Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 01-04-12, Memorial, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious

USCCB.org/RNAB ^ | 01-04-12 | RevisedNeAmericanBible

[Salvation]

 

January 4, 2012

Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious

 

Reading 1 1 Jn 3:7-10

Children, let no one deceive you.
The person who acts in righteousness is righteous,
just as he is righteous.
Whoever sins belongs to the Devil,
because the Devil has sinned from the beginning.
Indeed, the Son of God was revealed to destroy the works of the Devil.
No one who is begotten by God commits sin,
because God's seed remains in him;
he cannot sin because he is begotten by God.
In this way,
the children of God and the children of the Devil are made plain;
no one who fails to act in righteousness belongs to God,
nor anyone who does not love his brother.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:1, 7-8, 9

R. (3cd) All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Let the sea and what fills it resound,
the world and those who dwell in it;
Let the rivers clap their hands,
the mountains shout with them for joy before the LORD.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
The LORD comes;
he comes to rule the earth;
He will rule the world with justice
and the peoples with equity.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Gospel Jn 1:35-42

John was standing with two of his disciples,
and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said,
"Behold, the Lamb of God."
The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus.
Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them,
"What are you looking for?"
They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher),
"where are you staying?"
He said to them, "Come, and you will see."
So they went and saw where he was staying,
and they stayed with him that day.
It was about four in the afternoon.
Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter,
was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus.
He first found his own brother Simon and told him,
"We have found the Messiah," which is translated Christ.
Then he brought him to Jesus.
Jesus looked at him and said,
"You are Simon the son of John;
you will be called Cephas," which is translated Peter

[Salvation]

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

[Salvation]

Alleluia Ping!

 

If you aren’t on this ping list NOW and would like to be, 

please Freepmail me.

[Salvation]

From: 1 John 3:7-10

A Child of God Does Not Sin

---

[7] Little children, let no one deceive you. He who does right is righteous, as he
is righteous. [8] He who commits sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from
the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of
the devil. [9] No one born of God commits sin; for God’s nature abides in him,
and he cannot sin because he is born of God. [10] By this it may be seen who
are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not
do right is not of God, nor he who does not love his brother.

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

6-9. This passage acts as a preface to v. 10, where the Apostle spells out the
criteria for distinguishing the children of God from the children of the devil — the
practice of Christian virtues and the keeping of the commandments of God, es-
pecially that of brotherly love.

To understand correctly what St John is saying here, it is useful to remember his
controversy with the false teachers (the Gnostics): these were trying to deceive
the faithful (v. 7) and claimed to have a special knowledge of God (gnosis),which
put them above good and evil, so that what the Church regarded as sin they saw
as morally indifferent and as incapable of undermining the union with God they
claimed they had.

To identify these heretics, the Apostle has recourse to words of our Lord: “the
tree is known by its fruit” (Mt 12:33). Thus, the genuine Christian is recognized
by deeds of righteousness (v. 7), that is, by keeping the commandments of God
and leading a holy life. And the qualities essential to the Christian life are incom-
patible with sin; these qualities are—divine filiation (”he is born of God”: v. 9), inti-
mate union with Christ (”who abides in him”: v. 6), and sanctifying grace, toge-
ther with the infused virtues and the gifts of the Holy Spirit (this seems to be
what the expression “God’s nature abides in him” means: v. 9). Thus it is under-
standable that “No one who abides in him (Christ) sins” (v. 6).

In fact, as long as “God’s nature abides in him...he cannot sin” (v. 9). Clearly St
John does not mean that a Christian is incapable of sinning; at the start of the
letter he said, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves” (1:8). What he
wants to make quite clear is that no one can justify his own sin by the device of
claiming to be a child of God: the righteousness of the children of God reflects
itself in their actions, whereas “he who commits sin is of the devil” (v. 8), for sin
cuts one off from God and means one has submitted to the slavery of the devil.

The ancient heresy has grown up again, in a way, in our own time: there are
those who claim that union with God is not broken by transgression of com-
mandments, even in grave matter, provided one does not withdraw one’s “fun-
damental option” for God. Against this error, the Magisterium of the Church re-
minds us that “care must be taken not to reduce mortal sin to an act of ‘funda-
mental option’ — as is commonly said today — against God, intending thereby
an explicit and formal contempt for God or neighbor. For mortal sin exists also
when a person knowingly and willingly, for whatever reason chooses something
gravely disordered. In fact, such a choice already includes contempt for the di-
vine law, a rejection of God’s love for humanity and the whole of creation: the
person turns away from God and loses charity” (”Reconciliatio et Paenitentia”,
17).

10. “Children of the devil”: this is a common Semitic way of speaking, meaning
“the devil’s supporters”. In St John’s writings we find references to “children of
the devil” (cf. Jn 8:44; Acts 13:10) and to people who are “of the devil” (v. 8),
and Judas is even called a “devil” (Jn 6:70; but he never uses an expression like
“born of the devil”. Therefore, the expressions “children of the devil” and “children
of God” cannot be put on the same plane.

Also, “children of God” refers here primarily to the moral dimension of Christian
life, as a description (the opposite of “the children of the devil”) of those whose
actions show they are on God’s side. However, being children of God has a radi-
cally different meaning from being children of the devil, because it derives from
something transcendental—God’s causing the Christian to partake of his own di-
vine nature through the life of grace (cf. 1 Jn 3:1-2 and notes on same).

The criteria for distinguishing the two groups mentioned are: the practice of righ-
teousness, that is, striving for holiness and fighting against sin, reviewed in the
previous section (vv. 3-9), and the practice of brotherly love, as we shall see in
the next section (vv. 11-24).

