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From: Wisdom 1:1-7

To Be Wise, a Person Must Avoid Sin

[1] Love righteousness, you rulers of the earth, think of the Lord with uprightness,
and seek him with sincerity of heart; [2] because he is found by those who do
not put him to the test, and manifests himself to those who do not distrust him.
[3] For perverse thoughts separate men from God, and when his power is tested,
it convicts the foolish; [4] because wisdom will not enter a deceitful soul, nor
dwell in a body enslaved to sin. [5] For a holy and disciplined spirit will flee from
deceit, and will rise and depart from foolish thoughts, and will be ashamed at the
approach of unrighteousness.

Wisdom, Spirit and Word

[6] For wisdom is a kindly spirit and will not free a blasphemer from the guilt of
his words; because God is witness of his inmost feelings, and a true observer of
his heart, and a hearer of his tongue. [7] Because the Spirit of the Lord has filled
the world, and that which holds all things together knows what is said.

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

1:1-6:21. These chapters form the first part of the book. The sacred writer begins
by exhorting the rulers of the earth to love righteousness, for it bestows immort-
ality (1:1-15). He goes on to expound the arguments used by the ungodly to jus-
tify their behavior (1:16-2:24). Then he takes issue with them by explaining what
lies in store after death—the separate fates of the righteous and the ungodly (3:
1-4:20). God will judge all and the ungodly will recognize their sins and be pu-
nished (5:1-23). People in positions of government have a heavy responsibility
(6:1-11), so the author invites them to love wisdom (6:12-21). In this way, on the
basis of belief in God, the book supplies answers to questions that arise from
the fact that ungodly people are often successful in this world and the righteous
seem to fail: many a just man dies prematurely, for example. It is an advance in
Revelation to set retribution the context of the after-life — thereby opening up the
way for the definitive Revelation of the New Testament.

1:1-15. The exhortation to seek righteousness is made specific here: it involves
letting oneself be guided by Wisdom. Wisdom lets one see that God will judge
every human being (vv. 8-11). Man, like everything else, was made to live: “God
did not make death” v. 13), “for he created all things that they might exist, and
the creatures of the world are wholesome” (v. 14). This is an optimistic view of
the world and of man, and one that goes right back to the first creation account
in the book of Genesis (cf. Gen 1:1-2:4). It connects death with divine punish-
ment (v. 12), but, as already pointed out in the previous verse ( a lying mouth de-
stroys the soul) physical death is not the sum total of death; it is, of course, al-
ways a sign of death, but vv. 1-12 see beyond the notion of mere physical death,
opening the way to an eschatological scenario (not very well defined as yet; New
Testament revelation will make it much plainer).

1:1-5. The sacred writer addresses “the rulers” of the earth in the first instance —
literally, “those who judge” (cf. Ps 2:10). In the Bible, ‘judging” is one of the main
prerogatives of the king, and often it means the same thing as “ruling”. By “righ-
teousness” is meant, above all, faithfulness to the divine will, dutiful observance
of the Covenant made between God and the chosen people — upright moral con-
duct. What we have here is a spiritual profile of the wise man. He must be well-
disposed to the things of God, and not have a “deceitful soul” (v. 4), and he must
be convinced that Good is the Supreme God and that everything that he does or
allows to happen is for the best. Whereas (cf. v. 5) the worst thing is to be com-
plicated and distrustful of God. So, from the very start we see this contrast that
runs right through the book, between those who are wise, prudent and just, and
who trust in God—and the ungodly and unbelievers who pay attention only to
what they can see and touch.

“A holy...spirit” (v. 5): in the Old Testament sense, the Spirit of God. This Spirit
is the teacher of the soul; that is why it is “ashamed at the approach of unrigh-
teousness”: evildoers will curse the Spirit for teaching the righteous how to
please God (cf. 2:12-20).

