Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 04-14-12, Saturday within the Octave of Easter

USCCB.org/RNAB ^ | 04-14-12 | Revised New American Bible

[Salvation]

April 14, 2012

 

Saturday within the Octave of Easter

 

Reading 1 Acts 4:13-21

Observing the boldness of Peter and John
and perceiving them to be uneducated, ordinary men,
the leaders, elders, and scribes were amazed,
and they recognized them as the companions of Jesus.
Then when they saw the man who had been cured standing there with them,
they could say nothing in reply.
So they ordered them to leave the Sanhedrin,
and conferred with one another, saying,
"What are we to do with these men?
Everyone living in Jerusalem knows that a remarkable sign
was done through them, and we cannot deny it.
But so that it may not be spread any further among the people,
let us give them a stern warning
never again to speak to anyone in this name."

So they called them back
and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
Peter and John, however, said to them in reply,
"Whether it is right in the sight of God
for us to obey you rather than God, you be the judges.
It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard."
After threatening them further,
they released them,
finding no way to punish them,
on account of the people who were all praising God
for what had happened.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 118:1 and 14-15ab, 16-18, 19-21

R. (21a) I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his mercy endures forever.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior.
The joyful shout of victory
in the tents of the just.
R. I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me.
or:
R. Alleluia.
"The right hand of the LORD is exalted;
the right hand of the LORD has struck with power."
I shall not die, but live,
and declare the works of the LORD.
Though the LORD has indeed chastised me,
yet he has not delivered me to death.
R. I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Open to me the gates of justice;
I will enter them and give thanks to the LORD.
This is the gate of the LORD;
the just shall enter it.
I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me
and have been my savior.
R. I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Gospel Mk 16:9-15

When Jesus had risen, early on the first day of the week,
he appeared first to Mary Magdalene,
out of whom he had driven seven demons.
She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping.
When they heard that he was alive
and had been seen by her, they did not believe.

After this he appeared in another form
to two of them walking along on their way to the country.
They returned and told the others;
but they did not believe them either.

But later, as the Eleven were at table, he appeared to them
and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart
because they had not believed those
who saw him after he had been raised.
He said to them, "Go into the whole world
and proclaim the Gospel to every creature."

[markomalley]

Daytime Prayer

INTRODUCTION

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

This day our risen Savior reigns,
Creation’s undefeated King,
While angels in resplendent light
With mighty voice his triumph sing.

This day the Lord has made his own,
Who broke from his confining grave,
His living presence fills the world
That by his cross he came to save.

To God the Father glory give
For Jesus Christ his deathless Son,
Who with the Holy Spirit lives
Immortal, and for ever one.

Tune: Solemnis Haec Festivas L.M.
Music: Graduale, 1685
Text: © 1974 Stanbrook Abbey. Used with permission.

PSALMODY

Antiphons

Midmorning: Christ has risen from the dead and will never die again, alleluia.

Midday: He was handed over to death for our sins; he was raised to life to justify us, alleluia.

Midafternoon: Since you have been raised to life with Christ, seek the things that are above, alleluia.

Psalm 119:33-40
V (He)

A meditation on God’s law

Loving God means keeping his commandments (1 John 5:3).

Teach me the demands of your precepts *
and I will keep them to the end.
Train me to observe your law, *
to keep it with my heart.

Guide me in the path of your commands; *
for there is my delight.
Bend my heart to your will *
and not to love of gain.

Keep my eyes from what is false: *
by your word, give me life.
Keep the promise you have made *
to the servant who fears you.

Keep me from the scorn I dread, *
for your decrees are good.
See, I long for your precepts: *
then in your justice, give me 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.

Psalm Prayer

In your justice give us life, Father. Do not allow greed to possess us but incline our hearts to your commands. Give us understanding to know your law and direct us according to your will.

Psalm 96
The Lord, king and judge of the world

A new theme now inspires their praise of God; they belong to the Lamb (see Revelation 14:3).

I

O sing a new song to the Lord, †
sing to the Lord, all the earth. *
O sing to the Lord, bless his name.

Proclaim his help day by day, †
tell among the nations his glory *
and his wonders among all the peoples.

The Lord is great and worthy of praise, †
to be feared above all gods; *
the gods of the heathens are naught.

It was the Lord who made the heavens, †
his are majesty and state and power *
and splendor in his holy place.

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.

II

Give the Lord, you families of peoples, †
give the Lord glory and power, *
give the Lord the glory of his name.

Bring an offering and enter his courts, †
worship the Lord in his temple. *
O earth, tremble before him.

Proclaim to the nations: “God is king.” †
The world he made firm in its place; *
he will judge the peoples in fairness.

Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad, *
let the sea and all within it thunder praise,
let the land and all it bears rejoice, *
all the trees of the wood shout for joy

at the presence of the Lord for he comes, *
he comes to rule the earth.
With justice he will rule the world, *
he will judge the peoples with his truth.

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 have renewed the face of the earth. Your Church throughout the world sings you a new song, announcing your wonders to all. Through a virgin, you have brought forth a new birth in our world; through your miracles, a new power; through your suffering, a new patience; in your resurrection, a new hope, and in your ascension, new majesty.

Antiphons

Midmorning: Christ has risen from the dead and will never die again, alleluia.

Midday: He was handed over to death for our sins; he was raised to life to justify us, alleluia.

Midafternoon: Since you have been raised to life with Christ, seek the things that are above, alleluia.

At the other hours, the complementary psalmody is used.

MIDMORNING

READING
Romans 5:10-11

If, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him by the death of his Son, it is all the more certain that we who have been reconciled will be saved by his life. Not only that; we go so far as to make God our boast through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

This is the day the Lord has made, alleluia.
– Let us rejoice and be glad, alleluia.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Father of love,
by the outpouring of your grace
you increase the number of those who believe in you.
Watch over your chosen family.
Give undying life to all
who have been born again in baptism.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
– Amen.

Or:

O God, who by the abundance of your grace
give increase to the peoples who believe in you,
look with favor on those you have chosen
and clothe with blessed immortality
those reborn through the Sacrament of Baptism.
Through Christ our Lord.
– Amen.

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

MIDDAY

READING
1 Corinthians 15:20-22

Christ is now raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. Death came through a man; hence the resurrection of the dead comes through a man also. Just as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will come to life again.