*********************************************************************************************
Source: “The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries”. Biblical text from the
Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries by members of
the Faculty of Theology, University of Navarre, Spain.

Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland, and
by Scepter Publishers in the United States.

[Salvation]

From: John 1:35-42

The Calling of the First Disciples

---

[35] The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples; [36] and he
looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” [37] The two
disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. [38] Jesus turned, and
saw them following, and said to them,”What do you seek?” And they said to Him,
“Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are You staying?” [39] He said to them,
“Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying; and they stayed
with Him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. [40] One of the two who heard
John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. [41] He first
found his brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah’ (which
means Christ). [42] He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “So
you are Simon, the son of John? You shall be called Cephas” (which means Pe-
ter).

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

35-39. Through these words of the Baptist, these two disciples are moved by
grace to approach the Lord. John’s testimony is an example of the special gra-
ces God distributes to attract people to Himself. Sometimes He addresses a
person directly by stirring his soul and inviting him to follow Him; at other times,
as in the present case, He chooses to use someone close to us who knows us,
to bring us to meet Christ.

The two disciples already had a keen desire to see the Messiah; John’s words
move them to try to become friends of our Lord: it is not merely natural curiosity
but Christ’s personality which attracts them. They want to get to know Him, to
be taught by Him and to enjoy His company. “Come and see” (John 1:39; cf. 11:
34)—a tender invitation to begin that intimate friendship they were seeking. Time
and personal contact with Christ will be needed to make them more secure in
their vocation. The Apostle St John, one of the protagonists in this scene, notes
the exact time it took place: “it was about the tenth hour”, roughly four in the
afternoon.

Christian faith can never be just a matter of intellectual curiosity; it affects one’s
whole life: a person cannot understand it unless he really lives it; therefore, our
Lord does not at this point tell them in detail about His way of life; He invites
them to spend the day with Him. St Thomas Aquinas comments on this pas-
sage saying that our Lord speaks in a lofty, mystical way because what God is
(in Himself or in grace) can only be understood through experience: words can-
not describe it. We grow in this understanding by doing good works (they im-
mediately accepted Christ’s invitation and as a reward “they saw”), by recollec-
tion and by applying our mind to the contemplation of divine things, by desiring
to taste the sweetness of God, by assiduous prayer. Our Lord invited everyone
to do all this when He said, “Come and see”, and the disciples discovered it all
when, in obedience to our Lord, “they went” and were able to learn by personal
experience, whereas they could not understand the words alone (cf. “Commen-
tary on St John, in loc”.).

40-41. The Evangelist now gives us the name of one of the two disciples involved
in the previous scene; he will mention Andrew again in connection with the multi-
lication of the loaves (John 6:8) and the last Passover (John 12:22).

We cannot be absolutely sure who the second disciple was; but since the very
earliest centuries of the Christian era he has always been taken to be the Evan-
gelist himself. The vividness of the account, the detail of giving the exact time,
and even John’s tendency to remain anonymous (John 19:16; 20:2; 21:7,20)
seem to confirm this.

“St John the Apostle, who pours into his narrative so much that is first-hand,
tells of his first unforgettable conversations with Christ. `”Master, where are you
staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They went and saw where He was
staying; and they stayed with Him that day, for it was about the tenth hour.’

“This divine and human dialogue completely changed the life of John and Andrew
and Peter and James and so many others. It prepared their hearts to listen to
the authoritative teaching which Jesus gave them beside the Sea of Galilee” (St.
J. Escriva, “Christ is Passing By”, 108).

Those hours spent with our Lord soon produce the first results of apostolate. An-
drew, unable to contain his joy, tells Simon Peter the news that he has found
the Messiah, and brings him to Him. Now, as then, there is a pressing need to
bring others to know the Lord.

“Open your own hearts to Jesus and tell Him your story. I don’t want to genera-
lize. But one day perhaps an ordinary Christian, just like you, opened your eyes
to horizons both deep and new, yet as old as the Gospel. He suggested to you
the prospect of following Christ earnestly, seriously, of becoming an apostle of
apostles. Perhaps you lost your balance then and didn’t recover it. Your com-
placency wasn’t quite replaced by true peace until you freely said ‘yes’ to God,
because you wanted to, which is the most supernatural of reasons. And in its
wake came a strong, constant joy, which disappears only when you abandon
Him” (St. J. Escriva, “Christ Is Passing By”, 1).

42. What was it like when Jesus looked at someone? From what He says here,
He seems both imperious and tender. On other occasions His glance is enough
to invite a person to leave everything and follow Him, as in the case of Matthew
(Matthew 9:9); or He seems to be full of love, as in His meeting with the rich
young man (Mark 10:21), or He seems angry or sad, because of the Pharisees’
unbelief (Mark 2:5), or compassionate, towards the widow of Nain (Luke 7:13).
He is able to move Zacchaeus’ heart to conversion (Luke 19:5); and He Himself
is moved by the faith and generosity of the poor widow who gave in alms every-
thing she had (Mark 12:41-44). His penetrating look seems to lay the soul bare
to God and provoke one to self-examination and contrition — as happened to the
adulterous woman (John 8:10) and to Peter who, after denying Christ (Luke 22:
61) wept bitterly (Mark 14:72).

“You shall be called Cephas”: naming something is the same as taking posses-
sion of the thing named (cf. Genesis 17:5; 22:28; 32:28; Isaiah 62:2). Thus, for
example, Adam when he was made lord of creation, gave names to creating
things (Genesis 2:20). “Cephas” is the Greek transcription of an Aramaic word
meaning stone, rock: therefore, St. John, writing in Greek, has to explain the
meaning of the word Jesus used. Cephas was not a proper name, but our Lord
put it on Peter to indicate his role as His vicar, which He will later on reveal (Mat-
thew 16:16-18): Simon was destined to be the stone, the rock, of the Church.

