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Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 07-16-10, Opt. Mem. Our Lady of Mount Carmel
USCCB.org/New American Bible ^ | 07-16-10 | New American Bible

Posted on 07/15/2010 9:59:08 PM PDT by Salvation

July 16, 2010


Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

 

Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel


Reading 1

Is 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8

When Hezekiah was mortally ill,
the prophet Isaiah, son of Amoz, came and said to him:
"Thus says the LORD: Put your house in order,
for you are about to die; you shall not recover."
Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord:

"O LORD, remember how faithfully and wholeheartedly
I conducted myself in your presence,
doing what was pleasing to you!"
And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

Then the word of the LORD came to Isaiah: "Go, tell Hezekiah:
Thus says the LORD, the God of your father David:
I have heard your prayer and seen your tears.
I will heal you: in three days you shall go up to the Lord's temple;
I will add fifteen years to your life.
I will rescue you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria;
I will be a shield to this city."

Isaiah then ordered a poultice of figs to be taken
and applied to the boil, that he might recover.
Then Hezekiah asked,
"What is the sign that I shall go up to the temple of the LORD?"

Isaiah answered:
"This will be the sign for you from the LORD
that he will do what he has promised:
See, I will make the shadow cast by the sun
on the stairway to the terrace of Ahaz
go back the ten steps it has advanced."
So the sun came back the ten steps it had advanced.

 
Isaiah 38:10, 11, 12abcd, 16
Responsorial Psalm

R. (see 17b) You saved my life, O Lord; I shall not die.
Once I said,
"In the noontime of life I must depart!
To the gates of the nether world I shall be consigned
for the rest of my years."
R. You saved my life, O Lord; I shall not die.
I said, "I shall see the LORD no more
in the land of the living.
No longer shall I behold my fellow men
among those who dwell in the world."
R. You saved my life, O Lord; I shall not die.
My dwelling, like a shepherd's tent,
is struck down and borne away from me;
You have folded up my life, like a weaver
who severs the last thread.
R. You saved my life, O Lord; I shall not die.
Those live whom the LORD protects;
yours is the life of my spirit.
You have given me health and life.
R. You saved my life, O Lord; I shall not die.

 
Mt 12:1-8
Gospel

Jesus was going through a field of grain on the sabbath.
His disciples were hungry
and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them.
When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him,
"See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath."
He said to the them, "Have you not read what David did
when he and his companions were hungry,
how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of offering,
which neither he nor his companions
but only the priests could lawfully eat?
Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbath
the priests serving in the temple violate the sabbath
and are innocent?
I say to you, something greater than the temple is here.
If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice,
you would not have condemned these innocent men.
For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath." n


TOPICS: Catholic; General Discusssion; Prayer; Worship
KEYWORDS: catholic; catholiclist; ordinarytime; saints
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To: annalex
1. At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were hungry, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.
2. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, Behold, your disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.
3. But he said to them, Have you not read what David did, when he was hungered, and they that were with him,
4. How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the showbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the Priests?
5. Or have you not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the Priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?
6. But I say to you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.
7. But if you had known what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless.
8. For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.

GLOSS: Having related the preaching together with the miracles of one year before John's inquiry, He passes to those of another year, namely after the death of John, when Jesus is already in all things spoken against ; and hence it is said, At that time Jesus passed through the cornfields on the sabbath day.

AUG; This which here follows is related both by Mark and Luke, without any question of discrepancy; indeed they do not say, At that time, so that Matthew has here perhaps preserved the order of time, they that of their recollection ; unless we take the words in a wider sense, At that time, that is, the time in which these many and divers things were done, whence we may conceive that all these things happened after the death of John. For he is believed to have been beheaded a little after he sent his disciples to Christ. So that when he says at that time, he may mean only an indefinite time.

