Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 10-12-18

USCCB.org/RNAB ^ | 10-12-18 | Revised New American Bible

[Salvation]

October 12, 2018

Friday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 Gal 3:7-14

Brothers and sisters:
Realize that it is those who have faith
who are children of Abraham.
Scripture, which saw in advance that God
would justify the Gentiles by faith,
foretold the good news to Abraham, saying,
Through you shall all the nations be blessed.
Consequently, those who have faith are blessed
along with Abraham who had faith.
For all who depend on works of the law are under a curse;
for it is written, Cursed be everyone
who does not persevere in doing all the things
written in the book of the law.
And that no one is justified before God by the law is clear,
for the one who is righteous by faith will live.
But the law does not depend on faith;
rather, the one who does these things will live by them.
Christ ransomed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us,
for it is written, Cursed be everyone who hangs on a tree,
that the blessing of Abraham might be extended
to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus,
so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 111:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6

R. (5) The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart
in the company and assembly of the just.
Great are the works of the LORD,
exquisite in all their delights.
R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
Majesty and glory are his work,
and his justice endures forever.
He has won renown for his wondrous deeds;
gracious and merciful is the LORD.
R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
He has given food to those who fear him;
he will forever be mindful of his covenant.
He has made known to his people the power of his works,
giving them the inheritance of the nations.
R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.

Alleluia Jn 12:31b-32

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The prince of this world will now be cast out,
and when I am lifted up from the earth
I will draw all to myself, says the Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 11:15-26

When Jesus had driven out a demon, some of the crowd said:
"By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons,
he drives out demons."
Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven.
But he knew their thoughts and said to them,
"Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste
and house will fall against house.
And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand?
For you say that it is by Beelzebul that I drive out demons.
If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul,
by whom do your own people drive them out?
Therefore they will be your judges.
But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons,
then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.
When a strong man fully armed guards his palace,
his possessions are safe.
But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him,
he takes away the armor on which he relied
and distributes the spoils.
Whoever is not with me is against me,
and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

"When an unclean spirit goes out of someone,
it roams through arid regions searching for rest
but, finding none, it says,
'I shall return to my home from which I came.'
But upon returning, it finds it swept clean and put in order.
Then it goes and brings back seven other spirits
more wicked than itself who move in and dwell there,
and the last condition of that man is worse than the first."

[Salvation]

October, 2018

The Holy Father's Prayer Intention

Evangelization – The Mission of Religious That consecrated religious men and women may bestir themselves, and be present among the poor, the marginalized, and those who have no voice.

[Salvation]

'When I was in the desert of Scete, where are the most excellent monastic fathers and where all perfection flourishes, in company with the holy father Germanus, I sought out Abbot Moses, who was eminent amid those splendid flowers, not only in practical but also in contemplative excellence, in my anxiety to be grounded by his instruction: and together we implored him to give us a discourse for our edification; not without tears, for we knew full well his determination never to consent to open the gate of perfection, except to those who desired it with all faithfulness, and sought it with all sorrow of heart; for fear lest if he showed it at random to those who cared nothing for it, or only desired it in a half-hearted way, by opening what is necessary, and what ought only to be discovered to those seeking perfection, to unworthy persons, and such as accepted it with scorn, he might appear to lay himself open either to the charge of bragging, or to the sin of betraying his trust; and at last being overcome by our prayers he thus began.'

St. John Cassian

[Salvation]

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).

[Salvation]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/3696147/posts?page=1

Saint of the Day — Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos

[Salvation]

Information: St. Wilfrid

Feast Day: October 12

Born: 634 in Northumbria, England

Died: 709 at Oundle, Northhamptonshire, England

Patron of: Middlesbrough, England

[Salvation]

CATHOLIC ALMANAC

Friday, October 12

Liturgical Color: Green

Today the Church honors St. Maximilian
of Lorch, bishop. St. Maximilian came
from a wealthy family, but gave away his
inheritance to serve God. He was
beheaded in 284 A.D.

[Salvation]

Catholic Culture

Ordinary Time: October 12th

Friday of the Twenty-Seventh Week of Ordinary Time

MASS READINGS

October 12, 2018 (Readings on USCCB website)

COLLECT PRAYER

Almighty ever-living God, who in the abundance of your kindness surpass the merits and the desires of those who entreat you, pour out your mercy upon us to pardon what conscience dreads and to give what prayer does not dare to ask. 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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Recipes (3)

• Fillet of Flounder in Tomato Sauce
• Oven-Fried Fish
• Tartare Sauce

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Activities (1)

• Family and Friends of Jesus Scrapbook Album

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Prayers (1)

• Book of Blessings: Blessing of Missionaries Sent to Proclaim the Gospel

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Library (4)

• Ground Plan for Catholic Reading | Frank J. Sheed
• The Antiquity of the Doctrine of Transubstantiation | W. R. Carson
• The Church’s Infallible and Immutable Doctrine on Contraception Stands Amid Growing Opposition | Raymond E. Drake
• The Jesuits | Alban Goodier

» Enjoy our Liturgical Seasons series of e-books!

