Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 05-14-05, Vigil of Pentecost

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[Salvation]

May 14, 2005
Pentecost Sunday
At the Vigil Mass

Psalm: Saturday 22

Reading I
Gn 11:1-9

The whole world spoke the same language, using the same words.
While the people were migrating in the east,
they came upon a valley in the land of Shinar and settled there.
They said to one another,
"Come, let us mold bricks and harden them with fire."
They used bricks for stone, and bitumen for mortar.
Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city
and a tower with its top in the sky,
and so make a name for ourselves;
otherwise we shall be scattered all over the earth."

The LORD came down to see the city and the tower
that the people had built.
Then the LORD said: "If now, while they are one people,
all speaking the same language,
they have started to do this,
nothing will later stop them from doing whatever they presume to do.
Let us then go down there and confuse their language,
so that one will not understand what another says."
Thus the LORD scattered them from there all over the earth,
and they stopped building the city.
That is why it was called Babel,
because there the LORD confused the speech of all the world.
It was from that place that he scattered them all over the earth.

or

Ex 19:3-8a, 16-20b

Moses went up the mountain to God.
Then the LORD called to him and said,
"Thus shall you say to the house of Jacob;
tell the Israelites:
You have seen for yourselves how I treated the Egyptians
and how I bore you up on eagle wings
and brought you here to myself.
Therefore, if you hearken to my voice and keep my covenant,
you shall be my special possession,
dearer to me than all other people,
though all the earth is mine.
You shall be to me a kingdom of priests, a holy nation.
That is what you must tell the Israelites."
So Moses went and summoned the elders of the people.
When he set before them
all that the LORD had ordered him to tell them,
the people all answered together,
"Everything the LORD has said, we will do."

On the morning of the third day
there were peals of thunder and lightning,
and a heavy cloud over the mountain,
and a very loud trumpet blast,
so that all the people in the camp trembled.
But Moses led the people out of the camp to meet God,
and they stationed themselves at the foot of the mountain.
Mount Sinai was all wrapped in smoke,
for the LORD came down upon it in fire.
The smoke rose from it as though from a furnace,
and the whole mountain trembled violently.
The trumpet blast grew louder and louder, while Moses was speaking,
and God answering him with thunder.

When the LORD came down to the top of Mount Sinai,
he summoned Moses to the top of the mountain.

or

Ez 37:1-14

The hand of the LORD came upon me,
and he led me out in the spirit of the LORD
and set me in the center of the plain,
which was now filled with bones.
He made me walk among the bones in every direction
so that I saw how many they were on the surface of the plain.
How dry they were!
He asked me:
Son of man, can these bones come to life?
I answered, "Lord GOD, you alone know that."
Then he said to me:
Prophesy over these bones, and say to them:
Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD!
Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones:
See! I will bring spirit into you, that you may come to life.
I will put sinews upon you, make flesh grow over you,
cover you with skin, and put spirit in you
so that you may come to life and know that I am the LORD.
I, Ezekiel, prophesied as I had been told,
and even as I was prophesying I heard a noise;
it was a rattling as the bones came together, bone joining bone.
I saw the sinews and the flesh come upon them,
and the skin cover them, but there was no spirit in them.
Then the LORD said to me:
Prophesy to the spirit, prophesy, son of man,
and say to the spirit: Thus says the Lord GOD:
From the four winds come, O spirit,
and breathe into these slain that they may come to life.
I prophesied as he told me, and the spirit came into them;
they came alive and stood upright, a vast army.
Then he said to me:
Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel.
They have been saying,
"Our bones are dried up,
our hope is lost, and we are cut off."
Therefore, prophesy and say to them: Thus says the Lord GOD:
O my people, I will open your graves
and have you rise from them,
and bring you back to the land of Israel.
Then you shall know that I am the LORD,
when I open your graves and have you rise from them,
O my people!
I will put my spirit in you that you may live,
and I will settle you upon your land;
thus you shall know that I am the LORD.
I have promised, and I will do it, says the LORD.

or

Jl 3:1-5

Thus says the LORD:
I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh.
Your sons and daughters shall prophesy,
your old men shall dream dreams,
your young men shall see visions;
even upon the servants and the handmaids,
in those days, I will pour out my spirit.
And I will work wonders in the heavens and on the earth,
blood, fire, and columns of smoke;
the sun will be turned to darkness,
and the moon to blood,
at the coming of the day of the LORD,
the great and terrible day.
Then everyone shall be rescued
who calls on the name of the LORD;
for on Mount Zion there shall be a remnant,
as the LORD has said,
and in Jerusalem survivors
whom the LORD shall call.

