Catholic

Almanac:

Tuesday, June 4
Liturgical Color: Green
Today the Church recalls St. Quirinus, bishop in Croatia. Because he refused to sacrifice to pagan gods, St. Quirinus was severely beaten. He persisted in his refusal and was drowned in 308 A.D.

Catholic Culture

Daily Readings for: June 04, 2013
(Readings on USCCB website)

Collect: O God, whose providence never fails in its design, keep from us, we humbly beseech you, all that might harm us and grant all that works for our good. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

RECIPES

Insalata di Rinforzo

ACTIVITIES

Religion in the Home for Preschool: June

PRAYERS

Ordinary Time: June 4th

Tuesday of the Ninth Week of Ordinary Time

Old Calendar: St. Francis Caracciolo, Confessor; Our Lady, Queen of Apostles

Three things made Francis of Caracciolo stand out from his wealthy Neapolitan friends: he was powerfully drawn to our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, he fasted every Saturday in honor of the Virgin Mary, and he had a generous love for the poor. When he was seriously ill at the age of twenty-two, he vowed that if he were cured he would devote himself to the service of God and his fellow men. He became a priest and in 1588 joined the order of Minor Clerks Regular. Francis instituted perpetual adoration as one of the works of his Order. According to the 1962 Missal of Bl. John XXIII the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, today is his feast. It is also the feast of Our Lady, Queen of Apostles.

St. Francis Caracciolo
Francis founded the Order of Minor Clerks Regular with St. John Augustine Adorno. The congregation's apostolate was preaching missions and performing diverse works of charity. In the course of time he became known as "Venerable Father, the Preacher of the Love of God," a title merited for promoting devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and introducing nocturnal adoration in his community. He had a childlike love for the Blessed Virgin; his greatest joy was to be of service to his neighbor. God endowed him with the gift of prophecy and the discernment of spirits.

At the age of forty-four, while praying one day in the church at Loretto, he recognized that his end was near. Immediately he went to the monastery of Agnona in the Abruzzi, and exclaimed as he entered, "This is my final resting place." Shortly after, he was stricken with fever, received the last sacraments with deepest fervor, and quietly fell asleep in the Lord.

The Church selects our saint's zeal for prayer and his spirit of penance for emphasis in today's Collect, and proposes these two virtues for imitation. "In imitating him grant that we may make such progress that we may pray without ceasing and constantly have our bodies under subjection." This is not an easy task; the liturgy, therefore, provides the needed assistance, the example of St. Francis, and the holy Eucharist.

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

Patron: Naples, Italy; Italian cooks.

Things to Do:

St. Francis Caracciolo was much sought after as a confessor while his exhortations brought to repentance numerous public sinners, and he fortified the wavering and the despondent by personal encouragement and the recommendation of the two great Catholic devotions, those to the Blessed Sacrament and to Our Lady. Read this longer biography to find out more details about his holiness.
Cook up some Neapolitan (from Naples) type of Italian cooking, such as the Insalata di Rinforzo, as St. Francis is the patron of Italian cooks. He came from a wealthy and powerful family, born in the family castle at Villa Santa Maria in the Abruzzi province of Italy. As a youth he enjoyed hunting and other sports, often entertaining large hunting parties. These parties would have wonderful dinners prepared by the palace chefs. These chefs were so good that they accompanied the family to Naples during the winter season to learn the Naples (Neapolitan) cuisine as well as the Abruzzese.

Our Lady, Queen of Apostles
"The perfect model of this spiritual and apostolic life is the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, the Queen of Apostles, who, while she lived on earth the life common to all, filled with labours and care of her family, was always most closely joined with her Son, and cooperated in the work of the Saviour in an entirely singular way. Moreover now, assumed into heaven 'by her motherly love she takes care of the brothers of her Son who are still on the way [to their eternal home] and who are involved in dangers and difficulties, until they are led to the blessed Fatherland.' Let all most devoutly honour her, and commend their life and apostolate to her motherly care."

