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

Alleluia Ping

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From: Malachi 4:1-2 [3:19-20a in NAB]

Sixth Exchange: The Righteous on the Day of the Lord (Continuation)

[1] “For behold, the day comes, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and
all evildoers will be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up, says the
Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. [2] But for you
who fear my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings.
You shall go forth leaping like calves from the stall.

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

3:13-4:3. The question posed here is similar to that in the fourth “dispute” (2:17
-3:5): if things go well for those who do evil and tempt God (v. 15), why should
one obey the Lord’s commandments (v. 14)? The prophet’s reply is very similar
to his previous one (cf. 3:2, 5): he announces a day of judgment when the wick-
ed will be destroyed (4:1, 3). However, Malachi is more explicit than he was ear-
lier as regards the reward of the righteous. The Lord is not unaware of the trials
and worries of those who fear him; in fact he is like a great king who records in
his annals (cf. Esther 6:1-3) the good deeds of the just (3:16). Therefore, the
day when the Lord reveals himself will be for them a day of splendour and inex-
pressible joy (4:2), for they enjoy God’s special protection (3:17-18).

The expression “sun of righteousness” (4:2), applied to the coming of the Lord,
is echoed in the New Testament Benedictus or canticle of Zechariah (cf. Lk 1:
78). Therefore, it is not surprising that Christian tradition should apply it to Je-
sus Christ: “The Lord came in the evening to a world in decline, when the
course of life was almost run; but when the Sun of justice came, he gave new
life and began a new day for those who believed in him” (Origen, Homiliae in
Exodum, 7, 8).

*******************************************************************************************
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: 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12

Avoiding Idleness. Earning One’s Living

[7] For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when
we were with you, [8] we did not eat any one’s bread without paying, but with toil
and labor we worked night and day, that might not burden any of you. [9] It was
not because we have not that right, but to give you in our conduct an example to
imitate. [10] For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: If any
one will not work, let him not eat. [11] For we hear that some of you are living in
idleness, mere busy bodies, not doing any work. [12] Now such persons we com-
mand and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work in quietness and to
earn their own living.

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

7-12. Some of the Thessalonians, wrongly thinking that the Parousia was about
to happen, had given up working and were living in idleness, minding everyone’s
business but their own. So the Apostle reminds them all that when he was
among them he worked to keep himself and was a burden on no one.

The Second Vatican Council underlines the value of work when it exhorts “Chris-
tians, as citizens of both cities, to perform their duties faithfully in the spirit of the
Gospel.” Far from neglecting earthly responsibilities, they should, as the Council
goes on, realize that by their faith they “are bound all the more to fulfill these res-
ponsibilities according to the vocation of each one (cf. 2 Thess 3:6-13; Eph 4:28)”
(”Gaudium Et Spes”, 43).

“For the love of God, for the love of souls, and to live up to our Christian vocation,
we must give good example. So as not to give scandal, or to provoke even the
faintest suspicion that the children of God are soft and useless, so as not to dis-
edify, you must strive to show an example of balanced justice, to behave proper-
ly as responsible people. The farmer who ploughs his field while constantly raising
his heart to God, just as much as the carpenter, the blacksmith, the office worker,
the academic — all Christians, in fact — have to be an example for their colleagues
at work, and to be humble about it. Therefore, everyone, in his job, in whatever
place he has in society, must feel obliged to make his work God’s work, sowing
everywhere the peace and joy of the Lord” (St. J. Escriva, “Friends of God”, 70).

*********************************************************************************************
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 21:5-19

Discourse on the Destruction of Jerusalem and the End of the World

[5] And as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones
and offerings, He (Jesus) said, [6] “As for these things which you see, the
days will come when there shall not be left here one stone upon another that
will not be thrown down.” [7] And they asked Him, “Teacher, when will this
be, and what will be the sign when this is about to take place?” [8] And He
said, “Take heed that you are not led astray; for many will come in My name,
saying, ‘I am He!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. [9] And
when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified; for this must first
take place, but the end will not be at once.”

