'I, Claude de la Colombiere, do from this hour bind myself by vow to fully and perfectly observe the rules of my order; to reject with horror all that men of the world love and thirst after; and to accept and yearn for the things that Christ our Lord loved and chose.'

St. Claude de la Colombiere

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).

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/3687131/posts?page=1

Saint of the Day — The Most Holy Name of Mary

Saint of the Day: Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary
September 12: The Most Holy Name of Mary and ...
Catholic Devotional: Feast of the Holy Name of Mary
A Homily on the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary
Catholic Caucus: Mary, The Power of Her Name [The Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary]

Information: St. Ailbhe

Feast Day: September 12

CATHOLIC ALMANAC

Wednesday, September 12

Liturgical Color: Green

It is the optional memorial of the Most Holy
Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Church
venerates Mary as the most exalted of all
God's creatures. Devotion to her can be
traced to Apostolic times.

Catholic Culture

Ordinary Time: September 12th

Optional Memorial of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary

MASS READINGS

September 12, 2018 (Readings on USCCB website)

COLLECT PRAYER

Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, for all who celebrate the glorious Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary, she may obtain your merciful favor. 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.

O God, by whom we are redeemed and receive adoption, look graciously upon your beloved sons and daughters, that those who believe in Christ may receive true freedom and an everlasting inheritance. 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: Most Holy Name of Mary; St. Guy of Anderlecht (Hist)

On this day dedicated to the Holy Name of Mary let us repeat that wonderful prayer of Saint Bernard, responding to Pope Benedict XVI's invitation to “invite everyone to become a trusting child before Mary, even as the Son of God did. Saint Bernard says, and we say with him: 'Look to the star of the sea, call upon Mary … in danger, in distress, in doubt, think of Mary, call upon Mary. May her name never be far from your lips, or far from your heart … If you follow her, you will not stray; if you pray to her, you will not despair; if you turn your thoughts to her, you will not err. If she holds you, you will not fall; if she protects you, you need not fear; if she is your guide, you will not tire; if she is gracious to you, you will surely reach your destination”' (Benedict XVI, address at Heiligenkreuz Abbey, September 9, 2007). — Luciano Alimandi

Most Holy Name of Mary
In accordance with Jewish custom our Lady's parents named her eight days after her birth, and were inspired to call her Mary. The feast of the Holy Name of Mary therefore follows that of her Birthday, as the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus follows Christmas. The feast originated in Spain and was approved by the Holy See in 1513; Innocent XI extended its observance to the whole Church in 1683 in thanksgiving to our Lady for the victory on September 12, 1683 by John Sobieski, king of Poland, over the Turks, who were besieging Vienna and threatening the West. This day was commemorated in Vienna by creating a new kind of pastry and shaping it in the form of the Turkish half-moon. It was eaten along with coffee which was part of the booty from the Turks.

The ancient Onomastica Sacra have preserved the meanings ascribed to Mary's name by the early Christian writers and perpetuated by the Greek Fathers. "Bitter Sea," "Myrrh of the Sea," "The Light Giver," "The Enlightened One," "Lady," "Seal of the Lord," and "Mother of the Lord" are the principal interpretations. These etymologies suppose that the Hebrew form of the name is Maryãm, not Miryãm. From the time of St. Jerome until the 16th century, preferred interpretations of Mary's name in the West were "Lady," "Bitter Sea," "The Light Giver," and especially "Star of the Sea." Stella Maris was by far the favored interpretation. The revival of Hebraic studies, which accompanied the Renaissance, led to a more critical appraisal of the meanings assigned to Our Lady's name. Miryãm has all the appearance of a genuine Hebrew name, and no solid reason has been discovered to warrant rejecting the Semitic origin of the word. The Hebrew name of Mary, Miryãm, (in Latin Domina) means lady or sovereign; this Mary is in virtue of her Son's sovereign authority as Lord of the World. We call Mary our Lady as we call Jesus our Lord, and when we pronounce her name we affirm her power, implore her aid and place ourselves under her protection.

Excerpted from Mariology, 3 volumes (1955-1961), edited by Juniper B. Carol, O.F.M.

Patron: People named Stella Maris, Estelle, Astrid, Astra, Muriel or Mary.

Symbols: Star of David, or six-pointed star appropriate for this feast.

Things to Do:

Learn the hymn Ave Maris Stella.
Pray the Divine Praises.

St. Guy of Anderlecht
As a child Guy had two loves, the Church and the poor. The love of prayer growing more and more, he left his poor home at Brussels to seek greater poverty and closer union with God. He arrived at Laeken, near Brussels, and there showed such devotion before Our Lady's shrine that the priest besought him to stay and serve the Church. Thenceforth his great joy was to be always in the church, sweeping the floor and ceiling, polishing the altars, and cleansing the sacred vessels. By day he still found time and means to befriend the poor, so that his almsgiving became famous in all those parts.

