Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 07-15-08, Mem. St. Bonaventure, Bishop & Doctor of Church

USCCB.org/New American Bible ^ | 07-15-08 | New American Bible

[Salvation]

July 15, 2008

Memorial of Saint Bonaventure,                                      bishop and doctor of the Church

Reading 1 Responsorial Psalm Gospel

Reading 1
Is 7:1-9

In the days of Ahaz, king of Judah, son of Jotham, son of Uzziah,
Rezin, king of Aram,
and Pekah, king of Israel, son of Remaliah,
went up to attack Jerusalem,
but they were not able to conquer it.
When word came to the house of David that Aram
was encamped in Ephraim,
the heart of the king and the heart of the people trembled,
as the trees of the forest tremble in the wind.

Then the LORD said to Isaiah: Go out to meet Ahaz,
you and your son Shear-jashub,
at the end of the conduit of the upper pool,
on the highway of the fuller’s field, and say to him:
Take care you remain tranquil and do not fear;
let not your courage fail
before these two stumps of smoldering brands
the blazing anger of Rezin and the Arameans,
and of the son Remaliah,
because of the mischief that
Aram, Ephraim and the son of Remaliah,
plots against you, saying,
“Let us go up and tear Judah asunder, make it our own by force,
and appoint the son of Tabeel king there.”

Thus says the LORD:
This shall not stand, it shall not be!
Damascus is the capital of Aram,
and Rezin is the head of Damascus;
Samaria is the capital of Ephraim,
and Remaliah’s son the head of Samaria.

But within sixty years and five,
Ephraim shall be crushed, no longer a nation.
Unless your faith is firm
you shall not be firm!

Responsorial Psalm
Ps 48:2-3a, 3b-4, 5-6, 7-8

R. (see 9d) God upholds his city for ever.
Great is the LORD and wholly to be praised
in the city of our God.
His holy mountain, fairest of heights,
is the joy of all the earth.
R. God upholds his city for ever.
Mount Zion, “the recesses of the North,”
is the city of the great King.
God is with her castles;
renowned is he as a stronghold.
R. God upholds his city for ever.
For lo! the kings assemble,
they come on together;
They also see, and at once are stunned,
terrified, routed.
R. God upholds his city for ever.
Quaking seizes them there;
anguish, like a woman’s in labor,
As though a wind from the east
were shattering ships of Tarshish.
R. God upholds his city for ever.

Gospel
Mt 11:20-24

Jesus began to reproach the towns
where most of his mighty deeds had been done,
since they had not repented.
“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida!
For if the mighty deeds done in your midst
had been done in Tyre and Sidon,
they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes.
But I tell you, it will be more tolerable
for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.
And as for you, Capernaum:

Will you be exalted to heaven?
You will go down to the nether world.

For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Sodom,
it would have remained until this day.
But I tell you, it will be more tolerable
for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”

[Salvation]

For your reading, reflection, faith-sharing, comments, questions, discussion.

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Alleluia Ping!

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St Bonaventure 1217-1274 - Seraphic Doctor

Saint Bonaventure 1221-1274 AD

St.Bonaventure 1221-1274

[Salvation]

July Devotion: The Precious Blood

July Devotion: The Precious Blood 

Like the Sacred Wounds of Jesus, His Precious Blood deserves special honor because of its close relation to the Sacred Passion. That honor was given to it from the beginning by the Apostles who praised its redeeming power. (Rom. 5:9 "we are justified by His blood"; Heb. 13:12 "and so Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people by His blood, suffered outside the gate"; 1 John 1:7 "and the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses us from all sin.") 

The Church has always held devotion to the Precious Blood in high esteem. We continue to recognize and publicly acknowledge the profound indebtedness of the whole human race to Christ, Priest and Victim. 

 

Standing at the foot of the cross, we see Jesus' head, hands, feet, and side pouring out streams of precious blood. It is precious because it: 

·      Redeems us and atones for our sins. Through His precious blood we are reconciled to God, made one with Him. Death ceases to be death and heaven's gates are opened to us.  

·      Cleanses us from all sin.  

·      Preserves us and keeps us safe from the grasp of evil.  When the Father sees us washed in the Blood of the Lamb we are spared.  

·      Comforts us. It is the constant reminder that Jesus - true God and true man suffered and died to save us and to open heaven to us because He loves us.  

·      Sanctifies us.  The same blood that justifies by taking away sin, continues to work within us.  Its action gives us the grace to continue on the path toward the Kingdom of God.  It assists us in achieving our new nature, leading us onward in subduing sin and in following the commands of God.  

Jesus shed His precious blood seven times during His life on earth.  They events were: 

·      Jesus shed His Blood in the Circumcision  

·      Jesus shed His Blood whilst praying in the Garden of Olives  

·      Jesus shed His Blood in the scourging  

·      Jesus shed His Blood in the crowning with thorns  

·      Jesus shed His Blood while carrying His cross  

·      Jesus shed His Blood in the crucifixion  

·      Jesus shed His Blood and water when His side was pierced 

The Power of the Precious Blood 

"I adore You, O Precious Blood of Jesus, flower of creation, fruit of virginity, ineffable instrument of the Holy Spirit, and I rejoice at the thought that You came from the drop of virginal blood on which eternal Love impressed its movement; You were assumed by the Word and deified in His person. I am overcome with emotion when I think of Your passing from the Blessed Virgin's heart into the heart of the Word, and, being vivified by the breath of the Divinity, becoming adorable because You became the Blood of God." (St. Albert the Great)  

 

At their recent meeting, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops had continuous Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for "healing and peace."   They encouraged parishes and communities to have ongoing Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.  In these dark months of woundedness, pain and violence we need to turn to the Precious Blood of Jesus in the Eucharist, for healing, peace, and light.  

"What power we have in the Precious Blood of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist!  He is there to protect us, to be our refuge and our redemption.  (In Exodus 12, God told Moses to have His chosen people mark their door posts with the blood of an unblemished lamb, during the first Passover. Those who did this were spared when the Angel of the death passed by). This is why Archbishop Sheen said that we must call down the Blood of the Lamb, Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament.  For, he warned, when we stop calling down the Blood of the Lamb, we start calling down the blood of each other."  (From our book Bread of Life)      

"And the Lamb on the throne will shepherd them. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water" (Rev 7:17). 

