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Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 02-08-13, OM, St. Jerome Emiliani, St. Josephine Bakhita
USCCB.org/RNAB ^ | 03-08-13 | Revised New American Bible

Posted on 02/07/2013 9:19:02 PM PST by Salvation

February 8, 2013

Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

 

Reading 1 Heb 13:1-8

Let brotherly love continue.
Do not neglect hospitality,
for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels.
Be mindful of prisoners as if sharing their imprisonment,
and of the ill-treated as of yourselves,
for you also are in the body.
Let marriage be honored among all
and the marriage bed be kept undefiled,
for God will judge the immoral and adulterers.
Let your life be free from love of money
but be content with what you have,
for he has said, I will never forsake you or abandon you.
Thus we may say with confidence:

The Lord is my helper,
and I will not be afraid.
What can anyone do to me?


Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you.
Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 27:1, 3, 5, 8b-9abc

R. (1a) The Lord is my light and my salvation.
The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom should I fear?
The LORD is my life’s refuge;
of whom should I be afraid?

R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Though an army encamp against me,
my heart will not fear;
Though war be waged upon me,
even then will I trust.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
For he will hide me in his abode
in the day of trouble;
He will conceal me in the shelter of his tent,
he will set me high upon a rock.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Your presence, O LORD, I seek.
Hide not your face from me;
do not in anger repel your servant.
You are my helper: cast me not off.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.

Gospel Mk 6:14-29

King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread,
and people were saying,
“John the Baptist has been raised from the dead;
That is why mighty powers are at work in him.”
Others were saying, “He is Elijah”;
still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets.”
But when Herod learned of it, he said,
“It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.”
Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison
on account of Herodias,
the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married.
John had said to Herod,
“It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”
Herodias harbored a grudge against him
and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so.
Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man,
and kept him in custody.
When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed,
yet he liked to listen to him.
Herodias had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday,
gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers,
and the leading men of Galilee.
His own daughter came in and performed a dance
that delighted Herod and his guests.
The king said to the girl,
“Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.”
He even swore many things to her,
“I will grant you whatever you ask of me,
even to half of my kingdom.”
She went out and said to her mother,
“What shall I ask for?”
Her mother replied, “The head of John the Baptist.”
The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request,
“I want you to give me at once on a platter
the head of John the Baptist.”
The king was deeply distressed,
but because of his oaths and the guests
he did not wish to break his word to her.
So he promptly dispatched an executioner
with orders to bring back his head.
He went off and beheaded him in the prison.
He brought in the head on a platter
and gave it to the girl.
The girl in turn gave it to her mother.
When his disciples heard about it,
they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.


TOPICS: Catholic; General Discusssion; Prayer; Worship
KEYWORDS: catholic; ordinarytime; prayer; saints
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1 posted on 02/07/2013 9:19:16 PM PST by Salvation
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To: nickcarraway; NYer; ELS; Pyro7480; livius; ArrogantBustard; Catholicguy; RobbyS; marshmallow; ...
Alleluia Ping!
 
If you aren’t on this ping list NOW and would like to be, 
please Freepmail me.

2 posted on 02/07/2013 9:25:50 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All

From: Hebrews 13:1-8

Duties Towards Others — Charity, Hospitality, Fidelity in Marriage


[1] Let brotherly love continue. [2] Do not neglect to show hospitality to stran-
gers,’ for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. [3] Remember those
who are in prison, as though in prison with them; and those who are ill-treated,
since you also are in the body. [4] Let marriage be held in honor among all, and
let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the immoral and adulterous.
[5] Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have; for
he has said, “I will never fail you nor forsake you.” [6] Hence we can confidently
say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid; what can man do to me?”

Religious Duties — Obeying Lawful Pastors; Religious Worship


[7] Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider
the outcome of their life, and imitate their faith. [8] Jesus Christ is the same
yesterday and today and for ever.

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

1-3. The teaching on moral questions which takes up this chapter follows on lo-
gically from the trend of the whole letter, particularly the previous chapter: faith-
fulness to Christ means being faithful to him as a person and to his teaching. As
he himself said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (Jn 14:15).
Among the essential teachings of our faith is the supreme importance of charity:
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have
loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are
my disciples, if you have love for one another” (Jn 13:34-35). As Tertullian attests,
pagans bore witness to how well the early Christians practised this virtue, when
they would say, “See how they love one another: they are ready to die for one
another” (”Apologeticum”, 39).

Brotherly love expresses itself in all kinds of ways. One of them is hospitality,
which is one of the traditional corporal works of mercy. The virtue of hospitality is
given high praise in this passage which contains implicit references to episodes
in the life of Abraham and Sarah (Gen 18), Lot (cf. Gen 19), Manoah (cf. Judg
13:3-22) or Tobit (cf. Job 12:1-20), who gave hospitality to wayfarers who turned
out to be angels. Similarly, Christians who practise this virtue are in fact welco-
ming Christ himself (cf. Mt 25:40). They should also see Christ in everyone who
is experiencing any kind of suffering. “He himself is the one who in each individual
experiences love; he himself is the one who receives help, when this is given to
every suffering person without exception. He himself is present in this suffering
person, since his salvific suffering has been opened once and for all to every hu-
man suffering” (John Paul II, “Salvifici Doloris”, 30).

