Saturday, May 02, 2009

Gospel for the 4th Sunday of Easter

From: John 10:11-18

The Good Shepherd (Continuation)

(Jesus said to the Pharisees,) [11] "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. [12] He who is a hireling and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. [13] He flees because he is a hireling and cares nothing for the sheep. [14] I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, [15] as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for My sheep. [16] And I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed My voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd. [17] For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life, that I may take it again. [18] No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again; this charge I have received from My Father."
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Commentary:
11-15. "The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep": "Here", says St. John Chrysostom, "He is speaking of His passion, making it clear this would take place for the salvation of the world and that He would go to it freely and willingly" ("Hom. on St. John", 59, 3). Our Lord spoke further about giving abundant pasture; now He speaks about giving His very life: "He did what He said He would do", St. Gregory comments; "He gave His life for His sheep, and He gave His body and blood in the Sacrament to nourish with His flesh the sheep He had redeemed" ("In Evangelia Homilae", 14, "ad loc."). Hired men, on the other hand, run away if there is any danger, leaving the flock at risk. "Who is the hireling? He who sees the wolf coming and flees. The man who seeks his own glory, not the glory of Christ; the man who does not dare reprove sinners. You are the hireling; you have seen the wolf coming and have fled [...] because you held your peace; and you held your peace, because you were afraid" (St. Augustine, "In Ioann Evang.", 46, 8).

"Let them remember that their priestly ministry [...] is--in a special way--'ordered' to the great solicitude of the Good Shepherd, solicitude for the salvation of every human being. And this we must all remember: that it is not lawful for any one of us to deserve the name of 'hireling', that is to say, the name of one 'to whom the sheep do not belong', one who, 'since he is not the shepherd and the sheep do not belong to him, abandons the sheep and runs away as soon as he sees the wolf coming, and then the wolf attacks and scatters the sheep; this is because he is only a hired man and has no concern for the sheep.' The solicitude of every good shepherd is that all people 'may have life and have it to the full', so that none of them may be lost but should have eternal life. Let us endeavor to make this solicitude penetrate deeply into our souls; let us strive to live it. May it characterize our personality, and be at the foundation of our priestly identity" ([Pope] John Paul II, "Letter to Priests", 8 April 1979).

The Good Shepherd knows each of His sheep and calls it by name. This touching simile seems to be an exhortation to future pastors of the Church, as St. Peter will later on explain: "Tend the flock that is your charge, not for shameful gain but eagerly, not as domineering over those in your charge but being examples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:2).

"The holiness of Christ's Spouse has always been shown--as it can be seen today--by the abundance of good shepherds. But our Christian faith, which teaches us to be simple, does not bid us to be simple-minded. There are hirelings who keep silent, and there are hirelings who speak with words which are not those of Christ. That is why, if the Lord allows us to be left in the dark even in little things, if we feel that our faith is not firm, we should go to the good shepherd. He enters by the door as of right. He gives his life for others and wants to be in word and behavior a soul in love. He may be a sinner too, but he trusts always in Christ's forgiveness and mercy" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 34).

16. "One flock, one shepherd": Christ's mission extends to everyone even though His own preaching is addressed, in the first instance, to the sheep of the house of Israel, as He Himself revealed to the Canaanite woman (cf. Matthew 15:24), and even though He sent the Apostles on their first mission (cf. Matthew 10:6) to preach to the people of Israel. Now, however, foreseeing the fruits of His redemptive death (verse 15), He reveals that these will be applied to "other sheep, that are not of this fold", that is, Israel, and, after the Resurrection, He does send the Apostles to all nations (cf. Matthew 28:19), to preach the Gospel to all creation (cf. Matthew 16:15), beginning in Jerusalem and extending to all Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth (cf. Acts 1:8). This fulfills the ancient promises about the rule of the Messiah covering the whole world (cf. Psalm 2:7; Isaiah 2:2-6; 66:17-19). The universal scope of salvation caused St. Paul to exclaim: "Remember that at one time you...were...separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near in the blood of Christ" (Ephesians 2:11-13; cf. Galatians 3:27-28; Romans 3:22).

The unity of the Church is to be found under one visible head, for "it was to the Apostolic College alone, of which Peter is the head, that we believe that our Lord entrusted all the blessings of the New Covenant, in order to establish on earth the one body of Christ into which all those should be fully incorporated who belong in any way to the people of God" (Vatican II, "Unitatis Redintegratio", 3). It is a Catholic's constant yearning that everyone should come to the true Church, "God's one flock, which like a standard lifted high for the nations to see, ministers the Gospel of peace to all mankind, as it makes it pilgrim way in hope towards its goal, the fatherland above" ("ibid.", 2).

17-18. Jesus shows that of His own free will He will give Himself up to death for the sake of the flock (cf. John 6:51). Having been given supreme authority, Christ is free to offer Himself as a sacrifice of expiation, and He voluntarily accepts His Father's commandment, in an act of perfect obedience. "We will never fully understand Jesus' freedom. It is immense, infinite, as is His love. But the priceless treasure of His generous holocaust should move us to ask, 'Why, Lord, have you granted me this privilege which I can use to follow in Your footsteps, but also to offend You?' Thus we come to appreciate that freedom is used properly when it is directed towards the good; and that it is misused when men are forgetful and turn away from the Love of loves" ([St] J. Escriva, "Friends of God", 26).
_________________________
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 - May 3

Keep God Before Thee

Great, indeed, is the Christian and the religious who has God in view of all his actions. He is constantly raising himself to the heights of heaven; he identifies himself, so to speak, with the Divinity, having but one will with it, and happy is he; for God who sees the secrets of all hearts, will reward even the smallest action, however indifferent in all its nature. It is our Lord Himself who says,
'Thy Father, who seeth in secret, will repay thee.'
Are we trying to attain this happiness? We cannot gain it without great purity of conscience, and a continual vigilance over self. How do we stand?

-A Father of the Society of Jesus.