"In the tumultuous events of our time, it is important to look to the Eucharist: it must be at the heart of the life of priests and consecrated people; the light and strength of spouses in putting into practice their commitment to fidelity, chastity and the apostolate; the ideal in education and in training children, adolescents and young people; the comfort and support of those who are troubled, of the sick and all who are weeping in the Gethsemane of life."  (Pope John Paul II)  

Precious Blood of Jesus, save us! 

"The only time our Lord asked the Apostles for anything was the night when He went into His agony.  But as often in the history of the church since that time, evil was awake, but the disciples were asleep.  That is why there came out of His anguished and lonely Heart a sigh: 'Could you not watch one hour with Me?'" (Mt 26:40).  Not for an hour of activity did he plead, but for an hour of friendship (Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen).  

 

St. Maria Goretti,  Patroness of Youth & Children of Mary, Feast-July 6 St. Maria of Italy (1890-1902), couldn't wait to make her First Communion.  She wanted to receive Jesus in the Holy Eucharist so that she could become more beautiful and pure like Him; she wanted Him to live in her, close to her heart.  After she received Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament for the first time, she stayed in Church for a long time after Mass to talk to Him. Maria's family lived with and worked for a farmer. His son Alessandro kept trying to make Maria sin against purity.  One day, when everyone else was working, Alessandro grabbed Maria and tried to make her sin.  Maria kept crying out for him to stop, and each time she did, he stabbed her. Courageously,   Maria resisted him and was stabbed fourteen times. St. Maria died the next day.  

"Look at Maria Goretti....  Like her, be capable of defending your purity of heart and body.  Be committed to the struggle against evil and sin.  Always esteem and love, purity and virginity." (Pope John Paul II, 1990)      

A Prayer for Priests 

O my God, help those priests who are faithful to remain faithful; to those who are falling, stretch forth Your Divine Hand that they may grasp it as their support.  In the great ocean of Your mercy, lift those poor unfortunate ones who have fallen, that being engulfed therein they may receive the grace to return to Your Great Loving Heart.  Amen.  Precious Blood of Jesus, protect them!A

 

menHe

"Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you"  (Jn 6:53).  

The Eucharist is the fruit of our Lords Passion. Jesus gave up His Body on the cross so that He may give you His Body in the Holy Eucharist. Jesus poured out His very last drop of Blood on the cross so that He may fill you with His Divine Love each time that you receive Him in Holy Communion and visit Him in Eucharistic Adoration! 

"The Eucharist, in the Mass and outside of the Mass, is the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, and is therefore deserving of the worship that is given to the living God, and to Him alone" (Pope John Paul II, September 29, 1979, Phoenix Park, Ireland) 

"The bread and wine, fruit of human hands, transformed through the power of the Holy Spirit into the body and blood of Christ, become a pledge of the 'new heaven and new earth,' announced by the Church in her daily mission." "In Christ, whom we adore present in the mystery of the Eucharist, the father uttered his final word with regard to humanity and human history." "To live the Eucharist, it is necessary, as well, to spend much time in adoration in front of the Blessed Sacrament, something which I myself experience every day drawing from it strength, consolation and assistance."  "How could the Church fulfill her vocation without cultivating a constant relationship with the Eucharist, without nourishing herself with this food which sanctifies, without founding her missionary activity on this indispensable support?" "To evangelize the world there is need of apostles who are 'experts' in the celebration, adoration and contemplation of the Eucharist" (Pope John Paul II, World Mission Message 2004).

 

The Power of the Precious Blood of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist  

"The Precious Blood belongs in an especial manner to men. Much more, therefore, does God invite them to come to its heavenly baths, and receive therein, not only the cleansing of their souls, but the power of a new and amazing life. Every doctrine in theology is a call to the Precious Blood.  Every ceremony in the Church tells of it . . . .  Every supernatural act is a growth of it. Everything that is holy on earth is either a leaf, bud, blossom or fruit of the Blood of Jesus. To its fountains God calls the sinner, that he may be lightened of his burdens. There is no remission of him in anything else.  Only there is his lost sonship to be found. The saints are no less called by God to these invigorating streams. It is out of the Precious Blood that men draw martyrdoms, vocations, celebacies, austerities, heroic charities, and all the magnificent graces of high sanctity.  The secret nourishment of prayer is from those fountains" (Father Faber, The Precious Blood).  

LITANY OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.

God, the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

Blood of Christ, only-begotten Son of the Eternal Father, save us.

Blood of Christ, Incarnate Word of God, save us.

Blood of Christ, of the New and Eternal Testament, save us.

Blood of Christ, falling upon the earth in the Agony, save us.

Blood of Christ, shed profusely in the Scourging, save us.

Blood of Christ, flowing forth in the Crowning with Thorns,
  save us.

Blood of Christ, poured out on the Cross, save us.

Blood of Christ, price of our salvation, save us.

Blood of Christ, without which there is no forgiveness, save us.

Blood of Christ, Eucharistic drink and refreshment of souls,
  save us.

Blood of Christ, stream of mercy, save us.

Blood of Christ, victor over demons, save us.

Blood of Christ, courage of Martyrs, save us.

Blood of Christ, strength of Confessors, save us.

Blood of Christ, bringing forth Virgins, save us.

Blood of Christ, help of those in peril, save us.

Blood of Christ, relief of the burdened, save us.

Blood of Christ, solace in sorrow, save us.

Blood of Christ, hope of the penitent, save us.

Blood of Christ, consolation of the dying, save us.

Blood of Christ, peace and tenderness of hearts, save us.

Blood of Christ, pledge of eternal life, save us.

Blood of Christ, freeing souls from purgatory, save us.

Blood of Christ, most worthy of all glory and honor, save us.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,
  spare us, O Lord!.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,
  graciously hear us, O Lord!.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,
  have mercy on us. .

V. You have redeemed us, O Lord, in your Blood.

R. And made us, for our God, a kingdom.

Let us pray.

