teaching on response to grace by using the simile of men at work. Here we have a reminder that the Christian normally lives out his vocation in the context of ordinary, everyday affairs. "There is just one life, made of flesh and spirit. And it is this life which has to become, in both soul and body, holy and filled with God. We discover the invisible God in the most visible and material things. There is no other way. Either we learn to find our Lord in ordinary, everyday life, or else we shall never find Him" ([St] J. Escriva, "Conversations" , 114).
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Old Calendar: St. Giles, hermit and abbot; Twelve Holy Brothers, martyrs
From: Matthew 25:14-30
The Parable of the Talents
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [14] "For it will be as when a man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted to them his property; [15] to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. [16] He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them; and he made five talents more. [17] So also, he who had the two talents made two talents more. [18] But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. [19] Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. [20] And he who received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, `Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.' [21] His master said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' [22] And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, `Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.' [23] His master said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' [24] He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, `Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not winnow; [25] so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' [26] But his master answered him, `You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed, and gather where I have not winnowed? [27] Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. [28] So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. [29] For to every one who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. [30] And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.'"
________________________________
Commentary:
14-30. A talent was not any kind of coin but a measure of value worth about fifty kilos (one hundred pounds) of silver.
In this parable the main message is the need to respond to grace by making a genuine effort right through one's life. All the gifts of nature and grace which God has given us should yield a profit. It does not matter how many gifts we have received; what matters is our generosity in putting them to good use.
A person's Christian calling should not lie hidden and barren: it should be outgoing, apostolic and self-sacrificial. "Don't lose your effectiveness; instead, trample on your selfishness. You think your life is for yourself? Your life is for God, for the good of all men, though your love for our Lord. Your buried talent, dig it up again! Make it yield" ([St] J. Escriva, "Friends of God", 47).
An ordinary Christian cannot fail to notice that Jesus chose to outline his teaching on response to grace by using the simile of men at work. Here we have a reminder that the Christian normally lives out his vocation in the context of ordinary, everyday affairs. "There is just one life, made of flesh and spirit. And it is this life which has to become, in both soul and body, holy and filled with God. We discover the invisible God in the most visible and material things. There is no other way. Either we learn to find our Lord in ordinary, everyday life, or else we shall never find Him" ([St] J. Escriva, "Conversations" , 114).
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Thoughts and Counsels - September 1
He who perseveres with constancy and fervor will, without fail, raise himself to a high degree of perfection.
-Bl. Henry Suso
_________________________
From Mary, Help of Christians
Part VI, Thoughts and Counsels of the Saints for Every Day of the Year
Compiled by Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, OFM (© 1909, Benziger Brothers)
-Bl. Henry Suso
_________________________
From Mary, Help of Christians
Part VI, Thoughts and Counsels of the Saints for Every Day of the Year
Compiled by Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, OFM (© 1909, Benziger Brothers)
Meditation for September 1, Fraternal Correction
"After you have once given yourself to Jesus in religion, you should, in the spirit of faith, consider each member of the community as being charged by Jesus Christ to train and form you." (St. John of the Cross.)
There are certain official exercises that require others to point out my faults. I must lend myself to this with good grace; in certain convents these exercises are beautifully and fittingly termed exercises of charity. I will show myself very grateful to those who are willing to point out my faults.
But aside from these official exercises, there are many occasions when my companions, intentionally or unintentionally, make me feel my deficiencies, pointing out my eccentricity, my faults, my thoughtlessness. They may do it in my office, or in the course of a recreation; they may make just a passing reference or a direct reproach.
And these little jabs and comments are likely to wound me much more intensely than the official exercises at which I am expecting corrections. It is understood that I will be told my failings in chapter. But in recreation? Or while passing through the hall, even without having asked for it? Oh no! I have more than once felt like flying into a passion.
Let me remember the words of St. John of the Cross and, instead of fretting or getting peevish, remedy my fault interiorly. Jesus Christ it is who trains and forms me and I can only gain by accepting all with a smile.
I will never call others' attention to their faults if I bave not been commissioned to do so, but should someone even without authority correct me for my faults and irregularities, I will keep my soul in peace and profit by the admonition.
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
There are certain official exercises that require others to point out my faults. I must lend myself to this with good grace; in certain convents these exercises are beautifully and fittingly termed exercises of charity. I will show myself very grateful to those who are willing to point out my faults.
But aside from these official exercises, there are many occasions when my companions, intentionally or unintentionally, make me feel my deficiencies, pointing out my eccentricity, my faults, my thoughtlessness. They may do it in my office, or in the course of a recreation; they may make just a passing reference or a direct reproach.
And these little jabs and comments are likely to wound me much more intensely than the official exercises at which I am expecting corrections. It is understood that I will be told my failings in chapter. But in recreation? Or while passing through the hall, even without having asked for it? Oh no! I have more than once felt like flying into a passion.
Let me remember the words of St. John of the Cross and, instead of fretting or getting peevish, remedy my fault interiorly. Jesus Christ it is who trains and forms me and I can only gain by accepting all with a smile.
I will never call others' attention to their faults if I bave not been commissioned to do so, but should someone even without authority correct me for my faults and irregularities, I will keep my soul in peace and profit by the admonition.
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
Gospel for Friday, 21st Week in Ordinary Time
Old Calendar: St. Raymund Nonnatus, confessor
From: Matthew 25:1-13
The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Maidens
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [1] "Then the Kingdom of Heaven shall be compared to ten maidens who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. [2] Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. [3] For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; [4] but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. [5] As the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. [6] But at midnight there was a cry, `Behold the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' [7] Then all those maidens rose and trimmed their lamps. [8] And the foolish said to the wise, `Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' [9] But the wise replied, `Perhaps there will not be enough for us and for you; go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.' [10] And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut. [11] Afterwards the other maidens came also, saying, `Lord, lord, open to us.' [12] But he replied, `Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.' [13] Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour."
_______________________
Commentary:
1-46. The whole of chapter 25 is a practical application of the teaching contained in chapter 24. With these parables of the wise and foolish virgins and of the talents, and His teaching on the Last Judgment, our Lord is again emphasizing the need for vigilance (cf. note on Matthew 24:42). In this sense, chapter 25 makes chapter 24 more intelligible.
1-13. The main lesson of this parable has to do with the need to be on the alert: in practice, this means having the light of faith, which is kept alive with the oil of charity. Jewish weddings were held in the house of the bride's father. The virgins are young unmarried girls, bridesmaids who are in the bride's house waiting for the bridegroom to arrive. The parable centers on the attitude one should adopt up to the time when the bridegroom comes. In other words, it is not enough to know that one is "inside" the Kingdom, the Church: one has to be on the watch and be preparing for Christ's coming by doing good works.
This vigilance should be continuous and unflagging, because the devil is forever after us, prowling around "like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). "Watch with the heart, watch with faith, watch with love, watch with charity, watch with good works [...]; make ready the lamps, make sure they do not go out [...], renew them with the inner oil of an upright conscience; then shall the Bridegroom enfold you in the embrace of His love and bring you into His banquet room, where your lamp can never be extinguished" (St. Augustine, "Sermon", 93).