Excerpted from Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity (Apostolicam Actuositatem)

Missionaries are urged to look upon her as the Queen of Apostles: "Realizing that it is God who brings it about that His Kingdom comes on earth, let them [missionaries] pour forth their prayers together with all the faithful, that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Queen of Apostles, the nations may be led as soon as possible to the knowledge of the truth..."

Excerpted from Decree on the Mission Activity of the Church (Ad Gentes)

The Word Among Us

Meditation: Mark 12:13-17

9th Week in Ordinary Time

“Repay … to God what belongs to God.” (Mark 12:17)

“I know! Let’s ask him a question that has no right answer. Either he’ll have to blaspheme, or speak of treason. Either way, he’s ours!”

For the Pharisees and Herodians who were plotting against Jesus, this either-or trap was foolproof. You were either living according to the law, or you weren’t. You were either for Caesar, or you weren’t.

But Jesus saw things a little differently. He deftly answered their question, but at the same time he also offered them freedom from their own trapped mind-set. Yes, pay your taxes, and fulfill your responsibility to Caesar since his image is on the coin. But be sure to give to God what belongs to him—your heart, which bears the stamp of his image!

Sometimes we might get stuck in an either-or trap, too. Educated and uneducated, upper class and working class, black and white, we define ourselves by saying who we are and who we aren’t. But this kind of thinking can become divisive rather quickly. It can lead to an us-versus-them mentality that has the potential to ruin relationships and even turn into violent conflicts. It is no wonder that religion and politics are banned from many dinner tables!

But Jesus offers us the same window that he offered his detractors so long ago. He is constantly reminding us that we—all of us—belong to him. He is constantly telling us, too, that every part of us belongs to him—not just a fraction of our time and money but all of who we are. There is no room for either-or thinking, and that means that we don’t have to worry about whether we belong or not. Whether we like it or not, we are all part of the one family of God!

Today, think of one person or group that you struggle to understand. Maybe they think differently or act differently than you do. Ask the Lord to help you see them as your brothers and sisters. Ask him to heal any divisiveness in your heart. We all bear the stamp of our Maker, and he longs to bring us together as one people!

“Lord, help me to give my whole heart to you.”

Tobit 2:9-14; Psalm 112:1-2, 7-9

Marriage = One Man and One Woman

Til' Death Do Us Part

Daily Marriage Tip for June 4, 2013:

What’s the difference between constructive criticism and nagging? Repetition. Unless your spouse is hard of hearing, trust that saying your criticism once (or at most twice) is enough.

Vultus Christi

Yet, I am always with Thee

By

Dom Mark

on June 4, 2013 7:03 AM |

CHAPTER VII. Of Humility

3 Feb. 4 June. 4 Oct.

The sixth degree of humility is, for a monk to be contented with the meanest and worst of everything, and in all that is enjoined him to esteem himself a bad and worthless labourer, saying with the prophet: "I have been brought to nothing, and I knew it not: I am become as a beast before Thee, yet I am always with Thee."

The Beautiful People and the Friends of God

Saint Benedict gives us the key to understanding the sixth degree of humility by quoting Psalm 72:23. He is, in effect, inviting us to open our psalter and ponder the whole psalm.* Psalm 72 expresses the bewilderment and frustration of a good man -- devout and faithful to the Lord -- who looks about him and sees that the wicked -- those who pursue their lust for power, riches, and sensual gratifications -- appear to be prosperous and happy, while he, poor wretch, struggles to get by. He sees the "beautiful people" in the eyes of the world, and compares their lot in life with that of the friends of God.

A Failure and a Fool

A monk must not expect to have the things that people in the world use to display their prosperity: exquisite foods and wines; a beautiful home; fashionable clothes, shoes, jewelry, haircuts, and "beauty aids"; the latest cars and electronic equipment; the trendiest restaurants, bars, and holiday spots. In the eyes of the world the monk is a failure and a fool, "a bad and worthless labourer," as Saint Benedict says. In the eyes of the world a monk has no more than "the meanest and worst of everything." The monk must accept that this is how the world views him, and glory in it for the sake of Christ.