1:6-11. Wisdom is a divine attribute (cf. Job 28:23-24) which God communicates
to man (cf. Prov 8:22-31)—to all mankind, although the underlying conviction is
that it is given in a special way to the people of Israel (cf. Sir 24:3-47; Bar 3:9-
38). In verses 6-7 Wisdom is identified with the Spirit of God, insofar as it is an
expression of the creative and life-giving power of God. The text says that the
Spirit holds all things together and is present everywhere in the universe and
knows everything — even the hidden thoughts of man (cf. 1 Cor 2:10-11): in this
sense Wisdom and the Spirit are the same thing. This is a subject that will be
developed in 7:22-28. This notion of Wisdom, taking on the features of a person,
prepares the way for the fullness of revelation in the New Testament, when the
Divine Word will reveal himself as the Son, that is, as the Word and the media-
tor of the knowledge of God (cf. Jn 1:1; Col 1:15; Heb 1:1-3).

In v. 6 Wisdom is defined as being “kindly” (towards men). This has not been
said before in the Old Testament, but it is consistent with what Genesis (1:31)
says about God seeing that everything he made was “very good” and with what
God says in Isaiah about his maternal love for Israel (Ct. Is 49: Is). Now it is
said with reference not only to the chosen people but to all mankind, and there-
fore it is an announcement of God’s plan of salvation (cf. Rom 5:8-11; 1 Tim 2:
4). These words (v.6) allow us to foresee, to glimpse, that God’s love for man-
kind will reveal itself fully in the Incarnation of the Son of God (cf. Titus 3:4).

Those who will be punished are depicted as complainers, slanderers and liars,
The ungodly are deceiving themselves because they have a mistaken idea of
God and his providence: they think that he does not interest himself in the do-
ings of mankind and that he lets evil happen; therefore, they do not obey him or
respect him. Deep down, every sin against God can be traced back to deceit,
just as true faith is grounded on truth. Psalm 58:3 said as much: those who
stray from God “err from birth, speaking lies’, in the New Testament, Jesus, who
declares himself to be Truth, accuses those who do not believe in him of being
liars and calls the devil a liar (cf. Jn 8:42-44); and St John calls a liar him who
denies Jesus (cf. 1 Jn 2:21-23).

*********************************************************************************************
Source: “The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries”. Biblical text from the
Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries by members of
the Faculty of Theology, University of Navarre, Spain.

Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland, and
by Scepter Publishers in the United States.

From: Luke 17:1-6

On Leading Others Astray, Fraternal Correction

[1] And He (Jesus) said to His disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come;
but woe to him by whom they come! [2] It would be better for him if a millstone
were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea, than that he should
cause one of these little ones to sin. [3] Take heed yourselves; if your brother
sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him; [4] and if he sins against you
seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, and says, ‘I repent,’ you
must forgive him.”

The Power of Faith

[5] The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith! [6] And the Lord said, “If
you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this sycamore tree,
‘Be rooted up, and be planted in the sea’, and it would obey you.

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

1-3. Our Lord condemns scandal, that is, “any saying, action or omission which
constitute for another an occasion of sin” (”St. Pius X Catechism”, 417). Jesus
is teaching two things here: the first is that scandal will “in fact” happen; the se-
cond, that it is a grave sin, as shown by the punishment it earns.

The reason why it is so serious a sin is that it “tends to destroy God’s greatest
work, that of Redemption, through souls being lost; it kills one’s neighbor’s soul
by taking away the life of grace, which is more precious than the life of the body,
and it is the cause of a multitude of sins. This is why God threatens with the
most severe punishment those who cause others to stumble” (”ibid”., 418). See
[the notes on] Matthew 18:6-7; 18-8; 18:10.

“Take heed to yourselves”: a serious warning, meaning that we should not be a
cause of scandal to others nor should we be influenced by the bad example
others give us.

People who enjoy authority of any kind (parents, teachers, politicians, writers, ar-
tists, etc.) can more easily be a cause of scandal. We need to be on the alert in
this respect in view of our Lord’s warning, “Take heed to yourselves.”