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
From: Matthew 25:1-13
The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Maidens
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [1] "Then the Kingdom of Heaven shall be compared to ten maidens who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. [2] Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. [3] For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; [4] but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. [5] As the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. [6] But at midnight there was a cry, `Behold the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' [7] Then all those maidens rose and trimmed their lamps. [8] And the foolish said to the wise, `Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' [9] But the wise replied, `Perhaps there will not be enough for us and for you; go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.' [10] And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut. [11] Afterwards the other maidens came also, saying, `Lord, lord, open to us.' [12] But he replied, `Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.' [13] Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour."
_______________________
Commentary:
1-46. The whole of chapter 25 is a practical application of the teaching contained in chapter 24. With these parables of the wise and foolish virgins and of the talents, and His teaching on the Last Judgment, our Lord is again emphasizing the need for vigilance (cf. note on Matthew 24:42). In this sense, chapter 25 makes chapter 24 more intelligible.
1-13. The main lesson of this parable has to do with the need to be on the alert: in practice, this means having the light of faith, which is kept alive with the oil of charity. Jewish weddings were held in the house of the bride's father. The virgins are young unmarried girls, bridesmaids who are in the bride's house waiting for the bridegroom to arrive. The parable centers on the attitude one should adopt up to the time when the bridegroom comes. In other words, it is not enough to know that one is "inside" the Kingdom, the Church: one has to be on the watch and be preparing for Christ's coming by doing good works.
This vigilance should be continuous and unflagging, because the devil is forever after us, prowling around "like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). "Watch with the heart, watch with faith, watch with love, watch with charity, watch with good works [...]; make ready the lamps, make sure they do not go out [...], renew them with the inner oil of an upright conscience; then shall the Bridegroom enfold you in the embrace of His love and bring you into His banquet room, where your lamp can never be extinguished" (St. Augustine, "Sermon", 93).
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Thoughts and Counsels - August 31
I have never gone out to mingle with the world without losing something of myself.
-St. Albert the Great [St. Albertus Magnus]
_________________________
From Mary, Help of Christians
Part VI, Thoughts and Counsels of the Saints for Every Day of the Year
Compiled by Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, OFM (© 1909, Benziger Brothers)
-St. Albert the Great [St. Albertus Magnus]
_________________________
From Mary, Help of Christians
Part VI, Thoughts and Counsels of the Saints for Every Day of the Year
Compiled by Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, OFM (© 1909, Benziger Brothers)
Meditation for August 31, Rigid Virtue
Certain religious [and others] add a supplementary severity to that required by the rule, on account of their exaggerated and rigid interpretation of it.
Not only do they forbid in themselves all shortcomings, which would certainly be praiseworthy, but they manifest so much harshness and lack of good nature in their virtuous attitude as to make it unattractive, and by that very fact, no virtue at all. They concentrate rigorously, and often with bitterness, upon the failings and weaknesses of others, thus wounding charity under pretext of defending the rights of fidelity to the Rule, without making fidelity loved.
To such overly harsh and rigorous persons, St. Theresa of Avila said, "Believe me, our Rule does not want severe persons, it is sufficiently so itself."
We must not, however, tolerate any easy-going discipline; any offhandedness manifested in a breezy take-it-or-leave-it attitude; any easy indulgence for self which readily pardons everything thus condoning mediocrity.
Neither should we adopt a tense and strenuous spirituality, fatiguing not only for the one who lives it, but likewise for all those who see him or her live it; nor should we harbor in our personality any tartness that love has not sufficiently mellowed; or that cannot see the saving side of any situation, or its most favorable interpretation.
"O Jesus, do not allow me to practice a morose and peevish virtue; let my virtue be living and solid, but serene and attractive as well."
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
Not only do they forbid in themselves all shortcomings, which would certainly be praiseworthy, but they manifest so much harshness and lack of good nature in their virtuous attitude as to make it unattractive, and by that very fact, no virtue at all. They concentrate rigorously, and often with bitterness, upon the failings and weaknesses of others, thus wounding charity under pretext of defending the rights of fidelity to the Rule, without making fidelity loved.
To such overly harsh and rigorous persons, St. Theresa of Avila said, "Believe me, our Rule does not want severe persons, it is sufficiently so itself."
We must not, however, tolerate any easy-going discipline; any offhandedness manifested in a breezy take-it-or-leave-it attitude; any easy indulgence for self which readily pardons everything thus condoning mediocrity.
Neither should we adopt a tense and strenuous spirituality, fatiguing not only for the one who lives it, but likewise for all those who see him or her live it; nor should we harbor in our personality any tartness that love has not sufficiently mellowed; or that cannot see the saving side of any situation, or its most favorable interpretation.
"O Jesus, do not allow me to practice a morose and peevish virtue; let my virtue be living and solid, but serene and attractive as well."
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
Oh Beautiful Gaia
Such is the refrain sung recently at most recent "Women- Led Liturgy" held at St Cronan's parish this past August 25th.
This "Women-Led Liturgy" was titled A Celebration of our Common Journey on our precious Earth.
The opening song, "O Beautiful Gaia" sounds particularly pagan:
After an opening prayer and a reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah, there is a "Litany of the Circle."
Nowhere, in any of my Catholic prayer books, have I been able to find this "Litany." But then, that is not surprising.
After this litany and a reading of Called to Become by Edwina Gateley V.M.M., there was a homily? and a "Sharing"? followed by a:
For the full details, see this.
Details courtesy of "Catholic" Action Network.
This "Women-Led Liturgy" was titled A Celebration of our Common Journey on our precious Earth.
The opening song, "O Beautiful Gaia" sounds particularly pagan:
O East you are freshness...And is reminiscent of the "Prayer of Directions" of Renew 2000.
O South we bring praises...
O West vast horizon...
O North, great preserver...
O Sacred Center, We live in you always...
After an opening prayer and a reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah, there is a "Litany of the Circle."
Nowhere, in any of my Catholic prayer books, have I been able to find this "Litany." But then, that is not surprising.
After this litany and a reading of Called to Become by Edwina Gateley V.M.M., there was a homily? and a "Sharing"? followed by a:
Crowning with Baby’s Breath: (Name), You are created in God’s image in her own image she has created you.Standard fare these days, it seems.
For the full details, see this.
Details courtesy of "Catholic" Action Network.
Sep 21 & 22 - Catholic Theater, The Surprise
A new St. Louis based theater company will open its first season with five overtly Christian shows beginning on September 21st and 22nd at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center in Shrewsbury. The first is a play by English author GK Chesterton. Written at the behest of his friend George Bernard Shaw, The Surprise is a kind of Romantic Fairy Tale - a story which answers the question "What do people want in life, and how can they get it?"“The Surprise is an amazing play, a kind of Romantic Fairy Tale combined with Six Characters in Search of an Author – a story which answers the question can fantasy and reality meet – and what happens when they do?”Recommended for teens on up. Tickets ($15) are available through MetroTix and directly from The Theater of the Word at 314-840-WORD. Showtime is 8 p.m. both nights. For more information about future performances and other projects, find them at http://www.thewordinc.org/
The Surprise was recently filmed by EWTN to be aired worldwide, and several members of the cast of the TV movie version will be appearing in St. Louis in this production.
