Posted on 10/21/2012 8:09:34 PM PDT by Salvation
From: Ephesians 2:1-10
Salvation As a Free Gift
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Commentary:
1-10. St Paul moves on to consider those who make up the Church — Jews and
Gentiles. Despite the sinful situation in which both found themselves (vv. 2-3),
God in is great mercy (vv. 4-5) has acted on them and made them to be like
Christ, now victorious and seated in heaven (vv. 6-7); this he has done through
the unmerited gift of faith (vv. 8-10).
1-2. “You”: he is referring to Christians of Gentile origin, in contrast with “we”
(v. 3), Christians of Jewish background.
Prior to his conversion to Christ a pagan was, as it were, en route to death, that
is, liable to condemnation on account of sin—both original sin and sin caused by
worldly behavior, that is, actions opposed to God. That is what the Apostle
means here by “this world”—a world which is under the power of the devil (cf. note
on Jn 1:10). The description of the devil as “prince of the power of the air” reflects
the notion, widely held in ancient times, that demons dwelt in the earth’s atmos-
phere, from where they exercised a baneful influence over mankind (cf. Mt 12:24;
Jn 12:31). St Paul uses the language of his time without taking on board the cos-
mology it implies. He is teaching theology, and the devil he identifies as the one
who is at work in the “sons of disobedience”, “the rebels”—an apposite descrip-
tion, for Satan is characterized by his rebellion against God, and his influence on
men leads them into rebellion to seek their fulfillment in created things or in
things of their own fashioning, thereby refusing to give God his primary place. St
Paul could see this happening in the pagan world around him (cf. Rom 1:18-23);
and in fact it happens in all periods of history when man refuses to recognize
God: “Although set by God in a state of rectitude, man, enticed by the evil one,
abused his freedom at the very start of history. He lifted himself up against God,
and sought to attain his goal apart from him. Although they had known God, they
did not glorify him as God, but their senseless hearts were darkened, and they
served the creature rather than the Creator (cf. Rom 1:21-25) [...] Often refusing
to acknowledge God as his source, man has also upset the relationship which
should link him to his last end; and at the same time he has broken the right or-
der that should reign within himself as well as between himself and other men
and all the rest of creation” (Vatican II, “Gaudium Et Spes”, 13).
3. Before the coming of Christ, those who were Jews were likewise guilty of sin
and merited denunciation. St Paul has already discussed this in his Letter to the
Romans (cf. Rom 2:1 - 3:10); now he sketches out the same ideas, to empha-
size that everyone, Jew and Gentile alike, obtains salvation through Christ (v. 5).
The Jews know the true God and have the benefits of the Law; therefore, their
sinfulness derives not so much from the seductions of the world and the devil as
from human passion. The “desires of the body and mind” does not refer simply
to the weakness of human nature (cf. Jn 1:14) or lustful desires but to all the de-
sires and appetites of human nature when it does not obey God—to man’s tenden-
cy to do whatever he wants, even when he knows that it conflicts with God’s law
(cf. Rom 7:5; 2 Cor 7:1; Col 2:13). The Jews also were subject to this power of
the flesh, for they were “children of wrath, like the rest of mankind”.
“Children of wrath”: this expression of man’s state of enmity towards God; it does
not imply that God sees man as his enemy but that by sinning man incurs divine
punishment. It has this effect for Jews and Gentiles alike.
In this verse the Apostle is referring to the behavior of both Jews and Gentiles;
thus, the words “by nature” do not exactly mean the weakness of human nature
as such but rather refer to the fact that man, if left to his own devices, cannot
avoid sin and therefore cannot escape God’s wrath. St John Chrysostom, St Je-
rome and other Fathers read “by nature” as opposed to “by grace”. This would
mean that “by nature” refers to human existence considered on its own, that is,
unaided by grace—life in a state of sin, which would mean it merited God’s wrath.
But the reason why this is so is that human nature has been debilitated by origi-
nal sin; some Fathers in fact, including St Augustine, read this passage as a
recognition of the fact of original sin. Certainly St Paul is at least implying that
there is such a thing as original sin, as St Thomas Aquinas explains: “He says
that we were (children of wrath) ‘by nature’, that is, by our natural origin, but not
meaning nature as such, for (sheer) nature is good and comes from God: he is
referring to nature in its vitiated form” (”Commentary on Eph, ad loc.”).
