Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 10-02-10, Memorial of the Guardian Angels

ESCCB.org/New American Bible ^ | 10-02-10 | New American Bible

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Matthew
	English: Douay-Rheims	Latin: Vulgata Clementina	Greek NT: Byzantine/Majority Text (2000)
	Matthew 18
1.	AT that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying: Who thinkest thou is the greater in the kingdom of heaven?	In illa hora accesserunt discipuli ad Jesum, dicentes : Quis, putas, major est in regno cælorum ?	εν εκεινη τη ωρα προσηλθον οι μαθηται τω ιησου λεγοντες τις αρα μειζων εστιν εν τη βασιλεια των ουρανων
2.	And Jesus calling unto him a little child, set him in the midst of them,	Et advocans Jesus parvulum, statuit eum in medio eorum,	και προσκαλεσαμενος ο ιησους παιδιον εστησεν αυτο εν μεσω αυτων
3.	And said: Amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.	et dixit : Amen dico vobis, nisi conversi fueritis, et efficiamini sicut parvuli, non intrabitis in regnum cælorum.	και ειπεν αμην λεγω υμιν εαν μη στραφητε και γενησθε ως τα παιδια ου μη εισελθητε εις την βασιλειαν των ουρανων
4.	Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven.	Quicumque ergo humiliaverit se sicut parvulus iste, hic est major in regno cælorum.	οστις ουν ταπεινωσει εαυτον ως το παιδιον τουτο ουτος εστιν ο μειζων εν τη βασιλεια των ουρανων
5.	And he that shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me.	Et qui susceperit unum parvulum talem in nomine meo, me suscipit :	και ος εαν δεξηται παιδιον τοιουτον εν επι τω ονοματι μου εμε δεχεται
[...]
10.	See that you despise not one of these little ones: for I say to you, that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.	Videte ne contemnatis unum ex his pusillis : dico enim vobis, quia angeli eorum in cælis semper vident faciem Patris mei, qui in cælis est.	ορατε μη καταφρονησητε ενος των μικρων τουτων λεγω γαρ υμιν οτι οι αγγελοι αυτων εν ουρανοις δια παντος βλεπουσιν το προσωπον του πατρος μου του εν ουρανοις

[annalex]

1. At the same time came the disciples to Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
2. And Jesus called a little child to him, and set him in the midst of them,
3. And said, I say to you, Except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4. Whoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5. And who shall receive one such little child in my name receive me.

JEROME; The disciples seeing one piece of money paid both for Peter and the Lord, conceived from this equality of ransom that Peter was preferred before all the rest of the Apostles.

CHRYS; Thus they suffered a human passion, which the Evangelist denotes by saying, At the same time came the disciples to Jesus, saying, Who, we pray you, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Ashamed to show the feeling which was working within, they do not say openly, Why have you honored Peter above us? but they ask in general, Who is the greatest; When in the transfiguration they saw three distinguished, namely, Peter, James, and John, they had no such feeling, but now that one is singled out for especial honor, then they are grieved. But do you remember, first, that it was nothing in this world that they sought; and, secondly, that they afterwards laid aside this feeling? Even their failings are above us, whose inquiry is not, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? but, Who is greatest in the kingdom of the world.

ORIGEN; Herein we ought to be imitators of the disciples, that when any question of doubt arises among us, and we find not how to settle it, we should with one consent go to Jesus, Who is able to enlighten the hearts of men to the explication of every perplexity. We shall also consult some of the doctors, who are thought most eminent in the Churches. But in that they asked this question, the disciples knew that there was not an equality among the saints in the kingdom of heaven; what they yet sought to learn was, how they were so, and lived as greater and less. Or, from what the Lord had said above, they knew who was the best and who was great; but out of many great, who was the greatest, this was not clear to them.

JEROME; Jesus seeing their thoughts would heal their ambitious strivings, by arousing an emulation in lowliness; whence it follows, And Jesus calling a little child, set him in the midst of them.

CHRYS; He chose, I suppose, quite an infant, devoid of any of the passions.

JEROME; One whose tender age should express to them the innocence which they should have. But truly He set Himself in the midst of them, a little one who had come not to be ministered to, but to minister, that He might be a pattern of holiness Others interpret the little one of the Holy Spirit, whom He set in the hearts of His disciples, to change their pride into humility. And he said, I say to you, Except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. He does not enjoin on the Apostles the age, but the innocence of infants, which they have by virtue of their years, but to which these might attain by striving; that they should be children in malice, not in understanding. As though He had said, As this child, whom I set before you as a pattern, is not obstinate in anger, when injured does not bear it in mind, has no emotion at the sight of a fair woman, does not think one thing while he speaks another; so you, unless you have the like innocence and purity of mind, shall not be able to enter into the kingdom of heaven.

HILARY; He calls infants all who believe through the hearing of faith; for such follow their father, love their mother, know not to will that which is evil, do not bear hate, or speak lies, trust what is told them, and believe what they hear to be true. But the letter is thus interpreted.

GLOSS; Except you be converted from this ambition and jealousy in which you are at present, and become all of you as innocent and humble in disposition as you are weak in your years, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven; and since there is none other road to enter in, who shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven; for by how much a man is humble now, by so much shall he be exalted in the kingdom of heaven.

