Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 08-26-08

USCCB.org/New American Bible ^ | 08-26-08 | New American Bible

[Salvation]

August 26, 2008

Tuesday of the Twenty-first Week                             in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 Responsorial Psalm Gospel

Reading 1
2 Thes 2:1-3a, 14-17

We ask you, brothers and sisters,
with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ
and our assembling with him,
not to be shaken out of your minds suddenly,
or to be alarmed either by a “spirit,” or by an oral statement,
or by a letter allegedly from us
to the effect that the day of the Lord is at hand.
Let no one deceive you in any way.

To this end he has also called you through our Gospel
to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, stand firm
and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught,
either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours.

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,
who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement
and good hope through his grace,
encourage your hearts and strengthen them
in every good deed and word.

Responsorial Psalm
Ps 96:10, 11-12, 13

R. (13b) The Lord comes to judge the earth.
Say among the nations: The LORD is king.
He has made the world firm, not to be moved;
he governs the peoples with equity.
R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
let the sea and what fills it resound;
let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!
Then shall all the trees of the forest exult.
R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.
Before the LORD, for he comes;
for he comes to rule the earth.
He shall rule the world with justice
and the peoples with his constancy.
R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.

Gospel
Mt 23:23-26

Jesus said:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.
You pay tithes of mint and dill and cummin,
and have neglected the weightier things of the law:
judgment and mercy and fidelity.
But these you should have done, without neglecting the others.
Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel!

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.
You cleanse the outside of cup and dish,
but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence.
Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup,
so that the outside also may be clean.”

[Salvation]

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The Immaculate Heart [of Mary]

August Devotion: The Immaculate Heart

Since the 16th century Catholic piety has assigned entire months to special devotions. The month of August is traditionally dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The physical heart of Mary is venerated (and not adored as the Sacred Heart of Jesus is) because it is united to her person: and as the seat of her love (especially for her divine Son), virtue, and inner life. Such devotion is an incentive to a similar love and virtue.

This devotion has received new emphasis in this century from the visions given to Lucy Dos Santos, oldest of the visionaries of Fatima, in her convent in Tuy, in Spain, in 1925 and 1926. In the visions Our Lady asked for the practice of the Five First Saturdays to help make amends for the offenses given to her heart by the blasphemies and ingratitude of men. The practice parallels the devotion of the Nine First Fridays in honor of the Sacred Heart.

On October 31, 1942, Pope Pius XII made a solemn Act of Consecration of the Church and the whole world to the Immaculate Heart. Let us remember this devotion year-round, but particularly through the month of August.

INVOCATIONS

O heart most pure of the Blessed Virgin Mary, obtain for me from Jesus a pure and humble heart.

Sweet heart of Mary, be my salvation.

ACT OF CONSECRATION
Queen of the most holy Rosary, help of Christians, refuge of the human race, victorious in all the battles of God, we prostrate ourselves in supplication before thy throne, in the sure hope of obtaining mercy and of receiving grace and timely aid in our present calamities, not through any merits of our own, on which we do not rely, but only through the immense goodness of thy mother's heart. In thee and in thy Immaculate Heart, at this grave hour of human history, do we put our trust; to thee we consecrate ourselves, not only with all of Holy Church, which is the mystical body of thy Son Jesus, and which is suffering in so many of her members, being subjected to manifold tribulations and persecutions, but also with the whole world, torn by discords, agitated with hatred, the victim of its own iniquities. Be thou moved by the sight of such material and moral degradation, such sorrows, such anguish, so many tormented souls in danger of eternal loss! Do thou, O Mother of mercy, obtain for us from God a Christ-like reconciliation of the nations, as well as those graces which can convert the souls of men in an instant, those graces which prepare the way and make certain the long desired coming of peace on earth. O Queen of peace, pray for us, and grant peace unto the world in the truth, the justice, and the charity of Christ.

Above all, give us peace in our hearts, so that the kingdom of God may spread its borders in the tranquillity of order. Accord thy protection to unbelievers and to all those who lie within the shadow of death; cause the Sun of Truth to rise upon them; may they be enabled to join with us in repeating before the Savior of the world: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will."

Give peace to the nations that are separated from us by error or discord, and in a special manner to those peoples who profess a singular devotion toward thee; bring them back to Christ's one fold, under the one true Shepherd. Obtain full freedom for the holy Church of God; defend her from her enemies; check the ever-increasing torrent of immorality; arouse in the faithful a love of purity, a practical Christian life, and an apostolic zeal, so that the multitude of those who serve God may increase in merit and in number.

Finally, even as the Church and all mankind were once consecrated to the Heart of thy Son Jesus, because He was for all those who put their hope in Him an inexhaustible source of victory and salvation, so in like manner do we consecrate ourselves forever to thee also and to thy Immaculate Heart, O Mother of us and Queen of the world; may thy love and patronage hasten the day when the kingdom of God shall be victorious and all the nations, at peace with God .and with one another, shall call thee blessed and intone with thee, from the rising of the sun to its going down, the everlasting "Magnificat" of glory, of love, of gratitude to the Heart of Jesus, in which alone we can find truth, life, and peace. — Pope Pius XII

IN HONOR OF THE IMMACULATE HEART
O heart of Mary, mother of God, and our mother; heart most worthy of love, in which the adorable Trinity is ever well-pleased, worthy of the veneration and love of all the angels and of all men; heart most like to the Heart of Jesus, of which thou art the perfect image; heart, full of goodness, ever compassionate toward our miseries; deign to melt our icy hearts and grant that they may be wholly changed into the likeness of the Heart of Jesus, our divine Savior. Pour into them the love of thy virtues, enkindle in them that divine fire with which thou thyself dost ever burn. In thee let Holy Church find a safe shelter; protect her and be her dearest refuge, her tower of strength, impregnable against every assault of her enemies. Be thou the way which leads to Jesus, and the channel, through which we receive all the graces needful for our salvation. Be our refuge in time of trouble, our solace in the midst of trial, our strength against temptation, our haven in persecution, our present help in every danger, and especially) at the hour of death, when all hell shall let loose against u its legions to snatch away our souls, at that dread moment; that hour so full of fear, whereon our eternity depends. An,; then most tender virgin, make us to feel the sweetness of thy motherly heart, and the might of thine intercession with Jesus, and open to us a safe refuge in that very fountain of mercy, whence we may come to praise Him with thee in paradise, world without end. Amen.

