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Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 02-28-11
USCCB.org/New American Bible ^ | 02-28-11 | New American Bible

Posted on 02/27/2011 11:18:13 PM PST by Salvation

February 28, 2011


Monday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

 

Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel


Reading 1

Sir 17:20-24

To the penitent God provides a way back,
he encourages those who are losing hope
and has chosen for them the lot of truth.
Return to him and give up sin,
pray to the LORD and make your offenses few.
Turn again to the Most High and away from your sin,
hate intensely what he loathes,
and know the justice and judgments of God,
Stand firm in the way set before you,
in prayer to the Most High God.

Who in the nether world can glorify the Most High
in place of the living who offer their praise?
Dwell no longer in the error of the ungodly,
but offer your praise before death.
No more can the dead give praise
than those who have never lived;
You who are alive and well
shall praise and glorify God in his mercies.
How great the mercy of the LORD,
his forgiveness of those who return to him!

 
Responsorial Psalm

R. (11a) Let the just exult and rejoice in the Lord.
Blessed is he whose fault is taken away,
whose sin is covered.
Blessed the man to whom the LORD imputes not guilt,
in whose spirit there is no guile.
R. Let the just exult and rejoice in the Lord.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you,
my guilt I covered not.
I said, “I confess my faults to the LORD,”
and you took away the guilt of my sin.
R. Let the just exult and rejoice in the Lord.
For this shall every faithful man pray to you
in time of stress.
Though deep waters overflow,
they shall not reach him.
R. Let the just exult and rejoice in the Lord.
You are my shelter; from distress you will preserve me;
with glad cries of freedom you will ring me round.
R. Let the just exult and rejoice in the Lord.

 
Gospel

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up,
knelt down before him, and asked him,
“Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good?
No one is good but God alone.
You know the commandments: You shall not kill;
you shall not commit adultery;
you shall not steal;
you shall not bear false witness;
you shall not defraud;
honor your father and your mother.
He replied and said to him,
“Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.”
Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him,
“You are lacking in one thing.
Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor
and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”
At that statement, his face fell,
and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples,
“How hard it is for those who have wealth
to enter the Kingdom of God!”
The disciples were amazed at his words.
So Jesus again said to them in reply,
“Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God!
It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle
than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.”
They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves,
“Then who can be saved?”
Jesus looked at them and said,
“For men it is impossible, but not for God.
All things are possible for God.”



TOPICS: Catholic; General Discusssion; Prayer; Worship
KEYWORDS: catholic; catholiclist; ordinarytime; prayer
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To: Salvation
Mark
  English: Douay-Rheims Latin: Vulgata Clementina Greek NT: Byzantine/Majority Text (2000)
  Mark 10
17 And when he was gone forth into the way, a certain man running up and kneeling before him, asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may receive life everlasting? Et cum egressus esset in viam, procurrens quidam genu flexo ante eum, rogabat eum : Magister bone, quid faciam ut vitam æternam percipiam ? και εκπορευομενου αυτου εις οδον προσδραμων εις και γονυπετησας αυτον επηρωτα αυτον διδασκαλε αγαθε τι ποιησω ινα ζωην αιωνιον κληρονομησω
18 And Jesus said to him, Why callest thou me good? None is good but one, that is God. Jesus autem dixit ei : Quid me dicis bonum ? nemo bonus, nisi unus Deus. ο δε ιησους ειπεν αυτω τι με λεγεις αγαθον ουδεις αγαθος ει μη εις ο θεος
19 Thou knowest the commandments: Do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, bear not false witness, do no fraud, honour thy father and mother. Præcepta nosti : ne adulteres, ne occidas, ne fureris, ne falsum testimonium dixeris, ne fraudum feceris, honora patrem tuum et matrem. τας εντολας οιδας μη μοιχευσης μη φονευσης μη κλεψης μη ψευδομαρτυρησης μη αποστερησης τιμα τον πατερα σου και την μητερα
20 But he answering, said to him: Master, all these things I have observed from my youth. At ille respondens, ait illi : Magister, hæc omnia observavi a juventute mea. ο δε αποκριθεις ειπεν αυτω διδασκαλε ταυτα παντα εφυλαξαμην εκ νεοτητος μου
21 And Jesus looking on him, loved him, and said to him: One thing is wanting unto thee: go, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me. Jesus autem intuitus eum, dilexit eum, et dixit ei : Unum tibi deest : vade, quæcumque habes vende, et da pauperibus, et habebis thesaurum in cælo : et veni, sequere me. ο δε ιησους εμβλεψας αυτω ηγαπησεν αυτον και ειπεν αυτω εν σοι υστερει υπαγε οσα εχεις πωλησον και δος πτωχοις και εξεις θησαυρον εν ουρανω και δευρο ακολουθει μοι αρας τον σταυρον
22 Who being struck sad at that saying, went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Qui contristatus in verbo, abiit mœrens : erat enim habens multas possessiones. ο δε στυγνασας επι τω λογω απηλθεν λυπουμενος ην γαρ εχων κτηματα πολλα
23 And Jesus looking round about, saith to his disciples: How hardly shall they that have riches, enter into the kingdom of God! Et circumspiciens Jesus, ait discipulis suis : Quam difficile qui pecunias habent, in regnum Dei introibunt ! και περιβλεψαμενος ο ιησους λεγει τοις μαθηταις αυτου πως δυσκολως οι τα χρηματα εχοντες εις την βασιλειαν του θεου εισελευσονται
24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus again answering, saith to them: Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches, to enter into the kingdom of God? Discipuli autem obstupescebant in verbis ejus. At Jesus rursus respondens ait illis : Filioli, quam difficile est, confidentes in pecuniis, in regnum Dei introire ! οι δε μαθηται εθαμβουντο επι τοις λογοις αυτου ο δε ιησους παλιν αποκριθεις λεγει αυτοις τεκνα πως δυσκολον εστιν τους πεποιθοτας επι χρημασιν εις την βασιλειαν του θεου εισελθειν
25 It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Facilius est camelum per foramen acus transire, quam divitem intrare in regnum Dei. ευκοπωτερον εστιν καμηλον δια της τρυμαλιας της ραφιδος εισελθειν η πλουσιον εις την βασιλειαν του θεου εισελθειν
26 Who wondered the more, saying among themselves: Who then can be saved? Qui magis admirabantur, dicentes ad semetipsos : Et quis potest salvus fieri ? οι δε περισσως εξεπλησσοντο λεγοντες προς εαυτους και τις δυναται σωθηναι
27 And Jesus looking on them, saith: With men it is impossible; but not with God: for all things are possible with God. Et intuens illos Jesus, ait : Apud homines impossibile est, sed non apud Deum : omnia enim possibilia sunt apud Deum. εμβλεψας δε αυτοις ο ιησους λεγει παρα ανθρωποις αδυνατον αλλ ου παρα θεω παντα γαρ δυνατα εστιν παρα τω θεω

