Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 04-04-14, OM, St. Isidore, Bishop and Doctor/Church

Friday, April 04, 2014
Lenten Weekday

First Reading:
Psalm:
Gospel:

Wisdom 2:1, 12-22
Psalm 34:17-21, 23
John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

Since every man of whatever race is endowed with the dignity of a person, he has an inalienable right to an education corresponding to his proper destiny and suited to his native talents, his cultural background, and his ancestral heritage. At the same time, this education should pave the way to brotherly association with other peoples, so that genuine unity and peace on earth may be promoted. For a true education aims at the formation of the human person with respect to the good of those societies of which, as a man, he is a member, and in whose responsibilities, as an adult, he will share.

-- St. John Neumann

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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.

Saint Isidore of Seville, Bishop & Doctor of the Church

Saint Isidore of Seville
Bishop & Doctor of the Church
Optional Memorial
April 4th

Unknown Artist
Patron of the Internet

History:
St. Isidore was born at Cartagena, Spain, about 560. He was the son of Severianus and Theodora. His elder brother Leander was his immediate predecessor in the Metropolitan See of Seville; while a younger brother St. Fulgentius presided over the Bishopric of Astigi. His sister Florentina was a nun, and is said to have ruled over forty convents and one thousand religious.

St. Isidore received his elementary education in the Cathedral school of Seville. With such diligence did he apply himself to study that in a remarkably short time mastered Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. Whether St. Isidore ever embraced monastic life or not is still an open question, but though he himself may never have been affiliated with any of the religious orders, he esteemed them highly. On his elevation to the episcopate he immediately constituted himself protector of the monks.

On the death of Leander, Isidore succeeded to the See of Seville. St. Isidore presided over the Second Council of Seville in 619. But it was the Fourth National Council of Toledo 633 that afforded him the opportunity of being of the greatest service to his county. At this council, all the bishops of Spain were in attendance. St. Isidore, though far advanced in years, presided over its deliberations, and was the originator of most of its enactments. It was at this council and through his influence that a decree was promulgated commanding all bishops to establish seminaries in their Cathedral Cities, along the lines of the school already existing at Seville. Within his own jurisdiction he had availed himself of the resources of education to counteract the growing influence of Gothic barbarism. His was the quickening spirit that animated the educational movement of which Seville was the center. The study of Greek and Hebrew as well as the liberal arts, was prescribed. Interest in law and medicine was also encouraged. Through the authority of the fourth council this policy of education was made obligatory upon all the bishops of the kingdom. Long before the Arabs had awakened to an appreciation of Greek Philosophy, he had introduced Aristotle to his countrymen. He was the first Christian writer to essay the task of compiling for his co-religionists a summa of universal knowledge. This encyclopedia epitomized all learning, ancient as well as modern. In it many fragments of classical learning are preserved which otherwise had been hopelessly lost. The fame of this work imparted a new impetus to encyclopedic writing, which bore abundant fruit in the subsequent centuries of the Middle Ages. His style, though simple and lucid, cannot be said to be classical. It discloses most of the imperfections peculiar to all ages of transition. It particularly reveals a growing Visigothic influence. Arevalo counts in all Isidore's writing 1640 Spanish words.

St. Isidore was the last of the ancient Christian Philosophers, as he was the last of the great Latin Fathers. He was undoubtedly the most learned man of his age and exercised a far-reaching and immeasurable influence on the educational life of the Middle Ages.

He died April 4, 636.

(Principal source - Catholic Encyclopedia - 1913 edition)

Collect:
Graciously hear the prayers, O Lord,
which we make in commemoration of Saint Isidore,
that your Church may be aided by his intercession,
just as she has been instructed by his heavenly teaching.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. +Amen.

First Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:1-2,5-7
Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. We have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways; we refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us.

Gospel Reading: Luke 6:43-45
"For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good man out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil man out of his evil treasure produces evil; for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

A SAINT FOR THE INTERNET
Saint Isidore of Seville
Although computer experts are not known for expressing their spiritual preferences, the Observation Service for Internet (http:/www.ua-ambit.org/soi/soi.htm), an initiative inspired by the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, has carried out research in different realms of the world of computers and cyberspace to discover the saint who best reflects the concerns and ideals of the experts.

The patron chosen by the pioneers of the new frontier of technology is Saint Isidore, who was born in Seville, Spain in 556.

"The saint who wrote the well-known 'Etymologies' (a type of dictionary), gave his work a structure akin to that of the database. He began a system of thought known today as "flashes;" it is very modern, notwithstanding the fact it was discovered in the sixth century. Saint Isidore accomplished his work with great coherence: it is complete and its features are complementary in themselves."

