Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 10-13-08

USCCB.org/New American Bible ^ | 10-13-08 | New American Bible

[Salvation]

October 13, 2008

Monday of the Twenty-eighth Week                                 in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 Responsorial Psalm Gospel

Reading 1
Gal 4:22-24, 26-27, 31–5:1

Brothers and sisters:
It is written that Abraham had two sons,
one by the slave woman and the other by the freeborn woman.
The son of the slave woman was born naturally,
the son of the freeborn through a promise.
Now this is an allegory.
These women represent two covenants.
One was from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery;
this is Hagar.
But the Jerusalem above is freeborn, and she is our mother.
For it is written:
Rejoice, you barren one who bore no children;
break forth and shout, you who were not in labor;
for more numerous are the children of the deserted one
than of her who has a husband.
Therefore, brothers and sisters,
we are children not of the slave woman
but of the freeborn woman.

For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm
and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.

Responsorial Psalm
Ps 113:1b-2, 3-4, 5a and 6-7

R. (see 2) Blessed be the name of the Lord forever.
or:
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Praise, you servants of the LORD,
praise the name of the LORD.
Blessed be the name of the LORD
both now and forever.
R. Blessed be the name of the Lord forever.
or:
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
From the rising to the setting of the sun
is the name of the LORD to be praised.
High above all nations is the LORD;
above the heavens is his glory.
R. Blessed be the name of the Lord forever.
or:
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Who is like the LORD, our God,
who looks upon the heavens and the earth below?
He raises up the lowly from the dust;
from the dunghill he lifts up the poor.
R. Blessed be the name of the Lord forever.
or:
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
Lk 11:29-32

While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them,
“This generation is an evil generation;
it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it,
except the sign of Jonah.
Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites,
so will the Son of Man be to this generation.
At the judgment
the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation
and she will condemn them,
because she came from the ends of the earth
to hear the wisdom of Solomon,
and there is something greater than Solomon here.
At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation
and condemn it,
because at the preaching of Jonah they repented,
and there is something greater than Jonah here.”

[Salvation]

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

[Salvation]

Alleluia Ping!

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

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I just checked Mount Angel Abbey, Brother Claude Lane, O. S. B. who just did an icon of St. Edward for my church to see if a reproduction of it was posted. Not there, yet, but some beautiful icons. We have been praying over the last four years as he worked on our icon.

Usually, the legend of King Edward/St. Edward the Confessor has Edward giving his ring (since he had no food or money) to a beggar. Our new icon shows Christ giving the Word of God (scroll) and the ring back to St. Edward. Hopefully by next week Brother Claude with have the description of the icon he has written for us and it can be put in our bulletin. Will ping you from this thread if it happens. (And possibly type in the explanation of the icon.)

We were all so excited this weekend and going up close to look at it.

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Prayer Categories: » Devotion Feasts: » Our Lady of the Rosary

October Devotion: The Holy Rosary Since the 16th century Catholic piety has assigned entire months to special devotions. Pope Leo XIII personally started the practice of devoting October to the Rosary devotion. In a letter of September 1, 1883, mindful of the Rosary's power to strengthen faith and foster a life of virtue, he outlined the triumphs of the Rosary in past times and admonished the faithful to dedicate the month of October to the Blessed Virgin through the daily recitation of her Rosary in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, in order to obtain through her intercession the grace that God would console and defend His Church in her sufferings. We highly recommend that you read Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae, or "On the Most Holy Rosary." It explains even further this wonderful devotion, and introduces the optional mysteries of light, or Luminous mysteries.

INVOCATION
Queen of the most holy Rosary, pray for us.

TO THE QUEEN OF THE HOLY ROSARY
Queen of the most holy Rosary, in these times of such brazen impiety, manifest thy power with the signs of thine ancient victories, and from thy throne, whence thou dost dispense pardon and graces, mercifully regard the Church of thy Son, His Vicar on earth, and every order of clergy and laity, who are sore oppressed in the mighty conflict. Do thou, who art the powerful vanquisher of all heresies, hasten the hour of mercy, even though the hour of God's justice is every day provoked by the countless sins of men. For me who am the least of men, kneeling before thee in supplication, do thou obtain the grace I need to live righteously upon earth and to reign among the just in heaven, the while in company with all faithful Christians throughout the world, I salute thee and acclaim thee as Queen of the most holy Rosary:

Queen of the most holy Rosary, pray for us.

TO OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY
O Virgin Mary, grant that the recitation of thy Rosary may be for me each day, in the midst of my manifold duties, a bond of unity in my actions, a tribute of filial piety, a sweet refreshment, an encouragement to walk joyfully along the path of duty. Grant, above all, O Virgin Mary, that the study of thy fifteen mysteries may form in my soul, little by little, a luminous atmosphere, pure, strengthening, and fragrant, which may penetrate my understanding, my will, my heart, my memory, my imagination, my whole being. So shall I acquire the habit of praying while I work, without the aid of formal prayers, by interior acts of admiration and of supplication, or by aspirations of love. I ask this of thee, O Queen of the holy Rosary, through Saint Dominic, thy son of predilection, the renowned preacher of thy mysteries, and the faithful imitator of thy virtues. Amen.

FOR THE CRUSADE OF THE FAMILY ROSARY
The Family Rosary Crusade, organized and directed by Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., sought to revive the practice of families reciting the Rosary daily within their homes. The Crusade has the encouragement and support of Pope Pius XII and it is succeeding admirably in realizing the desire of the Pope that no family would allow a day to pass without the recitation of the Rosary. This prayer was composed by Cardinal Spellman when the Crusade visited his Archdiocese.

O Queen of the most holy Rosary: with hearts full of confidence we earnestly beseech you to bless the Crusade of the Family Rosary. From you came the grace to begin it. >From you must come the grace to win souls to it. We beg you to bless this Crusade so that from every home the incense of this prayer will daily rise before you, O admirable Mother.

O Queen of Homes: by the power of the Rosary we beseech you to embrace all the members of our family in the love of your Immaculate Heart. May you abide with us and we with you, praying to you while you pray for us. May you preside in our homes as once you did at Nazareth with Jesus and Joseph, filling them with the holiness of your presence and inspiration.

O Queen of Peace: it is you who have placed the Rosary in our hands. It is you who bid us to recite it daily. By the power of the Family Rosary we beseech you to obtain peace for uspeace within our hearts, our homes, our country and throughout the world. Through the daily recitation of the Family Rosary we beg you to keep sin from our souls, enmities from our hearts and war from our shores. By the graces received from the devotion of the Family Rosary we pray to be made helpful to one another in following the paths of virtue so that we may be found worthy to be called children of your family, children of your home. Amen.

