Catholic Caucus: Sunday Mass Readings, 02-08-09, Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time

USCCB.org/New American Bible ^ | 02-08-09 | New American Bible

[Salvation]

February 8, 2009

Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Reading 1 Responsorial Psalm Reading 2 Gospel

Reading 1
Jb 7:1-4, 6-7

Job spoke, saying:
Is not man's life on earth a drudgery?
Are not his days those of hirelings?
He is a slave who longs for the shade,
a hireling who waits for his wages.
So I have been assigned months of misery,
and troubled nights have been allotted to me.
If in bed I say, "When shall I arise?"
then the night drags on;
I am filled with restlessness until the dawn.
My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle;
they come to an end without hope.
Remember that my life is like the wind;
I shall not see happiness again.

Responsorial Psalm
Ps 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

R. (cf. 3a) Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted.
or:
Alleluia.
Praise the LORD, for he is good;
sing praise to our God, for he is gracious;
it is fitting to praise him.
The LORD rebuilds Jerusalem;
the dispersed of Israel he gathers.
R. Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted.
or:
Alleluia.
He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.
He tells the number of the stars;
he calls each by name.
R. Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted.
or:
Alleluia.
Great is our Lord and mighty in power;
to his wisdom there is no limit.
The LORD sustains the lowly;
the wicked he casts to the ground.
R. Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted.
or:
Alleluia.

Reading II
1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23

Brothers and sisters:
If I preach the gospel, this is no reason for me to boast,
for an obligation has been imposed on me,
and woe to me if I do not preach it!
If I do so willingly, I have a recompense,
but if unwillingly, then I have been entrusted with a stewardship.
What then is my recompense?
That, when I preach,
I offer the gospel free of charge
so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.

Although I am free in regard to all,
I have made myself a slave to all
so as to win over as many as possible.
To the weak I became weak, to win over the weak.
I have become all things to all, to save at least some.
All this I do for the sake of the gospel,
so that I too may have a share in it.

Gospel
Mk 1:29-39

On leaving the synagogue
Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.
Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.
They immediately told him about her.
He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up.
Then the fever left her and she waited on them.

When it was evening, after sunset,
they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.
The whole town was gathered at the door.
He cured many who were sick with various diseases,
and he drove out many demons,
not permitting them to speak because they knew him.

Rising very early before dawn, he left
and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.
Simon and those who were with him pursued him
and on finding him said, "Everyone is looking for you."
He told them, "Let us go on to the nearby villages
that I may preach there also.
For this purpose have I come."
So he went into their synagogues,
preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

[Salvation]

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

[Salvation]

Alleluia Ping!

Please notify me via FReepmail if you would like to be added to or taken off the Alleluia Ping List.

[Salvation]

Pray a Rosary each day for our nation.

1.  Sign of the Cross:  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

2.  The Apostles Creed:  I BELIEVE in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

3.  The Lord's Prayer:  OUR Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

4. (3) Hail Mary:  HAIL Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and in the hour of our death. Amen. (Three times)

5. Glory Be:  GLORY be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Fatima Prayer: Oh, my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of your mercy.

Announce each mystery, then say 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory Be and 1 Fatima prayer.  Repeat the process with each mystery.

End with the Hail Holy Queen:

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve! To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears! Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us; and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus!

O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Final step -- The Sign of the Cross

 

The Mysteries of the Rosary

By tradition, Catholics meditate on these Mysteries during prayers of the Rosary.
The biblical references follow each of the Mysteries below.

The Glorious Mysteries
(Wednesdays and Sundays)
1.The Resurrection (Matthew 28:1-8, Mark 16:1-18, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-29) [Spiritual fruit - Faith]
2. The Ascension (Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:6-11) [Spiritual fruit - Christian Hope]
3. The Descent of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:1-13) [Spiritual fruit - Gifts of the Holy Spirit]
4. The Assumption [Spiritual fruit - To Jesus through Mary]
5. The Coronation [Spiritual fruit - Grace of Final Perseverance]

[Salvation]

~ PRAYER ~

St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle
 Be our protection against the wickedness
and snares of the devil;
May God rebuke him, we  humbly pray,
 and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host,
 by the power of God,
 Thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits
who prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls.
 Amen
+

[Salvation]

February Devotion: The Holy Family

Since the 16th century Catholic piety has assigned entire months to special devotions. The month of February has been primarily asociated with the Holy Family, probably due to the feast of Our Lord's presentation at the temple, celebrated on February 2. At the very outset of Christ's work on earth, God showed the world a family in which, as Pope Leo XIII teaches, "all men might behold a perfect model of domestic life, and of all virtue and holiness." The harmony, unity, and holiness which characterized this holy Family make it the model for all Christian families.

INVOCATION
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph most kind, Bless us now and in death's agony.

FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE HOLY FAMILY
Grant unto us, Lord Jesus, ever to follow the example of Thy holy Family, that in the hour of our death Thy glorious Virgin Mother together with blessed Joseph may come to meet us and we may be worthily received by Thee into everlasting dwellings: who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.
Roman Missal

CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY FAMILY
O Jesus, our most loving Redeemer, who having come to enlighten the world with Thy teaching and example, didst will to pass the greater part of Thy life in humility and subjection to Mary and Joseph in the poor home of Nazareth, thus sanctifying the Family that was to be an example for all Christian families, graciously receive our family as it dedicates and consecrates itself to Thee this day. Do Thou defend us, guard us and establish amongst us Thy holy fear, true peace, and concord in Christian love: in order that, by conforming ourselves to the divine pattern of Thy family, we may be able, all of us without exception, to attain to eternal happiness.

Mary, dear Mother of Jesus and Mother of us, by thy kindly intercession make this our humble offering acceptable in the sight of Jesus, and obtain for us His graces and blessings.

O Saint Joseph, most holy guardian of Jesus and Mary, assist us by thy prayers in all our spiritual and temporal necessities; that so we may be enabled to praise our divine Savior Jesus, together with Mary and thee, for all eternity.

Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be, three times.