But this is not the only reason Saint Isidore is identified with computer experts. The Saint from Seville "was ahead of his time and constituted a cultural bridge between the Ancient and Medieval Ages. This also makes us feel close to him, as we are at the beginning of a new stage in history," explained one of the experts interviewed by the Observation Service of Internet.

Saint Isidore was a key figure at the Council of Toledo, in 633. He was known for his concern for the proper formation of the clergy, for his generosity to the poor and for his humility: when he knew he was dying he asked publicly for forgiveness for the faults of his past life. He died a holy death on April 4, 636. This doctor of the Church had three siblings who were also saints: Saint Leandro, his predecessor in the Episcopal seat of Seville; Saint Fulgencio and Saint Florentina.

Source: Zenit.org - January 14, 1999

Related Link on the Vatican Website:

Benedict XVI, General Audience, Wednesday, June 18, 2008, Saint Isidore of Seville

On St. Isidore of Seville
St. Isidore of Seville -- Patron saint of computers, computer users, computer programmers, Internet
Saint Isidore of Seville, Doctor of the Church, Feast Day: April 4
ST ISIDORE, BISHOP OF SEVILLE-636 A.D. Feast: April 4
A Prayer before Logging onto the Internet (April 4th: The Feast of St. Isidore of Seville)

Information: St. Isidore of Seville

Feast Day: April 4

Born: 560 at Cartagena, Spain

Died: 4 April 636 at Seville, Spain

Canonized: 1598, Rome by Pope Clement VIII

Patron of: computer technicians, computer users, computers, the Internet, schoolchildren, students

Interactive Saints for Kids

St. Isidore of Seville

Feast Day: April 04
Born: 556 :: Died: 636

Isidore was born at Cartagena, in Spain although their family was originally from Rome. His parents Severianus and Theodora were very pious and good. As a result, two of Isidore's older brothers, Leander and Fulgentius, became bishops and saints, too. Their sister, Florentina, who was a nun, is also a saint.

As a child, Isidore received a very good education. His older brother Leander raised Isidore as their father had died. Little Isidore was not a very good student at first and thought Leander was just about the meanest person in the whole world because he pushed Isidore to do his lessons.

He taught Isidore that we can do so much good for Jesus' Church when we take our education seriously. Finally, Isidore went to Jesus with his problem and became one of the most learned men of his time. Then he realized that Leander loved him and had really been a wonderful friend.

Isidore lived long before the Council of Trent, which started seminaries (schools) to train priests. St. Isidore thought that every diocese should have a seminary and a Catholic school for higher learning. Many years later, both of his dreams came true when the great Catholic universities as well as seminaries were started.

Isidore first became a priest and then was made the bishop of Seville, Spain. This is where he made a huge difference to the Church of his time. He was bishop of Seville for thirty-seven years. During that time, he took up the work of the previous bishop, his brother, St. Leander. These two brothers helped teach the Visigoth Arians about Jesus and they were gladly baptized in the Catholic Church.

St. Isidore was a good organizer and was asked to direct two important Church meetings called Councils. The first was in Seville, Spain, in 619, and the other in Toledo, Spain, in 633. These Councils helped the Church be more united.

This saint wrote many books, too. He wrote a history of Goths and a history of the world beginning with creation. He wrote a rule for religious orders. He wrote about Bible heroes and heroines. He even wrote a dictionary and an encyclopedia.

Bishop Isidore was always available for his people. The poor of Seville knew they could go to him for help. There was a long queue of people in need every day, at the bishop's house. Isidore prayed and led a life of sacrifice, too. He really was a holy and much loved bishop. He died in 636.

Reflection: In my own small way, what can I do to make the world a better place today?

Catholic

Almanac:

Monday, April 4
Liturgical Color: Violet
St. Isidore of Seville died on this day in 636 A.D. He was a poor student but turned to God in prayer. His studies improved and he became one of the most learned men of his day. Pope Benedict XIV proclaimed him a Doctor of the Church in 1722.