Cardinal Spellman

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

 

Sign of the Cross:  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

The Apostles Creed:  I BELIEVE in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. >From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Lord's Prayer:  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 who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary:  HAIL Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and in the hour of our death. Amen. (Three times)

Glory Be:  GLORY be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Rosary-Prayers Aiming to Break Record [Catholic Caucus]
Rosary vs. Repetitious Prayer [Ecumenical]
The Luminous Mysteries [of the Rosary]: Knowing Jesus in His Public Ministry
New campaign launched to promote family rosary
The Rosary and the Republic

Chant the Rosary... in Latin!
Protestants and the rosary
Estimated 50,000 recite rosary in event at Rose Bowl
Our Lady of Victory (HLI Page)
Tips on Praying a Family Rosary

SRI LANKA CATHOLICS START ROSARY CHAIN FOR PEACE
Rosary Aids Spiritual Growth, Says Pope
Pray the Rosary
Rosary to Mark St. Martha's Feast
October: Month of the Holy Rosary

Very simple guide to praying/learning the Rosary
The Rosary and Orthodoxy
Father Benedict Groeschel on the Rosary
THE HOLY ROSARY
Catholic Caucus: The Holy Rosary

The Power of the Rosary - A Weapon Against Terrorism
Rosary May Contribute to Unity Says Protestant Theologian
Papal Address on the Rosary as a Weapon of Peace

[Salvation]

Holy Father's Prayer Intentions

 

OCTOBER 2008

General:

 

That the Synod of Bishops may help bishops and theologians as well as catechists and pastoral workers engaged in the service of the Word of God transmit with courage the truth of the faith in communion with the entire Church.

Mission:

 

That in this month dedicated to the missions, through the promotional activities of the Pontifical Missionary Works and other organisms, the Christian may feel the need to participate in the Church’s universal mission with prayer, sacrifice and concrete help.

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Forty Days for Life Prayer Vigil, September 24 through November 2

[Salvation]

From: Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31-5:1

The Two Covenants: Hagar and Sarah

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[22] For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave and one by a
free woman. [23] But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, the
son of the free woman through promise. [24] Now this is an allegory: these wo-
men are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery;
she is Hagar. [26] But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. [27]
For it is written, “Rejoice, O barren one that dost not bear; break forth and shout,
thou who art not in travail; for the desolate hath more children than she who hath
a husband.” [31] So, brethren, we are not children of the slave but of the free wo-
man.

Christian Liberty

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[1] For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore, and do not submit
again to a yoke of slavery.

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

21-31. The entire Old Testament narrative contains lessons for Christians.
The Apostle says as much when he declares that these things have a symbolic
meaning and “were written down for your instruction, upon whom the end of the
ages has come” (1 Cor 10:11). However, certain episodes and people have parti-
cular significance, and this passage cites one (cf. Gen chaps. 16, 17 and 21).
Abraham had been given a promise by God that he would have a son (Gen
15:4) by his wife Sarah (cf. Gen 17:19). However, both of them were quite old,
and Sarah, besides, was barren; so, in keeping with the ancestral customs of
the tribe, Sarah made Abraham take Hagar, her slave-girl, and Hagar had a
son, Ishmael. However, God told Abraham that this son was not the son of the
promise (cf. Gen 17:19). The promise was fulfilled sometime later when, through
a miracle of God, Sarah gave birth to a son. St Paul speaks to us about the
allegorical meaning of this episode: two women—Sarah, Abraham’s wife and the
mother of Isaac, and Hagar, her slave and the mother of Ishmael—stand for two
stages in Salvation History. Hagar symbolizes the stage of the Old Covenant
made on Mount Sinai, while Sarah represents the New Covenant sealed forever
by the blood of Christ, the covenant which frees us from the yoke of the Law
and from sin.

Paul’s conclusion from this is that Christians are brothers of Isaac, born of the
free woman, and therefore they are heirs of the promise made to Abraham and
his descendants.

24-26. The sacred writer wants to stress that if one continues to be subject to
the Mosaic Law it is equivalent to remaining a slave, to being a son of Hagar.
People in that position constitute the present Jerusalem who is “in slavery with
her children”. Against this there is the heavenly Jerusalem, a metaphor also
used in the Apocalypse to describe the Church triumphant in glory (cf. Rev 21:2,
10). This metaphor also conveys the idea of the transcendent, supernatural cha-
racter of the Church.

Undoubtedly St Paul’s Jewish contemporaries would have regarded this compa-
rison of Jerusalem with Hagar as virtually blasphemous. However, we do know
that the rabbis of his time did make a distinction between the earthly Jerusalem
and the heavenly Jerusalem, the former being only a pale shadow of the latter.
The Apostle uses these teachings, which can be deduced from Sacred Scrip-
ture, to explain that those who believe in Christ are the true descendants —
spiritual descendants — of the lawful wife, Sarah, who prefigures the heavenly
Jerusalem; whereas those who do not believe in Christ, although they belong
racially to the people of Israel, are no longer true descendants of the lawful wife,
but rather are children of Hagar.

St Paul then makes a play on words, in typical rabbinical style: since Hagar is
one of the names of the mountainous region of Sinai, to which, according to the
geographical notions of the time, Mount Sion also belongs (Sion being the hill
on which Jerusalem is built), this earthly Jerusalem is connected with Hagar, the
slave, to whom the divine promise was not made. This whole passage, while we
may find it very odd, does reveal St Paul’s earlier training as a rabbi, a training
which divine Providence uses to show us the inner meaning of one of the most
important episodes in Old Testament history.

1-3. The Law of Moses, which was divinely revealed, was something good; it sui-
ted the circumstances of the time. Christ came to bring this Law to perfection (cf.
notes on Mt 5:17-19 and Gal 5:14-15). All the elaborate legal and ritual prescrip-
tions in the Mosaic Law were laid down by God for a specific stage in Salvation
History, that is, the stage which ended with the coming of Christ. Christians are
under no obligation to follow the letter of that Law (cf. St Thomas Aquinas,
“Summa Theologiae”, I-II, q. 108, a.3 ad 3).

Although in this letter to the Galatians the Apostle is emphasizing, as we have
seen, freedom from the Law of Moses, obviously this liberation cannot be entirely
disconnected from freedom in general. If someone submits to circumcision after
being baptized, it amounts to subjecting oneself to a series of practices which
have now no value and to depriving oneself of the fruits of Christ’s Redemption.
In other words, subjection to the Law brings with it a loss of freedom in general.
Paul is using the full might of his apostolic authority when he says, “If you re-
ceive circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you.” Christ’s Redemption
alone is effective; it has no need of the rites of the Old Testament.