21 posted on 02/28/2011 4:47:53 PM PST by annalex (http://www.catecheticsonline.com/CatenaAurea.php)
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To: annalex
17. And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
18. And Jesus said to him, Why call you me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
19. You know the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honor your father and mother.
20. And he answered and said to him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
21. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said to him, One thing you lack: go your way, Sell whatsoever you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
22. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
23. And Jesus looked round about, and said to his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
24. And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answered again, and said to them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
25. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
26. And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?
27. And Jesus looking upon them said, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

BEDE; A certain man had heard from the Lord that only they who are willing to be like little children are worthy to enter into the kingdom of heaven, and therefore he desires to have explained to him, not in parables, but openly, by the merits of what works a man may attain everlasting life. Wherefore it is said: And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

THEOPHYL. I wonder at this young man, who when all others come to Christ to be healed of their infirmities, begs of Him the possession of everlasting life, notwithstanding his love of money, the malignant passion which afterwards caused his sorrow.

CHRYS. Because however he had come to Christ as he would to a man, and to one of the Jewish doctors, Christ answered him as Man. Wherefore it goes on: And Jesus said to him, Why call you me good? there is none good but the One God. In saying which He does not exclude men from goodness, but from a comparison with the goodness of God.

BEDE; But by this one God, who is good, we must not only understand the Father, but also the Son, whom says, I am the good Shepherd; and also the Holy Ghost, because it is said, The Father which is in heaven will give the good Spirit to them that ask him. For the One and Undivided Trinity itself, Father, Son amid Holy Ghost, is the Only and One good God. The Lord therefore does not deny Himself to be good, but implies that He is God; He does not deny that He is good Master, but He declares that no master is good but God.

THEOPHYL; Therefore the Lord intended by these words to raise the mind of the young man, so that he might know Him to be God. But He also implies another thing by these words, that when you have to converse with a man, you should not flatter him in your conversation, but look back upon God, the root and fount of goodness, and do honor to Him.

BEDE; But observe that the righteousness of the law, when kept in its own time, conferred not only earthly goods, but also eternal life on those who chose it. Wherefore the Lord's answer to one who inquires concerning everlasting life is, You know the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill; for this is the childlike blamelessness which is proposed to us, if we would enter the kingdom of heaven.

On which there follows, And he answered and said to him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. We must not suppose that this man either asked the Lord, with a wish to tempt him, as some have fancied, or lied in his account of his life; but we must believe that he confessed with simplicity how he had lived; which is evident, from what is subjoined,

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said to him. If however he had been guilty of lying or of dissimulation, by no means would Jesus, after, looking on the secrets of his heart, have been said to love him.

ORIGEN; For in that He loved, or kissed him, He appears to affirm the truth of his profession, in saying that he had fulfilled all those things; for on applying His mind to him, He saw that the man answered with a good conscience.

PSEUDO-CHRYS. It is worthy of inquiry, however, how He loved a man, who, He knew, would not follow Him? But this is so much as to say, that since he was worthy of love in the first instance, because he observed the things of the law from his youth, so in the end, though he did not take upon himself perfection, he did not suffer a lessening of his former love. For although he did not pass the bounds of humanity, nor follow the perfection of Christ, still he was not guilty of any sin, since he kept the law according to the capability of a man, and in this mode of keeping it, Christ loved him.

BEDE; For God loves those who keep the commandments of the law, though they be inferior; nevertheless, He shows to those who would be perfect the deficiency of the law, for He came not to destroy the law, but to fulfill it. Wherefore there follows: And said to him, One thing you lacks: go your way, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me; for whoever would be perfect ought to sell all that he has, not a part, like Ananias and Sapphira, but the whole.

THEOPHYL. And when he has sold it, to give it to the poor, not to stage-players and luxurious persons.

CHRYS. Well too did He say, not eternal life, but treasure, saying, And you shall have treasure in heaven; for since the question was concerning wealth, and the renouncing of all things, He shows that He returns more things than He has bidden us leave, in proportion as heaven is greater than earth.

THEOPHYL. But because there are many poor who are not humble, but are drunkards or have some other vice, for this reason He says, And come, follow me.

BEDE; For he follows the Lord, who imitates Him, and walks in His footsteps. It goes on: And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved.

CHRYS. And the Evangelist adds the cause of his grief, saying, For he had great possessions. The feelings of those who have little and those who have much are not the same, for the increase of acquired wealth lights up a greater flame of covetousness.

There follows: And Jesus looked round about, and said to his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God.

THEOPHYL. He says not here, that riches are bad, but that those are bad who only have them to watch them carefully; for He teaches us not to have them, that is, not to keep or preserve them, but to use them in necessary things.

CHRYS. But the Lord said this to His disciples, who were poor and possessed nothing, in order to teach them not to blush at their poverty, and as it were to make an excuse to them, and give them a reason, why He had not allowed them to possess any thing. It goes on: And the disciples were astonished at his words; for it is plain, since they themselves were poor, that they were anxious for the salvation of others.

BEDE; But there is a great difference between having riches, and loving them; wherefore also Solomon says not, He that has silver, but, He that loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver. Therefore the Lord unfolds the words of His former saying to His astonished disciples, as follows: But Jesus answered again, and said to them, Children, how hard it is for them that trust in their riches to enter the kingdom of God. Where we must observe that He says not, how impossible, but how hard; for what is impossible cannot in any way come to pass, what is difficult can be compassed, though with labor.

CHRYS. Or else, after saying difficult, He then shows that it is impossible, and that not simply, but with a certain vehemence; and he shows this by an example, saying, It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.

