Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 09-19-13, OM, St. Januarius, Bishop and Martyr

USCCB.org/RNAB ^ | 09-19-13 | Revised New American Bible

[Salvation]

September 19, 2013

 

Thursday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

 

 

Reading 1 1 Tm 4:12-16

Beloved:
Let no one have contempt for your youth,
but set an example for those who believe,
in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.
Until I arrive, attend to the reading, exhortation, and teaching.
Do not neglect the gift you have,
which was conferred on you through the prophetic word
with the imposition of hands by the presbyterate.
Be diligent in these matters, be absorbed in them,
so that your progress may be evident to everyone.
Attend to yourself and to your teaching;
persevere in both tasks,
for by doing so you will save
both yourself and those who listen to you.

Responsorial Psalm PS 111:7-8, 9, 10

R. (2) How great are the works of the Lord!
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
sure are all his precepts,
Reliable forever and ever,
wrought in truth and equity.
R. How great are the works of the Lord!
He has sent deliverance to his people;
he has ratified his covenant forever;
holy and awesome is his name.
R. How great are the works of the Lord!
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
prudent are all who live by it.
His praise endures forever.
R. How great are the works of the Lord!

Gospel Lk 7:36-50

A certain Pharisee invited Jesus to dine with him,
and he entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table.
Now there was a sinful woman in the city
who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee.
Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment,
she stood behind him at his feet weeping
and began to bathe his feet with her tears.
Then she wiped them with her hair,
kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment.
When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this he said to himself,
“If this man were a prophet,
he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him,
that she is a sinner.”
Jesus said to him in reply,
“Simon, I have something to say to you.”
“Tell me, teacher,” he said.
“Two people were in debt to a certain creditor;
one owed five hundred days’ wages and the other owed fifty.
Since they were unable to repay the debt, he forgave it for both.
Which of them will love him more?”
Simon said in reply,
“The one, I suppose, whose larger debt was forgiven.”
He said to him, “You have judged rightly.”
Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon,
“Do you see this woman?
When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet,
but she has bathed them with her tears
and wiped them with her hair.
You did not give me a kiss,
but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered.
You did not anoint my head with oil,
but she anointed my feet with ointment.
So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven;
hence, she has shown great love.
But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.”
He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
The others at table said to themselves,
“Who is this who even forgives sins?”
But he said to the woman,
“Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

[Salvation]

For your reading, reflection, faith-sharing, comments, questions, discussion.

[Salvation]

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[Salvation]

From: 1 Timothy 4:12-16

Pastoral Advice to Timothy

---

[12] Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech
and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. [13] Till I come, attend to the public
reading of scripture, to preaching, to teaching. [14] Do not neglect the gift you
have, which was given you by prophetic utterancewhen the elders laid their
hands upon you. [15] Practise these duties, devote yourself to them, so that
all may see your progress. [16] Take heed to yourself and to your teaching;
hold to that, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

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

12-13. A good minister should be a model of virtue. Timothy was obviously very
young for the office he held; the Apostle therefore keeps telling him that he must
give good example because virtues give a person more experience than age does.

“Reading, preaching, teaching”: all three were done at the liturgical assemblies
of the early Christians (and continue to be done during the Liturgy of the Word
at Mass): some texts of Sacred Scripture were read and then the minister gave
a homily which would have included some words of encouragement and some
doctrinal instruction.

14. The gift referred to here is that of the sacrament of Order: it is a permanent
gift (”the gift you have”) from God, bestowed by an external rite consisting of
liturgical prayer and the laying on of hands. This interpretation is derived from
the context: the “gift” (charism) is indelible (Timothy may neglect it but he can
never lose it); therefore, it does not refer to sanctifying grace but to the priestly
“character” or mark which the sacrament imprints along with the grace of the
sacrament itself.

The “prophetic utterances”, which in the New Testament means “public
teachings (cf. note on 1 Tim 1 18-19) or words spoken in God’s name, here
refers to the prayers used in the ordination rite.

The “laying on of hands” is another technical expression. Jesus used this
gesture many times (cf. Mt 9:18-19, 19:15; Mk 6:5; 7:32; 8:23-25; 16:8; Lk 4:40;
13:13); the Apostles used it as a rite for bringing down the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17;
19:6). Here, as elsewhere in these letters, the laying on of hands is the rite of
priestly ordination (cf. 1 Tim 5:22; 2 Tim 1:6), whereby the mission and powers
of the person performing the rite are passed on, thereby ensuring continuity of
priesthood. In 2 Timothy 1:6, a parallel text, it says “through the laying on of my
hands”; whereas here it says “when the elders laid their hands on you”. The
participles “through” and “when” imply that the action of imposition of hands is
an essential part of the sacrament.