CHRYS; Why then did He head them through the cornfields on time sabbath, seeing He knew all things, unless He desired to break the sabbath? This he desired indeed, but not absolutely ; therefore He broke it not without cause, but furnished a sufficient reason; so that He both caused the Law to cease, and yet offended not against it. Thus in order to soften the Jews, He here introduces a natural necessity; this is what is said, And his disciples being hungry, began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. Although in things which are manifestly sinful, there can he no excuse; He who kills another cannot plead rage, nor he who commits adultery, lust, or any other cause; yet here saying that the disciples were hungry, He delivers them from all accusation.

JEROME; As we read in another Evangelist, they had no opportunity of taking food because of the thronging of the multitude, and therefore they hungered as men. That they rub the ears of corn in their hands, and with them satisfy themselves, is a proof of an austere life, and of men who needed not prepared meats, but sought only simple food.

CHRYS; Here admire the disciples, who are so limited in their desires, that they have no care of the things of the body, but despise the support of the flesh ; they are assailed by hunger, and yet they go not away from Christ; for had not they been hard pressed by hunger, they would not have done thus. What the Pharisees said to this is added, The Pharisees seeing it said to Him, Behold, your disciples do what is not lawful to do on the sabbath.

AUG; The Jews rather charged the Lord's disciples with the breach of the sabbath than with theft; because it was commanded the people of Israel in the Law, that they should not lay hold of any as a thief in their fields, unless he sought to carry anything away with him; but if any touched only what he needed to eat, him they suffered to depart with impunity free.

JEROME; Observe, that the first Apostles of the Savior broke the letter of the sabbath, contrary to the opinion of the Ebionites, who receive the other Apostles, but reject Paul as a transgressor of the Law. Then it proceeds to their excuse; But he said to them, Have you not read what David did, when he was hungry? To refute the false accusation of the Pharisees, He calls to mind the ancient history, that David flying from Saul came to Nobba, and being entertained by Achimelech the Priest, asked for food; he having no common bread, gave him the consecrated loaves, which it was not lawful for any to eat, but the Priests only and Levites; esteeming it a better action to deliver men from the danger of famine than to offer sacrifice to God; for the preservation of man is a sacrifice acceptable to God. Thus then the Lord meets their objection, saying, If David be a holy man, and if you blame not the high-priest Achimelech, but consider their excuse for their transgression of the Law to be valid, and that was hunger; how do you not approve in the Apostles the same plea which you approve in others? Though even here there is much difference. These rub ears of corn in their hands on the sabbath; those ate the Levitical bread, and over and above the solemn sabbath it was the season of new moon, during which when sought for at the banquet he fled from the royal palace.

CHRYS; To clear His disciples, He brings forward the instance of David, whose glory as a Prophet was great among the Jews. Yet they could not here answer that this was lawful for him, because he was a Prophet; for it was not Prophets, but Priests only who might eat. And the greater was he who did this, the greater is the defense of the disciples; yet though David was a Prophet, they that were with him were not.

JEROME; Observe that neither David nor his servants received the loaves of show-bread, before they had made answer that they were pure from women.

CHRYS; But some one will say, How is this instance applicable to the question in hand? For David did not transgress the sabbath. Here is shown the wisdom of Christ, that He brings forward an instance stronger than the sabbath. For it is by no means the same thing to violate the sabbath, and to touch that sacred table, which is lawful for none. And again, He adds yet another answer, saying, Or have you not read in the Law, that on the sabbath days the Priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?

JEROME; As though He had said, you bring complaints against my disciples, that on the sabbath they rub ears of corn in their hands, under stress of hunger, and you yourselves profane the sabbath, slaying victims in the temple, killing bulls, burning holocausts on piles of wood; also, on the testimony of another Gospel, you circumcise infants on the sabbath; so that in keeping one law, you break that concerning the sabbath. But the laws of God are never contrary one to another; wisely therefore, wherein His disciples might be accused of having transgressed them, He shows that therein they followed the examples of Achimelech and David; and this their pretended charge of breaking the sabbath He retorts truly, and not having the plea of necessity, upon those who had brought the accusation.

