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.

"Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you" (Lk 1:28)

"Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb"
(Lk 1:42).

Catholic Culture

Ordinary Time: September 25th

Tuesday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

MASS READINGS

September 25, 2018 (Readings on USCCB website)

COLLECT PRAYER

O God, who founded all the commands of your sacred Law upon love of you and of our neighbor, grant that, by keeping your precepts, we may merit to attain eternal life. 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.

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Old Calendar: St. Finbar, bishop (Hist); Bl. Herman the Cripple (Hist)

Historically today is the Feast of St. Finbar who lived in the sixth century in Ireland. He was a native of Connaught, and instituted a monastery or school at Lough Eirc, to which such numbers of disciples flocked, that it changed a desert into a large city. This was the origin of the city of Cork, which was built chiefly upon stakes, in marshy little islands formed by the river Lea. His baptismal name was Lochan; the surname Finbarr, or Barr the White, was given to him after. He was Bishop of Cork seventeen years, and died in the midst of his friends at Cloyne, fifteen miles from Cork. His body was buried in his own cathedral at Cork, and his relics, some years after, were put in a silver shrine, and kept there, this great church bearing his name to this day. St. Finbarr's cave or hermitage was shown in a monastery which seems to have been begun by our Saint, and stood to the west of Cork.

It is also the feast day of Blessed Herman the Cripple (also known as Hermannus Contractus, or Herman of Reichenau, 1013-1054), monk, 11th century scholar, composer, musical theorist, mathematician, and astronomer. Blessed Herman composed the Marian prayers Alma Redemptoris Mater, and the Salve Regina (also known as the “Hail Holy Queen”) which we pray each time we pray the Holy Rosary. Despite significant physical limitations and suffering, the bright and contemplative mind of Blessed Herman advanced not only our understanding of the physical world, but furthered our devotion to Our Blessed Mother. His contributions to both science and faith remind us that regardless of appearance or apparent physical abilities, we each possess immense God-given gifts and talents! He was called "The Wonder of His Age."

St. Finbarr
The patron saint of Cork, was born in Achaid Duborcon near Crookstown, Co. Cork, the son of a Connacht father, a metalworker, who moved to Munster to find work and married a slave girl.

Finbarr left home with three unidentified ascetics and spent much time in Scotland before establishing various hermitages in his native area, notably at Kilclooney and on an island in Gougane Barra, which bears his name.

Among many wondrous tales associated with him is, one in which he is led by an angel from the source of the river Lee at Gougane Barra to its marshy mouth, where he founded his most important monastery, out of which grew the see and the city of Cork. Another of Finbarr's great legends was the chase and expulsion of the great lake serpent from the lake in Gougane, which created the channel that is now the river Lee.

Finbarr died at Cloyne in 633 ad and his remains were taken to Cork to be enclosed in a silver shrine. A pattern is made to Gougane Barra on the Sunday nearest to the feast of St Finbarr which falls on the 25th of September.

Blessed Herman the Cripple
Herman was born into royalty, the son of a duke of Altshausen. From birth, it was apparent that he would be horribly crippled and disfigured, earning him the less-than-pleasant name of “Hermannus Contractus” (or “Herman the Twisted”). Sources suggest he was born with a cleft palate, cerebral palsy and spina bifida. Without assistance, he could not move, and could barely speak, but within his body was a keen mind and iron will.

At the age of seven, Herman’s parents left him at the Benedictine monastery of Reichenau, where they arranged for him to be raised and educated. Situated on the shores of Lake Constance, it was expected that this location would be ideal for Herman’s health, but also for his developing intellect. Abbot Berno, the monk who led the community, took Herman under his wing, educating him with kindness and compassion.

Despite his obvious intellect, Herman struggled to read and write at first, his physical limitations difficult to overcome. Once he mastered the basics, the academic world opened to him, and he impressed all with the breadth and depth of his subsequent studies. Not only did he immerse himself in the sciences, but also in languages, music and theology. Herman became fluent in Latin, Greek, and Arabic. He wrote extensively on mathematical and astronomical topics, as well as volumes on the history of the world. He was professed a monk at the age of 30, and continued to write, producing works of great spiritual depth. Of note, his treatise “On the Eight Principal Vices,” which he wrote in a poetic style.

More than his writings, however, Herman was known for his gentleness, joy, and sweet disposition. Never was he heard to complain, despite the fact that most activities were painful and difficult. Rather, he was recognized to have a smile for all, and became a beacon of hope and joy throughout the monastery. Students traveled great distances to study with him, learning not only their academic subjects but also strength of character, perseverance, and humility through his model.

Blessed Herman’s contributions to academics were great, as were his contributions to sacred tradition. He wrote many hymns which continue to be sung today, as well as portions of the Mass. His greatest contributions may be his hymns of devotion and love for Our Blessed Mother: Alma Redemptoris Mater and Salve Regina. The confidence and hope we place in Mary is eloquently and simply captured in his writings.

