Posted on 07/24/2013 9:44:44 PM PDT by Salvation
Reading 1 2 Cor 4:7-15
Brothers and sisters:
We hold this treasure in earthen vessels,
that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us.
We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained;
perplexed, but not driven to despair;
persecuted, but not abandoned;
struck down, but not destroyed;
always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body.
For we who live are constantly being given up to death
for the sake of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
So death is at work in us, but life in you.
Since, then, we have the same spirit of faith,
according to what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke,
we too believe and therefore speak,
knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus
will raise us also with Jesus
and place us with you in his presence.
Everything indeed is for you,
so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people
may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 126:1bc-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6
R. (5) Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion,
we were like men dreaming.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with rejoicing.
R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Then they said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad indeed.
R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like the torrents in the southern desert.
Those that sow in tears
shall reap rejoicing.
R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Although they go forth weeping,
carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing,
carrying their sheaves.
R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
Gospel Mt 20:20-28
The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons
and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something.
He said to her,
“What do you wish?”
She answered him,
“Command that these two sons of mine sit,
one at your right and the other at your left, in your Kingdom.”
Jesus said in reply,
“You do not know what you are asking.
Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?”
They said to him, “We can.”
He replied,
“My chalice you will indeed drink,
but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give
but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”
When the ten heard this,
they became indignant at the two brothers.
But Jesus summoned them and said,
“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them,
and the great ones make their authority over them felt.
But it shall not be so among you.
Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant;
whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave.
Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served
but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
From: 2 Corinthians 4:7-15
The Trials He Has Experienced
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[7] But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent
power belongs to God and not to us. [8] We are afflicted in every way, but not
crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; [9] persecuted, but not forsaken;
struck down, but not destroyed; [10] always carrying in the body the death of
Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. [11] For
while we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus sake, so that the
life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. [12] So death is at work in
us, but life in you.
He Is Sustained By Hope in Heaven
________________________________________
[13] Since we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, I believed, and
so I spoke, we too believe, and so we speak, [14] knowing that he who raised
the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his pre-
sence. [15] For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more
people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
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Commentary:
7-12. In contrast to the greatness of the Gospelthe treasure entrusted to them
by GodSt. Paul emphasizes the limitations of its ministers: they are earthen
vessels (v. 7). To illustrate this he describes the afflictions and persecution to
which he finds himself subjected and in which Gods grace always comes to his
aid.
In some way these sufferings of the Apostles and of all Christians reproduce in
their lives the sufferings of Christ in his passion and death. In his case his suf-
fering opened the way to his glorification after the Resurrection; similarly his
servants, even in this life, are experiencing an anticipation of the life they will at-
tain in heaven; this helps them overcome every kind of affliction.
7. St. Paul again stresses that the effectiveness of all his apostolic activity comes
from God (cf., e.g., 1 Cor 1:26-31; 2 Cor 3:5); he it is who places his treasures in
poor earthenware vessels. The image the Apostle useswhich is reminiscent of
the clay which God used to make Adam (cf. Gen 2:7)helps Christians realize
that through grace they bear in their souls a wonderful treasure, God himself; like
earthen vessels they are very fragile and they need to be put together again in the
sacrament of Confession. As a gloss on these ideas St Escriva taught that
Christians by bearing God in their souls are enabled to live at one and the same
time in heaven and on earth, divinized: but knowing that we are of the world and
made of clay, with the frailty that is typical of clayan earthenware pot which our
Lord has deigned to use in his service. And whenever it has got broken, we have
gone and riveted the bits together again, like the prodigal son: I have sinned
against heaven and against you... (quoted in Bernal, Monsignor Escriva de
Balaguer).