The Church has preserved intact the essential elements of the sacrament of
Order—the laying on of hands and the consecrating words of the bishop (cf.
Paul VI, Apost. Const. “Pontificalis Romani Recognitio”, 18 July 1968).

15-16. As well as being mindful of his grace of ordination, the Christian minister
must remain true to his obligations: “Take heed to yourself”. Although the calling
to Church office does not demand exceptional qualities in the candidate, he still
needs to be exemplary and to put special effort into developing virtues or else his
ministry will not be nearly as productive as it might be. “Apostolic soul: first of all,
yourself. Our Lord has said, through St Matthew: ‘When the day of Judgment
comes, many will say to me, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, work
many miracles in your name? Then I shall tell them to their faces: I have never
known you; away from me, you evil men.’ God forbid—says St Paul—that I, who
have preached to others should myself be rejected” ([St] J. Escriva, “The Way”,
930).

“Hold to that”, literally “hold to these things”: probably a reference to the various
points made in this chapter and perhaps also to things the Apostle had at different
times told Timothy to keep an eye on. Perseverance is necessary for the minister
himself and for the good of the people to whom he ministers.

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

[Salvation]

From: Luke 7:36-50

The Woman Who was a Sinner

---

[36] 0ne of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the
Pharisee’s house, and sat at table. [37] And behold, a woman of the city,
who was a sinner, when she learned that he was sitting at table in the
Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, [38] and standing
behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears;
and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed
them with the ointment. [39] Now when the Pharisee who had invited him
saw it, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known
who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.”
[40] And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to
you.” And he answered, “What is it, Teacher?” [41] “A certain creditor had
two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii and the other fifty. [42] When
they could not pay, he forgave them both. Now which of them will love him
more?” [43] Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, to whom he forgave more.”
And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” [44] Then turning toward the
woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house,
you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears
and wiped them with her hair. [45] You gave me no kiss, but from the time
I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. [46] You did not anoint my
head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. [47] Therefore I
tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven little, for she loved much;
but he who is forgiven, loves little.” [48] And he said to her, “Your sins are
forgiven.” [49] Then those who were at table with him began to say among
themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” [50] And he said to the
woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

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

36-40. This woman, moved no doubt by grace, was attracted by Christ’s
preaching and by what people were saying about him.

When dining, people reclined on low divans leaning on their left arm
with their legs tucked under them, away from the table. A host was
expected to give his guest a kiss of greeting and offer him water for
his feet, and perfumes.

41-50. In this short parable of the two debtors Christ teaches us three
things—his own divinity and his power to forgive sins; the merit the
woman’s love deserves; and the discourtesy implied in Simeon’s
neglecting to receive Jesus in the conventional way. Our Lord was not
interested in these social niceties as such but in the affection which
they expressed; that was why he felt hurt at Simeon’s neglect.

“Jesus notices the omission of the expression of human courtesy and
refinement which the Pharisee failed to show him. Christ is perfectus
Deus, perfectus homo’ (”Athanasian Creed”). He is perfect God, the
second person of the Blessed Trinity, and perfect man. He comes to
save, not to destroy nature. It is from him that we learn that it is
unchristian to treat our fellow men badly, for they are creatures of God,
made in his image and likeness (Gen 1:26)” ([St] J. Escriva, “Friends
of God”, 73).

Moreover, the Pharisee was wrong to think badly of this sinner and of
Jesus: reckoning that Christ did not know anything about her, he
complained inwardly. Our Lord, who could read the secret thoughts of
men (which showed his divinity), intervened to point out to him his
mistake. True righteousness, says St Gregory the Great (cf. “In
Evangelia Homiliae”, 33), is compassionate; whereas false righteousness
is indignant. There are many people like this Pharisee: forgetting that
they themselves were or are poor sinners, when they see other people’s
sin they immediately become indignant, instead of taking pity on them,
or else they rush to judge them or sneer at them. They forget what St
Paul says: “Let any one who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall”
(1 Cor 10:12); “Brethren, if any man is overtaken in any trespass, you
who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness [...]. Bear
one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal 6:1- 2).