*********************************************************************************************
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: Luke 11:29-32

The Sign of Jonah

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[29] When the crowds were increasing, He (Jesus) began to say, “This genera-
tion is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign shall be given to it except
the sign of Jonah. [30] For as Jonah became a sign to the men of Nineveh, so
will the Son of Man be to this generation.[31] The queen of the South will arise
at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came
from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something
greater than Solomon is here. [32] The men of Nineveh will arise at the judgment
with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah,
and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.”

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

29-32. Jonah was the prophet who led the Ninevites to do penance: his actions
and preaching they saw as signifying that God had sent him (cf. note on Mat-
thew 12:41-42).

[Note on Matthew 12:41-42 states:

41-42. Nineveh was a city in Mesopotamia (modern Iraq) to which the prophet
Jonah was sent. The Ninevites did penance (John 3:6-9) because they recog-
nized the prophet and accepted his message; whereas Jerusalem does not wish
to recognize Jesus, of whom Jonah was merely a figure. The queen of the South
was the queen of Sheba in southwestern Arabia, who visited Solomon (1 Kings
10:1-10) and was in awe of the wisdom with which God had endowed the King
of Israel. Jesus is also prefigured in Solomon, whom Jewish tradition saw as
the epitome of the wise man. Jesus’ reproach is accentuated by the example
of pagan converts, and gives us a glimpse of the universal scope of Christianity,
which will take root among the Gentiles.

There is a certain irony in what Jesus says about “something greater” than Jo-
nah or Solomon having come: really, He is infinitely greater, but Jesus prefers
to tone down the difference between Himself and any figure, no matter how im-
portant, in the Old Testament.]

*********************************************************************************************
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

Galatians 4:22 - 5:1 ©

The Law says, if you remember, that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave-girl, and one by his free-born wife. The child of the slave-girl was born in the ordinary way; the child of the free woman was born as the result of a promise. This can be regarded as an allegory: the women stand for the two covenants. The first who comes from Mount Sinai, and whose children are slaves, is Hagar – The Jerusalem above, however, is free and is our mother, since scripture says: Shout for joy, you barren women who bore no children! Break into shouts of joy and gladness, you who were never in labour. For there are more sons of the forsaken one than sons of the wedded wife. So, my brothers, we are the children, not of the slave-girl, but of the free-born wife. When Christ freed us, he meant us to remain free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.

Psalm or canticle: Psalm 112

Gospel

Luke 11:29 - 32 ©

The crowds got even bigger and Jesus addressed them, ‘This is a wicked generation; it is asking for a sign The only sign it will be given is the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. On Judgement day the Queen of the South will rise up with the men of this generation and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here. On Judgement day the men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation and condemn it, because when Jonah preached they repented; and there is something greater than Jonah here.’

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Monday, October 13, 2008
Weekday

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel:

Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31 -- 5:1 Psalm 113:1-7 Luke 11:29-32 In times of desolation, God conceals Himself from us so that we can discover for ourselves what we are without Him. -- St Margaret of Cortona

[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. 

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A Prayer for Our National Election(by Fr. Frank Pavone.)

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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 72 (73)

Why should the just suffer?

How good God is to the upright,
 to those who are pure of heart!
But as for me, my feet nearly stumbled,
 my steps were on the point of going astray,
as I envied the boasters and sinners,
 envied their comfort and peace.

For them there are no burdens,
 their bellies are full and sleek.
They do not labour, like ordinary men;
 they do not suffer, like mortals.

They wear their pride like a necklace,
 their violence covers them like a robe.
Wickedness oozes from their very being,
 the thoughts of their hearts break forth:
they deride, they utter abominations,
 and from their heights they proclaim injustice.

They have set their mouth in the heavens,
 and their tongue traverses the earth.
Thus they sit in their lofty positions,
 and the flood-waters cannot reach them.
They ask, “How can God know?
 Does the Most High have any understanding?”
Behold, then, the wicked, always prosperous:
 their riches growing 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.

---

Psalm 72 (73)

I said, “It was pointless to purify my heart,
 to wash my hands in innocence –
for still I suffered all through the day,
 still I was punished every morning.”

If I had said, “I will speak like them,”
 I would have betrayed the race of your children.
I pondered and tried to understand:
 my eyes laboured to see –
until I entered God’s holy place
 and heard how they would end.
For indeed you have put them on a slippery surface
 and have thrown them down in ruin.

How they are laid waste!
 How suddenly they fall and perish in terror!
You spurn the sight of them, Lord,
 as a dream is abandoned when the sleeper awakes.

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 72 (73)

My heart was sore, my being was troubled –
 I was a fool, I knew nothing;
 I was like a dumb beast before you.
But still I stay with you:
 you hold my right hand.
You lead me according to your counsel,
 until you raise me up in glory.

For who else is for me, in heaven?
 On earth, I want nothing when I am with you.
My flesh and heart are failing,
 but it is God that I love:
 God is my portion for ever.
Behold, those who abandon you will perish:
 you have condemned all who go whoring away from you.
But for myself, I take joy in clinging to God,
 in putting my trust in the Lord, my God,
to proclaim your works at the gates of the daughters of Sion.

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

Haggai 2:10 - 23 ©

On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord was addressed to the prophet Haggai as follows, ‘The Lord of Hosts says this: Ask the priests for a decision on this question, “If a man carries consecrated meat in the fold of his gown and with this fold touches bread, broth, wine, or food of any kind, does such food become holy?”’ The priests answered, ‘No, it does not.’ Haggai then said, ‘If a man made unclean by contact with a corpse touches any of this, does it become unclean?’ The priests answered, ‘Yes, it does.’ Haggai then spoke out. ‘It is the same with this people,’ he said, ‘the same with this nation as I see it – it is the Lord who speaks – the same with everything they turn their hands to; and what they offer here is unclean. ‘Reflect carefully from today onwards. Before one stone had been laid on another in the sanctuary of the Lord, what state were you in? A man would come to a twenty-measure heap and there would be ten; he would come to a vat to draw fifty measures and there would be twenty. I struck with blight and mildew and hail everything you turned your hands to. And still you would not return to me – it is the Lord who speaks. Reflect carefully from today onwards (from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, from the day the foundation of the sanctuary of the Lord was laid, think carefully) if grain is still short in the barn, and if vine and fig tree, pomegranate and olive, still bear no fruit. From today onwards I intend to bless you.’ On the twenty-fourth day of the month the word of the Lord was addressed a second time to Haggai, as follows, ‘Speak to Zerubbabel, the high commissioner of Judah. Say this, “I am going to shake the heavens and the earth. I will overturn the thrones of kingdoms and destroy the power of the kings of the nations. I will overthrow the chariots and their charioteers; horses and their riders will be brought down; they shall fall, each to the sword of his fellow. When that day comes – it is the Lord of Hosts who speaks – I will take you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, my servant – it is the Lord of Hosts who speaks – and make you like a signet ring. For I have chosen you – it is the Lord of Hosts who speaks.”’