Blessed Herman died at the young age of 40, having succumbed to the symptoms of his many afflictions. He was beatified in 1863. He was a man who took joy in his struggles, and looked at each difficult day as an opportunity to grow closer to the Lord. Every time we pray the Holy Rosary, we end in prayer with Blessed Herman. The Salve Regina (Hail Holy Queen) reminds us of our deep connection not only to Our Blessed Mother, but to all those who suffer alongside us in the world.

Excerpted from 365 Rosaries

The Word Among Us

Meditation: Psalm 119:1, 27, 30, 34-35, 44

25th Week in Ordinary Time

The way of truth I have chosen. (Psalm 119:30)

Today’s first reading teaches us how to live in ways that please the Lord. Then, our Responsorial Psalm gives us a beautiful response to these teachings: “Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.” So let’s make the psalmist’s prayer our own today as we set out to follow the Lord:

“I choose you today, Lord. I choose to center my thoughts on you and your goodness. My first thought in the morning will be to thank you for giving me another day to love and serve you. I will thank you for the health I have, even if it isn’t the best. I will thank you for the people in my life—even the difficult ones who teach me patience and compassion, perseverance and fortitude. Thank you that I can start afresh today and leave yesterday behind. Thank you that I can build on the grace you gave me yesterday.

“I choose you today, Lord. I choose to ponder your word, which shows me the way of truth. Let me hear your voice today. Teach me who you are, and who I am in light of your love. I will let your words guide me and help me build a stable foundation for my thoughts and actions. Lord, I choose to fill my mind with your teachings, especially during the quiet times, when the devil will try to turn me to fearful, judgmental, or negative thoughts.

“I choose you today, Lord. I choose you as the model for my life. I want to learn how to love as you do. I want to become just as patient with other people as you have been with me. Teach me to listen and to notice people around me who need my care: the poor and the sick, the lonely and the forgotten, even those who would call me their enemy.

“Lord, just as you did during your hidden years with Mary and Joseph, help me to do all the everyday things with love: cooking, cleaning, mowing the lawn, paying the bills, walking the dog, helping my kids with homework, and all the rest. Jesus, I choose to extend the kindness and gentleness you have shown me, so that your love can shine through me.

“I choose you today, Jesus. You are my way of truth.”

Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13
Luke 8:19-21

Daily Gospel Commentary

Isaac of Stella (?-c.1171)
Cistercian monk
Sermon 51, 25-27 ; PL 194, 1862 ; SC 339

"My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it"

“Among all these I sought a resting place,” says the Wisdom of God, “and I will abide in the Lord's inheritance” (Sir 24:7). In its totality the Lord's inheritance is the Church, but above all it is Mary and, in particular, the souls of the faithful... The text continues: “Then the Creator of all gave me his command, and he who formed me chose the spot for my tent, saying, 'In Jacob make your dwelling'” (v.8). For after searching all around for a resting place and failing to find one, the Wisdom of God, his Word, first chose the Jewish people as his inheritance, to whom he “gave his command” through Moses... And he who by this re-creation created the Synagogue, mother of the Church, “fixed his resting place” in his tent - the tent of the Covenant. But now, in the Church, he abides in the sacrament of his Body.

And since he had sought, so to speak, amongst all women for the one from whom he would be born, he particularly chose Mary, who from then on is called “blessed among women” (Lk 1:28)... Christ, who made a new creature of her (cf. 2Cor 5:17), came to dwell in her womb.

In the same way, it is to every faithful soul predestined to salvation that this Wisdom “gives the command and speaks”, when it will and how it will. Either it speaks interiorly by means of our natural intellect, through which it “enlightens everyone coming into the world” (Jn 1:9), and by the inspiration of grace...; or exteriorly with teaching and by means of creation (cf. Rm 1:20)... And the Wisdom of God who thus creates and forms this soul “in Christ Jesus for the good works he has prepared” (Eph 2:10), comes to dwell in its understanding.

Regnum Christi

September 25, 2018 – We Too Wish to See Jesus

Tuesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Father Barry O’Toole, LC

Luke 8:19-21

The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” But he said to them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”

Introductory Prayer: Lord, you are the author of life and the giver of all that is good. You are the Prince of Peace and my mainstay. You are my healer and the cure itself. I need you, and I need to give you. I love you and commit myself to you entirely, knowing you could never let me down or deceive me. Thank you for giving me your very self.

Petition: Lord, help me hear your word and do it.

“We Wish to See Jesus.” Today, as two thousand years ago, mankind longs to see the face of Jesus. Each one has his own reason: some are in need of healing –– like Bartimaeus, the blind man of Jericho who shouted after Jesus until he took pity and cured him (Mark 10:46-52); some out of curiosity –– like Zacchaeus, who climbed a tree to see Jesus because he was short in stature (Luke 19:2-10); some to hear his word –– like the crowd that pressed in on him to hear the word of God by the Lake of Gennesaret (Luke 5:1-10); some out of love and to look after him – like the Blessed Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene (Mark 15:41). Why do I wish to see him?