[10] Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against
kingdom; [11] there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and
pestilences; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. [12] But
before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you
up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and
governors for My name’s sake. [13] This will be a time for you to bear testimony.
[14] Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer;
[15] for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will
be able to withstand or contradict. [16] You will be delivered up even by parents
and brothers and kinsmen and friends, and some of you they will put to death;
[17] you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. [18] But not a hair of your head
will perish. [19] By your endurance you will gain your lives.”

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

5-36. The disciples are in awe of the magnificence of the temple, and Jesus uses
the occasion to give a long discourse, known as the “eschatological discourse”
because it has to do with the last days of the world. The account given here is
very similar to those in the other Synoptic Gospels (cf. Mt 24:1-51; Mk 13:1-37).
The discourse deals with three inter-connected subjects—the destruction of
Jerusalem (which took place some forty years later), the end of the world, and
the second coming of Christ in glory and majesty. Jesus, who also predicts
here the persecution of the Church will experience, exhorts His disciples to be
patient, to pray and be watchful.

Our Lord speaks here in the style and language of prophecy, using images taken
from the Old Testament; also, in this discourse prophecies which are going to be
fulfilled very soon are mixed in with others which have to do with the end of the
world. It is not our Lord’s intention to satisfy people’s curiosity about future events,
but to protect them from being discouraged and scandalized about what is going
to happen in the days immediately ahead. This explains why He exhorts them:
“Take heed that you are not led astray” (v. 8); “do not be tempted” (v. 9); “watch
at all times” (v. 34).

8. On hearing that Jerusalem is going to be destroyed, the disciples ask what
sign will be given as a warning of these events (vv. 5-7). Jesus answers by telling
them “not to be led astray,” that is to say, not to expect any warning; not to be
misled by false prophets; to stay faithful to Him. These false prophets will come
along claiming to be the Messiah (”I am He!”). Our Lord’s reply in fact refers to
two events which in the Jewish mind were interrelated—the destruction of the
Holy City and the end of the world. This is why He goes on to speak of both
events and implies that there will be a long gap between the two; the destruction
of the temple and of Jerusalem are a kind of sign or symbol of the catastrophes
which will mark the end of the world.

9-11. Our Lord does not want His disciples to confuse just any catastrophe —
famine, earthquake, war—or even persecution with the signals of the end of the
world. He exhorts them quite clearly: “Do not be tempted,” because although
all these has to happen, “the end will not be at once;” in spite of the difficulties
of all kinds the Gospel will spread to the ends of the earth. Difficulties should
not paralyze the preaching of the faith.

19. Jesus foretells all kinds of persecution. Persecution itself is something
inevitable: “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted”
(2 Timothy 3:12). His disciples will have need to remember the Lord’s warning
at the Last Supper: “A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted
Me, they will persecute you” (John 15:20). However, these persecutions are part
of God’s providence: they happen because He lets them happen, which He does
in order to draw greater good out of them. Persecution provides Christians with
an opportunity to bear witness to Christ; without it the blood of martyrs would
not adorn the Church. Moreover, our Lord promises to give special help to those
who suffer persecution, and He tells them not to be afraid: He will give them of
His own wisdom to enable them to defend themselves; He will not permit a hair
of their heads to perish, that is, even apparent misfortune and loss will be for
them a beginning of Heaven.

From Jesus’ words we can also deduce the obligation of every Christian to be
ready to lose life rather than offend God. Only those will attain salvation who
persevere until the end in faithfulness to the Lord. The three Synoptic Gospels
locate His exhortation to perseverance in this discourse (cf. Matthew 24:13;
Mark 13:13) and St. Matthew gives it elsewhere (Matthew 10:22) as does St.
Peter (1 Peter 5:9)—all of which underlines the importance for every Christian
of this warning from our Lord.

*********************************************************************************************
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

Malachi 3:19-20 ©

The day is coming now, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and the evil-doers will be like stubble. The day that is coming is going to burn them up, says the Lord of Hosts, leaving them neither root nor stalk. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will shine out with healing in its rays.

Psalm

Psalm 97:5-9 ©

The Lord comes to rule the peoples with fairness.

Sing psalms to the Lord with the harp

with the sound of music.

With trumpets and the sound of the horn

acclaim the King, the Lord.