2. Millstones were circular in shape with a large hole in the center. Our Lord’s de-
scription, therefore, was very graphic: it meant that the person’s head just fitted
through the hole and then he could not get the stone off.

3-4. In order to be a Christian one must always, genuinely, forgive others. Also,
one has to correct an erring brother to help him change his behavior. But fraternal
correction should always be done in a very refined way, full of charity; otherwise
we would humiliate the person who has committed the fault, whereas we should
not humiliate him but help him to be better.

Forgiving offenses — which is something we should always do — should not be
confused with giving up rights which have been justly violated. One can claim
rights without any kind of hatred being implied; and sometimes charity and jus-
tice require us to exercise our rights. “Let’s not confuse the rights of the office
you hold with your rights as a person. The former can never be waived” (St. J.
Escriva, “The Way”, 407).

Sincere forgiveness leads us to forget the particular offense and to extend the
hand of friendship, which in turn helps the offender to repent.

The Christian vocation is a calling to holiness, but one of its essential require-
ments is that we show apostolic concern for the spiritual welfare of others: Chris-
tianity cannot be practiced in an isolated, selfish way. Thus, “if any one among
you wanders from the truth and some one brings him back, let him know that
whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from
death and will cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:20).

5. “Increase our faith!”: a good ejaculatory prayer for every Christian. “Omnia pos-
sibilia sunt credenti”. “Everything is possible for anyone who has faith.” The words
are Christ’s. How is it that you don’t say to Him with the Apostles: ‘”adauge nobis
fidem!” “increase my faith!’ (”The Way”, 588).

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

Readings at Mass

First reading

Wisdom 1:1-7 ©

Love virtue, you who are judges on earth,

let honesty prompt your thinking about the Lord,

seek him in simplicity of heart;

since he is to be found by those who do not put him to the test,

he shows himself to those who do not distrust him.

But selfish intentions divorce from God;

and Omnipotence, put to the test, confounds the foolish.

No, Wisdom will never make its way into a crafty soul

nor stay in a body that is in debt to sin;

the holy spirit of instruction shuns deceit,

it stands aloof from reckless purposes,

is taken aback when iniquity appears.

Wisdom is a spirit, a friend to man,

though she will not pardon the words of a blasphemer,

since God sees into the innermost parts of him,

truly observes his heart,

and listens to his tongue.

The spirit of the Lord, indeed, fills the whole world,

and that which holds all things together knows every word that is said.

Psalm

Psalm 138:1-10 ©

Lead me, O Lord, in the path of life eternal.

O Lord, you search me and you know me,

you know my resting and my rising,

you discern my purpose from afar.

You mark when I walk or lie down,

all my ways lie open to you.

Lead me, O Lord, in the path of life eternal.

Before ever a word is on my tongue

you know it, O Lord, through and through.

Behind and before you besiege me,

your hand ever laid upon me.

Too wonderful for me this knowledge,

too high, beyond my reach.

Lead me, O Lord, in the path of life eternal.

O where can I go from your spirit,

or where can I flee from your face?

If I climb the heavens, you are there.

If I lie in the grave, you are there.

Lead me, O Lord, in the path of life eternal.

If I take the wings of the dawn

and dwell at the sea’s furthest end,

even there your hand would lead me,

your right hand would hold me fast.

Lead me, O Lord, in the path of life eternal.

Gospel Acclamation

Ph2:15-16

Alleluia, alleluia!

You will shine in the world like bright stars

because you are offering it the word of life.

Alleluia!

Gospel

Luke 17:1-6 ©

Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Obstacles are sure to come, but alas for the one who provides them! It would be better for him to be thrown into the Sea with a millstone put round his neck than that he should lead astray a single one of these little ones. Watch yourselves!

If your brother does something wrong, reprove him and, if he is sorry, forgive him. And if he wrongs you seven times a day and seven times comes back to you and says, “I am sorry,” you must forgive him.’