4. For anyone to practise charity towards God and towards others, the virtue of
chastity is essential. It expands one’s capacity for love. The text earnestly ex-
horts Christians to show their appreciation of marriage by practising marital
chastity. Marriage is a personal calling by God to seek holiness in that state
in life. “In God’s plan, all husbands and wives are called in marriage to holiness,
and this lofty vocation is fulfilled to the extent that the human person is able to
respond to God’s command with serene confidence in God’s grace and in his
or her own will” (John Paul II, “Familiaris Consortio”, 34).

However, this also calls for marital chastity, which is a manifestation and proof
of true love. “Human love — pure, sincere and joyful — cannot subsist in marriage
without the virtue of chastity, which leads a couple to respect the mystery of sex
and ordain it to faithfulness and personal dedication [...].

“When there is chastity in the love of married persons, their marital life is authen-
tic; husband and wife are true to themselves, they understand each other and
develop the union between them. When the divine gift of sex is perverted their
intimacy is destroyed, and they can no longer look openly at one another” (St
J. Escriva, “Christ Is Passing By”, 25).

5-6. In teaching against love of money and exaggerated desire for material things,
the text may be echoing what our Lord said: “Do not lay up for yourselves trea-
sures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and
steal, but lay up treasures in heaven [...]” (Mt 6:19-20). The epistle is encoura-
ging us to trust God at all times and to be detached from earthly things. “Detach
yourself from the goods of the world. Love and practise poverty of spirit: be con-
tent with what enables you to live a simple and sober life [...]” (St J. Escriva,
“The Way”, 631).

It uses some words spoken by Moses on God’s behalf to remind the reader that
it is God himself who has told man that he will never abandon him (cf. Deut 31:6).
These words should fill us with consolation, allowing us to say with the psalmist
(cf. Ps 118:6) that we can do anything provided God helps us, and there is no-
thing for us to fear provided we abandon ourselves to divine providence (cf. Mt
6:25-32).

“If Christ is yours, then wealth is yours; he satisfies all your wants. He will look
after you, manage all your affairs for you most dutifully; you will need no human
support to rely on [...]. Put all your trust in God; center in him all your fear and
all your love; he will make himself responsible for you, and all will go well as he
sees best” (”The Imitation of Christ”, 1, 2-3).

7-19. In this passage this more practical section of the epistle examines specifi-
cally ecclesial duties, placing special emphasis on the Christian’s duty to main-
tain unity with and to obey and respect those have the mission to govern the
community. This exhortation is made twice (vv. 7 and 17) to show the importance
of obedience to lawful pastors(cf. 1 Thess 5:12-13; 1 Cor 16:16). We should see
in the pastors of the Church a model of how we should practise the faith (v. 7; cf.
Phil 3:17), and in particular we should see them as Christ’s representatives (cf.
Gal 4:12-14). Obedience to the hierarchy of the Church naturally involves accep-
ting its teaching and eschewing heretical opinions (v. 9; cf. 1 Tim 6:3; Gal 1:6-9).
Unity of faith, moreover, has to be expressed in unity of worship (v. 10; cf. Phil
3:3; Eph 4:4-5): no one may take part in Christian worship while continuing to
take part in Jewish worship (cf. 1 Cor 10:16-21), nor is it lawful to regard rabbini-
cal rules about food as still applying (v. 9; Col 2:16-18; 1 Tim 4:3-5). One needs
to undergo a real conversion (vv. 11-13; Rom 3:23-26) and to put aside outdated
rites and practices if one is to share in Christ’s Cross (1 Cor 2:21-25; Gal 6:14-
15). We must not put our trust in earthly things, but instead bear in mind that
our end and goal is heaven (cf. Phil 3:20). Finally, unity of faith, discipline and
sacraments must express itself in a consistent, coherent lifestyle whereby we
are always in the presence of God, use everything as an opportunity for prayer
and sacrifice, and practise a continuous charity towards others (vv. 15-16; cf.
Gal 6:9-10; Rom 12:9-13; Eph 5:1-2; etc.). This short passage gives a very at-
tractive outline of what Christian life involves. As Vatican II put it, “A life like this
calls for a continuous exercise of faith, hope and charity. Only the light of faith
and meditation on the Word of God can enable us to find everywhere and always
the God ‘in whom we live and move and have our being’ (Acts 17:28); only thus
can we seek his will in everything, see Christ in all men, acquaintance or stran-
ger, and make sound judgments on the true meaning and value of temporal
realities both in themselves and in relation to man’s end” (Apostolicam Actuosi-
tatem, 2).