From Theater of the Word Incorporated, we also read:
Other presentations that will round out The Theater of the Word’s first season include A Morning Star Christmas, The Smallest of All, and The Journey of St. Paul. “We are particularly excited to be producing The Smallest of All,” observes O’Brien, “by St. Louis playwright Mother Mary Francis. It’s a beautiful story of the impact of holiness on the lives of regular people, and how a simple love for God can redeem even the hardest of hearts.”==================
Indeed, Archibshop Raymond Burke has been encouraging a local production of some of Mother Mary Francis’ works for quite some time, and has offered the Theater of the Word his generous support. Other supporters include Ignatius Press, the St. Louis Chesterton Society, and EWTN, which will be airing an anthology show on Christian drama, hosted by Kevin O’Brien, beginning in 2008 or 2009.
A promotional video for Theater of the Word can be viewed at YouTube here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/OBrienMysteries
And for something else of note:
Credo Board Member Tom Leith is playing the part of the King in "The Surprise". Tom also a member of the St. Louis Chesterton Society. Their website is http://chestertonstl.wordpress.com The following weekend, actors Chuck Chalberg, Kevin O'Brien, and host of EWTN's program "G. K. Chesterton: The Apostle of Common Sense", Dale Ahlquist, will present a show "Chumming with Chesterton and Bumming with Belloc"
The EWTN page for the Chesterton Series is here:
http://www.ewtn.com/series/chesterton/index.htm
Babies of Mozambique Targeted for Abortion Program
This urgent message from Fr Tom Euteneuer can be read here.
It begins:
It begins:
My last few Spirit & Life columns have addressed the fact that abortion is demonic ... a huge spiritual vortex of sin pulling people into it. It is a spiritual power that negates God's plan for love, life and the family. And because it destroys souls as well as bodies, abortion is the devil's masterpiece of evil.Well, the devil and his minions are on the verge of adding Mozambique to its collection of evil masterpieces. There may yet be time to stop him ... but only if you act now!Our man on the ground in Mozambique is Emil Hagamu. He sent me an urgent report on the dire threat that is about to fall on the Mozambique nation ... as well as his plans to rally the people to defeat this diabolical campaign to legalize abortion-on-demand...
Gospel for Thursday, 21st Week in Ordinary Time
Old Calendar: St. Rose of Lima, virgin; Saints Felix and Adauctus, martyrs; St. Fiacre
From: Matthew 24:42-51
Vigilance. The Faithful Servant
(Jesus said to his disciples,) [42] "Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. [43] But know this, that if the householder had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched and would not have let his house be broken into. [44] Therefore you also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
[45] "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? [46] Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes will find so doing. [47] Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. [48] But if that wicked servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed,' [49] and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eats and drinks with the drunken, [50] the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, [51] and will punish him, and put him with the hypocrites; there men will weep and gnash their teeth."
___________________________
Commentary:
42. Jesus himself draws from this revelation about the future the practical moral that a Christian needs to be on the watch, living each day as if it were his last.
The important thing is not to be speculating about when these events will happen and what form they will take, but to live in such a way that they find us in the state of grace.
51. "And will punish him [or, cut him in pieces]": this can be understood as a metaphor for "will cast him away". "Weeping and gnashing of teeth": the pains of hell.
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
From: Matthew 24:42-51
Vigilance. The Faithful Servant
(Jesus said to his disciples,) [42] "Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. [43] But know this, that if the householder had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched and would not have let his house be broken into. [44] Therefore you also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
[45] "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? [46] Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes will find so doing. [47] Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. [48] But if that wicked servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed,' [49] and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eats and drinks with the drunken, [50] the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, [51] and will punish him, and put him with the hypocrites; there men will weep and gnash their teeth."
___________________________
Commentary:
42. Jesus himself draws from this revelation about the future the practical moral that a Christian needs to be on the watch, living each day as if it were his last.
The important thing is not to be speculating about when these events will happen and what form they will take, but to live in such a way that they find us in the state of grace.
51. "And will punish him [or, cut him in pieces]": this can be understood as a metaphor for "will cast him away". "Weeping and gnashing of teeth": the pains of hell.
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Meditation for August 30, A Life Marked with the Cross
The Bull of canonization of St. Rose of Lima relates that when a very young child she used to have a good time with her brother Ferdinand, trying to see which of the two could throw his flower petals the highest. One day after the flowers thrown by Ferdinand had fallen immediately to the ground, the flowers thrown by little Rose remained suspended in the air and, grouping themselves as by an invisible magnet, traced above her a sort of cross.
Pretty and eloquent symbol!
Every time that a sacrifice, or an opportunity of practicing virtue, or a possibility of manifesting my love presents itself to me, I will say, "You ask this of me, Lord, take it, here it is" - and as children do in processions, I will throw towards the sky, with all my soul, the generosity asked for.
At the moment of rising. . . Here, LordI Ecce Ancilla!
Then in prayer. . . Here, Lord, all my attention, and all my heart. Ecce!
Then in the thousand and one occupations of the duties of my state, the renunciations that it imposes, my office, my health, recreations, the apostolate, here, Lord, take, all that, and yet more.
And all the sacrifices rising invisibly towards God will group themselves above my life like a great cross of light.
Then the Most High, looking down on me from heaven, will see my entire existence marked with the sign which does not deceive.
"That one, that one, Oh, I recognize her truly as Mine. She carries, not only on her clothing but also upon her life, the mark of my Son, the Cross; I love her and I bless her."
Beginning today, I shall practice throwing my flowers towards heaven, the white flowers of my virginal love, the purple flowers of my sacrifices.
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
Pretty and eloquent symbol!
Every time that a sacrifice, or an opportunity of practicing virtue, or a possibility of manifesting my love presents itself to me, I will say, "You ask this of me, Lord, take it, here it is" - and as children do in processions, I will throw towards the sky, with all my soul, the generosity asked for.
At the moment of rising. . . Here, LordI Ecce Ancilla!
Then in prayer. . . Here, Lord, all my attention, and all my heart. Ecce!
Then in the thousand and one occupations of the duties of my state, the renunciations that it imposes, my office, my health, recreations, the apostolate, here, Lord, take, all that, and yet more.
And all the sacrifices rising invisibly towards God will group themselves above my life like a great cross of light.
Then the Most High, looking down on me from heaven, will see my entire existence marked with the sign which does not deceive.
"That one, that one, Oh, I recognize her truly as Mine. She carries, not only on her clothing but also upon her life, the mark of my Son, the Cross; I love her and I bless her."
Beginning today, I shall practice throwing my flowers towards heaven, the white flowers of my virginal love, the purple flowers of my sacrifices.
