From: Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8
The Need for Good Shepherds
[35] And Jesus went about all the cities and villages teaching in their synagogues and preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity. [36] When He saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. [37] Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; [38] pray therefore the Lord of harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."
The Calling and First Mission of the Apostles
[1] And He called to Him His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every infirmity.
[5a] These twelve Jesus sent out charging them, [6] "But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. [7] And preach as you go, saying, `The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.' [8] Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without pay, give without pay."
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Commentary:
35. The Second Vatican Council uses this passage when teaching about the message of Christian charity which the Church should always be spreading: "Christian charity is extended to all without distinction of race, social condition or religion, and seeks neither gain nor gratitude. Just as God loves us with a gratuitous love, so too the faithful, in their charity, should be concerned for mankind, loving it with that same love with which God sought man. As Christ went about all the towns and villages healing every sickness and infirmity, as a sign that the Kingdom of God had come, so the Church, through its children, joins itself with men of every condition, but especially with the poor and afflicted, and willingly spends herself for them" ("Ad Gentes", 12).
36. "He had compassion for them": the Greek verb is very expressive; it means "He was deeply moved". Jesus was moved when He saw the people, because their pastors, instead of guiding them and tending them, led them astray, behaving more like wolves than genuine shepherds of their flock. Jesus sees the prophecy of Ezekiel 34 as now being fulfilled; in that passage God, through the prophet, upbraids the false shepherds of Israel and promises to send them the Messiah to be their new leader.
"If we were consistent with our faith when we looked around us and contemplated the world and its history, we would be unable to avoid feeling in our own hearts the same sentiments that filled the heart of our Lord" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 133). Reflection on the spiritual needs of the world should lead us to be tirelessly apostolic.
37-38. After contemplating the crowds neglected by their shepherds, Jesus uses the image of the harvest to show us that that same crowd is ready to receive the effects of Redemption: "I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see now the fields are already white for harvest" (John 4:35). The field of the Jewish people cultivated by the prophets--most recently by John the Baptist--is full of ripe wheat. In farmwork, the harvest is lost if the farmer does not reap at the right time; down the centuries the Church feels a similar need to be out harvesting because there is a big harvest ready to be won.
However, as in the time of Jesus, there is a shortage of laborers. Our Lord tells us how to deal with this: we should pray to God, the Lord of harvest, to send the necessary laborers. If a Christian prays hard, it is difficult to imagine his not feeling urged to play his part in this apostolate. In obeying this commandment to pray for laborers, we should pray especially for there to be no lack of shepherds, who will be able to equip others with the necessary means of sanctification needed to back up the apostolate.
In this connection Paul VI reminds us: "the responsibility for spreading the Gospel that saves belongs to everyone--to all who have received it! The missionary duty concerns the whole body of the Church; in different ways and to different degrees, it is true, but we must all of us be united in carrying out this duty. Now let the conscience of every believer ask himself: Have I carried out my missionary duty? Prayer for the Missions is the first way of fulfilling this duty" ("Angelus Address", 23 October 1977).
1-4. Jesus calls His twelve Apostles after recommending to them to pray to the Lord to send laborers into His harvest (cf. Matthew 9:38). Christians' apostolic action should always, then, be preceded and accompanied by a life of constant prayer: apostolate is a divine affair, not a merely human one. Our Lord starts His Church by calling twelve men to be, as it were, twelve patriarchs of the new people of God, the Church. This new people is established not by physical but by spiritual generation. The names of those Apostles are specifically mentioned here. They were not scholarly, powerful or important people: they were average, ordinary people who responded faithfully to the grace of their calling--all of them, that is, except Judas Iscariot. Even before His death and resurrection Jesus confers on them the power to cast out unclean spirits and cure illnesses--as an earnest of and as training for the saving mission which He will entrust to them.
The Church reveres these first Christians in a very special way and is proud to carry on their supernatural mission, and to be faithful to the witness they bore to the teaching of Christ. The true Church is absent unless there is uninterrupted apostolic succession and identification with the spirit which the Apostles made their own.
"Apostle": this word means "sent"; Jesus sent them out to preach His Kingdom and pass on His teaching.
The Second Vatican Council, in line with Vatican I, "confesses" and "declares" that the Church has a hierarchical structure: "The Lord Jesus, having prayed at length to the Father, called to Himself those whom He willed and appointed twelve to be with Him, whom He might send to preach the Kingdom of God (cf. Mark 3:13-19: Matthew 10:1-10). These Apostles (cf. Luke 6:13) He constituted in the form of a college or permanent assembly, at the head of which He placed Peter, chosen from among them (cf. John 21:15-17). He sent them first of all to the children of Israel and then to all peoples (cf. Romans 1:16), so that, sharing in His power, they might make all peoples His disciples and sanctify and govern them (cf. Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:45-48; John 20:21-23) and thus spread the Church and, administering it under the guidance of the Lord, shepherd it all days until the end of the world (cf. Matthew 28:28)" ("Lumen Gentium", 19).
1. In this chapter St. Matthew describes how Jesus, with a view to the spreading of the Kingdom of God which He inaugurates, decides to establish a Church, which He does by giving special powers and training to these twelve men who are its seed.
5-6. In His plan of salvation God gave certain promises (to Abraham and the Patriarchs), a Covenant and a Law (the Law of Moses), and sent the prophets. The Messiah would be born into this chosen people, which explains why the Messiah and the Kingdom of God were to be preached to the house of Israel first before being preached to the Gentiles. Therefore, in their early apprenticeship, Jesus restricts the Apostles' area of activity to the Jews, without this taking from the world-wide scope of the Church's mission. As we will see, much later on He charges them to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19; "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to the whole creation" (Mark 16:16). The Apostles also, in the early days of the spread of the Church, usually sought out the Jewish community in any new city they entered, and preached first to them (cf. Acts 13:46).
7-8. Previously, the prophets, when speaking of the messianic times, had used imagery suited to the people's spiritual immaturity. Now, Jesus, in sending His Apostles to proclaim that the promised Kingdom of God is imminent, lays stress on its spiritual dimension. The power mentioned in verse 8 are the very sign of the Kingdom of God or the reign of the Messiah proclaimed by the prophets. At first (Chapters 8 and 9) it is Jesus who exercises these messianic powers; now He gives them to His disciples as proof that His mission is divine (Isaiah 35:5-6; 40:9; 52:7; 61:1).
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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.
Friday, December 04, 2009
Principles and Practices - December 5
THE BLESSEDNESS OF SERVING GOD
The soul that has really tasted the intimacy of God derives from it a sweetness which is undisturbed by earthly circumstance. The soul that has seriously considered God's greatness and learned to fear Him, will not be dismayed by merely temporal needs.
It is those who think themselves rich - that is, those who are self-satisfied and worldly, without consciousness of spiritual need - who are really poor, for the riches, the human support, the temporal advantages which they cherish are in themselves unreal, and desert them in time of trouble; those who make God the end of their striving will never be baffled in their search. This, then, is the secret of the God-fearing soul.
-Ronald Knox.
_________________
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 soul that has really tasted the intimacy of God derives from it a sweetness which is undisturbed by earthly circumstance. The soul that has seriously considered God's greatness and learned to fear Him, will not be dismayed by merely temporal needs.
It is those who think themselves rich - that is, those who are self-satisfied and worldly, without consciousness of spiritual need - who are really poor, for the riches, the human support, the temporal advantages which they cherish are in themselves unreal, and desert them in time of trouble; those who make God the end of their striving will never be baffled in their search. This, then, is the secret of the God-fearing soul.
-Ronald Knox.
_________________
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
Patience - December 4
Patience
Thoughts on the Patient Endurance of Sorrows and Sufferings
CAN YOU DRINK THE CHALICE?
[Continued from yesterday]
Their fellow-disciples "were moved to indignation against the two brethren," thinking no doubt that they had been trying to steal a march on them.
"But Jesus called them to Him and said: 'You know that the princes of the Gentiles lord it over them, and they that are the greater, exercise power upon them. It shall not be so among you; but whosoever will be the greater among you let him be your minister, and he that will be first among you, shall be your servant; even as the Son of Man is not come to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a redemption for many.'"
Let me take to heart this lesson in humility which my Saviour teaches me both by word and example.
His golden promise afterward to St. Paul was, "I will show him what great things he must suffer for My name's sake" (Acts ix. 16).
"How blind then, are we if we believe that every suffering is a calamity and a proof of God's wrath; and that prosperity, and nothing but prosperity, is a sure sign of His favor!
"(a) He sends suffering in His mercy to atone here for past sin, to do here quickly the slow work of purgatory.
"(b) He sends suffering also to prevent sin; and to draw us out of sin, as suffering brought the prodigal home to Him.
"(c) Lastly, He sends suffering to His chosen ones, as to St. Paul; and these chosen ones then become, like Himself 'Saviours unto many.'"
____________________
Compiled and Edited by Rev. F. X. Lasance
Author of "My Prayerbook," etc.
1937, Benziger Brothers
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See
Thoughts on the Patient Endurance of Sorrows and Sufferings
CAN YOU DRINK THE CHALICE?
[Continued from yesterday]
Their fellow-disciples "were moved to indignation against the two brethren," thinking no doubt that they had been trying to steal a march on them.
"But Jesus called them to Him and said: 'You know that the princes of the Gentiles lord it over them, and they that are the greater, exercise power upon them. It shall not be so among you; but whosoever will be the greater among you let him be your minister, and he that will be first among you, shall be your servant; even as the Son of Man is not come to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a redemption for many.'"
Let me take to heart this lesson in humility which my Saviour teaches me both by word and example.
His golden promise afterward to St. Paul was, "I will show him what great things he must suffer for My name's sake" (Acts ix. 16).
"How blind then, are we if we believe that every suffering is a calamity and a proof of God's wrath; and that prosperity, and nothing but prosperity, is a sure sign of His favor!
"(a) He sends suffering in His mercy to atone here for past sin, to do here quickly the slow work of purgatory.
"(b) He sends suffering also to prevent sin; and to draw us out of sin, as suffering brought the prodigal home to Him.
"(c) Lastly, He sends suffering to His chosen ones, as to St. Paul; and these chosen ones then become, like Himself 'Saviours unto many.'"
____________________
Compiled and Edited by Rev. F. X. Lasance
Author of "My Prayerbook," etc.
1937, Benziger Brothers
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Gospel for Friday, 1st Week of Advent
Optional Memorial: St John of Damascus, Priest and Doctor
From: Matthew 9:27-31
The Curing of Two Blind Men. The Dumb Devil
[27] And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." [28] When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." [29] Then he touched their eyes, saying, " According to your faith be it done to you." [30] And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, "See that no one knows it." [31] But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.
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Commentary:
27-34. The evangelist shows people's different reactions to miracles. Everyone admits that God is at work in these events--everyone, that is, except the Pharisees who attribute them to the power of the devil. A pharisaical attitude so hardens a person's heart that he becomes closed to any possibility of salvation. The fact that the blind men recognize Jesus as the Messiah (they call him "Son of David": v. 27) may have exasperated the Pharisees. Despite Jesus' sublime teaching, despite his miracles, they remain entrenched in their opposition.
In the light of this episode it is easy enough to see that the paradox is true: there are blind people who in fact see God and seers who see no trace of him.
30. Why did our Lord not want them to publicize the miracle? Because his plan was to gradually manifest himself as the Messiah, the Son of God. He did not want to anticipate events which would occur in their own good time; nor did he want the crowd to start hailing him as Messiah King, because their notion of messiah was a nationalistic, not a spiritual one. However, the crowd did in fact proclaim him when he worked the miracles of the loaves and the fish (Jn 6:14-15): "When the people saw the sign which he had done, they said, 'This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world!' Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew, again to the hills by himself."
31. St Jerome (cf. "Comm. on Matth.", 9, 31) says that the blind men spread the news of their cure, not out of disobedience to Jesus, but because it was the only way they could find to express their gratitude.
___________________________
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 9:27-31
The Curing of Two Blind Men. The Dumb Devil
[27] And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." [28] When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." [29] Then he touched their eyes, saying, " According to your faith be it done to you." [30] And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, "See that no one knows it." [31] But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.
_____________________
Commentary:
27-34. The evangelist shows people's different reactions to miracles. Everyone admits that God is at work in these events--everyone, that is, except the Pharisees who attribute them to the power of the devil. A pharisaical attitude so hardens a person's heart that he becomes closed to any possibility of salvation. The fact that the blind men recognize Jesus as the Messiah (they call him "Son of David": v. 27) may have exasperated the Pharisees. Despite Jesus' sublime teaching, despite his miracles, they remain entrenched in their opposition.
In the light of this episode it is easy enough to see that the paradox is true: there are blind people who in fact see God and seers who see no trace of him.
30. Why did our Lord not want them to publicize the miracle? Because his plan was to gradually manifest himself as the Messiah, the Son of God. He did not want to anticipate events which would occur in their own good time; nor did he want the crowd to start hailing him as Messiah King, because their notion of messiah was a nationalistic, not a spiritual one. However, the crowd did in fact proclaim him when he worked the miracles of the loaves and the fish (Jn 6:14-15): "When the people saw the sign which he had done, they said, 'This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world!' Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew, again to the hills by himself."
31. St Jerome (cf. "Comm. on Matth.", 9, 31) says that the blind men spread the news of their cure, not out of disobedience to Jesus, but because it was the only way they could find to express their gratitude.
___________________________
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 - December 4
ON GOING TO HOLY COMMUNION
Not only of my nature am I, who am but dust and ashes, and, even at my best, but the work of His hands, compelled to humble myself before Our Lord; I am lower down than that, I have lowered myself still more by misuse of that which He has made, by infidelity to Him, by sinfulness. In this way and that I have offended Him, and soiled myself. Then, as I approach Him, I can but say:
_________________
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
Not only of my nature am I, who am but dust and ashes, and, even at my best, but the work of His hands, compelled to humble myself before Our Lord; I am lower down than that, I have lowered myself still more by misuse of that which He has made, by infidelity to Him, by sinfulness. In this way and that I have offended Him, and soiled myself. Then, as I approach Him, I can but say:
'Lord, be merciful to me a sinner.'Or, with the Prodigal:
'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in thy sight. I am no longer worthy to be called thy son.'Or in the words of the Miserere:
'Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy great mercy.'-Archbishop Goodier
_________________
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
Patience - December 3
Patience
Thoughts on the Patient Endurance of Sorrows and Sufferings
CAN YOU DRINK THE CHALICE?
[Continued from yesterday]
"And Jesus, answering, said: You know not what you ask. Can you drink the chalice that I shall drink?" A striking commentary, this, on those wonderful promises to prayer: "Ask, and you shall receive, etc." "Master," they say, "we desire that whatsoever we ask, Thou wouldst do it for us."
Is not this just what He assures us He will do? Yet now He replies: "You know not what you ask."
Evidently they are asking for the wrong thing, seeking in the wrong direction, knocking at the wrong door. "Ask and you shall receive," He tells us, "that your joy may be full"; that is, in all your petitions keep your salvation and eternal happiness in view.