Consider, brethren, the circumstances of your own calling; not many of you are wise, in the world's fashion, not many powerful, not many well born. No, God has chosen what the world holds foolish, so as to abash the wise, God has chosen what the world holds weak, so as to abash the strong. God has chosen what the world holds base and contemptible, nay, has chosen what is nothing, so as to bring to nothing what is now in being; no human creature was to have any ground for boasting, in the presence of God. (1 Corinthians 1:26-29)

That I May Gain Christ

It sometimes happens that when a man enters a monastery, those nearest and dearest to him feel that he is rejecting the very security, privileges, and things they have worked hard to acquire. Consequently, they feel judged. This can sometimes put a strain on family relationships and friendships. Family and friends must be helped to understand that the monastic vocation, though it be radical in its demands, and in many ways opposed to the very things they cherish, does not entail a rejection of themselves, nor of their affection, nor of the good and wholesome things shared together. It is a response to the love of Christ, in whom all other loves are purified and ennobled. The monk can only say with Saint Paul:

But the things that were gain to me, the same I have counted loss for Christ. Furthermore I count all things to be but loss for the excellent knowledge of Jesus Christ my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but as dung, that I may gain Christ. (Philippians 3:7-8)

To Be Near God Is My Happiness

Saint Benedict's sixth degree of humility ends with the telling phrase from Psalm 72: "Yet I am always with Thee." For me, nothing can compare with living under the same roof as the Most Blessed Sacrament. The same psalm says, "To be near God is my happiness" or, as Monsignor Knox puts it, "I know no other content but clinging to God." All that Solomon says concerning Wisdom, I can say with regard to the privilege of having been called to a monastic life characterized by ceaseless adoration of Our Lord in the Sacrament of His Love: "I preferred her before kingdoms and thrones, and esteemed riches nothing in comparison of her. Neither did I compare unto her any precious stone: for all gold in comparison of her, is as a little sand, and silver in respect to her shall be counted as clay. I loved her above health and beauty, and chose to have her instead of light: for her light cannot be put out" (Wisdom 7:8-10).

* Psalm 72, Quam bonus Israel Deus
1 What bounty God shews, what divine bounty, to the upright, to the pure of heart!
2 Yet I was near losing my foothold, felt the ground sink under my steps,
3 such heart-burning had I at seeing the good fortune of sinners that defy his law;
4 for them, never a pang; healthy and sleek their bodies shew.
5 Not for these to share man's common lot of trouble; the plagues which afflict human kind still pass them by.
6 No wonder if pride clings to them like a necklace, if they flaunt, like fine clothes, their wrong-doing.
7 From those pampered hearts what malice proceeds, what vile schemes are hatched!
8 Ever jeering, ever talking maliciously, throned on high they preach injustice;
9 their clamour reaches heaven, and their false tales win currency on earth.
10 Enviously the men of my own race look on, to see them draining life's cup to the full;
11 Can God, they ask, be aware of this? Does the most High know of all that passes?
12 Look at these sinners, how they live at peace, how they rise to greatness!
13 Why then, thought I, it is to no purpose that I have kept my heart true, and washed my hands clean in pureness of living;
14 still, all the while, I am plagued for it, and no morning comes but my scourging is renewed.
15 Was I to share their thoughts? Nay, that were to put the whole company of thy children in the wrong.
16 I set myself to read the riddle, but it proved a hard search,
17 until I betook myself to God's sanctuary, and considered, there, what becomes of such men at last.
18 The truth is, thou art making a slippery path for their feet, ready to plunge them in ruin;
19 in a moment they are fallen, in a storm of terrors vanished and gone.
20 And thou, Lord, dost rise up and brush aside all their imaginings, as a waking man his dream.
21 What if my mind was full of bitterness, what if I was pierced to the heart?
22 I was all dumbness, I was all ignorance,
23 standing there like a brute beast in thy presence. Yet ever thou art at my side,
24 ever holdest me by my right hand. Thine to guide me with thy counsel, thine to welcome me into glory at last.
25 What else does heaven hold for me, but thyself? What charm for me has earth, here at thy side?
26 What though flesh of mine, heart of mine, should waste away? Still God will be my heart's stronghold, eternally my inheritance.
27 Lost those others may be, who desert thy cause, lost are all those who break their troth with thee;
28 I know no other content but clinging to God, putting my trust in the Lord, my Master; within the gates of royal Sion I will be the herald of thy praise.
Translation of Msgr Ronald Knox