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Reading	St Fulgentius of Ruspe's Tract against Fabian
Sharing in the body and blood of the Lord sanctifies us
When we offer the sacrifice the words of our Saviour are fulfilled just as the blessed Apostle Paul reported them: On the same night he was betrayed the Lord Jesus took some bread, and thanked God for it and broke it, and said: ‘This is my body, which is for you: do this as a memorial of me.’ In the same way he took the cup after supper, and said, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Whenever you drink it, do this as a memorial of me.’ Until the Lord comes, therefore, every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are proclaiming his death. So the sacrifice is offered to proclaim the death of the Lord and to be a commemoration of him who laid down his life for us. He himself has said: A man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends. So, since Christ died for us, out of love, it follows that when we offer the sacrifice in commemoration of his death, we are asking for love to be given us by the coming of the Holy Spirit. We beg and we pray that just as through love Christ deigned to be crucified for us, so we may receive the grace of the Holy Spirit; and that by that grace the world should be a dead thing in our eyes and we should be dead to the world, crucified and dead. We pray that we should imitate the death of our Lord. Christ, when he died, died, once for all, to sin, so his life now is life with God. We pray, therefore, that in imitating the death of our Lord we should walk in newness of life, dead to sin and living for God. The love of God is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who has been sent to us. When we share in the Lord’s body and blood, when we eat his bread and drink his cup, this truly means that we die to the world and have our hidden life with Christ in God, crucifying our flesh and its weaknesses and its desires. Thus it is that all the faithful who love God and their neighbour drink the cup of the Lord’s love even if they do not drink the cup of bodily suffering. Soaked through with that drink, they mortify the flesh in which they walk this earth. Putting on the Lord Jesus Christ like a cloak, their desires are no longer those of the body. They do not contemplate what can be seen but what is invisible to the eyes. This is how the cup of the Lord is drunk when divine love is present; but without that love, you may even give your body to be burned and still it will do you no good. What the gift of love gives us is the chance to become in truth what we celebrate as a mystery in the sacrifice.

---

Concluding Prayer

Lord, may your grace go always before us and behind us:
 may it make us constantly eager to do good works.

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.

[annalex]

Lk 11:29-32
#	Douay-Rheims	Vulgate
29	And the multitudes running together, he began to say: This generation is a wicked generation. It asketh a sign: and a sign shall not be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.	turbis autem concurrentibus coepit dicere generatio haec generatio nequam est signum quaerit et signum non dabitur illi nisi signum Ionae
30	For as Jonas was a sign to the Ninivites; so shall the Son of man also be to this generation.	nam sicut Ionas fuit signum Ninevitis ita erit et Filius hominis generationi isti
31	The queen of the south shall rise in the judgment with the men of this generation and shall condemn them: because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon. And behold more than Solomon here.	regina austri surget in iudicio cum viris generationis huius et condemnabit illos quia venit a finibus terrae audire sapientiam Salomonis et ecce plus Salomone hic
32	The men of Ninive shall rise in the judgment with this generation and shall condemn it; Because they did penance at the preaching of Jonas. And behold more than Jonas here.	viri ninevitae surgent in iudicio cum generatione hac et condemnabunt illam quia paenitentiam egerunt ad praedicationem Ionae et ecce plus Iona hic

[annalex]

29. And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.
30. For as Jonas was a sign to the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation.
31. The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them; for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
32. The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.

BEDE; Our Lord had been assailed with two kinds of questions, for some accused Him of casting out devils through Beelzebub, to whom up to this point His answer was addressed; and others tempting Him, sought from Him a sign from heaven, and these He now proceeds to answer. As it follows, And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation, &c.

AMBROSE; That you may know that the people of the Synagogue are treated with dishonor, while the blessedness of the Church is increased. But as Jonas was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of man be to the Jews. Hence it is added, They seek a sign; and there shall no sign. be given them but the sign of Jonas the prophet.

BASIL; A sign is a thing brought openly to view, containing in itself the manifestation of something hidden, as the sign of Jonas represents the descent to hell, the ascension of Christ, and His resurrection from the dead. Hence it is added, For as Jonas was a sign to the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation. He gives them a sign, not from heaven, because they were unworthy to see it, but from the lowest depths of hell; a sign, namely, of His incarnation, not of His divinity; of His passion, not of His glorification.

AMBROSE; Now as the sign of Jonas is a type of our Lord's passion, so also is it a testimony of the grievous sins which the Jews have committed. We may remark at once both the mighty voice of warning, and the declaration of mercy. For by the example of the Ninevites both a punishment is denounced, and a remedy promised. Hence even the Jews ought not to despair of pardon, if they will but practice repentance.

THEOPHYL. Now Jonas after he came forth from the whale's belly converts the men of Nineveh by his preaching, but when Christ; rose again, the Jewish nation believed not. So there was a sentence already passed upon them, of which there follows a second example, as it is said, The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them.

BEDE; Not certainly by any authority to judge, but by the contrast of a better deed. As it follows, For she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, greater than Solomon is here. Here in this place is not the pronoun, but the adverb of place, that is, "there is one present among you who is incomparably superior to Solomon." He said not, "I am greater than Solomon," that he might teach us to be humble, though fruitful in spiritual graces. As if he said, "The barbarian woman hastened to hear Solomon, taking so long a journey to be instructed in the knowledge of visible living creatures, and the virtues of herbs. But you when you stand by and hear Wisdom herself teaching you invisible and heavenly things, and confirming her words with signs and wonders, are strangers to the word, and senselessly disregard the miracles."

BEDE; But if the queen of the South, who doubtless is of the elect, shall rise up in judgment together with the wicked, we have a proof of the one resurrection of all men, good as well as bad, and that not according to Jewish fables to happen a thousand years before the judgment, but at the judgment itself.

AMBROSE; Herein also while condemning the Jewish people, He strongly expresses the mystery of the Church, which in the queen of the South, through the desire of obtaining wisdom is gathered together from the uttermost parts of the whole earth, to hear the words of the Peacemaking Solomon; a queen plainly whose kingdom is undivided rising up from different and distant nations into one body.

