No Blood From Stones
In our time we have conventional artists of excellence, often exquisite technicians in landscape art or in portrait painting, but we can scarcely expect to reach any great art in these modes. If we were to have a revival of religious feeling accompanied by the profound beliefs of the older times, then once more we might look for supreme artistic achievement. We are paying a high price for our free thinking, as we call it, in religious matters in the exclusion of supreme spiritual motives and a profound religious emotion that it brings with it.
-Walsh.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Thoughts of St Augustine for March 22
FOR as much as thou only hast being, because thou alone simply art, to whom it is not one thing to live and another thing to live blessedly, seeing thou art thine own blessedness.
_________________________
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-March 22
THY father and I have sought thee sorrowing. St Joseph was more honoured in this name of father than all the patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and pontiffs; for all these have the name of servants, Joseph alone that of father.
_________________
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, 3/21
Operation Rescue Leader to Pro-Lifers: Ask Gov. Sebelius to Sign Anti-Abortion Law
The leaders of Operation Rescue are calling on pro-lifers to urge Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, the pro-abortion Health and Human Services (HHS) nominee, to support pro-life legislation Kansas legislators passed Tuesday. The bill would require abortion providers to allow women access to ultrasound imagery of their unborn child before undergoing an abortion....
Barney Frank: Antonin Scalia is a ‘Homophobe’
Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, said in an interview Friday on 365gay.com that U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia is a “homophobe.”
[The Banking Queen believes his sexual lust, deviancy and perversion is something to be proud of when it's actually gravely immoral and sinful. Scalia evidently believes in God and the natural moral law. Scalia and others who believe in God and abide by His laws are reviled by reprobates like Frank. Sin and vice are violently opposed to morality and virtue.]
Notre Dame University to Give Obama Honorary Degree in Violation of USCCB Policy
White House Secretary Robert Gibbs stated today that Obama will give the commencement address at Notre Dame University this year. The school confirmed the announcement, stating on its website that Obama will also receive an honorary doctor of laws degree at the University's 164th University Commencement Ceremony at 2 p.m. May 17 in the Joyce Center on campus...
[Bishop John D'Arcy needs to step up to the plate and stop this outrage immediately. If ND continues with the scandalous outrage, it needs to be stripped of its claim of Catholicity since this act is an abandonment of all that is Christian!]
Vatican Clamps Down On Killala Latin Mass Move
A high-profile Vatican office has ordered Bishop John Fleming to make provision for the traditional Latin Mass in his Killala diocese. The move, from the powerful 'Ecclesia Dei' Commission comes after the Killala Council of Priests decided that no provision should be made for the celebration of the Mass in the Extraordinary Form....
=========
Other Issues
=========
Barry "Chavez" Soetoro, AKA B. Hussein Obama, Seeks Increase in Oversight of Executive Pay
The Obama administration will call for increased oversight of executive pay at all banks, Wall Street firms and possibly other companies as part of a sweeping plan to overhaul financial regulation, government officials said.
[This clown wants a war, it seems...First, banks receiving bailouts, next all bank execs regardless of bailouts, next all exec pay, middle management tomorrow, and everyone else later. He wants to create a two "class" system making it easier for anointing as KING ZERO]
California February Unemployment Hits 10.5%
February jobless rate in the most populous state far exceeds national 8.1% unemployment rate.
Michigan Unemployment Hits 12.5%
Boeing handing out 900 layoff notices
Boeing is handing out another 900 layoff notices Friday, 700 of those to workers in the Puget Sound area. Spokesman Tim Healy says these are warnings that would take effect May 22. He told KING-TV these are part of the planned 10,000 job cuts Boeing announced early this year...
US Postal Service offering early retirements to 25% of its workforce
The U.S. Postal Service said it will offer early retirement to almost one in four workers, close administrative offices and eliminate more than 3,000 jobs as it grapples with a financial crisis...
Rolling Stone Nails It: "The Big Takeover"
The global economic crisis isn't about money - it's about power. How Wall Street insiders are using the bailout to stage a revolution...
[***Warning*** Coarse language!]
Budget outlook significantly worse than two months ago
U.S. economic and federal budget outlook for the next two years is significantly worse than it was two months ago, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said Friday. The latest forecast shows the economy contracting 1.5% this year, with the unemployment rate rising to 9.4% later in the year...
If you roll your own smokes...
Bulk tobacco tax of 23.50 per pound goes into effect April 1st, better stock up now
_________________
"We can't expect the American People to jump from Capitalism to Communism, but we can assist their elected leaders in giving them small doses of Socialism, until they awaken one day to find that they have Communism."
- Nikita Khrushchev, Former Premier of USSR
The leaders of Operation Rescue are calling on pro-lifers to urge Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, the pro-abortion Health and Human Services (HHS) nominee, to support pro-life legislation Kansas legislators passed Tuesday. The bill would require abortion providers to allow women access to ultrasound imagery of their unborn child before undergoing an abortion....
Barney Frank: Antonin Scalia is a ‘Homophobe’
Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, said in an interview Friday on 365gay.com that U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia is a “homophobe.”
[The Banking Queen believes his sexual lust, deviancy and perversion is something to be proud of when it's actually gravely immoral and sinful. Scalia evidently believes in God and the natural moral law. Scalia and others who believe in God and abide by His laws are reviled by reprobates like Frank. Sin and vice are violently opposed to morality and virtue.]
Notre Dame University to Give Obama Honorary Degree in Violation of USCCB Policy
White House Secretary Robert Gibbs stated today that Obama will give the commencement address at Notre Dame University this year. The school confirmed the announcement, stating on its website that Obama will also receive an honorary doctor of laws degree at the University's 164th University Commencement Ceremony at 2 p.m. May 17 in the Joyce Center on campus...
[Bishop John D'Arcy needs to step up to the plate and stop this outrage immediately. If ND continues with the scandalous outrage, it needs to be stripped of its claim of Catholicity since this act is an abandonment of all that is Christian!]
Vatican Clamps Down On Killala Latin Mass Move
A high-profile Vatican office has ordered Bishop John Fleming to make provision for the traditional Latin Mass in his Killala diocese. The move, from the powerful 'Ecclesia Dei' Commission comes after the Killala Council of Priests decided that no provision should be made for the celebration of the Mass in the Extraordinary Form....
=========
Other Issues
=========
Barry "Chavez" Soetoro, AKA B. Hussein Obama, Seeks Increase in Oversight of Executive Pay
The Obama administration will call for increased oversight of executive pay at all banks, Wall Street firms and possibly other companies as part of a sweeping plan to overhaul financial regulation, government officials said.
[This clown wants a war, it seems...First, banks receiving bailouts, next all bank execs regardless of bailouts, next all exec pay, middle management tomorrow, and everyone else later. He wants to create a two "class" system making it easier for anointing as KING ZERO]
California February Unemployment Hits 10.5%
February jobless rate in the most populous state far exceeds national 8.1% unemployment rate.
Michigan Unemployment Hits 12.5%
Boeing handing out 900 layoff notices
Boeing is handing out another 900 layoff notices Friday, 700 of those to workers in the Puget Sound area. Spokesman Tim Healy says these are warnings that would take effect May 22. He told KING-TV these are part of the planned 10,000 job cuts Boeing announced early this year...
US Postal Service offering early retirements to 25% of its workforce
The U.S. Postal Service said it will offer early retirement to almost one in four workers, close administrative offices and eliminate more than 3,000 jobs as it grapples with a financial crisis...
Rolling Stone Nails It: "The Big Takeover"
The global economic crisis isn't about money - it's about power. How Wall Street insiders are using the bailout to stage a revolution...
[***Warning*** Coarse language!]
Budget outlook significantly worse than two months ago
U.S. economic and federal budget outlook for the next two years is significantly worse than it was two months ago, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said Friday. The latest forecast shows the economy contracting 1.5% this year, with the unemployment rate rising to 9.4% later in the year...
If you roll your own smokes...
Bulk tobacco tax of 23.50 per pound goes into effect April 1st, better stock up now
_________________
"We can't expect the American People to jump from Capitalism to Communism, but we can assist their elected leaders in giving them small doses of Socialism, until they awaken one day to find that they have Communism."
- Nikita Khrushchev, Former Premier of USSR
Friday, March 20, 2009
Gospel for Saturday, 3rd Week of Lent
Luke 18:9-14
Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
[9] He (Jesus) also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others: [10] "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. [11] The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, `God, I thank Thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. [12] I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.' [13] But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to Heaven, but beat his breast, saying, `God, be merciful to me a sinner!' [14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."
_________________________
Commentary:
9-14. Our Lord here rounds off His teaching on prayer. In addition to being persevering and full of faith, prayer must flow from a humble heart, a heart that repents of its sins: "Cor contritum et humiliatum, Deus, non despicies" (Psalm 51:19); the Lord, who never despises a contrite and humble heart, resists the proud and gives His grace to the humble (cf. Peter 5:5; James 4:6).
The parable presents two opposite types--the Pharisee, who is so meticulous about external fulfillment of the Law; and the tax collector, who in fact is looked on as a public sinner (cf. Luke 19:7). The Pharisee's prayer is not pleasing to God, because his pride causes him to be self-centered and to despise others. He begins by giving thanks to God, but obviously it is not true gratitude, because he boasts about all the good he has done and he fails to recognize his sins; since he regards himself as righteous, he has no need of pardon, he thinks; and he remains in his sinful state; to him also apply these words spoken by our Lord to a group of Pharisees on another occasion: "If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, `We see,' your guilt remains" (John 9:41). The Pharisee went down from the temple, therefore, unjustified.