IN HONOR OF THE HOLY FAMILY
O God, heavenly Father, it was part of Thine eternal decree that Thine only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race, should form a holy family with Mary, His blessed mother, and His foster father, Saint Joseph. In Nazareth home life was sanctified, and a perfect example was given to every Christian family. Grant, we beseech Thee, that we may fully comprehend and faithfully imitate the virtues of the Holy Family so that we may be united with them one day in their heavenly glory. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer Source: Prayer Book, The by Reverend John P. O'Connell, M.A., S.T.D. and Jex Martin, M.A., The Catholic Press, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, 1954

Holy Family Chaplet

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I give you my heart.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with me in my last hour.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, may I breathe forth my soul
in peace with you.

Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man.
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most holy.
Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse. Amen.

Say 3 Our Father's, 3 Hail Mary's, and 3 Glory be's.

 

PRAYER TO
THE HOLY FAMILY
=====================================================================================

GOD our Heavenly Father, You call all peoples to be united as one family in worshipping You as the one and true God. You willed that Your Son become man, giving Him a virgin mother and a foster father to form the Holy Family of Nazareth.

WE pray: may the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, image and model of every human family unit walk in the spirit of Nazareth and grow in the understanding of its particular mission in society and the Church. May our families be living cells of love, faithfulness and unity, thus reflecting God's covenant with humanity and Christ's redeeming love for His Church.

JESUS, Mary and Joseph protect our families from all evil; keep us, who are away from home, one in love with our dear ones.

Feast of the Holy Family (Dom Guéranger OSB)

The Feast of the Holy Family

The Holy Family vs. The Holy Innocents: A Christmas season reflection [Catholic Caucus]

The Redemption and Protection of the Family [Feast of the Holy Family]

Vatican creche to place Holy Family in Joseph's carpentry workshop

Imitating the Holy Family; Four Traits that Make It Possible

Lots of Graphics: Post your favorite image of the St. Mary and Child, the Holy Family...

[Salvation]

Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for February 2009

General: That the Pastors of the Church may always be docile to the action of the Holy Spirit in their teaching and in their service to God's people.

Mission: That the Church in Africa may find adequate ways and means to promote reconciliation, justice and peace efficaciously, according to the indications of the Synod of the Bishops’ Special Assembly for Africa.

[Salvation]

From: Job 7:1-4, 6-7

Only the Sufferer Can Know His Own Grief (Continuation)

---

(Then Job answered,) [1] ”Has not man a hard service upon earth, and are not
his days like the days of a hireling? [2] Like a slave who longs for the shadow,
and like a hireling who looks for his wages, [3] so I am allotted months of empti-
ness, and nights of misery are apportioned to me. [4] When I lie down I say,
‘When shall I arise?’ But the night is long, and I am full of tossing till the dawn.
[6] My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and come to their end without
hope.

[7] ”Remember that my life is a breath; my eye will never again see good.”

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

7:1-2. Well aware that his particular case is by no means unique, Job applies
general statements (vv. 1-2) to his own predicament (3:10). The references to
military service (cf. 14:14) and the position of a hireling graphically describe the
limitations man labors under his whole life long. They are in line with biblical tea-
ching about the plight of the world resulting from original sin and personal sins.
This dramatic situation “makes man’s life a battle: ‘The whole of man’s history
has been the story of dour combat with the powers of evil, stretching, so our
Lord tells us, from the very dawn of history until the last day. Finding himself in
the midst of the battlefield, man has to struggle to do what is right, and it is at
great cost to himself, and aided by God’s grace, that he succeeds in achieving
his own inner integrity’ (”Gaudium Et Spes”, 37)” (”Catechism of the Catholic
Church”, 409).

No one can escape this struggle. However, as we know from experience, not
everyone strives in the same way.“Man’s life on earth is warfare, and his days
are spent under the burden of work. No one escapes this law, not even the
easygoing who try to turn a deaf ear to it. They desert the ranks of Christ, and
then take up other battles to satisfy their laziness, their vanity, or their petty
ambitions. They become enslaved to their every whim. Since to be in a state
of struggle is part and parcel of the human condition, let us try to fulfill our obli-
gations with determination. Let us pray and work with good will, with upright mo-
tives and with our sights set on what God wants. This way our longing for Love
will be satisfied and we shall progress along the path to sanctity, even if we find
at the end of the day that we still have a long way to go” (St J. Escriva, “Friends
of God”, 217).

7:7-10. In a supplication which begins formally with the word “Remember”, Job
argues that if death marks the end for him, then his suffering makes no sense;
we can see that he is still very much taken up with the idea that death is a sort
of goal and that it means the end of all the anguish of life (cf. 3:11-19; 10:20-22;
14:1-22). This approach belongs to a time when the doctrine of the resurrection
of the dead was as yet unclear. However, what Job says should not be taken as
implying that there is no future life; it simply shows that he is so overwhelmed
that he desires his suffering to cease as soon as possible. “Job spoke these
words to register the fact that life is a very fragile thing—and, especially, to
make the point that a person who dies never returns to this life of corruptibility
and never again will pick up his ordinary life where he left off’ (Didymus the
Blind, “In Iob”, “ad loc.”).

*********************************************************************************************
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: 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22b-27

St Paul Does Not Exercise This Right

---

[16] For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For neces-
sity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! [17] For if I do this
of my own will, I have a reward; but if not of my own will, I am entrusted with a
commission. [18] What then is my reward? Just this: that in my preaching I
may make the gospel free of charge, not making full use of my right in the gos-
pel.

[19] For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, that I
might win the more. [22b] I have become all things to all men, that I might by all
means save some. [23] I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in
its blessings.

The Need for Asceticism

---

[24] Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives
the prize? So run that you may obtain it. [25] Every athlete exercises self-control
in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
[26] Well, I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air, but I pommel
my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disquali-
fied.

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

15-18. As he already said in v. 12, St Paul makes it clear that he has not exer-
cised so far, nor does he envisage doing so, his right to be supported by the
faithful. Conscious that his God-given calling obliges him to preach the Gospel,
he prefers to carry out that mission without receiving anything in exchange. His
attitude shows both his greatness and his humility: he faces every kind of suf-
fering, privation and danger for the sake of the Gospel (cf. 2 Cor 11:23-33), and
yet he considers that he is doing no more than his duty. His policy recalls our
Lord’s teaching: “When you have done all that is commanded you, say, ‘We are
unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty”’ (Lk 17:10; cf. Mt
10:8).