Yet how sweetly He invites them to share in His sufferings! His question is not "Can you face death?" but "Can you walk in My footsteps, drink after Me?" "They say to Him: We can. He saith to them: My chalice, indeed, you shall drink; but to sit on My right or left hand is not lVline to give you, but to them for whom it is prepared by My Father."
He knows that later on they will become men of another mold and gladly face torture and death for His sake; all these worldly ambitions will then be laid aside; so He is content to wait for that hour.
Shall I ever do anything heroic to make up for all my petty selfishness?
Their fellow-disciples "were moved to indignation against the two brethren," thinking no doubt that they had been trying to steal a march on them....[Continued tomorrow...]
____________________
Compiled and Edited by Rev. F. X. Lasance
Author of "My Prayerbook," etc.
1937, Benziger Brothers
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See
Thoughts on the Patient Endurance of Sorrows and Sufferings
CAN YOU DRINK THE CHALICE?
[Continued from yesterday]
"And Jesus, answering, said: You know not what you ask. Can you drink the chalice that I shall drink?" A striking commentary, this, on those wonderful promises to prayer: "Ask, and you shall receive, etc." "Master," they say, "we desire that whatsoever we ask, Thou wouldst do it for us."
Is not this just what He assures us He will do? Yet now He replies: "You know not what you ask."
Evidently they are asking for the wrong thing, seeking in the wrong direction, knocking at the wrong door. "Ask and you shall receive," He tells us, "that your joy may be full"; that is, in all your petitions keep your salvation and eternal happiness in view.
Yet how sweetly He invites them to share in His sufferings! His question is not "Can you face death?" but "Can you walk in My footsteps, drink after Me?" "They say to Him: We can. He saith to them: My chalice, indeed, you shall drink; but to sit on My right or left hand is not lVline to give you, but to them for whom it is prepared by My Father."
He knows that later on they will become men of another mold and gladly face torture and death for His sake; all these worldly ambitions will then be laid aside; so He is content to wait for that hour.
Shall I ever do anything heroic to make up for all my petty selfishness?
Their fellow-disciples "were moved to indignation against the two brethren," thinking no doubt that they had been trying to steal a march on them....[Continued tomorrow...]
____________________
Compiled and Edited by Rev. F. X. Lasance
Author of "My Prayerbook," etc.
1937, Benziger Brothers
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See
News Updates, 12/3
Let’s call the whole thing off
Key backers of same-sex marriage say revisiting Prop 8 in 2010 doomed to failure
Vatican news for 2010 could include a consistory, few changes in the Curia
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican Secretary of State, celebrated his 75th birthday today. Canon law now requires him to submit his resignation to the Pope, although there is virtually no chance at all that the Holy Father will choose to accept that resignation anytime soon....
[Maybe Archbishop Burke will receive a red hat then?]
Cardinal Egan downplayed clergy sex abuse claims
Conn. diocese 'secret' documents paint ugly picture
Irish bishops attempt to defend their wrongdoing
Dublin archbishop not happy with their responses
Immoral society perfect host to Kennedy crusade
'No' is word society needs to hear a little more often
Irish clergy abuse report finds police cover-up
The law 'looked the other way' to protect offenders
Cardinal: Gays 'will never go to heaven'
'People are not born homosexual, they become homosexual'
Aquinas College in Michigan Promotes Planned Parenthood Abortion Biz Job
Aquinas College in Michigan is facing accusations from pro-life advocates that it, for at least the second time, is promoting a job at a Planned Parenthood abortion business to its students...
Doc sees increase in eye problem after 'visions'
Too many Catholics staring into sun at apparition site
Minaret referendum mulled in Italian parliament
Northern League says country should follow the Swiss
Obama Administration OKs First Taxpayer-Funded Embryonic Stem Cell Research
The Obama administration today authorized the first study using embryonic stem cells paid for at taxpayer expense. Earlier this year, [R]esident Barack Obama issued an executive order overturning President Bush's limits preventing taxpayers from being forced to pay for the destruction of human life...
Woman Victimized by Forced Abortion Will Seek Criminal Charges Against Hodari
The Michigan woman victimized last year by a forced abortion at the hands of abortion practitioner Alberto Hodari is now seeking criminal charges. Caitlin Bruce says Hodari and a staffer held her down and completed an abortion on her even though she changed her mind and voiced her objections beforehand...
Key backers of same-sex marriage say revisiting Prop 8 in 2010 doomed to failure
Vatican news for 2010 could include a consistory, few changes in the Curia
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican Secretary of State, celebrated his 75th birthday today. Canon law now requires him to submit his resignation to the Pope, although there is virtually no chance at all that the Holy Father will choose to accept that resignation anytime soon....
[Maybe Archbishop Burke will receive a red hat then?]
Cardinal Egan downplayed clergy sex abuse claims
Conn. diocese 'secret' documents paint ugly picture
Irish bishops attempt to defend their wrongdoing
Dublin archbishop not happy with their responses
Immoral society perfect host to Kennedy crusade
'No' is word society needs to hear a little more often
Irish clergy abuse report finds police cover-up
The law 'looked the other way' to protect offenders
Cardinal: Gays 'will never go to heaven'
'People are not born homosexual, they become homosexual'
Aquinas College in Michigan Promotes Planned Parenthood Abortion Biz Job
Aquinas College in Michigan is facing accusations from pro-life advocates that it, for at least the second time, is promoting a job at a Planned Parenthood abortion business to its students...
Doc sees increase in eye problem after 'visions'
Too many Catholics staring into sun at apparition site
Minaret referendum mulled in Italian parliament
Northern League says country should follow the Swiss
Obama Administration OKs First Taxpayer-Funded Embryonic Stem Cell Research
The Obama administration today authorized the first study using embryonic stem cells paid for at taxpayer expense. Earlier this year, [R]esident Barack Obama issued an executive order overturning President Bush's limits preventing taxpayers from being forced to pay for the destruction of human life...
Woman Victimized by Forced Abortion Will Seek Criminal Charges Against Hodari
The Michigan woman victimized last year by a forced abortion at the hands of abortion practitioner Alberto Hodari is now seeking criminal charges. Caitlin Bruce says Hodari and a staffer held her down and completed an abortion on her even though she changed her mind and voiced her objections beforehand...
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Gospel for Dec 3, Memorial: St Francis Xavier, Priest
Thursday, 1st Week in Advent
From: Matthew 7:21, 24-27
Doing the Will of God
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [21] "Not every one who says to Me, `Lord, Lord,' shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in Heaven.
Building on Rock
[24] "Every one then who hears these words of Mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock; [25] and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. [26]And every one who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand; [27] and the rain fell, and the floods came, and winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell; and great was the fall of it."
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Commentary:
21-23. To be genuine, prayer must be accompanied by a persevering effort to do God's will. Similarly, in order to do His will it is not enough to speak about the things of God: there must be consistency between what one preaches--what one says--and what one does: "The Kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power" (1 Corinthians 4:20); "Be doers of the word, not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22).
Christians, "holding loyally to the Gospel, enriched by its resources, and joining forces with all who love and practise justice, have shouldered a weighty task on earth and they must render an account of it to Him who will judge all men on the last day. Not every one who says `Lord, Lord' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but those who do the will of the Father, and who manfully put their hands to the work" (Vatican II, "Gaudium Et Spes", 93).
To enter the Kingdom of Heaven, to be holy, it is not enough, then, to speak eloquently about holiness. One has to practise what one preaches, to produce fruit which accords with one's words. Fray Luis de Leon puts it very graphically: "Notice that to be a good Christian it is not enough just to pray and fast and hear Mass; God must find you faithful, like another Job or Abraham, in times of tribulation" ("Guide for Sinners", Book 1, Part 2, Chapter 21).
Even if a person exercises an ecclesiastical ministry that does not assure his holiness; he needs to practice the virtues he preaches. Besides, we know from experience that any Christian (clerical, religious or lay) who does not strive to act in accordance with the demands of the faith he professes, begins to weaken in his faith and eventually parts company also with the teaching of the Church. Anyone who does not live in accordance with what he says, ends up saying things which are contrary to faith.
The authority with which Jesus speaks in these verses reveals Him as sovereign Judge of the living and the dead. No Old Testament prophet ever spoke with this authority.
22. "That day": a technical formula in biblical language meaning the day of the Judgment of the Lord or the Last Judgment.
23. This passage refers to the Judgment where Jesus will be the Judge. The sacred text uses a verb which means the public proclamation of a truth. Since in this case Jesus Christ is the Judge who makes the declaration, it takes the form of a judicial sentence.
24-27. These verses constitute the positive side of the previous passage. A person who tries to put Christ's teaching into practice, even if he experiences personal difficulties or lives during times of upheaval in the life of the Church or is surrounded by error, will stay firm in the faith, like the wise man who builds his house on rock.
Also, if we are to stay strong in times of difficulty, we need, when things are calm and peaceful, to accept little contradictions with a good grace, to be very refined in our relationship with God and with others, and to perform the duties of our state in life in a spirit of loyalty and abnegation. By acting in this way we are laying down a good foundation, maintaining the edifice of our spiritual life and repairing any cracks which make their appearance.
___________________________
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 7:21, 24-27
Doing the Will of God
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [21] "Not every one who says to Me, `Lord, Lord,' shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in Heaven.
Building on Rock
[24] "Every one then who hears these words of Mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock; [25] and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. [26]And every one who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand; [27] and the rain fell, and the floods came, and winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell; and great was the fall of it."
__________________________
Commentary:
21-23. To be genuine, prayer must be accompanied by a persevering effort to do God's will. Similarly, in order to do His will it is not enough to speak about the things of God: there must be consistency between what one preaches--what one says--and what one does: "The Kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power" (1 Corinthians 4:20); "Be doers of the word, not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22).
Christians, "holding loyally to the Gospel, enriched by its resources, and joining forces with all who love and practise justice, have shouldered a weighty task on earth and they must render an account of it to Him who will judge all men on the last day. Not every one who says `Lord, Lord' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but those who do the will of the Father, and who manfully put their hands to the work" (Vatican II, "Gaudium Et Spes", 93).
To enter the Kingdom of Heaven, to be holy, it is not enough, then, to speak eloquently about holiness. One has to practise what one preaches, to produce fruit which accords with one's words. Fray Luis de Leon puts it very graphically: "Notice that to be a good Christian it is not enough just to pray and fast and hear Mass; God must find you faithful, like another Job or Abraham, in times of tribulation" ("Guide for Sinners", Book 1, Part 2, Chapter 21).
Even if a person exercises an ecclesiastical ministry that does not assure his holiness; he needs to practice the virtues he preaches. Besides, we know from experience that any Christian (clerical, religious or lay) who does not strive to act in accordance with the demands of the faith he professes, begins to weaken in his faith and eventually parts company also with the teaching of the Church. Anyone who does not live in accordance with what he says, ends up saying things which are contrary to faith.
The authority with which Jesus speaks in these verses reveals Him as sovereign Judge of the living and the dead. No Old Testament prophet ever spoke with this authority.
22. "That day": a technical formula in biblical language meaning the day of the Judgment of the Lord or the Last Judgment.
23. This passage refers to the Judgment where Jesus will be the Judge. The sacred text uses a verb which means the public proclamation of a truth. Since in this case Jesus Christ is the Judge who makes the declaration, it takes the form of a judicial sentence.
24-27. These verses constitute the positive side of the previous passage. A person who tries to put Christ's teaching into practice, even if he experiences personal difficulties or lives during times of upheaval in the life of the Church or is surrounded by error, will stay firm in the faith, like the wise man who builds his house on rock.
Also, if we are to stay strong in times of difficulty, we need, when things are calm and peaceful, to accept little contradictions with a good grace, to be very refined in our relationship with God and with others, and to perform the duties of our state in life in a spirit of loyalty and abnegation. By acting in this way we are laying down a good foundation, maintaining the edifice of our spiritual life and repairing any cracks which make their appearance.
___________________________
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 - December 3
THE BEAUTY OF PURITY
Nothing is so beautiful as a pure soul. If we understood this, we could not lose our purity. The pure soul is disengaged from matter, from earthly things, and from itself....That is why the saints ill-treated their body, that is why they did not grant it what it required, not even to rise five minutes later, to warm themselves, to eat anything that gave them pleasure....For what the body loses the soul gains, and what the body gains the soul loses.
-Spirit of the Cure of Ars.
_________________
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
Nothing is so beautiful as a pure soul. If we understood this, we could not lose our purity. The pure soul is disengaged from matter, from earthly things, and from itself....That is why the saints ill-treated their body, that is why they did not grant it what it required, not even to rise five minutes later, to warm themselves, to eat anything that gave them pleasure....For what the body loses the soul gains, and what the body gains the soul loses.
-Spirit of the Cure of Ars.
_________________
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
Patience - December 2
Patience
Thoughts on the Patient Endurance of Sorrows and Sufferings
CAN YOU DRINK THE CHALICE?
Then came to Him the Mother of the sons of Zebedee with her sons, adoring and asking something of Him. Who said to her: What wilt thou? She saith to Him: Say that these my two sons may sit, the one on Thy right hand, and the other on Thy left, in Thy Kingdom. And Jesus, answering, said: You know not what you ask. Can you drink the chalice that I shall drink? They said to Him: We can.
-Matt. xx. 20-22.
It was a fixed idea in the Jewish mind that the Messias was to be a mighty monarch like Solomon, and as the apostles were His chosen followers, they looked to share in His glory and were always disputing who should be the greater among them.
This, then, is the request of the two brothers, that they may sit on either side of Christ in His kingdom. They know that they have been preferred before all the others, Peter alone excepted; what they now want is to get precedence of him.
It all seems very trivial and unworthy; but it is human nature. I find the same petty ambitions in myself. How wonderful is Our Saviour's patience with them and with me!
"And Jesus, answering, said: You know not what you ask. Can you drink the chalice that I shall drink?" A striking commentary, this, on those wonderful promises to prayer: "Ask, and you shall receive, etc."....[Continued tomorrow]
____________________
Compiled and Edited by Rev. F. X. Lasance
Author of "My Prayerbook," etc.
1937, Benziger Brothers
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See
Thoughts on the Patient Endurance of Sorrows and Sufferings
CAN YOU DRINK THE CHALICE?
Then came to Him the Mother of the sons of Zebedee with her sons, adoring and asking something of Him. Who said to her: What wilt thou? She saith to Him: Say that these my two sons may sit, the one on Thy right hand, and the other on Thy left, in Thy Kingdom. And Jesus, answering, said: You know not what you ask. Can you drink the chalice that I shall drink? They said to Him: We can.
-Matt. xx. 20-22.
It was a fixed idea in the Jewish mind that the Messias was to be a mighty monarch like Solomon, and as the apostles were His chosen followers, they looked to share in His glory and were always disputing who should be the greater among them.