Almighty and Eternal God, you have appointed your only-begotten Son the Redeemer of the world, and willed to be appeased by His Blood. Grant we beg of You, that we may worthily adore this price of our salvation, and through its power be safeguarded from the evils of the present life, so that we may rejoice in its fruits forever in heaven. Through the same Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

Chaplet of the Most Precious Blood

The Traditional Feast of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Catholic Caucus)

Devotion to the Precious Blood

DOCTRINE OF THE BLOOD OF CHRIST

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,And More on the Precious Blood

Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ

NOTHING IS MORE POTENT AGAINST EVIL THAN PLEADING THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST

FORMER PENTECOSTAL RELATES MIRACLE THAT OCCURRED WITH THE PRECIOUS BLOOD

Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus

St.Gaspar:Founder of the Society of the Precious Blood[AKA The Hammer of Freemasons]

[Salvation]

JULY 2008

 

General:

That there may be an increase in the number of those who volunteer to serve the Christian community with generous and prompt availability. 

 

Mission:

That World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia, may kindle the fire of divine love in numerous young people and render them sowers of hope for a new humanity.

[Salvation]

From: Isaiah 7:1-9

The sign of Immanu-el

---

[1] In the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, son of Uzziah, king of Judah, Rezin
the king of Syria and Pekah the son of Remaliah the king of Israel came up to
Jerusalem to wage war against it, but they could not conquer it. [2] When the
house of David was told, “Syria is in league with Ephraim,” his heart and the
heart of his people shook as the trees of the forest shake before the wind.

[3] And the Lord said to Isaiah, “Go forth to meet Ahaz, you and Shear-jashub
your son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool on the highway to the Ful-
ler’s Field, [4] and say to him, ‘Take heed, be quiet, do not fear, and do not let
your heart be faint because of these two smouldering stumps of firebrands, at
the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria and the son of Remaliah. [5] Because Syria,
with Ephraim and the son of Remaliah, has devised evil against you, saying,
[6] Let us go up against Judah and terrify it, and let us conquer it for ourselves,
and set up the son of Tabe-el as king in the midst of it,” [7] thus says the Lord
God:

It shall not stand,
and it shall not come to pass.
[8[ For the head of Syria is Damascus,
and the head of Damascus is Rezin.
(Within sixty-five years Ephraim will be broken to pieces so that it will
no longer be a people.)
[9] And the head of Ephraim is Samaria,
and the head of Samaria is the son of Remaliah.
If you will not believe,
surely you shall not be established.”

*********************************************************************************************
Commentary:

7:1-12:6. This series of oracles and narratives is usually known as the “Book of
Immanuel”, because its climax is taken to be the mysterious announcement of
a Messiah-Saviour, called “Immanu-el”, which means “God-with-us” (7:14). This
“book” is one of the most interesting parts of First Isaiah. Some scholars include
in the “book”, as its introduction, the prophet’s vision of God in majesty, and the
account of Isaiah’s calling (6:1-13).

The Immanuel prophecy begins with the announcement of a God-given “sign” of
salvation — the “virgin” who will conceive and hear a “son” (7:1-8:22). The “son” is
described in such a way that he seems to he no ordinary human child (8:23-9:6).
Paradoxically, the joy of salvation that has just been proclaimed is then im-
mediately clouded by announcements about the wrath of God, the collapse of
Samaria and the Assyrian threat to Jerusalem (9:7-10:19). But, as often happens
in Isaiah, we are told that a “remnant” will he saved, a “shoot from the stump of
Jesse” (11:1), that is, a descendant of David on whom “the Spirit of the Lord will
rest” (11:2), and that a kingdom of righteousness and peace will emerge and the
exiles will return home (10:20-11:16). This leads the prophet to intone a short
psalm of thanksgiving (12: I-6).

7:1-9. After the account of Isaiah’s vocation, where we heard that a hardened
heart is unable to hear the word of the Lord (cf. 6:9-10), we are now given evidence
to that effect. Isaiah has a meeting with King Ahaz, in which the king is in two
minds as to what to do in the face of pressure to join the coalition against the
Assyrians made up of Israel (here also called Ephraim), whose capital was Sa-
maria, and Syria (Aram), the capital of which was Damascus. Verse 6 mentions
Tabeel, about whom nothing more is known; he may have been a senior official
in the Southern kingdom who was in favour of joining the coalition. The prophet’s
message warns Judah that it should put its trust in God, believing in his word,
and not try to take refuge in any political alliance, be it with the Syrians and Eph-
raimites, or with Assyria. It ends abruptly with the threat that if Ahaz and his
supporters fail to listen, their downfall will soon follow (vv. 7-9). The narrative says
that a son of Isaiah is present at his exchange with Ahaz — Shear-jashub (v. 3),
a name full of symbolism, for it means “a remnant shall return”. The presence
of this son implies, in some way, that God will ensure the permanent survival
of the people: there will always be some, a remnant, who will come back to the
Lord and recover what has been lost (cf. 10:20-22).

*********************************************************************************************
Source: “The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries”. Biblical text from the
Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries by members of
the Faculty of Theology, University of Navarre, Spain.

Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland, and
by Scepter Publishers in the United States.

[Salvation]

From: Matthew 11:20-24

Jesus Reproaches People for Their Unbelief

---

[20] Then He (Jesus) began to upbraid the cities where most of His mighty works
had been done, because they did not repent. [21] “Woe to you, Chorazin! woe to
you, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Si-
don, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. [22] But I tell
you, it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for
you. [23] And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to Heaven? You shall be
brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in
Sodom, it would have remained until this day. [24] But I tell that it shall be more
tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.”

*********************************************************************************************
Commentary:

21-24. Chorazin and Bethsaida were thriving cities on the northern shore of the
lake of Gennesaret, not very far from Capernaum. During His public ministry
Jesus often preached in these cities and worked any miracles there; in Caper-
naum He revealed His teaching about the Blessed Eucharist (cf. John 6:51ff).
Tyre, Sidon, Sodom and Gomorrah, the main cities of Phoenicia—all notorious
for loose living—were classical examples of divine punishment (cf. Ezekiel 26-28;
Isaiah 23).

Here Jesus is pointing out the ingratitude of people who could know Him but who
refuse to change: on the day of Judgment (verses 22 and 24) they have more
explaining to do: “Every one to whom much is given, of him will much be required”
(Luke 12:48).