4. God’s mercy is the greatest expression of his love because it shows the total
gratuitousness of God’s love towards the sinner, whereby instead of punishing
him he forgives him and gives him life. The words “God, who is rich in mercy”
have great theological and spiritual depth: they are a kind of summary of all St
Paul’s teaching about God’s approach to people who are under the rule of sin,
who are “by nature children of wrath”.
Bl. John Paul II chose these words of Scripture, “dives in misericordia”, as the
title of one of his encyclicals, an encyclical which explores the divine dimension
f the mystery of Redemption. Here is how the Pope sums up biblical teaching on
mercy: “The concept of ‘mercy’ in the Old Testament has a long and rich history
[...]. It is significant that in their preaching the prophets link mercy, which they
often refer to because of the people’s sins, with the incisive image of love on
God’s part. The Lord loves Israel with the love of a special choosing, much like
the love of a spouse (cf. e.g. Hos 2:21-25 and 15; Is 54:6-8) and for this reason
he pardons its sins and even its infidelities and betrayals. When he finds repen-
tance and true conversion, he brings his people back to grace (cf. Her 31:20;
Ezek 39:25-29). In the preaching of the prophets “mercy” signifies a “special po-
wer of love”, which “prevails over the sin and infidelity” of the chosen people [...].
The Old Testament encourages people suffering from misfortune, especially
those weighed down by sin — as also the whole of Israel, which had entered into
the covenant with God — “to appeal for mercy”, and enables them to count upon
it” (”Dives In Misericordia”, 4).
In the New Testament also there are many references to God’s mercy, some-
times very touching ones, like the parable of the prodigal son (cf. Lk 15: 32);
others take a more dramatic form, for example, Christ’s sacrifice, the supreme
expression of the love of God, which is stronger than death and sin. “The ‘Cross
of Christ’, on which the Son, consubstantial with the Father, ‘renders full justice
to God’, is also ‘a radical revelation of mercy’, or rather of the love that goes
against what constitutes the very root of evil in the history of man: against sin
and death” (”ibid.”, 8).
5-6. The power of God works in the Christian in a way similar to that in which it
worked in Christ. St Paul here uses almost the same language as he did earlier
(cf. 1:20), to show how radical is the change produced in men by Christ’s salva-
tion.
Just as a dead person is unable to bring himself back to life, so those who are
dead through sin cannot obtain grace, supernatural life, by their own effort. Only
Christ, by means of the Redemption, offers us that new life which begins with ju-
stification and ends with resurrection and eternal happiness in heaven. The Apos-
tle is speaking here of that life of grace, and therefore of our future resurrection
and glorification with Christ in heaven; he refers to this as if it were an accom-
plished fact, and the reason he does so is this: Jesus Christ is our head and we
form one body with him (cf. Gal 3:28), and therefore we share in the head’s con-
dition. Christ, after his resurrection, sits at the right hand of the Father. “The bo-
dy of Christ, which the Church is”, St Augustine comments, “must be at the
right hand, that is, in the glory of heaven, as the Apostle says: ‘we have been
raised up with him and made to sit with him in heaven.’ Even though our body is
not yet there, our hope is already placed there” (”De Agone Christiano”, 26).
From the moment of our incorporation into Christ by Baptism, his resurrection
and exaltation is something which is already present in us in an incomplete way:
“Thus by Baptism”, Vatican II teaches, “men are grafted into the paschal mys-
tery of Christ; they die with him, are buried with him, and rise with him (cf. Rom
6:4; Eph 2:6; Col 3:1; 2 Tim 2:11f). They receive the spirit of adoption as sons in
which ‘we cry, Abba, Father’ (Rom 8:15) and thus become true adorers such as
the Father seeks (cf. Jn 4:23)” (”Sacrosanctum Concilium”, 6). See the note on
Rom 6:9-10.
The Redemption has already been accomplished, and man has available to him
all the grace he needs for salvation: the gates of heaven are open wide; it is now
the responsibility of every individual to make room for grace in his soul, to avail
of grace to respond to our Lord’s call. Through Christ, “we have been reborn spi-
ritually, for through him we are crucified to the world,” St Zozimus comments.