The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’ The Lord replied, ‘Were your faith the size of a mustard seed you could say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea,” and it would obey you.’

Relics of St. Peter to Go On Public Display
Relics of St. Peter to Go On Public Display Relics of St. Peter to Go On Public Display
Pope Francis: The Communion of Saints Is a "Solidarity Between Heaven and Earth" [weekly audience
On Mary, Model of Faith, Charity and Union with Christ [Weekly Audience]
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

Perpetual Novena for the Nation (Ecumenical)

Prayers for The Religion Forum (Ecumenical)

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.

Pray a Rosary each day for our nation.

Pray the Rosary

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

2. The Apostles Creed: 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 Joyful Mysteries
(Mondays and Saturdays)
1. The Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38) [Spiritual fruit - Humility]
2. The Visitation (Luke 1: 39-56) [Spiritual fruit - Love of Neighbor]
3. The Nativity (Luke 2:1-20) [Spiritual fruit - Poverty of Spirit]
4. The Presentation (Luke 2:21-38) [Spiritual fruit - Purity of mind & body]
5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52) [Spiritual fruit - Obedience ]

~ 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
+

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.

(For if he had not hoped that they that were slain should rise again, it would have seemed superfluous and vain to pray for the dead,) And because he considered that they who had fallen asleep with godliness, had great grace laid up for them. It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins." II Maccabees 12

November Devotion: The Holy Souls in Purgatory

Since the 16th century Catholic piety has assigned entire months to special devotions. As a reminder of our duty to pray for the suffering faithful in Purgatory, the Church has dedicated the month of November to the Holy Souls. The Holy Souls are those who have died in the state of grace but who are not yet free from all punishment due to their unforgiven venial sins and all other sins already forgiven for which satisfaction is still to be made. They are certain of entering Heaven, but first they must suffer in Purgatory. The Holy Souls cannot help themselves because for them the night has come, when no man can work (John 9:4). It is our great privilege of brotherhood that we can shorten their time of separation from God by our prayers, good works, and, especially, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

To Help the Holy Souls in Purgatory:

1. Have the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass offered up for them.

2. Pray the Rosary and or the Chaplet of Divine Marcy for them, or both.

3. Pray the Stations of the Cross.

4. Offer up little sacrifices and fasting.

5. Spread devotion to them, so that others may pray for them.

6. Attend Eucharistic Adoration and pray for them.

7. Gain all the indulgences you can, and apply them to the Holy Souls

8. Visit to a Cemetery

Litany for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

The just shall be in everlasting remembrance;

He shall not fear the evil hearing.

V. Absolve, O Lord, the souls of the faithful departed

from every bond of sin,

R. And by the help of Thy grace

may they be enabled to escape the avenging judgment,

and to enjoy the happiness of eternal life.

Because in Thy mercy are deposited the souls that departed

in an inferior degree of grace,

Lord, have mercy.

Because their present suffering is greatest

in the knowledge of the pain that their separation from Thee is causing Thee,

Lord, have mercy.

Because of their present inability to add to Thy accidental glory,

Lord, have mercy.

Not for our consolation, O Lord;

not for their release from purgative pain, O God;

but for Thy joy

and the greater accidental honour of Thy throne, O Christ the King,

Lord, have mercy.

For the souls of our departed friends, relations and benefactors,

grant light and peace, O Lord.

For those of our family who have fallen asleep in Thy bosom, O Jesus,

grant light and peace, O Lord.

For those who have gone to prepare our place,

grant light and peace, O Lord.

(For those who were our brothers [or sisters] in Religion,)

grant light and peace, O Lord.

For priests who were our spiritual directors,

grant light and peace, O Lord.

For men or women who were our teachers in school,

grant light and peace, O Lord.

For those who were our employers (or employees),

grant light and peace, O Lord.

For those who were our associates in daily toil,

grant light and peace, O Lord.

For any soul whom we ever offended,

grant light and peace, O Lord.

