Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 07-21-12, OM, St. Lawrence of Brindisi, Priest & Doctor/Church

USCCB.org/RNAB ^ | 07-21-12 | Revised New American Bible

[Salvation]

July 21, 2012

Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

 

Reading 1 Mi 2:1-5

Woe to those who plan iniquity,
and work out evil on their couches;
In the morning light they accomplish it
when it lies within their power.
They covet fields, and seize them;
houses, and they take them;
They cheat an owner of his house,
a man of his inheritance.
Therefore thus says the LORD:
Behold, I am planning against this race an evil
from which you shall not withdraw your necks;
Nor shall you walk with head high,
for it will be a time of evil.

On that day a satire shall be sung over you,
and there shall be a plaintive chant:
"Our ruin is complete,
our fields are portioned out among our captors,
The fields of my people are measured out,
and no one can get them back!"
Thus you shall have no one
to mark out boundaries by lot
in the assembly of the LORD.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 10:1-2, 3-4, 7-8, 14

R. (12b) Do not forget the poor, O Lord!
Why, O LORD, do you stand aloof?
Why hide in times of distress?
Proudly the wicked harass the afflicted,
who are caught in the devices the wicked have contrived.
R. Do not forget the poor, O Lord!
For the wicked man glories in his greed,
and the covetous blasphemes, sets the LORD at nought.
The wicked man boasts, "He will not avenge it";
"There is no God," sums up his thoughts.
R. Do not forget the poor, O Lord!
His mouth is full of cursing, guile and deceit;
under his tongue are mischief and iniquity.
He lurks in ambush near the villages;
in hiding he murders the innocent;
his eyes spy upon the unfortunate.
R. Do not forget the poor, O Lord!
You do see, for you behold misery and sorrow,
taking them in your hands.
On you the unfortunate man depends;
of the fatherless you are the helper.
R. Do not forget the poor, O Lord!

Gospel Mt 12:14-21

The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus
to put him to death.

When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place.
Many people followed him, and he cured them all,
but he warned them not to make him known.
This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet:

Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,
my beloved in whom I delight;
I shall place my Spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
He will not contend or cry out,
nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break,
a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory.
And in his name the Gentiles will hope.

[markomalley]

Jul 21, Evening Prayer for Saturday of the 15th week of Ordinary Time

Ribbon Placement:
Liturgy of the Hours Vol. III:
Ordinary: 668
Proper of Seasons: 514
Psalter: Sunday, Week IV, 1117

Christian Prayer:
Ordinary: 694
Proper of Seasons: 620
Psalter: Sunday, Week IV, 921

Evening Prayer I for Sunday in Ordinary Time

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 the Name of Jesus, every knee shall bow,
Every tongue confess Him King of glory now;
’Tis the Father’s pleasure we should call Him Lord,
Who from the beginning was the mighty Word.

Mighty and mysterious in the highest height,
God from everlasting, very light of light:
In the Father’s bosom with the spirit blest,
Love, in love eternal, rest, in perfect rest.

At the Name of Jesus, every knee shall bow,
Every tongue confess Him King of glory now;
’Tis the Father’s pleasure we should call Him Lord,
Who from the beginning was the mighty Word.

Mighty and mysterious in the highest height,
God from everlasting, very light of light:
In the Father’s bosom with the spirit blest,
Love, in love eternal, rest, in perfect rest.

“At the Name of Jesus” by Mount St marys vespers schola; Words: Caroline Noel, 1870. Music: James Mountain, 1876.
“At the Name of Jesus” performed by Mount St marys vespers schola is available from Amazon.com

PSALMODY

Ant. 1 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Psalm 122
Holy city Jerusalem
You have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22).

I rejoiced when I heard them say:
“Let us go to God’s house.”
And now our feet are standing
within your gates, O Jerusalem.

Ant. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is built as a city
strongly compact.
It is there that the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Lord.

Ant. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

For Israel’s law it is,
there to praise the Lord’s name.
There were set the thrones of judgment
of the house of David.

Ant. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

For the peace of Jerusalem pray:
“Peace be to your homes!
May peace reign in your walls,
in your palaces, peace!”

Ant. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

For love of my brethren and friends
I say: “Peace upon you!”
For love of the house of the Lord
I will ask for your good.

Ant. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

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

When you rose from the dead, Lord Jesus, you formed the Church into your new body and made of it the new Jerusalem, united in your Spirit. Give us peace in our day. Make all nations come to your Church to share your gifts in fellowship, that they may render you thanks without end and come to your eternal city.

Ant. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Ant. 2 From the morning watch until night, I have waited trustingly for the Lord.

Psalm 130
A cry from the depths
He himself will save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord,
Lord, hear my voice!
O let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my pleading.

Ant. From the morning watch until night, I have waited trustingly for the Lord.

If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt,
Lord, who would survive?
But with you is found forgiveness:
for this we revere you.

Ant. From the morning watch until night, I have waited trustingly for the Lord.

My soul is waiting for the Lord,
I count on his word.
My soul is longing for the Lord
more than watchman for daybreak.
Let the watchman count on daybreak
and Israel on the Lord.

Ant. From the morning watch until night, I have waited trustingly for the Lord.

Because with the Lord there is mercy
and fullness of redemption,
Israel indeed he will redeem
from all its iniquity.

Ant. From the morning watch until night, I have waited trustingly for the Lord.