Responsorial Psalm
Ps 104:1-2, 24, 35, 27-28, 29, 30

R. (cf. 30) Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
O LORD, my God, you are great indeed!
You are clothed with majesty and glory,
robed in light as with a cloak.
R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
How manifold are your works, O LORD!
In wisdom you have wrought them all --
the earth is full of your creatures;
bless the LORD, O my soul! Alleluia.
R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Creatures all look to you
to give them food in due time.
When you give it to them, they gather it;
when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.
R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
If you take away their breath, they perish
and return to their dust.
When you send forth your spirit, they are created,
and you renew the face of the earth.
R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.


Reading II
Rom 8:22-27

Brothers and sisters:
We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now;
and not only that, but we ourselves,
who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,
we also groan within ourselves
as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
For in hope we were saved.
Now hope that sees is not hope.
For who hopes for what one sees?
But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.

In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness;
for we do not know how to pray as we ought,
but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.
And the one who searches hearts
knows what is the intention of the Spirit,
because he intercedes for the holy ones
according to God's will.


Gospel
Jn 7:37-39

On the last and greatest day of the feast,
Jesus stood up and exclaimed,
"Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink.
As Scripture says:
Rivers of living water will flow from within him who believes in me."

He said this in reference to the Spirit
that those who came to believe in him were to receive.
There was, of course, no Spirit yet,
because Jesus had not yet been glorified.

[Salvation]

For your reading, reflection, faith-sharing, comments, questions, discussion.

[Salvation]

There is one more day in the Easter Season -- it ends the evening of Pentecost Sunday.

Alleluia Ping!

Please notify me via FReepmail if you would like to be added to or taken off the Alleluia Ping List.

At our church we have a custom of wearing something "red" to church tonight and/or tomorrow.

[Salvation]

Pentecost: The Descent of the Holy Spirit

CATECHISM CC - Pt. 1 - Chap. 3 - I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

CATECHISM CC - Pt 1, Chap 3, ARTICLE 8 "I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT"

[Salvation]

Easter Reflections -- 50 Days of the Easter Season

[Salvation]

[With the Holy Spirit] Time to Reclaim Authority

by Fr. Joseph Klee

Other Articles by Fr. Joseph Klee

Time to Reclaim Authority

05/14/05

On the Solemnity of Pentecost, we celebrate the Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the gathered disciples and note the powerful way He came to dwell in the Twelve Apostles. They had become paralyzed by fear, understandably concerned that they would soon be met with the same fate as that of their divine Leader, especially if they followed His exhortation to baptize and preach the Gospel.

It was also on Pentecost that the Church was formally established, with this fortifying arrival of the Third Person of the Trinity. The authority of the Church, originating on this significant day, has obviously suffered much in recent years, most especially in this country due to the priestly scandals. The heinous acts of a small number of priests have contributed greatly to the decline in the credibility and commensurate authority that the faithful have held to for centuries. Of course, an erosion of the Church’s authority has been underway for decades, but the scandals seriously accelerated this erosive pattern.

Coincident with this decline has been an increasing timidity of Church authority figures at all levels. They have drawn back from exercising the guiding influence over the faithful which Christ intended for His handpicked followers and their successors. Other factors are involved, and our new Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, has identified radical and rampant individualism as a present-day malady, and one which, trumpeting the sovereign autonomy of the individual, obviously would abhor and spurn most forms of outside influence on a person’s life.

Many priests find themselves on the “front lines” of this frustrating phenomenon. Ordained to assist the salvation of their flocks, they not infrequently find their more challenging homiletic coaxings towards virtuous living vehemently rebuffed. These preaching efforts, which are delivered to help those under their spiritual care, are often rejected in a manner not unlike that of the year-old child who throws his mashed peas on the floor, being oblivious to their nutritive value.

Over time, some priests give up, avoiding “controversial” pastoral preaching lest they suffer the consequences, and so the flock goes unfed, or is only minimally nourished. Fear displaces zeal in the priestly heart, as the laity ultimately gain control of what is disseminated to them, and pastoral authority diminishes. The phenomenon is unfortunately equally present at the episcopal level, only the stakes are now higher, often with entire dioceses really being guided by those who themselves should be the ones guided. Complaints made to Church authorities about solidly doctrinal preaching on challenging subjects by priests often boomerang back onto the priest, and ultimately the misguided laity are implicitly confirmed in their ignorance of the faith, as it becomes the priest who receives the “correction.”