We should strive to have charity govern all our judgments. Otherwise,
we will easily be unjust towards others. “Let us be slow to judge. Each
one see things from his own point of view, as his mind, with all its
limitations, tells him, and through eyes that are often dimmed and
clouded by passion.... Of what little worth are the judgments of men!
Don’t judge without sifting your judgment in prayer” ([St] J. Escriva,
“The Way”, 451).

Charity and humility will allow us to see in the sins of others our own
weak and helpless position, and will help our hearts go out to the sorrow
of every sinner who repents, for we too would fall into sins as serious
or more serious if God in his mercy did not stay by our side.

“It was not the ointment that the Lord loved”, St Ambrose comments,
“but the affection; it was the woman’s faith that pleased him, her
humility. And you also, if you desire grace, increase your love; pour
over the body of Jesus Christ your faith in the Resurrection, the
perfume of the holy Church and the ointment of charity towards others”
(”Expositio Evangelii sec. Lucam, in loc.”).

47. Man cannot merit forgiveness for his sins because, since God is
the offended party, they are of infinite gravity. We need the sacrament
of Penance, in which God forgives us by virtue of the infinite merits of
Jesus Christ; there is only one indispensable condition for winning
God’s forgiveness—our love, our repentance. We are pardoned to the
extent that we love; when our heart is full of love there is no longer any
room in it for sin because we have made room for Jesus, and he says
to us as he said to this woman, “Your sins are forgiven.” Repentance
is a sign that we love God. But it was God who first loved us (cf.1 Jn
4:10). When God forgives us he is expressing his love for us. Our love
for God is, then, always a response to his initiative. By forgiving us God
helps us to be more grateful and more loving towards him. “He loves
little”, St Augustine comments, “who has little forgiven. You say that
you have not committed many sins: but why is that the case? [...] The
reason is that God was guiding you [...]. There is no sin that one man
commits, which another may not commit also unless God, man’s maker,
guides him” (”Sermon”, 99, 6). Therefore, we ought to fall ever more
deeply in love with our Lord, not only because he forgives us our sins
but also because he helps us by means of his grace not to commit
them.

50. Jesus declares that it was faith that moved this woman to throw
herself at his feet and show her repentance; her repentance wins his
forgiveness. Similarly, when we approach the sacrament of Penance
we should stir up our faith in the fact that it is “not a human but a divine
dialogue. It is a tribunal of divine justice and especially of mercy, with a
loving judge who ‘has no pleasure in the death of the wicked; I desire
that the wicked turn back from his way and live’ (Ezek 33:11)” ([St] J.
Escriva, “Christ Is Passing By”, 78).

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

[Salvation]

Scripture readings taken from the Jerusalem Bible, published and copyright © 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton, Longman & Todd

Readings at Mass

---

First reading

1 Timothy 4:12-16 ©

Do not let people disregard you because you are young, but be an example to the believers in the way you speak and behave, and in your love, your faith and your purity. Make use of the time until I arrive by reading to the people, preaching and teaching. You have in you a spiritual gift which was given to you when the prophets spoke and the body of elders laid their hands on you; do not let it lie unused. Think hard about all this, and put it into practice, and everyone will be able to see how you are advancing. Take great care about what you do and what you teach; always do this, and in this way you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.

---

Psalm

Psalm 110:7-10 ©

Great are the works of the Lord.

or

Alleluia!

His works are justice and truth,

  his precepts are all of them sure,

standing firm for ever and ever;

  they are made in uprightness and truth.

Great are the works of the Lord.

or

Alleluia!

He has sent deliverance to his people

  and established his covenant for ever.

  Holy his name, to be feared.

Great are the works of the Lord.

or

Alleluia!

To fear the Lord is the first stage of wisdom;

  all who do so prove themselves wise.

His praise shall last for ever!

Great are the works of the Lord.

or

Alleluia!

---

Gospel Acclamation

2Co5:19

Alleluia, alleluia!

God in Christ was reconciling the world to himself,

and he has entrusted to us the news that they are reconciled.

Alleluia!

Or

Mt11:28

Alleluia, alleluia!

Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened,

and I will give you rest, says the Lord.

Alleluia!

---

Gospel

Luke 7:36-50 ©

One of the Pharisees invited Jesus to a meal. When he arrived at the Pharisee’s house and took his place at table, a woman came in, who had a bad name in the town. She had heard he was dining with the Pharisee and had brought with her an alabaster jar of ointment. She waited behind him at his feet, weeping, and her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them away with her hair; then she covered his feet with kisses and anointed them with the ointment.

