Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 05-28-12

USCCB.org/RNAB ^ | 05-28-12 | Revised New American Bible

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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

At Midmorning

Breathe on me, breath of God,
Fill me with life anew,
That I may love the things you love,
And do what you would do.

Breathe on me, breath of God,
Until my heart is pure,
Until with you I have one will,
To live and to endure.

Breathe on me, breath of God,
My soul with grace refine,
Until this earthly part of me
Glows with your fire divine.

Breathe on me, breath of God,
So I shall never die,
But live with you the perfect life
In your eternity.

Melody: Yattendon 64.66.86
Music: H. E. Woodbridge, 1845-1917
Text: Edwin Hatch, 1835-1889, adapted by Anthony G. Petti

At Midday

Almighty Ruler, God of truth,
Who guide and master all,
The rays with which you gild the dawn
With noonday heat now fall.

O quench the fires of hatred, Lord,
Of anger and of strife;
Bring health to every mind and heart
That peace may enter life.

Most holy Father, grant our prayer
Through Christ your only Son,
That in your Spirit we may live
And praise you ever one.

Melody: Ballerma C.M.
Music: F. Barthelemon, 1774-1808
Text: Ralph Wright, O.S.B.

At Midafternoon

Lord God and Maker of all things,
Creation is upheld by you.
While all must change and know decay,
You are unchanging, always new.

You are man’s solace and his shield
His rock secure on which to build;
You are the spirit’s tranquil home;
In you alone is hope fulfilled.

To God the Father, and the Son
And Holy Spirit render praise,
Blest Trinity, from age to age
The strength of all our living days.

Melody: Auctoritate Saeculi L.M.
Music: Poitiers Antiphoner, 1746
Text: © Stanbrook Abbey, used with permission.

PSALMODY

Ant. 1 Lord, guide my steps according to your promise.

Psalm 119:129-136
XVII (Pe)

A meditation on God’s law

The whole law is summed up in love (Romans 13:10).

Your will is wonderful indeed; *
therefore I obey it.
The unfolding of your word gives light *
and teaches the simple.

I open my mouth and I sigh *
as I yearn for your commands.
Turn and show me your mercy; *
show justice to your friends.

Let my steps be guided by your promise; *
let no evil rule me.
Redeem me from man’s oppression *
and I will keep your precepts.

Let your face shine on your servant *
and teach me your decrees.
Tears stream from my eyes *
because your law is disobeyed.

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

Psalm Prayer

You are just, Lord God, and righteous are your judgments. Deliver those who cry to you in their affliction; give them peace and calm to reflect on your commands.

Ant. Lord, guide my steps according to your promise.

Ant. 2 There is but one lawgiver and judge; who are you to judge your neighbor?

Psalm 82
Denunciation of evil judges

Do not attempt to judge another now; the Lord’s coming will reveal all (1 Corinthians 4:5).

God stands in the divine assembly. *
In the midst of the gods he gives judgment.

“How long will you judge unjustly *
and favor the cause of the wicked?
Do justice for the weak and the orphan, *
defend the afflicted and the needy.
Rescue the weak and the poor; *
set them free from the hand of the wicked.

Unperceiving, they grope in the darkness *
and the order of the world is shaken.
I have said to you: ‘You are gods, *
and all of you, sons of the Most High.’
And yet, you shall die like men, *
you shall fall like any of the princes.”

Arise, O God, judge the earth, *
for you rule all the nations.

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

Psalm Prayer

You are always true to your word, Father. Look down from heaven and put an end to our foolishness. Save us from groundless fears and help us to please you with undivided heart.

Ant. There is but one lawgiver and judge; who are you to judge your neighbor?

Ant. 3 I cried out to the Lord, and he heard me.

Psalm 120
Longing for peace

Be patient in suffering; persevere in prayer (Romans 12:12).

To the Lord in the hour of my distress *
I call and he answers me.
“O Lord, save my soul from lying lips, *
from the tongue of the deceitful.”

What shall he pay you in return, *
O treacherous tongue?
The warrior’s arrows sharpened *
and coals, red-hot, blazing.

Alas, that I abide a stranger in Meshech, *
dwell among the tents of Kedar!

Long enough have I been dwelling *
with those who hate peace.
I am for peace, but when I speak, *
they are for fighting.

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

Psalm Prayer

You declared peacemakers happy, Lord Jesus, since they will be called sons of God. Give us that peace which the world cannot give so that your Church may be freed from the schemes of arrogant men, and, devoted to works of peace, go forward joyfully to meet you, the King of Peace.

Ant. I cried out to the Lord, and he heard me.

At the other hours, the complementary psalmody is taken from Series II and III.

MIDMORNING

READING
Leviticus 20:26

To me you shall be sacred; for I, the Lord, am sacred, I, who have set you apart from the other nations to be my own.

How happy are we who have the Lord for our God.
– We are the people he chose as is inheritance.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

God our Father,
work is your gift to us,
a call to reach new heights
by using our talents for the good of all.
Guide us as we work and teach us to live
in the spirit that has made us your sons and daughters,
in the love that has made us brothers and sisters.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
– Amen.

ACCLAMATION

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

MIDDAY

READING
Wisdom 15:1, 3

You, our God, are good and true,
  slow to anger, and governing all with mercy.
To know you well is complete justice,
   and to know your might is the root of immortality.

Lord our God, you are tender and compassionate.
– You are patient, most merciful, and true to your word.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Father,
yours is the harvest
and yours is the vineyard:
you assign the task
and pay a wage that is just.
Help us to meet this day’s responsibilities,
and let nothing separate us from your love.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
– Amen.