For our enemies now departed,

grant light and peace, O Lord.

For those souls who have none to pray for them,

grant light and peace, O Lord.

For those forgotten by their friends and kin,

grant light and peace, O Lord.

For those now suffering the most,

grant light and peace, O Lord.

For those who have acquired the most merit,

grant light and peace, O Lord.

For the souls next to be released from Purgatory,

grant light and peace, O Lord.

For those who, while on earth,

were most devoted to God the Holy Ghost,

to Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament,

to the holy Mother of God,

grant light and peace, O Lord.

For all deceased popes and prelates,

grant light and peace, O Lord.

For all deceased priests, seminarians and religious,

grant light and peace, O Lord.

For all our brethren in the Faith everywhere,

grant light and peace, O Lord.

For all our separated brethren who deeply loved Thee,

and would have come into Thy household had they known the truth,

grant light and peace, O Lord.

For those souls who need, or in life asked, our prayers,

grant light and peace, O Lord.

For those, closer to Thee than we are, whose prayers we need,

grant light and peace, O Lord.

That those may be happy with Thee forever,

who on earth were true exemplars of the Catholic Faith,

grant them eternal rest, O Lord.

That those may be admitted to Thine unveiled Presence,

who as far as we know never committed mortal sin,

grant them eternal rest, O Lord.

That those may be housed in glory,

who lived always in recollection and prayer,

grant them eternal rest, O Lord.

That those may be given the celestial joy of beholding Thee,

who lived lives of mortification and self-denial and penance,

grant them eternal rest, O Lord.

That those may be flooded with Thy love,

who denied themselves even Thy favours of indulgence

and who made the heroic act

for the souls who had gone before them,

grant them eternal rest, O Lord.

That those may be drawn up to the Beatific Vision,

who never put obstacles in the way of sanctifying grace

and who ever drew closer in mystical union with Thee,

grant them eternal rest, O Lord.

V. Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord,

R. And let perpetual light shine upon them.

Let Us Pray

Be mindful, O Lord,

of Thy servants and handmaids,

N. and N.,

who are gone before us

with the sign of faith

and repose in the sleep of grace.

To these, O Lord,

and to all who rest in Christ,

grant, we beseech Thee,

a place of refreshment,

light and peace,

through the same Christ Our Lord.

Amen

All Saints or All Souls? Differences should be black and white
All Souls' Day [Catholic Caucus]
Why I Am Catholic: For Purgatory, Thank Heavens (Ecumenical)
Q and A: Why Pray for the Dead? [Ecumenical]
“….and Death is Gain” – A Meditation on the Christian View of Death [Catholic Caucus]
99 & 1/2 Won’t Do – A Meditation on Purgatory
The Month of November: Thoughts on the "Last Things"
To Trace All Souls Day (Protestants vs Catholics)

November 2 -- All Souls Day
On November: All Souls and the "Permanent Things"
"From the Pastor" ALL SAINTS & ALL SOULS
Praying for the Dead [All Souls Day] (Catholic/Orthodox Caucus)
To Trace All Souls Day [Ecumenical]
All Souls Day [Catholic/Orthodox Caucus]
The Roots of All Souls Day
The Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed (All Souls)
During Month of Souls, Recall Mystic, St. Gertrude the Great
All Saints and All Souls

Repeat these prayers every seven days during the month of November for the Poor Souls in Purgatory

SUNDAY

O Lord God omnipotent, I beseech You by the Precious Blood, which Your divine Son Jesus shed in the Garden, deliver the souls in purgatory, and especially that one which is the most forsaken of all, and bring it into Your glory, where it may praise and bless You for ever. Amen.

Say here: one Our Father and one Hail Mary

CONCLUDING PRAYERS

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

Merciful Father, hear our prayers and console us. As we renew our faith in Your Son, whom You raised from the dead, strengthen our hope that all our departed brothers and sisters will share in His resurrection, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

MONDAY

O Lord God omnipotent, I beseech You by the Precious Blood, which Your divine Son Jesus shed in His cruel scourging, deliver the souls in purgatory, and among them all, especially that soul which is nearest to its entrance into Your glory, that it may soon begin to praise You and bless You for ever. Amen.