  When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, ‘If this man were a prophet, he would know who this woman is that is touching him and what a bad name she has.’ Then Jesus took him up and said, ‘Simon, I have something to say to you.’ ‘Speak, Master’ was the reply. ‘There was once a creditor who had two men in his debt; one owed him five hundred denarii, the other fifty. They were unable to pay, so he pardoned them both. Which of them will love him more?’ ‘The one who was pardoned more, I suppose’ answered Simon. Jesus said, ‘You are right.’

  Then he turned to the woman. ‘Simon,’ he said ‘you see this woman? I came into your house, and you poured no water over my feet, but she has poured out her tears over my feet and wiped them away with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but she has been covering my feet with kisses ever since I came in. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. For this reason I tell you that her sins, her many sins, must have been forgiven her, or she would not have shown such great love. It is the man who is forgiven little who shows little love.’ Then he said to her, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ Those who were with him at table began to say to themselves, ‘Who is this man, that he even forgives sins?’ But he said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace.’

[Salvation]

Audience: Pope continues catechesis on Church as our Mother
The Light of Faith (Lumen Fidei)[Catholic Caucus]

Year of Faith: Does God Command Evil Actions in the Bible? Part II (Part I linked
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 aren’t 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

[Salvation]

Perpetual Novena for the Nation (Ecumenical)

[Salvation]

Prayers for The Religion Forum (Ecumenical)

[Salvation]

 

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.

[Salvation]

Pray a Rosary each day for our nation.

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.

The Luminous Mysteries or Mysteries of Light
(Thursdays) see Rosarium Virginis Mariae
1. Jesus' Baptism in the Jordan (II Corinthians 5:21, Matthew 3:17 and parallels) [Spiritual fruit - Gratitude for the gift of Faith]
2. Jesus' self-manifestation at the wedding of Cana (John 2:1- 12) [Spiritual fruit - Fidelity]
3. Jesus' proclamation of the Kingdom of God, with His call to conversion (Mark 1:15, Mark 2:3-13; Luke 7:47- 48, John 20:22-23) [Spiritual fruit - Desire for Holiness]
4. Jesus' Transfiguration (Luke 9:35 and parallels) [Spiritual fruit - Spiritual Courage]
5. Jesus' institution of the Eucharist, as the sacramental expression of the Paschal Mystery. (Luke 24:13-35 and parallels, 1 Corinthians 11:24-25) [Spiritual fruit - Love of our Eucharistic Lord]

[Salvation]

~ 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
+

[Salvation]

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.

[Salvation]

Our Blessed Lady's Sorrows

Sea of Sorrow

Oh! on what a sea of sorrow
Was the Virgin-Mother cast,
When her eyes with tears o'erflowing
Gazed upon her Son aghast,
From the bloodstained gibbet taken,
Dying in her arms at last.

In her bitter desolation,
His sweet mouth, His bosom too,
Then His riven side beloved,
Then each hand, both wounded through,
Then His feet, with blood encrimsoned,
Her maternal tears bedew.

She, a hundred times and over,
Strains Him closely to her breast
Heart to Heart, arms arms enfolding,
Are His wounds on her impressed:
Thus, in sorrow's very kisses,
Melts her anguished soul to rest.

Oh, dear Mother! we beseech thee,
By the tears thine eyes have shed,
By the cruel death of Jesus
And His wounds' right royal red,
Make our hearts o'erflow with sorrow
From thy heart's deep fountainhead.

To the Father, Son, and Spirit,
Now we bend on equal knee:
Glory, sempiternal glory,
To the Most High Trinity;
Yea! perpetual praise and honor
Now and through all ages be.