Old Calendar: St. Wilfrid (Hist)

St. Wilfrid, mentioned in the Roman Martyrology, was born in Northumbria and studied at Lindisfarne and Canterbury. Accompanying St. Benedict Biscop to Rome, he tarried for a whole year at Lyons with St. Delphinus, who tried to make him marry his niece. Named Bishop of York, he went to France to receive episcopal consecration and remained for two years. Wilfrid was to suffer from the lack of obedience shown by his fellow citizens toward the Apostolic See. The end of his life was almost exclusively devoted to the care of the monasteries he had founded.

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St. Wilfrid
St. Wilfrid was a Northumbrian of noble birth. He was educated at Lindisfarne, and became infected with a love both for learning and the monastic life. When quite a young man he traveled to Canterbury and then to Rome. On his return, he founded monasteries at Ripon and Stamford, and became prominent as the successful protagonist of the Roman customs at the Synod of Whitby, 664 A.D.

He was then made Bishop of York, and went to France to be consecrated. In his absence Chad was consecrated and made Bishop of York in his place, and held the see for four years. During this time Wilfrid founded a monastery at Oundle and acted as bishop in Mercia. He was then installed at York by Archbishop Theodore, and ruled the see for nine years. He also founded the Abbey of Hexham. He managed to gain the ill-will of Egfrith, King of Northumbria, and Archbishop Theodore, who divided his diocese in four parts without his knowledge or consent.

He journeyed to Rome, and his appeal was successful, but on his return to Northumbria he was accused of having forged the pope's bull, and was thrown into prison. After his release he went to Sussex, and for five years preached the Gospel to its pagan inhabitants. When he went there the country was suffering from famine, the result of three years' drought, and its inhabitants were drowning themselves in despair. Wilfrid gained their goodwill by teaching them to fish.

"By this benefit the bishop gained the affections of them all, and they began more readily to hope for heavenly blessings, since by his help they had already received those which are temporal." His labors seem to have been abundantly successful, and he added to his success by establishing a monastery at Selsey.

Archbishop Theodore, now on his deathbed, became reconciled to Wilfrid, and even wished to nominate him as his successor in the See of Canterbury. This, however, Wilfrid refused, but used Theodore's good offices to secure his return to Northumbria.

After a few years his enemies seem to have made his position so difficult that he retired to Mercia, and when St. Chad died he succeeded to his position as Bishop of Lichfield, and labored in that diocese for ten years. He was recalled to be tried by a Northumbrian council of nobles and bishops, was once more condemned, and once more appealed to Rome. Once again his appeal was successful, and this time the Roman judgment was accepted in Northumbria.

The few remaining years of his life were spent in comparative retirement, principally at Hexham and Ripon. His last public act was the consecration of Evesham Abbey; he died on his way home at his monastery at Oundle in the year 709, and was buried at Ripon.

Wilfrid was one of the most versatile and accomplished men of his own or any other age. He was a great builder, a lover of learning, and a musician; he knew how to create splendid effects through art and through religious ceremonial. He was also a founder and a builder in men as well as stones. He was, in fact, a great creative artist.

Patron: Ripon, England.

Symbols: Fallen idols; fish; font; pallium and crosier; model of a cathedral; ship and staff.

Things to Do:

• Read more about St. Wilfrid and the Monastery at Ripon.

• Visit this In Search of St. Wilfrid, an Anglican site, for a collection of articles about St. Wilfrid which thoroughly explores his life and times. (Don't forget St. Wilfrid predates Henry VIII and therefore all the information is about the Catholic Church.)

[Salvation]

The Word Among Us

Meditation: Luke 11:15-26

27th Week in Ordinary Time

It goes and brings back seven other spirits more wicked than itself. (Luke 11:26)

Whenever a government is overthrown, there is always a question of what will rise up in its place. Sometimes, a stable government is established that ushers in a time of peace and justice. Other times, however, the power vacuum fills with factions and infighting—perhaps even violence.