THEOPHYL. It may be that by camel, we should understand the animal itself, or else that thick cable, which is used for large vessels.

BEDE; How then could either in the Gospel, Matthew and Joseph, or in the Old Testament, very many rich persons, enter into the kingdom of God, unless it be that they learned through the inspiration of God either to count their riches as nothing, or to quit them altogether. Or in a higher sense, it is easier for Christ to suffer for those who love Him, than for, the lovers of this world to turn to Christ; for under the name of camel, He wished Himself to he understood, because He bore the burden of our weakness; and by the needle, He understands the prickings, that is, the pains of His Passion. By the eye of a needle, therefore, He means the straits of His Passion, by which He, as it were, deigned to mend the torn garments of our nature. it goes on;

And they were astonished above measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? Since the number of poor people is immeasurably the greater, and these might be saved, though tine rich perished, they must have understood Him to mean that all who love riches, although they cannot obtain them, are reckoned in the number of the rich. It goes on; And Jesus looking upon them said, With men it is impossible, but not with God; which we must not take to mean, that covetous and proud persons can enter into the kingdom of Heaven with their covetousness and pride, but that it is possible with God that they should be converted from covetousness arid pride to charity and lowliness.

CHRYS. And the reason why He says that this is the work of God is, that He may show that he who is put into this path by God, has much need of grace; from which it is proved, that great is the reward of those rich men, who are willing to follow the r discipline of Christ.

THEOPHYL. Or we must understand that by, with man it is impossible, but not with God, He means, that when we listen to God, it becomes possible, but as long as we keep our human notions, it is impossible. There follows, For all things are possible with God; when He says all things, you must understand, that have a being; which sin has not, for it is a thing without being and substance , Or else: sin does not come under the notion of strength, but of weakness, therefore sin, like weakness, is impossible with God But can God cause that not to have been done which has been done? To which we answer, that God is Truth, but to cause that which has been done should not have been done is falsehood. How then can truth do what is false? He must first therfore quit His own nature, so that they who speak thus really say, Can God cease to be God? which is absurd.

Catena Aurea Mark 10
22 posted on 02/28/2011 4:48:25 PM PST by annalex (http://www.catecheticsonline.com/CatenaAurea.php)
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To: annalex


Altarpiece of Saint Vincent, the panel of the Monks

Nuno Gonçalves

1460s
Panel
Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, Lisbon

23 posted on 02/28/2011 4:49:05 PM PST by annalex (http://www.catecheticsonline.com/CatenaAurea.php)
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To: All
Catholic
Almanac:

Monday, February 28

Liturgical Color: Green


Pope St. Hilarus died on this day in 468 A.D. He worked vigorously during his papacy to defend his bishops and to ensure that all spiritual matters were under the province of the pope and not the emperor.


24 posted on 02/28/2011 4:50:14 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: everyone; EyeGuy; Kirkwood

Just back from the retinal specialist.

Less bleeding in my eye. No accumulation of liquid in the macula. Get to go back in nine weeks rather than the four to six week span that I was on.

Also it is not the parasitic disease/scarring that affects many from the midwest. Phew!


25 posted on 02/28/2011 5:02:30 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All

Spiritual Bouquet - Meditations by Pade Pio

Spiritual Bouquet
A different meditation each time you click.

 
Meditations by Padre Pio

Don't become so engrossed in the activities of Martha, that you forget the silence and surrender of Mary. May the Virgin who reconciles both duties so well, be your model and inspiration.


26 posted on 02/28/2011 5:05:29 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
Catholic Culture

Daily Readings for: February 28, 2011
(Readings on USCCB website)

Collect:

Ordinary Time: February 28th 

  Monday of the Eight Week of Ordinary Time Old Calendar: St. Hilary, pope (Hist); St. Romanus, abbot (Hist)

Historically today is the feast of St. Hilary, pope from 461 to 468 and guardian of Church unity and St. Romanus of Condat who founded the abbeys of Condat and Leuconne, and the convent of La Beaume, among others.


St. Hilary
To replace a man like Leo was not easy, but the next pope was a man after Leo's heart, the archdeacon Hilary. Hilary was a Sardinian who had joined the Roman clergy and had been sent by St. Leo as one of the papal legates to the council at Ephesus in 449. This council, intended to settle the Monophysite affair, got out of hand. Packed with Monophysites and presided over by Dioscorus, the patriarch of Alexandria, the assembly refused to listen to the protests of the papal legates. Dioscorus steam-rollered through the council a condemnation of the orthodox and saintly Flavian, patriarch of Constantinople, and an approval of the Monophysite leader Eutyches. In vain Hilary protested. He had to fly in fear for his life and hide in a chapel of St. John the Evangelist. It was only with difficulty that he got back to Rome. No wonder St. Leo called this Ephesus council a gathering of robbers!

As pope, Hilary worked hard to foster order in the Gallic hierarchy. When a certain Hermes illegally made himself archbishop of Narbonne, two Gallic delegates came to Rome to appeal to Pope Hilary. He held a council at Rome in 462 to settle the matter. He also upheld the rights of the see of Arles to be the primatial see of Gaul. From Spain also came appeals of a similar nature. To settle these Hilary held a council at Rome in 465. This is the first Council at Rome whose acts have come down to us. According to the "Liber Pontificalis" he sent a letter to the East confirming the ecumenical councils of Nicaea, Ephesus, and Chalcedon, and the famous dogmatic letter of his predecessor St. Leo to Flavian. He also publicly in St. Peter's rebuked the shadow-emperor Anthemius for allowing a favorite of his to foster heresy in Rome.

St. Hilary deserves great credit for his work in building and decorating churches in Rome. Of especial interest is the oratory he built near the Lateran, dedicated to St. John the Evangelist. The Pope attributed his escape from the wild Monophysites at Ephesus to the intercession of the Beloved Disciple, and to show his gratitude he built this beautiful oratory. Over its doors may still be seen the inscription, "To his deliverer, Blessed John the Evangelist, Bishop Hilary, the Servant of Christ." Hilary built two more churches and spent freely in decorating still others. The gold and silver and marble used so lavishly by this Pope in adorning the Roman churches indicate that the wealthy families of Rome must have saved something from the grasping hands of Goths and Vandals.