REMIG; In the understanding of grace, or in ecclesiastical dignity, or at least in everlasting blessedness.

JEROME; Or otherwise; Who shall humble himself as this little child, that is, who shall humble himself after My example, he shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.

It follows, And who receive one such little one in my name, receive me.

CHRYS; Not only if you become such yourselves, but also if for My sake you shall pay honor to other such, you receive reward; and as the return for the honor you pay them, I entail upon you the kingdom. He puts indeed what is far greater, Receive me.

JEROME; For whoever is such that he imitates Christ's humility and innocence, Christ is received by him; and by way of caution, that the Apostles should not think, when such are come to them, that it is to themselves that the honor is paid, He adds, that they are to be received not for their own desert, but in honor of their Master.

10. Take heed that you despise not one of these little ones; for I say to you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

JEROME; The Lord had said, under the type of hand, foot, and eye, that all kin and connection which could afford scandal must be cut off. The harshness of this declaration He accordingly tempers with the following precept, saying, Take heed that you despise not one of these little ones; i.e. As far as you may avoid despising them, but next to your own salvation seek also to heal them. But if you see that they hold to their sins, it is better that you be saved, than that you perish in much company.

CHRYS; Or otherwise, As to shun the evil, so to honor the good, has great recompense. Above then He had bid them to cut off the friendships of those that gave offense, here He teaches them to show honor and service to the saints.

GLOSS; Or otherwise; Because so great evils come of brethren being scandalized, Take heed that you despise not one of these little ones.

ORIGEN; The little ones are those that are but lately born in Christ, or those who abide without advance, as though lately born. But Christ judged it needless to give command concerning not despising the more perfect believers, but concerning the little ones, as He had said above, If any man shall offend one of these little ones. A man may perhaps say that a little one here means a perfect Christian, according to that He says elsewhere, Who is least among you, you shall be great.

CHRYS; Or because the perfect are esteemed of many as little ones, as poor, namely, and despicable.

ORIGEN; But this exposition does not seem to agree with that which was said, If any one scandalizes one of these little ones; for the perfect man is not scandalized, nor does he perish. But he who thinks this the true exposition, says, that the mind of a righteous man is variable, and is sometimes offended, but not easily.

GLOSS; Therefore are they not to be despised for that they are so dear to God, that Angels are deputed to be their guardians; For I say to you, that in heaven their Angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

ORIGEN; Some will have it that an Angel is given as an attendant minister from the time when in the layer of regeneration the infant is born in Christ ; for, say they, it is incredible that a holy Angel watches over those who are unbelieving and in error, but in his time of unbelief and sin man is under the Angels of Satan. Others will have it, that those who are known of God, have straightway from their very birth a guardian Angel.

JEROME; High dignity of souls, that each from its birth has an Angel set in charge over it!

CHRYS; Here He is speaking not of any Angels, but of the higher sort; for when He says, Behold the face of my Father, He shows that their presence before God is free and open, and their honor great.

GREG; But Dionysus says, that it is from the ranks of the lesser Angels that these are sent to perform this ministry, either visibly or invisibly, for that those higher ranks have not the employment of an outward ministry.

ID; And therefore the Angels always behold the face of the Father, and yet they come to us; for by a spiritual presence they come forth to us, and yet by internal contemplation keep themselves there whence they come forth; for they come not so forth from the divine vision, as to hinder the joys of inward contemplation.

HILARY; The Angels offer daily to God the prayers of those that are to be saved by Christ; it is therefore perilous to despise him whose desires and requests are conveyed to the eternal and invisible God, by the service and ministry of Angels.

AUG; Or; They are 'called our Angels who are indeed the Angels of God; they are Gods because they have not forsaken Him; they are ours because they have begun to have us for their fellow-citizens. As they now behold God, so shall we also behold, Him face to face, of which vision John speaks, We shall see him as he is. For by the face of God is to be understood the manifestation of Himself, not a member or feature of the body, such as we call by that name.

Catena Aurea Matthew 18

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Madonna and Child with Saints and Angels Bicci di Lorenzo 1420s Tempera on panel Galleria dell'Accademia, Florence

[Salvation]

Spiritual Bouquet
A different meditation each time you click.

 

Meditations by Padre Pio
	I always pray for the sick. The best consolation comes from prayer. Every day I say a holy Rosary for them.

[Salvation]

Catholic Culture

Daily Readings for: October 02, 2010
(Readings on USCCB website)

Collect: God our Father, in your loving providence you send your holy angels to watch over us. Hear our prayers, defend us always by their protection and let us share your life with them for ever. 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

• Angel Food Cake I
• Angel Food Cake II
• Boiled White Icing
• Classic Angel Food Cake
• European Chocolate Icing

ACTIVITIES

• All About the Angels
• Angel Mobile
• Family and Friends of Jesus Scrapbook Album
• Feast of the Guardian Angels
• Religion in the Home for Elementary School: October
• Religion in the Home for Preschool: October
• What is a Nameday?