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

Listen with compassion to our prayers, Lord. The forgiveness of sins is yours. Do not look on the wrong we have done, but grant us your merciful kindess.

Ant. From the morning watch until night, I have waited trustingly for the Lord.

Ant. 3 Let everything in heaven and on earth bend the knee at the name of Jesus.

Canticle – Philippians 2:6-11
Christ, God’s holy servant

Though he was in the form of God,
Jesus did not deem equality with God
something to be grasped at.

Ant. Let everything in heaven and on earth bend the knee at the name of Jesus.

Rather, he emptied himself
and took the form of a slave,
being born in the likeness of men.

Ant. Let everything in heaven and on earth bend the knee at the name of Jesus.

He was known to be of human estate,
and it was thus that he humbled himself,
obediently accepting even death,
death on a cross!

Ant. Let everything in heaven and on earth bend the knee at the name of Jesus.

Because of this,
God highly exalted him
and bestowed on him the name
above every other name,
So that at Jesus’ name
every knee must bend
in the heavens, on the earth,
and under the earth,
and every tongue proclaim
to the glory of God the Father:
JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!

Ant. Let everything in heaven and on earth bend the knee at the name of Jesus.

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. Let everything in heaven and on earth bend the knee at the name of Jesus.

READING 2 Peter 1:19-21

We possess the prophetic message as something altogether reliable. Keep your attention closely fixed on it, as you would on a lamp shining in a dark place until the first streaks of dawn appear and the morning star rises in your hearts. First you must understand this: there is no prophecy contained in Scripture which is a personal interpretation. Prophecy has never been put forward by man’s willing it. It is rather that men impelled by the Holy Spirit have spoken under God’s influence.

Sacred Silence (indicated by a bell) – a moment to reflect and receive in our hearts the full resonance of the voice of the Holy Spirit and to unite our personal prayer more closely with the word of God and public voice of the Church.

RESPONSORY

From the rising of the sun to its setting, may the name of the Lord be praised.
– From the rising of the sun to its setting, may the name of the Lord be praised.

His splendor reaches far beyond the heavens;
– may the name of the Lord be praised.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
– From the rising of the sun to its setting, may the name of the Lord be praised.

CANTICLE OF MARY

Ant. The kingdom of heaven is like yeast which a woman took and kneaded into three measures of flour until all the dough had risen.

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 kingdom of heaven is like yeast which a woman took and kneaded into three measures of flour until all the dough had risen.

INTERCESSIONS

Everyone who waits for the Lord finds joy. Now we pray to him:
– Look on us with favor, Lord, and hear us.

Faithful witness, first-born of the dead, you washed away our sins in your blood,
make us always remember your wonderful works.
– Look on us with favor, Lord, and hear us.

You called men to be heralds of your good news,
make them strong and faithful messengers of your kingdom.
– Look on us with favor, Lord, and hear us.

King of peace, send your Spirit on the leaders of the world,
turn their eyes toward the poor and suffering.
– Look on us with favor, Lord, and hear us.

Protect and defend those who are discriminated against because of race, color, class, language or religion,
that they may be accorded the rights and dignity which are theirs.
– Look on us with favor, Lord, and hear us.

May all who died in your love share in your happiness,
with Mary, our mother, and all your holy ones.
– Look on us with favor, Lord, and hear us.

Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

Concluding Prayer

Show favor, O Lord,
to your servants
and mercifully increase the gifts of your grace,
that, made fervent in hope, faith and charity,
they may be ever watchful in keeping your commands.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.

DISMISSAL

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

[markomalley]

Jul 21, Night Prayer for Saturday of the 15th week of Ordinary Time

Ribbon Placement:
Liturgy of the Hours:
Vol I, Page 1169
Vol II, Page 1619
Vol III, Page 1264
Vol IV, Page 1233

Christian Prayer:
Page 1034

Night Prayer after Evening Prayer I

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:

We are called to have a clear conscience toward God and toward men, in our hearts and in our minds, in our actions and inactions. To do so, it is vital that we examine our conscience daily and to ask for God’s mercy as we fall short and to ask for His strength to do better.

Lord, Jesus you healed the sick:
Lord, have mercy
– Lord have mercy

Lord Jesus, you forgave sinners:
Christ, have mercy.
– Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you give us yourself to heal us and bring us strength:
Lord, have mercy
– Lord have mercy

HYMN

O Christ, Who art the Light and Day,
Thou drivest darksome night away!
We know Thee as the Light of light
Illuminating mortal sight.

All holy Lord, we pray to Thee,
Keep us tonight from danger free;
Grant us, dear Lord, in Thee to rest,
So be our sleep in quiet blest.

Let not the tempter round us creep
With thoughts of evil while we sleep,
Nor with his wiles the flesh allure
And make us in Thy sight impure.

And while the eyes soft slumber take,
Still be the heart to Thee awake,
Be Thy right hand upheld above
Thy servants resting in Thy love.

Yea, our defender, be Thou nigh,
To bid the powers of darkness fly;
Keep us from sin, and guide for good
Thy servants purchased by Thy blood.

Remember us, dear Lord, we pray,
While in this mortal flesh we stay:
’Tis Thou who dost the soul defend -
Be present with us to the end.

All praise to God the Father be.
All praise, eternal Son, to Thee
Whom with the Spirit we adore
Forever and forevermore.

Amen.