The first Christians regarded this new name as so significant that they used it
without translating it (cf. Galatians 2:9, 11, 14); later its translation “Peter” (Pe-
tros, Petrus) became current, pushing the Apostle’s old name — Simon — into
the background. “Son of John”: ancient manuscripts include variants, such as
“son of Jona”.

*********************************************************************************************
Source: “The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries”. Biblical text from the
Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries by members of
the Faculty of Theology, University of Navarre, Spain.

Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland, and
by Scepter Publishers in the United States.

[Salvation]

I like the translation of the Jerusalem Bible best here -- correct words for Cephas.

Scripture readings taken from the Jerusalem Bible, published and copyright © 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton, Longman & Todd

Mass Readings

---

First reading	1 John 3:7-10 ©

My children, do not let anyone lead you astray:

to live a holy life

is to be holy just as he is holy;

to lead a sinful life is to belong to the devil,

since the devil was a sinner from the beginning.

It was to undo all that the devil has done

that the Son of God appeared.

No one who has been begotten by God sins;

because God’s seed remains inside him,

he cannot sin when he has been begotten by God.

In this way we distinguish the children of God

from the children of the devil:

anybody not living a holy life

and not loving his brother

is no child of God’s.

---

Psalm	Psalm 97:1,7-9 ©

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Sing a new song to the Lord

  for he has worked wonders.

His right hand and his holy arm

  have brought salvation.

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Let the sea and all within it, thunder;

  the world, and all its peoples.

Let the rivers clap their hands

  and the hills ring out their joy

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

at the presence of the Lord: for he comes,

  he comes to rule the earth.

He will rule the world with justice

  and the peoples with fairness.

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

---

Gospel Acclamation	Jn1:14,12

Alleluia, alleluia!

The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us.

To all who received him he gave power to become children of God.

Alleluia!

Or	Heb1:1-2

Alleluia, alleluia!

At various times in the past

and in various different ways,

God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets;

but in our own time, the last days,

he has spoken to us through his Son.

Alleluia!

Or

Alleluia, alleluia!

A hallowed day has dawned upon us.

Come, you nations, worship the Lord,

for today a great light has shone down upon the earth.

Alleluia!

---

Gospel	John 1:35-42 ©

As John stood with two of his disciples, Jesus passed, and John stared hard at him and said, ‘Look, there is the lamb of God.’ Hearing this, the two disciples followed Jesus. Jesus turned round, saw them following and said, ‘What do you want?’ They answered, ‘Rabbi,’ – which means Teacher –’where do you live?’ ‘Come and see’ he replied; so they went and saw where he lived, and stayed with him the rest of that day. It was about the tenth hour.

  One of these two who became followers of Jesus after hearing what John had said was Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter. Early next morning, Andrew met his brother and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ – which means the Christ – and he took Simon to Jesus. Jesus looked hard at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John; you are to be called Cephas’ – meaning Rock.

[Salvation]

On Christmas
URBI ET ORBI MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE BENEDICT XVI
Solemn Mass of Christmas Eve with Pope Benedict XVI

Christmas, Pagan Romans and Frodo Baggins
Midnight Masses Canceled in Iraq Because of Growing Security Concerns
Christmas Overview for All
The Tradition of Midnight Mass: History
Which Christmas Mass are you attending? [Catholic/Orthodox Caucus]
Christmas, Christians, and Christ
The Many Meanings of Christmas
Vocations Under the Christmas Tree? [Catholic Caucus]
A Meditation On the “Bloody Octave” of Christmas [Catholic Caucus]
"It (Theosis) can be a somewhat startling theme for western Christian ears..."
Archbishop Wenski brightens Christmas for Krome detainees
The Octave of Christmas: December 25 -- January 1 [Ecumenical]
Pope's Christmas Warning: 'The Future Of The World Is At Stake'
Father Corapi: What Really Matters [at Christmas]?
Papal Midnight Mass With No Communion in The Hand
Christmas Requiem for Iraq's Christian Community
Christmas story shows season’s beauty [nice surprise from the Chicago Sun Times]
Text Of Pope's Homily For Christmas Eve Mass
Merry Christmas: Love is born on Christmas Morn and the Whole World Begins Again
'Christmas is Evil': Muslim Group Launches Poster Campaign Against Festive Period [UK]

The Origin of Nativity Scenes
St. Francis and the Christmas Creche
Holy Day Vs. Holiday: Making Christmas Less Commercial
25 Ways We're Different this Christmas
On Christmas: Where Everything Began
Saved by Christmas
Christmas Midnight Mass Canceled in Iraq
Some Christmas History: The Aztec Christmas Flower
Top 10 Christmas Carols (What is your favorite Christmas Carol?)
Where’s the Human in Humanism? Humanist Ads Violate...Own Humanist Standards (Attacking Christmas]
Fr. Corapi: In Reality, Sadness Has No Place At Christmas Time Or Any Time…
Pope's battle to save Christmas: Don't let atheists crush your traditions, Benedict tells Britain
A CHRISTMAS TRADITION IN ROME: THE STREET CLEANERS NATIVITY SCENE
The Days of Christmastide -- more than twelve!
Saint Padre Pio's Christmas Meditation
"Transform Me. Renew Me. Change Me, Change Us All" (Pope's Midnight Mass Homily)
Christmas in Rome. The Pope's Tale of the Crèche
On the Feast of Christ's Birth [Benedict XVI]
The Meaning of Christmas: Look Deeper
St. Francis and the Christmas crib.
Away in a Manger [St. Francis of Assisi and the first Nativity scene]