This is the day the Lord has made, alleluia.
– Let us rejoice and be glad, alleluia.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Father of love,
by the outpouring of your grace
you increase the number of those who believe in you.
Watch over your chosen family.
Give undying life to all
who have been born again in baptism.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
– Amen.

Or:

O God, who by the abundance of your grace
give increase to the peoples who believe in you,
look with favor on those you have chosen
and clothe with blessed immortality
those reborn through the Sacrament of Baptism.
Through Christ our Lord.
– Amen.

ACCLAMATION

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

MIDAFTERNOON

READING
2 Corinthians 5:14-15

The love of Christ impels us who have reached the conviction that since one died for all, all died. He died for all so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who for their sakes died and was raised up.

This is the day the Lord has made, alleluia.
– Let us rejoice and be glad, alleluia.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Father of love,
by the outpouring of your grace
you increase the number of those who believe in you.
Watch over your chosen family.
Give undying life to all
who have been born again in baptism.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
– Amen.

Or:

O God, who by the abundance of your grace
give increase to the peoples who believe in you,
look with favor on those you have chosen
and clothe with blessed immortality
those reborn through the Sacrament of Baptism.
Through Christ our Lord.
– Amen.

ACCLAMATION

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

[markomalley]

Vespers

INTRODUCTION

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

Come, O Christian people sing
In triumphant gladness;
God has rescued Israel,
Given joy for sadness;
Freed from Pharaoh’s bitter yoke
Jacob’s sons and daughters;
Leading them beyond all death
Through the Red Sea waters.

Spring is in our hearts today;
Christ has burst his prison
And from three days’ sleep in death
As a sun has risen.
All the winter of our sins,
Long and dark, is flying
From his light, to whom we give
Song and praise undying.

Now the queen of seasons, bright
With the day of splendor,
With the royal feast of feasts,
Far from dark December,
Comes to glad Jerusalem,
Who with true affection,
Welcomes with untiring praise
Jesus’ resurrection.

Neither could the gates of death,
Nor the tomb’s dark portal,
Nor the watchers, nor the seal,
Hold you as a mortal.
But today amid your own
You have stood bestowing
Your own peace which evermore
Passes human knowing.

Tune: Ave Virgo Virginum (Gaudeamus Pariter) 76.76 D
Music: Johann Horn, 1544
Text: As?µe? pa?te? ?a??, John of Damascus, c. 740
Translation: John Mason Neale, 1818-1866

Or:

I know that my Redeemer lives;
What joy the blest assurance gives!
He lives, he lives, who once was dead;
He lives, my everlasting Head!

He lives, to bless me with his love;
He lives, to plead for me above;
He lives, my hungry soul to feed;
He lives, to help in time of need.

He lives, and grants me daily breath;
He lives, and I shall conquer death;
He lives, my mansion to prepare;
He lives, to bring me safely there.

He lives, all glory to his name;
He lives, my Savior still the same;
What joy the blest assurance gives;
I know that my Redeemer lives!

Tune: Duke Street L.M.
Music: John Hatton, 1710-1793
Text: Samuel Medley, 1738-1799

PSALMODY

Ant. 1 Mary Magdalen and the other Mary came to see the Lord’s tomb, alleluia.

Psalm 110:1-5, 7
The Messiah, king and priest

Christ’s reign will last until all his enemies are made subject to him (1 Corinthians 15:25).

The Lord’s revelation to my Master:†
“Sit on my right: *
your foes I will put beneath your feet.”

The Lord will wield from Zion†
your scepter of power: *
rule in the midst of all your foes.

A prince from the day of your birth †
on the holy mountains; *
from the womb before the dawn I begot you.

The Lord has sworn an oath he will not change. †
“You are a priest for ever, *
a priest like Melchizedek of old.”

The Master standing at your right hand *
will shatter kings in the day of his great wrath.

He shall drink from the stream by the wayside *
and therefore he shall lift up his head.

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, we ask you to give us victory and peace. In Jesus Christ, our Lord and King, we are already seated at your right hand. We look forward to praising you in the fellowship of all your saints in our heavenly homeland.

Ant. Mary Magdalen and the other Mary came to see the Lord’s tomb, alleluia.

Ant. 2 Come and see the place where the Lord was buried, alleluia.

Psalm 114
The Israelites are delivered from the bondage of Egypt

You too left Egypt when, at baptism, you renounced that world which is at enmity with God (Saint Augustine).

When Israel came forth from Egypt, *
Jacob’s sons from an alien people,
Judah became the Lord’s temple, *
Israel became his kingdom.

The sea fled at the sight: *
the Jordan turned back on its course,
the mountains leapt like rams *
and the hills like yearling sheep.

Why was it, sea, that you fled, *
that you turned back, Jordan, on your course?
Mountains, that you leapt like rams, *
hills, like yearling sheep?

Tremble, O earth, before the Lord, *
in the presence of the God of Jacob,
who turns the rock into a pool *
and flint into a spring of water.

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 God, ever-living mystery of unity and Trinity, you gave life to the new Israel by birth from water and the Spirit, and made it a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a people set apart as your eternal possession. May all those you have called to walk in the splendor of the new light render you fitting service and adoration.

Ant. Come and see the place where the Lord was buried, alleluia.

Ant. 3 Jesus said: Do not be afraid, Go and tell my brothers to set out for Galilee; there they will see me, alleluia.

The following canticle is said with the Alleluia when Evening Prayer is sung: when the office is recited, the Alleluia may be said at the beginning and end of each strophe.

Canticle: See Revelation 19:1-7
The wedding of the Lamb

Alleluia.
Salvation, glory, and power to our God: *
(Alleluia.)
his judgments are honest and true. *
Alleluia (alleluia).

Alleluia.
Sing praise to our God, all you his servants, *
(Alleluia.)
all who worship him reverently, great and small. *
Alleluia (alleluia).

Alleluia.
The Lord our all-powerful God is King; *
(Alleluia.)
Let us rejoice, sing praise, and give him glory. *
Alleluia (alleluia).

Alleluia.
The wedding feast of the Lamb has begun, *
(Alleluia.)
and his bride is prepared to welcome him. *
Alleluia (alleluia).

Alleluia.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
(Alleluia.)
and to the Holy Spirit: *
Alleluia (alleluia).

Alleluia.
As it was in the beginning, is now, *
(Alleluia.)
and will be for ever. Amen. *
Alleluia (alleluia).

Ant. Jesus said: Do not be afraid, Go and tell my brothers to set out for Galilee; there they will see me, alleluia.