This scenario of a political coup illustrates Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel. As we journey with him, Jesus helps us identify old habits and attitudes that are opposed to him. In response, we try to “overthrow” them. We go to Confession and we resolve to put an end to them. But this is only one part of the solution. We can’t think that confessing our sins automatically turns everything around for us.

After we turn from old ways and receive God’s forgiveness, we need to fill in the empty places with new ways. We need to develop new habits, new attitudes, and new thought patterns. Otherwise, the old ways will be able to sneak back in, and we’ll feel twice as guilty for having fallen to them yet again.

So what does this look like in practice? Take a moment right now to identify a habit or tendency that you would like to overcome. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you. Then, along with saying, “I don’t want to do that anymore,” think about what should go in its place. If you tend to complain, for example, ask the Spirit to help you cultivate an attitude of gratefulness. Then look for opportunities when you can specifically thank God for his goodness.

Or if you suspect that you waste too much time on the Internet in the evening, think about other ways you can unwind and find refreshment. Perhaps going out for a walk or calling a friend will help restore you even more. Be creative, and be willing to try different solutions.

Throughout this process, remember to keep asking for the Holy Spirit’s help. Ask for his wisdom in discerning the old corrupt habits. Pray for his grace to help you overthrow them. And ask him to show you new ways of living that will bring you greater peace.

“Holy Spirit, help me to form new habits that draw me closer to Jesus.”

Galatians 3:7-14
Psalm 111:1-6

[Salvation]

Daily Gospel Commentary

Catechism of the Catholic Church
§ 691-693 ; 699-700

The finger of God

"Holy Spirit" is the proper name of the one whom we adore and glorify with the Father and the Son. the Church has received this name from the Lord and professes it in the Baptism of her new children. The term "Spirit" translates the Hebrew word “ruah”, which, in its primary sense, means breath, air, wind. Jesus indeed uses the sensory image of the wind to suggest to Nicodemus the transcendent newness of him who is personally God's breath, the divine Spirit (Jn 3,5-8). On the other hand, "Spirit" and "Holy" are divine attributes common to the three divine persons...

When he proclaims and promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, Jesus calls him the "Paraclete," literally, "he who is called to one's side". "Paraclete" is commonly translated by "consoler," and Jesus is the first consoler. The Lord also called the Holy Spirit "the Spirit of truth"... We also find in St. Paul the titles: the Spirit of the promise, the Spirit of adoption, the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit of the Lord, and the Spirit of God - and, in St. Peter, the Spirit of glory.

The symbols of the Holy Spirit : [Water. Anointing. Fire. Cloud and Light. Seal. Dove.]

The hand. Jesus heals the sick and blesses little children by laying hands on them. In his name the apostles will do the same. Even more pointedly, it is by the Apostles' imposition of hands that the Holy Spirit is given. The Letter to the Hebrews lists the imposition of hands among the "fundamental elements" of its teaching. The Church has kept this sign of the all-powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit in its sacramental epicleses.

The finger. "It is by the finger of God that [Jesus] casts out demons." If God's law was written on tablets of stone "by the finger of God" (Ex 31,18), then the "letter from Christ" entrusted to the care of the apostles, is written "with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of human hearts" (2Cor 3,3). The hymn “Veni Creator Spiritus” invokes the Holy Spirit as the "finger of the Father's right hand."

[Salvation]

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

Daily Marriage Tip for October 12, 2018:

“You recall, brothers, our toil and drudgery. Working night and day in order not to burden any of you.” (1 Th 2:9) Presumably both of you work and toil for the good of the family – whether within or outside the home. What is your most disliked chore? Consider trading for a day.

[Salvation]

Regnum Christi

October 12, 2018 – Keeping House

11 Oct 2018

Friday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time

Father Patrick Butler, LC

 

 

Luke 11:15-26

 

When Jesus had driven out a demon, some of the crowd said, “By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons.” Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven. But he knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that it is by Beelzebul that I drive out demons. If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them out? Therefore, they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe. But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. When an unclean spirit goes out of someone, it roams through arid regions searching for rest but, finding none, it says, ‘I shall return to my home from which I came.’ But upon returning, it finds it swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and brings back seven other spirits more wicked than itself who move in and dwell there, and the last condition of that person is worse than the first.”

Introductory Prayer: Lord, you are omnipotent, all-powerful. For that reason alone, I ought to ally myself to you. I believe that you can do all things. I am confident that you will act in my life. I love you because even though you are the all-powerful God, you are humble, having made yourself one like me, so that I can approach you without being intimidated, with trust.