But the tax collector recognizes his personal unworthiness and is sincerely sorry for his sins: he has the necessary dispositions for God to pardon him. His ejaculatory prayer wins God's forgiveness: "It is not without reason that some have said that prayer justifies; for repentant prayer or supplicant repentance, raising up the soul to God and re-uniting it to His goodness, without doubt obtains pardon in virtue of the holy love which gives it this sacred movement. And therefore we ought all to have very many such ejaculatory prayers, said as an act of loving repentance and with a desire of obtaining reconciliation with God, so that by thus laying our tribulation before our Savior, we may pour out our souls before and within His pitiful heart, which will receive them with mercy" (St. Francis de Sales, "Treatise on the Love of God", Book 2, Chapter 20).
___________________________
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.
Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
[9] He (Jesus) also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others: [10] "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. [11] The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, `God, I thank Thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. [12] I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.' [13] But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to Heaven, but beat his breast, saying, `God, be merciful to me a sinner!' [14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."
_________________________
Commentary:
9-14. Our Lord here rounds off His teaching on prayer. In addition to being persevering and full of faith, prayer must flow from a humble heart, a heart that repents of its sins: "Cor contritum et humiliatum, Deus, non despicies" (Psalm 51:19); the Lord, who never despises a contrite and humble heart, resists the proud and gives His grace to the humble (cf. Peter 5:5; James 4:6).
The parable presents two opposite types--the Pharisee, who is so meticulous about external fulfillment of the Law; and the tax collector, who in fact is looked on as a public sinner (cf. Luke 19:7). The Pharisee's prayer is not pleasing to God, because his pride causes him to be self-centered and to despise others. He begins by giving thanks to God, but obviously it is not true gratitude, because he boasts about all the good he has done and he fails to recognize his sins; since he regards himself as righteous, he has no need of pardon, he thinks; and he remains in his sinful state; to him also apply these words spoken by our Lord to a group of Pharisees on another occasion: "If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, `We see,' your guilt remains" (John 9:41). The Pharisee went down from the temple, therefore, unjustified.
But the tax collector recognizes his personal unworthiness and is sincerely sorry for his sins: he has the necessary dispositions for God to pardon him. His ejaculatory prayer wins God's forgiveness: "It is not without reason that some have said that prayer justifies; for repentant prayer or supplicant repentance, raising up the soul to God and re-uniting it to His goodness, without doubt obtains pardon in virtue of the holy love which gives it this sacred movement. And therefore we ought all to have very many such ejaculatory prayers, said as an act of loving repentance and with a desire of obtaining reconciliation with God, so that by thus laying our tribulation before our Savior, we may pour out our souls before and within His pitiful heart, which will receive them with mercy" (St. Francis de Sales, "Treatise on the Love of God", Book 2, Chapter 20).
___________________________
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.
Principles and Practices - March 21
What Our Lord Wants
How are we to account for Jesus' wi1lingness, nay, anxiety, to be thus received by sinful men? It is because in thus communicating Himself to us, He makes us more like to what He Himself is, and what He desires us to be. The Precious Blood imparts to our souls all heavenly gifts and graces if we receive it as we ought. O Jesus! grant that I may receive Thee frequently, fervently, with complete oblation of my whole self.
-Father Clarke, S.J.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
How are we to account for Jesus' wi1lingness, nay, anxiety, to be thus received by sinful men? It is because in thus communicating Himself to us, He makes us more like to what He Himself is, and what He desires us to be. The Precious Blood imparts to our souls all heavenly gifts and graces if we receive it as we ought. O Jesus! grant that I may receive Thee frequently, fervently, with complete oblation of my whole self.
-Father Clarke, S.J.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
Thoughts of St Augustine for March 21
AND all we, who I confess do both see and speak the truth delivered in those words, let us love one another, and together let us love thee our God, the Fountain of Truth, if it be truth and not vanity that we thirst after.
_________________________
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-march 21
JOSUEESUS excited the admiration of the whole world when he commanded the sun to stop in its course, that he might have time to conquer his enemies, and it obeyed. But what comparison can there be between Josue, whom the sun, an inanimate creature, obeyed, and Joseph, who was obeyed by Jesus Christ, the Son 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
News Updates, 3/20
Only about one-third of parishes participated in FOCA campaign
Even with all-out effort by Sacramento bishop and respect life coordinator, most parishes in diocese didn't participate in FOCA postcard campaign
Webster's dictionary redefines 'marriage'
Now includes references to same-sex relationships
[I bet it doesn't use descriptors like "perverted," "deviant," "disordered," or "immoral."]
Vatican press Office tampers with Pope's words
Damian Thompson calls for Father Lombardi's firing
Gay Catholics apoplectic over Pope's comments
Groups lash out at Benedict for Church's stance on condoms
Harvard center: The Pope is right on condoms
Media coverage of papal comments is March madness
Pope's homily in Africa on Feast of St. Joseph
'Do not be afraid to believe, to hope, and to love'
Pennsylvania bishop refuses to meet with Catholic college
Misericordia hosted gay-rights speaker on campus
Teens self-aborting with veterinary medicines
'What kind of world have we created for these girls?'
Hillary Clinton comments killed Coptic Christians
Human rights statement in Egypt leads to persecution
Fresno bishop faces tough questions
Says molester priest in no position to harm children
[Is he behind bars?]
=========
Other Issues
=========
Credit Unions Seized By Federal Regulators
Late Friday Federal Regulators have seized the nations two largest credit unions after regulators discovered the quality of their balance sheets was impaired.
House Passes Mandatory National Service Bill
The House passed a bill yesterday which includes disturbing language indicating young people will be forced to undertake mandatory national service programs as fears about President Barack Obama’s promised “civilian national security force” intensify.
[The tyrant "ruler" is getting his "Obama Youth," ala Hitler's little brownshirts...Next, per her highness queen Pelosi - amnesty for all illegals! The totalitarian freaks need to be deposed!
Not that the Constitution means AYTHING to these domestic enemies of the country but Amendment XIII states:
Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction. ]
Federal Deficit Much Worse Than Obama Predicted
Deteriorating economic conditions will cause the federal deficit to soar past $1.8 trillion this year and leave the nation wallowing in a sea of red ink far deeper than the White House had previously estimated, congressional budget analysts said today.
Two U.S. Navy vessels have collided in the Strait of Hormuz
A U.S. submarine and a U.S. amphibious ship collided early today in the Strait of Hormuz, the Fifth Fleet said in a statement. Fifteen sailors were slightly injured...
FDIC Closes Sale of Indymac, Loses $10.7 billion
Even with all-out effort by Sacramento bishop and respect life coordinator, most parishes in diocese didn't participate in FOCA postcard campaign
Webster's dictionary redefines 'marriage'
Now includes references to same-sex relationships
[I bet it doesn't use descriptors like "perverted," "deviant," "disordered," or "immoral."]
Vatican press Office tampers with Pope's words
Damian Thompson calls for Father Lombardi's firing
Gay Catholics apoplectic over Pope's comments
Groups lash out at Benedict for Church's stance on condoms
Harvard center: The Pope is right on condoms
Media coverage of papal comments is March madness
Pope's homily in Africa on Feast of St. Joseph
'Do not be afraid to believe, to hope, and to love'
Pennsylvania bishop refuses to meet with Catholic college
Misericordia hosted gay-rights speaker on campus
Teens self-aborting with veterinary medicines
'What kind of world have we created for these girls?'
Hillary Clinton comments killed Coptic Christians
Human rights statement in Egypt leads to persecution
Fresno bishop faces tough questions
Says molester priest in no position to harm children
[Is he behind bars?]
=========
Other Issues
=========
Credit Unions Seized By Federal Regulators
Late Friday Federal Regulators have seized the nations two largest credit unions after regulators discovered the quality of their balance sheets was impaired.
House Passes Mandatory National Service Bill
The House passed a bill yesterday which includes disturbing language indicating young people will be forced to undertake mandatory national service programs as fears about President Barack Obama’s promised “civilian national security force” intensify.
[The tyrant "ruler" is getting his "Obama Youth," ala Hitler's little brownshirts...Next, per her highness queen Pelosi - amnesty for all illegals! The totalitarian freaks need to be deposed!
Not that the Constitution means AYTHING to these domestic enemies of the country but Amendment XIII states:
Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction. ]
Federal Deficit Much Worse Than Obama Predicted
Deteriorating economic conditions will cause the federal deficit to soar past $1.8 trillion this year and leave the nation wallowing in a sea of red ink far deeper than the White House had previously estimated, congressional budget analysts said today.
Two U.S. Navy vessels have collided in the Strait of Hormuz
A U.S. submarine and a U.S. amphibious ship collided early today in the Strait of Hormuz, the Fifth Fleet said in a statement. Fifteen sailors were slightly injured...
FDIC Closes Sale of Indymac, Loses $10.7 billion
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Gospel for Friday, 3rd Week of Lent
From: Mark 12:28-34
The Greatest Commandment of All
[28] One of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that He (Jesus) answered them well, asked Him, "Which commandment is the first of all?" [29] Jesus answered, "The first is, `Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; [30] and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' [31] The second is this, `You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." [32] And the scribe said to Him, "You are right, Teacher; You have truly said that He is one, and there is no other than He; [33] and to love with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." [34] And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." And after that no one dared to ask Him any question.