7-14. The sacred text emphasizes the need to be at one with those in charge,
the pastors and teachers of the Christian communities. Reference, in the past
tense, to their faith suggests it is referring to those who have already obtained
the crown of martyrdom—people like Stephen and St James the Greater (cf. Acts
7:59-60; 12:2), and other members of the community who were victims of Jewish
persecution (cf. Acts 8:1; Heb 6:10; 10:32-34). They were admirable people; how-
ever, unity with one’s leaders was not and is not conditional on the personal qua-
lity of these leaders: “What a pity that whoever is in charge doesn’t give you good
example! But, is it for his personal qualities that you obey him? (cf. Acts 7:59-60;
12:2), and other members of the community who were victims of Jewish persecu-
tion (cf. Acts 8:1; Heb 6:10; 10:32-34). They were admirable people; however,
unity with one’s leaders was not and is not conditional on the personal quality of
these leaders: “What a pity that whoever is in charge doesn’t give you good exam-
ple! But, is it for his personal qualities that you obey him? Or do you conveniently
interpret Saint Paul’s “obedite praepositis vestris”: obey your leaders’ with a qua-
lification of your own ..., ‘always provided they have virtues to my taste’?” (St J.
Escriva, “The Way”, 621). Faithfulness to and solidarity with one’s lawful pas-
tors is faithfulness towards Christ himself, for the “bishops, as vicars and legates
of Christ, govern the particular churches assigned to them by their counsels, ex-
hortations and example, but over and above that also by the authority and sacred
power which indeed they exercise exclusively for the spiritual development of their
flock in truth and holiness, keeping in mind that he who is greater should become
as the lesser, and he who is the leader as the servant (cf. Lk 22:26-27)” (Vatican
II, “Lumen Gentium” 27). Thus, it is rightly said that he who hears them hears
Christ (cf. Lk 10:16). For their part, pastors should have the same love and solici-
tude for those in their charge as our Redeemer had; in this wonderful unity of cha-
rity the mystery of Christ will shine forth; it is Christ’s right “to be the sole ruler of
the Church; and for this reason also he is likened to the Head. The head (to use
the words of St Ambrose) is ‘the royal citadel’ of the body (”Hexameron”, VI, 9,
55), and because it was endowed with more perfect gifts it naturally rules all the
members, being purposely placed above them to have them under its care. In like
manner the divine Redeemer wields the supreme power and government over the
whole commonwealth of Christians” (Pius XII, “Mystici Corporis”, 16).

The mystery of the Incarnation is indissolubly linked to the mystery of the Church,
in such a way that the unity of the Church is a sign of the unity of the Lord’s Body,
which is one body with many different members (cf. 1 Cor 12:1-12; “Lumen Gen-
tium”, 7). Therefore, fidelity to the Church derives not from human reasons but
from a desire to be faithful to Christ himself.

Fidelity to Christ, his preaching, to his commandments and the sacraments he
instituted leads to loving fulfillment of everything the Church lays down with re-
gard to worship—particularly to interior practice of the faith, repentance for sin
and fervent reception of the sacraments (cf. Council of Trent, “De Iustificatione”,
chaps. 6 and 8; Rom 3:22-24; 11:16; Eph 2:8; 1 Cor 4:7-15:10 2 Cor 3:5). There
are no clean or unclean foods (cf. Col 2:16; Rom i4:2-4) whether they are offered
to idols or not (cf. 1 Cor 8; 10:14-33), whether they are eaten or abstained from
on certain days (cf. Rom 14:5; Col 2:16; Gal 4:10); there is no food which rea-
ders a person unclean or leads him to salvation (cf. Mk 7:15, 18; Rom 14:17,
20): for one whose heart is pure all things are pure (cf. Tit 1:15). The important
thing is the grace of God, which is given us in the sacraments and which ena-
bles us to practise all the commandments out of love for God. The letter moves
from these remarks about legal purity and impurity to point out that there is now
an entirely new situation and what really matters is sharing in the paschal mys-
tery of Christ, that is, in his passion, death and resurrection.

8. This verse expresses the foundation of the life of every Christian. It is a won-
derful expression of faith constituting an act of adoration and reverence similar to
the praise of the one God in Deuteronomy 6:4 (”The Lord our God is one Lord”)
or of the eternal God in Psalm 102:12 (”Thou, O Lord, art enthroned for ever; thy
name endures to all generations”), only here it is Jesus Christ who is being ex-
tolled. Though their first teachers and guides may have died to bear witness to
their faith, Christians will always have a teacher and guide who will never die,
who lives for ever crowned with glory. Men come and go but Jesus remains for
ever. He exists from all eternity, he is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning
and the End (cf. Rev 1:8; 22:13); he lived “yesterday” among men in a specific
period of history; he lives “today” in heaven, at the right hand of the Father, and
he is “today”, at our side providing us with grace and forever interceding for us
(cf. Mt 28:20; Heb 4:14); he will remain “for ever” as High Priest and Redeemer
(cf. Heb 6:20; 7:17) until he establishes his Kingdom and hands it to his Father
(cf. 1 Cor 15:24-28).