St. Hilary died on February 29. His feast is kept on February 28.

Excerpted from Defending the Faith


Saint Romanus of Condat
Saint Romanus of Condat (c.?390 – c.?463) is a saint of the fifth century. At the age of thirty five he decided to live as a hermit in the area of Condat. His younger brother Lupicinus followed him there. They became leaders of a community of monks that included Saint Eugendus.

Romanus and Lupicinus founded several monasteries. These included Condat Abbey, which was the nucleus of the later town of Saint-Claude, Jura), Lauconne (later Saint-Lupicin, as Lupicinus was buried there), La Balme (Beaume) (later Saint-Romain-de-Roche), where Romanus was buried, and Romainmôtier (Romanum monasterium) in the canton of Vaud in Switzerland.

Romanus was ordained a priest by St. Hilary of Arles in 444.


27 posted on 02/28/2011 5:34:27 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
Lauds -- Morning Prayer

Morning Prayer (Lauds)

If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, you should precede it with the Invitatory Psalm.


Introduction
O God, come to my aid.
  O Lord, make haste to help me.
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. Alleluia.

Hymn
Our tongues’ first sound doth thee proclaim.
Our minds to thee first kindle flame:
Ensuing thence, O Holy One,
Be all our acts in thee begun.
As now the dark to light gives way,
And night gives place to dawn of day;
So may the errors of the night
Be shattered by the gift of light.
O hear us, as to thee we pray
That all our faults be cut away;
So may the tongues that sing to thee
Resound thy praise perpetually.
O Father, that we ask be done
Through Jesus Christ, thine only Son,
Who, with the Holy Ghost and thee
Doth live and reign eternally.

Psalm 89 (90)
Let the Lord's glory shine upon us
In the morning, Lord, you fill us with your love.
Lord, you have been our refuge
  from generation to generation.
Before the mountains were born,
  before earth and heaven were conceived,
  from all time to all time, you are God.
You turn men into dust,
  you say to them “go back, children of men.”
A thousand years in your sight
  are like yesterday, that has passed;
  like a short watch in the night.
When you take them away, they will be nothing but a dream;
  like the grass that sprouts in the morning:
in the morning it grows and flowers,
  in the evening it withers and dries.
For we are made weak by your anger,
  thrown into confusion by your wrath.
You have gazed upon our transgressions;
  the light of your face illuminates our secrets.
All our days vanish in your anger,
  we use up our years in a single breath.
Seventy years are what we have,
  or eighty for the stronger ones;
and most of that is labour and sadness –
  quickly they pass, and we are gone.
Who can comprehend the power of your wrath?
  Who can behold the violence of your anger?
Teach us to reckon our days like this,
  so that our hearts may be led at last to wisdom.
Turn to us, Lord, how long must we wait?
  Let your servants call on you and be answered.
Fill us with your kindness in the morning,
  and we shall rejoice and be glad all the days of our life.
Give us joy for as long as you afflicted us,
  for all the years when we suffered.
Let your servants see your great works,
  and let their children see your glory.
Let the glory of the Lord God be upon us:
  make firm the work of your hands.
  Make firm the work of your hands.
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.
In the morning, Lord, you fill us with your love.

Canticle Isaiah 42
God, the victor and saviour
Let the praise of the Lord resound from the ends of the earth.
Sing a new song to the Lord:
  sing his praise from the ends of the earth.
Praise him, who go down to the sea;
  and all that are in the sea,
  islands and their inhabitants.
Let the desert rejoice,
  and the cities of the desert,
  the villages where the people of Kedar live.
Let those who dwell in Petra rejoice,
  and cry out from the mountain-tops.
Let them give glory to the Lord,
  and proclaim his praise among the islands.
The Lord will go forth like a warrior,
  like a man of war he will stir up zeal;
  he will shout and cry out;
  he will prevail against his foes.
“I have always been silent,
  I have kept silence and waited;
but now I shall cry out like a woman in labour,
  I shall groan and tremble.
I shall lay waste the mountains and hills,
  I shall wither their grass,
I shall turn rivers into deserts,
  I shall dry up the marshes.
I shall lead the blind along a way they do not know;
  in paths unknown to them I shall make them walk.
I shall make the darkness that is around them into light.
I shall make crooked things straight.”
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.
Let the praise of the Lord resound from the ends of the earth.

Psalm 134 (135)
Praise the Lord, the wonder-worker
Praise the name of the Lord, you who stand in the house of the Lord.
Praise the name of the Lord:
  praise it, servants of the Lord,
you who stand in the house of the Lord,
  in the courts of the house of our God.
Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good;
  sing to his name, for it brings happiness.
For the Lord chose Jacob for his own,
  he chose Israel for his possession.
I know how great is the Lord,
  how great is our God above all gods.
The Lord accomplishes all that he wills,
  in the heavens and on the earth,
  in the sea and the depths of the oceans.
He brings in clouds from the ends of the earth,
  makes lightning for the rain-clouds,
  from his storehouse he calls forth the winds.
He struck down the first-born of Egypt,
  of man and of beast alike.
He sent signs and wonders among them,
  to Pharaoh and all his servants.
He shattered nation after nation,
  killed powerful kings:
Sihon, king of the Amorites,
  Og, the king of Bashan,
  all the kingdoms of Canaan.
He gave their lands as a birthright,
  as a birthright for Israel his people.
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.
Praise the name of the Lord, you who stand in the house of the Lord.

Short reading Judith 8:25-26,27 ©
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God who, as he tested our ancestors, is now testing us. Remember how he treated Abraham, all the ordeals of Isaac and all that happened to Jacob. For as these ordeals were intended by him to search their hearts, so now this is not vengeance that God exacts against us, but a warning inflicted by the Lord on those who are near his heart.

Short Responsory
All you righteous, rejoice in the Lord: praise is fitting for loyal hearts.
All you righteous, rejoice in the Lord: praise is fitting for loyal hearts.
Sing a new song to the Lord.
All you righteous, rejoice in the Lord: praise is fitting for loyal hearts.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
All you righteous, rejoice in the Lord: praise is fitting for loyal hearts.