To keep to this self-imposed policy, St Paul had to add to all his work of evan-
gelization the additional effort to earn his own living. In the Acts of the Apostles,
for example, we learn of his manual work in Corinth (18:3) and Ephesus (20:34);
and he himself tells the Thessalonians that “we worked night and day, that we
would not burden any of you, while we preached to you the gospel of God” (1
Thess 2:9; 2 Thess 3:9). Only in the case of the Philippians for whom he had
very particular affection, did he allow any exception to this rule (cf. Phil 4:15-16).
However, at no time did he feel that others were doing wrong in acting differently,
“for the Lord had disposed that those who proclaim the Gospel be supported by
it [...]. But he [Paul] went further and chose not even to take what was his due”
(St Augustine, “Sermon” 46, 4).

16. The Church has often used these words of St Paul to remind the faithful that
our Lord has called them to the apostolate through the sacraments of Baptism
and Confirmation. The Second Vatican Council explains what this apostolate in-
volves: “The witness of life, however, is not the sole element in the apostolate;
the true apostle is on the lookout for occasions of announcing Christ by word,
either to unbelievers to draw them towards the faith, or to the faithful to instruct
them, strengthen them, incite them to a more fervent life; ‘for Christ’s love urges
us on’ (2 Cor 5:14), and in the hearts of all should the Apostle’s words find echo:
‘Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel’ (1 Cor 9:16)” (”Apostolicam Actuosi-
tatem”, 6).

St John Chrysostom anticipates the kinds of excuse people might offer to avoid
this duty: “There is nothing colder than a Christian who is not concerned about
the salvation of others [...]. Do not say, I cannot help others: for, if you are truly
a Christian it is impossible not to. Natural objects have properties that cannot be
denied; the same is true of what I have just said, because it is the nature of a
Christian to act in that way. Do not offend God by deception. If you said that the
sun cannot shine, you would be committing an offense against God and making
a liar of him. It is easier for the sinner to shine or give warmth than for a Christian
to cease to give light: it is easier for that to happen than for light to become dark-
ness. Do not say that that is impossible: what is impossible is the contrary [...].
If we behave in the correct way, everything else will follow as a natural conse-
quence. The light of Christians cannot be hidden, a lamp shining so brightly can-
not be hidden” (”Hom. on Acts”, 20).

19-23. Because he is one with Christ (cf. Gal 2:20), who “came not to be served
but to serve, and to give us his life as a ransom for many” (Mt 20:28), the Apostle
makes himself “all things to all men”, so generous is he and so eager to save as
many souls as possible, at the cost of whatever sacrifice and humiliation might
be involved. “A Christian has to be ready to share his life with everyone at all
times, giving to everyone the chance to come nearer to Christ Jesus. He has to
sacrifice his own desires willingly for the sake of others, without separating peo-
ple into watertight compartments, without pigeonholing them or putting tags on
them as though they were merchandise or insect specimens. A Christian cannot
afford to separate himself from others, because, if he did that, his life would be
miserably selfish. He must become ‘all things to all men, in order to save all men’
(1 Cor 9:22)” (St. J. Escriva, “Christ Is Passing By”, 124).

Obviously this concern for others should not lead to diluting the truths of faith.
Referring to this point, Pope Paul VI wrote: “The apostle’s art is a risky one. The
desire to come together as brothers must not lead to a watering down or subtrac-
ting from the truth. Our dialogue must not weaken our attachment to our faith. In
our apostolate we cannot make vague compromises about the principles of faith
and action on which our profession of Christianity is based. An immoderate de-
sire to make peace and sink differences at all costs is, fundamentally, a kind of
skepticism about the power and content of the Word of God which we desire to
preach. Only one who is completely faithful to the teaching of Christ can be an
apostle. And only he who lives his Christian life to the full can remain uncontami-
nated by the errors with which he comes into contact” (”Ecclesiam Suam”, 33).

24-27. These similes taken from athletics would have been appropriate for the
Corinthians, for their city hosted the biennial Isthmus games. Often, when spea-
king about the Christian life, the Apostle uses metaphors taken from sport-races
(cf. Gal 5:7; Phil 3:12-14; 2 Tim 4:7), combats (1 Tim 6:12; 2 Tim 4:7) and laurel
crowns (2 Tim 4:8).

A Christian’s life on earth must needs involve interior striving; he should approach
this with in a competitive, sportive spirit, facing up to any sacrifices that prove
necessary, and not letting obstacles, failures or personal limitation get him down:
“We should not be surprised to find, in our body and soul, the needle of pride,
sensuality, envy, laziness and the desire to dominate others. This is a fact of life,
proven by our personal experience. It is the point of departure and the normal con-
text for winning in this intimate sport, this race toward our Father’s house. St Paul
says: “I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air; but I pommel
my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disquali-
fied’ (1 Cor 9:26) [...]. In this adventure of love we should not be depressed by our
falls, not even by serious falls, if we go to God in the sacrament of Penance con-
trite and resolved to improve. A Christian is not a neurotic collector of good be-
havior reports. Jesus Christ our Lord was moved as much by Peter’s repentance
after his fall as by John’s innocence and faithfulness. Jesus understands our
weakness and draws us to himself on an inclined plane. He wants us to make
an effort to climb a little each day” (”Christ Is Passing By”, 75).

27. While we are in this present life, our perseverance can never be taken for
granted: “Let no one feel assured of this gift with an absolute certainty, although
all ought to have most secure hope in the help of God. For unless we are unfaith-
ful to his grace, God will bring the good work to perfection, just as he began it,
working both the will, and the performance (cf. Phil 2:13)” (Council of Trent, “De
Iustificatione”, chap. 13). Therefore, the Apostle points out, the ascetical effort
which every person must keep on making in this life includes physical mortifica-
tion and self-control. Helped by God’s grace and confident of his mercy, a
Christian who makes this effort will be able to say as St Paul did at the end of
his life, “there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the
righteous judge, will award to me on that day” (2 Tim 4:8).

*********************************************************************************************
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: Mark 1:29-39

The Curing of Peter’s Mother-In-Law

---

[29] And immediately He (Jesus) left the synagogue, and entered the house of
Simon and Andrew, with James and John. [30] Now Simon’s mother-in-law lay
sick with a fever, and immediately they told Him of her. [31] And He came and
took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her; and she served
them.