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
News from the Diocese of Orange
This bitter news from the Diocese of Orange is disconcerting to say the least. In defiant opposition, it seems, to the motu proprio, Summorum Pontificum, the "extraordinary form" of the Holy Mass is being denied to the faithful. But, Halloween Masses, complete with extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion dressed as devils, are probably still OK...
Here is the email as I received it:
Here is the email as I received it:
Friends,The faithful of Orange could use our prayers - and it seems, the bishop does as well.
Bishop Tod Brown (Diocese of Orange) has delayed, indefinitely, the Tridentine Mass at St. Mary's that was promised to be reinstated on Sept 16, 2007, at the noon Mass (see July 15 bulletin quoted below), according to Pope Benedict's motu proprio. http://romancatholicblog.typepad.com/roman_catholic_blog/2007/07/summorum-pont-1.html
Fr Tran had published the good news about the reinstatement in the St. Mary's bulletin of July 15 and today, Aug 25, Fr. Tran took it away (see bulletin text in blog linked below), just minutes before he left town, under the direction of B. Brown, to go to Vietnam for 2 months.
(Fr. Martin Tran promised the Tridentine in the July 15 bulletin, quoted here) -"I know that several of us have been so excited about all of this, after prayers and prayers, encouragement and requests. With the expressed permission of our Bishop in his “Memorandum”:“I urge pastors to join me in a common pastoral approach to the implementation of the Motu Proprio. It is the prerogative of pastors when requested by...parishioners in the full canonical sense of that term, and who request the celebration of the Holy Mass according to the rite of the Roman Missal published in 1962…it is their prerogative to “willingly accede” to their request”. Therefore, as your Administrator/Pastor, I wholeheartedly “accede”: We will have the Tridentine Mass officially started on September 16 at 12:00 Noon Mass..."And today we received "some corrections" from Fr. Martin Tran - NO Tridentine Mass (bulletin quoted on the blog link).
Please read this link and the links on the blog
http://romancatholicblog.typepad.com/roman_catholic_blog/2007/08/the-games-peopl.html?cid=80634817#comments
and then please call the bishop's office and tell him that you will call every day (and then call every day) until he publishes something on the homepage of the www.rcbo.org website that says he will reinstate the Tridentine at St. Mary's by Sept. 16, and notifies the office of St. Mary's by the Sea.
And as a diocese-wide show of support for our Holy Father's motu proprio- please tell Bishop Brown if he if does not do so by Sept 14, that you will withhold your weekly contribution on the week of Sept 16 at your parish, wherever you are in the diocese.
Bishop Brown's phone 714-282-3106
If you have a few extra minutes, please also contact:
Fr. Tuan Pham 282-3108 (Bishop Brown's secretary)
Fr. Michael Heher 282-3110
Bishop Luong 282-3102
Judy Bobier - (Bishop Secretary) 282-3105
Our bishop is refusing to follow direct orders from the Pope - if we must compel him to follow instructions from the Vatican , then, we must. For the sake of his soul, please contact the bishop.
We beg God's help in our effort, and we pray for Bishop Tod Brown's conversion to the true faith IN LINE WITH ROME.
Thank you,
blessings,
carol
Please forward to the nuncio, nuntiususa@nuntiususa.org
the Holy Father, benedictxvi@vatican.va
and to all on your lists.
###
Msg from Massabuse:
Please print and fax a copy of this email to:
ATT: Cardinal Castrillion Hoyos,
President Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei
fax: 011-3906-6988-3412
(if you can, also add a brief personal note on the fax, with your contact information, it might help)
Catholic University of America Provides Platform for Kerry top Speak
University approves Sen. Kerry to speak
College Democrats appealed initial rejection, Mass. Senator will address environment, Iraq
Recently, I was asked by a couple of retired teachers who received a contribution request from CUA if it would be a worthy institution for them to send a donation...
Needless to say, their contributions do not include CUA...
College Democrats appealed initial rejection, Mass. Senator will address environment, Iraq
Recently, I was asked by a couple of retired teachers who received a contribution request from CUA if it would be a worthy institution for them to send a donation...
Needless to say, their contributions do not include CUA...
Gospel for Aug 29, Memorial: Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist
From: Mark 6:17-29
John the Baptist Beheaded
[17] For Herod had sent and seized John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; because he had married her. [18] For John said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." [19] And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, [20] for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he was much perplexed; and yet he heard him gladly. [21] But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and the leading men of Galilee. [22] For when Herodias' daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will grant it." [23] And he said to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom." [24] And she went out, and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?" And she said, "The head of John the Baptizer." [25] And she came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptizer on a platter." [26] And the King was exceedingly sorry; but because of his oath and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. [27] And immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard and gave orders to bring his head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, [28] and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. [29] When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.
___________________________
Commentary:
16-29. It is interesting that the extensive account of the death of John the Baptist is inserted here in the Gospel narrative. The reason is St. John the Baptist's special relevance in the history of salvation: he is the Precursor, entrusted with the task of preparing the way for the Messiah. Besides, John the Baptist had a great reputation among the people: they believed him to be a prophet (Mark 11:32); some even thought he was the Messiah (Luke 3:15; John 1:20); and they flocked to him from many places (Mark 1:5). Jesus Himself said: "Among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist" (Matthew 11:11). Later, the Apostle St. John will speak of him in the Gospel: "There was a man sent from God, whose name was John" (John 1:6); but the sacred text points out that, despite this, he was not the light, but rather the witness to the light (John 1:6-8). More correctly, he was the lamp carrying the light (John 5:35). We are told here that he was a righteous man and preached to everyone what had to be preached: he had a word for people at large, for publicans, for soldiers (Luke 3:10-14); for Pharisees and Sadducees (Matthew 3:7-12); for King Herod himself (Mark 6:18-20). This humble, upright and austere man paid with his life for the witness he bore to Jesus the Messiah (John 1:29 and 36-37).
26. Oaths and promises immoral in content should never be made, and, if made, should never be kept. This is the teaching of the Church, which is summed up in the "St. Pius X Catechism", 383, in the following way: "Are we obliged to keep oaths we have sworn to do unjust and unlawful things? Not only are we not obliged: we sin by making such oaths, for they are prohibited by the Law of God or of the Church."
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
John the Baptist Beheaded
[17] For Herod had sent and seized John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; because he had married her. [18] For John said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." [19] And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, [20] for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he was much perplexed; and yet he heard him gladly. [21] But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and the leading men of Galilee. [22] For when Herodias' daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will grant it." [23] And he said to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom." [24] And she went out, and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?" And she said, "The head of John the Baptizer." [25] And she came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptizer on a platter." [26] And the King was exceedingly sorry; but because of his oath and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. [27] And immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard and gave orders to bring his head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, [28] and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. [29] When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.