“By his death that decree of death has been destroyed which Adam caused and
which was passed on to every soul — that sentence which we incur through our
descent, from which absolutely no one is free prior to being set free by Baptism”
(”Epist. ‘Tractoria’, Dz-Sch”, 231).
8-9. Salvation is the work of God, a gratuitous gift of God: it originates in God’s
mercy. It acts in man by means of faith, that is, by man’s acceptance of the sal-
vation offered him in Jesus Christ. But even faith, St Paul tells us, is a divine gift;
man cannot merit it by his own efforts alone; it is not exclusively the outcome of
human freedom; at all stages, from the very beginning, recognition and accep-
tance of Christ as Savior means that God’s grace is at work.
On the basis of this passage in Ephesians and other passages of Scripture, the
Church has taught: “According to the passages of Sacred Scripture and the ex-
planations of the Holy Fathers [specified] we, with God’s help must believe and
preach the following: The free will of man was made so weak and unsteady
through the sin of the first man that, after the Fall, no one could love God as
was required, or believe in God, or perform good works for God unless the grace
of divine mercy anticipated him [...]. Even after the coming of Christ this grace of
faith is not found in the free will of all who desire to be baptized but is conferred
through the generosity of Christ, according to what has already been said and
according to what the Apostle Paul teaches: ‘It has been granted to you that for
the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake’
(Phil 1:29). And also: ‘he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion
at the day of Jesus Christ’ (Phil 1:6). And again: ‘By grace you have been saved
through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God’ (Eph 2:8). And
the Apostle says of himself: ‘As one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy’ (1
Cor 7:25; cf. 1 Tim 1:13) [...]. And Scripture says further: ‘What have you that
you did not receive?’ (1 Cor 4:7). And again: ‘Every good endowment and every
perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights’ (Jas 1:17). And
again: ‘No one can receive anything except what is given from heaven’ (Jn 3:27)”
(Second Council of Orange, “De Gratia”, conclusion).
The Second Vatican Council provides the same teaching: “’By faith man freely
commits his entire self to God [...]; before this faith can be exercised, man must
have the grace of God to move and assist him; he must have the interior help of
the Holy Spirit, who moves the heart and converts it to God, who opens the eyes
of the mind and ‘makes it easy for all to accept and believe the truth’ (”De Gratia”,
can . 7; “Dei Filius”)’’ (”Dei Verbum”, 5).
When St Paul says that faith does not come from works (v. 9), he is referring to
things man can do on his own, without the help of grace. If faith did come from
works, then man would have something to boast to God about, something which
would bring salvation without dependence on Christ—which would be inadmissible,
because then our Lord’s death would make no sense, nor would even the Incar-
nation of the Word, whom “God has made our wisdom, our righteousness and
sanctification and redemption; therefore, as it is written, ‘Let him who boasts,
boast of the Lord”’ (1 Cor 1:30-31). See also the notes on Jas 2:14; Rom 3:20-
31; 9:31.
10. The Christian became a new creation—”we are his workmanship”— when he
was inserted into Christ at Baptism (cf. 2 Cor 5:17). Once justified by Baptism,
he should live in a manner consistent with his faith, that is, with his new life. The
life of grace in fact moves him to do those good works which God wishes to see
performed (he had already laid down that this should be so) and which perfect
the work of salvation. Deeds, works, prove the genuineness of faith: “faith by it-
self, if it has no works, is dead” (Jas 2:17). Without these works — the practice
of the theological and moral virtues—not only would faith be dead; our love for
God and neighbor would be false.
Having said that, it is also true that to bring about this renewal in man God
counts on man’s readiness to respond to grace and on his carrying out “good
works”.
Christian Tradition has always taught that the fruits of faith are a proof of its vita-
lity. For example, this is what St Polycarp has to say: “It does my heart good to
see how the solid roots of your faith, which have such a reputation ever since ear-
ly times, are still flourishing and bearing fruit in Jesus Christ [...]. Many desire to
share in your joy, well knowing that it is by the will of God that you are saved
through Jesus Christ” (”Letter to the Philippians”, chap. 1).