*********************************************************************************************
Source: “The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries”. Biblical text from the
Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries by members of
the Faculty of Theology, University of Navarre, Spain.

Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland, and
by Scepter Publishers in the United States.

[Salvation]

Scripture readings taken from the Jerusalem Bible, published and copyright © 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton, Longman & Todd

Mass Readings

First reading

Isaiah 7:1 - 9 ©

In the reign of Ahaz son of Jotham, son of Uzziah, king of Judah, Razon the king of Aram went up against Jerusalem with Pekah son of Remaliah, king of Israel, to lay siege to it; but he was unable to capture it. The news was brought to the House of David. ‘Aram’ they said ‘has reached Ephraim.’ Then the heart of the king and the hearts of the people shuddered as the trees of the forest shudder in front of the wind. The Lord said to Isaiah, ‘Go with your son Shear-jashub, and meet Ahaz at the end of the conduit of the upper pool on the Fuller’s Field road, and say to him: “Pay attention, keep calm, have no fear, do not let your heart sink because of these two smouldering stumps of firebrands, or because Aram, Ephraim and the son of Remaliah have plotted to ruin you, and have said: Let us invade Judah and terrorise it and seize it for ourselves, and set up a king there, the son of Tabeel. The Lord says this: It shall not come true; it shall not be. The capital of Aram is Damascus, the head of Damascus, Razon; the capital of Ephraim, Samaria, the head of Samaria, the son of Remaliah. Six or five years more and a shattered Ephraim shall no longer be a people. But if you do not stand by me, you will not stand at all.”’

Psalm or canticle: Psalm 47

Gospel

Matthew 11:20 - 24 ©

Jesus began to reproach the towns in which most of his miracles had been worked, because they refused to repent. ‘Alas for you, Chorazin! Alas for you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. And still, I tell you that it will not go as hard on Judgement day with Tyre and Sidon as with you. And as for you, Capernaum, did you want to be exalted as high as heaven? You shall be thrown down to hell. For if the miracles done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have been standing yet. And still, I tell you that it will not go as hard with the land of Sodom on Judgement day as with you.’

[Salvation]

Tuesday, July 15, 2008
St. Bonaventure, Bishop, Doctor of the Church (Feast)

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel:

Isaiah 1:10-17 or 1 Corinthians 2:6-13 Psalm 16:5-9, 11 Matthew 5:13-19 It is possible to contemplate God not only outside us and within us but also above us: outside, through vestiges of Him; within, through His image; and above, through the light that shines upon our mind. -- St. Bonaventure

[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. 

[Salvation]

Office of Readings and Invitatory Psalm

Office of Readings

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

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.

---

A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.

Psalm 67 (68)

The Lord's triumphal journey

God arises and his enemies are scattered:
 those who hate him flee from his sight.
You blow them away like wisps of smoke;
 as wax melts in front of a fire,
 so the wicked melt away before God.
The righteous are glad and exult in God’s sight;
 they rejoice in their gladness.

Sing to the Lord and celebrate his name!
Make a road for him who rides upon the clouds –
 “The Lord” is his name.
Rejoice in his sight,
 the father of orphans, defender of widows,
 God in his holy dwelling-place,
God, who gives the lonely a house to dwell in,
 God, who leads captives out into prosperity;
 but the rebellious shall live in a desert land.

God, when you set out in the sight of your people,
 when you crossed the wilderness – the earth shook.
The heavens sent down dew at your coming –
 the God of Sinai, the God of Israel.
At your bidding the rains came, O God,
 your inheritance was worn out but you refreshed it.
All your creatures took up residence there,
 in your goodness you made a place for the needy.

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.

---

Psalm 67 (68)

The Lord gives out the word,
 and a great army of maidens brings the news:
“The kings of the armies are fleeing, they are fleeing,
 and the fair one at home is dividing the spoils.
While you sleep among the sheepfolds,
 the wings of the dove shine with silver,
 her feathers glow with green gold.
Through her the Almighty scatters the kings,
 and the mountain of Salmon is white with snow.

The mountain of Bashan is God’s mountain;
 the mountain of God is a high-peaked mountain.
Why do you envy it, you high-peaked mountains,
 envy the mountain that God has chosen?
 The Lord will dwell there for ever.
The chariots of God are ten thousand thousand:
 the Lord has come from Sinai to his holy sanctuary.
You have scaled the heights, you have taken captives,
 you have received men as gifts
 so that even the rebels live with the Lord God.

Blessings on the Lord, day after day!
 God will carry us, God our saviour.
Our God is a God of salvation,
 our Lord is a Lord who rescues from death.
Truly God will break the heads of his enemies,
 take the scalps of those who tread the path of crime.

The Lord has spoken:
 “I shall bring them back from Bashan,
 I shall bring them back from the depths of the sea,
so that your feet may be dipped in blood
 and the tongues of your dogs receive food from your enemies”.

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.

---

Psalm 67 (68)

They have seen your processions, O God,
 the processions of God, my king, to his sanctuary.
First came the singers, last the musicians,
 between them the maidens playing their drums.
“Bless God in the assemblies:
 bless the Lord, you who spring from Israel!”
There was young Benjamin, leading them,
 the princes of Judah in their rich robes,
 the princes of Zebulun, the princes of Naphtali.

O God, command in your strength;
 make firm what you have achieved in us.
From your temple in Jerusalem,
 kings shall bring you tribute.
Rebuke the wild beast of the reeds,
 the herd of bulls, the lords of peoples.
 Let them lie prostrate before you with tribute of silver.
Scatter the peoples that delight in war.
 Nobles will come from Egypt,
 Ethiopia will stretch out its hands to God.

Kingdoms of the earth, sing to God;
 celebrate the Lord.
Sing to God who rides on the highest heavens,
 at the origin of all things.
Listen! – he speaks, a voice of power.

Acknowledge the strength of the Lord:
 his majesty is over Israel,
 his strength is in the clouds.
God inspires awe in his holy place;
 he, the God of Israel, gives power to his people;
 he gives them strength.
Blessed be God!

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.