_________________________
Commentary:
28-34. The doctor of the law who asks Jesus this question is obviously an upright man who is sincerely seeking the truth. He was impressed by Jesus' earlier reply (verses 18-27) and he wants to learn more from Him. His question is to the point and Jesus devotes time to instructing him, though he will soon castigate the scribes, of whom this man is one (cf. Mark 12:38ff).
Jesus sees in this man not just a scribe but a person who is looking for the truth. And His teaching finds its way into the man's heart. The scribe repeats what Jesus says, savoring it, and our Lord offers him an affectionate word which encourages his definitive conversion: "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." This encounter reminds us of His meeting with Nicodemus (cf. John 3:1ff). On the doctrinal content of these two commandments cf. note on Matthew 22:34-40.
[Note on Matthew 22:34-40 states:
In reply to the question, our Lord points out that the whole law can be condensed into two commandments: the first and more important consists in unconditional love of God; the second is a consequence and result of the first, because when man is loved, St. Thomas says, God is loved, for man is the image of God (cf. "Commentary on St. Matthew", 22:4).
A person who genuinely loves God also loves his fellows because he realizes that they are his brothers and sisters, children of the same Father, redeemed by the same blood of our Lord Jesus Christ: "This commandment we have from Him, that he who loves God should love his brother also" (1 John 4:21). However, if we love man for man's sake without reference to God, this love will become an obstacle in the way of keeping the first commandment, and then it is no longer genuine love of our neighbor. But love of our neighbor for God's sake is clear proof that we love God: "If anyone says, `I love God', and hates his brother, he is a liar" (1 John 4:20).
"You shall love your neighbor as yourself": here our Lord establishes as the guideline for our love of neighbor the love each of us has for himself; both love of others and love of self are based on love of God. Hence, in some cases it can happen that God requires us to put our neighbor's need before our own; in others, not: it depends on what value, in light of God's love, needs to be put on the spiritual and material factors involved.
Obviously spiritual goods take absolute precedence over material ones, even over life itself. Therefore, spiritual goods, be they our own or our neighbor's, must be the first to be safeguarded. If the spiritual good in question is the supreme one for the salvation of the soul, no one is justified in putting his own soul into certain danger of being condemned in order to save another, because given human freedom we can never be absolutely sure what personal choice another person may make: this is the situation in the parable (cf. Matthew 25:1-13), where the wise virgins refuse to give oil to the foolish ones; similarly St. Paul says that he would wish himself to be rejected if that could save his brothers (cf. Romans 9:3)--an unreal theoretical situation. However, what is quite clear is that we have to do all we can to save our brothers, conscious that, if someone helps to bring a sinner back to the way, he will save himself from eternal death and cover a multitude of his own sins (James 5:20). From all this we can deduce that self-love of the right kind, based on God's love for man, necessarily involves forgetting oneself in order to love God and our neighbor for God.]
30. This commandment of the Old Law, ratified by Jesus, shows, above all, God's great desire to engage in intimate conversation with man: "would it not have sufficed to publish a permission giving us leave to love Him? [...]. He makes a stronger declaration of His passionate love for us, and commands us to love Him with all our power, lest the consideration of His majesty and our misery, which make so great a distance and inequality between us, or some other pretext, divert us from His love. In this He well shows that He did not leave in us for nothing the natural inclination to love Him, for to the end that it may not be idle, He urges us by His general commandment to employ it, and that this commandment may be effected, there is no living man He has not furnished him abundantly with all means requisite thereto" (St. Francis de Sales, "Treatise on the Love of God", Book 2, Chapter 8).
________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
The Greatest Commandment of All
[28] One of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that He (Jesus) answered them well, asked Him, "Which commandment is the first of all?" [29] Jesus answered, "The first is, `Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; [30] and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' [31] The second is this, `You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." [32] And the scribe said to Him, "You are right, Teacher; You have truly said that He is one, and there is no other than He; [33] and to love with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." [34] And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." And after that no one dared to ask Him any question.
_________________________
Commentary:
28-34. The doctor of the law who asks Jesus this question is obviously an upright man who is sincerely seeking the truth. He was impressed by Jesus' earlier reply (verses 18-27) and he wants to learn more from Him. His question is to the point and Jesus devotes time to instructing him, though he will soon castigate the scribes, of whom this man is one (cf. Mark 12:38ff).
Jesus sees in this man not just a scribe but a person who is looking for the truth. And His teaching finds its way into the man's heart. The scribe repeats what Jesus says, savoring it, and our Lord offers him an affectionate word which encourages his definitive conversion: "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." This encounter reminds us of His meeting with Nicodemus (cf. John 3:1ff). On the doctrinal content of these two commandments cf. note on Matthew 22:34-40.
[Note on Matthew 22:34-40 states:
In reply to the question, our Lord points out that the whole law can be condensed into two commandments: the first and more important consists in unconditional love of God; the second is a consequence and result of the first, because when man is loved, St. Thomas says, God is loved, for man is the image of God (cf. "Commentary on St. Matthew", 22:4).
A person who genuinely loves God also loves his fellows because he realizes that they are his brothers and sisters, children of the same Father, redeemed by the same blood of our Lord Jesus Christ: "This commandment we have from Him, that he who loves God should love his brother also" (1 John 4:21). However, if we love man for man's sake without reference to God, this love will become an obstacle in the way of keeping the first commandment, and then it is no longer genuine love of our neighbor. But love of our neighbor for God's sake is clear proof that we love God: "If anyone says, `I love God', and hates his brother, he is a liar" (1 John 4:20).
"You shall love your neighbor as yourself": here our Lord establishes as the guideline for our love of neighbor the love each of us has for himself; both love of others and love of self are based on love of God. Hence, in some cases it can happen that God requires us to put our neighbor's need before our own; in others, not: it depends on what value, in light of God's love, needs to be put on the spiritual and material factors involved.
Obviously spiritual goods take absolute precedence over material ones, even over life itself. Therefore, spiritual goods, be they our own or our neighbor's, must be the first to be safeguarded. If the spiritual good in question is the supreme one for the salvation of the soul, no one is justified in putting his own soul into certain danger of being condemned in order to save another, because given human freedom we can never be absolutely sure what personal choice another person may make: this is the situation in the parable (cf. Matthew 25:1-13), where the wise virgins refuse to give oil to the foolish ones; similarly St. Paul says that he would wish himself to be rejected if that could save his brothers (cf. Romans 9:3)--an unreal theoretical situation. However, what is quite clear is that we have to do all we can to save our brothers, conscious that, if someone helps to bring a sinner back to the way, he will save himself from eternal death and cover a multitude of his own sins (James 5:20). From all this we can deduce that self-love of the right kind, based on God's love for man, necessarily involves forgetting oneself in order to love God and our neighbor for God.]
30. This commandment of the Old Law, ratified by Jesus, shows, above all, God's great desire to engage in intimate conversation with man: "would it not have sufficed to publish a permission giving us leave to love Him? [...]. He makes a stronger declaration of His passionate love for us, and commands us to love Him with all our power, lest the consideration of His majesty and our misery, which make so great a distance and inequality between us, or some other pretext, divert us from His love. In this He well shows that He did not leave in us for nothing the natural inclination to love Him, for to the end that it may not be idle, He urges us by His general commandment to employ it, and that this commandment may be effected, there is no living man He has not furnished him abundantly with all means requisite thereto" (St. Francis de Sales, "Treatise on the Love of God", Book 2, Chapter 8).
________________________
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.
Principles and Practices - March 20
Our Dependence
To be a creature is to have an existence but not to be independent. God could not create a being, and thrust it away, so that it would be entirely outside of, and away from, God. Every creature is encompassed by the power, wisdom, goodness, and love of Him who first gave it being. The Creator's hand is the creature's home. The creature has primary, essential relations with the Creator.
-J. Teefy, C.S.B.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
To be a creature is to have an existence but not to be independent. God could not create a being, and thrust it away, so that it would be entirely outside of, and away from, God. Every creature is encompassed by the power, wisdom, goodness, and love of Him who first gave it being. The Creator's hand is the creature's home. The creature has primary, essential relations with the Creator.
-J. Teefy, C.S.B.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
Thoughts of St Augustine for March 20
BUT if they love it because it is true, it groweth thus to be both theirs and mine, as being common to all who are lovers of the Truth....Seeing therefore that we do not strive about the very light of our Lord, why do we strive about the very thoughts of our neighbour, into which we cannot see clearly as we can into the unchangeable Truth?
_________________________
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-March 20
IF the two disciples going to Emmaus were inflamed with divine love by the few moments which they spent in company with our Saviour, and by his words, what flames of holy love must we not suppose to have been enkindled in the heart of St Joseph, who for thirty years conversed with Jesus Christ, and listened to his words of eternal life?
_________________
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
Dr Edward Peters: If Robert McElvaine hasn't violated Canon 1369, who has?
Dr Peters writes:
About a year ago, WaPo made room for Joe "the-bishops-be-damned" Feuerherd's rant against the American episcopate for its articulation of pro-life ethics in politics.
I said then that Feueherd's contempt must not be allowed to go unchecked. The US bishops let the insults pass. But now, Feuerherdian contempt has been taken to a new level by Robert McElvaine.
