Skip to comments.
Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 12-06-11, Optional Memorial, St. Nicholas, Bishop
USCCB.org/RNAB ^
| 12-06-11
| Revised New American Bible
Posted on 12/05/2011 9:45:35 PM PST by Salvation
December 6, 2011
Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent
Comfort, give comfort to my people,
says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her
that her service is at an end,
her guilt is expiated;
Indeed, she has received from the hand of the LORD
double for all her sins.
A voice cries out:
In the desert prepare the way of the LORD!
Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!
Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill shall be made low;
The rugged land shall be made a plain,
the rough country, a broad valley.
Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed,
and all people shall see it together;
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
A voice says, "Cry out!"
I answer, "What shall I cry out?"
"All flesh is grass,
and all their glory like the flower of the field.
The grass withers, the flower wilts,
when the breath of the LORD blows upon it.
So then, the people is the grass.
Though the grass withers and the flower wilts,
the word of our God stands forever."
Go up onto a high mountain,
Zion, herald of glad tidings;
Cry out at the top of your voice,
Jerusalem, herald of good news!
Fear not to cry out
and say to the cities of Judah:
Here is your God!
Here comes with power
the Lord GOD,
who rules by his strong arm;
Here is his reward with him,
his recompense before him.
Like a shepherd he feeds his flock;
in his arms he gathers the lambs,
Carrying them in his bosom,
and leading the ewes with care.
R. (see Isaiah 40:10ab) The Lord our God comes with power.
Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all you lands.
Sing to the LORD; bless his name;
announce his salvation, day after day.
R. The Lord our God comes with power.
Tell his glory among the nations;
among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.
Say among the nations: The LORD is king;
he governs the peoples with equity.
R. The Lord our God comes with power.
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
let the sea and what fills it resound;
let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!
Then let all the trees of the forest rejoice.
R. The Lord our God comes with power.
They shall exult before the LORD, for he comes;
for he comes to rule the earth.
He shall rule the world with justice
and the peoples with his constancy.
R. The Lord our God comes with power.
Jesus said to his disciples:
"What is your opinion?
If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray,
will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills
and go in search of the stray?
And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it
than over the ninety-nine that did not stray.
In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father
that one of these little ones be lost."
TOPICS: Catholic; General Discusssion; Prayer; Worship
KEYWORDS: advent; catholic; prayer; saints
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20, 21-40, 41-45 next last
To: Salvation
Dec 06, Morning Prayer for Tuesday of the 2nd week of Advent
Ribbon Placement:
Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I:
Ordinary: 653
Proper of Seasons: 221
Psalter: Tuesday, Week II, 837
Christian Prayer (single volume)
Ordinary: 689
Proper of Seasons: 73
Psalter: Tuesday, Week II, 802
Morning Prayer for Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Advent
God, come to my assistance.
– Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
– as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.
HYMN
Bethlehem, make ready,
for Eden has been opened for all.
Ephrathah, be alert,
for the Tree of Life has blossomed forth
from the Virgin in the cave.
Her womb has become a spiritual paradise
wherein the Divine Fruit was planted,
and if we eat of it,
we shall live and not die like Adam.
Christ is coming forth to bring back to life
the likeness that had been lost in the beginning.
Bethlehem, make ready, for Eden has been opened for all!
“Bethlehem, Make Ready” performed by The Schola Cantorum of St. Peter’s in the Loop; “Bethlehem, Make Ready” is a Byzantine Chant
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 Lord, send forth your light and your truth.
Psalm 43
Longing for the temple
I have come into the world to be its light (John 12:46).
Defend me, O God, and plead my cause
against a godless nation.
From deceitful and cunning men
rescue me, O God.
Since you, O God, are my stronghold,
why have you rejected me?
Why do I go mourning
oppressed by the foe?
O send forth your light and your truth;
let these be my guide.
Let them bring me to your holy mountain,
to the place where you dwell.
And I will come to the altar of God,
the God of my joy.
My redeemer, I will thank you on the harp,
O God, my God.
Why are you cast down my soul,
why groan within me?
Hope in God; I will praise him still,
my savior and my God.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
– as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Psalm-prayer
Father, source of everlasting light, send forth your truth into our hearts and pour over us the brightness of your light.
Ant. Lord, send forth your light and your truth.
Ant.2 Lord, keep us safe all the days of our life.
Isaiah 38:10-14, 17-20
Anguish of a dying man and joy in his restoration
I am living, I was dead… and I hold the keys of death (Revelation 1:17-18).
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.”
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.”
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.
Day and night you give me over to torment;
I cry out until the dawn.
Like a lion he breaks all my bones;
day and night you give me over to torment.
Like a swallow I utter shrill cries;
I moan like a dove.
My eyes grow weak, gazing heavenward:
O Lord, I am in straits; be my surety!
You have preserved my life
from the pit of destruction,
When you cast behind your back
all my sins.
For it is not the nether world that gives you thanks,
nor death that praises you;
Neither do those who go down into the pit
await your kindness.
The living, the living give you thanks,
as I do today.
Fathers declare to their sons,
O God, your faithfulness.
The Lord is our savior;
we shall sing to stringed instruments
In the house of the Lord
all the days of our life.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
– as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. Lord, keep us safe all the days of our life.
Ant. 3 To you, O God, our praise is due in Zion.
Psalm 65
Solemn thanksgiving
Zion represents heaven (Origen).
To you our praise is due
in Zion, O God.
To you we pay our vows,
you who hear our prayer.
To you all flesh will come
with its burden of sin.
Too heavy for us, our offenses,
but you wipe them away.
Blessed is he whom you choose and call
to dwell in your courts.
We are filled with the blessings of your house,
of your holy temple.
You keep your pledge with wonders,
O God our savior,
the hope of all the earth
and of far distant isles.
You uphold the mountains with your strength,
you are girded with power.
You still the roaring of the seas,
the roaring of their waves,
and the tumult of the peoples.
The ends of the earth stand in awe
at the sight of your wonders.
The lands of sunrise and sunset
you fill with your joy.
You care for the earth, give it water;
you fill it with riches.
Your river in heaven brims over
to provide its grain.
And thus you provide for the earth;
you drench its furrows;
you level it, soften it with showers;
you bless its growth.
You crown the year with your goodness.
Abundance flows in your steps;
in the pastures of the wilderness it flows.
The hills are girded with joy,
the meadows covered with flocks,
the valleys are decked with wheat.
They shout for joy, yes they sing.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
– as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Psalm-prayer
Lord God, hope of all the earth, hear the humble prayer of your children as we sing your praises. Pour out your Spirit on us so that our lives may bear fruit abundantly.
Ant. To you, O God, our praise is due in Zion.
READING Genesis 49:8-10
The scepter shall never depart from Judah,
or the mace from between his legs,
While tribute is brought to him,
and he receives the people’s homage.
Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) – a moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church.
RESPONSORY
Your light will come, Jerusalem; the Lord will dawn on you in radiant beauty.
– Your light will come, Jerusalem; the Lord will dawn on you in radiant beauty.
You will see his glory within you;
– the Lord will dawn on you in radiant beauty.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
– Your light will come, Jerusalem; the Lord will dawn on you in radiant beauty.
CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH
Ant. Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Zion; I will come and make my dwelling in you, says the Lord.
Luke 1:68 – 79
The Messiah and his forerunner
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Zion; I will come and make my dwelling in you, says the Lord.
