Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 06-08-12

USCCB.org/TNAB ^ | 06-08-12 | Revised New American Bible

[Salvation]

June 8, 2012

 

Friday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

 

Reading 1 2 Tm 3:10-17

You have followed my teaching, way of life,
purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions,
and sufferings, such as happened to me
in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra,
persecutions that I endured.
Yet from all these things the Lord delivered me.
In fact, all who want to live religiously in Christ Jesus
will be persecuted.
But wicked people and charlatans will go from bad to worse,
deceivers and deceived.
But you, remain faithful to what you have learned and believed,
because you know from whom you learned it,
and that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures,
which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation
through faith in Christ Jesus.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching,
for refutation, for correction,
and for training in righteousness,
so that one who belongs to God may be competent,
equipped for every good work.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 119:157, 160, 161, 165, 166, 168

R. (165a) O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.
Though my persecutors and my foes are many,
I turn not away from your decrees.
R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.
Permanence is your word's chief trait;
each of your just ordinances is everlasting.
R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.
Princes persecute me without cause
but my heart stands in awe of your word.
R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.
Those who love your law have great peace,
and for them there is no stumbling block.
R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.
I wait for your salvation, O LORD,
and your commands I fulfill.
R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.
I keep your precepts and your decrees,
for all my ways are before you.
R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.

Gospel Mk 12:35-37

As Jesus was teaching in the temple area he said,
"How do the scribes claim that the Christ is the son of David?
David himself, inspired by the Holy Spirit, said:
The Lord said to my lord,
'Sit at my right hand
until I place your enemies under your feet.'
David himself calls him 'lord';
so how is he his son?"
The great crowd heard this with delight.

[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

When, in his own image
God created man,
He included freedom
In creation’s plan.
For he loved us even
From before our birth;
By his grace he made us
Freemen of this earth.

God to man entrusted
Life as gift and aim.
Sin became our prison,
Turning hope to shame.
Man against his brother
Lifted hand and sword,
And the Father’s pleading
Went unseen, unheard.

Then in time, our maker
Chose to intervene,
Set his love in person
In the human scene.
Jesus broke the circle
Of repeated sin,
So that man’s devotion
Newly might begin.

Choose we now in freedom
Where we should belong.
Let us turn to Jesus,
Let our choice be strong.
May the great obedience
Which in Christ we see
Perfect all our service
Then we shall be free!

Melody: King’s Weston 65.65 D
Music: R. Vaughn Williams, 1872-1958
Text: Fred Kaan, 1929-2009

Or:

Maker of men, who from thy throne
Dost order all things, God alone;
By whose decree the teeming earth
To reptile and to beast gave birth:

The mighty forms that fill the land,
Instinct with life at thy command,
Are giv’n subdued to humankind
For service in their rank assigned.

From all thy servants drive away
Whate’er of thought impure today
Hath been with open action blent,
Or mingled with the heart’s intent.

In heav’n thine endless joys bestow,
And grant thy gifts of grace below;
From chains of strife our souls release,
Bind fast the gentle bands of peace.

O Father, that we ask be done,
Through Jesus Christ, thine only Son;
Who, with the Holy Ghost and thee,
Doth live and reign eternally. Amen.

Melody: Quebec L.M.
Music: Henry Baker, 1866
Text: Plasmator hominis, Deus, attributed to Saint Gregory the Great, 540-604
Translation: From The Psalter, 1852, John David Chambers, 1803-1893

PSALMODY

Ant. 1 Lord, lay your healing hand upon me, for I have sinned.

Psalm 41
Prayer of a sick person

One of you will betray me, yes, one who eats with me (Mark 14:18).

Happy the man who considers the poor and the weak. *
The Lord will save him in the day of evil,
will guard him, give him life, make him happy in the land *
and will not give him up to the will of his foes.
The Lord will help him on his bed of pain, *
he will bring him back from sickness to health.

As for me, I said: “Lord, have mercy on me, *
heal my soul for I have sinned against you.”
My foes are speaking evil against me. *
“How long before he dies and his name be forgotten?”
They come to visit me and speak empty words, *
their hearts full of malice, they spread it abroad.

My enemies whisper together against me. *
They all weigh up the evil which is on me:
“Some deadly thing has fastened upon him, *
he will not rise again from where he lies.”
Thus even my friend, in whom I trusted, *
who ate my bread, has turned against me.

But you, O Lord, have mercy on me. *
Let me rise once more and I will repay them.
By this I shall know that you are my friend, *
if my foes do not shout in triumph over me.
If you uphold me I shall be unharmed *
and set in your presence for evermore.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel *
from age to age. Amen. Amen.

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 Jesus, healer of soul and body, you said: Blessed are the merciful, they will obtain mercy. Teach us to come to the aid of the needy in a spirit of brotherly love, that we in turn may be received and strengthened by you.

Ant. Lord, lay your healing hand upon me, for I have sinned.

Ant. 2 The mighty Lord is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

Psalm 46
God our refuge and strength

He shall be called Emmanuel, which means: God-with-us (Matthew 1:23).

God is for us a refuge and strength, *
a helper close at hand, in time of distress:
so we shall not fear though the earth should rock, *
though the mountains fall into the depths of the sea,
even though its waters rage and foam, *
even though the mountains be shaken by its waves.

The Lord of hosts is with us: *
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

The waters of a river give joy to God’s city, *
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within, it cannot be shaken; *
God will help it at the dawning of the day.
Nations are in tumult, kingdoms are shaken: *
he lifts his voice, the earth shrinks away.

The Lord of hosts is with us: *
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

Come, consider the works of the Lord, *
the redoubtable deeds he has done on the earth.
He puts an end to wars over all the earth; †
the bow he breaks, the spear he snaps. *
He burns the shields with fire.
“Be still and know that I am God, *
supreme among the nations, supreme on the earth!”

The Lord of hosts is with us: *
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

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

All-powerful Father, the refuge and strength of your people, you protect in adversity and defend in prosperity those who put their trust in you. May they persevere in seeking your will and find their way to you through obedience.

Ant. The mighty Lord is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

Ant. 3 All nations will come and worship before you, O Lord.

Canticle: Revelation 15:3-4
Hymn of adoration

Mighty and wonderful are your works, *
Lord God Almighty!
Righteous and true are your ways, *
O King of the nations!

Who would dare refuse you honor, *
or the glory due your name, O Lord?

Since you alone are holy, *
all nations shall come
and worship in your presence. *
Your mighty deeds are clearly seen.

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. All nations will come and worship before you, O Lord.

READING
Romans 15:1-3

We who are strong in faith should be patient with the scruples of those whose faith is weak; we must not be selfish. Each should please his neighbor so as to do him good by building up his spirit. Thus, in accord with Scripture, Christ did not please himself: “The reproaches they uttered against you fell on me.”

RESPONSORY

Christ loved us and washed away our sins, in his own blood.
– Christ loved us and washed away our sins, in his own blood.

He made us a nation of kings and priests,
– in his own blood.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
– Christ loved us and washed away our sins, in his own blood.

CANTICLE OF MARY

Ant. The Lord has come to the help of his servants, for he has remembered his promise of mercy.

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. The Lord has come to the help of his servants, for he has remembered his promise of mercy.

INTERCESSIONS

Blessed be God, who hears the prayers of the needy, and fills the hungry with good things. Let us pray to him in confidence:
Lord, show us your mercy.

Merciful Father, upon the cross Jesus offered you the perfect evening sacrifice,
– we pray now for all the suffering members of his Church.
Lord, show us your mercy.

Release those in bondage, give sight to the blind,
– shelter the widow and the orphan.
Lord, show us your mercy.

Clothe your faithful people in the armor of salvation,
– and shield them from the deceptions of the devil.
Lord, show us your mercy.

Let your merciful presence be with us, Lord, at the hour of our death,
– may we be found faithful and leave this world in your peace.
Lord, show us your mercy.

Lead the departed into the light of your dwelling-place,
– that they may gaze upon you for all eternity.
Lord, show us your mercy.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

(Let us again offer our praise to God and pray in the words of Christ:)

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 our Father,
help us to follow the example
of your Son’s patience in suffering.
By sharing the burden he carries,
may we come to share his glory
in the kingdom where he lives with you 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

Holy God, we praise thy Name!
Lord of all, we bow before thee!
All on earth they scepter claim,
All in heaven above adore thee!
Infinite thy vast domain,
Everlasting is thy reign.

Hark the loud celestial hymn
Angel choirs above are raising;
Cherubim and Seraphim,
In unceasing chorus praising,
Fill the heavens with sweet accord:
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord!

Holy Father, Holy Son,
Holy Spirit, Three we name thee,
While in essence only One,
Undivided God we claim thee;
And adoring bend the knee,
While we own the mystery.

Melody: Großer Gott 78.78.77
Music: Katholisches Gesangbuch, Vienna, c. 1774
Text: Ignaz Franz, 1719-1790
Translation: Clarence Walsworth, 1820-1900

PSALMODY

Ant. Day and night I cry to you, my God.

Psalm 88
Prayer of a very sick person

This is your hour when darkness reigns (Luke 22:53).

Lord my God, I call for help by day; *
I cry at night before you.
Let my prayer come into your presence. *
O turn your ear to my cry.

For my soul is filled with evils; *
my life is on the brink of the grave.
I am reckoned as one in the tomb: *
I have reached the end of my strength,

like one alone among the dead; *
like the slain lying in their graves;
like those you remember no more, *
cut off, as they are, from your hand.

You have laid me in the depths of the tomb, *
in places that are dark, in the depths.
Your anger weighs down upon me: *
I am drowned beneath your waves.

You have taken away my friends *
and made me hateful in their sight.
Imprisoned, I cannot escape; *
my eyes are sunken with grief.

I call to you, Lord, all the day long; *
to you I stretch out my hands.
Will you work your wonders for the dead? *
Will the shades stand and praise you?

Will your love be told in the grave *
or your faithfulness among the dead?
Will your wonders be known in the dark *
or your justice in the land of oblivion?

As for me, Lord, I call to you for help: *
in the morning my prayer comes before you.
Lord, why do you reject me? *
Why do you hide your face?

Wretched, close to death from my youth, *
I have borne your trials; I am numb.
Your fury has swept down upon me; *
your terrors have utterly destroyed me.

They surround me all the day like a flood, *
they assail me all together.
Friend and neighbor you have taken away: *
my one companion is darkness.

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. Day and night I cry to you, my God.

READING
Jeremiah 14:9a

You are in our midst, O Lord,
   your name we bear:
   do not forsake us, O Lord, our God!

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.

All-powerful God
keep us united with your Son
in his death and burial
so that we may rise to new life with him,
who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
– 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. Medard

Feast Day:	June 8
Born:	456 at Salency, Picardy, France
Died:	8 June 545 at Noyon, France
Major Shrine:	Abbey of Saint-Médard, Soissons, France
Patron of:	the weather; invoked against toothache

[annalex]

Mark
	English: Douay-Rheims	Latin: Vulgata Clementina	Greek NT: Byzantine/Majority Text (2000)
	Mark 12
35.	And Jesus answering, said, teaching in the temple: How do the scribes say, that Christ is the son of David?	Et respondens Jesus dicebat, docens in templo : Quomodo dicunt scribæ Christum filium esse David ?	και αποκριθεις ο ιησους ελεγεν διδασκων εν τω ιερω πως λεγουσιν οι γραμματεις οτι ο χριστος υιος εστιν δαυιδ
36.	For David himself saith by the Holy Ghost: The Lord said to my Lord, Sit on my right hand, until I make thy enemies thy footstool.	Ipse enim David dicit in Spiritu Sancto : Dixit Dominus Domino meo : Sede a dextris meis, donec ponam inimicos tuos scabellum pedum tuorum.	αυτος γαρ δαυιδ ειπεν εν πνευματι αγιω λεγει ο κυριος τω κυριω μου καθου εκ δεξιων μου εως αν θω τους εχθρους σου υποποδιον των ποδων σου
37.	David therefore himself calleth him Lord, and whence is he then his son? And a great multitude heard him gladly.	Ipse ergo David dicit eum Dominum, et unde est filius ejus ? Et multa turba eum libenter audivit.	αυτος ουν δαυιδ λεγει αυτον κυριον και ποθεν υιος αυτου εστιν και ο πολυς οχλος ηκουεν αυτου ηδεως

[annalex]

35. And Jesus answered and said, while He taught in the temple, How say the Scribes that Christ is the Son of David?
36. For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit you on my right hand, till I make your enemies your footstool.
37. David therefore himself calls him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly.

THEOPHYL. Because Christ was coming to His Passion, He corrects a false opinion of the Jews, who said that Christ was the Son of David, not his Lord; wherefore it is said, And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple.

PSEUDO-JEROME; That is, He openly speaks to them of Himself; that they may be inexcusable; for it goes on: How say the Scribes that Christ is the Son of David?

THEOPHYL. But Christ shows Himself to be the Lord, by the words of David. For it goes on: For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit you on my right hand; as if He had said, you cannot say that David said this without the grace of the Holy Spirit, but he called Him Lord in the Holy Spirit; and that He is Lord, he shows, by this that is added, Till I make your enemies your footstool; for they themselves were His enemies, whom God put under the footstool of Christ.

BEDE; But the putting down of His enemies by the Father, does not show the weakness of the Son, but the unity of nature, by which One works in the Other; for the Son also subjects the Father's enemies, because He glorifies His Father upon earth.

GLOSS. Thus then the Lord concludes from what has gone before the doubtful question. For from the foregoing words of David it is proved that Christ is the Lord of David, but according to the saying of the Scribes, it is proved that He is his son. And this is what is added, David himself then calls him Lord, how is he then his son?

BEDE; The question of Jesus is useful for He is even now against the Jews; for they, acknowledging that Christ is to come, assert that He is a mere man, a holy Person descended from David. Let us then ask them, as our Lord has taught us, if He be a mere man, and only the son of David, how David in the Holy Spirit calls Him Lord. They are not however reproved for calling Him David's son, but for not believing Him to be the Son of God. It goes on, And the common people heard him gladly.

GLOSS. Namely, because they saw that He answered and put questions wisely.

Catena Aurea Mark 12

[annalex]

The Adoration of the Kings

Jan Gossart

1500-15
Oil on wood, 177 x 162 cm
National Gallery, London

[Salvation]

 

Catholic

Almanac:

Friday, June 8
Liturgical Color: Green
St. Medard died on this day in 545 A.D. He was named a bishop but because of his humility was reluctant to accept the appointment. He was so successful that he was given charge of a neighboring diocese, still maintaining his humbleness.

[Salvation]

Catholic Culture

Daily Readings for: June 08, 2012
(Readings on USCCB website)

Collect: O God, whose providence never fails in its design, keep from us, we humbly beseech you, all that might harm us and grant all that works for our good. 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

• Religion in the Home for Preschool: June
• Rose Potpourri
• Weather Saints

PRAYERS

• The Golden Sequence
• June Devotion: The Sacred Heart
• Efficacious Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
• Novena to the Sacred Heart
• The Litany of The Blessed Virgin Mary Mediatrix of All Grace

Ordinary Time: June 8th

Friday of the Ninth Week of Ordinary Time

Old Calendar: Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces; St. Medard (Hist)

According to the 1962 Missal of Bl. John XXIII the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, today is the feast of Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces. Pope Leo XIII declared in his Encyclical of September 22, 1891: "We may affirm that nothing, by the will of God, is given to us without Mary's mediation, in such way that just as no one can approach the almighty Father but through His Son, likewise no one, so to speak, can approach Christ but through His Mother."

Mentioned in the Roman Martyrology from 1961, we observe the "birthday" of St. Médard, Bishop of Noyon, France. (When the Church uses the word "Birthday" in regard to saints, She refers to the commemoration of the day on which the saint died.) Legend says that a sudden shower once fell, soaking everyone except St Médard who remained perfectly dry, because an eagle had spread its wings over him. Ever since, Médard was known as maître de la pluie—master of rain. In religious art, an eagle shelters Médard from the rain.

---

Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces
Traditionally, today is the feast of Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces. All the graces which flow from the redemption of Jesus Christ are granted to the human family through the motherly intercession of Mary. Mary mediated Jesus Christ, the Author of all graces, to the world when she agreed to be the human mother of God made man (cf. Lk 1:38). And from the cross at Calvary (Jn 19:26) and as the final gift to humanity, Jesus gives Mary as a spiritual mother to us all: "Son, behold your mother" (cf. Jn 19:26). For this reason, Vatican II refers to Mary as a "mother to us in the order of grace " (Lumen Gentium, n. 62) and several twentieth century popes have officially taught the doctrine of Mary as Mediatrix of all graces, quoting the words of St Bernard: "It is the will of God that we obtain all favours through Mary." The Mediatrix performs this task in intimate union with the Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier, with whom she began the drama of our Lord's Redemption at the Annunciation (cf. Lk. 1:35).

Thirdly, Mary is our Advocate for people of God, in that she takes the petitions of her earthly children, especially in times of difficulties, and brings them through her maternal intercession before her Son and our Lord Jesus.

In the Old Testament, the Queen Mother brought the petitioned needs of the people of Israel to the throne of her son the king (cf. 1 Kings 2:19). Now Mary is the new Queen Mother and Advocate in the new Kingdom of her Son, who brings the petitioned needs of the people of God to the throne of her glorious Son, Christ the King, particularly in our present difficult times.

The universal mediation of the Mother of Jesus as Coredemptrix, Mediatrix of all graces, and Advocate for the people of God is already contained in the official and authoritative teachings of the Church's Magisterium. Now, at the summit of the Marian era, what remains is the final proclamation by the Church of this final Marian doctrine as Christian dogma revealed by God.

Things to Do:

• Read this article by Fr. William G. Most.
  
• Pray the Litany of The Blessed Virgin Mary Mediatrix of All Grace

---

St. Médard
Bishop of Noyon, b. at Salency (Oise) about 456; d. in his episcopal city June 8, about 545. His father, Nectardus, was of Frankish origin, while his mother, named Protagia, was Gallo-Roman. It is believed that St. Gildardus, Bishop of Rouen, was his brother. His youth was entirely consecrated to the practise of Christian virtues and to the study of sacred and profane letters. He often accompanied his father on business to Vermand and to Tournai, and frequented the schools, carefully avoiding all worldly dissipation.

His exemplary piety and his knowledge, considerable for that time, decided the Bishop of Vermand (d. 530) to confer on him Holy Orders, and caused him to be chosen as his successor. Forced, in spite of his objections, to accept this heavy charge, he devoted himself zealously to his new duties. In an effort to accomplish those duties in greater security, since Vermand and the northern part of France in general were then generally troubled by wars and exposed to the incursions of the barbarians, he removed his episcopal see in 531 from Vermand, a little city without defence, to Noyon, the strongest place in that region.

The year following, St. Eleutherius, Bishop of Tournai, died and St. Médard was invited to assume the direction of that diocese also. He refused at first, but being urged by Clotaire himself he at last accepted. This union of the two dioceses lasted until 1146, when they were again separated.

Clotaire, who had paid him a last visit at Noyon, had his body transferred to the royal manor of Crouy at the gates of the city of Soissons. Over the tomb of St. Médard was erected the celebrated Benedictine abbey which bears his name.

St. Médard was one of the most honoured bishops of his time, his memory has always been popularly venerated in the north of France, and he soon became the hero of numerous legends. One of which says that if it rains on St. Médard's feast day it will be followed by forty days of rain; and forty days of sunshine will follow if it is clear.

Excerpted from the Catholic Encyclopedia

Patron: against bad weather; against imprisonment; against sterility; brewers; captives; harvests; for good weather; for rain; imprisoned people; mentally ill people; peasants; prisoners; toothache; vineyards.

Symbols: two white doves; three white doves; eagle; knife; ox; colt; torch; tooth;
Often Portrayed as: being sheltered from rain by an eagle or other large bird; holding a citadel; laughing aloud with his mouth wide open; leaving footprints in stone; with two horses at his feet

Things to Do:

• Fourteen centuries ago as bishop of Tournai in Picardy, France, Médard founded the annual Rose Festival (Fetes des Roses). It is still held there on this day, and the region's most beautiful and virtuous maiden is crowned.

[Salvation]

The Word Among Us

Meditation: Mark 12:35-37

“The great crowd heard this with delight.” (Mark 12:37)

Suppose you’re an expert on a particular subject, something you have studied and taught for years. But your students just don’t seem to get it. How do you make them understand? You could dazzle—and intimidate—them with your supe­rior knowledge. But instead, you choose to reason with them on their level. You help them to grasp it for themselves.

This is what Jesus does in today’s Gospel reading. He wants to clarify the people’s understanding of the Messiah. He could simply tell them who he is, but he reasons with them from God’s word instead. Yes, the Messiah is a “son of David,” from David’s royal line. But he is not just another king. If David himself calls him “Lord,” then this Messiah must be something special. Jesus doesn’t answer the question directly, he plants a seed instead.

God often does the same thing with us when we read Scripture. He could easily explain it all to us. He could even appear to us and teach us directly. But he respects us too much to do that. He wants us to learn, to grow, and to experience the joy of discovery—something that wouldn’t happen if he were to engineer some kind of heavenly data transfer directly into our brains. He wants to have a relationship with us, not just give us the right information.

Think about this one line from today’s Gospel: “The Lord said to my lord, sit at my right hand, until I place your enemies under your feet” (Mark 12:36). Through these words, Jesus is telling us that he is the Lord at the right hand of the Father. But he is also speaking to each of us indi­vidually: “I am the Lord. I can overcome whatever ‘enemies’ you may be facing right now. I am your Messiah. I am with you.”

So don’t worry about getting all the answers right today. Just listen to him, and let him plant seeds of faith and trust in your heart.

“Lord, reveal to me the words within your word! I want to understand Scripture not just with my head but with my heart as well.”

2 Timothy 3:10-17 Psalm 119:157,160-161, 165-166,168

[Salvation]

 

Marriage = One Man and One Woman

Til' Death Do Us Part

Daily Marriage Tip for June 8, 2012:

Do you tend to talk more than listen? Just for today, try to listen to your spouse as much as you talk to them.

[Salvation]

Regnum Christi

A Good Homily

| SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY

Friday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Father Edward Hopkins, LC
Mark 12: 35-37

As Jesus was teaching in the temple area he said, "How do the scribes claim that the Christ is the son of David? David himself, inspired by the Holy Spirit, said: The Lord said to my lord, ´Sit at my right hand until I place your enemies under your feet.´ David himself calls him ´lord´; so how is he his son?" The great crowd heard this with delight.

Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, I believe that you have created and redeemed me. I believe that you have called me to prayer today. I trust that you will teach me to pray and relish what is right and true, good and beautiful. I love you, Lord, for in you is all perfection, goodness and love.

Petition: Lord Jesus, make my heart more like yours.

1. Speaking for All to Hear: Imagine Jesus teaching in the Temple area, surrounded by hundreds of spiritually hungry men and women. In the background and at a distance stand the scribes: cold stares, squinting eyes, full of distrust, fear and scheming. He raises his voice, enough for even those in the back to hear. He is speaking to everyone. What are their dispositions? Most of the crowd does more than hear; they listen intently. They believe that God will speak to them through Jesus, speak to their needs and hearts, and give them the love, truth and inspiration they need. Others listen but superficially. Their motives are curiosity, entertainment and vanity – something to talk about. The scribes don’t listen, except for what might serve their plotting. Jesus still tries to reach them then and reach me now. Am I open?

2. A Mysterious Identity: Lord and Son - The scribes oppose Jesus for many reasons: jealousy, ignorance, pride…. But the greatest reason is that he acts as though he were the Messiah, even God himself. How close they are to the truth! Using their own Scriptures, he points to this truth: somehow the Messiah will be both son and Lord. His rebuttal of their objections is another effort of his heart to reach out. He invites them to rise to the level of faith. Reminiscent of his words to his own mother – “Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s work” (Luke 2:49) – Jesus is a son of man by birth, but by origin and mission he is the Lord, the Son of the Most High. Do I overcome my own pride and ignorance with faith, allowing God to work at his level, far beyond my comprehension?

3. Hearing with Delight: Prayer is a difficult and challenging art; indeed, it is much more than an art. We try to focus, reflect and enter into dialogue with someone we neither see nor hear with our senses. And worst of all, we don’t usually feel anything: “I get nothing out of it!” While prayer is not about feelings, but rather loving, it is nonetheless an experience that should move us in some way to change. Listening to Jesus brought “delight” to the crowds. A neat and convincing argument! The wonderment of discovering truth! The joy and satisfaction of seeing their champion score a victorious blow! Whatever the occasion, our experience of Christ in prayer can at times produce delight, but only to the degree that we share or conform our thoughts, desires and loves to his. The scribes found no delight, for they shared not his heart and mind. Where is my delight?

Conversation with Christ: Dear Jesus, open my heart to your words. Help me to believe even if it hurts or demands that I change my ideas. Raise me up above my own prejudices and insecurities. Show me what to change in my life. I want do it in order to love you more fully and to delight more deeply in your friendship and love.