READING
1 Peter 2:9-10

You are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people he claims for his own to proclaim the glorious works” of the One who called you from darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were no people, but now you are God’s people; once there was no mercy for you, but now you have found mercy.

In place of the responsory the following is said: 

Ant. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad, alleluia. 

CANTICLE OF MARY

Ant. After eight days, although the doors were locked, the Lord came among them and said: Peace be with you, alleluia.

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. After eight days, although the doors were locked, the Lord came among them and said: Peace be with you, alleluia.

INTERCESSIONS

In rising from the dead, Christ destroyed death and restored life. Let us cry out to him, saying:
Lord Jesus, you live for ever; hear our prayer.

You are the stone rejected by the builders which became the chief cornerstone,
– make us living stones in the temple of your Church.
Lord Jesus, you live for ever; hear our prayer.

You are the faithful and true witness, the firstborn from the dead,
– make your Church bear constant witness to yourself.
Lord Jesus, you live for ever; hear our prayer.

You alone are the Bridegroom of the Church, born from your wounded side,
– make us reveal to the world the love of Bridegroom and Bride.
Lord Jesus, you live for ever; hear our prayer.

You are the first and the last, you were dead and are alive,
– keep those who have been baptized faithful until death, that they may receive the crown of victory.
Lord Jesus, you live for ever; hear our prayer.

Light and lamp of God’s holy city,
– shine on our friends who have died, that they may reign for ever.
Lord Jesus, you live for ever; hear our prayer.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

(Gathering our prayer and praises into one, let us offer the prayer Christ himself taught us:)

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

God of mercy,
you wash away our sins in water,
you give us new birth in the Spirit,
and redeem us in the blood of Christ.
As we celebrate Christ’s resurrection
increase our awareness of these blessings,
and renew your gift of life within us.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.

Or:

God of everlasting mercy,
who in the very recurrence of the paschal feast
kindle the faith of the people you have made your own,
increase, we pray, the grace you have bestowed,
that all may grasp and rightly understand
in what font they have been washed,
by whose Spirit they have been reborn,
by whose Blood they have been redeemed,
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.

In communal celebrations, the dismissal is altered as follows:

Go in peace, alleluia, alleluia.
– Thanks be to God, alleluia, alleluia.

[markomalley]

Compline

INTRODUCTION

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

A brief examination of conscience may be made. In the communal celebration of the Office, a Penitential Rite using the formulas of the Mass may be inserted here.

[I confess to almighty God
and to you, my brothers and sisters,
that I have greatly sinned,
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done and in what I have failed to do,

And, striking their breast, they say:

through my fault, through my fault,
through my most grievous fault;

Then they continue:

therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin,
all the Angels and Saints,
and you, my brothers and sisters,
to pray for me to the Lord our God.

The absolution by the Priest follows:

May almighty God have mercy on us,
forgive us our sins,
and bring us to everlasting life.
– Amen.]

HYMN

At the Lamb’s high feast we sing
Praise to our victorious King,
Who has washed us in the tide
Flowing from his wounded side;
Praise the Lord, whose love divine
Gives his sacred blood for wine,
Gives his body for the feast,
Christ the victim, Christ the priest.

Where the Paschal blood is poured,
Death’s dark angel sheathes his sword;
Israel’s host in triumph go
Through the waves that drown the foe.
Christ the Lamb whose blood was shed,
Paschal victim, Paschal bread;
Let us with a fervent love
Taste the manna from above.

Mighty Victim from on high,
Pow’rs of hell now vanquished lie;
Sin is conquered in the fight:
You have brought us life and light;
Your resplendent banners wave,
You have risen from the grave;
Christ has opened Paradise,
And in him all men shall rise.

Easter triumph, Easter joy,
Sin alone can this destroy;
Souls form sin and death set free
Glory in their liberty.
Hymns of glory, hymns of praise
Father unto you we raise;
Risen Lord, for joy we sing;
Let our hymns through heaven ring.

Tune: Salzburg 77.77 D
Music: Jacob Hintze, 1622-1702
Text: Ad regias Agni dapes
Translation: Robert Campbell, 1814-1868, adapted by Geoffrey Laycock

Or:

All praise to you, O God, this night
For all the blessings of the light;
Keep us, we pray, O King of kings,
Beneath your own almighty wings.

Forgive us, Lord, through Christ your Son,
Whatever wrong this day we’ve done;
Your peace give to the world, O Lord,
That man might live in one accord.

Enlighten us, O blessed Light,
And give us rest throughout this night.
O strengthen us, that for your sake,
We all may serve you when we wake.

Melody: Illsley L.M.
Music: J. Bishop, 1665-1737
Text: Thomas Ken, 1709, alt.

Or:

We praise you, Father, for your gifts
Of dusk and nightfall over earth,
Foreshadowing the mystery
Of death that leads to endless day.

Within your hands we rest secure;
In quiet sleep our strength renew;
Yet give your people hearts that wake
In love to you, unsleeping Lord.

Your glory may we ever seek
In rest, as in activity,
Until its fullness is revealed,
O source of life, O Trinity.

Melody: Te lucis ante terminum (plainchant) L.M.
Music: Anonymous, Gregorian
Text: West Malling Abbey

PSALMODY

During the octave of Easter, Night Prayer is said each day from either of the Night Prayers for Sunday.

Sunday I

Ant. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Psalm 4
Thanksgiving

The resurrection of Christ was God’s supreme and wholly marvelous work (Saint Augustine).

When I call, answer me, O God of justice; *
from anguish you released me, have mercy and hear me!

O men, how long will your hearts be closed, *
will you love what is futile and seek what is false?

It is the Lord who grants favors to those whom he loves; *
the Lord hears me whenever I call him.

Fear him; do not sin: ponder on your bed and be still. *
Make justice your sacrifice, and trust in the Lord.

“What can bring us happiness?” many say. *
Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord.

You have put into my heart a greater joy *
than they have from abundance of corn and new wine.

I will lie down in peace and sleep comes at once *
for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
ad will be for ever. Amen.

Psalm 134
Evening prayer in the temple

Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great (Revelation 19:5).

O come, bless the Lord, *
all you who serve the Lord,
who stand in the house of the Lord, *
in the courts of the house of our God.

Lift up your hands to the holy place *
and bless the Lord through the night.

May the Lord bless you from Zion, *
he who made both heaven and earth.