John
	English: Douay-Rheims	Latin: Vulgata Clementina	Greek NT: Byzantine/Majority Text (2000)
	John 7
1.	AFTER these things Jesus walked in Galilee; for he would not walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill him.	Post hæc autem ambulabat Jesus in Galilæam : non enim volebat in Judæam ambulare, quia quærebant eum Judæi interficere.	και περιεπατει ο ιησους μετα ταυτα εν τη γαλιλαια ου γαρ ηθελεν εν τη ιουδαια περιπατειν οτι εζητουν αυτον οι ιουδαιοι αποκτειναι
2.	Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand.	Erat autem in proximo dies festus Judæorum, Scenopegia.	ην δε εγγυς η εορτη των ιουδαιων η σκηνοπηγια
[...]
10.	But after his brethren were gone up, then he also went up to the feast, not openly, but, as it were, in secret.	Ut autem ascenderunt fratres ejus, tunc et ipse ascendit ad diem festum non manifeste, sed quasi in occulto.	ως δε ανεβησαν οι αδελφοι αυτου τοτε και αυτος ανεβη εις την εορτην ου φανερως αλλ ως εν κρυπτω
[...]
25.	Some therefore of Jerusalem said: Is not this he whom they seek to kill?	Dicebant ergo quidam ex Jerosolymis : Nonne hic est, quem quærunt interficere ?	ελεγον ουν τινες εκ των ιεροσολυμιτων ουχ ουτος εστιν ον ζητουσιν αποκτειναι
26.	And behold, he speaketh openly, and they say nothing to him. Have the rulers known for a truth, that this is the Christ?	et ecce palam loquitur, et nihil ei dicunt. Numquid vere cognoverunt principes quia hic est Christus ?	και ιδε παρρησια λαλει και ουδεν αυτω λεγουσιν μηποτε αληθως εγνωσαν οι αρχοντες οτι ουτος εστιν αληθως ο χριστος
27.	But we know this man, whence he is: but when the Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.	Sed hunc scimus unde sit : Christus autem cum venerit, nemo scit unde sit.	αλλα τουτον οιδαμεν ποθεν εστιν ο δε χριστος οταν ερχηται ουδεις γινωσκει ποθεν εστιν
28.	Jesus therefore cried out in the temple, teaching, and saying: You both know me, and you know whence I am: and I am not come of myself; but he that sent me, is true, whom you know not.	Clamabat ergo Jesus in templo docens, et dicens : Et me scitis, et unde sim scitis : et a meipso non veni, sed est verus qui misit me, quem vos nescitis.	εκραξεν ουν εν τω ιερω διδασκων ο ιησους και λεγων καμε οιδατε και οιδατε ποθεν ειμι και απ εμαυτου ουκ εληλυθα αλλ εστιν αληθινος ο πεμψας με ον υμεις ουκ οιδατε
29.	I know him, because I am from him, and he hath sent me.	Ego scio eum : quia ab ipso sum, et ipse me misit.	εγω οιδα αυτον οτι παρ αυτου ειμι κακεινος με απεστειλεν
30.	They sought therefore to apprehend him: and no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.	Quærebant ergo eum apprehendere : et nemo misit in illum manus, quia nondum venit hora ejus.	εζητουν ουν αυτον πιασαι και ουδεις επεβαλεν επ αυτον την χειρα οτι ουπω εληλυθει η ωρα αυτου

1. After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.
2. Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand.

AUG. As the believer in Christ would have in time to, come to hide himself from persecution, that no guilt might attach to such concealment, the Head began with doing Himself, what He sanctioned in the member; After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill Him.

BEDE. The connection of this passage admits of much taking place in the interval previously. Judea and Galilee are divisions of the province of Palestine. Judea has its name from the tribe of Judah; but it embraces not only the territories of Judah, but of Benjamin, all of which were called Judea, because Judah was the royal tribe Galilee has its name, from the milky, i.e. white, color of its inhabitants; Galilee being Greek for milk.

AUG. It is not meant that our Lord could not walk among the Jews, and escape being killed; for He had this power, whenever He chose to show it: but He set the example of so doing, as an accommodation to our weakness. He had not lost His power, but He indulged our frailty.

CHRYS. That is to say, He displayed the attribute both of divinity and humanity. He fled from His persecutors as man, He remained and appeared amongst them as God; being really both.

THEOPHYL. He withdrew too now to Galilee, because the hour of His passion was not yet come; and He thought it useless to stay in the midst of His enemies, when the effect would only have been to irritate them the more. The time at which this happened is then given; Now the Jews; feast of tabernacles was at hand.

AUG. What the feast of tabernacles is, we read in the Scriptures. They used to make tents on the festival, like those in which they lived during their journey in the desert, after their departure from Egypt. They celebrated this feast in commemoration of the good things the Lord had done for them; though they were the very people who were about to slay the Lord. It is called the day of the feast, though it lasted many days.

CHRYS. It appears here, that a considerable time had passed since the last events. For when our Lord sat upon the mount, it was near the feast of the Passover and now it is the feast of tabernacles: so that in the five intermediate months the Evangelist has related nothing but the miracle of the loaves, and the conversation with those who ate of them. As our Lord was unceasingly working miracles, and holding disputes with people, the Evangelists could not relate all; but only aimed at giving those, in which complaint or opposition had followed on the part of the Jews as was as the case here.