---

Reading

1 Kings 19:1 - 21 ©

When Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had put all the prophets to the sword, Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, ‘May the gods do this to me and more, if by this time tomorrow I have not made your life like the life of one of them!’ He was afraid and fled for his life. He came to Beersheba, a town of Judah, where he left his servant. He himself went on into the wilderness, a day’s journey, and sitting under a furze bush wished he were dead. ‘O Lord,’ he said ‘I have had enough. Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’ Then he lay down and went to sleep. But an angel touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat.’ He looked round, and there at his head was a scone baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. But the angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat, or the journey will be too long for you.’ So he got up and ate and drank, and strengthened by that food he walked for forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. There he went into the cave and spent the night in it. Then he was told, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord.’ Then the Lord himself went by. There came a mighty wind, so strong it tore the mountains and shattered the rocks before the Lord. But the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind came an earthquake. But the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire. But the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there came the sound of a gentle breeze. And when Elijah heard this, he covered his face with his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then a voice came to him, which said, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ He replied, ‘I am filled with jealous zeal for the Lord of Hosts, because the sons of Israel have deserted you, broken down your altars and put your prophets to the sword. I am the only one left and they want to kill me.’ ‘Go,’ the Lord said ‘go back by the same way to the wilderness of Damascus. You are to go and anoint Hazael as king of Aram. You are to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king of Israel, and to anoint Elisha son of Shaphat, of Abel Meholah, as prophet to succeed you. Anyone who escapes the sword of Hazael will be put to death by Jehu; and anyone who escapes the sword of Jehu will be put to death by Elisha. But I shall spare seven thousand in Israel: all the knees that have not bent before Baal, all the mouths that have not kissed him.’ Leaving there, he came on Elisha son of Shaphat as he was ploughing behind twelve yoke of oxen, he himself being with the twelfth. Elijah passed near to him and threw his cloak over him. Elisha left his oxen and ran after Elijah. ‘Let me kiss my father and mother, then I will follow you’ he said. Elijah answered, ‘Go, go back; for have I done anything to you?’ Elisha turned away, took the pair of oxen and slaughtered them. He used the plough for cooking the oxen, then gave to his men, who ate. He then rose, and followed Elijah and became his servant.

---

Reading	From the Journey of the Mind to God by St. Bonaventure
Mystical wisdom is revealed by the Holy Spirit
Christ is both the way and the door. Christ is the staircase and the vehicle, like the throne of mercy over the Ark of the Covenant, and the mystery hidden from the ages. A man should turn his full attention to this throne of mercy, and should gaze at him hanging on the cross, full of faith, hope and charity, devoted, full of wonder and joy, marked by gratitude, and open to praise and jubilation. Then such a man will make with Christ a pasch, that is, a passing-over. Through the branches of the cross he will pass over the Red Sea, leaving Egypt and entering the desert. There he will taste the hidden manna, and rest with Christ in the sepulchre, as if he were dead to things outside. He will experience, as much as is possible for one who is still living, what was promised to the thief who hung beside Christ: Today you will be with me in paradise. For this passover to be perfect, we must suspend all the operations of the mind and we must transform the peak of our affections, directing them to God alone. This is a sacred mystical experience. It cannot be comprehended by anyone unless he surrenders himself to it; nor can he surrender himself to it unless he longs for it; nor can he long for it unless the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent into the world, should come and inflame his innermost soul. Hence the Apostle says that this mystical wisdom is revealed by the Holy Spirit. If you ask how such things can occur, seek the answer in God’s grace, not in doctrine; in the longing of the will, not in the understanding; in the sighs of prayer, not in research; seek the bridegroom not the teacher; God and not man; darkness not daylight; and look not to the light but rather to the raging fire that carries the soul to God with intense fervour and glowing love. The fire is God, and the furnace is in Jerusalem, fired by Christ in the ardour of his loving passion. Only he understood this who said: My soul chose hanging and my bones death. Anyone who cherishes this kind of death can see God, for it is certainly true that: No man can look upon me and live. Let us die, then, and enter into the darkness, silencing our anxieties, our passions and all the fantasies of our imagination. Let us pass over with the crucified Christ from this world to the Father, so that, when the Father has shown himself to us, we can say with Philip: It is enough. We may hear with Paul: My grace is sufficient for you; and we can rejoice with David, saying: My flesh and my heart fail me, but God is the strength of my heart and my heritage for ever. Blessed be the Lord for ever, and let all the people say: Amen. Amen!

---

Concluding Prayer

O God, your light guides those who have strayed and helps them back to the right path.
 Grant to all who are called Christians
 that they may reject whatever contradicts that name
 but hold fast to whatever is right for it.

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.

[Salvation]

St. Bonaventure

Saint Bonaventure,
Bishop & Doctor of the Church
Memorial
July 15th

Saint Bonaventure Joins the Franciscan Order
Francisco de Herrera, the Elder
1628
Museo del Prado, Madrid

Collect:
All-powerful Father,
may we who celebrate the feast of Saint Bonaventure
always benefit from his wisdom
and follow the example of his love.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.

First Reading: Ephesians 3:14-19
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have power to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fulness of God.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 23:8-12
You are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brethren. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called masters, for you have one master, the Christ. He who is greatest among you shall be your servant; whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

[Salvation]

Catholic Culture

Daily Readings (on USCCB site):
» July 15, 2008
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Collect: All-powerful Father, may we who celebrate the feast of St. Bonaventure always benefit from his wisdom and follow the example of his love. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

« July 15, 2008 »

Memorial of St. Bonaventure, bishop and doctor
Old Calendar: St. Henry, emperor and confessor

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St. Bonaventure was born in Italy in 1221. He joined the Franciscan Order and went to Paris for his studies. He was made General of his Order and deserves to be reckoned its second founder for his work in consolidating an institution that was as yet ill-defined in nature. St. Bonaventure died at Lyons in 1274 during the general Council between Greeks and Latins held in this city. Dante had already included him among the inhabitants of his "Paradise". He is known as the Seraphic Doctor.

According to the 1962 Missal of Bl. John XXIII the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, today is the feast of St. Henry. His feast in the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite is celebrated on July 13. In England this day is known as "St. Swithin's Day," celebrating the day his relics were transferred. The Catholic Church celebrates St. Swithin's feast on July 2.