Jesus Cures Many Sick People

---

[32] That evening, at sundown, they brought to Him all who were sick or pos-
sessed with demons. [33] And the whole city was gathered together about the
door. [34] And He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast
out many demons; and He would not permit the demons to speak, because
they knew Him.

Jesus Goes To a Lonely Place To Pray

---

[35] And in the morning, a great while before day, He rose and went out to a
lonely place, and there He prayed. [36] And Simon and those who were with
Him followed Him, [37] and they found Him and said to Him, “Everyone is sear-
ching for you.” [38] And He said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that
I may preach there also; for that is why Icame out.” [39] And He went through-
out all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.

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

34. Demons possess a supernatural type of knowledge and therefore they recog-
nize Jesus as the Messiah (Mark 1:24). Through the people they possess they
are able to publish this fact. But Our Lord, using His divine powers, orders them
to be silent. On other occasions He also silences His disciples (Mark 8:30; 9:9),
and He instructs people whom He has cured not to talk about their cure (Mark
1:4; 5:43; 7:36; 8:26). He may have acted in this way to educate the people
away from a too human and political idea of the Messiah (Matthew 9:30). There-
fore, He first awakens their interest by performing miracles and gradually, through
His preaching, gives them a clearer understanding of the kind of Messiah He is.

Some Fathers of the Church point out that Jesus does not want to accept, in
support of the truth, the testimony of him who is the father of lies.

35. Many passages of the New Testament make reference to Jesus praying. The
evangelists point to Him praying only on specially important occasions during His
public ministry: Baptism (Luke 3:1), the choosing of the Twelve (Luke 6:12), the
first multiplication of the loaves (Mark 6:46), the Transfiguration (Luke 9:29), in the
garden of Gethsemane prior to His passion (Matthew 26:39) etc. Mark for his part,
refers to Jesus’ prayer at three solemn moments: at the beginning of His public
ministry (1:35), in the middle of it (6:46), and at the end, in Gethsemane (14:32).

Jesus’ prayer is prayer of perfect praise to the Father; it is prayer of petition for
Himself and for us; and it also a model for His disciples. It is a prayer of perfect
praise and thanksgiving because He is God’s beloved Son in whom the Father is
well pleased (cf. Mark 1:11). It is a prayer of petition because the first sponta-
neous movement of a soul who recognizes God as Father is to ask Him for
things. Jesus’ prayer, as we see in very many passages (e.g. John 17:9ff) was
a continuous petition to the Father for the work of redemption which He, Jesus,
had to achieve through prayer and sacrifice.

Our Lord wants to give us an example of the kind of attitude a Christian should
have; he should make a habit of addressing God as son to Father in the midst
of and through his everyday activities—work, family life, personal relationships,
apostolate—so as to give his life a genuinely Christian meaning, for, as Jesus
will point out later on, “apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

“You write: `To pray is to talk with God. But about what?’ About what? About
Him, about yourself: joys, sorrows, successes and failures, noble ambitions,
daily worries, weaknesses! And acts of thanksgiving and petitions: and love
and reparation. In a word: to get to know Him and to get to know yourself: `to
get acquainted!’” (St. J. Escriva, “The Way”).

38. Jesus tells us here that His mission is to preach, to spread the Good News.
He was sent for this purpose (Luke 4:43). The Apostles, in turn, were chosen
by Jesus to be preachers (Mark 3:14; 16:15). Preaching is the method selected
by God to effect salvation: “it pleased God through the folly of what we preach
to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21). This is why St. Paul says to
Timothy: “Preach the word, be urgent in season and out of season, convince,
rebuke, and exhort, be unfailing in patience and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:1-2).
Faith comes from hearing, we are told in Romans 10:17, where St. Paul enthu-
siastically quotes Isaiah: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach good
news!” (Romans 10:15; Isaiah 52:7).

The Church identifies preaching the Gospel as one of the main tasks of bishops
and priests. St. Pius X went so far as saying that “for a priest there is no duty
more grave or obligation more binding (to dispel ignorance)” (”Acerbo Nimis”). In
this connection Vatican II states: “The people of God is formed into one in the
first place by the Word of the living God (cf. 1 Peter 1:23; Acts 6:7; 12:24), which
is quite rightly sought from the mouths of priests (2 Corinthians 11:7).

For since nobody can be saved who has not first believed (Mark 16:16), it is the
first task of priests as co-workers of the bishops to preach the Gospel of God to
all men (2 Corinthians 11:7). In this way they carry out the Lord’s command `Go
into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature’ (Mark 16:15) (cf. Mala-
chi 2:7; 1 Timothy 4:11-13; etc.) and thus set up and increase the people of God”
(”Presbyterorum Ordinis”).

Jesus’ preaching is not just limited to words: He backs up His teaching with His
authority and with deeds. The Church also has been sent to preach salvation and
to effect the work of salvation which it proclaims—a work done through the Sacra-
ments and especially through the renewal of the sacrifice of Calvary in the Mass
(Vatican II, “Sacrosanctum Concilium”, 6).

In the Church of God all of us should listen devoutly to the preaching of the Gos-
pel and we all should feel a responsibility to spread the Gospel by our words and
actions. It is the responsibility of the hierarchy of the Church to teach the Gospel
authentically—on the authority of Christ.

*********************************************************************************************
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]

He Cured Many Who Were Sick

He Cured Many Who Were Sick

February 7th, 2009 by Fr. Jack Peterson ·

We can learn much about the Christian life from this week’s Gospel, which offers a glimpse of a day in the public life of Christ. Three important lessons can be gleaned from this short description of a 20-hour period in Jesus’ life.

Jesus always demonstrates prudence and wisdom in His ministry. No one could doubt the importance of extending His healing touch to Simon Peter’s mother-in-law. Jesus would soon demand very serious sacrifices of Peter as the head of the Apostles. Given that all of the necessary factors were present to bring about the healing, like faith, desire and the will of the Father, it was very prudent for Jesus to offer such a sign of love and support to Peter and his wife by healing her mother who lay sick with a fever.