ACCLAMATION

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

MIDAFTERNOON

READING
Baruch 4:21b-22

My children; call upon God,
   who will deliver you from oppression at enemy hands.
I have trusted in the Eternal God for your welfare,
   and joy has come to me from the Holy One
Because of the mercy that will swiftly reach you
   from your eternal savior.

Remember your tender mercies, Lord.
– And the love you have shown us from of old.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord,
you call us to worship you
at the hour when the apostles went to pray in the temple.
We offer our prayer in the name of Jesus:
may his saving power come to all
who call upon his name.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
– Amen.

ACCLAMATION

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

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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

Now fades all earthly splendor,
The shades of night descend;
The dying of the daylight
Foretells creation’s end.
Though noon gives place to sunset,
Yet dark gives place to light:
The promise of tomorrow
With dawn’s new hope is bright.

The silver notes of morning
Will greet the rising sun,
As once the Easter glory
Shone round the Risen One.
So will the night of dying
Give place to heaven’s day,
And hope of heaven’s vision
Will light our pilgrim way.

So will the new creation
Rise from the old reborn
To splendor in Christ’s glory
And everlasting morn.
All darkness will be ended
As faith gives place to sight
Of Father, Son and Spirit,
One God, in heaven’s light.

Melody: Ewing 76.76 D
Music: Alexander Ewing, 1830-1895
Text: James Quinn, S.J., 1968

Or:

O fount of light, True Light itself,
Smile down on us as here we pray.
May your bright splendor shine on us,
When shades of sin are cast away.

We thank you for your loving care
While work and toil have been our lot,
And now the day is near its close,
Dear Lord, we pray, forsake us not.

Though sun declines and shadows fall,
Our souls draw light from those fair rays
The Sun of Justice n’er withholds,
On whom the hosts of angels gaze.

May all the faults which we deplore,
Be washed away by Christ our Light,
And may he purify our hearts
Throughout the hours of coming night.

All glory, Father, be to you,
Praise to the Spirit and the Son,
Who rule all things with pow’r supreme
Till all created time is done. Amen.

Melody: Simeon L.M.
Music: Samuel Stanley, 1767-1822
Text: Luminis fons, lux et origo lucis, Alcuin of York, d. 804
Translation: © the Benedictines of Saint Cecilia’s Abbey, Ryde, UK. Used with permission.

PSALMODY

Ant. 1 Give thanks to the Lord, for his great love is without end.

Psalm 136
Easter Hymn

We praise God by recalling his marvelous deeds (Cassiodorus).

I

O give thanks to the Lord for he is good, *
for his love endures for ever.
Give thanks to the God of gods *
for his love endures for ever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords, *
for his love endures for ever;

who alone has wrought marvelous works, *
for his love endures for ever;
whose wisdom it was made the skies, *
for his love endures for ever;
who fixed the earth firmly on the seas, *
for his love endures for ever.

It was he who made the great lights, *
for his love endures for ever,
the sun to rule in the day, *
for his love endures for ever,
the moon and the stars in the night, *
for his love endures 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. Give thanks to the Lord, for his great love is without end.

Ant. 2 Great and wonderful are your deeds, Lord God the Almighty.

II

The first-born of the Egyptians he smote, *
for his love endures for ever.
He brought Israel out from their midst, *
for his love endures for ever;
arm outstretched, with power in his hand, *
for his love endures for ever.

He divided the Red Sea in two, *
for his love endures for ever;
he made Israel pass through the midst, *
for his love endures for ever;
he flung Pharaoh and his force in the sea, *
for his love endures for ever.

Through the desert his people he led, *
for his love endures for ever.
Nations in their greatness he struck, *
for his love endures for ever.
Kings in their splendor he slew, *
for his love endures for ever.

Sihon, king of the Amorites, *
for his love endures for ever;
and Og, the king of Bashan, *
for his love endures for ever.

He let Israel inherit their land, *
for his love endures for ever.
On his servant their land he bestowed, *
for his love endures for ever.
He remembered us in our distress, *
for his love endures for ever.

And he snatched us away from our foes, *
for his love endures for ever.
He gives food to all living things, *
for his love endures for ever.
To the God of heaven give thanks, *
for his love endures 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.

Psalm Prayer

Almighty God, remember our lowliness and have mercy. Once you gave our fathers a foreign land to inherit. Free us today from sin and give us a share in your inheritance.

Ant. Great and wonderful are your deeds, Lord God the Almighty.

Ant. 3 God planned in the fullness of time to restore all things in Christ.

Canticle: Ephesians 1:3-10
God our Savior

Praised be the God and Father *
of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has bestowed on us in Christ *
every spiritual blessing in the heavens.

God chose us in him *
before the world began
to be holy *
and blameless in his sight.

He predestined us *
to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ,
such was his will and pleasure, †
that all might praise the glorious favor *
he has bestowed on us in his beloved.

In him and through his blood, we have been redeemed, *
and our sins forgiven,
so immeasurably generous *
is God’s favor to us.

God has given us the wisdom *
to understand fully the mystery,
the plan he was pleased *
to decree in Christ.

A plan to be carried out *
in Christ, in the fullness of time,
to bring all things into one in him, *
in the heavens and on 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. God planned in the fullness of time to restore all things in Christ.

READING
1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

May the Lord increase you and make you overflow with love for one another and for all, even as our love does for you. May he strengthen your hearts, making them blameless and holy before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his holy ones.