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St. Bonaventure
"In Bonaventure we meet a unique personality. He was unsurpassed in sanctity, wisdom, eloquence, and gifted with a remarkable skill of accomplishing things, a heart full of love, a winning disposition, benevolent, affable, pious, charitable, rich in virtue, beloved by God and man. . . . The Lord endowed him with such a charming disposition that everyone who saw him was immediately attracted to him." In these words the historian of the Council of Lyons concludes his account on St. Bonaventure.

At an early age he was a celebrated teacher and a powerful preacher. At thirty-six he was called to the highest post among the Franciscans, the Order which honors him as a second founder. He was an important figure at the Council of Lyons. His virtue and wisdom, his versatility and mildness were major factors in attaining the happy result that the Greeks so easily returned to the unity of the Church.

Bonaventure was a subtle scholastic and a profound mystic. Because of the latter he is known as the "Seraphic Teacher." In philosophy he was the principal leader of the Platonic-Augustinian school of Franciscan thought; as such he stood opposed to the Aristotelianism that was making its way into the schools of the time (Thomas of Aquin). Bonaventure's Life of St. Francis was a favorite book of the Middle Ages. When St. Thomas was told about Bonaventure's work, he said: "Let us allow one saint to labor for another." His contemporaries are said to have believed that no one was "more handsome, more holy, or more learned" than he.

Excerpted from The Church's Year of Grace, Pius Parsch.

Patron: Bowel disorders.

Symbols: Cardinal's hat; ciborium; communion.
Often portrayed as: Cardinal in Franciscan robes, usually reading or writing.

Things to Do:

• Read a lenghtier account of St. Bonaventure's life in the Catholic Encyclopedia.

• In Journey of the Mind to God St. Bonaventure wrote: "I propose the following speculations to be free for those willing to magnify, admire and even take a taste of God, intimating, that too little or nothing is the proposed, exterior gaze [speculum], unless the mirror [speculum] of our mind has been wiped and polished. Exert yourself, therefore, man of God, before [prius ad] the sting of conscience bites again, and before you raise your eyes towards the rays of wisdom glittering in His reflections [speculis], lest by chance from the sight [speculatione] itself of the rays you fall into the more grave pit of shadows." You can read the entire work available at the Franciscan Archive or purchase a copy from Amazon.

• For even more of St. Bonaventure's works you can visit the Franciscan Archives.

• For those who just can't get enough of St. Bonaventure here are several links: St. Bonaventure, Mirror of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Triumph of the Catholic Intelligence: St. Bonaventure, St. Albert the Great, St. Thomas Aquinas

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St. Swithin's Day
The Roman Martyrology mentions St. Swithin, Bishop of Winchester, England. He died on July 2, but "St. Swithin's Day" is July 15 in the Anglican Church. He is another of the "weather saints" — if it rains on July 15, it will rain forty more days. If no rain, it will be fair for forty more days, as the old rhyme says:

St. Swithin's day if thou dost rain
For forty days it will remain
St. Swithin's day if thou be fair
For forty days 'twill rain nae mair.

This weather patronage traces back to July 15, 871 when the monks were translating his body (relics) from the outdoor grave to an indoor shrine in the Cathedral. The saint apparently did not approve, as it rained for 40 days afterward. See July 2 for more biographical details of this saint.

[Salvation]

Doctors of the Catholic Church

St Bonaventure is called the "Seraphic Doctor" because he revealed a certain warmth toward others as a divine fire. His leadership with the Franciscans, following St Francis of Assisi, expressed itself by showing charity, goodwill and ardent affection toward others.

He offers to help us, as will all those in heaven, when we petition him for help. We can truly be transformed and change our habits and attitudes only with divine assistance. We must help ourselves but most interior betterment only comes with divine assistance.
Do you really want to live and love passionately? Everyone loves cheerful, enthusiastic and unselfish givers. Our doctor's generosity and kindness toward others was fervent and caring. How do we obtain that kindness and caring?

St Bonaventure tells us to look carefully at the crucified Christ. Gradually this practice will enable us to become more compassionate and undertanding toward others. People will begin to see God in you, even if you don't. Then, you will shine like a seraph, the highest rank of angels, as Bonaventure.

When we humble ourself, reflect upon the crucified Lord often, and share unselfishly, acting with goodness toward others, Jesus mysteriously becomes alive in us and this is seen by others in you.

St. Bonaventure, 1217-1274. Seraphic Doctor, Feast July 15th.

[Salvation]

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.

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.

---

A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.

Psalm 84 (85)

Our salvation is very near

You looked kindly, O Lord, on your land:
 you ended the captivity of Jacob.
You forgave your people’s unrighteousness
 and covered over their sins.
You reined back all of your anger
 and renounced your indignant fury.

Rescue us, God, our saviour,
 and turn your anger away from us.
Do not be angry for ever
 – or will you let your wrath last from one generation to the next?
Surely you will turn round and give us life
 – so that your people can rejoice in you?
Show us, Lord, your kindness
 and give us your salvation.

I will listen to whatever the Lord God tells me,
 for he will speak peace to his people and his chosen ones,
 and to those who repent in their hearts.
Truly his salvation is close to those who fear him,
 so that glory may dwell in our land.
Kindness and faithfulness have met together,
 justice and peace have kissed.
Faithfulness has sprung from the earth,
 and justice has looked down from heaven.

Truly the Lord will give generously,
 and our land will be fruitful.
Justice will walk before him
 and place its footsteps on his path.

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.

---

Canticle	Isaiah 26
Thanksgiving for victory
The city is ours,  with its walls and ramparts,  a refuge and stronghold. Open the gates, let the just people enter,  the nation that keeps faith. The agreement is made: you will keep peace,  for peace is entrusted to you. Trust in the Lord for all ages,  for the Lord is your strength for ever. The way of the just is straight;  you smooth the straight path of the just. As we follow the path of your judgements,  we put all our trust in you, Lord. Our soul’s one desire  is your name and your memory. My soul longs for you at night,  my desire for you leaves me breathless. When your judgements shine out on the earth –  then the peoples of the world will know your justice. Lord, you will give us peace,  for all you have done, you did for us. 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.