Do I spend time thinking critically about how I can better support those in my care? Do I spend my energies reflecting on how to build up those who support me with their prayers, hard work and love? Do I ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in creating an atmosphere around me where those closest to me know my care and appreciation for their presence in my life?

Second, Jesus reveals His heart about His mission. In Peter’s hometown, the word is spreading rapidly about Our Lord. The people are flocking to Him to hear Him speak with authority, to be recipients of His amazing love and to be healed of their many ailments. “The whole town was gathered at his door.”

Yet, after some time in prayer in the morning, Jesus makes the decision to move on to other towns. He may have been tempted to sit around and enjoy all of the attention, to bask in the light of the crowd’s admiration. Instead, Our Lord tells Peter, “Let us go on to nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.”

Jesus has a burning desire to share the Good News of the Kingdom with more and more people. The gift of His truth, His love and His mercy needs to spread to the whole world. Do I share in Christ’s sense of urgency? As a Christian, do I have a burning desire that others hear the message of Christ and come to know Him personally as their Creator, Redeemer and Friend? Do I recognize that I, as a baptized Christian, share in Christ’s mission to bring His light into every corner of our world?

Third, Jesus spends quite a bit of time extending His healing touch to individuals throughout this short passage. He comes as the Divine Physician to heal a sick and broken world of sin as well as all kinds of physical and emotional ailments. The Gospels paint a clear picture of the healing dimension of Christ’s public ministry.

Am I convinced that Jesus wants that healing work to continue in our own day? Do I turn to Christ for the most important healing of all, the forgiveness of my sins, which is given so freely and generously in the sacrament of penance? Do I bring others to Christ and encourage them to treasure this healing? Do I realize that God wants to use me as an instrument of His healing in this world?

So much of this world’s ills are the result of sins against charity. Neglect of spouses and children, anger, sexual abuse, greed and numerous other grievous sins create the deepest wounds in our society. Christ wants to extend His healing touch to people in homes, schools and places of work, in part, through our care and concern for those that He places in our lives. I have been greatly encouraged by the variety and depth of healing that God has brought about in the lives of young people at Marymount from these same kinds of wounds through the gifts of the sacraments, strong Christian community and solid Christian counseling.

May the glimpse that we are given into a day in the life of Our Lord encourage us to be true disciples of Christ. May we be wise in our efforts to encourage those who support us, zealous for the spread of the Gospel to every corner of our world and keenly aware that Christ’s healing ministry is as important today as ever, and that I have a critical role to play in that ministry.

 

Fr. Peterson is Campus Minister at Marymount University in Arlington and interim director of the Youth Apostles Institute. (This article courtesy of the Arlington Catholic Herald.)

[Salvation]

Catholic Doors

First of all, I would like to wish a good morning to all of you, to the little children and to the adults of our parish. And also to the visitors who are always welcomed to join us in the celebration of the Holy Mass.

Today's Readings echo how the weak human nature often overcomes the spiritual nature that perceives the greater mysteries of God.

Our first example is found in the First Reading from the Book of Job. When reviewing this entire Book of the Old Testament, we come to the realization that the soul of Job was like a yo-yo. One moment, he was uplifted, thinking spiritually; another moment he was down, thinking worldly. One moment, he was like a wave on the ocean; the next moment he was as the calm ocean on which reflects the light of the sun. What did not help Job's ability to reason was that he was surrounded by non-believers who were constantly thinking worldly, those who's lives were as waves on the ocean.

At one time, Job had everything going for him. Blameless and upright, he feared God and turned away from evil. [Job 1:1] He had seven sons and three daughters. [Job 1:2] He had seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred donkeys and very many servants, so that he was the greatest of all the people of the East. [Job 1:3]

During this time, God and Satan were having a little discussion in Heaven regarding the loyalty of Job. Satan alleged that the only reason why Job was loyal to God was because the Lord had been good to him, having blessed him with so many things. Satan said to God, "But stretch out your hand now, and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face." [Job 1:11] Hearing this, the Lord said to Satan, "Very well, all that he has is in your power; only do not stretch out your hand against him!" [[Job 1:12]

Following this, within a period of time, Job lost everything that he had, his sons and daughters, all his animals and his servants. But amidst this, Job remained faithful to God. Seeing this, Satan repeated to God, "But stretch out your hand now and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse you to your face." [Job 2:5] The Lord told Satan to go ahead but to spare the life of Job. And so Satan inflicted Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. [Job 2:7]

Now, those who knew Job, saw what had happened to him. Suddenly, while functioning at the worldly level, they became overnight experts of spiritual wisdom. Three of Job's friends came to visit him, each one being judgmental and having his own answer as to why Job was suffering as he was. One said that Job had sinned. Another said that Job should repent. The last said that Job's guilt deserved punishment.

Even the wife of Job questioned his integrity, telling him to curse God so he could die. [Job 2:9] But, remaining faithful in the service of the Lord, Job said, "Shall we receive the good at the hand of God, and not receive the bad?" [Job. 1:10]

Now Job was going through hard times like some of us experience at times in life. Speaking to his friends, he was deploring his life, even to the point of cursing the day he was born. [Job 3:1] He viewed life three ways, as service in the armed forces, as a day labourer and as a slave, each of these ways of life being a wretch state of life. Here we see the influence of those around Job, they influencing him to think worldly rather than spiritual. Job no longer remembered the blessings of God that he had received in the past, only seeing what he presently had... that being nothing.

It is obvious from hearing the words of Job that he was depressed, experiencing great loneliness because he had no one to turn to who could uplift him spiritually. While going through this state of mind, Job was questioning the purpose of life. Thinking worldly, he asked, "If mortals die, will they live again?" [Job. 14:14] Thinking spiritually, he said, "For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at the last he will stand upon the earth; and after my skin has been thus destroyed, then in my flesh I shall see God." [Job. 19:25-6]

Now it is interesting to note that Job, while thinking spiritually, believed in a Redeemer and the resurrection of the flesh when in those days, nothing was known of judgment and the eternal happiness after death that awaits those who persevere in their living faith.

Reverting to worldly thinking, Job found the nights long, tossing in his bed all night until dawn. He saw his days coming to an end without hope, his life being but a breath, his eyes never being able to see good again.

