January 8, 2014
Wednesday after Epiphany
Beloved, if God so loved us,
we also must love one another.
No one has ever seen God.
Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us,
and his love is brought to perfection in us.
This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us,
that he has given us of his Spirit.
Moreover, we have seen and testify
that the Father sent his Son as savior of the world.
Whoever acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God,
God remains in him and he in God.
We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us.
God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him.
In this is love brought to perfection among us,
that we have confidence on the day of judgment
because as he is, so are we in this world.
There is no fear in love,
but perfect love drives out fear
because fear has to do with punishment,
and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love.
R. (see 11) Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
O God, with your judgment endow the king,
and with your justice, the king’s son;
He shall govern your people with justice
and your afflicted ones with judgment.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts;
the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out,
and the afflicted when he has no one to help him.
He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor;
the lives of the poor he shall save.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
After the five thousand had eaten and were satisfied,
Jesus made his disciples get into the boat
and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida,
while he dismissed the crowd.
And when he had taken leave of them,
he went off to the mountain to pray.
When it was evening,
the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on shore.
Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing,
for the wind was against them.
About the fourth watch of the night,
he came toward them walking on the sea.
He meant to pass by them.
But when they saw him walking on the sea,
they thought it was a ghost and cried out.
They had all seen him and were terrified.
But at once he spoke with them,
“Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!”
He got into the boat with them and the wind died down.
They were completely astounded.
They had not understood the incident of the loaves.
On the contrary, their hearts were hardened.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor
Our Lady of Prompt Succor
January 8
Patroness of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans
Our Lady of Prompt Succor is known for protecting, by her intercession, the city of New Orleans during the Great Fire of 1812 . On the Eve of the Battle of New Orleans (Jan 7, 1815) the Ursuline Sisters and the people of New Orleans gathered to again ask the intercession of Our Lady of Prompt Succor for victory.
On December 31, 1810 the statue was brought to New Orleans from France by Mother St. Michel Gensoul and several postulants came to join the Ursuline nuns in New Orleans. Mother Gensoul was only given permission from her bishop to go to New Orleans after a prayer to Our Lady and permission from the pope.
Litany to Our Lady of Prompt Succor
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, ... pray for us.
Mother of the Infant Jesus, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of all who invoke you with confidence, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of all who are devout toward the Infant Jesus, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor for obtaining a lively faith, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor for sustaining the hope of Christians, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor for obtaining and persevering in charity, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor for observing the law of God, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor for observing perseverance in virtue and good works, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor in every spiritual necessity, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor against the revolt of self-will, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor in the occasion of sin,...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor in every temptation, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor against the evil spirit, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor for obtaining contrition, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of those wishing to re-enter the path of salvation, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor for the conversion of sinners, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor in every temporal necessity, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor in every affliction,...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of afflicted families,...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of the sick and the poor, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor against contagious diseases and epidemics, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor in every accident, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor against destruction by fire, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor against lightning and tempest, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor against destruction by flood, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of travelers, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of navigators,...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of the shipwrecked, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor against the enemies of our country, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor in time of war, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of those aspiring to the holy priesthood and the religious life, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of laborers in the Lord's vineyard, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of missionaries who spread the faith, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor of our Holy Father the Pope, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor for those searching for the faith, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor against the enemies of the Church,...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor at the hour of death, ...
Our Lady of Prompt Succor for the deliverance of the souls in purgatory,...
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
V: Our Lady of Prompt Succor, pray for us.
R: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
O Almighty and Eternal God, Who sees us surrounded by so many dangers and miseries, grant in Your infinite goodness that the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Your Divine Son, may defend us from the evil spirit and protect us against all adversities, that always and with prompt succor she may deliver us from every evil of soul and body, and safely guide us to the kingdom of heaven, through the merits of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
Contemplation:
If our eyes are always on heaven and God, at the end of life we will find ourselves in His Presence.
Rosary follows
Prayer to Our Lady of Prompt Succor
O Mary, Mother of God, who amid the tribulations of the world, watches over us and over the Church of your Son, be to us and to the Church, truly, Our Lady of Prompt Succor. Make haste to help us in all our necessities, that in this fleeting life you may be our succor, and obtain for us (petition). As you once saved our beloved city from ravaging flames and our country from an invading army, have pity on us and obtain for us protection from hurricanes and all other disasters. Be to us truly Our Lady of Prompt Succor now and especially at the hour of our death. Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Hasten to Help us!