8-9. The Apostles words assure the Christian that he or she can always count
on Gods help: no matter what trials they have to undergo, victory can be attained
with the grace of God as happened in St. Pauls case. God is faithful, and he will
not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with temptation will also provide
you the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it (1 Cor 10:13). Moreover,
St. Pauls example reminds us that more or less severe suffering and tribulation
will be a normal thing in the lives of Christs followers; theirs will never be a comfor-
table, trouble-free life. If it is your ambition to win the esteem of men, if your
desire is to be well-regarded and seek only a life of ease, you have gone astray
[...]. In the city of the saints, entrance is given and rest and eternal rule with the
King, only to those who have made their way along the rough, narrow way of
tribulation (Pseudo-Macarius, Homilies, XII, 5).
10-11. As happened in St. Pauls case, in their daily lives Christians must relive
the sufferings of Christ through self-denial and penance: this is part of following
Christ and imitating him. The Christian vocation is one of sacrifice, penance,
expiation. We must make reparation for our sinsfor the many times we turned
our face aside so as to avoid the gaze of Godand all the sins of mankind. We
must try to imitate Christ, always carrying in the body the death of Christ, his
abnegation, his suffering on the cross, so that the life of Jesus may be manifes-
ted in our bodies (2 Cor 4:10). Our way is one of immolation and, in this denial,
we find gaudium cum pace, both joy and peace (St. J. Escriva, Christ Is
Passing By, 9).
Self-denial, mortification, does not have to be something overt; it should be prac-
ticed in the ordinary circumstances of lifefor example, by being punctual for
appointments, carefully fulfilling ones duties, treating everyone with as much
charity as possible, accepting little setbacks in a good-humored way (cf. St. J.
Escriva, Friends of God, 138).
10. The death of Jesus: more exactly, the dying of Christ: the Greek word
refers to the situation of someone who is dying.
12. In the Apostles, and also in other Christians, the paradox of Jesus life is veri-
fied: his death is the cause of life for all men. Unless a grain of wheat falls into
the earth and dies, it remains alone, but if it dies, it bears much fruit (Jn 12:24).
Afflictions and tribulations, physical and moral pain, daily self-denial and penance,
cause Christs disciple to die to himself and, if united to the sufferings of his Mas-
ter, they become a source of life for others through the communion of saints.
13-18. The Apostle explains where he gets the strength to bear all the tribulations
of lifefrom his hope in the resurrection and his expectation of being in heaven
with those to whom he is writing (v. 14). There is nothing selfish about this desire
for heaven: it helps us to stay true to the faith and it enables us to see all the
sufferings of this life as something transitory and slight (v. 17), a necessary step
to heaven and a way to obtain incomparably greater happiness. If we wish to
enjoy the pleasures of eternity, St. Alphonsus reminds us, we must deprive our-
selves of the pleasures of time. Whoever would save his life will lose it (Mt 16:25)
[...]. If we wish to be saved, we must all be martyrs, either by the tyrants sword
or through our own mortification. Let us have this convictionthat everything we
suffer is nothing compared with the eternal glory that awaits us. I consider the
sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be
revealed to us (Rom 8:18). These momentary afflictions will bring us eternal hap-
piness (cf. 2 Cor 4:17) (Treasury of Preaching Material, II, 9).
13. The Apostles faith leads him to keep on preaching, despite all the difficulties
this may involve. There is nothing else he can do: he is convinced that his faith
is what can save the world and he cannot but strive to spread it. If he acted
otherwise it would mean his faith was asleep and he did not truly love others.
When you find that something has done you good, St. Gregory the Great ex-
plains, try to bring it to the attention of others. You should, therefore, desire
others to join you on the ways of the Lord. If you are going to the forum or the
baths, and you meet someone who is not doing anything, you invite him to go
along with you. Apply this earthly custom to the spiritual sphere, and as you
make your way to God, do not do so alone (In Evangelia Homiliae, 6, 6).
14. What inspires St. Pauls apostolic activity and enables him to bear all the
difficulties it involves, is his firm belief in resurrection in glory, the basis and cause
of which is Christs resurrection. He also has the hope of sharing this happiness
in heaven, in the presence of God, with all the faithful for whose salvation he is
working on earth.