PRAYERS

• Angel of God (Angele Dei)
• Table Blessing for the Feast of the Guardian Angels

2nd Next Day

Memorial of the Guardian Angels Old Calendar: The Holy Guardian Angels

Each person on earth has a guardian angel who watches over him and helps him to attain his salvation. Angelical guardianship begins at the moment of birth; prior to this, the child is protected by the mother's guardian angel. This protection continues throughout our whole life and ceases only when our probation on earth ends, namely, at the moment of death. Our guardian angel accompanies our soul to purgatory or heaven, and becomes our coheir in the heavenly kingdom.

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Guardian Angels
Angels are servants and messengers from God. "Angel" in Greek means messenger. In unseen ways the angels help us on our earthly pilgrimage by assisting us in work and study, helping us in temptation and protecting us from physical danger.

The idea that each soul has assigned to it a personal guardian angel has been long accepted by the Church and is a truth of our faith. From the Gospel of today's liturgy we read: "See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father" (Matthew 18:10). The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that "the existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls 'angels' is a truth of faith (328)." From our birth until our death, man is surrounded by the protection and intercession of angels, particularly our guardian angel: "Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life (336)." The Church thanks God for our helpers, the angels, particularly on this feast day and September 29 which is the feast of Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel, and Saint Raphael, archangels. Today's feast appeared in Spain during the sixteenth century. It was extended to the universal Church and made obligatory in 1670.

"Be alert in your every action as one should be who is accompanied by angels in all your ways, for that mission has been enjoined upon them. In whatever lodging, in whatever nook or corner you may find yourself, cherish a reverence for your guardian angel. In his presence do not dare to do anything you would not do in mine. Or do you doubt his presence because you do not see him? Would it really help if you did hear him, or touch him, or smell him? Remember, there are realities whose existence has not been proven by mere sight.

"Brethren, we will love God's angels with a most affectionate love; for they will be our heavenly co-heirs some day, these spirits who now are sent by the Father to be our protectors and our guides. With such bodyguards, what are we to fear? They can neither be subdued nor deceived; nor is there any possibility at all that they should go astray who are to guard us in all our ways. They are trustworthy, they are intelligent, they are strong — why, then, do we tremble? We need only to follow them, remain close to them, and we will dwell in the protection of the Most High God. So as often as you sense the approach of any grave temptation or some crushing sorrow hangs over you, invoke your protector, your leader, your helper in every situation. Call out to him and say: Lord, save us, we are perishing." — St. Bernard

Patron: Spanish police officers.

Symbols: usually portrayed as beardless, sexless beings, winged, human in form and barefooted, usually carrying objects such as a pilgrim's staff, scroll, book, a sceptre or a sword.

Things to Do:

• Memorize and pray the Angel of God prayer.

• Bake an angel food cake, serve angel hair pasta, and/or make angel kisses (meringue cookies).

• Read from the Catholic Culture Library:
  • Our Guardian Angels by Fr. Joseph Ventura, C.P.
    
  • Sermon on the Holy Guardian Angels by St. Bernard of Clairvaux.
    
  • Guardian Angels
    
  • Meditation for the Feast of the Guardian Angels by Pope John XXIII.
    
  • Role of Guardian Angels in our Lives by George Huber.
    
  • Paschal Parente's chapters on Angels.

• Read the section on angels in the Directory on Popular Piety and Liturgy. The document examines the doctrine and devotions of the angels. Devotion to angels is good, but also can have deviations.

  Devotion to the Holy Angels gives rise to a certain form of the Christian life which is characterized by:

  • devout gratitude to God for having placed these heavenly spirits of great sanctity and dignity at the service of man;

  • an attitude of devotion deriving from the knowledge of living constantly in the presence of the Holy Angels of God — serenity and confidence in facing difficult situations, since the Lord guides and protects the faithful in the way of justice through the ministry of His Holy Angels. Among the prayers to the Guardian Angels the Angele Dei is especially popular, and is often recited by families at morning and evening prayers, or at the recitation of the Angelus.

  217. Popular devotion to the Holy Angels [which is legitimate and good] can, however, also give rise to possible deviations:

  • when, as sometimes can happen, the faithful are taken by the idea that the world is subject to demiurgical struggles, or an incessant battle between good and evil spirits, or Angels and daemons, in which man is left at the mercy of superior forces and over which he is helpless; such cosmologies bear little relation to the true Gospel vision of the struggle to overcome the Devil, which requires moral commitment, a fundamental option for the Gospel, humility and prayer;

  • when the daily events of life, which have nothing or little to do with our progressive maturing on the journey towards Christ are read schematically or simplistically, indeed childishly, so as to ascribe all setbacks to the Devil and all success to the Guardian Angels. The practice of assigning names to the Holy Angels should be discouraged, except in the cases of Gabriel, Raphael and Michael whose names are contained in Holy Scripture.

• Also read All About the Angels.

• Read about saints and others who had a great devotion to their guardian angel (St. Josemaria Escriva; St. Padre Pio; Blessed John XXIII).

• Think about how you can develop a greater devotion and depend on your guardian angel everyday.

[Salvation]

The Five First Saturdays Devotion [Catholic Caucus]
Saturdays and the Immaculate Heart of Mary [Catholic/Orthodox Caucus]
Catholic Devotions: First Saturday Devotion to Our Lady [Catholic Caucus]
Catholic Meditations: First Saturday
Remembering the Forgotten First Saturdays

[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.