Prayer Source: Prayer Book, The by Reverend John P. O'Connell, M.A., S.T.D. and Jex Martin, M.A., The Catholic Press, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, 1954

Sacred Heart Of Jesus

Immaculate Heart of Mary

Blessed be the Most Loving Heart and Sweet Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the most glorious Virgin Mary, His Mother, in eternity and forever. Amen. ....Only the Heart of Christ who knows the depths of his Father's love could reveal to us the abyss of his mercy in so simple and beautiful a way ----From the Catechism. P:1439 From the depth of my nothingness, I prostrate myself before Thee, O Most Sacred, Divine and Adorable Heart of Jesus, to pay Thee all the homage of love, praise and adoration in my power. Amen. - - St. Margaret Mary Alacoque The prayer of the Church venerates and honors the Heart of Jesus just as it invokes his most holy name. It adores the incarnate Word and his Heart which, out of love for men, he allowed to be pierced by our sins. Christian prayer loves to follow the way of the cross in the Savior's steps.-- >From the Catechism. P: 2669 The Salutation to the Heart of Jesus and Mary   An Offering of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary
Novena Prayer to Sacred Heart  of Jesus Prayer to the Wounded Heart of Jesus   Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart   Meditation & Novena Prayer on the Sacred Heart Beads to the Sacred Heart		Novena Prayer to the Immaculate Heart of Mary   A Solemn Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary   The Daily Offering to the  Immaculate Heart of Mary   Exaltation of the Immaculate  Heart of Mary   Prayer to the Blessed Virgin

The Holy Heart of Mary Is, After the Heart of Jesus, the Most Exalted Throne of Divine Love
Let us recollect that God has given us the feast of the most pure Heart of the Blessed Virgin so that we may render on that day all the respect, honor and praise that we possibly can. To enkindle this spirit within us let us consider our motivating obligations.

The first is that we ought to love and honor whatever God loves and honors, and that by which He is loved and glorified. Now, after the adorable Heart of Jesus there has never been either in heaven or on earth, nor ever will be, a heart which has been so loved and honored by God, or which has given Him so much glory as that of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Never has there been, nor will there ever be a more exalted throne of divine love. In that Heart divine love possesses its fullest empire, for it ever reigns without hindrance or interruption, and with it reign likewise all the laws of God, all the Gospel maxims and every Christian virtue.

This incomparable Heart of the Mother of our Redeemer is a glorious heaven, a Paradise of delights for the Most Holy Trinity. According to St. Paul, the hearts of the faithful are the dwelling place of our Lord Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ Himself assures us that the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost take up Their abode in the hearts of those who love God. Who, therefore, can doubt that the Most Holy Trinity has always made His home and established the reign of His glory in an admirable and ineffable manner in the virginal Heart of her who is the Daughter of the Father, the Mother of the Son, the Spouse of the Holy Ghost, who herself loves God more than all other creatures together?

How much then are we not obliged to love this exalted and most lovable Heart?

— St. John Eudes

Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary [Catholic/Orthodox Caucus]

Saturdays and the Immaculate Heart of Mary [Catholic/Orthodox Caucus]

The Brown Scapular (Catholic Caucus)

The History of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Catholic Caucus)

Homilies preached by Father Robert Altier on the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Marian Associations Unite to Celebrate Immaculate Heart

Solemnity Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary

FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY, AUGUST 22ND

Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

[Salvation]

AUGUST 2008

General:
That the human family may learn to respect God’s plan for the world and become ever more aware that Creation is God’s great gift.

Mission:
That the answer of the entire people of God to the common calling to holiness and mission may be promoted and fostered by means of careful discernment of charisms and constant commitment to spiritual and cultural formation

[Salvation]

From: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3a, 14-17

The Coming of the Lord

---

[1] Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling to
meet him, we beg you, brethren, [2] not to be quickly shaken in mind or excited,
either by spirit or by word, or by letter purporting to be from us, to the effect that
the day of the Lord has come. [3] Let no one deceive you in any way[.]

The Need for Steadfastness

---

[14] To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of
our Lord Jesus Christ. [15] So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions
which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter.

[16] Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us
and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, [17] comfort your hearts
and establish them in every good work and word.

*********************************************************************************************
Commentary:

1-2. The main theme of the letter is given here—the timing of the second coming
of the Lord. Some people had been unsettling the minds of the Thessalonians by
saying that the Parousia was about to happen.

The phrase “by spirit” is a reference to people claiming to have a charismatic gift
of prophecy from the Holy Spirit who were spreading their own ideas as if they
came from God. Others preferred to pass off what they had to say as coming
from St. Paul (orally or in writing).

Those who try to mislead the people of God by teachings contrary to Christian
faith often use methods of the same sort. By twisting the meaning of Sacred
Scripture (cf. Mt 4:6) they not infrequently promote wrong teaching as if it were
a revelation from the Holy Spirit. The Second Vatican Council has reminded us
how to identify subjective interpretation of that kind: “The task of giving an authen-
tic interpretation, whether in its written form or in the form of Tradition, has been
entrusted to the living teaching office of the Church alone. Its authority is exer-
cised in the name of Jesus Christ” (”Dei Verbum”, 10).

Even in our own day there are sects and impressionable people who put a lot
of effort into working out when the second coming will take place, sometimes
making specific predictions which the passage of time disproves. They are
missing the main point, which is that we should be always on the watch, always
ready to joyfully meet the Lord.

“To the effect that the day of the Lord has come”: this is literally what the Greek
says—or “as if the day of the Lord is here”, in the sense of “about to come any
minute now”. The New Vulgate [and the Navarre Spanish: trs.] translate it as
“as if the day of the Lord were imminent”, which is faithful to the tenor of the text
and reads more clearly.

3-4. Our Lord’s second coming is not imminent, for two things must happen first
—the “rebellion” and the advent of the “man of lawlessness”. It is extremely diffi-
cult to make any definite predictions as to the nature of these events because
the Apostle says very little about them—and nothing to indicate WHEN they may
occur.

The “rebellion” or apostasy seems to suggest that a massive flight from God, af-
fecting a substantial part of the world’s population, will signal that time is coming
to an end. When speaking about the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the
temple (events prefiguring what would happen at the end of the world) Jesus him-
self predicted (cf. Mt 24:11-13) that this would happen. He said that most people’s
love would grow cold (cf. Mt 24:12), to such as extent that they would lose all
knowledge of God; when their rebellion had run its course, the End would come
and the general judgment would take place.

“The man of lawlessness”: it is not clear whether this refers to a particular indivi-
dual, someone uniquely evil, or whether this is a literary device indicating a multi-
tude of people given over to sin and actively hostile to Christ’s work in the world.
It is more likely to refer to all the forces of evil taken together as a tool used by
Satan to pursue his ends. “Man of lawlessness” and “son of perdition” are Semi-
tic expressions indicating that these people have a particularly close connection
with sin and with eternal perdition.

The “man of lawlessness” is a declared enemy of God who is systematically hos-
tile to everything to do with the service of God. The Apostle stresses that he is
so brazen that “he takes his seat in the temple of God”, that is, insists on divine
honors. He will go to great lengths to induce people to rebel against God before
the end of the world, just as false prophets tried to lead people astray prior to the
fall of Jerusalem (cf. Mt 24:4-5, 11, 23-24).

The description of this adversary of God is very like that of the “antichrist” whom
St. John speaks of (cf. 1 Jn 2:18 and note on same).

13-14. Although there may be some people who refuse to accept the truth, the
Apostle feels moved to thank God for his readers’ “sanctification by the Spirit”
and their “belief in the truth”. This will bring them to salvation. The brethren too
should thank God for choosing them, for the election shows that they are “belo-
ved by the Lord”. (On the meaning of the expression “beloved by God”, see the
note on 1 Thess 1:4).