This, then, is the request of the two brothers, that they may sit on either side of Christ in His kingdom. They know that they have been preferred before all the others, Peter alone excepted; what they now want is to get precedence of him.
It all seems very trivial and unworthy; but it is human nature. I find the same petty ambitions in myself. How wonderful is Our Saviour's patience with them and with me!
"And Jesus, answering, said: You know not what you ask. Can you drink the chalice that I shall drink?" A striking commentary, this, on those wonderful promises to prayer: "Ask, and you shall receive, etc."....[Continued tomorrow]
____________________
Compiled and Edited by Rev. F. X. Lasance
Author of "My Prayerbook," etc.
1937, Benziger Brothers
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See
News Updates, 12/02
Vatican Daily Reminds Obama That U.S. Is Increasingly Pro-life
Manhattan Declaration Attracts Notice
[Dear Leader zerobama cares not what people think; he is only conerned with himself due to his malignant, disordered narcissism.]
DC Council poised to legalize same-sex marriage
Debate expected to draw throngs of supporters, opponents
200 NJ dems press for vote on gay marriage
'Marriage equality is an idea whose time has come'
Conn. diocese to release sex abuse papers
Files include more than 12,000 pages from 23 lawsuits
Cuban Catholic Church launches faith blog
Aims to provide virtual forum for island's faithful
British Library to return Benevento Missal
12th-century book stolen from Italian cathedral in WWII
Bishops criticize Swiss ban on minarets
Warning it may affect Christians in Islamic countries
Church bomb-blast mastermind says he's sorry
Hindu terrorist repenting for his deeds in prison
Former Korean abortionist now prolife activist
Technically illegal, abortions are prevalent in country
Kennedy tries to sidestep Communion flap
'I'm not going to indulge in this debate anymore'
[Excommunicate him and be done with it!]
Manhattan Declaration Attracts Notice
[Dear Leader zerobama cares not what people think; he is only conerned with himself due to his malignant, disordered narcissism.]
DC Council poised to legalize same-sex marriage
Debate expected to draw throngs of supporters, opponents
200 NJ dems press for vote on gay marriage
'Marriage equality is an idea whose time has come'
Conn. diocese to release sex abuse papers
Files include more than 12,000 pages from 23 lawsuits
Cuban Catholic Church launches faith blog
Aims to provide virtual forum for island's faithful
British Library to return Benevento Missal
12th-century book stolen from Italian cathedral in WWII
Bishops criticize Swiss ban on minarets
Warning it may affect Christians in Islamic countries
Church bomb-blast mastermind says he's sorry
Hindu terrorist repenting for his deeds in prison
Former Korean abortionist now prolife activist
Technically illegal, abortions are prevalent in country
Kennedy tries to sidestep Communion flap
'I'm not going to indulge in this debate anymore'
[Excommunicate him and be done with it!]
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Gospel for Wednesday, 1st Week in Advent
From: Matthew 15:29-37
The Canaanite Woman (Continuation)
[29] And Jesus went on from there and passed along the Sea of Galilee. And He went up into the hills, and sat down there. [30] And great crowds came to Him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the dumb, and many others, and they put them at His feet, and He healed them, [31] so that the throng wondered, when they saw the dumb speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.
Second Miracle of the Loaves
[32] Then Jesus called His disciples to Him, and said, "I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with Me now three days, and having nothing to eat; and I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way." [33] And the disciples said to Him, "Where are we to get bread enough in the desert to feed so great a crowd?" [34] And Jesus said to them, "How many loaves have you?" They said, "Seven, and a few small fish." [35] And commanding the crowd to sit down on the ground, [36] He took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks He broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. [37] And they all ate and were satisfied; and they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces left over.
__________________________
Commentary:
29-31. Here St. Matthew summarizes Jesus' activity in this border area where Jews and pagans were living side by side. As usual He teaches and heals the sick; the Gospel account clearly echoes the prophecy of Isaiah which Christ Himself used to prove that He was the Messiah (Luke 7:22): "the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped..." (Isaiah 35:5).
"They glorified the God of Israel": this clearly refers to the Gentiles, who thought that God could give the power to work miracles to Jews only. Once again the Gentiles are seen to have more faith than the Jews.
32. The Gospels speak of our Lord's mercy and compassion towards people's needs: here He is concerned about the crowds who are following Him and who have no food. He always has a word of consolation, encouragement and forgiveness: He is never indifferent. However, what hurts Him most are sinners who go through life without experiencing light and truth: He waits for them in the Sacraments of Baptism and Penance.
33-38. As in the case of the first multiplication (14:13-20), the Apostles provide our Lord with the loaves and the fish. It was all they had. He also avails of the Apostles to distribute the food--the result of the miracle--to the people. In distributing the graces of salvation God chooses to rely on the faithfulness and generosity of men. "Many great things depend--don't forget--on whether you and I live our lives as God wants" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 755).
It is interesting to note that in both miracles of multiplication of loaves and fish Jesus provides food in abundance but does not allow anything to go to waste. All Jesus' miracles, in addition to being concrete historical events, are also symbols of supernatural realities. Here abundance of material food also signifies abundance of divine gifts on the level of grace and glory: it refers to spiritual resources and eternal rewards; God gives people more graces than are strictly necessary. This is borne out by Christian experience throughout history. St. Paul tells us that "where sin increased, grace abounded all the more" (Romans 5:20); he speaks of "the riches of His grace which He lavished upon us" (Ephesians 1:8) and tells his disciple Timothy that "the grace of our Lord overflowed for me and with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 1:14).
___________________________
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 Canaanite Woman (Continuation)
[29] And Jesus went on from there and passed along the Sea of Galilee. And He went up into the hills, and sat down there. [30] And great crowds came to Him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the dumb, and many others, and they put them at His feet, and He healed them, [31] so that the throng wondered, when they saw the dumb speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.
Second Miracle of the Loaves
[32] Then Jesus called His disciples to Him, and said, "I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with Me now three days, and having nothing to eat; and I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way." [33] And the disciples said to Him, "Where are we to get bread enough in the desert to feed so great a crowd?" [34] And Jesus said to them, "How many loaves have you?" They said, "Seven, and a few small fish." [35] And commanding the crowd to sit down on the ground, [36] He took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks He broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. [37] And they all ate and were satisfied; and they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces left over.
__________________________
Commentary:
29-31. Here St. Matthew summarizes Jesus' activity in this border area where Jews and pagans were living side by side. As usual He teaches and heals the sick; the Gospel account clearly echoes the prophecy of Isaiah which Christ Himself used to prove that He was the Messiah (Luke 7:22): "the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped..." (Isaiah 35:5).
"They glorified the God of Israel": this clearly refers to the Gentiles, who thought that God could give the power to work miracles to Jews only. Once again the Gentiles are seen to have more faith than the Jews.
32. The Gospels speak of our Lord's mercy and compassion towards people's needs: here He is concerned about the crowds who are following Him and who have no food. He always has a word of consolation, encouragement and forgiveness: He is never indifferent. However, what hurts Him most are sinners who go through life without experiencing light and truth: He waits for them in the Sacraments of Baptism and Penance.
33-38. As in the case of the first multiplication (14:13-20), the Apostles provide our Lord with the loaves and the fish. It was all they had. He also avails of the Apostles to distribute the food--the result of the miracle--to the people. In distributing the graces of salvation God chooses to rely on the faithfulness and generosity of men. "Many great things depend--don't forget--on whether you and I live our lives as God wants" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 755).
It is interesting to note that in both miracles of multiplication of loaves and fish Jesus provides food in abundance but does not allow anything to go to waste. All Jesus' miracles, in addition to being concrete historical events, are also symbols of supernatural realities. Here abundance of material food also signifies abundance of divine gifts on the level of grace and glory: it refers to spiritual resources and eternal rewards; God gives people more graces than are strictly necessary. This is borne out by Christian experience throughout history. St. Paul tells us that "where sin increased, grace abounded all the more" (Romans 5:20); he speaks of "the riches of His grace which He lavished upon us" (Ephesians 1:8) and tells his disciple Timothy that "the grace of our Lord overflowed for me and with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 1:14).
___________________________
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.
Patience - December 1
Patience
Thoughts on the Patient Endurance of Sorrows and Sufferings
AN AFTER-THOUGHT
"Oh! keep me close to Thee," I prayed
One blest communion morn,
When, tabernacled in my heart,
Was Christ, my Lord, re-born;
And afterward the meaning
Of these words came to me,
"What is it, dearest Lord," I said,
"To be kept near to Thee?"
Near Thee in lowly Bethlehem,
In Egypt's exile drear,
In Nazareth's sweet hidden home,
Each holy silent year;
Near Thee in lone Gethsemani,
In Thy dread agony,
And all along Thy sorrow's way,
Even to Calvary.
____________________
Compiled and Edited by Rev. F. X. Lasance
Author of "My Prayerbook," etc.
1937, Benziger Brothers
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See
Thoughts on the Patient Endurance of Sorrows and Sufferings
AN AFTER-THOUGHT
"Oh! keep me close to Thee," I prayed
One blest communion morn,
When, tabernacled in my heart,
Was Christ, my Lord, re-born;
And afterward the meaning
Of these words came to me,
"What is it, dearest Lord," I said,
"To be kept near to Thee?"
Near Thee in lowly Bethlehem,
In Egypt's exile drear,
In Nazareth's sweet hidden home,
Each holy silent year;
Near Thee in lone Gethsemani,
In Thy dread agony,
And all along Thy sorrow's way,
Even to Calvary.
____________________
Compiled and Edited by Rev. F. X. Lasance
Author of "My Prayerbook," etc.
1937, Benziger Brothers
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See
Principles and Practices - December 2
GO SLOWLY
Although the true servant of Christ who aspires to perfection should set no limit to his advancement, there are some kinds of spiritual fervour which require to be restrained with a certain discretion, lest, being embraced too ardently at first, they should give way and leave us in the midst of our course.
Hence, besides what has been said as to moderation in exterior exercises, we have to learn, moreover, that even interior virtues are best acquired gradually, and in their due order; for thus what is small in the beginning soon becomes great and permanent.
Thus, for instance, we should not ordinarily attempt to rejoice in afflictions, and to desire them, till we have first passed through the lower degrees of patience.
-The Spiritual Combat.
_________________
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
Although the true servant of Christ who aspires to perfection should set no limit to his advancement, there are some kinds of spiritual fervour which require to be restrained with a certain discretion, lest, being embraced too ardently at first, they should give way and leave us in the midst of our course.
Hence, besides what has been said as to moderation in exterior exercises, we have to learn, moreover, that even interior virtues are best acquired gradually, and in their due order; for thus what is small in the beginning soon becomes great and permanent.
Thus, for instance, we should not ordinarily attempt to rejoice in afflictions, and to desire them, till we have first passed through the lower degrees of patience.
-The Spiritual Combat.
_________________
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
News Updates, 12/1
Father Robert J. Fox, Founder of Fatima Family Apostolate, passed away at his home on Thanksgiving day at 12:45 P.M. He died a peaceful and happy death. He was anointed the night before and he also offered Mass. A wake service will be held at the Shrine of The Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville Alabama. The body will arrive at 3:00 P.M. and the rosary at 7:00 P.M. His burial will be in Alexandria South Dakota at St. Mary of Mercy Catholic Church....
Sixth Bishop Didn't Take Up CCHD Collection
Bishop Edward J. Slattery of Tulsa, Oklahoma also chose not to contribute to the national collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) LifeSiteNews.com (LSN) has confirmed, making him the sixth bishop confirmed to have done so....
Church of Saint Ephrem attacked, leveled in Mosul
Muslim attack was like Mafia warning to Christians
Attacks on church in Iraq part of brutal strategy
Archbishop: Muslims want to erase Christian heritage
[Mohammedanism is not a 'peaceful' religion and it never has been.]
‘The Bad Business of Planned Parenthood’
Harvard study says country’s largest abortion provider in financial trouble
Irish bishop tells clergy: Look to your consciences
Martin says he has no authority to ask anyone to resign
Bishop Cordileone’s Masses Threatened
Militant Disruptions in the Works?
Pope plans to beatify Newman during visit to Britain
Benedict XVI regards English convert as great theolgian
Parish hit by spate of mutilated animal carcasses
Anglican warns of satanism after finding sheep's head
Vatican announces new round of Anglican talks
To focus on relationship between local, universal Church
Pope urges prayer, action to comfort AIDS patients
Says moral attitude toward sex would help fight disease
Historic Pittsburgh church under sale agreement
Diocese agrees to sell property to billboard company
Woman sees image of Jesus on iron
'It just made me reaffirm my faith and beliefs'
Sixth Bishop Didn't Take Up CCHD Collection
Bishop Edward J. Slattery of Tulsa, Oklahoma also chose not to contribute to the national collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) LifeSiteNews.com (LSN) has confirmed, making him the sixth bishop confirmed to have done so....
Church of Saint Ephrem attacked, leveled in Mosul
Muslim attack was like Mafia warning to Christians
Attacks on church in Iraq part of brutal strategy
Archbishop: Muslims want to erase Christian heritage
[Mohammedanism is not a 'peaceful' religion and it never has been.]
‘The Bad Business of Planned Parenthood’
Harvard study says country’s largest abortion provider in financial trouble
Irish bishop tells clergy: Look to your consciences
Martin says he has no authority to ask anyone to resign
Bishop Cordileone’s Masses Threatened
Militant Disruptions in the Works?
Pope plans to beatify Newman during visit to Britain
Benedict XVI regards English convert as great theolgian
Parish hit by spate of mutilated animal carcasses
Anglican warns of satanism after finding sheep's head
Vatican announces new round of Anglican talks
To focus on relationship between local, universal Church
Pope urges prayer, action to comfort AIDS patients
Says moral attitude toward sex would help fight disease
Historic Pittsburgh church under sale agreement
Diocese agrees to sell property to billboard company
Woman sees image of Jesus on iron
'It just made me reaffirm my faith and beliefs'
Monday, November 30, 2009
Gospel for Tuesday, 1st Week of Advent
From: Luke 10:21-24
Jesus Gives Thanks
[21] In that same hour He (Jesus) rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I thank Thee, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yea, Father, for such was Thy gracious will. [22] All things have been delivered to Me by My Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him."
[23] Then turning to the disciples He said privately, "Blessed are the eyes which see what you see! [24] For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it."
______________________
Commentary:
21. This passage of the Gospel is usually called our Lord's "hymn of joy" and is also found in St. Matthew (11:25-27). It is one of those moments when Jesus rejoices to see humble people understanding and accepting the word of God.
Our Lord also reveals one of the effects of humility--spiritual childhood. For example, in another passage He says: "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven" (Matthew 18:3). But spiritual childhood does not involve weakness, softness or ignorance: "I have often meditated on this life of spiritual childhood, which is not incompatible with fortitude, because it demands a strong will, proven maturity, an open and firm character [...]. To become children we must renounce our pride and self-sufficiency, recognizing that we can do nothing by ourselves. We must realize that we need grace, and the help of God our Father to find our way and keep it. To be little, you have to abandon yourself as children do, believe as children, beg as children beg" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 10 and 143).