CHRYS; But that you should not say to me, that to find an instance of another's sin is not to excuse our own - indeed where the thing done and not the doer of it is accused, we excuse the thing done. But this is not enough, He said what is yet more, that they are blameless. But see how great things He brings in; first, the place, in the Temple; secondly, the time, on the sabbath; the setting aside the Law, in the word profane, not merely break; and that they are not only free from punishment but from blame; and are blameless. And this second instance is not like the first which He gave respecting David; for that was done but once, by David who was not a Priest, and was a case of necessity; but this second is done every sabbath, and by the Priests, and according to the Law. So that not only by indulgence, as the first case would establish, but by the strict law the disciples are to be held blameless. But are the disciples Priests? yea, they are yet greater than Priests, forasmuch as He was there who is the Lord of the Temple, who is the reality and not the type; and therefore it is added, But I say to you, one greater than the Temple is here

JEROME; The word Hic is not a pronoun, but an adverb of place here, for that place is greater than the Temple which contains the Lord of the Temple.

AUG; It should be observed, that one example is taken from royal, persons, as David, the other from priestly, as those who profane the sabbath for the service of the Temple, so that much less can the charge concerning the rubbing the ears of corn attach to Him who is indeed King and Priest.

CHRYS; And because what He had said seemed hard to those that heard it, He again exhorts to mercy, introducing His discourse with emphasis, saying, But had you known what that means, I will have mercy and not sacrifice, you would never have condemned the innocent.

JEROME; What I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, signifies, we have explained above. The words, you would never have condemned the innocent, are to be referred to the Apostles, and the meaning is, If you allow the mercy of Achimelech, in that he refreshed David when in danger of starving, why do you condemn My disciples?

CHRYS; Observe again how in leading the discourse towards an apology for them, He shows His disciples to be above the need of any apology and to be indeed blameless, as He had said above of the Priests. And He adds yet another plea which clears them of blame, For the Son of Man its Lord also of the sabbath.

REMIG; He calls Himself the Son of Man, and the meaning is, He whom you suppose a mere man is God, the Lord of all creatures, and also of the sabbath, and He has therefore power to change the law after His pleasure, because He made it.

AUG; He did not forbid His disciples to pluck the ears of corn on the sabbath, that so He might convict both the Jews who then were, and the Manichaeans who, were to come, who will not pluck up a herb lest they should be committing a murder.

HILARY; Figuratively; First consider that this discourse was held at that time, namely, when He had given thanks to the Father for giving salvation to the Gentiles. The field is the world, the sabbath is rest, the corn the ripening of them that believe for the harvest; thus His passing through the corn field on the sabbath, is the coming of the Lord into the world in the rest of the Law; the hunger of the disciples is their desire for the salvation of men.

RABAN; They pluck the ears of corn when they withdraw men from devotion to the world; they rub them in their hands when they tear away their hearts from the lusts of the flesh; they eat the grain when they transfer such as are amended into the body of the Church.

AUG; But no man passes into the body of Christ, until he has been stripped of his fleshly raiment; according to that of the Apostle, Put you off the old man.

RABAN; This they do on the sabbath, that is in the hope of eternal rest, to which they invite others. Also they walk through the cornfields with the Lord, who have delight in meditating on the Scriptures; they are hungry while they desire to find the bread of life, that is the love of God, in them; they pluck the ears of corn and rub them in their hands, while they examine the testimonies to discover what lies hidden under the letter, and this on the sabbath, that is, while they are free from disquieting thoughts.

HILARY; The Pharisees, who thought that the key of the kingdom of heaven was in their hands, accused the disciples of doing what was not lawful to do; whereon the Lord reminded them of deeds in which, under the guise of facts, a prophecy was concealed; and that He might show the power of all things, He further added, that it contained the form of that work which was to be, Had you known what that means, I will have mercy; for the work of our salvation is not in the sacrifice of the Law, but in mercy; and the Law having ceased, we are saved by the mercy of God. Which gift if they had understood they would not have condemned the innocent, that is His Apostles, whom in their jealousy they were to accuse of having transgressed the Law, where the old sacrifices having ceased, the new dispensation of mercy came through them to the aid of all.