Read why I believe that McElvaine’s column in the Washington Post has violated Canon 1369, and why I am calling for a canonical penal process to be undertaken against him, here:
News Updates, 3/19
*** MUST READ ***
Thomas More Law Center Sues AIG for Promoting Islam; Responds to Justice Department’s Motion to Dismiss its Lawsuit Challenging AIG Bailout
TMLC responded yesterday to a motion to dismiss its federal lawsuit challenging the AIG bailout. The request to dismiss was filed by the Obama administration’s Department of Justice on behalf of Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and the Federal Reserve Board. Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center, commented, “Although widespread public anger has rightfully focused on bonuses AIG paid to top executives using taxpayers’ money, that anger would be at an even higher pitch if the public knew that our tax dollars were being used by AIG to promote Islam and Shariah law, which provides support for terrorist activities aimed at killing Americans and destroying America.”
Hundreds Of Thousands In Canadian Lent Collection Money Funding Pro-Abortion Groups In Mexico
The official international development organization of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops is funding groups in Mexico that are pressuring the Mexican government to legalize abortion, LifeSiteNews has learned. The five pro-abortion groups have received $170,000 in total this year from Development and Peace...
[Development and Peace??? Another leftist group masquerading as Catholic...WHEN will these apostates be purged from the Church?]
Vatican defends Pope's stand on condoms
Criticism mounts after comments in Cameroon
Israel: Pope can wear cross at Western Wall
'In accordance with rules of hospitality and dignity'
Cardinal George faces President Obama
30-minute meeting inside the Oval Office today
US births break record: 40% are out-of-wedlock
Teen birth rate up for the second year in a row
Mahony testifies in Fresno sex abuse trial
LA cardinal subpoenaed by attorneys for two brothers
Pope asks priests to 'smarten up' their dress code
Benedict XVI says Clerics should be more 'recognizable'
African wife-beaters urged to practice 'safe-sox'
Take steps to prevent HIV infection from skin ruptures
Ethiopia: astonishing Christianity on African soil
'Dark and lovely' like the queen of Sheba
African priest warns of rampant curses in society
Says 'evil act' has true negative effects on humanity
==========
Other Issues
==========
Liars & Cheats Trying to cover for more Liars & Cheats
Dodd Blames Obama Administration for Bonus Amendment
[None of these reprobates should have ANY position of governing power - they should all be behind bars, at a minimum.]
Missouri Libertarian Party Condemns Missouri Highway Patrol Training Document as Political Profiling
The Missouri Libertarian Party, the third-largest political party in the state, issued the following statement regarding a “Strategic Report” issued by the Missouri Information Analysis Center (MIAC) on February 22nd, which became known to the public late last week...
[Let's not forget, elitists in Missouri basically say you're a terrorist if:
1. You're a member of the Constitution Party.
2. You're a member of the Libertarian Party.
3. You have a Ron Paul, Bob Barr or Chuck Baldwin bumper sticker displayed on your car.
4. You home-school.
5. You believe in a possible North American Union (NAU)
6. You display a "Don't Tread on Me" flag or an upside-down American flag.]
EU bans use of 'Miss' and 'Mrs' (and sportsmen and statesmen) because it claims they are sexist
Europe wrestles with only the highest priority issues, all of those brave men who fought so hard in the liberation of Europe in World War I and II less than 100 years ago would never believe this.
Out of thin air, Fed to pump another $1 trillion into U.S. economy
US Federal Reserve plans $1.15 trillion injection
The US Federal Reserve is to embark on quantitative easing by buying up longer-term Treasuries for the first time as part of a $1.15 trillion (£808bn) spending spree with the aim of reviving the American economy out of recession....
[This act may well precipitate the destruction of Social Security, Medicare, half the military budget and half of all other government programs - in effect, the destruction of the country.]
Taxpayers Gather To Protest Spending, Taxes, Growing Debt
Thomas More Law Center Sues AIG for Promoting Islam; Responds to Justice Department’s Motion to Dismiss its Lawsuit Challenging AIG Bailout
TMLC responded yesterday to a motion to dismiss its federal lawsuit challenging the AIG bailout. The request to dismiss was filed by the Obama administration’s Department of Justice on behalf of Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and the Federal Reserve Board. Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center, commented, “Although widespread public anger has rightfully focused on bonuses AIG paid to top executives using taxpayers’ money, that anger would be at an even higher pitch if the public knew that our tax dollars were being used by AIG to promote Islam and Shariah law, which provides support for terrorist activities aimed at killing Americans and destroying America.”
Hundreds Of Thousands In Canadian Lent Collection Money Funding Pro-Abortion Groups In Mexico
The official international development organization of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops is funding groups in Mexico that are pressuring the Mexican government to legalize abortion, LifeSiteNews has learned. The five pro-abortion groups have received $170,000 in total this year from Development and Peace...
[Development and Peace??? Another leftist group masquerading as Catholic...WHEN will these apostates be purged from the Church?]
Vatican defends Pope's stand on condoms
Criticism mounts after comments in Cameroon
Israel: Pope can wear cross at Western Wall
'In accordance with rules of hospitality and dignity'
Cardinal George faces President Obama
30-minute meeting inside the Oval Office today
US births break record: 40% are out-of-wedlock
Teen birth rate up for the second year in a row
Mahony testifies in Fresno sex abuse trial
LA cardinal subpoenaed by attorneys for two brothers
Pope asks priests to 'smarten up' their dress code
Benedict XVI says Clerics should be more 'recognizable'
African wife-beaters urged to practice 'safe-sox'
Take steps to prevent HIV infection from skin ruptures
Ethiopia: astonishing Christianity on African soil
'Dark and lovely' like the queen of Sheba
African priest warns of rampant curses in society
Says 'evil act' has true negative effects on humanity
==========
Other Issues
==========
Liars & Cheats Trying to cover for more Liars & Cheats
Dodd Blames Obama Administration for Bonus Amendment
[None of these reprobates should have ANY position of governing power - they should all be behind bars, at a minimum.]
Missouri Libertarian Party Condemns Missouri Highway Patrol Training Document as Political Profiling
The Missouri Libertarian Party, the third-largest political party in the state, issued the following statement regarding a “Strategic Report” issued by the Missouri Information Analysis Center (MIAC) on February 22nd, which became known to the public late last week...
[Let's not forget, elitists in Missouri basically say you're a terrorist if:
1. You're a member of the Constitution Party.
2. You're a member of the Libertarian Party.
3. You have a Ron Paul, Bob Barr or Chuck Baldwin bumper sticker displayed on your car.
4. You home-school.
5. You believe in a possible North American Union (NAU)
6. You display a "Don't Tread on Me" flag or an upside-down American flag.]
EU bans use of 'Miss' and 'Mrs' (and sportsmen and statesmen) because it claims they are sexist
Europe wrestles with only the highest priority issues, all of those brave men who fought so hard in the liberation of Europe in World War I and II less than 100 years ago would never believe this.
Out of thin air, Fed to pump another $1 trillion into U.S. economy
US Federal Reserve plans $1.15 trillion injection
The US Federal Reserve is to embark on quantitative easing by buying up longer-term Treasuries for the first time as part of a $1.15 trillion (£808bn) spending spree with the aim of reviving the American economy out of recession....
[This act may well precipitate the destruction of Social Security, Medicare, half the military budget and half of all other government programs - in effect, the destruction of the country.]
Taxpayers Gather To Protest Spending, Taxes, Growing Debt
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Gospel for the Solemnity: St. Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Old Calendar: St. Joseph, Spouse of the Virgin Mary
From: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a
The Ancestry of Jesus Christ (Continuation)
[16] And Jacob, (was) the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, ofwhom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.
The Virginal Conception of Jesus, and His Birth
[18] Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; [19] and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to send her away quietly. [20] But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; [21] she will bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." [24a] When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.
__________________________
Commentary:
16. Jewish genealogies followed the male line. Joseph, being Mary's husband, was the legal father of Jesus. The legal father is on a par with the real father as regards rights and duties. This fact provides a sound basis for recognizing St. Joseph as Patron of the whole Church, since he was chosen to play a very special role in God's plan for our salvation; with Joseph as his legal father, Jesus the Messiah has David as his successor.
Since it was quite usual for people to marry within their clan, it can be concluded that Mary belonged to the house of David. Several early Fathers of the Church testify to this--for example, St. Ignatius of Antioch, St. Irenaeus, St. Justin and Tertullian, who base their testimony on an unbroken oral tradition.
It should also be pointed out that when St. Matthew comes to speak of the birth of Jesus, he uses an ___expression which is completely different from that used for the other people in the genealogy. With these words the text positively teaches that Mary conceived Jesus while still a virgin, without the intervention of man.
18. St. Matthew relates here how Christ was conceived (cf. Luke 1:25-38): "We truly honor and venerate (Mary) as Mother of God, because she gave birth to a person who is at the same time both God and man" ("St. Pius V Catechism", I, 4, 7).
According to the provisions of the Law of Moses, engagement took place about one year before marriage and enjoyed almost the same legal validity. The marriage proper consisted, among other ceremonies, in the bride being brought solemnly and joyously to her husband's house (cf. Deuteronomy 20:7).
From the moment of engagement onwards, a certificate of divorce was needed in the event of a break in the relationship between the couple.
