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To: All
a href="http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp">One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body


<< Saturday, August 18, 2007 >> St. Jane Frances de Chantal
 
Joshua 24:14-29 Psalm 16 Matthew 19:13-15
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IDOLATRY IN THE HOME
 
"Put away the strange gods that are among you and turn your hearts to the Lord." —Joshua 24:23
 

The Israelites entered the promised land under a covenant to be God's people (Dt 29:11-12). Yet after they had settled into the promised land, they acquired some idols for their new homes. Joshua heard about this, and challenged the Israelites to stop their idolatry and get rid of these false gods (Jos 24:23). Other members of God's people kept false gods in their homes. Jacob's wife Rachel brought idols into her marriage home (Gn 31:19, 30-36). Even David, a man after God's own heart (1 Kgs 15:3), began his marriage to Michal with an idol in his home (1 Sm 19:13, 16).

Today we don't get into statues of idols, but many homes still worship "the god of the present age" (2 Cor 4:4), that is, a lifestyle of comfort, sex, money, power, and secular humanism as presented through the media. Often, today's homes enthrone the TV or home entertainment system. It's not an idol of gold or silver, but it's still surrounded by "worshipers" who eat sacrificial meals (or at least snacks) as they sacrifice their prime time prostrating themselves before the household "statue."

I know the above scenario might be a bit of an exaggeration, but God doesn't take second place to anyone or anything. Idolatry has been rampant throughout history, and it still is today. God demands your exclusive worship. The stones and walls of your home will witness to God about what is first in your life (see Jos 24:26-27). What will they tell God about His place in your life?

 
Prayer: Lord, if I can't put You first any other way, may I throw away the TV instead of risking entering hell with it (see Mt 5:29-30).
Promise: "Let the children come to Me." —Mt 19:14
Praise: St. Jane Frances de Chantal is an example to those with a married or a religious vocation. St. Vincent de Paul described her as "one of the holiest souls I have ever met."
 

15 posted on 08/18/2007 8:19:31 PM PDT by Salvation (†With God all things are possible.†)
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To: All
Compline -- Night Prayer

Compline (Night Prayer)

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.

A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.


Psalm 4
Thanksgiving
Take pity on me, Lord, and listen to my prayer.
When I called out, he heard me, the God of my righteousness.
When I was in trouble, you gave me freedom:
 now, take pity on me and listen to my prayer.

Sons of men, how long will your hearts be heavy?
 Why do you seek for vain things?
 Why do you run after illusions?
Know that the Lord has done marvellous things
 for those he has chosen.
When I call upon the Lord, he will hear me.

Be vigorous, but do not sin:
 speak in the silence of your heart,
 in your bed, be at rest.
Offer righteousness as a sacrifice,
 and put your trust in the Lord.

Many are saying, Who will give us good things?
Let your face shine on us, Lord,
 let the light of your face be a sign.
You have given me a greater joy
 than the others receive
 from abundance of wheat and of wine.
In peace shall I sleep, Lord, in peace shall I rest:
 firm in the hope you have given 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.
Take pity on me, Lord, and listen to my prayer.

Psalm 133 (134)
Evening prayer in the Temple
Bless the Lord through the night.
Come, bless the Lord,
 all you servants of the Lord
 who stand through the night in the house of the Lord!
Lift up your arms to the sanctuary
 and bless the Lord!

May the Lord bless you from Sion –
 the Lord, who made heaven and 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.
Bless the Lord through the night.

Reading Deuteronomy 6:4-7 ©
Listen, Israel: the Lord our God is the one Lord. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength. Let these words I urge on you today be written on your heart. You shall repeat them to your children and say them over to them whether at rest in your house or walking abroad, at your lying down or at your rising.

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.

Prayer
Let us pray.
Come to us, Lord, this night, and give us the strength to rise at dawn rejoicing in the resurrection of your Anointed, who lives and reigns for ever and ever, Amen.

May the almighty Lord grant us a quiet night and a perfect end.
A M E N
An antiphon to Our Lady should be recited here.

16 posted on 08/18/2007 8:26:29 PM PDT by Salvation (†With God all things are possible.†)
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