It is moving to think that Christ did not take on human nature for a limited period
only. The Incarnation was decreed from all eternity, and the Son of God, born of
the Virgin Mary, in time and space, in the reign of Caesar Augustus, remains a
man for ever, with a glorious body bearing the resplendent marks of his passion.
In Christ’s human nature, now indissolubly joined to the divine person of the Son,
all Creation is in some way glorified (cf. Col 1:15-20; Eph 1:9-10). Therefore, we
can be absolutely sure that Christ’s teaching cannot change: it is as immutable
as he is and it will eventually transform the world. We know that all dimensions
of human life—work, family life, life in society, affections, suffering—acquire in
Christ a new and lasting purpose. “The Church believes that Christ, who died
and was raised for the sake of all, can show man the way and strengthen him

through the Spirit in order to be worthy of his destiny: nor is there any other name
under heaven given among men by which they can be saved. The Church likewise
believes that the key, the center and the purpose of the whole of man’s history is
to be found in its Lord and Master. She also maintains that beneath all that chan-
ges there is much that is unchanging, much that has its ultimate foundation in
Christ, who is the same yesterday, and today, and forever” (Vatican II, “Gaudium
Et Spes”, 10). This is the source of the Christian’s confidence. “Jesus is the way.
Behind him on this earth of ours he has left the clear outlines of his footprints.
They are indelible signs which neither the erosion of time nor the treachery of the
evil one have been able to erase. “Iesus Christus herd et hodie; ipse et in saecula”.
How I love to recall these words! Jesus Christ, the very Jesus who was alive yes-
terday for his Apostles and the people who sought him out—this same Jesus lives
today for us, and will live forever” (St J. Escriva, “Friends of God”, 127).

*********************************************************************************************
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.


3 posted on 02/07/2013 9:28:45 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All

From: Mark 6:14-29

Opinions About Jesus


[14] King Herod heard of it; for Jesus’ name had become known. Some said,
“John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; that is why these powers are
at work with Him.” [15] But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a
prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” [16] But when Herod heard of it, he
said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.”

John the Baptist Beheaded


[17] For Herod had sent and seized John, and bound him in prison for the sake
of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; because he had married her. [18] For John
said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” [19] And Hero-
dias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, [20]
for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept
him safe. When he heard him, he was much perplexed; and yet he heard him
gladly. [21] But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet
for his courtiers and officers and the leading men of Galilee. [22] For when Hero-
dias’ daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the
king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will grant it.” [23] And
he said to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.”

[24] And she went out, and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?” And she said,
“The head of John the Baptizer.” [25] And she came in immediately with haste
to the king, and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John
the Baptizer on a platter.” [26] And the King was exceedingly sorry; but because
of his oath and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. [27] And im-
mediately the king sent a soldier of the guard and gave orders to bring his head.
He went and beheaded him in the prison, [28] and brought his head on a platter,
and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. [29] When his disciples
heard of it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.

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

16-29. It is interesting that the extensive account of the death of John the Baptist
is inserted here in the Gospel narrative. The reason is St. John the Baptist’s spe-
cial relevance in the history of salvation: he is the Precursor, entrusted with the
task of preparing the way for the Messiah. Besides, John the Baptist had a great
reputation among the people: they believed him to be a prophet (Mark 11:32);
some even thought he was the Messiah (Luke 3:15; John 1:20); and they flocked
to him from many places (Mark 1:5). Jesus Himself said: “Among those born of
women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11).
Later, the Apostle St. John will speak of him in the Gospel: “There was a man
sent from God, whose name was John” (John 1:6); but the sacred text points out
that, despite this, he was not the light, but rather the witness to the light (John 1:
6-8). More correctly, he was the lamp carrying the light (John 5:35). We are told
here that he was a righteous man and preached to everyone what had to be
preached: he had a word for people at large, for publicans, for soldiers (Luke 3:10-
14); for Pharisees and Sadducees (Matthew 3:7-12); for King Herod himself (Mark
6:18-20). This humble, upright and austere man paid with his life for the witness
he bore to Jesus the Messiah (John 1:29 and 36-37).

26. Oaths and promises immoral in content should never be made, and, if made,
should never be kept. This is the teaching of the Church, which is summed up
in the “St. Pius X Catechism”, 383, in the following way: “Are we obliged to keep
oaths we have sworn to do unjust and unlawful things? Not only are we not ob-
liged: we sin by making such oaths, for they are prohibited by the Law of God or
of the Church.”

*********************************************************************************************
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.


4 posted on 02/07/2013 9:29:29 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
Scripture readings taken from the Jerusalem Bible, published and copyright © 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton, Longman & Todd

Readings at Mass


First reading Hebrews 13:1-8 ©
Continue to love each other like brothers, and remember always to welcome strangers, for by doing this, some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Keep in mind those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; and those who are being badly treated, since you too are in the one body. Marriage is to be honoured by all, and marriages are to be kept undefiled, because fornicators and adulterers will come under God’s judgement. Put greed out of your lives and be content with whatever you have; God himself has said: I will not fail you or desert you, and so we can say with confidence: With the Lord to help me, I fear nothing: what can man do to me?
  Remember your leaders, who preached the word of God to you, and as you reflect on the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same today as he was yesterday and as he will be for ever.