INTERCESSIONS
To Christ our Lord, the light of the world, let us cry out with joy:
– Come, Lord Jesus!
Dispel our darkness with the light of your presence,
and make us worthy of your gifts.
– Come, Lord Jesus!
Save us, Lord our God,
that we may praise your holy name this day.
– Come, Lord Jesus!
Enkindle in our hearts the flame of your love,
and make us long to be united with you.
– Come, Lord Jesus!
You bore our infirmity,
aid the sick and those who are to die this day.
– Come, Lord Jesus!
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.
Concluding Prayer
O God, who have shown forth your salvation
to all the ends of the earth,
grant, we pray,
that we may look forward in joy
to the glorious Nativity of Christ.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.
DISMISSAL
May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life.
– Amen.
21
posted on
12/06/2011 2:53:10 AM PST
by
markomalley
(Nothing emboldens the wicked so greatly as the lack of courage on the part of the good-Pope Leo XIII)
To: Salvation
Dec 06, Office of Readings for Tuesday of the 2nd week of Advent
Ribbon Placement:
Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I:
Ordinary: 649
Proper of Seasons: 218
Psalter: Tuesday, Week II, 833
Christian Prayer:
Does not contain Office of Readings.
Office of Readings for Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Advent
God, come to my assistance.
– Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
– as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.
HYMN
Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates;
Behold, the King of glory waits;
The King of kings is drawing near;
The Savior of the world is here!
A Helper just He comes to thee,
His chariot is humility,
His kingly crown is holiness,
His scepter, pity in distress.
O blest the land, the city blest,
Where Christ the Ruler is confessed!
O happy hearts and happy homes
To whom this King in triumph comes!
Fling wide the portals of your heart;
Make it a temple, set apart
From earthly use for heaven’s employ,
Adorned with prayer and love and joy.
Redeemer, come, with us abide;
Our hearts to Thee we open wide;
Let us Thy inner presence feel;
Thy grace and love in us reveal.
Thy Holy Spirit lead us on
Until our glorious goal is won;
Eternal praise, eternal fame
Be offered, Savior, to Thy Name!
“Lift up your heads ye mighty gates” by Gloucester Cathedral Choir; Words: George Weissel, 1642. Music: Psalmodia Evangelica, 1789.
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 Surrender to God, and he will do everything for you.
Psalm 37
The lot of the wicked and the good
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth ( Matthew 5:5).
I
Do not fret because of the wicked;
do not envy those who do evil,
for they wither quickly like grass
and fade like the green of the fields.
If you trust in the Lord and do good,
then you will live in the land and be secure.
If you find your delight in the Lord,
he will grant your heart’s desire.
Commit your life to the Lord,
trust in him and he will act,
so that your justice breaks forth like the light,
your cause like the noon-day sun.
Be still before the Lord and wait in patience;
do not fret at the man who prospers;
a man who makes evil plots
to bring down the needy and the poor.
Calm your anger and forget your rage;
do not fret, it only leads to evil.
For those who do evil shall perish;
the patient shall inherit the land.
A little longer–and the wicked shall have gone.
Look at his place, he is not there.
But the humble shall own the land
and enjoy the fullness of peace.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
– as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. Surrender to God, and he will do everything for you.
Ant. 2 Turn away from evil, learn to do God’s will; the Lord will strengthen you if you obey him.
II
The wicked man plots against the just
and gnashes his teeth against him;
but the Lord laughs at the wicked
for he sees that his day is at hand.
The sword of the wicked is drawn,
his bow is bent to slaughter the upright.
Their sword shall pierce their own hearts
and their bows shall be broken to pieces.
The just man’s few possessions
are better than the wicked man’s wealth;
for the power of the wicked shall be broken
and the Lord will support the just.
He protects the lives of the upright,
their heritage will last for ever.
They shall not be put to shame in evil days,
in time of famine their food shall not fail.
But all the wicked shall perish
and all the enemies of the Lord.
They are like the beauty of the meadows,
they shall vanish, they shall vanish like smoke.
The wicked man borrows without repaying,
but the just man is generous and gives.
Those blessed by the Lord shall own the land,
but those he has cursed shall be destroyed.
The Lord guides the steps of a man
and makes safe the path of one he loves.
Though he stumble he shall never fall
for the Lord holds him by the hand.
I was young and now I am old,
but I have never seen the just man forsaken
nor his children begging for bread.
All the day he is generous and lends
and his children become a blessing.
Then turn away from evil and do good
and you shall have a home for ever;
for the Lord loves justice
and will never forsake his friends.
The unjust shall be wiped out for ever
and the children of the wicked destroyed.
The just shall inherit the land;
there they shall live for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
– as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. Turn away from evil, learn to do God’s will; the Lord will strengthen you if you obey him.
Ant. 3 Wait for the Lord to lead, then follow in his way.
III
The just man’s mouth utters wisdom
and his lips speak what is right;
the law of his God is in his heart,
his steps shall be saved from stumbling.
The wicked man watches for the just
and seeks occasion to kill him.
The Lord will not leave him in his power
nor let him be condemned when he is judged.
Then wait for the Lord, keep to his way.
It is he who will free you from the wicked,
raise you up to possess the land
and see the wicked destroyed.
I have seen the wicked triumphant,
towering like a cedar of Lebanon.
I passed by again; he was gone.
I searched; he was nowhere to be found.
See the just man, mark the upright,
for the peaceful man a future lies in store,
but sinners shall all be destroyed.
No future lies in store for the wicked.
The salvation of the just comes from the Lord,
their stronghold in time of distress.
The Lord helps them and delivers them
and saves them: for their refuge is in him.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
– as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Psalm-prayer
You proclaimed the poor to be blessed, Lord Jesus, for the kingdom of heaven is given to them. Fill us generously with your gifts. Teach us to put our trust in the Father and to seek his kingdom first of all rather than imitate the powerful and envy the rich.
Ant. Wait for the Lord to lead, then follow in his way.
Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) – a moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church.
A voice is heard, crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord.
– Make straight the path of our God.
READINGS
First reading
From the book of the prophet Isaiah
24:19—25:5
The kingdom of God. Thanksgiving
On that day the earth will burst asunder,
the earth will be shaken apart,
the earth will be convulsed.
The earth will reel like a drunkard,
and it will sway like a hut;
Its rebellion will weigh it down,
until it falls, never to rise again.”
On that day the Lord will punish
the host of the heavens in the heavens,
and the kings of the earth on the earth.
They will be gathered together
like prisoners into a pit;
They will be shut up in a dungeon,
and after many days they will be punished.
Then the moon will blush
and the sun grow pale,
For the Lord of hosts will reign
on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem,
glorious in the sight of his elders.
O Lord, you are my God,
I will extol you and praise your name;
For you have fulfilled your wonderful plans of old,
faithful and true.
For you have made the city a heap,
the fortified city a ruin;
The castle of the insolent is a city no more,
nor ever to be rebuilt.
Therefore a strong people will honor you,
fierce nations will fear you.
For you are a refuge to the poor,
a refuge to the needy in distress;
Shelter from the rain,
shade from the heat.
As with the cold rain,
as with the desert heat,
even so you quell the uproar of the wanton.
RESPONSORY Isaiah 25:1, 4
O Lord, you are my God; I will extol you and praise your name,
– because you fulfilled your wondrous plans.