Catena Aurea Matthew 12
21 posted on 07/16/2010 4:47:01 PM PDT by annalex (http://www.catecheticsonline.com/CatenaAurea.php)
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To: annalex


Institution of the Eucharist (Cell 35)

Fra Angelico

1441-42
Fresco, 186 x 234 cm
Convento di San Marco, Florence

22 posted on 07/16/2010 4:47:35 PM PDT by annalex (http://www.catecheticsonline.com/CatenaAurea.php)
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To: All
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.
Hymn
Eternal glory of the sky,
Blest hope of frail humanity,
The Father’s Sole-begotten One,
Yet born a spotless Virgin’s Son.
Uplift us with thine arm of might,
And let our hearts rise pure and bright,
And, ardent in God’s praises, pay
The thanks we owe him every day.
The day-star’s rays are glittering clear,
And tell that day itself is near:
The shadows of the night depart;
Thou, holy Light, illume the heart.
Within our senses ever dwell,
And worldly darkness thence expel:
Long as the days of life endure,
Preserve our souls devout and pure.
The Faith that first must be possessed,
Root deep within our inmost breast:
And joyous Hope in second place,
Then Charity, thy greatest grace.
All laud to God the Father be;
All praise, eternal Son, to thee;
All glory, as is ever meet,
To God the Holy Paraclete.
Psalm 50 (51)
God, have mercy on me
Against you alone I have sinned: take pity on me.
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.
Against you alone I have sinned: take pity on me.
Canticle Jeremiah 14
Lamentation of the people in the time of famine and war
O Lord, we acknowledge our wickedness; we acknowledge that we have sinned.
Let my eyes shed tears, night and day, let them never cease,
  for the daughter of my people is afflicted with a great affliction,
  with the worst of all wounds.
If I go out into the fields – behold, those slain by the sword;
  if I go into the city – behold, those wasted by famine.
Prophet and priest go through the land, they know nothing.
Surely you have not rejected Judah, thrust him from you?
Surely Zion has not become hateful to your heart?
Why have you struck us down beyond all hope of healing?
We have looked for peace, but no good came;
  we have looked for the time of healing, but trouble came instead.
We acknowledge, O Lord, our wickedness, and the evil done by our fathers:
  we acknowledge that we have sinned.
Do not make us a reproach, for your name’s sake,
  and do not make us a disgrace before the throne of your glory.
Remember the covenant you made with us: do not bring it to an end.
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.
O Lord, we acknowledge our wickedness; we acknowledge that we have sinned.
Psalm 99 (100)
Enter the Temple with joy
The Lord is God: we are his people, the sheep of his flock.
Rejoice in the Lord, all the earth,
  and serve him with joy.
Exult as you enter his presence.
Know that the Lord is God.
He made us and we are his
 – his people, the sheep of his flock.
Cry out his praises as you enter his gates,
  fill his courtyards with songs.
Proclaim him and bless his name;
  for the Lord is our delight.
His mercy lasts for ever,
  his faithfulness through all the ages.
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.
The Lord is God: we are his people, the sheep of his flock.
Short reading 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ©
I shall be very happy to make my weaknesses my special boast so that the power of Christ may stay over me, and that is why I am quite content with my weaknesses, and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and the agonies I go through for Christ’s sake. For it is when I am weak that I am strong.
Short Responsory
Every morning, let me hear of your mercies.
– Every morning, let me hear of your mercies.
Make me know the path I should follow.
– Every morning, let me hear of your mercies.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
– Every morning, let me hear of your mercies.
Canticle Benedictus
The Messiah and his forerunner
The Lord has come to his people and brought about their redemption.
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.
The Lord has come to his people and brought about their redemption.
Prayers and Intercessions
Let us raise our eyes to Christ. For his people he was born; he died; he rose from the dead. So let us put our trust in him and pray:
– Lord, give salvation to those you redeemed with your blood.
Blessed are you, Jesus, saviour of mankind. You did not hesitate to suffer and die for us:
  by your precious blood we are redeemed.
– Lord, give salvation to those you redeemed with your blood.
You promised to give water welling up into eternal life:
  pour out your Spirit over all mankind.
– Lord, give salvation to those you redeemed with your blood.
You sent your disciples to preach the Good News to the nations:
  help them to extend the victory of your Cross.
– Lord, give salvation to those you redeemed with your blood.
The sick and poor share your cross:
  give them the gifts of strength and patience.
– Lord, give salvation to those you redeemed with your blood.
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.
Almighty Father, let your light soak deeply into our minds.
  Stepping forward in the light of your commandments,
  may we follow you always, our leader and our guide.
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.