Regnum Christi

A Taxing Question

| SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY

Tuesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Father Edward McIlmail, LC

Mark 12:13-17

Some Pharisees and Herodians were sent to Jesus to ensnare him in his speech. They came and said to him, "Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you are not concerned with anyone´s opinion. You do not regard a person´s status but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or should we not pay?" Knowing their hypocrisy he said to them, "Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius to look at." They brought one to him and he said to them, "Whose image and inscription is this?" They replied to him, "Caesar´s." So Jesus said to them, "Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God." They were utterly amazed at him.

Introductory Prayer:Lord, I come before you humbly. As one who has frequently fallen into sin, I am aware of my weakness. Your great love, though, assures me that your grace can keep me on the path to holiness.

Petition:Give me guidance, Lord, on a big decision that I have to make.

1. Setting the Trap: The Pharisees and Herodians use an old ploy ― flattery ― to try to trap Jesus. It is a ploy that enjoys a long shelf-life. Flattery can cause us to lower our guard. "You´re an intelligent person, why don´t you …?" Or: "You´re a good parent, you already have two kids. You don´t really believe the Church on …?" Being Christian in the world often means living among devious people. Hence, Jesus warned us to "be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves" (Matthew 10:16). To maintain a balance, we have to live only for God. Is it Christ who shapes my day?

2. Lying in Wait: They pose a false dilemma to Jesus. It´s "either/or." Either Jesus must accept Caesar totally, or rebel against Rome. Such is how the world sees it. It´s still either/or. Either we embrace Darwinism (no questions asked), or we cling to Creationism. Either we are tolerant of alternate lifestyles, or we are insufferable bigots. But things are more complicated than that. Moreover, the Catholic faith is often "both/and." Hence, we give to Caesar and to God what belongs to each. And how do we decide what belongs to whom? That´s where things get tricky. And that is precisely why we are called as Christians to develop our gifts, our intelligence, our prayer life ― so as to make the right choices. Catholicism is not a religion for robots. It demands that we use our freedom and gifts responsibly to do God´s will. Am I using my gifts well? Do I develop my skills and intellect so as to better serve God?

3. The Trap is Sprung, the Game is Over: Jesus´ response floors his critics. Why? Partly because he throws the question back to them. Now they have to decide what belongs to Caesar — and what belongs to God. "You must decide," was Karol Wojtyla´s signature phrase as a confessor. Nothing can so frighten us as freedom. It frightened Jesus´ audience. How am I using my own freedom? How am I using the time God gives me?

Conversation with Christ: Help me realize, Lord, that you are calling me in freedom. You respect the freedom you gave me, even if I misuse it. But I don´t want to misuse it. I want to render a good account of my life at Judgment Day.

Resolution:I will read some Scripture or a few paragraphs from the Catechism or a papal document today, to try to form myself better in the faith.