The mention of the three divine Persons reminds us that salvation is the joint work
of the Blessed Trinity: “God the Father” chooses the person to obtain the glory of
our “Lord Jesus Christ” through the sanctifying action of the “Spirit”. Man, who is
submerged in sin and unable to free himself by his own efforts, is offered, by the
entire Trinity, the means to attain faith, salvation and sanctification: “There was no
power great enough to raise us and free us from such a catastrophic and eternal
death. But God, the Creator of the human race, who is infinitely merciful, did this
through his only-begotten Son. By his kindness, man was not only restored to the
position and nobility whence he had fallen, but was adorned with even richer gifts.
No one can express the greatness of this work of divine grace in the souls of men.
Because of it, men, both in Sacred Scripture and in the writings of the Fathers of
the Church, are described as being reborn, new creatures, sharers in the divine
nature, sons of God, deified” (”Divinum Illud Munus”, 9).

For the fifth time in these two short letters to the Thessalonians we find the verb
“to give thanks” (cf. 1 Thess 1:2; 2:13; 5:18: 2 Thess 1:3 and 2:13). It is good to
realize that in these two earliest New Testament texts there is evidence of frequent,
spontaneous thanks to God for his fatherly kindness. It is not a matter of a minion
thanking his master for benefits received; rather it is an expression of filial, heartfelt,
joyful gratitude (cf. Jn 11:41).

“From the beginning”: as the RSV note says, “other ancient authorities read “as
the first converts”, that is, as the first fruits—probably a reference to the fact that
the church as Thessalonica was one of the first churches founded by St. Paul in
Europe.

15. To avoid being led astray by unsound or unreliable teaching the thing to do
is to hold fast to the faith one received and to apostolic tradition.

“Tradition”: this term (cf. also 2 Thess 3:6) seems to refer to the Christian tea-
ching St. Paul himself received which he preached to them. Elsewhere the
Apostle uses a term with a more specific meaning, the “paratheke” (”deposit”) of
teachings concerning the Christian faith (cf. 1 Tim 6:20 and 2 Tim 1:14 and notes
on same). He makes the point a number of times (cf. 1 Cor 11:23; 15:1-3) that
he was not preaching his personal opinions but rather passing on truths given him
as revealed doctrine. That is why he cannot allow his message to be tampered
with.

“It is obvious”, St. Thomas Aquinas observes, “that many things which are not
written down in the Church were taught by the Apostles and therefore should be
followed” (”Commentary on 2 Thess, ad loc.”). Thus, the truth revealed by God is
passed on through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. The Second Vatican
Council teaches that both “are bound closely together, and communicate one with
the other. For both of them, flowing out from the same divine well-spring, come
together in some fashion to form one thing, and move towards the same goal [...].
Tradition transmits in its entirety the Word of God which has been entrusted to
the apostles by Christ the Lord and the Holy Spirit. It transmits it to the succes-
sors of the apostles so that, enlightened by the Spirit of truth, they may faithfully
preserve, expound and spread it abroad by their preaching. Thus it comes about
that the Church does not draw her certainty about all revealed truths from the
Sacred Scriptures alone. Hence, both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted
and honored with equal feelings of devotion and reverence” (”Dei Verbum”, 9).

*********************************************************************************************
Source: “The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries”. Biblical text from the
Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries by members of
the Faculty of Theology, University of Navarre, Spain.

Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland, and
by Scepter Publishers in the United States.

[Salvation]

From: Matthew 23:23-26

Jesus Indicts the Scribes and Pharisees

---

(Jesus said to the scribes and Pharisees,) [23] “Woe to you, scribes and
Pharisees, hypocrites! for you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglec-
ted the weightier matters of the law, justice and mercy and faith; these you ought
to have done, without neglecting the others. [24] You blind guides, straining out a
gnat and swallowing a camel!

[25] “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you cleanse the outside
of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full ofextortion and rapacity.” [26]
You blind Pharisee! first cleanse the inside of the cup and of the plate, that the
outside also may be clean.”

*********************************************************************************************
Commentary:

23. Mint, dill (aniseed) and cummin were herbs the Jews used in cooking or to
perfume rooms. They were such insignificant items that they were not covered
by the Mosaic precept on paying tithes (Leviticus 27:30-33; Deuteronomy 14:22ff);
the precept did not apply to domestic animals and the more common agricultural
products such as wheat, wine and olive oil. However, the Pharisees, being so in-
tent on showing their scrupulous observance of the Law, paid tithes even of these
herbs. Our Lord does not despise or reject the Law; He is simply telling people to
get their priorities right: there is no point in attending to secondary details if one is
neglecting what is really basic and important—justice, mercy and faith.

24. The Pharisees were so scrupulous about not swallowing any insect which the
Law declared to be unclean that they went as far as to filter drinks through a linen
cloth. Our Lord criticizes them for being so inconsistent—straining mosquitos,
being so scrupulous about little things, yet quite happily “swallowing a camel”,
committing serious sins.

25-26. After reproaching the Pharisees for their hypocrisy in religious practice,
our Lord now goes on to indict their twofacedness in matters of morality. The
Jews used to perform elaborate washings of plates, cups and other tableware,
in line with the regulations on legal cleansing (cf. Mark 7:1-4).

The example He chooses suggests a deeper level of meaning—concern for that
moral purity which should characterize man’s interior life. What is of prime impor-
tance is cleanliness of heart, an upright intention, consistency between what one
says and what one does, etc.

*********************************************************************************************
Source: “The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries”. Biblical text from the
Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries by members of
the Faculty of Theology, University of Navarre, Spain.

Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland, and
by Scepter Publishers in the United States.

[Salvation]

Scripture readings taken from the Jerusalem Bible, published and copyright © 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton, Longman & Todd

Mass Readings

First reading

2 Thessalonians 2:1 - 17 ©

To turn now, brothers, to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and how we shall all be gathered round him: please do not get excited too soon or alarmed by any prediction or rumour or any letter claiming to come from us, implying that the Day of the Lord has already arrived. Never let anyone deceive you in this way. It cannot happen until the Great Revolt has taken place and the Rebel, the Lost One, has appeared. Through the Good News that we brought he called you to this so that you should share the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Stand firm, then, brothers, and keep the traditions that we taught you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father who has given us his love and, through his grace, such inexhaustible comfort and such sure hope, comfort you and strengthen you in everything good that you do or say.

Psalm or canticle: Psalm 95

Gospel

Matthew 23:23 - 26 ©

Jesus said, ‘Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who pay your tithe of mint and dill and cumin and have neglected the weightier matters of the Law – justice, mercy, good faith! These you should have practised, without neglecting the others. You blind guides! Straining out gnats and swallowing camels! ‘Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who clean the outside of cup and dish and leave the inside full of extortion and intemperance. Blind Pharisee! Clean the inside of cup and dish first so that the outside may become clean as well.’