_________________
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 May 3

LISTEN to the Angel's salutation and recognize your salvation in me. Believe in God as I did.
_________________________
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-May 3

I FIND that Father Paul Segneri the younger, who was a very celebrated missioner, in every mission preached a sermon on devotion to Mary, and always called it his beloved sermon. And in our own missions, in which it is an inviolable rule to do the same, we can attest, with all truth, that in most cases no sermon is more profitable, or produces so much com­punction in the hearts of the people, as the one on the mercy of Mary.
_________________
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

Friday, May 01, 2009

Gospel for May 2, Memorial: St Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor

Saturday, 3rd Week of Easter

From: John 6:60-69

The Disciples' Reaction

[60] Many of His (Jesus') disciples, when they heard of it, said, "This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?" [61] But Jesus, knowing in Himself that His disciples murmured at it, said to them, "Do you take offense at this? [62] Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending where He was before? [63] It is the Spirit that gives life, the flesh is of no avail; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. [64] But there are some of you that do not believe." For Jesus knew from the first who those were that did not believe, and who it was that should betray Him. [65] And He said, "This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless it is granted him by the Father."

[66] After this many of the disciples drew back and no longer went with Him. [67] Jesus said to the Twelve, "Will you also go away?" [68] Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; [69] and we have believed, and have come to know, that You are the Holy One of God."
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Commentary:
60-62. Many of His listeners find the Eucharistic mystery completely incomprehensible. Jesus Christ requires His disciples to accept His words because it is He who has spoken them. That is what the supernatural act of faith involves--that act "whereby, inspired and assisted by the grace of God, we believe that the things which He has revealed are true; not because of the intrinsic truth of the things, viewed by the natural light of reason, but because of the authority of God Himself who reveals them, and who can neither be deceived nor deceive" (Vatican I, "Dei Filius", Chapter 3).

As on other occasions, Jesus speaks about future events to help His disciples believe: "I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place, you may believe" (John 14:29).

63. Jesus says that we cannot accept this mystery if we think of it in too human a way, in other words, by just seeking to indulge our senses or having too earthbound a view of things. Only someone who listens to His words and receives them as God's revelation, which is "spirit and life", is in a position to accept them.

66. The promise of the Eucharist, which caused arguments (verse 52) among Christ's hearers at Capernaum and scandalized some of them (verse 61), led many people to give up following Him. Jesus had outlined a wonderful and salvific truth, but those disciples closed themselves to divine grace; they were not ready to accept anything which went beyond their very limited horizons. The mystery of the Eucharist does call for a special act of faith. St. John Chrysostom therefore advised Christians: "Let us in everything believe God, and gainsay Him in nothing, though what it said be contrary to our thoughts and senses. [...] Let us act likewise in respect to the [Eucharistic] mysteries, not looking at the things set before us, but keeping in mind His words. For His words cannot deceive" (St. John Chrysostom, "Hom. on St. Matthew", 82).

67-71. This passage is similar to that at Capernaum where Peter again, in the name of the Twelve, takes the initiative in expressing his faith in Jesus as Messiah (cf. Matthew 16:13-20; Mark 8:27-30). Other people present may have been unbelieving, but the Apostles are not scandalized by our Lord's words: they say that they have already a deep-rooted confidence in Him; they do not want to leave Him. What St. Peter says (verse 68) is not just a statement of human solidarity but an _expression of genuine supernatural faith--as yet imperfect--which is the result of the influence of divine grace on his soul (cf. Matthew 16:17).

Although the Twelve stay with Him at this point, Judas will later betray the Master. Jesus' foreknowledge of this future infidelity throws a shadow over His joy at the loyalty of the Twelve. We Christians should be humble enough to realize that we are capable of betraying our Lord if we give up using the means He has left us to cleave to Him. St. Peter's words (verse 68) are a beautiful aspiration we can use whenever we feel tempted.

68. Simon Peter expresses the feelings of the Apostles who, through staying loyal to Jesus, are getting to know Him much better and becoming more closely involved with Him: "Seek Jesus; endeavoring to acquire a deep personal faith that will inform and direct your whole life. But, above all, let it be your commitment and your program to love Jesus, with a sincere, authentic and personal love. He must be your friend and your support along the path of life. He alone has words of eternal life" ([Pope] John Paul II, "Address to Students in Guadalajara", 30 January 1979).

69. "The Holy One of God": this is what the original text must have said, according to most of the Greek codexes and the most important early translations. "The Holy One" is one of the expressions which designate the Messiah (cf. Mark 1:24; Luke 1:35; 4:34; Acts 2:27; Psalm 16:10), or God Himself (cf. Isaiah 6:3; 43:15; 1 Peter 1:15; 1 John 2:20; etc.). The rendering "the Christ, the Son of God" found in some translations, including the Vulgate, is supported by less important Greek manuscripts, and would seem to be an explanation of the messianic significance of the original phrase.
___________________________
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 - May 2

Love of Jesus

I cannot deny that I love Jesus, love Him passionately, love Him with every fibre of my heart. He knows it, too, since He has asked me to do many things for Him which have cost me more than I should like to say, yet which with His grace were sweet and easy in a sense. He knows that my longing, at least, even if the strength and courage are wanting, is to do and suffer much more for Him, and that were He tomorrow to ask for the sacrifice of every living friend, I would not refuse Him. Yet with all that, with the intense long­ing to make Him known and loved, I have never yet been able to speak of Him to others as I want to.

-W. Doyle, 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 May 2

THE most holy modesty of the Blessed Virgin Mary must not escape us, especially as an example to women, our sisters.
_________________________
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-May 2

KNOWEST thou, sweet Mary,
Whereto I aspire?
'Tis my hope to love thee;
This is my desire.
_________________
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, 5/1

Pro-lifers Put up Billboards on Indiana Toll Road Decrying Obama's Notre Dame Appearance
In response to the University of Notre Dame's invitation to President Barack Obama to deliver the commencement address and receive an honorary degree on May 17, the Pro-Life Action League has erected two large billboards located near the South Bend, Ind., campus...

Zerobama Likely to Pick Pro-Abortion Supreme Court Justice After Souter
Now that pro-abortion Supreme Court Justice David Souter has announced his future retirement in June, speculation turns to Pres__ent B Hussein Obama. During the presidential campaign, he made it clear he would only appoint a pro-abortion activist to the high court if given a chance to nominate a new judge....