15. After reminding the Corinthians that all the sufferings he has been speaking
about he has borne for their sake (cf. 4:5), St. Paul tells them what motivates him
mostthe greater glory of God, to whom the faithful should turn in deep gratitude
(cf. 1:11; 9:12). This should be mans primary attitude to Godone of profound
adoration and thanksgiving for all his benefits, as we are daily reminded in the
Preface of the Mass.
If lifes purpose were not to give glory to God, how contemptible, how hateful it
would be (St. J. Escriva, The Way, 783).
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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: Matthew 20:20-28
The Mother of the Sons of Zebedee Makes Her Request
________________________________________
[20] Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to Him, with her sons,
and kneeling before Him she asked Him for something. [21] And He said to her,
What do you want? She said to Him, Command that these two sons of mine
may sit, one at Your right hand and one at Your left, in Your Kingdom. [22] But
Jesus answered, You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink
the cup that I am to drink? They said to Him, We are able. [23] He said to
them, You will drink My cup, but to sit at My right hand and at My left is not
Mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.
[24] And when the ten heard it they were indignant at the two brothers. [25] But
Jesus called them to Him and said, You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord
it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. [26] It shall not
be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant,
[27] and whoever would be first among you must be your slave; [28] even as the
Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom
for many.
Commentary:
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20. The sons of Zebedee are James the Greater and John. Their mother, Salo-
me, thinking that the earthly reign of the Messiah is about to be established,
asks that her sons be given the two foremost positions in it. Christ reproaches
them for not grasping the truespiritualnature of the Kingdom of Heaven and
not realizing that government of the Church He is going to found implies service
and martyrdom. If you are working for Christ and imagine that a position of re-
sponsibility is anything but a burden, what disillusionment awaits you! (St. J.
Escriva, The Way, 950).
22. Drinking the cup means suffering persecution and martyrdom for following
Christ. We are able: the sons of Zebedee boldly reply that they can drink the
cup; their generous expression evokes what St. Paul will write years later: I
can do all things in Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13).
23. You will drink My cup: James the Greater will die a martyrs death in Jeru-
salem around the year 44 (cf. Acts 12:2); and John, after suffering imprisonment
and the lash in Jerusalem (cf. Acts 4:3; 5:40-41), will spend a long period of
exile on the island of Patmos (cf. Revelation 1:9).
>From what our Lord says here we can take it that positions of authority in the
Church should not be the goal of ambition or the subject of human intrigue, but
the outcome of a divine calling. Intent on doing the will of His Heavenly Father,
Christ was not going to allocate positions of authority on the basis of human
considerations but, rather, in line with Gods plans.
26. Vatican II puts a marked emphasis on this service which the Church offers
to the world and which Christians should show as proof of their Christian identity:
In proclaiming the noble destiny of man and affirming an element of the divine
in him, this sacred Synod offers to cooperate unreservedly with mankind in fos-
tering a sense of brotherhood to correspond to this destiny of theirs. The Church
is not motivated by an earthly ambition but is interested in one thing onlyto car-
ry on the work of Christ under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, for He came into
the world to bear witness to the truth, to save and not to judge, to serve and not
to be served (Gaudium Et Spes, 3 cf. Lumen Gentium, 32: Ad Gentes, 12;
Unitatis Redintegratio, 7).
27-28. Jesus sets Himself as an example to be imitated by those who hold au-
thority in the Church. He who is God and Judge of all men (cf. Philippians 2:5-
11; John 5:22-27; Acts 10:42; Matthew 28:18) does not impose Himself on us:
He renders us loving service to the point of giving His life for us (cf. John 15:13);
that is His way of being the first. St. Peter understood Him right; he later exhor-
ted priests to tend the flock of God entrusted to them, not domineering over them
but being exemplary in their behavior (cf. 1 Peter 5:1-3); and St. Paul also was
clear on this service: though He was free from all men, He became the ser-
vant of all in order to win all (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:19 ff; 2 Corinthians 4:5).
Christs service of mankind aims at salvation. The phrase to give His life as a
ransom for many is in line with the terminology of liturgical sacrificial language.