[Salvation]

Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Weekday

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel:

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, 14-17 Psalm 96:10-13 Matthew 23:23-26 The soul of one who serves God always swims in joy, always keeps holiday, and is always in the mood for singing. -- St John of the Cross

[Salvation]

The Angelus 

The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary: 
And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. 

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of
our death. Amen. 

Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word. 

Hail Mary . . . 

And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us. 

Hail Mary . . . 

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. 

Let us pray: 

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord.

Amen. 

[Salvation]

Office of Readings and Invitatory Psalm

Office of Readings

If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, you should precede it with the Invitatory Psalm.

O God, come to my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
 as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
 world without end.
Amen. Alleluia.

---

A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.

Psalm 9B (10)

Thanksgiving

With what purpose, Lord, do you stay away, hide yourself in time of need and trouble?
The wicked in their pride persecute the weak, trap them in the plots they have devised.
The sinner glories in his desires, the miser congratulates himself.
The sinner in his arrogance rejects the Lord: “there is no God, no retribution.”
This is what he thinks – and all goes well for him.
Your judgements are far beyond his comprehension: he despises all who stand against him.

The sinner says to himself: “I will stand firm; nothing can touch me, from generation to generation.”
His mouth is full of malice and deceit, under his tongue hide trouble and distress.
He lies in ambush by the villages, he kills the innocent in some secret place.
He watches the weak, he hides like a lion in its lair, and makes plans.
He plans to rob the weak, lure him to his trap and rob him.
He rushes in, makes a dive, and the poor victim is caught.
For he has said to himself, “God has forgotten. He is not watching, he will never see.”

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
 as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
 world without end.
Amen.

---

Psalm 9B (10)

Rise up, Lord, raise your hand! Do not forget the weak.
Why does the wicked man spurn God? Because he says to himself, “you will not take revenge.”

But you do see: you see the trouble and the pain, and then you take things into your own hands.
The weak fall to your care, and you are the help of the orphan.
Break the arms of the sinner and evil-doer: seek out wickedness until there is no more to be found.

The Lord is King for ever and for ever. The Gentiles have perished from his land.
You have heard the prayer of the weak, Lord, and you will strengthen their hearts.
You will lend your ear to the pleas of the orphans and the helpless, so mere mortals can frighten them no longer.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
 as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
 world without end.
Amen.

---

Psalm 11 (12)

A prayer against the proud

Save me, Lord, for the good men are all gone: there is no-one to be trusted among the sons of men.
Neighbour speaks falsehood to neighbour: with lying lips and crooked hearts they speak.

Let the Lord condemn all lying lips, all boastful tongues.
They say “Our tongues will make us great, our lips are ours, we have no master.”

“On account of the sufferings of the poor, the groans of the weak, I will rise up,” says the Lord. “I will bring to safety the one whom men despise.”
The words of the Lord are pure words, silver tried by fire, freed from dross, silver seven times refined.

You, Lord, will help us and guard us from now to all eternity –
while the wicked walk round outside, where the vilest are most honoured of the children of men.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
 as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
 world without end.
Amen.

---

Reading

Jeremiah 1:1 - 19 ©

The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, of a priestly family living at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin. The word of the Lord was addressed to him in the days of Josiah son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign; then in the days of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the deportation of Jerusalem which occurred in the fifth month. The word of the Lord was addressed to me, saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you came to birth I consecrated you; I have appointed you as prophet to the nations.’ I said, ‘Ah, Lord; look, I do not know how to speak: I am a child!’ But the Lord replied, ‘Do not say, “I am a child.” Go now to those to whom I send you and, say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to protect you – it is the Lord who speaks!’ Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me: ‘There! I am putting my words into your mouth. Look, today I am setting you over nations and over kingdoms, to tear up and to knock down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.’ The word of the Lord was addressed to me asking, ‘Jeremiah, what do you see?’ ‘I see a branch of the Watchful Tree’ I answered. Then the Lord said, ‘Well seen! I too watch over my word to see it fulfilled.’ A second time the word of the Lord was spoken to me, asking, ‘What do you see?’ ‘I see a cooking pot on the boil,’ I answered ‘with its contents tilting from the North.’ Then the Lord said: ‘The North is where disaster is boiling over for all who live in this land; since I am now going to summon all the kingdoms of the North – it is the Lord who speaks. They are going to come, and each will set his throne in front of the gates of Jerusalem, all round outside its walls, and outside all the towns of Judah. I am going to pronounce my judgements against them for all their wickedness; since they have abandoned me to offer incense to other gods and worship what their own hands have made. ‘So now brace yourself for action. Stand up and tell them all I command you. Do not be dismayed at their presence, or in their presence I will make you dismayed. I, for my part, today will make you into a fortified city, a pillar of iron, and a wall of bronze to confront all this land: the kings of Judah, its princes, its priests and the country people. They will fight against you but shall not overcome you, for I am with you to deliver you – it is the Lord who speaks.’

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Reading	St John Chrysostom on the temptations of the devil
The five paths of repentance
Shall I list the paths of repentance? There are certainly many of them, many and various, and all of them lead to heaven. The first path is the path of condemnation of sins. As Isaiah says, Tell your sins, and you will be acquitted. And the Psalmist adds: I said “I will bear witness against myself before the Lord,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin. So you, too must condemn the sins you have committed. Condemn them, and that condemnation will excuse you in front of the Lord, since whoever condemns the sins he has committed will be slower to commit them next time. Stir up your own conscience to be your accuser – so that when you come before the judgement-seat of the Lord no-one will be rise up to accuse you. This is the first path of repentance but the second is in no way inferior to it in excellence. It is to forget the harm done to us by our enemies, to master our anger, to forgive the sins of those who are slaves together with us. As much as we do this, so much will our own sins against the Lord be forgiven. So this is the second path to the expiation of our sins. As the Lord says, Yes, if you forgive others their failings, your heavenly Father will forgive you yours. Would you like to know the third path of repentance? It is prayer: fervent prayer, sincere and focused prayer, prayer coming from the depths of the heart. If you want to know the fourth path, I will tell you it is the giving of alms. It has great power. And finally, if someone acts with modesty and humility, that path is no less effective as a way to deprive sin of its substance. Look at the publican, who had no good deeds to speak of. In place of good deeds he offered humility, and the huge burden of his sins fell away. So now I have shown you the five paths of repentance. First, condemnation of sins. Second, forgiving the sins of those near us. Third, prayer. Fourth, almsgiving. Fifth, humility. So do not be idle, but every day advance along all these paths at once. They are not hard paths to follow. Poverty is no excuse for not setting out on the journey. Even if you are destitute you can do all these things: put aside anger, carry humility in front of you, pray hard, condemn your sins. Poverty is no obstacle – not even to that path of penitence that demands money: that is, almsgiving. Remember the story of the widow’s mite. Now we have learnt the right way to heal our wounds, let us apply these remedies. Let us regain true health and confidently receive the blessings of Holy Communion. Thus we may come, filled with glory, to the glory of Christ’s kingdom, and receive its eternal joys through the grace, mercy and kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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Concluding Prayer

O God, through you your faithful are united and of one will.
 Grant to your people that they may love what you have taught and desire what you have promised:
 in this changeable world may our hearts be fixed on where true joy comes from.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
 who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
 God for ever and ever.
Amen.