Message of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI for the Celebration of the World Day of Peace [Family]
Christmastide and Epiphany
SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD: HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI [Catholic Caucus]
A Christmas Message >From Fr. Corapi
Christmas and the Eucharist(Catholic/Orthodox Caucus)
Preface: Memories of Christmas
Christmas Overview
The Manger -- Nativity Scene -- Crêche
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Christmas Quiz; How Much Do You Really Know?
Christmas Prayers: Prayers and Collects for the Feast of the Nativity
[Christmas] Customs from Various Countries and Cultures
The 12 Days of Christmas and Christmastide: A Rich Catholic Tradition
The 12 Days of Christmas -- Activities, Customs, Prayers, Blessings, Hymns -- For the Family
Iraqis Crowd Churches for Christmas Mass
Pope Wishes the World a Merry Christmas
On this night, a comforting message(Merry Christmas!)
Advent through Christmas -- 2007
Bethlehem beyond the Christmas calm
The Origin of Nativity Scenes

Various Orthodox Texts for the Feast of the Nativity
The Five Best Christmas Stories
What Are We Celebrating When We Celebrate Christmas?
Secular Christmas Celebration Pointless, Pope Says
The Wonder of Christmas - 1959
The Real Meaning of Christmas Lights
Top ten Carols and things you didn't know about them
The Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
Christmas Proclamation
Christmas gifts are a reminder of Jesus, the greatest gift given to mankind, Pope tells youth
The Senses of Christmas
Pope celebrates Christmas mass
Christmas: The Turning Point of History
The Original Christmas Story
Bringing Christmas to Life Again
Christmas: the beginning of our redemption
Christmas and the Eucharist
Catholic Caucus: The 16 Days of Christmas (Christmas to the Baptism of the Lord)
Origin of the Twelve Days of Christmas [An Underground Catechism]
Origin of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" [Underground Catechism]

[Salvation]

Prayers for The Religion Forum (Ecumenical)

[Salvation]

Continue to Pray for Pope Benedict [Ecumenical]

[Salvation]

 

Jesus, High Priest

 

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

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

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

Lead them to new depths of union with your Son.

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

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

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

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

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

This icon shows Jesus Christ, our eternal high priest.

The gold pelican over His heart represents self-sacrifice.

The border contains an altar and grapevines, representing the Mass, and icons of Melchizedek and St. Jean-Baptiste Vianney.

Melchizedek: king of righteousness (left icon) was priest and king of Jerusalem.  He blessed Abraham and has been considered an ideal priest-king.

St. Jean-Baptiste Vianney is the patron saint of parish priests.

[Salvation]

Pray a Rosary each day for our nation.

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

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

3.  The Lord's Prayer:  OUR Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

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

5. Glory Be:  GLORY be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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

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

End with the Hail Holy Queen:

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

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

Final step -- The Sign of the Cross

 

The Mysteries of the Rosary

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

The Glorious Mysteries
(Wednesdays and Sundays)
1.The Resurrection (Matthew 28:1-8, Mark 16:1-18, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-29) [Spiritual fruit - Faith]
2. The Ascension (Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:6-11) [Spiritual fruit - Christian Hope]
3. The Descent of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:1-13) [Spiritual fruit - Gifts of the Holy Spirit]
4. The Assumption [Spiritual fruit - To Jesus through Mary]
5. The Coronation [Spiritual fruit - Grace of Final Perseverance]

[Salvation]

~ PRAYER ~

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

[Oratam]

I can recall the sisters' joy at the news of Mother Seton's canonization. Not to kick the order on their patroness's feast day, in retrospect, that may have been their high-water mark.

[Salvation]

God Save Our Country web site (prayer warriors)
Prayer Chain Request for the United States of America
Pray for Nancy Pelosi
Prayer and fasting will help defeat health care reform (Freeper Prayer Thread)
Prayer Campaign Started to Convert Pro-Abortion Catholic Politicians to Pro-Life
[Catholic Caucus] One Million Rosaries
Non-stop Rosary vigil to defeat ObamaCare

From an Obama bumper sticker on a car:

"Pray for Obama.  Psalm 109:8"

Psalm 109:8

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

PLEASE JOIN US -

Evening Prayer
Someone has said that if people really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, we might be speechless.
Did you know that during WWII there was an advisor to Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every day at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England, its people and peace?  

There is now a group of people organizing the same thing here in America. If you would like to participate: Every evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (8:00 PM Central) (7:00 PM Mountain) (6:00 PM Pacific), stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens, and for a return to a Godly nation. If you know anyone else who would like to participate, please pass this along. Our prayers are the most powerful asset we have.    Please forward this to your praying friends.

[Salvation]

Feast of
the Holy Name of Jesus

Luke 2:21 "...Et vocatum est Nomen eius IESUS"
("And His Name was called JESUS")

Psalm 90:14 "Because he hoped in me I will deliver him:
I will protect him because he hath known My Name."

Zacharias 10:12 "I will strengthen them in the Lord,
and they shall walk in His Name, saith the Lord."

Apocalypse 3:8 "I know thy works. Behold, I have given before thee a door opened, which no man can shut: because thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied My Name."

Apocalypse 15:4 "Who shall not fear Thee, O Lord, and magnify Thy Name?..."

 

Blessed be the most holy Name of Jesus without end!

January Devotion: The Holy Name of Jesus

The month of January is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. This feast is also celebrated on January 3. Here is an explanation of the devotion.