The entire account of Jesus' birth teaches, through the different fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 (which is expressly quoted in verses 22-23) that: 1) Jesus has David as His ancestor since Joseph is His legal father; 2) Mary is the Virgin who gives birth according to the prophecy; 3) the Child's conception without the intervention of man was miraculous.
19. "St. Joseph was an ordinary sort of man on whom God relied to do great things. He did exactly what the Lord wanted him to do, in each and every event that went to make up his life. That is why Scripture praises Joseph as `a just man'. In Hebrew a just man means a good and faithful servant of God, someone who fulfills the divine will (cf. Genesis 7:1; 18:23-32; Ezekiel 18:5ff.; Proverbs 12:10), or who is honorable and charitable toward his neighbor (cf. Tobias 7:6; 9:6). So a just man is someone who loves God and proves his love by keeping God's commandments and directing his whole life towards the service of his brothers, his fellow men" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 40).
Joseph considered his spouse to be holy despite the signs that she was going to have a child. He was therefore faced with a situation he could not explain. Precisely because he was trying to do God's will, he felt obliged to put her away; but to shield her from public shame he decided to send her away quietly.
Mary's silence is admirable. Her perfect surrender to God even leads her to the extreme of not defending her honor or innocence. She prefers to suffer suspicion and shame rather than reveal the work of grace in her. Faced with a fact which was inexplicable in human terms she abandons herself confidently to the love and providence of God. God certainly submitted the holy souls of Joseph and Mary to a severe trial. We ought not to be surprised if we also undergo difficult trials in the course of our lives. We ought to trust in God during them, and remain faithful to Him, following the example they gave us.
20. God gives His light to those who act in an upright way and who trust in His power and wisdom when faced with situations which exceed human understanding. By calling him the son of David, the angel reminds Joseph that he is the providential link which joins Jesus with the family of David, according to Nathan's messianic prophecy (cf. 2 Samuel 7:12). As St. John Chrysostom says: "At the very start he straightaway reminds him of David, of whom the Christ was to spring, and he does not wish him to be worried from the moment he reminds him, through naming his most illustrious ancestor, of the promise made to all his lineage" ("Hom. on St. Matthew", 4).
"The same Jesus Christ, our only Lord, the Son of God, when He assumed human flesh for us in the womb of the Virgin, was not conceived like other men, from the seed of man, but in a manner transcending the order of nature, that is, by the power of the Holy Spirit, so that the same person, remaining God as He was from eternity, became man, which He was not before" ("St. Pius V Catechism", I, 4, 1).
21. According to the Hebrew root, the name Jesus means "savior". After our Lady, St. Joseph is the first person to be told by God that salvation has begun.
"Jesus is the proper name of the God-man and signifies `Savior'--a name given Him not accidentally, or by the judgment or will of man, but by the counsel and command of God" [...]. All other names which prophecy gave to the Son of God--Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (cf. Isaiah 9:6)--are comprised in this one name Jesus; for while they partially signified the salvation which He was to bestow on us, this name included the force and meaning of all human salvation" ("St. Pius V Catechism", I, 3, 5 and 6).
________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
From: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a
The Ancestry of Jesus Christ (Continuation)
[16] And Jacob, (was) the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, ofwhom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.
The Virginal Conception of Jesus, and His Birth
[18] Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; [19] and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to send her away quietly. [20] But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; [21] she will bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." [24a] When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.
__________________________
Commentary:
16. Jewish genealogies followed the male line. Joseph, being Mary's husband, was the legal father of Jesus. The legal father is on a par with the real father as regards rights and duties. This fact provides a sound basis for recognizing St. Joseph as Patron of the whole Church, since he was chosen to play a very special role in God's plan for our salvation; with Joseph as his legal father, Jesus the Messiah has David as his successor.
Since it was quite usual for people to marry within their clan, it can be concluded that Mary belonged to the house of David. Several early Fathers of the Church testify to this--for example, St. Ignatius of Antioch, St. Irenaeus, St. Justin and Tertullian, who base their testimony on an unbroken oral tradition.
It should also be pointed out that when St. Matthew comes to speak of the birth of Jesus, he uses an ___expression which is completely different from that used for the other people in the genealogy. With these words the text positively teaches that Mary conceived Jesus while still a virgin, without the intervention of man.
18. St. Matthew relates here how Christ was conceived (cf. Luke 1:25-38): "We truly honor and venerate (Mary) as Mother of God, because she gave birth to a person who is at the same time both God and man" ("St. Pius V Catechism", I, 4, 7).
According to the provisions of the Law of Moses, engagement took place about one year before marriage and enjoyed almost the same legal validity. The marriage proper consisted, among other ceremonies, in the bride being brought solemnly and joyously to her husband's house (cf. Deuteronomy 20:7).
From the moment of engagement onwards, a certificate of divorce was needed in the event of a break in the relationship between the couple.
The entire account of Jesus' birth teaches, through the different fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 (which is expressly quoted in verses 22-23) that: 1) Jesus has David as His ancestor since Joseph is His legal father; 2) Mary is the Virgin who gives birth according to the prophecy; 3) the Child's conception without the intervention of man was miraculous.
19. "St. Joseph was an ordinary sort of man on whom God relied to do great things. He did exactly what the Lord wanted him to do, in each and every event that went to make up his life. That is why Scripture praises Joseph as `a just man'. In Hebrew a just man means a good and faithful servant of God, someone who fulfills the divine will (cf. Genesis 7:1; 18:23-32; Ezekiel 18:5ff.; Proverbs 12:10), or who is honorable and charitable toward his neighbor (cf. Tobias 7:6; 9:6). So a just man is someone who loves God and proves his love by keeping God's commandments and directing his whole life towards the service of his brothers, his fellow men" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 40).
Joseph considered his spouse to be holy despite the signs that she was going to have a child. He was therefore faced with a situation he could not explain. Precisely because he was trying to do God's will, he felt obliged to put her away; but to shield her from public shame he decided to send her away quietly.
Mary's silence is admirable. Her perfect surrender to God even leads her to the extreme of not defending her honor or innocence. She prefers to suffer suspicion and shame rather than reveal the work of grace in her. Faced with a fact which was inexplicable in human terms she abandons herself confidently to the love and providence of God. God certainly submitted the holy souls of Joseph and Mary to a severe trial. We ought not to be surprised if we also undergo difficult trials in the course of our lives. We ought to trust in God during them, and remain faithful to Him, following the example they gave us.
20. God gives His light to those who act in an upright way and who trust in His power and wisdom when faced with situations which exceed human understanding. By calling him the son of David, the angel reminds Joseph that he is the providential link which joins Jesus with the family of David, according to Nathan's messianic prophecy (cf. 2 Samuel 7:12). As St. John Chrysostom says: "At the very start he straightaway reminds him of David, of whom the Christ was to spring, and he does not wish him to be worried from the moment he reminds him, through naming his most illustrious ancestor, of the promise made to all his lineage" ("Hom. on St. Matthew", 4).
"The same Jesus Christ, our only Lord, the Son of God, when He assumed human flesh for us in the womb of the Virgin, was not conceived like other men, from the seed of man, but in a manner transcending the order of nature, that is, by the power of the Holy Spirit, so that the same person, remaining God as He was from eternity, became man, which He was not before" ("St. Pius V Catechism", I, 4, 1).
21. According to the Hebrew root, the name Jesus means "savior". After our Lady, St. Joseph is the first person to be told by God that salvation has begun.
"Jesus is the proper name of the God-man and signifies `Savior'--a name given Him not accidentally, or by the judgment or will of man, but by the counsel and command of God" [...]. All other names which prophecy gave to the Son of God--Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (cf. Isaiah 9:6)--are comprised in this one name Jesus; for while they partially signified the salvation which He was to bestow on us, this name included the force and meaning of all human salvation" ("St. Pius V Catechism", I, 3, 5 and 6).
________________________
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.
Principles and Practices - March 19
Christ the King
Try but in the smallest thing to imitate Him, to please Him, and your Christian life develops with indescribable rapidity because of the ever more intimate inhabitation of His spirit. Try, then, in small and simple actions to do what you think He would like, and tell Him that you do so in order to become what He wishes you to be, and your reward is sure.
-Martindale
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
Try but in the smallest thing to imitate Him, to please Him, and your Christian life develops with indescribable rapidity because of the ever more intimate inhabitation of His spirit. Try, then, in small and simple actions to do what you think He would like, and tell Him that you do so in order to become what He wishes you to be, and your reward is sure.
-Martindale
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
Thoughts of St Augustine for March 19
SPEAK thou to my heart truly, for only so thou speakest, and I will not trouble myself with them who stand outside, blowing upon the dust and thereby raising it up in their own eyes.
_________________________
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-March 19
(Feast of St Joseph)
ST JOSEPH, on account of having saved the Infant Jesus from the snares of Herod, has the privilege of delivering the dying from the snares of the devil. Moreover, on account of the services which he rendered for so many years to Jesus and Mary, he has the privilege of obtaining their special assistance for his devout clients at death.
_________________
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
ST JOSEPH, on account of having saved the Infant Jesus from the snares of Herod, has the privilege of delivering the dying from the snares of the devil. Moreover, on account of the services which he rendered for so many years to Jesus and Mary, he has the privilege of obtaining their special assistance for his devout clients at death.
_________________
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, 3/18
Wisconsin pastoral associate fired for feminist [heretical] views
Madison, Wis. -- Ruth Kolpack, pastoral associate since 1995 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Beloit, Wis., was fired earlier this month after a brief meeting with Madison Bishop Robert Morlino...