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Psalm 94 (95)

A call to worship

Come, let us rejoice in the Lord, let us acclaim God our salvation.
Let us come before him proclaiming our thanks, let us acclaim him with songs.

For the Lord is a great God, a king above all gods.
For he holds the depths of the earth in his hands, and the peaks of the mountains are his.
For the sea is his: he made it; and his hands formed the dry land.

Come, let us worship and bow down, bend the knee before the Lord who made us;
for he himself is our God and we are his flock, the sheep that follow his hand.

If only, today, you would listen to his voice: “Do not harden your hearts
as you did at Meribah, on the day of Massah in the desert, when your fathers tested me –
they put me to the test, although they had seen my works”.

“For forty years they wearied me, that generation.
I said: their hearts are wandering, they do not know my paths.
I swore in my anger: they will never enter my place of rest”.

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.

---

Short reading	1 John 4:14 - 15 ©
We ourselves saw and we testify that the Father sent his Son as saviour of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him, and he in God.

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Canticle	Benedictus
The Messiah and his forerunner
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.

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Prayers and Intercessions

?

Christ, by pouring out his blood, has won for himself a new people. Let us worship him and humbly ask: - Lord, remember your people. Our King and Redeemer, listen to your Church as she sings your praises at the start of the day: teach her to give unceasing glory to your greatness. You are our hope and our strength: we put our trust in you. Let us never be put to shame. Take pity on our weakness. Hurry to help us, for without you there is nothing we can do. Remember the poor and forgotten. Let this day not be a burden to them, but a joy and a consolation.

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 that trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
 but deliver us from evil.

Almighty God, creator of a good and beautiful world,
 may we joyfully set out on this day in your name,
 and fill it with acts of love for you and our brethren.

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.

A M E N

[Salvation]

Regnum Christi

Count Your Blessings
July 15, 2008

U. S. A. | SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY

But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.

Saint Bonaventure, bishop. Memorial
Father Matthew Green, LC

Matthew 11: 20-24
Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented. "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. And as for you, Capernaum: ‘Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the netherworld.’ For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you."

Introductory Prayer: Lord, I believe in you; I know that you are present here and everywhere and are always looking out for me and guiding me. I trust and hope in you, because I know you will never lead me astray, if only I listen to you and obey you. I love you for being so good and patient with me, and I desire to live each day more faithful to you.

Petition: God, my Father, open my eyes to see your wonders and help me to respond responsibly to your gifts!

1. The Wonders We Have Seen
While reading this Gospel passage, we could easily think it is in no way applicable to us, since Jesus is talking to inhabitants of ancient cities who had seen him face-to-face. However, we should think twice. While we may not have seen miracles first-hand, as did those who saw Christ in Chorazin and Bethsaida, what we do have is the Scripture account of the many great things God did from before Jesus’ conception up to the early years of the Church – more than any one in Jesus’ time could have. In addition, we have the whole history of Christianity, which is in itself a miracle – let alone the lives and deeds of so many saints who have brought Christ to the world through their words and works. And yes, we have miracles even in our own times. Our experience of Jesus’ wonders may be less intense and personal, but it is much more vast and confirmed by a multitude of witnesses. Do we ever stop to think about how many reasons we have for believing?

2. Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
If we have so much evidence of Jesus’ wonders, we also have a tremendous opportunity. If we make the effort to know those wonders through reading the Scriptures and the writings of the saints, and contemplating the past and present situation of the Church, we can enrich our faith tremendously. We can learn from the example of those who have gone before us and lived holy lives. The first generations were “winging it”, so to speak; they didn’t have many details of doctrine, liturgy, methodology of Christian prayer, etc., worked out. They were saints, but without much support. We have inherited a rich tradition that teaches us how to recognize God’s work in our lives and collaborate with it to do great things for God. We are “standing on the shoulders of giants.” Do we take advantage of this great treasure?

3. Much Will Be Asked Us!
Our responsibility is as great as our opportunity. Jesus excoriated those who had seen him and had not believed. We have not seen him face-to-face, but we have seen his wonders in myriad other ways. The witness of the saints of our own days, the fidelity of the Church to the truth across two millennia, the work of the Holy Spirit constantly renewing the Church and transforming her methods of outreach to answer the needs of every generation, while conserving a growing patrimony of spirituality, liturgy and theological reflection… We have no excuse for not following Christ and seeking constant conversion to conform our lives to Christ’s message. Are we ready to stand before God on Judgment Day and say we’ve truly responded to all the gifts we have received? Or would we feel a need to find excuses for not living like authentic Christians?

Conversation with Christ: Blessed Lord, there are times when I wish I could see you face-to-face and see your miracles as your disciples did during your public life. Help me to learn to discover you in all the ways your love and greatness are present to me. Don’t let me be indifferent or irresponsible, but rather make me an enthusiastic Catholic, on fire with love for you!

Resolution: I will make an extra effort today to see and appreciate God’s wonders in my life, and be more generous in doing what he asks of me.

[Salvation]

Homily of the Day

Homily of the Day

Give Your Faith-Connection Prime Time!

July 15th, 2008 by Monsignor Dennis Clark, Ph.D.

Is 7:1-9 / Mt 11:20-24

By the very nature of the human condition, we get caught up in the little stuff. Somebody has to pick up the dry cleaning, pay the light bill, fill the car with gas, and carry out the trash.  Those things don’t get done by themselves. As a result, we can get caught up in a very short-term view of life, gobbled by details, and can miss the longer view. This can be particularly lethal if things are not going too well.

We are made to live in the present.  That’s where we belong and where our life’s work is to be done. But unless we can see the present from the vantage point of a larger meaning and purpose, the present will fall apart in our hands. Faith alone can give us that larger purpose and can salvage even the most painful and wretched of times. Faith, our trusting connection to the Lord, allows Him to shine His light into our darkness, and enables us to see our lives through His eyes.

Our faith-connection with God is not self-sustaining. It needs to be nurtured and carefully tended. And Isaiah warns us of what can happen if our faith falters: “Unless your faith is firm, you will not be firm!”

So cherish your faith-connection with the Lord more than anything in your life. Give it prime time every day, and you’ll never lose your way.