Say here: one Our Father and one Hail Mary

CONCLUDING PRAYERS

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

Merciful Father, hear our prayers and console us. As we renew our faith in Your Son, whom You raised from the dead, strengthen our hope that all our departed brothers and sisters will share in His resurrection, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

TUESDAY

O Lord God omnipotent, I beseech You by the Precious Blood of Your divine Son Jesus that was shed in His bitter crowning with thorns, deliver the souls in purgatory, and among them all, particularly that soul which is in the greatest need of our prayers, in order that it may not long be delayed in praising You in Your glory and blessing You for ever. Amen.

Say here: one Our Father and one Hail Mary

CONCLUDING PRAYERS

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

Merciful Father, hear our prayers and console us. As we renew our faith in Your Son, whom You raised from the dead, strengthen our hope that all our departed brothers and sisters will share in His resurrection, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

WEDNESDAY

O Lord God omnipotent, I beseech You by the Precious Blood of Your divine Son Jesus that was shed in the streets of Jerusalem while He carried on His sacred shoulders the heavy burden of the Cross, deliver the souls in purgatory and especially that one which is richest in merits in Your sight, so that, having soon attained the high place in glory to which it is destined, it may praise You triumphantly and bless You for ever. Amen

Say here: one Our Father and one Hail Mary

CONCLUDING PRAYERS

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

Merciful Father, hear our prayers and console us. As we renew our faith in Your Son, whom You raised from the dead, strengthen our hope that all our departed brothers and sisters will share in His resurrection, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

THURSDAY

O Lord God omnipotent, I beseech You by the Precious Body and Blood of Your divine Son Jesus, which He Himself on the night before His Passion gave as meat and drink to His beloved Apostles and bequeathed to His Holy Church to be the perpetual Sacrifice and life-giving nourishment of His faithful people, deliver the souls in purgatory, but most of all, that soul which was most devoted to this Mystery of infinite love, in order that it may praise You therefore, together with Your divine Son and the Holy Spirit in Your glory for ever. Amen.

Say here: one Our Father and one Hail Mary

CONCLUDING PRAYERS

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

Merciful Father, hear our prayers and console us. As we renew our faith in Your Son, whom You raised from the dead, strengthen our hope that all our departed brothers and sisters will share in His resurrection, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

FRIDAY

O Lord God omnipotent,
I beseech You by the Precious Blood which Jesus Your divine Son did shed this day upon the tree of the Cross, especially from His sacred Hands and Feet, deliver the souls in purgatory, and particularly that soul for whom I am most bound to pray, in order that I may not be the cause which hinders You from admitting it quickly to the possession of Your glory where it may praise You and bless You for evermore. Amen

Say here: one Our Father and one Hail Mary

CONCLUDING PRAYERS

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

Merciful Father, hear our prayers and console us. As we renew our faith in Your Son, whom You raised from the dead, strengthen our hope that all our departed brothers and sisters will share in His resurrection, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Say here: one Our Father and one Hail Mary

SATURDAY

O Lord God omnipotent, I beseech You by the Precious Blood which gushed forth from the sacred Side of Your divine Son Jesus in the presence and to the great sorrow of His most holy Mother, deliver the souls in purgatory and among them all especially that soul which has been most devout to this noble Lady, that it may come quickly into Your glory, there to praise You in her, and her in You through all the ages. Amen.

Say here: one Our Father and one Hail Mary

CONCLUDING PRAYERS

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

Merciful Father, hear our prayers and console us. As we renew our faith in Your Son, whom You raised from the dead, strengthen our hope that all our departed brothers and sisters will share in His resurrection, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Intentions of the Holy Father for November

November 2013

Suffering Priests. That priests who experience difficulties may find comfort in their suffering, support in their doubts, and confirmation in their fidelity.