[She would not make a profession of faith nor would she agree to only teach what the Church teaches - Sorta like St Cronan's Sr Louise Lears...Oh the Church is sooooooo "patriarchal" they whine.]
Pope Benedict XVI announces special year for priests
Pope warns of 'dilution' of priestly ministry
Dead Sea scholar: Essenes never existed
Is the 1st century celibate Jewish community fiction?
There's a new power in America: atheism
Nonreligious are now third biggest grouping in the US
Pope in Africa: no condoms against AIDS
Says world economic crisis due to 'deficit of ethics'
Pope says condoms are not the solution to Aids - they make it worse
The Pope courted further controversy on his first trip to Africa today by declaring that condoms were not a solution to the Aids epidemic – but were instead part of the problem.
[He spoke the TRUTH - but many refuse to listen!]
S Africa protest over new Mass translation
Critics whine 'it's too hard to understand'
Church anti-abortion [PRO-LIFE] campaign launched in Spain
Spanish government plans to ease restrictions
Group quietly marks anniversary of Cuba crackdown
Ladies in White decide to pray instead of protest
Rabbi: Pope should not wear cross at Western Wall
Says it's like a Jew going into church with phylacteries
Cardinal Mahony to testify in clergy abuse suit
Mahony served as administrator in the Fresno Diocese
[Odds are the standard response will be "I can't recall..."]
==========
Other Issues
==========
Highest Foreclosure States: Top 10
Dodd to give back AIG contributions
When it comes to donating to politicians and filling their coffers, bonus-and-bail-out embattled American International Group Inc.'s Financial Products unit in Wilton has a stimulus record of its own, providing Sen. Christopher Dodd's presidential campaign with more than $103,000 during the 2008 election cycle. AIG's contributions to Dodd outpace the financial firm's $101,000 contribution to President Barack Obama's election bid.
[Would he be giving it back if he had not been caught? No, he's a liar and a cheat and he should have been excommunicated years ago for he avowed promotion of the culture of death!!! And what about the muslim mulatto marxist? Sure, right!]
FANNIE plans bonuses of up to $611K for 4 execs...
AIG boss asks bonus recipients to return half the cash...
Concerned for safety of employees; doesn't want to disclose names...
National debt hits record $11 trillion
The eye-popping national debt surpassed $11 trillion Monday, the largest in U.S. history. The new Treasury Department figures on the national debt were released as the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office is expected to project that the annual budget deficit will be higher than previously estimated by the White House's Office of Management and Budget.
Pentagon Readies Big Cuts in Weapons
Two defense officials who were not authorized to speak publicly said [Defense Secretary Robert] Gates will announce up to a half-dozen major weapons cancellations later this month. Candidates include a new Navy destroyer, the Air Force's F-22 fighter jet, and Army ground-combat vehicles, the officials said. More cuts are planned for later this year after a review that could lead to reductions in programs such as aircraft carriers and nuclear arms, the officials said.
Russia May Send Strategic Bombers to Cuba, Venezuela
Russia could base strategic bombers at Cuban and Venezuelan airfields, the head of the Russian strategic air force was quoted as saying by the Interfax news service.
Madison, Wis. -- Ruth Kolpack, pastoral associate since 1995 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Beloit, Wis., was fired earlier this month after a brief meeting with Madison Bishop Robert Morlino...
[She would not make a profession of faith nor would she agree to only teach what the Church teaches - Sorta like St Cronan's Sr Louise Lears...Oh the Church is sooooooo "patriarchal" they whine.]
Pope Benedict XVI announces special year for priests
Pope warns of 'dilution' of priestly ministry
Dead Sea scholar: Essenes never existed
Is the 1st century celibate Jewish community fiction?
There's a new power in America: atheism
Nonreligious are now third biggest grouping in the US
Pope in Africa: no condoms against AIDS
Says world economic crisis due to 'deficit of ethics'
Pope says condoms are not the solution to Aids - they make it worse
The Pope courted further controversy on his first trip to Africa today by declaring that condoms were not a solution to the Aids epidemic – but were instead part of the problem.
[He spoke the TRUTH - but many refuse to listen!]
S Africa protest over new Mass translation
Critics whine 'it's too hard to understand'
Church anti-abortion [PRO-LIFE] campaign launched in Spain
Spanish government plans to ease restrictions
Group quietly marks anniversary of Cuba crackdown
Ladies in White decide to pray instead of protest
Rabbi: Pope should not wear cross at Western Wall
Says it's like a Jew going into church with phylacteries
Cardinal Mahony to testify in clergy abuse suit
Mahony served as administrator in the Fresno Diocese
[Odds are the standard response will be "I can't recall..."]
==========
Other Issues
==========
Highest Foreclosure States: Top 10
Dodd to give back AIG contributions
When it comes to donating to politicians and filling their coffers, bonus-and-bail-out embattled American International Group Inc.'s Financial Products unit in Wilton has a stimulus record of its own, providing Sen. Christopher Dodd's presidential campaign with more than $103,000 during the 2008 election cycle. AIG's contributions to Dodd outpace the financial firm's $101,000 contribution to President Barack Obama's election bid.
[Would he be giving it back if he had not been caught? No, he's a liar and a cheat and he should have been excommunicated years ago for he avowed promotion of the culture of death!!! And what about the muslim mulatto marxist? Sure, right!]
FANNIE plans bonuses of up to $611K for 4 execs...
AIG boss asks bonus recipients to return half the cash...
Concerned for safety of employees; doesn't want to disclose names...
National debt hits record $11 trillion
The eye-popping national debt surpassed $11 trillion Monday, the largest in U.S. history. The new Treasury Department figures on the national debt were released as the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office is expected to project that the annual budget deficit will be higher than previously estimated by the White House's Office of Management and Budget.
Pentagon Readies Big Cuts in Weapons
Two defense officials who were not authorized to speak publicly said [Defense Secretary Robert] Gates will announce up to a half-dozen major weapons cancellations later this month. Candidates include a new Navy destroyer, the Air Force's F-22 fighter jet, and Army ground-combat vehicles, the officials said. More cuts are planned for later this year after a review that could lead to reductions in programs such as aircraft carriers and nuclear arms, the officials said.
Russia May Send Strategic Bombers to Cuba, Venezuela
Russia could base strategic bombers at Cuban and Venezuelan airfields, the head of the Russian strategic air force was quoted as saying by the Interfax news service.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Gospel for Wednesday, 3rd Week of Lent
Optional Memorial: St Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop and Doctor
(Preference Given to Liturgical Season)
Old Calendar: St. Cyril of Jerusalem
Matthew 5:17-19
Jesus and His Teaching, the Fulfillment of the Law
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [17] "Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them. [18] For truly I say to you, till Heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. [19] Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven."
__________________
Commentary:
17-19. In this passage Jesus stresses the perennial value of the Old Testament. It is the word of God; because it has a divine authority it deserves total respect. The Old Law enjoined precepts of a moral, legal and liturgical type. Its moral precepts still hold good in the New Testament because they are for the most part specific divine-positive promulgations of the natural law. However, our Lord gives them greater weight and meaning. But the legal and liturgical precepts of the Old Law were laid down by God for a specific stage in salvation history, that is, up to the coming of Christ; Christians are not obliged to observe them (cf. "Summa Theologiae", I-II, q. 108, a. 3 ad 3).
The law promulgated through Moses and explained by the prophets was God's gift to His people, a kind of anticipation of the definitive Law which the Christ or Messiah would lay down. Thus, as the Council of Trent defined, Jesus not only "was given to men as a redeemer in whom they are to trust, but also as a lawgiver whom they are to obey" ("De Iustificatione", can. 21).
___________________________
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.
(Preference Given to Liturgical Season)
Old Calendar: St. Cyril of Jerusalem
Matthew 5:17-19
Jesus and His Teaching, the Fulfillment of the Law
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [17] "Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them. [18] For truly I say to you, till Heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. [19] Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven."
__________________
Commentary:
17-19. In this passage Jesus stresses the perennial value of the Old Testament. It is the word of God; because it has a divine authority it deserves total respect. The Old Law enjoined precepts of a moral, legal and liturgical type. Its moral precepts still hold good in the New Testament because they are for the most part specific divine-positive promulgations of the natural law. However, our Lord gives them greater weight and meaning. But the legal and liturgical precepts of the Old Law were laid down by God for a specific stage in salvation history, that is, up to the coming of Christ; Christians are not obliged to observe them (cf. "Summa Theologiae", I-II, q. 108, a. 3 ad 3).
The law promulgated through Moses and explained by the prophets was God's gift to His people, a kind of anticipation of the definitive Law which the Christ or Messiah would lay down. Thus, as the Council of Trent defined, Jesus not only "was given to men as a redeemer in whom they are to trust, but also as a lawgiver whom they are to obey" ("De Iustificatione", can. 21).
___________________________
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.
Principles and Practices - March 18
The Sacrament of Comfort
The Sacrament of Penance is essentially a sacrament of humiliation; but secondarily, though not less truly, a sacrament of consolation. Many overlook this altogether; some grasp the former, and yet lose sight of the latter.
-Selley.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
The Sacrament of Penance is essentially a sacrament of humiliation; but secondarily, though not less truly, a sacrament of consolation. Many overlook this altogether; some grasp the former, and yet lose sight of the latter.