___________________________
Commentary:
16-29. It is interesting that the extensive account of the death of John the Baptist is inserted here in the Gospel narrative. The reason is St. John the Baptist's special relevance in the history of salvation: he is the Precursor, entrusted with the task of preparing the way for the Messiah. Besides, John the Baptist had a great reputation among the people: they believed him to be a prophet (Mark 11:32); some even thought he was the Messiah (Luke 3:15; John 1:20); and they flocked to him from many places (Mark 1:5). Jesus Himself said: "Among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist" (Matthew 11:11). Later, the Apostle St. John will speak of him in the Gospel: "There was a man sent from God, whose name was John" (John 1:6); but the sacred text points out that, despite this, he was not the light, but rather the witness to the light (John 1:6-8). More correctly, he was the lamp carrying the light (John 5:35). We are told here that he was a righteous man and preached to everyone what had to be preached: he had a word for people at large, for publicans, for soldiers (Luke 3:10-14); for Pharisees and Sadducees (Matthew 3:7-12); for King Herod himself (Mark 6:18-20). This humble, upright and austere man paid with his life for the witness he bore to Jesus the Messiah (John 1:29 and 36-37).
26. Oaths and promises immoral in content should never be made, and, if made, should never be kept. This is the teaching of the Church, which is summed up in the "St. Pius X Catechism", 383, in the following way: "Are we obliged to keep oaths we have sworn to do unjust and unlawful things? Not only are we not obliged: we sin by making such oaths, for they are prohibited by the Law of God or of the Church."
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Thoughts and Counsels - August 29
One whose heart is embittered can do nothing but contend and contradict, finding something to oppose in every remark.
-Ven. Julienne Morel
_________________________
From Mary, Help of Christians
Part VI, Thoughts and Counsels of the Saints for Every Day of the Year
Compiled by Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, OFM (© 1909, Benziger Brothers)
-Ven. Julienne Morel
_________________________
From Mary, Help of Christians
Part VI, Thoughts and Counsels of the Saints for Every Day of the Year
Compiled by Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, OFM (© 1909, Benziger Brothers)
Meditation for August 29, The Art of Disappearing
There is not perhaps an example of more profound humility than the example given by the foundress of the Religious of the Cenacle, Rev. Mother Couderc.
At thirty-three, she resigned the generalship, and for nearly fifty years she obeyed like an ordinary sister. It was only at the end of her life that anyone around her understood the extraordinary favors with which the Lord had showered her, and how united she was with God. Cardinal Lavigerie, stopping at a convent where she was stationed, asked the superior, "Who is that religious? "
"She is one of our old Mothers," answered the Superior. She was in reality the soul of the Congregation. Through her love of God, her patience and her goodness, through her humility perhaps still more, she supported her whole institute. Today there is talk of beatifying her. [Pope Paul VI canonized her in 1970.]
And I? Do I easily accept being put on the shelf? If on account of age, or for a better distribution of services in the house, it is necessary to cut down or modify my activity, is it not an affair of state; must not the superiors ponder long in order to know how to make me accept their decision? If it is necessary to point out to me an imperfection, or a mistake, or to suggest a procedure that is better, must they not put on kid gloves, as the saying goes?
Did I enter religious life to remain so sensitive? Should not my superiors be able to speak straightforwardly to me; to take away something I have used; to change my occupation without needless precaution?
I am nothing. Let them treat me as they wish. My God, teach me the art of disappearing.
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
At thirty-three, she resigned the generalship, and for nearly fifty years she obeyed like an ordinary sister. It was only at the end of her life that anyone around her understood the extraordinary favors with which the Lord had showered her, and how united she was with God. Cardinal Lavigerie, stopping at a convent where she was stationed, asked the superior, "Who is that religious? "
"She is one of our old Mothers," answered the Superior. She was in reality the soul of the Congregation. Through her love of God, her patience and her goodness, through her humility perhaps still more, she supported her whole institute. Today there is talk of beatifying her. [Pope Paul VI canonized her in 1970.]
And I? Do I easily accept being put on the shelf? If on account of age, or for a better distribution of services in the house, it is necessary to cut down or modify my activity, is it not an affair of state; must not the superiors ponder long in order to know how to make me accept their decision? If it is necessary to point out to me an imperfection, or a mistake, or to suggest a procedure that is better, must they not put on kid gloves, as the saying goes?
Did I enter religious life to remain so sensitive? Should not my superiors be able to speak straightforwardly to me; to take away something I have used; to change my occupation without needless precaution?
I am nothing. Let them treat me as they wish. My God, teach me the art of disappearing.
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
ProLifeSearch.Com and the Essential Catholic Classics
I am posting this in its entirety (from several comment postings) in the hope that some may be able to benefit from it:
A friend of mine received this today. I didn't get one because I have changed my email address since Prolife search went down. They probably sent it to my old address. This is for your own information and discernment.So feel free to contact them and request refunds. I hope that this message is sincere but I will reserve judgment on that when I hear about people receiving their requested refunds.
From: Jack Manhire - Catholic Classics [mailto:registerclassics@prolifesearch.com]
Sent: Monday, August 27, 2007 2:51 PM
To: [Name removed]
Subject: What happened to ProLifeSearch?
We apologize for the lateness of this email, and for the dropped responses and follow-up tasks that have affected some of you. I (Joe Hanley) would like to accept personal responsibility for these failures, and I can only tell you again that I'm sorry. Personal issues got me very off track, and I did not communicate outwardly or complete the follow-ups I promised you, I ask your forgiveness. We will take care of your requests and communication right away from this point on.
As you most likely realize even before receiving this note, PLS has had a long interruption in our mission--and our communication--and we'd like to use this email for three things:
1. First and foremost, apologize for some problems over the past months
2. Next, update you on the PLS operation
3. Finally, and importantly as well, initiate effective follow-up to any communication and requests you have back to us
Bad news before details... as many or you have already noticed, the ProLifeSearch website is no more. Here's what happened:
Regarding our operations, it has taken us awhile to put some of the pieces of ProLifeSearch back together again. . . including those who purchased the books.
As many or you have already noticed, the ProLifeSearch website is gone. We'll get to how that happened in a minute.
But first, regarding the books: When we took the orders for the leather-bound books we divided the money received two ways. The first went to the publisher to produce the books. The second part went immediately to our pro-life charities.
We then began having trouble with our publisher. For one reason or another they kept giving us excuses as to why the books weren't ready yet. Days turned into weeks which turned into months. By the time we demanded our money back for a job not completed, the publisher was completely non-responsive. Since this publisher is overseas, it will end up costing us more to sue the publisher for performance than what we paid them.
So all of the money sent to the publisher is gone. The money not sent to the publisher went to our pro-life charities and hopefully did a great deal of good for Life.
Of course some of you would like refunds for the money you paid, as you should. We do not feel right asking for the money back from our charities, and the rest of the money is in the publisher's pocket. So we (Jack and I) will personally pay those people back who request a refund out of our own pockets. We just ask that you have patience. We simply cannot afford to refund everyone at once. As money becomes available, we will make good on our promise though.
Those people who have already requested refunds will receive checks within one week. Anyone requesting a refund now or in the future will receive that within 21 days of getting the request to us.