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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.

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Hymn

Dawn sprinkles all the east with light;

Day o’er the earth is gliding bright;

Morn’s glittering rays their course begin;

Farewell to darkness and to sin.

Each phantom of the night depart,

Each thought of guilt forsake the heart:

Let every ill that darkness brought

Beneath its shade, now come to nought.

So that last morning, dread and great,

Which we with trembling hope await,

With blessed light for us shall glow

Who chant the song we sang below.

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 62 (63)
Thirsting for God

The Lord will send his angel with you and he will guide your path.

O God, you are my God, I watch for you from the dawn.

My soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you.

I came to your sanctuary,

  as one in a parched and waterless land,

  so that I could see your might and your glory.

My lips will praise you, for your mercy is better than life itself.

Thus I will bless you throughout my life,

  and raise my hands in prayer to your name;

my soul will be filled as if by rich food,

  and my mouth will sing your praises and rejoice.

I will remember you as I lie in bed,

  I will think of you in the morning,

for you have been my helper,

  and I will take joy in the protection of your wings.

My soul clings to you; your right hand raises me up.

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 will send his angel with you and he will guide your path.

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Canticle	Daniel 3

All creatures, bless the Lord

Blessed be God, who sent his angel and rescued his servants.

Bless the Lord, all his works,

  praise and exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, you heavens;

  all his angels, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, you waters above the heavens;

  all his powers, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, sun and moon;

  all stars of the sky, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, rain and dew;

  all you winds, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, fire and heat;

  cold and warmth, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, dew and frost;

  ice and cold, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, ice and snow;

  day and night, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, light and darkness;

  lightning and storm-clouds, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, all the earth,

  praise and exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, mountains and hills;

  all growing things, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, seas and rivers;

  springs and fountains, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, whales and fish;

  birds of the air, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, wild beasts and tame;

  sons of men, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, O Israel,

  praise and exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, his priests;

  all his servants, bless the Lord.

Bless the Lord, spirits and souls of the just;

  all who are holy and humble, bless the Lord.

Ananias, Azarias, Mishael, bless the Lord,

  praise and exalt him for ever.

Let us bless Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

  praise and exalt them for ever.

Bless the Lord in the firmament of heaven,

  praise and glorify him for ever.

Blessed be God, who sent his angel and rescued his servants.

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Psalm 149
The saints rejoice

Angels and all powers, bless the Lord!

Sing a new song to the Lord,

  his praise in the assembly of the faithful.

Let Israel rejoice in its maker,

  and the sons of Zion delight in their king.

Let them praise his name with dancing,

  sing to him with timbrel and lyre,

for the Lord’s favour is upon his people,

  and he will honour the humble with victory.

Let the faithful celebrate his glory,

  rejoice even in their beds,

the praise of God in their throats;

  and swords ready in their hands,

to exact vengeance upon the nations,

  impose punishment on the peoples,

to bind their kings in fetters

  and their nobles in manacles of iron,

to carry out the sentence that has been passed:

  this is the glory prepared for all his faithful.

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.

Angels and all powers, bless the Lord!

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Short reading	Exodus 23:20-21 ©

I myself will send an angel before you to guard you as you go and to bring you to the place that I have prepared. Give him reverence and listen to all that he says.

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Short Responsory

In the sight of the angels I will sing psalms to you, O God.

– In the sight of the angels I will sing psalms to you, O God.

I will proclaim your holy name.

– In the sight of the angels I will sing psalms to you, O God.

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

– In the sight of the angels I will sing psalms to you, O God.

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Canticle	Benedictus

The Messiah and his forerunner

They are all spirits whose work is service, sent to help those who will be the heirs of salvation.

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.

They are all spirits whose work is service, sent to help those who will be the heirs of salvation.

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Prayers and Intercessions

Beloved brethren, a host of angels stands before the Lord and praises him with one voice. Let us proclaim his name with rejoicing:

– All his angels, bless the Lord.

O God, you commanded your angels to keep us safe in all our ways:

  lead us in your footsteps today and keep us free from sin.

– All his angels, bless the Lord.

Father, the angels in heaven see your face always:

  may we unceasingly strive to share that sight with them.

– All his angels, bless the Lord.

O God, your children will be like the angels in heaven:

  keep us pure in heart and body.

– All his angels, bless the Lord.

O God, send Michael the great prince to the aid of your people,

  to defend us in battle against Satan and his angels.

– All his angels, bless the Lord.

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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.

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O God, in your infinite providence you deign to send your holy angels to be our guardians. Grant to us who pray to you

  that we may be defended by them in this life

  and rejoice with them in the next.

[We make our prayer] through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

  who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

  God for ever and ever.

Amen.

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

AMEN

[Salvation]

The Word Among Us

Meditation: Matthew 18:1-5,10

 The Guardian Angels

Their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father. (Matthew 18:10)

We think of the angels as messengers from God, and so they are. This is what the word for angel means in both Greek and Hebrew. Archangel Gabriel delivers birth announcements to Zechariah and to Mary. An angel brings strength to Jesus in his agony. Another brings news of his resurrection to the women at the tomb. Peter, Philip, Paul, and John the Evangelist receive divine direction and insight through the words of an angel.