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. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

READING
Deuteronomy 6:4-7

Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone! Therefore, you shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today. Drill them into your children. Speak of them at home and abroad, whether you are busy or at rest.

---

Sunday II

Ant. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Psalm 91
Safe in God’s sheltering care

I have given you the power to tread upon serpents and scorpions (Luke 10:19).

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High *
and abides in the shade of the Almighty
says to the Lord: “My refuge, *
my stronghold, my God in whom I trust!”

It is he who will free you from the snare *
of the fowler who seeks to destroy you;
he will conceal you with his pinions *
and under his wings you will find refuge.

You will not fear the terror of the night *
nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the plague that prowls in the darkness *
nor the scourge that lays waste at noon.

A thousand may fall at your side, *
ten thousand fall at your right,
you, it will never approach; *
his faithfulness is buckler and shield.

Your eyes have only to look *
to see how the wicked are repaid,
you who have said: “Lord, my refuge!” *
and have made the Most High your dwelling.

Upon you no evil shall fall, *
no plague approach where you dwell.
For you has he commanded his angels, *
to keep you in all your ways.

They shall bear you upon their hands *
lest you strike your foot against a stone.
On the lion and the viper you will tread *
and trample the young lion and the dragon.

Since he clings to me in love, I will free him; *
protect him for he knows my name.
When he calls I shall answer: “I am with you,” *
I will save him in distress and give him glory.

With length of life I will content him; *
I shall let him see my saving power.

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. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

READING
Revelation 22:4-5

They shall see the Lord face to face and bear his name on their foreheads. The night shall be no more. They will need no light from lamps or the sun, for the Lord God shall give them light, and they shall reign forever.

---

In place of the rseponsory the following is said:

Ant. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad, alleluia.

GOSPEL CANTICLE

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, alleluia.

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, alleluia.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Sunday I:

Lord,
be with us throughout this night.
When day comes may we rise from sleep
to rejoice in the resurrection of your Christ,
who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
– Amen.

Sunday II:

Lord,
we have celebrated today
the mystery of the rising of Christ to new life.
May we now rest in your peace,
safe from all that could harm us,
and rise refreshed and joyful,
to praise you throughout another day.
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

Queen of heaven, rejoice, alleluia.
The Son whom you merited to bear, alleluia,
has risen as he said, alleluia.
Pray for us to God, alleluia.

Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia!
For the Lord has truly risen, alleluia!

Or:

Regina caeli, laetare, alleluia,
quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia,
resurrexit sicut dixit, alleluia;
ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia.

Gaude et laetare, Virgo Maria, alleluia.
Quia surrexit Dominus vere, alleluia.

Or:

Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy,
our life, our sweetness, and our hope.
To you do we cry,
poor banished children of Eve.
To you do we send up our sighs
mourning and weeping in this vale of tears.
Turn then, most gracious advocate,
your eyes of mercy toward us,
and after this exile
show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving,
O sweet Virgin Mary.

Or:

Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with you!
Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Or:

Salve, Regina, mater misericordiae;
 vita, dulcedo et spes nostra, salve,
Ad te clamamus, exsules filii Evae.
Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes
 in hac lacrimarum valle.

Eia ergo, advocata nostra,
 illos tuos misericordes occulos
 ad nos converte.
Et Iesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui,
 nobis post hoc exilium ostende.
O clemens, o pia, o dulcis Virgo Maria.

Or:

Loving mother of the Redeemer,
gate of heaven, star of the sea,
assist your people who have fallen yet strive to rise again.
To the wonderment of nature you bore your Creator,
yet remained a virgin after as before.
You who received Gabriel’s joyful greeting,
have pity on us poor sinners.

[annalex]

Mark
	English: Douay-Rheims	Latin: Vulgata Clementina	Greek NT: Byzantine/Majority Text (2000)
	Mark 16
9.	But he rising early the first day of the week, appeared first to Mary Magdalen, out of whom he had cast seven devils.	Surgens autem mane prima sabbati, apparuit primo Mariæ Magdalene, de qua ejecerat septem dæmonia.	αναστας δε πρωι πρωτη σαββατου εφανη πρωτον μαρια τη μαγδαληνη αφ ης εκβεβληκει επτα δαιμονια
10.	She went and told them that had been with him, who were mourning and weeping.	Illa vadens nuntiavit his, qui cum eo fuerant, lugentibus et flentibus.	εκεινη πορευθεισα απηγγειλεν τοις μετ αυτου γενομενοις πενθουσιν και κλαιουσιν
11.	And they hearing that he was alive, and had been seen by her, did not believe.	Et illi audientes quia viveret, et visus esset ab ea, non crediderunt.	κακεινοι ακουσαντες οτι ζη και εθεαθη υπ αυτης ηπιστησαν
12.	And after that he appeared in another shape to two of them walking, as they were going into the country.	Post hæc autem duobus ex his ambulantibus ostensus est in alia effigie, euntibus in villam :	μετα δε ταυτα δυσιν εξ αυτων περιπατουσιν εφανερωθη εν ετερα μορφη πορευομενοις εις αγρον
13.	And they going told it to the rest: neither did they believe them.	et illi euntes nuntiaverunt ceteris : nec illis crediderunt.	κακεινοι απελθοντες απηγγειλαν τοις λοιποις ουδε εκεινοις επιστευσαν
14.	At length he appeared to the eleven as they were at table: and he upbraided them with their incredulity and hardness of heart, because they did not believe them who had seen him after he was risen again.	Novissime recumbentibus illis undecim apparuit : et exprobravit incredulitatem eorum et duritiam cordis : quia iis, qui viderant eum resurrexisse, non crediderunt.	υστερον ανακειμενοις αυτοις τοις ενδεκα εφανερωθη και ωνειδισεν την απιστιαν αυτων και σκληροκαρδιαν οτι τοις θεασαμενοις αυτον εγηγερμενον ουκ επιστευσαν
15.	And he said to them: Go ye into the whole world, and preach the gospel to every creature.	Et dixit eis : Euntes in mundum universum prædicate Evangelium omni creaturæ.	και ειπεν αυτοις πορευθεντες εις τον κοσμον απαντα κηρυξατε το ευαγγελιον παση τη κτισει

[annalex]

9. Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
10. And she went and told them that she had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
11. And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.
12. After that he appeared in another form to two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.
13. And they went and told it to the residue: neither believed they them.