Novena Prayer To Our Sorrowful Mother

Most Blessed and afflicted Virgin, Queen of Martyrs, who didst stand generously beneath the cross, beholding the agony of thy dying Son; by the sword of sorrow which then pierced thy soul, by the sufferings of thy sorrowful life, by the unutterable joy which now more than repays thee for them; look down with a mother's pity and tenderness, as I kneel before thee to compassionate thy sorrows, and to lay my petition with childlike confidence in thy wounded heart. I beg of thee, O my Mother, to plead continually for me with thy Son, since He can refuse thee nothing, and through the merits of His most sacred Passion and Death, together with thy own sufferings at the foot of the cross, so to touch His Sacred Heart, that I may obtain my request,
For to whom shall I fly in my wants and miseries, if not to thee, O Mother of mercy, who, having so deeply drunk the chalice of thy Son, canst most pity us poor exiles, still doomed to sigh in this vale of tears? Offer to Jesus but one drop of His Precious Blood, but one pang of His adorable Heart; remind Him that thou art our life, our sweetness, and our hope, and thou wilt obtain what I ask, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hail Mary
Virgin Most Sorrowful, pray for us
(Seven times each)

Mary, most holy Virgin and Queen of Martyrs, accept the sincere homage of my filial affection. Into thy Heart, pierced by so many swords, do thou welcome my poor soul. Receive it as the companion of thy sorrows at the foot of the Cross, on which Jesus died for the redemption of the world. With thee, O sorrowful Virgin, I will gladly suffer all the trials, contradictions, and infirmities which it shall please Our Lord to send me. I offer them all to thee in memory of thy sorrows, so that: every thought of my mind and every beat of my heart may be an act of compassion and of love for thee. And do thou, sweet Mother, have pity on me, reconcile me to thy Divine Son, Jesus; keep me in His grace and assist me in my last agony, so that I may be able to meet thee in Heaven and sing thy glories.

Most holy Virgin and Mother, whose soul was pierced by a sword of sorrow in the Passion of thy Divine Son, and who in His glorious Resurrection wast filled with never ending joy at His triumph, obtain for us who call upon thee, so to be partakers in the adversities of Holy Church and the Sorrows of the Sovereign Pontiff, as to be found worthy to rejoice with them in the consolations for which we pray, in the charity and peace of the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Litany of the Seven Sorrows

For private use only.

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven,
Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God,
Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary,
Pray for us.
Holy Mother of God,
Pray for us.
Holy Virgin of virgins, etc.
Mother crucified,
Mother sorrowful,
Mother tearful,
Mother afflicted,
Mother forsaken,
Mother desolate,
Mother bereft of thy Child,
Mother transfixed with the sword,
Mother consumed with grief,
Mother filled with anguish,
Mother crucified in heart,
Mother most sad,
Fountain of tears,
Abyss of suffering,
Mirror of patience,
Rock of constancy,
Anchor of confidence,
Refuge of the forsaken,
Shield of the oppressed,
Subduer of the unbelieving,
Comfort of the afflicted,
Medicine of the sick,
Strength of the weak,
Harbor of the wrecked,
Allayer of tempests,
Resource of mourners,
Terror of the treacherous,
Treasure of the faithful,
Eye of the Prophets,
Staff of the Apostles,
Crown of Martyrs,
Light of confessors,
Pearl of virgins,
Consolation of widows,
Joy of all Saints,

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.

Look down upon us, deliver us, and save us from all trouble,
in the power of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Let Us Pray.
Imprint, O Lady, thy wounds upon my heart, that I may read therein sorrow and love
--- sorrow to endure every sorrow for thee, love to despise every love for thee. Amen.

Conclude with the Apostles Creed, Hail Holy Queen, and three Hail Marys,
in honor of the Most Holy Heart of Mary.

Stabat Mater Dolorosa

Stabat mater dolorosa
iuxta Crucem lacrimosa,
dum pendebat Filius.

Cuius animam gementem,
contristatam et dolentem
pertransivit gladius.

O quam tristis et afflicta
fuit illa benedicta,
mater Unigeniti!

Quae maerebat et dolebat,
pia Mater, dum videbat
nati poenas inclyti.

Quis est homo qui non fleret,
matrem Christi si videret
in tanto supplicio?

Quis non posset contristari
Christi Matrem contemplari
dolentem cum Filio?

Pro peccatis suae gentis
vidit Iesum in tormentis,
et flagellis subditum.

Vidit suum dulcem Natum
moriendo desolatum,
dum emisit spiritum.

Eia, Mater, fons amoris
me sentire vim doloris
fac, ut tecum lugeam.

Fac, ut ardeat cor meum
in amando Christum Deum
ut sibi complaceam.

Sancta Mater, istud agas,
crucifixi fige plagas
cordi meo valide.

Tui Nati vulnerati,
tam dignati pro me pati,
poenas mecum divide.

Fac me tecum pie flere,
crucifixo condolere,
donec ego vixero.