22. "This statement is a wonderful help to our faith," St. Ambrose comments, "because when you read 'all' you realize that Christ is all-powerful, that He is not inferior to the Father, or less perfect than He; when you read 'have been delivered to me', you confess that Christ is the Son, to whom everything belongs by right of being one in substance [with the Father] and not by grace of gift" ("Expositio Evangelii Sec. Lucam, in loc.").
Here we see Christ as almighty Lord and God, consubstantial with the Father, and the only one capable of revealing who the Father is. At the same time, we can recognize the divine nature of Jesus only if the Father gives us the grace of faith--as He did to St. Peter (cf. Matthew 16:17).
23-24. Obviously, seeing Jesus with one's own eyes was a wonderful thing for people who believed in him. However, our Lord will say to Thomas, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe" (John 20:29). St. Peter, for his part, tells us: "Without having seen Him you love Him; though you do not see Him you believe in Him and rejoice with unutterable and exalted joy. As the outcome of your faith you obtain the salvation of your souls" (1 Peter 1:8-9).
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Jesus Gives Thanks
[21] In that same hour He (Jesus) rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I thank Thee, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yea, Father, for such was Thy gracious will. [22] All things have been delivered to Me by My Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him."
[23] Then turning to the disciples He said privately, "Blessed are the eyes which see what you see! [24] For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it."
______________________
Commentary:
21. This passage of the Gospel is usually called our Lord's "hymn of joy" and is also found in St. Matthew (11:25-27). It is one of those moments when Jesus rejoices to see humble people understanding and accepting the word of God.
Our Lord also reveals one of the effects of humility--spiritual childhood. For example, in another passage He says: "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven" (Matthew 18:3). But spiritual childhood does not involve weakness, softness or ignorance: "I have often meditated on this life of spiritual childhood, which is not incompatible with fortitude, because it demands a strong will, proven maturity, an open and firm character [...]. To become children we must renounce our pride and self-sufficiency, recognizing that we can do nothing by ourselves. We must realize that we need grace, and the help of God our Father to find our way and keep it. To be little, you have to abandon yourself as children do, believe as children, beg as children beg" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 10 and 143).
22. "This statement is a wonderful help to our faith," St. Ambrose comments, "because when you read 'all' you realize that Christ is all-powerful, that He is not inferior to the Father, or less perfect than He; when you read 'have been delivered to me', you confess that Christ is the Son, to whom everything belongs by right of being one in substance [with the Father] and not by grace of gift" ("Expositio Evangelii Sec. Lucam, in loc.").
Here we see Christ as almighty Lord and God, consubstantial with the Father, and the only one capable of revealing who the Father is. At the same time, we can recognize the divine nature of Jesus only if the Father gives us the grace of faith--as He did to St. Peter (cf. Matthew 16:17).
23-24. Obviously, seeing Jesus with one's own eyes was a wonderful thing for people who believed in him. However, our Lord will say to Thomas, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe" (John 20:29). St. Peter, for his part, tells us: "Without having seen Him you love Him; though you do not see Him you believe in Him and rejoice with unutterable and exalted joy. As the outcome of your faith you obtain the salvation of your souls" (1 Peter 1:8-9).
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Principles and Practices - December 1
REST COMES AT LENGTH
Rest comes at length; though life be long and dreary;
The day must dawn, and darksome night be past;
All journeys end in welcomes to the weary,
And Heaven, the heart's true home, will come at last.
Angels of Jesus,
Angels of light,
Singing to welcome
The pilgrims of the night!
-Faber.
_________________
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
Rest comes at length; though life be long and dreary;
The day must dawn, and darksome night be past;
All journeys end in welcomes to the weary,
And Heaven, the heart's true home, will come at last.
Angels of Jesus,
Angels of light,
Singing to welcome
The pilgrims of the night!
-Faber.
_________________
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
Patience - November 30
Patience
Thoughts on the Patient Endurance of Sorrows and Sufferings
SUFFERING A TEST OF VIRTUE
Suffering increases merit by insuring not only greater purity but also greater earnestness of motive.
It has a bracing influence upon the will, and gives tone and vigor to its exercise. Difficulties and sufferings bring out manliness and strength of will and nobility of soul. They try earnestness of purpose. They are an unmistakable test of solid virtue. There is beauty and merit in each least aspiration of virtue breathed on the playful wing of joy, but there is greater and more solid meri t in the depth and vigor of determination evinced in the practice of virtue under difficulties, temptations and trials. There is no trial, temptation, or suffering which cannot be turned into a blessing by the will of a conscious sufferer.
It was asked of the Blessed Angela of Foligno how she could suffer with such joy. She replied: "Believe me, we do not know the price of sufferings; if we knew their value, sufferings would be for us an object of strife, each trying to rob the other of occasions to suffer."
St. Teresa declared she would not exchange her sufferings for all the treasures of the world. Her motto was, "Suffer or die."
What a joy it is to the Sacred Heart of Jesus when his children advance in the science of the saints! The treasure of holiness lies open to all, and the secret of utilizing these precious treasures consists in turning to our spiritual profit the common routine of everyday duties and the events of Providence. That which happens to us hour by hour, by God's will, is what is best and most profitable for us. Daily we have active or passive means of sanctity offered us.
EJACULATION
May the most just, most high, and most adorable will of God be in all things done, praised, and magnified forever.
____________________
Compiled and Edited by Rev. F. X. Lasance
Author of "My Prayerbook," etc.
1937, Benziger Brothers
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See
Thoughts on the Patient Endurance of Sorrows and Sufferings
SUFFERING A TEST OF VIRTUE
Suffering increases merit by insuring not only greater purity but also greater earnestness of motive.
It has a bracing influence upon the will, and gives tone and vigor to its exercise. Difficulties and sufferings bring out manliness and strength of will and nobility of soul. They try earnestness of purpose. They are an unmistakable test of solid virtue. There is beauty and merit in each least aspiration of virtue breathed on the playful wing of joy, but there is greater and more solid meri t in the depth and vigor of determination evinced in the practice of virtue under difficulties, temptations and trials. There is no trial, temptation, or suffering which cannot be turned into a blessing by the will of a conscious sufferer.
It was asked of the Blessed Angela of Foligno how she could suffer with such joy. She replied: "Believe me, we do not know the price of sufferings; if we knew their value, sufferings would be for us an object of strife, each trying to rob the other of occasions to suffer."
St. Teresa declared she would not exchange her sufferings for all the treasures of the world. Her motto was, "Suffer or die."
What a joy it is to the Sacred Heart of Jesus when his children advance in the science of the saints! The treasure of holiness lies open to all, and the secret of utilizing these precious treasures consists in turning to our spiritual profit the common routine of everyday duties and the events of Providence. That which happens to us hour by hour, by God's will, is what is best and most profitable for us. Daily we have active or passive means of sanctity offered us.
Active sanctity consists in fulfilling with purity of intention the duties imposed by God, by the Church, by our state of life.If only we utilize the means of holiness thus provided, we shall surely become saints sooner or later.
Passive sanctity consists in the loving acceptation of what is painful and repugnant to nature, without heeding our likes and dislikes.
EJACULATION
May the most just, most high, and most adorable will of God be in all things done, praised, and magnified forever.
____________________
Compiled and Edited by Rev. F. X. Lasance
Author of "My Prayerbook," etc.
1937, Benziger Brothers
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Gospel for Nov 30, Feast: St. Andrew, Apostle
From: Matthew 4:18-22
The First Disciples Called
[18] As He (Jesus) walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. [19] And He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." [20] Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. [21] And going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and He called them. [22] Immediately, they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.
________________________
Commentary:
18-22. These four disciples had already met our Lord (John 1:35-42), and their brief meeting with Him seems to have had a powerful effect on their souls. In this way Christ prepared their vocation, a fully effective vocation which moved them to leave everything behind so as to follow Him and be His disciples. Standing out above their human defects (which the Gospels never conceal), we can see the exemplary generosity and promptness of the Apostles in answering God's call.
The thoughtful reader cannot fail to be struck by the delightful simplicity with which the evangelists describe the calling of these men in the midst of their daily work.
"God draws us from the shadows of our ignorance, our groping through history, and, no matter what our occupation in the world, He calls us in a loud voice, as He once called Peter and Andrew" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By," 45).
"This divine and human dialogue completely changed the lives of John and Andrew, and Peter and James and so many others. It prepared their hearts to listen to the authoritative teaching which Jesus gave them beside the Sea of Galilee" ("ibid"., 108).
We should notice the words of Sacred Scripture used to describe the alacrity with which the Apostles follow our Lord. Peter and Andrew "immediately" left their nets and followed Him. Similarly, James and John "immediately" left the boats and their father and followed Him. God passes by and calls us. If we do not answer Him "immediately", He may continue on His way and we could lose sight of Him. When God passes by, He may do so rapidly; it would be sad if we were to fall behind because we wanted to follow Him while still carrying many things that are only a dead weight and a nuisance.
___________________________
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 First Disciples Called
[18] As He (Jesus) walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. [19] And He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." [20] Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. [21] And going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and He called them. [22] Immediately, they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.
________________________
Commentary:
18-22. These four disciples had already met our Lord (John 1:35-42), and their brief meeting with Him seems to have had a powerful effect on their souls. In this way Christ prepared their vocation, a fully effective vocation which moved them to leave everything behind so as to follow Him and be His disciples. Standing out above their human defects (which the Gospels never conceal), we can see the exemplary generosity and promptness of the Apostles in answering God's call.
The thoughtful reader cannot fail to be struck by the delightful simplicity with which the evangelists describe the calling of these men in the midst of their daily work.
"God draws us from the shadows of our ignorance, our groping through history, and, no matter what our occupation in the world, He calls us in a loud voice, as He once called Peter and Andrew" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By," 45).
"This divine and human dialogue completely changed the lives of John and Andrew, and Peter and James and so many others. It prepared their hearts to listen to the authoritative teaching which Jesus gave them beside the Sea of Galilee" ("ibid"., 108).
We should notice the words of Sacred Scripture used to describe the alacrity with which the Apostles follow our Lord. Peter and Andrew "immediately" left their nets and followed Him. Similarly, James and John "immediately" left the boats and their father and followed Him. God passes by and calls us. If we do not answer Him "immediately", He may continue on His way and we could lose sight of Him. When God passes by, He may do so rapidly; it would be sad if we were to fall behind because we wanted to follow Him while still carrying many things that are only a dead weight and a nuisance.
___________________________
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 - November 30
MAN PROPOSES-GOD DISPOSES
There is a story of a young Austrian noble, a youth of great piety, who had made up his mind to enter a religious order. The day before that on which he was to have left home, his father made a great feast at the castle, and invited all his cousins to the third and fourth degree. There was heavy drinking, dancing, and wild revelry, in all of which the hero of the hour was compelled to play the first part. He was prevailed upon, or persuaded himself, to make one first essay in sin ere he renounced the world forever. Had he not before him long years of much endurance in labours, in watchings, in fastings, in chastity (2 Cor. vi, 4-6)? He was not strong, he had overdone it in dancing, he broke a blood vessel and died in his bed that night. The chaplain who wished to say Mass for him the next morning had the sacristy door slammed in his face, and could not get to the altar. Then the soul reappeared, to say that it was lost.
-J. Rickaby, 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
There is a story of a young Austrian noble, a youth of great piety, who had made up his mind to enter a religious order. The day before that on which he was to have left home, his father made a great feast at the castle, and invited all his cousins to the third and fourth degree. There was heavy drinking, dancing, and wild revelry, in all of which the hero of the hour was compelled to play the first part. He was prevailed upon, or persuaded himself, to make one first essay in sin ere he renounced the world forever. Had he not before him long years of much endurance in labours, in watchings, in fastings, in chastity (2 Cor. vi, 4-6)? He was not strong, he had overdone it in dancing, he broke a blood vessel and died in his bed that night. The chaplain who wished to say Mass for him the next morning had the sacristy door slammed in his face, and could not get to the altar. Then the soul reappeared, to say that it was lost.
-J. Rickaby, 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
Patience - November 29
Patience
Thoughts on the Patient Endurance of Sorrows and Sufferings
HUMAN SUFFERING
The right view of suffering is that of an expiation, not only for our own sin, but for the world's sin too. It is an expiation and a redemption, whereby the effects of sin are wiped away, and the creation is again to become a kingdom of God. All suffering centers in the supreme tragedy of Calvary, and when borne in a Christian spirit may be called a continuation of that divine sacrifice whereby the world is cleansed of its stain.
Wherefore as regards those who suffer: if they rebel against their lot, they are as those who deny their corporate responsibility and shirk their burden; they are traitors not only to the divine Redeemer, but to all suffering humanity.
But if they accept the chalice of pain as Christ accepted it, they become truly compeers with Christ in the new kingdom of God, "sitting at His right hand and at His left," according to their merit. These are truly the co-workers of Our Saviour in the regeneration of the world. The innocent babe that dies in agony gains something of the martyr's glory; its suffering is the payment of a debt not its own, and yet its own because it is one of mankind; and it becomes more closely allied to Christ because of its suffering.
The man or woman consciously accepting the cross, with perhaps its nameless horrors, becomes thereby a leader among men, because bearing willingly the burden of men; and according to the simplicity of their acceptance is the degree of their eternal glory.
No wonder then that so many Christians have regarded it as a privilege to suffer, and have envied those who suffered, not from morbid sentiment, but from a healthy recognition of Christian principles. "These are they who have washed their garments in the blood of the Lamb. Their youth is renewed like that of the eagle, as the lily shall they flourish in the city of the Lord."
-Father Cuthbert, O.S.F.C., De Torrente.
____________________
Compiled and Edited by Rev. F. X. Lasance
Author of "My Prayerbook," etc.
1937, Benziger Brothers
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See
Thoughts on the Patient Endurance of Sorrows and Sufferings
HUMAN SUFFERING
The right view of suffering is that of an expiation, not only for our own sin, but for the world's sin too. It is an expiation and a redemption, whereby the effects of sin are wiped away, and the creation is again to become a kingdom of God. All suffering centers in the supreme tragedy of Calvary, and when borne in a Christian spirit may be called a continuation of that divine sacrifice whereby the world is cleansed of its stain.
Wherefore as regards those who suffer: if they rebel against their lot, they are as those who deny their corporate responsibility and shirk their burden; they are traitors not only to the divine Redeemer, but to all suffering humanity.
But if they accept the chalice of pain as Christ accepted it, they become truly compeers with Christ in the new kingdom of God, "sitting at His right hand and at His left," according to their merit. These are truly the co-workers of Our Saviour in the regeneration of the world. The innocent babe that dies in agony gains something of the martyr's glory; its suffering is the payment of a debt not its own, and yet its own because it is one of mankind; and it becomes more closely allied to Christ because of its suffering.