AUG. Now we must consider how the Lord appeared after the resurrection. For Mark says, Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

BEDE; John tells us most fully how and when this appearance took place. But the Lord rose in the morning from the sepulcher in which He had been laid in the evening, that those words of the Psalm might be fulfilled, Heaviness may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

THEOPHYL. Or else put a stop at, Now when Jesus was risen, and then read, early the first day of the week he appeared, &c.

GREG. For as Samson at midnight not only left Gaza, but also carried away the gates of it, so also our Redeemer rising , before the light, did not only come out free from hell, but destroyed also the very gates of hell. But Mark here testifies that seven devils were cast out of Mary; and what is meant by seven devils save all vices? for as by seven days is understood all time, so by the number seven a whole is fitly figured.

THEOPHYL. But Mary had seven devils, because she was filled with do all vices. Or else, by seven devils are meant seven spirits contrary to the seven virtues, as a spirit without fear, without wisdom, without understanding, and whatsoever else is opposed to the gifts of the Holy Ghost.

PSEUDO-JEROME; Again, He is shown to her, out of whom He had cast seven devils, because harlots and publicans shall go before the synagogue into the kingdom of heaven, as the thief reached it before the Apostles.

BEDE; In the beginning also woman brought man into sin, now she, who first tasted death, first sees the resurrection, lest she should have to bear the reproach of perpetual guilt amongst men; and she who had been the channel of guilt to man, now has become the first channel of grace. For it goes on: And she went and told them that had been with him as they mourned and wept.

PSEUDO-JEROME; They mourn and weep because they had not yet seen, but after a short time they shall receive a consolation. For blessed are they that weep now, for they shall be comforted.

BEDE; Fitly too is this woman, who was Be the first to announce the joy of our Lord's resurrection, said to have been cured of seven devils, lest any one worthily repenting of his sins should despair of pardon for what he had done, and that it might be shown that where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.

SEVER. Mary brings the news, not now as a woman, but in the person of the Church so that, as above woman was silent, here as the Church she might bring tidings and spear:. There follows, And they when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, believed not.

GREG. That the disciples were slow in believing our Lord's resurrection was not so much a weakness of theirs as it our strength. For the resurrection itself through their doubts was manifested by many proofs; and whilst we read and acknowledge them, what do we but become firmer through their doubting? There follows, After this he appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went to a farm house.

AUG. Luke relates the whole story respecting these two, one of whom was Cleophas, but Mark here touches but slightly upon it. That village of which Luke speaks may without absurdity be supposed to be what is here called a farm house, and indeed in some Greek manuscripts it is called the country. But by this name are understood not only villages, but also boroughs and country towns, because they are without the city, which is the head and mother of all the rest. That which Mark expresses by the Lord's appearance in another form, is what Luke means by saying that their eyes were holden that they could not know him. For something was upon their eyes, which was allowed to remain there, until the breaking of bread.

SEVER. But let no one suppose that Christ changed the form of His face by His resurrection, but the form is changed when of mortal it becomes immortal, so that this means that He gained a glorious countenance, not that He lost the substance of His countenance. But He was seen of two; because faith in the resurrection is to be preached and shown to two people, that is, the Gentiles and the Jews.

There follows, And they went and told it to the residue, neither believed they them. How are we to understand the words of Mark compared with the account of Luke, that they then said, The Lord has risen indeed and has appeared to Simon, if we do not suppose that there were some there who would not believe?

THEOPHYL. For he does not say this of the eleven, but of some others, whom He calls the residue.

PSEUDO-JEROME; But in a mystic sense we may understand that faith here labors, leading the active life, but there it reigns secure in the contemplative vision. Here we see His face through a glass, there we shall see the truth face to face, wherefore He was shown to them as they were walking, that is, laboring, in another form. And when it was told, the disciples did not believe, because they saw, like Moses, that which was not enough for them, for he said, Show me yourself; forgetting his flesh, he prays in this life for that which w e hope for in the life to come.

14. Afterward he appeared to the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
15. And he said to them, Go you into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.

GLOSS. Mark, when about to finish his Gospel, relates the last appearance of our Lord to His disciples after His resurrection, saying, For the last time he appeared to the eleven as they sat at meat.

GREG. We should observe that Luke says in the Acts, As he was eating with them he commanded , that they should not depart from Jerusalem, and shortly afterwards, while they beheld he was taken up. For He ate, and then ascended, that by the act of eating, the truth of the flesh might be declared; wherefore it is also here said, that he appeared to them for the last time as they sat at meat.

PSEUDO-JEROME; But He appeared when all the eleven were together, that all might be witnesses, and relate to all men what they had seen and heard in common. It goes on: And upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them who had seen him after his resurrection.

AUG. But how was this done the last time? The last occasion on which the Apostles saw the Lord upon earth happened forty days after the resurrection; but would He then have upbraided them for not believing those who had seen Him risen, when they themselves had so often seen Him after His resurrection? It remains therefore that we should understand that Mark wished to say it in few words, and said for the last time, because it was the last time that He showed Himself that day, as night was coming on, when the disciples returned from the country into Jerusalem, and found, as Luke says, the eleven and those who were with them, speaking together concerning the resurrection of our Lord.

But there were some there who did not believe; when these then were sitting at meat, (as Mark says,) and were still speaking, (as Luke relates,) The Lord stood in the midst of them, and said to them, Peace be to you; as Luke and John say. The rebuke therefore which Mark here mentions, must have been amongst those words, which Luke and John say, that the Lord at that time spoke to the disciples. But another question is raised, how Mark says that He appeared when the eleven sat at meat, if the time was the first part of the night on the Lord's day, when John plainly says that Thomas was not with them, who, we believe, had gone out, before the Lord came in to them, after those two had returned from the village, and spoken with the eleven, as we find in Luke's Gospel.

But Luke in his relation leaves room for supposing that Thomas went out first, while they spoke these things, and that the Lord entered afterwards; Mark however from his saying, for the last time he appeared to the eleven as they sat at meat, forces us to believe that he was there, unless indeed, though one of them was absent he chose to call them the eleven, because the company of the Apostles was then called by this number, before Matthias was chosen into the place of Judas. Or if this be a harsh way of understanding it, let us understand that it means that after many appearances, He showed Himself for the last time, that is, on the fortieth clay, to the Apostles, as they sat at meat, and that since He was about to ascend from them, He rather wished on that day to reprove them for not having believed those who had seen Him risen before seeing Him themselves, because after His ascension even the Gentiles on their preaching were to believe a Gospel, which they had not seen.

