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From: 2 Timothy 3:10-17

Preventing Error From Doing Harm

[10] Now you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith,
my patience, my love, my steadfastness, [11] my persecutions, my sufferings,
what befell me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra, what persecutions I en-
dured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. [12] Indeed all who desire to live
a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, [13] while evil men and impostors
will go on from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived.

Staying True to Scripture

[14] But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed,
knowing from whom you learned it [15] and how from childhood you have been
acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation
through faith in Christ Jesus. [16] All scripture is inspired by God and profitable
for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, [17]
that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

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

10-13. Unlike those who were opposing St Paul’s teachings, Timothy is com-
mended for his faithfulness and is offered practical advice on how to cope with
difficulties. To encourage him, Paul recalls his own experience (with which Timo-
thy, a native of Lystra, was very familiar). In his first letter (cf. 1 Thess 3:2-3 and
note) he already made the point and now he repeats it: “all who desire to live a
godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Thanks to suffering we can obtain
a share in the victory won by Christ. “Christ has overcome the world definitively
by his Resurrection. Yet, because of the relationship between the Resurrection
and his Passion and death, he has at the same time overcome the world by his
suffering [...]. Through the Resurrection, he manifests the victorious power of suf-
fering, and he wishes to imbue with the conviction of this power the hearts of
those whom he chose as Apostles and those whom he continually chooses
and sends forth” (Bl. John Paul II, “Salvifici Doloris”, 25).

14-15. “Continue in what you have learned and firmly believed”: this is sound
advice — that Timothy should not relinquish the truth which he learned from his
mother and from the Apostle: “Religion, of its nature, must be passed on in its
entirety to children with the same fidelity as it has been received by the parents
themselves; we have no right to take religion and do with it what we will; rather,
it is we who must follow religion wherever it leads us” (St Vincent of Lerins,
“Commonitorium”, 5).

Assiduous meditation on the Word of God and reflection on our experience in
the light of faith make for deeper understanding of revealed truth; but the essen-
tial meaning of the truths of faith does not change, because God does not contra-
dict himself. Progress in theology consists in obtaining this deeper understanding
of the content of Revelation and relating it to the needs and the insights of people
in each culture and period of history. In this connection Paul VI wrote: “We also
insisted on the grave responsibility incumbent upon us, but which we share with
our Brothers in the Episcopate, of preserving unaltered the content of the Catho-
lic faith which the Lord entrusted to the Apostles. While being translated into all
expressions, this content must be neither impaired nor mutilated. While being
clothed with the outward forms proper to each people, and made explicit by
theological expression which takes account of different cultural, social and even
racial milieu it must remain the content of the Catholic faith just exactly as the
ecclesial Magisterium has received it and transmits it” (”Evangelii Nuntiandi”,
65).

16. Due to the conciseness of the Greek language (which often omits the verb
“to be”), this verse can also be translated as “All scripture inspired by God is
profitable”; cf. the RSV note. Paul is explicitly stating here that all the books of
the Bible are inspired by God, and are therefore of great help to the Church in
its mission.

The books of Sacred Scripture enjoy special authority because “the divinely re-
vealed realities, which are contained and presented in the text of Sacred Scrip-
ture, have been written down under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. For Holy
Mother Church, relying on the faith of the apostolic age, accepts as sacred and
canonical the books of the Old and the New Testaments, whole and entire, with
all their parts, on the grounds that, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit
they have God as their author, and have been handed on as such to the Church
herself. To compose the sacred books, God chose certain men who, all the while
he employed them in this task, made full use of their powers and faculties so
that, though he acted in them and by them, it was as true authors that they con-
signed to writing whatever he wanted written, and no more. Since, therefore, all
that the inspired authors, or sacred writers, affirm should be regarded as affirmed
by the Holy Spirit, we must acknowledge that the books of Scripture, firmly, faith-
fully and without error, teach that truth which God, for the sake of our salvation,
wished to see confided to the Sacred Scripture” (Vatican II, “Dei Verbum”, 11).

Therefore, the Bible is very useful in preaching and teaching, in theological re-
search and for one’s own spiritual advancement and that of others. Referring to
the training of future priests, the Second Vatican Council recommends that they
“receive a most careful training in Holy Scripture, which should be the soul, as
it were, of all theology” (”Optatam Totius”, 16).

St Gregory the Great has this to say about Scripture’s usefulness “for teaching”:
“Anyone preparing to preach in the right way needs to take his points from the
Sacred Scriptures in order to ensure that everything he says is based on divine
authority” (”Moralia”, 18, 26). And the same Father says elsewhere: “What is
Sacred Scripture if not a kind of letter from almighty God to his creature? [...]
Therefore, please study and reflect on the words of your Creator every day.
Learn what the will of God is by entering deep into the words of that God, so as
to desire divine things more ardently and set your soul aflame with great year-
ning for heavenly delights” (”Epistula ad Theodorum Medicum”, 5, 31).

Scripture is also profitable “for reproof”, St Jerome writes: “Read the divine Scrip-
tures very often, or, to put it better, never let sacred reading matter out of your
hands. Learn what it has to teach, keep a firm hold on the word of faith which ac-
cords with doctrine, so as to be able to exhort others with sound doctrine and
win over your opponents” (”Ad Nepoitanum”, 7).

17. “Man of God”: see the note on 1 Tim 6:11. This description shows the basis
of a priest’s dignity. “The priestly vocation is invested with a dignity and greatness
which has no equal on earth. St Catherine of Siena put these words on Jesus’ lips:
‘I do not wish the respect which priests should be given to be in any way dimini-
shed; for the reverence and respect which is shown them is not referred to them
but to Me, by virtue of the Blood which I have given to them to administer. Were
it not for this, you should render them the same reverence as lay people and no
more....you must not offend them; by offending them you offend Me and not them.
Therefore I forbid it and I have laid it down that you shall not touch my Christs”
(St. J. Escriva, “In Love with the Church”, 38).

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

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

From: Mark 12:35-37

Christ the Son and Lord of David

[35] And as Jesus taught in the temple, He said, “How can the scribes say that
the Christ is the son of David? [36] David himself, inspired by the Holy Spirit, de-
clared,
‘The Lord said to the Lord,
Sit at My right hand,
till I put Thy enemies under Thy feet’.
[37] David himself calls Him Lord; so how is He his son?” And the throng heard
Him gladly.