GREG. NYSS.. Now as she was queen of the Ethiopians' and in a far distant country, so in the beginning the Church of the Gentiles was in darkness, and far off from the knowledge of God. But when Christ the Prince of peace shone forth, the Jews being still in darkness, thither came the Gentiles, and offered to Christ the frankincense of piety, the gold of divine knowledge, and precious stones, that is, obedience to His commands.

THEOPHYL. Or because the South is praised in Scripture as warm and life-giving, therefore the soul reigning in the south, that is, in all spiritual conversation, comes to hear the wisdom of Solomon, the Prince of peace, the Lord our God, (i.e. is raised up to contemplate Him,) to whom no one shall come except he reign in a good life. But He brings next an example from the Ninevites, saying, The men of Nineveh shall rise up in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it.

CHRYS. The judgment of condemnation comes from men like or unlike to those who are condemned. From like, for instance, as in the parable of the ten virgins, but from unlike, when the Ninevites condemn those who lived at the time of Christ, that so their condemnation might be the more remarkable. For the Ninevites indeed were barbarians, but these Jews. The one enjoying the prophetic teaching, the other having never received the divine word. To the former came a servant, to the latter the Master, of whom the one foretold destruction, the other preached the kingdom of heaven. To all men then was it known that the Jews ought rather to have believed, but the contrary happened; therefore he adds, For they repented at the preaching of Jonas, and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.

AMBROSE; Now in a mystery, the Church consists of two things, either ignorance of sin, which has reference mainly to the queen of the South, or ceasing to sin, which relates indeed to the repentant Ninevites. For repentance blots out the offense, wisdom guards against it.

AUG. Luke indeed relates this in the same place as Matthew, but in a somewhat different order. But who does not see that it is an idle question, in what order our Lord said those things, seeing that we ought to learn by the most precious authority of the Evangelist, that there is no falsehood. But not every man will repeat another's words in the same order in which they proceeded from his mouth, seeing that the order itself makes no difference with respect to the fact, whether it be so or not.

Catena Aurea Luke 11

[annalex]

Triptych of the Entombment

Maerten van Heemskerck

1559-60
Oil on oak, 220 x 149 cm (centre), 219 x 66 cm (wings)
Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts, Brussels

[annalex]

Maerten van Heemskerck probably produced this imposing triptych for a church in Delft. It is a mature work, and one of the artist's most accomplished paintings. The central panel represents the entombment according to a traditional pattern, with Christ's gnarled body, placed on a brilliant white winding cloth, taking up alone almost the entire foreground. It is supported by Joseph of Arimathea to the right and by Nicodemus and Mary Magdalene to the left. The Saviour's face is ghastly pale and carries the marks of the crown of thorns, that now lies at the foot of the tomb. However, the promise of his forthcoming resurrection figures on the bas-relief of the sarcophagus, which illustrates the story of Jonah, whose three days in the belly of the whale are considered as prefiguring Christ's three days in the tomb. Around the central group we find the usual protagonists, St John and the Virgin, Mary Salome and Mary Cleophas, to the far right, a servant carries a vase of perfume for embalming Christ's body. Their gestures are tense, their faces distorted with grief.

A similar sense of sadness marks their holy patrons Peter and Mary Magdalene who accompany the donors in prayer on the wings. The reverse sides of the wings are decorated with the majestic figures of the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah.

Source

[Salvation]

Catholic Culture

Daily Readings (on USCCB site):
» October 13, 2008
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Collect: Father, your love for us surpasses all our hopes and desires. Forgive our failings, keep us in your peace and lead us in the way of salvation. We ask 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.

« October 13, 2008 »

Monday of the Twenty Eighth Week of Ordinary Time
Old Calendar: St. Edward, king, confessor #cal_links li { padding: 0px; }

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St. Edward (1003-1066), called the Confessor, was the grandson of St. Edward, king and martyr, and became king of England at the age of forty-seven. As king he was noted for his gentleness, humility, detachment and angelic purity. He preserved perfect chastity in his wedded life. So little was his heart set on riches that he freely dispensed his goods at the palace gate to the sick and poor. His reign was one of almost continuous peace. The people were prosperous and ruined churches were rebuilt. All spoke affectionately of the wise measures of the "good King Edward." Before the reform of the General Roman Calendar today was his feast.

Also today in Fatima in 1917, the marvelous miracle of the sun took place in the sky before 70,000 witnesses.

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St. Edward
Edward, the last king of the Anglo-Saxons, a grandson of the martyr-king Edward, passed his youth in exile with his uncle, a Norman leader. In an environment of sin he preserved innocence of life. Called to the throne of England in 1042, he sought to put into practice the Christian ideals for a ruler, with the help of God's grace. His first efforts were directed toward a renewal of religion in the hearts of his people. Priests were invited into his kingdom, churches were built. Yielding to pressure, he married, but is said to have retained virginity during his whole married life.

His favorite saint was St. John the Evangelist; he would not deny any request asked in his name. One day the Beloved Disciple appeared to him in the form of a beggar and asked alms in the name of the fourth evangelist; as Edward had no ready money, he gave up the ring on his finger. Shortly thereafter St. John returned the ring with the message that his death was near. The king ordered public prayers to be said for himself and died in the Lord on the day foretold, January 5, 1066.

Excerpted from The Church's Year of Grace, Pius Parsch.

Patron: Difficult marriages; kings; separated spouses.

Symbols: Elderly king offering a ring or coin to Saint John who is disguised as a beggar; ring in his hand; scepter surmounted by a dove; purse; St. John's Gospel; sealed scroll; crown; ring.

Things to Do:

• Find out more about England and Europe during the time of St. Edward's life, particularly the Norman invasion.

• Imitating St. Edward, we need to reach out to the needy, both spiritually and physically.

• This holy king esteemed purity and innocence. His favorite saint was the virgin-disciple of the Lord. His body remained wholly incorrupt. Say a Hail Mary everyday for the virtue of purity.

• Learn the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy, and put them into practice. St. Edward lived these daily.

[Salvation]

St. Edward the Confessor, 1042-1065, (Catholic, Anglican Caucus)

[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.

---

A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.

Psalm 89 (90)

Let the Lord's glory shine upon us

Lord, you have been our refuge
 from generation to generation.
Before the mountains were born,
 before earth and heaven were conceived,
 from all time to all time, you are God.

You turn men into dust,
 you say to them “go back, children of men.”
A thousand years in your sight
 are like yesterday, that has passed;
 like a short watch in the night.

When you take them away, they will be nothing but a dream;
 like the grass that sprouts in the morning:
in the morning it grows and flowers,
 in the evening it withers and dries.