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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: Luke 12:13-21
Parable of the Rich Fool
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Commentary:
13. This man is only interested in his own problems; he sees in Jesus only a tea-
cher with authority and prestige who can help sort out his case (cf. Deuteronomy
21:17). He is a good example of those who approach religious authorities not to
seek advice on the way they should go in their spiritual life, but rather to get them
to solve their material problems. Jesus vigorously rejects the man’s request — not
because He is insensitive to the injustice which may have been committed in this
family, but because it is not part of His redemptive mission to intervene in matters
of this kind. By His word and example the Master shows us that His work of sal-
vation is not aimed at solving the many social and family problems that arise in
human society; He has come to give us principles and moral standards which
should inspire our actions in temporal affairs, but not to give us precise, techni-
cal solutions to problems which arise; to that end He has endowed us with intel-
ligence and freedom.
15-21. After His statement in verse 15, Jesus tells the parable of the foolish rich
man: what folly it is to put our trust in amassing material goods to ensure we
have a comfortable life on earth, forgetting the goods of the spirit, which are what
really ensure us — through God’s mercy — of eternal life.
This is how St. Athanasius explained these words of our Lord: “A person who
lives as if he were to die every day — given that our life is uncertain by definition
— will not sin, for good fear extinguishes most of the disorder of our appetites;
whereas he who thinks he has a long life ahead of him will easily let himself be
dominated by pleasures” (”Adversus Antigonum”).
19. This man’s stupidity consisted in making material possession his only aim in
life and his only insurance policy. It is lawful for a person to want to own what he
needs for living, but if possession of material resources becomes an absolute, it
spells the ultimate destruction of the individual and of society. “Increased posses-
sion is not the ultimate goal of nations nor of individuals. All growth is ambivalent.
It is essential if man is to develop as a man, but in a way it imprisons man if he
considers it the supreme good, and it restricts his vision. Then we see hearts har-
den and minds close, and men no longer gather together in friendship but out of
self-interest, which soon leads to strife and disunity. The exclusive pursuit of pos-
sessions thus becomes an obstacle to individual fulfillment and to man’s true
greatness. Both for nations and for individual, avarice is the most evident form
of underdevelopment” (Paul VI, “Populorum Progressio”, 19).
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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.
First reading | Ephesians 2:1-10 © |
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Psalm | Psalm 99:1-5 © |
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Gospel Acclamation | Ps24:4,5 |
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Or | Mt5:3 |
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Gospel | Luke 12:13-21 © |
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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. 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.
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. 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." Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
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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.
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.
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
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A Prayer for our Free Nation Under God
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From an Obama bumper sticker on a car:
"Pray for Obama. Psalm 109:8"
PLEASE JOIN US -
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October Devotion: The Holy Rosary
This feast was established by Pope Pius V to commemorate the great victory of the Christian army against the Turks in the Battle of Lepanto in 1571.
All soldiers on the battlefield prayed the Rosary for three hours and the wind has shifted in their favor. They were able to defeat an army three times bigger, in one of the greatest naval victory in history.
Pope Pius V named this the Feast of Our Lady of Victories, to be celebrated on October 7th.
In 1573, Pope Gregory XIII changed the title of this memorial to Feast of the Holy Rosary.
Pope Paul VI established the form that we celebrate this feast today, in 1969 under the name Our Lady of the Rosary.
The celebration of this day invites all to mediate upon the mysteries of Christ, following the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary who was so singularly associated with the incarnation, passion and glorious resurrection of the Son of God.