[Salvation]

Vespers -- Evening Prayer

Vespers (Evening 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.

---

A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.

Psalm 124 (125)

The Lord guards his people

Those who trust in the Lord are like the mountain of Sion:
 it cannot be shaken, it will stand firm for ever.

Jerusalem – the mountains stand guard over it,
 and the Lord stands guard over his people,
 both now and for ever.
The sceptre of the wicked shall not rest
 upon the inheritance of the just;
lest the just themselves stretch out their hands
 and turn to wickedness.

Be good, O Lord, to the good
 and the upright of heart.
As for those who turn away to crooked paths,
 the Lord shall treat them like the doers of evil.
Peace be on 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.

---

Psalm 130 (131)

Childlike trust in God

Lord, I do not puff myself up or stare about,
or walk among the great or seek wonders beyond me.

Truly calm and quiet I have made my spirit:
quiet as a weaned child in its mother’s arms –
like an infant is my soul.

Let Israel hope in the Lord, now and for all time.

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.

---

Canticle	Apocalypse 4,5
The song of the redeemed
You are worthy, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honour and power; for you made all things, and it is by your will that they existed and were created. You are worthy, Lord, to receive the book and open its seals, for you were killed, and with your blood you have ransomed people from every tribe and language and people and nation, and made them rulers and priests for God; and they will rule over the earth. The Lamb is worthy, who was killed, to receive power and riches and wisdom, strength and honour, glory and blessing. 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.

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Short reading	Romans 12:9 - 12 ©
Do not let your love be a pretence, but sincerely prefer good to evil. Love each other as much as brothers should, and have a profound respect for each other. Work for the Lord with untiring effort and with great earnestness of spirit. If you have hope, this will make you cheerful. Do not give up if trials come; and keep on praying.

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Canticle	Magnificat
My soul rejoices in the Lord
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.

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Prayers and Intercessions

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God has established his people in hope, and so with joy we acclaim him: - Lord, you are the hope of your people. We give you thanks, Lord, that in Christ we have been made rich in word and in knowledge. O God, you know the hearts of rulers: in your wisdom guide those who guide the state. Let them draw from your well of good counsel and be pleasing to you in what they plan and what they do. You give artists the gift of reflecting your splendour in their work: through the things they make, make the world bright with hope and joy. You do not send us trials greater than we can bear: strengthen the weak and raise the fallen. Through your Son you have promised mankind resurrection on the last day: remember those who have already left behind their mortal bodies.

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 that trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
 but deliver us from evil.

Most gentle Lord, may our evening prayer rise up to you and may your blessing come down upon us,
 so that with your help here and in the next life
 we may deserve salvation.

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.

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

A M E N

[Salvation]

The Word Among Us

Tuesday, July 15, 2008 Meditation Isaiah 7:1-9 Today is the opening of the twenty-third World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia. Pope John Paul II began World Youth Day as a way of reaching young people from around the globe with the message of the gospel. John Paul loved youth and never stopped calling them to be witnesses for Christ and to live out their faith with enthusiasm and hope. Since the first World Youth Day in 1986, millions of young people have been touched and transformed through this event. The theme of this year's gathering is, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses" (Acts 1:8). Imagine the grace that will be present today as hundreds of thousands of young people unite to pray with brothers and sisters from other lands and cultures! Think of the grace they will receive to affirm their baptism and fall more deeply in love with Jesus! Who knows? Maybe they will all return home with a new zeal to proclaim Christ's love to everyone they meet. Surely they will need all the grace they can get. Young people are confronted by a culture that in so many ways runs counter to the values of the gospel. They are told that success, power, and pleasure will bring them fulfillment. And because they are young and more impressionable, the temptation to buy into that lie can be very strong. But while so many older folks write off the next generation as hopeless, Pope Benedict XVI has not. He believes that Jesus can still be a light in the darkness, encouraging and inspiring them. How can you help to shine that light? First, you can pray that everyone at World Youth Day will experience God's love in a powerful, life-changing way. And if you are one of the thousands in Sydney today, you can take comfort and inspiration from the knowledge that so many are praying for you. Believe that the Holy Spirit really does want to pour special grace upon you in these next few days. All of us—old or young—can be filled by God. And all of us—old or young—can become his witnesses! "Lord, pour out your Spirit on the youth in Sydney today. Give them and all young people your grace, hope, and healing. Send us all out to change the world!" Psalm 48:2-8; Matthew 11:20-24

[Salvation]

One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

 

<< Tuesday, July 15, 2008 >>

St. Bonaventure Saint of the Day

Isaiah 7:1-9
View Readings

Psalm 48

Matthew 11:20-24

THE MIRACLE OF REPENTANCE

"If the miracles worked in you had taken place in Tyre and Sidon, they would have reformed in sackcloth and ashes long ago." —Matthew 11:21

 

"When much has been given a man, much will be required of him. More will be asked of a man to whom more has been entrusted" (Lk 12:48). Jesus applies this Biblical principle to towns in which He did miracles (see Mt 11:20). If more miracles have been done in our towns, more is expected of us.

We as the new covenant have seen countless people become new creations, born again, in the waters of baptism. Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum saw nothing as miraculous as that. Jesus said it would be that way when He promised: "I solemnly assure you, the man who has faith in Me will do the works I do, and greater far than these" (Jn 14:12). The miracle-towns of Jesus' time also never saw the miracle of people filled with the Holy Spirit. "There was, of course, no Spirit as yet, since Jesus had not yet been glorified" (Jn 7:39). Moreover, no one ever imagined the miracle of Jesus giving Himself to us by turning bread and wine into His body and blood. In addition to these miracles, we have witnessed in the new covenant even more healings, deliverances, signs, and wonders than in the old covenant. We live in the presence of daily, frequent, awesome miracles. Because of this, we have a great responsibility to repent.

 

Prayer: Father, as You extend "Your hand in cures and signs and wonders," may we repent (see Acts 4:30).

Promise: "Unless your faith is firm you shall not be firm!" —Is 7:9

Praise: St. Bonaventure got his nickname, meaning "good fortune," from a vision of his future by St. Francis of Assisi. He built his life on Jesus through his simplicity, poverty, and hard work.