Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 11-27-09

USCCB.org/New American Bible ^ | 11-27-09 | New American Bible

[Salvation]

November 27, 2009

Friday of the Thirty-fourth Week                                 in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 Responsorial Psalm Gospel

Reading 1
Dn 7:2-14

In a vision I, Daniel, saw during the night,
the four winds of heaven stirred up the great sea,
from which emerged four immense beasts,
each different from the others.
The first was like a lion, but with eagle’s wings.
While I watched, the wings were plucked;
it was raised from the ground to stand on two feet
like a man, and given a human mind.
The second was like a bear; it was raised up on one side,
and among the teeth in its mouth were three tusks.
It was given the order, “Up, devour much flesh.”
After this I looked and saw another beast, like a leopard;
on its back were four wings like those of a bird,
and it had four heads.
To this beast dominion was given.
After this, in the visions of the night I saw the fourth beast,
different from all the others,
terrifying, horrible, and of extraordinary strength;
it had great iron teeth with which it devoured and crushed,
and what was left it trampled with its feet.
I was considering the ten horns it had,
when suddenly another, a little horn, sprang out of their midst,
and three of the previous horns were torn away to make room for it.
This horn had eyes like a man,
and a mouth that spoke arrogantly.
As I watched,

Thrones were set up
and the Ancient One took his throne.
His clothing was snow bright,
and the hair on his head as white as wool;
His throne was flames of fire,
with wheels of burning fire.
A surging stream of fire
flowed out from where he sat;
Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him,
and myriads upon myriads attended him.

The court was convened, and the books were opened.
I watched, then, from the first of the arrogant words
which the horn spoke, until the beast was slain
and its body thrown into the fire to be burnt up.
The other beasts, which also lost their dominion,
were granted a prolongation of life for a time and a season.
As the visions during the night continued, I saw

One like a son of man coming,
on the clouds of heaven;
When he reached the Ancient One
and was presented before him,
He received dominion, glory, and kingship;
nations and peoples of every language serve him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that shall not be taken away,
his kingship shall not be destroyed.

Responsorial Psalm
Daniel 3:75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81

R. Give glory and eternal praise to him!
“Mountains and hills, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.”
R.        Give glory and eternal praise to him!
“Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.
R.        Give glory and eternal praise to him!”
“You springs, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.”
R.        Give glory and eternal praise to him!
“Seas and rivers, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.”
R.        Give glory and eternal praise to him!
“You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.”
R.        Give glory and eternal praise to him!
“All you birds of the air, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.”
R.        Give glory and eternal praise to him!
“All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.”
R.        Give glory and eternal praise to him!

Gospel
Lk 21:29-33

Jesus told his disciples a parable.
“Consider the fig tree and all the other trees.
When their buds burst open,
you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near;
in the same way, when you see these things happening,
know that the Kingdom of God is near.
Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away
until all these things have taken place.
Heaven and earth will pass away,
but my words will not pass away.”

[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.

[Salvation]

On Praying for Priests (Thoughts from St. Thérèse of Lisieux)
The Priesthood and the Mass
Vatican Aide: Priest Vocations Up in 20 Countries (England and Wales among them)
The Experience of ‘The Call’ (Discerning a Call to the Priesthood or Religious Life)

Priesthood Sunday - October 25, 2009
Health Care Council Letter to Priests, "A Priest at the Bedside of a Sick Person Represents Christ"
A Vocation to Be a Priest?
Do You Appreciate Your Priest? (with a touch of humor)
In India, Holy Orders

A priest’s chalice
Christ for Us: The Year for Priests [Catholic/Orthodox Caucus]
On Mary, Mother of Priests
Bishop Olmsted on the Devil and John Vianney
Catholic Caucus: Prayer for Our Priests (Year of the Priest)

Benedict reflects on Mary and the priesthood [Catholic Caucus]
The Priesthood — A Priceless Gift
Forming Those Who Form Priests: The Gift of Purity of Heart
Spiritual Mothers of Priests: Your Questions [Year of the Priest]
Eucharistic Season in the Year of the Priesthood

Pope's Address at Audience With New Archbishops: "Carry Deeply in Your Hearts Your Priests"
No Matter What, He Always "Acts Like a Priest" [Ecumenical]
On Priestly Identity
What Can I Do For the Year of the Priest?
The Rosary for the Year of the Priest [Catholic Caucus]

Pope Notes His Goal for Year for Priests
On the Year for Priests
WHY A YEAR FOR PRIESTS?
Curé d'Ars: Model Priest [Year of the Priest]
ZENIT Launches Column on Priesthood

[Justin] Cardinal Rigali on the Year for Priests
Church Being Given Chance to Rediscover Priesthood [Year of the Priest]
Celebrating the Year of the Priesthood
St. John Vianney's Pastoral Plan
LETTER OF HIS HOLINESS POPE BENEDICT XVI PROCLAIMING A YEAR FOR PRIESTS [Catholic Caucus]

Year of the Priest Letter (Media immediately scrutinize its contents for controversy)
Year of the Priest [Catholic Caucus]
The Year for Priests [Catholic Caucus]
Year of the Priest Begins Friday
U.S. bishops launch website for Year for Priests

[Salvation]

 

Jesus. High Priest

 

The Year of the Priest

We thank you, God our Father, for those who have responded to your call to priestly ministry.

Accept this prayer we offer on their behalf: Fill your priests with the sure knowledge of your love.

Open their hearts to the power and consolation of the Holy Spirit.

Lead them to new depths of union with your Son.

Increase in them profound faith in the Sacraments they celebrate as they nourish, strengthen and heal us.

Lord Jesus Christ, grant that these, your priests, may inspire us to strive for holiness by the power of their example, as men of prayer who ponder your word and follow your will.

O Mary, Mother of Christ and our mother, guard with your maternal care these chosen ones, so dear to the Heart of your Son.

Intercede for our priests, that offering the Sacrifice of your Son, they may be conformed more each day to the image of your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Saint John Vianney, universal patron of priests, pray for us and our priests

[Salvation]

Pray a Rosary each day for our nation.

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

2.  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.

3.  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.

4. (3) 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)

5. 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.

Fatima Prayer: Oh, my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of your mercy.

Announce each mystery, then say 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory Be and 1 Fatima prayer.  Repeat the process with each mystery.

End with the Hail Holy Queen:

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve! To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears! Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us; and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus!

O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Final step -- The Sign of the Cross

 

The Mysteries of the Rosary

By tradition, Catholics meditate on these Mysteries during prayers of the Rosary.
The biblical references follow each of the Mysteries below.

[Salvation]

The Sorrowful Mysteries
(Tuesdays and Fridays)
1. The Agony in the Garden (Matthew 26:36-46, Luke 22:39-46) [Spiritual fruit - God's will be done]
2. The Scourging at the Pillar (Matthew 27:26, Mark 15:15, John 19:1) [Spiritual fruit - Mortification of the senses]
3. The Crowning with Thorns (Matthew 27:27-30, Mark 15:16-20, John 19:2) [Spiritual fruit - Reign of Christ in our heart]
4. The Carrying of the Cross (Matthew 27:31-32, Mark 15:21, Luke 23:26-32, John 19:17) [Spiritual fruit - Patient bearing of trials]
5. The Crucifixion (Matthew 27:33-56, Mark 15:22-39, Luke 23:33-49, John 19:17-37) [Spiritual fruit - Pardoning of Injuries]

[Salvation]

~ PRAYER ~

St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle
 Be our protection against the wickedness
and snares of the devil;
May God rebuke him, we  humbly pray,
 and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host,
 by the power of God,
 Cast into hell Satan and all evil spirits
who prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls.
 Amen
+

[Salvation]

Prayer Campaign Started to Convert Pro-Abortion Catholic Politicians to Pro-Life

[Catholic Caucus] One Million Rosaries

From an Obama bumper sticker on a car:

"Pray for Obama.  Psalm 109:8"

Psalm 109:8

    "Let his days be few; and let another take his place of leadership."

[Salvation]

November Devotion: The Holy Souls in Purgatory

Since the 16th century Catholic piety has assigned entire months to special devotions. As a reminder of our duty to pray for the suffering faithful in Purgatory, the Church has dedicated the month of November to the Holy Souls. The Holy Souls are those who have died in the state of grace but who are not yet free from all punishment due to their unforgiven venial sins and all other sins already forgiven for which satisfaction is still to be made. They are certain of entering Heaven, but first they must suffer in Purgatory. The Holy Souls cannot help themselves because for them the night has come, when no man can work (John 9:4). It is our great privilege of brotherhood that we can shorten their time of separation from God by our prayers, good works, and, especially, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

INVOCATION Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

FOR THE SOULS IN PURGATORY My Jesus, by the sorrows Thou didst suffer in Thine agony in the Garden, in Thy scourging and crowning with thorns, in the way to Calvary, in Thy crucifixion and death, have mercy on the souls in purgatory, and especially on those that are most forsaken; do Thou deliver them from the dire torments they endure; call them and admit them to Thy most sweet embrace in paradise. Our Father, Hail Mary, Eternal rest, etc.