The Lord comes to rule the peoples with fairness.

Let the sea and all within it, thunder;

the world, and all its peoples.

Let the rivers clap their hands

and the hills ring out their joy

The Lord comes to rule the peoples with fairness.

at the presence of the Lord: for he comes,

he comes to rule the earth.

He will rule the world with justice

and the peoples with fairness.

The Lord comes to rule the peoples with fairness.

Second reading

2 Thessalonians 3:7-12 ©

You know how you are supposed to imitate us: now we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we ever have our meals at anyone’s table without paying for them; no, we worked night and day, slaving and straining, so as not to be a burden on any of you. This was not because we had no right to be, but in order to make ourselves an example for you to follow.

We gave you a rule when we were with you: do not let anyone have any food if he refuses to do any work. Now we hear that there are some of you who are living in idleness, doing no work themselves but interfering with everyone else’s. In the Lord Jesus Christ, we order and call on people of this kind to go on quietly working and earning the food that they eat.

Gospel Acclamation

Lk21:36

Alleluia, alleluia!

Stay awake, praying at all times

for the strength to stand with confidence

before the Son of Man.

Alleluia!

Or	Lk21:28

Alleluia, alleluia!

Stand erect, hold your heads high,

because your liberation is near at hand.

Alleluia!

Gospel

Luke 21:5-19 ©

When some were talking about the Temple, remarking how it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings, Jesus said, ‘All these things you are staring at now – the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed.’ And they put to him this question: ‘Master,’ they said ‘when will this happen, then, and what sign will there be that this is about to take place?’

‘Take care not to be deceived,’ he said ‘because many will come using my name and saying, “I am he” and, “The time is near at hand.” Refuse to join them. And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened, for this is something that must happen but the end is not so soon.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines here and there; there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.

‘But before all this happens, men will seize you and persecute you; they will hand you over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and bring you before kings and governors because of my name – and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. Keep this carefully in mind: you are not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.’

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 Glorious Mysteries
(Wednesdays and Sundays)
1.The Resurrection (Matthew 28:1-8, Mark 16:1-18, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-29) [Spiritual fruit - Faith]
2. The Ascension (Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:6-11) [Spiritual fruit - Christian Hope]
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-13) [Spiritual fruit - Gifts of the Holy Spirit]
4. The Assumption [Spiritual fruit - To Jesus through Mary]
5. The Coronation [Spiritual fruit - Grace of Final Perseverance]

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~ PRAYER ~

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

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

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C

Commentary of the day
Saint Patrick (c.385-c.461), missionary monk, Bishop
Confession, 34-38 ; SC 249

"It will lead to your giving testimony"

I must give thanks to my God continuously. He has helped me to keep my faith through difficult times, so that I can fearlessly offer myself as a kind of living sacrifice to Christ. The Lord has rescued me from so many dangers that sometimes I just have to ask: "God, who am I?... “From where did I get such wisdom?” It certainly wasn't from inside myself. “I didn't know my future,” and I had no great knowledge of God. And later on, who was it who gave me such a wonderful and life-giving gift, the gift to know and love God? But to receive such things, I had to leave behind my home and family... I came to Ireland to preach the good news and to suffer abuse from unbelievers and... to have my mission shamefully criticized. I have had many hard times, even to the point of being enslaved again, but I traded in my free birth for the good of others.

If I am worthy, I am even ready to lay down my life willingly and without hesitation for his name. Here, in Ireland, is where I wish to live out my final days, if God will permit me. I owe so much to God, who allowed so many people to find a new life in him through me. I confirmed them in our faith and ordained clergy for them everywhere, for a people just coming to a belief in God. The master chose them from the ends of the earth, just as he said he would through the prophets: “The gentiles will come to you from the ends of the earth” and...: "I will place you like a lamp among the nations so that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.”