Christ Is Not Easily Conquered: “They could not reach him because of the crowd.” Though we may seek Christ with the purest of intentions, it is not always easy to achieve our goal. There are bound to be obstacles along the way, and we have to be prepared for them. Satan always tries to separate us from God through sin, even putting the fear of confession in our hearts so we don’t receive God’s healing grace. The world also attempts to keep us as far from God as possible, offering a thousand distractions and amusements to lead us away from prayer, reflection and conversion. And of course, sometimes we ourselves are so little inclined to piety, service to others and a virtuous life. Laziness and indolence can overcome even the best of us. We need to let him know we are seeking him.

Jesus Rejects His Closest Friends? What counts for Jesus are “those who listen to the word of God and do it.” He came to preach to and save everyone. And contrary to the first impression given by his words, this does not exclude his mother and his relatives. Christ doesn’t lower them but rather elevates us –– and them –– to a degree of intimacy greater than blood ties. This is the beauty of God’s love: He calls us to an ever-greater dignity and intimacy with him.

Conversation with Christ: Lord, I want to see your face in all the events and happenings of this day. Drive away all my enemies and spiritual tepidity. Cure my spiritual blindness, for you alone can help me. Without you I can do no good. Help me to live up to this dignity you have bestowed upon me.

Resolution: I will reserve five minutes this evening to do a thorough examination of conscience and perhaps prepare for confession. I will eliminate the obstacles I have to seeing God’s face and thank God for the graces he has given me.

Homily of the Day

September 25, 2018

Many cultures value family ties and blood relations. It was so, even in the time of Jesus of Nazareth. In today’s gospel, Jesus redefines who his family is. He bases his kinship not on traditional blood or family relations, but on the way one responds to the Word of God. For Jesus, family refers to persons who listen to him, sincerely seeking God’s word and will in their lives. For Jesus, the ties that really matter are in relation to God the Father and Creator of all. Those who hear and do God’s Word, whether they are related to him by blood or not, they are his Family. Jesus thus expands and reinvents the meaning and nature of Family. Family is now about sharing the same spirit, faith and solidarity with Jesus Christ. Jesus’ whole mission was to proclaim and inaugurate the reign of God. In this new scheme of things, the new human family is the Church, the assembly of believers, the Christian community.

The Good News is that because of God’s love, even today we can belong to Jesus’ Family. Indeed, our baptism initiated us into the Church; in Jesus, with him and through him, we become adopted sons and daughters of God. We have one Father, we are brothers and sisters in Christ. Our baptism gives us the same Spirit of Jesus, the power to desire, to seek and to fulfill the Word and will of God in our life.

As individuals, are we happy to belong to the Church, the family of Jesus? Are we part of a faith community where we can walk and grow as Jesus’ brothers and sisters in listening to the Word of God? Assuming that our blood family members have been baptized, what difference does our baptism and brotherhood in Christ make within our family relations? How do we relate to other people in our parish? Belonging to the family of Jesus is indeed a precious gift and task.

One Bread, One Body

Language: English | Espanol

All Issues > Volume 34, Issue 5

<< Tuesday, September 25, 2018 >>

Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13
View Readings

Psalm 119:1, 27, 30, 34-35, 44

Luke 8:19-21
Similar Reflections

JESUS, THE LIVING WORD, HAS "FULL AUTHORITY" (MT 28:18)

"My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act upon it." �Luke 8:21

The eighth chapter of Luke's Gospel, which we have been reading during the last week, teaches about the authority and power of the Word of God. The parable of the good ground (Lk 8:4-15) teaches that the Word of God will bear an abundant harvest in an open heart which submits to its authority and receives its power. Those who devote themselves to studying the Scriptures receiving the life-changing power of the Word of God, and obeying the Word will receive ever more power (Lk 8:18). They will even be received as members of God's family (Lk 8:21). God's Word has authority over the forces of nature (Lk 8:24-25), evil (Lk 8:32ff), disease (Lk 8:43-48), and even death (Lk 8:54-55).

Therefore, since God's Word has such authority and such awesome power, we should "hear the word of God and act upon it" (Lk 8:21). We should "walk in the law of the Lord" (Ps 119:1), cling to the Word (Ps 119:31), and make the Word of God our joy and our happiness (Jer 15:16).

God gave to Jesus, the Living Word (Heb 4:12), "full authority...in heaven and on earth" (Mt 28:18). Each day, make your home in the Word of God (Jn 8:31) and live under its authority and power.

Prayer: Father, be it done unto me according to Your Word.

Promise: "Happy are they whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord." —Ps 119:1

Praise: The doctors told Joan she would not be able to have children. She put her trust in the Lord and conceived a miracle child.

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