Words: Latin, before 800.; Translated by: William J. Copeland and others, 1906; Alfreton, Saint Bartholomew, Christe qui lux
O Christ Who Art The Light And Day by Cambridge Singers is available from Amazon.com.

PSALMODY

Ant. 1 Have mercy, Lord, and hear my prayer.

Psalm 4
Thanksgiving
The resurrection of Christ was God’s supreme and wholly marvelous work (Saint Augustine).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ant. Have mercy, Lord, and hear my prayer.

Ant. 2 In the silent hours of night, bless the Lord.

Psalm 134
Evening prayer in the temple
Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great (Revelation 19:5).

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

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

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

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

Ant. In the silent hours of night, bless the Lord.

READING Deuteronomy 6:4-7

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

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.

Gospel Canticle

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

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

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

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

[Salvation]

Saint Lawrence of Brindisi, Priest & Doctor of the Church

Saint Lawrence of Brindisi,
Priest & Doctor of the Church
Optional Memorial
July 21st

(1559-1619). He was Italian and a Capuchin with great teaching, writing, and leadership abilities. His writings include a commentary on Genesis, several treatises against Luther, and nine volumes of sermons. He preached in many religions of Europe and died in Lisbon.

Source: Daily Roman Missal, Edited by Rev. James Socías, Midwest Theological Forum, Chicago, Illinois ©2003

Collect:
O God, who for the glory of your name
and the salvation of souls
bestowed on the Priest Saint Lawrence of Brindisi
a spirit of counsel and fortitude,
grant, we pray, that in the same spirit,
we may know what must be done
and, through his intercession,
bring it to completion.
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.

First Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:1-2,5-7
Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. We have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways; we refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us.

Gospel Reading: Mark 4:1-10, 13-20 [or Mark 4:1-9]
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, "Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way; the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight--" John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair, and had a leather girdle around his waist, and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, "After me comes he who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens opened and the Spirit descending upon him like a dove.

And he was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to him.

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel."

And passing along by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men." And immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and followed him.

---

POPE BENEDICT XVI
GENERAL AUDIENCE
Wednesday, 23 March 2011

Saint Lawrence of Brindisi

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Our catechesis today focuses on Saint Lawrence of Brindisi, a Capuchin friar of the sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries known for his vigorous labour for the salvation of souls, his vast learning and his eloquent preaching. Coming of age at a time when many of the articles of the faith were being called into question, Saint Lawrence applied his immense talents to making clear the biblical and patristic foundations of the teachings of the Church. This son of the Franciscan tradition also applied himself heroically to efforts towards peace and reconciliation between the nations and peoples of Europe. His witness serves as an excellent example for our age, so fraught with violence, ethical relativism and religious indifference. The new evangelization needs well-prepared, zealous and courageous apostles like Saint Lawrence so that the light and beauty of the Gospel may reach into the depths of every human heart. Dear friends, in order to achieve such a lofty vocation, Saint Lawrence of Brindisi would have us grow close to our Lord Jesus Christ by reading the Sacred Scriptures and by cultivating daily the relationship of love with him in personal prayer, because every good action of ours has its beginning and its end in him.

© Copyright 2011 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana

[Salvation]

On St. Lawrence of Brindisi
Sermon: Preaching is an apostolic duty [St. Lawrence of Brindisi]
St Lawrence of Brindisi
Saint Lawrence Brindisi

[Salvation]

Information: St. Lawrence of Brindisi

Feast Day:	July 21
Born:	22 July 1559 at Brindisi, Italy
Died:	22 July 1619 at Lisbon, Portugal
Canonized:	1881 by Leo XIII
Major Shrine:	Villafranca del Bierzo
Patron of:	Brindisi

[Salvation]

Interactive Saints for Kids

St. Lawrence of Brindisi

Feast Day: July 21
Born: 1559 :: Died: 1619

Caesar Rossi was born at Brindisi, in Naples, Italy and was the son of Guglielmo de Rossi and Elisabetta Masella. His father died when he was only twelve. As Caesar was growing up, he felt God calling him to serve Him. He obeyed this calling and at the age of sixteen, he joined the Capuchin Franciscans taking the name Brother Lorenzo or Lawrence.

He was sent to the University of Padua where he studied theology and gained a wonderful knowledge of the Bible. Lawrence, whose first language was Italian, surprised everyone by learning six languages also. He turned out to be a brilliant student who could speak French, German, Greek, Spanish, Syriac and Hebrew.

After he was ordained a priest, he became a popular preacher as he could comfortably preach in any of the six languages he had learnt. Because he could speak Hebrew, he worked for the conversion of the Jews living in Rome. Later, St. Lawrence was sent to set-up a new house for the Franciscans in Austria. The emperor, Rudolph II, did not want them to come. But Lawrence's tender care for victims of a plague won Emperor Rudolph to support his mission.

Then the emperor asked Lawrence to persuade the German princes to fight the Turks who were trying to wipe out Christendom (the followers of Christ). Lawrence did convince the princes to go into battle, on the condition, that he would go with them too. Lawrence agreed. But when the soldiers saw how large the Turkish army was, they wanted to quit.

So St. Lawrence putting his trust in God, rode in the lead armed only with a crucifix. The Christian soldiers took heart and fought bravely. The Turks were completely defeated. St. Lawrence received the praise which he refused, and gave glory to God for their success.