( Biblical references : Ps 94[93],9; Rm 12,1; 2S 7,18; Mt 13,54; Ps 38[35],5; 2Tm 2,9; Lk 1,70; Jr 16,19; Is 49,6; Acts 13,47)

From Zenit.org

Searching for the Kingdom of God in the Humility of the Wait

Lectio Divina: 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Paris, November 15, 2013 (Zenit.org) Monsignor Francesco Follo | 326 hits

1) The question is to understand what to do now, not to know what will happen at the end

Reading the text of today’s Gospel (Luke 21:5-19) it is easy to think almost exclusively at the events of the end of the world that will also be the end of human history: the end of the world, the victory of the Lord and the last judgment. However the aim of Jesus’ speech is not to satisfy the curiosity of the ones who want to know how the “otherworld” will be, but to enlighten the present one. Listening to these words allows the disciple to “see” the ephemeral worldas a “sign” of a reality that lasts forever. Jesus, his person and his word, are the key to interpret this reality and history. He is the Son of God who became man, He is the incarnate Word, he is the passing fragility and the everlasting life, “He is the new Temple[2], in a new place where we encounter God” (Benedict XVI), and He is the Love that on the Cross is revealed as passion and compassion.

Thanks to Christ the Cross is no longer a sad instrument of death but a splendid throne irradiating Love. The Cross of Jesus is the most intense moment of the revelation of the meaning of all that exists. It is the most dramatic point of obscurity, of fragility and of nonsense, but it is also the moment of the most intense light and fulfillment of the life that is resurrected and that wins over death. The cross of Jesus is the revelation that the final meaning of everything is Love, the love that humiliates himself, that dies to become true love and that empties himself to become the greatest gift.

Love is the truest meaning of this world that passes and dies to be able to enter into the infinity of the Love that never ends. We don’t know how the “otherworld” will be, but we know that it will be the fullness of love that is already the life in the “earthly” world.

Jesus invites his disciples (that is us) not to be attached to what passes , not to have illusions, not to have idols, but to live intensely the “daily life” by beginning to taste the love that will never end and that will become always bigger. To live love, to free and to expand the field of love, is the message of Jesus through his eschatological[3] speech: only Love lasts forever.

This is the reason for which the Redeemer invites to “walk in charity” (expression used to indicate the Spiritual Exercises written by Saint Ignatius of Loyola and recalled by Pope Francis).

Let’s not forget that charity is not just being charitable to the poor by giving them money or other material help. Charity is also to grow in the Christian hope, in the link of fraternal love and in steady faith. (1 John 2:14). The via amoris dolorosa (the path of love in the complete donation of oneself) that is the Via Crucis, is for the Christian the way that takes him to the complete identification with Christ. To this regard Saint Clare of Assisi said of Saint Francis who was in love with Christ: “He loves him to the point of resembling even physically to Him” and asked to herself “Will I be able to do the same?”

The life of this Saint Nun shows that it is possible to reassemble to Christ if one puts himself at His school of charity and walks always behind the for-so-long-waited Loved One. Here, I mean to use the “to wait” in the original meaning of “to reach to”, “to search for.”

In conclusion we “wait for” the Lord:

- Looking for him. Regarding the search for God it is clear an apothegm [4] of the Fathers of the desert that says: “A man in search of God asked a Christian “How can I find God?” The Christian replied “I’ll show you”. He took him on the sea shore and plunged his face three times in the water. Then he asked him “What did you wanted most when your face was in the water?” “Air” “When you’ll desire God as much as you have desired air, you’ll find Him” said the Christian.

- Persevering in His love. “As love is strong in the great difficulties so it is perseverant in the dull daily life. One thing is necessary to please God: to do even the small things for love” ( Mother Faustina Kowalska)

- Testifying His truth and not fantasizing about the end of the world

We found an example of this testimony in the Consecrated Virgins. The virginal consecration grows in them an attitude of trust in the world and in humanity and a way of listening to history and to the human problems uniting them, through their way of working and living, to every man and woman. These Virgins become companions in the journey, instruments of communion and witnesses of love.

These consecrated women participate to the creative doing of God through their work that allows them to provide for their living and to be open to sharing.

With their life they give voice to the invocation of the Spirit and of the Church, “‘Maranatha’, come Lord Jesus” ( Wis 22:20) keeping alive a vigilant and prophetic waiting.[5]

The consecrated Virgins recall the desire of God to the men and the women of their time and show how God today is present and redeems history.