For we are made weak by your anger,
 thrown into confusion by your wrath.
You have gazed upon our transgressions;
 the light of your face illuminates our secrets.

All our days vanish in your anger,
 we use up our years in a single breath.
Seventy years are what we have,
 or eighty for the stronger ones;
and most of that is labour and sadness –
 quickly they pass, and we are gone.
Who can comprehend the power of your wrath?
 Who can behold the violence of your anger?
Teach us to reckon our days like this,
 so that our hearts may be led at last to wisdom.

Turn to us, Lord, how long must we wait?
 Let your servants call on you and be answered.
Fill us with your kindness in the morning,
 and we shall rejoice and be glad all the days of our life.
Give us joy for as long as you afflicted us,
 for all the years when we suffered.

Let your servants see your great works,
 and let their children see your glory.
Let the glory of the Lord God be upon us:
 make firm the work of your hands.
 Make firm the work of your hands.

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.

---

Canticle	Isaiah 42
God, the victor and saviour
Sing a new song to the Lord:  sing his praise from the ends of the earth. Praise him, who go down to the sea;  and all that are in the sea,  islands and their inhabitants. Let the desert rejoice,  and the cities of the desert,  the villages where the people of Kedar live. Let those who dwell in Petra rejoice,  and cry out from the mountain-tops. Let them give glory to the Lord,  and proclaim his praise among the islands. The Lord will go forth like a warrior,  like a man of war he will stir up zeal;  he will shout and cry out;  he will prevail against his foes. “I have always been silent,  I have kept silence and waited; but now I shall cry out like a woman in labour,  I shall groan and tremble. I shall lay waste the mountains and hills,  I shall wither their grass, I shall turn rivers into deserts,  I shall dry up the marshes. I shall lead the blind along a way they do not know;  in paths unknown to them I shall make them walk. I shall make the darkness that is around them into light. I shall make crooked things straight.” 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 134 (135)

Praise the Lord, the wonder-worker

Praise the name of the Lord:
 praise it, servants of the Lord,
you who stand in the house of the Lord,
 in the courts of the house of our God.

Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good;
 sing to his name, for it brings happiness.
For the Lord chose Jacob for his own,
 he chose Israel for his possession.

I know how great is the Lord,
 how great is our God above all gods.
The Lord accomplishes all that he wills,
 in the heavens and on the earth,
 in the sea and the depths of the oceans.
He brings in clouds from the ends of the earth,
 makes lightning for the rain-clouds,
 from his storehouse he calls forth the winds.

He struck down the first-born of Egypt,
 of man and of beast alike.
He sent signs and wonders among them,
 to Pharaoh and all his servants.
He shattered nation after nation,
 killed powerful kings:
Sihon, king of the Amorites,
 Og, the king of Bashan,
 all the kingdoms of Canaan.
He gave their lands as a birthright,
 as a birthright for Israel his people.

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	Judith 8:25 - 27 ©
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God who, as he tested our ancestors, is now testing us. Remember how he treated Abraham, all the ordeals of Isaac and all that happened to Jacob. For as these ordeals were intended by him to search their hearts, so now this is not vengeance that God exacts against us, but a warning inflicted by the Lord on those who are near his heart.

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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

?

Let us cry out to Christ, who hears the prayers of those who hope in him: - Lord, we praise you; in you we hope. Lord, you are rich in compassion: we thank you for the enormous love you have shown us. United with the Father you govern and conserve the world: renew all things by the power of the Holy Spirit. Open our eyes today: make us perceive your wonders. Today you are calling us to serve you: may your grace shine through all that we do for our brethren.

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.

O God, you have made us guardians and cultivators of the earth, you have sent the sun to shine on us and help us.
 Grant that today we may work for your glory
 and for the good of our neighbour.

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.

---

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: Luke 11:29-32

As Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. (Luke 11:30)

What is this “sign of Jonah”? It is a sign of repentance. Jonah was called to preach to the Ninevites, and when he did, they put on sackcloth and ashes as a sign of their turning away from sin. But Jonah didn’t go to Nineveh right away. He tried to run from God’s call, and it took a storm at sea and a three-day sojourn in the belly of a huge fish to bring him around. In other words, Jonah himself is a sign of repentance.

We all have a pretty good idea of what it means to repent, but how good are we at actually repenting or confessing our sins? No one likes to admit their faults, let alone say they’re sorry. It goes against our nature, it seems. But perhaps a few words from one of our great saints can help us out.

In her Autobiography, St. Teresa of Avila wrote: “If a person has Christ Jesus with him as a friend and loving guide, he can put up with anything” (chapter 22). That “anything” includes the humility and honesty needed for repentance. Jesus is a faithful friend. He is always with us, even when we try to turn away from him by sinning. He never abandons us, and he wants to give us the grace to turn back to him. Teresa continued: “What more can we want than to have so loyal a friend at our side?”

It may sound odd at first, but Jesus is with us even when we aren’t “with” him. We tend to think that he blesses us only when we are right with him. But he knows we need his help even more when we have wandered away—and he is more than ready to pour out his grace! So don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask him to help you to repent. He is committed to you for life, and he will always answer when you call—even if it is “out of the depths” of sin and disobedience (Psalm 130:1).

“Thank you, Jesus, for your faithfulness—even when I wander into darkness. By your Spirit, give me a heart of repentance, so that I can always stay close to you.”


Galatians 4:22-27,31–5:1;
Psalm 113:1-7

[Salvation]

Vultus Christi

Happy Namesday, Most Reverend Father!

By

Father Mark

on October 13, 2008 7:48 AM

Our Bishop's Namesday

Today, the feast of Saint Edward the Confessor, is the namesday of His Excellency, The Most Reverend Edward J. Slattery, Bishop of Tulsa. And so, we pray for him, using the traditional Roman supplication for a bishop, sometimes sung at Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. The chant melody for it may be found in the Liber Usualis or in any number of collections of chants for Benediction.

Oremus pro Antistite nostro Eduardo.
R. Stet et pascat in fortitudine tua, Domine, in sublimitate nominis tui.

Let us pray for our Bishop Edward.
R. May he stand and shepherd in Thy strength, O Lord, in the sublimity of Thy name

V. Salvum fac servum tuum.
R. Deus meus sperantem in te.

V. Save thy servant.
R. Who hopeth in Thee, O my God.

Oremus.

Deus, omnium fidelium pastor et rector,
famulum tuum Eduardum, quem pastorem Ecclesiae Tulsensis praesse voluisti,
propitus respice:
da ei, quaesumus, verbo et exemplo, quibus preest proficere;
ut ad vitam una cum grege sibi credito perveniat sempiternam.
Per Christum Dominum nostrum.
R. Amen.