[Salvation]

Catholic Culture

Daily Readings (on USCCB site):
» August 26, 2008
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Collect: Father, help us to seek the values that will bring us lasting joy in this changing world. In our desire for what you promise make us one in mind and heart. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

« August 26, 2008 »

Tuesday of the Twenty-First Week of Ordinary Time
Old Calendar: St. Zephyrinus, pope and martyr #cal_links li { padding: 0px; }

 

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Before the reform of the General Roman Calendar today was the feast of St. Zephyrinus whose long pontificate was a period marked by the persecution of Septimus Severus, the struggle against heresy and the organization of the Christian community in Rome. In the person of the Pope the Roman Church asserted her claim as the appointed guardian of the true faith.

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St. Zephyrinus
Commodus, looked favorably on the Christians at the onset of his reign. His son Caracalla had been raised by a Christian nurse, and the emperor himself had been cured of some ailment by a Christian. However, Severus later reversed his position toward the Christians, probably due to their unpopularity with the Roman pagans, and he issued a decree forbidding any person to become either a Jew or a Christian. The persecution commenced once again.

Zephyrinus was a Roman and the son of Habundius. Some sources indicate that his strength did not lie in leadership, but that he depended greatly on the more capable and practiced Calixtus, who, since his release from the labor mines, had been rehabilitated and devoted himself to the Church. Consequently, he was appointed archdeacon. Not only did he direct the lower clergy for Zephyrinus but he was also entrusted with the administration of the official cemetery which the Church now owned.

Heresy stormed the Church from all sides, but Zephyrinus adhered firmly to the doctrine set forth by the apostles. The excommunicated tanner Theodotus continued to teach that Christ was not the true Son of God. He had even gone so far as to set up his own church and place a paid bishop in residence. This bishop, called Natalius, had previously been tortured for confessing the true faith. According to legend, angels were sent to Natalius in visions to rebuke him for joining Theodotus, since Jesus did not want anyone who had suffered for Him to be cast out of the Church. Natalius appeared to have seen the light; he threw himself upon the mercy of Zephyrinus and begged to be pardoned. Natalius was readmitted to communion by the bishop of Rome after considerable penance.

Zephyrinus decreed that all ordinations, even those of mere clerics, be performed before the assembled clergy and laity.

Another heresy, called Modalism, taught by Praxeas, Noetus, and Sabellius, was brought to the attention of Zephyrinus. Followers of this theory obliterated the distinctions between the entities of the Trinity. Zephyrinus immediately condemned this, again citing the original teachings of the apostles.

Zephyrinus was said to have been martyred and was buried in his own cemetery on the Appian Way.

The Popes: A Papal History, J.V. Bartlett

Symbols: Monstrance; triple cross.

[Salvation]

Lauds -- Morning Prayer

Morning Prayer (Lauds)

If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, you should precede it with the Invitatory Psalm.

O God, come to my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
 as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
 world without end.
Amen. Alleluia.

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A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.

Psalm 23 (24)

The Lord comes to his temple

The Lord’s is the earth and its fullness, the world and all who live in it.
He himself founded it upon the seas and set it firm over the waters.

Who will climb the mountain of the Lord? Who will stand in his holy place?
The one who is innocent of wrongdoing and pure of heart,
who has not given himself to vanities or sworn falsely.
He will receive the blessing of the Lord and be justified by God his saviour.
This is the way of those who seek him, seek the face of the God of Jacob.

Gates, raise your heads. Stand up, eternal doors, and let the king of glory enter.
Who is the king of glory?
The Lord of might and power. The Lord, strong in battle.

Gates, raise your heads. Stand up, eternal doors, and let the king of glory enter.
Who is the king of glory?
The Lord of hosts – he is the king of glory.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
 as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
 world without end.
Amen.

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Canticle	Tobit 13
God punishes and saves
Blessed be God who lives for ever, whose kingdom is eternal: for he both punishes and takes pity, he leads down to the underworld, and rescues from perdition; no one can escape him. Give thanks to him before all nations, children of Israel: he scattered you among them, and there he has made known his greatness. Give glory to him before all who live: he is our Lord, our father, and our God for ever. He will punish you for your transgressions; but he will take pity on all your sufferings, and gather you together from all the nations among whom he scattered you. If you turn back to him with all your heart and soul – if you keep faithful to him – he will turn back to you and hide his face no longer. So now look at what he has done with you, and praise him with all your might. Bless the Lord of justice, and glorify the eternal King. In the land of my captivity I trust in him; I show his power and majesty to the sinful people. Turn back, sinners, and be upright in his presence – perhaps he will forgive you and show you his favour. I will rejoice in the Lord with all my soul, my soul will rejoice as long as it lives. Bless the Lord, all his chosen ones: all people, praise his greatness. Fill your days with joy and proclaim his glory. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,  as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,  world without end. Amen.

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Psalm 32 (33)

The Lord provides

Rejoice in the Lord, you just: it is good for the upright to praise him.
Proclaim the Lord on the lyre, play his song on the ten-stringed harp.
Sing a new song to the Lord, sing out your cries of triumph,
for the word of the Lord is truly just, and all his actions are faithful.
The Lord loves justice and right judgement; the earth is full of his loving kindness.
By the Lord’s word the heavens were made, and all their array by the breath of his mouth.
He gathered the seas as if in a bag, he stored up the depths in his treasury.

Let every land fear the Lord, let all the world be awed at his presence.
For he spoke, and they came into being; he commanded, and they were made.
The Lord confounds the counsel of the nations, throws the thoughts of the peoples into confusion.
But the Lord’s own counsel stands firm for ever, his thoughts last for all generations.

Happy the nation whose lord is God, the people he has chosen as his inheritance.
The Lord looks down from the heavens and sees all the children of men.
From his dwelling-place he looks upon all who inhabit the earth.
He moulded each one of their hearts, he understands all that they do.

The king will not be saved by his forces; the abundance of his strength will not set the strong man free.
Do not trust a horse to save you, whatever its swiftness and strength.
For see, the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, upon those who trust in his mercy,
hoping he will save their souls from death and their bodies from hunger.

Our souls praise the Lord, for he is our help and our protector,
for our hearts rejoice in him, and we trust in his holy name.
Lord, show us your loving kindness, just as we put our hope in you.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
 as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
 world without end.
Amen.

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Short reading	Romans 13:11 - 13 ©
You must wake up now: the night is almost over, it will be daylight soon. Let us give up all the things we prefer to do under cover of the dark; let us arm ourselves and appear in the light. Let us live decently as people do in the daytime.