John Paul II's attacker says he's now Catholic
Mehmet Ali Agca claims to have renounced Islam

Cardinal Rigali speaks out Against Notre Dame
Says 'unfortunate' Obama decision causes confusion

Argentina priests threatened by drug dealers
Some 353 clergymen sign document in protest

Bishop threatens to deny Communion to senator
Scranton's Martino tells Casey to 'think twice'

Priest forgives suspect in confessional stabbing
Police say attacker called him the Antichrist

Swine means no wine at Mass for some Catholics
Communion under both species not encouraged

Americans want end to military 'openly gay' ban?
Majority want U.S. to drop 'don't ask, don't tell'

Notre Dame won't award Laetare medal this year
Former recipient Judge Noonan will speak instead

Texas bill would decriminalize infanticide
Is it OK for post-partum depression mothers to kill?

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Other Issues
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FCC Announces May 7 'Diversity Committee' Meeting - Behold a New 'Fairness' Doctrine
Behold one of the new "Fairness" Doctrines - "media diversity" - coming soon to a radio station near you...This May 7 gathering is made up of a laundry list of left-wing grievance groups, with a smattering of radio and television companies included to break up the monotony...Not a single conservative organization is taking part in this Commission - more than a dozen Leftist groups are. A little ironic for a "diversity" panel, is it not?

National Guard put on standby for Mexican flu
PARIS, Ill. (WTHI) - Members of the 1544th transportation company of the Army National Guard based in Paris, Ill. have been put on standby to help organize and distribute flu supplies that the state received from the federal Strategic National Stockpile...

U.S. Feds Plan Mexican Flu Vaccines for everyone - by Fall
U.S. authorities are pledging to eventually produce enough swine Mexican] flu vaccine for everyone but the shots won't begin until fall at the earliest...
[Wanting to repeat a "Gerald Ford" Fiasco, eh?]

AP: Mexico's epidemiology boss faults WHO on Swine Flu
Mexico alerted WHO on 4/16. WHO did not respond until 4/24!

White House Overrides FBI and DHS on Gitmo Release
Moving quickly to release Chinese Uighur terrorists into the United States, Obama administration officials have -- for the second time -- overridden objections of federal agencies responsible for national security.
[They'll be getting stimulus jobs as "community organizers" - Traitors, every last one of them!]

Specter's Defection Could Help Republicans Block a Nominee to Replace Souter
At first glance, with Democrats a hair away from a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, one would expect [Fraudster] Obama to have no trouble hand-picking a replacement for retiring Supreme Court Justice David Souter. But in an ironic twist, Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter's switch to the Democratic Party this week could give Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee the upper hand in rejecting a nominee they find unacceptable....

Cap-and-Trade 'Declaration of War,' to Cost US Families $3,100/Year
The congressional Democrats’ cap-and-trade plan to tax carbon emissions could cost every American family as much as $3,100 a year and is equivalent to a “declaration of war on the Midwest,” Republican lawmakers told CNSNews.com this week...
[The time for states to divorce from the sick and dying Fed draws nigh.]

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Principles and Practices - May 1

Charity

'All charity of those
Whose souls Thy love doth warm;
All simple pleasures of such minds
As think no kind of harm;
All sweet delights wherewith
The patient hearts abound,
Do blaze Thy Name, and with Thy praise
They make the world resound.'

-Blessed Philip Howard.
_________________
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 May 1

MARY alone, then, is Mother and Virgin in body as well as in spirit, Mother of Christ and Virgin of Christ.
_________________________
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-May 1

WORLDLY lovers often speak of those whom they love, and praise them, in order that the object of their affections may be praised and extolled by others. There are some who pretend to be lovers of Mary, and yet seldom either speak of her or endeavour to excite others to love her; their love cannot be great.
_________________
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

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

News Updates, 4/30

Are "'Catholic' Democrats" suggesting Glendon is a racist?
The group "Catholic" Democrats has issued a statement, "Catholic Democrats Deplores Ambassador Glendon's Undiplomatic Withdrawal from Notre Dame Commencement." It's an amazing little piece of disingenuous character assassination, especially this: "It is unfortunate that Professor Glendon would repeat the Republican talking points to justify her decision," said Dr. Patrick Whelan, president of Catholic Democrats.
[These people are no more "Catholic" than any other heretic or apostate throughout history. Their intent, it appears, is to destroy the Church in Amerika and promote Satan as their king (after Zero, of course]

Pro-abortion Catholic [HERETIC] confirmed as health chief
US Senate okays Kansas governor Kathleen Sebelius

Vatican may declare miracle in Massachusetts
Deacon says prayer cured crippling back condition

Illinois parish brings church fight to diocese
200 step up effort for OK to rebuild house of worship

Pope expresses sorrow for Canadian natives
In step toward reconciling historical injustice

'Catholic apathy on same-sex marriage must end'
Rhode Island's Bishop Tobin speaks out in column

Iraq: Murder of Christians stuns Kirkuk
Archbishop Louis Sako: 'We will not leave Iraq'

Dallas diocese issues Swine Flu guidelines
'Don't be offended' if no handshake at Sign of Peace
[No offense taken, glad to see it!]

'All of black DC' is against gay marriage
Black ministers irate that they are being shut out
[Shhhhh!!!! Such talk might be viewed as "hate speech" by the 'rulers.']

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Other Issues
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Murtha-Inspired Haditha Case Fails Again
The Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals...denied without comment the government's motion to reconsider the case against Lt. Col. Jeffery Chessani, according to a statement from the Thomas More Law Center...

Biden: Stay Off Subways During Swine Flu Panic
Vice president Joe Biden said today he would tell his family members not to use subways in the U.S. and implied schools should be shuttered as the swine flu outbreak spread to 11 states and forced school closures amid confirmation of the first U.S. death. "I wouldn't go anywhere in confined places now," Biden said...

Administration Officials: Chrysler to File for Bankruptcy
Two Obama administration officials say Chrysler will file for bankruptcy protection after talks broke down with a small group of the company's creditors.

Coincidence or Reaping what was sown?