RESPONSORY

Accept my prayer, O Lord, which rises up to you.
– Accept my prayer, O Lord, which rises up to you.

Like burning incense in your sight,
– which rises up to you.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
– Accept my prayer, O Lord, which rises up to you.

CANTICLE OF MARY

Ant. For ever will my soul proclaim the greatness of the Lord.

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. For ever will my soul proclaim the greatness of the Lord.

INTERCESSIONS

Jesus does not abandon those who hope in him; therefore, let us humbly ask him:
Our Lord and our God, hear us.

Christ our light, brighten your Church with your splendor,
– so that it may be for the nations the great sacrament of your love.
Our Lord and our God, hear us.

Watch over the priests and ministers of your Church,
– so that after they have preached to others, they themselves may remain faithful in your service.
Our Lord and our God, hear us.

Through your blood you gave peace to the world,
– turn away the sin of strife, the scourge of war.
Our Lord and our God, hear us.

O Lord, help married couples with an abundance of your grace,
– so that they may better symbolize the mystery of your Church.
Our Lord and our God, hear us.

In your mercy forgive the sins of all the dead,
– that they may live with your saints.
Our Lord and our God, hear us.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

(We pattern our prayer on the prayer of Christ the Lord, and say:)

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

Stay with us, Lord Jesus,
for evening draws near,
and be our companion on our way
to set our hearts on fire with new hope.
Help us to recognize your presence among us
in the Scriptures we read,
and in the breaking of bread,
for you live and reign with the Father and 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.

[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

Now, God be with us, for the night is closing;
The light and darkness are of your disposing;
And ‘neath your shadow here to rest we yield us,
     For you will shield us.

Let holy thoughts be ours when sleep o’ertakes us;
Our earliest thought be yours when morning wakes us;
All day serve you, in all that we are doing
     Your praise pursuing.

We have no refuge, none on earth to aid us,
Save you, O Father, who in love has made us;
But your dear presence will not leave them lonely
     Who seek you only.

Melody: Lobet den Herren 11.11.11.5
Music: Johann Crüger, 1598-1662
Text: Bohemian Brethren’s Kirchengesange, 1566
Translation: Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878

PSALMODY

Ant. O Lord, our God, unwearied is your love for us.

Psalm 86
Poor man’s prayer in trouble

Blessed be God who comforts us in all our trials (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4).

Turn your ear, O Lord, and give answer *
for I am poor and needy.
Preserve my life, for I am faithful: *
save the servant who trusts in you.

You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord, *
for I cry to you all day long.
Give joy to your servant, O Lord, *
for to you I lift up my soul.

O Lord, you are good and forgiving, *
full of love to all who call.
Give heed, O Lord, to my prayer *
and attend to the sound of my voice.

In the day of distress I will call *
and surely you will reply.
Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord; *
nor work to compare with yours.

All the nations shall come to adore you *
and glorify your name, O Lord:
for you are great and do marvelous deeds, *
you who alone are God.

Show me, Lord, your way †
so that I may walk in your truth. *
Guide my heart to fear your name.

I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart *
and glorify your name for ever;
for your love to me has been great: *
you have saved me from the depths of the grave.

The proud have risen against me; †
ruthless men seek my life: *
to you they pay no heed.

But you, God of mercy and compassion, *
slow to anger, O Lord,
abounding in love and truth, *
turn and take pity on me.

O give your strength to your servant *
and save your handmaid’s son.
Show me the sign of your favor †
that my foes may see to their shame *
that you console me and give me your help.

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. O Lord, our God, unwearied is your love for us.

READING
1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

God has destined us for acquiring salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us, that all of us, whether awake or asleep, together might live with him.

RESPONSORY

Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.
– Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth.
– I commend my spirit.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
– Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

CANTICLE OF SIMEON

Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace.

Luke 2:29-32
Christ is the light of the nations and the glory of Israel

Lord, + now you let your servant go in peace; *
your word has been fulfilled:

my own eyes have seen the salvation *
which you have prepared in the sight of every people:

a light to reveal you to the nations *
and the glory of your people Israel.

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

Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord,
give our bodies restful sleep
and let the work we have done today
bear fruit in eternal life.
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

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.

[Salvation]

Information: St. Germanus

Feast Day:	May 28
Born:	496 at Autun, France
Died:	576

[Salvation]

Interactive Saints for Kids

Blessed Margaret Pole

Feast Day: May 28
Born: 1471 :: Died: 1541

Margaret Plantaganet was born in England. She was the niece of two English kings, Edward IV and Richard III. King Henry VII arranged her marriage to Sir Reginald Pole who was a brave soldier and a friend of the royal family. They had five children and Margaret also privately helped raise the king's son Henry VIII. Years later, Sir Reginald died leaving Margaret a widow.

The young Henry VIII became king, he called Margaret the holiest woman in England. He was so impressed with her that he returned some property her family had lost in the past. He also made her a countess of Salisbury. Henry trusted her so much that Countess Margaret was appointed the governess of Princess Mary, his and Queen Catherine's daughter.

But then Henry tried to marry Anne Boleyn although he was already married. Margaret told the king that what he did was wrong. This upset the king very much and he made her leave the court. The king was even more upset when one of Margaret's sons, a priest (and who later became the famous Cardinal Reginald Pole), wrote a long article against Henry's claim to be head of the Church in England.

Henry was out of control. He had become cruel and hateful. He threatened to get rid of Margaret's whole family. Henry sent people to question Countess Margaret to prove her a traitor. They questioned her from noon until evening but could not find any fault with her. She had nothing to hide.