In 1602, St. Lawrence became the master general of his order. He worked hard, preached beautiful sermons and prepared many writings to spread the Good News. He went on important peace missions to Munich in Germany and Madrid in Spain. He helped the rulers see how much pain and suffering this enmity was causing and made peace between the two countries.

The strain of traveling so much and his hard life finally made St. Lawrence very sick. He died on his birthday, July 22, in 1619. The Capuchin Franciscans put together fifteen volumes of his sermons, letters and writings in 1956. And three years later, he was honored as "Apostolic Doctor of the Church" by Pope John XXIII in 1959.

Reflection: To whom do I give credit and offer thanks for the success or good things that I receive in life?

[annalex]

Matthew
	English: Douay-Rheims	Latin: Vulgata Clementina	Greek NT: Byzantine/Majority Text (2000)
	Matthew 12
14.	And the Pharisees going out made a consultation against him, how they might destroy him.	Exeuntes autem pharisæi, consilium faciebant adversus eum, quomodo perderent eum.	οι δε φαρισαιοι συμβουλιον ελαβον κατ αυτου εξελθοντες οπως αυτον απολεσωσιν
15.	But Jesus knowing it, retired from thence: and many followed him, and he healed them all.	Jesus autem sciens recessit inde : et secuti sunt eum multi, et curavit eos omnes :	ο δε ιησους γνους ανεχωρησεν εκειθεν και ηκολουθησαν αυτω οχλοι πολλοι και εθεραπευσεν αυτους παντας
16.	And he charged them that they should not make him known.	et præcepit eis ne manifestum eum facerent.	και επετιμησεν αυτοις ινα μη φανερον αυτον ποιησωσιν
17.	That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaias the prophet, saying:	Ut adimpleretur quod dictum est per Isaiam prophetam, dicentem :	οπως πληρωθη το ρηθεν δια ησαιου του προφητου λεγοντος
18.	Behold my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom my soul hath been well pleased. I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.	Ecce puer meus, quem elegi, dilectus meus, in quo bene complacuit animæ meæ. Ponam spiritum meum super eum, et judicium gentibus nuntiabit.	ιδου ο παις μου ον ηρετισα ο αγαπητος μου εις ον ευδοκησεν η ψυχη μου θησω το πνευμα μου επ αυτον και κρισιν τοις εθνεσιν απαγγελει
19.	He shall not contend, nor cry out, neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.	Non contendet, neque clamabit, neque audiet aliquis in plateis vocem ejus :	ουκ ερισει ουδε κραυγασει ουδε ακουσει τις εν ταις πλατειαις την φωνην αυτου
20.	The bruised reed he shall not break: and smoking flax he shall not extinguish: till he send forth judgment unto victory.	arundinem quassatam non confringet, et linum fumigans non extinguet, donec ejiciat ad victoriam judicium :	καλαμον συντετριμμενον ου κατεαξει και λινον τυφομενον ου σβεσει εως αν εκβαλη εις νικος την κρισιν
21.	And in his name the Gentiles shall hope.	et in nomine ejus gentes sperabunt.	και τω ονοματι αυτου εθνη ελπιουσιν

[annalex]

14. Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.
15. But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;
16. And charged them that they should not make him known:
17. That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,
18. Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall show judgment to the Gentiles.
19. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.
20. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking hex shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment to victory.
21. And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.

HILARY; The Pharisees are moved with jealousy at what had been done; because beholding the outward body of a man, they did not recognize the God in His works; The Pharisees went out and sought counsel against him, how they might destroy him.

RABAN; He says, went out because their mind was alien from the Lord. They took counsel how they might destroy life, not how themselves might find life.

HILARY; And He knowing their plots withdrew, that He might be far from the counsels Of the evil hearted, as it follows, Jesus knowing it departed thence.

JEROME; Knowing, that is, their designs against Him, He withdrew Himself, that He might remove from the Pharisees all opportunity of sin.

REMIG; Or; He withdrew from thence as avoiding the designs of His own when they persecuted Him; or because that was not the time or place for Him to suffer, for It cannot be that a Prophet should perish out of Jerusalem, as He Himself spoke. The Lord also shunned those who persecuted Him through hatred, and went thither where He found many who were attached to Him from affection, whence it follows, And there followed him many. Him whom the Pharisees with one consent plotted against to destroy, the untaught multitude with one consent love and follow; whence they soon received the fulfillment of their desires, for it follows, And he healed them all.

HILARY; On those whom He healed He enjoined silence, whence it follows, And he charged them that they should not make him known. For his restored health was a witness to each man. And by commanding them to hold their peace, He avoids all ostentation of Himself, and at the same time notwithstanding affords a knowledge of Himself in that very admonition to hold their peace; for the observance of silence proceeds from that very thing which is to be kept silent.

RABAN; In this also He instructs us, that when we have done any thing great we are not to seek praise abroad.

REMIG; And He also gives them command that they should not make Him known, that they might not by persecuting Him be put into a worse state.

CHRYS; And that you may not be troubled at those things which are done, and at the incredible madness of the Pharisees, He introduces the Prophet's words. For such was the carefulness of the Prophets, that they had not omitted even this, but had noted all His ways and movements, and the meaning with which He did this; that you might learn that He spoke all things by the Holy Spirit; for if it be impossible to know the thoughts of men, much more to know the meaning of Christ, Unless the Holy Spirit revealed it. Therefore it follows, That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the Prophet, saying, Behold my servant whom I have chosen.