A merchant of Brussels, hearing of the generosity of this poor sacristan, came to Laeken, and offered him a share in his business. Guy could not bear to leave the church; but the offer seemed providential, and he at last closed with it. Their ship, however, was lost on the first voyage, and on returning to Laeken Guy found his place filled. The rest of his life was one long penance for his inconstancy. About the year 1012, finding his end at hand, he returned to Anderlecht, in his own country.

As he died, a light shone round him, and a voice was heard proclaiming his eternal reward.

Excerpted from Lives of the Saints, by Alban Butler, Benziger Bros. ed. [1894]

The Word Among Us

Meditation: 1 Corinthians 7:25-31

The Most Holy Name of Mary (Optional Memorial)

The time is running out. (1 Corinthians 7:29)

Because he believed that the Second Coming of Jesus was imminent, St. Paul lived with a sense of urgency. He was convinced that “time is running out” (1 Corinthians 7:29). But Paul’s urgency was not directed only to that unknown time we call Judgment Day. He also directed it to the way we spend our time each day.

Like today, most people in Paul’s day were married. Paul knew that married couples spend the majority of their time on their families. He was fully aware of this when he asked people to stay single so that they had more time to live for the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:27). He was also fully aware of the demands of marriage when he said, “Let those having wives act as not having them” (7:29).

It’s helpful to know that Paul was not against marriage. He was interested in everyone going to heaven; that’s where he focused his attention. And so he urged everyone, whether married or single, to always be ready to meet Jesus. As Jesus had taught, he wanted to make sure that no one was caught “by surprise” because they were caught up in the concerns of the world (Luke 21:34).

We know that Paul was absolutely wrong about his prediction. The world didn’t end during his lifetime. But at the same time, Paul was absolutely right. We should all strive to live carefully. We should all ask ourselves, If Jesus were to come today, would I be ready to meet him?

Legend has it that when St. Francis of Assisi was asked this very question, he replied that he would just keep working in his garden. Francis felt that he was ready for Jesus; there was no need to panic.

What would you do if you knew Jesus were to come today? Would you go on with your current plans? Or would you rush to Confession or try to resolve a broken relationship or try to get in some eleventh-hour prayer?

In another letter, Paul called the Second Coming a “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13). May we all come to a similar view. May we all adopt Paul’s sense of urgent excitement as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ!

“Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!”

Psalm 45:11-12, 14-17
Luke 6:20-26

Saint of the Day: Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary
September 12: The Most Holy Name of Mary and ...
Catholic Devotional: Feast of the Holy Name of Mary
A Homily on the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary
Catholic Caucus: Mary, The Power of Her Name [The Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary]

Daily Gospel Commentary

Blessed Guerric of Igny (c.1080-1157)
Cistercian abbot
Sermon for All Saints, 6-7 ; SC 202 (trans. ©Cistercian Fathers series, 34)

"Blessed are you who are poor... But woe to you who are rich"

When our Lord was proclaiming the blessedness of the poor he was correct in saying that the kingdom of heaven is theirs, not that it will be theirs... How near must they be to the kingdom of God if they already possess and carry within their hearts their own King. To serve this King is to reign... Worldly men may quarrel among themselves about the allotment of the inheritance that they expect in this life; "Lord, it is you who are my portion and my cup" (Ps 16[15]:5). Let them fight among themselves and see which of them needs the most pity; for my part, I envy them none of those things for which they are struggling. My soul and I, “we shall take our delight in the Lord" (Ps 104[103]:34).

O wonderful Inheritance of the poor! O blessed Possession of those who possess nothing! You provide us not only with all that we need; you overflow, giving all glory; you abound, giving to all happiness and joy, like “the measure in a man's lap, overflowing on every side” (cf. Lk 6:38)...

O you poor... let your souls glory in their humility and scorn all the lofty dignities of the world... The world of eternity stands ready for you, and would you prefer the world of fleeting things, things with no more substance than dreams?... How wretched are they who... by the practice of blessed poverty, have become honorable in the sight of heaven, remarkable in the sight of the world, and to include all, terrible in the sight of hell, but who have subsequently become so blinded that they have come to look upon their poverty as misery and their humility as cowardice. In their desire to become rich they have but fallen into the snares of temptation held out to them by the devil when they were lords of all creation!... But to you, brethren, who look upon your poverty as a friend, and find your pleasure in humility of spirit, to you Truth unchangeable gives the certainty of possessing the kingdom of heaven. He declares it belongs to you and he guards it safe, laid up in readiness for you.