Mexico City Sees Swine Flu Virus on Second Anniversary of Approving Abortion

The capital of Mexico is under international scrutiny after the deaths or hospitalizations of thousands of people from the swine flu virus. Ironically, the outbreak comes exactly two years after officials in the Mexico City legislature approved a law allowing legal abortions. The legislative assembly, in April 2007, approved a bill that legalized abortion within the first 14 weeks of pregnancy....
Continued here.

The ND Petition Has Been Delivered!

From Patrick J. Reilly, President, The Cardinal Newman Society:

First 300,000 Petition Signatures Delivered to Notre Dame Board Members, Fr. Jenkins

Copies Are Being Rushed to Rome, Papal Nuncio, USCCB and ND Bishop John D’Arcy

Manassas, Va. – Today, April 29, 2009, the first 300,000 names of individuals who signed the petition at NotreDameScandal.com — opposing the University of Notre Dame’s decision to honor President Barack Obama at commencement — are being delivered to Notre Dame president Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., the Board of Trustees and the Board of Fellows as they prepare for scheduled meetings on Friday, May 1, at Notre Dame.

As of this morning, more than 344,000 people have signed the petition, but because of the overwhelming numbers it took The Cardinal Newman Society more than 24 hours to prepare the data and print more than 64,000 sheets of paper, double sided, which were then bound in notebooks and sent via FedEx to Father Jenkins and individual members of the Notre Dame Board of Trustees and Board of Fellows.

Copies of the petitions are also being rushed by The Cardinal Newman Society, which sponsored the petition, to Archbishop Zenon Cardinal Grocholewski, Prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for Catholic Education; Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the Apostolic Nuncio (Vatican ambassador) to the United States; Francis Cardinal George, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB); Bishop John D’Arcy, of Fort Wayne-South Bend, who presides over Notre Dame; and Bishop Robert McManus, Chairman of the USCCB Education Committee.

“Only the Notre Dame Trustees and Fellows have direct authority over Father Jenkins, so their meetings on Friday are our best hope for an end to this scandal,” said Patrick J. Reilly, President of The Cardinal Newman Society.

“It is critical for all of us to pray that the Trustees and Fellows charged with safeguarding Notre Dame’s Catholic identity will heed the 50 bishops and hundreds of thousands of faithful Catholics urging Notre Dame to withdraw its invitation to President Obama.”

The University of Notre Dame is governed by a 12-member Board of Fellows, including six Holy Cross priests, who are charged with ensuring “that the University maintains its essential character as a Catholic institution of higher learning.” The Fellows delegate most of their governing authority to the 38-member Board of Trustees, comprised mostly of lay people.

The university’s charter states: "The essential character of the University as a Catholic institution of higher learning shall at all times be maintained, it being the stated intention and desire of the present Fellows of the University that the University shall retain in perpetuity its identity as such an institution."
# # #

Gospel for Thursday, 3rd Week of Easter

Optional Memorial (Canada): Blessed Marie of the Incarnation, Religious

From: John 6:44-51

The Discourse on the Bread of Life (Continuation)

(Jesus said to the Jews,) [44] "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. [45] It is written in the prophets, `And they shall all be taught by God.' Every one who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me. [46] Not that any one has seen the Father except Him who is from God; He has seen the Father. [47] Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life. [48] I am the bread of life. [49] Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. [50] This is the bread which comes down from Heaven, that a man may eat of it and not die. [51] I am the living bread which came down from Heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live for ever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is My flesh."
_______________________
Commentary:
44-45. Seeking Jesus until one finds Him is a free gift which no one can obtain through his own efforts, although everyone should try to be well disposed to receiving it. The Magisterium of the Church has recalled this teaching in Vatican II: "Before this faith can be exercised, man must have the grace of God to move and assist him; he must have the interior help of the Holy Spirit, who moves the heart and converts it to God, who opens the eyes of the mind and makes it easy for all to accept and believe the truth" ("Dei Verbum", 5).

When Jesus says, "They shall all be taught by God", He is invoking Isaiah 54:13 and Jeremiah 31:33ff, where the prophets refer to the future Covenant which God will establish with His people when the Messiah comes, the Covenant which will be sealed forever with the blood of the Messiah and which God will write on their hearts (cf. Isaiah 53:10-12; Jeremiah 31:31-34).

The last sentence of verse 45 refers to God's Revelation through the prophets and especially through Jesus Christ.

46. Men can know God the Father only through Jesus Christ, because only He has seen the Father, whom He has come to reveal to us. In his prologue St. John already said: "No one has ever seen God; the only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has made Him known" (John 1:18). Later on Jesus will say to Philip at the Last Supper: "He who has seen Me has seen the Father" (John 14:9), for Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and no one goes to the Father except through Him (cf. John 14:6).

In other words, in Christ God's revelation to men reaches its climax: "For He sent His Son, the eternal Word who enlightens all men, to dwell among men and to tell them about the inner life of God (cf. John 1:1-18). Hence, Jesus Christ, sent as `a man among men', `utters thewords of God' (John 3:34), and accomplishes the saving work which the Father gave Him to do (cf. John 5:36; 17:4). To see Jesus is to see His Father (cf. John 14:9)" (Vatican II, "Dei Verbum", 4).

48. With this solemn declaration, which He repeats because of His audience's doubts, (cf. John 6:35, 41, 48), Jesus begins the second part of His discourse, in which He explicitly reveals the great mystery of the Blessed Eucharist. Christ's words have such a tremendous realism about them that they cannot be interpreted in a figurative way: if Christ were not really present under the species of bread and wine, this discourse would make absolutely no sense. But if His real presence in the Eucharist is accepted on faith, then His meaning is quite clear and we can see how infinite and tender His love for us is.