For you are a refuge for the poor man, and a shelter for the needy man in his distress.
– Because you fulfilled your wondrous plans.
Second reading
From the dogmatic constitution on the Church of the Second Vatican Council
The eschatological character of the pilgrim Church
The Church, to which we are all called in Christ Jesus and in which we acquire holiness through the grace of God, will reach its perfection only in the glory of heaven, when the time comes for the renewal of all things, and the whole world, which is intimately bound up with man and reaches its perfection through him, will, along with the human race, be perfectly restored in Christ.
Lifted above the earth, Christ drew all things to himself. Rising from the dead, he sent his life-giving Spirit upon his disciples, and through the Spirit established his Body, which is the Church, as the universal sacrament of salvation. Seated at the right hand of the Father, he works unceasingly in the world, to draw men into the Church and through it to join them more closely to himself, nourishing them with his own body and blood, and so making them share in his life of glory.
The promised renewal that we look for has already begun in Christ. It is continued in the mission of the Holy Spirit. Through the Spirit it goes on developing in the Church: there we are taught by faith about the meaning also of our life on earth as we bring to fulfilment – with hope in the blessings that are to come – the work that has been entrusted to us in the world by the Father, and so work out our salvation.
The end of the ages is already with us. The renewal of the world has been established, and cannot be revoked. In our era it is in a true sense anticipated: the Church on earth is already sealed by genuine, if imperfect, holiness. Yet, until a new heaven and a new earth are built as the dwelling place of justice, the pilgrim Church, in its sacraments and institutions belonging to this world of time, bears the likeness of this passing world. It lives in the midst of a creation still groaning and in travail as it waits for the sons of God to be revealed in glory.
RESPONSORY Philippians 3:20-21
We eagerly await the coming of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ
– he will renew our lowly bodies and make them like his own glorified body.
Sober, just and godly we live in this world,
as we wait in blessed hope for the glorious coming of the almighty God.
– He will renew our lowly bodies and make them like his own glorified body.
CONCLUDING PRAYER
O God, who have shown forth your salvation
to all the ends of the earth,
grant, we pray,
that we may look forward in joy
to the glorious Nativity of Christ.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.
ACCLAMATION (only added when praying in community)
Let us praise the Lord.
– And give him thanks.
22
posted on
12/06/2011 2:53:55 AM PST
by
markomalley
(Nothing emboldens the wicked so greatly as the lack of courage on the part of the good-Pope Leo XIII)
To: Salvation
Dec 06, Midday Prayer for Tuesday of the 2nd week of Advent
Ribbon Placement:
Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I:
Ordinary: 658
Propers: 223
Psalter: Tuesday, Week II, 844
Midday Prayer (Sext) for Tuesday in Advent, using Current Psalmody
God, come to my assistance.
– Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
– as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.
HYMN
Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,
Whose trust, ever childlike, no cares could destroy,
Be there at our waking, and give us, we pray,
Your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.
Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith,
Whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe,
Be there at our labors, and give us, we pray,
Your strength in our hearts, Lord, at the noon of the day.
Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace,
Your hand swift to welcome, your arms to embrace,
Be there at our homing, and give us we pray,
Your love in our hearts, Lord, at the eve of the day.
Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,
Whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm,
Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,
Your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.
Lord of All Hopefulness by Saint Clement’s Choir; Words: Jan Struther (20thC); Music: Slane Irish ballad melody
PSALMODY
Ant. The angel Gabriel said to Mary in greeting: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.
Psalm 119:49-56
VII (Zain)
Remember your word to your servant
by which you gave me hope.
This is my comfort in sorrow
that your promise gives me life.
Though the proud may utterly deride me
I keep to your law.
I remember your decrees of old
and these, Lord, console me.
I am seized with indignation at the wicked
who forsake your law.
Your commands have become my song
in the land of exile.
I think of your name in the night-time
and I keep your law.
This has been my blessing,
the keeping of your precepts.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
– as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Psalm-prayer
Lord, you raise us up from our lowliness by giving us the hope of eternal life. May we always serve you in this our pilgrimage and come to enjoy the happiness of our home with you.
Psalm 53
The foolishness of sinners
We all have sinned and are deprived of God’s glory (Romans 3:23).
The fool has said in his heart:
“There is no God above.”
Their deeds are corrupt, depraved;
not a good man is left.
God looks down from heaven
on the sons of men
to see if any are wise,
if any seek God.
All have left the right path,
depraved, every one.
There is not a good man left,
no, not even one.
Will the evil-doers not understand?
They eat up my people
as though they were eating bread:
they never pray to God.
See how they tremble with fear
without cause for fear:
for God scatters the bones of the wicked.
They are shamed; God rejects them.
O that Israel’s salvation might come from Zion!
When God delivers his people from bondage,
then Jacob will be glad and Israel rejoice.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
– as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Psalm-prayer
Almighty Father, apart from you there is nothing true, nothing holy on earth. Dismiss our sins, and give us strength in our weakness so that all who believe in your Son may rejoice in his glory.
Psalm 54:1-6, 8-9
Plea for help
The prophet prays that God will deliver him from the malice of his enemies (Cassian).
O God, save me by your name;
by your power, uphold my cause.
O God, hear my prayer;
listen to the words of my mouth.
For proud men have risen against me,
ruthless men seek my life.
They have no regard for God.
But I have God for my help.
The Lord upholds my life.
I will sacrifice to you with willing heart
and praise your name for it is good:
for you have rescued me from all my distress
and my eyes have seen the downfall of my foes.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
– as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Psalm-prayer
We humbly ask you, Father, to save us from every evil and trial on earth that we may seek with our hearts and deeds our Lord and helper, Jesus Christ, whom we look to in the heavens.
Ant. The angel Gabriel said to Mary in greeting: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.
READING Jeremiah 23:6
In his days Judah shall be saved,
Israel shall dwell in security.
This is the name they give him:
“The Lord our justice.”
Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell)
A moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church.
Remember us, Lord, because of the love you have for your people.
– Come and bring us your salvation.
CONCLUDING PRAYER
O God, who have shown forth your salvation
to all the ends of the earth,
grant, we pray,
that we may look forward in joy
to the glorious Nativity of Christ.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.
ACCLAMATION (only added when praying in community)
Let us praise the Lord.
– And give him thanks.
23
posted on
12/06/2011 2:54:24 AM PST
by
markomalley
(Nothing emboldens the wicked so greatly as the lack of courage on the part of the good-Pope Leo XIII)
To: Salvation
Dec 06, Night Prayer for Tuesday of the 2nd week of Advent
Ribbon Placement:
Liturgy of the Hours:
Vol I, page 1178
Vol II, Page 1635
Vol III, Page 1278
Vol IV, Page 1242
Christian Prayer:
Page 1044
Night Prayer for Tuesday
God, come to my assistance.
– Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
– as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.
Examination of conscience:
We are called to have a clear conscience toward God and toward men, in our hearts and in our minds, in our actions and inactions. To do so, it is vital that we examine our conscience daily and to ask for God’s mercy as we fall short and to ask for His strength to do better.
Lord Jesus,
you have shown us the way to the Father:
Lord, have mercy.
– Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus,
you have given us the consolation of the truth:
Christ, have mercy.
– Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus,
you are the good shepherd,
leading us into everlasting life:
Lord, have mercy.
