God has so disposed things, that we may learn to bear one another's burdens; for there is no man without defect; no man without his burden; no man sufficient for himself; no man wise enough for himself; but we must support one another, comfort one another, assist, instruct, and admonish one another.
-Bk. I, ch. xvi.
_____________
Imperfect souls are usually left alone; one keeps within the bounds of religious politeness, but one avoids their company from fear of offending them. When I speak of imperfect souls, I do not mean spiritual imperfections - for even the holiest will not be perfect until they reach Heaven - I am referring to lack of judgement or education, to the touchiness of certain characters, all those things which make life so unpleasant for others.
I know that these defects are incurable, but if I were ill for years, my Mother would not for that reason give up nursing me. I have therefore come to this conclusion: I ought to seek the company of those Sisters who please me least, and be a good Samaritan to them.
Very often a kind look or a smile is all that is needed to cheer one who is sore and sad at heart. I must not, however, do this simply out of a desire to console others, for I would soon get discouraged, as a word said with the best intentions can so easily be taken up wrongly.
I will try to do it solely to please Our Lord and obey His injunction in the Gospel: When thou makest a dinner, call not thy friends, nor thy kinsmen, nor thy neighbours who are rich; lest perhaps they also invite thee again, and a recompense be made to thee.
But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, and the blind; and thou shalt be blessed, because they have not wherewith to make thee recompense: for recompense shall be made thee at the resurrection of the
just (Luke xiv, 12-14).
-The Story of a Soul (L'Histoire d'une Âme).
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Thoughts of St Augustine for October 5
AND if every system of teaching, however mean and easy, requires, in order to its being received, a teacher or master, what more full of rash pride, than, in the case of books of divine mysteries, both to be unwilling to learn from such as interpret them, and to wish to condemn them unlearned?
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day-October 5
Jesus, food of angels,
Monarch of the heart,
Oh, that I could never
From thy face depart.
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
Monarch of the heart,
Oh, that I could never
From thy face depart.
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
Oct 11-The America Needs Fatima Public Square Rosary Crusade
Join the 2008 Public Square Rosary Crusade
And from St Francis de Sales in St Louis:
America Needs Fatima is spiritually countering same-gender “marriage,” abortionMore here.
and other immoral "customs" with its 2008 Rosary Rallies. Human efforts to solve America ’s problems are failing. We must turn to God for REAL solutions.
The goal is 3,000+ Rosary Rallies in the Public Square. The event is set for 12 noon on October 11, the Saturday closest to October 13, the day of the Fatima Miracle of the Sun in 1917. To prepare for these rallies, which are peaceful small gatherings of people in local communities who pray the rosary, ANF is looking for volunteer Rally Captains. Each Captain organizes friends and other members of their communities. America Needs Fatima provides support materials and special prayer banners for each of the 3,000 different communities.
And from St Francis de Sales in St Louis:
This coming Saturday October 11th at 12 o'clock noon Rain or Shine near the front entrance of St. Francis de Sales Oratory
Could it be that public sins require public reparation?
Public Rosaries in History that God answered:
1. Lepanto
2. At the end of WWII Communist troops occupied Vienna, Austria. They refused to leave. Yet after massive public Rosary processions, the Communist invaders left.
3. Large scale public Rosaries were likewise credited for foiling a Communist takeover in Brazil in 1964.
If the Rosary saved these countries it can save America!
"The Rosary will be a very powerful armor against hell: it will destroy vice, deliver from sin and dispel heresy."The campaign at St. Francis de Sales will be one of almost 3,500 rosary campaigns across our country. Your generous participation in this historic campaign will hasten God's victory, attract blessings on America, and surely strengthen every participant!
---Our Lady to St. Dominic
Please spread the word and forward this email to your friends, neighbors and family.
For directions or questions please call;
Mrs. Anne Zivnuska 314-997-3307, or
Mr. Mark Serafino 573-459-5531
Friday, October 03, 2008
Gospel for Oct 4, Memorial: St Francis of Assisi, religious
Old Calendar: St. Francis of Assisi, confessor
From: Luke 10:17-24
The Seventy Return From Their Mission
[17] The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name!" [18] And He (Jesus) said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from Heaven. [19] Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. [20] Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in Heaven."
Jesus Gives Thanks
[21] In that same hour He rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I thank Thee, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yea, Father, for such was Thy gracious will. [22] All things have been delivered to Me by My Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him."
[23] Then turning to the disciples He said privately, "Blessed are the eyes which see what you see! [24] For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it."
________________________
Commentary:
20. Our Lord corrects His disciples, making them see that the right reason for rejoicing lies in hope of reaching Heaven, not in the power to do miracles which He gave them for their mission. As He said on another occasion, "On that day many will say to Me, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and cast our demons in Your name, and do many mighty works in Your name?' And then will I declare to them, `I never knew you; depart from Me, you evildoers'" (Matthew 7:22-23). In other words, in the eyes of God doing His holy will at all times is more important than working miracles.
21. This passage of the Gospel is usually called our Lord's "hymn of joy" and is also found in St. Matthew (11:25-27). It is one of those moments when Jesus rejoices to see humble people understanding and accepting the word of God.
Our Lord also reveals one of the effects of humility--spiritual childhood. For example, in another passage He says: "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven" (Matthew 18:3). But spiritual childhood does not involve weakness, softness or ignorance: "I have often meditated on this life of spiritual childhood, which is not incompatible with fortitude, because it demands a strong will, proven maturity, an open and firm character [...]. To become children we must renounce our pride and self-sufficiency, recognizing that we can do nothing by ourselves. We must realize that we need grace, and the help of God our Father to find our way and keep it. To be little, you have to abandon yourself as children do, believe as children, beg as children beg" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 10 and 143).
22. "This statement is a wonderful help to our faith," St. Ambrose comments, "because when you read `all' you realize that Christ is all-powerful, that He is not inferior to the Father, or less perfect than He; when you read `have been delivered to me', you confess that Christ is the Son, to whom everything belongs by right of being one in substance [with the Father] and not by grace of gift" ("Expositio Evangelii Sec. Lucam, in loc.").
Here we see Christ as almighty Lord and God, consubstantial with the Father, and the only one capable of revealing who the Father is. At the same time, we can recognize the divine nature of Jesus only if the Father gives us the grace of faith--as He did to St. Peter (cf. Matthew 16:17).
23-24. Obviously, seeing Jesus with one's own eyes was a wonderful thing for people who believed in him. However, our Lord will say to Thomas, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe" (John 20:29). St. Peter, for his part, tells us: "Without having seen Him you love Him; though you do not see Him you believe in Him and rejoice with unutterable and exalted joy. As the outcome of your faith you obtain the salvation of your souls" (1 Peter 1:8-9).
___________________________
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: Luke 10:17-24
The Seventy Return From Their Mission
[17] The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name!" [18] And He (Jesus) said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from Heaven. [19] Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. [20] Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in Heaven."
Jesus Gives Thanks
[21] In that same hour He rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I thank Thee, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yea, Father, for such was Thy gracious will. [22] All things have been delivered to Me by My Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him."
[23] Then turning to the disciples He said privately, "Blessed are the eyes which see what you see! [24] For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it."
________________________
Commentary:
20. Our Lord corrects His disciples, making them see that the right reason for rejoicing lies in hope of reaching Heaven, not in the power to do miracles which He gave them for their mission. As He said on another occasion, "On that day many will say to Me, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and cast our demons in Your name, and do many mighty works in Your name?' And then will I declare to them, `I never knew you; depart from Me, you evildoers'" (Matthew 7:22-23). In other words, in the eyes of God doing His holy will at all times is more important than working miracles.
21. This passage of the Gospel is usually called our Lord's "hymn of joy" and is also found in St. Matthew (11:25-27). It is one of those moments when Jesus rejoices to see humble people understanding and accepting the word of God.
Our Lord also reveals one of the effects of humility--spiritual childhood. For example, in another passage He says: "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven" (Matthew 18:3). But spiritual childhood does not involve weakness, softness or ignorance: "I have often meditated on this life of spiritual childhood, which is not incompatible with fortitude, because it demands a strong will, proven maturity, an open and firm character [...]. To become children we must renounce our pride and self-sufficiency, recognizing that we can do nothing by ourselves. We must realize that we need grace, and the help of God our Father to find our way and keep it. To be little, you have to abandon yourself as children do, believe as children, beg as children beg" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 10 and 143).
22. "This statement is a wonderful help to our faith," St. Ambrose comments, "because when you read `all' you realize that Christ is all-powerful, that He is not inferior to the Father, or less perfect than He; when you read `have been delivered to me', you confess that Christ is the Son, to whom everything belongs by right of being one in substance [with the Father] and not by grace of gift" ("Expositio Evangelii Sec. Lucam, in loc.").