These words were used prophetically in Chapter 53 of Isaiah.
Verse 28 also underlines the fact that Christ is a priest, who offers Himself as
priest and victim on the altar of the cross. The expression as a ransom for ma-
ny should not be interpreted as implying that God does not will the salvation of
all men. Many, here, is used to contrast with one rather than all: there is
only one Savior, and salvation is offered to all.
*********************************************************************************************
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 |
2 Corinthians 4:7-15 © |
We are only the earthenware jars that hold this treasure, to make it clear that such an overwhelming power comes from God and not from us. We are in difficulties on all sides, but never cornered; we see no answer to our problems, but never despair; we have been persecuted, but never deserted; knocked down, but never killed; always, wherever we may be, we carry with us in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus, too, may always be seen in our body. Indeed, while we are still alive, we are consigned to our death every day, for the sake of Jesus, so that in our mortal flesh the life of Jesus, too, may be openly shown. So death is at work in us, but life in you.
But as we have the same spirit of faith that is mentioned in scripture – I believed, and therefore I spoke – we too believe and therefore we too speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus to life will raise us with Jesus in our turn, and put us by his side and you with us. You see, all this is for your benefit, so that the more grace is multiplied among people, the more thanksgiving there will be, to the glory of God.
Psalm |
Psalm 125:1-6 © |
Those who are sowing in tears will sing when they reap.
When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage,
it seemed like a dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
on our lips there were songs.
Those who are sowing in tears will sing when they reap.
The heathens themselves said: ‘What marvels
the Lord worked for them!’
What marvels the Lord worked for us!
Indeed we were glad.
Those who are sowing in tears will sing when they reap.
Deliver us, O Lord, from our bondage
as streams in dry land.
Those who are sowing in tears
will sing when they reap.
Those who are sowing in tears will sing when they reap.
They go out, they go out, full of tears,
carrying seed for the sowing:
they come back, they come back, full of song,
carrying their sheaves.
Those who are sowing in tears will sing when they reap.
Gospel Acclamation |
cf.Jn15:16 |
Alleluia, alleluia!
I chose you from the world
to go out and bear fruit,
fruit that will last,
says the Lord.
Alleluia!
Gospel |
Matthew 20:20-28 © |
The mother of Zebedee’s sons came with her sons to make a request of him, and bowed low; and he said to her, ‘What is it you want?’ She said to him, ‘Promise that these two sons of mine may sit one at your right hand and the other at your left in your kingdom.’ ‘You do not know what you are asking’ Jesus answered. ‘Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?’ They replied, ‘We can.’ ‘Very well,’ he said ‘you shall drink my cup, but as for seats at my right hand and my left, these are not mine to grant; they belong to those to whom they have been allotted by my Father.’
When the other ten heard this they were indignant with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know that among the pagans the rulers lord it over them, and their great men make their authority felt. This is not to happen among you. No; anyone who wants to be great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be your slave, just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’
Francis "Lights" Up Pope's First Encyclical Due Friday
Pope: Homily at Mass for Evangelium Vitae Day [full text]
Adoration with Pope energizing Catholics worldwide
Parishes Worldwide Prepare for Eucharistic Adoration Hour (June 2 at 11 am ET)
Pope [Francis] at Pentecost: Newness, harmony and mission
Audience: Do not be part-time Christians
Pope Francis: Regina caeli
Pope to welcome 70,000 youths, confirm 44 (this Sunday) [Catholic Caucus]
Pope Francis General Audience focused on women. Feminists arent going to be happy
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio's "Letter On the Year of Faith" (Crossing Threshold of Faith)
Pope Francis the real deal has Audience with Cardinals
Benedict XVI's Final General Audience
On Ash Wednesday
On God As Creator of Heaven and Earth
On Abraham's Faith
On Christ As Mediator Between God and Man
On the Incarnation
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
Jesus, High PriestWe 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, 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.