Mark
	English: Douay-Rheims	Latin: Vulgata Clementina	Greek NT: Byzantine/Majority Text (2000)
	Mark 12
13.	And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and of the Herodians; that they should catch him in his words.	Et mittunt ad eum quosdam ex pharisæis, et herodianis, ut eum caperent in verbo.	και αποστελλουσιν προς αυτον τινας των φαρισαιων και των ηρωδιανων ινα αυτον αγρευσωσιν λογω
14.	Who coming, say to him: Master, we know that thou art a true speaker, and carest not for any man; for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar; or shall we not give it?	Qui venientes dicunt ei : Magister, scimus quia verax es, et non curas quemquam : nec enim vides in faciem hominum, sed in veritate viam Dei doces. Licet dari tributum Cæsari, an non dabimus ?	οι δε ελθοντες λεγουσιν αυτω διδασκαλε οιδαμεν οτι αληθης ει και ου μελει σοι περι ουδενος ου γαρ βλεπεις εις προσωπον ανθρωπων αλλ επ αληθειας την οδον του θεου διδασκεις εξεστιν κηνσον καισαρι δουναι η ου
15.	Who knowing their wiliness, saith to them: Why tempt you me? bring me a penny that I may see it.	Qui sciens versutiam illorum, ait illos : Quid me tentatis ? afferte mihi denarium ut videam.	δωμεν η μη δωμεν ο δε ειδως αυτων την υποκρισιν ειπεν αυτοις τι με πειραζετε φερετε μοι δηναριον ινα ιδω
16.	And they brought it him. And he saith to them: Whose is this image and inscription? They say to him, Caesar's.	At illi attulerunt ei. Et ait illis : Cujus est imago hæc, et inscriptio ? Dicunt ei : Cæsaris.	οι δε ηνεγκαν και λεγει αυτοις τινος η εικων αυτη και η επιγραφη οι δε ειπον αυτω καισαρος
17.	And Jesus answering, said to them: Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.	Respondens autem Jesus dixit illis : Reddite igitur quæ sunt Cæsaris, Cæsari : et quæ sunt Dei, Deo. Et mirabantur super eo.	και αποκριθεις ο ιησους ειπεν αυτοις αποδοτε τα καισαρος καισαρι και τα του θεου τω θεω και εθαυμασαν επ αυτω

13. And they send to him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.
14. And when they were come, they say to him, Master, we know that you are true, and care for no man; for you regard not the person or men, but teach the way of God in truth; Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?
15. Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, Why tempt you me? bring me a penny, that I may see it.
16. And they brought it. And he said to them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said to him, Caesar's.
17. And Jesus answering said to them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marveled at him.

BEDE; The Chief Priests though they sought to take Him, feared the multitude, and therefore they endeavored to effect what they could not do of themselves, by means of earthly powers, that they might themselves appear to be guiltless of His death; and therefore it is said, And they send to him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.

THEOPHYL. We have said elsewhere of the Herodians, that they were a certain new heresy who said that Herod was the Christ, because the succession of the kingdom of Judah had failed. Others however say that the herodians, were the soldiers of Herod, whom the Pharisees brought as witnesses of the words of Christ, that they might take Him, and lead Him away. But observe how in their wickedness they wished to deceive Christ by flattery; for it goes on: Master, we know that you are true.

PSEUDO-JEROME For they questioned Him with honeyed words, and they surrounded Him as bees, who carry honey in the in mouth but a sting in their tail.

BEDE; But this bland and crafty question was intended to induce Him in His answer rather to fear God than Caesar, and to say that tribute should not he paid, so that the Herodians immediately on hearing it might hold Him to be an author of sedition against the Romans, and therefore they add, And care for no man: for you regard not the person of any.

THEOPHYL. So that you will not honor Caesar, that is, against the truth; therefore they add, But teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give? For their whole plot was one which had a precipice on both sides, so that if He said that it was lawful to give tribute to Caesar, they might provoke the people against Him, as though He wished to reduce the nation itself to slavery; but if He said, that it was not lawful, they might accuse Him, as though He was stirring up the people against Caesar; but the Fountain of wisdom escaped their snares. Wherefore there follows: But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, Why tempt you me? briny me a penny, that I may see it. And they brought it.

BEDE; A denarius was a piece of money, accounted equal to ten smaller coins, and bearing the image of Caesar; wherefore there follows: And he said to them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said to him, Caesar's.