This is so great a mystery that it has always acted as a touchstone for Christian faith: it is proclaimed as "the mystery of our faith" immediately after the Consecration of the Mass. Some of our Lord's hearers were scandalized by what He said on this occasion (cf. verses 60-66). Down through history people have tried to dilute the obvious meaning of our Lord's words. In our own day the Magisterium of the Church has explained this teaching in these words" "When Transubstantiation has taken place, there is no doubt that the appearance of the bread and the appearance of the wine take on a new expressiveness and a new purpose since they are no longer common bread and common drink, but rather the sign of something sacred and the sign of spiritual food. But they take on a new expressiveness and a new purpose for the very reason that they contain a new `reality' which we are right to call "ontological". For beneath these appearances there is no longer what was there before but something quite different [...] since on the conversion of the bread and wine's substance, or nature, into the body and blood of Christ, nothing is left of the bread and the wine but the appearances alone. Beneath these appearances Christ is present whole and entire, bodily present too, in His physical `reality', although not in the manner in which bodies are present in place.

For this reason the Fathers have had to issue frequent warnings to the faithful, when they consider this august Sacrament, not to be satisfied with the senses which announce the properties of bread and wine. They should rather assent to the words of Christ: these are of such power that they change, transform, `transelement' the bread and the wine into His body and blood. The reason for this, as the same Fathers say more than once, is that the power which performs this action is the same power of Almighty God that created the whole universe out of nothing at the beginning of time" (Paul VI, "Mysterium Fidei").

49-51. The manna during the Exodus was a figure of this bread--Christ Himself--which nourishes Christians on their pilgrimage through this world. Communion is the wonderful banquet at which Christ gives Himself to us: "the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is My flesh". These words promise the manifestation of the Eucharist at the Last Supper: "This is My body which is for you" (1 Corinthians 11:24). The words "for the life of the world" and "for you" refer to the redemptive value of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. In some sacrifices of the Old Testament, which were a figure of the sacrifice of Christ, part of the animal offered up was later used for food, signifying participation in the sacred rite (cf. Exodus 11:3-4). So, by receiving Holy Communion, we are sharing in the sacrifice of Christ: which is why the Church sings in the Liturgy of the Hours on the Feast of Corpus Christi: "O sacred feast in which we partake of Christ: His sufferings are remembered, our minds are filled with His grace and we receive a pledge of the glory that is to be ours" ("Magnificat Antiphon", Evening Prayer II).
__________________________
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 - April 30

How to Endure Trials

A virgin of very holy life answered one who asked about trials as follows:
'I have always received every adversity calmly from the hand of the Lord.

If anyone did me any ill turn, I have always taken care to repay him by some special benefit, which I should not have done him unless I had received the injury.

To no one have I ever complained of trials except only to God, and therefore from the beginning have I received from the same Lord consolation and strength.

I give thanks to Him who in His mercy has been pleased to lift me above all created things, and to admit me to the peaceful enjoyment of Himself and to an unspeakable union with Him.'
-Blosius.
_________________
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 April 30

As walking by faith, let us do good works. In these good works let there be a free love of God for his own sake and an active love of our neighbour. For we have nothing we can do for God; but because we have something we may do for our neighbour, we shall by our good offices to the needy gain his favour who is the source of all abundance.
_________________________
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-April 30

HUMAN passions, though conquered a thousand times, never die. The human soul is a garden in which useless and noxious weeds constantly spring up; we must, there­fore, by the practice of holy mortification, continually hold the mattock in our hands, to root them up; otherwise our souls will become a wild, uncultivated waste, covered with briars and thorns.
_________________
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: Beyond parody-a priest wearing a Nazi arm-band

Dr Peters writes:
The stunt pulled by a priest who was recently pictured outside a Catholic Church sporting a Nazi swastika armband is beneath contempt. But is the only response available to us expression of derision for his behavior? Maybe not.
Read more here: http://www.canonlaw.info/2009/04/beyond-parody-priest-wearing-nazi-arm.html

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

News Updates, 4/29

“The truth is the opposite”Cardinal Rigali rebuffs Kmiec over Catholic News Service column defending Obama’s stem-cell policy changes...

52 Bishops Against Notre Dame "Betrayal" of Catholic IdentityAs the swell of criticism against the Notre Dame scandal continues to rise, three more bishops have spoken out against the school's decision to honor B. Hussein Obama/Soetoro at this year's commencement ceremony, bringing the total number of opposing bishops to 52. Pres__ent [ID missing] Obama is expected to deliver the University's commencement address and receive an honorary law degree May 17.

The Annihilation of Marriage - Part One - by Alan Keyes
Yesterday Iowa became the third state in the Union where individuals can receive a legal document purporting to confer on two people of the same sex the legal status of a married couple. A combination of judicial fiat and executive imposition has produced a result that strikes at the heart of the moral understanding that supports the existence of civil and political society not only in Iowa, but everywhere in the United States. A new law has been enacted in Iowa without the consent of the people...

Cardinal cancels all Masses in Mexico City over flu
Prays to Our Lady of Guadalupe in wake of deaths

Participants in 'pseudo-ordination' excommunicated
Cardinal Rigali: 'invalid ceremony' was 'most unfortunate'

Appeal by sex abuse priest's killer is denied
Inmate strangled John J. Geoghan in his prison cell

Reiki therapy masters at odds with Catholic church
'Life-force energy' technique was blasted by U.S. bishops

Pope Benedict visits survivors of Italian quake
Urged people to work towards the rebirth of region

Pope to Bolivia: explain bombing at Cardinal's home
Wants 'paths of reconciliation and sincere harmony be sought'

Immigration foe banned from Catholic campus
Tom Tancredo can't speak at Providence College

Pope asked to find Jews raised Catholic
Rabbi: reveal identities of those saved from Nazis

Austrian priest wears swastika armband to church
Fascist says 'I am proud of my right wing beliefs'

UCLA Student Gets 'Underage' Abortion Advice
A counselor at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Memphis, Tennessee, has been caught on tape telling a girl who she thought was 14 to lie to a judge about her age of an alleged 31-year-old boyfriend so she could obtain a waiver for her abortion without her parents' knowledge. The girl wasn't 14. She was 18 at the time. The boyfriend doesn't exist, but that doesn't matter. The law was broken in Tennessee...
[HT to DM for the link]

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Other Issues
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Obama Targets Tea Bags at Town Hall...Criticizes Patriots Again
At his 100th-day town hall meeting in St. Louis, Mo., Teleprompter in Chief Obama took direct aim at the anti-tax “tea party” demonstrations that have cropped up over the last month – and took a veiled shot at FOX News Channel, at the cable news network closely associated with the protests....
[This Fascist Usurper is a traitor to the US-a domestic economic terrorist! And lest I forget, an ignorant punk...]