Similarly, many a teacher (especially in Catholic schools) is fully aware of the baffling scenario which often arises upon his making a corrective initiative: Once Johnny tearfully relates the fully warranted discipline to a sympathetic parent, an angry phone call to the teacher usually ensues. Bold and brazen complaints very often succeed in intimidating authority figures, be they teacher, priest or even bishop.

The resulting deafening silence by those who should be leading has tragic long-term effects. An observation by Dr. Bernard Nathanson (former operator of the world’s largest abortion mill, and recent convert to Catholicism), affirms this. When Dr. Nathanson was asked how abortion became legal in the US, he replied that it was simply because of silent Church leaders — leaders who failed to speak. Is the same phenomenon being repeated presently vis-à-vis the audacious promotion of homosexuality, or the growing prevalence of euthanasia?

This Pentecost, let us pray for an especially powerful outpouring of grace upon today’s successors of the original Twelve Apostles, that all semblance of fear, vain concern over the consequences of passionate preaching and challenging of the faithful, and even the possibility of martyrdom, be dispelled. Just as the Spirit-motivated Apostles were so filled with love and zeal that they became completely forgetful of self, let us implore our Lord for the same fire in our present-day spiritual leaders. Beseech the Father that they will reclaim the authority to lead, to exhort believers towards moral and virtuous living as He intends for them to do — even if it might cost them their comfortable lifestyles, or eventually their lives, as it cost our Lord Jesus Christ Himself.

© Copyright 2005 Catholic Exchange


Fr. Joseph Klee is the Associate Pastor at St. Michael Church, Worthington, Ohio. He studied theology at the Angelicum in Rome, received an MA in Theology from the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, and has an MSE from the University of Michigan.

[Salvation]

 

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

 

Christ Jesus, before ascending into heaven, You promised to send the Holy Spirit to Your apostles and disciples.
Grant that the same Spirit may perfect in our lives the work of Your grace and love.
Grant us the Spirit of Fear Of The Lord that we may be filled with a loving reverence toward You.
the Spirit of Piety that we may find peace and fulfillment in the service of God while serving others;
the Spirit of Fortitude that we may bear our cross with You and, with courage, overcome the obstacles that interfere with our salvation;
the Spirit of Knowledge that we may know You and know ourselves and grow in holiness;
the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten our minds with the light of Your truth;
the Spirit of Counsel that we may choose the surest way of doing Your will, seeking first the Kingdom;
Grant us the Spirit of Wisdom that we may aspire to the things that last forever;
Teach us to be Your faithful disciples and animate us in every way with Your Spirit.
Amen.

 

[Salvation]

Homily of the Day

Homily of the Day

Title:	Come Holy Spirit - NOW!
Author:	Monsignor Dennis Clark, PhD.
Date:	Saturday, May 14, 2005

Jn 20:19-23

The story of Pentecost is a real stunner! Jesus' disciples, who'd been such wimps - fearful, aimless, hanging out in the upper room since Jesus' ascension - are suddenly transformed into fearless leaders, for whom nothing seems impossible.

In the past, as we've talked about this stunning event, we've described it in terms of the arrival, the coming, or the descent of the Spirit, upon the apostles. That language is really quite unhelpful and deceptive, for it suggests that the Holy Spirit somehow arrived at some place the Spirit hadn't been before. And that isn't true.

Our faith says the Holy Spirit of God is everywhere at all times. So what did happen? The Spirit of God didn't change. The apostles did. These men whose hearts were frozen shut for a variety of reasons, finally were able to trust God enough to open their hearts to receive within, the Spirit who had always been there - held somewhat at bay outside. It was that accepting and receiving and taking in of the Spirit that made all the difference. And how hard that is to do, in part because we're not so sure we want that transformation to happen just yet.

Remember how St Augustine prayed for the grace of conversion during his wild and sinful youth? "Give me your grace, Lord. But not yet!"

We celebrate Pentecost because we need to do what the apostles did - and do it now: Accept and receive within us the Spirit who has been present to us from the moment of birth.

May God help us to pray "Come Holy Spirit" with hearts that are truly open! Amen.

 

[Salvation]

The 12 Fruits of the Holy Spirit are a result of the Virtues and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit working within us.