But angels don’t work only with great saints. Each of us has a guardian angel as well. Maybe you have experienced this great blessing for yourself. But even if you can’t point to any “touched by an angel” encounters in your life, the reality is that you have a devoted spiritual friend at your side, someone whose special assignment is to protect, encourage, guide, and help you on your journey to heaven. Think of your angel as a specially chosen gift from God—your prayer partner, cheerleader, personal trainer, and spiritual bodyguard.

But don’t forget, your guardian angel is your messenger, too. He makes round-trips, both from heaven to you and from you back to the throne of God! St. Francis de Sales wrote in his Introduction to the Devout Life: “Since God often sends us inspirations by means of his angels, we should also send our aspirations back to him through the same messengers.” So think for a minute: What aspiration, prayer, plea, or expression of love might you entrust to your angel’s delivery services today?

So today, open your heart to your spiritual friend. Take a tip from St. Francis de Sales, and “get to know the angels very well,” with special attention to your own guardian angel and the angels of the people you live with. “See how they are often present, though invisible, in your life,” and make frequent use of their help. And finally, rejoice that God loves you so much that he commands “angels to guard you in all your ways” (Psalm 91:11).

“Father, thank you for the gift of my guardian angel! Help me to grow in my friendship with him so that I may grow in my friendship with you.”

Job 42:1-2,5-6,12-17; Psalm 119:66,71,91,125,130

[Salvation]

 

Marriage = One Man and One Woman

Daily Marriage Tip for October 2, 2010:

“My heart is ever at your service.” (William Shakespeare) It doesn’t take many words to melt your beloved’s heart. Put this sentiment into your own words or borrow Shakespeare if you must.

[Salvation]

Secret Harbor ~ Portus Secretioris

02 October 2010

The Guardian Angel

Dear Angel ever at my side,
How loving must thou be,
To leave thy home in heaven to guard
A guilty wretch like me.

Thy beautiful and shining face
I see not, though so near;
The sweetness of thy soft low voice
I am too deaf to hear.

I cannot feel thee touch my hand
With pressure light and mild,
To check me, as my mother did
When I was but a child.

But I have felt thee in my thoughts
Fighting with sin for me;
And when my heart loves God, I know
The sweetness is from thee.

And when dear Spirit, I kneel down
Morning and night to prayer,
Something there is within my heart
Which tells me thou art there.

Yes, when I pray thou prayest too,
Thy prayer is all for me;
But when I sleep, thou sleepest not
But watchest patiently.

But most of all I feel thee near,
When, from the good priest’s feet,
I go absolved, in fearless love,
Fresh toils and cares to meet.

And thou in life’s last hour wilt bring,
A fresh supply of grace,
And afterwards wilt let me kiss
Thy beautiful bright face.

Ah me, how lovely they must be
Whom God has glorified;
Yet one of them, O sweetest thought!
Is ever at my side.

Then, for thy sake dear Angel, now
More humble will I be:
But I am weak, and when I fall,
Oh weary not of me:

O weary not, but love me still,
For Mary’s sake, thy Queen;
She never tired of me, though I
Her worst of sons have been.

She will reward thee with a smile;
Thou know’st what it is worth!
For Mary’s smiles each day convert
The hardest hearts on earth.

Then love me, love me, Angel dear!
And I will love thee more;
And help me when my soul is cast
Upon the eternal shore.

~ Father Frederick William Faber (1814-1863) ~

 

Posted by Jeffrey S. J. Allan at 10:13

[Salvation]

Vultus Christi

Wounded in the house of them that loved Me

By

Father Mark

 on October 1, 2010 6:18 PM |

 

 

If you cannot see the picture, please click on the links above.

 

And they shall say to him: What are these wounds in the midst of your hands? And he shall say: With these I was wounded in the house of them that loved me. (Zechariah 13:6)

Today I received this message from a friend in the state of New York :

"Four ciboria were sold/given to a local antiques dealer. All of them contained particles of the Most Blessed Sacrament, and one ciborium was from a church that closed in 1996. Imagine, Our Lord was in there for that long."

A Cancer at the Heart of the Church

How and why does this sort of thing happen? It causes me a piercing sorrow because it is emblematic of the widespread loss of faith in the adorable mystery of the Most Holy Eucharist that is a cancer at the heart of the Church.

The Erosion of Faith

Several years ago, in the context of a course I was teaching, I suggested that the erosion of faith in the Most Holy Eucharist was, in fact, fostered by a number of liturgical and disciplinary changes:

-- Minimalistic approach to the fast before Holy Communion.
-- The offering of the Holy Sacrifice by the priest facing the congregation.
-- The removal of the communion rail and obfuscation of the sanctuary as "the holy place."
-- The relegation of the tabernacle to the side of the sanctuary.
-- The reception of Holy Communion standing, and in the hand.
-- The introduction of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

Taken together, these changes sent a chilling message to the Catholic faithful (and even to confused clergy): "Folks, the Blessed Sacrament just isn't all that we thought it was."