Let us pray.

O God, Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people,
look mercifully upon Thy servant Edward,
whom Thou hast chosen as shepherd to preside over Thy Church in Tulsa;
grant him, we beseech Thee, that by his word and example,
he may edify those over whom he hath charge,
so that together with the flock committed to him,
he may he attain everlasting life.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

[Salvation]

Vultus Christi -- The Gentle-Hearted King

http://vultus.stblogs.org/

The Gentle-Hearted King

By

Father Mark

on October 13, 2008 8:19 AM

From the Lesson at Matins:

He Began With the Things of Religion

Edward greatly loved God, and was gentle-hearted, and free from any lust for power. He took the kingdom in the year 1042, being then about forty years old. Thereupon he set himself to repair the breaches which wars had made, and began with the things of God, being desirous that religion should rise from the low estate whereinto it had fallen.

Father of Orphans

Because of the abundance of his charity he was styled everywhere The Father of Orphans and Parent of the Poor, and he was never happier than when he had spent upon the needy the whole of his kingly treasures.

The Friendship of Saint John

He had a wonderful love toward John the Evangelist, so that he was used never to refuse anything for the which he was asked in that Saint's name. Concerning this a marvelous tale is wont to be told. It is said that the Evangelist appeared to him once while in tattered raiment, and in his own name asked him for an alms. It befell that the King had no money, wherefore he took a ring from off his finger and gifted him therewith.

Repose in the Lord

Not long afterward the Evangelist sent the same ring back to him by a pilgrim, with a message concerning his death, which was then at hand. The King therefore commanded that prayers should be made for him, and then fell blessedly asleep in the Lord, upon the very day which had been foretold to him by the Evangelist, that is to say, on January 5th, in 1066.

Westminster Abbey

In 1161 he was canonized, and on October 13th, two years later, his body, which was said to have been found incorrupt, was by Saint Thomas Becket translated to Westminster Abbey, where it is still enshrined behind the high altar.

[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.

---

A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.

Psalm 135 (136)

A paschal hymn

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
 for his love is for ever.
Give thanks to the God of gods,
 for his love is for ever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
 for his love is for ever.

He alone works wonders,
 for his love is for ever.
In his wisdom he made the heavens,
 for his love is for ever.
He set the Earth upon the waters,
 for his love is for ever.
He created the great lights,
 for his love is for ever.
The sun, to rule over the day,
 for his love is for ever.
The moon and stars, to rule over the night,
 for his love is 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.

---

Psalm 135 (136)

He struck down the first-born of Egypt,
 for his love is for ever.
He led Israel out from their midst,
 for his love is for ever.
With a strong hand and an outstretched arm,
 for his love is for ever.

He divided the Red Sea in two,
 for his love is for ever.
He led Israel out through the sea,
 for his love is for ever.
He overthrew Pharaoh and his army,
 for his love is for ever.

He led his people through the wilderness,
 for his love is for ever.
He struck down great kings,
 for his love is for ever.
Sihon, king of the Amorites,
 for his love is for ever.
And Og, the king of Bashan,
 for his love is for ever.

He gave their land to his people,
 for his love is for ever.
A heritage for Israel his servant,
 for his love is for ever.

He remembered us in our affliction,
 for his love is for ever.
He rescued us from our enemies,
 for his love is for ever.
He gives food to all creatures that live,
 for his love is for ever.

Give thanks to the God of heaven,
 for his love is 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.

---

Canticle	Ephesians 1
God the Saviour
Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us, in Christ, with every spiritual blessing in heaven. In love, he chose us before the creation of the world, to be holy and spotless in his sight. He predestined us to be his adopted children through Jesus Christ, simply because it pleased him to do so. This he did for the praise of the glory of his grace, of his free gift of us in his Beloved, in whose blood we have gained redemption, and the forgiveness of our sins. This he did according to the riches of his grace, which he gave us in abundance, with all wisdom and discernment, revealing to us the mysteries of his will, because it pleased him to do so. In this action he has planned, in the fulfilment of time, to bring all things together in Christ, from the heavens and from the earth. 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 Thessalonians 3:12 - 13 ©
May the Lord be generous in increasing your love and make you love one another and the whole human race as much as we love you. And may he so confirm your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless in the sight of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus Christ comes with all his saints.

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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

?

Let us pray humbly to Jesus, who does not abandon those who hope in him: - Jesus our God, hear us. Christ our Lord, fill your Church with your light: make her preach you to the nations, the deep mystery of our religion made visible in the flesh. Help the priests and ministers of the Church: as they have preached to others, so may they themselves be faithful in your service. By shedding your blood you brought peace to the world: keep us free from the sin of discord and the scourge of war. Give married couples an abundance of your grace to make them a more perfect symbol of your marriage with your Church. Grant all the dead forgiveness of their sins: in your mercy bring them to new life with the saints.

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.

Stay with us, Lord Jesus, for dusk is falling.
 Accompany us on our road, revive our hearts, take pity on us and fill us with hope,
 so that with our brethren we may recognise you in the Scriptures and in the breaking of bread.

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]

Regnum Christi

The Queen, the Ninevites and Me
October 13, 2008

| SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY

Monday of the Twenty-Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Father Daniel Ray, LC

Luke 11: 29-32

While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, "This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here."

 

Introductory Prayer: Lord, I believe that you are present here as I turn to you in prayer. I trust and have confidence in your desire to give me every grace I need to receive today. Thank you for your love, thank you for your immense generosity toward me. I give you my life and my love in return.

Petition:Lord, help me to recognize the signs of your presence in my life.

1. Three Days in the Fish When Jonah is swallowed by the whale, the writer of the book of Jonah doesn’t have in mind that Jonah is swimming around inside the whale waiting for his three-day’s imprisonment to be over. Jonah is dead, and when he is spit out onto the shore, he comes to life again. This is the only sign that Christ promises to his listeners who seek a sign. Christ will be seen by them as truly dead, swallowed by the tomb of the earth. Then, after three days, he will come to life again in the Resurrection. As Jonah preached conversion to the Ninevites after coming back from the dead, so Christ would bring conversion and peace to some of the very ones who abandoned him or cried out for his crucifixion. Even in rebuking the “evil generation”, Christ promises them a sign that will bring hope to any of them who—like the Ninevites—later repents. If later in life they realize their evilness, Christ himself will be there to guide them back to friendship with his Father.