Psalm Psalm 26:1,3,5,8-9 ©
The Lord is my light and my help.
The Lord is my light and my help;
  whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
  before whom shall I shrink?
The Lord is my light and my help.
Though an army encamp against me
  my heart would not fear.
Though war break out against me
  even then would I trust.
The Lord is my light and my help.
For there he keeps me safe in his tent
  in the day of evil.
He hides me in the shelter of his tent,
  on a rock he sets me safe.
The Lord is my light and my help.
It is your face, O Lord, that I seek;
  hide not your face.
Dismiss not your servant in anger;
  you have been my help.
The Lord is my light and my help.

Gospel Acclamation cf.Lk8:15
Alleluia, alleluia!
Blessed are those who,
with a noble and generous heart,
take the word of God to themselves
and yield a harvest through their perseverance.
Alleluia!

Gospel Mark 6:14-29 ©
King Herod had heard about Jesus, since by now his name was well-known. Some were saying, ‘John the Baptist has risen from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.’ Others said, ‘He is Elijah’; others again, ‘He is a prophet, like the prophets we used to have.’ But when Herod heard this he said, ‘It is John whose head I cut off; he has risen from the dead.’
  Now it was this same Herod who had sent to have John arrested, and had him chained up in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife whom he had married. For John had told Herod, ‘It is against the law for you to have your brother’s wife.’ As for Herodias, she was furious with him and wanted to kill him; but she was not able to, because Herod was afraid of John, knowing him to be a good and holy man, and gave him his protection. When he had heard him speak he was greatly perplexed, and yet he liked to listen to him.
  An opportunity came on Herod’s birthday when he gave a banquet for the nobles of his court, for his army officers and for the leading figures in Galilee. When the daughter of this same Herodias came in and danced, she delighted Herod and his guests; so the king said to the girl, ‘Ask me anything you like and I will give it you.’ And he swore her an oath, ‘I will give you anything you ask, even half my kingdom.’ She went out and said to her mother, ‘What shall I ask for?’ She replied, ‘The head of John the Baptist’ The girl hurried straight back to the king and made her request, ‘I want you to give me John the Baptist’s head, here and now, on a dish.’ The king was deeply distressed but, thinking of the oaths he had sworn and of his guests, he was reluctant to break his word to her. So the king at once sent one of the bodyguard with orders to bring John’s head. The man went off and beheaded him in prison; then he brought the head on a dish and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. When John’s disciples heard about this, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

5 posted on 02/07/2013 9:56:10 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
Pray with Pope Benedict

On God the Almighty Father
Year of Faith: Indulgences and Places of Pilgrimage [Ecumenical]
On the Identity of Jesus

On the Faith of Mary, the Virgin Mother of Christ
Father Cantalamessa's 1st Advent Sermon (Catholic Caucus)
On The Unfolding of God's Self-Revelation
On the Beauty of God's Plan of Salvation
On Bearing Witness to the Christian Faith
On the Splendor of God's Truth
On the Knowledge of God
Archbishop Chaput says Year of Faith holds solution to relativism
Following the Truth: The Year Of Faith – 10 Things You Should Know [Catholic Caucus]
Papal Encyclical on Faith Announced

On the Desire for God
On the Ecclesial Nature of Faith
On the Nature of Faith
Catechism's benefits explained for Year of Faith (Catholic Caucus)
A Life of Faith: Papal Theologian Speaks on the Grace of Faith
ASIA/LAOS - "Year of Faith" amid the persecutions of Christians forced to become "animists"
From no faith to a mountain-top of meaning: Father John Nepil (Catholic Caucus)
Living the Year of Faith: How Pope Benedict Wants You to Begin [Catholic Caucus]
Share Your Faith in This Year of Faith: Two keys to help you do it.
On A New Series of Audiences for The Year of Faith

Pope will deliver year-long teaching series on restoring faith
Pope Benedict XVI Grants Plenary Indulgence to Faithful [Catholic Caucus]
Pope, at Marian shrine, entrusts Year of Faith, synod to Mary (Catholic Caucus)
Catholic Church Calls for Public Prayers in Offices on Fridays
Highlights in the Plan for Year of Faith: Traditional Events Will Take on Special Perspective
Catholic Church calls for public prayers in offices on Fridays
Vatican Unveils Logo for Year of Faith [Catholic Caucus]
Miami Prelate Recalls Pope's Visit to Cuba, Looks to Year of Faith [Catholic Caucus]
The World-Changing Year of Faith [Catholic Caucus]
Vatican to Issue Recommendations for Celebrating Year of Faith

6 posted on 02/07/2013 9:58:41 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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  PRAYERS AFTER
HOLY MASS AND COMMUNION

 


Leonine Prayers
    Following are the Prayers after Low Mass which were prescribed by Pope Leo XIII who composed the Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel, and were reinforced by Pope Pius XI and Pope Pius XII to pray for the conversion of Russia. Below the normal Leonine Prayers is the longer version of the Prayer to St. Michael, composed by His Excellency Pope Leo XIII to defend against The Great Apostasy.
Latin

Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum, benedicta tu in mulieribus et benedictus fructis ventris tui, Jesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen.
(Said 3 times)

    Salve Regina, Mater misericordiae, vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve. Ad te clamamus, exsules filii Evae. Ad te suspiramus gementes et fientes in hac lacrymarum valle. Eia ergo, Advocata nostra, illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte. Et Jesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui, nobis, post hoc exilium, ostende. O clemens, o pia, o dulcis Virgo Maria. Ora pro nobis, sancta Dei Genitrix. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.