AMEN


23 posted on 07/16/2010 8:17:56 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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Catholic Culture

Ordinary Time: July 16th

  Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Old Calendar: Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel

Sacred Scripture celebrated the beauty of Carmel where the prophet Elijah defended the purity of Israel's faith in the living God. In the twelfth century, hermits withdrew to that mountain and later founded the Carmelite order devoted to the contemplative life under the patronage of Mary, the holy Mother of God.

Devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel is worldwide, and most Catholics are familiar with the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, also known as the Brown Scapular. Mary appeared to St. Simon Stock on July 16, 1251, and gave him the scapular with the following words, which are preserved in a fourteenth century narrative: "This will be for you and for all Carmelites the privilege, that he who dies in this will not suffer eternal fire." The feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was instituted for the Carmelites in 1332, and extended to the whole Church by Benedict XIII in 1726.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Today is the principal feast day of the Carmelite Order. Through the efforts of the crusader Berthold, a group of hermits living on Mount Carmel were organized into an Order after the traditional Western type about the year 1150. Oppressed by the Saracens, the monks slowly emigrated to Europe. During the night preceding the sixteenth of July, 1225, the Blessed Virgin is said to have commanded Pope Honorius III to approve the foundation. Since the Carmelites were still under constant harassment, the sixth General of the Order, St. Simon Stock, pleaded with the Blessed Virgin for some special sign of her protection. On July 16, 1251, she designated the scapular as the special mark of her maternal love. That is why the present feast is also known as the feast of the Scapular. The scapular, as part of the habit, is common to many religious Orders, but it is a special feature of the Carmelites. A smaller form of the scapular is given to lay persons in order that they may share in the great graces associated with it. Such a grace is the "Sabbatine privilege." In the so-called Bulla Sabbatina John XXII affirmed that wearers of the scapular are soon freed from the flames of purgatory, at least by the Saturday after death. The confirmation of the Bulla Sabbatina was promulgated by the Sacred Congregation of Indulgences, July 4, 1908.

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

Things to Do:


24 posted on 07/16/2010 8:30:19 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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Catholic Culture

Daily Readings for: July 16, 2010
(Readings on USCCB website)

Collect: Father, may the prayers of the Virgin Mary protect us and help us to reach Christ her Son who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

 
25 posted on 07/16/2010 8:31:52 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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The Word Among Us

Meditation: Isaiah 38:1-6,21-22,7-8

“The sun came back the ten steps it had advanced.” (Isaiah 38:8)

Hezekiah, king of Judah, was desperate. Sennacherib, the Assyrian king, had declared war on all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them. Now he was heading toward Jerusalem, the capital and Hezekiah’s home. And to make matters even worse, Hezekiah was facing a mortal illness. He turned to God in fervent prayer, and the Lord sent Isaiah with a message: Hezekiah would be healed, and the Lord would rescue the city.

Could this word be true? Hezekiah humbly asked for a sign. And what a sign he received: God actually changed the course of the sun!

God was not offended by Hezekiah’s request. On the contrary, he was happy to oblige. He wanted to show Hezekiah—and all the people of Jerusalem—his love and faithfulness.

Throughout Scripture, God has spoken through dramatic signs. Gideon saw the morning dew only dampen the ground and not a fleece blanket he laid on the ground (Judges 6:39-40). Balaam heard God’s message to him through a talking donkey (Numbers 22). And Noah saw a rainbow in the sky as proof of God’s covenant love (Genesis 9:11-17).