The man or woman consciously accepting the cross, with perhaps its nameless horrors, becomes thereby a leader among men, because bearing willingly the burden of men; and according to the simplicity of their acceptance is the degree of their eternal glory.
No wonder then that so many Christians have regarded it as a privilege to suffer, and have envied those who suffered, not from morbid sentiment, but from a healthy recognition of Christian principles. "These are they who have washed their garments in the blood of the Lamb. Their youth is renewed like that of the eagle, as the lily shall they flourish in the city of the Lord."
-Father Cuthbert, O.S.F.C., De Torrente.
____________________
Compiled and Edited by Rev. F. X. Lasance
Author of "My Prayerbook," etc.
1937, Benziger Brothers
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Gospel for the 1st Sunday of Advent
From: Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
Discourse on the Destruction of Jerusalem
and the End of the World (Continuation)
(Jesus said to his disciples), [25] "And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, [26] men fainting with fear and foreboding of what is coming on the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. [27] And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. [28] Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
The Need for Vigilance
[34] "But take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a snare; [35] for it will come upon all who dwell upon the face of the whole earth. [36] But watch at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."
_____________________________
Commentary:
25-26. Jesus refers to the dramatic changes in natural elements when the world is coming to an end. "The powers of the heavens will be shaken"; that is to say, the whole universe will tremble at the Lord's coming in power and glory.
27-28. Applying to himself the prophecy of Daniel (7:13-14), our Lord speaks of his coming in glory at the end of time. Mankind will see the power and glory of the Son of man, coming to judge the living and the dead. Christ will deliver this judgment in his human capacity. Sacred Scripture describes the solemnity of this event, when the sentence passed on each person in the particular judgment will be confirmed, and God's justice and mercy to men throughout history will shine out for all to see. "It was necessary not only that rewards should await the just and punishments the wicked, in the life to come, but that they should be awarded by a public and general judgment. Thus they will become better known and will be rendered more conspicuous to all, and a tribute of praise will be offered by all to the justice and providence of God" ("St Pius V Catechism", I, 8, 4).
This coming of the Lord is, then, a day of terror for evildoers and of joy for those who have remained faithful. The disciples should hold their heads high because their redemption is at hand. It is the day they will receive their reward. The victory won by Christ on the cross--victory over sin, over the devil and over death--will now be seen clearly, with all its implications. Therefore St Paul recommends that we be "awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" (Tit 2:13).
"He [Christ] ascended into heaven whence he will come again to judge the living and the dead, each according to his merits. Those who have responded to the love and compassion of God will go into eternal life. Those who have refused them to the end will be consigned to the fire that is never extinguished" (Paul VI, "Creed of the People of God", 12).
34-36. At the end of His discourse Jesus emphasizes that every Christian needs to be vigilant: we do not know the day nor the hour in which He will ask us to render an account of our lives. Therefore, we must at all times be trying to do God's will, so that death, whenever it comes, will find us ready. For those who act in this way, sudden death never takes them by surprise. As St. Paul recommends: "You are not in darkness, brethren, for that day to surprise you like a thief" (1 Thessalonians 5:4). Vigilance consists in making a constant effort not to be attached to the things of this world (the concupiscence of the flesh, the concupiscence of the eyes and pride of life: cf. 1 John 2:16) and in being assiduous in prayer, which keeps us close to God. If we live in this way, the day we die will be a day of joy and not of terror, for with God's help our vigilance will mean that our souls are ready to receive the visit of our Lord; they are in the state of grace: in meeting Christ we will not be meeting a judge who will find us guilty; instead He will embrace us and lead us into the house of His Father to remain there forever. "Does your soul not burn with the desire to make your Father-God happy when He has to judge you?" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 746).
___________________________
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.
Discourse on the Destruction of Jerusalem
and the End of the World (Continuation)
(Jesus said to his disciples), [25] "And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, [26] men fainting with fear and foreboding of what is coming on the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. [27] And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. [28] Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
The Need for Vigilance
[34] "But take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a snare; [35] for it will come upon all who dwell upon the face of the whole earth. [36] But watch at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."
_____________________________
Commentary:
25-26. Jesus refers to the dramatic changes in natural elements when the world is coming to an end. "The powers of the heavens will be shaken"; that is to say, the whole universe will tremble at the Lord's coming in power and glory.
27-28. Applying to himself the prophecy of Daniel (7:13-14), our Lord speaks of his coming in glory at the end of time. Mankind will see the power and glory of the Son of man, coming to judge the living and the dead. Christ will deliver this judgment in his human capacity. Sacred Scripture describes the solemnity of this event, when the sentence passed on each person in the particular judgment will be confirmed, and God's justice and mercy to men throughout history will shine out for all to see. "It was necessary not only that rewards should await the just and punishments the wicked, in the life to come, but that they should be awarded by a public and general judgment. Thus they will become better known and will be rendered more conspicuous to all, and a tribute of praise will be offered by all to the justice and providence of God" ("St Pius V Catechism", I, 8, 4).
This coming of the Lord is, then, a day of terror for evildoers and of joy for those who have remained faithful. The disciples should hold their heads high because their redemption is at hand. It is the day they will receive their reward. The victory won by Christ on the cross--victory over sin, over the devil and over death--will now be seen clearly, with all its implications. Therefore St Paul recommends that we be "awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" (Tit 2:13).
"He [Christ] ascended into heaven whence he will come again to judge the living and the dead, each according to his merits. Those who have responded to the love and compassion of God will go into eternal life. Those who have refused them to the end will be consigned to the fire that is never extinguished" (Paul VI, "Creed of the People of God", 12).
34-36. At the end of His discourse Jesus emphasizes that every Christian needs to be vigilant: we do not know the day nor the hour in which He will ask us to render an account of our lives. Therefore, we must at all times be trying to do God's will, so that death, whenever it comes, will find us ready. For those who act in this way, sudden death never takes them by surprise. As St. Paul recommends: "You are not in darkness, brethren, for that day to surprise you like a thief" (1 Thessalonians 5:4). Vigilance consists in making a constant effort not to be attached to the things of this world (the concupiscence of the flesh, the concupiscence of the eyes and pride of life: cf. 1 John 2:16) and in being assiduous in prayer, which keeps us close to God. If we live in this way, the day we die will be a day of joy and not of terror, for with God's help our vigilance will mean that our souls are ready to receive the visit of our Lord; they are in the state of grace: in meeting Christ we will not be meeting a judge who will find us guilty; instead He will embrace us and lead us into the house of His Father to remain there forever. "Does your soul not burn with the desire to make your Father-God happy when He has to judge you?" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 746).
___________________________
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, November 29
SPIRITUAL IDLENESS
If of all graces that of perseverance is the most precious, because it is the one which makes all the others of lasting value, certainly among the vices which beset the devout life spiritual idleness is one of the chief; for it is the contradictory of perseverance. Yet I doubt whether practically we regard it with the fear which it deserves.
All the three dispositions of our normal state, fatigue especially, are desolated by it. Struggle is tempted to give way to laziness and to take recreation apart from Christ. Fatigue is sorely drawn in its aching lassitude to fall from dry interior faith, and to seek consolation in creatures, a step almost as fatal as going to sleep in the snow. Rest murmurs when the trumpet sounds to renew the fight, and would fain prolong itself by natural means when supernatural means have ceased.
-Faber.
_________________
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
If of all graces that of perseverance is the most precious, because it is the one which makes all the others of lasting value, certainly among the vices which beset the devout life spiritual idleness is one of the chief; for it is the contradictory of perseverance. Yet I doubt whether practically we regard it with the fear which it deserves.
All the three dispositions of our normal state, fatigue especially, are desolated by it. Struggle is tempted to give way to laziness and to take recreation apart from Christ. Fatigue is sorely drawn in its aching lassitude to fall from dry interior faith, and to seek consolation in creatures, a step almost as fatal as going to sleep in the snow. Rest murmurs when the trumpet sounds to renew the fight, and would fain prolong itself by natural means when supernatural means have ceased.
-Faber.
_________________
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
Patience - November 28
Patience
Thoughts on the Patient Endurance of Sorrows and Sufferings
ABANDONMENT OR ABSOLUTE SURRENDER TO DIVINE PROVIDENCE
[Continued from yesterday]
If we do not lose sight of these principles, which no Christian can question, we shall understand that our confidence in the providence of our Father in heaven cannot be too great, too absolute, too child-like. If nothing but what He permits happens, and if He can permit nothing but what is for our happiness, then we have nothing to fear, except not being sufficiently submissive to God. As long as we keep ourselves united with Him and we walk after His designs, were all creatures to turn against us they could not harm us. He who relies upon God becomes by this very reliance as powerful and as invincible as God, and created powers can no more prevail against him than against God Himself.
This confidence in the fatherly providence of God cannot, evidently, dispense us from doing all that is in our power to accomplish His design; but after having done all that depends upon our efforts we will abandon ourselves completely to God for the rest.
St. Vincent de Paul tells us: "One act of resignation to the divine will in that which is contrary to our inclination is of more value than ten thousand words of thanks for that which conforms to our taste."
St. Vincent showed by the sweetness of his words and the serenity of his countenance that he looked upon all the events of life with equal indifference. He never lost sight of his great maxim, "Nothing happens in the world but by the order of divine Providence." Into the arms of Providence he threw himself and abandoned himself entirely. A worthy prelate who was struck with admiration at his constant sweetness, which nothing could disturb, said, "Father Vincent is always Father Vincent."
____________________
Compiled and Edited by Rev. F. X. Lasance
Author of "My Prayerbook," etc.
1937, Benziger Brothers
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See
Thoughts on the Patient Endurance of Sorrows and Sufferings
ABANDONMENT OR ABSOLUTE SURRENDER TO DIVINE PROVIDENCE
[Continued from yesterday]
If we do not lose sight of these principles, which no Christian can question, we shall understand that our confidence in the providence of our Father in heaven cannot be too great, too absolute, too child-like. If nothing but what He permits happens, and if He can permit nothing but what is for our happiness, then we have nothing to fear, except not being sufficiently submissive to God. As long as we keep ourselves united with Him and we walk after His designs, were all creatures to turn against us they could not harm us. He who relies upon God becomes by this very reliance as powerful and as invincible as God, and created powers can no more prevail against him than against God Himself.
This confidence in the fatherly providence of God cannot, evidently, dispense us from doing all that is in our power to accomplish His design; but after having done all that depends upon our efforts we will abandon ourselves completely to God for the rest.
St. Vincent de Paul tells us: "One act of resignation to the divine will in that which is contrary to our inclination is of more value than ten thousand words of thanks for that which conforms to our taste."
St. Vincent showed by the sweetness of his words and the serenity of his countenance that he looked upon all the events of life with equal indifference. He never lost sight of his great maxim, "Nothing happens in the world but by the order of divine Providence." Into the arms of Providence he threw himself and abandoned himself entirely. A worthy prelate who was struck with admiration at his constant sweetness, which nothing could disturb, said, "Father Vincent is always Father Vincent."
____________________
Compiled and Edited by Rev. F. X. Lasance
Author of "My Prayerbook," etc.
1937, Benziger Brothers
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See
Friday, November 27, 2009
Gospel for Saturday, 34th Week in Ordinary Time
From: Luke 21:34-36
The Need for Vigilance
(Jesus said to His disciples), [34] "But take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a snare; [35] for it will come upon all who dwell upon the face of the whole earth. [36] But watch at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."
___________________
Commentary:
34-36. At the end of His discourse Jesus emphasizes that every Christian needs to be vigilant: we do not know the day nor the hour in which He will ask us to render an account of our lives. Therefore, we must at all times be trying to do God's will, so that death, whenever it comes, will find us ready. For those who act in this way, sudden death never takes them by surprise. As St. Paul recommends: "You are not in darkness, brethren, for that day to surprise you like a thief" (1 Thessalonians 5:4). Vigilance consists in making a constant effort not to be attached to the things of this world (the concupiscence of the flesh, the concupiscence of the eyes and pride of life: cf. John 2:16) and in being assiduous in prayer, which keeps us close to God. If we live in this way, the day we die will be a day of joy and not of terror, for with God's help our vigilance will mean that our souls are ready to receive the visit of our Lord; they are in the state of grace: in meeting Christ we will not be meeting a judge who will find us guilty; instead He will embrace us and lead us into the house of His Father to remain there forever. "Does your soul not burn with the desire to make your Father-God happy when He has to judge you?" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 746).
___________________________
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 Need for Vigilance
(Jesus said to His disciples), [34] "But take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a snare; [35] for it will come upon all who dwell upon the face of the whole earth. [36] But watch at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."
___________________
Commentary:
34-36. At the end of His discourse Jesus emphasizes that every Christian needs to be vigilant: we do not know the day nor the hour in which He will ask us to render an account of our lives. Therefore, we must at all times be trying to do God's will, so that death, whenever it comes, will find us ready. For those who act in this way, sudden death never takes them by surprise. As St. Paul recommends: "You are not in darkness, brethren, for that day to surprise you like a thief" (1 Thessalonians 5:4). Vigilance consists in making a constant effort not to be attached to the things of this world (the concupiscence of the flesh, the concupiscence of the eyes and pride of life: cf. John 2:16) and in being assiduous in prayer, which keeps us close to God. If we live in this way, the day we die will be a day of joy and not of terror, for with God's help our vigilance will mean that our souls are ready to receive the visit of our Lord; they are in the state of grace: in meeting Christ we will not be meeting a judge who will find us guilty; instead He will embrace us and lead us into the house of His Father to remain there forever. "Does your soul not burn with the desire to make your Father-God happy when He has to judge you?" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 746).
___________________________
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 - November 28
THE SOUL IN SENSIBLE QUIETUDE
Since for a long time past Our Lord has called you to this kind of prayer, granting to you to taste the sweetness of its fruits and to know the evils of the contrary method, stand firm therein, and as quietly as you can bring your mind back to this single consciousness of the presence of God and of self-abandonment in Him. And since your spirit desires that I should have recourse to obedience, I say this to it: Dear spirit, why strive to act the part of Martha in prayer, when God shows you that He wills you to take that of Mary? I command you, therefore, to abide simply in God or close to Him, without seeking to do anything or ask anything of Him whatever, save at His inspiration. Do not review your own conduct, only abide in His presence.
-St. Francis of Sales.
_________________
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
Since for a long time past Our Lord has called you to this kind of prayer, granting to you to taste the sweetness of its fruits and to know the evils of the contrary method, stand firm therein, and as quietly as you can bring your mind back to this single consciousness of the presence of God and of self-abandonment in Him. And since your spirit desires that I should have recourse to obedience, I say this to it: Dear spirit, why strive to act the part of Martha in prayer, when God shows you that He wills you to take that of Mary? I command you, therefore, to abide simply in God or close to Him, without seeking to do anything or ask anything of Him whatever, save at His inspiration. Do not review your own conduct, only abide in His presence.
-St. Francis of Sales.