– Lord, have mercy.
HYMN
The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want;
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters;
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for His name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil;
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the
Lord forever.
Psalm 23 by Melinda Kirigin-Voss
“Psalm 23? performed by Melinda Kirigin-Voss is available from Amazon.com
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 Do not hide your face from me; in you I put my trust.
Psalm 143
Prayer in distress
Only by faith in Jesus Christ is a man made holy in God’s sight. No observance of the law can achieve this (Galatians 2:16).
Lord, listen to my prayer:
turn your ear to my appeal.
You are faithful, you are just; give answer.
Do not call your servant to judgment
for no one is just in your sight.
The enemy pursues my soul;
he has crushed my life to the ground;
he has made me dwell in darkness
like the dead, long forgotten.
Therefore my spirit fails;
my heart is numb within me.
I remember the days that are past:
I ponder all your works.
I muse on what your hand has wrought
and to you I stretch out my hands.
Like a parched land my soul thirsts for you.
Lord, make haste and answer;
for my spirit fails within me.
Do not hide your face
lest I become like those in the grave.
In the morning let me know your love
for I put my trust in you.
Make me know the way I should walk:
to you I lift up my soul.
Rescue me, Lord, from my enemies;
I have fled to you for refuge.
Teach me to do your will
for you, O Lord, are my God.
Let your good spirit guide me
in ways that are level and smooth.
For your name’s sake, Lord, save my life;
in your justice save my soul from distress.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
– as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. Do not hide your face from me; in you I put my trust.
READING 1 Peter 5:8-9a
Stay sober and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, solid in your faith.
RESPONSORY
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.
– Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.
You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth.
– I commend my spirit.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
– Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.
CANTICLE OF SIMEON
Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace.
Luke 2:29-32
Christ is the light of the nations and the glory of Israel
Lord, now you let your servant go in peace;
your word has been fulfilled:
my own eyes have seen the salvation
which you have prepared in the sight of every people:
a light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of your people Israel.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
– as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace.
Concluding Prayer
Lord,
fill this night with your radiance.
May we sleep in peace and rise with joy
to welcome the light of a new day in your name.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
– Amen.
BLESSING
May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful death.
– Amen.
Antiphon or song in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Amid the roses Mary sits and rocks her Jesus-Child
While amid the treetops sighs the breeze so warm and mild
And soft and sweetly sings a bird upon the bough
Ah, Baby, dear one
Slumber now
Happy is Thy laughter; holy is Thy silent rest
Lay Thy head in slumber fondly on Thy mother’s breast
Ah, Baby, dear one
Slumber now
24
posted on
12/06/2011 2:59:19 AM PST
by
markomalley
(Nothing emboldens the wicked so greatly as the lack of courage on the part of the good-Pope Leo XIII)
To: Salvation
Dec 06, Evening Prayer for Tuesday of the 2nd week of Advent
Ribbon Placement:
Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I:
Ordinary: 667
Propers: 223
Psalter: Tuesday, Week II, 846
Christian Prayer:
Ordinary: 694
Propers: 69
Psalter: Tuesday, Week II, 807
Evening Prayer for Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Advent
God, come to my assistance.
– Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
– as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.
HYMN
Lo! he comes, with clouds descending,
once for our salvation slain;
thousand thousand saints attending
swell the triumph of his train:
Alleluia! alleluia! alleluia!
Christ the Lord returns to reign.
Every eye shall now behold him,
robed in dreadful majesty;
those who set at nought and sold him,
pierced, and nailed him to the tree,
deeply wailing, deeply wailing, deeply wailing,
shall the true Messiah see.
Those dear tokens of his passion
still his dazzling body bears,
cause of endless exultation
to his ransomed worshipers;
with what rapture, with what rapture, with what rapture
gaze we on those glorious scars!
Yea, amen! let all adore thee,
high on thine eternal throne;
Savior, take the power and glory;
claim the kingdom for thine own:
Alleluia! alleluia! alleluia!
Thou shalt reign, and thou alone.
“Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending” Words: John Cennick, Collection of Sacred Hymns, 1752; republished & altered by Charles Wesley, 1758, and Martin Madan, 1760. Music: 18th Century English
“Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending” performed by The Schola Cantorum of St. Peter’s in the Loop is available from Amazon.com
PSALMODY
Ant. 1 You cannot serve both God and mammon.
Psalm 49
Emptiness of riches
It is difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:23)
I
Hear this, all you peoples,
give heed, all who dwell in the world,
men both high and low,
rich and poor alike!
My lips will speak words of wisdom.
My heart is full of insight.
I will turn my mind to a parable,
with the harp I will solve my problem.
Why should I fear in evil days
the malice of the foes who surround me,
men who trust in their wealth,
and boast of the vastness of their riches?
For no man buy his own ransom,
or pay a price to God for his life.
The ransom of his soul is beyond him.
He cannot buy life without end,
nor avoid coming to the grave.
He knows that wise men and fools must both perish
and must leave their wealth to others.
Their graves are their homes for ever,
their dwelling place from age to age,
though their names spread wide through the land.
In his riches, man lacks wisdom;
he is like the beasts that are destroyed.
Ant. You cannot serve both God and mammon.
Ant. 2 Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, says the Lord.
II
This is the lot of those who trust in themselves,
who have others in their beck and call.
Like sheep they are driven to the grave,
where death shall be their shepherd
and the just shall become their rulers.
With the morning their outward show vanishes
and the grave becomes their home.
But God will ransom me from death
and take my soul to himself.
Then do not fear when a man grows rich,
when the glory of his house increases.
He takes nothing with him when he dies,
his glory does not follow him below.
Though he flattered himself while he lived:
Men will praise me for all my success,
yet he will go to join his fathers,
and will never see the light any more.
In his riches, man lacks wisdom;
he is like the beasts that are destroyed.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
– as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Psalm-prayer
Make our mouths speak your wisdom. Lord Jesus. and help us to remember that you became man and redeemed us from death that we might merit the beauty of your light.
Ant. Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, says the Lord.
Ant. 3 Adoration and glory belong by right to the Lamb that was slain.
Canticle — Revelation 4:11;5-9,10,12
Redemption hymn
Worthy are you, Lord our God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
For you created all things;
by your will they came to be and were created.
Worthy are you, O Lord,
to receive the scroll and to break open its seals.
For you were slain;
with your blood you purchased for God
those from every tribe and tongue,
of every people and nation.
You made them a kingdom
and priests to serve our God,
and they shall reign on earth.
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain
to receive power and riches,
wisdom and strength,
honor and glory and blessing.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
– as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. Adoration and glory belong by right to the Lamb that was slain.
READING 1 Corinthians 1:4-9
I continually thank my God for you because of the favor he has bestowed on you in Christ Jesus, in whom you have been richly endowed with every gift of speech and knowledge. Likewise, the witness I bore to Christ has been so confirmed among you that you lack no spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will strengthen you to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus. God is faithful, and it was he who called you to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell)
A moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church.
RESPONSORY
Come and set us free, Lord God of power and might.
– Come and set us free, Lord God of power and might.
Let your face shine upon us and we shall be saved,
– Lord God of power and might.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
– Come and set us free, Lord God of power and might.
CANTICLE OF MARY
Ant. A voice is heard crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight the path of our God.
Luke 1:46-55
The soul rejoices in the Lord
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.