FOR ALL THE DECEASED By Thy resurrection from the dead, O Christ, death no longer hath dominion over those who die in holiness. So, we beseech Thee, give rest to Thy servants in Thy sanctuary and in Abraham's bosom. Grant it to those, who from Adam until now have adored Thee with purity, to our fathers and brothers, to our kinsmen and friends, to all men who have lived by faith and passed on their road to Thee, by a thousand ways, and in all conditions, and make them worthy of the heavenly kingdom. Byzantine Liturgy

DE PROFUNDIS The psalmist is crying out here from the depression that grips him because of his sense of sin. He tells God that no man could be forgiven should strict justice be demanded; but, since God is forgiving and merciful, the psalmist (Israel) will hope for redemption from iniquities. We, who know the mercy of God far better than the g Israelites, may pray this psalm with even greater trust in God. The Church uses this psalm in the liturgy as her official prayer for the souls in Purgatory. Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord; Lord, hear my, voice! Let Your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication: If You, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand? But with You is forgiveness, that You may be revered. I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in His word. My soul waits for the Lord more than sentinels wait for the dawn. More than sentinels wait for the dawn, let Israel wait for the Lord, For with the Lord is kindness and with Him is plenteous redemption; And He will redeem Israel from all their iniquities. Psalm 130

THE MISERERE This psalm is a marvelous act of contrition, confession, and supplication by a repentant sinner. It was composed by David after his sin with Bethsabee. In reparation David promises to lead others back to God by telling them of the ways of divine justice. Instead of offering God an external sacrifice which he knows He will not accept, he offers instead the sacrifice of a contrite and humble heart, a sacrifice that will always be most pleasing in the eyes of God. Have mercy on me, 0 God, in Your goodness; in the greatness of Your compassion wipe out my offense. Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me. For I acknowledge my offense, and my sin is before me always: "Against You only have I sinned, and done what is evil in Your sight"-- That You may be justified in Your sentence, vindicated when You condemn. Indeed, in guilt was I born, and in sin my mother conceived me; Behold, You are pleased with sincerity of heart, and in my inmost being You teach me wisdom. Cleanse me of sin with hyssop, that I may be purified; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear the sounds of joy and gladness; the bones You have crushed shall rejoice. Turn away Your face from my sins, and blot out all my guilt. A clean heart create for me, 0 God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. Cast me not out from Your presence, and Your holy spirit take not from me. Give me back the joy of Your salvation, and a willing spirit sustain in me. I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall return to You. Free me from blood guilt, 0 God, my saving God; then my tongue shall revel in Your justice. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim Your praise. For You are not pleased with sacrifices; should I offer a holocaust, You would not accept it. My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit; a heart contrite and humbled, 0 God, You will not spurn. Be bountiful, O Lord, to Sion in Your kindness by rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem; Then shall You be pleased with due sacrifices, burnt offerings and holocausts; then shall they offer up bullocks on Your altar. Psalm 50

FOR THE SOULS IN PURGATORY O Lord, who art ever merciful and bounteous with Thy gifts, look down upon the suffering souls in purgatory. Remember not their offenses and negligences, but be mindful of Thy loving mercy, which is from all eternity. Cleanse them of their sins and fulfill their ardent desires that they may be made worthy to behold Thee face to face in Thy glory. May they soon be united with Thee and hear those blessed words which will call them to their heavenly home: "Come, blessed of My Father, take possession of the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."

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

 

 Repeat these prayers every seven days during the month of November for the Poor Souls in Purgatory

SUNDAY

O Lord God omnipotent, I beseech You by the Precious Blood, which Your divine Son Jesus shed in the Garden, deliver the souls in purgatory, and especially that one which is the most forsaken of all, and bring it into Your glory, where it may praise and bless You for ever.    Amen.

Say here:  one Our Father and one Hail Mary

CONCLUDING PRAYERS

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them.  May they rest in peace.    Amen.

Merciful Father, hear our prayers and console us.   As we renew our faith in Your Son, whom You raised from the dead, strengthen our hope that all our departed brothers and sisters will share in His resurrection, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.    Amen.

 

MONDAY

O Lord God omnipotent, I beseech You by the Precious Blood, which Your divine Son Jesus shed in His cruel scourging, deliver the souls in purgatory, and among them all, especially that soul which is nearest to its entrance into Your glory, that it may soon begin to praise You and bless You for ever.    Amen.

Say here:  one Our Father and one Hail Mary

CONCLUDING PRAYERS

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them.  May they rest in peace.    Amen.

Merciful Father, hear our prayers and console us.   As we renew our faith in Your Son, whom You raised from the dead, strengthen our hope that all our departed brothers and sisters will share in His resurrection, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.    Amen.

 

TUESDAY

O Lord God omnipotent, I beseech You by the Precious Blood of Your divine Son Jesus that was shed in His bitter crowning with thorns, deliver the souls in purgatory, and among them all, particularly that soul which is in the greatest need of our prayers, in order that it may not long be delayed in praising You in Your glory and blessing You for ever.    Amen.

Say here:  one Our Father and one Hail Mary

CONCLUDING PRAYERS

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them.  May they rest in peace.    Amen.

Merciful Father, hear our prayers and console us.   As we renew our faith in Your Son, whom You raised from the dead, strengthen our hope that all our departed brothers and sisters will share in His resurrection, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.    Amen.

 

WEDNESDAY

O Lord God omnipotent, I beseech You by the Precious Blood of Your divine Son Jesus that was shed in the streets of Jerusalem while He carried on His sacred shoulders the heavy burden of the Cross, deliver the souls in purgatory and especially that one which is richest in merits in Your sight, so that, having soon attained the high place in glory to which it is destined, it may praise You triumphantly and bless You for ever.    Amen

Say here:  one Our Father and one Hail Mary

CONCLUDING PRAYERS

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them.  May they rest in peace.    Amen.

Merciful Father, hear our prayers and console us.   As we renew our faith in Your Son, whom You raised from the dead, strengthen our hope that all our departed brothers and sisters will share in His resurrection, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.    Amen.

 

THURSDAY

O Lord God omnipotent, I beseech You by the Precious Body and Blood of Your divine Son Jesus, which He Himself on the night before His Passion gave as meat and drink to His beloved Apostles and bequeathed to His Holy Church to be the perpetual Sacrifice and life-giving nourishment of His faithful people, deliver the souls in purgatory, but most of all, that soul which was most devoted to this Mystery of infinite love, in order that it may praise You therefore, together with Your divine Son and the Holy Spirit in Your glory for ever.    Amen.

Say here:  one Our Father and one Hail Mary

CONCLUDING PRAYERS

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them.  May they rest in peace.    Amen.

Merciful Father, hear our prayers and console us.   As we renew our faith in Your Son, whom You raised from the dead, strengthen our hope that all our departed brothers and sisters will share in His resurrection, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.    Amen.

 

FRIDAY

O Lord God omnipotent, I beseech You by the Precious Blood which Jesus Your divine Son did shed this day upon the tree of the Cross, especially from His sacred Hands and Feet, deliver the souls in purgatory, and particularly that soul for whom I am most bound to pray, in order that I may not be the cause which hinders You from admitting it quickly to the possession of Your glory where it may praise You and bless You for evermore.    Amen

Say here:  one Our Father and one Hail Mary

CONCLUDING PRAYERS

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them.  May they rest in peace.    Amen.

Merciful Father, hear our prayers and console us.   As we renew our faith in Your Son, whom You raised from the dead, strengthen our hope that all our departed brothers and sisters will share in His resurrection, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.    Amen.

 

 

 

SATURDAY

O Lord God omnipotent, I beseech You by the Precious Blood which gushed forth from the sacred Side of Your divine Son Jesus in the presence and to the great sorrow of His most holy Mother, deliver the souls in purgatory and among them all especially that soul which has been most devout to this noble Lady, that it may come quickly into Your glory, there to praise You in her, and her in You through all the ages.    Amen.

Say here:  one Our Father and one Hail Mary

CONCLUDING PRAYERS

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them.  May they rest in peace.    Amen.

Merciful Father, hear our prayers and console us.   As we renew our faith in Your Son, whom You raised from the dead, strengthen our hope that all our departed brothers and sisters will share in His resurrection, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.    Amen.

 

The Month of November: Thoughts on the "Last Things"
To Trace All Souls Day (Protestants vs Catholics)

November 2 -- All Souls Day
On November: All Souls and the "Permanent Things"
"From the Pastor" ALL SAINTS & ALL SOULS
Praying for the Dead [All Souls Day] (Catholic/Orthodox Caucus)
To Trace All Souls Day [Ecumenical]

All Souls Day [Catholic/Orthodox Caucus]
The Roots of All Souls Day
The Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed (All Souls)
During Month of Souls, Recall Mystic, St. Gertrude the Great
All Saints and All Souls

All Saints, All Souls and the Four Last Things
The Feast of All Saints - What are the origins of All Saints Day and All Souls Day?
All Saints and All Souls
All Souls Day and final destinations
Ideas for Sanctifying Halloween, All Saints Day and All Souls Day

[Salvation]

Holy Father's Prayer Intentions For November 2009

General: That all the men and women in the world, especially those who have responsibilities in the field of politics and economics, may never fail in their commitment to safeguard creation.

Mission: That believers in the different religions, through the testimony of their lives and fraternal dialogue, may clearly demonstrate that the name of God is a bearer of peace.

[Salvation]

From: Daniel 7:2-14

Daniel’s Vision

---

[2] Daniel said, “I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of hea-
ven were stirring up the great sea. [3] And four great beasts came up out of the
sea, different from one another. [4] The first was like a lion and had eagles’ wings.
Then as I looked its wings were plucked off, and it was lifted up from the ground
and made to stand upon two feet like a man; and the mind of a man was given
to it. [5] And behold, another beast, a second one, like a beat It was raised up
on one side, it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth, and it was told,
‘Arise, devour much flesh.’ [6] After this I looked, and lo, another, like a leopard
with four wings of a bird on its back and the beast had four heads, and dominion
was given to it. [7] After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast,
terrible and dreadful and exceedingly strong, and it had great iron teeth, it de-
voured and broke in pieces and stamped the residue with its feet It was different
from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. [8] I considered the
horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before
which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots and behold, in this
horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things. [9]
As I looked, thrones were placed and one that was ancient of days took his seat;
his raiment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne
was fiery flames, its wheels were burning fire. [10] A stream of fire issued and
came forth from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand
times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment,and the books
were opened.

[11] I looked then because of the sound of the great words which the horn was
speaking. And as I looked, the beast was slain, and its body destroyed and given
over to be burned with fire. [12] As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was
taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time. [13] I saw in
the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a
son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him.
[14] And to him was given dominion and glory and kingdom, that all peoples, na-
tions, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.

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

7:1-12:13. Up to the end of chapter 6, Daniel has been the interpreter of kings’
dreams; now his own dreams are interpreted for him by an angel or heavenly be-
ing: the interpreter explains dreams (chaps. 7-8), the meaning of Scripture (chap.
9), and a vision (chaps. 10-12); and Daniel himself notes it all down.