Then Margaret was wrongly accused and kept under house arrest at the castle of a nobleman. She was later moved to the huge tower of London without even a trial. During the long winter months, she suffered very much from the cold and dampness. She had no fire and not enough warm clothing.

Finally, on May 28, 1541, when she was seventy years old, Blessed Margaret was led out of the tower to the place of execution. She was tired and sick, but she stood tall and proud to die for her faith. "I am no traitor," she said bravely. Margaret was beheaded on Tower hill and died a martyr for her faith in Jesus.

Reflection: Am I willing to take the risk of losing the admiration of people because of my faith in Jesus?

[Salvation]

 

Catholic

Almanac:

Monday, May 28
Liturgical Color: Green
Today St. Bernard, a 10th century priest, is remembered. He ministered to the people in the Alps, aiding stranded travelers and pilgrims passing through to Rome. The St. Bernard dog breed is named after him for his efforts.

[Salvation]

Catholic Culture

Daily Readings for: May 28, 2012
(Readings on USCCB website)

Collect: Grant us, O Lord, we pray, that the course of our world may be directed by your peaceful rule and that your Church may rejoice, untroubled in her devotion. 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.

ACTIVITIES

• ’Tis Said of Our Dear Lady
• Ave Maria Dear
• Beautiful, Glorious
• Mary Garden
• Salve Regina
• Stella Matutina

PRAYERS

• Regina Coeli (Queen of Heaven)
• May Devotion: Blessed Virgin Mary
• Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Litany of Loretto)

Ordinary Time: May 28th

Monday of the Eighth Week of Ordinary Time

Old Calendar: St. Augustine of Canterbury, archbishop and confessor; St. Bernard of Montjoux, priest (Hist)

According to the 1962 Missal of Bl. John XXIII the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, today is the feast of St. Augustine of Canterbury. He was sent by St. Gregory the Great to the Anglo-Saxons and is the great Apostle of England and the first Archbishop of Canterbury. He died in 604. His feast in the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite is celebrated on May 27.

Historically today is the feast of St. Bernard of Montjoux, an Italian churchman, founder of the Alpine hospices of Saint Bernard. His life was spent working among the people of the Val d'Aosta. He is the patron of mountaineers.

---

St. Bernard of Montjoux
Bernard may have been the son of Count Richard of Menthon. It seems more likely though that he was of Italian birth. Nothing is really known of his parentage and early life.

Tradition reports that a marriage was being arranged for young Bernard and he fled so as to be free to give his life to God. We do know that he was ordained to the priesthood and that he was appointed Vicar General of the diocese of Aosta, Italy. For approximately forty-two years he traveled throughout the country, visiting the remotest Alpine villages. He would sometimes extend his missionary journeys into the neighboring dioceses of Geneva, Novara and Tarentaise. Bernard had the reputation for enforcing clerical discipline and he built several schools.

He is probably most famous for the hospices he built on the summits of passes over the Alps. Many pilgrims from France and Germany would travel over the Alps on their way to Rome, but it was always a possibility that one would die from freezing along the way. In the 9th century a system of hospices had been attempted, but had lapsed long before Bernard's time. Bernard's hospices in the 11th century were placed under the care of clerics and laymen and were well equipped for the reception of all travelers. Eventually these caretakers became Augustinian a monastery was built close by, still exists today

At some point in time Bernard traveled to Rome to receive formal recognition of the hospices and community and to obtain permission to accept novices. Bernard lived to the age of eighty-five and is believed to have died on May 28, 1081 at St. Lawrence Monastery in Novara, Italy.

A now-famous breed of dogs, known for its endurance in high altitude and cold, was named in honor of this saint. Bernard's life has been the focus of many romantic plays and stories. Many of us may remember childhood stories of St. Bernard dogs coming to the rescue of stranded or injured victims on Alpine slopes. The dogs almost always seem to have a cask of Brandy attached to their collars and when the victims were revived by a good drink the dogs would lead them to safety.

However romance was not what Bernard's life was about. He was strongly committed to the ideals taught by Christ in the Sermon on the Mount. Bernard dedicated his life to bring the message of Christ to all and to correct the abuses of clerical life which he saw. He was deeply concerned for the care of the poor and disadvantaged. Living his life in the Alps he knew the dangers present and did what he could to relieve them. He is a model, not of romance, but of deep love and compassion, in imitation of God whom he loved and served with all his heart.reprimanded.

— Excerpted from Christ in the Desert

Patron: Alpinists; mountain climbers; mountaineers; skiers; travelers in the mountains.

Symbols: Man in a mountain setting holding a bishop's crozier; white dog.

Things to Do:

• Read History of the Grand St Bernard pass for background.

• If you like dogs you might find this history of the Saint Bernard Dog interesting.

[Salvation]

The Word Among Us

Meditation: 1 Peter 1:3-9

“… A new birth to a living hope.” (1 Peter 1:3)

“Yes,” your doctor says. “The test results confirm it. You are preg­nant.” The excitement you feel on hearing these words is indescribable. You’re having your first child!

As the months progress, you find yourself focusing less on yourself and more on the little person you are carrying. It’s all about the baby now. At fleeting moments you may think about the pain of childbirth or the nighttime feedings or the other ways your life will change. But these thoughts never last long. Why? Because you are looking for­ward in anticipation to the miracle of a new child. Someone new will come into your life—a completely new person created by God and conceived in love.