10. But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up to the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.

THEOPHYL. Our Lord at first declares that He will not go up to the feast, (I go not up with you,) in order not to expose Himself to the rage of the Jews; and therefore we read, that, When He had said these words to them, He abode still in Galilee. Afterwards, however, He goes up; But when His brethren were gone up, then went He also up to the feast.

AUG. He went up, however, not to get temporary glory, but, to teach wholesome doctrine, and remind men of the eternal feast.

CHRYS. He goes up, not to suffer, but to teach. And He goes up secretly; because, though He could have gone openly, and kept the violence and impetuosity of the Jews in check, as He had often done before; yet to do this every time, would have disclosed His divinity; and he wished to establish the fact of His incarnation, and to teach us the way of life. And He went up privately too, to show us what we ought to do, who cannot check our persecutors. It is not said, however, in secret, but, as it were in secret; to show that it was done as a kind of economy. For had He done all things as God, how should we of this world know what to do, when we fell into danger?

ALCUIN. Or, He went up in secret, because He did not seek the favor of men, and took no pleasure in pomp, and being followed about with crowds.

BEDE. The mystical meaning is, that to all those carnal persons who seek human glory, the Lord remains in Galilee; the meaning of which name is, "passing over;" applying to those his members who pass from vice to virtue, and make progress in the latter. And our Lord Himself delayed to go up, signifying that Christ's members seek not temporal but eternal glory. And He went up secretly, because all glory is from within: that is, from a pure heart and good conscience, and faith unfeigned.

AUG. Or the meaning is, that all the ceremonial of the ancient people was the figure of what was to be; such as the feast of tabernacles. Which figure is now unveiled to us. Our Lord went up in secret, to represent the figurative system. He concealed Himself at the feast itself, because the feast itself signified, that the members of Christ were in a strange country. For he dwells in the tents, who regards himself as a stranger in the world. The word scenopegia here means the feast of tabernacles.

25. Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?
26. But, lo, he speaks boldly, and they say nothing to him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?
27. Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ comes, no man knows whence he is.
28. Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, You both know me, and you know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom you know not.
29. But I know him: for I am from him, and he has sent me.
30. Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.

AUG. It was said above that our Lord went up to the feast secretly, not because He feared being taken, (for He had power to prevent it,) but to show figuratively, that even in the very feast which the Jews celebrated, He was hid, and that it was His mystery. Now however the power appears, which was thought timidity: He spoke publicly at the feast, in so much that the multitude marveled: They said some of them at Jerusalem, Is not this He, whom they seek to kill? but, lo, He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him. They knew the fierceness with which He had been sought for; they marveled at the power by which he was not taken.

CHRYS. The Evangelist adds, from Jerusalem: for there had been the greatest display of miracles, and there the people were in the worst state, seeing the strongest proofs of His divinity, and yet willing to give up all to the judgment of their corrupt rulers. Was it not a great miracle, that those who raged for His life, now that they had Him in their grasp, became on a sudden quiet?

AUG. So, not fully understanding Christ's power, they supposed that it was owing to the knowledge of the rulers that He was spared: Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?

CHRYS. But they do not follow the opinion of the rulers, but put forth another most perverse and absurd one; Howbeit we know this Man, whence He is; but when Christ comes, no man knows whence He is.

AUG. This notion did not arise without foundation. We find indeed that the Scriptures said of Christ, He shall be called a Nazarene, and thus predicted whence He would come. And the Jews again told Herod, when he inquired, that Christ would be born in Bethlehem of Judah, and adduced the testimony of the Prophet. How then did this notion of the Jews arise, that, when Christ came, no one would know whence He was? From this reason, viz. that the Scriptures asserted both. As man, they foretold whence Christ would be; as God, He was hid from the profane, but revealed Himself to the godly. This notion they had taken from Isaiah, Who shall declare His generation? Our Lord replies, that they both knew Him, and knew Him not: Then cried Jesus in the temple as He taught, saying, You both know Me, and know whence I am: that is to say, You both know whence I am, and do not know whence I am: you know whence I am, that I am Jesus of Nazareth, whose parents you know. The birth from the Virgin was the only part of the matter unknown to them: with this exception, they knew all that pertained to Jesus as man. So He well says, You both know Me, and know whence I am: i.e. according to the flesh, and the likeness of man. But in respect of His divinity, He says, I am not come of Myself, but He that sent Me is true.