Daniel had announced to Nebuchadnezzar the end of time as part of the interpre-
tation of his dream (cf. 2:28); now Daniel is told when it will happen (cf. 12:5-12);
for him (cf. 2:28); he is given a more specific revelation in which the figure of the
tyrannical Antiochus IV (described here symbolically) is depicted as the epitome
of evil and his death will mark the end of the present age (cf. 11:45-12:1). Earlier,
Daniel’s wisdom was seen as a divine gift to be used for the benefit of foreign
kings; now it is depicted as coming from a revelation in which God speaks to
Daniel through heavenly messengers and tells him about the meaning of human
history—a revelation that he must commit to writing, as a source of comfort and
hope for the chosen people. “Revelation has set within history a point of refe-
rence which cannot be ignored if the mystery of human life is to be known. Yet
this knowledge refers back constantly to the mystery of God which the human
mind cannot exhaust but can only receive and embrace in faith. Between these
two poles, reason has its own specific field in which it can enquire and under-
stand, restricted only by its finiteness before the infinite mystery of God” (John
Paul II, “Fides Et Ratio”, 14).

7:1-28. This chapter marks the end of the part of the book written in Aramaic;
in it we again find elements seen in chapter 2 (where the Aramaic part began);
these include: the arrangement of history into four periods (symbolized there by
metals, here by beasts) and the establishment of an everlasting kingdom at the
end. Thus, the chapter closes the Aramaic section and acts as a kind of intro-
duction to the chapters (in Hebrew) in which Daniel receives and writes down di-
vine revelations. Chapter 8 is written in Hebrew and it explains chapter 7; and
this pattern continues: chapter 9 is explained by chapter 10; and 11 by 12. Da-
niel first outlines his dream or vision, and it is then interpreted by an angelic
being. In this chapter the content of the dream is given in vv. 1-14, and its inter-
pretation in vv. 15-28. Vision and interpretation constitute a single event, an ac-
count of which Daniel writes down, as he mentions at start (cf. v. 1) and finish
(cf. v. 28). Daniel’s “signature” at beginning and end confirms the truth of his
vision and the truthfulness of what he has written for the reader.

7:1-14. In chapter 5 the picture drawn of Belshazzar suggested that he stood fi-
guratively for the sacrilegious King Antiochus IV. It is not surprising, then, that
this dream of Daniel’s is set in the first year of Belshazzar’s reign, given that the
climax of the prophecy (the little horn) concerns Antiochus IV. God is going to
intervene definitively when irreligion is at its worst. There are two scenes in the
vision — the beasts coming out of the sea (vv. 2-8) and the divine court and judg-
ment (vv. 9-14).

7:2-8. The Great Sea (the Mediterranean: v. 2), out of which the beasts arise,
stands for the world of gloom and chaos. Although earlier prophets did use ani-
mals as symbols for empires (a crocodile for Egypt, cf. Ezek 32; an eagle or a
monster for Babylon, cf. Ezek 17:3; Jer 51:34), the winged beasts of Daniel’s vi-
sion are reminiscent of Mesopotamian statues. The lion with eagle’s wings stands
for Nebuchadnezzar a proud man, he was brought low and later given back his
reason (4:16, 34); the empire of the Medes is depicted as a bear ready to attack,
and that of the Persians as a leopard, fleet of foot. The fourth beast resembles no

animal, but its teeth of iron show it to be the Greek empire of Alexander the Great
and his successors (cf. 2:40). Of those successors, (symbolized by the horns),
attention is focused on Antiochus IV, the horn with eyes that speaks blasphemy
(cf. vv. 8, 25). The gravity of those challenges to God’s authority will be underlined
in Revelation 13:5 in its description of the beast that is given power by the dragon.
The worst sin of the powers of the world is their opposition to God and his laws.
Interpreting the words of this passage as a prophecy in the strict sense, that is,
as a prediction of something that will happen in the future, some Fathers read the
last of the horns as being the Antichrist of whom the Revelation to John will have
much to say (cf. Rev. 13:11-18; 17:16; 19: 19-21).

7:9-14. Divine judgment is passed on the kingdoms in this scene. God is depic-
ted as being seated on a throne in heaven, his glory flashing out and angels all
around. Judgment is about to take place, and it will be followed by execution of
the sentence. The books (v. 10) contain all the actions of men (cf. Jer 17:1; Mal
3:16; Ps 56:8; Rev 20:12). The seer is shown history past (not laid out according
to chronology:all the empires are included in one glance), and he notes that a
more severe sentence is passed on the blasphemous horn than on the other
beasts. They had their lives extended (v. 12), that is, their deprivation of power
did not spell the end; but the little horn is destroyed forthwith. “Following in the
steps of the prophets and John the Baptist, Jesus announced the judgment of
the Last Day in his preaching (cf. Dan 7:10; Joel 3-4; Mal 3:19; Mt 3:7-42)”
(”Catechism of the Catholic Church”, 678).

The one “like a son of man” who comes with the clouds of heaven and who, after
the judgment, is given everlasting dominion over all the earth, is the very antithe-
sis of the beasts. He has not risen from a turbulent sea like them; there is nothing
ferocious about him. Rather, he has been raised up by God (he comes with the
clouds of heaven) and he shares the human condition. The dignity of all mankind
is restored through this son of man’s triumph over the beasts. This figure, as we
will discover later, stands for ‘the people of the saints of the Most High’ (7:27), that
is, faithful Israel. However, he is also an individual (just as the winged lion was an
individual, and the little horn), and insofar as he is given a kingdom, he is a king.
What we have here is an individual who represents the people. In Jewish circles
around the time of Christ, this “son of man” was interpreted as being the Messiah,
a real person (cf. “Book of the Parables of Enoch”); but it was a title that became
linked to the sufferings of the Messiah and to his resurrection from the dead only
when Jesus Christ applied it to himself in the Gospel. “Jesus accepted Peter’s
profession of faith, which acknowledged him to be the Messiah, by announcing
the imminent Passion of the Son of Man (cf. Mt 16:23). He unveiled the authentic
content of his messianic kingship both in the transcendent identity of the Son of
Man ‘who came down from heaven’ (Jn 3:13; cf. Jn 6:62; Dan 7:13), and in his re-
demptive mission as the suffering Servant: ‘The Son of Man came not to be served
but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many’ (Mt 20:28; cf. Is 53:10-12)”
(”Catechism of the Catholic Church”, 440).

When the Church proclaims in the Creed that Christ is seated at the right hand
of the Father, she is saying that it was to Christ that dominion was given; “Being
seated at the Father’s right hand signifies the inauguration of the Messiah’s king-
dom, the fulfillment of the prophet Daniel’s vision concerning the Son of man; ‘To
him was given domination and glory and kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and
languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall
not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed’ (Dan 7:14). Af-
ter this event the apostles became witnesses of the ‘kingdom [that] will have no
end’ (Nicene Creed)” (”Catechism of the Catholic Church”, 664).

*********************************************************************************************
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 21:29-33

Discourse on the Destruction of Jerusalem
and the End of the World (Continuation)

---

[29] And He (Jesus) told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees;
[30] as soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the
summer is already near. [31] So also, when you see these things taking place,
you know that the Kingdom of God is near. [32] Truly, I say to you, this genera-
tion will not pass away till all has taken place. [33] Heaven and earth will pass
away, but My words will not pass away.”

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

31. The Kingdom of God, announced by John the Baptist (cf. Matthew 3:2) and
described by our Lord in so many parables (cf. Matthew 13; Luke 13:18-20), is
already present among the Apostles (Luke 17:20-21), but it is not yet fully mani-
fest. Jesus here describes what it will be like when the Kingdom comes in all its
fullness, and He invites us to pray for this very event in the Our Father: “Thy King-
dom come.” “The Kingdom of God, which had its beginnings here on earth in the
Church of Christ, is not of this world, whose form is passing, and its authentic de-
velopment cannot be measured by the progress of civilization, of science and of
technology. The true growth of the Kingdom of God consists in an ever deepening
knowledge of the unfathomable riches of Christ, in an ever stronger hope in eter-
nal blessings, in an ever more fervent response to the love of God, and in an ever
more generous acceptance of grace and holiness by men” (”Creed of the People
of God”, 27). At the end of the world everything will be subjected to Christ and
God will reign for ever more (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:24, 28).

32. Everything referring to the destruction of Jerusalem was fulfilled some forty
years after our Lord’s death—which meant that Jesus’ contemporaries would be
able to verify the truth of this prophecy. But the destruction of Jerusalem is a
symbol of the end of the world; therefore, it can be said that the generation to
which our Lord refers did see the end of the world, in a symbolic way. This verse
can also be taken to refer to the generation of believers, that is, not just the par-
ticular generation of those Jesus was addressing (cf. note on Matthew 24:32-35).

[The note on Matthew 24:32-35 states:

32-35. Seeing in the destruction of Jerusalem a symbol of the end of the world,
St. John Chrysostom applies to it this parable of the fig tree: “Here He also fore-
tells a spiritual spring and a calm which, after the storm of the present life, the
righteous will experience; whereas for sinners there will be a winter after the
spring they have had [...]. But this was not the only reason why He put before
them the parable of the fig tree, to tell them of the interval before His coming; He
wanted to show them that His word would assuredly come true. As sure as the
coming of spring is the coming of the Son of Man” (”Hom. on St. Matthew”, 77).

“This generation”: this verse is a clear example of what we say in the note on
Matthew 24:1 about the destruction of Jerusalem being itself a symbol. “This ge-
neration” refers firstly to the people alive at the time of the destruction of Jerusa-
lem. But, since that event is symbolic of the end of the world, we can say with
St. John Chrysostom that “the Lord was speaking not only of the generation then
living, but also of the generation of the believers; for He knows that a generation
is distinguished not only by time but also by its mode of religious worship and
practice: this is what the Psalmist means when he says that ‘such is the gene-
ration of those who seek Him’ (Psalm 24:6)” (”Hom. on St. Matthew”, 77).]