Let those who think that our Savior asked the question through ignorance and not by an economy, learn from this that He might have known whose image it was; but He puts the question, in order to return them a fitting answer; wherefore there follows: And Jesus answering said to them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.

THEOPHYL. As if He had said, Give what bears an image to him whose image it bears, that is, the penny to Caesar; for we can both pay Caesar his tribute, and offer to God what is His own.

BEDE; That is, tithes, first-fruits, oblations, and victims. In the same way as He gave tribute both for Himself and Peter, He also gave to God the things that are God's, doing the will of His Father.

PSEUDO-JEROME; Render to Caesar the money bearing his image, which is collected for him, and render yourselves willingly up to God, for the light of your countenance, O Lord, and not of Caesar's, is stamped upon us.

THEOPHYL. The inevitable wants of our bodies is as Caesar to each of us; the Lord therefore orders that there should be given to the body its own, that is, food and raiment, and to God the things that are God's. It goes on: And they marveled at him. They who ought to have believed, wondered at such great wisdom, because they had found no place for their craftiness.

Catena Aurea Mark 12

The Tribute Money

Vecellio Tiziano

1516
Oil on panel, 75 x 56 cm
Gemäldegalerie, Dresden

What Belongs to God?

by Food For Thought on June 4, 2013 ·

Appearing desirous to know their duty, Christ’s enemies were ensnaring him into a dispute on politics. First and foremost, Jesus makes it very clear that there should not be a division between obeying God and government. Government makes our economy possible and therefore should rightfully charge for its services and it has the authority to do so. Therefore, as law-abiding citizens, we should pay what rightfully belongs to the government in the form of taxes. But Jesus is not so concerned about where the money goes as where our hearts are, or should be, in the giving. He tells us to be as diligent in giving to God what belongs to God. And what belongs to God? Our lives, our hearts, our spiritual allegiance, our possessions, our ambitions. He tells us to commit our lives to true discipleship, to use our possessions to further the interests of God’s Kingdom. That should be our life’s purpose, our reason for living, our goal – the path to His Kingdom.

In today’s reading, God puts Tobias to the test as He did with Job, by allowing blindness to befall upon him despite his defying the King and following God’s command to bury his slain comrades. But like Job, Tobias was steadfast in his faith and continued to carry out God’s wishes, thanking Him for the rest of his life. We all have our trials and must bear them for love and faithfulness to God. In this way, we glorify Him.

One Bread, One Body

Language: English | Español

All Issues > Volume 29, Issue 4

<< Tuesday, June 4, 2013 >>

Tobit 2:9-14
View Readings

Psalm 112:1-2, 7-9

Mark 12:13-17
Similar Reflections

IMAGE-CONSCIOUS

"Whose head is this and whose inscription is it?" —Mark 12:16

The Pharisees and Herodians were able to identify the owner of the Roman coin because of "the stamp" on it. The seal on the coin marked it as belonging to Caesar.

When we were baptized into Christ, we too were stamped with an image, "sealed" with the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:13; 2 Cor 1:22). We were "formed anew in the image of [our] Creator" (Col 3:10), and now we "share the image of His Son," Jesus (Rm 8:29). God marked us with His own seal to identify us as His property (Rm 14:8). Isn't this amazing? The same God Who forbade the making of any graven images out of concern for our falling into idol worship (see Ex 20:4) has now engraved His very own seal upon us (Eph 4:30).

Are you aware that you are marked with the seal of God? Can others tell Who you belong to merely by looking at you? If not, polish up your image. Concentrate on your Owner and gaze "on the Lord's glory." Then you will be "transformed from glory to glory into His very image by the Lord Who is the Spirit" (2 Cor 3:18).

Prayer: Father, may all who see me think of You.

Promise: "Happy the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commands. His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth; the upright generation shall be blessed." —Ps 112:1-2

Praise: A silent prayer for another child after years of infertility resulted in the birth of a son just ten months later.

Daily Readings for: June 04, 2013(Readings on USCCB website)