Catholic Culture
Collect: Grant us, almighty God, that the bringer of your salvation, who for the world's redemption came forth with newness of heavenly light, may dawn afresh in our hearts and bring us constant renewal. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
o Little Mince Pies
o Christmas and the Eucharist
o Day Fifteen ~ Activities for the Fifteenth Day of Christmas
o Meal Prayers for the Christmas Season
o Christmas Table Blessing 1
o Christmas Table Blessing 2
o Christmas Table Blessing 3
o Christmas Table Blessing 4
o Book of Blessings: Blessing Before and After Meals: Christmas Season (2nd Plan)
o Book of Blessings: Blessing Before and After Meals: Christmas (1st Plan)
· Christmas: January 8th
· Wednesday Christmas Weekday
The Magi are called "saints" for the first time in the writings of Archbishop Hildebert of Tours (1133). In the twelfth century their veneration spread over all of Europe. The authorities of the Church did not prohibit this cult, and Epiphany acquired the popular name of "Feast of the Three Holy Kings" in most countries of Europe.
The name Magi is not a Hebrew word, but of Indo-European origin, and means "great, illustrious." Saint Matthew mentioned the term without explanation because it was well known to the people of Palestine. The Magi originated in Media (Persia), and their caste later spread to other Oriental countries. They were a highly esteemed class of priestly scholars, devoting themselves not only to religion but also to the study of natural sciences, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and astrology. In several countries they were members of the king's council.
Where did the Magi come from? Saint Matthew gives a general answer: "Wise men from the East." In modern terms, it could have been from any one of the countries of Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, or India. It has never been exactly determined from which of these countries they came.
Quite early in the Christian era a popular tradition conferred on them the title of "kings". This tradition became universal at the end of the sixth century. It was based on Biblical prophecies which described the conversion of the pagans and, although not referring to the Magi, were applied to their visit:
The kings of Tharsis and the islands shall offer presents: the kings of the Arabians and of Sheba shall bring gifts. (Psalms 71, 10) The kings shall walk in the brightness of thy rising.... They all shall come from Sheba, bringing gold and frankincense. (Isaiah 60, 3-6)
The Gospel does not tell us how many they were. The Christians in the Orient had an old tradition of twelve Magi. In early paintings and mosaics they are represented as two, three, four, and even more. In the occidental Church a slowly spreading tradition put their number at three. It does not seem to have any historical foundation, but was probably based on the fact of the threefold presents. Another reason for the number three was the early legend that they represented all humanity in its three great races. Thus one of them was pictured as a member of the black race, and this choice seemed to be confirmed by the Bible:
Let the great ones come forth from Egypt, let Ethiopia stretch out her arms to God. (Psalms 67, 32)
The book Collectanea et Flores, ascribed to Saint Bede the Venerable (735), records an earlier legend of their names and appearance:
The first was called Melchior; he was an old man, with white hair and long beard; he offered gold to the Lord as to his king. The second, Gaspar by name, young, beardless, of ruddy hue, offered to Jesus his gift of incense, the homage due to Divinity. The third, of black complexion, with heavy beard, was called Baltasar; the myrrh he held in his hands prefigured the death of the Son of man.
There is an old legend that when many years had passed the Magi were visited by Saint Thomas the Apostle, who, after instructing them in Christianity, baptized them. They were then ordained to the priesthood and made bishops. It is said that once more the star of Bethlehem appeared to them and reunited them toward the end of their lives. "The city of Sewa in the Orient" is given as the place of their burial.
The legendary relics of the Magi were brought from Constantinople to Milan in the sixth century. In 1164 Emperor Frederick Barbarossa obtained them from the archbishop of Milan and transferred them to Cologne. Their shrine in Cologne was, and still is, the center of many pilgrimages.
The Fifteenth Day of Christmas
45. And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.
46. And when He had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.
47. And when evening was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and He alone on the land.
48. And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary to them: and about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.
49. But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:
50. For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately He talked with them, and said to them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.
51. And he went up into them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.
52. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.
GLOSS. The Lord indeed by the miracle of the loaves showed that He is the Creator of the world: but now by walking on the waves He proved that He had a body free from the weight of all sin, and by appeasing the winds and by calming the rage of the waves, He declared Himself to be the Master of the elements. Wherefore it is said, And straight way he constrained his disciples to yet into the ship, and to go to the other side before to Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.
PSEUD-CHRYS. He dismisses indeed the people, with His blessing and with some cures. But He constrained His disciples, because they could not without pain separate themselves from Him, and that, not only on account of the very great affection which they had for Him, but also because they were at a loss how He would join them.