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

Daniel 7:2-14 ©

I, Daniel, have been seeing visions in the night. I saw that the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea; four great beasts emerged from the sea, each different from the other. The first was like a lion with eagle’s wings; and as I looked its wings were torn off, and it was lifted from the ground and set standing on its feet like a man; and it was given a human heart. The second beast I saw was different, like a bear, raised up on one of its sides, with three ribs in its mouth, between its teeth. “Up!” came the command “Eat quantities of flesh!” After this I looked, and saw another beast, like a leopard, and with four bird’s wings on its flanks; it had four heads, and power was given to it. Next I saw another vision in the visions of the night: I saw a fourth beast, fearful, terrifying, very strong; it had great iron teeth, and it ate, crushed and trampled underfoot what remained. It was different from the previous beasts and had ten horns.   While I was looking at these horns, I saw another horn sprouting among them, a little one; three of the original horns were pulled out by the roots to make way for it; and in this horn I saw eyes like human eyes, and a mouth that was full of boasts. As I watched: Thrones were set in place and one of great age took his seat. His robe was white as snow, the hair of his head as pure as wool. His throne was a blaze of flames, its wheels were a burning fire. A stream of fire poured out, issuing from his presence. A thousand thousand waited on him, ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. A court was held and the books were opened. The great things the horn was saying were still ringing in my ears, and as I watched, the beast was killed, and its body destroyed and committed to the flames. The other beasts were deprived of their power, but received a lease of life for a season and a time. I gazed into the visions of the night. And I saw, coming on the clouds of heaven, one like a son of man. He came to the one of great age and was led into his presence. On him was conferred sovereignty, glory and kingship, and men of all peoples, nations and languages became his servants. His sovereignty is an eternal sovereignty which shall never pass away, nor will his empire ever be destroyed.

Psalm or canticle

Daniel 3:75-81 ©

Mountains and hills! bless the Lord:   give glory and eternal praise to him.   Every thing that grows on the earth! bless the Lord:   give glory and eternal praise to him.   Springs of water! bless the Lord:   give glory and eternal praise to him.   Seas and rivers! bless the Lord:   give glory and eternal praise to him.   Sea beasts and everything that lives in water! bless the Lord:   give glory and eternal praise to him.   Birds of heaven! all bless the Lord:   give glory and eternal praise to him.   Animals wild and tame! all bless the Lord:   give glory and eternal praise to him.

Gospel	Luke 21:29-33 ©
Jesus told his disciples a parable: ‘Think of the fig tree and indeed every tree. As soon as you see them bud, you know that summer is now near. So with you when you see these things happening: know that the kingdom of God is near. I tell you solemnly, before this generation has passed away all will have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.’

[Salvation]

Friday, November 27, 2009
St. Francis Anthony Fasani, Priest (Memorial)

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel:

Daniel 7:2-14 (Ps) Daniel 3:75-81 Luke 21:29-33 After you have made a decision that is pleasing to God, the Devil may try to make you have second thoughts. Intensify your prayer time, meditation, and good deeds. For if Satan's temptations merely cause you to increase your efforts to grow in holiness, he'll have an incentive to leave you alone. -- St. Ignatius of Loyola

[Salvation]

Friday, November 27, 2009
St. Francis Anthony Fasani, Priest (Memorial)

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel:

Daniel 7:2-14 (Ps) Daniel 3:75-81 Luke 21:29-33 After you have made a decision that is pleasing to God, the Devil may try to make you have second thoughts. Intensify your prayer time, meditation, and good deeds. For if Satan's temptations merely cause you to increase your efforts to grow in holiness, he'll have an incentive to leave you alone. -- St. Ignatius of Loyola

">

[Salvation]

Friday, November 27, 2009
St. Francis Anthony Fasani, Priest (Memorial)

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel:

Daniel 7:2-14 (Ps) Daniel 3:75-81 Luke 21:29-33 After you have made a decision that is pleasing to God, the Devil may try to make you have second thoughts. Intensify your prayer time, meditation, and good deeds. For if Satan's temptations merely cause you to increase your efforts to grow in holiness, he'll have an incentive to leave you alone. -- St. Ignatius of Loyola

[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]

[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 37 (38)

The plea of a sinner in great peril

Lord, do not ruin me in your anger.

Lord, do not rebuke me in your wrath,

  do not ruin me in your anger:

for I am pierced by your arrows

  and crushed beneath your hand.

In the face of your anger

  there is no health in my body.

There is no peace for my bones,

  no rest from my sins.

My transgressions rise higher than my head:

  a heavy burden, they weigh me down.

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, do not ruin me in your anger.

---

Psalm 37 (38)

Lord, all that I desire is known to you.

My wounds are corruption and decay

  because of my foolishness.

I am bowed down and bent,

  bent under grief all day long.

For a fire burns up my loins,

  and there is no health in my body.

I am afflicted, utterly cast down,

  I cry out from the sadness of my heart.

Lord, all that I desire is known to you;

  my sighs are not hidden from you.

My heart grows weak, my strength leaves me,

  and the light of my eyes – even that has gone.

My friends and my neighbours

  keep far from my wounds.

Those closest to me keep far away,

  while those who would kill me set traps,

  those who would harm me make their plots:

  they plan mischief all through the day.

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, all that I desire is known to you.

---

Psalm 37 (38)

I shall proclaim my wrongdoing. Do not abandon me, Lord, my saviour.

But I, like a deaf man, do not hear;

  like one who is dumb, I do not open my mouth.

I am like someone who cannot hear,

  in whose mouth there is no reply.

For in you, Lord, I put my trust:

  you will listen to me, Lord, my God.

For I have said, “Let them never triumph over me:

  if my feet stumble, they will gloat.”

For I am ready to fall:

  my suffering is before me always.

For I shall proclaim my wrongdoing:

  I am anxious because of my sins.

All the time my enemies live and grow stronger;

  they are so many, those who hate me without cause.

Returning evil for good they dragged me down,

  because I followed the way of goodness.

Do not abandon me, Lord:

  my God, do not leave me.

Hurry to my aid,

  O Lord, my saviour.

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.

I shall proclaim my wrongdoing. Do not abandon me, Lord, my saviour.

---

My eyes are weary with longing for your salvation

– and for your words of justice.

---

Reading

2 Peter 3:1-18 ©

My friends, this is my second letter to you, and in both of them I have tried to awaken a true understanding in you by giving you a reminder: recalling to you what was said in the past by the holy prophets and the commandments of the Lord and saviour which you were given by the apostles.   We must be careful to remember that during the last days there are bound to be people who will be scornful, the kind who always please themselves what they do, and they will make fun of the promise and ask, ‘Well, where is this coming? Everything goes on as it has since the Fathers died, as it has since it began at the creation.’ They are choosing to forget that there were heavens at the beginning, and that the earth was formed by the word of God out of water and between the waters, so that the world of that time was destroyed by being flooded by water. But by the same word, the present sky and earth are destined for fire, and are only being reserved until Judgement day so that all sinners may be destroyed.   But there is one thing, my friends, that you must never forget: that with the Lord, ‘a day’ can mean a thousand years, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord is not being slow to carry out his promises, as anybody else might be called slow; but he is being patient with you all, wanting nobody to be lost and everybody to be brought to change his ways. The Day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then with a roar the sky will vanish, the elements will catch fire and fall apart, the earth and all that it contains will be burnt up.   Since everything is coming to an end like this, you should be living holy and saintly lives while you wait and long for the Day of God to come, when the sky will dissolve in flames and the elements melt in the heat. What we are waiting for is what he promised: the new heavens and new earth, the place where righteousness will be at home. So then, my friends, while you are waiting, do your best to live lives without spot or stain so that he will find you at peace. Think of our Lord’s patience as your opportunity to be saved: our brother Paul, who is so dear to us, told you this when he wrote to you with the wisdom that is his special gift. He always writes like this when he deals with this sort of subject, and this makes some points in his letter hard to understand; these are the points that uneducated and unbalanced people distort, in the same way as they distort the rest of scripture – a fatal thing for them to do. You have been warned about this, my friends; be careful not to get carried away by the errors of unprincipled people, from the firm ground that you are standing on. Instead, go on growing in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory, in time and in eternity. Amen.

---

Reading	The treatise of St Cyprian on mortality
Let us shut out the fear of death and meditate upon immortality
Our obligation is to do God’s will, and not our own. We must remember this if the prayer that our Lord commanded us to say daily is to have any meaning on our lips. How unreasonable it is to pray that God’s will be done, and then not promptly obey it when he calls us from this world! Instead we struggle and resist like self-willed slaves and are brought into the Lord’s presence with sorrow and lamentation, not freely consenting to our departure, but constrained by necessity. And yet we expect to be rewarded with heavenly honours by him to whom we come against our will! Why then do we pray for the kingdom of heaven to come if this earthly bondage pleases us? What is the point of praying so often for its early arrival if we would rather serve the devil here than reign with Christ.   The world hates Christians, so why give your love to it instead of following Christ, who loves you and has redeemed you? John is most urgent in his epistle when he tells us not to love the world by yielding to sensual desires. Never give your love to the world, he warns, or to anything in it. A man cannot love the Father and love the world at the same time. All that the world offers is the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and earthly ambition. The world and its allurements will pass away, but the man who has done the will of God shall live for ever. Our part, my dear brothers, is to be single-minded, firm in faith, and steadfast in courage, ready for God’s will, whatever it may be. Banish the fear of death and think of the eternal life that follows it. That will show people that we really live our faith.   We ought never to forget, beloved, that we have renounced the world. We are living here now as aliens and only for a time. When the day of our homecoming puts an end to our exile, frees us from the bonds of the world, and restores us to paradise and to a kingdom, we should welcome it. What man, stationed in a foreign land, would not want to return to his own country as soon as possible? Well, we look upon paradise as our country, and a great crowd of our loved ones awaits us there, a countless throng of parents, brothers and children longs for us to join them. Assured though they are of their own salvation, they are still concerned about ours. What joy both for them and for us to see one another and embrace! O the delight of that heavenly kingdom where there is no fear of death! O the supreme and endless bliss of everlasting life!   There, is the glorious band of apostles, there the exultant assembly of prophets, there the innumerable host of martyrs, crowned for their glorious victory in combat and in death. There in triumph are the virgins who subdued their passions by the strength of continence. There the merciful are rewarded, those who fulfilled the demands of justice by providing for the poor. In obedience to the Lord’s command, they turned their earthly patrimony into heavenly treasure.   My dear brothers, let all our longing be to join them as soon as we may. May God see our desire, may Christ see this resolve that springs from faith, for he will give the rewards of his love more abundantly to those who have longed for him more fervently.