CHRYS. By which He discloses what was in their minds. I am not, He seems to say, of the number of those who have come without reason, but He is true that sent Me; and if He is true, He has sent Me in truth; and therefore He who is sent must needs speak the truth. He then convicts them from their own assertions. For whereas they had said, When Christ comes, no man knows whence He is, He shows that Christ did come from one whom they knew not, i.e. the Father. Wherefore He adds, Whom you know not.

HILARY. Every man, ever born in the flesh, is in a certain sense from God. How then could He say that they were ignorant who He was, and whence He was.? Because our Lord is here referring to His own peculiar birth from God, which they were ignorant of, because they did not know that He was the Son of God. His very saying then that they did not know whence He was, was telling them whence He was. If they, did not know whence He was, He could not be from nothing; for then there would be no whence to be ignorant of. He must therefore be from God. And then not knowing whence He is, was the reason that they did not know who He is. He does not know the Son who does not know His birth from the Father.

CHRYS. Or the ignorance, He here speaks of, is the ignorance of a bad life; as Paul said, They profess that they know God, but in words they deny Him. Our Lord's reproof is twofold: He first published what they were speaking secretly, crying out, in order to put them to shame.

AUG. Lastly, to show whence they could get to know Him (who had sells Him), He adds, I know Him: so if you would know Him, inquire of Me. No one knows the Father, save the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal Him. And if I should say, I know Him not, I should be a liar like to you.

CHRYS. Which is impossible for He that sent Me is true, and therefore He that is sent must be true likewise He every where attributes the knowledge of the Father to Himself, as being from the Father: thus here, But I know Hint, for I am from Him.

HILARY. I ask however does the being from Him express a work of creation, or a birth by generation? If a work of creation, then every thing which is created is from Him. And how then does not all creation know the Father, if the Son knows Him, because He is from Him? But if the knowledge of the Father is peculiar to Him, as being from Him, then the being from Him is peculiar to Him also; i.e. the being the true Son of God by nature. So you have then a peculiar knowledge springing from a peculiar generation. To prevent however ever any heresy applying the being from Him, to the time of His advent He adds, And He has sent Me; thus preserving, the order of the Gospel sacrament; first announcing Himself born, and then sent.

AUG. I am from Him, He says, i.e. as the Son from the Father: but that you see Me in the flesh is because He has sent Me. Wherein understand not a difference of nature, but the authority of a father.

CHRYS. His saying however, Whom you know not, irritated the Jews, who professed to have knowledge; and they sought to take Him, but no man laid hands on Him. Mark the invisible check which is kept upon their fury: though the Evangelist does not mention it, but preserves purposely a humble and human way of speaking, in order to impress us with Christ's humanity; and therefore only adds, Because His hour was not yet come.

AUG. That is, because He was not so pleased; for our Lord was not born subject to fate. You must not believe this even of yourself, much less of Him by Whom you were made. And if your hour is in His will, is not His hour in His own will? His home then here does not mean the time that He was obliged to die, but the time that He deigned to be put to death.

Catena Aurea John 7

Christ Taken Prisoner

Giuseppe Cesari

c. 1597
Oil on walnut panel, 89 x 62 cm
Staatliche Museen, Kassel

Catholic Culture

Daily Readings for:April 04, 2014
(Readings on USCCB website)

Collect: Graciously hear the prayers, O Lord, which we make in commemoration of Saint Isidore, that your Church may be aided by his intercession, just as she has been instructed by his heavenly teaching. 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.

RECIPES

o Paella I

o Paella II

ACTIVITIES

o How Sanctity Does Not Come Easily

PRAYERS

o Prayer for the Fourth Week of Lent

o Lent Table Blessing 4

o April Devotion: The Blessed Sacrament

LIBRARY

o Church and Internet | Pontifical Council for Social Communications

o Deus ex Machina: How to Think About Technology | Archbishop Charles J. Chaput O.F.M. Cap.

o Ethics in Internet | Pontifical Council for Social Communications

o Spread Christian Values Through the Media | Pope John Paul II

o Statement on the Information Highway by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops | Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops

o Using the Internet in Religious

· Lent: April 4th

· Optional Memorial of St. Isidore, bishop and doctor

Old Calendar: St. Isidore

St. Isidore, who succeeded his brother St. Leander as Archbishop of Seville, was one of the great bishops of the seventh century. He was proficient in all brances of knowledge and was regarded as one of the most learned men of his time; with Cassiodorus and Boethius he was one of the thinkers whose writings were most studied in the Middle Ages, St. Isidore died in 636. Pope Innocent XIII canonized him in 1722 and proclaimed him a Doctor of the Church.