Marriage = One Man and One Woman Until Death Do Us Part

Daily Marriage Tip for September 12, 2018:

A Marian Marriage Tip from Pope Francis “May [Mary] make us more aware that in having children parents are acting as God’s assistants. It is a mission that is truly sublime, which makes each family a shrine of life, and each child’s birth awakens joy, wonder and gratitude.”

Regnum Christi

September 12, 2018 – Leap for Joy for Heaven

Wednesday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Father Patrick Butler, LC

Luke 6: 20-26

Raising his eyes toward his disciples Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. But woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep. Woe to you when all speak well of you, for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way.”

Introductory Prayer: God the Father, thank you for the gift of creation, including my own life. God the Son, thank you for redeeming me at the price of your own Body and Blood. God the Holy Spirit, thank you for being the sweet guest of my soul, enlightening my mind, strengthening my spirit and kindling the fire of your love in my heart.

Petition: Father, help me to seek the things that are above.

Because You Say It, Lord… In this passage, I can picture Jesus raising his eyes to look into the faces of his followers. Today, he looks into my eyes and engages my attention with his loving gaze. I accept what he tells me because it is he who speaks. I believe that he has the words of eternal life. Naturally, poverty, hunger, sorrow and being excluded do not appeal to me, but they are the values of my beloved Lord, and that is enough for me.

Seek First the Kingdom: Jesus encourages me to strive for the values of his Kingdom, to be forgetful of myself and my well-being. He will take care of me and give me recompense. Heaven awaits me – laughter and joy, a fullness that is unfathomable. It is arduous not to seek “heaven on earth” in riches and pleasure and in fitting in with the crowd. It takes a vision of faith and a spirit of perseverance.

Warning Signs: St. Luke transmits to us not only the Beatitudes, but also their opposites. These are like warning signs. If my path is aligned with these opposites, I had better be attentive – where does that road lead me in the long run? Where my heart is, there also is my treasure. Is heavenly, eternal happiness my heart’s desire or are earthly, temporal delights?

Conversation with Christ: Lord, give me the joy of experiencing some of the heavenly joy of being united to you here on earth. Help me to find my fulfillment in loving you, in giving my life to you.

Resolution: I will examine what motivates me in my daily duty, striving to purify my intention. I will act out of love of God and not out of self-love.

Homily of the Day

September 12, 2018

In the first reading, St. Paul is reminding us that time is short and the world is passing away. So we must not be too concerned about affairs of the world. That is why he recommends a celibate life for those who feel a calling to it – in order to be able to devote one’s full attention to the Lord. We know that St. Paul was single (whether unmarried or a widower is not clear) so he could go on his missionary journeys without being worried about taking care of a wife and kids. He expended all his energy to serving the Lord and God blessed his undertakings.

In the gospel, Jesus is telling us that what the world desires or thinks is important is not important for God. For Jesus, to be poor, hungry, weeping, hated, abused and persecuted are sources of true happiness. How strange this would seem to us! In fact, one cannot explain it unless we look at the lives of Jesus, the prophets and the patriarchs. They all suffered physical deprivation and maltreatment yet we look up to them as examples of holiness and uprightness. The language of the cross is folly for pagans, but for us believers it is the source of our salvation. When we encounter sufferings, we must offer them to the Lord who will turn our sorrow to joy. We suffer in our bodies what is still needed to make up for our sins and the sins of other people. We should be happy if we are deemed worthy of suffering for Christ.

One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 34, Issue 5

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Most Holy Name of Mary

1 Corinthians 7:25-31
View Readings

Psalm 45:11-12, 14-17

Luke 6:20-26
Similar Reflections

THE BEATITUDES ARE NOT OPTIONAL

"The world as we know it is passing away." �1 Corinthians 7:31

St. Paul, in today's first Eucharistic reading, is bringing out the very message of Luke's Beatitudes in today's Gospel reading. We are not made only for this world, and there is more to life than this world. Jesus teaches that trying to live by the values of this world does not bring happiness that endures. Additionally, living by the world's standards actually brings disaster, not happiness. Woe to those who don't see this (Lk 6:24-26), for the world as we know it is passing away (1 Cor 7:31).

So let us live for God and not for ourselves (2 Cor 5:15). Jesus teaches that this is the way to true happiness on this earth (Lk 6:20-23). Living the Beatitudes is not merely a nice option for some Christians. Rather, Jesus proclaims that disaster and woe will befall us if we don't live the Beatitudes.

Jesus is the Way to happiness (Jn 14:6). Follow His directions.

Prayer: King Jesus, I sell everything to be in Your kingdom (Mt 13:44-46).

Promise: "The time is short." —1 Cor 7:29

Praise: Father Steve has devoted his priestly ministry to defending Mary's perpetual virginity and her importance in God's plan of salvation.