Ant. A voice is heard crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight the path of our God.
INTERCESSIONS
To Christ, our Lord and Redeemer, who will appear openly on the last day, let us joyfully pray:
– Come, Lord Jesus!
Our Redeemer and Lord, by your birth as a man you freed us from the yoke of the law,
complete in us the works of your loving kindness.
– Come, Lord Jesus!
From us you took whatever served your divinity,
give us whatever we need to serve you.
– Come, Lord Jesus!
Grant the desire we ask of you today,
inflame our hearts with the fire of your love.
– Come, Lord Jesus!
On earth we live with you by faith,
in glory may we rejoice with you.
– Come, Lord Jesus!
Steep the souls of the faithful departed,
in the dew of your loving kindness.
– Come, Lord Jesus!
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.
Concluding Prayer
O God, who have shown forth your salvation
to all the ends of the earth,
grant, we pray,
that we may look forward in joy
to the glorious Nativity of Christ.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.
DISMISSAL
May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life.
– Amen.
25
posted on
12/06/2011 3:05:40 AM PST
by
markomalley
(Nothing emboldens the wicked so greatly as the lack of courage on the part of the good-Pope Leo XIII)
To: Salvation
Sorry for the out of order Office posts this morning. FR has been acting up and I consider myself fortunate to have been able to get them online in the first place.
26
posted on
12/06/2011 5:32:06 AM PST
by
markomalley
(Nothing emboldens the wicked so greatly as the lack of courage on the part of the good-Pope Leo XIII)
To: markomalley
No need to apologize. I understand about FR acting up. It took me so long to post some things too.
27
posted on
12/06/2011 9:00:49 AM PST
by
Salvation
("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
To: All
Saint Nicholas, Bishop
Saint Nicholas, Bishop
Optional Memorial
December 6th
Saint Nicholas Saving Seafarers (December 6)
From the Belles Heures of Jean, duke of Berry, fol. 168r
The Limbourg Brothers, France (Paris), active ca. 1400-1416
Tempera and gold on vellum
The Cloisters Collection, 1954
The Metropolitan Museum of Art - New York
Saint Nicholas
Early in the Advent season celebrate a feast that has been popular for centuries in Christian countries, especially in Northern Europe. In our over-commercialized society, this holiday gives us a good "teaching moment" to remind children that Jolly Santa Claus, is, in fact, Saint Nicholas, a fourth century bishop of the city of Myra in what is now Turkey.
Saint Nicholas was renowned for his great kindness and his generous aid to those in distress. Among the kind and miraculous acts attributed to him are saving three young girls from prostitution by secretly providing them with dowries, raising three murdered boys from the dead, and saving sailors caught in stormy seas. For these reasons, he is considered the patron saint of children, unmarried girls, and sailors, among others.
Traditional celebrations of Saint Nicholas Day in Northern Europe included gifts left in children's shoes (the origin of our American Christmas stockings). Good children receive treats - candies, cookies, apples and nuts, while naughty children receive switches or lumps of coal. Sometimes coins were left in the shoes, reminiscent of the the life-saving doweries the saint provided. Today - especially in families of German extraction - children still put a shoe outside their bedroom doors on the eve of Saint Nicholas Day, and expect to find candy and coins or small gifts in their shoe on December 6th.
In some households the father of the family may dress up as Saint Nicholas on the eve of his feast. He comes in, sometimes with his sidekick, Krampus or Black Peter, and helps each child examine his conscience. He admonishes the bad and rewards the good. If your family enjoys theatrics, this is a wonderful opportunity early in Advent to inspire children to amend their ways in preparation for the coming King. (Your family might get together with other families with young children and celebrate together.)
*****
Prayers and Scripture Readings for Saint Nicholas Day
Collect for the Feast of Saint Nicholas
We humbly implore your mercy, Lord:
protect us in all dangers
through the prayers of the Bishop Saint Nicholas,
that the way of salvation may lie open before us.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. +Amen
First reading: Isaiah 6:1-8
In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and His train filled the temple. Above Him stood the seraphim; each had six wings: with two He covered His face, and with two He covered His feet, and with two He flew. And one called to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory." And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of Him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!"
Then flew one of the seraphim to me, having in his hand a burning coal which he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth, and said: "Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin forgiven." And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me."
Gospel reading: Luke 10:1-9
After this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them on ahead of Him, two by two, into every town and place where He Himself was about to come. And He said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and salute no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace be to this house!' And if a son of peace is there, your peace shall rest upon him; but if not, it shall return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages; do not go from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you; heal the sick in it and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.'
Saint Nicholas Day Baking Project
The following recipe, for "speculaas" (speculations) ginger cookies are served especially on Saint Nicholas Day. The recipe is from A Continual Feast, by Evelyn Birge Vitz (Ignatius Press), and is traditional in the Low Countries. (In America these cookies are called "windmills", usually embellished with almonds, and can be brought at the grocery store.)
This cookie dough may be cut into the shape of Saint Nicholas, following our pattern here, which can also be used for coloring. When cool, the cookies can be decorated with icing "paint" -- thinned icing colored with food coloring -- and applied with brushes.
This delicious ginger cookie might also be cut into other shapes, recalling other aspects of the kindly bishop's legendary life and work: such as the three young girls to whom he threw the three bags of gold for their doweries, or the three little boys whom he brought back to life, or the sailors whom he saved from the storm.
Speculaas cookies
1 Cup (2 sticks) sweet butter, at room temperature
2 cups dark brown sugar
2 eggs
Grated rind of 1 lemon
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg or mace
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon cardamom
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Optional: powdered sugar for decorative icing
In a large bowl, cream the butter with the sugar until fluffy. Stir in the eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the lemon rind.
Sift the spices and salt with the flour and baking powder, and stir gradually into the butter mixture. Wrap in waxed paper or plastic wrap and chill for several hours or overnight. (If you are in a hurry, start the chilling process in the freezer: leave the dough in the freezer for about 20 minutes.)
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch, or for larger figures to about 1/4 inch. Cut out with cookie cutters, or trace around a heavy paper pattern with a sharp knife. This dough can also be used with a cookie mold, or can be molded by hand.
Bake at 350 degrees until lightly browned. If you like you cookies soft, remove them from the oven when they are just set -- the longer the baking time, the crisper the cookie.
Optional: Paint when cool. These cookies especially when baked in the form of Saint Nicholas are fun to paint with colored icing.
Icing "paint"
In little pots or plastic containers, mix powdered sugar with a little bit of water (or lightly beaten egg white, or lemon juice) and a few drops of food coloring, to produce the desired shades and the desired consistency for painting. Apply with small paintbrushes.
Yield:: approximately 3 dozen cookies or fewer large figures.