In all his suffering, Job did not know what we know, that he was being tested by God to see if he would remain faithful in the service of the Lord. He did not know that Satan was challenging God regarding his loyalty. He did not know that in the end, God would reward his faithful loyalty, blessing him with more than he had in the beginning.

In this reading, there is a lesson for each and everyone of us. No matter what happens in life, we should always think spiritually in order to try to understand the grace of God at work in our lives. We should not curse God as the wife of Job recommended. We should not be judgmental of others, saying that their sufferings are the result of sin. For God alone knows why all things happen to us, be they good or bad as we would say in simple English.

When something happens to us or to our loved ones that we cannot explain with a worldly mind, then we should attempt to embrace a spiritual mind in order to understand the message that God is giving us. Is God sanctifying us? Is He testing our faith? Is He testing our perseverance? Is He testing our love towards others? Is He teaching us self-control, to refrain us from gossiping or judging others? With a prayerful mind, by the power of the Spirit of God, the one who seeks an answer will always be inspired as to why things happen the way they do in life.

During today's Second Reading, we heard how St. Paul also remained faithful in the service of the Lord. Thinking spiritually, he considered himself as a slave who was indebted to Jesus, never being able to repay for the gift of salvation that was promised to him by the grace of God. The fact that he had been chosen by Jesus to proclaim the Gospel was not a reason to boast. It was an obligation as a born again Christian to preach the Word of God in answer to his calling to walk his living faith in Christ.

Also, we must not forget that St. Paul must have known of the reward that awaits those who persevere in their living faith. This reason could have motivated him to preach the Gospel so that he could share in the eternal reward that awaits all those who remain as faithful servants of the Lord Jesus. What is that eternal reward? The Book of Daniels [12:3], tells us that "Those who lead many to righteousness, (they shall shine) like the stars forever and ever."

St. Paul viewed his work for the Lord as he being entrusted with a commission. This is like a king who sends his ambassador to a foreign country with a special message. The ambassador receives a commission that must be fulfilled. He does not have time for himself or to make a side trip. His first and utmost preoccupation is to deliver the message at all cost in complete obedience and service to his king.

In the same way, St. Paul viewed his calling from Jesus. He felt spiritually obligated to fulfill his commission as it had been entrusted to him.

Now, how did St. Paul fulfill his commission? He refused to charge for the service of preaching. He could have charged! In Chapter 9 of the First Letter to the Corinthians, it says, "In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the Gospel would get their living by the Gospel." [1 Cor. 9:14] But, Paul felt that if he charged a fee for preaching, he would have his worldly reward, being denied the spiritual reward to come. Since he had been commissioned by Jesus to do this work, he felt that he had no right to take advantage of the others by charging for the service. Having received freely, he gave freely, counting on the Lord God to reward him at the end of his worldly journey.

St. Paul goes on to say that in order to win many over to Christ, he made himself a slave to all. He set aside many of the freedoms that he previously enjoyed in order to make himself acceptable to all men. He followed the teachings of Jesus who said that the greater one is the slave of all, the one who serves at the table. [Lk. 22:25-7] Jesus also said, "You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you (the Christians); but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many." [Mk. 10:42-5]

So, even here, we hear of the Lord Jesus as being a faithful servant to His Heavenly Father, being obedient to the end.

From today's Gospel Reading, we further see how Jesus served the Heavenly Father in answering His Divine Commission to announce that the Kingdom of God on earth was coming. As proof of His Divinity, Jesus performed numerous miracles. Earlier, we heard how he cured the mother-in-law of Simon who had fever. Once cured, Simon's mother-in-law got up and served Jesus and those who were present. This example affirms that those who have been saved by Christ through a spiritual rebirth and healing, are expected to serve the Lord God.

Now, Jesus' ministry at Capernaum was not limited to a few friends. Jesus made Himself available to all those in need who accepted Him as the Son of God. Earlier, we heard that at sundown, the city was gathered around the door where Jesus was present. The people brought the sick and those who were possessed with demons to Jesus. And Jesus cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. At the same time, He would not allow the demons to speak, because they knew who He was.

Later, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and went out to a deserted place where He prayed. Consequently, Simon and his companions went out looking for Him.

Here, we see the worldly mind at work again. Simon said, "Everyone is searching for you." This implies that Jesus should remain at Capernaum and gain fame from the popularity of His miracles. But Jesus, being spiritually minded, refuse to limit His ministry to one place or to encourage the belief of a coming worldly Kingdom of God. Responding to Simon, He said, "Let us go to the neighbouring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do." And Jesus travelled throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message of the spiritual Kingdom of God in the synagogues and casted out demons.

As you have heard during today's Readings, we have different examples of how one can think spiritually versus worldly thinking. We have come to the realization that in order to remain faithful in the service of the Lord, we must embrace a spiritual mind so that we can understand the things of God.

We have learned that no matter how hard life can be at time, by the power of the Holy Spirit and a spiritual approach, we can overcome any obstacles by the grace of God the Father in the Most Holy Name of Jesus.

We have learned of the necessity to associate with those who are spiritually minded. If we surround ourselves with those who are worldly, we will begin to think like them, suppressing our spiritual thoughts that are in harmony with the indwelling Spirit of Christ.

We have learned that we have an obligation to serve the Lord Jesus in thanksgiving for the Sacrament of Baptism that has made us children of God, of the godly seed. We receive freely from God and we should give freely to others, not expecting a worldly reward for our spiritual work by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I am sure that there are other lessons that can be learned from today's readings. By the grace of God the Father, the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to specific lessons that apply to us so we may be sanctified in Christ.

This week, I ask you all to reflect on today's readings and ask yourselves, "What is God's message to me this week from these readings?" Once you perceive God's message, you will know that you have embraced a spiritual heart. You will also come to the realization that the Holy Spirit is working through you because you are becoming faithful in the service of the Lord.

[Salvation]

The Work of God

 

Year B

 -  5th Sunday in ordinary time

He cured many who suffered from diseases

Mark 1:29-39

29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
30 Now Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once.
31 He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.
32 That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons.
33 And the whole city was gathered around the door.
34 And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.
35 In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.
36 And Simon and his companions hunted for him.
37 When they found him, they said to him, "Everyone is searching for you."
38 He answered, "Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do."
39 And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons. (NRSV)

Inspiration of the Holy Spirit - From the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Here you can see how I lived one of my busiest days of pilgrimage on this earth. I came to teach in the synagogues, in the streets, in the fields, in the homes and everywhere I could. My words always set the stage for my miracles.