The Protestantization of Catholic Worship

Let it be noted, en passant, that while all of these changes are a cause of scandal to Eastern Orthodox Christians, not one of them would be considered offensive to mainstream Protestants. When one begins to worship like a Protestant, one begins to believe like a Protestant.

Ignorance

The cumulative effect of these changes, compounded by a woefully deficient sacramental catechesis and by certain lamentable theological, liturgical, and moral sensibilities in seminaries during the 60s, 70s, and 80s, is the current Eucharistic Crisis. Redemptionis Sacramentum (2004) remains, in most dioceses, a document that is virtually unknown. Pope John Paul II's Year of the Eucharist seems to have faded into oblivion; his Encyclical Ecclesia de Eucharistia (2003), and his Apostolic Letter, Mane nobiscum, Domine (2004) seem not to have been assimilated at the parish level. Pope Benedict XVI's Sacramentum Caritatis (2007) is, in many places, unknown.

Adoration and Reparation

Adoration in a spirit of reparation is more than ever necessary. Where are the adorers and reparators who will console the Heart of Jesus, wounded by the irreverence, coldness, indifference, and sacrilege that He receives "in the house of them that loved Him," and in the Sacrament of His Love?

As for the much discussed "reform of the reform," might it not be a case of too little too late? Can anything apart from a Divine Intervention, a new sacerdotal Pentecost, obtained through the intercession of the Maternal Heart of Mary, bring about the change of heart that is needed?

[Salvation]

Vultus Christi

My Friend

By

Father Mark

 on October 2, 2010 7:51 AM |

 

If you cannot see the picture, please click on the links above.

I have a most extraordinary friend. We became attached one to the other more than 58 years ago. This friend of mine has every quality. He is loyal. Never has he left me alone.

He is intelligent, dazzlingly so. He has only to look at a thing, and he comprehends it through and through.

He is beautiful. There are no words describe the youthfulness of his countenance; he is fresh as the morning dew, and in his eyes, as in pools of crystal, one sees reflections of heaven.

He is strong. Nothing is too heavy for him. Nothing tires him. Nothing can resist his power.

He is lovable, always equal to himself, unchangeably peaceful and pacifying. And wherever he goes he leaves a trail of serenity and of joy.

He is grateful, grateful for the littlest words and gestures. And he remembers absolutely everything. It has happened, and often, I fear, that I have made him weep. Oh, yes, he weeps, but he pardons also, and very quickly. And he never holds a grudge.

He is a physician too. And what a physician! He treats and heals both body and soul.

He is a brilliant psychotherapist. He listens to all my sorry tales. He gives me the wisest counsels. He consoles me and sets me on my feet again. He shows me the path to follow. And he preserves me from ever despairing of the mercy of God.

He is my advocate, forever taking up my cause and pleading my defense. He speaks so in my favour, and when he does so, his eloquence is angelic.

While I sleep, he keeps watch. While I keep vigil, he keeps vigil with me. If I have to travel, he always goes along for the journey. (He has no fear of flying.)

His greatest joy -- perhaps you have already guessed it -- is when he accompanies me to the altar to offer the Holy Sacrifice. There he becomes absolutely radiant. He stands, like a deacon, at my side.

He is completely at home in the liturgy of the Church, and he knows it inside out. He sings with understanding, he bows profoundly, he teaches me how I am to conduct myself in the presence of the Thrice Holy God.

At the moment of the Consecration, he becomes all luminous: beautiful with an indescribable beauty. I feel him trembling with joy next to me. And then he becomes utterly silent; he becomes like a flame of adoration. At this moment he is never alone. All his confrères arrive and sometimes, just sometimes, one feels, but ever so slightly, the hushed movement of wings of light. They arrive, all of them together, to surround the altar and then, they adore, they adore, they adore.

For him Mass is never too long. Holy Mass is what he loves most on this earth of ours: Holy Mass, and then adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. He is always directing me towards the tabernacle.

Oh, and one other thing. He is phenomenally in love with my Mother, the Most Holy Virgin Mary. Her always calls her his Queen and his Sovereign. He reminds me often that Jesus, from the summit of the Cross said, not to an angel but to a man, "Behold thy mother." When I pray to Holy Mary, he exhales the loveliest of perfumes: a fragrance of purity, humility and love all at once.

So there you have it: a little portrait of my friend. Each of you has one rather like him. Love these celestial friends of ours, honour them, and consult them; and, today, give thanks to the Father for having given them to us.

[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.

---

Hymn

O blest Creator of the light,

Who mak’st the day with radiance bright,

And o’er the forming world didst call

The light from chaos first of all.

Whose wisdom joined in meet array

The morn and eve, and named them day;

Night comes with all its darkling fears;

Regard thy people’s prayers and tears.

Lest, sunk in sin and ’whelmed with strife

They lose the gift of endless life;

While thinking but the thoughts of time,

They weave new chains of woe and crime.

But grant them grace that they may strain

The heavenly gate and prize to gain;

Each harmful lure aside to cast,

And purge away each error past.

O Father, that we ask be done

Through Jesus Christ, thine only Son,

Who, with the Holy Ghost and thee,

Doth live and reign eternally.