Iuxta Crucem tecum stare,
et me tibi sociare
in planctu desidero.

Virgo virginum praeclara,
mihi iam non sis amara,
fac me tecum plangere.

Fac, ut portem Christi mortem,
passionis fac consortem,
et plagas recolere.

Fac me plagis vulnerari,
fac me Cruce inebriari,
et cruore Filii.

Flammis ne urar succensus,
per te, Virgo, sim defensus
in die iudicii.

Christe, cum sit hinc exire,
da per Matrem me venire
ad palmam victoriae.

Quando corpus morietur,
fac, ut animae donetur
paradisi gloria. Amen.

Prayer To Our Lady of Sorrows, by St. Bridget

O Blessed Virgin Mary, Immaculate Mother of God, who didst endure a martyrdom of love and grief beholding the sufferings and sorrows of Jesus! Thou didst cooperate in the benefit of my redemption by thine innumerable afflictions and by offering to the Eternal Father His only begotten Son as a holocaust and victim of propitiation for my sins. I thank thee for the unspeakable love which led thee to deprive thyself of the Fruit of thy womb, Jesus, true God and true Man, to save me, a sinner. Oh, make use of the unfailing intercession of thy sorrows with the Father and the Son, that I may steadfastly amend my life and never again crucify my loving Redeemer by new sins, and that, persevering till death in His grace. I may obtain eternal life through the merits of His Cross and Passion. Amen.

Mother of love, of sorrow and of mercy, pray for us.

Saint Alphonsus Liguori's Prayer To The Mother Of Sorrows

O, my Blessed Mother, it is not one sword only with which I have pierced thy heart, but I have done so with as many as are the sins which I have committed. O, Lady, it is not to thee, who art innocent, that sufferings are due, but to me, who am guilty of so many crimes. But since thou hast been pleased to suffer so much for me, by thy merits, obtain me great sorrow for my sins, and patience under the trials of this life, which will always be light in comparison with my demerits; for I have often deserved Hell.
Amen.

 

Stabet Mater Dolorosa (catholic/orthodox caucus)
[CATHOLIC/ORTHODOX CAUCUS] Spirituality: Our Lady of Sorrows
The Seven Swords Rosary Of Our Lady Of Sorrows [Catholic Caucus] Prayer and Meditation
The Rosary of the Seven Sorrows [Catholic Caucus] Prayer/Devotion
Our Lady of Sorrows, part I: "Her Martyrdom was longer and greater than that of all the martyrs"

Lists Every Catholic Should be Familiar With: The 7 Sorrows (Dolours) and 7 Joys of Our Lady
The Seven Dolors (Sorrows) of Mary [Catholic/Orthodox Devotional]
Apparition in Africa: Our Lady of Sorrows [Catholic/Orthodox Caucus]
Feast of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary [Catholic Caucus Devotional]
Feast of Our Lady/Mother of Sorrows
Homilies on Our Lady of Sorrows
Starkenburg:Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Sorrows Shrine
Our Mother of Sorrows
ST. ALPHONSUS LIGUORI, OF THE DOLOURS OF MARY, The Glories [Sorrows] of Mary
Our Lady of Sorrows - Sep 15

[Salvation]

September 2013

Pope's Intentions

Value of Silence. That people today, often overwhelmed by noise, may rediscover the value of silence and listen to the voice of God and their brothers and sisters.

Persecuted Christians. That Christians suffering persecution in many parts of the world may by their witness be prophets of Christ's love.

[Salvation]

Daily Gospel Commentary

Thursday of the Twenty-fourth week in Ordinary Time

Commentary of the day
Blessed John-Paul II, Pope from 1978 to 2005
Encyclical « Dives in Misericordia » § 13 (trans. © copyright Libreria Editrice Vaticana)

"Her many sins have been forgiven"

It is precisely because sin exists in the world, which "God so loved...that he gave his only Son,” (Jn 3,16) that God, who "is love,” (1Jn 4,8) cannot reveal Himself otherwise than as mercy. This corresponds not only to the most profound truth of that love which God is, but also to the whole interior truth of man and of the world which is man's temporary homeland...  Therefore, the Church professes and proclaims conversion. Conversion to God always consists in discovering His mercy, that is, in discovering that love which is “patient and kind” (cf. 1Cor 13,4)... the love to which the "God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2Cor 1,3) is faithful to the uttermost consequences in the history of His covenant with man; even to the cross and to the death and resurrection of the Son. Conversion to God is always the fruit of the"rediscovery of this Father, who is “rich in mercy” (Eph 2,4).