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Canticle	Benedictus
The Messiah and his forerunner
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has come to his people and brought about their redemption. He has raised up the sign of salvation in the house of his servant David, as he promised through the mouth of the holy ones, his prophets through the ages: to rescue us from our enemies and all who hate us, to take pity on our fathers, to remember his holy covenant and the oath he swore to Abraham our father, that he would give himself to us, that we could serve him without fear – freed from the hands of our enemies – in uprightness and holiness before him, for all of our days. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High: for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his path, to let his people know their salvation, so that their sins may be forgiven. Through the bottomless mercy of our God, one born on high will visit us to give light to those who walk in darkness, who live in the shadow of death; to lead our feet in the path of peace. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,  as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,  world without end. Amen.

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Prayers and Intercessions

?

We are called to heaven, beloved brethren, so let us bless Jesus, high priest of our faith, and call on him: - Lord, you are our God and our saviour. Almighty King, through our baptism you have made us a royal priesthood: may we offer you a constant sacrifice of praise. Help us to keep your commandments so that through the Holy Spirit we may dwell in you, and you in us. Give us your eternal wisdom so that it may be with us today and work with us. Grant that today we may bring sadness to no-one but on the contrary, give happiness to all we meet.

Our Father, who art in Heaven,
 hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
 thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
 and forgive us our trespasses
 as we forgive those that trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
 but deliver us from evil.

Lord, look with favour on our morning prayers.
 Brighten the inmost places of our hearts with your love so that no dark desires can hide there:
 heal us with the light of your heavenly grace.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
 who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
 God for ever and ever.
Amen.

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May the Lord bless us and keep us from all harm; and may he lead us to eternal life.

A M E N

[Salvation]

The Word Among Us

Meditation: Matthew 23:23-26

View NAB Reading at USCCB.org »»

Life really can be unpredictable at times. Think about how some diseases can sneak up on us and catch us completely by surprise.

Many cancers, for instance, can go undetected until they are very advanced, while we have been going about our lives as if nothing were wrong. This is why doctors stress the importance of regular physical exams. They urge us not to concentrate only on how we look on the outside, while ignoring the danger signs inside of us.

The scribes and Pharisees who were opposing Jesus had a similar problem. Only theirs was a spiritual issue. It was a disease called hypocrisy that was eating at them from inside. Jesus didn’t challenge them because they were too religious but because they were out of balance. By focusing so much on external piety and so little on the inner life, they were leading others away from the true intent of the Law that they loved so much: intimacy with God through faithfulness and surrender.

Jesus’ warning is meant for us, too. But we shouldn’t read it as a condemnation or judgment. It’s really intended to get us to come in for a checkup: to examine what is in our hearts so that we can be whole. Am I letting little resentments pile up inside, allowing the risk that I will become a bitter person? Am I experiencing the fruit of the Holy Spirit, or do I need more joy, peace, and patience?

The only way that we can clean the inside of the cup is to make sure that we remain in contact with Jesus! We really need to hear his voice, and if we can’t, it’s time to slow down and listen. He is always speaking to us, and his message is simple: “I love you!” When we accept that love and allow ourselves to be filled up with it, our prayers are lifted to a whole new level of worship. And just as importantly, we are able to love the people around us as he loves us—with the love of the cross that can change hearts and bring heaven down to earth!

“Lord, I need your love in my life. Bind up the wounds in my heart, so that I can show others the way to your glorious kingdom!”

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3,14-17; 
 Psalm 96:10-13

[Salvation]

Regnum Christi

Sincere before God
August 26, 2008

U. S. A. | SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY

First clean the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may become clean.

Tuesday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time
Father Todd Arsenault, LC

Matthew 23: 23-26
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. It is these you ought to have practiced without neglecting the others. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel! "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may become clean.

Introductory Prayer: My God, I believe in you with all my heart because you have made yourself known to me in so many ways, especially through the gift of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. I hope in you because you have never abandoned me. I love you, Lord, because you have loved me first and have shed your blood for my salvation. I want to love you with my whole life. Recognizing my sinfulness and trusting in your mercy, I humble myself before you. Mother Mary, I entrust my life to your maternal care so that I will always be faithful to God’s holy will for my life.

Petition: Lord, help me to work hard to form a sensitive conscience, always fighting against the temptation to justify my actions.

1. The Truth Hurts
Christ is saying some tough words to the Pharisees. He knows that they have allowed bad habits to become deep-seated, and he wants to shake them up – as well as to warn us not to succumb to the same vices. Christ never compromises the truth. He always seeks, however, the good of the soul in question, and so his charity is always perfect. Some souls need the hammer effect, others a gentle nudge. God knows us thoroughly and wants to warn us of the dangers that seek to damage our relationship with him. Is God trying to show me anything? Am I attentive?

2. Form Your Conscience
Christ is forming the consciences of his listeners with what he is saying. The spiritual life does not consist merely of going through the motions or reciting some formulas; it is lived with our entire being: mind, heart, body and soul. Christ wants each of us to take the formation of our conscience seriously, so that we will fulfill his will faithfully. Each day we are given ample opportunity to form them and identify with the truth that Christ came to reveal. What is my attitude towards that which Christ asks of me through the Church?

3. Faithful to Christ
Christ is teaching us not to follow the example of the Pharisees. That much is very obvious. But, he doesn’t stop there: Christ is calling us to fidelity. That is why after each correction, he tells the Pharisees what they should be doing instead. Christ doesn’t leave us hanging with nowhere to go. Christ has given us a specific plan to live out. He has called us to be faithful to him, to his Gospel, to the truth that alone will set us free. Am I willing to work hard not only to form my conscience, but also to be faithful to Christ unto death?

Conversation with Christ: Christ, I thank you for loving me so much that you won’t let me stay in my sins. You call me forth. You call me to holiness, and Lord, I want to be holy as you are holy. I want to live my Catholic faith with deeper conviction and fidelity. With all the pressures and temptations of the world it isn’t easy at times, but I know that you will never leave me an orphan.

Resolution: Today I will work on one point in which I am conscious of being slack.

[Salvation]

Vespers -- Evening Prayer

Vespers (Evening Prayer)

O God, come to my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
 as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
 world without end.
Amen. Alleluia.

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A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.

Psalm 19 (20)

Prayer for victory

May the Lord hear your prayer in the day of tribulation, may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
May he send you help from his holy place; from Sion, may he extend his protection.

May he remember every one of your sacrifices and find merit in your burnt-offerings.
May he deal with you as your heart desires and bring all your plans to fulfilment.

We will rejoice in your saving help, we will raise our banners in the name of God; may the Lord grant all your prayers.

Now I know that the Lord keeps his anointed one safe: in his sanctuary in heaven he hears his prayer, and lends the support of his strong right hand.

Some put their faith in chariots and some in horses, but we invoked the name of the Lord our God.
They stumbled and fell, but we rose and we stand upright.

Lord, keep the king safe, and hear our prayer whenever we call upon you.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
 as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
 world without end.
Amen.