And so the same Mark immediately after that rebuke says, And he said to them, Go you into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. And lower down, He that believes not shall be condemned. Since then they were to preach this, were not they themselves to be first rebuked, because before they saw the Lord they had not believed those to who He had first appeared?

GREG. Another reason also why our Lord rebuked His disciples, when He left them as to His bodily presence, was, that the words which He spoke on leaving them might remain more deeply impressed, upon the hearts of His hearers.

PSEUDO-JEROME; But He rebukes their want of faith, that faith might take its place; He rebukes the hardness of their stony heart, that the fleshy heart, full of love, might take its place.

GREG. After rebuking the hardness of their hearts, let us hear the words of advice which He speaks. For it goes on: Go you into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. Every man must be understood by every creature; for man partakes something of every creature; he has existence as have stones, life as trees, feeling as animals, understanding as have Angels. For the Gospel is preached to every creature, because he is taught by it, for whose sake all are created, whom all things are in some way like, and from whom therefore they are not alien. By the name of every creature also every nation of the Gentiles may be meant. For it had been said before, Go not into the way of the Gentiles. But now it is said, Preach the Gospel to every creature, so that the preaching of the Apostles which was thrust aside by Judea, might be an assistance to us, since Judea, had haughtily rejected it, thus witnessing to her own damnation.

THEOPHYL. Or else; to every creature, that is, whether believing or unbelieving. It goes on: He that believes and is baptized shall be saved. For it is not enough to believe, for he who believes and is not baptized, but is a catechumen, has not yet attained to perfect salvation.

GREG. But perhaps some one may say in himself, I have already believed, I shall be saved. He says what is true, if he keeps his faith by works; for that is a true faith, which does not contradict by its deeds what it says in words. There follows: But he that believes not shall be damned.

Catena Aurea Mark 16

[annalex]

Resurrection of Christ with Sts Leonardo and Lucy

Marco d’Oggiono

1491-94
Oil on panel
Staatliche Museen, Berlin

[Salvation]

Information: Sts. Tiburtius, Valerian, Maximus

Feast Day:

April 14

[Salvation]

Interactive Saints for Kids

Blessed Lidwina

Feast Day: April 14
Born: 1380 :: Died: 1433

Lidwina was born at Schiedam in Holland. The name Lidwina means "suffering." Her parents were poor folk. Lidwina was quite young, when a deep affection for Our Lady of Schiedam began to grow in her heart. When she was fifteen, Lidwina gave herself completely to God.

She may have become a nun later, but when she was sixteen, in a single afternoon, her whole life changed. Lidwina went skating with her friends and one of them accidentally bumped her. Lidwina fell down hard on the ice and broke a rib. She was in great pain.

But that fall brought other problems, too. In the days ahead, she had very bad headaches, nausea, fever, thirst and her whole body hurt badly.

Crying, Lidwina told her father she could not bear the pain anymore. But the pain got even worse. Sores began to form on her face and body. She also became blind in one eye. Finally, she got paralyzed and could no longer leave her bed.

Lidwina was upset and bitter. Why had God let this happen to her? What did he want from her? And what could she still give to him anyway?

Her parish priest, Father John, came to visit and pray with her. He helped her think of what Jesus had suffered. She began to realize the beautiful gift that she would give to Jesus: she would suffer for him. She would offer her sufferings to console him, who had suffered so much on the cross. Her suffering became a beautiful prayer to God.

For thirty-eight years, Lidwina suffered. It seemed impossible that she could remain alive in such serious condition. But she did. God comforted her in many ways. Lidwina was good to everyone who came to her poor little room. She prayed to God and suffered for their special intentions. They knew God would listen to Lidwina.

Lidwina's special love was for Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. For many years, she seemed to live only on Holy Communion. She saw visions of Heaven and Purgatory and Christ’s Passion. She was also visited by saints.

Miracles took place at her bedside and some people said she was possessed by evil spirits. She became completely blind for the last seven years of her life. She had a beautiful final vision of Jesus giving her Holy Communion shortly before she died.

Reflection: Let us pray today for a heart that is able to give thanks to God when suffering comes our way.

[Salvation]

 

Catholic

Almanac:

Saturday, April 14
Liturgical Color: Violet
St. Lydwina of Schiedam died on this day in 1433. Injured at the age of 16, Lydwina suffered intense pain the rest of her life. She learned to offer her pain to Christ for the sins of others, and considered her suffering a gift from God.

[Salvation]

Catholic Culture

Daily Readings for: April 14, 2012
(Readings on USCCB website)

Collect: O God, who by the abundance of your grace give increase to the peoples who believe in you, look with favor on those you have chosen and clothe with blessed immortality those reborn through the Sacrament of Baptism. 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

• Easter Soup with Leftover Lamb

ACTIVITIES

• Liturgy of Easter Sunday and the Octave of Easter

PRAYERS

• Easter Week Table Blessing
• Prayers for the Easter Season
• Easter Prayers (for the Octave of Easter)
• The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy
• Divine Mercy Novena
• Roman Ritual Blessing Before and After Meals: Easter Week (1st Plan)

Easter: April 14th 

Easter Saturday Old Calendar: Easter Saturday

"Lastly, He showed himself to the Eleven themselves while they were at table. He reproached them for their incredulity and obstinacy.... And He said to them, 'Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation.'" (Mark 16: 14-15)

On coming out of the baptismal font on Easter Sunday, the neophytes (newly baptized) were given a white symbolic garment, which they wore throughout the Easter Octave. Easter Saturday was known as "the Saturday on which white vestments are laid aside," or Saturday "in albis (depositis)." It was also called "Low Saturday." The octave ends tomorrow, but the Easter Season continues for five more weeks.

Stational Church

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Meditation: The Power that Regenerates the World
Earthly history and the workings of the cosmos undoubtedly continue their course and are not identified with the rate at which the Kingdom of Christ develops. In fact, pain, evil, sin, death, yet claim their victims, in spite of the resurrection of Christ.

The cycle of one thing succeeding another, the cycle of becoming, is not at a standstill. If it were, history would be at an end! And so facts and events are continually being repeated and give rise to thoughts of an irremediable conflict here on earth between the two kingdoms, or, as St. Augustine said, between the two cities. Think, for example, of the contrast which is to be found in this Holy Year between celebration of the Redemption on the one hand and on the other hand the offenses against God, the misdeeds committed against man and, at bottom, the challenges to Christ which are continually being launched.