God is still sending us signs today. He can be very creative in these signs as he tries to get our attention. Maybe you feel a strong tugging in your heart urging you to call an old friend. You may have a dream that stays with you long after you have woken up. Perhaps you are awakened in the middle of the night and are prompted to pray for someone. Even rays of sunshine breaking through clouds can be his way of reminding you that he is with you.

So stay alert today. Know that God will be trying to get in touch with you as the day unfolds. Know that he will be sending you signs today. Some may be obvious, and others may be subtle. He may offer you guidance, or he may simply encourage you. All you need are open eyes, open ears, and an open heart. God will take care of the rest.

“Holy Spirit, I don’t want to miss your signs today. Help me to stay alert so that I can hear and see your work in my life.”

(Psalm) Isaiah 38:10-12,16; Matthew 12:1-8


26 posted on 07/16/2010 8:41:01 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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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.
Hymn
O gladsome light, O grace
Of God the Father’s face,
  The eternal splendour wearing;
Celestial, holy, blest,
Our Saviour Jesus Christ,
  Joyful in thine appearing.
Now, ere day fadeth quite,
We see the evening light,
  Our wonted hymn outpouring;
Father of might unknown,
Thee, his incarnate Son,
  And Holy Ghost adoring.
To thee of right belongs
All praise of holy songs,
  O Son of God, Life-giver:
Thee therefore, O most High,
The world doth glorify,
  And shall exalt for ever.
Psalm 134 (135)
Praise the Lord, the wonder-worker
The Lord is great: our God is great above all gods.
Praise the name of the Lord:
  praise it, servants of the Lord,
you who stand in the house of the Lord,
  in the courts of the house of our God.
Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good;
  sing to his name, for it brings happiness.
For the Lord chose Jacob for his own,
  he chose Israel for his possession.
I know how great is the Lord,
  how great is our God above all gods.
The Lord accomplishes all that he wills,
  in the heavens and on the earth,
  in the sea and the depths of the oceans.
He brings in clouds from the ends of the earth,
  makes lightning for the rain-clouds,
  from his storehouse he calls forth the winds.
He struck down the first-born of Egypt,
  of man and of beast alike.
He sent signs and wonders among them,
  to Pharaoh and all his servants.
He shattered nation after nation,
  killed powerful kings:
Sihon, king of the Amorites,
  Og, the king of Bashan,
  all the kingdoms of Canaan.
He gave their lands as a birthright,
  as a birthright for Israel his people.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
  as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
  world without end.
Amen.
The Lord is great: our God is great above all gods.
Psalm 134 (135)
House of Israel, bless the Lord, sing psalms to his name.
Lord, your name is for ever;
  Lord, your name will be remembered
  by generation after generation.
For the Lord will give judgement for his people,
  he will look with kindness upon his servants.
The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
  the work of the hands of men.
They have mouths but will not speak,
  they have eyes and will not see.
They have ears and will not hear,
  there is no breath in their mouths.
They will be like them, those who make them;
  and all who put their trust in them.
House of Israel, bless the Lord;
  house of Aaron, bless the Lord;
house of Levi, bless the Lord;
  you who fear the Lord, bless the Lord.
Blessed be the Lord from Zion,
  whose abode is Jerusalem.
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.
House of Israel, bless the Lord, sing psalms to his name.
Canticle Apocalypse 15
A hymn of adoration
All nations will come and worship in your presence, O Lord.
Great and wonderful are your deeds,
  O Lord God the Almighty!
Just and true are your ways,
  O King of the ages!
Who shall not fear and glorify your name, O Lord?
  For you alone are holy.
All nations shall come and worship you,
  for your judgements have been revealed.
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.
All nations will come and worship in your presence, O Lord.
Short reading James 1:2-4 ©
My brothers, you will always have your trials but, when they come, try to treat them as a happy privilege; you understand that your faith is only put to the test to make you patient, but patience too is to have its practical results so that you will become fully-developed, complete, with nothing missing.
Short Responsory
Christ in his love has washed us clean with his blood.
– Christ in his love has washed us clean with his blood.
He has made us a kingdom and priesthood for God.
– Christ in his love has washed us clean with his blood.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
– Christ in his love has washed us clean with his blood.
Canticle Magnificat
My soul rejoices in the Lord
He has come to help us, his servants: he has remembered his mercy.
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.
He has come to help us, his servants: he has remembered his mercy.
Prayers and Intercessions
Let us pray to our Lord Jesus, whom the Father handed over for our transgressions but raised up for our redemption:
– Lord, take pity on your people.
Lord, we ask you to listen to our prayers and forget the sins we confess,
  and in your kindness to give us pardon and peace.
– Lord, take pity on your people.
Through you St Paul said “where sin has abounded, grace abounds still more”:
  be generous in forgiving our many debts.
– Lord, take pity on your people.
Lord, our sins are great but we trust that your mercy is infinite:
  change our hearts and we will change our lives.
– Lord, take pity on your people.
Lord, save your people from their sins
  and restore them to your favour.
– Lord, take pity on your people.
The thief called you Saviour and you opened to him the gates of paradise:
  do not close them against our deceased brethren.
– 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.
Lord, holy Father, you decreed Christ your Son as the price to be paid for our salvation.
  May his Passion be part of our lives
  and bring us the strength of his Resurrection.
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.