Since the 16th century Catholic piety has associated entire months to special devotions. The devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus has been traditionally associated with the month of January, due to its celebration on January 3. The name Jesus was given to the Holy Child at God's command (Luke 1:31). The Holy Name is all-powerful because of the Person who bears it; we honor it because of the command of Christ, that we should pray in His Name and because it reminds us of all the blessings we receive through our Holy Redeemer. Hence St. Paul was able to write to the Philippians: ". . . at the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven, on earth, and under the earth" (Phil. 2:10). By means of this devotion we also make amends for improper use of the Holy Name.

Prayer Source: Prayer Book, The by Reverend John P. O'Connell, M.A., S.T.D. and Jex Martin, M.A., The Catholic Press, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, 1954

Prayer/Hymn in Honor of the Most Holy Name of Jesus - Iesu, Dulcis Memoria

Iesu, Dulcis Memoria is a celebrated 12th century hymn attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153), Doctor Mellifluus. The entire hymn has some 42 to 53 stanzas depending upon the manuscript. Parts of this hymn were used for the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus, which was formerly celebrated on the Sunday between the Circumcision and Epiphany, or failing such a Sunday, on January 2. The part below was used at Vespers. In the liturgical revisions of Vatican II, the feast was deleted, though a votive Mass to the Holy Name of Jesus had been retained for devotional use. With the release of the revised Roman Missal in March 2002, the feast was restored as an optional memorial on January 3.

Jesus, the very thought of Thee
With sweetness fills the breast!
Yet sweeter far Thy face to see
And in Thy presence rest.

No voice can sing, no heart can frame,
Nor can the memory find,
A sweeter sound than Jesus' name,
The Savior of mankind.

O hope of every contrite heart!
0 joy of all the meek!
To those who fall, how kind Thou art!
How good to those who seek!

But what to those who find? Ah! this
Nor tongue nor pen can show
The love of Jesus, what it is,
None but His loved ones know.

Jesus! our only hope be Thou,
As Thou our prize shalt be;
In Thee be all our glory now,
And through eternity. Amen.

---Roman Breviary

Prayer Source: Prayer Book, The by Reverend John P. O'Connell, M.A., S.T.D. and Jex Martin, M.A., The Catholic Press, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, 1954

O Divine Jesus, Thou hast promised that anything we ask of the Eternal Father in Thy name shall be granted.

O Eternal Father. In the name of Jesus, for the love of Jesus, in fulfillment of this promise, and because Jesus has said it, grant us our petitions for the sake of Jesus, Thy Divine Son. Amen.

Prayer Source: Prayer Book, The by Reverend John P. O'Connell, M.A., S.T.D. and Jex Martin, M.A., The Catholic Press, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, 1954

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.   Phil:2:10-11

 
 

 

Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus
Jesus, The Name above all Names
Devotion to the Holy Name (of Jesus) [Catholic Caucus]
Lessons In Iconography : The Chi Rho - Christ
St. Francis de Sales on the Most Holy Name of Jesus (Excerpt from a Sermon) (Catholic Caucus)
St. Francis de Sales on the Most Holy Name of Jesus (Catholic/Orthodox Caucus)

St. Bernard on the Most Holy Name of Jesus [Ecumenical]
Saving the day in His Holy Name: St. Genevieve gets a reprieve [Catholic Caucus]
The Holy Name of Jesus
Holy Name of Jesus [San Bernadino of Siena] Ecumenical
The Holy Name of Jesus
Devotion to the Holy Name [of Jesus]
The Name of Jesus: Its Power in Our Lives
The Holy Name of Jesus
Devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus
The Holy Name of Jesus

[Salvation]

January 2012

Pope's Intentions

General Intention: Victims of Natural Disasters.
That the victims of natural disasters may receive the spiritual and material comfort they need to rebuild their lives.

Missionary Intention: Dedication to Peace.
That the dedication of Christians to peace may bear witness to the name of Christ before all men and women of good will.

[Salvation]

Wednesday, January 04, 2012
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (Memorial)

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel:

1 John 3:7-10 Psalm 98:1, 7-9 John 1:35-42 He that is mighty hath done great things to me, and holy is His Name. -- Luke i. 49

[Salvation]

The Angelus 

The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary: 
And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. 

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. 

Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word. 

Hail Mary . . . 

And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us. 

Hail Mary . . . 

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. 

Let us pray: 

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord.

Amen. 

[markomalley]

Jan 04, Invitatory for Elizabeth Ann Seton

Lord, open my lips.
– And my mouth will proclaim your praise.

Ant. Come, let us worship God, wonderful in his saints.

Psalm 100

Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Serve the Lord with gladness.
Come before him, singing for joy.

Ant.

Know that he, the Lord, is God.
He made us, we belong to him,
we are his people, the sheep of his flock.

Ant.

Go within his gates, giving thanks.
Enter his courts with songs of praise.
Give thanks to him and bless his name.

Ant.

Indeed, how good is the Lord,
eternal his merciful love.
He is faithful from age to age.

Ant.

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. Come, let us worship God, wonderful in his saints.

[markomalley]

Jan 04, Office of Readings – Memorial for Elizabeth Ann Seton

Ribbon Placement:
Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I:
Ordinary: 649
Psalter: Wednesday, Week II, 851
Proper of Seasons: 584 (first reading, responsory)
Appendix V: 1689 (second reading, responsory, concluding prayer)

Christian Prayer:
Does not contain Office of Readings.

Office of Readings for Wednesday before Epiphany, the Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

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

1. Puer natus in Bethlehem, alleluia: 1. A boy was born in Bethlehem,
Unde gaudet Jerusalem, Alleluia. Whence Jerusalem rejoices.