Madonna del Rosario
Caravaggio
1607
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 will be forever. 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 Joyful Mysteries
(Mondays and Saturdays)
1. The Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38) [Spiritual fruit - Humility]
2. The Visitation (Luke 1: 39-56) [Spiritual fruit - Love of Neighbor]
3. The Nativity (Luke 2:1-20) [Spiritual fruit - Poverty of Spirit]
4. The Presentation (Luke 2:21-38) [Spiritual fruit - Purity of mind & body]
5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52) [Spiritual fruit - Obedience ]
The Luminous Mysteries or Mysteries of Light
(Thursdays) see Rosarium Virginis Mariae
1. Jesus' Baptism in the Jordan (II Corinthians 5:21, Matthew 3:17 and parallels) [Spiritual fruit - Gratitude for the gift of Faith]
2. Jesus' self-manifestation at the wedding of Cana (John 2:1- 12) [Spiritual fruit - Fidelity]
3. Jesus' proclamation of the Kingdom of God, with His call to conversion (Mark 1:15, Mark 2:3-13; Luke 7:47- 48, John 20:22-23) [Spiritual fruit - Desire for Holiness]
4. Jesus' Transfiguration (Luke 9:35 and parallels) [Spiritual fruit - Spiritual Courage]
5. Jesus' institution of the Eucharist, as the sacramental expression of the Paschal Mystery. (Luke 24:13-35 and parallels, 1 Corinthians 11:24-25) [Spiritual fruit - Love of our Eucharistic Lord]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]The Glorious Mysteries
(Wednesdays and Sundays)
1.The Resurrection (Matthew 28:1-8, Mark 16:1-18, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-29) [Spiritual fruit - Faith]
2. The Ascension (Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:6-11) [Spiritual fruit - Christian Hope]
3. The Descent of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:1-13) [Spiritual fruit - Gifts of the Holy Spirit]
4. The Assumption [Spiritual fruit - To Jesus through Mary]
5. The Coronation [Spiritual fruit - Grace of Final Perseverance]
The Fifteen Promises Granted to Those Who Recite the Rosary [Catholic Caucus]
Essays for Lent: The Rosary
Radio Replies Second Volume - The Rosary
Town Rejects Rosary as Offensive and the Prayers that Changed Everything
No-contact order over a student's rosary
Collecting 860 rosaries result of a lifelong passion (Catholic Caucus)
After rosary campaign, Florida sheriff abruptly shuts down abortion clinic on Marian feast
Public Rosary in San Francisco to draw thousands [Catholic Caucus]
Chicago's Incredible Floating Rosary
Enourmous Rosary floats over Chicago
Surprised by the Joyful Mysteries (of the Rosary) [Catholic Caucus]
HISTORY OF THE ROSARY [Catholic/Orthodox Caucus]
The Rosary-a tool for evangelization [Catholic Caucus]
OUR LADY AND HEAVENS PEACE PLAN (Say the Rosary) [Ecumenical]
[CATHOLIC/ORTHODOX CAUCUS] 5th Joyful Mystery: The Finding in the Temple (Patristic Rosary)
[CATHOLIC/ORTHODOX CAUCUS] 4th Joyful Mystery: The Presentation (Patristic Rosary)
[CATHOLIC/ORTHODOX CAUCUS] 3rd Joyful Mystery: The Nativity (Patristic Rosary)
Praying the Holy Rosary in October
[CATHOLIC/ORTHODOX CAUCUS] 2nd Joyful Mystery: The Visitation (Patristic Rosary)
[CATHOLIC/ORTHODOX CAUCUS] 1st Joyful Mystery: The Annuniciation (Patristic Rosary)
[CATHOLIC CAUCUS] On the Rosary
Lists Every Catholic Should be Familiar With: 15 [20] Mysteries of the Holy Rosary & When They Are Prayed
It Was the Rosary: Mainz Priest Talks About His Vocation
Rosary to Halt Construction of NYC Mosque (Catholic Caucus)
British Soldier Shot in Afghanistan is Saved by His ROSARY...Like His Great-Grandfather in WWII
Catholic Caucus: Rosary Beads Saved My Life, British Soldier Says
British soldier shot in Afghanistan is saved my his ROSARY
Rosary returned to Vietnam vet as pledged 44 years ago
Rosary for the Bishop celebrates six months of prayer, global expansion
Rosary Rallies for Priests Give Final Flourish to Their Special Year (ECUMENICAL)
The Unseen Power of the Rosary
Worldwide Rosary Relay to Offer Prayer for Priests
Boy Suspended For Rosary -- Reinstated
NY school sued after teen suspended over rosary
Student Suspended for Wearing Rosary Beads
[CATHOLIC CAUCUS] The 3:30 Beads!