2. Even the Queen Came Christ is reminding his unbelieving listeners that the Queen of Sheba traveled from afar to hear Solomon’s wisdom. The distance from the Kingdom of Sheba in southern Arabia to Jerusalem would have taken weeks to traverse. It would have been an exhausting and expensive journey, especially considering the entourage that would have accompanied the Queen. She recognized the gift of God in him and relished the pearls of divine wisdom that he shared with her. We need to reflect on how often we avail ourselves of all that God offers us that is not weeks’ journey away—but just a few miles away: Christ in the Eucharist. Closer still, the Bible on the shelf is filled with Christ’s message of love. All this is within easy reach and is much more than anything Solomon could share with us.

3. Greater than Jonah The whale was greater than Jonah. It swallowed him whole. Yet that violent death and subsequent resurrection was the key moment in Jonah’s life and mission. It was necessary not only for Jonah’s own salvation (he had been running from God), but it also was necessary for the salvation of the whole city of Nineveh. Christ makes this reference to Jonah as a forewarning to his listeners: He is greater than Jonah. He is greater than the death that would swallow him. This should inspire our faith and confidence in Christ. There is nothing greater than him. There is no greater prophet; no greater event can consume him. All things are under his dominion except one: our free will. That he doesn’t force; that he doesn’t conquer. He leaves it perfectly intact, so that we might respond freely to his call to ongoing conversion, just like the citizens of Nineveh.

Conversation with Christ:Lord Jesus, the sign of love that you give is your willingness to die a cruel and humiliating death. Yet that is not everything: You give me your Word in the Gospel. You give me your Body and Blood in the Eucharist. You give me your forgiveness in confession. Help me to appreciate these great gifts and to make the most of every opportunity to receive them.

Resolution:At some point today I will offer a prayer of thanksgiving, thanking Christ for the blessings received over the past few days.

[Salvation]

Homily of the Day

He Died to Set You Free!

October 13th, 2008 by Monsignor Dennis Clark, Ph.D.

Gal 4:22-24, 26-27, 31-5:1 / Lk 11:29-32

We Americans put an extremely high value on our freedom, though exactly what we mean by freedom sometimes gets thoroughly confused. For example, the whole sick idea of abortion on demand, no matter what the circumstances and no matter how advanced the pregnancy, has been sold to too many people as a freedom issue: Choice.

What a terrible distortion of such an important value. The fact of the matter is that legitimate freedom has its limits. We are not free to lie, cheat, steal, or murder. And mature people both see those limits and respect them.

The freedom of God’s children, of which St Paul speaks so often is on an entirely different level. It consists in our liberation by Christ from the tyranny of sin and death. We all still have to die, but because of Jesus death has no final grasp on us. We all still stumble into sin, but because of Jesus sin is no longer the defining element in our lives.

It’s a valuable exercise to ask ourselves what elements in our lives may be depriving us of the freedom that God wants for us. What fears, grievances, habits, and hates are standing in the way of our being the peaceful and happy people that God wants us to be? There’s no better strategy than to name them, claim them as our own, feel them, and then with the grace of the Spirit surrender them to the Lord.

Be truly free! That’s what Jesus died for!

[Salvation]

One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

 

<< Monday, October 13, 2008 >>

Saint of the Day

Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31—5:1
View Readings

Psalm 113

Luke 11:29-32

SIGN LANGUAGE

"No sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah." —Luke 11:29

 

In today's Gospel, Jesus was likely speaking to Jews, believers in God (see Lk 11:37). Jesus' message for his believing hearers was that they would be given only the sign of Jonah (Lk 11:29), who was "buried" for three days and then "rose" to new life. Since Jesus' hearers couldn't have imagined Jesus' impending death and resurrection, the meaning of the sign would likely have been that the worst sinners are capable of unimaginable repentance. Jesus wanted the believing Jews to know that repentant pagans and sinners would be entering the Kingdom of God, even before they would (see Mt 21:31).

Therefore, because of such a great sign, we believers should:

• Reform our lives, as the kingdom of God is here (Mk 1:15). The Ninevites "believed God" and repented deeply (Jon 3:5). The believing Jews grew angry when they heard the pagans accepted God (Lk 4:27-28ff; Jon 4:1ff). We also can miss the sign if we fail to repent and change our lives.
• Seek wisdom (Prv 4:7). As the pagan queen of the South traveled great distances at great expense (1 Kgs 10:1ff), so should we spare no expense to seek wisdom now (Jas 1:5; Mt 2:1ff), lest we fall away from God (1 Cor 10:12).
• Spread the good news to nonbelievers, who will receive it (Acts 28:28).

Heed the sign of Jonah. Repent; humbly seek God's wisdom; evangelize. Enter the Kingdom of God.

 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, grant me the grace to "read the signs of the times" and act according to Your will (Mt 16:3).

Promise: "It was for liberty that Christ freed us." —Gal 5:1

Praise: Peter seeks out the signs instituted by Christ, the sacraments, in order to seek wisdom and strength to spread the gospel.

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 85 (86)

A poor man's prayer in time of trouble

Lord God, you are full of mercies, patient and true.

Turn your ear to me, Lord, and hear me,
 for I am poor and destitute.
Keep my life safe, for I am faithful;
 O God, save your servant, who trusts in you.

Take pity upon me, O Lord,
 for I call to you all the day long.
Make your servant’s heart glad,
 for to you, O Lord, I have raised it.
For you, Lord, are gentle and mild:
 you are kind to all those who call on you.

Let your ears hear my prayer, O Lord!
 Turn to the voice of my pleading!
In my time of trouble I call on you,
 for you, O Lord, will hear me.

No other god is like you, O Lord,
 and nothing compares with your works.
All people – all nations you made –
 will come and worship before you;
 they will give glory to your name.
For you are great, you work wonders:
 you alone are God.

O Lord, teach me your paths,
 and I will come to your truth.
Make my heart simple and guileless,
 so that it honours your name.
I will proclaim you, Lord my God,
 and give you praise with all my heart.
I will give glory to your name for ever,
 for your great kindness is upon me:
 you have rescued me from the deepest depths.

O God, the proud rise against me,
 in the meetings of the powerful they seek my life:
 they do not keep you in their sight.
And you, Lord, are a God of compassion,
 full of mercies, patient and true.
Look upon me, have mercy upon me,
 give your strength and protection to your servant
 your servant, the child of your handmaid.

Give me a sign of your goodness,
 let my enemies see it and be confounded;
because you, O Lord, have helped me and given me comfort.

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 God, you are full of mercies, patient and true.

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Reading	1 Thessalonians 5:9-10
God chose that we should receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us; so that, asleep or awake, we should still live with him.

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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. Give our bodies rest, Lord, to restore them; and let the seeds sown by our labours today grow and