28
posted on
12/06/2011 9:02:34 AM PST
by
Salvation
("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
To: All
29
posted on
12/06/2011 9:07:09 AM PST
by
Salvation
("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
To: Salvation
A LITANY OF SAINT NICHOLAS
Bishop of Myra – Saint in Bari
O God, Creator of heaven and earth
HAVE MERCY ON US
O God, Redeemer of the world
HAVE MERCY ON US
O God, Sanctifier of the faithful
HAVE MERCY ON US
O Christ hear us
O CHRIST HEAR US
Blessed Mary, full of grace
Blessed Joseph
Blessed St John Baptist
Blessed Lucy
All holy women and men of God
PRAY WITH US
Blessed Nicholas
Holy Bishop of Myra
Holy Saint in Bari
PRAY WITH US
Nicholas:
Patron of children and seafarers
Gift-giver and Wonder-Worker
Friend of the poor and needy
Patron of Palestine’s freedom
Model of meekness and charity
Defender of the Christian Faith
Myrrh of the fragrance of Christ
Help of those who suffer wrong
Faithful steward of the mysteries of God
Guide of the penitent sinner
Source of joy and thanksgiving
Saint who points us to the Manger
PRAY WITH US
Jesus Lamb of God
HAVE MERCY ON US
Jesus bearer of our sins
HAVE MERCY ON US
Jesus Redeemer of the world
GRANT US YOUR PEACE
Lord have mercy
CHRIST HAVE MERCY
Lord have mercy
Let us pray:
Grant that we, aided by the prayers of St Nicholas and all the saints,
may be strengthened on our earthly pilgrimage to live and work for the
praise and glory of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and our in service God’s people
and God’s whole creation. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN
(Our Father, Glory to the Father, Hail Mary…)
Let us bless the Lord
THANKS BE TO GOD
(+)May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace
AND RISE IN GLORY
30
posted on
12/06/2011 12:27:51 PM PST
by
stfassisi
((The greatest gift God gives us is that of overcoming self"-St Francis Assisi)))
To: All
Catholic
Almanac:
|
Tuesday, December 6 |
|
|
Liturgical Color: Violet |
|
|
Today is the optional memorial of St. Nicholas, bishop. St. Nicholas was a 4th century bishop in what is now modern-day Turkey. Because of his many acts of charity, he eventually became associated with the legend of Santa Claus |
31
posted on
12/06/2011 3:28:57 PM PST
by
Salvation
("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
To: All
Information: St. Nicholas
| Feast Day: |
December 6 |
| Born: |
270, Patara, Lycia |
| Died: |
6 December 343, Myra, Lycia |
| Major Shrine: |
Basilica di San Nicola, Bari, Italy. |
| Patron of: |
Children, sailors, fishermen, merchants, the falsely accused, pawnbrokers, prostitutes, repentant thieves, many cities. |
32
posted on
12/06/2011 3:35:46 PM PST
by
Salvation
("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
To: All
Interactive Saints for Kids
St. Nicholas
Feast Day: December 06
Born: (around) 270 :: Died: (around) 340
St. Nicholas or Santa Claus is loved by children all over the world and he is especially well known for Christmas giving. This famous saint was born in Asia Minor, which today is called Turkey. After his parents died, he gave all his money to charity.
There are many stories told about kind St. Nicholas.
Once a poor man was about to leave his daughters to a life of evil and sin because he did not have the money to get them married. Nicholas heard about his problem. He went to the man's house at night and tossed a little pouch of gold through a window. This was for the oldest daughter.
He did the same thing for the second daughter and the grateful father kept watch to find out who was being so good to them.
When St. Nicholas came a third time, the man recognized him. He thanked Nicholas over and over again.
St. Nicholas also prayed and brought back to life three young boys who had been killed.
Later St. Nicholas became bishop. He loved justice. It is said that once he saved three men who had been wrongly condemned to death. He then got their accuser to confess that he had been given money to tell lies about the three men and get them into trouble.
He even got thieves to return the goods they had stolen from people.
St. Nicholas died in Myra, and a great basilica was built over his tomb. Many churches were dedicated in his name.
When his remains were brought to Bari, in Italy, this city became a famous shrine for pilgrims from all over Europe.
Nicholas is the patron of sailors and prisoners. Along with St. Andrew, he is also the patron of Russia.
33
posted on
12/06/2011 3:40:07 PM PST
by
Salvation
("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
To: All
Catholic Culture
Daily Readings for: December 06, 2011
(Readings on USCCB website)
Collect: We humbly implore your mercy, Lord: protect us in all dangers through the prayers of the Bishop Saint Nicholas, that the way of salvation may lie open before us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
RECIPES
ACTIVITIES
PRAYERS
Advent: December 6th
Optional Memorial of St. Nicholas, bishop Old Calendar: St. Nicholas, bishop and confessor
St. Nicholas was born in Lycia, Asia Minor, and died as Bishop of Myra in 352. He performed many miracles and exercised a special power over flames. He practiced both the spiritual and temporal works of mercy, and fasted twice a week. When he heard that a father who had fallen into poverty was about to expose his three daughters to a life of sin, Nicholas took a bag of gold and secretly flung it through the window into the room of the sleeping father. In this way, the three girls were dowered and saved from mortal sin and hell.
Jesse Tree ~ Samuel
St. Nicholas of Myra
Saint Nicholas, bishop of Myra, is undoubtedly one of the most popular saints honored in the Western world. In the United States, his memory has survived in the unique personality of Saint Claus — the jolly, rotund, white-bearded gentleman who captivates children with promises of gifts on Christmas Eve. Considered primarily as the patron saint of children, Nicholas is also invoked by sailors, merchants, bakers, travelers and pawnbrokers, and with Saint Andrew is honored as the co-patron of Russia.
In spite of his widespread fame, Saint Nicholas, from the historian's point of view, is hardly more than a name. He was born in the last years of the third century in Asia Minor. His uncle, the archbishop of Myra in Lycia, ordained him and appointed him abbot of a nearby monastery. At the death of the archbishop, Nicholas was chosen to fill the vacancy, and he served in this position until his death. About the time of the persecutions of Diocletian, he was imprisoned for preaching Christianity but was released during the reign of Emperor Constantine.
Popular legends have involved Saint Nicholas in a number of charming stories, one of which relates Nicholas' charity toward the poor. A man of Patara had lost his fortune, and finding himself unable to support his three maiden daughters, was planning to turn them into the streets as prostitutes. Nicholas heard of the man's intentions and secretly threw three bags of gold through a window into the home, thus providing dowries for the daughters. The three bags of gold mentioned in this story are said to be the origin of the three gold balls that form the emblem of pawnbrokers.
After Nicholas' death on December 6 in or around 345, his body was buried in the cathedral at Myra. It remained there until 1087, when seamen of Bari, an Italian coastal town, seized the relics of the saint and transferred them to their own city. Veneration for Nicholas had already spread throughout Europe as well as Asia, but this occurrence led to a renewal of devotion in the West. Countless miracles were attributed to the saint's intercession. His relics are still preserved in the church of San Nicola in Bari; an oily substance, known as Manna di S. Nicola, which is highly valued for its medicinal powers, is said to flow from them.
The story of Saint Nicholas came to America in distorted fashion. The Dutch Protestants carried a popularized version of the saint's life to New Amsterdam, portraying Nicholas as nothing more than a Nordic magician and wonder-worker. Our present-day conception of Santa Claus has grown from this version. Catholics should think of Nicholas as a saint, a confessor of the faith and the bishop of Myra — not merely as a jolly man from the North Pole who brings happiness to small children. Many countries and locations honor St. Nicholas as patron: Greece, Russia, the Kingdom of Naples, Sicily, Lorraine, and many cities in Italy, Germany, Austria, and Belgium.
Taken in part from Lives of the Saints for every day of the Year, Volume III © 1959, by The Catholic Press, Inc.