Canticle Benedictus
The Messiah and his forerunner
Blessed be the Lord, for he has come to us and freed us.
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
  for he has come to his people and brought about their redemption.
He has raised up the sign of salvation
  in the house of his servant David,
as he promised through the mouth of the holy ones,
  his prophets through the ages:
to rescue us from our enemies
  and all who hate us,
to take pity on our fathers,
  to remember his holy covenant
and the oath he swore to Abraham our father,
  that he would give himself to us,
that we could serve him without fear
 – freed from the hands of our enemies –
in uprightness and holiness before him,
  for all of our days.
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High:
  for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his path,
to let his people know their salvation,
  so that their sins may be forgiven.
Through the bottomless mercy of our God,
  one born on high will visit us
to give light to those who walk in darkness,
  who live in the shadow of death;
  to lead our feet in the path of peace.
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.
Blessed be the Lord, for he has come to us and freed us.

Prayers and Intercessions
Let us cry out to Christ, who hears the prayers of those who hope in him:
Lord, we praise you; in you we hope.
Lord, you are rich in compassion:
  we thank you for the enormous love you have shown us.
Lord, we praise you; in you we hope.
United with the Father you govern and conserve the world:
  renew all things by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Lord, we praise you; in you we hope.
Open our eyes today:
  make us perceive your wonders.
Lord, we praise you; in you we hope.
Today you are calling us to serve you:
  may your grace shine through all that we do for our brethren.
Lord, we praise you; in you we hope.

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.

Lord God,
  who entrusted the earth to men to till it and care for it,
  and made the sun to serve their needs:
give us grace this day to work faithfully for your glory
  and for our neighbours’ good.
[We make our prayer] through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
  who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
  God for ever and ever.
Amen.

May the Lord bless us and keep us from all harm; and may he lead us to eternal life.

AMEN


28 posted on 02/28/2011 7:21:51 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
The Word Among Us

Meditation: Mark 10:17-27

“Jesus, looking at him, loved him.” (Mark 10:21)

Did you catch that? A quick reading of the passage might have over-looked this little detail. “Jesus … loved him.” It’s only a few words, but it transforms the whole story. When he told the rich man: “Go, sell what you have and give to the poor … then come, follow me” (Mark 10:21), Jesus wasn’t demanding something of him. He was inviting him to be with him. Even as he demonstrated that the gospel can be a tough message to hear, he was calling the man to him in love.

Later, as Jesus looked around at his disciples, the same love burned in his heart. He longed for them to understand that salvation is impossible without the grace of God. He even went so far as to call them his “children” (Mark 10:24). So again, just as he was telling his disciples that following him isn’t easy, he was also encouraging them warmly, reminding them that “all things are possible for God” (10:27). God would be with them! He is full of grace and ready to help—always willing to encourage and strengthen.

Just as the rich man bowed down at Jesus’ feet, we too should bow in prayer. Why? Because God looks at us with the same heart of love. He will ask us to make changes in our lives so that we can follow him more closely, but his voice isn’t harsh or dictatorial. It’s kind and affectionate. He calls us his children. He is filled with love for us, and delights when we respond to his calling. Jesus knows how hard that call can be at times, but he promises that he will never ask us to go anywhere without him.

In prayer today, picture Jesus looking at you with love in his heart. Listen as he invites you to follow him wherever he goes. He may even point out a specific way to do that. If he does, don’t shrink back! Instead, ask him for the grace to obey. Ask him for an extra dose of divine power. Remember: God is right beside you, and all things are possible for him.

“Lord Jesus, I love you. Help me to be obedient as you call my name today. I believe that nothing is impossible for you!”

Sirach 17:20-24; Psalm 32:1-2,5-7


29 posted on 02/28/2011 7:29:09 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
 
Marriage = One Man and One Woman

Daily Marriage Tip for February 28, 2011:

It’s natural to want to be right and win an argument, but in marriage the cost of pride is high. Often both partners have a piece of the truth. Put them together rather than insisting that your way is the best way.

30 posted on 02/28/2011 7:39:32 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: Salvation
Secret Harbor ~ Portus Secretioris

28 February 2011

God's Mercy Spreads Its Waters Over All

I doubt if I can say enough of this on account of my wretchedness. I am a fallen angel! I have left the heights of Being where You placed me when You created me. I did not know how to remain on that divine level, where I was truly in Your presence, in order to receive and reproduce the movement of Your Spirit, and recognize Him and His praise in all the created notes which reproduced Him without their knowing it. I had received the light which reveals this Gift of Self in everything, and the upsurge, conscious, awakened and in full light, which makes it return to You. I have lost that light, and have prevented that upsurge. I turned the light on myself instead of directing it towards You. I have deprived You of that glory and have wanted it for myself. I have reduced it to the measure of my own being, which is 'nothing'. And I have remained in that 'nothingness', and all created things that I should have raised with me to You I have forced to remain there with me. What a loss for us all! The consequences of original sin - and for that matter of all sin - are terrible, if one only knew.

Our Lord knew this and bent beneath the weight of that knowledge. 'My Father, if it be possible, let this chalice pass from Me'(Saint Matthew 26:39), He cried with His Face bowed down to the ground, and His whole Body sweating Blood, while His Soul was sorrowful unto death (cf. Saint Matthew 26:38). He had descended to the terrible depths of my wretchedness, and by His Incarnation used that very wretchedness to raise me up. To the abyss of my misery He opposed an abyss still more profound, that of His mercy. This latter is so deep that we meet God there, and find again our lost Paradise. Our very misery brings us back to God; it completes our movement and, without attempting to define that movement, I have the impression that nothing befits Love more than Mercy. To give Himself to our 'nothingness' is beautiful and is a revelation of God's goodness, but to give Himself to our wretchedness is even better. To raise up calls for more love - is more the gift of self - than to create. The Redemption, the Blood of Jesus which flowed in our Lord's agony, at the flagellation and on Calvary, is Love's final word - if love can have a final word!

And You are that Love: You are this culminating height, and it is there my life of praise must be spent. Nor is creation excluded. I am still the voice of all Your creation, but it is at the foot of the Cross that I must sing my praise, joined by their voices united to mine and to that of the Son of man, commending His soul into your hands (cf. Saint Luke 23:46). There all things are accomplished: all is consummated (cf. Saint John 19:30).