BEDE; But it is with reason that we wonder how Mark says, that after the miracles of the loaves the disciples crossed the sea of Bethsaida, when Luke relates that the miracle was done in the parts of Bethsaida, unless we understand that Luke means by the desert which is Bethsaida not the country immediately around the town, but the desert places belonging to it. But when Mark says that they should go before unto Bethsaida, the town itself is meant. It goes on: And when he had sent them away he departed into a mountain to pray.
PSEUD-CHRYS. This we must understand of Christ, in that He is man; He does it also to teach us to he constant prayer.
THEOPHYL. But when He had dismissed the crowd, He goes up to pray, for prayer requires rest and silence.
BEDE; Not every man, however, prays goes up into a mountain, but he alone prays well, who seeks God in prayer. But he who prays for riches or worldly labor, or for the death of his enemy, sends up from the lowest depths his vile prayers to God. John says, When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force and make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
It goes on; and when even was come the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.
THEOPHYL; Now the Lord permitted His disciples to be in danger, that they might learn patience; wherefore He did not immediately come to their aid, but allowed them to remain in danger all night, that He might teach them to wait patiently, and not to hope at once for help in tribulations, For there follows, And he saw them toiling in rowing, for the wind was contrary unto them; and about the fourth watch of the night, he comes to them walking upon the sea.
PSEUD-CHRYS. Holy Scripture reckons four watches in the night, making each division three hours ; wherefore by the fourth watch it means that which is after the ninth hour that is, in the tenth or some following hour. There follows, And would have passed them by.
AUG. But how could they understand this, except from His going a different way, wishing to pass them as strangers; for they were so far from recognizing Him, as to take Him for a spirit. For it goes on: But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out.
THEOPHYL. See again how Christ, though He was about to put an end to their dangers puts them in greater fear. But He immediately reassured them by His voice, for it continues, And immediately he talked with them, and said to them It is I be not afraid.
CHRYS. As soon then as they knew Him. His voice, their fear left them. How then could He wish to pass them, whose fears He so reassures, if it were not that His wish to pass them would wring from them that cry, which called for His help?
BEDE ; But Theodorus who, as Bishop of Phanara, wrote that the Lord had no bodily weight in His flesh, and walked on the sea without weight; but the Catholic faith declares that I He had weight according to the flesh. For Dionysius says, We know not how without plunging in His feet, which had bodily weight and the gravity of matter, He could walk on the wet and unstable substance
THEOPHYL. Then by entering into the ship, the Lord restrained the tempest. For it continues, And he went up to them into the ship, and the wind ceased. Great indeed is the miracle of our Lord's walking on the sea, but the tempest and the contrary wind were there as well, to make the miracle greater. For the Apostles, not understanding g from the miracle of the five loaves the power of Christ, now more fully knew it from the miracle of the sea. Wherefore it goes on, And they were sore amazed in themselves. For they understood not concerning the loaves .
BEDE; The disciples indeed, who were still carnal , were amazed at the greatness of His virtue, they could not yet however recognize in Him the truth of the divine Majesty. Therefore it goes on, For their hearts were hardened. But mystically, the toil of the disciples in rowing, and the contrary wind, mark out the labors of the Holy Church, who amidst the beating waves of the world, and the blasts of unclean spirits, strives to teach the repose of her celestial country.
And well is it said that the ship was in the midst of the sea, and He alone on land, for sometimes the Church is afflicted by a pressure from the Gentiles so overwhelming, that her Redeemer seems to have entirely deserted her, but the Lord sees His own, toiling on the sea, for, lest they faint in tribulations, He strengthens them by the look of His love, and sometimes frees themselves by a visible assistance. Further, in the fourth watch He came to them as daylight approached, for when man lifts up his mind to the light of guidance from on high, the Lord will he with him, and the dangers of temptations will he laid asleep.
PSEUD-CHRYS. Or else, the first watch means the time up to the deluge; the second, up to Moses; the third, up to the coming of the Lord; in the fourth the Lord came and spoke to His disciples.
BEDE; Often then does the love of heaven seem to have deserted the faithful in tribulation, so that it may be thought that Jesus wishes to pass by His disciples, as it were, toiling in the sea. And still do heretics suppose that the Lord was a phantom, and did not take upon Him real flesh from the Virgin.
PSEUDO-JEROME; And He says to them, Be of good cheer, it is I, because we shall see Him as He is. But the wind and the storm ceased when Jesus sat down, that is, reigned in the ship, which is the Catholic Church.
BEDE; In whatever heart, also, He is present by the grace of His love, there soon all the strivings of vices, and of the adverse world, or of evil spirits, are kept under and put to rest.
Catena Aurea Mark 6