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
+
From an Obama bumper sticker on a car:
"Pray for Obama. Psalm 109:8"
PLEASE JOIN US -
|
A Prayer for PriestsO my God, help those priests who are faithful to remain faithful; to those who are falling, stretch forth Your Divine Hand that they may grasp it as their support. In the great ocean of Your mercy, lift those poor unfortunate ones who have fallen, that being engulfed therein they may receive the grace to return to Your Great Loving Heart. Amen. Precious Blood of Jesus, protect them!
The Most Precious Blood of Jesus
July is traditionally associated with the Precious Blood of Our Lord. It may be customary to celebrate the votive Mass of the Precious Blood on July 1.
The extraordinary importance of the saving Blood of Christ has ensured a central place for its memorial in the celebration of this cultic mystery: at the centre of the Eucharistic assembly, in which the Church raises up to God in thanksgiving "the cup of blessing" (1 Cor 10, 16; cf Ps 115-116, 13) and offers it to the faithful as a "real communion with the Blood of Christ" (1 Cor 10, 16); and throughout the Liturgical Year. The Church celebrates the saving Blood of Christ not only on the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, but also on many other occasions, such that the cultic remembrance of the Blood of our redemption (cf 1 Pt 1, 18) pervades the entire Liturgical Year. Hence, at Vespers during Christmastide, the Church, addressing Christ, sings: "Nos quoque, qui sancto tuo redempti sumus sanguine, ob diem natalis tui hymnum novum concinimus." In the Paschal Triduum, the redemptive significance and efficacy of the Blood of Christ is continuously recalled in adoration. During the adoration of the Cross on Good Friday the Church sings the hymn: "Mite corpus perforatur, sanguis unde profluit; terra, pontus, astra, mundus quo lavanturflumine", and again on Easter Sunday, "Cuius corpus sanctissimum in ara crucis torridum, sed et cruorem roesum gustando, Deo vivimus (194).
ST. GASPAR: Founder of the Society of the Precious Blood
Mass in the Cathedral of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ (London, 9/18)
Devotion to the Drops of Blood Lost by our Lord Jesus Christ on His Way to Calvary (Prayer/Devotion)
Chaplet of the Most Precious Blood
Catholic Word of the Day: PRECIOUS BLOOD, 12-03-11
The Traditional Feast of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Catholic Caucus)
Devotion to the Precious Blood
DOCTRINE OF THE BLOOD OF CHRIST
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,And More on the Precious Blood
Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ
NOTHING IS MORE POTENT AGAINST EVIL THAN PLEADING THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST
Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus
July 2013
Pope's Intentions
World Youth Day. That World Youth Day in Brazil may encourage all young Christians to become disciples and missionaries of the Gospel.
Asia. That throughout Asia doors may be open to messengers of the Gospel.
Saint James, apostle - Feast
Commentary of the day
Saint Augustine (354-430), Bishop of Hippo (North Africa) and Doctor of the Church
Sermon for the ordination of a bishop, Guelferbytanus no.32 ; PLS 2, 637
"Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?"
“Christ laid down his life for us; so we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers” (1Jn 3,16)... Jesus said to Peter: “When you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old,... someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go...” (Jn 21,18). It was the Cross, the Passion, he promised him. “Go even so far as to pasture my sheep, suffer for my sheep.” This is what a good bishop is to be like. If he is not, he is no bishop...
Now listen to this other testimony. Two of his disciples, the brothers John and James who were sons of Zebedee, were ambitious for the first place without consideration for the others... Our Lord answered them: “You do not know what you are asking”, for he added: “Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?” What cup is this if not that... of the Passion?... And they, forgetting their weakness, immediately said: “We can”. Then he said to them: “My cup you will indeed drink. But to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father”... In this way he gave proof of his humility for, in fact, everything the Father prepares is prepared, too, for the Son... He came in humility: he, the Creator, was created amongst us; he made us, but he was made for us. God before time began, man in time, he delivered man from time. This great physician has come to heal our cancer...; by his example he has come to heal pride itself.