_________________
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
Patience - November 27
Patience
Thoughts on the Patient Endurance of Sorrows and Sufferings
ABANDONMENT OR ABSOLUTE SURRENDER TO DIVINE PROVIDENCE
"We know that to them that love God, all things work together unto good, to such as, according to His purpose, are called to be saints" (Rom. viii. 28). These words of St. Paul are an encouragement to all who suffer; they should incite every follower of Christ to the patient endurance of trials and tribulations.
In his preface to the highly commendable work of the Rev. J. P. De Caussade, S.J., on "Abandonment or Absolute Surrender to Divine Providence," Father Ramiere accentuates three principles which form the basis of the virtue of abandonment:
First Principle: Nothing is done, nothing happens, either in the material or in the moral world, which God has not foreseen from all eternity and which He has not willed or at least permitted.
Second Principle: God can will nothing, He can permit nothing, but in view of the end He proposed to Himself in creating the world, namely, in view of His glory and the glory of the Man-God, Jesus Christ, His only Son.
Third Principle: As long as man lives upon earth, God desires to be glorified through the happiness of this privileged creature, and consequently in God's designs the interest of man's sanctification and happiness is inseparable from dIe interest of the divine glory.
If we do not lose sight of these principles, which no Christian can question, we shall understand that our confidence in the providence of our Father in heaven cannot be too great, too absolute, too child-like... [Continued tomorrow]
____________________
Compiled and Edited by Rev. F. X. Lasance
Author of "My Prayerbook," etc.
1937, Benziger Brothers
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See
Thoughts on the Patient Endurance of Sorrows and Sufferings
ABANDONMENT OR ABSOLUTE SURRENDER TO DIVINE PROVIDENCE
"We know that to them that love God, all things work together unto good, to such as, according to His purpose, are called to be saints" (Rom. viii. 28). These words of St. Paul are an encouragement to all who suffer; they should incite every follower of Christ to the patient endurance of trials and tribulations.
In his preface to the highly commendable work of the Rev. J. P. De Caussade, S.J., on "Abandonment or Absolute Surrender to Divine Providence," Father Ramiere accentuates three principles which form the basis of the virtue of abandonment:
First Principle: Nothing is done, nothing happens, either in the material or in the moral world, which God has not foreseen from all eternity and which He has not willed or at least permitted.
Second Principle: God can will nothing, He can permit nothing, but in view of the end He proposed to Himself in creating the world, namely, in view of His glory and the glory of the Man-God, Jesus Christ, His only Son.
Third Principle: As long as man lives upon earth, God desires to be glorified through the happiness of this privileged creature, and consequently in God's designs the interest of man's sanctification and happiness is inseparable from dIe interest of the divine glory.
If we do not lose sight of these principles, which no Christian can question, we shall understand that our confidence in the providence of our Father in heaven cannot be too great, too absolute, too child-like... [Continued tomorrow]
____________________
Compiled and Edited by Rev. F. X. Lasance
Author of "My Prayerbook," etc.
1937, Benziger Brothers
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Principles and Practices - November 27
WHAT SIN IS
Sin is the evil of God; it is opposed to all His perfections, which it wounds, dishonours, and outrages. God is truth; sin is error and lying; God is infinite goodness; sin is wickedness and malice itself; God is essential purity and holiness; sin is defilement, abomination and opprobrium; God is infinite justice; sin is disorder and injustice; God is unity; sin is division; God is the necessary Being; sin is nothingness. Wherefore sin is the opposite of God, directly opposed to all His divine perfections; God is the supreme Good, sin is the supreme evil.
-F. Girardey, C.SS.R.
_________________
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
Sin is the evil of God; it is opposed to all His perfections, which it wounds, dishonours, and outrages. God is truth; sin is error and lying; God is infinite goodness; sin is wickedness and malice itself; God is essential purity and holiness; sin is defilement, abomination and opprobrium; God is infinite justice; sin is disorder and injustice; God is unity; sin is division; God is the necessary Being; sin is nothingness. Wherefore sin is the opposite of God, directly opposed to all His divine perfections; God is the supreme Good, sin is the supreme evil.
-F. Girardey, C.SS.R.
_________________
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
Patience - November 26
Patience
Thoughts on the Patient Endurance of Sorrows and Sufferings
THE SCHOOL OF SORROW
I sat in the school of sorrow;
The Master was teaching there;
But my eyes were dim with weeping
And my heart oppressed wi th care.
Instead of looking upward,
And seeing His face divine,
So full of tender compassion
For weary hearts like mine,
I only thought of the burden
The cross that before me lay,
The clouds that hung thick above me
Dark'ning the light of day.
So I could not learn my lesson,
And say, "Thy will be done";
And the Master came not near me
As the leaden hours went on.
At last, in despair I lifted
My streaming eyes above,
And I saw the Master watching
With a look of pitying love.
To the cross before me He pointed,
And I thought I heard Him say:
"My child, thou must take thy burden,
And learn thy task to-day.
"Not now may I tell the reason;
'Tis enough for thee to know
That I, the Master, am teaching,
And appoint thee all thy woe."
Then kneeling, the cross I lifted;
For one glimpse of that Face divine
Had given me strength to bear it,
And say: "Thy will, not mine."
And so I learned my lesson,
And through the weary years
His helping hand sustained me,
And wiped away my tears.
And ever the glorious sunlight,
From the heavenly home streamed down,
Where the school tasks are all ended,
And the cross is exchanged for the crown.
____________________
Compiled and Edited by Rev. F. X. Lasance
Author of "My Prayerbook," etc.
1937, Benziger Brothers
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See
Thoughts on the Patient Endurance of Sorrows and Sufferings
THE SCHOOL OF SORROW
I sat in the school of sorrow;
The Master was teaching there;
But my eyes were dim with weeping
And my heart oppressed wi th care.
Instead of looking upward,
And seeing His face divine,
So full of tender compassion
For weary hearts like mine,
I only thought of the burden
The cross that before me lay,
The clouds that hung thick above me
Dark'ning the light of day.
So I could not learn my lesson,
And say, "Thy will be done";
And the Master came not near me
As the leaden hours went on.
At last, in despair I lifted
My streaming eyes above,
And I saw the Master watching
With a look of pitying love.
To the cross before me He pointed,
And I thought I heard Him say:
"My child, thou must take thy burden,
And learn thy task to-day.
"Not now may I tell the reason;
'Tis enough for thee to know
That I, the Master, am teaching,
And appoint thee all thy woe."
Then kneeling, the cross I lifted;
For one glimpse of that Face divine
Had given me strength to bear it,
And say: "Thy will, not mine."
And so I learned my lesson,
And through the weary years
His helping hand sustained me,
And wiped away my tears.
And ever the glorious sunlight,
From the heavenly home streamed down,
Where the school tasks are all ended,
And the cross is exchanged for the crown.
____________________
Compiled and Edited by Rev. F. X. Lasance
Author of "My Prayerbook," etc.
1937, Benziger Brothers
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Gospel for Thursday, 34th Week in Ordinary Time
From: Luke 21:20-28
Discourse on the Destruction of Jerusalem
and the End of the World (Continuation)
(Jesus said to his disciples), [20] "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. [21] Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it; [22] for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. [23] Alas for those who are with child and for those who give suck in those days! For great distress shall be upon the earth and wrath upon this people; [24] they shall be upon the earth and wrath upon this people; [24] they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led captive among all nations; and Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
[25] "And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, [26] men fainting with fear and foreboding of what is coming on the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. [27] And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. [28] Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
________________________
Commentary:
20-24. Jesus gives quite a detailed prophecy of the destruction of the Holy City. When the Christians living there saw the armies getting closer, they remembered this prophecy and fled to Transjordan (cf. Eusebius, "Ecclesiastical History," III, 5). Christ had advised them to flee as soon as possible because this is the time when God would punish Jerusalem for its sins, as the Old Testament predicted (Is 5:5-6).
Catholic tradition sees Israel as symbolizing the Church. In fact, in the Book of Revelation the Church triumphant is called the heavenly Jerusalem (cf. Rev 21:2). Therefore, by applying this passage to the Church, the sufferings the Holy City experiences can symbolize the contradictions the pilgrim Church will experience due to the sins of men, for "she herself takes her place among the creatures which groan and travail yet and await the revelation of the children of God" (Vatican II, "Lumen Gentium", 48).
24. "The times of the Gentiles" means the period in which the Gentiles, who do not belong to the Jewish people, will become menbers of the new people of God, the Church, until the Jews themselves are converted at the end of the world (cf. Rom 11:11-32).
25-26. Jesus refers to the dramatic changes in natural elements when the world is coming to an end. "The powers of the heavens will be shaken"; that is to say, the whole universe will tremble at the Lord's coming in power and glory.
27-28. Applying to himself the prophecy of Daniel (7:13-14), our Lord speaks of his coming in glory at the end of time. Mankind will see the power and glory of the Son of man, coming to judge the living and the dead. Christ will deliver this judgment in his human capacity. Sacred Scripture describes the solemnity of this event, when the sentence passed on each person in the particular judgment will be confirmed, and God's justice and mercy to men throughout history will shine out for all to see. "It was necessary not only that rewards should await the just and punishments the wicked, in the life to come, but that they should be awarded by a public and general judgment. Thus they will become better known and will be rendered more conspicuous to all, and a tribute of praise will be offered by all to the justice and providence of God" ("St Pius V Catechism", I, 8, 4).
This coming of the Lord is, then, a day of terror for evildoers and of joy for those who have remained faithful. The disciples should hold their heads high because their redemption is at hand. It is the day they will receive their reward. The victory won by Christ on the cross--victory over sin, over the devil and over death--will now be seen clearly, with all its implications. Therefore St Paul recommends that we be "awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" (Tit 2:13).
"He [Christ] ascended into heaven whence he will come again to judge the living and the dead, each according to his merits. Those who have responded to the love and compassion of God will go into eternal life. Those who have refused them to the end will be consigned to the fire that is never extinguished" (Paul VI, "Creed of the People of God", 12).
___________________________
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.
Discourse on the Destruction of Jerusalem
and the End of the World (Continuation)
(Jesus said to his disciples), [20] "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. [21] Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it; [22] for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. [23] Alas for those who are with child and for those who give suck in those days! For great distress shall be upon the earth and wrath upon this people; [24] they shall be upon the earth and wrath upon this people; [24] they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led captive among all nations; and Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
[25] "And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, [26] men fainting with fear and foreboding of what is coming on the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. [27] And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. [28] Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
________________________
Commentary:
20-24. Jesus gives quite a detailed prophecy of the destruction of the Holy City. When the Christians living there saw the armies getting closer, they remembered this prophecy and fled to Transjordan (cf. Eusebius, "Ecclesiastical History," III, 5). Christ had advised them to flee as soon as possible because this is the time when God would punish Jerusalem for its sins, as the Old Testament predicted (Is 5:5-6).
Catholic tradition sees Israel as symbolizing the Church. In fact, in the Book of Revelation the Church triumphant is called the heavenly Jerusalem (cf. Rev 21:2). Therefore, by applying this passage to the Church, the sufferings the Holy City experiences can symbolize the contradictions the pilgrim Church will experience due to the sins of men, for "she herself takes her place among the creatures which groan and travail yet and await the revelation of the children of God" (Vatican II, "Lumen Gentium", 48).
24. "The times of the Gentiles" means the period in which the Gentiles, who do not belong to the Jewish people, will become menbers of the new people of God, the Church, until the Jews themselves are converted at the end of the world (cf. Rom 11:11-32).
25-26. Jesus refers to the dramatic changes in natural elements when the world is coming to an end. "The powers of the heavens will be shaken"; that is to say, the whole universe will tremble at the Lord's coming in power and glory.
27-28. Applying to himself the prophecy of Daniel (7:13-14), our Lord speaks of his coming in glory at the end of time. Mankind will see the power and glory of the Son of man, coming to judge the living and the dead. Christ will deliver this judgment in his human capacity. Sacred Scripture describes the solemnity of this event, when the sentence passed on each person in the particular judgment will be confirmed, and God's justice and mercy to men throughout history will shine out for all to see. "It was necessary not only that rewards should await the just and punishments the wicked, in the life to come, but that they should be awarded by a public and general judgment. Thus they will become better known and will be rendered more conspicuous to all, and a tribute of praise will be offered by all to the justice and providence of God" ("St Pius V Catechism", I, 8, 4).
This coming of the Lord is, then, a day of terror for evildoers and of joy for those who have remained faithful. The disciples should hold their heads high because their redemption is at hand. It is the day they will receive their reward. The victory won by Christ on the cross--victory over sin, over the devil and over death--will now be seen clearly, with all its implications. Therefore St Paul recommends that we be "awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" (Tit 2:13).
"He [Christ] ascended into heaven whence he will come again to judge the living and the dead, each according to his merits. Those who have responded to the love and compassion of God will go into eternal life. Those who have refused them to the end will be consigned to the fire that is never extinguished" (Paul VI, "Creed of the People of God", 12).
___________________________
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 - November 26
EXAMPLE OF JESUS CHRIST
Let it never be told that we care so little for Christ, that we make so little account of the most illustrious actions which He performed for our example, and that we show Him so little love. Let us often ponder what He has suffered for us, and the unconquerable patience with which he suffered; and let us do this in particular when tribulations assail us, in order that we may reproduce in ourselves the features of His wondrous endurance.
-J.B.Scaramelli, 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
Let it never be told that we care so little for Christ, that we make so little account of the most illustrious actions which He performed for our example, and that we show Him so little love. Let us often ponder what He has suffered for us, and the unconquerable patience with which he suffered; and let us do this in particular when tribulations assail us, in order that we may reproduce in ourselves the features of His wondrous endurance.
-J.B.Scaramelli, 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
Patience - November 25
Patience
Thoughts on the Patient Endurance of Sorrows and Sufferings
PREDESTINATION TO AN EXALTED DEGREE OF GLORY IN HEAVEN [Continued]
Now, may it not be that you who are reading these lines, may also be one of those whom the goodness of God has predestined to one of the highest places in heaven?
Should this be the case-and there is no reason why it may not be - then know that you can take possession of your appointed place only if at the moment of your death you have attained that degree of sanctity which is commensurate with the particular degree of glory intended for you. God is not willing to see you forego what He has so generously set aside for you, even though you are so lamentably blind to your best interests that you do not care whether you win it or not. And so He takes the sanctification of your soul in His own hands. By gentle pressure, yet without compulsion of your will, He makes you do what you have neither the courage nor the desire to undertake of your own accord. You can surmise what means He employs. It is the cross - pains, afflictions, tribulations, temptations; in a word, sufferings of all kinds which follow one upon the other in seemingly endless succession.
Viewed in this light, do you not discover a new and deep meaning in these words of Sacred Scripture: "Whom the Lord loveth, He chastiseth; and as a father in the son He pleaseth Himself"?