Stational Church

St. Isidore of Seville
Isidore, archbishop of Seville and brother of the saintly Bishop Leander, ranks as the most outstanding person in the Church of Spain during the seventh century. Because of the singular holiness of his life, he was idolized by the people. Wherever he appeared, throngs gathered about him. "Some came to see the miracles that he performed in the name of the Lord. The sick came to be freed from their sufferings, for the power of God emanated from him and he would heal them all" (Bollandists: April 1, 340).

He is regarded as the great restorer of the Spanish Church after the Visigoths returned to the Catholic faith. He also contributed greatly to the development of Spain's liturgy. He presided over the fourth provincial council of Toledo (633), the most important in Spanish history. Rich in merit, he died in 636 after ruling his see 40 years. St. Gregory the Great was one of his personal friends.

Excerpted from The Church's Year of Grace, Pius Parsch.

Patron: Computer technicians; computer users; computers; the Internet; schoolchildren; students.

Symbols: Bees; bishop holding a pen while surrounded by a swarm of bees; bishop standing near a beehive; old bishop with a prince at his feet; pen; priest or bishop with pen and book; with Saint Leander, Saint Fulgentius, and Saint Florentina; with his Etymologia.

Things to Do:

Read more about St. Isidore in the Catholic Encyclopedia
For those who speak or read Latin and are fascinated by words you might take a look at The Etymologies
From the Catholic Culture library you may also want to read what Pope Benedict XVI has to say about St. Isidore.

The Station is in the church of St. Eusebius, priest of Rome, who suffered for the faith in the Arian persecution under the emperor Constantius.

Doctors of the Catholic Church

Saint Isidore of Seville

Also known as

Isidore the Bishop
Schoolmaster of the Middle Ages

Memorial

4 April
15 December (translation of relics)
26 April (Mozarabic Rite)

Profile

Son of Severianus and Theodora, people known for their piety. Brother of Saint Fulgentius of Ecija, Saint Florentina of Cartagena, and Saint Leander of Seville, who raised him after their father‘s death. Initially a poor student, he gave the problem over to God and became one of the most learned men of his time. Priest. Helped his brother Leander, archbishop of Seville, in the conversion the Visigoth Arians. Hermit.

Archbishop of Seville, Spain c.601, succeeding his brother to the position. Teacher, founder, reformer. Required seminaries in every diocese, and wrote a rule for religious orders. Prolific writer whose works include a dictionary, an encyclopedia, a history of Goths, and a history of the world beginning with creation. Completed the Mozarabic liturgy which is still in use in Toledo, Spain. Presided at the Second Council of Seville, and the Fourth Council of Toledo. Introduced the works of Aristotle to Spain.

Proclaimed Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XIV in 1722, and became the leading candidate for patron of computer users and the internet in 1999.

Born

c.560 at Cartagena, Spain

Died

4 April 636 at Seville, Spain

Canonized

Pre-Congregation

Patronage

Representation

bees
bishop holding a pen while surrounded by a swarm of bees
bishop standing near a beehive
old bishop with a prince at his feet
pen
priest or bishop with pen and book
with Saint Leander, Saint Fulgentius, and Saint Florentina of Cartagena
with his Etymologia

Additional Information

Catholic Encyclopedia, by John B O’Connor
Lives of the Saints, by Father Alban Butler
New Catholic Dictionary
Pictorial Lives of the Saints
books
- Our Sunday Visitor’s Encyclopedia of Saints
other sites in english
- American Catholic
- Catholic Culture
- Catholic News Agency
- Catholic Online
- Catholic Online
- Doctors of the Church - audio
- Domestic Church, by Catherine Fournier
- Katherine Rabenstein
- Saints Stories for All Ages
- uCatholic
- Wikipedia
- Zenit.Org: re Isidore and the Internet
webseiten auf deutsch
- Ökumenisches Heiligenlexikon
sites en français
- Fête des prénoms
siti in italiano
notitia in latin
- Latin Library

Readings

Prayer purifies us, reading instructs us. Both are good when both are possible. Otherwise, prayer is better than reading. If a man wants to be always in God’s company, he must pray regularly and read regularly. When we pray, we talk to God; when we read, God talks to us. All spiritual growth comes from reading and reflection. By reading we learn what we did not know; by reflection we retain what we have learned. Reading the holy Scriptures confers two benefits. It trains the mind to understand them; it turns man’s attention from the follies of the world and leads him to the love of God. The conscientious reader will be more concerned to carry out what he has read than merely to acquire knowledge of it. In reading we aim at knowing, but we must put into practice what we have learned in our course of study. The more you devote yourself to study of the sacred utterances, the richer will be your understanding of them, just as the more the soil is tilled, the richer the harvest. The man who is slow to grasp things but who really tries hard is rewarded, equally he who does not cultivate his God-given intellectual ability is condemned for despising his gifts and sinning by sloth. Learning unsupported by grace may get into our ears; it never reaches the heart. But when God’s grace touches our innermost minds to bring understanding, his word which has been received by the ear sinks deep into the heart. - from Book of Maxims by Saint Isidore