Some of you may feel a certain relief knowing that your money went to help Life. If you do not wish to request a refund, you do not have to do anything. If you do wish to get a refund, please email us at plsrefunds@gmail.com or write us at 542 N. Ashbury Ave, Bolingbrook, IL 60440.
Now the website itself: Sadly, the bottom line is that some of the web developers we hired for this project left our employ and changed all of the passwords to the site. This meant that for months we could not access the site, change the site, or post any new information on the site. It also meant that we could not access our list of book purchasers to notify them of the problems we were having.
As we tried to force the new passwords from these developers, the URL -- http://www.prolifesearch.com -- expired, and it seems some rock and roll site was all too ready to snatch it up because of all the traffic we created over the past 2 years.
Legally, the site now belongs to that organization. We have tried, but we cannot get it back.
The good news is that during our operation, through your support, we were able to generate over $20,000 for Pro-life charities. Good was done, and we accept responsibility (and apologize to all of you) for a rocky wind-down to our efforts.
Of course, we also hope that we might have inspired others to come up with their own ideas on how to blend every day activities and our cause for Life so that those charities on the front line of the fight have what they need to continue their good work each and every day.
I am a little sad to have to say good-bye. But ProLifeSearch was never about Jack and Joe. It was always about you. You are the ones who made any good works we did possible. And for that I just want to say Thank You.
Please go forth and continue to fight the good fight.
God bless you all,
Joe Hanley
Jack Manhire
ProLifeSearch.com, 542 N Ashbury Ave, Bolingbrook, IL 60440, USA
Historic St. Boniface Church Is Now Ivory Theatre
And the historic church building is now to host theatrical performances with the first being "Sex, Drugs and Rock N' Roll" by New Line Theatre.Several articles have been written and posted about this, from the RetroCatholic blog, on Improper Use of Sold Churches to a South Side Journal article here.
It's unclear to me what conditions were made regarding the sale of the property to outside commercial interests. As the picture demonstrates, it still looks like a church from the outside regardless of the name attached to it. It must be a heartbreaking experience for those who grew up in this church to have to witness such actvities going on now.
HT to Marcus and PK who both advised me on this matter.
Judge Blocks New Missouri Abortion Law
Who could have ever imagined that this would happen?
Planned Parenthood Wins Temporary Block of New Abortion Law in Missouri
Planned Parenthood Wins Temporary Block of New Abortion Law in Missouri
Gospel for Aug 28, Memorial: St Augustine, Bishop and Doctor
Tuesday, 21st Week in Ordinary Time
From: Matthew 23:23-26
Jesus Indicts the Scribes and Pharisees
(Jesus said to the scribes and Pharisees,) [23] "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law, justice and mercy and faith; these you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. [24] You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!
[25] "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you cleanse the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full ofextortion and rapacity." [26] You blind Pharisee! first cleanse the inside of the cup and of the plate, that the outside also may be clean."
________________________
Commentary:
23. Mint, dill (aniseed) and cummin were herbs the Jews used in cooking or to perfume rooms. They were such insignificant items that they were not covered by the Mosaic precept on paying tithes (Leviticus 27:30-33; Deuteronomy 14:22ff); the precept did not apply to domestic animals and the more common agricultural products such as wheat, wine and olive oil. However, the Pharisees, being so intent on showing their scrupulous observance of the Law, paid tithes even of these herbs. Our Lord does not despise or reject the Law; He is simply telling people to get their priorities right: there is no point in attending to secondary details if one is neglecting what is really basic and important--justice, mercy and faith.
24. The Pharisees were so scrupulous about not swallowing any insect which the Law declared to be unclean that they went as far as to filter drinks through a linen cloth. Our Lord criticizes them for being so inconsistent--straining mosquitos, being so scrupulous about little things, yet quite happily "swallowing a camel", committing serious sins.
25-26. After reproaching the Pharisees for their hypocrisy in religious practice, our Lord now goes on to indict their twofacedness in matters of morality. The Jews used to perform elaborate washings of plates, cups and other tableware, in line with the regulations on legal cleansing (cf. Mark 7:1-4).
The example He chooses suggests a deeper level of meaning--concern for that moral purity which should characterize man's interior life. What is of prime importance is cleanliness of heart, an upright intention, consistency between what one says and what one does, etc.
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
From: Matthew 23:23-26
Jesus Indicts the Scribes and Pharisees
(Jesus said to the scribes and Pharisees,) [23] "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law, justice and mercy and faith; these you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. [24] You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!
[25] "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you cleanse the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full ofextortion and rapacity." [26] You blind Pharisee! first cleanse the inside of the cup and of the plate, that the outside also may be clean."
________________________
Commentary:
23. Mint, dill (aniseed) and cummin were herbs the Jews used in cooking or to perfume rooms. They were such insignificant items that they were not covered by the Mosaic precept on paying tithes (Leviticus 27:30-33; Deuteronomy 14:22ff); the precept did not apply to domestic animals and the more common agricultural products such as wheat, wine and olive oil. However, the Pharisees, being so intent on showing their scrupulous observance of the Law, paid tithes even of these herbs. Our Lord does not despise or reject the Law; He is simply telling people to get their priorities right: there is no point in attending to secondary details if one is neglecting what is really basic and important--justice, mercy and faith.
24. The Pharisees were so scrupulous about not swallowing any insect which the Law declared to be unclean that they went as far as to filter drinks through a linen cloth. Our Lord criticizes them for being so inconsistent--straining mosquitos, being so scrupulous about little things, yet quite happily "swallowing a camel", committing serious sins.
25-26. After reproaching the Pharisees for their hypocrisy in religious practice, our Lord now goes on to indict their twofacedness in matters of morality. The Jews used to perform elaborate washings of plates, cups and other tableware, in line with the regulations on legal cleansing (cf. Mark 7:1-4).
The example He chooses suggests a deeper level of meaning--concern for that moral purity which should characterize man's interior life. What is of prime importance is cleanliness of heart, an upright intention, consistency between what one says and what one does, etc.
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Thoughts and Counsels - August 28
If you can not mortify your body by actual penance, abstain at least from some lawful pleasure.
-St. Alphonsus
_________________________
From Mary, Help of Christians
Part VI, Thoughts and Counsels of the Saints for Every Day of the Year
Compiled by Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, OFM (© 1909, Benziger Brothers)
-St. Alphonsus
_________________________
From Mary, Help of Christians
Part VI, Thoughts and Counsels of the Saints for Every Day of the Year
Compiled by Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, OFM (© 1909, Benziger Brothers)
Meditation for August 28, Singing
We do not sufficiently develop Christian joy. If we would esteem at their true value the divine riches with which we are loaded, we would exult with perpetual happiness; it would be difficult to stop singing, to refrain from offering up an incessant Alleluia.
We are so often dull, weighed down, languishing, and groaning on our way!
Because he penetrated more deeply than anyone the supernatural splendors with which the human soul is filled by God, St. Augustine used to interrupt his doctrinal explanations from time to time, in order to invite his audience to intone the Te Deum with him.