---

Concluding Prayer

Lord, inspire the wills of your faithful.

  May they be more eager to do good works

  and so receive more of your healing kindness.

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 for: November 27, 2009
(Readings on USCCB website)

Collect: Father all-powerful, your gifts of love are countless and your goodness infinite. On Thanksgiving Day we come before you with gratitude for your kindness: open our hearts to concern for our fellow men and women, so that we may share your gifts in loving service. 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.

RECIPES

• Cranberry Ice
• Creamed Onions
• Glazed Sweet Potatoes Florida
• Green Beans and Onions in Cream
• Indian Pudding
• Marlborough Pudding
• Oyster Stuffing
• Oysters Rockefeller
• Pointers for Perfect Coffee
• Pumpkin Tarts
• Roast Goose with Fruit Stuffing
• Roast Turkey
• Roast Turkey
• Thanksgiving Dinner Menus
• Tokay Grapes in Ginger Ale
• Wild Rice Stuffing

ACTIVITIES

• Death and Burial
• November and the Holy Souls
• Practical Suggestions for Christian Living (Anointing of the Sick)
• Praying for the Dead and Gaining Indulgences During November
• Prepare for Death
• Preparing for Heaven
• Religion in the Home for Elementary School: November
• Religion in the Home for Preschool: November
• Teaching About Death
• Teaching Children About Sickness and Death

PRAYERS

• November Devotion: The Holy Souls in Purgatory
• Little Litany of the Holy Souls
• Prayer for a Happy Death
• Daily Acceptance of Death
• Novena to St. Francis Xavier - The Novena of Grace

  27th

Friday of the Thirty-Fourth Week of Ordinary Time

What is man that You magnify him, and that You are concerned about him; that You examine him every morning and try him every moment? "Will You never turn Your gaze away from me, nor let me alone until I swallow my spittle?" Have I sinned? What have I done to You, O watcher of men? Why have You set me as Your target, so that I am a burden to myself? "Why then do You not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity? For now I will lie down in the dust; and You will seek me, but I will not be."

---

Caring for the Dead
All such things as embalming the body, selecting a fitting place for burial, and bearing the corpse thereto with due dignity, are comfort for the living, rather than help for the dead. Nevertheless, it doth not follow that the bodies of the departed are to be despised, or treated as naught, and specially in the case of just men and faithful; for the bodies of such men were used by their spirits in this life for godly purposes, that is, as organs and vessels of all good works. Hence, if a father's garment or ring, or any like thing, is dear to his bereaved family because of their natural affection, in no wise ought the dead body of the deceased to be held in dishonour. For man doth wear his body in more familiar and intimate wise than anything he putteth thereon. Furthermore, the body doth not belong to anything which is applied outwardly for its adornment or welfare. Rather the body belongeth to the very nature of man. Wherefore, as we know from the records of just men of old, funeral rites have been wont to be fulfilled as a matter of dutiful piety, and have been reverently celebrated, and decent graves provided. Yea, such men of old, whilst still alive, often charged their children, as a matter of filial duty, with directions concerning their burial, and even concerning the future translation of their bodies. — St. Augustine

[Ciexyz]

Here's hoping everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving holiday.

[annalex]

Luke
	English: Douay-Rheims	Latin: Vulgata Clementina	Greek NT: Byzantine/Majority Text (2000)
	Luke 21
29.	And he spoke to them in a similitude. See the fig tree, and all the trees:	Et dixit illis similitudinem : Videte ficulneam, et omnes arbores :	και ειπεν παραβολην αυτοις ιδετε την συκην και παντα τα δενδρα
30.	When they now shoot forth their fruit, you know that summer is nigh;	cum producunt jam ex se fructum, scitis quoniam prope est æstas.	οταν προβαλωσιν ηδη βλεποντες αφ εαυτων γινωσκετε οτι ηδη εγγυς το θερος εστιν
31.	So you also, when you shall see these things come to pass, know that the kingdom of God is at hand.	Ita et vos cum videritis hæc fieri, scitote quoniam prope est regnum Dei.	ουτως και υμεις οταν ιδητε ταυτα γινομενα γινωσκετε οτι εγγυς εστιν η βασιλεια του θεου
32.	Amen, I say to you, this generation shall not pass away, till all things be fulfilled.	Amen dico vobis, quia non præteribit generatio hæc, donec omnia fiant.	αμην λεγω υμιν οτι ου μη παρελθη η γενεα αυτη εως αν παντα γενηται
33.	Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.	Cælum et terra transibunt : verba autem mea non transibunt.	ο ουρανος και η γη παρελευσονται οι δε λογοι μου ου μη παρελθωσιν

[annalex]

29. And he spoke to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;
30. When they now shoot forth, you see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.
31. So likewise you, when you see these things come to pass, know you that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
32. Verily I say to you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.
33. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

GREG. That the world ought to be trampled upon and despised, He proves by a wise comparison, adding, Behold the fig tree and all the trees, when they now put forth fruit, you know that summer is near. As if He says, as from the fruit of the tree the summer is perceived to be near, so from the fall of the world the kingdom of God is known to be at hand. Hereby is it manifested that the world's fall is our fruit. For hereunto it puts forth buds, that whomever it has fostered in the bud it may consume in slaughter. But well is the kingdom of God compared to summer; for then the clouds of our sorrow flee away, and the days of life brighten up under the clear light of the Eternal Sun.

AMBROSE; Matthew speaks of the fig-tree only, Luke of all the trees. But the fig-tree shadows forth two things, either the ripening of what is hard, or the luxuriance of sin; that is, either that, when the fruit bursts forth in all trees and the fruitful fig-tree abounds, (that is, when every tongue confesses God, even the Jewish people confessing Him,) we ought to hope for our Lord's coming, in which shall be gathered in as at summer the fruits of the resurrection. Or, when the man of sin shall clothe himself in his light and fickle boasting as it were the leaves of the synagogue, we must then suppose the judgment to be drawing near. For the Lord hastens to reward faith, and to bring an end of sinning.

AUG. But when He says, When you shall see these things to come to pass, what can we understand but those things which were mentioned above. But among them we read, And then shall they see the Son of man coming. When therefore this is seen, the kingdom of God is not yet, but nigh at hand. Or must we say that we are not to understand all the things before mentioned, when He says, When you shall see these things, &c. but only some of them; this for example being excepted, And then shall they see the Son of man. But Matthew would plainly have it taken with no exception, for he says, And so you, when you see all these things, among which is the seeing the coming of the Son of man; in order that it may be understood of that coming whereby He now comes in His members as in clouds, or in the Church as in a great cloud.

TIT. BOST. Or else, He says, the kingdom of God is at hand, meaning that when these things shall be not yet shall all things come to their last end, but they shall be already tending towards it. For the very coming of our Lord itself, casting out every principality and power, is the preparation for the kingdom of God.

EUSEB. For as in this life, when winter dies away, and spring succeeds, the sun sending forth its warm rays cherishes and quickens the seeds hid in the ground, just laying aside their first form, and the young plants sprout forth, having put on different shades of green; so also the glorious coming of the Only-begotten of God, illuminating the new world with His quickening rays shall bring forth into light from more excellent bodies than before the seeds that have long been hidden in the whole world, i.e. those who sleep in the dust of the earth. And having vanquished death, He shall reign from henceforth the life of the new world.

GREG. But all the things before mentioned are confirmed with greet certainly, when He adds, Verily I say to you, &c.

BEDE; He strongly commends that which he thus foretell. And, if one may so speak, his oath is this, Amen, I say to you. Amen is by interpretation "true." Therefore the truth says, I tell you the truth, and though He spoke not thus, He could by no means lie. But by generation he means either the whole human race, or especially the Jews.

EUSEB. Or by generation He means the new generation of His holy Church, showing that the generation of the faithful would last up to that time, when it would see all things, and embrace with its eyes the fulfillment of our Savior's words.

THEOPHYL. For because He had foretold that there should be commotions, and wars and changes, both of the elements and in other things, lest any one might suspect that Christianity itself also would perish, He adds, Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away: as if He said, Though all things should be shaken, yet shall my faith fail not. Whereby He implies that He sets the Church before the whole creation. The creation shall suffer change, but the Church of the faithful and the words of the Gospel shall abide for ever.

GREG. Or else, The heaven and, earth shall pass away, &c. As if He says, All that with us seems lasting, does not abide to eternity without change, and all that with Me seems to pass away is held fixed and immovable, for My word which passes away utters sentences which remain unchangeable, and abide for ever.

BEDE; But by the heaven which shall pass away we must understand not the ethereal or the starry heaven, but the air from which the birds are named "of heaven." But if the earth shall pass away, how does Ecclesiastes say, The earth stands for ever? Plainly then the heaven and earth in the fashion which they now have shall pass away, but in essence subsist eternally.

Catena Aurea Luke 21

[annalex]

High Altar

1498-1504
Polychrome larch wood
Cathedral, Toledo

[Salvation]

That wall is absolutely astounding!

[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.

Introduction

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 here.

Psalm 50 (51)
God, have mercy on me

A contrite and humble heart, O God, you will not refuse.

Take pity on me, Lord, in your mercy;

  in your abundance of mercy wipe out my guilt.

Wash me ever more from my guilt

  and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know how guilty I am:

  my sin is always before me.

Against you, you alone have I sinned,

  and I have done evil in your sight.

Know this, so that you may give just sentence

  and an unbiased judgement.

See, I was conceived in guilt,

  in sin my mother conceived me;

but you love truth in the heart,

  and deep within me you have shown me your wisdom.