What a wonderful joy and happiness you will experience for all eternity if you succeed in mastering the truth about suffering here explained, in all your afflictions lovingly resigning yourself to the ever blessed will of Him Who has decreed such a marvelous glory for you in the life to come. Instead of looking upon sufferings as a curse and a punishment, and murmuring against Divine Providence, try rather to welcome your trials, rejoice in them, and fervently thank God for giving you so unmistakable a pledge of His most tender love for you.
If you master the truth about the real nature and uses of sufferings, you will soon think of them as the saints did, and, instead of praying to be delivered from them, you will, after their example, even pray for them.
-Rev. F. J. Remler, C.M.: Why Must I Suffer?
(Franciscan Herald Press)
____________________
Compiled and Edited by Rev. F. X. Lasance
Author of "My Prayerbook," etc.
1937, Benziger Brothers
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See
Thoughts on the Patient Endurance of Sorrows and Sufferings
PREDESTINATION TO AN EXALTED DEGREE OF GLORY IN HEAVEN [Continued]
Now, may it not be that you who are reading these lines, may also be one of those whom the goodness of God has predestined to one of the highest places in heaven?
Should this be the case-and there is no reason why it may not be - then know that you can take possession of your appointed place only if at the moment of your death you have attained that degree of sanctity which is commensurate with the particular degree of glory intended for you. God is not willing to see you forego what He has so generously set aside for you, even though you are so lamentably blind to your best interests that you do not care whether you win it or not. And so He takes the sanctification of your soul in His own hands. By gentle pressure, yet without compulsion of your will, He makes you do what you have neither the courage nor the desire to undertake of your own accord. You can surmise what means He employs. It is the cross - pains, afflictions, tribulations, temptations; in a word, sufferings of all kinds which follow one upon the other in seemingly endless succession.
Viewed in this light, do you not discover a new and deep meaning in these words of Sacred Scripture: "Whom the Lord loveth, He chastiseth; and as a father in the son He pleaseth Himself"?
What a wonderful joy and happiness you will experience for all eternity if you succeed in mastering the truth about suffering here explained, in all your afflictions lovingly resigning yourself to the ever blessed will of Him Who has decreed such a marvelous glory for you in the life to come. Instead of looking upon sufferings as a curse and a punishment, and murmuring against Divine Providence, try rather to welcome your trials, rejoice in them, and fervently thank God for giving you so unmistakable a pledge of His most tender love for you.
If you master the truth about the real nature and uses of sufferings, you will soon think of them as the saints did, and, instead of praying to be delivered from them, you will, after their example, even pray for them.
-Rev. F. J. Remler, C.M.: Why Must I Suffer?
(Franciscan Herald Press)
____________________
Compiled and Edited by Rev. F. X. Lasance
Author of "My Prayerbook," etc.
1937, Benziger Brothers
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See
News Updates, 11/25
A Christmas Insult to Christians
Third Circuit Approves School’s Ban on “Silent Night” — But Allows “Frosty the Snowman”
[This is the country we live in...quickly eroding faster and faster into a God-less country...and toward its collapse!]
Groups decry 'Hardball' treatment of Bishop Tobin
Chris Matthews goes apoplectic, rants at Church leader
Two Senate hopefuls criticize R.I. bishop
Capuano, Coakley support Congressman Patrick Kennedy
Push to rids schools of crucifixes in Spain
Ministry of Justice wants religious symbols gone
Web site targeting 'hypocritical' gay priests
Homosexual activists want ammunition to pummel Church
Baltimore city council passes pregnancy center bill
Pregnancy centers must disclose their pro-life status
Four US bishops refused to collect for CCHD
Funding to ACORN and other anti-Church orgs at issue
FBI: Hate crimes against religious groups on rise
Catholics, Jews, targets for those who disagree with them
TIME: Charles Darwin's legacy has a dark side
Scientist was wrong, and his ideas have been abused
Health bill revives abortion group activism
Both sides mobilizing support like they haven't in years
Third Circuit Approves School’s Ban on “Silent Night” — But Allows “Frosty the Snowman”
[This is the country we live in...quickly eroding faster and faster into a God-less country...and toward its collapse!]
Groups decry 'Hardball' treatment of Bishop Tobin
Chris Matthews goes apoplectic, rants at Church leader
Two Senate hopefuls criticize R.I. bishop
Capuano, Coakley support Congressman Patrick Kennedy
Push to rids schools of crucifixes in Spain
Ministry of Justice wants religious symbols gone
Web site targeting 'hypocritical' gay priests
Homosexual activists want ammunition to pummel Church
Baltimore city council passes pregnancy center bill
Pregnancy centers must disclose their pro-life status
Four US bishops refused to collect for CCHD
Funding to ACORN and other anti-Church orgs at issue
FBI: Hate crimes against religious groups on rise
Catholics, Jews, targets for those who disagree with them
TIME: Charles Darwin's legacy has a dark side
Scientist was wrong, and his ideas have been abused
Health bill revives abortion group activism
Both sides mobilizing support like they haven't in years
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Gospel for Wednesday, 34th Week in Ordinary Time
From: Luke 21:12-19
Discourse on the Destruction of Jerusalem and the End of the World (Continuation)
(Jesus said to His disciples), [12] "But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for My name's sake. [13] This will be a time for you to bear testimony. [14] Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; [15] for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. [16] You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends, and some of you they will put to death; [17] you will be hated by all for My name's sake. [18] But not a hair of your head will perish. [19] By your endurance you will gain your lives."
________________________
Commentary:
19. Jesus foretells all kinds of persecution. Persecution itself is something inevitable: "all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12). His disciples will have need to remember the Lord's warning at the Last Supper: "A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you" (John 15:20). However, these persecutions are part of God's providence: they happen because He lets them happen, which He does in order to draw greater good out of them. Persecution provides Christians with an opportunity to bear witness to Christ; without it the blood of martyrs would not adorn the Church. Moreover, our Lord promises to give special help to those who suffer persecution, and He tells them not to be afraid: He will give them of His own wisdom to enable them to defend themselves; He will not permit a hair of their heads to perish, that is, even apparent misfortune and loss will be for them a beginning of Heaven.
From Jesus' words we can also deduce the obligation of every Christian to be ready to lose life rather than offend God. Only those will attain salvation who persevere until the end in faithfulness to the Lord. The three Synoptic Gospels locate His exhortation to perseverance in this discourse (cf. Matthew 24:13; Mark 13:13) and St. Matthew gives it elsewhere (Matthew 10:22) as does St. Peter (1 Peter 5:9)--all of which underlines the importance for every Christian of this warning from our Lord.
___________________________
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.
Discourse on the Destruction of Jerusalem and the End of the World (Continuation)
(Jesus said to His disciples), [12] "But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for My name's sake. [13] This will be a time for you to bear testimony. [14] Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; [15] for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. [16] You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends, and some of you they will put to death; [17] you will be hated by all for My name's sake. [18] But not a hair of your head will perish. [19] By your endurance you will gain your lives."
________________________
Commentary:
19. Jesus foretells all kinds of persecution. Persecution itself is something inevitable: "all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12). His disciples will have need to remember the Lord's warning at the Last Supper: "A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you" (John 15:20). However, these persecutions are part of God's providence: they happen because He lets them happen, which He does in order to draw greater good out of them. Persecution provides Christians with an opportunity to bear witness to Christ; without it the blood of martyrs would not adorn the Church. Moreover, our Lord promises to give special help to those who suffer persecution, and He tells them not to be afraid: He will give them of His own wisdom to enable them to defend themselves; He will not permit a hair of their heads to perish, that is, even apparent misfortune and loss will be for them a beginning of Heaven.
From Jesus' words we can also deduce the obligation of every Christian to be ready to lose life rather than offend God. Only those will attain salvation who persevere until the end in faithfulness to the Lord. The three Synoptic Gospels locate His exhortation to perseverance in this discourse (cf. Matthew 24:13; Mark 13:13) and St. Matthew gives it elsewhere (Matthew 10:22) as does St. Peter (1 Peter 5:9)--all of which underlines the importance for every Christian of this warning from our Lord.
___________________________
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 - November 25
LET ME SEE HIM IN THINGS
When I see in things that which leads to God, I see the truth. For this true, this entirely true, side of creatures is that which glorifies God, since that is its essential destiny and the fundamental reason of its existence. The whole constitution and properties of beings are ordained and disposed to procure the glory of their Author. The great and full truth of things is their aptitude for revealing the greatness of God. When I see them in this light, I have the truth, which is the law and the life of my mind.
-Tissot.
_________________
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
When I see in things that which leads to God, I see the truth. For this true, this entirely true, side of creatures is that which glorifies God, since that is its essential destiny and the fundamental reason of its existence. The whole constitution and properties of beings are ordained and disposed to procure the glory of their Author. The great and full truth of things is their aptitude for revealing the greatness of God. When I see them in this light, I have the truth, which is the law and the life of my mind.
-Tissot.
_________________
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
Patience - November 24
Patience
Thoughts on the Patient Endurance of Sorrows and Sufferings
PREDESTINATION TO AN EXALTED DEGREE OF GLORY IN HEAVEN
Star differeth from star in glory.
-1 Cor. xv. 41.
God, Who loves you with a love that surpasses all understanding, may have predestined you to enjoy for all eternity an exceptionally high degree of glory in heaven. If you are weighed down by heavy crosses and painful afflictions, despite the fact that you have long tried to lead a sinless life and to love God above all things, it is very likely because the Divine Goodness has most wonderful designs on you for eternity.
As the sun, moon, and stars differ greatly in size and brilliancy, so also do the saints in heaven differ greatly in the splendor of their glory. Our divine Saviour assures us that on the day of Judgment every man shall receive his own proper reward of good or of evil, and that in His Father's house, that is, in heaven, there are many mansions. The glory and happiness that will be allotted to the elect will be of many varieties, both as to kind and as to degree. No doubt there are many saints who possess what are the lowest degrees, such as, infants who died after Baptism, before they attained the use of reason, and pagans and lifelong sinners who were converted just before death; but there are also very many who are crowned with a glory and an honor so immense that they will rank with the most exalted of the angelic choirs. Some may even be still higher. This we know is the case with the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose glory far exceeds that of all the angels and saints...
[Continued tomorrow]
____________________
Compiled and Edited by Rev. F. X. Lasance
Author of "My Prayerbook," etc.
1937, Benziger Brothers
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See
Thoughts on the Patient Endurance of Sorrows and Sufferings
PREDESTINATION TO AN EXALTED DEGREE OF GLORY IN HEAVEN
Star differeth from star in glory.
-1 Cor. xv. 41.
God, Who loves you with a love that surpasses all understanding, may have predestined you to enjoy for all eternity an exceptionally high degree of glory in heaven. If you are weighed down by heavy crosses and painful afflictions, despite the fact that you have long tried to lead a sinless life and to love God above all things, it is very likely because the Divine Goodness has most wonderful designs on you for eternity.
As the sun, moon, and stars differ greatly in size and brilliancy, so also do the saints in heaven differ greatly in the splendor of their glory. Our divine Saviour assures us that on the day of Judgment every man shall receive his own proper reward of good or of evil, and that in His Father's house, that is, in heaven, there are many mansions. The glory and happiness that will be allotted to the elect will be of many varieties, both as to kind and as to degree. No doubt there are many saints who possess what are the lowest degrees, such as, infants who died after Baptism, before they attained the use of reason, and pagans and lifelong sinners who were converted just before death; but there are also very many who are crowned with a glory and an honor so immense that they will rank with the most exalted of the angelic choirs. Some may even be still higher. This we know is the case with the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose glory far exceeds that of all the angels and saints...
[Continued tomorrow]
____________________
Compiled and Edited by Rev. F. X. Lasance
Author of "My Prayerbook," etc.
1937, Benziger Brothers
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See
News Updates, 11/24
Abortion battle to be waged in Baltimore
City Council proposes crack-down on faith-based orgs
Mass. DA cut priest sex abuser deal in 1995
Agreed not to prosecute three schoolboys' complaints
[Enablers...]
Nun: Pope would whip himself before ordinations
John Paul II practiced regular self-mortification
Ghana bishops condemn pedophilia, homosexuality
...and killing of others for power and wealth
Rebel priest says he's willing to step down
Polish parish and archdiocese have long been at odds
[Marek Bozek is a schismatic fraud]
Canadian child-porn bishop gets new court date
Ottawa airport found illegal images of children on laptop
Diocese seeks OK for benefits to accused priests
Says Church has 'an obligation under Canon Law'
Palestinian nun takes step toward sainthood
Co-founded charity dedicated to educating Arab girls
4,000 Anglican priests to join Catholics
'We are not becoming soft on celibacy for Catholic priests'
Other Issues
===========
Spitzer calls Geithner out regarding AIG payouts
The new AIG report reveals how the Treasury secretary—and U.S. taxpayers—were fleeced by Wall Street banks.
City Council proposes crack-down on faith-based orgs
Mass. DA cut priest sex abuser deal in 1995
Agreed not to prosecute three schoolboys' complaints
[Enablers...]
Nun: Pope would whip himself before ordinations
John Paul II practiced regular self-mortification
Ghana bishops condemn pedophilia, homosexuality
...and killing of others for power and wealth
Rebel priest says he's willing to step down
Polish parish and archdiocese have long been at odds
[Marek Bozek is a schismatic fraud]
Canadian child-porn bishop gets new court date
Ottawa airport found illegal images of children on laptop
Diocese seeks OK for benefits to accused priests
Says Church has 'an obligation under Canon Law'
Palestinian nun takes step toward sainthood
Co-founded charity dedicated to educating Arab girls
4,000 Anglican priests to join Catholics
'We are not becoming soft on celibacy for Catholic priests'
Other Issues
===========
Spitzer calls Geithner out regarding AIG payouts
The new AIG report reveals how the Treasury secretary—and U.S. taxpayers—were fleeced by Wall Street banks.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Gospel for Nov 24, Memorial: St Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest and Martyr, and Companions, Martyrs
Tuesday, 34th and Final Week in Ordinary Time
From: Luke 21:5-11
Discourse on the Destruction of Jerusalem and the End of the World
[5] And as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, He (Jesus) said, [6] "As for these things which you see, the days will come when there shall not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down." [7] And they asked Him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign when this is about to take place?" [8] And He said, "Take heed that you are not led astray; for many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He!' and, 'The time is at hand!' Do not go after them. [9] And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified; for this must first take place, but the end will not be at once."
[10] Then He said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; [11] there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven."
______________________
Commentary:
5-36. The disciples are in awe of the magnificence of the temple, and Jesus uses the occasion to give a long discourse, known as the "eschatological discourse" because it has to do with the last days of the world. The account given here is very similar to those in the other Synoptic Gospels (cf. Mt 24:1-51; Mk 13:1-37). The discourse deals with three inter-connected subjects--the destruction of Jerusalem (which took place some forty years later), the end of the world, andthe second coming of Christ in glory and majesty. Jesus, who also predicts here the persecution of the Church will experience, exhorts His disciples to be patient, to pray and be watchful.