AMEN


27 posted on 07/16/2010 8:52:08 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
Regnum Christi

Condemning the Innocent
INTERNATIONAL | SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY
Friday, 15th Week in Ordinary Time

July 16, 2010
Friday of the Fifteenth Week of Ordinary Time
Father Eugene Gormley, LC

Matthew 12: 1-8

Jesus was going through a field of grain on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, "See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the Sabbath." He said to them, "Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry, how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of offering, which neither he nor his companions but only the priests could lawfully eat? Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath the priests serving in the temple violate the Sabbath and are innocent? I say to you, something greater than the temple is here. If you knew what this meant, ´I desire mercy, not sacrifice,´ you would not have condemned these innocent men. For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."

Introductory Prayer:  Almighty and ever-living God, I seek new strength from the courage of Christ our shepherd. I believe in you, I hope in you, and I seek to love you with all my heart, all my soul, all my mind, and all my strength. I want to be led one day to join the saints in heaven, where your Son Jesus Christ lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.

Petition: Help me to make every Sunday a special day for me and my family.

1. Fasting on Sunday?  It was the Sabbath, a day of rest. The disciples had had a difficult and busy week, and they were hungry. Jesus allowed them to look for food in the fields. This could have discouraged them, not having a meal waiting for them. But they were accustomed to hardship. They were busy and had much to do. There was little free time. Christ was busy on weekends; his mission didn’t stop. The disciples were united with Jesus, participating in his mission. This made all their sacrifices worthwhile and easier to cope with. When we trust in and unite ourselves with Christ, we can be patient and at peace in the midst of trials.

2. The Confrontation The Sabbath was established in order for the Jewish people to remember and reflect on their special covenant relationship with God. He had delivered them from slavery and given them rest. The Pharisees, however, focused on “what you can’t do” and failed to see “what you should do.” On Sundays, we should focus more on what we should do in order to worthily receive Christ. Then secondary things will not distract us from what is essential. God has a special relationship with us. He has delivered us from slavery. He continues to love us and asks that we love him and others with all our heart. On Sundays, do I recall my covenant relationship with Our Lord? Am I mindful and grateful for all the good things he has done and continues to do for me? Does God take first place for me on Sundays?

3. Sunday Service  Christ instructed his disciples about his mission. They grew to understand, appreciate and live it. He taught them to participate at the Sabbath service with fervor, but also to be open to any needs others might have, even on the Sabbath. It is lawful to do good any day of the week, especially the Lord’s Day. Christ cured the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath, fed his disciples on the Sabbath, and cured another woman with a bent back on the Sabbath. Charity will inspire us to good to others even on a Sunday. “Sunday service” and “Service-on-Sunday” go together. Do I ever dedicate my Sundays, or part of them, to bring rest to those who are most in need? What can I do to help the poor and marginalized on that day? How can I instill this spirit of service in my children?