You will sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be made clean;

  you will wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

You will make me hear the sound of joy and gladness;

  the bones you have crushed will rejoice.

Turn your face away from my sins

  and wipe out all my transgressions;

create a pure heart in me, God,

  put a steadfast spirit into me.

Do not send me away from your presence,

  or withdraw your holy spirit from me;

give me again the joy of your salvation,

  and be ready to strengthen me with your spirit.

I will teach the unjust your ways,

  and the impious will return to you.

Free me from the guilt of bloodshed, God, God my saviour,

  and my voice will glory in your justice.

Open my lips, Lord,

  and my mouth will proclaim your praise;

for you do not delight in sacrifices:

  if I offered you a burnt offering, it would not please you.

The true sacrifice is a broken spirit:

  a contrite and humble heart, O God, you will not refuse.

Be pleased, Lord, to look kindly on Zion,

  so that the walls of Jerusalem can be rebuilt,

Then indeed you will accept the proper sacrifices, gifts and burnt offerings;

  then indeed will bullocks be laid upon your altar.

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.

A contrite and humble heart, O God, you will not refuse.

---

Canticle	Habakkuk 3

The Lord will appear in judgement

When you are angry, O Lord, you will remember your mercy.

Lord, I heard what you gave me to hear,

  and I was struck with awe of your work.

In the midst of the years, bring it to life;

  in the midst of the years you will make it known.

When you are angry, you will remember your mercy.

God will come from Theman,

  the holy one from the mountain of Pharan.

His glory has covered the heavens

  and the earth is full of his praise.

His brightness shall be like light itself,

  rays shining from his hands –

  there is his strength hidden.

You went forth for the salvation of the people,

  for salvation with your anointed one.

You made a way through the sea for your horses,

  in the silt of many waters.

I have heard you, Lord,

  and my stomach churns within me;

  at the sound of your voice my lips tremble.

My bones rot away, my steps stumble.

I will rest and be quiet on the day of tribulation

  and let it overtake those who have invaded us.

For the fig will not flower,

  the vines will not fruit,

  the work of the olive will be lost.

The fields will yield no food,

  the flocks will be cut off from the sheepfold,

  there will be no cattle in the stalls.

But I will rejoice in the Lord, take joy in God my saviour.

The Lord God is my strength.

  He will make me as sure-footed as the deer.

  He will lead me up to the heights.

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.

When you are angry, O Lord, you will remember your mercy.

---

Psalm 147 (147B)
God, the foundation of Jerusalem

Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.

Praise the Lord, Jerusalem

 — Zion, praise your God.

For he has strengthened the bars of your gates,

  he has blessed your children.

He keeps your borders in peace,

  he fills you with the richest wheat.

He sends out his command over the earth,

  and swiftly runs his word.

He sends down snow that is like wool,

  frost that is like ashes.

He sends hailstones like crumbs

 — who can withstand his cold?

He will send out his word, and all will be melted;

  his spirit will breathe, and the waters will flow.

He proclaims his word to Jacob,

  his laws and judgements to Israel.

He has not done this for other nations:

  he has not shown them his judgements.

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.

Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.

---

Short reading	Ephesians 2:13-16 ©

Now in Christ Jesus, you that used to be so far apart from us have been brought very close, by the blood of Christ. For he is the peace between us, and has made the two into one and broken down the barrier which used to keep them apart, actually destroying in his own person the hostility caused by the rules and decrees of the Law. This was to create one single New Man in himself out of the two of them and by restoring peace through the cross, to unite them both in a single Body and reconcile them with God: in his own person he killed the hostility.

---

Short Responsory

I will call upon the Lord, the Most High, because of his kindness to me.

– I will call upon the Lord, the Most High, because of his kindness to me.

He will send help from heaven and set me free.

– I will call upon the Lord, the Most High, because of his kindness to me.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

– I will call upon the Lord, the Most High, because of his kindness to me.

---

Canticle	Benedictus

The Messiah and his forerunner

Because of the deep tenderness that God has for us, the Rising Son has come to us from on high.

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.

Because of the deep tenderness that God has for us, the Rising Son has come to us from on high.

---

Prayers and Intercessions

By his blood and through the Holy Spirit, Christ offered his own self to the Father to purify us from the works of death. Let us worship him in all sincerity:

– Lord, in your will is our peace.

Your goodness has given us the beginning of a new day:

  give us also the beginning of a new life.

– Lord, in your will is our peace.

You created everything and by your providence you keep it in being:

  may we discern your handiwork in every created thing.

– Lord, in your will is our peace.

With your blood you sealed the new and everlasting covenant:

  may we keep our side of the bargain by following your precepts.

– Lord, in your will is our peace.

As you hung on the cross, water poured out mixed with blood:

  may that saving stream wash away our sins and make the city of God rejoice.

– Lord, in your will is our peace.

---

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.

---

Grant, we ask you, almighty God,

  that the praise that we have offered you this morning,

  we may offer you again, even more, with your saints in eternity.

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: Daniel 7:2-14

If you’ve studied any history, you know that the authority held by a monarch is meant to be passed down from one ruler to the next, not taken by force.

This transfer of power typically happens in a coronation ceremony. In many cultures, the coronation ceremony reflects the belief that the power to rule comes from God—or at least from a source higher than themselves. Here in Daniel, we see the ultimate coronation. The figure of “the son of man” receives “dominion, glory, and kingship” from none other than his heavenly Father (Daniel 7:13,14).

Daniel’s author saw this “son of man” as an apocalyptic ruler who would bring justice to the earth. With Spirit-inspired hindsight, we know him as Jesus, who has power over all creation (Ephesians 1:21-22). Contrast Jesus’ power with that of the four beasts that precede him in Daniel’s vision. These four animals signified the empires of Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome. In spite of their great might, these dynasties eventually crumbled. Like many governments, they fell because their rulers became greedy and tyrannical, caring more about their influence than about their subjects. Clearly, that’s not how Jesus rules his people!

What about us? As Christians, we are “heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17). That means we share in Jesus’ authority and in his commission to build his kingdom here on earth. It is a high calling, and with it comes a high dignity. We are children of Almighty God! Filled with the power of the Spirit, we can do even greater things than Jesus himself did (John 14:12)!

Today and every day, remember who you are in Christ. United with him, you have enormous potential to transform your family, workplace, and community. You have the mind of Christ to bring wisdom where there is confusion and comfort where there is anxiety. You have the anointing of Christ to bring healing, love, and mercy where there is hatred and division. Put yourself in his hands today, and call on his power to help you live a life pleasing to him. Then, you can accomplish more than you ever thought possible.

“Lord, I thank you that you have made me a little lower than the angels! May I never forget that I carry your name. Help me to shine your light into every situation.”

(Psalm) Daniel 3:75-81; Luke 21:29-33

[Salvation]

Secret Harbor ~ Portus Secretioris

27 November 2009

Seeking to Pierce the High Cloud of Unknowing

This particular piece is from “The Cloud of Unknowing,” familiar to many as an anonymous latter half of the fourteenth century work on Christian mysticism. If you’re familiar with the various English versions, you might find this a bit unique. I translated it from Italian, even though it is a Middle English work; and I think it translates a bit more contemplative/monastic friendly, so to speak. I hope you enjoy it! The final two small paragraphs in this post are from the follow-up work and is believed to have been written by the same author. This work is titled: “The Epistle of Privy Counsel.” Remaining fixed on God is never easy and the final two paragraphs briefly address this.

In the Gospel of Saint Luke it is written, that our Lord was received in the home of Martha, the sister of Mary. While Martha is preparing lunch, Mary sits at the Feet of the Master. While listening to His Word, she does not behold the business of her sister, although her business was full of goodness and holiness, for truly it is the first part of the active life.

Mary does not yet even behold the preciousness of the sacred Body of Christ, nor of the human gentleness of His Voice and His words, even though this indicates progress, as this is the second part of the active life and the first part of the contemplative life.

What’s interesting is the supreme wisdom of Mary in the Lord’s Divinity, although veiled by the words of His Humanity, she beheld with all the love of her heart. Despite what she sees or hears from what is being done around her, she sits at the Feet of the Lord without batting an eyelid. In her privy, a secret longing for love and many sweet impulses, she seeks to pierce the high cloud of unknowing that stands between her and God.

I will say this: there never has been and never will be in this life a creature, however pure and ecstatic in contemplating and loving God, who has not always had between himself and God, this cloud of unknowing so lofty and mysterious. Precisely in this cloud Mary was occupied with many secret eruptions of His love. And why? Because it is the best part of contemplation, that there may be more holiness in this world. She would have left the world for this occupation; so much so that her sister Martha complained about her to our Lord and begs Him to tell her to get up and help her, and not to leave her alone in doing all the serving. Mary is sitting, not saying a word. She shows no sign of resentment or protest against her sister, for any complaint she could make. And no wonder: Mary was busy doing other work, of which Martha did not realize. Therefore she hadn’t the time to listen to her, nor to respond to her complaints.

You see, my friend, all that happened between the Lord and the two sisters is an example for what will be until the day of doom, both actives and contemplatives will be in the Church.

Charity is only the love of God for Himself above all creatures, and to love our neighbor as ourselves, for love of God should not be understood otherwise.

In this work, God is loved for Himself, and above all creatures, because in essence this work is nothing but a pure desire directed unto God for Himself, and Him alone.

Yes, I called it a pure desire because from this work comes into being a true contemplative who does not expect relief from fatigue or an increase in reward. In short, he asks for nothing more from God and does not care anymore about his pain or bliss; his only concern is the will of Him Whom he loves. Thus it seems in this occupation that God is loved for Himself, perfectly and above all creatures.

Experience shows that in the second commandment of charity: that of relating to others is also perfectly fulfilled. How is this possible? The true contemplative does not take into account any particular person whether that be, relative or stranger, friend or foe. All men are his brothers and no one is a stranger. He comes to regard as his dear friends those that cause him pain and suffering, and feels compelled to will them as much goodness as his homeliest friend.