Most of the healings that people received those days were due to their faith in me, the Son of God sent by the Heavenly Father to proclaim His message. They believed in my Word, the eternal Word with divine power, they acknowledged my supernatural gifts and were most fortunate to profit from my mercy.

My main concern was not so much to heal the body, but to heal the mind and the soul from the perversions that hinder the spirit. You are all called to know, love and serve God, to adore Him in spirit and in truth.

My teachings focused on the love that you must have for one another, because it is by being humble, merciful, kind and loving that you conquer my heart. Those who accepted the message to repent received the gift of the holy spirit, which began to prepare them for the hope of salvation that I have given to the world.

During the three years of my ministry I was able to visit many towns, to heal many diseases and to cast out many devils. I revealed the will of my Father to everyone, so that you can learn from me and be saved. I taught humility by my own humility, I taught love by loving you so much until the point of becoming the sacrifice to expiate for your sins.

My wisdom remains among you, my spirit is ever present calling and instructing everyone to turn away from evil and to come closer to God.

I was a man of prayer. I want to ask you my little soul to spend as much time as you can in prayer. Try to stay away from so many distractions that surround you, don’t seek the entertainment that disturbs the soul and leads you to sin. It is in the silence of your soul that you experience my presence, it is when you pray and desire to be with me that I manifest myself more to you.

The more you pray and desire to be with me, the more you will turn away from the world and come closer to me. My delight is to see you assimilating my teachings and becoming like me.

Author: Joseph of Jesus and Mary

[Salvation]

The Road to Emmaus

Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time

By Brian Pizzalato *

 

(Cycle B)

First Reading – Job 7:1-4, 6-7

Responsorial Psalm – Ps. 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

Second Reading – 1 Cor. 9:16-19, 22-23

Gospel Reading – Mk. 1:29-39

This week’s readings both from the Old Testament and the Gospel of Mark focus on the theme of suffering.

From this point forward in this column I quote from some of my others writings.

However, I can’t help but first comment on the fact that Mark recounts the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law. As the late, great Archbishop Fulton Sheen once said, this may in fact be why Peter later denies Jesus three times.

It never hurts to insert a little humor in things.

Suffering in the Old Testament

Suffering, whether physical, spiritual or psychological, is often an opportunity when many question the existence of God, or why he allows suffering - in particular the suffering of the innocent.

God, throughout the Old Testament, helps us to understand what he will fully reveal in the New Testament regarding suffering. We now know that God the Father has sent the Son to give us the Holy Spirit through the sacraments, one of which is referred to as Anointing of the Sick.

"Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters (priests) of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord…" (Jam. 5:14). Here, St. James describes the essential elements of this special sacrament.

When it comes to understanding suffering, as well as death, the first thing that must be mentioned is that they are a result of original sin. St. Paul tells us, "For the wages of sin is death…" (Rom. 6:23). Death is the most extreme form of suffering. Once sin entered the world through the free choice of our first parents, so did suffering and death, both physical and spiritual.

Throughout the Old Testament, we gain an understanding that suffering and death can be a consequence of personal sin. However, it is not the case that our heavenly Father is sitting up on throne of glory, waiting for us to sin, then exacting his pound of flesh because we have wandered from his ways. If anything, he allows us to suffer to divest us of the pride of having done things our way, to help us realize that our peace, joy and fulfillment lie in doing things his way. Nevertheless he is not going to force us to do things his way, but he is going to allow us to experience the consequences of our actions.

It could be argued that suffering is God’s way of punishing, but it could also be argued that suffering is part of God’s mercy. There is not a whole lot worse than living profoundly sinful lives while never experiencing the consequences of those actions: the man who lies, cheats and steals and gets away with it. Often it’s only when the drunkard finally sees that he has lost his wife, children and home that he turns things around. God, in his mercy, allows him to hit rock bottom.

It is also the case that in the Old Testament we do not only have the guilty suffering; the innocent also suffer. This too is a result of sin having entered the world. If it weren’t for the sinful choices of Adam, Eve and all men and women’s personal sins, the innocent would not suffer. It is not God’s fault that the innocent suffer; it is our fault.

However, God does prepare us in the Old Testament to understand what is going to take place in the New regarding the suffering of the innocent.

Most of us are familiar with the great icon of innocent suffering, Job. Job’s friends tell him that his suffering is a result of his own sinfulness. But Scripture tells us that Job was "blameless and upright," someone who "feared God and avoided evil" (Job 1:1).

Job’s response teaches us something that will be fully revealed with the coming of Christ. Job proclaims, "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that he will at last stand forth upon the dust; whom I myself shall see: my own eyes, not another’s, shall behold him, and from my flesh I shall see God; my inmost being is consumed with longing" (Job 19:25-27). Job sees a link between suffering and redemption; he hopes for salvation even in the midst of suffering.

Then there is Isaiah’s prophecy regarding the forthcoming innocent suffering servant redeemer. "He was spurned and avoided by men, a man of suffering, accustomed to infirmity…yet it was our infirmities that he bore, our sufferings that he endured…but he was pierced for our offences, crushed for our sins…Through his suffering, my servant shall justify many, and their guilt he shall bear…and he shall take away the sins of many and win pardon for their offences" (Is. 53:3, 4, 5, 11, 12). The suffering servant of the Lord will bring about salvation.

It is also important to mention one additional aspect of the Old Testament regarding suffering and death that is typically associated with the New Testament, namely healing and raising from the dead. Both in the Old and the New Testaments, healing and raising from the dead show that God can conquer both, thus manifesting his glory.

The prophet Elisha, who prefigures Jesus, is an instrument of God’s healing and raising from the dead. In 2 Kings 5 we read how Namaan, who has leprosy, is told by the prophet to go wash seven times in the Jordan River. When he does so, he is cured and proclaims, "Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel" (5:15). These are profound words of faith from a gentile Syrian commander, not an Israelite.