The Fruits are: Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Generosity, Gentleness (also called Benignity), Faithfulness, Modesty, Continence (Self-control) and Chastity.

[Smartass]

And I pray that Christ will be more and more
at home in your hearts as you trust in him.
May your roots go down deep into the soil
of God's marvelous love.

And may you have the power to understand,
as all God's people should, how wide,
how long, how high, and how deep
his love really is.

May you experience the love of Christ, though
it is so great you will never fully understand it.
Then you will be filled with the fullness of life
and power that comes from God.

Ephesians 3:17-19

[Salvation]

 

[Salvation]

Come, Holy Spirit

Come Holy Spirit,
and fill the hearts of your faithful,
and kindle in them the fire of Your Divine Love.

Send forth Your Spirit
and they shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth.
Oh God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit
instructed the hearts of the faithful,
Grant, that by the same Spirit
we may be truly wise
and ever rejoice in His consolation.
We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

[Salvation]

[Salvation]

        Prayer to the Holy Spirit

      

Consecration to the Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit, Divine Spirit of light and the love I consecrate to you my understanding, heart, and will, my whole being, for time and for eternity. May my understanding be always submissive to your heavenly inspirations and to the teaching of the Catholic Church, of which you are the infallible Guide. May my heart be ever inflamed with the love of God and of my neighbor. May my will be ever conformed to the Divine Will. May my whole life be faithful to the imitation of the life and virtues of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to whom with the Father and You be honor and glory forever.

God, Holy Spirit, Infinite Love of the Father and the Son, through the pure hands of Mary, Your Immaculate Spouse, I place myself this day, and all the days of my life, upon your chosen altar, the Divine Heart of Jesus, as a sacrifice to you, consuming fire, being firmly resolved now more than ever to hear Your voice and to do in all things Your most holy and adorable will.

For the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Blessed Spirit of Wisdom, Help me to seek God. Make Him the center of my life and order my life to Him, so that love and harmony may reign in my soul.

Blessed Spirit of Understanding, enlighten my mind, that I may know and love the truths of faith and make them truly my own.

Blessed Spirit of Counsel, enlighten and guide me in all my ways, that I may know and do Your holy Will. Make me prudent and courageous.

Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in every time of trouble or adversity. Make me loyal and confident.

Blessed Spirit of Knowledge, help me to know good from evil. Teach me to do what is right in the sight of God. Give me clear vision and firmness in decision.

Blessed Spirit of Piety, possess my heart, incline it to a true faith in You, to a holy love of You, my God, that with my whole soul I may seek You, Who are my Father, and I find You, my best, my truest joy.

Blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart that I may be mindful of Your presence. Make me fly from sin, and give me intense reverence for God and for my fellow men who are made in God’s image.

Come Holy Spirit, Creator blest! And in our souls take up Your rest; Come with Your grace and heavenly aid, To fill the hearts which you have made. 

O Comforter, to you do we cry, O heavenly Gift of God Most High; O Fount of life and Fire of love, And sweet Anointing from above!

....

Far from us drive the foe we dread, And grant us Your true peace instead. So shall we not, with You for Guide, Turn from the path of life aside.

Oh, may Your grace on us bestow, The Father and the Son to know; And You through endless times confessed, Of both the eternal Spirit blest.

Now to the Father and the Son, Who rose from death, be glory given, With you, O holy Comforter, Henceforth by all in earth and heaven. Amen.

SAINT Michael the Archangel: Pray for us!

St. Robert Bellarmine: Pray for us!  Amen.

[Salvation]

Catholic Caucus: Sunday Mass Readings, 05-15-05, Solemnity of Pentecost

[annalex]

Jn 7:37-39
#	Douay-Rheims	Vulgate
37	And on the last, and great day of the festivity, Jesus stood and cried, saying: If any man thirst, let him come to me and drink.	in novissimo autem die magno festivitatis stabat Iesus et clamabat dicens si quis sitit veniat ad me et bibat
38	He that believeth in me, as the scripture saith: Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.	qui credit in me sicut dixit scriptura flumina de ventre eius fluent aquae vivae
39	Now this he said of the Spirit which they should receive who believed in him: for as yet the Spirit was not given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.	hoc autem dixit de Spiritu quem accepturi erant credentes in eum non enim erat Spiritus quia Iesus nondum fuerat glorificatus

[annalex]

Pentecost

Duccio di Buoninsegna
1308-11, Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Siena

Note the Blessed Virgin, not mentioned in the Acts.