--

Roman Rite

XXXIII Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C – November 17, 2013

Mal 3:19-20; Ps 98; 2The 3:7-12; Lk21:5-19

Arlington Catholic Herald

GOSPEL COMMENTARY LK 21:5-19

All worldly things will pass, God’s love endures

Fr. Robert Wagner

This Sunday’s Gospel account is situated a few days after Jesus comes to Jerusalem for the celebration of the Passover feast. As we recall each Palm Sunday, He entered the city to cries of joyful praise as His fellow disciples and pilgrims proclaimed, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord” (Lk 19:38). Now Jesus is amid the crowds again, listening to them speak of the splendor of the temple that rises above them.

Without question, the temple was an impressive site. Its exterior was made from gleaming white marble and covered with large plates of gold and expensive ornaments. To the pilgrim approaching Jerusalem, the temple towered above the city, brilliant in the sunlight, displaying all the glory one could expect of the house of God. Admiring its beauty and gathered around their prophet and king, we cannot help but sense the joy and pride of the disciples of Jesus.

Their contentment, however, likely was shattered by a sobering prediction from Jesus. Referring to the temple, He said, “All that you see here — the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone” (Lk 21:6). Considering the temple was constructed of marble blocks as large as 40 feet in length and weighing more than 500 tons, likely this seemed startling in its impossibility. In another sense, however, it was more shocking, for how could the Lord allow His house to be destroyed? Without the temple, where would Israel offer sacrifices for their sins or offerings of thanksgiving?

Next, Jesus tells of further turmoil, including natural disasters and wars, the coming of false prophets bent on deceiving the faithful, and even the persecution and martyrdom of His disciples at the hands of those they trust. Along with the foretelling of the temple destruction, these troubling predictions had to bring discouragement into the hearts of His disciples that day. If we were to hear the same prediction for our own future, we, too, might begin to doubt the plan that God has for our salvation.

The disciples of Jesus did not yet know and understand what would take place in the coming days, when through His death and resurrection, Jesus would forgive the sins of the world and destroy the power of death. In Him, the Old Covenant of the people of Israel would come to pass as the New Covenant embraced all people; the temple of Jerusalem — destroyed by the Roman army in A.D. 70 — also would come to pass and find its fulfillment in the universal church.

The eyes of faith are needed to see the glorious victory of the cross, because to the world, it seems as a defeat. History shows us, however, that God often allows suffering and destruction to bring about His glory and draw us to His loving embrace.

As Christians, we know the full story. We know the victory is ours. Jesus assures His disciples that “not a hair on your head will be destroyed” (Lk 21:18). Since He speaks of coming persecution and martyrdom, we know that Jesus does not mean that His disciples will be free from suffering. Instead, He guarantees that with faith in Him and trust in His love, even in death, we will not experience defeat. Nothing can separate us from the love of God (cf. Rom 8:35-39).

God created all the things of this world. In them we see His power, goodness, beauty and order. But while we may find the splendor of God in the world, we know that we do not place our faith in such things. Magnificent — even sacred — structures, material possessions, political leaders and systems of government, the people who surround us — even the world itself — all of these will pass. The day will come when not one stone will be left upon another, and there will be just one thing that remains: our God, Whose love is everlasting.

Jesus offers us this promise: “By your perseverance you will secure your lives” (Lk 21:19). Let us pray for the faith that sees past the glory, the suffering and all the passing things of this world, and clings to the everlasting love of our triune God. In this is our salvation and joy.

Fr. Wagner is Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde’s secretary.

Their contentment, however, likely was shattered by a sobering prediction from Jesus. Referring to the temple, He said, “All that you see here — the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone” (Lk 21:6). Considering the temple was constructed of marble blocks as large as 40 feet in length and weighing more than 500 tons, likely this seemed startling in its impossibility. In another sense, however, it was more shocking, for how could the Lord allow His house to be destroyed? Without the temple, where would Israel offer sacrifices for their sins or offerings of thanksgiving?