You may say: All I feel is toil and pain, not rest. On the one hand, my faculties hound me to give up this work and I will not. On the other hand, I long to lose the experience of myself and I cannot. If this is rest, I think it is a rather odd kind of rest!

Yes, I know it is painful and toilsome. And yet I call it rest. Persevere in it with humility and great desire, for it is a work which begins here on earth, but will go on without end into eternity.

by Jeffrey S. J. Allan at 11:58

[Salvation]

Vultus Christi

Toward Advent

By

Father Mark

 on November 26, 2009 9:26 PM |

This anachronistic engraving of Saint Columban amuses me. Note that the Hermits of Saint Augustine claim him as one of their own! He is wearing the distinctive Augustinian cincture. And his crucifix is planted right on top of the indispensable skull.

Late November Saints

The saints of these last days of the liturgical year incite us to look beyond the conditions of this present life and to set our hope on the things that God has prepared for us in "the holy city, new Jerusalem" (Ap 21:2), "what no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived" (1 Cor 2:9).

On the 22nd, Saint Cecilia was set before us: an icon of the Church, Virgin and Bride, "carrying the Gospel always on her heart and meditating therein day and night, talking with God in prayer" (Responsory).

On the 24th, we monks remembered Saint Columban, the Irish missionary monk who demonstrated that the search for God and zeal for the extension of His kingdom go hand in hand.

O God who, in Saint Columban,
wonderfully joined the work of evangelization
to the practice of the monastic life,
grant, we beseech Thee,
that through his intercession and example,
we may seek Thee above all things
and work to increase the number of those who believe.

Also on the 24th the Church commemorates the Holy Martyrs of Vietnam, that "great cloud of witnesses" (Heb 12:1) put to death "for their testimony to Jesus and for the Word of God" (Ap 20:4).

Today, November 26th, apart from being Thanksgiving Day in the United States, marks the feast of Saint Sylvester, a holy abbot of the thirteenth century who, according to legend, was shocked into a conversion of life while gazing into an open tomb.

All-merciful God,
who, when the holy abbot Sylvester
stood before an open grave,
called him from the vanity of perishable things
to a life of shining holiness in the wilderness,
we humbly entreat Thee
that, like him, we may prefer nothing to the love of Christ
and live, already in this world,
with our hearts fixed on the joys of heaven.

Death Daily Before One's Eyes

Saint Sylvester is well suited to these last days of November. Together with Saint Benedict, he calls us "to fear the Day of Judgment, to dread hell, to yearn for eternal life with all possible spiritual desire, and to keep death daily before one's eyes" (RB 4:44-46).

Dies Irae

Fittingly, during this last week of the year, the Church gives us ample opportunity to meditate the sublime Dies irae.The place of the Dies irae in Western civilization is immense, gripping the imaginations of poets, artists, and composers. As a small boy I knew only the plainchant setting of the Dies Irae and often hummed it to myself. Peculiar? In 8th grade, however, I sang as a treble in Britten's stupendous War Requiem. The experience gave me quite another impression of the Dies Irae.

In the course of the liturgical reforms following the Second Vatican Council the Dies irae was designated for use in the Divine Office throughout the week immediately preceding the First Sunday of Advent. The Dies irae was originally composed as an Advent hymn, trumpeting the One who comes come to judge the world.

The Trump that Wakes the Dead

In Canto VI of his Lay of the Last Minstrel, Sir Walter Scott condenses the Dies irae into twelve lines. We do well to ponder them this week.

That day of wrath, that dreadful day,
When heaven and earth shall pass away,
What power shall be the sinner's stay?
How shall he meet that dreadful day?

When, shriveling like a parchèd scroll,
The flaming heavens together roll;
When louder yet, and yet more dread,
Swells the high trump that wakes the dead:

Oh, on that day, that wrathful day,
When man to judgment wakes from clay,
Be thou the trembling sinner's stay,
Though heaven and earth shall pass away.

Monks no longer have the custom of keeping an open tomb at the ready as the salutary destination of a daily stroll. We do well nonetheless to bend ourselves to the wisdom of Saint Benedict and the example of Saint Sylvester by "keeping death daily before our eyes." And we do well to ruminate the poetry of the Dies irae.

The Right Perspective

If anything, these practices will place all other things in the right perspective, disposing us to detachment, showing us how narrow and petty are the things that hold us in their grip. In the end, heaven and earth will pass away, but the words of Christ our Lord and merciful Judge will remain.

[Salvation]

Vultus Christi

Ad aeterna tabernacula festinare

By

Father Mark

 on November 26, 2009 9:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Cross, the Passion, and the Most Holy Eucharist

Today's Saint Silvester Guzzolini (1177-1267), founder of the so-called Blue Benedictines (from the colour of their habit) or Silvestrines, exemplifies the monastic spirituality of the thirteenth century. Nourished by the Word of God, Silvester filled the gaze of his soul with the mysteries of the Passion of Our Lord, contemplating His wounds and desiring nothing so much as to follow Him along the way of the Cross. So strong was this desire of his that on one occasion he was mystically transported to the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. As one might expect, Silvester's devotion to the Passion of Jesus found its highest expression in the ardent love he had for the Most Holy Eucharist. This is reflected in the beautiful Secret for his feast:

With all reverence, O Lord,
do we offer these gifts to Thy divine Majesty:
praying that by the devout preparation of our minds
and purity of heart,
we may be made imitators of the blessed Silvester,
and so deserve to receive in a holy manner
the Body and Blood of Thy Son.

The Mother of God

Silvester nurtured a tender devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Mercy, to whom he entrusted himself entirely. Our Lady responded by demonstrating her maternal love for him with singular graces. On one occasion, he fell in the staircase while descending to the Night Office. The Blessed Virgin came to help him and, in the twinkling of an eye, Silvester found himself safe and sound back in his cell. One hears of similar episodes in the lives of modern saints such as Padre Pio, Marthe Robin, and Mother Yvonne-Aimée of Malestroit.

Communion from the Hands of Our Lady

The most famous Marian prodigy in his life took place when, of a night, the Blessed Virgin appeared to him in a dream and said, "Silvester, dost thou desire to receive the Body of my Son?" With trepidation he answered, "My heart is ready, O Lady; let it be done unto me according to thy word." With that, the Mother of God gave him Holy Communion. Claudio Ridolfi painted the episode in 1632.

The Collects

There are two Collects for today's feast. The first alludes to the horrifying experience that caused Silvester to change his way of life and embrace the monastic state. In 1227, as a fifty year old canon of the cathedral of Osimo, he saw the decomposing body of a man who, in life, had been comely and strong. Silvester then said to himself: "What he was thou art, and what he is, thou shalt be." With that, he decided to withdraw into solitude.

The second prayer, found in the new Antiphonale Monasticum, reflects the two principle graces of his life: solitude and community. The Latin text has this magnificent conclusion: et in humili caritate ad aeterna tabernacula festinare!

O most clement God, Who,
when the holy abbot Silvester,
by the side of an open grave,
stood meditating on the emptiness of the things of this world,
didst vouchsafe to call him into the wilderness
and to ennoble him with the merit of a singularly holy life;
most humbly we beg of Thee, that like him,
we may despise earthly things,
and enjoy fellowship with Thee for evermore.

O God who bestowed upon Saint Silvester
zeal for the sweetness of solitude
and for the labours of the cenobitical life,
grant us, we beseech Thee,
to seek Thee always with a sincere mind
and in humble charity
hasten toward the eternal tabernacles.

[Salvation]

Vespers -- Evening Prayer

Vespers (Evening Prayer)

Introduction

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 here.

Psalm 114 (116A)
Thanksgiving

Lord, free my soul from death and keep my feet from stumbling.

I rejoiced when the Lord listened

  to the voice of my pleading;

I rejoiced for he turned his ear to me,

  as I called to him day after day.

The ropes of death were around me,

  the agonies of the underworld were upon me.

I came upon trouble and anguish,

  and I called on the name of the Lord:

  “Lord, free my soul.”

The Lord is kind and just,

  our God takes pity on us.

The Lord guards the weak;

  I am cast down, but he will save me.

Turn, my soul, to your rest,

  for the Lord is kind to you.

He has torn my soul away from death,

  my eyes from tears,

  my feet from falling.

I shall walk before the Lord in the land of the living.

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, free my soul from death and keep my feet from stumbling.

---

Psalm 120 (121)
The guardian of the people

My help will come from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

I shall lift my eyes to the hills:

  where is my help to come from?

My help will come from the Lord,

  who made heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip:

  he will not doze, your guardian.

Behold, he will not doze or sleep,

  the guardian of Israel.

The Lord is your guardian, the Lord is your shade;

  he is at your right hand.

By day the sun will not strike you;

  nor the moon by night.

The Lord will guard you from all harm;

  the Lord will guard your life.

The Lord will guard your coming and your going

  both now and 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.

My help will come from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

---

Canticle	Apocalypse 15

A hymn of adoration

Just and true are your ways, King of all ages.

Great and wonderful are your works, Lord God Almighty;

  just and true are your ways, King of all nations!

Who, Lord, will not revere and glorify your name?

  For you alone are holy.

All nations will come and worship in your presence,

  for your judgements have been seen by all.

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.

Just and true are your ways, King of all ages.

---

Short reading	1 Corinthians 2:7-10 ©

The hidden wisdom of God which we teach in our mysteries is the wisdom that God predestined to be for our glory before the ages began. It is a wisdom that none of the masters of this age have ever known, or they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory; we teach what scripture calls: the things that no eye has seen and no ear has heard, things beyond the mind of man, all that God has prepared for those who love him. These are the very things that God has revealed to us through the Spirit.

---

Short Responsory

Christ died for our sins, to offer us to God.

– Christ died for our sins, to offer us to God.

He died in the flesh but came to life in the Spirit.

– Christ died for our sins, to offer us to God.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

– Christ died for our sins, to offer us to God.

---

Canticle	Magnificat

My soul rejoices in the Lord

Remember, Lord, your mercies, as you promised to our ancestors.

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.

Remember, Lord, your mercies, as you promised to our ancestors.