Patron: against imprisonment; against robberies; against robbers; apothecaries; bakers; barrel makers; boatmen; boot blacks; boys; brewers; brides; captives; children; coopers; dock workers; druggists; fishermen; grooms; judges; lawsuits lost unjustly; longshoremen; maidens; mariners; merchants; murderers; newlyweds; old maids; parish clerks; paupers; pawnbrokers; perfumeries; perfumers; pharmacists; pilgrims; poor people; prisoners; sailors; scholars; schoolchildren; shoe shiners; spinsters; students; thieves; travellers; unmarried girls; watermen; Greek Catholic Church in America; Greek Catholic Union; Bari, Italy; Fossalto, Italy; Duronia, Italy; Portsmouth, England; Greece; Lorraine; Russia; Sicily.
Symbols: Three children in a trough or tub; three golden balls on a book; six golden balls; three golden apples; three loaves; three purses or bags of gold; anchor; ship; Trinity symbol on a cope; angel; small church; three balls;
Often Portrayed As: Bishop with three children in a tub at his feet; Bishop calming a storm; bishop holding three balls; bishop holding three bags of gold; bishop with three children.
Things to Do:
- Today is a good day to teach your children the difference between Santa Claus and St. Nicholas. This story of the origin of Santa Claus will help you. Also learn all you can about St. Nicholas.
- Choose some of the recommended activities — a puppet show, a party, a visit from "St. Nicholas." Make sure to include in all the activities the story of St. Nicholas, virtues to imitate, and his significance in the Advent season. Read how different countries Celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas.
- To enhance your feasting, purchase a copy of the cd by the Anonymous 4 Legends of St. Nicholas. This is medieval music, all in honor of St. Nicholas, done by four female vocalists.
- There are numerous recipes to enhance this feast, anything from a soup to dessert, so have fun in the kitchen trying different ones.
- St. Nicholas did his charitable works secretly. Suggest that your children do one hidden act of kindness in imitation of the saint.
- From the Netherlands we have the most popular recipe, speculaas (or St. Nicholas Cookies; Speculaus; Speculatius; Kris Kringle Cookies; Dutch spice cookies). You can find tips for using special speculaas cookie molds by Gene Wilson. Try these sites for St. Nicholas Cookie cutters or molds: House on the Hill, HOBI Picture Cookie Molds, Rycraft, and St. Nicholas Center. You could also use Nativity Cookie Cutters, like these from Cookie Craft.
34
posted on
12/06/2011 3:47:22 PM PST
by
Salvation
("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
To: Salvation
The Word Among Us
Meditation: Matthew 18:12-14
“Will he not … go in search of the stray?” (Matthew 18:12)
Being a shepherd in first-century Israel was not as simple as just standing around holding a staff. The shepherd put himself in danger, especially when venturing out after a stray sheep. He was in the wilderness all alone at the mercy of the elements. He might have encountered ravenous wolves or armed thieves. Whereas a hired hand would run away at the first sign of danger, the shepherd of a family flock risked his life—just to get one single stray sheep back!
Jesus tells us that he is the good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep (John 10:14-15). He left the comfort and safety of heaven to seek us out and bring us home. And it was a very perilous journey, too! From Herod’s murderous paranoia to Judas’ bitter betrayal to the agony of death on the cross, Jesus put himself in danger and endured great hardship. Yet he never abandoned his post. He never complained about his calling. He did it all out of love—love for you.
In his inaugural homily as pope, Benedict XVI told us: “The human race—every one of us—is the sheep lost in the desert which no longer knows the way. The Son of God will not let this happen; he cannot abandon humanity in so wretched a condition. He leaps to his feet and abandons the glory of heaven, in order to go in search of the sheep and pursue it, all the way to the cross. He takes it upon his shoulders and carries our humanity; he carries us all.”
Every day, your Creator seeks you out because he places such a high value on you. Every day, he wants to lead you and protect you. Every day, he wants to guide you and show you the way to go. You are so important to him that he will not stop helping you until you are safe with him in heaven.
So rejoice in your salvation today. Spend your prayer time today thanking and praising your Good Shepherd for laying down his life for you. It wasn’t easy—but you are worth it!
“Jesus, how can you love me so much? Thank you for leaving your heavenly throne to find me and carry me back home!”
Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 96:1-3,10-13
35
posted on
12/06/2011 3:51:47 PM PST
by
Salvation
("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
To: All
Marriage = One Man and One Woman
Til' Death Do Us Part
Daily Marriage Tip for December 6, 2011:
(St. Nicholas Day) St. Nick was a secretive giver. Is there anything nice you can hide for your spouse to find later in the day? A treat? A note? A chore finished? Be creative.
36
posted on
12/06/2011 5:38:15 PM PST
by
Salvation
("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
To: All
Vultus Christi
My Mother's Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart
is to be your refuge and your place of solace.
Go to my Mother in all your needs.
She is your Mother of Perpetual Help, that is, of unfailing help.
My Mother is at the service of all my priests.
She is their Mother, but she is also the humble handmaid of the Lord.
In every priest of mine she recognizes me,
and she places herself wholly at my service in my priests.
For all of that, she remains the Immaculate Queen of heaven and of earth.
All the riches of my Sacred Heart are hers to give away as she sees fit.
She administers the treasury of my Kingdom,
and all that is mine is hers to bestow freely and lavishly
according to the desires of her maternal and merciful Heart.
If all my priests knew this
-- not merely with their minds, but in their daily experience --
the priesthood would be transformed.
My Most Pure Mother is the faithful and indispensable collaborator
of the priest who represents me and pursues my work in the Church.
My Mother is attentive to the ministry of the priest
and to his personal spiritual needs,
as she was attentive to my ministry
and to all my needs during my life on earth.
Priests who do not collaborate with my Immaculate Mother
will be stifled in the exercise of their priesthood.
I Myself chose to have my Mother at my side
at the Hour of my Supreme Sacrifice.
I gave her to my beloved disciple John
so that all my priests would understand
that my Mother's place is at the side of every priest of mine,
especially when he stands at the altar
to offer my Sacrifice to the Father, and to speak and act in my Name.
Never fail to recognize the mystical presence of my Mother in the Mass.
She is there at your side.
She rejoices in your distribution of the fruits of my redemption,
and participates in it.
The hands of every priest are, in some way, held in my Mother's hands.
She acts with the priest.
Her participation in the Holy Sacrifice renewed upon the altar is silent but efficacious.
Her presence at the altar, though invisible, is real.
My Church has long acknowledged the presence of my Mother
at every offering of my Holy Sacrifice,
but it is now more than ever necessary
that priests should deepen their awareness of this most precious gift.
She is the Coredemptrix.
Just as my Sacrifice is renewed mystically in every Mass,
her offering, her participation in my offering, is also renewed.
The priest who knows this and allows it to penetrate his heart
will be graced with a holy fervour in every Mass he celebrates.
I grieve over the carelessness with which some priests approach my Holy Mysteries.
The remedy for this lack of reverence, attention, and devotion
is a filial recourse to my Mother.
Hers it is to prepare the heart of the priest
to offer the Holy Sacrifice worthily.
My Mother is full of solicitude for all her priest sons.
She wants to see them go to the altar clothed in humility,
in purity, in innocence of heart, and in profound adoration.
She accompanies every priest in the sacred actions of his ministry.
She sustains every priest by means of her all-powerful intercession.