REMIG; The Lord Jesus Christ is called the servant of the Almighty God, not in respect of His divinity, but in respect of the dispensation of the flesh which He took upon Him, because by the cooperation of the Holy Spirit He took flesh of the Virgin without stain of sin. Some books have, Elect, whom I have chosen, for He was chosen by God the Father, that is, predestined that He should be the Son of God, proper, not adopted.

RABAN; Whom I have chosen, he says, for a work which none else has done, that He should redeem the human race, and make peace between God and the world. It follows, My beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased, for He alone is the Lamb without spot of sin, of whom the Father speaks, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

REMIG; That he says, My soul, is not to be understood as though God the Father had a soul, but by way of adaptation, showing how God is disposed towards Him. And it is no wonder that a soul is ascribed to God in this manner, seeing that all other members of the body are likewise.

CHRYS; This the Prophet puts in the beginning, that you might learn that that which is here said was according to the counsel of the Father. For he that is beloved does according to his will who loves him. And again, he that is chosen, does not as an enemy break the law, nor as one being an adversary of the legislator, but as one in agreement with Him. Because therefore He is beloved, I will put my Spirit upon him.

REMIG; Then also God the Father put His Spirit upon Him, when by the working of the Holy Spirit He took flesh of the Virgin; and as soon as He became man, He took the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

JEROME; But the Holy Spirit is put, not on the Word of God, but on the Only-Begotten, who came forth from the bosom of the Father; on Him, that is, of whom it is said, Behold my servant. And what He will do by Him He adds, And he shall declare judgment to the Gentiles.

AUG; Seeing He preached the judgment to come which was hidden from the Gentiles.

CHRYS; Further, to show His lowliness, He says, He shall not strive; and so He was offered up as the Father had willed, and gave Himself willingly into the hands of His persecutors. Neither shall he cry; so He was dumb as a lamb before his shearer. Nor shall any hear his voice in the streets.

JEROME; For the way is broad and wide which leads to destruction, and many walk in it; and being many, they will not hear the voice of the Savior, because they are not in the narrow but in the broad way.

REMIG; The Greek is in Latin called 'latitudo.' No one therefore has heard His voice in the streets, because He has not promised pleasant things in this world to those that love Him, but hardships.

CHRYS; The Lord sought to heal the Jews by this mildness. But though they rejected Him, yet He did not resist them by destroying them; whence the Prophet, displaying His power and their weakness, says, A bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoking flax he shall not quench.

JEROME; He that holds not out his hand to a sinner, nor bears his brother's burden, he breaks a bruised reed; and he who despises a weak spark of faith in a little one, he quenches a smoking flax.

AUG; So He neither bruised nor quenched the Jewish persecutors, who are here likened to a bruised reed which has lost its wholeness, and to a smoking flax which has lost its flame; but He spared them because He was not come to judge them, but to be judged by them.

ID; In the smoking flax it is observed, that when the flame is out it causes a stink.

CHRYS; Or this, He shall not break a bruised reed, shows that it was as easy for Him to break them all, as to break a reed, and that a bruised reed. And, He shall not quench a smoking flax, shows that their rage was fired, and that the power of Christ was strong to quench such rage with all readiness; hence in this is shown the great mercy of Christ.

HILARY; Or, he means this bruised reed that is not broken, to show that the perishing and bruised bodies of the Gentiles, are not to be broken, but are rather reserved for salvation. He shall not quench a smoking flax; shows the feebleness of that spark which though not quenched, only molders in the flax, and that among the remnants of that ancient grace, the Spirit is yet not quite taken away from Israel, but power still remains to them of resuming the whole flame thereof in a day of penitence.

JEROME; Or, the reverse; He calls the Jews a bruised reed, whom tossed by the wind and shaken from one another, the Lord did not immediately condemn, but patiently endured; and the smoking flax He calls the people gathered out of the Gentiles, who, having extinguished the light of the natural law, were involved in the wandering mazes of thick darkness of smoke, bitter and hurtful to the eyes; this He not only did not extinguish, by reducing them to ashes, but on the contrary from a small spark and one almost dead He raised a mighty flame.

CHRYS; But one might say, What then shall these things be always thus? Will He endure for even those who thus lay snares, and are mad against Him? Far from it; when His own work shall be all complete, then shall He work these things also. And this He signifies saying, Until he shall send forth judgment to victory, as much as to say, When He shall have accomplished all things which are of Himself, then shall He bring in perfect vengeance; then shall they receive punishment when He has made his victory illustrious, that there be not left to them any irreverent opportunity of contradiction.

HILARY; Or, Until he shall send forth judgment to victory, that is, Until He shall take away the power of death, and bring in judgment and the return of His splendor.

RABAN; Or, Until that judgment which was being done in Him should come forth to victory. For after that by His resurrection He has overcome death, and driven forth the prince of this world He returned as conqueror to His kingdom to sit on the right hand of the Father, until He shall put all His enemies under His feet.

CHRYS; But the things of this dispensation will not rest in this only, that they who have not believed should be punished, but He will also draw the world to Him, whence it follows, And in his name shall the Gentiles hope.

AUG; This last we now see fulfilled; and thus this which cannot be denied establishes the truth of that which some have denied through ignorance, the last judgment namely, which He will hold upon earth, when He Himself shall come from heaven. Fur who could have expected that the Gentiles would have hope in Christ's name, when He was in the hands of His enemies, when He was bound, scourged, set at nothing, and crucified; when even His disciples had lost that hope which they had begun to have in Him? That which one thief hardly hoped on the cross, the nations scattered far and wide now hope. And that they may not die forever, they are marked with that very cross on which He died. Let none then doubt that the last judgment will be by Christ Himself.