Heresy is from the Greek word meaning ‘choice’…. But we are not permitted to believe whatever we choose, nor to choose whatever someone else has believed. We have the Apostles of God as authorities, who did not…choose what they would believe but faithfully transmitted the teachings of Christ. So, even if an angel from heaven should preach otherwise, he shall be called anathema. - Saint Isidore

The Word Among Us

Meditation: Wisdom 2:1, 12-22

Saint Isidore, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Merely to see him is a hardship for us. (Wisdom 2:14)

Have you ever looked in one of those funny, curvy mirrors that distort your image? If you move one way, you look squat and fat. If you move in another direction, you are tall and thin with oversized feet.

Sometimes, you might actually buy a cheap mirror that is distorted just enough to make you look tall and slender. Unfortunately, when you look in a more properly calibrated mirror, the truth can be a little off-putting! Some people might even get angry at the perfected mirror, even though what it shows them is closer to reality.

Today’s reading from the Book of Wisdom tells us how Jesus would come as the perfect mirror for all of us. He would do this by showing us his own deep and abiding love for us. Looking at such purity and humility, we can’t help but be confronted with our own faults and failings. And at times, that confrontation can cause us to react harshly or defensively.

Throughout the New Testament, you see different people’s reactions to the image of themselves they saw in Jesus. Some immediately repented and began to live a more pure life. Others were so disturbed that they tried to destroy him so that they wouldn’t have to be confronted with their sins again.

Sadly, the ones who responded this way missed a major part of Jesus’ reflection: his mercy. Jesus knows us through and through, and he still loves us. His grace is endless and always available, ready to help us if we ask. He loves us so much that he can watch us sin, still see our potential, and offer to set us on the path that leads us back to him and his heavenly home.

Today, think of how you feel when you come face-to-face with the truth about yourself in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Remember that even though you may sin, you are still God’s “very good” creation (Genesis 1:31), filled with the potential to do so much good. Let God’s vision for you lift you up and move you to repentance. Let his grace help you look in the mirror with joy, not anger.

“Lord, show me my true reflection, and give me the courage and patience to respond to your love. Come and make me into a mirror of your own goodness.”

Psalm 34:17-21, 23; John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

Marriage=One Man and One Woman 'Til Death Do Us Part

Daily Marriage Tip for April 4, 2014:

Did you know that there are many married saints? If you’re not familiar with any, do some research. You might start with reading about St. Thomas More, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, and St. Gianna Molla.

Regnum Christi

Trust; A Lenten Resolution

| SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY

Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent

John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

Jesus moved about within Galilee; but he did not wish to travel in Judea, because the Jews were trying to kill him. But the Jewish feast of Tabernacles was near. But when his brothers had gone up to the feast, he himself also went up, not openly but as it were in secret. So some of the inhabitants of Jerusalem said, "Is he not the one they are trying to kill? And look, he is speaking openly and they say nothing to him. Could the authorities have realized that he is the Christ? But we know where he is from. When the Christ comes, no one will know where he is from." So Jesus cried out in the Temple area as he was teaching and said, "You know me and also know where I am from. Yet I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me." So they tried to arrest him, but no one laid a hand upon him, because his hour had not yet come.

Introductory Prayer: Jesus, I truly believe and hope in you and your Gospel. You have touched me by the example of trust you had in your Father’s plan. I adore you and thank you with my whole heart.

Petition: Lord, help me to trust more in your divine providence.

1. A Way Out When Cornered: A cornered bear reacts by the instinct of self-preservation and fights until death. Christ, however, shows an altogether different attitude when challenged. He seems always to be calm and in control of every situation. He knows that not a single hair will fall from his head unless the Father deliberately permits it to occur. Many times our fears corner us to the point that we get spooked. To conquer our fears, we need to believe more, hope more, and love Christ much more.

2. The Force of Love: It is interesting to note that Jesus originally planned to stay behind in Galilee. But out of charity and trust in the Father’s will, Jesus set out on the perilous journey to Judea. Once there, he forgot the danger that loomed before him. Christ felt a renewed strength as he had compassion for the lost sheep in Judea. Nothing could diminish his resolve to feed the spiritually hungry, cure the sick, and teach the ignorant. Love gave Christ the capacity to give himself more. Love protects life from prejudices and complaints.