Latin American Churches. That as fruit of the continental mission, Latin American Churches may send missionaries to other Churches.

Daily Gospel Commentary

Monday of the Thirty-second week in Ordinary Time

Commentary of the day
Pope Francis
General Audience of 29/05/2013

Increase our faith in the Church

Today I would like to begin some catecheses on the mystery of the Church, a mystery which we all experience and of which we are part. I would like to do so with some concepts that are evident in the texts of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council. Today the first catechesis is: “The Church as the family of God”... The very word “Church”, from the Greek ekklesia, means “convocation”: God convokes us, he impels us to come out of our individualism, from our tendency to close ourselves into ourselves, and he calls us to belong to his family...

Still today some say: “Christ yes, the Church no”. Like those who say “I believe in God but not in priests”. But it is the Church herself which brings Christ to us and which brings us to God. The Church is the great family of God’s children. Of course, she also has human aspects. In those who make up the Church, pastors and faithful, there are shortcomings, imperfections and sins. The Pope has these too — and many of them; but what is beautiful is that when we realize we are sinners we encounter the mercy of God who always forgives. Never forget it: God always pardons and receives us into his love of forgiveness and mercy. Some people say that sin is an offence to God, but also an opportunity to humble oneself so as to realize that there is something else more beautiful: God’s mercy. Let us think about this.

Let us ask ourselves today: how much do I love the Church? Do I pray for her? Do I feel part of the family of the Church? What do I do to ensure that she is a community in which each one feels welcome and understood, feels the mercy and love of God who renews life? Faith is a gift and an act which concern us personally, but God calls us to live with our faith together, as a family, as Church.

Monday, November 11, 2013
St. Martin of Tours, Bishop (Memorial)

First Reading:
Psalm:
Gospel:

Wisdom 1:1-7
Psalm 139:1-10
Luke 17:1-6

And the multitudes that went before and that followed cried, saying: Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

-- Matthew xxi. 9

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.

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.

Psalm 139 is such a beautiful psalm ... evoking songs of Praise and Thanksgiving ...

Yahweh, I Know You Are Near ...

Psalm 139 (I Praise You God, That I Am Fearfully Wonderfully Made) ... by Danielle Rose

Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop

Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop
Memorial
November 11th

Unknown Master, German
Saint Martin of Tours and Saint Nicholas of Bari
1450 -Tempera on wood
Art Gallery of South Australia, Victoria

Collect:
O God, who are glorified in the Bishop Saint Martin
both by his life and death,
make new, we pray,
the wonders of your grace in our hearts,
that neither death nor life
may separate us from your love.
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: Isaiah 61:1-3
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good tidings to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion -- to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

Gospel: Matthew 25:31-40
"When the Son of man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. Before Him will be gathered all the nations, and He will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and He will place the sheep at His right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the King will say to those at His right hand, 'Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me'. Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me'".

Excerpt from A Book of Feasts and Seasons, by Joanna Bogle

Saint Martin, the soldier who became bishop
by Joanna Bogle

Martin was a native of Pannonia -- in modern-day Hungary -- and his father was very anxious that he should go into the Army. This was in the days of the Roman Empire, and to be an officer in the Imperial Army was a very fine opportunity for any young man.

As a junior officer, he was sent to Gaul -- that wild land of northwest Europe inhabited by the mostly pagan Frankish people. There were some Christian cities where bishops were established and a Christian civilization was beginning to emerge.

Martin was interested in Christianity and tried to find out about it. Its message attracted him, and he started to obey some of its precepts. He earned himself some notoriety by refusing to join in some of the bawdier songs and more outlandish activities of military life. He gave freely to the poor, was kind to his servants, and liked to pray. But he postponed the actual step of Christian baptism.