-Refrain- In cordis jubilo, -Refrain- In the heart of joy,
Christum natum adoremus, we adore the newborn
Cum novo cantico. Christ with a new song.

2. Assumpsit carnem Filius, alleluia, 2. The Son has assumed flesh.
Dei Patris altissimus, Alleluia. From the Father most high. -Refrain-

3. Per Gabrielem nuntium, alleluia, 3. Per Gabriel’s greeting,
Virgo concepit Filium, Alleluia. The virgin conceived a Son. -Refrain-

4. Tamquam sponsus de thalamo, alleluia, 4. Like a bridegroom from the chamber, alleluia,
Processit Matris utero, Alleluia, alleluia. he proceeds from the womb of the mother. -Refrain-

5. Hic iacet in praesepio, alleluia: 5. He lies in the manger,
Qui regnat sine termino, Alleluia. He who rules without end.

6. Et Angelus pastoribus, alleluia, 6. And the Angel of the shepherds,
Revelat quod sit Dominus, Alleluia. Revealed that he may be the Lord.

7. Reges de Saba Veniunt, alleluia, 7. The Kings from Sheba will come,
Aurum, thus, myrrham offerunt, Alleluia. Gold, Frankincense, Myrrh, they will offer.

8. Intrantes domum invicem, alleluia, 8. One by one, you enter the house,
Novum salutant Principem, Alleluia. They hail the new prince. -Refrain-

9. De Matre natus Virgine, alleluia, 9. Of the virgin mother born,
Qui lumen est de lumine, Alleluia. Who is the light from light. -Refrain-

10. Sine serpentis vulnere, alleluia, 10. Without the wound of a serpent,
De nostro venit sanguine, Alleluia. He comes of our blood. -Refrain-

11. In carne nobis similis, alleluia, 11. In our same flesh,
Peccato sed dissimilis, Alleluia. But without the same sin. -Refrain-

12. Ut redderet nos homines, alleluia, 12. That He might give back to us men,
Deo et sibi similes, Alleluia, alleluia. Of God and them the same. -Refrain-

13. In hoc natali gaudio, alleluia: 13. In this birth rejoicing, alleluia.
Benedicamus Domino, Alleluia. We bless the Lord. -Refrain-

14. Laudetur sancta Trinitas, alleluia, 14. The Holy Spirit be praised, alleluia
Deo dicamus gratias, Alleluia. We give thanks unto God, alleluia!

“Puer Natus in Bethlehem” by The Cathedral Singers, Richard Proulx (conductor); Author: Anon (1543); Chorale Melody: Ein Kind geborn zu Bethlehem (Puer natus in Bethlehem); Composer: Anon (1439)

PSALMODY

Ant. 1 We groan in pain as we await the redemption of our bodies.

Psalm 39
Urgent prayer of a sick person
Creation is made subject to futility… by him who subjected it, but it is not without hope. (Romans 8:20)

I

I said: I will be watchful of my ways
for fear I should sin with my tongue.
I will put a curb on my lips
when the wicked man stands before me.”
I was dumb, silent and still.
His prosperity stirred my grief.

My heart was burning within me.
At the thought of it, the fire blazed up
and my tongue burst into speech:
O Lord, you have shown me my end,
how short is the length of my days.
Now I know how fleeting is my life.

You have given me a short span of days;
my life is as nothing in your sight.
A mere breath, the man who stood so firm,
a mere shadow, the man passing by;
a mere breath the riches he hoards,
not knowing who will have them.”

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. We groan in pain as we await the redemption of our bodies.

Ant. 2 Hear and answer my prayer, O Lord, let me not weep in vain.

II

And now, Lord, what is there to wait for?
In you rests all my hope.
Set me free from all my sins,
do not make me the taunt of the fool.
I was silent, not opening my lips,
because this was all your doing.

Take away your scourge from me.
I am crushed by the blows of your hand.
You punish man’s sins and correct him;
like the moth you devour all he treasures.
Mortal man is no more than a breath;
O Lord, hear my prayer.

O Lord, turn your ear to my cry.
Do not be deaf to my tears.
In your house I am a passing guest,
a pilgrim, like all my fathers.
Look away that I may breathe again
before I depart to be no more.

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

Through your Son you taught us, Father, not to be fearful of tomorrow but to commit our lives to your care. Do not withhold your Spirit from us but help us find a life of peace after these days of trouble

Ant. Hear and answer my prayer, O Lord, let me not weep in vain.

Ant. 3 I have put all my trust in God’s never-failing mercy.

Psalm 52
Against a calumniator
If anyone would boast, let him boast in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:31)

Why do you boast of your wickedness,
you champion of evil,
planning ruin all day long,
your tongue like a sharpened razor,
you master of deceit?

You love evil more than good,
lies more than truth.
You love the destructive word,
you tongue of deceit.

For this God will destroy you
and remove you for ever.
He will snatch you from your tent and uproot you
from the land of the living.

The just shall see and fear.
They shall laugh and say:
So this is the man who refused
to take God as a stronghold,
but trusted in the greatness of his wealth
and grew powerful by his crimes.”

But I am like a growing olive tree
in the house of God.
I trust in the goodness of God
for ever and ever.

I will thank you for evermore;
for this is your doing.
I will proclaim that your name is good,
in the presence of your friends.

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, you cut down the unfruitful branch for burning and prune the fertile to make it bear more fruit. Make us grow like laden olive trees in your domain, firmly rooted in the power and mercy of your Son, so that you may gather from us fruit worthy of eternal life.

Ant. I have put all my trust in God’s never-failing mercy.

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.

The thought of my heart are always before you, O Lord.
– You are my help and my redeemer.