This is what we must give our attention to in the Lord: let us consider his humility, drink the cup of his humility, clasp him, contemplate him. How easy it is to have elevated thoughts, easy to take pleasure in honors, easy to give one's ear to flatterers and people who praise us. But to bear with insult, patiently undergo humiliation, pray for those who persecute us (Mt 5,39.44): that is the Lord's cup, that is the Lord's feast.
Thursday, July 25, 2013 St. James, Apostle (Feast) |
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Saint James the Greater, Apostle
Feast Day
July 25th
Apostle Saint James the Greater
Domenikos Theotocopoulos ("El Greco")
1606
Museo del Greco, Toledo
Collect:
Almighty ever-living God,
who consecrated the first fruits of your Apostles
by the blood of Saint James,
grant, we pray,
that your Church may be strengthened by his confession of faith
and constantly sustained by his protection.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. +Amen.
First Reading: 2 Corinthians 4: 7-15
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For while we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.
Since we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, "I believed, and so I spoke," we too believe, and so we speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
Gospel Reading: Matthew 20:20-28
Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him, with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. And he said to her, "What do you want?" She said to him, "Command that these two sons of mine may sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom." But Jesus answered, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?" They said to him, "We are able." He said to them, "You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father."
And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave; even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
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Family Activity - from A Continual Feast by Evelyn Birge Vitz, originally published by Harper & Row in 1995, now available in paperback from Ignatius Press.
Saint James is known to have died around A.D. 42, by he sword, at the command of Herod Agrippa. According to legend, he first spent seven years in Spain, traveling throughout the land and preaching Christianity. After he was put to death, his followers are said to have brought his body back to Spain for burial. In the ninth century, a star miraculously revealed what was claimed to be his tomb. A great shrine was build at Compostela ("Star of the Sea"), and by the eleventh century great flocks of pilgrims were visiting it. From then on, only Jerusalem and Rome attracted more pilgrims than "Santiago" (Iago is Spanish for James).
The festival in his honor in Compostela is a week-long affair, celebrated with dramatic liturgy and with beautiful local costumes, Galician bagpipe music, dancing, and of course wonderful, special food.
One of the traditional dishes is a scallop-filled empanada, or little pie. Nothing could be more appropriate, for the scallop shell has been, for hundreds of years, the symbol of Santiago. This shell was worn as an emblem by all pilgrims to the shrine at Compostella. (In French, scallops are called "St. James cockles": coquilles St. Jacques.)
Let's put these tasty little creatures back on their symbolic shells. This dish is lovely with rice and a green vegetable, and a good white wine.
Scallops on the "pilgrim" shell
1 teaspoon each: Finely chopped chervil, chives, parsley, tarragon
1 cup white wine
2 pounds of scallops
Flour for dredging
Salt
White pepper
3 tablespoons of butter
1 tablespoon olive oil or peanut oil
A little lemon (optional)
6 large (4-5 inch) scallop shells
1/4 cup fresh breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
For garnish: Chopped parsley and lemon wedges
A few minutes (better yet, an hour) before beginning to cook, put the herbs to steep in the wine.
Rinse the scallops, and dry them. If using large sea scallops, cut them into halves or quarters. Coat them with flour that has been seasoned with salt and white pepper. Shake off excess flour before cooking.
Heat 3 tablespoons of butter and the oil in a large frying pan. When the butter and oil are bubbling, add the scallops to the pan. It is important that the scallops not be crowded, and that the pan be hot. (You may need to cook the scallops in several batches.) Sauté the scallops, adding butter and oil as necessary, until they are nicely browned on all sides. Remove to a warm dish.
Pour the herb-steeped wine into the frying pan, boiling the liquid down slightly, and stirring in all the delicious little bits left in the pan.
Stir the wine into the scallops. Taste for seasoning.
Optional: squeeze in a little lemon juice.
Fill the scallop shells with the mixture. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and moisten the tops with a little melted butter. Run briefly under a preheated broiler to brown the crumbs.
Garnish with chopped parsley, and lemon wedges.
Yield: 6 servings
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