Authentic knowledge of the God of mercy, the God of tender love, is a constant and inexhaustible source of conversion, not only as a momentary interior act but also as a permanent attitude, as a state of mind. Those who come to know God in this way, who "see" Him in this way, can live only in a state of being continually converted to Him. They live, therefore, “in a state of conversion”; and it is this state of conversion which marks out the most profound element of the pilgrimage of every man and woman on earth as those who are “on the way”.

It is obvious that the Church professes the mercy of God, revealed in the crucified and risen Christ, not only by the word of her teaching but above all through the deepest pulsation of the life of the whole People of God. By means of this testimony of life, the Church fulfills the mission proper to the People of God, the mission which is a sharing in and, in a sense, a continuation of the messianic mission of Christ Himself.

[Salvation]

Thursday, September 19, 2013
St. Francis Mary of Camporosso (Memorial)

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel:

1 Timothy 4:12-16 Psalm 111:7-10 Luke 7:36-50 When shall it be that we shall taste the sweetness of the Divine Will in all that happens to us, considering in everything only His good pleasure, by whom it is certain that adversity is sent with as much love as prosperity, and as much for our good? When shall we cast ourselves undeservedly into the arms of our most loving Father in Heaven, leaving to Him the care of ourselves and of our affairs, and reserving only the desire of pleasing Him, and of serving Him well in all that we can? -- St Jane Frances de Chantal

[Salvation]

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.

[Salvation]

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. 

[Salvation]

Saint Januarius, Bishop and Martyr

Saint Januarius,
Bishop and Martyr
September 19th

photo San Gennaro in Naples,
copyright owned by Julia Janßen, used here with her permission

St. Januarius, bishop of Beneventum, the principle patron saint of Naples, was believed to have been martyred by beheading in 305, at Campania, during the persecution of the Emperor Diocletian.

Though there is no reliable history of his life or martyrdom, and no contemporary accounts remain, he is revered as a martyr, and in about 733, the Venerable Bede wrote of Januarius in his Martyrlogium. According to the earliest accounts,  Januarius was martyred with his deacon, Festus, and his lector, Desiderius, and several other Christians. The much later document, “Acta Januarius”, gives a detailed account of the martyrdom at the order of Timotheus, president of Campania. The body of Januarius was ultimately re-buried in the Naples cathedral, San Gennaro, in 1497.

St. Januarius (San Gennaro), is most famous for the liquefaction of his blood contained within a glass vial, first officially recorded in 1389. This liquefaction has occurred repeatedly for over 700 years; and even after many scientific studies of the phenomenon conducted throughout the past century, it defies natural explanation. The ceremonial exposition of the miraculous vial of blood continues to this day in the Naples cathedral —  on September 19, the feast of St. Januarius, December 16,  to celebrate his patronage of both the city and the archdiocesse of Naples, and on the Saturday before the first Sunday of May, to commemorate the reunification of his relics in the special Cappella di San Gennaro in the cathedra.

Collect:
O God, who grant us to venerate
the memory of the Martyr Saint Januarius,
give us, we pray, the joy of his company
in blessed happiness for all eternity.
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: Hebrews 10:32-36
But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to abuse and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on the prisoners, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that you may do the will of God and receive what is promised.

Gospel Reading: John 12: 24-26
Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If any one serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be also; if any one serves me, the Father will honor him.

---

Related link: “Acts of Januarius” on Fordham University web site: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/basis/januarius.asp

[Salvation]

Catholic Word of the Day: BLOOD OF ST. JANUARIUS, 05-14-12

San Gennaro miracle recurs (St. Januarius's blood liquefies) (Catholic Caucus)[2011]
Naples: The Miracle of St. Januarius Happens on Time this Year. 2010
San Gennaro Miracle Recurs (Catholic/Orthodox Caucus)
Naples hails annual miracle of liquefying blood (San Gennaro) [St. Januarius] [2007]
San Gennaro (St. Januarius): New Miracle [2006]
Miracle of San Gennaro Repeated (St. Januarius) [2005]
Sept. 19: St. Januarius, Bishop & Martyr, and His Companions, Martyrs (Gueranger)
The Life Of St. Januarius
Saint's Dried Blood Liquefies in 'Miracle' [2002]
Saint's Blood Liquefies - Good Omen for the World [2001]