Next, Jesus tells of further turmoil, including natural disasters and wars, the coming of false prophets bent on deceiving the faithful, and even the persecution and martyrdom of His disciples at the hands of those they trust. Along with the foretelling of the temple destruction, these troubling predictions had to bring discouragement into the hearts of His disciples that day. If we were to hear the same prediction for our own future, we, too, might begin to doubt the plan that God has for our salvation.

The disciples of Jesus did not yet know and understand what would take place in the coming days, when through His death and resurrection, Jesus would forgive the sins of the world and destroy the power of death. In Him, the Old Covenant of the people of Israel would come to pass as the New Covenant embraced all people; the temple of Jerusalem — destroyed by the Roman army in A.D. 70 — also would come to pass and find its fulfillment in the universal church.

The eyes of faith are needed to see the glorious victory of the cross, because to the world, it seems as a defeat. History shows us, however, that God often allows suffering and destruction to bring about His glory and draw us to His loving embrace.

As Christians, we know the full story. We know the victory is ours. Jesus assures His disciples that “not a hair on your head will be destroyed” (Lk 21:18). Since He speaks of coming persecution and martyrdom, we know that Jesus does not mean that His disciples will be free from suffering. Instead, He guarantees that with faith in Him and trust in His love, even in death, we will not experience defeat. Nothing can separate us from the love of God (cf. Rom 8:35-39).

God created all the things of this world. In them we see His power, goodness, beauty and order. But while we may find the splendor of God in the world, we know that we do not place our faith in such things. Magnificent — even sacred — structures, material possessions, political leaders and systems of government, the people who surround us — even the world itself — all of these will pass. The day will come when not one stone will be left upon another, and there will be just one thing that remains: our God, Whose love is everlasting.

Jesus offers us this promise: “By your perseverance you will secure your lives” (Lk 21:19). Let us pray for the faith that sees past the glory, the suffering and all the passing things of this world, and clings to the everlasting love of our triune God. In this is our salvation and joy.

Fr. Wagner is Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde’s secretary.

The Work of God

Year C - 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

The days will come in which there shall not be left a stone upon a stone that shall not be thrown down.

Luke 21:5-19

5 And some saying of the temple, that it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said:
6 These things which you see, the days will come in which there shall not be left a stone upon a stone that shall not be thrown down.
7 And they asked him, saying: Master, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when they shall begin to come to pass?
8 Who said: Take heed you be not seduced; for many will come in my name, saying, I am he; and the time is at hand: go ye not therefore after them.
9 And when you shall hear of wars and seditions, be not terrified: these things must first come to pass; but the end is not yet presently.
10 Then he said to them: Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
11 And there shall be great earthquakes in divers places, and pestilences, and famines, and terrors from heaven; and there shall be great signs.
12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands upon you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and into prisons, dragging you before kings and governors, for my name's sake.
13 And it shall happen unto you for a testimony.
14 Lay it up therefore into your hearts, not to meditate before how you shall answer:
15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to resist and gainsay.
16 And you shall be betrayed by your parents and brethren, and kinsmen and friends; and some of you they will put to death.
17 And you shall be hated by all men for my name's sake.
18 But a hair of your head shall not perish.
19 In your patience you shall possess your souls.

Inspiration of the Holy Spirit - From the Sacred Heart of Jesus

You are the temples of the spirit of God. The spirit gives you life and sustains you in your earthly journey. But it will come to pass when your soul will have to leave the body and you will be turned into dust. The temple of Jerusalem was admired for its beauty and riches, but it was turned into ruins as a witness of material vanity.

Nothing of this world is eternal, therefore beauty comes and beauty goes, what is strong today will be weak tomorrow; the beauty and the light of day must give way to the darkness of the night.

Generations have come and generations have gone, men have been on this earth for thousands of years, but the day will come when things as they are will be no more, the old will be replaced with the new, there will be a new heavens and a new earth.

And while you have your senses, cling to me and learn from my wisdom, have fear of God who has the power to give life and to take it away. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

Life is full of struggles; therefore unless you work hard you will not obtain what you want. I am inviting you to open your hearts to the Kingdom of Heaven for your own good, but I must warn you that if you take the easy road you will not succeed. I offer you hope in your faith and guarantee the reward of your efforts, but you must persevere to overcome all your obstacles.

Author: Joseph of Jesus and Mary