REMIG; And it should be known, that the meaning not only of this passage, but of many others also, is supported by this testimony from the Prophet. The words, Behold my servant, may be referred to the place in which the Father had said above, This is my Son. The words, I will put my Spirit upon him is referred to the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Lord at His baptism; He shall declare judgment to the Gentiles, to that which He says below When the Son of Man shall sit in the seat of his Majesty. What He adds, He shall not strive nor cry, refers to the Lord how He answered but little to the Chief priests, and to Pilate, but to Herod nothing at all. He shall not break the bruised reed, refers to His shunning His persecutors that they might not be made worse; and that In his name shall the Gentiles hope, refers to what Himself says below, Go and teach all nations.

Catena Aurea Matthew 12

[annalex]

Ecce Homo

Cigoli

1607
Oil on canvas, 175 x 135 cm
Galleria Palatina (Palazzo Pitti), Florence

[Salvation]

 

Catholic

Almanac:

Saturday, July 21
Liturgical Color: Green
Today is the optional memorial of St. Lawrence of Brindisi, priest and Doctor of the Church. Lawrence was a master of many languages and converted many by teaching the faith to others in their native tongue. Lawrence died in 1619.

[Salvation]

Catholic Culture

Daily Readings for: July 21, 2012
(Readings on USCCB website)

Collect: O God, who for the glory of your name and the salvation of souls bestowed on the Priest Saint Lawrence of Brindisi a spirit of counsel and fortitude, grant, we pray, that in the same spirit, we may know what must be done and, through his intercession, bring it to completion. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

RECIPES

• Spaghetti a la Brindisi

PRAYERS

• Litany of Saint Lawrence of Brindisi
• Novena to St. Anne

Ordinary Time: July 21st

Optional Memorial of St. Lawrence of Brindisi, priest and doctor

Old Calendar: St. Praxedes, virgin

St. Lawrence, the first Capuchin Franciscan to be honored as a Doctor, was born in 1559 at Brindisi, a town located on the Adriatic coast of the heel of Italy. Educated from his youth by the Conventual Franciscan Friars, he acquired great facility in languages and is considered the greatest linguist among the Doctors of the Church. His fields of labor were many: army chaplain, diplomat, leader of the Counter-Reformation in Austria and Bohemia, teacher of Sacred Scripture, exegete and mariologist. St. Lawrence offers priests a wonderful model for their studies and preaching. He was canonized in 1881 by Leo XIII.

Before the reform of the General Roman Calendar today was the feast of St. Praxedes, whose history is rather obscure. A sixth century account makes her a sister of St. Pudentiana and a daughter of the senator Pudens, which would place her life around the origin of the Church in Rome.

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St. Lawrence of Brindisi
His name was Julius Caesar, and he was born at Brindisi in the kingdom of Naples in 1559. Educated in Venice at the College of St. Mark, he entered the Capuchins and was given the name Lawrence. Finishing his studies at the University of Padua, he showed a flair for languages, mastering Hebrew, Greek, German, Bohemian, Spanish, and French, and showed an extraordinary knowledge of the text of the Bible.

While still a deacon, St. Lawrence of Brindisi became known as an excellent preacher and after his ordination startled the whole of northern Italy with his amazing sermons. Sent into Germany by the pope to establish Capuchin houses, he became chaplain to Emperor Rudolf II and had a remarkable influence on the Christian soldiers fighting the Muslims when they were threatening Hungary in 1601. Through his efforts, the Catholic League was formed to give solidarity to the Catholic cause in Europe. Sent by the emperor to persuade Philip III of Spain to join the League, he established a Capuchin friary in Madrid. He also brought peace between Spain and the kingdom of Savoy.

His compassion for the poor, the needy, and the sick was legendary. Elected minister-general of his order in 1602, he made the Capuchins a major force in the Catholic Restoration, visiting every friary in the thirty-four provinces of the order and directing the work of nine thousand friars. He himself was a dominant figure in carrying out the work of the Council of Trent and was described by Pope Benedict XV as having earned "a truly distinguished place among the most outstanding men ever raised up by Divine Providence to assist the Church in time of distress."

In 1619, he undertook a journey to see King Philip III of Spain on behalf of the oppressed people of Naples who were ruled by a tyrannical governor. Lawrence reached Lisbon where the king was residing, and it was there that his last illness overtook him. His body was carried back to Spain and buried in the church of the Poor Clares at Villafranca del Bierzo.

Lawrence was canonized by Pope Leo XIII in 1881 and declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope John XXIII in 1959.

Excerpted from The One Year Book of Saints by Rev. Clifford Stevens

Things to Do:

• From the Catholic Culture library read 'The Woman Clothed with the Sun' According to St. Lawrence of Brindisi and The Thirtieth Doctor of the Church.

• Read more about the life of St. Lawrence from the Catholic Encyclopedia and also this account of St. Lawrence as Doctor of the Church.

• If you desire to learn more about St. Lawrence and the other Doctors of the Church, audios, videos and CD's are available from The Crossroads Initiative, a ministry of Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio. See Catholic Culture's review of this website.