---

Prayers and Intercessions

Let us bless Christ the Lord, whose compassion wipes away the tears of those who weep. In loving supplication let us call on him:

– Lord, take pity on your people.

Christ and Lord, consoler of the lowly,

  take notice of the tears of the poor.

– Lord, take pity on your people.

Compassionate God, hear the sighs of the dying:

  send your angel to comfort them.

– Lord, take pity on your people.

May all exiles receive your loving care, and return to their earthly homes;

  and may they one day gain admittance to their eternal home in heaven.

– Lord, take pity on your people.

May those sunk in the misery of sin be conquered by your love,

  and reconciled to you and your Church.

– Lord, take pity on your people.

Give salvation to our deceased brethren,

  and give them a full share in the blessings of your redemption.

– Lord, take pity on your people.

---

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.

---

O God, the horror of the Cross mysteriously reveals your inexhaustible wisdom.

  Grant that we may contemplate your Son’s glorious Passion

  and always believe and glory in his Cross.

He 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]

Regnum Christi

The Kingdom Is Near

| SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY

Friday, 34th week, OT

Father Edward Hopkins, LC

Luke 21:29-33

Jesus told his disciples a parable. "Consider the fig tree and all the other trees. When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near; in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."

Introductory Prayer: Dear Jesus, I believe in you and in the Kingdom you are building in and through me. I believe in the value of my sacrifice and struggles united to yours. I hope to arrive to heaven when you say it is time. I wish to spend myself for those I should love the most.

Petition: Thy kingdom come, now and forever!

1. See for Yourselves In today’s Gospel, Jesus is responding to the disciples’ anxious plea for a “when” and a “with what warning” the end will come (Luke 21:7). He tells them some signs that will precede the imminent fall of Jerusalem as well as the coming of the Son of Man “on the clouds.” But these will all be very apparent, like the coming of summer. So don’t be obsessed with figuring out the “when.” Focus on living and knowing the Kingdom of God now. How easily we are distracted with all that happens around us, yet how difficult it is to be aware of the Kingdom and its demands in my heart and my relations to others in my life! What efforts do I make to discover and know the present demands of his Kingdom in my life?

2. The Kingdom of God Will Come Jesus has used many images to describe the Kingdom of God. Like the mustard seed, it is hard to recognize at first. It begins small and grows slowly. But it will come, and this must be our daily prayer of desire: “Thy Kingdom Come!” We must resist a very real temptation. Almost unconsciously we want it to be a worldly Kingdom that will come during our lifetime. We work and pray as though we will soon arrive at our goals and rest from all our spiritual labors. This leads us to get easily discouraged at our lack of progress in prayer and virtue, no less than with the problems that surround us. No, we must live with hope, pushing forward with growing confidence that the Lord will bring his Kingdom to fulfillment, both in us and in the world – when the time is right. Whose kingdom am I seeking?

3. My Words Will Not Pass Away Another temptation in awaiting the Kingdom is to despair of the times of trial through which we must pass. But in the words of St. Theresa of Jesus, “all things pass,” only God remains. Nothing we suffer will remain as the Kingdom approaches. And yet all these “trials” are the most valuable and powerful means to bring about the Kingdom in our own souls and in the lives of others, especially in those who wander. Use the tools of the Kingdom: Suffer trials with faith, and respond with a love that gives them an eternal value. May we never lose a moment in which to merit graces and build the Kingdom that comes. In the end, only what we have done for God and for our brothers and sisters remains.

Conversation with Christ: Lord Jesus, give me a greater faith and confidence that every cross and burden, no matter how trivial or small, is a means to love. I want to build your Kingdom with you. Keep me focused on the opportunities and demands of the present moment.

Resolution: I will make one small sacrifice at a meal today for someone I wish I could help more.

[Salvation]

Homily of the Day

Will Good Ever Really Triumph?

November 27th, 2009 by Monsignor Dennis Clark, Ph.D.

Daniel 7:2-14 / Lk 21:29-33

With the end of the church year upon us, the prophet Daniel draws upon his own vivid imagination and the rich imagery of the Jewish apocalyptic tradition to paint for us a stunning picture of the final confrontation of good and evil. In his story, good triumphs, and we breath a sigh of relief, for as real life in this broken world of ours continues to unfold, the ultimate outcome can seem in doubt, especially on our bad days.

Within ourselves there are too many things which don’­t seem to get fixed or get better across the years. And around us on every side, the same too often seems true in our neighborhoods, in our cities, among nations, in the eroding environment, in the eroding spirituality of so many. That’s the way it looks at times, and the way it feels, so we have to dig deep for answers.

The ultimate answer is that it’s still God’s world, and it is still God who breathes life into everything that lives, everything that is, from moment to moment. If we try to build the kingdom on our own, all by ourselves, we will fail. But if we let go of our own narrow agendas and let God guide our hands, the kingdom will surely come, not necessarily on our timetable, but it will come.

So relax in the Lord, give him your hands and your heart, and trust in his power to make all things work for the good of those who love him.

[Salvation]

One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

 

<< Friday, November 27, 2009 >>

Saint of the Day

Daniel 7:2-14
View Readings

Daniel 3:75-81

Luke 21:29-33

LITTLE BIG HORN

"This horn had eyes like a man, and a mouth that spoke arrogantly." —Daniel 7:8

 

In Daniel's vision, the horn that sprang from the fourth beast was the Seleucid kingdom (Dn 7:8). The big mouth of the little horn was King Antiochus Epiphanes. This man was so arrogant (see Dn 7:11) that, after a reign of mass murder, terror, and torture (see 1 Mc 1:54-63), he remarked about what a nice guy he was (1 Mc 6:12).

King Antiochus would feel at home with us today, for arrogance is rampant in our society. It is not unusual for a minister or priest to flippantly contradict the Bible and thousands of years of Spirit-filled people to justify artificial contraception, homosexual activity, or abortion. Professors, seminarians, and amateur theologians think nothing of ignoring the Pope's teachings and dismissing him as a chauvinistic, authoritarian relic. Too many Catholics turn up their noses at Jesus in Holy Communion. They don't have time to receive the body and blood of Jesus, except maybe on Sundays. Jesus doesn't fit into their weekday schedule. Are we mocking God? (see Gal 6:7)

The Lord's judgment on our arrogance is: "All you can do is make arrogant and pretentious claims. All such boasting is reprehensible" (Jas 4:16). "The haughty eyes of man will be lowered, the arrogance of men will be abased, and the Lord alone will be exalted, on that day. For the Lord of hosts will have His day against all that is proud and arrogant, all that is high, and it will be brought low" (Is 2:11-12). "God 'is stern with the arrogant but to the humble He shows kindness' " (1 Pt 5:5; Prv 3:34). Repent of arrogance and submit to God's word, His Church, and the pope.

 

Prayer: Father, may I shut my big mouth.

Promise: "The heavens and the earth will pass away, but My words will not pass." —Lk 21:33

Praise: Once Paula got into reading the pope's teachings, she began to really understand her faith.

 

 

[Salvation]

Compline -- Night Prayer

Compline (Night Prayer)

Introduction

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.

---

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.

---

Hymn

Christ, thou who art the light and day,

Who chasest nightly shades away,

Thyself the Light of Light confessed,

And promiser of radiance blest:

O holy Lord, we pray to thee,

Throughout the night our guardian be;

In thee vouchsafe us to repose,

All peaceful till the night shall close.

O let our eyes due slumber take,

Our hearts to thee forever wake:

And let thy right hand from above

Shield us who turn to thee in love.

O strong defender, hear our prayers,

Repel our foes and break their snares,

And govern thou thy servants here,

Those ransomed with thy life-blood dear.

Almighty Father, this accord

Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord,

Who with the Holy Ghost and thee

Doth reign through all eternity.

---

Psalm 87 (88)
The prayer of one gravely ill

I cry out to you, Lord, by day and by night.

Lord God, my saviour,

  I have cried out to you by day and by night.

Let my prayer come before you:

  turn your ear to my request.

For my soul is full of evils,

  my life has come close to its end.

I am counted with those who go down to the pit:

  I am left without help.

I am one of the dead,

  like the murdered who sleep in their tombs,

who lie there forgotten,

  cut off from your care.

You have thrust me down into the pit,

  to the gloom and the shadow of death.

Your anger weighs heavy upon me;

  you have drowned me under your waves.

You have taken my friends away from me:

  you have made me hateful in their sight,

  I am shut in, I may not go out.

My eyes are weak from my sufferings.

I have called to you, Lord, all the day;

  I have stretched out my hands to you.

Is it for the dead that you perform your wonders?

  Will the ghosts rise up and proclaim you?

In the tomb, will they tell of your kindness?

  Will they tell of your faithfulness in the place of the lost?

Will your wonders be known in the darkness,

  or your righteousness in the land of oblivion?

And so I have called out to you, Lord,

  and in the morning my prayer will come before you.

With what purpose, Lord, do you reject my soul?

  Why do you hide your face from me?

I am poor; from my youth I have been dying;

  I have borne the terrors you sent, I am lost in confusion.

Your anger has overrun me, your terrors have broken me:

  they have flowed round me like water,

  they have besieged me all the day long.

You have taken my friends and those close to me:

  all I have left is shadows.

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.

I cry out to you, Lord, by day and by night.

---

Reading	(Jeremiah 14:9)

You, Lord, are in our midst, and we are called by your name; therefore do not abandon us, Lord, our God.

---

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.

---

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.

---

Let us pray.

Lord, let us be so united with your only Son that we become worthy to rise with him into new life, who lives and reigns for ever and ever, Amen.

---

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

A M E N

	Salve Regina

Hail to you, O Queen, mother of loving kindness,

  our life, our happiness, our hope.

Hear us cry out to you,

  children of Eve in our exile.

Hear as we sigh, with groaning and weeping

  in this life, this valley of tears.

Come then, our Advocate, turn towards us

  the gaze of your kind and loving eyes.

And show us Jesus, the blessed fruit of your womb,

  when at last our exile here is ended.

[annalex]

know that the kingdom of God is at hand.