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Psalm 20 (21)

Thanksgiving for victory

Lord, the king will rejoice in your strength, he will triumph in your saving power.
You have granted him his heart’s desire, you have not denied the wish that he spoke.
For you showered him with blessings even before he asked for them. You have placed a crown of purest gold upon his head.
He asked you for life, and you granted it to him, length of days for ever and for ever.

Great is his glory through your help: you cover him with splendour and majesty.
You lay a blessing upon him that will last for ever, you make him rejoice in joy before you.
For the king hopes in the Lord, and through the kindness of the Most High he will not be shaken.

Stand high above us, Lord, in your power; and we will sing and celebrate your might.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
 as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
 world without end.
Amen.

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Canticle	Apocalypse 4,5
The song of the redeemed
You are worthy, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honour and power; for you made all things, and it is by your will that they existed and were created. You are worthy, Lord, to receive the book and open its seals, for you were killed, and with your blood you have ransomed people from every tribe and language and people and nation, and made them rulers and priests for God; and they will rule over the earth. The Lamb is worthy, who was killed, to receive power and riches and wisdom, strength and honour, glory and blessing. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,  as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,  world without end. Amen.

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Short reading	1 John 3:1 - 2 ©
Think of the love that the Father has lavished on us, by letting us be called God’s children; and that is what we are. My dear people, we are already the children of God but what we are to be in the future has not yet been revealed; all we know is, that when it is revealed we shall be like him because we shall see him as he really is.

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Canticle	Magnificat
My soul rejoices in the Lord
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,  and my spirit rejoices in God, my salvation. For he has shown me such favour –  me, his lowly handmaiden. Now all generations will call me blessed,  because the mighty one has done great things for me. His name is holy,  his mercy lasts for generation after generation  for those who revere him. He has put forth his strength:  he has scattered the proud and conceited,  torn princes from their thrones;  but lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things;  the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel,  he has remembered his mercy as he promised to our fathers,  to Abraham and his children for ever. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,  as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,  world without end. Amen.

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Prayers and Intercessions

?

Christ the Lord lives among us and we are his adopted people. Let us praise him and offer him our prayers: - Lord, listen to us and show your greatness. Lord, king and ruler of the nations, guide all peoples and all who exercise power that they may work together for the common good, according to your laws. You conquered our captivity and took it prisoner: restore to freedom our brethren who are captive in body or in soul. May our young grow up irreproachable in your sight and may they wholeheartedly follow you when you call. Make children follow your example and move steadily forward in wisdom and grace. Take up the dead into your eternal kingdom where we hope one day to rule at your side.

Our Father, who art in Heaven,
 hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
 thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
 and forgive us our trespasses
 as we forgive those that trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
 but deliver us from evil.

Lord God almighty, we thank you that you have brought us through the day to this evening.
 We lift our hands to you in thanks:
 accept this as our sacrifice to you.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
 who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
 God for ever and ever.
Amen.

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May the Lord bless us and keep us from all harm; and may he lead us to eternal life.

A M E N

[Salvation]

Homily of the Day

Is Your Eye Squarely on Jesus?

August 26th, 2008 by Monsignor Dennis Clark, Ph.D.

2 Thes 2:13,14-17 / Mt 23:23-26

Rarely a month goes by without the announcement of some new miracle drug or some new technology that will “change our lives forever.” And not far behind come reports from here and there around the world about this or that new apparition or some self-appointed guru announcing the end of the world or heaven knows what else that ought to “change our lives forever.”

St Paul warns us about such stuff in today’s epistle. In a word he tells us to ignore it all and instead to focus steadfastly on the core of Jesus’ message which never changes. “Let no one seduce you,” he says, “no matter how!”

So what’s the core of the message? Love, of course! But that word needs to be “unpacked.” To love is to be ready to forgive and ready to share our gifts where they’re needed. That simple core agenda is quite enough to keep us busy for a lifetime and to advance the building of God’s kingdom, while the sensationalists go their own way to nowhere in particular.

Is your eye squarely on Jesus’ core message? If not, now’s a fine time to refocus and reclaim your bearings.

[Salvation]

Compline -- Night Prayer

Compline (Night Prayer)

O God, come to my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
 as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
 world without end.
Amen. Alleluia.

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This is an excellent moment for an examination of conscience. In a communal celebration of Compline, one of the penitential acts given in the Missal may be recited.

A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.

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Psalm 142 (143)

A prayer in time of trouble

Lord, I trust you: do not hide your face from me.

Lord, listen to my prayer:
 in your faithfulness turn your ear to my pleading;
 in your justice, hear me.
Do not judge your servant:
 nothing that lives can justify itself before you.

The enemy has hounded my spirit,
 he has crushed my life to the ground,
 he has shut me in darkness, like the dead of long ago.
So my spirit trembles within me,
 my heart turns to stone.
I remind myself of the days of old,
 I reflect on all your works,
 I meditate once more on the work of your hands.
I stretch out my arms to you,
 I stretch out my soul, like a land without water.

Come quickly and hear me, O Lord,
 for my spirit is weakening.
Do not hide your face from me,
 do not let me be like the dead,
 who go down to the underworld.
Show me your mercy at daybreak,
 because of my trust in you.
Tell me the way I should follow,
 for I lift up my soul towards you.
Rescue me from my enemies:
 Lord, I flee to you for refuge.
Teach me to do your will,
 for you are my God.

Your good spirit will lead me to the land of justice;
 for your name’s sake, Lord, you will give me life.
In your righteousness you will lead my soul
 away from all tribulation.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
 as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
 world without end.
Amen.

Lord, I trust you: do not hide your face from me.

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Reading	1 Peter 5:8-9
Be calm and keep watch. The Devil, your enemy, is circling you like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, strong in faith.

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Short Responsory	?
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. - Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. You have redeemed us, Lord, God of faithfulness. - Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. - Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

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Canticle	Nunc Dimittis
Keep us safe, Lord, while we are awake, and guard us as we sleep, so that we can keep watch with Christ and rest in peace.
Now, Master, you let your servant go in peace.  You have fulfilled your promise. My own eyes have seen your salvation,  which you have prepared in the sight of all peoples. A light to bring the Gentiles from darkness;  the glory of your people Israel. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,  as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,  world without end. Amen.
Keep us safe, Lord, while we are awake, and guard us as we sleep, so that we can keep watch with Christ and rest in peace.

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Prayer
Let us pray. Of your kindness, Lord, dispel the darkness of this night, so that we your servants may go to sleep in peace and wake to the light of the new day, rejoicing in your name. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

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May the almighty Lord grant us a quiet night and a perfect end.

A M E N

An antiphon to Our Lady should be recited here.

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Mt 23:23-26
#	Douay-Rheims	Vulgate
23	Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; because you tithe mint and anise and cummin and have left the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and faith. These things you ought to have done and not to leave those undone.	vae vobis scribae et Pharisaei hypocritae quia decimatis mentam et anethum et cyminum et reliquistis quae graviora sunt legis iudicium et misericordiam et fidem haec oportuit facere et illa non omittere
24	Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel.	duces caeci excolantes culicem camelum autem gluttientes
25	Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; because you make clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but within you are full of rapine and uncleanness.	vae vobis scribae et Pharisaei hypocritae quia mundatis quod de foris est calicis et parapsidis intus autem pleni sunt rapina et inmunditia
26	Thou blind Pharisee, first make clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, that the outside may become clean.	Pharisaee caece munda prius quod intus est calicis et parapsidis ut fiat et id quod de foris est mundum

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23. Woe unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
24. You blind guides, which strain out a gnat, and swallow a camel.