Our Lord speaks here in the style and language of prophecy, using images taken from the Old Testament; also, in this discourse prophecies which are going to be fulfilled very soon are mixed in with others which have to do with the end of the world. It is not our Lord's intention to satisfy people's curiosity about future events, but to protect them from being discouraged and scandalized about what is going to happen in the days immediately ahead. This explains why He exhorts them: "Take heed that you are not led astray" (v. 8); "do not be tempted" (v. 9); "watch at all times" (v. 34).
8. On hearing that Jerusalem is going to be destroyed, the disciples ask what sign will be given as a warning of these events (vv. 5-7). Jesus answers by telling them "not to be led astray," that is to say, not to expect any warning; not to be misled by false prophets; to stay faithful to Him. These false prophets will come along claiming to be the Messiah ("I am He!"). Our Lord's reply in fact refers to two events which in the Jewish mind were interrelated--the destruction of the Holy City and the end of the world. This is why He goes on to speak of both events and implies that there will be a long gap between the two; the destruction of the temple and of Jerusalem are a kind of sign or symbol of the catastrophes which will mark the end of the world.
9-11. Our Lord does not want His disciples to confuse just any catastrophe--famine, earthquake, war--or even persecution with the signals of the end of the world. He exhorts them quite clearly: "Do not be tempted," because although all these has to happen, "the end will not be at once;" in spite of the difficulties of all kinds the Gospel will spread to the ends of the earth. Difficulties should not paralyze the preaching of the faith.
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
From: Luke 21:5-11
Discourse on the Destruction of Jerusalem and the End of the World
[5] And as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, He (Jesus) said, [6] "As for these things which you see, the days will come when there shall not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down." [7] And they asked Him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign when this is about to take place?" [8] And He said, "Take heed that you are not led astray; for many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He!' and, 'The time is at hand!' Do not go after them. [9] And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified; for this must first take place, but the end will not be at once."
[10] Then He said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; [11] there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven."
______________________
Commentary:
5-36. The disciples are in awe of the magnificence of the temple, and Jesus uses the occasion to give a long discourse, known as the "eschatological discourse" because it has to do with the last days of the world. The account given here is very similar to those in the other Synoptic Gospels (cf. Mt 24:1-51; Mk 13:1-37). The discourse deals with three inter-connected subjects--the destruction of Jerusalem (which took place some forty years later), the end of the world, andthe second coming of Christ in glory and majesty. Jesus, who also predicts here the persecution of the Church will experience, exhorts His disciples to be patient, to pray and be watchful.
Our Lord speaks here in the style and language of prophecy, using images taken from the Old Testament; also, in this discourse prophecies which are going to be fulfilled very soon are mixed in with others which have to do with the end of the world. It is not our Lord's intention to satisfy people's curiosity about future events, but to protect them from being discouraged and scandalized about what is going to happen in the days immediately ahead. This explains why He exhorts them: "Take heed that you are not led astray" (v. 8); "do not be tempted" (v. 9); "watch at all times" (v. 34).
8. On hearing that Jerusalem is going to be destroyed, the disciples ask what sign will be given as a warning of these events (vv. 5-7). Jesus answers by telling them "not to be led astray," that is to say, not to expect any warning; not to be misled by false prophets; to stay faithful to Him. These false prophets will come along claiming to be the Messiah ("I am He!"). Our Lord's reply in fact refers to two events which in the Jewish mind were interrelated--the destruction of the Holy City and the end of the world. This is why He goes on to speak of both events and implies that there will be a long gap between the two; the destruction of the temple and of Jerusalem are a kind of sign or symbol of the catastrophes which will mark the end of the world.
9-11. Our Lord does not want His disciples to confuse just any catastrophe--famine, earthquake, war--or even persecution with the signals of the end of the world. He exhorts them quite clearly: "Do not be tempted," because although all these has to happen, "the end will not be at once;" in spite of the difficulties of all kinds the Gospel will spread to the ends of the earth. Difficulties should not paralyze the preaching of the faith.
___________________________
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 - November 24
A WORTHIER OBJECT
Anything we can do to protect and brighten the home - our own first, and any other we can influence, is well worth an output of labour, ingenuity, and tact - by which we mean those little thoughtful attentions which do so much to strengthen its hold and make the wheels run smoothly. To keep this steadily before us is a worthier object than a constant round of excitement and pleasure. To lead a consistent Catholic life in our home and neighbourhood, utilizing our opportunities and being ready for little sacrifices, is no small service of God.
-Mother Mary Loyola.
_________________
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
Anything we can do to protect and brighten the home - our own first, and any other we can influence, is well worth an output of labour, ingenuity, and tact - by which we mean those little thoughtful attentions which do so much to strengthen its hold and make the wheels run smoothly. To keep this steadily before us is a worthier object than a constant round of excitement and pleasure. To lead a consistent Catholic life in our home and neighbourhood, utilizing our opportunities and being ready for little sacrifices, is no small service of God.
-Mother Mary Loyola.
_________________
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
Patience - November 23
Patience
Thoughts on the Patient Endurance of Sorrows and Sufferings
ACQUIRING CONFORMITY WITH JESUS CHRIST
Listen to His own words:
Consequently, if you are weighed down by crosses, though you have long tried to lead a life of piety and virtue and, therefore, imagine that you ought to be entirely free from such trials, remember that the heavenly Artist is at work transforming you by slow degrees into a perfect image of Jesus Christ.
If you keep these truths always in mind, they will strengthen and greatly encourage you when tempted to impatience or despondency. Never forget that "You shall reign with Christ in heaven only if you suffer with Him here on earth."
____________________
Compiled and Edited by Rev. F. X. Lasance
Author of "My Prayerbook," etc.
1937, Benziger Brothers
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See
Thoughts on the Patient Endurance of Sorrows and Sufferings
ACQUIRING CONFORMITY WITH JESUS CHRIST
Listen to His own words:
"If anyone will come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whosoever shall save his life, shall lose it; and he that will lose his life for My sake, shall save it. He that taketh up not his cross and followeth Me, is not worthy of Me."Hear how St. Paul teaches the same doctrine. "You have received the Spirit of adoption of sons, whereby we cry: Abba (i.e., Father)! For the Spirit Himself giveth testimony to our spirit that we are the sons of God. And if sons, heirs also; heirs indeed of God and joint-heirs with Christ; yet so if we suffer with Him that we may also be glorified with Him."
Consequently, if you are weighed down by crosses, though you have long tried to lead a life of piety and virtue and, therefore, imagine that you ought to be entirely free from such trials, remember that the heavenly Artist is at work transforming you by slow degrees into a perfect image of Jesus Christ.
If you keep these truths always in mind, they will strengthen and greatly encourage you when tempted to impatience or despondency. Never forget that "You shall reign with Christ in heaven only if you suffer with Him here on earth."
____________________
Compiled and Edited by Rev. F. X. Lasance
Author of "My Prayerbook," etc.
1937, Benziger Brothers
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See
News Updates, 11/23
Bishop Tobin to Kennedy: Avoid Communion
...because of RI lawmaker's support for abortion rights
Religious leaders vow civil disobedience on anti-life issues
Declaration opposes forced participation in any 'anti-life act'...More than 150 leaders across a spectrum of conservative Christianity on Friday released a 4,700-word document [the "Manhattan Declaration"] vowing civil disobedience if they are forced to take part in "anti-life acts" or bless gay marriages...
"I feel as if we're doing guerilla warfare here"
Bishop Trautman’s last stand: Pennsylvania prelate fails to persuade fellow bishops to block Vatican-approved liturgical changes
Catholics set up task force for Anglican exodus
Main issue is now the ownership of parish churches
Catholics battle over CCHD anti-poverty funding
Agencies receiving bishops' funding under investigation
Benedict XVI: Artists are 'custodians of beauty'
Complete text of Pope's speech given in Sistine Chapel
Christ's 'death certificate' found on Turin shroud
Vatican researcher claims to have discovered Jesus' name
Shutting office over Christmas is discrimination?
Employers group says it's insensitive to other religions
Christian leaders issue 'call of conscience'
Catholics, Protestants affirm opposition to abortion
Gunman kills Russian priest at Moscow church
Previously received death threats for converting Muslims
...because of RI lawmaker's support for abortion rights
Religious leaders vow civil disobedience on anti-life issues
Declaration opposes forced participation in any 'anti-life act'...More than 150 leaders across a spectrum of conservative Christianity on Friday released a 4,700-word document [the "Manhattan Declaration"] vowing civil disobedience if they are forced to take part in "anti-life acts" or bless gay marriages...
"I feel as if we're doing guerilla warfare here"
Bishop Trautman’s last stand: Pennsylvania prelate fails to persuade fellow bishops to block Vatican-approved liturgical changes
Catholics set up task force for Anglican exodus
Main issue is now the ownership of parish churches
Catholics battle over CCHD anti-poverty funding
Agencies receiving bishops' funding under investigation
Benedict XVI: Artists are 'custodians of beauty'
Complete text of Pope's speech given in Sistine Chapel
Christ's 'death certificate' found on Turin shroud
Vatican researcher claims to have discovered Jesus' name
Shutting office over Christmas is discrimination?
Employers group says it's insensitive to other religions
Christian leaders issue 'call of conscience'
Catholics, Protestants affirm opposition to abortion
Gunman kills Russian priest at Moscow church
Previously received death threats for converting Muslims
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Gospel for Monday, 34th Week in Ordinary Time
From: Luke 21:1-4
The Widow's Mite
[1] He (Jesus) looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury; [2] and He saw a poor widow put in two copper coins. [3] And He said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; [4] for they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all the living she had."
____________________
Commentary:
1-4. Our Lord, surrounded by His disciples, watches people putting offerings into the treasury. This was a place in the women's courtyard, where there were various collection boxes for the offerings of the faithful. Just then, something happens whose significance Jesus wants His disciples to notice: a poor widow puts in two small coins, of very little value. He describes this as the greatest offering of all, praising the generosity of giving alms for this purpose, particularly that of those people who give part of what they need. Our Lord is moved by this tiny offering because in her case it implies a big sacrifice. "The Lord does not look", St. John Chrysostom comments, "at the amount offered but at the affection with which it is offered" ("Hom. on Heb", 1). Generosity is of the essence of almsgiving. This woman teaches us that we can move God's heart if we give Him all we can, which will always amount to very little even if we give our very lives. "How little a life is to offer to God!" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 42).
___________________________
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 Widow's Mite
[1] He (Jesus) looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury; [2] and He saw a poor widow put in two copper coins. [3] And He said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; [4] for they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all the living she had."
____________________
Commentary:
1-4. Our Lord, surrounded by His disciples, watches people putting offerings into the treasury. This was a place in the women's courtyard, where there were various collection boxes for the offerings of the faithful. Just then, something happens whose significance Jesus wants His disciples to notice: a poor widow puts in two small coins, of very little value. He describes this as the greatest offering of all, praising the generosity of giving alms for this purpose, particularly that of those people who give part of what they need. Our Lord is moved by this tiny offering because in her case it implies a big sacrifice. "The Lord does not look", St. John Chrysostom comments, "at the amount offered but at the affection with which it is offered" ("Hom. on Heb", 1). Generosity is of the essence of almsgiving. This woman teaches us that we can move God's heart if we give Him all we can, which will always amount to very little even if we give our very lives. "How little a life is to offer to God!" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 42).
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Dr Edward Peters: Bp. Tobin, Rep. Kennedy, and Holy Communion: First question
Dr Peters writes:
Two posts in quick succession about Bp. Tobin and Rep. Kennedy, the first questioning the coherence of reported claims that Tobin has barred Kennedy from receiving Communion, the second, confirming that no such order has been issued. Not yet, anyway.Read them together here.
Principles and Practices - November 23
LOSS OF GOD'S PRESENCE
To live in God's presence is the only way to perfection. When we lose sight of Him, we walk as in the dark; we choose shadows for substances, we fall into snares and errors, we are exposed to our enemies, our infirmities, etc.
'I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, whence cometh my help' (Ps. cxx, I).
Looking down at our feet - human prudence - is not sufficient to secure us. Look upwards.
-A Master of Novices.
_________________
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 live in God's presence is the only way to perfection. When we lose sight of Him, we walk as in the dark; we choose shadows for substances, we fall into snares and errors, we are exposed to our enemies, our infirmities, etc.
'I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, whence cometh my help' (Ps. cxx, I).
Looking down at our feet - human prudence - is not sufficient to secure us. Look upwards.
-A Master of Novices.
_________________
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
Patience - November 22
Patience
Thoughts on the Patient Endurance of Sorrows and Sufferings
ACQUIRING CONFORMITY WITH JESUS CHRIST
For unto this are you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example that you should follow His steps.
-1 Pet. ii. 21.
If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him.
-2 Tim. ii. 12.
Because you are predestined by God to the glory of heaven, it is necessary that you should first be conformed to the image and likeness of J esus Christ.
In several of his epistles to the first Christians, St. Paul speaks of the necessity of conformity with Jesus Christ as a condition for obtaining the crown of eternal glory. He tells them that everyone who is predestined for heaven must first be transformed into the image and likeness of the Son of God. The heavenly Father will receive as His child him only in whom He can trace the lineaments of His eternal Son, and of whom He can testify as He testified of Him on Mount Tabor: "This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased."
But Jesus Christ was a man of sorrows. From the very first moment of His earthly life down to His last breath on the cross, He suffered incessantly both in His soul and in His body. His actual passion lasted only a few hours, it is true; but its anticipation, which included the clearest foreknowledge of its minutest details, accompanied Him all through life and never left Him without suffering, no, not for a single moment.... [continued tomorrow]
____________________
Compiled and Edited by Rev. F. X. Lasance
Author of "My Prayerbook," etc.
1937, Benziger Brothers
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See
Thoughts on the Patient Endurance of Sorrows and Sufferings
ACQUIRING CONFORMITY WITH JESUS CHRIST
For unto this are you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example that you should follow His steps.
-1 Pet. ii. 21.
If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him.
-2 Tim. ii. 12.
Because you are predestined by God to the glory of heaven, it is necessary that you should first be conformed to the image and likeness of J esus Christ.
In several of his epistles to the first Christians, St. Paul speaks of the necessity of conformity with Jesus Christ as a condition for obtaining the crown of eternal glory. He tells them that everyone who is predestined for heaven must first be transformed into the image and likeness of the Son of God. The heavenly Father will receive as His child him only in whom He can trace the lineaments of His eternal Son, and of whom He can testify as He testified of Him on Mount Tabor: "This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased."
But Jesus Christ was a man of sorrows. From the very first moment of His earthly life down to His last breath on the cross, He suffered incessantly both in His soul and in His body. His actual passion lasted only a few hours, it is true; but its anticipation, which included the clearest foreknowledge of its minutest details, accompanied Him all through life and never left Him without suffering, no, not for a single moment.... [continued tomorrow]
____________________
Compiled and Edited by Rev. F. X. Lasance
Author of "My Prayerbook," etc.
1937, Benziger Brothers
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See
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