3. Proof of God’s Love: The soldiers tried to arrest Jesus, but they were thwarted. The Father had decided that his Son was not to be given up yet. Cancer, global warming, the nuclear bomb, terrorism and natural disasters – things that might seem to be threats to us – should not make us fearful. Trust is really trust! Jesus invites us to trust, and this is powerful. Saint Paul says, “All things work together for good for those who love God” (Romans 8:28). The important thing in life is for us to keep our thoughts and efforts focused on God’s will and to go about doing good, generously serving others. “Seek his kingdom, and these other things will be given you besides” (Luke 12:31).

Conversation with Christ: My Lord and Savior, I know that my vision is often short-sighted. Teach me to love and to trust. Enlarge my heart so that I can endure adverse situations and predicaments for the sake of my eternal salvation. Jesus, I trust in you!

Resolution: Today when contradictions flare up at the workplace or at home, I will not sigh in despair. Rather, I will make an act of hope: “Long live Christ the King!”

Homily of the Day

April 4, 2014

All of us have experienced days when we don’t feel like doing a task at hand because it seems such a drudgery. We’d rather do a shortcut or just forget about it. But then we also know that it is important to finish the job and we feel good when we complete it.

Jesus had been going around Palestine preaching the Good News. There were people who believed in his message and followed him. There were also others who did not believe and felt threatened by his message because they thought it would end the status quo and their comfortable positions. Jesus hesitated going up to Jerusalem (in Judea) because of the threats on his life. But because of his love for and obedience to his Father and his strong commitment to his mission, he entered Jerusalem and continued with his preaching, knowing full well that he would invite strong opposition from the Jews and earn their ire.

In the Temple court of Jerusalem, the center of life in the city, Jesus boldly proclaimed, “I have not come of myself; I was sent by the One who is true, and you don’t know him. I know him for I come from him and he sent me.” Jesus’ intimacy with the Father gave him the courage and steadfastness to carry on with his mission and fulfill his Father’s will. In the same way, we need to build an intimate relationship with Jesus and follow him. If we know Christ, then we’ll also know the Father. And just as Jesus was sent by the Father, so does Jesus send each one of us to continue his mission of bringing the Good News to everyone.

One Bread, One Body

Language: English | Español

All Issues > Volume 30, Issue 3

<< Friday, April 4, 2014 >>

St. Isidore of Seville

Wisdom 2:1, 12-22
View Readings

Psalm 34:17-21, 23

John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30
Similar Reflections

PRIVILEGED SUFFERING

"Let us beset the just one." —Wisdom 2:12

"Let us condemn him to a shameful death." —Wisdom 2:20

Two weeks from today is Good Friday. On that day, we will remember that Jesus suffered and died for love of us. We also remember that in our own flesh we "fill up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ for the sake of His body, the Church" (Col 1:24). Jesus has left room for our sufferings to be included in His plan of redemption.

Jesus blessed us when He said: "Blest are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of slander against you because of Me. Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is great in heaven" (Mt 5:11-12; see also Wis 2:22). May we be "judged worthy of ill-treatment for the sake of the Name" of Jesus (Acts 5:41). May our lives be "not like other men's" (Wis 2:15) so that we will be privileged (Phil 1:29) to suffer "revilement and torture" (Wis 2:19) for righteousness' sake (Mt 5:10).

Rejoice "in the measure that you share Christ's sufferings" (1 Pt 4:13). "If anyone suffers for being a Christian...he ought not to be ashamed. He should rather glorify God in virtue of that name" (1 Pt 4:16). Suffer, rejoice, and love.

Prayer: Father, I accept Your grace to take up my crosses daily (Lk 9:23). May I know how to share in Jesus' sufferings by being formed into the pattern of His death (Phil 3:10).

Promise: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit He saves." —Ps 34:19

Praise: St. Isidore's family was united in the Faith and bore great fruit. Isidore was a bishop, and two of his brothers and a sister were all canonized saints.

Prayer to End Abortions

Lord God, I thank you today for the gift of my life, and for the lives of all my brothers and sisters. I know there is nothing that destroys more life than abortion, yet I rejoice that You have conquered death by the Resurrection of Your Son. I am ready to do my part in ending abortion. Today I commit myself NEVER to be silent, NEVER to be passive, NEVER to be forgetful of the unborn. I commit myself to be active in the pro-life movement, and never to stop defending life until all my brothers and sisters are protected, and our nation once again becomes a nation with liberty and justice not just for some, but for all, through Christ our Lord. Amen!