Petition: Lord Jesus, your kingdom come in my soul!

1. THE Sign from Heaven: When Jesus casts out a demon from a soul, some of the bystanders then ask him to perform a sign from heaven. Jesus is the sign from heaven, the living presence of God with us. His casting out a demon already testifies that he can do what no one else can do. It proves that he is God. However, I want to fix my eyes on him as the object of my love, not on the spectacular things that he does. It is important to look at the Giver, not the gift he gives.

2. The Kingdom of God: There is combat going on, and the human soul is the battleground. In this case the man is freed of demonic possession, and one kingdom has been dispossessed of its conquest. Another Kingdom is on the move! Light is replacing darkness. Springtime melts away the winter. This brings joy and warmth to my soul.

3. The Gentle Guest: When the soul has been freed from the effects of evil, it can be likened to a tidy house. Jesus chose to clean the house, the interior dwelling place, of the possessed man. He will not, by his choice alone, take up the vacant place in that soul. He very much desires to be there, but he knocks and wants to be invited in freely by the homeowner. Once at home in my heart, Jesus is the strong man whom no one can overcome.

Conversation with Christ: Lord Jesus Christ, I am not content just with being liberated from sin, although that is already a great gift. I know that you are knocking at the door of my heart. I ask you to come in and make my soul your dwelling place. I have been made to be a dwelling place of the Blessed Trinity, and I desire that fullness of life.

Resolution: I will be attentive to the fact that I am a dwelling of God and look to do what is worthy of that dignity. Specifically, I will be attentive to the thoughts that pass through my mind and the words that cross my lips today.

[Salvation]

Homily of the Day

October 12, 2018

In the Gospel, when Jesus drives out the mute demon, the crowds are amazed. Yet some are skeptical and demand a more spectacular sign. Still others say that Jesus’ power to heal is of demonic origin. This shows that people believe what they want to believe. Those with open minds can perceive the truth while those with biased or impure thoughts see something else.

When God manifests His presence in our lives, we have a decision to make – to convert to Him or not. Some people see God doing miracles, both physical and spiritual, and still refuse to believe and change their ways. Miracles are supposed to help us believe in God and to strengthen our faith. Yet some people are so stubborn and continue to disbelieve. We cannot remain neutral in front of a clear manifestation of God’s power.

Jesus said in the Gospel, “He who is not with me is against me.” If we are with Jesus, we will recognize his works because they usually bring fruits of love, peace, and healing. We will obey and follow him because we acknowledge that he was sent by God to save men from their sins. But if we do not want to convert to God, no miracle can convince us because our eyes are closed and our hearts are hardened.

May we not be counted among the unbelievers but rather with those who have faith in Jesus.

[Salvation]

One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

Language: English | Espanol

All Issues > Volume 34, Issue 6

<< Friday, October 12, 2018 >>

Galatians 3:7-14
View Readings

Psalm 111:1-6

Luke 11:15-26
Similar Reflections

CROSSING THE STATE LINES

"The result is that the last state of the man is worse than the first." �Luke 11:26

The worst and sometimes last state of a human being is to be repossessed by a devil and newly possessed by several other devils (Lk 11:26). The first step of the road to this worst state is to be possessed by a devil. Most people think that very few people are in the first or last state. However, in the second letter of Peter, the Lord refers to the first state not as the unusual situation of being demon-possessed but as simply our original state, that is, being a human person with our fallen, demonically-influenced nature. We are freed from this first and original state by being baptized and living our Baptisms "by recognizing the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pt 2:20). Because our Baptisms are irreversible, we can never revert to our first state.

However, we can refuse to live our Baptisms. Thereby we enter a third and worst state of being a fallen-away, lukewarm Christian. When we choose to enter this third state, we make void the cross of Jesus for ourselves (see 1 Cor 1:17), nauseate Jesus (Rv 3:16), cause our Baptisms to backfire, and open the door of our lives to old and new demons. Therefore, we must grow and persevere in our love for the Lord. That is the second and best state, and it should be the last state.

Prayer: Father, may I never love You less.

Promise: "All who believe are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith." —Gal 3:9

Praise: Warren stayed away from Church for twenty-five years. His brother gave him a copy of One Bread, One Body. Warren repented, was reconciled to God and the Church, and is now eagerly devouring the Word of God (Jer 15:16).

[Salvation]

For every mother-to-be or father-to-be approaching the doors of the abortion clinic — here is a prayer for you.

“Mary, Mother of Jesus be a mother to be now, make me better.”

—prayer from Mother Teresa of Calcutta.