This is the most impressive aspect, the most mysterious dimension of the historic dialectic between the forces of good and the forces of evil: the fact that obstacles are raised or indifference is shown to the forces of Redemption let into the world by Christ through his Resurrection as the principle which resolves the conflict between death and life.

The world is in need, today as yesterday, for the "new people" to remain in its midst, among the vicissitudes, the conflicts, the variations which not seldom lead to situations which are so difficult, sometimes even dramatic. The world has need of this people which will dedicate itself with humility, courage and perseverance to service of the Redemption and give concrete form, in good Christian conduct, to the regenerating power of Christ's resurrection.

This is the function which Christians have as evangelizers and witnesses to the Resurrection in history.

Excerpted from Prayers and Devotions from Pope John Paul II, edited by Bishop Peter Canisius, 1984.

---

In Rome, the Station is at the church of St. John Lateran, the mother church of Christendom. Eight days ago the Easter vigil liturgy took place in this basilica. Today the neophytes return a final time to the place of baptism.

[Salvation]

The Word Among Us

Meditation: Mark 16:9-15

“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” (Mark 16:16)

Imagine that you’re Mary Magdalene, and you are just encoun­tering the risen Jesus for the very first time. Your heart is pounding. Your eyes are wide with wonder. Your breath comes in gasps of amazement. In a combination of joy and shock, you fall at his feet and worship him.

In the Gospel readings all this week, we have seen story after story of how disciples like Mary reacted when they discovered that Jesus had indeed risen to a new and trans­formed life. These encounters are as rich in detail as they are diverse in character and story line.

Why would the authors take so much care in recalling these stories? They wouldn’t need to do so much if all they wanted to do was perpetuate a myth about Jesus magically com­ing back to life. But that wasn’t their goal. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all want to convince us that Jesus really did rise from the dead!

Mary Magdalene really ran trem­bling back to the disciples after she knelt at the nail-scarred feet of Jesus. Peter and John really raced to the tomb and found it empty. The hearts of the two disciples really burned within them as they walked with Jesus along the road to Emmaus. And Jesus really appeared to his disciples as they broke bread and told them: “Touch me and see” (Luke 24:39).

The point behind these stories goes beyond the wave of emotions the disciples felt because of Jesus’ resurrection. These stories also show us how their lives were changed. Think about how much they had grown between the time when they first encountered Jesus and Easter Sunday, and compare that to the new boldness, decisiveness, and commitment they showed after meeting the risen Lord. The Book of Acts is filled with stories that describe the change!

This can be your story, too! The same power that changed the apostles is available to you right now. Jesus really is risen! He really has raised you up to be with him. He is reaching out to show himself to you right now. So let the Spirit build up your faith—and your expectation.

“Jesus, I believe in your resurrection. Pour out your Spirit on me so that I can have new life. May my heart burn within me as I sense your nearness and power today.”

Acts 4:13-21; Psalm 118:1,14-21

[Salvation]

Vultus Christi

Converted ever anew

By

Father Mark

 on April 13, 2012 8:15 PM |

 

The Lord brought forth His people with joy, alleluia:
and His chosen ones with gladness, alleluia, alleluia.
V. Give glory to the Lord, and call upon His name:
declare His deeds among the gentiles (Ps 104:43, 1).

One Who Comes to Meet Us

Some of you may be wondering why I chose, during this Octave of Pascha, to preach each day on the Introit of the Mass. The simple answer is this: someone suggested that I meditate and write on the Introit texts. And so I did. But there is another reason. Listen to what Father Maurice Zundel says:

The Introit greets us at the entrance of the Mass. It is like a triumphal arch at the head of a Roman road, a porch through which we approach the Mystery, a hand outstretched to a crying child, a beloved companion in the sorrow of exile. The Liturgy is not a formula. It is One who comes to meet us." (The Splendour of the Liturgy)

Toward the Heavenly Sanctuary

The Church gives us eight Introits for the glorious Paschal Octave: one for each day. Each one is a mystic portal opening onto a particular facet of the Mystery and pointing us toward the heavenly sanctuary where, beyond the veil, Christ the Priest stands in glory before the Father.

Get On With It

Today's Introit is but a single verse from Psalm 104. "The Lord brought forth His people with joy, alleluia: and His chosen ones with gladness, alleluia, alleluia" (Ps 104:43). The psalm refers to the Exodus. This verse, chosen by the Church for us today, is about getting out of Egypt.

Into Life

Easter, or Pascha as the Church calls it in her official liturgical books, is about moving out and moving on. Out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. Out of darkness into light. Out of sin into holiness. Out of decrepitude into vigor. Out of a pitiful self-absorption into fascination with the beauty of holiness that shines on the Face of Christ. Out of death into life.

The Illusion of Coziness

It is a strange thing that, when it comes to getting on with it spiritually, some of us drag our feet. There is something inside us that remains attached to that old life of bondage under Pharaoh in Egypt. We reminisce about the "bad old days" and our imagination twists them into the "good old days" that they never were. There is nothing worthy of nostalgia about living in sin, under sin, or with sin. One of the devil's ploys is to make us feel comfortable in our sins. He likes nothing better than to appeal to our innate desire for feeling cozy, and he creates the illusion of coziness by using our sins. In this way, he suggests that we really need not move forward, that things are fine just as they are, and that those think otherwise are either fanatics or idealists.

Today's Introit says that the Lord brought forth His people with joy, and His chosen ones with gladness. Joy because a new life was opening before them. Gladness because God had taken care of their enemies -- a symbol of the old sins that pursue us -- by sending them headlong into the churning waters of the Red Sea. Joy, because "the strife was o'er, the battle won." Gladness because, as the Exultet puts it, we have been "restored to grace . . . and separated from the vices of the world and the darkness of sinners."

Resistance

What would prevent you from experiencing this joy and gladness? A secret attachment to sin. A hankering after things as the Old Self would have them be. A resistance to the costly change of heart that is the price of new life.

[Salvation]

Regnum Christi

The World Awaits Our Witness

| SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY

Saturday in the Octave of Easter

 Mark 16:9-15

When Jesus had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. After this he appeared in another form to two of them walking along on their way to the country. They returned and told the others; but they did not believe them either. But later, as the Eleven were at table, he appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had been raised. He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”

Introductory Prayer: Lord, you are the source of all life because you are life itself. Your resurrection gives me the hope of being raised from the dead to rejoice with you in heaven forever. I need to dwell more often on the good you have done for us and on your promises to those who put their trust in you. Thank you, Jesus for taking up your life again and leading the way home to heaven. I love you, and I want to follow after you with all my heart. I want to cooperate more fully with you in bringing many others to heaven with me.