Psalm 112 (113)
Praise of the Lord's name

From the sun’s rising to its setting, the Lord’s name is to be praised.

Praise, servants of the Lord,

  praise the name of the Lord.

Let the Lord’s name be blessed,

  now and for ever.

From the sun’s rising to its setting,

  the Lord’s name is to be praised.

The Lord is high over all peoples,

  his glory is above the heavens.

Who is like the Lord our God, who lives on high,

  who bends down to watch over heaven and earth?

He raises the weak from the ground,

  the poor from the dunghill,

raises them among the princes,

  the princes of his people.

He gives the barren woman a household,

  makes her the happy mother of children.

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.

From the sun’s rising to its setting, the Lord’s name is to be praised.

---

Psalm 115 (116B)
Thanksgiving in the Temple

I will take up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.

Still I trusted, even when I said

  “I am greatly afflicted,”

when I said in my terror,

  “all men are liars.”

How shall I repay the Lord

  for all he has done for me?

I will take up the cup of salvation

  and call on the name of the Lord.

I will fulfil my vows to the Lord

  before all his people.

Precious in the sight of the Lord

  is the death of his faithful.

O Lord, I am your servant,

  your maidservant’s son.

You have torn apart my chains:

  I will make you a sacrifice of praise,

  I will call on the name of the Lord.

I will fulfil my vows to the Lord

  before all his people,

in the courts of the house of the Lord,

  within your walls, 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.

I will take up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.

---

Canticle	Philippians 2

Christ, God's servant

The Lord Jesus humbled himself: for this, God has raised him to glory.

Jesus Christ, although he shared God’s nature,

  did not try to seize equality with God for himself;

but emptied himself, took on the form of a slave,

  and became like a man:

not in appearance only,

  for he humbled himself by accepting death,

  even death on a cross.

For this, God has raised him high,

  and given him the name that is above every name,

so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bend,

  in heaven, on earth, and under the earth,

and every tongue will proclaim

  “Jesus Christ is Lord,”

  to the glory of God the Father.

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 Jesus humbled himself: for this, God has raised him to glory.

---

Short reading	Hebrews 13:20-21 ©

I pray that the God of peace, who brought our Lord Jesus back from the dead to become the great Shepherd of the sheep by the blood that sealed an eternal covenant, may make you ready to do his will in any kind of good action; and turn us all into whatever is acceptable to himself through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen.

---

Short Responsory

How great are your works, O Lord.

– How great are your works, O Lord.

In your wisdom you have created them all.

– How great are your works, O Lord.

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

– How great are your works, O Lord.

---

Canticle	Magnificat

My soul rejoices in the Lord

The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’ Alleluia.

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.

The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’ Alleluia.

---

Prayers and Intercessions

Christ has taken pity on his hungry people and has worked wonders of love for them. In gratitude and devotion we pray to him:

– Lord, show us your love.

Lord, we acknowledge that all the good things that came to us today came to us from your kindness.

  May that kindness not be wasted on us: may it bear fruit in our hearts.

– Lord, show us your love.

Light and salvation of all peoples, watch over those whom you have sent all over the world to bear witness to you:

  kindle the fire of your Spirit within them.

– Lord, show us your love.

Make everyone work together to make the world a more perfect place:

  guide them to respond to the most urgent needs of our time.

– Lord, show us your love.

Doctor and healer of both body and soul, soothe the sick and be close to the dying:

  in your compassion come to us also, and restore our strength.

– Lord, show us your love.

Deign to add those who have died to the number of your saints,

  whose names are written in the book of life.

– Lord, show us your love.

---

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 and ever-living God, your generosity exceeds what we deserve and even what we ask for in prayer.

  Pour out your compassion on us:

  forgive whatever is weighing on our consciences,

  and grant us gifts that we would not even dare to pray for.

[We make our prayer] 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

[Salvation]

Regnum Christi

Heavenly Helpers

INTERNATIONAL | SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY

Saturday, 26th Week in Ordinary Time

October 2, 2010
Feast of the Guardian Angels
Father Edward McIlmail, LC

Matthew 18: 1-5, 10

The disciples approached Jesus and said, "Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?" He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, "Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me. See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father."

Introductory Prayer: Father in heaven, thank you for giving me another day to grow in love for you, another day to move ahead in my spiritual life, another day to pray for the souls closest to me. I want only to please you during this brief time of prayer.

Petition: Lord, grant me the grace of childlike simplicity.

1. Turning the Tables  The disciples are curious about the Kingdom of Heaven, and their curiosity has a tinge of self-interest. They want to know how to get ahead in the Kingdom. Their very question belies a misunderstanding of Christ. The Kingdom, among other things, is reflected in the Church on earth. And the Church, being universal, is a kind of family that takes in all mankind. If ever we ask, “Who is the greatest in our family?” we can be sure that it is the wrong kind of question. The more appropriate question is: “How can I be a better member of the family? How can I be a better husband? A better wife? A better son or daughter or brother or sister?” That is the question Christ wants us to ask ourselves.