-Selley.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
Thoughts of St Augustine for March 18
WONDERFUL is the depth of thy words, whose surface, behold, is before us, inviting to thy little ones, yet a wonderful depth, O my God, a depth most wonderful.
_________________________
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-March 18
My Jesus! who has mocked thy thirst
With vinegar and gall?
Who held the nails that pierced thy hands,
And made the hammer fall?
'Tis I have thus ungrateful been,
Yet, Jesus, pity take;
Oh, spare and pardon me, my Lord,
For thy sweet mercy's sake.
_________________
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
With vinegar and gall?
Who held the nails that pierced thy hands,
And made the hammer fall?
'Tis I have thus ungrateful been,
Yet, Jesus, pity take;
Oh, spare and pardon me, my Lord,
For thy sweet mercy's sake.
_________________
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, 3/17
*** MUST READ, ACTION ITEM ***
Catholic Medical Assocation Responds to Obama Administration Attack on the Conscience Rights of Health Care Providers
The Obama administration has launched a deliberate attack on the conscience rights of all health care providers. Now is the time to send comments to HHS regarding its revocation of the Dec. 19, 2008 Provider Conscience Rule. This is the time to make your voice heard! The DEADLINE is APRIL 9, 2009....
“A fake war being stirred up by the Vatican”
Sister who teaches at Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley urges fellow women religious not to cooperate with upcoming Apostolic Visitations...
[Jesuit School of Theology? Isn't that known as an oxymoron?]
4,000 Catholic parishioners, employees, volunteers and school children converge on Springfield to promote the tenets of Catholic social teaching
Last week, more than 4,000 Catholic parishioners, employees, volunteers and school children met in Springfield to promote the tenets of Catholic social teaching and express support or disagreement with bills currently being considered by those who represent the citizens of Illinois in the capital.
Cleveland bishop explains 52 church closings
'This is an occasion for very mixed emotions'
Missed this!
Vatican Meeting: Americans Bring Case to Replace D.C. Archbishop
Randall Terry, Operation Rescue Founder, led a delegation of nine pro-life leaders in an unprecedented series of meetings with Vatican officials from March 2-6 in Rome. (Names below.) The reactions ranged from shock to heartfelt agreement. The purpose was to beg Vatican officials to intervene decisively in the American Catholic Church. Vatican officials were presented with irrefutable evidence that a majority of US bishops refuse to uphold key teachings of the Church.....
St. Patrick's Day, shamrock have deeper meaning
In Ireland a day of reverence, when people attend Mass
Cardinal Ruini analyzes Pope's SSPX letter
No casual reply to the 'avalanche of protests'
Vatican launching Chinese version of its website
Some fear site could be blocked by Communist authorities
New England now least religious region in America
Full 22% identified with 'no religion' last year
Indiana church arsonist apologizes, gets 40 years
Man has devil horn tattoos on either side of his head
How Catholics, bishops killed Conn. senate bill
Started with a flurry of phone calls and e-mails
Catholics hope Pope can win ground in Angola
Country is home to fastest-growing evangelical churches
Three Jordanians jailed for church bomb plot
Military judge hands down 22-year sentence
===========
Other Issues
===========
Fake Outrage: Obama, Congress knew about AIG bonuses for months
Cue the outrage. For months, the Obama administration and members of Congress have known that insurance giant AIG was getting ready to pay huge bonuses while living off government bailouts
Obama Received a $101,332 Bonus from AIG
Senator Barack Obama received a $101,332 bonus from American International Group in the form of political contributions according to Opensecrets.org.
The TALF: Bernanke’s Witness Protection Program
Fed chief Ben Bernanke’s new funding facility is a real doozy. In fact, if the Term Asset-Backed Loan Facility or TALF, which is set to launch on Thursday, doesn’t convince the American people that it’s time to take a wrecking ball to the Central Bank and start over, than nothing will. Bernanke and his co-conspirator at Treasury, Timothy Geithner, are planning to revive the shadow banking system by dumping $2 trillion into the same over-leveraged, derivatives-based garbage that blew up the financial system in the first place. All the blabbering about a “good bank-bad bank” remedy appears to have been a diversion. This is how Bloomberg sums it up:...
We The People Stimulus Package
Thug Soetoro/Obama secretly ends program that let pilots carry guns
[Usurping Traitor-in-Chief giving aid to terrorisst! Did anyone expect anything different? What a freak show we see going in DC - Keeping his promise to stand with Mohammendans! Change? Are Sky Marshals next to go?]
American Legion commander 'deeply disappointed, concerned' after meeting with Obama...
Plan to Charge Wounded Heroes for Treatment...
[Obama/Soetoro is one sick B*****d]
Just who is Barack Hussein Obama [Soetoro]?
Millions of people, not limited to just Americans, are asking this question. Who is this man? Where did he come from? And, where is he taking the United States? Too many questions, and not enough answers....
[He's NOT a Natural Born Citizen but he is a Fraud, a Liar, a Usurper, a Marxist, an pathological narcissist, a mooslim, and a spawn of Satan...]
Scientists Claim Earth Is Undergoing Natural Climate Shift
UW-Milwaukee Study Could Realign Climate Change Theory
Catholic Medical Assocation Responds to Obama Administration Attack on the Conscience Rights of Health Care Providers
The Obama administration has launched a deliberate attack on the conscience rights of all health care providers. Now is the time to send comments to HHS regarding its revocation of the Dec. 19, 2008 Provider Conscience Rule. This is the time to make your voice heard! The DEADLINE is APRIL 9, 2009....
“A fake war being stirred up by the Vatican”
Sister who teaches at Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley urges fellow women religious not to cooperate with upcoming Apostolic Visitations...
[Jesuit School of Theology? Isn't that known as an oxymoron?]
4,000 Catholic parishioners, employees, volunteers and school children converge on Springfield to promote the tenets of Catholic social teaching
Last week, more than 4,000 Catholic parishioners, employees, volunteers and school children met in Springfield to promote the tenets of Catholic social teaching and express support or disagreement with bills currently being considered by those who represent the citizens of Illinois in the capital.
Cleveland bishop explains 52 church closings
'This is an occasion for very mixed emotions'
Missed this!
Vatican Meeting: Americans Bring Case to Replace D.C. Archbishop
Randall Terry, Operation Rescue Founder, led a delegation of nine pro-life leaders in an unprecedented series of meetings with Vatican officials from March 2-6 in Rome. (Names below.) The reactions ranged from shock to heartfelt agreement. The purpose was to beg Vatican officials to intervene decisively in the American Catholic Church. Vatican officials were presented with irrefutable evidence that a majority of US bishops refuse to uphold key teachings of the Church.....
St. Patrick's Day, shamrock have deeper meaning
In Ireland a day of reverence, when people attend Mass
Cardinal Ruini analyzes Pope's SSPX letter
No casual reply to the 'avalanche of protests'
Vatican launching Chinese version of its website
Some fear site could be blocked by Communist authorities
New England now least religious region in America
Full 22% identified with 'no religion' last year
Indiana church arsonist apologizes, gets 40 years
Man has devil horn tattoos on either side of his head
How Catholics, bishops killed Conn. senate bill
Started with a flurry of phone calls and e-mails
Catholics hope Pope can win ground in Angola
Country is home to fastest-growing evangelical churches
Three Jordanians jailed for church bomb plot
Military judge hands down 22-year sentence
===========
Other Issues
===========
Fake Outrage: Obama, Congress knew about AIG bonuses for months
Cue the outrage. For months, the Obama administration and members of Congress have known that insurance giant AIG was getting ready to pay huge bonuses while living off government bailouts
Obama Received a $101,332 Bonus from AIG
Senator Barack Obama received a $101,332 bonus from American International Group in the form of political contributions according to Opensecrets.org.
The TALF: Bernanke’s Witness Protection Program
Fed chief Ben Bernanke’s new funding facility is a real doozy. In fact, if the Term Asset-Backed Loan Facility or TALF, which is set to launch on Thursday, doesn’t convince the American people that it’s time to take a wrecking ball to the Central Bank and start over, than nothing will. Bernanke and his co-conspirator at Treasury, Timothy Geithner, are planning to revive the shadow banking system by dumping $2 trillion into the same over-leveraged, derivatives-based garbage that blew up the financial system in the first place. All the blabbering about a “good bank-bad bank” remedy appears to have been a diversion. This is how Bloomberg sums it up:...
We The People Stimulus Package
Thug Soetoro/Obama secretly ends program that let pilots carry guns
[Usurping Traitor-in-Chief giving aid to terrorisst! Did anyone expect anything different? What a freak show we see going in DC - Keeping his promise to stand with Mohammendans! Change? Are Sky Marshals next to go?]
American Legion commander 'deeply disappointed, concerned' after meeting with Obama...
Plan to Charge Wounded Heroes for Treatment...
[Obama/Soetoro is one sick B*****d]
Just who is Barack Hussein Obama [Soetoro]?Millions of people, not limited to just Americans, are asking this question. Who is this man? Where did he come from? And, where is he taking the United States? Too many questions, and not enough answers....
[He's NOT a Natural Born Citizen but he is a Fraud, a Liar, a Usurper, a Marxist, an pathological narcissist, a mooslim, and a spawn of Satan...]
Scientists Claim Earth Is Undergoing Natural Climate Shift
UW-Milwaukee Study Could Realign Climate Change Theory
Monday, March 16, 2009
Gospel for Tuesday, 3rd Week of Lent
Optional Memorial: St Patrick. Bishop
Old Calendar: St. Patrick
Matthew 18:21-35
Forgiveness of Injuries. The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
[21] Then Peter came up and said to Him (Jesus), "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" [22] Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.
[23] "Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. [24] When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; [25] and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. [26] So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' [27] And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. [28] But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, `Pay what you owe.' [29] So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, `Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' [30] He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay his debt. [31] When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. [32] Then his lord summoned him and said to him, `You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; [33] and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' [34] And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailers, till he should pay all his debt. [35] So also My Heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."
__________________
Commentary:
21-35. Peter's question and particularly Jesus' reply prescribe the spirit of understanding and mercy which should govern Christians' behavior.
In Hebrew the figure of seventy times seven means the same as "always" (cf. Genesis 4:24): "Therefore, our Lord did not limit forgiveness to a fixed number, but declared that it must be continuous and forever" (Chrysostom, "Hom. on St. Matthew", 6). Here also we can see the contrast between man's ungenerous, calculating approach to forgiveness, and God's infinite mercy. The parable also clearly shows that we are totally in God's debt. A talent was the equivalent of six thousand denarii, and a denarius a working man's daily wage. Ten thousand talents, an enormous sum, gives us an idea of the immense value attaching to the pardon we receive from God. Overall, the parable teaches that we must always forgive our brothers, and must do so wholeheartedly.
"Force yourself, if necessary, always to forgive those who offend you, from the very first moment. For the greatest injury or offense that you can suffer from them is nothing compared to what God has pardoned you" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 452).
___________________________
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. Patrick
Matthew 18:21-35
Forgiveness of Injuries. The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
[21] Then Peter came up and said to Him (Jesus), "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" [22] Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.
[23] "Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. [24] When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; [25] and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. [26] So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' [27] And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. [28] But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, `Pay what you owe.' [29] So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, `Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' [30] He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay his debt. [31] When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. [32] Then his lord summoned him and said to him, `You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; [33] and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' [34] And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailers, till he should pay all his debt. [35] So also My Heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."
__________________
Commentary:
21-35. Peter's question and particularly Jesus' reply prescribe the spirit of understanding and mercy which should govern Christians' behavior.
In Hebrew the figure of seventy times seven means the same as "always" (cf. Genesis 4:24): "Therefore, our Lord did not limit forgiveness to a fixed number, but declared that it must be continuous and forever" (Chrysostom, "Hom. on St. Matthew", 6). Here also we can see the contrast between man's ungenerous, calculating approach to forgiveness, and God's infinite mercy. The parable also clearly shows that we are totally in God's debt. A talent was the equivalent of six thousand denarii, and a denarius a working man's daily wage. Ten thousand talents, an enormous sum, gives us an idea of the immense value attaching to the pardon we receive from God. Overall, the parable teaches that we must always forgive our brothers, and must do so wholeheartedly.
"Force yourself, if necessary, always to forgive those who offend you, from the very first moment. For the greatest injury or offense that you can suffer from them is nothing compared to what God has pardoned you" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 452).
___________________________
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.
Principles and Practices - March 17
The Right View
Do not resent temptation; do not be perplexed because it seems to thicken round you more and more, and ceases neither for effort, nor for agony or for prayer. That is your practice, which God appoints you, and it is having its effect in making you patient, and humble, and generous, and unselfish, and kind and courteous.
-H. Drummond.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
Do not resent temptation; do not be perplexed because it seems to thicken round you more and more, and ceases neither for effort, nor for agony or for prayer. That is your practice, which God appoints you, and it is having its effect in making you patient, and humble, and generous, and unselfish, and kind and courteous.
-H. Drummond.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
Thoughts of St Augustine for March 17
LET me not be my own life; I have lived ill of myself and was death unto myself, in thee do I recover life again.
_________________________
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-March 17
O LORD, thou art silent about the intense pains which hasten thy death, and dost thou complain of thirst? Ah! the thirst of Jesus was very different from that which we imagine it to be. His thirst is the desire of being loved by the souls for whom he dies.
_________________
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, 3/16
Rabbis after Pope meeting: Crisis over
'This was a special experience, a turning point'
US Church's 2008 cost for clergy sex abuse: $436m
Decrease of 29 percent over payouts from previous year
Vatican: Polish bishops cleared of collaboration
Matter over communist secret police links closed
Burke: Sebelius appointment an 'embarrassment'
'She has publicly and repeatedly betrayed her Catholic faith'
Proposal: use aborted babies for spare parts
To increase the supply of organs available for donation
Benedict XVI to make his first trip to Africa
Pope will begin by traveling to Cameroon and Angola
Priest doesn't want Jerry Springer next door
Show will be moving from Chicago to Connecticut
Report: Pope to make historic visit to Britain
Only second UK papal trip since days of Henry VIII
=============
Other News
=============
'This was a special experience, a turning point'
US Church's 2008 cost for clergy sex abuse: $436m
Decrease of 29 percent over payouts from previous year
Vatican: Polish bishops cleared of collaboration
Matter over communist secret police links closed
Burke: Sebelius appointment an 'embarrassment'
'She has publicly and repeatedly betrayed her Catholic faith'
Proposal: use aborted babies for spare parts
To increase the supply of organs available for donation
Benedict XVI to make his first trip to Africa
Pope will begin by traveling to Cameroon and Angola
Priest doesn't want Jerry Springer next door
Show will be moving from Chicago to Connecticut
Report: Pope to make historic visit to Britain
Only second UK papal trip since days of Henry VIII
=============
Other News
=============
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Gospel for Monday, 3rd Week of Lent
Luke 4:24-30
Jesus Preaches in Nazareth (Continuation)
[24] And He said, "Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his own country. [25] But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when there came a great famine over all the land; [26] and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. [27] And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha; and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian." [28] When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. [29] And they rose up and put Him out of the city, and led Him to the brow on the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down headlong. [30] But passing through the midst of them He went away.
_____________________
Commentary:
22-29. At first the people of Nazareth listened readily to the wisdom of Jesus' words. But they were very superficial; in their narrow-minded pride they felt hurt that Jesus, their fellow-townsman, had not worked in Nazareth the wonders He had worked elsewhere. They presume they have a special entitlement and they insolently demand that He perform miracles to satisfy their vanity, not to change their hearts. In view of their attitude, Jesus performs no miracle (His normal response to lack of faith: cf., for example, His meeting with Herod in Luke 23:7-11); He actually reproaches them, using two examples taken from the Old Testament (cf. 1 Kings 17:9 and 2 Kings 5:14), which show that one needs to be well-disposed if miracles are to lead to faith. His attitude so wounds their pride that they are ready to kill Him. This whole episode is a good lesson about understanding Jesus. We can understand Him only if we are humble and are genuinely resolved to make ourselves available to Him.
30. Jesus does not take flight but withdraws majestically, leaving the crowd paralyzed. As on other occasions men do Him no harm; it was by God's decree that He died on a cross (cf. John 18:32) when His hour had come.
___________________________
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.
Jesus Preaches in Nazareth (Continuation)
[24] And He said, "Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his own country. [25] But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when there came a great famine over all the land; [26] and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. [27] And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha; and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian." [28] When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. [29] And they rose up and put Him out of the city, and led Him to the brow on the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down headlong. [30] But passing through the midst of them He went away.
_____________________
Commentary:
22-29. At first the people of Nazareth listened readily to the wisdom of Jesus' words. But they were very superficial; in their narrow-minded pride they felt hurt that Jesus, their fellow-townsman, had not worked in Nazareth the wonders He had worked elsewhere. They presume they have a special entitlement and they insolently demand that He perform miracles to satisfy their vanity, not to change their hearts. In view of their attitude, Jesus performs no miracle (His normal response to lack of faith: cf., for example, His meeting with Herod in Luke 23:7-11); He actually reproaches them, using two examples taken from the Old Testament (cf. 1 Kings 17:9 and 2 Kings 5:14), which show that one needs to be well-disposed if miracles are to lead to faith. His attitude so wounds their pride that they are ready to kill Him. This whole episode is a good lesson about understanding Jesus. We can understand Him only if we are humble and are genuinely resolved to make ourselves available to Him.
30. Jesus does not take flight but withdraws majestically, leaving the crowd paralyzed. As on other occasions men do Him no harm; it was by God's decree that He died on a cross (cf. John 18:32) when His hour had come.
___________________________
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.
Principles and Practices - March 16
Gently
A man takes contradiction and advice much more easily than people think, only he will not bear it when violently given, even though it is well founded. Hearts are flowers, they remain open to the softly falling dew, but shut up in the violent downpour of rain.
-Richter.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
A man takes contradiction and advice much more easily than people think, only he will not bear it when violently given, even though it is well founded. Hearts are flowers, they remain open to the softly falling dew, but shut up in the violent downpour of rain.
-Richter.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
Thoughts of St Augustine for March 16
I HEARD thy voice behind me calling me to return; though I could scarcely hear it for the noise of the enemies of peace. And now, behold, I return panting and gasping for a draught of the fountain. Let no man forbid me; this fountain will I dring and then shall I live.
_________________________
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-March 16
GREAT as the sea is thy destruction; who shall heal thee? As the sea is all bitterness, and has not within its bosom a single drop of water which is sweet, so also (during the Passion of her Son) was the heart of Mary all bitterness, and without the least consolation.
_________________
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
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