• If you would like to read more about the Doctors of the Church, Fr. Christopher Rengers, O.F.M. Cap. has written an excellent book, The 33 Doctors Of The Church which may be purchased from Amazon.com.

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St. Praxedes
A virgin saint from the earliest Christian times who placed her goods and her services at the disposal of the Church! The life of this saint, like that of most other early Christian saints, remains concealed in the obscurities of legend.

Praxedes, it is said, was the sister of St. Pudentiana; she was devoted to the practice of works of mercy, particularly towards martyrs, during the reign of Emperor Antoninus (138-161). "Some she kept in hiding in her house, others she encouraged to profess the faith heroically, and the dead she buried. To those languishing in prison she brought needed assistance. When she no longer could endure the sight of the cruel oppression to which Christians were subjected, she implored the Lord to take her from this vale of tears if such were His holy will. It was. On July 21 the Lord called and gave her heaven as the reward for her piety and love of neighbor. Her body was placed in the catacomb of Priscilla in the tomb of her father Pudens and her sister Pudentiana".

Excerpted from The Church's Year of Grace, Pius Parsch

Patron: Single laywomen.

Symbols: Sponge and cup or basin; two open purses; bunch of leaves or herbs.

Things to Do:

• No matter how high a standard of living may prevail, there always remain abundant opportunities for practicing the corporal works of mercy. It is not the Christian approach to leave the physical needs of others, whether in your own community or in a distant country, to state agencies. When did I last with my own hands "clothe the naked....feed the hungry....harbor the harborless"?

[Salvation]

Doctors of the Catholic Church

Saint Lawrence of Brindisi is the Apostolic Doctor and the doctor of conversions and missions. He said that the Savior would have become man even if the first man, Adam, had not sinned. No other doctor stated more clearly how much God desires to share love with us with these profound words. From this comment, we understand that God is a Lover first and afterwards a Savior. It is primarily through his love in the person of Jesus Christ as Savior that we know how to be saved.

Jesus' coming reveals why we need to continue his mission with him and have a mission or purpose for others. Conversion and sanctification can be a life-long process acted out daily.

Lawrence was quickly elected to the highest office with the Capuchins. He was also appointed Papal Emissary and peacemaker. He traveled to foreign countries to settle royal quarrels, acted as a Diplomat and worked for pacification and healing among nations. His ability to speak eight languages empowered him to evangelize and teach about God's love and how we are to be saved.

Everywhere he completed a mission there were miracles and conversions. His words and example were always inspiring, simple yet profound. He was a person of enormous influence and his writings probably exceeded all the doctors. His love and expression about St Mary revealed her efficacious role as the Redeemer's Mother and Savior.

St Lawrence, 1559-1619. Doctor of Conversions and Missions, Feast Day July 21st.

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The Word Among Us

Meditation: Matthew 12:14-21

“When Jesus realized this, he withdrew.” (Matthew 12:15)

Jesus had stirred up a hornets’ nest. The Pharisees were already feeling threatened by the way he had challenged their teachings, and Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath was the last straw. They started looking for a way to get rid of him. So what did Jesus do? He left that area and continued his ministry quietly, waiting for the storm to blow over.

While this may seem merely like avoiding conflict, Jesus was showing the discernment that characterizes the servant of God described in Isaiah’s prophecy. Jesus chose not to contend directly with his opponents. He had the judgment to know when to engage them in an argument and when to stay quiet and out of sight. In this case, by retreating from the controversy even for a short time, Jesus was able to continue ministering and winning people over. He sensed that the time had not yet come for an open confrontation.

Discernment can be a tricky process. Our passions or fears can be strong enough to push us in the wrong direction. Circumstances can back us into a corner and make us think that there is only one way out. When we face hostility, it’s only natural to want to strike back. When we feel afraid, it’s only natural to want to run. But with practice, we can get in the habit of stopping to pray in critical moments and asking the Holy Spirit to help us make the wisest move in our situation. As we master our passions in this way, we can become a valuable instrument in the Lord’s hands.

Today is a good day to begin! As you go through your day, stop and ask the Holy Spirit whether you’re on the right track. When faced with a choice, pause to pray first. Take a deep breath and say: “Come, Holy Spirit” before you react to a tense situation. Then, when you feel a nudge in a certain direction, try it out—especially if that prompting gives you a sense of peace or confidence in God. Take that first step toward developing the gift and habit of discernment.

“Holy Spirit, deepen in me the virtue of wisdom. Help me master my passions so that I can be useful to God in my words and deeds.”

Micah 2:1-5; Psalm 10:1-4, 7-8, 14

[Salvation]

 

Marriage = One Man and One Woman

Til' Death Do Us Part

Daily Marriage Tip for July 21, 2012:

Since before Cinderella, stepparents have had a bad rap. Stepparents play a precarious role, trying to love as a true parent but often unsure of their job. If you have a stepchild, listen and wait to be accepted. If you don’t, pray for those in step relationships this week.

[Salvation]

Regnum Christi

The Quiet Healer

| SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY

Saturday of the Fifteenth Week of Ordinary Time

Father Shawn Aaron, LC

Matthew 12: 14-21

The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place. Many people followed him, and he cured them all, but he warned them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet: "Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight; I shall place my spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not contend or cry out, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope."

Introductory Prayer: God our Father, you gave us your Son to make us your children. I believe, and I am hoping to be raised to full maturity in him through the school of the Gospel. Thank you for your unconditional love. I offer you my love in return, knowing you welcome it as a parent does a small child.