In today’s first reading, St. Peter speaks of another birth—a spiritual birth into Jesus’ own death and res­urrection. It’s a birth into a “living hope” and “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfad­ing” (1 Peter 1:3,4). It’s the birth of an eternal, heavenly life in our own mortal hearts, the birth of a new relationship with Almighty God, and the birth of a new identity for us: child of God and coheir with Christ.

So here’s a question: If the com­ing birth of a new child fills us with joy and eager expectation, why does the world often look at the spiritual life as a list of chores? It can be easy for anyone with a worldly philosophy to reduce this new life to a matter of obeying commandments, fit­ting in prayer times, and avoiding condemnation.

Don’t let that happen to you! God has called you to share in his glory. Eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and human minds have not conceived all the wonders that your heavenly Father has in store for you. And these wonders are not meant just for heaven. Even today, your heart can be filled with love. Right now, you can lay your burdens at the feet of the Lord. All this week, you can move in confidence and peace, knowing that your Redeemer is with you always.

We have so much to rejoice in, because our God is faithful and lov­ing and true!

“Father, I praise you for your great mercy! Your salvation leaves me filled with awe!”

Psalm 111:1-2,5-6,9-10; Mark 10:17-27

[Salvation]

A Christian Pilgrim

HE WENT AWAY SORROWFUL FOR HE HAD GREAT POSSESSIONS

(A biblical reflection on the Eight Ordinary Week of the Year – Monday, May 28, 2012) 

Gospel Reading: Mark 10:17-27 

First Reading: 1Pet 1:3-9; Psalms: Ps 111:1-2,5-6,9-10 

The Scripture Text

And as He was setting out on His journey, a man ran up and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” and Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not kill, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said to Him, “Teacher, all these I have observed from my youth.” And Jesus looking upon him loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” At that saying his countenance fell, and he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.

And Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it will be for those who have riches to enter the Kingdom of God!” And the disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.” And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to Him, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.” (Mk 10:17-27 RSV) 

Jesus has just given His disciples a stern warning about making one’s self an obstacle to love of God. He warns against pride and envy. “Keep yourself small,” He says, “by welcoming the little children.” He Himself blesses the children “because the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

Now Jesus warns us also about putting “things” in the way of God’s love. The rich young man wants to know how to arrive at his best potential, how to live forever. Jesus reminds him that there is a guidebook, the commandments of God. The young man answers, “Teacher, all these I have observed from my youth” (Mk 10:20).

Jesus looks at the man’s fine clothing and expensive jewelry. This young man is quite sincere, but he has not been put to the test. He is well groomed, well fed, well protected from the hardships of life. It is time for him to face reality. This is his moment of truth. Jesus lays it on the man but, says Mark, He presents it with love: “You need something more, friend. You are in danger of letting the “kingdom of thingdom” get between you and God’s Kingdom. Go, sell it all! Give it to those who are real need, and come, follow Me. Choose voluntary poverty, complete self-giving; trust completely in God for your earthly needs.”

The young man is visibly shaken. Apparently he was not asking Jesus to challenge him, but only to approve of him. Jesus has opened the door wide to spiritual growth by leaps and bounds. But His light comes too clearly through that open door. And it shows the man that he is really attached to his possessions. He is chained, hooked, bogged down. He can free himself to follow Jesus. Saint Mark has a short note here, making this story of the rich young man one of the saddest stories in the Gospel: “… he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions” (Mk 10:22).

The poor disciples have always thought riches were a blessing from God! Not so! Jesus told His disciples: “How hard it will be for those have riches to enter the Kingdom of God!” (Mk 10:23). Responding to the amazement of his disciples at His words, Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the Kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God!” The disciples were exceedingly astonished, and said to Him, “Then who can be saved?” (Mk 10:26). Jesus answered: “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God” (Mk 10:27). Yes, man does not save himself. But God can do anything!

Short Prayer: Lord Jesus, how free You were, and how imprisoned was the rich young man. He walked away quiet and sad because he had great possessions. Then You said to Your disciples how hard it was for the rich to enter the Kingdom ofGod. Lord, make each and every one of us good disciples of Yours. Amen.

[Salvation]

 

Marriage = One Man and One Woman

Til' Death Do Us Part

Daily Marriage Tip for May 28, 2012:

(Memorial Day) Memorial Day is a time for picnics and parades. Have you or any of your relatives served in the armed services? For whom and for what cause would you give your life?

[Salvation]

Regnum Christi

The Price Is Right and the Choice Is Yours

| SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY

Monday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

 

Mark 10: 17-27

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother." He replied and said to him, "Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth." Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, "You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God!" The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, "Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, "Then who can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God."

Introductory Prayer: Once again, Lord, I come to you to pray. Even though I cannot see you, I trust that you are present and want very much to instruct me in your teachings. In the same way you demonstrate your love for me by spending this time with me, I want to express my love for you by dedicating this time to you with a spirit of faith, confidence and attention. Here I am, Lord, to listen to you and respond with love.

Petition: Lord, help me to be detached from the goods of this world so I can follow you more closely.

1. God Is Good: The rich young man recognized Christ’s goodness. He kneels down before him knowing that Jesus possesses something that he does not have. What is it? The spirit of unconditional love. Christ leads us out of ourselves and asks us to trust him more. And so, Pope Benedict encourages us, “I say to you, dear young people: Do not be afraid of Christ! He takes nothing away, and he gives you everything. When we give ourselves to him, we receive a hundredfold in return. Yes, open, open wide the doors to Christ – and you will find true life” (Homily, April 24, 2005).