God's mercy, as seen on Calvary, would seem to demand some kind of qualification, an epithet which does not exist. We need something to express - what, of course, is impossible - this God Who dies. We must fathom the depths separating these two words 'God' and 'death'. We would like to have explained to us that death and all the circumstances to which He Who died was willing to submit: simple 'accidents' no doubt and more understandable than the Being Who died and the death of such a Being, but none the less beyond our imagination. We would like to know all His capacity for feeling and consequently for suffering, with a body in which all, literally all, was broken, bruised and crushed as in a winepress(cf. Isaiah 63:3), exacting the last drop of His Blood. But for that we must know the Soul that animated that Body, the Soul that felt the strokes the Body bore. But here, as always, the mind hesitates... Endless perspectives of physical torture and moral martyrdom pass before my gaze and seem to challenge it, to dare my courage - or rather my lack of courage - to gaze to the full. The saints have done it, and did nothing else. And at the end of their contemplation they declared that they had not even crossed the threshold of that abyss.

From Calvary, God's mercy spread its waters over all men, at all times and in all places. It does so still, and will continue to spread them until the end of time. But here still, here always, mystery confronts me, puzzles me, defies and overwhelms me. How is one to penetrate the marvels operated by grace in a single soul? The words of the Psalmist come back to me: 'He has rejoiced as a giant to run the way' (Psalm 18:6). The Redeemer is the Giant Who runs. I see Him set out, but the way escapes me. I only know that it is immense, that the mere idea of knowing it and following in His Steps fills my heart with joy. And yet I must resign myself ever to confess my utter powerlessness, of which every meditation adds to my conviction and awakens my sorrow, were not even this sorrow a praise to the divine Majesty. Fortunately, Holy Scripture is there with its words full of comforting light and consolation; its words telling me almost all without my seeking, at least all I need to know. Perhaps one day I shall see it all more clearly; from that spring, which seems to me so deep, I may catch glimpses of those rivers that water the City of God (cf. Psalm 45:5). For the moment, I recall just one, but one so intensely moving, that its syllables have always been to me like a mother's caress: 'I have loved you with an everlasting love: therefore have I drawn you, taking pity on you' (Jeremiah 31:3).

How well You know, my God, to say these things, how delicate is Your touch. In You there is only love, and I still have not seen it clearly enough. Your mercy is but the reflection of Your love, when its light crosses the zone of the shadow cast by our sins. It is the movement of that light in the darkness(cf. Saint John 1:5). Our Lord, Who is that Light, came to enlighten that darkness. He, so to speak, left His Kingdom in order to meet that darkness and there restore the radiant Image of the Father. He came because He is Love. He is the Son of the Father Who is Love, and is that Love's perfect ray (cf. Wisdom 7:26). From the Father He received that essential movement - the need to give Himself - and thus Love gave birth, and is eternally giving birth, to Mercy. That love, that mercy, needs to spread itself, to communicate itself, to radiate its brightness. It bears this need within itself, because it is born of the paternal Bosom, whence this movement proceeds. The darkness, where that love and mercy do not shine, draws Him, appeals to this need, an appeal which seems to come from within it and says to him: 'Come....' And Mercy cannot resist this appeal, since it corresponds perfectly to this need so essential to His Being that He leaps and rejoices as a giant to run 'the way' (cf. Psalm 18:6). He becomes the Light Who gives Himself to the darkness, and shines therein becoming Mercy, the Love of 'Him Who is' for those who 'are not'.

And to this nothingness He gives the power to give itself, even as He gives Himself: that is, freely and by love. This is man's privilege, his free choice. He can welcome that Love or refuse it. If he responds, he becomes one with Him, and participates in His life and greatness. If he refuses, he remains in himself, in his nothingness, but in a nothingness shorn of all hope, a nothingness that could have been united to Being, to God. It was called to be so united by grace, and was given the necessary powers. It could have enjoyed that union of love, but has failed to fulfil God's plan for it. As a result, it has been left a failure and a ruined thing. This is the real unhappiness that the divine Mercy wants to succour.

~ Dom Augustin Guillerand ~
 

31 posted on 02/28/2011 7:47:20 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
Vespers -- Evening Prayer

Vespers (Evening Prayer)


Introduction
O God, come to my aid.
  O Lord, make haste to help me.
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. Alleluia.

Hymn
Abide with us; the orb of day doth vanish;
Thou Light of Light, the powers of darkness banish:
At evenfall, good Lord, thy people bless;
Shine in our hearts, thou Sun of righteousness.
For this past day let every creature living
Ascribe thee glory, honour and thanksgiving:
Let man, together with the Angel-host
Bless God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Jesu, Good Shepherd, thou who never sleepest,
But o’er thy sheepfold watch and ward who keepest;
The day is spent; it draws to eventide:
With thy disciples, Lord, this night abide.

Psalm 135 (136)
A paschal hymn
Give thanks to the Lord, for his great love is without end.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
  for his love is for ever.
Give thanks to the God of gods,
  for his love is for ever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
  for his love is for ever.
He alone works wonders,
  for his love is for ever.
In his wisdom he made the heavens,
  for his love is for ever.
He set the Earth upon the waters,
  for his love is for ever.
He created the great lights,
  for his love is for ever.
The sun, to rule over the day,
  for his love is for ever.
The moon and stars, to rule over the night,
  for his love is for ever.
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.
Give thanks to the Lord, for his great love is without end.

Psalm 135 (136)
Great and wonderful are your works, Lord God almighty.
He struck down the first-born of Egypt,
  for his love is for ever.
He led Israel out from their midst,
  for his love is for ever.
With a strong hand and an outstretched arm,
  for his love is for ever.
He divided the Red Sea in two,
  for his love is for ever.
He led Israel out through the sea,
  for his love is for ever.
He overthrew Pharaoh and his army,
  for his love is for ever.
He led his people through the wilderness,
  for his love is for ever.
He struck down great kings,
  for his love is for ever.
Sihon, king of the Amorites,
  for his love is for ever.
And Og, the king of Bashan,
  for his love is for ever.
He gave their land to his people,
  for his love is for ever.
A heritage for Israel his servant,
  for his love is for ever.
He remembered us in our affliction,
  for his love is for ever.
He rescued us from our enemies,
  for his love is for ever.
He gives food to all creatures that live,
  for his love is for ever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven,
  for his love is for ever.
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.
Great and wonderful are your works, Lord God almighty.