    Oremus. Deus, refugium nostrum et virtus, populum ad te clamantem propitius respice; et intercedente gloriosa, et immaculata Virgine Dei Genitrice Maria, cum beato Joseph, ejus Sponso, ac beatis Apostolis tuis Petro et Paulo, et omnibus Sanctis, quas pro conversione peccatorum, pro libertate et exaltatione sanctae Matris Ecclesiae, preces effundimus, misericors et benignus exaudi. Per eundum Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

Sancte Michael Archangele, defende nos in proelio; contra nequitiam et insidias diaboli esto praesidium. Imperet illi Deus, supplices deprecamur: tuque, Princeps militiae Caelestis, satanam aliosque spiritus malignos, qui ad perditionem animarum pervagantur in mundo, divina virtute in infernum detrude. Amen.

Cor Jesu sacratissimum. Miserere nobis.
Cor Jesu sacratissimum. Miserere nobis.
Cor Jesu sacratissimum. Miserere nobis.

Vernacular

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

   Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee to we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mouring and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this exile, show unto us the blessed Fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

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

   Let us pray.
O God, our refuge and our strength, look down with mercy upon the people who cry to Thee; and by the intercession of the glorious and immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of Saint Joseph her spouse, of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the saints, in Thy mercy and goodness hear our prayers for the conversion of sinners, and for the liberty and exaltation of the Holy Mother the Church. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.

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

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us.


Complete Prayer to Saint Michael
    The following is the longer version of the vital prayer composed by Pope Leo XIII in 1888 after his startling vision as to the future of the Church. This prayer was dedicated for the Feast of St. Michael 1448 years from the date of the election of the first Leo - Pope Saint Leo the Great. Everyone is familiar with the first prayer below which was mandated by His Holiness as part of the Leonine Prayers after Low Mass. Below are both the short and longer versions of this poignant prayer which should never be forgotten.

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

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

    V: Behold the Cross of the Lord; be scattered ye hostile powers.
    R: The Lion of the Tribe of Juda has conquered the root of David.
    V: Let Thy mercies be upon us, O Lord.
    R: As we have hoped in Thee.
    V: O Lord hear my prayer.
    R: And let my cry come unto Thee.

    V: Let us pray. O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we call upon Thy holy Name, and as suppliants, we implore Thy clemency, that by the intercession of Mary, ever Virgin, immaculate and our Mother, and of the glorious Archangel Saint Michael, Thou wouldst deign to help us against Satan and all other unclean spirits, who wander about the world for the injury of the human race and the ruin of our souls. Amen.


Prayer Before the Crucifix

   Look down upon me, O good and gentle Jesus, while before Thy face I humbly kneel, and with burning soul pray and beseech Thee to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope and charity, true contrition for my sins, and a firm purpose of amendment; the while I contemplate with great love and tender pity Thy five most precious wounds, pondering over them within me, calling to mind the words which David Thy prophet said of Thee, my good Jesus: "They have pierced My hands and My feet; they have numbered all My bones."

Indulgence of ten years; a plenary indulgence if recited after devout reception of Holy Communion, Raccolta 201)

Anima Christi - Soul of Christ

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O Good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds, hide me.
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee.
From the malignant enemy, defend me.
In the hour of my death, call me.
And bid me come to Thee, that with
Thy saints I may praise Thee for ever and ever. Amen.

Indulgence of 300 days; if recited after devout reception of Holy Communion, seven years Raccolta 131)

Prayer for Vocations

   O Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst take to Thyself a body and soul like ours, to teach us the glory of self-sacrifice and service, mercifully deign to instill in other hearts the desire to dedicate their lives to Thee. Give us PRIESTS to stand before Thine Altar and to preach the words of Thy Gospel; BROTHERS to assist the priests and to reproduce in themselves Thy humility; SISTERS to teach the young and nurse the sick and to minister Thy charity to all; LAY PEOPLE to imitate Thee in their homes and families. Amen

7 posted on 02/07/2013 10:00:37 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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Perpetual Novena for the Nation (Ecumenical)
8 posted on 02/07/2013 10:01:50 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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Prayers for The Religion Forum (Ecumenical)
9 posted on 02/07/2013 10:02:49 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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Continue to Pray for Pope Benedict [Ecumenical]
10 posted on 02/07/2013 10:04:09 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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Jesus, High Priest
 

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

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

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

Lead them to new depths of union with your Son.