2. Looking at the Good Side of Things: It is easy to dwell on the cost of something. The young man’s face falls because he looks more at the cost than at the reward. The price is something that he would feel now, while the reward is something that will come later. How often in life do we experience this truth! The world we live in seeks instant gratification without wanting to pay the price. Rather than concentrating on the cost, we should focus on the benefits promised by God. We will discover that the cost is small and the benefits last forever. Do I have spiritual endurance? Am I am able to wait for the Lord and patiently invest in eternal goods now?

3. Detachment: Saint Paul tells us that nothing can outweigh the knowledge of Christ Jesus. But in this man’s case, he had allowed something else to outweigh Christ. Comfort, security and material things beat the invitation of Christ to be perfect. Attachments lead to sadness; there is no room for God in a heart that is already full of the things of this world. Only detachment leads to true joy. God gives himself to the one who seeks him without any strings attached.

Conversation with Christ: Lord Jesus, help me to live a life of freedom. Help me to recognize your goodness. May my faith always see the good side of things, seeing all in my life as an opportunity to love you. I want to be attached to you and detached completely from my sinfulness.

Resolution: I will pick one thing that I can detach myself from today.

[Salvation]

The Good vs The Best

• Homily of the Day
• May 28th, 2012
• Food For Thought

We are constantly faced with a choice between the good and the best.
We may wish for the path of comfortable obedience, but how do we
respond when Christ calls us to take the challenging path of faith?
Are we saddened at what we must leave behind or excited by the
challenge that lies before us?

Today’s Gospel makes it clear that Christ asks no less than
everything. In other words, the way of the Gospel is not just doing
good and avoiding evil. Rather, the way of the Gospel is a way of
complete detachment not only from material possessions, of always
choosing not just what is good, but what is best for the greater glory
of God. There are indeed great sacrifices to be made if we wish to
follow Christ, but we are not expected to make the sacrifices in our
own power.

Jesus admits that detachment from all things is humanly impossible.
But the grace and power of Christ himself will enable us to move
steadily forward in the challenging path of sacrifice. As we advance
in faith, it becomes clear that God never asks something of us except
to make room to give us something far greater. What he wants to give
us is that blessed state of freedom and joy which T.S. Eliot called “a
condition of complete simplicity — costing no less than everything.”
Let us ask Jesus today for the grace to yield all things to him,
knowing that he has far greater things in store for us than we can
hope for or ever imagine.

[Salvation]

One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

All Issues > Volume 28, Number 3

<< Monday, May 28, 2012 >>

Saint of the Day

1 Peter 1:3-9
View Readings

Psalm 111:1-2, 5-6, 9-10

Mark 10:17-27
Similar Reflections

THE PURPOSE OF LIFE

"Although you have never seen Him, you love Him." —1 Peter 1:8

 

The purpose of life in Christ is to receive His love and to give it to others. Thus, we serve the poor not primarily to serve the poor but to receive the Lord's love in the poor and to give His love to them (see Mt 25:40; 1 Cor 13:3). When we obey the commandments, we are not just avoiding self-destruction and hell; we are primarily expressing our love of the Lord Who commands us (see Jn 15:10).

Because life in Christ is a life of love, trials are often the best blessings (see 1 Pt 1:6), since our love for the Lord can grow deeper in sufferings. When we realize that love, not self, is the center of life, we embrace the cross and rejoice in giving everything to the Lord. In the context of love, a compromised, lukewarm Gospel is nauseating (Rv 3:16). Christianity makes sense in the light of love, and only in the light of love.

Yesterday, the Lord gave you the Holy Spirit in a new Pentecost. He gave you gifts, fruit, power, strength, and light. As wonderful as these graces are, however, the main point of Pentecost is love. Love is "the way which surpasses all the others" (1 Cor 12:31). Love is even greater than faith and hope (1 Cor 13:13). "Seek eagerly after love" (1 Cor 14:1). "God is Love" (1 Jn 4:16).

 

Prayer: Father, on this Memorial Day, send the Spirit to produce the fruit of love in my life (Gal 5:22).

Promise: "Although you have never seen Him, you love Him, and without seeing you now believe in Him, and rejoice with inexpressible joy touched with glory because you are achieving faith's goal, your salvation." —1 Pt 1:8-9

Praise: Felix reluctantly agreed to accompany his mother to her prayer meeting. He remained in the car while she joined the meeting. When there were no longer good songs on the radio, he grew bored and joined the meeting. Within a month, Felix committed his life to Jesus.

[Salvation]

 

We ALL pray for an end to abortion!

[annalex]