Catholic Biblical Apologetics: Private Devotions to Mary: The Rosary
Benedict XVI Promotes Rosary in Fatima [Catholic Caucus]
Archbishop Naumann, Bishop Finn Lead Mother's Day Rosary at Planned Parenthood
Did the Apostles Pray the Rosary? (First Novena to the Holy Spirit?) [Catholic Caucus]
The Importance of the Meditated Holy Rosary -- What the Popes have to say [Catholic Caucus]
A Ladder from Earth to Heaven: The Rosary for All Christians
Jesus is in the Holy Rosary
The Rosary, a powerful weapon against the devil
History of The Scriptural Rosary [Ecumenical]
The Lord Is with Thee
Rosary of Our Lady's Tears(Catholic Prayer Thread)
The Rosary and Me - Catholic/Orthodox Caucus
Rosary promoted as path to Christ and peace [at third annual Rosary Bowl NW]
The Efficacy and Power of One Hail Mary [Ecumenical]
Let Us Do It! (Sunday: Rosary to be simultaneously prayed on five continents)
The Fruits of the Mysteries of the Rosary
[Catholic Caucus] One Million Rosaries
The Family Rosary [Try it for Lent!] (Catholic Caucus)
History of the Scriptural Rosary - Meditating on The Word
Rosary Resurgence [Ecumenical]
Beginning Catholic: How to Pray the Rosary: Contemplating Christ With Mary [Ecumenical]
[Oregon] Rosary Bowl focuses on links between prayer, evangelization
Praying the Rosary By Bishop Fulton J. Sheen(Catholic Caucus)
Rosary-Prayers Aiming to Break Record [Catholic Caucus]
Rosary vs. Repetitious Prayer [Ecumenical]
The Luminous Mysteries [of the Rosary]: Knowing Jesus in His Public Ministry
Rosary Is a School of Mary, Says Pope: Encourages Recitation [Catholic/Orthodox Caucus]
New campaign launched to promote family rosary
The Rosary and the Republic
Chant the Rosary... in Latin!
(...)and the rosary
Estimated 50,000 recite rosary in event at Rose Bowl
Our Lady of Victory (HLI Page)
Rosary to Mark St. Martha's Feast
Pray the Rosary
Rosary Aids Spiritual Growth, Says Pope
Remembering Lepanto
The Battle that Saved the Christian West (October 7, 1571: Battle of Lepanto)
Battle of Lepanto: Armada of the Cross
Remember Lepanto
How Europe Escaped Speaking Arabic
Bishop compares election to Battle of Lepanto
Bishop compares election to Battle of Lepanto
The Battle of Lepanto
Civilization in the Balance: The Battle of Lepanto and Election 08
LEPANTO
A Call To Prayer: This Lepanto Moment [Repost]
Lepanto, 1571: The Battle That Saved Europe
Celebrating the Battle of Lepanto
Clash of civilizations: Battle of Lepanto revisited
Lepanto, Bertone e Battesimo, Oh My!
Lepanto Sunday
Our Lady of the Rosary of La Naval (A Mini-Lepanto in the Philippines)
Swiss Guards at the Battle of Lepanto, 7 October 1571
Battle of Lepanto
LEPANTO, 7 OCTOBER 1571: The Defense of Europe
Battle of Lepanto
Remember Lepanto!
The Battle of Lepanto
On This Day In History, The Battle of Lepanto
The Battle of Lepanto
Chesterton's Lepanto
The Miracle At Lepanto...
Lepanto
The Naval Battle of Lepanto
The Battle of Lepanto
October 2012
Pope's intentions
General Intention: New Evangelization. That the New Evangelization may progress in the oldest Christian countries.
Missionary Intention: World Mission Day. That the celebration of World Mission Day may result in a renewed commitment to evangelization.
Monday, October 22, 2012 St. Peter of Alcantara, Priest (Optional Memorial) |
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The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary:
Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word.
And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us.
Amen. |
Oct 22, Invitatory for Monday of the 29th week of Ordinary Time
Lord, open my lips.
And my mouth will proclaim your praise.
Ant. Let us approach the Lord with praise and thanksgiving.
Psalm 24
The Lords is the earth and its fullness,
the world and all its peoples.
It is he who set it on the seas;
on the waters he made it firm.
Ant.
Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord?
Who shall stand in his holy place?
The man with clean hands and pure heart,
who desires not worthless things,
who has not sworn so as to deceive his neighbor.
Ant.
He shall receive blessings from the Lord
and reward from the God who saves him.
Such are the men who seek him,
seek the face of the God of Jacob.
Ant.
O gates, lift high your heads;
grow higher, ancient doors.
Let him enter, the king of glory!
Ant.
Who is the king of glory?
The Lord, the mighty, the valiant,
the Lord, the valiant in war.
Ant.
O gates, lift high your heads;
grow higher, ancient doors.
Let him enter, the king of glory!
Ant.
Who is he, the king of glory?
He, the Lord of armies,
he is the king of glory.
Ant.
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 us approach the Lord with praise and thanksgiving.
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