Canticle Ephesians 1
God the Saviour
God planned to bring all things together under Christ when the fulness of time had come.
Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
  who has blessed us, in Christ,
  with every spiritual blessing in heaven.
In love, he chose us before the creation of the world,
  to be holy and spotless in his sight.
He predestined us to be his adopted children through Jesus Christ,
  simply because it pleased him to do so.
This he did for the praise of the glory of his grace,
  of his free gift to us in his Beloved,
in whose blood we have gained redemption,
  and the forgiveness of our sins.
This he did according to the riches of his grace,
  which he gave us in abundance,
with all wisdom and discernment,
  revealing to us the mysteries of his will,
  because it pleased him to do so.
In this action he has planned, in the fulfilment of time,
  to bring all things together in Christ,
  from the heavens and from the earth.
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.
God planned to bring all things together under Christ when the fulness of time had come.

Short reading 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 ©
May the Lord be generous in increasing your love and make you love one another and the whole human race as much as we love you. And may he so confirm your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless in the sight of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus Christ comes with all his saints.

Short Responsory
Lord, let my prayer come before you.
Lord, let my prayer come before you.
Let it rise like incense before you.
Lord, let my prayer come before you.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Lord, let my prayer come before you.

Canticle Magnificat
My soul rejoices in the Lord
May my soul always proclaim your greatness, O God, my God.
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
  and my spirit rejoices in God, my salvation.
For he has shown me such favour –
  me, his lowly handmaiden.
Now all generations will call me blessed,
  because the mighty one has done great things for me.
His name is holy,
  his mercy lasts for generation after generation
  for those who revere him.
He has put forth his strength:
  he has scattered the proud and conceited,
  torn princes from their thrones;
  but lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things;
  the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel,
  he has remembered his mercy as he promised to our fathers,
  to Abraham and his children for ever.
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.
May my soul always proclaim your greatness, O God, my God.

Prayers and Intercessions
Let us pray humbly to Jesus, who does not abandon those who hope in him:
Jesus our God, hear us.
Christ our Lord, fill your Church with your light:
  make her preach you to the nations, the deep mystery of our religion made visible in the flesh.
Jesus our God, hear us.
Help the priests and ministers of the Church:
  as they have preached to others, so may they themselves be faithful in your service.
Jesus our God, hear us.
By shedding your blood you brought peace to the world:
  keep us free from the sin of discord and the scourge of war.
Jesus our God, hear us.
Give married couples an abundance of your grace
  to make them a more perfect symbol of your marriage with your Church.
Jesus our God, hear us.
Grant all the dead forgiveness of their sins:
  in your mercy bring them to new life with the saints.
Jesus our God, hear us.

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.

Stay with us, Lord Jesus, s evening falls:
  be our companion on our way.
In your mercy, inflame our hearts and raise our hope,
  so that, in union with our brethren,
  we may recognize you in the scriptures
  and in the breaking of bread.
You live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
  God for ever and ever.
Amen.

May the Lord bless us and keep us from all harm; and may he lead us to eternal life.

AMEN


32 posted on 02/28/2011 7:55:16 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
Regnum Christi

The Price Is Right and the Choice Is Yours
INTERNATIONAL | SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY
Monday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time (Feb. 28, 2011)

February 28, 2011
Monday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Father Todd Belardi, LC

Mark 10: 17-27

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother." He replied and said to him, "Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth." Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, "You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God!" The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, "Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, "Then who can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God."

Introductory Prayer:  Once again, Lord, I come to you to pray. Even though I cannot see you, I trust that you are present and want very much to instruct me in your teachings. In the same way you demonstrate your love for me by spending this time with me, I want to express my love for you by dedicating this time to you with a spirit of faith, confidence and attention. Here I am, Lord, to listen to you and respond with love.

Petition: Lord, help me to be detached from the goods of this world so I can follow you more closely.

1. God Is Good  The rich young man recognized Christ’s goodness. He kneels down before him knowing that Jesus possesses something that he does not have. What is it? The spirit of unconditional love. Christ leads us out of ourselves and asks us to trust him more. And so, Pope Benedict encourages us, “I say to you, dear young people: Do not be afraid of Christ! He takes nothing away, and he gives you everything. When we give ourselves to him, we receive a hundredfold in return. Yes, open, open wide the doors to Christ – and you will find true life” (Homily, April 24, 2005).

2. Looking at the Good Side of Things  It is easy to dwell on the cost of something. The young man’s face falls because he looks more at the cost than at the reward. The price is something that he would feel now, while the reward is something that will come later. How often in life do we experience this truth! The world we live in seeks instant gratification without wanting to pay the price. Rather than concentrating on the cost, we should focus on the benefits promised by God. We will discover that the cost is small and the benefits last forever. Do I have spiritual endurance? Am I am able to wait for the Lord and patiently invest in eternal goods now?

3. Detachment  Saint Paul tells us that nothing can outweigh the knowledge of Christ Jesus. But in this man’s case, he had allowed something else to outweigh Christ. Comfort, security and material things beat the invitation of Christ to be perfect. Attachments lead to sadness; there is no room for God in a heart that is already full of the things of this world. Only detachment leads to true joy. God gives himself to the one who seeks him without any strings attached.

Conversation with Christ:  Lord Jesus, help me to live a life of freedom. Help me to recognize your goodness. May my faith always see the good side of things, seeing all in my life as an opportunity to love you. I want to be attached to you and detached completely from my sinfulness.

Resolution:  I will pick one thing that I can detach myself from today.


33 posted on 02/28/2011 8:50:48 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All

With God All Things are Possible

February 28th, 2011 by Monsignor Dennis Clark, Ph.D.

Sir 17:20-24/ Mk 10:17-27

There’s a line in today’s gospel which probably caused a lot of us to breathe a sigh of relief. Jesus talks about how hard it is for the rich to enter God’s kingdom. Well, we say, at least that’s one problem we don’t have. Not so fast! “Rich” is relative, and the fact is that no matter how little we have, we’re inclined to invest too much of our hearts in it. Whatever our status, we tend to ask of our stuff more than our stuff can ever give us. And that leaves us feeling sad, betrayed, and lacking in peace. And the apostles’ question becomes ours: “Then who can be saved?”