Job Loss By Millions, Tax Hikes By Billions
Only in Congress could legislators propose to raise energy prices, impose strict new efficiency standards on automobiles and appliances, require firms to use nonexistent technology, mandate greenhouse gas emissions back to 19th century levels and then describe the bill as an economic rescue package.
[That's because these people are either woefully ignorant or they are criminally responsiblefor ruining the country and burdening taxpayers with debt they can never repay. I opt for the latter...It's time for these treasonous elitists and insnae imbeciles to be driven from office, denied any benefits and compensation, and to spend the rest of their lives in jail, at a minimum!]



On to the Engineered Pandemic
The predicted, or perhaps I should say, "promised" pandemic may very well be upon us. This is, as sure as God made little green apples, a totally man-made event, with a totally man-made pathogen (disease-causing agent). The WHO, US Government and MMD (media of mass deception) have been ramping up, ramping up, ramping up. But there is no honest virologist in the world who can look you in the eye and say that this virus had any chance whatsoever of having self-assembled genes...
[HT to Penny for the link]

Mexican Flu - U.S. officials want 'swine' out of flu name
[And some of us want the Narcissistic Usurper out of the White House - when will our demands be met? Maybe we should call it "ManBirdPig" flu after Algore, the world's greatest ManBearPig hunter?]

Abortion Supporter Sebelius Wins Senate Confirmation as Health Secretary Nominee
The 65-31 vote came after Democrats urged quick action so that Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius could get to work leading the federal response to the flu outbreak...
[RINOs concede she's the only only one who can "fix" the Mexican Flu problem, like TurboTax Timmy was the only one who could fix the economy? AND I understant that Kit Bond [MO] and Sam Brownback [KS] voted for her confirmation! What LOSERS!]

Limbaugh to Specter: Please take McCain with you
(CNN) — Conservative host Rush Limbaugh said Tuesday he isn't sorry to see Arlen Specter leave the GOP — and that many Republicans wish the Pennsylvania senator would take a few others with him when he goes. "A lot of people say, 'Well, Specter, take [Sen. John] McCain with you. And his daughter [Meghan]....

Gospel for Wednesday, 3rd Week of Easter

Memorial: St Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor

From: John 6:35-40

The Discourse on the Bread of Life (Continuation)

[35] Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. [36] But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe. [37] All that the Father gives Me will come to Me; and him who comes to Me I will not cast out. [38] For I have come down from Heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me; [39] and this is thewill of Him who sent Me, that I should lose nothing of all that He has given Me, but raise it up on the last day. [40] For this is the will of My Father, that every one who sees the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day."
____________________
Commentary:
35. Going to Jesus means believing in Him, for it is through faith that we approach our Lord. Jesus uses the metaphor of food and drink to show that He is the one who really meets all man's noblest aspirations: "How beautiful is our Catholic faith! It provides a solution for all our anxieties, calms our minds and fills our hearts with hope" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 582).

37-40. Jesus clearly reveals that He is the one sent by the Father. This is something St. John the Baptist proclaimed earlier on (Jn 3:33-36), and Jesus Himself stated it in His dialogue with Nicodemus (Jn 3:17-21) and announced publicly to the Jews in Jerusalem (Jn 5:20-30). Since Jesus is the one sent by the Father, the bread of life come down from Heaven to give life to the world, everyone who believes in Him has eternal life, for it is God's will that everyone should be saved through Jesus Christ. These words of Jesus contain three mysteries: 1) that of faith in Jesus Christ, which means "going to Jesus", accepting His miracles (signs) and His words; 2) the mystery of the resurrection of believers, something which begins in this life through faith and becomes fully true in Heaven; 3) the mystery of predestination, the will of our Father in Heaven that all men be saved. These solemn words of our Lord fill the believer with hope.

St. Augustine, commenting on vv. 37 and 38, praises the humility of Jesus, the perfect model for the humility of the Christian: Jesus chose not to do His own will but that of the Father who sent Him: "Humbly am I come, to teach humility am I come, as the master of humility am I come; he who comes to Me is incorporated in Me; he who comes to Me, becomes humble; he who cleaves to Me will be humble, for he does not his will but God's" ("In Ioann. Evang.", 25, 15 and 16).
___________________________
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 - April 29

The Real School

By the unanimous testimony of mystic writers, solitude is the only proper school of contemplation, that is to say, a condition of life in which the soul is free externally from the burdens, temptations, and solicitudes of the world, and free internally, at least to a considerable extent, from inordinate affections for worldly or carnal objects, so that the soul may have leisure to attend to God, who deserves our thoughts and affections, and to practise such mortifications and prayer as will dispose her to an immediate and perfect union with Him.

-Baker.
_________________
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 April 29

WHY seekest thou for the way? Cleave unto Christ, who by descending and ascending hath made himself the Way.
_________________________
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-April 29

WHAT though I suffer, still in love
I ever true will be;
My love of God shall deeper grow
When crosses fall on me.
_________________
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

Monday, April 27, 2009

News Updates, 4/28

Delusional Clown Women in ‘pseudo-ordination’ are excommunicated
Saying it was “most unfortunate” that the “invalid ceremony” took place within his archdiocese, Archbishop of Philadelphia Cardinal Justin Rigali has said that those who participated in a “pseudo-Ordination” of two women on Sunday have been automatically excommunicated by their act....

White House Expects Obama to Wear Traditional Notre Dame Robe That Bears Prayer to Virgin Mary
President Barack Obama is expected to wear the traditional doctoral robe featuring the cross and prayer of the Virgin Mary when he speaks at the University of Notre Dame next month, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs told CNSNews.com...
[Let's pray that he has a "St Paul-type" conversion, a "come to Jesus" moment, if you will...]