Mark
	English: Douay-Rheims	Latin: Vulgata Clementina	Greek NT: Byzantine/Majority Text (2000)
	Mark 10
17.	And when he was gone forth into the way, a certain man running up and kneeling before him, asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may receive life everlasting?	Et cum egressus esset in viam, procurrens quidam genu flexo ante eum, rogabat eum : Magister bone, quid faciam ut vitam æternam percipiam ?	και εκπορευομενου αυτου εις οδον προσδραμων εις και γονυπετησας αυτον επηρωτα αυτον διδασκαλε αγαθε τι ποιησω ινα ζωην αιωνιον κληρονομησω
18.	And Jesus said to him, Why callest thou me good? None is good but one, that is God.	Jesus autem dixit ei : Quid me dicis bonum ? nemo bonus, nisi unus Deus.	ο δε ιησους ειπεν αυτω τι με λεγεις αγαθον ουδεις αγαθος ει μη εις ο θεος
19.	Thou knowest the commandments: Do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, bear not false witness, do no fraud, honour thy father and mother.	Præcepta nosti : ne adulteres, ne occidas, ne fureris, ne falsum testimonium dixeris, ne fraudum feceris, honora patrem tuum et matrem.	τας εντολας οιδας μη μοιχευσης μη φονευσης μη κλεψης μη ψευδομαρτυρησης μη αποστερησης τιμα τον πατερα σου και την μητερα
20.	But he answering, said to him: Master, all these things I have observed from my youth.	At ille respondens, ait illi : Magister, hæc omnia observavi a juventute mea.	ο δε αποκριθεις ειπεν αυτω διδασκαλε ταυτα παντα εφυλαξαμην εκ νεοτητος μου
21.	And Jesus looking on him, loved him, and said to him: One thing is wanting unto thee: go, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.	Jesus autem intuitus eum, dilexit eum, et dixit ei : Unum tibi deest : vade, quæcumque habes vende, et da pauperibus, et habebis thesaurum in cælo : et veni, sequere me.	ο δε ιησους εμβλεψας αυτω ηγαπησεν αυτον και ειπεν αυτω εν σοι υστερει υπαγε οσα εχεις πωλησον και δος πτωχοις και εξεις θησαυρον εν ουρανω και δευρο ακολουθει μοι αρας τον σταυρον
22.	Who being struck sad at that saying, went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.	Qui contristatus in verbo, abiit mœrens : erat enim habens multas possessiones.	ο δε στυγνασας επι τω λογω απηλθεν λυπουμενος ην γαρ εχων κτηματα πολλα
23.	And Jesus looking round about, saith to his disciples: How hardly shall they that have riches, enter into the kingdom of God!	Et circumspiciens Jesus, ait discipulis suis : Quam difficile qui pecunias habent, in regnum Dei introibunt !	και περιβλεψαμενος ο ιησους λεγει τοις μαθηταις αυτου πως δυσκολως οι τα χρηματα εχοντες εις την βασιλειαν του θεου εισελευσονται
24.	And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus again answering, saith to them: Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches, to enter into the kingdom of God?	Discipuli autem obstupescebant in verbis ejus. At Jesus rursus respondens ait illis : Filioli, quam difficile est, confidentes in pecuniis, in regnum Dei introire !	οι δε μαθηται εθαμβουντο επι τοις λογοις αυτου ο δε ιησους παλιν αποκριθεις λεγει αυτοις τεκνα πως δυσκολον εστιν τους πεποιθοτας επι χρημασιν εις την βασιλειαν του θεου εισελθειν
25.	It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.	Facilius est camelum per foramen acus transire, quam divitem intrare in regnum Dei.	ευκοπωτερον εστιν καμηλον δια της τρυμαλιας της ραφιδος εισελθειν η πλουσιον εις την βασιλειαν του θεου εισελθειν
26.	Who wondered the more, saying among themselves: Who then can be saved?	Qui magis admirabantur, dicentes ad semetipsos : Et quis potest salvus fieri ?	οι δε περισσως εξεπλησσοντο λεγοντες προς εαυτους και τις δυναται σωθηναι
27.	And Jesus looking on them, saith: With men it is impossible; but not with God: for all things are possible with God.	Et intuens illos Jesus, ait : Apud homines impossibile est, sed non apud Deum : omnia enim possibilia sunt apud Deum.	εμβλεψας δε αυτοις ο ιησους λεγει παρα ανθρωποις αδυνατον αλλ ου παρα θεω παντα γαρ δυνατα εστιν παρα τω θεω

[annalex]

17. And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
18. And Jesus said to him, Why call you me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
19. You know the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honor your father and mother.
20. And he answered and said to him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
21. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said to him, One thing you lack: go your way, Sell whatsoever you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
22. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
23. And Jesus looked round about, and said to his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
24. And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answered again, and said to them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
25. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
26. And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?
27. And Jesus looking upon them said, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

BEDE; A certain man had heard from the Lord that only they who are willing to be like little children are worthy to enter into the kingdom of heaven, and therefore he desires to have explained to him, not in parables, but openly, by the merits of what works a man may attain everlasting life. Wherefore it is said: And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

THEOPHYL. I wonder at this young man, who when all others come to Christ to be healed of their infirmities, begs of Him the possession of everlasting life, notwithstanding his love of money, the malignant passion which afterwards caused his sorrow.

CHRYS. Because however he had come to Christ as he would to a man, and to one of the Jewish doctors, Christ answered him as Man. Wherefore it goes on: And Jesus said to him, Why call you me good? there is none good but the One God. In saying which He does not exclude men from goodness, but from a comparison with the goodness of God.

BEDE; But by this one God, who is good, we must not only understand the Father, but also the Son, whom says, I am the good Shepherd; and also the Holy Ghost, because it is said, The Father which is in heaven will give the good Spirit to them that ask him. For the One and Undivided Trinity itself, Father, Son amid Holy Ghost, is the Only and One good God. The Lord therefore does not deny Himself to be good, but implies that He is God; He does not deny that He is good Master, but He declares that no master is good but God.

THEOPHYL; Therefore the Lord intended by these words to raise the mind of the young man, so that he might know Him to be God. But He also implies another thing by these words, that when you have to converse with a man, you should not flatter him in your conversation, but look back upon God, the root and fount of goodness, and do honor to Him.

BEDE; But observe that the righteousness of the law, when kept in its own time, conferred not only earthly goods, but also eternal life on those who chose it. Wherefore the Lord's answer to one who inquires concerning everlasting life is, You know the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill; for this is the childlike blamelessness which is proposed to us, if we would enter the kingdom of heaven.