Petition: Lord, grant me the grace of a profound apostolic zeal.

1. A Saint Who Is Sad Is One Sad Saint: “When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.” From these lines of scripture we can see the power our emotions can exercise over our faith. Melancholy can affect our trust. Perhaps we have been hurt by others and our sorrows are as real as those of the disciples. But let us not get accustomed to our tears; rather, with the courage and help of Our Lord, let us put aside past resentments and pain. After all, if his love is enough to convert our hearts, what grounds do we have to think that it is not powerful enough to convert the hearts and lives of those who hurt us? Humanity will not be converted by the distressed. We should be willing to give the world a joyful witness to the Resurrection, for the source of our joy is in the Lord, not in the hands of our adversaries.

2. Rebuked for Unbelief and Hardness of Heart: We may be a bit scandalized at Our Lord’s apparent lack of understanding and sympathy towards his disciples who were mourning his tragic loss. Sometimes though, a good shaking-up is required to slough off a melancholic spirit and to switch us from an inordinate self-love and self-pity to a concern for others. In moments when we begin to despair and feel suffocated by our sufferings, St. Paul reminds us to have hope: “I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38). We must never allow anything to rob us of our trust in Christ. He is faithful to his promises.

3. We Are to Be Witnesses to His Love: Despite their unbelief, Our Lord did not retract his gift of redemption or lessen their responsibility for the mission. “It is not to a dull everyday routine that we return.… We need to imitate the zeal of the Apostle Paul: ‘Straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14)’”(John Paul II, Novo Millennio Ineunte, 59). Our encounter of faith with the Risen Lord cannot be kept solely for the private sphere of our life. Rather, it needs to draw us to be zealous in proclaiming him to others. The sense of Christ’s command—“Go into the whole world”—is to proclaim him to as many others as possible.

Conversation with Christ: Lord, I have taken away from this meditation the lesson that it is time for me to wake from my slumber to fulfill your command. I must “go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” Help me to realize that my past sinfulness and disbelief do not excuse me from this mission.

Resolution: The next time I find a person struggling or in turmoil, I will offer to pray with them—or at least for them if they decline.

[Salvation]

Soul Healing

• Homily of the Day
• April 14th, 2012
• Food For Thought

Many have trouble rejoicing at the sight of good news. Instead of
allowing the common bond of love in us to take over, we often allow
our nature of skepticism and envy to override our peace. This happened
not only to the rulers and elders but also to the apostles whom Jesus
reproached for their incredulity and obstinacy in their refusal to
believe eyewitnesses accounts.

The whole world is in need of “soul healing,” a term referred to by
author Robert Barron in his book “And Now I See… : A Theology of
Transformation.” Even the title of the book itself suggests why Jesus
instructed his disciples to “go out to the world, [and] proclaim the
good news to all creation.”

Robert Barron encapsulates what Jesus meant above when he mentioned in
his book that (p. 5) “to overcome fear is to move from the pusilla
anima (the small soul) to the magna anima (the great soul). When we
are dominated by our egos, we live in a very narrow space, in the
angustiae (the straits) between this fear and that, between this
attachment and that. But when we surrender in trust to the bearing
power of God, our souls become great, roomy, expansive. We realize
that we are connected to all things and to the creative energy of the
whole cosmos.”

Holding on to our old ways is not helpful because we cannot look
beyond what we are supposed to see. Instead, we must trust in what
Jesus has revealed to us and follow in his footsteps; then, things
will start to change.

[Salvation]

One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

 

<< Saturday, April 14, 2012 >>

Easter Saturday Saint of the Day

Acts 4:13-21
View Readings

Psalm 118:1, 14-21

Mark 16:9-15

WITNESS STAND

"I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord." —Psalm 118:17

 

Those witnessing for the risen Christ are a sign of contradiction (see Lk 2:34) to the culture of death in which we live. Therefore, those who have not met the risen Christ and are enslaved by the devil, the prince of death (Heb 2:14-15), oppose those proclaiming risen life in Christ. They will threaten us with punishment, violence, or death if we continue to speak of risen life. However, because we are not afraid to suffer or die, we will say: "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight for us to obey you rather than God. Surely we cannot help speaking of what we have heard and seen" (Acts 4:19-20; see also Acts 5:29). Then we will have an even better opportunity to proclaim risen life since the threat of death will make our proclamation of life in Christ even more credible.

Thus, for us " 'life' means Christ; hence dying is so much gain" (Phil 1:21). "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" (1 Cor 15:54-55) As witnesses for the risen Jesus, we are willing to "face death every day" (1 Cor 15:31). If we miraculously escape death, even more people will believe in the risen Christ. If we don't escape death, we will be raised from the dead. Therefore, witness for Jesus in the face of death and be raised by Jesus after death. Witness and rise!

 

Prayer: Father, may my attitude toward death surprise people and open them up to You.

Promise: "Go into the whole world and proclaim the good news to all creation." —Mk 16:15

Praise: Alleluia! "I will give thanks to You," Jesus, "for You...have been my Savior" (Ps 118:21). You are victorious over death!

[Salvation]

A Pro-Life Prayer For Our President And Public Officials

Lord God, Author of Life and Source of Eternal Life,

Move the hearts of all our public officials and especially our President, to fulfill their responsibilities worthily and well to all those entrusted to their care.

Help them in their special leadership roles, to extend the mantle of protection to the most vulnerable, especially the defenseless unborn, whose lives are threatened with extermination by an indifferent society.

Guide all public officials by your wisdom and grace to cease supporting any law that fails to protect the fundamental good that is human life itself, which is a gift from God and parents.

You are the Protector and Defender of the lives of the innocent unborn. Change the hearts of those who compromise the call to protect and defend life. Bring our nation to the values that have made us a great nation, a society that upholds the values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all.

Mary, the Mother of the living, help us to bear witness to the Gospel of Life with our lives and our laws, through Christ, Our Lord.

Amen.

 

• Imprimatur:
• January 22, 2009
• Most Reverend Robert J. Baker
• Bishop of Birmingham in Alabama