His first posting was to Rheims, and from there he was sent to Amiens. One bitterly cold night, as he was striding along in uniform, a shivering beggar cried out to him for alms. Martin was warmly dressed in the standard-issue thick purple-and-white cloak that was the hallmark of the Imperial officer. Looking at the beggar, Martin knew what he ought to do. He took off his warm cloak and, using his gleaming sword, sliced it in two. He gave half to the beggar and retained the other half so that he would still be in regulation uniform.

The night, the beggar appeared to Martin in a dream: but as a figure surrounded with shining glory -- Christ Himself, still wearing the half of Martin's cloak. Our Lord reminded Martin of His words in the Gospel: "I was naked and you clothed me ... in as much as you did it to the least of the little ones, you did it to Me".

Martin got himself baptized as a Christian, and when his term of duty was up, he left the army and decided to become a priest. He lived for many years the life of a hermit, and, attracting others to the rule of prayer and meditation that he followed, founded a small monastic community that grew steadily.

In due course, Martin's holiness led him to be chosen as Bishop of Tours, although he didn't want the job. As Bishop, his influence was immense -- he won many from the Druid religion to Christianity, and was a central figure in laying the foundations of Christian France. We honor him as Saint Martin of Tours, and if you ever go to Amiens you will see that the site of his encounter with the beggar is still marked today.

Martinmas Ideas
There could be a special supper for Martinmas with a hot casserole of beef to commemorate the old feasting traditions, served with hot baked potatoes and butter.

Martinmas is an obvious day for some act of charity that will benefit and cold and poor this coming winter. It might be a good day for running a rummage sale ("give some clothes in honor of Saint Martin and his cloak!" could be your slogan) or some other fundraising event. There are still too many people who suffer from cold and deprivation in wintertime. Contact your nearest group of the Missionaries of Charity, or any other religious order engaged in this work, to find out what they need.

Ideas from Europe for Martinmas
In many parts of Europe, Saint Martin's Day is celebrated in style. In Sweden, roast goose is the traditional dish and goose banquets are served in homes and restaurants. The meal starts with a bowl of svartsoppa, literally "black soup", made of goose blood and spices.

In Germany, goose is also a traditional feature of the day, and they say that this is because when Saint Martin was about to be chosen as Bishop of Tours, he tried to run away and hide in a flock of geese, because he felt he would be no good at being in charge of an important section of the Church. But the geese cackled and the noise gave him away.

Other Saint Martin's Day traditions include the acting out of the meeting between the saint and the beggar to whom he gave half his cloak. This often forms an outdoor pageant with Saint Martin as a splendid figure dressed as a Roman soldier on a horse.

Lanterns
But undoubtedly the main festivity on Saint Martin's Day -- especially in France and Germany -- is that of making paper lanterns and carrying them in procession. Children form groups -- either informally or as part of an official organization -- and walk through the streets with paper lanterns that they have either made or bought. Shops produce a variety of lanterns depicting everything from spacemen to Mickey Mouse for the processions. Undoubtedly, it is as much a celebration of the arrival of winter, with its long dark evenings, as of Saint Martin. There are lantern songs and nonsense rhymes to accompany the processions.

Making a paper lantern
You will need a long strip of strong paper or cardboard, about one foot wide by two feet long. Lay it out flat, and cut out some windows -- star shapes look attractive. Decorate it any way you like. Now bend it around, glue the ends together, and stand it upright. Draw around its base, then add a couple of inches around the circle and cut it out, sticking it in to make a floor. Attach a candle to this -- the easiest sort to use is a "tea light" in a small metal container as this can simply be glued firmly to the base. The lantern will now need a long handle -- a string one like the handle on a bucket is best. This can be hung over a stick -- and the lantern is ready to be taken in procession.

Joanna Bogle is a Catholic writer and journalist living in England. She is a member of the Women for Faith and Family Editorial Board. Joanna broadcasts with the BBC and with Mother Angelica's EWTN radio, on which she has a "Catholic Heritage" series featuring places of pilgrimage and of historic interest in Europe. She is active with the Association of Catholic Women and with pro-life movements in Britain.