CHRYS. The Lord had said above that they bound heavy burdens upon others, which they themselves would not touch; He now again shows how they aimed at being correct in little things, but neglected weighty matters.

JEROME; The Lord and commanded, that for the maintenance of the Priests and Levites, whose portion was the Lord, tithes of every thing should be offered in the temple. Accordingly, the Pharisees (to dismiss mystical expositions) concerned themselves about this alone, that these trifling things should be paid in, but lightly esteemed other things which were weighty. He charges them then with covetousness in exacting carefully the tithes of worthless herbs, while they neglected justice in their transactions of business, mercy to the poor, and faith toward God, which are weighty things.

PSEUDO-CHRYS. Or, because these covetous Priest, when anyone did not bring his tithes of the smallest thing, made it a matter of grave reprehension; but when one injured his neighbor or sinned against God, they were at pains to reprove him, careful only of their own profit, neglecting the glory of God, and the salvation of men. For to observe righteousness, to do mercy, and to have faith, these things God commanded for His own glory; but the payment of tithes He established for the support of the Priests, so that the Priests should minister to the people in spiritual things, and the people supply the Priests with carnal things.

Thus is it at this time, when all are careful of their own honor, none of God's honor; they jealously protect their own rights, but will not bestow any pains in the service of the Church. If the people pay not their tithes duly, they murmur; but if they see the people in sin, they utter not a word against them. But because some of the Scribes and Pharisees, to whom he is now speaking, were of the people, it is not unsuitable to make a different interpretation; and 'to tithe' may be used as well of him who receives, tithes. The Scribes then and Pharisees offered tithes of the very best things for the purpose of displaying their righteousness; but in their judgments they were unjust, without mercy for their brethren, without faith for the truth.

ORIGEN; But because it was possible that some, hearing the Lord speak thus, might thereupon neglect paying tithes of small things, He prudently adds, These things ought you to have done, (i.e. justice, mercy, and faith,) and not to leave the others undone, i.e. the tithing of mint, anise, and cummin.

REMIG. In these words the Lord shows that all the commandments of the Law, greatest and least, are to fulfilled. They also are refuted who give alms of the fruits of the earth, supposing that thus they cannot sin, whereas their alms profit them nothing unless they are careful to keep themselves from sin.

HILARY; And because it was much less guilt to omit the tithing of herbs than a duty of benevolence, the Lord derides them, You blind guides, which strain out a gnat, and swallow a camel.

JEROME; The camel I suppose to mean the weighty precepts, judgment, mercy, and faith; the gnat, the tithing of mint, anise, and cummin, and other valueless herbs. The greater of God's commands we swallow and overlook, but show our carelessness by a religious scrupulousness in little things which bring profit with them.

ORIGEN; Or, straining out a gnat, that is, putting from them small sins; swallowing a camel, that is, committing great sins, which He calls camels, from the size and distorted shape of that animal. Morally, the Scribes are those who think nothing else contained in Scripture than the bare letter exhibit; the Pharisees are all those who esteem themselves righteous, and separate themselves from others, saying, 'Come not near me, for I am clean'. Mint, anise, and cummin, are the seasoning, not the substantial part of food; as in our life and conversation there are some things necessary to justification, as judgment, mercy, and faith; and others which are like the seasoning of our actions, giving them a flavor and sweetness, as abstinence from laughter, fasting, bending the knee, and such like. How shall they not be judged blind who see not that it is of little avail to be a careful dispenser in the least things, if things of chief moment are neglected? These His present discourse overthrows; not forbidding to observe the little things, but bidding to keep more carefully the chief things.

GREG. Or otherwise; The gnat stings while it hums; the camel bows its back to receive its load. The Jews then strained off the gnat, when they prayed to have the seditious robber released to them; and they swallowed the camel, when they sought with shouts the death of Him who had voluntarily taken on Him the burden of our mortality.

25. Woe unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
26. You blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.

JEROME; In different words, but to the same purport as before, He reproves the hypocrisy and dissimulation of the Pharisees, that they showed one face to men abroad, but wore another at home. He means not here, that their scrupulousness respecting the cup and the platter was of any importance, but that they affected it to pass off their sanctity upon men; which is clear from His adding, but inwardly you are full of ravening and uncleanness.

PSEUDO-CHRYS. Or, He means that the Jews whenever they were to enter the temple or to offer sacrifice, or on any festivals, used to wash themselves, their clothes, and their vessels, but none cleansed himself from his sins; but God neither commends bodily cleanliness, nor condemns the contrary. But suppose foulness of person or of vessels were offensive to God, which must become foul by being used, how much more does He not abhor foulness of conscience, which we may, if we will, keep ever pure?

HILARY; He therefore is reproving those who, pursuing an ostentation of useless scrupulosity, neglected the discharge of useful morality. For it is the inside of the cup that is used; if that be foul, what profit is it to cleanse the outside? And therefore what is needed is purity of the inner conscience, that those things which are of the body may be clean without.

PSEUDO-CHRYS. This He speaks not of the cup and platter of sense, but of that of the understanding, which may be pure before God, though it have never touched water; but if it have sinned, then though the water of the whole ocean and of all rivers have washed it, it is foul and guilty before God.

CHRYS. Note, that speaking of tithes He said, These things ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone: for tithes are a kind of alms, and what wrong is it to give alms? Yet said He it not to enforce a legal superstition. But here, discoursing of things clean and unclean, He does not add this, but distinguishes and shows that external purity of necessity follows internal; the outside of the cup and platter signifying the body, the inside the soul.

ORIGEN; This discourse instructs us that we should hasten to become righteous, not to seem so. For whoever seeks to be thought so, cleanses the outside, and has care of the things that are seen, but neglects the heart and conscience. But he who seeks to cleanse that which is within, that is, the thoughts, makes by that means the things without clean also. All professors of false doctrine are cups cleansed on the outside, because of that show of religion which they affect, but within they are full of extortion and guile, hurrying men into error. The cup is a vessel for liquids, the platter for meat. Every discourse then of which we spiritually drink, and all speech by which we are fed, are vessels for meat and drink. They who study to set forth well wrought discourse rather than such as is full of healthful meaning, are cups cleansed without; but within full of the defilement of vanity. Also the letter of the Law and the Prophets is a cup of spiritual drink, and a platter of necessary food. The Scribes and Pharisees seek to make plain the outward sense; Christ's disciples labor to exhibit the spiritual sense.

Catena Aurea Matthew 23

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The Precious Blood of Christ

Miguel Cabrera

18th c.
Museo Nacional del Virreinato, Tepotzotlán, Mexico.