Conversation with Christ:  You long to share your Word and Body with me at Sunday Mass and at every Mass I can attend during the week. May I always have a hunger for this encounter with your love and friendship. May I serve others with the same charity and love as you serve me. May Sunday be the most important day of the week for me and my family.

Resolution:  I will organize this coming Sunday to be a day of worship and rest. I will try to do good to someone this Sunday, and I will help someone come back to Sunday Mass attendance.


28 posted on 07/16/2010 9:03:34 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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Homily of the Day

Don’t Settle for a Small Heart!

July 16th, 2010 by Monsignor Dennis Clark, Ph.D.

Is 38:1-6, 21-22 / Mt 12:1-8

One of the more desirable consequences of growing a little older is that at least some of us begin to develop a greater awareness of our own faults and limitations, and stop projecting them onto other people as often as we did in our youth. So when we hear in today’s gospel about the pharisees berating Jesus’ disciples for pulling off and nibbling heads of grain as they walk through the fields, we perhaps can restrain our instincts to go for the jugular.

No doubt about it, it was both foolish and frankly suspect to call so trivial an act a serious violation of the Sabbath’s no-work rule, but before we rush to judgment, we might want to inspect our own record. With what frequency do we focus on trivia in our dealings with one another? An eccentric mannerism may entitle some poor soul to our ridicule or worse. A modest physical defect may put someone else permanently outside the circle of our love and concern.

Jesus had a huge heart and a great spirit. He always knew what mattered and what didn’t, and He always found room in His life for one more of us, no matter how small or wounded.

May your mind and your heart grow very large like His!


29 posted on 07/16/2010 9:16:35 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

 


<< Friday, July 16, 2010 >> Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Saint of the Day
 
Isaiah 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8
View Readings		 Isaiah 38:10-12, 16 Matthew 12:1-8
 

LATE FOR YOUR OWN FUNERAL
 
"Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you shall not recover." —Isaiah 38:1
 

Isaiah visited bedridden King Hezekiah and prophesied his death. "Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord" (Is 38:2). He "wept bitterly" (Is 38:3). In answer to Hezekiah's prayer, the Lord healed him and gave him fifteen more years to live (Is 38:5). The Lord even made the sun go backwards to confirm that He would heal Hezekiah (Is 38:8).

What did Hezekiah do with his extra fifteen years? We only know of one thing that he did. Foolishly and pridefully, he showed an ambassador from Babylon "his treasury, the silver and gold, the spices and fine oil, his whole armory, and everything that was in his storerooms" (Is 39:2). This began what eventually resulted in the Babylonian exile and the destruction of Jerusalem. If Hezekiah had died at the original time, it may have been much better for everybody. We should pray that we die neither before our time nor after it.
 
Prayer: Father, I want to die on time and in love with You.
Promise: "The Son of Man is indeed Lord of the Sabbath." —Mt 12:8
Praise: Our Lady of Mount Carmel came to the hermits of Mt. Carmel but also for all of us since. Mary's model of holiness continues to draw all to the "Holy Mountain."

30 posted on 07/16/2010 9:20:11 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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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
Now that the daylight dies away,
By all thy grace and love,
Thee, Maker of the world, we pray
To watch our bed above.
Let dreams depart and phantoms fly,
The offspring of the night,
Keep us, like shrines, beneath thine eye,
Pure in our foe’s despite.
This grace on thy redeemed confer,
Father, co-equal Son,
And Holy Ghost, the Comforter,
Eternal Three in One.
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) ©
Lord, you are in our midst, we are called by your name. Do not desert us, O 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.

AMEN

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.
O gentle, O loving, O sweet virgin Mary.
Salve, Regina, mater misericordiae;
vita, dulcedo et spes nostra, salve.
Ad te clamamus, exsules filii Hevae.
Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes
in hac lacrimarum valle.
Eia ergo, advocata nostra,
illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte.
Et Iesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui,
nobis post hoc exsilium ostende.
O clemens, o pia, o dulcis Virgo Maria.

31 posted on 07/16/2010 9:21:53 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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Our Lady of Mount Carmel

32 posted on 07/16/2010 11:04:27 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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