"Let my life be a mass," someone said once, "but let it be a Missa Cantata - a sung mass." Splendid Ideal!
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
We are so often dull, weighed down, languishing, and groaning on our way!
Because he penetrated more deeply than anyone the supernatural splendors with which the human soul is filled by God, St. Augustine used to interrupt his doctrinal explanations from time to time, in order to invite his audience to intone the Te Deum with him.
Sing ye to God, sing a psalm to his name, and make a way for him who ascendeth upon the west: The Lord is his name. Rejoice ye before Him. . . .Our greatness certainly does not come from ourselves, it comes from what we do in union with Christ. If we were to say that we are holy through our own strength, that would be folly, but as members of Christ, we are holy; if we were to say that we are not holy that would be ingratitude. . . . It would be equivalent to saying that the members of such a Head are not saints. Have joy, but joy in complete humility, and in the realization of our magnificent responsibility as members of Christ.
Sing ye to God, ye kingdoms of the earth; sing ye to the Lord: Sing ye to God who mounteth the heaven of heavens, to the east. (Ps. 67, 33-34.)
"Let my life be a mass," someone said once, "but let it be a Missa Cantata - a sung mass." Splendid Ideal!
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
Gospel for Aug 27, Memorial: St Monica
Monday, 21st Week in Ordinary Time
From: Matthew 23:13-22
Jesus Indicts the Scribes and Pharisees
(Jesus said to the scribes and Pharisees,) [13] "But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you shut the Kingdom of Heaven against men; for you neither enter yourselves, nor allow those who would enter to go in. [15] Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you traverse sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of Hell as yourselves.
[16] "Woe to you, blind guides, who say, `If any one swears by the temple, it is nothing; but if any one swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.' [17] You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred? [18] And you say, `If any one swears by the altar, it is nothing; but if one swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.' [19] You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? [20] So he who swears by the altar, swears by it and everything on it; [21] and he who swears by the temple, swears by it and by him who dwells in it; [22] and he who swears by Heaven, swears by the throne of God and by Him who sits upon it."
______________________________
Commentary:
13. Here comes our Lord's invective against the behavior of the scribes and Pharisees: His "woes" condemn their past conduct and threaten them with punishment if they do not repent and mend their ways.
14. As RSV points out, "other authorities add here (or after verse 12) verse 14, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows' houses and for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you will receive greater condemnation." Our Lord is not reproaching them for praying long prayers but for their hypocrisy and cupidity. By going in for a lot of external religious practices, the Pharisees wanted to be recognized as devout men and then trade on that reputation particularly with vulnerable people. Widows, for example, would ask them to say prayers; the Pharisees in turn would ask for alms. What Jesus means here is that prayer should always come from an upright heart and a generous spirit.
15. "Proselyte": a pagan convert to Judaism. The root of the word means "he who comes", he who--coming from idolatry--joins the chosen people in response to a calling from God. The Pharisees spared no effort to gain converts. Our Lord reproaches them not for this, but because they were concerned only about human success, their motivation being vainglory.
The sad thing about these proselytes was that, after receiving the light of Old Testament revelation, they remained under the influence of scribes and Pharisees, who passed on to them their own narrow outlook.
22. Our Lord's teaching about taking oaths is given in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:33-37). Jesus does away with the nitpicking casuistry of the Pharisees by focusing directly on the uprightness of the intention of the oath-taker and by stressing the respect due to God's majesty and dignity. What Jesus wants is a pure heart, with no element of deceit.
Our Lord particularly reproves any tendency to undermine the content of an oath, as the Doctors of the Law tended to do, thereby failing to respect holy things and especially the holy name of God. He therefore draws attention to the commandment of the Law which says, `You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain" (Exodus 20:7; Leviticus 19:12; Deuteronomy 5:11).
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
From: Matthew 23:13-22
Jesus Indicts the Scribes and Pharisees
(Jesus said to the scribes and Pharisees,) [13] "But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you shut the Kingdom of Heaven against men; for you neither enter yourselves, nor allow those who would enter to go in. [15] Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you traverse sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of Hell as yourselves.
[16] "Woe to you, blind guides, who say, `If any one swears by the temple, it is nothing; but if any one swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.' [17] You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred? [18] And you say, `If any one swears by the altar, it is nothing; but if one swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.' [19] You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? [20] So he who swears by the altar, swears by it and everything on it; [21] and he who swears by the temple, swears by it and by him who dwells in it; [22] and he who swears by Heaven, swears by the throne of God and by Him who sits upon it."
______________________________
Commentary:
13. Here comes our Lord's invective against the behavior of the scribes and Pharisees: His "woes" condemn their past conduct and threaten them with punishment if they do not repent and mend their ways.
14. As RSV points out, "other authorities add here (or after verse 12) verse 14, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows' houses and for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you will receive greater condemnation." Our Lord is not reproaching them for praying long prayers but for their hypocrisy and cupidity. By going in for a lot of external religious practices, the Pharisees wanted to be recognized as devout men and then trade on that reputation particularly with vulnerable people. Widows, for example, would ask them to say prayers; the Pharisees in turn would ask for alms. What Jesus means here is that prayer should always come from an upright heart and a generous spirit.
15. "Proselyte": a pagan convert to Judaism. The root of the word means "he who comes", he who--coming from idolatry--joins the chosen people in response to a calling from God. The Pharisees spared no effort to gain converts. Our Lord reproaches them not for this, but because they were concerned only about human success, their motivation being vainglory.
The sad thing about these proselytes was that, after receiving the light of Old Testament revelation, they remained under the influence of scribes and Pharisees, who passed on to them their own narrow outlook.
22. Our Lord's teaching about taking oaths is given in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:33-37). Jesus does away with the nitpicking casuistry of the Pharisees by focusing directly on the uprightness of the intention of the oath-taker and by stressing the respect due to God's majesty and dignity. What Jesus wants is a pure heart, with no element of deceit.
Our Lord particularly reproves any tendency to undermine the content of an oath, as the Doctors of the Law tended to do, thereby failing to respect holy things and especially the holy name of God. He therefore draws attention to the commandment of the Law which says, `You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain" (Exodus 20:7; Leviticus 19:12; Deuteronomy 5:11).
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Thoughts and Counsels - August 27
All that God gives us and all that He permits in this world have no other end than to sanctify us in Him.
-St. Catherine of Siena
_________________________
From Mary, Help of Christians
Part VI, Thoughts and Counsels of the Saints for Every Day of the Year
Compiled by Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, OFM (© 1909, Benziger Brothers)
-St. Catherine of Siena
_________________________
From Mary, Help of Christians
Part VI, Thoughts and Counsels of the Saints for Every Day of the Year
Compiled by Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, OFM (© 1909, Benziger Brothers)
Meditation for August 27, Canvassing Offices
In general, those who are really made for the superiorship do not desire such official and ornamental offices at all. They know the value of things and recognize nothing as nothing, and that men, however great or insignificant they may be, are only vain and valueless. Besides, as a general rule, they do not even dream that others might think of them, so far are they from losing time in these trivialities.
Certainly not with any intention of discrediting a member of the priesthood, for she understood too well the dignity of the priest, but merely to avoid wounding her daughters by using an example taken from their circle, St. Theresa cited the example of a member of the clergy of her time. He was certainly very zealous but was not exempt from vanity; he was, besides, an orator of merit.
If I find it so petty on the part of others to seek an office, ought I not begin first of all to rid myself of the least leaning toward vanity that I might inwardly experience? In whatever state I may be, I will not aspire to honors, and I will accomplish well the duties of my own station, in order to make the burden of office easy for the superiors on whom I depend.
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
Certainly not with any intention of discrediting a member of the priesthood, for she understood too well the dignity of the priest, but merely to avoid wounding her daughters by using an example taken from their circle, St. Theresa cited the example of a member of the clergy of her time. He was certainly very zealous but was not exempt from vanity; he was, besides, an orator of merit.
"He preaches with the intention of making himself useful to souls, but he has not renounced entirely certain human advantages; he is not free, before his audience, of a certain desire to please those who will be able to give him homage and renown: let us say rather that he is angling for a canonry."The evil was not great and St. Theresa must have said it all with a playfulness that made the trait seem very trifling.
If I find it so petty on the part of others to seek an office, ought I not begin first of all to rid myself of the least leaning toward vanity that I might inwardly experience? In whatever state I may be, I will not aspire to honors, and I will accomplish well the duties of my own station, in order to make the burden of office easy for the superiors on whom I depend.
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
Gospel for the 21th Sunday in Ordinary Time
From: Luke 13:22-30
The Narrow Gate
[22] He (Jesus) went on his way through towns and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. [23] And some one said to him, "Lord, will those who are saved be few?" And he said to them, [24] "Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. [25] When once the householder has risen up and shut the door, you will begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, open to us.' He will answer you, 'I do not know where you are from.' [26] Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.' [27] But he will say, 'I tell you, I do not know where you come from; depart from me, all you workers of iniquity!" [28] There you will weep and gnash your teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves thrust out. [29] And men will come from east and west, and from north and south, and sit at table in the kingdom of God. [30] And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last."
____________________
Commentary:
23-24. Everyone is called to form part of the Kingdom of God, for he "desires all men to be saved" (1 Tim 2:4). "Those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart and, moved by grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience: those too may achieve eternal salvation. Nor shall divine providence deny the assistance necessary for salvation to those who, without any fault of theirs, have not yet arrived at an explicit knowledge of God, and who, not without grace, strive to lead a good life. Whatever good or truth is found among them is considered by the Church to be a preparation for the Gospel and given by him who enlightens all men that they may at length have life" (Vatican II, "Lumen Gentium", 16).
Certainly, only those who make a serious effort can reach the goal of salvation (cf. Lk 16:16; Mt 11:12). Our Lord tells us so by using the simile of the narrow gate. "A Christian's struggle must be unceasing, for interior life consists in beginning and beginning again. This prevents us from proudly thinking that we are perfect already. It is inevitable that we should meet difficulties on our way. If we did not come up against obstacles, we would not be creatures of flesh and blood. We will always have passions that pull us downwards; we will always have to defend ourselves against more or less self-defeating urges" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 75).
25-28. As at other times, Jesus describes eternal life by using the example of a banquet (cf., e.g., Lk 12:35ff; 14:15). Knowing the Lord and listening to his preaching is not enough for getting to heaven; what God judges is how we respond to the grace he gives us: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven" (Mt 7:21).
29-30. Generally speaking, the Jewish people regarded themselves as the sole beneficiaries of the messianic promises made by the prophets; but Jesus proclaims that salvation is open to everyone. The only condition he lays down is that men freely respond to God's merciful call. When Christ died on the cross the veil of the temple was torn in two (Lk 23:45 and par.), a sign of the end of the distinction between Jews and Gentiles. St Paul teaches: "For he [Christ] is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall [...] that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an end" (Eph 2:14-16). Therefore, "all men are called to belong to the new people of God. This people therefore, whilst remaining one and only one, is to be spread throughout the whole world and to all ages in order that the design of God's will may be fulfilled: he made human nature one in the beginning and has decreed that all his children who were scattered should be finally gathered together as one" (Vatican II, "Lumen Gentium", 13).
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
The Narrow Gate
[22] He (Jesus) went on his way through towns and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. [23] And some one said to him, "Lord, will those who are saved be few?" And he said to them, [24] "Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. [25] When once the householder has risen up and shut the door, you will begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, open to us.' He will answer you, 'I do not know where you are from.' [26] Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.' [27] But he will say, 'I tell you, I do not know where you come from; depart from me, all you workers of iniquity!" [28] There you will weep and gnash your teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves thrust out. [29] And men will come from east and west, and from north and south, and sit at table in the kingdom of God. [30] And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last."
____________________
Commentary:
23-24. Everyone is called to form part of the Kingdom of God, for he "desires all men to be saved" (1 Tim 2:4). "Those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart and, moved by grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience: those too may achieve eternal salvation. Nor shall divine providence deny the assistance necessary for salvation to those who, without any fault of theirs, have not yet arrived at an explicit knowledge of God, and who, not without grace, strive to lead a good life. Whatever good or truth is found among them is considered by the Church to be a preparation for the Gospel and given by him who enlightens all men that they may at length have life" (Vatican II, "Lumen Gentium", 16).
Certainly, only those who make a serious effort can reach the goal of salvation (cf. Lk 16:16; Mt 11:12). Our Lord tells us so by using the simile of the narrow gate. "A Christian's struggle must be unceasing, for interior life consists in beginning and beginning again. This prevents us from proudly thinking that we are perfect already. It is inevitable that we should meet difficulties on our way. If we did not come up against obstacles, we would not be creatures of flesh and blood. We will always have passions that pull us downwards; we will always have to defend ourselves against more or less self-defeating urges" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 75).
25-28. As at other times, Jesus describes eternal life by using the example of a banquet (cf., e.g., Lk 12:35ff; 14:15). Knowing the Lord and listening to his preaching is not enough for getting to heaven; what God judges is how we respond to the grace he gives us: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven" (Mt 7:21).
29-30. Generally speaking, the Jewish people regarded themselves as the sole beneficiaries of the messianic promises made by the prophets; but Jesus proclaims that salvation is open to everyone. The only condition he lays down is that men freely respond to God's merciful call. When Christ died on the cross the veil of the temple was torn in two (Lk 23:45 and par.), a sign of the end of the distinction between Jews and Gentiles. St Paul teaches: "For he [Christ] is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall [...] that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an end" (Eph 2:14-16). Therefore, "all men are called to belong to the new people of God. This people therefore, whilst remaining one and only one, is to be spread throughout the whole world and to all ages in order that the design of God's will may be fulfilled: he made human nature one in the beginning and has decreed that all his children who were scattered should be finally gathered together as one" (Vatican II, "Lumen Gentium", 13).
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.