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

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

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

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

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

This icon shows Jesus Christ, our eternal high priest.

The gold pelican over His heart represents self-sacrifice.

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

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

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


11 posted on 02/07/2013 10:04:56 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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Pray a Rosary each day for our nation.

Pray the Rosary

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

2.  The Apostles Creed:  II BELIEVE in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

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

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

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

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

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

End with the Hail Holy Queen:

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

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

Final step -- The Sign of the Cross

 

The Mysteries of the Rosary

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


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

12 posted on 02/07/2013 10:06:49 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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~ PRAYER ~

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

13 posted on 02/07/2013 10:07:48 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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A Prayer for our Free Nation Under God
God Save Our Country web site (prayer warriors)
Prayer Chain Request for the United States of America
Pray for Nancy Pelosi
Prayer and fasting will help defeat health care reform (Freeper Prayer Thread)
Prayer Campaign Started to Convert Pro-Abortion Catholic Politicians to Pro-Life
[Catholic Caucus] One Million Rosaries
Non-stop Rosary vigil to defeat ObamaCare

From an Obama bumper sticker on a car:

"Pray for Obama.  Psalm 109:8"

   

PLEASE JOIN US -

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


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


14 posted on 02/07/2013 10:09:57 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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February Devotion: The Holy Family

Since the 16th century Catholic piety has assigned entire months to special devotions. The month of February has been primarily asociated with the Holy Family, probably due to the feast of Our Lord's presentation at the temple, celebrated on February 2. At the very outset of Christ's work on earth, God showed the world a family in which, as Pope Leo XIII teaches, "all men might behold a perfect model of domestic life, and of all virtue and holiness." The harmony, unity, and holiness which characterized this holy Family make it the model for all Christian families.

INVOCATION
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph most kind, Bless us now and in death's agony.

FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE HOLY FAMILY
Grant unto us, Lord Jesus, ever to follow the example of Thy holy Family, that in the hour of our death Thy glorious Virgin Mother together with blessed Joseph may come to meet us and we may be worthily received by Thee into everlasting dwellings: who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.
Roman Missal

CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY FAMILY
O Jesus, our most loving Redeemer, who having come to enlighten the world with Thy teaching and example, didst will to pass the greater part of Thy life in humility and subjection to Mary and Joseph in the poor home of Nazareth, thus sanctifying the Family that was to be an example for all Christian families, graciously receive our family as it dedicates and consecrates itself to Thee this day. Do Thou defend us, guard us and establish amongst us Thy holy fear, true peace, and concord in Christian love: in order that, by conforming ourselves to the divine pattern of Thy family, we may be able, all of us without exception, to attain to eternal happiness.

Mary, dear Mother of Jesus and Mother of us, by thy kindly intercession make this our humble offering acceptable in the sight of Jesus, and obtain for us His graces and blessings.

O Saint Joseph, most holy guardian of Jesus and Mary, assist us by thy prayers in all our spiritual and temporal necessities; that so we may be enabled to praise our divine Savior Jesus, together with Mary and thee, for all eternity.

Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be, three times.

IN HONOR OF THE HOLY FAMILY
O God, heavenly Father, it was part of Thine eternal decree that Thine only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race, should form a holy family with Mary, His blessed mother, and His foster father, Saint Joseph. In Nazareth home life was sanctified, and a perfect example was given to every Christian family. Grant, we beseech Thee, that we may fully comprehend and faithfully imitate the virtues of the Holy Family so that we may be united with them one day in their heavenly glory. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

Holy Family Chaplet

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I give you my heart.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with me in my last hour.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, may I breathe forth my soul
in peace with you.

Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man.
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most holy.
Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse. Amen.

Say 3 Our Father's, 3 Hail Mary's, and 3 Glory be's.

The Holy Family Icon by Nicholas Markell

PRAYER TO
THE HOLY FAMILY
=====================================================================================

GOD our Heavenly Father, You call all peoples to be united as one family in worshipping You as the one and true God. You willed that Your Son become man, giving Him a virgin mother and a foster father to form the Holy Family of Nazareth.

WE pray: may the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, image and model of every human family unit walk in the spirit of Nazareth and grow in the understanding of its particular mission in society and the Church. May our families be living cells of love, faithfulness and unity, thus reflecting God's covenant with humanity and Christ's redeeming love for His Church.

JESUS, Mary and Joseph protect our families from all evil; keep us, who are away from home, one in love with our dear ones.

The Holy Family


 
"The Holy Family with the infant St. John the Baptist ( the Doni tondo )" by Michelangelo c.1506, Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence
Parent's Prayer

Jesus, Son of God, Son of Man, and Son of Mary, I thank you for the gift of life you have entrusted to my care. Help me be a parent both tender and wise, both loving and forgiving.

Mary, Holy Mother of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and our Motherly Queen of Heaven, nourish our family with your heavenly grace. Help us to remain faithful to The Most Holy Trinity, in all our sorrows and joys.