Petition: Jesus, like you, make my heart attentive to the needs of others.



1. When Jesus Realized This, He Withdrew from That Place: There is a great lesson for us here: It is not yet his "hour," so Jesus does not force the issue. Jesus does not taunt the Pharisees or provoke an unnecessary clash. Whenever Jesus challenges a person it is in order to lead that person to a deeper self-reflection and ultimately to a conversion of heart and of life. He did this on several occasions with the same Scribes and Pharisees. Yet this is not the time to engage them intellectually; their hearts are closed and they are unwilling to listen. When at times we find ourselves in a disagreement (perhaps even with a loved one), once the emotions are roused and it becomes clear that one or both parties are not ready for the truth, the prudent, loving and humble thing to do is withdraw from the situation until the moment our hearts are more open to listening.

2. The Master Physician: Matthew´s comment in this section of the Gospel is quite revealing: "Many people followed him, and he cured them all." We must not imagine that all of the healings were physical. So "meek and humble" is Jesus that every person felt he could approach him. If a bruised reed comes to Jesus – a person battered by life, trials and his own sin – his first and only inclination is to heal that soul. Even to this very day Jesus continually takes what is broken and makes it whole. He is the master physician who binds up wounds so that the person may be healed. In light of this attitude we recognize the contrast between the Pharisees, who seek to kill, and Jesus, who continues to give life to all who come to him.

3. A Ember of Faith: All Jesus needs is the slightest ember of faith and hope to change a person´s life. For instance, we cannot force a person to love us or to trust us. Likewise, God himself respects the very freedom he entrusted to us. Nonetheless, our Lord does give the human person a searching mind and heart. That is why we can say that the human person is religious by nature from the beginning. Atheists are not born; they are made by their choices. Within the human soul God already provides us with the kindling for faith, hope and love. Once we are baptized, that kindling can become an unquenchable fire. Yet it can also be extinguished if we carelessly expose it to the winds and waves of unbridled selfishness, secularism, skepticism and systematic doubt . No matter how far we think we may have drifted, if we will simply turn to Jesus, we will find that he is already looking at us.

Conversation with Christ: Lord Jesus, you see and know what I am to become if I will keep close to you in faith, hope and love. Deepen within me the desire to remain united to you in prayer so as to imitate you in love. Help me become with you what I can never become without you. Mother Most Pure, make my heart only for Jesus.

Resolution: Today I will contact someone who needs to be encouraged and listened to.

[Salvation]

God’s Unfailing Love

• Homily of the Day
• July 21st, 2012
• My Catholic

First Reading: 1 Mi 2:1-5

Psalm: 10:1-2, 3-4, 7-8, 14

Gospel: Mt 12:14-21

Jesus was aware that some of the religious leaders of His time were plotting to destroy Him. When we are rejected, hated, and threatened with murder, we normally turn in on ourselves and become preoccupied with our problems. However, Jesus did just the opposite. He reached out to many people and cured them all (Mt 12:15). When we’re wounded, we think of being healed. When Jesus was wounded, He healed others.

When Jesus was hanging on the cross, He did not give in to self-pity. Rather, He kept forgiving those executing Him (Lk 23:34), promised paradise to the good thief (Lk 23:43), called Mary to be a mother to His disciples (Jn 19:26-27), and commended His Spirit to His Father (Lk 23:46). Jesus was God-centered, other-centered, and sinner-centered. Even in His agony and pain on Calvary, Jesus was not self-centered.

It’s humanly impossible to die to self when you feel as if you’re dying. However, Jesus lives in all those who have given their lives to Him. Jesus will make us Christ-centered rather than self-centered. He will free us from the tyranny of self.

[Salvation]

One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

 

<< Saturday, July 21, 2012 >>

St. Lawrence of Brindisi Saint of the Day

Micah 2:1-5
View Readings

Psalm 10:1-4, 7-8, 14

Matthew 12:14-21

THE TYRANNY OF SELF

"When the Pharisees were outside they began to plot against Him to find a way to destroy Him. Jesus was aware of this." —Matthew 12:14-15

 

Jesus was aware that some of the religious leaders of His time were plotting to destroy Him. When we are rejected, hated, and threatened with murder, we normally turn in on ourselves and become preoccupied with our problems. However, Jesus did just the opposite. He reached out to many people and cured them all (Mt 12:15). When we're wounded, we think of being healed. When Jesus was wounded, He healed others.

When Jesus was hanging on the cross, He did not give in to self-pity. Rather, He kept forgiving those executing Him (Lk 23:34), promised paradise to the good thief (Lk 23:43), called Mary to be a mother to His disciples (Jn 19:26-27), and commended His Spirit to His Father (Lk 23:46). Jesus was God-centered, other-centered, and sinner-centered. Even in His agony and pain on Calvary, Jesus was not self-centered.

It's humanly impossible to die to self when you feel as if you're dying. However, Jesus lives in all those who have given their lives to Him. Jesus will make us Christ-centered rather than self-centered. He will free us from the tyranny of self.

 

Prayer: Father, may I not be self-centered so that I can truly love You and myself.

Promise: "Here is My Servant Whom I have chosen, My loved One in Whom I delight. I will endow Him with My Spirit." —Mt 12:18

Praise: St. Lawrence defended the Church against heretics and Turks.

[Salvation]