On which there follows, And he answered and said to him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. We must not suppose that this man either asked the Lord, with a wish to tempt him, as some have fancied, or lied in his account of his life; but we must believe that he confessed with simplicity how he had lived; which is evident, from what is subjoined,

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said to him. If however he had been guilty of lying or of dissimulation, by no means would Jesus, after, looking on the secrets of his heart, have been said to love him.

ORIGEN; For in that He loved, or kissed him, He appears to affirm the truth of his profession, in saying that he had fulfilled all those things; for on applying His mind to him, He saw that the man answered with a good conscience.

PSEUDO-CHRYS. It is worthy of inquiry, however, how He loved a man, who, He knew, would not follow Him? But this is so much as to say, that since he was worthy of love in the first instance, because he observed the things of the law from his youth, so in the end, though he did not take upon himself perfection, he did not suffer a lessening of his former love. For although he did not pass the bounds of humanity, nor follow the perfection of Christ, still he was not guilty of any sin, since he kept the law according to the capability of a man, and in this mode of keeping it, Christ loved him.

BEDE; For God loves those who keep the commandments of the law, though they be inferior; nevertheless, He shows to those who would be perfect the deficiency of the law, for He came not to destroy the law, but to fulfill it. Wherefore there follows: And said to him, One thing you lacks: go your way, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me; for whoever would be perfect ought to sell all that he has, not a part, like Ananias and Sapphira, but the whole.

THEOPHYL. And when he has sold it, to give it to the poor, not to stage-players and luxurious persons.

CHRYS. Well too did He say, not eternal life, but treasure, saying, And you shall have treasure in heaven; for since the question was concerning wealth, and the renouncing of all things, He shows that He returns more things than He has bidden us leave, in proportion as heaven is greater than earth.

THEOPHYL. But because there are many poor who are not humble, but are drunkards or have some other vice, for this reason He says, And come, follow me.

BEDE; For he follows the Lord, who imitates Him, and walks in His footsteps. It goes on: And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved.

CHRYS. And the Evangelist adds the cause of his grief, saying, For he had great possessions. The feelings of those who have little and those who have much are not the same, for the increase of acquired wealth lights up a greater flame of covetousness.

There follows: And Jesus looked round about, and said to his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God.

THEOPHYL. He says not here, that riches are bad, but that those are bad who only have them to watch them carefully; for He teaches us not to have them, that is, not to keep or preserve them, but to use them in necessary things.

CHRYS. But the Lord said this to His disciples, who were poor and possessed nothing, in order to teach them not to blush at their poverty, and as it were to make an excuse to them, and give them a reason, why He had not allowed them to possess any thing. It goes on: And the disciples were astonished at his words; for it is plain, since they themselves were poor, that they were anxious for the salvation of others.

BEDE; But there is a great difference between having riches, and loving them; wherefore also Solomon says not, He that has silver, but, He that loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver. Therefore the Lord unfolds the words of His former saying to His astonished disciples, as follows: But Jesus answered again, and said to them, Children, how hard it is for them that trust in their riches to enter the kingdom of God. Where we must observe that He says not, how impossible, but how hard; for what is impossible cannot in any way come to pass, what is difficult can be compassed, though with labor.

CHRYS. Or else, after saying difficult, He then shows that it is impossible, and that not simply, but with a certain vehemence; and he shows this by an example, saying, It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.

THEOPHYL. It may be that by camel, we should understand the animal itself, or else that thick cable, which is used for large vessels.

BEDE; How then could either in the Gospel, Matthew and Joseph, or in the Old Testament, very many rich persons, enter into the kingdom of God, unless it be that they learned through the inspiration of God either to count their riches as nothing, or to quit them altogether. Or in a higher sense, it is easier for Christ to suffer for those who love Him, than for, the lovers of this world to turn to Christ; for under the name of camel, He wished Himself to he understood, because He bore the burden of our weakness; and by the needle, He understands the prickings, that is, the pains of His Passion. By the eye of a needle, therefore, He means the straits of His Passion, by which He, as it were, deigned to mend the torn garments of our nature. it goes on;

And they were astonished above measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? Since the number of poor people is immeasurably the greater, and these might be saved, though tine rich perished, they must have understood Him to mean that all who love riches, although they cannot obtain them, are reckoned in the number of the rich. It goes on; And Jesus looking upon them said, With men it is impossible, but not with God; which we must not take to mean, that covetous and proud persons can enter into the kingdom of Heaven with their covetousness and pride, but that it is possible with God that they should be converted from covetousness arid pride to charity and lowliness.

CHRYS. And the reason why He says that this is the work of God is, that He may show that he who is put into this path by God, has much need of grace; from which it is proved, that great is the reward of those rich men, who are willing to follow the r discipline of Christ.

THEOPHYL. Or we must understand that by, with man it is impossible, but not with God, He means, that when we listen to God, it becomes possible, but as long as we keep our human notions, it is impossible. There follows, For all things are possible with God; when He says all things, you must understand, that have a being; which sin has not, for it is a thing without being and substance , Or else: sin does not come under the notion of strength, but of weakness, therefore sin, like weakness, is impossible with God But can God cause that not to have been done which has been done? To which we answer, that God is Truth, but to cause that which has been done should not have been done is falsehood. How then can truth do what is false? He must first therfore quit His own nature, so that they who speak thus really say, Can God cease to be God? which is absurd.

Catena Aurea Mark 10

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Jesus and the rich young ruler