Joseph, Earthly father to our Lord God, guardian and spouse of Mary, keep our family safe from harm. Help us in all times of discouragement or anxiety.

Holy Family of Nazareth, help our family to walk in your footsteps. May we be peace-loving and peace-giving.
Amen.
 

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
Recovering God’s Plan for Marriage and Family: A Sermon on the Feast of the Holy Family

“Why were you looking for me?" (On the Feast of The Holy Family)
U.S. Postal Service Issues Holy Family Forever Stamp
On Prayer in the Life of the Holy Family
The Holy Family - held together by Love through all their problems [Ecumenical]
Feast of the Holy Family: The Christian Family is a Domestic Church
Chesterton on "The Human Family and the Holy Family"
Joseph, Mary and Jesus: A Model Family
ADVICE TO PARENTS by Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
The Holy Family
St. Joseph as Head of the Holy Family (Catholic/Orthodox Caucus)

Feast of the Holy Family
Feast of the Holy Family (Dom Guéranger OSB)
The Feast of the Holy Family
The Holy Family vs. The Holy Innocents: A Christmas season reflection [Catholic Caucus]
Vatican creche to place Holy Family in Joseph's carpentry workshop
The Redemption and Protection of the Family [Feast of the Holy Family]
Study Backs Tradition of Loreto House - Stones in Altar Match Those in Nazareth, It Says
Unraveling Jesus' mystery years in Egypt
Gaudi’s Church of the Holy Family to be ready for worship in 2008
Imitating the Holy Family; Four Traits that Make It Possible
Lots of Graphics: Post your favorite image of the St. Mary and Child, the Holy Family...


15 posted on 02/07/2013 10:11:10 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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February 2013
Pope's Intentions
 
Migrant Families: That migrant families, especially the mothers, may be supported and accompanied in their difficulties.
 
Peace: That the peoples at war and in conflict may lead the way in building a peaceful future.

16 posted on 02/07/2013 10:12:30 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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Friday, February 08, 2013
Weekday
First Reading:
Psalm:
Gospel:
Hebrews 13:1-8
Psalm 27:1, 3, 5, 8-9
Mark 6:14-29

Behold a great priest who in his days pleased the Lord, and was found righteous; and in the time of wrath he was taken in exchange for the world.

-- Ecclus 44:16


17 posted on 02/07/2013 10:15:01 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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Just A Minute Just A Minute (Listen)
Some of EWTN's most popular hosts and guests in a collection of one minute inspirational messages. A different message each time you click.

18 posted on 02/07/2013 10:15:55 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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The Angelus 

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

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

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

Hail Mary . . . 

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

Hail Mary . . . 


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

Let us pray: 

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

Amen. 


19 posted on 02/07/2013 10:17:10 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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Saint Jerome Emiliani, Priest

Saint Jerome Emiliani, Priest
Optional Memorial
February 8th


from a traditional prayer card

 

St. Jerome Emiliani was born in Venice and, after a rather dissolute youth, he dedicated himself to the service of the poor, the sick, and abandoned children. He founded a congregation (Somaschi) which looked after the education of children, especially orphans. He died of the plague while serving the afflicted.

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

 

Collect:
O God, Father of mercies,
who sent Saint Jerome Emiliani as a helper and father to orphans,
grant, through his intercession,
that we may preserve faithfully the spirit of adoption,
by which we are called, and truly are, your children.
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: Tobit 12:6-13
Then the angel[Raphael] called the two of them[Tobit & Tobias] privately and said to them: "Praise God and give thanks to Him; exalt Him and give thanks to Him in the presence of all the living for what He has done for you. It is good to praise God and to exalt His name, worthily declaring the works of God. Do not be slow to give Him thanks. It is good to guard the secret of a king, but gloriously to reveal the works of God. Do good, and evil will not overtake you. Prayer is good when accompanied by fasting, almsgiving, and righteousness. A little with righteousness is better than much with wrongdoing. It is better to give alms than to treasure up gold. For almsgiving delivers from death, and it will purge away every sin. Those who perform deeds of charity and of righteousness will have fulness of life; but those who commit sin are the enemies of their own lives.

I will not conceal anything from you. I have said, 'It is good to guard the secret of a king, but gloriously to reveal the works of God.' And so, when you and your daughter-in-law Sarah prayed, I brought a reminder of your prayer before the Holy One; and when you buried the dead, I was likewise present with you. When you did not hesitate to rise and leave your dinner in order to go and lay out the dead, your good deed was not hidden from me, but I was with you."

Gospel Reading: Mark 10:17-30 [or Mark 10:17-27]
And as Jesus was setting out on His journey, a man ran up and knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not kill, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.'" And he said to Him, "Teacher, all these I have observed from my youth." And Jesus looking upon him loved him, and said to him, "You lack one thing; go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." At that saying his countenance fell, and he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.

And Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it will be for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!" And the disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus said to them again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to Him, "Then who can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God." [Peter began to say to Him, "Lo, we have left everything and followed You." Jesus said, "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for My sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.]


20 posted on 02/08/2013 8:12:44 AM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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