READINGS

First reading
From the letter to the Colossians
3:17–4:1
The life of the Christian family

Whatever you do, whether in speech or in action, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus. Give thanks to God the Father through him.

You who are wives, be submissive to your husbands. This is your duty in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives. Avoid any bitterness toward them.

You children, obey your parents in everything as the acceptable way in the Lord.

And fathers, do not nag your children lest they lose heart.

To slaves I say, obey your human masters perfectly, not with the purpose of attracting attention and pleasing men but in all sincerity and out of reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being. Do it for the Lord rather than for men, since you know full well you will receive an inheritance from him as your reward. Be slaves of Christ the Lord. Whoever acts unjustly will be repaid for the wrong he has done. No favoritism will be shown.

You slaveowners, deal justly and fairly with your slaves, realizing that you too have a master in heaven.

RESPONSORY Colossians 3:17

Whatever you do in word and deed,
– do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Give thanks to our God and Father through his Son.
– Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Second reading
From a conference to her spiritual daughters by Elizabeth Ann Seton
Our daily work is to do the will of God

I will tell you what is my own great help. I once read or heard that an interior life means but the continuation of our Savior’s life in us; that the great object of all his mysteries is to merit for us the grace of his interior life and communicate it to us, it being the end of his mission to lead us into the sweet land of promise, a life of constant union with himself. And what was the first rule of our dear Savior’s life? You know it was to do his Father’s will. Well, then, the first end I propose in our daily work is to do the will of God; secondly, to do it in the manner he wills; and thirdly, to do it because it is his will.

I know what his will is by those who direct me; whatever they bid me do, if it is ever so small in itself, is the will of God for me. Then do it in the manner he wills it, not sewing an old thing as if it were new, or a new thing as if it were old; not fretting because the oven is too hot, or in a fuss because it is too cold. You understand — not flying and driving because you are hurried, not creeping like a snail because no one pushes you. Our dear Savior was never in extremes. The third object is to do his will because God wills it, that is, to be ready to quit at any moment and to do anything else to which you may be called….

You think it very hard to lead a life of such restraint unless you keep your eye of faith always open. Perseverance is a great grace. To go on gaining and advancing every day, we must be resolute, and bear and suffer as our blessed forerunners did. Which of them gained heaven without a struggle?…

What are our real trials? By what name shall we call them? One cuts herself out a cross of pride; another, one of causeless discontent; another, one of restless impatience or peevish fretfulness. But is the whole any better than children’s play if looked at with the common eye of faith? Yet we know certainly that our God calls us to a holy life, that he gives us every grace, every abundant grace; and though we are so weak of ourselves, this grace is able to carry us through every obstacle and difficulty.

But we lack courage to keep a continual watch over nature, and therefore, year after year, with our thousand graces, multiplied resolutions, and fair promises, we run around in a circle of misery and imperfections. After a long time in the service of God, we come nearly to the point from whence we set out, and perhaps with even less ardor for penance and mortification than when we began our consecration to him.

You are now in your first setout. Be above the vain fears of nature and efforts of your enemy. You are children of eternity. Your immortal crown awaits you, and the best of Fathers waits there to reward your duty and love. You may indeed sow here in tears, but you may be sure there to reap in joy.

RESPONSORY 1 Corinthians 7:29, 30, 31; 2:12

The time is growing short,
so we must rejoice as though we were not rejoicing;
we must work in the world yet without becoming immersed in it,
– for the world as we know it is passing away.

We have not adopted the spirit of the world.
– For the world as we know it is passing away.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

O God,
who crowned with the gift of true faith
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s burning zeal to find you,
grant by her intercession
and example that we may always seek you with diligent love
and find you in daily service with sincere faith.
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.

ACCLAMATION (only added when praying in community)

Let us praise the Lord.
– And give him thanks.

[markomalley]

Jan 04, Morning Prayer – Memorial for Elizabeth Ann Seton

Ribbon Placement:
Liturgy of the Hours Vol. I:
Ordinary: 653
Psalter: Wednesday, Week II, 855
Proper of Seasons: 588 (reading, responsory, canticle antiphon, intercessions)
Appendix V: 1691 (concluding prayer)

Christian Prayer:
Ordinary: 689
Psalter: Wednesday, Week II, tbd
Proper of Seasons: 222 (reading, responsory, canticle antiphon, intercessions)
Proper of Saints: 1061 (concluding prayer)

Morning Prayer for Wednesday before Epiphany, the Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

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

On this day earth shall ring
With the song children sing
To the Son, Christ the King,
Born on earth to save us;
Him the Father gave us.

Ideo gloria in excelsis Deo!

His the doom, ours the mirth,
When he came down to earth;
Bethlehem saw his birth;
Ox and ass, beside him,
From the cold would hide him.

Ideo gloria in excelsis Deo!

God’s bright star, o’er his head,
Wise men three to him led;
Kneel they low by his bed,
Lay their gifts before him,
Praise him and adore him.

Ideo gloria in excelsis Deo!

On this day angels sing;
With their song earth shall ring,
Praising Christ, heaven’s King,
Born on earth to save us;
Peace and love he gave us.

Ideo gloria in excelsis Deo!

“On This Day Earth Shall Ring” by Lichfield Cathedral Choir; Text: Piae Cantiones 1582; trans. by Jame M. Joseph; Music: German 1360; arr. by Gustav Holst

PSALMODY

Ant. 1 O God, all your ways are holy; what god can compare to our God?

Psalm 77
Recalling God’s works
We suffer all kinds of affliction, and yet we are not overcome (2 Corinthians 4:8).

I cry aloud to God,
cry aloud to God that he may hear me.