My Mother is the guardian of all priests
and it is my desire that she be recognized as such.
The priest who knows this will have a refuge in temptation;
he will be safe under her protecting mantle.
If he should fall out of weakness, or negligence,
she will be there to raise him up
and to direct his steps into the way of penitence and of holiness.
From In Sinu Iesu, The Journal of a Priest
37
posted on
12/06/2011 5:54:46 PM PST
by
Salvation
("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
To: All
Regnum Christi
| There’s No Shepherd like the Good Shepherd |
| U. S. A. | SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY |
|
|
|
Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent (December 6, 2011).
|
|
|
December 6, 2011
Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent
Father Frank Formolo, LC Luke 5: 17-26
One day as Jesus was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there, and the power of the Lord was with him for healing. And some men brought on a stretcher a man who was paralyzed; they were trying to bring him in and set him in his presence. But not finding a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher through the tiles into the middle in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “As for you, your sins are forgiven.” Then the scribes and Pharisees began to ask themselves, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who but God alone can forgive sins?” Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them in reply, “What are you thinking in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk?’ But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the one who was paralyzed, “I say to you, rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.” He stood up immediately before them, picked up what he had been lying on, and went home, glorifying God. Then astonishment seized them all and they glorified God, and, struck with awe, they said, “We have seen incredible things today.” Introductory Prayer: Lord you are the author of all things and you have power to forgive sins. Though my faith is still weak I do believe in you. And I also trust in your goodness and mercy. Here I am before you in prayer, longing once more to love you with all my mind, heart, soul and strength. Petition: Lord, help me to seek you in my life above all else. 1. The Pharisees’ Faith: The Pharisees sat in front of Christ watching him cure the sick. Earlier they had seen many other miracles, but despite what they saw they could not bring themselves to believe in Christ. Miracle after miracle couldn’t change their mind. Jesus decides to give them a decisive miracle so that they will believe. He decides to cure the paralytic to show his power to forgive sins. Since disease for the Pharisees was a sign of sin, they should have been ready to accept Jesus’ message of healing and forgiveness. But they were too wrapped up in seeking their own plans and protecting their own honor to discern God’s loving mercy behind what they witnessed. How often do we want God to give us a sign so we can follow his plan? And how often are we not open to what he tells us, simply and directly because we’re too focused on achieving our own plans? 2. The Paralytic’s Faith: The paralytic needed no signs. He believed Jesus could help him. His faith was so strong he would not let the difficulties overcome him. He couldn’t walk so he found someone to carry him. When he arrived he couldn’t get to Christ, so his men brought him in through the roof. He was determined to see Christ because he knew what Christ could do for him. His faith was so strong it moved him to action. He had a living faith, which goes far beyond mere ideas. His faith moved him to find our Lord no matter the difficulties. What have I done to seek Christ, to meet him face to face? What have I been prepared to do in order to receive his grace? Do I give up my prayer or my apostolate at the first difficulty? 3. For God’s Glory: Jesus didn’t perform this miracle for himself or his own glory. He sought only God’s glory. We see how everyone glorifies God after the miracle. It’s almost as if Christ is forgotten. Christ sought only to do what would glorify the Father. How often do we seek our own glory when we work on the apostolate or perform an act of charity? How often do we hope someone will remember us and say “Thank You” although we are here to build Christ’s Kingdom for God’s glory alone? We need to constantly renew our purity of intention. Dialogue with Christ: Lord, how great was the faith of the paralytic! He was humble enough to find you and strong enough in his faith that nothing could keep him from you. Grant me the gift of a humble heart and a strong faith so I can be constant and dedicated in seeking to encounter you in my life and in fulfilling your will for your glory and the good of others alone. Resolution: Today I will look for solutions to the problems that come my way, and I will renew my intention to perform my duties for God’s glory throughout the day.
|
38
posted on
12/06/2011 6:04:08 PM PST
by
Salvation
("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
To: All
December 6th, 2011 by Food For Thought
First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm: Psalm 96:1-3, 10-13
Gospel: Matthew 18:12-14
There are perhaps two messages from today’s Gospel parable. The first, God loves the stray, the sinner, and the marginalized of our society. They deserve the same attention as others, to the extent that Jesus would risk the security of the remaining ninety-nine sheep in order to bring the back the lost one. No one is expendable in God’s eyes.
The second message, God loves each of the remaining ninety-nine sheep just as much as the one stray sheep. This message perhaps is more difficult to understand and accept because the remaining sheep were left to fend for themselves in an insecure environment while he looked for the lost sheep. Some of us may ask: where is the equal love in that?
But perhaps the focus of the second message is: that love is not just about attention it is also about trust. Jesus trusted the remaining sheep to stay together and keep the faith. We know from experience, that perhaps the best way to feel love is not only to feel that we were recognized but also that we were trusted.
Advent is not about waiting for Jesus’ coming to receive his love and attention. It is also realizing that Jesus has trusted us to keep the faith, spread the Word, and help our neighbor. When we have fully accept his trust then perhaps we can say that we are truly prepared for Jesus’ coming into our hearts.
PRAYER
“Lord, let your light dispel the darkness that what is lost may be found and restored. Let your light shine through me that others may see your truth and love and find hope and peace in you.”
39
posted on
12/06/2011 6:10:38 PM PST
by
Salvation
("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
To: All
One Bread, One BodyOne Bread, One Body
|
|
| |
Isaiah 40:1-11
View Readings |
Psalm 96:1-3, 10-13 |
Matthew 18:12-14
|
| |
FREE-GIFTS
|
| |
|
"Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her slavery is at an end." —Isaiah 40:2, our transl.
|
|
|
|
St. Nicholas is famous not just for giving gifts, but for gift-giving that set people free. His gifts freed three young women from beginning lives of prostitution. What about the gifts you will give this Christmas? Will these gifts set people free, merely distract them from their slavery, or even be one more enslaving factor in their lives? Jesus came and will come this Christmas to "proclaim liberty to captives, recovery of sight to the blind and release to prisoners, to announce a year of favor from the Lord" (Lk 4:18-19). Christ's Christmas coming this year is yet another proclamation of a year of total liberation. Our Christmas gifts will free people if they lead others to Christ, Who is the Truth that sets us free (Jn 14:6; Jn 8:32, 36). For instance, giving people a Bible, a cross, or prayer can free them. Giving something that you made yourself (e.g. cookies, crafts, poems, or even songs) usually has more power to lead others to freedom in Christ than store-bought items. Giving your time and service to others can be acts of Christian love which free people from depression, fear, confusion, and self-hatred. This type of gift-giving is not popular in our materialistic world. We may even be ridiculed for such "old-fashioned," "religious" gift-giving. If so, we will then be able to give even greater gifts such as forgiveness, mercy, and unconditional love. These gifts have the greatest power to free people and lead them to Christ. |
|
|
|
Prayer: Father, in Jesus, free me from sin and for evangelization.
|
|
Promise: "It is no part of your heavenly Father's plan that a single one of these little ones shall ever come to grief." —Mt 18:14
|
|
Praise: St. Nicholas was a saintly monk before God raised him to abbot, archbishop, and saint. He set a standard for giving gifts of generosity and freedom.
|
|
40
posted on
12/06/2011 6:13:45 PM PST
by
Salvation
("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20, 21-40, 41-45 next last
Disclaimer:
Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual
posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its
management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the
exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson