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

35-37. Jesus here bears witness, with His special authority, to the fact that
Scripture is divinely inspired, when He says that David was inspired by the Holy
Spirit when writing Psalm 110. We can see from here that Jews found it difficult
to interpret the beginning of the Psalm. Jesus shows the messianic sense of the
words “The Lord said to my Lord”: the second “Lord” is the Messiah, with whom
Jesus implicitly identifies Himself. The mysteriously transcendental character of
the Messiah is indicated by the paradox of His being the son, the descendant,
of David, and yet David calls Him his Lord. Cf. note on Matthew 22:41-46.

[Note on Matthew 22:41-46 states:

41-46. God promised King David that one of his descendants would reign forever
(2 Samuel 7:12ff); this was obviously a reference to the Messiah, and was inter-
preted as such by all Jewish tradition, which gave the Messiah the title of “Son
of David”. In Jesus’ time this messianic title was understood in a very nationalis-
tic sense: the Jews were expecting an earthly king, a descendant of David, who
would free them from Roman rule. In this passage Jesus shows the Pharisees
that the Messiah has a higher origin: He is not only “Son of David”; His nature
is more exalted than that, for He is the Son of God and transcends the purely
earthly level. The reference to Psalm 110:1 which Jesus uses in His argument
explains that the Messiah is God: which is why David calls Him Lord — and why
He is seated at the right hand of God, His equal in power, majesty and glory (cf.
Acts of the Apostles 33-36; 1 Corinthians 6:25).]

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

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

Mass Readings

First reading	2 Timothy 3:10-17 ©

You know what I have taught, how I have lived, what I have aimed at; you know my faith, my patience and my love; my constancy and the persecutions and hardships that came to me in places like Antioch, Iconium and Lystra – all the persecutions I have endured; and the Lord has rescued me from every one of them. You are well aware, then, that anybody who tries to live in devotion to Christ is certain to be attacked; while these wicked impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and deceived themselves.

You must keep to what you have been taught and know to be true; remember who your teachers were, and how, ever since you were a child, you have known the holy scriptures – from these you can learn the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and can profitably be used for teaching, for refuting error, for guiding people’s lives and teaching them to be holy. This is how the man who is dedicated to God becomes fully equipped and ready for any good work.

Psalm	Psalm 118:157,160-161,165-166,168 ©

The lovers of your law have great peace.

Though my foes and oppressors are countless

I have not swerved from your will.

Your word is founded on truth,

your decrees are eternal.

The lovers of your law have great peace.

Though princes oppress me without cause

I stand in awe of your word.

The lovers of your law have great peace;

they never stumble.

The lovers of your law have great peace.

I await your saving help, O Lord,

I fulfil your commands.

I obey your precepts and your will;

all that I do is before you.

The lovers of your law have great peace.

Gospel Acclamation	cf.Ps18:9

Alleluia, alleluia!

Your words gladden the heart, O Lord,

they give light to the eyes.

Alleluia!

Or	Jn14:23

Alleluia, alleluia!

If anyone loves me he will keep my word,

and my Father will love him,

and we shall come to him.

Alleluia!

Gospel	Mark 12:35-37 ©

While teaching in the Temple, Jesus said, ‘How can the scribes maintain that the Christ is the son of David? David himself, moved by the Holy Spirit, said:

The Lord said to my Lord:

Sit at my right hand

and I will put your enemies

under your feet.

David himself calls him Lord, in what way then can he be his son?’ And the great majority of the people heard this with delight.

PRAYERS AFTER

HOLY MASS AND COMMUNION

Leonine Prayers

Complete Prayer to St. Michael

Prayer Before the Crucifix

Anima Christi Prayer

Prayer for Vocations

Leonine Prayers
Following are the Prayers after Low Mass which were prescribed by Pope Leo XIII who composed the Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel, and were reinforced by Pope Pius XI and Pope Pius XII to pray for the conversion of Russia. These prayers were in effect until after Vatican II. A decade later Paul VI said, "satan has entered the sanctuary." Could the elimination of these powerful prayers with a ten year indulgence have played a huge part in allowing the devil such easy access? The answer is obvious. Below the normal Leonine Prayers is the longer version of the Prayer to St. Michael, composed by His Excellency Pope Leo XIII to defend against The Great Apostasy.

Latin
Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum, benedicta tu in mulieribus et benedictus fructis ventris tui, Jesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen.
(Said 3 times)
    Salve Regina, Mater misericordiae, vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve. Ad te clamamus, exsules filii Evae. Ad te suspiramus gementes et fientes in hac lacrymarum valle. Eia ergo, Advocata nostra, illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte. Et Jesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui, nobis, post hoc exilium, ostende. O clemens, o pia, o dulcis Virgo Maria. Ora pro nobis, sancta Dei Genitrix. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.
    Oremus. Deus, refugium nostrum et virtus, populum ad te clamantem propitius respice; et intercedente gloriosa, et immaculata Virgine Dei Genitrice Maria, cum beato Joseph, ejus Sponso, ac beatis Apostolis tuis Petro et Paulo, et omnibus Sanctis, quas pro conversione peccatorum, pro libertate et exaltatione sanctae Matris Ecclesiae, preces effundimus, misericors et benignus exaudi. Per eundum Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
Sancte Michael Archangele, defende nos in proelio; contra nequitiam et insidias diaboli esto praesidium. Imperet illi Deus, supplices deprecamur: tuque, Princeps militiae Caelestis, satanam aliosque spiritus malignos, qui ad perditionem animarum pervagantur in mundo, divina virtute in infernum detrude. Amen.
Cor Jesu sacratissimum. Miserere nobis.
Cor Jesu sacratissimum. Miserere nobis.
Cor Jesu sacratissimum. Miserere nobis.

Vernacular
   Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
(Said 3 times)
   Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee to we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mouring and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this exile, show unto us the blessed Fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
   Let us pray.
O God, our refuge and our strength, look down with mercy upon the people who cry to Thee; and by the intercession of the glorious and immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of Saint Joseph her spouse, of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the saints, in Thy mercy and goodness hear our prayers for the conversion of sinners, and for the liberty and exaltation of the Holy Mother the Church. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
   Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray: and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us.

Complete Prayer to Saint Michael
The following is the longer version of the vital prayer composed by Pope Leo XIII in 1888 after his startling vision as to the future of the Church. This prayer was dedicated for the Feast of St. Michael 1448 years from the date of the election of the first Leo - Pope Saint Leo the Great. Everyone is familiar with the first prayer below which was mandated by His Holiness as part of the Leonine Prayers after Low Mass. After Vatican II, in legion with the devil Giovanni Montini outlawed this necessary prayer and then one wonders how "the smoke of satan" got into the sanctuary? The conciliarists wanted to make sure the words in bold below would never see the light of day again for in it Leo foretold what would happen: The shepherd would be struck, the sheep scattered. Below are both the short and longer versions of this poignant prayer which should never be forgotten.

    Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray, and do thou, O heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

O glorious Archangel Saint Michael, Prince of the heavenly host, be our defense in the terrible warfare which we carry on against principalities and powers, against the rulers of this world of darkness, spirits of evil. Come to the aid of man, whom God created immortal, made in His own image and likeness, and redeemed at a great price from the tyranny of the devil. Fight this day the battle of our Lord, together with the holy angels, as already thou hast fought the leader of the proud angels, Lucifer, and his apostate host, who were powerless to resist thee, nor was there place for them any longer in heaven. That cruel, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil or Satan who seduces the whole world, was cast into the abyss with his angels. Behold this primeval enemy and slayer of men has taken courage. Transformed into an angel of light, he wanders about with all the multitude of wicked spirits, invading the earth in order to blot out the Name of God and of His Christ, to seize upon, slay, and cast into eternal perdition, souls destined for the crown of eternal glory. That wicked dragon pours out. as a most impure flood, the venom of his malice on men of depraved mind and corrupt heart, the spirit of lying, of impiety, of blasphemy, and the pestilent breath of impurity, and of every vice and iniquity. These most crafty enemies have filled and inebriated with gall and bitterness the Church, the spouse of the Immaculate Lamb, and have laid impious hands on Her most sacred possessions. In the Holy Place itself, where has been set up the See of the most holy Peter and the Chair of Truth for the light of the world, they have raised the throne of their abominable impiety with the iniquitous design that when the Pastor has been struck the sheep may be scattered. Arise then, O invincible Prince, bring help against the attacks of the lost spirits to the people of God, and give them the victory. They venerate thee as their protector and patron; in thee holy Church glories as her defense against the malicious powers of hell; to thee has God entrusted the souls of men to be established in heavenly beatitude. Oh, pray to the God of peace that He may put Satan under our feet, so far conquered that he may no longer be able to hold men in captivity and harm the Church. Offer our prayers in the sight of the Most High, so that they may quickly conciliate the mercies of the Lord; and beating down the dragon, the ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, do thou again make him captive in the abyss, that he may no longer seduce the nations. Amen.
V: Behold the Cross of the Lord; be scattered ye hostile powers.
R: The Lion of the Tribe of Juda has conquered the root of David.
V: Let Thy mercies be upon us, O Lord.
R: As we have hoped in Thee.
V: O Lord hear my prayer.
R: And let my cry come unto Thee.
V: Let us pray. O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we call upon Thy holy Name, and as suppliants, we implore Thy clemency, that by the intercession of Mary, ever Virgin, immaculate and our Mother, and of the glorious Archangel Saint Michael, Thou wouldst deign to help us against Satan and all other unclean spirits, who wander about the world for the injury of the human race and the ruin of our souls. Amen.

Prayer Before the Crucifix
   Look down upon me, O good and gentle Jesus, while before Thy face I humbly kneel, and with burning soul pray and beseech Thee to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope and charity, true contrition for my sins, and a firm purpose of amendment; the while I contemplate with great love and tender pity Thy five most precious wounds, pondering over them within me, calling to mind the words which David Thy prophet said of Thee, my good Jesus: "They have pierced My hands and My feet; they have numbered all My bones."
Indulgence of ten years; a plenary indulgence if recited after devout reception of Holy Communion, Raccolta 201)
Anima Christi - Soul of Christ
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O Good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds, hide me.
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee.
From the malignant enemy, defend me.
In the hour of my death, call me.
And bid me come to Thee, that with
Thy saints I may praise Thee for ever and ever. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days; if recited after devout reception of Holy Communion, seven years Raccolta 131)
Prayer for Vocations
   O Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst take to Thyself a body and soul like ours, to teach us the glory of self-sacrifice and service, mercifully deign to instill in other hearts the desire to dedicate their lives to Thee. Give us PRIESTS to stand before Thine Altar and to preach the words of Thy Gospel; BROTHERS to assist the priests and to reproduce in themselves Thy humility; SISTERS to teach the young and nurse the sick and to minister Thy charity to all; LAY PEOPLE to imitate Thee in their homes and families. Amen.

Prayers for The Religion Forum (Ecumenical)

Continue to Pray for Pope Benedict [Ecumenical]

Jesus, High Priest

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

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

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

Lead them to new depths of union with your Son.

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

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

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

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

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

This icon shows Jesus Christ, our eternal high priest.

The gold pelican over His heart represents self-sacrifice.

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

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

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

Pray a Rosary each day for our nation.

Pray the Rosary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

End with the Hail Holy Queen:

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

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

Final step -- The Sign of the Cross

The Mysteries of the Rosary

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

The Sorrowful Mysteries
(Tuesdays and Fridays)
1. The Agony in the Garden (Matthew 26:36-46, Luke 22:39-46) [Spiritual fruit - God's will be done]
2. The Scourging at the Pillar (Matthew 27:26, Mark 15:15, John 19:1) [Spiritual fruit - Mortification of the senses]
3. The Crowning with Thorns (Matthew 27:27-30, Mark 15:16-20, John 19:2) [Spiritual fruit - Reign of Christ in our heart]
4. The Carrying of the Cross (Matthew 27:31-32, Mark 15:21, Luke 23:26-32, John 19:17) [Spiritual fruit - Patient bearing of trials]
5. The Crucifixion (Matthew 27:33-56, Mark 15:22-39, Luke 23:33-49, John 19:17-37) [Spiritual fruit - Pardoning of Injuries]

~ PRAYER ~

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

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

From an Obama bumper sticker on a car:

"Pray for Obama. Psalm 109:8"

PLEASE JOIN US -

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

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

June Devotion: The Sacred Heart

Since the 16th century Catholic piety has assigned entire months to special devotions. The month of June is set apart for devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. "From among all the proofs of the infinite goodness of our Savior none stands out more prominently than the fact that, as the love of the faithful grew cold, He, Divine Love Itself, gave Himself to us to be honored by a very special devotion and that the rich treasury of the Church was thrown wide open in the interests of that devotion." These words of Pope Pius XI refer to the Sacred Heart Devotion, which in its present form dates from the revelations given to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque in 1673-75.

The devotion consists in the divine worship of the human heart of Christ, which is united to His divinity and which is a symbol of His love for us. The aim of the devotion is to make our Lord king over our hearts by prompting them to return love to Him (especially through an act of consecration by which we offer to the Heart of Jesus both ourselves and all that belongs to us) and to make reparation for our ingratitude to God.

INVOCATION

O Heart of love, I put all my trust in Thee; for I fear all things from my own weakness, but I hope for all things from Thy goodness.
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque

PRAYER TO THE SACRED HEART

Devotion to the Sacred Heart was the characteristic note of the piety of Saint Gertrude the Great (1256-1302), Benedictine nun and renowned mystic. She was, in fact, the first great exponent of devotion to the Sacred Heart. In our efforts to honor the Heart of Jesus we have this prayer as a model for our own:
Hail! O Sacred Heart of Jesus, living and quickening source of eternal life, infinite treasure of the Divinity, and burning furnace of divine love. Thou art my refuge and my sanctuary, 0 my amiable Savior. Consume my heart with that burning fire with which Thine is ever inflamed. Pour down on my soul those graces which flow from Thy love, and let my heart be so united with Thine, that our wills may be one, and mine in all things be conformed to Thine. May Thy divine will be equally the standard and rule of all my desires and of all my actions. Amen.
Saint Gertrude

FOR THE CHURCH

O most holy Heart of Jesus, shower Thy blessings in abundant measure upon Thy holy Church, upon the Supreme Pontiff and upon all the clergy; to the just grant perseverance; convert sinners; enlighten unbelievers; bless our relations, friends and benefactors; assist the dying; deliver the holy souls in purgatory; and extend over all hearts the sweet empire of Thy love. Amen.

A PRAYER OF TRUST

O God, who didst in wondrous manner reveal to the virgin, Margaret Mary, the unsearchable riches of Thy Heart, grant that loving Thee, after her example, in all things and above all things, we may in Thy Heart find our abiding home.
Roman Missal

ACT OF LOVE

Reveal Thy Sacred Heart to me, O Jesus, and show me Its attractions. Unite me to It for ever. Grant that all my aspirations and all the beats of my heart, which cease not even while I sleep, may be a testimonial to Thee of my love for Thee and may say to Thee: Yes, Lord, I am all Thine;
pledge of my allegiance to Thee rests ever in my heart will never cease to be there. Do Thou accept the slight amount of good that I do and be graciously pleased to repair all m] wrong-doing; so that I may be able to bless Thee in time and in eternity. Amen.
Cardinal Merry del Val

MEMORARE TO THE SACRED HEART
Remember, O most sweet Jesus, that no one who has had recourse to Thy Sacred Heart, implored its help, or sought it mercy was ever abandoned. Encouraged with confidence, O tenderest of hearts, we present ourselves before Thee, crushes beneath the weight of our sins. In our misery, O Sacred Hear. of Jesus, despise not our simple prayers, but mercifully grant our requests.

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

Only for Love: The Sacred Heart and the Priesthood [Catholic Caucus]

Catholic Word of the Day: LITANY OF THE SACRED HEART, 10-19-09
Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Devotion to the Sacred Heart Today
The Biblical Foundation of Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus [Ecumenical]
Heart to Heart (Sacred Heart of Jesus Devotion) [St. Margaret Mary Alacoque]
(June) The Month of the Sacred Heart {Catholic/Orthodox Caucus]
First Friday Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus [St. Margaret Mary Alacoque]
The Heart of the World (On the Sacred Heart of Jesus) (Catholic Caucus)
The Sacred Heart Is The Holy Eucharist(Catholic Caucus)
The Origin of the Sacred Heart Badge

Importance of Devotion to the Sacred Heart
An Awesome Homily on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus by Father Edmond Kline
Catholic Prayer and Devotion: June the Month of the Sacred Heart
Catholic Devotions: Sacred Heart of Jesus
Pope Urges Jesuits to Spread Sacred Heart Devotion
Homilies preached by Father Altier on the Feast of the Sacred Heart
Catholic Meditation and Devotion: The Sacred Heart of Jesus
Daily Recomendation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus powerful prayer!
The Sacred Heart and the Eucharist
The Love of the Sacred Heart

On the Sacred Heart - "We Adore God's Love of Humanity"
HAURIETIS AQUAS (On Devotion To The Sacred Heart) - Encyclical by Pope Pius XII
Solemnity Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary
Sacred Heart a Feast of God's Love, Says John Paul II
The Sacred Heart of Jesus: Symbol of Combativity and the Restoration of Christendom
Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus-The Early Church, Middle Ages up to St. Margaret Mary
See this Heart
‘God Will Act and Will Reign’
About Devotion To The Sacred Heart:The Story Of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque
Rediscover Feast of Sacred Heart, John Paul II Tells Youth

"Behold this Heart which has loved men so much, and yet men do not want to love Me in return. Through you My divine Heart wishes to spread its love everywhere on earth."

- Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary

Our Lord also made 12 promises to St. Margaret Mary for those that are devoted to His Sacred Heart.

I will give them all the graces necessary for their state in life.
I will give peace in their families.
I will console them in all their troubles.
They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of death.
I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings.
Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.
Tepid souls shall become fervent.
Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection.
I will bless the homes in which the image of My Sacred Heart shall be exposed and honoured.
I will give to priests the power to touch the most hardened hearts.
Those who propagate this devotion shall have their name written in My Heart, and it shall never be effaced.
The all-powerful love of My Heart will grant to all those who shall receive Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months the grace of final repentance; they shall not die under My displeasure, nor without receiving their Sacraments; My Heart shall be their assured refuge at the last hour.

June 2012

Pope's intentions

General Intention: Christ, Present in the Eucharist. That believers may recognize in the Eucharist the living presence of the Risen One who accompanies them in daily life.

Missionary Intention: European Christians. That Christians in Europe may rediscover their true identity and participate with greater enthusiasm in the proclamation of the Gospel.

Fortnight for Freedom
June 21-July 4

Friday, June 08, 2012
Weekday

First Reading:
Psalm:
Gospel:

2 Timothy 3:10-17
Psalm 119:157, 160-161, 165-166, 168
Mark 12:35-37

Yes, my dear bretheren, we shall see at the Judgement that the largest section of Christians practiced a religion of whim or caprice only---that is to say, the greatest number of them practiced their religion merely from motives of routine, and very few sought God alone in what they did.

-- St. John Vianney

The Angelus

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

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

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

Hail Mary . . .

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

Hail Mary . . .

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

Let us pray:

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

Amen.

Office of Readings

INVITATORY

The Invitatory is said when this is the first ‘hour’ of the day.

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

Ant. Come, let us give thanks to the Lord, for his great love is without end.

Psalm 95
A call to praise God

Encourage each other daily while it is still today (Hebrews 3:13).

Come, let us sing to the Lord *
and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us.
Let us approach him with praise and thanksgiving *
and sing joyful songs to the Lord.

Ant. Come, let us give thanks to the Lord, for his great love is without end.

The Lord is God, the mighty God, *
the great king over all the gods.
He holds in his hands the depths of the earth *
and the highest mountains as well.
He made the sea; it belongs to him, *
the dry land, too, for it was formed by his hands.

Ant. Come, let us give thanks to the Lord, for his great love is without end.

Come, then, let us bow down and worship, *
bending the knee before the Lord, our maker.
For he is our God and we are his people, *
the flock he shepherds.

Ant. Come, let us give thanks to the Lord, for his great love is without end.

Today, listen to the voice of the Lord: †
Do not grow stubborn, as your fathers did
in the wilderness, *
when at Meriba and Massah
they challenged me and provoked me, *
Although they had seen all of my works.

Ant. Come, let us give thanks to the Lord, for his great love is without end.

Forty years I endured that generation. *
I said, “They are a people whose hearts go astray
and they do not know my ways.”
So I swore in my anger, *
“They shall not enter into my rest.”

Ant. Come, let us give thanks to the Lord, for his great love is without end.

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

Ant. Come, let us give thanks to the Lord, for his great love is without end.

If the Invitatory is not said, then the following is used:

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

In ancient times God spoke to man
Through prophets and in varied ways,
But now he speaks through Christ his Son,
His radiance through eternal days.

To God the Father of the world,
His Son through whom he made all things,
And Holy Spirit, bond of love,
All glad creation glory sings.

Melody: Herr Jesu Christ mein Lebens Licht L.M.
Music: As Hymnodus Sacer, Leipzig 1625
Text: © Stanbrook Abbey, used with permission.

PSALMODY

Ant. 1 Rise up, Lord, and come to my aid.

Psalm 35:1-2, 3c, 9-19, 22-23, 27-28
The Lord as Savior in time of persecution

They came together . . . and laid their plans to capture Jesus by treachery and put him to death (Matthew 26:3-4).

I

O Lord, plead my cause against my foes; *
fight those who fight me.
Take up your buckler and shield; *
arise to help me.

O Lord, say to my soul: *
“I am your salvation.”

But my soul shall be joyful in the Lord *
and rejoice in his salvation.
My whole being will say: *
“Lord, who is like you
who rescue the weak from the strong *
and the poor from the oppressor?”

Lying witnesses arise *
and accuse me unjustly.
They repay me evil for good: *
my soul is forlorn.

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. Rise up, Lord, and come to my aid.

Ant. 2 All-powerful Lord, stand by me and defend me.

II

When they were sick I went into mourning, *
afflicted with fasting.
My prayer was ever on my lips, *
as for a brother, a friend.
I went as though mourning a mother, *
bowed down with grief.

Now that I am in trouble they gather, *
they gather and mock me.
They take me by surprise and strike me *
and tear me to pieces.
They provoke me with mockery on mockery *
and gnash their teeth.

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-powerful Lord, stand by me and defend me.

Ant. 3 My tongue will speak of your goodness all the day long.

III

O Lord, how long will you look on? *
Come to my rescue!
Save my life from these raging beasts, *
my soul from these lions.
I will thank you in the great assembly, *
amid the throng I will praise you.

Do not let my lying foes *
rejoice over me.
Do not let those who hate me unjustly *
wink eyes at each other.

O Lord, you have seen, do not be silent, *
do not stand afar off!
Awake, stir to my defense, *
to my cause, O God!

Let there be joy for those who love my cause. *
Let them say without end:
“Great is the Lord who delights *
in the peace of his servant.”
Then my tongue shall speak of your justice, *
all day long of your praise.

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

Psalm Prayer

Lord, you rescue the poor from their oppressors, and you rose to the aid of your beloved Son against those who unjustly sought his life. Look on your Church as we journey to you, that the poor and weak may recognize the help you provide and proclaim your saving acts.

Ant. My tongue will speak of your goodness all the day long.

My son, take my words to heart.
– Do as I say, and you will live.

READINGS

FIRST READING

From the book of Job
40:1-14; 42:1-6

Job submits himself to the divine majesty

   The Lord said to Job:
Will we have arguing with the Almighty by the critic?
   Let him who would correct God give answer!

Then Job answered the Lord and said:
Behold, I am of little account; what can I answer you?
   I put my hand over my mouth.
Though I have spoken once, I will not do so again;
   though twice, I will do so no more.

   Then the Lord addressed Job out of the storm and said:
Gird up your loins now, like a man.
   I will question you, and you tell me the answers!
Would you refuse to acknowledge my right?
   Would you condemn me that you may be justified?

Have you an arm like that of God,
   or can you thunder with a voice like his?
Adorn yourself with grandeur and majesty,
   and array yourself with glory and splendor.
Let loose the fury of your wrath;
   tear down the wicked and shatter them.
Bring down the haughty with a glance;
   bury them in the dust together;
   in the hidden world imprison them.
Then will I too acknowledge
   that your own right hand can save you.

   Then Job answered the Lord and said:
I know that you can do all things,
   and that no purpose of yours can be hindered.
I have dealt with great things that I do not understand;
   things too wonderful for me, which I cannot know.
I had heard of you by word of mouth,
   but now my eye has seen you.
Therefore I disown what I have said,
   and repent in dust and ashes.

RESPONSORY
Job 42:5-6; 40:5, 4

I have heard of you by word of mouth, O Lord,
but now that I have seen you for myself
I disown all that I have said,
– and I repent in dust and ashes.

Though I have spoken once, I will not speak again;
though twice, I will do so no more.
I shall put my finger against my lips.
– And I repent in dust and ashes.

SECOND READING

From a sermon by Baldwin of Canterbury, bishop
(Tract . 6: PL 204, 466-467)

The Lord sees our thoughts and the intentions of our hearts

The Lord knows the thoughts and intentions of our hearts. Without a doubt, every one of them is known to him, while we know only those which he lets us read by the grace of discernment. The spirit of man does not know all that is in man, nor all of the thoughts which he has, willingly or unwillingly. Man does not always perceive his thoughts as they really are. Having clouded vision, he does not discern them clearly with his mind’s eye.

Often under the guise of devotion a suggestion occurs to our mind—coming from our own thoughts or from another person or from the tempter—and in God’s eyes we do not deserve any reward for our virtue. For there are certain imitations of true virtues as also of vices which play tricks with the heart and bedazzle the mind’s vision. As a result, the appearance of goodness often seems to be in something which is evil, and equally the appearance of evil seems to be in something good. This is part of our wretchedness and ignorance, causing us anguish and anxiety.

It has been written: There are paths which seem to man to be right, but which in the end lead him to hell. To avoid this peril, Saint John gives us these words of advice: Test the spirits to see if they are from God. Now no one can test the spirits to see if they are from God unless God has given him discernment of spirits to enable him to investigate spiritual thoughts, inclinations and intentions with honest and true judgement. Discernment is the mother of all the virtues; everyone needs it either to guide the lives of others or to direct and reform his own life.

In the sphere of action, a right thought is one ruled by the will of God, and intentions are holy when directed single-mindedly toward him. In a word, we could see clearly through any action of ours, or into our entire lives, if we had a simple eye. A simple eye is an eye, and it is simple. This means that we see by right thinking what is to be done, and by our good intention we carry it out with simple honesty, because deceitful action is wrong. Right thinking does not permit mistakes; a good intention rules out pretence. This then is true discernment, a combination of right thinking and good intention.

Therefore, we must do all our actions in the light of discernment as if in God and in his presence.

RESPONSORY
Micah 6:8; Psalm 37:3

The Lord has told you, O man, what is good,
– and this is what the Lord expects of you:
to do what is right, to love goodness,
and to walk humbly with your God.

Trust in the Lord and do good
and you shall possess the land.
– and this is what the Lord expects of you:
to do what is right, to love goodness,
and to walk humbly with your God.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Father,
your love never fails.
Hear our call.
Keep us from danger
and provide for all our needs.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.

Or:

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.
– Amen.

ACCLAMATION

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

Lauds

INVITATORY

The Invitatory is said when this is the first ‘hour’ of the day.

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

Ant. Come, let us give thanks to the Lord, for his great love is without end.

Psalm 95
A call to praise God

Encourage each other daily while it is still today (Hebrews 3:13).

Come, let us sing to the Lord *
and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us.
Let us approach him with praise and thanksgiving *
and sing joyful songs to the Lord.

Ant. Come, let us give thanks to the Lord, for his great love is without end.

The Lord is God, the mighty God, *
the great king over all the gods.
He holds in his hands the depths of the earth *
and the highest mountains as well.
He made the sea; it belongs to him, *
the dry land, too, for it was formed by his hands.

Ant. Come, let us give thanks to the Lord, for his great love is without end.

Come, then, let us bow down and worship, *
bending the knee before the Lord, our maker.
For he is our God and we are his people, *
the flock he shepherds.

Ant. Come, let us give thanks to the Lord, for his great love is without end.

Today, listen to the voice of the Lord: †
Do not grow stubborn, as your fathers did
in the wilderness, *
when at Meriba and Massah
they challenged me and provoked me, *
Although they had seen all of my works.

Ant. Come, let us give thanks to the Lord, for his great love is without end.

Forty years I endured that generation. *
I said, “They are a people whose hearts go astray
and they do not know my ways.”
So I swore in my anger, *
“They shall not enter into my rest.”

Ant. Come, let us give thanks to the Lord, for his great love is without end.

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

Ant. Come, let us give thanks to the Lord, for his great love is without end.

If the Invitatory is not said, then the following is used:

God, + come to my assistance.
– Lord, make haste to help me.

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

HYMN

Lord, whose love in humble service
Bore the weight of human need,
Who did on the Cross, forsaken,
Show us mercy’s perfect deed:
We, your servants, bring the worship
Not of voice alone, but heart;
Consecrating to your purpose
Every gift which you impart.

As we worship, grant us vision,
Till your love’s revealing light,
Till the height and depth and greatness
Dawns upon our human sight;
Making known the needs and burdens
Your compassion bids us bear,
Stirring us to faithful service,
Your abundant life to share.

Called from worship into service
Forth in your great name we go,
To the child, the youth, the aged,
Love in living deeds to show.
Hope and health, goodwill and comfort,
Counsel, aid, and peace we give,
That your children, Lord, in freedom,
May your mercy know, and live.

Melody: In Babilone 87.87 D
Music: Traditional Dutch Melody
Text: Alan Bayly, 1901-1984

Or:

Eternal glory of the sky,
Blest hope of frail humanity,
The Father’s sole-begotten One,
Yet born a spotless Virgin’s Son!

Uplift us with thine arm of might,
And let our hearts rise pure and bright,
And, ardent in God’s praises, pay
The thanks we owe him every day.

The day-star’s rays are glittering clear,
And tell that day itself is near:
The shadows of the night depart;
Thou, holy Light, illume the heart!

Within our senses ever dwell,
And worldly darkness thence expel;
Long as the days of life endure,
Preserve our souls devout and pure.

The faith that first must be possessed,
Root deep within our inmost breast;
And joyous hope in second place,
Then charity, thy greatest grace.

All laud to God the Father be,
All praise, eternal Son, to thee;
All glory, as is ever meet,
To God the Holy Paraclete.

Melody: Winchester New L.M.
Music: Adapted from Musikalisches Handbuch, Hamburg, 1690
Text: Æterna cæli gloria, attributed to Saint Ambrose of Milan, 337?-397
Translation: John M. Neale, 1818-1866

PSALMODY

Ant. 1 Lord, you will accept the true sacrifice offered on your altar.

Psalm 51
O God, have mercy on me

Your inmost being must be renewed, and you must put on the new man (Ephesians 4:23-24).

Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness. *
In your compassion blot out my offense.
O wash me more and more from my guilt *
and cleanse me from my sin.

My offenses truly I know them; *
my sin is always before me.
Against you, you alone, have I sinned; *
what is evil in your sight I have done.

That you may be justified when you give sentence *
and be without reproach when you judge.
O see, in guilt I was born, *
a sinner was I conceived.

Indeed you love truth in the heart; *
then in the secret of my heart teach me wisdom.
O purify me, then I shall be clean; *
O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow.

Make me hear rejoicing and gladness, *
that the bones you have crushed may revive.
From my sins turn away your face *
and blot out all my guilt.

A pure heart create for me, O God, *
put a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence, *
nor deprive me of your holy spirit.

Give me again the joy of your help; *
with a spirit of fervor sustain me,
that I may teach transgressors your ways *
and sinners may return to you.

O rescue me, God, my helper, *
and my tongue shall ring out your goodness.
O Lord, open my lips *
and my mouth shall declare your praise.

For in sacrifice you take no delight, *
burnt offering from me you would refuse,
my sacrifice, a contrite spirit. *
A humbled, contrite heart you will not spurn.

In your goodness, show favor to Zion: *
rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Then you will be pleased with lawful sacrifice, *
holocausts offered on your altar.

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

Psalm Prayer

Father, he who knew no sin was made sin for us, to save us and restore us to your friendship. Look upon our contrite heart and afflicted spirit and heal our troubled conscience, so that in the joy and strength of the Holy Spirit we may proclaim your praise and glory before all the nations.

Ant. Lord, you will accept the true sacrifice offered on your altar.

Ant. 2 All the descendants of Israel will glory in the Lord’s gift of victory.

Canticle: Isaiah 45:15-25
People of all nations will become disciples of the Lord

Every knee shall bend at the name of Jesus (Philippians 2:10).

Truly with you God is hidden, *
the God of Israel, the savior!
Those are put to shame and disgrace *
who vent their anger against him.
Those go in disgrace *
who carve images.

Israel, you are saved by the Lord, saved forever! †
You shall never be put to shame or disgrace *
in future ages.

For thus says the Lord, †
the creator of the heavens, *
who is God,
the designer and maker of the earth *
who established it,
not creating it to be a waste, *
but designing it to be lived in:

I am the Lord, and there is no other. *
I have not spoken from hiding *
nor from some dark place of the earth.
And I have not said to the descendants of Jacob, *
“Look for me in an empty waste.”
I, the Lord, promise justice, *
I foretell what is right.

Come and assemble, gather together, *
you fugitives from among the Gentiles!
They are without knowledge who bear wooden idols *
and pray to gods that cannot save.

Come here and declare *
in counsel together:
Who announced this from the beginning *
and foretold it from of old?
Was it not I, the Lord, †
besides whom there is no other God? *
There is no just and saving God but me.

Turn to me and be safe, †
all you ends of the earth, *
for I am God; there is no other!

By myself I swear, †
uttering my just decree *
and my unalterable word:

To me every knee shall bend; *
by me every tongue shall swear,
saying, “Only in the Lord *
are just deeds and power.

Before him in shame shall come *
all who vent their anger against him.
In the Lord shall be the vindication and the glory *
of all the descendants of 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. All the descendants of Israel will glory in the Lord’s gift of victory.

Ant. 3 Let us go into God’s presence singing for joy.

Psalm 100
The joyful song of those entering God’s temple

The Lord calls his ransomed people to sing songs of victory (Saint Athanasius).

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

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

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

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

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

With joy and gladness we cry out to you, Lord and ask you: open our hearts, to sing your praises and announce your goodness and truth.

Ant. Let us go into God’s presence singing for joy.

READING
Ephesians 4:29-32

Never let evil talk pass your lips; say only the good things men need to hear, things that will really help them. Do nothing that will sadden the Holy Spirit with whom you were sealed against the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, all passion and anger, harsh words, slander, and malice of every kind. In place of these, be kind to one another, compassionate, and mutually forgiving, just as God has forgiven you in Christ.

RESPONSORY

At daybreak, be merciful to me.
– At daybreak, be merciful to me.

Make known to me the path that I must walk.
– Be merciful to me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
– At daybreak, be merciful to me.

CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH

Ant. The Lord has come to his people and set them free.

Blessed + be the Lord, the God of Israel; *
he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *
born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old †
that he would save us from our enemies, *
from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers *
and to remember his holy covenant.

This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: *
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear, *
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.

You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High; *
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation *
by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God *
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, *
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

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

Ant. The Lord has come to his people and set them free.

INTERCESSIONS

Through his cross the Lord Jesus brought salvation to the human race. We adore him and in faith we call out to him:
Lord, pour out your mercy upon us.

Christ, Rising Sun, warm us with your rays,
– and restrain us from every evil impulse.
Lord, pour out your mercy upon us.

Keep guard over our thoughts, words and actions,
– and make us pleasing in your sight this day.
Lord, pour out your mercy upon us.

Turn your gaze from our sinfulness,
– and cleanse us from our iniquities.
Lord, pour out your mercy upon us.

Through your cross and resurrection,
– fill us with the consolation of the Spirit.
Lord, pour out your mercy upon us.

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,
you conquer the darkness of ignorance
by the light of your Word.
Strengthen within our hearts
the faith you have given us;
let not temptation ever quench the fire
that your love has kindled within us.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.

DISMISSAL

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

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

Come, Holy Ghost, who ever one
Art with the Father and the Son;
Come, Holy Ghost, our souls possess
With thy full flood of holiness.

In will and deed, in heart and tongue
With all the powers, thy praise be sung;
And love light up our mortal frame
Till others catch the living flame.

Almighty Father, hear our cry
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord most High,
Who with the Holy Ghost and thee
Doth live and reign eternally.

Melody: Saint Ventantius L.M.
Music: Clausener Gesangbuch, 1653
Text: Saint Ambrose of Milan, 337?-397
Translation: Blessed John Henry Newman

At Midday

Help us, O Lord, to learn
The truths thy Word imparts:
To study that thy laws may be
Inscribed upon our hearts.

Help us, O Lord, to live
The faith which we proclaim,
That all our thoughts and words and deeds
May glorify your name.

Help us, O Lord, to teach
The beauty of your ways,
That yearning hearts may find the Christ,
And sing aloud his praise.

Melody: Franconia S.M.
Music: J. H. Konig, 1691-1758, adapted by W. H. Havergal, 1793-1870
Text: W. W. Reid, 1923-

At Midafternoon

Faith of our fathers! faith and prayer
Shall win all nations unto thee:
And through the truth that comes from God,
Mankind shall then indeed be free.

Refrain:
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death.

Faith of our fathers! we will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife:
And preach thee too, as love knows how,
By kindly deeds and virtuous life.

Refrain:
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death.

Melody: Saint Catherine L.M. with Refrain
Music: Henry F. Henry, 1818-1888 and James G. Watson, 1821-1905
Text: Frederick W. Faber, 1814-1863

PSALMODY

Ant. 1 Lightly I run in the way you have shown, for you have opened my heart to receive your law.

Psalm 119:25-32
IV (Daleth)

A meditation on God’s law

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

My soul lies in the dust; *
by your word revive me.
I declared my ways and you answered: *
teach me your statutes.

Make me grasp the way of your precepts *
and I will muse on your wonders.
My soul pines away with grief; *
by your word raise me up.

Keep me from the way of error *
and teach me your law.
I have chosen the way of truth *
with your decrees before me.

I bind myself to do your will; *
Lord, do not disappoint me.
I will run the way of your commands; *
you give freedom to my heart.

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, we are citizens of this earth and ask to be made citizens of heaven by your free gift. Help us to run in the way of your commandments and to set our hearts on you alone.

Ant. Lightly I run in the way you have shown, for you have opened my heart to receive your law.

Ant. 2 I trust in the Lord and will not be shaken.

Psalm 26
Trusting prayer of an innocent man

God chose us in Christ to be holy and sinless (Ephesians 1:4).

Give judgment for me, O Lord: †
for I walk the path of perfection. *
I trust in the Lord; I have not wavered.

Examine me, Lord, and try me; *
O test my heart and my mind,
for your love is before my eyes *
and I walk according to your truth.

I never take my place with liars *
and with hypocrites I shall not go.
I hate the evil-doer’s company: *
I will not take my place with the wicked.

To prove my innocence I wash my hands *
and take my place around your altar,
singing a song of thanksgiving, *
proclaiming all your wonders.

O Lord, I love the house where you dwell, *
the place where your glory abides.

Do not sweep me away with sinners, *
nor my life with bloodthirsty men
in whose hands are evil plots, *
whose right hands are filled with gold.

As for me, I walk the path of perfection. *
Redeem me and show me your mercy.
My foot stands on level ground: *
I will bless the Lord in the assembly.

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

Send the fire of your Holy Spirit deep within us, Lord, so that we can serve you with chaste bodies and please you with pure minds.

Ant. I trust in the Lord and will not be shaken.

Ant. 3 I put all my trust in the Lord, and he has not failed me.

Psalm 28:1-3, 6-9
Entreaty and thanksgiving

Father, I thank you for you have heard my prayer (John 11:41).

To you, O Lord, I call, *
my rock, hear me.
If you do not heed I shall become *
like those in the grave.

Hear the voice of my pleading *
as I call for help,
as I lift up my hands in prayer *
to your holy place.

Do not drag me away with the wicked, *
with the evil-doers,
who speak words of peace to their neighbors *
but with evil in their hearts.

Blessed be Lord for he has heard *
my cry, my appeal.
The Lord is my strength and my shield; *
in him my heart trusts.
I was helped, my heart rejoices *
and I praise him with my song.

The Lord is the strength of his people,*
a fortress where his anointed find salvation.
Save your people; bless Israel your heritage. *
Be their shepherd and carry them 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

You are the strength of the people, Father. Save us from the pit of death and unite us as one in your holy temple, so that we may attain in our hearts the peace our tongues proclaim.

Ant. I put all my trust in the Lord, and he has not failed me.

At the other hours, the complementary psalmody is used.

MIDMORNING

READING
Philippians 2:2b-4

Maintain your unanimity, possessing the one love, united in spirit and ideals. Never act out of rivalry or conceit; rather, let all parties think humbly of others as superior to themselves, each of you looking to others’ interests rather than his own.

All God’s ways are faithful and compassionate.
– For those who keep his covenant and do his will.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus Christ,
at this hour you were led out
to die on the cross
for the salvation of the world.
We ask your forgiveness for the sins of our past
and your protection from all future evil.
Bring us to the peace and joy of that kingdom
where you live and reign for ever and ever.
– Amen.

ACCLAMATION

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

MIDDAY

READING
2 Corinthians 13:4

It is true he was crucified out of weakness, but he lives by the power of God. We too are weak in him, but we live with him by God’s power in us.

I am broken, crushed to the earth.
– Speak, Lord, your word of life.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus Christ,
at noon, when darkness covered all the earth,
you mounted the wood of the cross
as the innocent victim for our redemption.
May your light be always with us
to guide us to eternal life in that kingdom
where you live and reign for ever and ever.
– Amen.

ACCLAMATION

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

MIDAFTERNOON

READING
Colossians 3:12-13

Because you are God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with heartfelt mercy, with kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another; forgive whatever grievances you have against one another. Forgive as the Lord has forgiven you.

Tender and compassionate is the Lord.
– Patient and ready to forgive.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus Christ,
you brought the repentant thief
from the suffering of the cross
to the joy of your kingdom.
Lord, when we die,
may we who confess our sins
be brought to you through the gates of heaven,
that we may have eternal joy in that kingdom
where you live and reign for ever and ever.
– Amen.

ACCLAMATION

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

June 8, 2012

Friday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 2 Tm 3:10-17

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

Gospel Mk 12:35-37

Mass Readings