In the day of my distress I sought the Lord.
My hands were raised at night without ceasing;
my soul refused to be consoled.
I remembered my God and I groaned.
I pondered and my spirit fainted.

You withheld sleep from my eyes.
I was troubled, I could not speak.
I thought of the days of long ago
and remembered the years long past.
At night I mused within my heart.
I pondered and my spirit questioned.

Will the Lord reject us for ever?
Will he show us his favor no more?
Has his love vanished for ever?
Has his promise come to an end?
Does God forget his mercy
or in anger withhold his compassion?”

I said: This is what causes my grief;
that the way of the Most High has changed.”
I remember the deeds of the Lord,
I remember your wonders of old,
I muse on all your works
and ponder your mighty deeds.

Your ways, O God, are holy.
What god is as great as our God?
You are the God who works wonders.
You showed your power among the peoples.
Your strong arm redeemed your people,
the sons of Jacob and Joseph.

The waters saw you, O God,
the waters saw you and trembled;
the depths were moved with terror.
The clouds poured down rain,
the skies sent forth their voice;
your arrows flashed to and fro.

Your thunder rolled round the sky,
your flashes lighted up the world.
The earth was moved and trembled
when your way led through the sea,
your path through the mighty waters
and no one saw your footprints.

You guided your people like a flock
by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

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, you established your ancient covenant by signs and wonders, but more wondrously you confirmed the new one through the sacrifice of your Son. Guide your Church through the pathways of life, that we may be led to the land of promise and celebrate your name with lasting praise.

Ant. O God, all your ways are holy; what god can compare to our God?

Ant.2 My heart leaps up with joy to the Lord, for he humbles only to exalt us.

Canticle – 1 Samuel 2:1-10
The humble find joy in God
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things (Luke 1:52-53).

My heart exults in the Lord,
my horn is exalted in my God.

I have swallowed up my enemies;
I rejoice in my victory.
There is no Holy One like the Lord;
there is no rock like our God.

Speak boastfully no longer,
nor let arrogance issue from your mouths.
For an all-knowing God is the Lord,
a God who judges deeds.

The bows of the mighty are broken,
while the tottering gird on strength.
The well-fed hire themselves out for bread,
while the hungry batten on spoil.
The barren wife bears seven sons,
while the mother of many languishes.

The Lord puts to death and gives life;
he casts down to the nether world;
he raises up again.
The Lord makes poor and makes rich,
he humbles, he also exalts.

He raises the needy from the dust;
from the ash heap he lifts up the poor,
to seat them with nobles
and make a glorious throne their heritage.

For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s.
and he has set the world upon them.
He will guard the footsteps of his faithful ones,
but the wicked shall perish in the darkness.
For not by strength does man prevail;
The Lord’s foes shall be shattered.

The Most High in heaven thunders;
the Lord judges the ends of the earth.
Now may he give strength to his king
and exalt the horn of his anointed!

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. My heart leaps up with joy to the Lord, for he humbles only to exalt us.

Ant. 3 The Lord is king, let the earth rejoice.

Psalm 97
The glory of the Lord in his decrees for the world.
Ths psalm foretells a world-wide salvation and that peoples of all nations will believe in Christ.

The Lord is king, let earth rejoice,
let all the coastlands be glad.
Cloud and darkness are his raiment;
his throne, justice and right.

A fire prepares his path;
it burns up his foes on every side.
His lightnings light up the world,
the earth trembles at the sight.

The mountains melt like wax
before the Lord of all the earth.
The skies proclaim his justice;
all peoples see his glory.

Let those who serve idols be ashamed,
those who boast of their worthless gods.
All you spirits, worship him.

Zion hears and is glad;
the people of Judah rejoice
because of your judgments, O Lord.

For you indeed are the Lord
most high above all the earth,
exalted far above all spirits.

The Lord loves those who hate evil;
he guards the souls of his saints;
he sets them free from the wicked.

Light shines forth for the just
and joy for the upright of heart.
Rejoice, you just, in the Lord;
give glory to his holy name.

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, you clothe the sky with light and the depths of the ocean with darkness. Among the sons of men you work wonders, and rain terror upon the enemy. Look upon your servants. Do not try us by fire but bring us rejoicing to the shelter of your home.

Ant. The Lord is king, let the earth rejoice.

READING Romans 12:1-2

Brothers, I beg you through the mercy of God to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to God, your spiritual worship. Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may judge what is God’s will, what is good, pleasing and perfect.

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

The Lord will help her; his loving presence will be with her.
–The Lord will help her; his loving presence will be with her.

He dwells in her; she will not falter.
–His loving presence will be with her.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
–The Lord will help her; his loving presence will be with her.

CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH

Ant. The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls; he finds one of great value and gives all that he has to possess it.

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. The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls; he finds one of great value and gives all that he has to possess it.

INTERCESSIONS

My brothers, with all the holy women, let us profess our faith in our Savior and call upon him:
– Come, Lord Jesus.

Lord Jesus, you forgave the sinful woman because she loved much,
forgive us who have sinned much.
– Come, Lord Jesus.

Lord Jesus, the holy women ministered to your needs during your journeys,
help us to follow your footsteps.
– Come, Lord Jesus.

Lord Jesus, master, Mary listened to your words while Martha served your needs,
help us to serve you with love and devotion.
– Come, Lord Jesus.

Lord Jesus, you call everyone who does your will your brother, sister and mother,
help us to do what is pleasing to you in word and action.
– 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 crowned with the gift of true faith
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s burning zeal to find you,
grant by her intercession
and example that we may always seek you with diligent love
and find you in daily service with sincere faith.
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.

DISMISSAL

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life.
– Amen.