Here we see Christ as almighty Lord and God, consubstantial with the Father, and the only one capable of revealing who the Father is. At the same time, we can recognize the divine nature of Jesus only if the Father gives us the grace of faith--as He did to St. Peter (cf. Matthew 16:17).
23-24. Obviously, seeing Jesus with one's own eyes was a wonderful thing for people who believed in him. However, our Lord will say to Thomas, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe" (John 20:29). St. Peter, for his part, tells us: "Without having seen Him you love Him; though you do not see Him you believe in Him and rejoice with unutterable and exalted joy. As the outcome of your faith you obtain the salvation of your souls" (1 Peter 1:8-9).
___________________________
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.
FSU Students Challenge "Catholics for Obama" Sisters, Priests
Great work by some students at Franciscan University students as reported by Deal Hudson here.
The soon-to-be history "Sisters of Mercy" hosted this event to espouse positions which are, bluntly, heretical. In addition, a wayward, lost, and presumably Catholic priest encouraged those in attendance to call the IRD on priests who spoke out about the primary issue of abortion as the gravest issue of our time.
We can only ask when the bishop will correct these sowers of heresy and scandal?
The "sister" (a lapsed Catholic or an apostate, no doubt), avoided calling on Franciscan students who wanted to ask questions - another indication of the suppression of truth and authentic "choice" such culture of death advocates wish to impose on others, when their irrational and indefensible positions are questioned. But some were able to elude the "sister's" discrimination:
One was able to ask about Obama's supporting infanticide while he was an Illinois senator...
Let us keep these courageous students from Franciscan University in our prayers - they represent the future leaders of a much needed lay involvement of promoting the teachings of the Church - the truth and the natural moral law. Pray also for all those who claim to be Catholic, but have been deceived because of ignorance or who willfully follow the enemies of Christ.
Full story here.
The soon-to-be history "Sisters of Mercy" hosted this event to espouse positions which are, bluntly, heretical. In addition, a wayward, lost, and presumably Catholic priest encouraged those in attendance to call the IRD on priests who spoke out about the primary issue of abortion as the gravest issue of our time.
We can only ask when the bishop will correct these sowers of heresy and scandal?
Last evening at Carlow University in Pittsburg, the Sisters of Mercy hosted a Catholics for Obama event. I received a call from someone who attended the event who told me the “high point was when a Catholic priest urged everyone in the crowd to report any priest to the IRS and to the diocese of Pittsburgh who preaches from the pulpit that you must vote based on one issue....”Thanks be to God that these students had the grace and courage to enter Satan's den to speak the truth.
Thirteen Franciscan University Students attended the event from the Students for Life and the College Republicans...The purpose of their attendance was to ask thought provoking questions and to evangelize to the attendees at the event.
A paper was supposed to be delivered by Prof. Nicholas Cafardi, a professor of Law at Duquesne University. Dr. Cafardi cancelled his appearance at the event, but one of the Sisters of Mercy read his paper...Some may recall that Cafardi is the second high-profile Catholic jurist to endorse Obama, following the confused Doug Kmiec, whose has attempted to rationalize the murder of innocent children in support of Barry Sotero, AKA B. Hussein Obama.
Cafardi’s paper began, “I believe that abortion is an unspeakable evil....I support Obama in spite of the fact that he is pro-abortion.” He referenced the Nov. 2007 USCCB Faithful Citizenship, particularly sections 34, 35, and 42.Caeteria style....
Cafardi claimed, “We have lost the abortion battle, and I believe we have lost it completely.”Cafardi waves the white flag of surrender - the same flag as his heroes - Obama bin Biden.
After the talk, the sister opened it up to questions. At this point it became evident that at least half of the attendees to this event were pro-life McCain supporters.Deo Gratias! I'll bet the rebellious sisters and renegade priests were "thrilled."
The "sister" (a lapsed Catholic or an apostate, no doubt), avoided calling on Franciscan students who wanted to ask questions - another indication of the suppression of truth and authentic "choice" such culture of death advocates wish to impose on others, when their irrational and indefensible positions are questioned. But some were able to elude the "sister's" discrimination:
One was able to ask about Obama's supporting infanticide while he was an Illinois senator...
That clearly infuriated her, and she said that not only did Obama not support infanticide, but also that he [the student] was being brainwashed by propaganda.The facts are clear in this matter and the good "sister" refuses to accept the truth. She apparently prefers the darkness rather than the light. I think it's clear who has been "brainwashed" - as an Obamabot...
Let us keep these courageous students from Franciscan University in our prayers - they represent the future leaders of a much needed lay involvement of promoting the teachings of the Church - the truth and the natural moral law. Pray also for all those who claim to be Catholic, but have been deceived because of ignorance or who willfully follow the enemies of Christ.
Full story here.
Just for Today, October 4
The humble man God protects and delivers: the humble He loves and comforts: to the humble He inclines Himself: to the humble He gives grace, and after he has been depressed, raises him to glory.
-Bk. II, ch. ii.
_____________
Something had occurred which caused her pain, so in order to take her mind off the matter, she asked gently: "Would you read me some Saint's life? I need some food for my soul."
"Would you like the life of St Francis of Assisi? You would enjoy that, he speaks of flowers and birds."
"Not on that account," she replied gravely, "I want his example of humility."
-Novissima Verba.
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
-Bk. II, ch. ii.
_____________
Something had occurred which caused her pain, so in order to take her mind off the matter, she asked gently: "Would you read me some Saint's life? I need some food for my soul."
"Would you like the life of St Francis of Assisi? You would enjoy that, he speaks of flowers and birds."
"Not on that account," she replied gravely, "I want his example of humility."
-Novissima Verba.
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
Thoughts of St Augustine for October 4
BUT if both the outward form of all things which we must believe assuredly flows from some fountain of truest beauty, and some, I know not what, inward conscience exhorts, as it were, in public and in private, all the better order of minds to seek God and to serve God; we must not give up all hope that the same God himself hath appointed some Authority whereon, resting as on a sure step, we may be lifted up unto God.
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day-October 4
WHERE, indeed, did holy souls make their most beautiful resolutions, unless prostrate before the most Holy Sacrament? Who knows but that you also may one day, in the presence of the tabernacle, make the resolution to give yourself entirely to God?
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
News Updates, 10/3
"As a believing Hindu, I am ashamed..."
An authoritative disciple of Vivekananda breaks the general silence over the violence in India. And he comes to the defense of the Christians, accusing their attackers of betraying the spirit of Hinduism
“Totally unsuitable partner"
San Francisco Catholic Charities cutting ties with “gayest adoption agency in the country”
Indian bishops demand ban on hate groups
Anti-Christian violence continued in state of Orissa
New York bishops encourage Catholic voters
'View Politics through the Lens of Faith'
Catholic nuns on track to get big tax bill
High rise may not get free ride after all
Vietnam warns Catholics against mass protests
PM: good ties between state and church threatened
Nothing is sacred in Bill Maher's 'Religulous'
Humorist takes on 'the very idea of religion'
Financial crisis shows need for religion in politics
Vatican: When God is ignored, common good is ignored
Pope says laws against terrorism must be just
'Force of law should never be transformed into iniquity'
Christians foresee the occult at NY psychic fair
'There is certainly a Satanic element to new age religion'
Belfast power-sharing mired in deadlock
Protestant leaders defeat plans for all-Ireland summit
An authoritative disciple of Vivekananda breaks the general silence over the violence in India. And he comes to the defense of the Christians, accusing their attackers of betraying the spirit of Hinduism
“Totally unsuitable partner"
San Francisco Catholic Charities cutting ties with “gayest adoption agency in the country”
Indian bishops demand ban on hate groups
Anti-Christian violence continued in state of Orissa
New York bishops encourage Catholic voters
'View Politics through the Lens of Faith'
Catholic nuns on track to get big tax bill
High rise may not get free ride after all
Vietnam warns Catholics against mass protests
PM: good ties between state and church threatened
Nothing is sacred in Bill Maher's 'Religulous'
Humorist takes on 'the very idea of religion'
Financial crisis shows need for religion in politics
Vatican: When God is ignored, common good is ignored
Pope says laws against terrorism must be just
'Force of law should never be transformed into iniquity'
Christians foresee the occult at NY psychic fair
'There is certainly a Satanic element to new age religion'
Belfast power-sharing mired in deadlock
Protestant leaders defeat plans for all-Ireland summit
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Gospel for Friday, 26th Week In Ordinary Time
Old Calendar: St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, virgin
From: Luke 10:13-16
Jesus Condemns Cities For Their Unbelief
(Jesus said,) [13] "Woe to you, Chorazin! woe to you, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. [14] But it shall be more tolerable in the judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. [15] And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to Heaven? You shall be brought down to Hades.
[16] "He who hears you hears Me, and he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me."
_________________________
Commentary:
16. On the evening of the day of His resurrection, our Lord entrusts His Apostles with the mission received from the Father, endowing them with powers similar to His own (John 20:21). Some days later He will confer on Peter the primacy He had already promised him (John 21:15-17). The Pope is the successor of Peter, and the bishops the successor of the Apostles (cf. "Lumen Gentium", 20).
Therefore, "Bishops who teach in communion with the Roman Pontiff are to be revered by all as witnesses of divine and Catholic truth [...]. This loyal submission of the will and intellect must be given, in a special way, to the authentic teaching authority of the Roman Pontiff, even when he does not speak "ex cathedra" (Vatican II, "Lumen Gentium", 25).
___________________________
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: Luke 10:13-16
Jesus Condemns Cities For Their Unbelief
(Jesus said,) [13] "Woe to you, Chorazin! woe to you, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. [14] But it shall be more tolerable in the judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. [15] And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to Heaven? You shall be brought down to Hades.
[16] "He who hears you hears Me, and he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me."
_________________________
Commentary:
16. On the evening of the day of His resurrection, our Lord entrusts His Apostles with the mission received from the Father, endowing them with powers similar to His own (John 20:21). Some days later He will confer on Peter the primacy He had already promised him (John 21:15-17). The Pope is the successor of Peter, and the bishops the successor of the Apostles (cf. "Lumen Gentium", 20).
Therefore, "Bishops who teach in communion with the Roman Pontiff are to be revered by all as witnesses of divine and Catholic truth [...]. This loyal submission of the will and intellect must be given, in a special way, to the authentic teaching authority of the Roman Pontiff, even when he does not speak "ex cathedra" (Vatican II, "Lumen Gentium", 25).
___________________________
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.
Just for Today, For October 3
Far more noble is that learning which flows from above, from the divine influence, than that which with labour is acquired by the industry of man.
-Bk. III, ch. xxxi.
________________
I asked her what was the spiritual teaching she would impart to souls after her death:
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
-Bk. III, ch. xxxi.
________________
I asked her what was the spiritual teaching she would impart to souls after her death:
"It is the way of spiritual childhood, the way of trust and complete surrender. I will teach them the little practices I have found so successful, make them understand that there is only one thing to do here on earth: scatter the flowers of little sacrifices at Our Lord's feet; win Him by the tenderness of our love. That is how I won His Heart, and why I shall receive such a welcome."-Novissima Verba.
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
Thoughts of St Augustine for October 3
HE will put no end to everlasting felicity, who giveth temporal patience unto the will; because both the one and the other is of him bestowed as a gift upon Charity, whose gift that Charity is also.
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day-October 3
EVEN the old, the most decrepit, and the most sickly, flatter themselves that they will live three or four years longer. I say that of all who have gone to the other wor1d during the present year, not one imagined that he would die and end his days this year.
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
New York Catholic Bishops: Make Pro-Life Issues First Priority When Voting
Albany, NY (LifeNews.com) -- The Catholic bishops of New York have released a new statement urging voters to make pro-life issues their first priority when voting.No other issue takes priority - thank God that more bishops are speaking out!
They say the destruction of 50 million children and the injury of countless millions of women eclipses any other political issue.
Edward Cardinal Egan and the Catholic Bishops of New York issued the appeal in statement entitled Our Cherished Right, Our Solemn Duty.
The bishops warn against voting solely out of party loyalty or self interest and say voters should be guided by the pro-life teachings of the Catholic Church.
While noting that there are many issues of great importance facing the country, the protection of human life rises above all other issues, the bishops said....
Full story at LifeNews.com
Is the "fix" in?
Cheating, lying, morally reprehensible behavior...all part of the marxist takeover...
What a farce this whole election is? I'm thoroughly disgusted with the government's failure to ensure this Muslim apostate has yet to proved that he is constitutionally qualified to run - is he a naturally born citizen?
May God have mercy on us and on the people of this country.
An auditor for the Federal Election Commission is attempting to have his bosses seek a formal investigation into the collection by the Obama for President campaign of more than $200 million in potentially illegal political donations, including millions of dollars of illegal, foreign donations, and has sought a request for assistance from the Department of Justice or Federal Bureau of Investigation.Where is the DOJ or the FBI?
But the analyst's requests have largely been ignored. "I can't get anyone to move. I believe we are looking at a hijacking of our political system that makes the Clinton and Gore fundraising scandals pale in comparison. And no one here wants to touch it."
One reasons cited by his superiors, says the analyst, is that involvement by the Justice Department or FBI would be indicative of a criminal investigation, something the FEC would prefer not take place a month before the presidential election...That's right, sweep it under the rug and maybe everyone will forget it - or, everyone will be forced to accept it as "divine providence" enacted by "The One". A failure to accept it will mean a forced trip to Camp Obama for a bit od re-education...
What a farce this whole election is? I'm thoroughly disgusted with the government's failure to ensure this Muslim apostate has yet to proved that he is constitutionally qualified to run - is he a naturally born citizen?
May God have mercy on us and on the people of this country.
News Updates, 10/2
Pro-Life Catholic Leader Says Nicholas Cafardi Wrong on Obama, Abortion
Cafardi says that he believes abortion is an "unspeakable evil" yet he supports Obama, who has pledged to keep abortion legal another 35 years - Fr Frank Pavone refutes this idiocy.
No Harvey Milk Day
Governor vetoes bill naming homosexual activist’s birthday as ‘day of special significance’
Minnesota prof endorses Eucharistic desecrations
Bragged that he pierced a Host with a rusty nail
Six Flags asks workers not to wear shorts on Muslim Day
Supervisors asked employees to wear pants Saturday to cover their legs despite the unusually high heat
Faithful see Virgin in Mass. hospital window
Hundreds have gathered to pray, weep and chant outside
World Youth Day pilgrims on expired visas
Some 'still partying' and other seeking asylum
Priest jailed for abusing school boys
Never suspected because he was so well-liked
School district changes policy on rosaries
Student protested ban on beads thought to be gang symbol
McCain leads Obama among Ohio Catholics 51 to 43
Key voters in the key swing state veer to the right
French Muslims find refuge in Catholic schools
Due to greater freedom to practice their faith there
Pope to lead stars in Bible-reading marathon
Italians plan non-stop, seven-day televised program
Martin Sheen ad opposes assisted-suicide
Aimed at proposed legislation in Washington state
Cafardi says that he believes abortion is an "unspeakable evil" yet he supports Obama, who has pledged to keep abortion legal another 35 years - Fr Frank Pavone refutes this idiocy.
No Harvey Milk Day
Governor vetoes bill naming homosexual activist’s birthday as ‘day of special significance’
Minnesota prof endorses Eucharistic desecrations
Bragged that he pierced a Host with a rusty nail
Six Flags asks workers not to wear shorts on Muslim Day
Supervisors asked employees to wear pants Saturday to cover their legs despite the unusually high heat
Faithful see Virgin in Mass. hospital window
Hundreds have gathered to pray, weep and chant outside
World Youth Day pilgrims on expired visas
Some 'still partying' and other seeking asylum
Priest jailed for abusing school boys
Never suspected because he was so well-liked
School district changes policy on rosaries
Student protested ban on beads thought to be gang symbol
McCain leads Obama among Ohio Catholics 51 to 43
Key voters in the key swing state veer to the right
French Muslims find refuge in Catholic schools
Due to greater freedom to practice their faith there
Pope to lead stars in Bible-reading marathon
Italians plan non-stop, seven-day televised program
Martin Sheen ad opposes assisted-suicide
Aimed at proposed legislation in Washington state
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Gospel for Oct 2, Memorial: The Guardian Angels
Old Calendar: The Holy Guardian Angels From: Matthew 18:1-5, 10
The "Little Ones" and the Kingdom. The Lost Sheep
[1] At that time, the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?" [2] And calling to Him a child, He put him in the midst of them, [3] and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven. [4] Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
[5] "Whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me.
[10] "See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in Heaven their angels always behold the face of My Father who is in Heaven.
_______________________
Commentary:
1-35. The teachings of Jesus recorded in chapter 18 of St. Matthew are often called the "discourse on the Church" or "ecclesiastical discourse" because they are a series of instructions on the way in which His Church is to be administered.
The first passage (Matthew 18:1-5), addressed to leaders, that is, the future hierarchy of the Church, warns them against natural tendencies to pride and ambition: even though they have positions of government, they must act with humility. In verses 6-10 Jesus emphasizes the fatherly care which pastors of the Church should have for the "little ones"--a term which covers everyone in need of special care for whatever reason (because they are recent converts, or are not well grounded in Church teaching, or are not yet adults, etc.)... God takes special care of the weak and will punish those who harm them.
Our Lord shows similar concern for those who are experiencing spiritual difficulties. Every effort, even an heroic effort, must be made to seek out the "lost sheep" (verses 12-14). If the Church in general and each Christian in particular should be concerned to spread the Gospel, all the more reason for them to try and see that those who already embraced the faith do not go astray...
Thus, the whole of Chapter 18, the "discourse of the Church", is a survey of the future history of the Church during its earthly stage, and a series of practical rules for conduct for Christians--a kind of complement to the Sermon on the Mount, (Chapters 5-7), which is a "magna carta" for the new Kingdom established by Christ.
1-6. Clearly the disciples still suffer from human ambition: they want to occupy key positions when Jesus comes to establish the Kingdom on earth (cf. Acts 1:6). To correct their pride, our Lord shows them a child and tells them that if they want to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, they must decide to be like children: children are incapable of hating anyone and are totally innocent of vice, particularly of pride, the worst vice of all. They are simple and full of trust.
Humility is one of the main pillars of the Christian life. "If you ask me", St. Augustine says, "what is the essential thing in the religion and discipline of Jesus Christ, I shall reply: first humility, second humility and third humility" ("Letter 118").
3-4. Applying these words to our Lord's virtues, Fray Luis de Granada makes the point that humility is superior to virginity: "If you cannot imitate the virginity of the humble, then imitate the humility of the virgin. Virginity is praiseworthy, but humility is more necessary. The former is recommended to us, the latter is an obligation for us; to the former we are invited, to the latter we are obliged [...]. And so we see that the former is celebrated as voluntary sacrifice, the latter required as an obligatory sacrifice. Lastly, you can be saved without virginity, but not without humility" ("Summa De La Vida Cristiana", Book 3, Part 2, Chapter 10).
5. Receiving a child in Jesus' name is the same as receiving Jesus Himself. Because children reflect the innocence, purity, simplicity and tenderness of our Lord, "In children and in the sick a soul in love sees Him" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 419).
10. Jesus warns that giving scandal to little children is a very serious matter, for they have angels who guard them, who will plead a case before God against those who led them to commit sin.
In this context He speaks of children having guardian angels. However, everyone, adult or child, has a guardian angel. "By God's providence angels have been entrusted with the office of guarding the human race and of accompanying every human being so as to preserve him from any serious dangers [...]. Our Heavenly Father has placed over each of us an angel under whose protection and vigilance we are" ("St. Pius V Catechism", IV, 9, 4).
This means that we should have a trusting relationship with our guardian angel. "Have confidence in your guardian Angel. Treat him as a lifelong friend--that is what he is--and he will render you a thousand services in the ordinary affairs of each day" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 562).
___________________________
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.
It's that time of the year - for Nuts!
New Web Site Falsely Claims Barack Obama Pro-Life on Abortion, Ignores RecordFull story at LifeNews.com
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- A new web site by the Matthew 25 Network, a Democratic political action committee supporting Barack Obama, falsely calls Barack Obama pro-life.
The "Pro-Life, Pro-Obama" web site features a list of what Obama would do as president and almost completely ignores abortion."An Obama administration will do more than a McCain administration for the cause of life, by drastically reducing abortions through giving women and families the support and the tools they need to choose life,"the web site claims.
The web site features a host of votes Obama cast and initiatives the pro-abortion candidate supports to help pregnant women. They range from paid maternity leave and sick leave to affordable daycare to supporting expanded health care.
However, discussion of key legislation that directly affects abortion, and has resulted in their reduction, is conspicuously absent. There is no mention of Obama's position favor of keeping Roe v. Wade legal, which has resulted in 50 million abortions over the last 35 years.
There is no mention of his votes against bills in the Illinois legislature to provide medical care for infants who survive botched abortions.
The site fails to mention his support of the so-called Freedom of Choice Act, a bill that would make unlimited abortions throughout pregnancy the national law and overturn every pro-life law in all 50 states, including bans on tax-funded abortions and partial-birth abortions.
Indeed, it's season for nuts, and I loathe having to pick up walnuts which have strted following nature's laws! Even more, I loathe outright lies and intentional acts of deception from groups such as this - but, considering our nation's immorality and decadence, is it not to be expected? Are we not reaping what Satan has tempted us to sow?
Just for Today, October 2
O that this day would shine upon us, and all those temporal things come to an end!...Blessed is the man who for Thee, O Lord, lets go all things created; who offers violence to his nature, and through fervour of spirit crucifies the lusts of the flesh; that so, his conscience being cleared up, he may offer to Thee pure choirs of angels, having shut out all things of the earth both from without and within.
-Bk. III, ch. xlviii.
____________
Dear Angel, given by God to be
My brother and my friend,
Beneath the shadow of your wings
May I reach journey's end.
I too shall sing, when breaks the dawn,
-Eternity's bright day-
With angel choirs the song of praise
You taught me in the way.
-Poems.
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
-Bk. III, ch. xlviii.
____________
Dear Angel, given by God to be
My brother and my friend,
Beneath the shadow of your wings
May I reach journey's end.
I too shall sing, when breaks the dawn,
-Eternity's bright day-
With angel choirs the song of praise
You taught me in the way.
-Poems.
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
Thoughts of St Augustine for October 2
THE holy Angels are at one with us even now, when our sins are remitted. Wherefore, after mention of the holy Church, is placed in the order of confession the remission of sins. For by this the Church which is in earth standeth; by this that is not lost, which had been lost and has been found.
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day-October 2
(Feast of Guardian Angels)
WE ought to have great confidence in the assistance of our good angels. God's love for us was not satisfied with giving us his Son Jesus for our Redeemer, and Mary for our advocate. He has been pleased to give us also his angels to be our guardians, and has commanded them to assist us during the course of our lives.
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
WE ought to have great confidence in the assistance of our good angels. God's love for us was not satisfied with giving us his Son Jesus for our Redeemer, and Mary for our advocate. He has been pleased to give us also his angels to be our guardians, and has commanded them to assist us during the course of our lives.
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
News Updates, 10/1
Benedict XVI Has a Father, Romano Guardini
He was the guide of the young Ratzinger, who has not ceased to draw inspiration from his thought. Forty years after the death of the great Italian-German intellectual, an analysis of his influence on the current pope
“Free speech on Tuesdays and Thursdays”
Yuba College threatens to expel student for proselytizing without a permit
Barack Obama Under Fire for Very Negative Radio Ads on McCain on Abortion
Even some of Obama's own supporters are questioning it
Another Catholic Law Prof Endorses Barack Obama Despite Pro-Abortion View
Duquesne University School of Law dean Nicholas Cafardi will likely earn the same rebuke from pro-life Catholics as has Douglas Kmiec.
Vatican No. 2 blasts search for quick profits
Basic rights and the common good have been ignored
Catholic bishops offer 5-point bailout plan
Search for just, effective responses to economic turmoil
Religious leaders draw up Blogging Commandments
'Thou shalt not murder the reputation of another blogger'
Christian naturists forced to cancel naked 'Mass'
Hostile reactions from more conventional worshippers
A business plan for the Catholic Church
Group of execs are putting management skills to work
Province to offer vaccine at clinics for Catholics
HPV shots banned by school board on moral grounds
Archbishop criticizes Oregon governor on abortion
Catholic politician hosted abortion rights fundraiser
Priest who abused girls 30 years ago is jailed
Victims discovered each other on social networking website
Vatican police force to join Interpol
Pope thanks gendarme for dedication
He was the guide of the young Ratzinger, who has not ceased to draw inspiration from his thought. Forty years after the death of the great Italian-German intellectual, an analysis of his influence on the current pope
“Free speech on Tuesdays and Thursdays”
Yuba College threatens to expel student for proselytizing without a permit
Barack Obama Under Fire for Very Negative Radio Ads on McCain on Abortion
Even some of Obama's own supporters are questioning it
Another Catholic Law Prof Endorses Barack Obama Despite Pro-Abortion View
Duquesne University School of Law dean Nicholas Cafardi will likely earn the same rebuke from pro-life Catholics as has Douglas Kmiec.
Vatican No. 2 blasts search for quick profits
Basic rights and the common good have been ignored
Catholic bishops offer 5-point bailout plan
Search for just, effective responses to economic turmoil
Religious leaders draw up Blogging Commandments
'Thou shalt not murder the reputation of another blogger'
Christian naturists forced to cancel naked 'Mass'
Hostile reactions from more conventional worshippers
A business plan for the Catholic Church
Group of execs are putting management skills to work
Province to offer vaccine at clinics for Catholics
HPV shots banned by school board on moral grounds
Archbishop criticizes Oregon governor on abortion
Catholic politician hosted abortion rights fundraiser
Priest who abused girls 30 years ago is jailed
Victims discovered each other on social networking website
Vatican police force to join Interpol
Pope thanks gendarme for dedication
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Gospel for Oct 1, Memorial: St Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin and Doctor
Wednesday, 26th Week in Ordinary Time
Old Calendar: St. Remigius, bishop, confessor (Remi)
From: Luke 9:57-62
The Calling of Three Disciples
[57] As they were going along the road, a man said to Him (Jesus), "I will follow you wherever You go." [58] And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head." [59] To another He said, "Follow Me." But he said, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father." [60] But He said to him, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God." [61] Another said, "I will follow You, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home." [62] Jesus said to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the Kingdom of God."
_______________________
Commentary:
57-62. Our Lord spells out very clearly what is involved in following Him. Being a Christian is not an easy or comfortable affair: it calls for self-denial and for putting God before everything else. See the notes on Matthew 8:18-22 and Matthew 8:22.
[The notes on Matthew 8:18-22 states:
18-22. From the very outset of His messianic preaching, Jesus rarely stays in the same place; He is always on the move. He "has nowhere to lay His head" (Matthew 8:20). Anyone who desires to be with him has to "follow Him". This phrase "following Jesus" has a very precise meaning: it means being His disciple (cf. Matthew 19:28). Sometimes the crowds "follow Him"; but Jesus' true disciples are those who "follow Him" in a permanent way, that is, who keep on following Him: being a "disciple of Jesus" and "following Him" amount to the same thing. After our Lord's ascension, "following Him" means being a Christian (cf. Acts 8:26). By the simple and sublime fact of Baptism, every Christian is called, by a divine vocation, to be a full disciple of our Lord, with all that that involves.
The evangelist here gives two specific cases of following Jesus. In the case of the scribe our Lord explains what faith requires of a person who realizes that he has been called; in the second case--that of the man who has already said "yes" to Jesus--He reminds him of what His commandment entails. The soldier who does not leave his position on the battlefront to bury his father, but instead leaves that to those in the rearguard, is doing his duty. If service to one's country makes demands like that on a person, all the more reason for it to happen in the service of Jesus Christ and His Church.
Following Christ, then, means we should make ourselves totally available to Him; whatever sacrifice He asks of us we should make: the call to follow Christ means staying up with Him, not falling behind; we either follow Him or lose Him. In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) Jesus explained what following Him involves--a teaching which we find summarized in even the most basic catechism of Christian doctrine: a Christian is a man who believes in Jesus Christ--a faith he receives at Baptism -- and is duty bound to serve Him. Through prayer and friendship with the Lord every Christian should try to discover the demands which this service involves as far as he personally is concerned.]
[The notes on Matthew 8:22 states:
22. "Leave the dead to bury their own dead": although this sounds very harsh, it is a style of speaking which Jesus did sometimes use: here the "dead" clearly refers to those whose interest is limited to perishable things and who have no aspirations towards the things that last forever.
"If Jesus forbade him," St. John Chrysostom comments, "it was not to have us neglect the honor due to our parents, but to make us realize that nothing is more important than the things of Heaven and that we ought to cleave to these and not to put them off even for a little while, though our engagements be ever so indispensable and pressing" ("Hom. on St. Matthew", 27).]
We see here the case of the man who wanted to follow Christ, but on one condition--that he be allowed to say goodbye to his family. Our Lord, seeing that he is rather undecided, gives him an answer which applies to all of us, for we have all received a calling to follow Him and we have to try not to receive this grace in vain. "We receive the grace of God in vain, when we receive it at the gate of our heart, and do not let it enter our heart. We receive it without receiving it, that is, we receive it without fruit, since there is no advantage in feeling the inspiration if we do not accept it [...]. It sometimes happens that being inspired to do much we consent not to the whole inspiration but only to some part of it, as did those good people in the Gospel, who upon the inspiration which our Lord gave them to follow Him wished to make reservations, the one to go first and bury his father, the other to go to take leave of his people" (St. Francis de Sales, "Treatise on the Love of God", Book 2, Chapter 11).
Our loyalty and fidelity to the mission God has given us should equip us to deal with every obstacle we meet: "There is never reason to look back (cf. Luke 9:62). The Lord is at our side. We have to be faithful and loyal; we have to face up to our obligations and we will find in Jesus the love and the stimulus we need to understand other people's faults and overcome our own" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 160).
___________________________
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. Remigius, bishop, confessor (Remi)
From: Luke 9:57-62
The Calling of Three Disciples
[57] As they were going along the road, a man said to Him (Jesus), "I will follow you wherever You go." [58] And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head." [59] To another He said, "Follow Me." But he said, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father." [60] But He said to him, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God." [61] Another said, "I will follow You, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home." [62] Jesus said to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the Kingdom of God."
_______________________
Commentary:
57-62. Our Lord spells out very clearly what is involved in following Him. Being a Christian is not an easy or comfortable affair: it calls for self-denial and for putting God before everything else. See the notes on Matthew 8:18-22 and Matthew 8:22.
[The notes on Matthew 8:18-22 states:
18-22. From the very outset of His messianic preaching, Jesus rarely stays in the same place; He is always on the move. He "has nowhere to lay His head" (Matthew 8:20). Anyone who desires to be with him has to "follow Him". This phrase "following Jesus" has a very precise meaning: it means being His disciple (cf. Matthew 19:28). Sometimes the crowds "follow Him"; but Jesus' true disciples are those who "follow Him" in a permanent way, that is, who keep on following Him: being a "disciple of Jesus" and "following Him" amount to the same thing. After our Lord's ascension, "following Him" means being a Christian (cf. Acts 8:26). By the simple and sublime fact of Baptism, every Christian is called, by a divine vocation, to be a full disciple of our Lord, with all that that involves.
The evangelist here gives two specific cases of following Jesus. In the case of the scribe our Lord explains what faith requires of a person who realizes that he has been called; in the second case--that of the man who has already said "yes" to Jesus--He reminds him of what His commandment entails. The soldier who does not leave his position on the battlefront to bury his father, but instead leaves that to those in the rearguard, is doing his duty. If service to one's country makes demands like that on a person, all the more reason for it to happen in the service of Jesus Christ and His Church.
Following Christ, then, means we should make ourselves totally available to Him; whatever sacrifice He asks of us we should make: the call to follow Christ means staying up with Him, not falling behind; we either follow Him or lose Him. In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) Jesus explained what following Him involves--a teaching which we find summarized in even the most basic catechism of Christian doctrine: a Christian is a man who believes in Jesus Christ--a faith he receives at Baptism -- and is duty bound to serve Him. Through prayer and friendship with the Lord every Christian should try to discover the demands which this service involves as far as he personally is concerned.]
[The notes on Matthew 8:22 states:
22. "Leave the dead to bury their own dead": although this sounds very harsh, it is a style of speaking which Jesus did sometimes use: here the "dead" clearly refers to those whose interest is limited to perishable things and who have no aspirations towards the things that last forever.
"If Jesus forbade him," St. John Chrysostom comments, "it was not to have us neglect the honor due to our parents, but to make us realize that nothing is more important than the things of Heaven and that we ought to cleave to these and not to put them off even for a little while, though our engagements be ever so indispensable and pressing" ("Hom. on St. Matthew", 27).]
We see here the case of the man who wanted to follow Christ, but on one condition--that he be allowed to say goodbye to his family. Our Lord, seeing that he is rather undecided, gives him an answer which applies to all of us, for we have all received a calling to follow Him and we have to try not to receive this grace in vain. "We receive the grace of God in vain, when we receive it at the gate of our heart, and do not let it enter our heart. We receive it without receiving it, that is, we receive it without fruit, since there is no advantage in feeling the inspiration if we do not accept it [...]. It sometimes happens that being inspired to do much we consent not to the whole inspiration but only to some part of it, as did those good people in the Gospel, who upon the inspiration which our Lord gave them to follow Him wished to make reservations, the one to go first and bury his father, the other to go to take leave of his people" (St. Francis de Sales, "Treatise on the Love of God", Book 2, Chapter 11).
Our loyalty and fidelity to the mission God has given us should equip us to deal with every obstacle we meet: "There is never reason to look back (cf. Luke 9:62). The Lord is at our side. We have to be faithful and loyal; we have to face up to our obligations and we will find in Jesus the love and the stimulus we need to understand other people's faults and overcome our own" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 160).
___________________________
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.
Just for Today, October 1
Enlighten me, O Good Jesus, with the brightness of internal light, and cast out all darkness from the dwelling of my heart.
-Bk. III, ch. xxiii.
_______________
"From the age of three I have never refused God anything, but I cannot glory in that. You see how the sunset is gilding the treetops; because my soul is bathed in the light of divine Love, it appears to shine in your sight, but if the Sun of Justice withheld His rays, I should at once be plunged into darkness."
"What must we do to shine with a golden light?"
"Practise little, lowly virtues. They are not always easy, but God never denies us the first grace to overcome ourselves, and if the soul responds, she at once finds the light. I was always struck by the words of praise addressed to Judith: Thou hast done manfully, and thy heart has been strengthened (Judith xv, II). One must first act courageously, then the soul goes from victory to victory."
-Conseils et Souvenirs.
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
-Bk. III, ch. xxiii.
_______________
"From the age of three I have never refused God anything, but I cannot glory in that. You see how the sunset is gilding the treetops; because my soul is bathed in the light of divine Love, it appears to shine in your sight, but if the Sun of Justice withheld His rays, I should at once be plunged into darkness."
"What must we do to shine with a golden light?"
"Practise little, lowly virtues. They are not always easy, but God never denies us the first grace to overcome ourselves, and if the soul responds, she at once finds the light. I was always struck by the words of praise addressed to Judith: Thou hast done manfully, and thy heart has been strengthened (Judith xv, II). One must first act courageously, then the soul goes from victory to victory."
-Conseils et Souvenirs.
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
Thoughts of St Augustine for September 1
LET thy belief therefore be strong and unshaken, that things which seem, as though they perished, to be withdrawn from human eyes are safe and entire to the omnipotence of God.
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day-October 1
BE careful to speak with simplicity, avoiding all affectation; with humility, abstaining from all words of pride and vain-glory; with sweetness, never uttering a word that savours of impatience; with moderation, by not being the first to give your opinion; with modesty, by not interrupting.
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
News Updates, 9/30
Archbishop Burke criticizes pro-abortion Democrats
Says Democratic party risks becoming a 'party of death'
Another article here
Missouri Pro-Life Group Highlights Jay Nixon's Pro-Abortion Views, Flip-Flop
Missourians United for Life is airing a new radio ad that says not only is Nixon pro-abortion but points out he offended pro-life voters by flip-flopping on the issue.
New York's 15-Foot No Speech Abortion Bubble Zone Bill Denounced as "Unconstitutional"
The Speaker of the New York City Council announced last week a bill that would remove legal protections for those engaged in peaceful protests outside New York abortion facilities
Barack Obama's Campaign Sought to Exploit Rape Victim to Attack on Abortion
Aasked domestic violence group to find a rape victim to attack John McCain and Sarah Palin on abortion or the so-called rape kit hubbub
Christians call for representation in Iraq
Gov't accused of 'gross violation' of democracy
$2.5 million for assisted suicide
Washington ex-gov donates big to campaign war chest
Bill Maher takes talent for heresy to screen
Ardent agnostic raised as a churchgoing Roman Catholic
Church seeks more compassionate prison system
Filipino bishop promote respect for human rights
Hanoi Catholics attacked by pro-government mob
Protestors seek return of former papal nunciature
Tradition fueling demand at NY Catholic school
Long Island's Chaminade High: unabashedly Catholic
Study: Faith in God really relieves pain
Oxford University scientist say Virgin Mary is key
Fearful flock grows at shrine of Holy Death
Mexican police, troops, thugs seek protection from violence
Says Democratic party risks becoming a 'party of death'
Another article here
Missouri Pro-Life Group Highlights Jay Nixon's Pro-Abortion Views, Flip-Flop
Missourians United for Life is airing a new radio ad that says not only is Nixon pro-abortion but points out he offended pro-life voters by flip-flopping on the issue.
New York's 15-Foot No Speech Abortion Bubble Zone Bill Denounced as "Unconstitutional"
The Speaker of the New York City Council announced last week a bill that would remove legal protections for those engaged in peaceful protests outside New York abortion facilities
Barack Obama's Campaign Sought to Exploit Rape Victim to Attack on Abortion
Aasked domestic violence group to find a rape victim to attack John McCain and Sarah Palin on abortion or the so-called rape kit hubbub
Christians call for representation in Iraq
Gov't accused of 'gross violation' of democracy
$2.5 million for assisted suicide
Washington ex-gov donates big to campaign war chest
Bill Maher takes talent for heresy to screen
Ardent agnostic raised as a churchgoing Roman Catholic
Church seeks more compassionate prison system
Filipino bishop promote respect for human rights
Hanoi Catholics attacked by pro-government mob
Protestors seek return of former papal nunciature
Tradition fueling demand at NY Catholic school
Long Island's Chaminade High: unabashedly Catholic
Study: Faith in God really relieves pain
Oxford University scientist say Virgin Mary is key
Fearful flock grows at shrine of Holy Death
Mexican police, troops, thugs seek protection from violence
Monday, September 29, 2008
Gospel for Sept 30, Memorial: St Jerome, Priest and Doctor
Tuesday, 26th Week in Ordinary Time
Old Calendar: St. Jerome, Priest, Confessor, Doctor
From: Luke 9:51-56
Some Samaritans Refuse to Receive Jesus
[51] When the days drew near for Him (Jesus) to be received up, He set His face to go to Jerusalem. [52] And He sent messengers ahead of Him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for Him; [53] but the people would not receive Him, because His face was set toward Jerusalem. [54] And when His disciples James and John saw it, they said, "Lord, do You want us to bid fire come down from Heaven and consume them?" [55] But He turned and rebuked them. [56] And they went on to another village.
____________________
Commentary:
51. "When the days drew near for Him to be received up": these words refer to the moment when Jesus will leave this world and ascend into Heaven. Our Lord will say this more explicitly during the Last Supper: "I come from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and going to the Father" (John 16:28). By making His way resolutely to Jerusalem, towards His Cross, Jesus freely complies with His Father's plan for His passion and death to be the route to His resurrection and ascension.
52-53. The Samaritans were hostile towards the Jews. This enmity derived from the fact that the Samaritans were descendants of marriages of Jews with Gentiles who repopulated the region of Samaria at the time of the Assyrian captivity (in the eight century before Christ). There were also religious differences: the Samaritans had mixed the religion of Moses with various superstitious practices, and did not accept the temple of Jerusalem as the only place where sacrifices could properly be offered. They built their own temple on Mount Gerizim, in opposition to Jerusalem (cf. John 4:20); this was why, when they realized Jesus was headed for the Holy City, they refused Him hospitality.
54-56. Jesus corrects His disciples' desire for revenge, because it is out of keeping with the mission of the Messiah, who has come to save men, not destroy them (cf. Luke 19:10; John 12:47). The Apostles are gradually learning that zeal for the things of God should not be bitter or violent.
"The Lord does everything in an admirable way [...]. He acts in this way to teach us that perfect virtue retains no desire for vengeance, and that where there is true charity there is no room for anger--in other words, that weakness should not be treated with harshness but should be helped. Indignation should be very far from holy souls, and desire for vengeance very far from great souls" (St. Ambrose, "Expositio Evangelii Sec. Lucam, in loc.").
An RSV footnote after the word "rebuked" in verse 55 points out that other ancient authorities add "and He said `You do not know what manner of Spirit you are of; for the Son of Man came not to destroy men's lives but to save them'". These words appear in a considerable number of early Greek MSS and other versions and were included in the Clementine Vulgate; but they do not appear in the best and oldest Greek codexes and have not been included in the New Vulgate.
___________________________
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. Jerome, Priest, Confessor, Doctor
From: Luke 9:51-56
Some Samaritans Refuse to Receive Jesus
[51] When the days drew near for Him (Jesus) to be received up, He set His face to go to Jerusalem. [52] And He sent messengers ahead of Him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for Him; [53] but the people would not receive Him, because His face was set toward Jerusalem. [54] And when His disciples James and John saw it, they said, "Lord, do You want us to bid fire come down from Heaven and consume them?" [55] But He turned and rebuked them. [56] And they went on to another village.
____________________
Commentary:
51. "When the days drew near for Him to be received up": these words refer to the moment when Jesus will leave this world and ascend into Heaven. Our Lord will say this more explicitly during the Last Supper: "I come from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and going to the Father" (John 16:28). By making His way resolutely to Jerusalem, towards His Cross, Jesus freely complies with His Father's plan for His passion and death to be the route to His resurrection and ascension.
52-53. The Samaritans were hostile towards the Jews. This enmity derived from the fact that the Samaritans were descendants of marriages of Jews with Gentiles who repopulated the region of Samaria at the time of the Assyrian captivity (in the eight century before Christ). There were also religious differences: the Samaritans had mixed the religion of Moses with various superstitious practices, and did not accept the temple of Jerusalem as the only place where sacrifices could properly be offered. They built their own temple on Mount Gerizim, in opposition to Jerusalem (cf. John 4:20); this was why, when they realized Jesus was headed for the Holy City, they refused Him hospitality.
54-56. Jesus corrects His disciples' desire for revenge, because it is out of keeping with the mission of the Messiah, who has come to save men, not destroy them (cf. Luke 19:10; John 12:47). The Apostles are gradually learning that zeal for the things of God should not be bitter or violent.
"The Lord does everything in an admirable way [...]. He acts in this way to teach us that perfect virtue retains no desire for vengeance, and that where there is true charity there is no room for anger--in other words, that weakness should not be treated with harshness but should be helped. Indignation should be very far from holy souls, and desire for vengeance very far from great souls" (St. Ambrose, "Expositio Evangelii Sec. Lucam, in loc.").
An RSV footnote after the word "rebuked" in verse 55 points out that other ancient authorities add "and He said `You do not know what manner of Spirit you are of; for the Son of Man came not to destroy men's lives but to save them'". These words appear in a considerable number of early Greek MSS and other versions and were included in the Clementine Vulgate; but they do not appear in the best and oldest Greek codexes and have not been included in the New Vulgate.
___________________________
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.
Dr Edward Peters: Priestless Sundays and the Sunday obligation
A news story out of the Diocese of Fairbanks in Alaska describes an upcoming "priestless Sunday" wherein priests will be away from their parishes to serve remote missions, leaving their parishioners without Sunday Mass that weekend. I can see arguments for and against this unusual action and I don't think that outsiders are in a position to conclusively support or reject the basic idea.See why here.
One point in the news article, however, needs to be corrected: After noting that Communion services will be celebrated in most parishes left without pastors, the article asserts that such services are "not Mass but will satisfy the Catholic obligation to attend Mass."
That's wrong.
Just for Today, Spetember 30
Let me be possessed by love, going above myself through excess of fervour and ecstasy. Let me sing the canticle of love, let me follow Thee, my Beloved, on high; let my soul lose herself in Thy praises, rejoicing exceedingly in Thy love.
-Bk. III, ch. v.
_____________
Made ready by this martyrdom to come before Thee, may it at length cause my death and suffer my soul to pass into the eternal embrace of Thy merciful love. I wish to renew this offering, O my Beloved, an infinite number of times at every heart-beat, until the shadows flee away and I may tell Thee of my love face to face for all eternity.
-Act of Oblation
I do not regret having offered myself up as a victim to Love.
-Novissima Verba.
My God...I love Thee!
(Her last words).
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
-Bk. III, ch. v.
_____________
Made ready by this martyrdom to come before Thee, may it at length cause my death and suffer my soul to pass into the eternal embrace of Thy merciful love. I wish to renew this offering, O my Beloved, an infinite number of times at every heart-beat, until the shadows flee away and I may tell Thee of my love face to face for all eternity.
-Act of Oblation
I do not regret having offered myself up as a victim to Love.
-Novissima Verba.
My God...I love Thee!
(Her last words).
__________________
For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
Thoughts of St Augustine for September 30
HE was hungry who feeds all men; he was thirsty by whom is created everything that is drunk, and who is spiritually the bread of the hungry and the fountain of the thirsty: he was wearied with his earthly journey who has made himself the Way for us to heaven...he was put to the torment of the Cross who put an end to all our torments. He died who raised the dead.
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day-September 30
IT is necessary to seek even holy things without attachment to self-will. St Francis de Sales used to say: "I desire but few things, and for these I am not solicitous." He wished for them, not through self-love, but to please God; and was prepared to give them up as soon as he knew they were not conformable to the will of God.
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
Prayer for the Church and for the Civil Authorities
(Composed by Archbishop Carroll)
WE PRAY Thee, O almighty and eternal God, Who through Jesus Christ hast revealed Thy glory to all nations, to preserve the works of Thy mercy, that Thy Church, being spread through the whole world, may continue with unchanging faith in the confession of Thy name.
We pray Thee, Who alone art good and holy, to endow with heavenly knowledge, sincere zeal, and sanctity of life, our chief bishop, Benedict XVI, the vicar of Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the government of His Church; our own bishop, N.N., (or, if he be not consecrated, our bishop-elect); all other bishops, prelates, and pastors of the Church; and especially those who are appointed to exercise among us the functions of the holy ministry, and conduct Thy people into the ways of salvation.
We pray Thee, O God of might, wisdom, and justice, through Whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment decreed, assist with Thy holy spirit of counsel and fortitude the President of the United States, that his administration may be conducted in righteousness, and be eminently useful to Thy people over whom he presides; by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion; by a faithful execution of the laws in justice and mercy; and by restraining vice and immorality.
Let the light of Thy divine wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress, and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for our rule and government, so that they may tend to the preservation of peace, the promotion of national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety, and useful knowledge; and may perpetuate to us the blessing of equal liberty.
We pray for his Excellency, the Governor of this State, for the members of the Assembly, for all judges, magistrates, and other officers who are appointed to guard our political welfare, that they may be enabled, by Thy powerful protection, to discharge the duties of their respective stations with honesty and ability.
We recommend likewise to Thy unbounded mercy all our brethren and fellow-citizens throughout the United States, that they may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of Thy most holy law; that they may be preserved in union, and in that peace which the world can not give; and after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal.
Finally, we pray to Thee, O Lord of mercy, to remember the souls of Thy servants departed who are gone before us with the sign of faith, and repose in the sleep of peace; the souls of our parents, relatives, and friends; of those who, when living, were members of this congregation, and particularly of such as are lately deceased; of all benefactors who, by their donations or legacies to this church, witnessed their zeal for the decency of divine worship and proved their claim to our grateful and charitable remembrance. To these, O Lord, and to all that rest in Christ, grant, we beseech thee, a place of refreshment, light, and everlasting peace, through the same Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Saviour.
Amen.
_________________________
From Manna of the Soul, A Book of Prayer for Men and Women
by Fr. F. X. Lasance (© 1917 Benziger Bros.)
WE PRAY Thee, O almighty and eternal God, Who through Jesus Christ hast revealed Thy glory to all nations, to preserve the works of Thy mercy, that Thy Church, being spread through the whole world, may continue with unchanging faith in the confession of Thy name.
We pray Thee, Who alone art good and holy, to endow with heavenly knowledge, sincere zeal, and sanctity of life, our chief bishop, Benedict XVI, the vicar of Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the government of His Church; our own bishop, N.N., (or, if he be not consecrated, our bishop-elect); all other bishops, prelates, and pastors of the Church; and especially those who are appointed to exercise among us the functions of the holy ministry, and conduct Thy people into the ways of salvation.
We pray Thee, O God of might, wisdom, and justice, through Whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment decreed, assist with Thy holy spirit of counsel and fortitude the President of the United States, that his administration may be conducted in righteousness, and be eminently useful to Thy people over whom he presides; by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion; by a faithful execution of the laws in justice and mercy; and by restraining vice and immorality.
Let the light of Thy divine wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress, and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for our rule and government, so that they may tend to the preservation of peace, the promotion of national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety, and useful knowledge; and may perpetuate to us the blessing of equal liberty.
We pray for his Excellency, the Governor of this State, for the members of the Assembly, for all judges, magistrates, and other officers who are appointed to guard our political welfare, that they may be enabled, by Thy powerful protection, to discharge the duties of their respective stations with honesty and ability.
We recommend likewise to Thy unbounded mercy all our brethren and fellow-citizens throughout the United States, that they may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of Thy most holy law; that they may be preserved in union, and in that peace which the world can not give; and after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal.
Finally, we pray to Thee, O Lord of mercy, to remember the souls of Thy servants departed who are gone before us with the sign of faith, and repose in the sleep of peace; the souls of our parents, relatives, and friends; of those who, when living, were members of this congregation, and particularly of such as are lately deceased; of all benefactors who, by their donations or legacies to this church, witnessed their zeal for the decency of divine worship and proved their claim to our grateful and charitable remembrance. To these, O Lord, and to all that rest in Christ, grant, we beseech thee, a place of refreshment, light, and everlasting peace, through the same Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Saviour.
Amen.
_________________________
From Manna of the Soul, A Book of Prayer for Men and Women
by Fr. F. X. Lasance (© 1917 Benziger Bros.)
News Updates, 9/29
The Chickens Have Come Home to Roost:
Obama, ACORN, and the USCB's Catholic Campaign for Human Development
When the Catholic Church takes up the collection November 23 for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, will Catholics in the pew know they are supporting abortion and other immoral causes?
The CCHD gives between a third and a half of its grants to Alinskyian organizing networks.
India's vengeful Christians turn to murder
Hindus continue to step up their killing campaign
"Catholics who cast a vote for a politician who supports abortion and same-sex 'marriage' "commit moral evil"
Advancing pro-abortion candidates and their aims is incompatible with the Catholic faith.
Pope says tourists must not harm the planet
Benedict has earned the reputation as the 'Green Pope'
Palin suffering typical Christian persecution
Theological, political liberals level usual taunts
Calgary bishop, health minister clash over HPV
School board refuses to participate in vaccination program
UK bishop opposes 'sexualization' of children
Urges Catholic schools to oppose sex ed proposals
Bishop defends right to Catholic education
Says debate is not about churches 'clinging to power'
Buddhists, Christians pray for Hanoi Catholics
Multi-faith prayer vigil held in Orange County, Calif.
Aussie abortion laws face growing hostility
Face potential legal challenge from Catholic hospitals
Plan for 'priestless Sundays' in Alaska
Lay people will populate pulpit as preview
Obama, ACORN, and the USCB's Catholic Campaign for Human Development
When the Catholic Church takes up the collection November 23 for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, will Catholics in the pew know they are supporting abortion and other immoral causes?
The CCHD gives between a third and a half of its grants to Alinskyian organizing networks.
India's vengeful Christians turn to murder
Hindus continue to step up their killing campaign
"Catholics who cast a vote for a politician who supports abortion and same-sex 'marriage' "commit moral evil"
Advancing pro-abortion candidates and their aims is incompatible with the Catholic faith.
Pope says tourists must not harm the planet
Benedict has earned the reputation as the 'Green Pope'
Palin suffering typical Christian persecution
Theological, political liberals level usual taunts
Calgary bishop, health minister clash over HPV
School board refuses to participate in vaccination program
UK bishop opposes 'sexualization' of children
Urges Catholic schools to oppose sex ed proposals
Bishop defends right to Catholic education
Says debate is not about churches 'clinging to power'
Buddhists, Christians pray for Hanoi Catholics
Multi-faith prayer vigil held in Orange County, Calif.
Aussie abortion laws face growing hostility
Face potential legal challenge from Catholic hospitals
Plan for 'priestless Sundays' in Alaska
Lay people will populate pulpit as preview
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Gospel for Sept 29, Feast: Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels
Old Calendar: Dedication of St. Michael the Archangel
From: John 1:47-51
The Calling of the First Disciples (Continuation)
[47] Jesus saw Nathaniel coming to Him, and said to him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" [48] Nathaniel said to Him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." [49] Nathaniel answered Him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel! [50] Jesus answered him, "Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these." [51] And He said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see Heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."
___________________________
Commentary:
45-51. The Apostle Philip is so moved that he cannot but tell his friend Nathanael (Bartholomew) about his wonderful discovery (verse 45). "Nathanael had heard from Scripture that Jesus must come from Bethlehem, from the people of David. This belief prevailed among the Jews and also the prophet had proclaimed it of old, saying: `But you, O Bethlehem, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler of Israel' (Micah 5:2). Therefore, when he heard that He was from Nazareth, he was troubled and in doubt, since he found that the announcement of Philip was not in agreement with the words of the prophecy" (St. John Chrysostom, "Hom. on St. John", 20, 1).
A Christian may find that, in trying to communicate his faith to others, they raise difficulties. What should he do? What Philip did--not trust his own explanation, but invite them to approach Jesus personally: "Come and see" (verse 46). In other words, a Christian should bring his fellow-men, his brothers into Jesus' presence through the means of grace which He has given them and which the Church ministers--frequent reception of the sacraments, and devout Christian practices.
Nathanael, a sincere person (verse 47), goes along with Philip to see Jesus; he makes personal contact with our Lord (verse 48), and the outcome is that he receives faith (the result of his ready reception of grace, which reaches him through Christ's human nature: verse 49).
As far as we can deduce from the Gospels, Nathanael is the first Apostle to make an explicit confession of faith in Jesus as Messiah and as Son of God. Later on St. Peter, in a more formal way, will recognize our Lord's divinity (cf. Matthew 16:16). Here (verse 51) Jesus evokes a text from Daniel (7:13) to confirm and give deeper meaning to the words spoken by His new disciple.
___________________________
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: John 1:47-51
The Calling of the First Disciples (Continuation)
[47] Jesus saw Nathaniel coming to Him, and said to him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" [48] Nathaniel said to Him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." [49] Nathaniel answered Him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel! [50] Jesus answered him, "Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these." [51] And He said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see Heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."
___________________________
Commentary:
45-51. The Apostle Philip is so moved that he cannot but tell his friend Nathanael (Bartholomew) about his wonderful discovery (verse 45). "Nathanael had heard from Scripture that Jesus must come from Bethlehem, from the people of David. This belief prevailed among the Jews and also the prophet had proclaimed it of old, saying: `But you, O Bethlehem, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler of Israel' (Micah 5:2). Therefore, when he heard that He was from Nazareth, he was troubled and in doubt, since he found that the announcement of Philip was not in agreement with the words of the prophecy" (St. John Chrysostom, "Hom. on St. John", 20, 1).
A Christian may find that, in trying to communicate his faith to others, they raise difficulties. What should he do? What Philip did--not trust his own explanation, but invite them to approach Jesus personally: "Come and see" (verse 46). In other words, a Christian should bring his fellow-men, his brothers into Jesus' presence through the means of grace which He has given them and which the Church ministers--frequent reception of the sacraments, and devout Christian practices.
Nathanael, a sincere person (verse 47), goes along with Philip to see Jesus; he makes personal contact with our Lord (verse 48), and the outcome is that he receives faith (the result of his ready reception of grace, which reaches him through Christ's human nature: verse 49).
As far as we can deduce from the Gospels, Nathanael is the first Apostle to make an explicit confession of faith in Jesus as Messiah and as Son of God. Later on St. Peter, in a more formal way, will recognize our Lord's divinity (cf. Matthew 16:16). Here (verse 51) Jesus evokes a text from Daniel (7:13) to confirm and give deeper meaning to the words spoken by His new disciple.
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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.
Just for Today, September 29
Blessed, O Lord, be Thy name for ever, who hast been pleased that this trial and tribulation should come upon me. I cannot fly from it, but must of necessity fly to Thee, that Thou mayest help me and turn it to my good. Lord, I am now in tribulation, and my heart is not at ease: but I am much afflicted with my present suffering.
And now, dear Father, what shall I say? I am taken, Lord, in these straits: Oh, save me from this hour! But for this reason I came unto this hour, that Thou mightest be glorified, when I shall be exceedingly humbled and delivered by Thee.
May it please Thee, O Lord, to deliver me: for, poor wretch that I am, what can I do, and whither shall I go without Thee? Give me patience, O Lord, at this time also. Help me, O my God, and I will not fear, how much soever I may be oppressed.
-Bk. III, ch. xxix.
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More terrible than her physical sufferings was the mental agony of Gethsemane that came upon her. For several days the infirmarian had noticed a look of anguish on her face, and she kept repeating: "Oh! how we should pray for those in their agony! If you only knew!"
One night she begged the Sister watching by her to sprinkle the bed with holy water, saying:
-The Story of a Soul (L'Histoire d'une Âme).
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Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
And now, dear Father, what shall I say? I am taken, Lord, in these straits: Oh, save me from this hour! But for this reason I came unto this hour, that Thou mightest be glorified, when I shall be exceedingly humbled and delivered by Thee.
May it please Thee, O Lord, to deliver me: for, poor wretch that I am, what can I do, and whither shall I go without Thee? Give me patience, O Lord, at this time also. Help me, O my God, and I will not fear, how much soever I may be oppressed.
-Bk. III, ch. xxix.
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More terrible than her physical sufferings was the mental agony of Gethsemane that came upon her. For several days the infirmarian had noticed a look of anguish on her face, and she kept repeating: "Oh! how we should pray for those in their agony! If you only knew!"
One night she begged the Sister watching by her to sprinkle the bed with holy water, saying:
"The devil is close to me; I cannot see him, but I feel him. He is tormenting me, holding me in his iron grasp so that I may find no relief, and trying to drive me to despair by increasing my sufferings. I cannot even pray, I can only look at Our Lady and say: Jesus! I am going through something mysterious; I am suffering for another soul, not myself, and the devil is angry."The infirmarian lit a blessed candle, and the spirit of darkness fled, to return no more. The Saint was undergoing the final assaults of Satan, sometimes directed against those who have opposed his reign.
-The Story of a Soul (L'Histoire d'une Âme).
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For more information, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
Thoughts of St Augustine for September 29
WHEN all have a claim on us for the same love, yet is not the same medicine to be used for all; so love itself in like manner is in travail with some, is made weak together with others, some it seeks to edify, others it trembles to cause to offend, to some it stoops, to others it carries itself erect, to some it is gentle, to others severe, to none as an enemy, to all as a mother.
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From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
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From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day-September 29
(FEAST OF ST MICHAEL)
IN the Mass for the dead, the Church prays: May the standard-bearer, St Michael, bring them into the holy light. The learned explain this prayer by saying that St Michael has the honourable office of presenting to Jesus Christ, the judge, all the souls that depart this life in the grace of God.
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From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
IN the Mass for the dead, the Church prays: May the standard-bearer, St Michael, bring them into the holy light. The learned explain this prayer by saying that St Michael has the honourable office of presenting to Jesus Christ, the judge, all the souls that depart this life in the grace of God.
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From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927