2. Child´s Play  We must not think that Christ had a naive notion of children as little angels who never do wrong. So why does Christ hold up children as models for the rest of us? In part, it is their simplicity, their tendency to trust. They might not understand why a parent tells them something, but they likely will accept it because they realize it comes from someone who loves them. The spiritual life requires that same kind of trust. We might not understand completely why God asks us to do something, but if there´s a basic trust and openness to him, it is easier to follow his commands. Many people, unfortunately, squander what should be the most productive years of their lives because they doubt God and his Church. They complicate things, only to find years later the wisdom of what Our Lord was trying to tell them. By then, their faults can be forgiven, but not undone. Once a vase is broken, it can be fixed but it will never be the same as if it had never broken. Am I saying no to God because of a lack of trust?

3. Angelic Aid  Prayers to guardian angels used to be popular with Catholics. It is fitting that we pray to them, because each of us has one. "Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life," writes St. Basil (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, 336). Our angel reflects God´s loving providence for our welfare and protection. The world is a moral minefield, waiting for us to make the wrong step. Our angel helps us make it through this valley of tears. Do I ever think to pray to my angel?

Conversation with Christ:  The simplicity of children can make me look foolish by comparison. I believe in you and trust you, Lord. Help me to translate that trust into serenity and simplicity. Let me accept the crosses of daily life with calmness, seeing your loving designs behind them.

Resolution:  I will say “yes” to the next difficult thing someone asks of me, so long as it is something morally good.

[Salvation]

One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

 

<< Saturday, October 2, 2010 >>

Guardian Angels Saint of the Day

Exodus 23:20-23
View Readings

Psalm 91:1-6, 10-11

Matthew 18:1-5, 10

MY GUARDIAN DEAR

"For to His angels He has given command about you, that they guard you in all your ways." —Psalm 91:11

 

Angels are powerful creatures. On resurrection morning, a solitary angel overwhelmed the Roman guards placed around the tomb of Jesus (Mt 28:2). Twelve legions of angels would have easily overpowered the Roman soldiers sent to arrest Jesus (Mt 26:53); even one angel was easily able to escort Peter past the legion of Roman guards to escape from his prison cell (Acts 12:6ff).

Guardian Angels are sent by God to guard your person. "Upon their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone" (Ps 91:12). "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them" (Ps 34:8); thus our guardian angel resembles God's encircling wall of protective fire (Zec 2:9).

Our guardian angel not only protects our physical body, but also our spiritual life, since our angel is the custodian of our soul (Bar 6:6). The context of this verse is that God has sent this angel to guard us from falling into sin and idolatry, from succumbing to the fear of man, and giving in to the secular culture (Bar 6:2-5).

Because God commanded the angels to guard us (Ps 91:11), and because the angels obey God perfectly, our guardian angels won't quit on us. How sad that our angels have had to witness our sins, omissions, failings, apathy, etc. Surely the angels would prefer to guard us as we advance in our calling to build the kingdom of God, rather than strike up a defensive position against Satan as we avoid living out our calling from God. Let's bring joy to our guardian angels by living a life of obedient faith (Rm 1:5).

 

Prayer: "Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love entrusts me here, ever this day be at my side, to light, to guard, to rule, to guide. Amen."

Promise: "See, I am sending an angel before you, to guard you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared." —Ex 23:20

Praise: Praise You, Father, for sending us angels ever ready to guard us from evil and guide us to You.

[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 4
Thanksgiving

Take pity on me, Lord, and listen to my prayer.

When I called out, he heard me, the God of my righteousness.

When I was in trouble, you gave me freedom:

  now, take pity on me and listen to my prayer.

Sons of men, how long will your hearts be heavy?

  Why do you seek for vain things?

  Why do you run after illusions?

Know that the Lord has done marvellous things

  for those he has chosen.

When I call upon the Lord, he will hear me.

Be vigorous, but do not sin:

  speak in the silence of your heart,

  in your bed, be at rest.

Offer righteousness as a sacrifice,

  and put your trust in the Lord.

Many are saying, Who will give us good things?

Let your face shine on us, Lord,

  let the light of your face be a sign.

You have given me a greater joy

  than the others receive

  from abundance of wheat and of wine.

In peace shall I sleep, Lord, in peace shall I rest:

  firm in the hope you have given 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.

Take pity on me, Lord, and listen to my prayer.

---

Psalm 133 (134)
Evening prayer in the Temple

Bless the Lord through the night.

Come, bless the Lord,

  all you servants of the Lord

  who stand through the night in the house of the Lord!

Lift up your arms to the sanctuary

  and bless the Lord!

May the Lord bless you from Zion –

  the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

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

  as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

  world without end.

Amen.

Bless the Lord through the night.

---

Reading	Deuteronomy 6:4-7 ©

Listen, Israel: the Lord our God is the one Lord. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength. Let these words I urge on you today be written on your heart. You shall repeat them to your children and say them over to them whether at rest in your house or walking abroad, at your lying down or at your rising.

---

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.

Come to us, Lord, this night, and give us the strength to rise at dawn rejoicing in the resurrection of your Anointed, 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.

[Pyro7480]

Wow! What a poem!

[Salvation]

I liked this part:

But most of all I feel thee near,
When, from the good priest’s feet,
I go absolved, in fearless love,
Fresh toils and cares to meet.