Mary Ann Glendon to reject Notre Dame's top honor
Former U.S. ambassador to Vatican says no to Laetare medal

Mary Ann Glendon's 'Open Letter' to Notre Dame
Says her acceptance speech wouldn't balance Obama's

ND critics tally $8.2 million in denied donations
Alumni sending message objecting to Obama invitation

Pope's trip to Holy Land a diplomatic nightmare
Benedict to visit both Israel and Palestinian territories

Catholic women 'ordained' despite censure
Illicit and silly ceremony took place in synagogue

Cardinal Sean Brady encourages praying by Twitter
Urges use of all available modern technologies

Woman arrested for stabbing priest in confessional
57-year-old said she thought he was the Anti-Christ

Same-sex marriage makes its way to Iowa
Gay, lesbian couples already busy tying the knot

Cardinal George: Obama on 'wrong side of history'
When it comes to his fervent support of abortion rights
[The Teleprompter is wrong on EVERYTHING!]

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Other Issues
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FAA Memo: Feds Knew NYC Flyover Would Cause Panic
Threatened Federal Sanctions Against NYPD, Secret Service, FBI & Mayor's Office If Secret Ever Got Out
[Sounds like it's time for all these power-crazed imbeciles to meet the gallows...maybe it would serve as an example to the other control freaks, thieves, crooks, felons, and liars in DC. And the Teleprompter claims he knew nothing about it - what a LIAR! He's a narcissistic psychopath!]

GM to force more than 1,000 dealers to close - Estimated 137,000 job losses
DETROIT (AP) -- General Motors Corp. told its dealers Tuesday that it will force 1,000 to 1,200 underperforming locations to close their doors as the automaker tries to thin dealer ranks to make the remaining outlets more profitable.

GM Bondholders Reject Debt for Equity Swap
Automotive News [sub] reports that GM’s bondholders have turned down the firm’s debt for equity offer of 225 shares of “new” GM stock per $1K of debt. The deal, which would have given bondholders a ten percent stake in a partnership with the UAW (39 percent) and the Government (50 percent) and existing shareholders (1 percent) was derided as “neither reasonable nor adequate” and “a blatant disregard of fairness” in a prepared statement....

Free NRA Memberships
The NRA is giving FREE 1-yr memberships to those who want to join. It is building up membership to fight pending legislation that impacts our right to bear arms.



Bonds Show 'Terrifying' Economic Weakness: Hendry
The recent rise in stocks and talk about green shoots in the markets are optimistic assumptions, as the world downturn "still has a way to run," Hugh Hendry, Chief Investment Officer at Eclectica, told CNBC Tuesday. World gross domestic product looks overestimated, because global consumption has been based on debt, and this cannot continue, Hendry told "Squawk Box Europe."

U.S. regulatory czar nominee wants [Inter]Net 'Fairness Doctrine'
Barack Obama's nominee for "regulatory czar" has advocated a "Fairness Doctrine" for the Internet that would require opposing opinions be linked and also has suggested angry e-mails should be prevented from being sent by technology that would require a 24-hour cooling off period....
[1st Amendment violations galore - what a traitorous moron, much like his Komrade Leader...These people need to be tried for treason!]

UAW to own 55% of Chrysler
[If true, would this not be the END OF CHRYSLER? We need to ensure that the taxpayers are on the hook for any and all failures, though!]

Italy Seizes Millions In Assets From Four Banks
Italian authorities have seized about $300 million in assets of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM), Deutsche Bank AG (DB), UBS AG (UBS) and Depfa, whose officials have been accused of fraud, the New York Times reported Monday on its Web site, citing filings and an unnamed official.

Fed Pushes Citi, BofA to Increase Capital
Regulators have told Bank of America Corp. and Citigroup Inc. that the banks may need to raise more capital based on early results of the government's so-called stress tests of lenders, according to people familiar with the situation.

Gospel for Tuesday, 3rd Week of Easter

Optional Memorial: St Peter Chanel, Priest and Martyr
Optional Memorial: St Louis Grignion de Montfort, Priest


From: John 6:30-35

The Discourse on the Bread of Life (Continuation)

[30] So they said to Him (Jesus), "Then what sign do You do, that we may see, and believe You? What work do You perform? [31] Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, `He gave them bread from Heaven to eat.'"

[32] Jesus then said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from Heaven; My Father gives you the true bread from Heaven. [33] For the bread of God is that which comes down from Heaven, and gives life to the world." [34] They said to Him, "Lord, give us this bread always."

[35] Jesus said them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst."
_______________________
Commentary:
28-34. This dialogue between Jesus and His hearers is reminiscent of the episode of the Samaritan woman (cf. John 4:11-15). On that occasion Jesus was speaking about water springing up to eternal life; here, He speaks of bread coming down from Heaven to give to the world. There, the woman was asking Jesus if He was greater than Jacob; here the people want to know if He can compare with Moses (cf. Exodus 16:13). "The Lord spoke of Himself in a way that made Him seem superior to Moses, for Moses never dared to say that he would give food which would never perish but would endure to eternal life. Jesus promises much more than Moses. Moses promised a kingdom, and a land flowing with milk and honey, good health and other temporal blessings [...], plenty for the belly, but food which perishes; whereas Christ promised food which never perishes but which endures forever" (St. Augustine, "In Ioann. Evang.", 25:12).

These people know that the manna--food which the Jews collected every day during the journey through the wilderness (cf. Exodus 16:13ff)-- symbolized messianic blessings; which was why they asked our Lord for a dramatic sign like the manna. But there was no way they could suspect that the manna was a figure of a great supernatural messianic gift which Christ was bringing to mankind--the Blessed Eucharist. In this dialogue and in the first part of the discourse (verses 35-47), the main thing Jesus is trying to do is bring them to make an act of faith in Him, so that He can then openly reveal to them the mystery of the Blessed Eucharist--that He is the bread "which comes down from Heaven, and gives life to the world" (verse 33). Also, St. Paul explains that the manna and the other marvels which happened in the wilderness were a clear prefiguring of Jesus Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:3-4).

The disbelieving attitude of these Jews prevented them from accepting what Jesus revealed. To accept the mystery of the Eucharist, faith is required, as [Pope] Paul VI stressed: "In the first place we want to remind you that the Eucharist is a very great mystery; strictly speaking, to use the words of sacred liturgy, it is `the mystery of faith'. This is something well known to you but it is essential to the purpose of rejecting any poisonous rationalism. Many martyrs have witnessed to it with their blood. Distinguished Fathers and Doctors of the Church in unbroken succession have taught and professed it. [...] We must, therefore, approach this mystery, above all, with humble reverence, not following human arguments, which ought to be hushed, but in steadfast adherence to divine revelation" ("Mysterium Fidei").