Listen to Jesus’ answer: “For man it is impossible, but not for God. With God all things are possible.” No matter how entrenched we are in going the wrong way on a one way street, God can show us the signposts and can help us reverse course. God not only can, but he wants to, as quickly as possible, with all the urgency of a devoted father. God can do that for us if we’ll only stop, look, and listen.

Why not try it? Stop, look, and listen. God has wonderful things to show and tell you, things that can change your life.


34 posted on 02/28/2011 9:02:04 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

 


<< Monday, February 28, 2011 >> Saint of the Day
 
Sirach 17:19-24
View Readings
Psalm 32:1-2, 5-7 Mark 10:17-27
 

POVERTY PROGRAM

 
"Then Jesus looked at him with love and told him..." —Mark 10:21
 

If we deeply love others, we, like Jesus, will tell them to "go and sell what you have and give to the poor" (Mk 10:21). This is not imposing a burden or putting a guilt trip on them, but rather is giving them the opportunity to have treasure in heaven where neither rust corrodes nor moth consumes (Mt 6:19).

Jesus says: "In the measure you give you shall receive, and more besides" (Mk 4:24). When we ask others to give, we increase what they receive and more besides. Elijah met a widow and her son who were about to die of starvation (1 Kgs 17:12). He could have given them a little food to delay their death, but instead he saved their lives by telling the widow to give her last bit of food to him. When she did that, her flour and oil were multiplied more than five-hundred fold to feed herself, her son, and Elijah for a year. Let's love and feed the physically and spiritually poor not only by giving to them but also by asking them to give to the Lord's work.

 
Prayer: Father, may I overcome fear by faith so I can sow bountifully and reap bountifully (2 Cor 9:6).
Promise: "But to the penitent he provides a way back, he encourages those who are losing hope!" —Sir 17:19
Praise: Some in Presentation Ministries have volunteered years, even decades, of service in order that the gospel can be spread to the ends of the earth.

35 posted on 02/28/2011 9:04:58 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
Compline -- Night Prayer

Compline (Night Prayer)


Introduction
O God, come to my aid.
  O Lord, make haste to help me.
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. Alleluia.

This is an excellent moment for an examination of conscience. In a communal celebration of Compline, one of the penitential acts given in the Missal may be recited.


Hymn
Christ, thou who art the light and day,
Who chasest nightly shades away,
Thyself the Light of Light confessed,
And promiser of radiance blest:
O holy Lord, we pray to thee,
Throughout the night our guardian be;
In thee vouchsafe us to repose,
All peaceful till the night shall close.
O let our eyes due slumber take,
Our hearts to thee forever wake:
And let thy right hand from above
Shield us who turn to thee in love.
O strong defender, hear our prayers,
Repel our foes and break their snares,
And govern thou thy servants here,
Those ransomed with thy life-blood dear.
Almighty Father, this accord
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord,
Who with the Holy Ghost and thee
Doth reign through all eternity.

Psalm 85 (86)
A poor man's prayer in time of trouble
You, Lord God, are slow to anger, abounding in love.
Turn your ear to me, Lord, and hear me,
  for I am poor and destitute.
Keep my life safe, for I am faithful;
  O God, save your servant, who trusts in you.
Take pity upon me, O Lord,
  for I call to you all the day long.
Make your servant’s heart glad,
  for to you, O Lord, I have raised it.
For you, Lord, are gentle and mild:
  you are kind to all those who call on you.
Let your ears hear my prayer, O Lord!
  Turn to the voice of my pleading!
In my time of trouble I call on you,
  for you, O Lord, will hear me.
No other god is like you, O Lord,
  and nothing compares with your works.
All people – all nations you made –
  will come and worship before you;
  they will give glory to your name.
For you are great, you work wonders:
  you alone are God.
O Lord, teach me your paths,
  and I will come to your truth.
Make my heart simple and guileless,
  so that it honours your name.
I will proclaim you, Lord my God,
  and give you praise with all my heart.
I will give glory to your name for ever,
  for your great kindness is upon me:
  you have rescued me from the deepest depths.
O God, the proud rise against me,
  in the meetings of the powerful they seek my life:
  they do not keep you in their sight.
And you, Lord, are a God of compassion,
  full of mercies, patient and true.
Look upon me, have mercy upon me,
  give your strength and protection to your servant:
  your servant, the child of your handmaid.
Give me a sign of your goodness,
  let my enemies see it and be confounded;
because you, O Lord, have helped me and given me comfort.
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.
You, Lord God, are slow to anger, abounding in love.

Reading 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 ©
God chose us to win salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that, alive or dead, we should still live united to him.

Short Responsory
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.
You have redeemed us, Lord, God of faithfulness.
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

Canticle Nunc Dimittis
Keep us safe, Lord, while we are awake, and guard us as we sleep, so that we can keep watch with Christ and rest in peace.
Now, Master, you let your servant go in peace.
  You have fulfilled your promise.
My own eyes have seen your salvation,
  which you have prepared in the sight of all peoples.
A light to bring the Gentiles from darkness;
  the glory of your people Israel.
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.
Keep us safe, Lord, while we are awake, and guard us as we sleep, so that we can keep watch with Christ and rest in peace.

Let us pray.
Give our bodies rest, Lord, to restore them; and let the seeds sown by our labours today grow and yield an eternal harvest.
Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

May the almighty Lord grant us a quiet night and a perfect end.

AMEN


Ave Regina Caelorum
Hail, Queen of the heavens,
  hail, Lady of the angels.
Root of our salvation
  and our gateway to heaven,
  the light of the world was born to you.
Be joyful, Virgin of glory,
  most beautiful of all in heaven.
We greet you now, true beauty –
  pray for us to Christ.
Ave, Regina caelorum,
ave, Domina angelorum,
salve, radix, salve, porta,
ex qua mundo lux est orta.
Gaude, Virgo gloriosa,
super omnes speciosa;
vale, o valde decora,
et pro nobis Christum exora.

36 posted on 02/28/2011 9:08:55 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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