Resolution: I will choose and develop a love for one spiritual value, virtue or good. I will look for it in Christ, reflect on its beauty, and ask him to grant it to me.

[Salvation]

Words and Deeds

• Homily of the Day
• June 8th, 2012
• Food For Thought

First Reading: 2 Tm 3:10-17

Psalm: 119:157, 160, 161, 165, 166, 168

Gospel: Mk 12:35-37

The Messiah is the Son of God. As God-Man, Jesus was born of the lineage of David. The Jews knew that the Messiah would come from the line of David and expected an earthly king. They wanted him to fit their lifestyle and their expectations. It was hard for them to believe and accept that the Messiah was also the Lord of David. They rejected him and put him to death. They deny that the Son of God has risen to save us. (Until now, the Jews are still awaiting the coming of the Messiah.)

Many times, we profess our faith and say that we believe in Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Son of God. However, our faith is not seen in our way of life. Often in our words and deeds, we relegate the Lord God to the side and we make our own plans and actions the priority. We make our activities and work the center of our lives. We become bound to all earthly things and forget our purpose in life. We become attached to our material world and make it our god. Do we make our own the options of Jesus, our Lord? Are we cognizant of God’s desires for us?

Let us pray for the grace to recognize God’s plan for each one of us. May our heart’s desire be directed entirely toward the Father through the intercession of Jesus, His Son and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

[Salvation]

One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

 

<< Friday, June 8, 2012 >>

Saint of the Day

2 Timothy 3:10-17
View Readings

Psalm 119:157, 160-161, 165-166, 168

Mark 12:35-37

THE WORD AT WORK WITHIN YOU (1 Thes 2:13)

 

"My heart stands in awe of Your word." —Psalm 119:161

 

Presentation Ministries publishes One Bread, One Body for the purpose of opening up the Church's daily eucharistic Scripture readings to as many people as possible. We pray fervently that each teaching will touch your hearts deeply and bear great fruit in your lives, in the Church, and in God's kingdom.

It has been our guiding principle to use a number of Scripture references and quotations on these pages, for "all Scripture is inspired of God and is useful for teaching" (2 Tm 3:16). The real power in any of these teachings comes from the Scripture passages themselves. This is because it is God's Word, not our words, which has the power to open hearts. "Indeed, God's word is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword. It penetrates and divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the reflections and thoughts of the heart" (Heb 4:12).

God's Word is permanent (Ps 119:160) and unfailing (Is 55:11). When His Word is proclaimed, it gets the job done. "It shall not return to [God] void, but shall do [His] will, achieving the end for which [He] sent it" (Is 55:11). When His Word is proclaimed at Mass, it is especially powerful. The Mass is the environment of miracles. In such a setting, God's Word is charged with even greater life-changing power. "That is why we thank God constantly that in receiving His message from us you took it, not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God at work within you who believe" (1 Thes 2:13).

 

Prayer: Father, may Catholics increasingly read, study, pray, share, live, proclaim, obey, and teach Your word.

Promise: "You, for your part, must remain faithful to what you have learned and believed." —2 Tm 3:14

Praise: Showing mercy to an emotionally abusive spouse, Linda prayed faithfully for her husband's conversion until the day he died.

[Salvation]

 

Every Child Born Is a Sign

Hope is indelibly engraved in the human heart because God our Father is life, and for eternal life and beatitude we are made.

Every child born is a sign of trust in God and man and a confirmation, at least implicit, of the hope in a future open to God’s eternity that is nourished by men and women. God has responded to this human hope, concealing Himself in time as a tiny human being.

Saint Augustine wrote: “We might have thought that your Word was far distant from union with man, if this Word had not become flesh and dwelt among us” (Conf. X, 43, 69, cited in Spe Salvi, n. 29).

Thus, let us allow ourselves to be guided by the One who in her heart and in her womb bore the Incarnate Word.

O Mary, Virgin of expectation and Mother of hope, revive the spirit of Advent in your entire Church, so that all humanity may start out anew on the journey towards Bethlehem, from which it came, and that the Sun that dawns upon us from on high will come once again to visit us (cf. Lk 1: 78), Christ our God. Amen.

Pope Benedict XVI
From his homily for the first vespers
of the first Sunday of Advent,
December 1, 2007 - St. Peter’s Basilica