35. Going to Jesus means believing in Him, for it is through faith that we approach our Lord. Jesus uses the metaphor of food and drink to show that He is the one who really meets all man's noblest aspirations: "How beautiful is our Catholic faith! It provides a solution for all our anxieties, calms our minds and fills our hearts with hope" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 582).
_________________________
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 - April 28

Enlightened Innocence

The only kind of innocence which is of any practical value in a world full of allurements to sin is that which springs from self-control. The mere negative innocence which springs from
ignorance is a source of danger except to the very few who are privileged to lead sheltered and pro­tected lives. To preserve innocence, dangerous thoughts must be shaken off at once as so many thirsty red-hot sparks of hell-fire. Dalliance is fatal, because during every moment of slackness and delay the power of resistance grows perceptibly weaker.

-Father Degen.
_________________
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 April 28

WE must journey on then, yet for this no need of anointing the feet, or looking out for beasts or providing a vessel. Run with the heart's affection, journey on with love, ascend by charity.
_________________________
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-April 28

CHASTITY is a virtue which we have not strength to practise unless God gives it us; and God does not give this strength except to him who asks it. But whoever prays for it will certainly obtain it.
_________________
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

Sunday, April 26, 2009

News Updates, 4/27

D.C. archbishop nips Georgetown for Biden event
Veep was given award by NOW's legal defense group

Paraguay bishops deny cover-up of Lugo's children
Conference rejects comments from fellow bishop

Paraguayan leader apologizes for scandal
Former Roman Catholic bishop offers public apology

Cardinal John Henry Newman poised for beatification
Vatican has cleared the way for the English convert

Papal encyclical on poor due end of June
'Caritas in veritate' will reflect economic downturn

N Ireland cardinal meets loyalist delegation
Sean Brady urges paramilitary to hand over its weapons

That Anglican Communion rescue plan in full
Multi-layered scheme: full, impaired, partial and broken

Priest becomes savior in foreclosure crisis
'The crisis became very real and personal for me'

Pope Benedict XVI names five new saints
Includes Portugal's 14th century independence leader

NYC's new archbishop hits the ground running
Dolan offers Mass in prison, visits World Trade Center

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Other Issues
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GM Cutting 21,000 Jobs & Pontiac
DETROIT (WXYZ) - General Motors is reportedly cutting 21,000 hourly jobs and the entire Pontiac brand in what is being called a major restructuring effort.

100 days in office, coronated Messiah
Arms outstretched, he wears crown of thorns on his brow

Gospel for Monday, 3rd Week of Easter

From: John 6:22-29

The People Look for Jesus


[22] On the next day the people who remained on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with His disciples, but that His disciples had gone away alone. [23] However, boats from Tiberias came near the place where they ate the bread after the Lord had given thanks. [24] So when the people saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.

The Discourse on the Bread of Life

[25] When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, "Rabbi, when did You come here?" [26] Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. [27] Do not labor for the food which perishes, but the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you; for on Him has God the Father set His seal." [28] Then they said to Him, "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?" [29] Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him He has sent."
______________________
Commentary:
26. Our Lord begins by pointing out that their attitudes are wrong: if they have the right attitude they will be able to understand His teaching in the eucharistic discourse. "You seek me", St. Augustine comments, "for the flesh, not for the spirit. How many seek Jesus for no other purpose than that He may do them good in this present life! [...] Scarcely ever is Jesus sought for Jesus' sake" ("In Ioann.
Evang.", 25, 10).

This verse marks the beginning of the discourse on the bread of life which goes up to verse 59. It opens with an introduction in the form of a dialogue between Jesus and the Jews (verses 26-34), in which our Lord reveals Himself as the bringer of the messianic gifts. Then comes the first part of the discourse (verses 35-47), in which Jesus presents Himself as the Bread of Life, in the sense that faith in Him is food for eternal life. In the second part (verses 48-59) Christ reveals the mystery of the Eucharist: He is the Bread of Life who gives Himself sacramentally as genuine food.

27. Bodily food helps keep us alive in this world; spiritual food sustains and develops supernatural life, which will last forever in Heaven. This food, which only God can give us, consists mainly in the gift of faith and sanctifying grace. Through God's infinite love we are given, in the Blessed Eucharist, the very author of these gifts, Jesus Christ, as nourishment for our souls.

"On Him has God the Father set His seal": our Lord here refers to the authority by virtue of which He can give men the gifts He has referred to: for, being God and man, Jesus' human nature is the instrument by means of which the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity acts. St. Thomas Aquinas comments on this sentence as follows: "What the Son of Man will give He possesses through His superiority over all other men in His singular and outstanding fullness of grace. ...When a seal is impressed on wax, the wax receives the complete form of the seal. So it is that the Son received the entire form of the Father. This occurred in two ways; eternally (eternal generation), which is not referred to here because the seal and the sealed are different in nature from one another; what is referred to here is the other manner, that is, the mystery of the Incarnation, whereby God the Father impressed on human nature the Word, who is the reflection and the very stamp of God's nature, as Hebrews 1:3 says" ("Commentary on St. John, in loc.").
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Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.

Principles and Practices - April 27

Our Real Home

Blessed are they who place not their con­fidence in the present life, who esteem it only a plank by which to pass on to the celestial city, in which alone we should centre our hopes.

-St. Francis de Sales
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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 April 27

BECAUSE then in order to understand the mystery of God, how Christ is both man and God, the heart may be cleansed, and it is cleaned by a good conversation, by a pure life, by chastity, and sanctity and love and by faith which worketh by love.
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From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont

Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day-April 27

DID a king, to show his love for a poor shepherd, go and live in his village, how great would be the ingratitude of this peasant did he not go often to visit him, knowing the king's wish to see him. My Jesus, for love of me thou dwellest in the Sacrament of the Altar.
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From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927