In 2 Kings 4 Elisha raises a boy from the dead. "When Elisha reached the house, he found the boy lying dead. He went in, closed the door on them both, and prayed to the Lord. Then he lay upon the child on the bed, placing his mouth upon the child’s mouth, his eyes upon the eyes, and his hand upon the hands. As Elisha stretched himself over the child, the body became warm" (4:32-34).

Suffering in the New Testament

When the Second Person of the Trinity took on human nature, he entered into a suffering and broken world brought about the sinfulness of Adam, Eve and all mankind. He did so in order to show us the infinite depths of the Father’s love, to heal us and raise us up to newness of life through the sacraments he instituted. He also did so with the purpose of giving meaning to the sufferings we endure.

Jesus, that is, God himself, did not exempt himself from entering into the hell of human suffering. He humbled himself to be rejected by the innkeeper, to be born in a barn full of animals and placed in the feeding trough of those animals.

At the presentation in the Temple, Simeon prophesies suffering: "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself (Mary) a sword will pierce…" (Lk. 2:34-35).

In his infancy, Jesus had to rely of Joseph to flee from the tyrannical King Herod, who sought to slaughter the newborn king of the Jews.

Throughout his public ministry, he suffered on many occasions. He suffered from temptation, rejection, scorn, ridicule – even from those within his own circle of friends. He suffered the sorrow of losing his friend Lazarus. He suffered at the unjust arrest, imprisonment and murder of his cousin, John the Baptist. He suffered betrayal by Judas and denial by Peter.

Throughout his public ministry, he spoke of his forthcoming suffering: "The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected…and be killed and on the third day be raised" (Lk. 9:22).

And again: "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem and everything written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles and he will be mocked and insulted and spat upon; and after they have scourged him they will kill him, but on the third day he will rise" (Lk. 18:31-33).

However, Jesus healed and raised people from the dead to show that suffering and death will not have the last word, so much so that St. Paul will one day say, "Death is swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" (1 Cor. 15:54-55).

He also sent out the Twelve, and then the 70, to do the same. He set it up so that his love and mercy could be extended through the church he established.

Jesus also taught us that suffering is part of the demands of discipleship. "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Lk. 9:23).

"Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple" (Lk. 15:27).

"…Whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me" (Mt. 10:38).

The definitive suffering of Christ began in the upper room and ended on Calvary.

If we want to find the meaning of suffering, we should only look upon the cross. The cross is where we are shown in a perfect way how much God loves us. He loves us with a self-sacrificial, suffering love.

In our own suffering, Christ allows us to share in the deepest sign of his love. He has infused suffering with divine meaning, not human meaninglessness. Human suffering is thus redeemed. Through our suffering, we participate in the sacrifice of Christ, which brings about our salvation and the salvation of others. And it is only through the cross that we are led to the resurrection, there is no Easter Sunday without Good Friday.

So, why do people suffer? Suffering can be a result of sin. Of this there is no doubt. Suffering can also serve as a way of testing and purification. Jesus was tested in the desert while he fasted. He was also tested through suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane, so much so that he "began to feel sorrow and distress" and "he was in such agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground" (Mt. 26:37, Lk. 22:44).

During this agony he says, "Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Mt. 26:41). It is a test that will help us see if we will follow God only in good times, but also in bad times. In the midst of the test of suffering, will we shout out with a loud cry, "My will be done," or "Thy will be done!"

We also suffer so that a space may be created to show love – of God and of neighbor. The suffering of others provides opportunities to demonstrate our love, the primary scriptural example being the Good Samaritan (cf. Lk. 10:29-37).

Typical responses to the suffering of others might be, "I will pray for you." That is love. "I will make a meal and bring it over." That is love. "I will come visit you in the hospital." That is love. "I will call a priest to give you the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick." That is love.

We should also strive to unite our sufferings to Christ, placing ourselves at the foot of the cross with Mary and John, where the mystery of divine love is most manifest. We should also unite ourselves to Christ through reception of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.

However, we can also, in a profound way, unite our suffering to Christ in the Mass. Where his body and blood is given for us, may we, too, surrender our body and blood to him in the sacrifice of the Mass.

[Salvation]

Sunday, February 8, 2009
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Psalm: Second Reading: Gospel:

Job 7:1-4, 6-7 Psalm 147:1-6 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23 Mark 1:29-39 The little daily lesson: to keep soberly and quietly in His Presence, trying to turn every little action on His Will; and to praise and love through cloud and sunshine is all my care and study. -- St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

[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]

Novena for the Protection of the Unborn

[GonzoII]

The Daily Psalms:

Sunday

Douay Rheims Version

 

MATINS: First Nocturn

 

Psalm 1
Beatus Vir

The happiness of the just: and the evil state of the wicked.

1 Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the chair of pestilence. 2 But his will is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he shall meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree which is planted near the running waters, which shall bring forth its fruit, in due season. And his leaf shall not fall off: and all whatsoever he shall do shall prosper. 4 Not so the wicked, not so: but like the dust, which the wind driveth from the face of the earth. 5 Therefore the wicked shall not rise again in judgment: nor sinners in the council of the just. 6 For the Lord knoweth the way of the just: and the way of the wicked shall perish.
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

Psalm 2
Quare Fremuerunt

The vain efforts of persecutors against Christ and his Church.

1 Why have the Gentiles raged, and the people devised vain things? 2 The kings of the earth stood up, and the princes met together, against the Lord and against his Christ. 3 Let us break their bonds asunder: and let us cast away their yoke from us. 4 He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh at them: and the Lord shall deride them. 5 Then shall he speak to them in his anger, and trouble them in his rage. 6 But I am appointed king by him over Sion his holy mountain, preaching his commandment. 7 The Lord hath said to me: Thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee. 8 Ask of me, and I will give thee the Gentiles for thy inheritance, and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession. 9 Thou shalt rule them with a rod of iron, and shalt break them in pieces like a potter's vessel. 10 And now, O ye kings, understand: receive instruction, you that judge the earth. 11 Serve ye the Lord with fear: and rejoice unto him with trembling. 12 Embrace discipline, lest at any time the Lord be angry, and you perish from the just way. 13 When his wrath shall be kindled in a short time, blessed are all they that trust in him.
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

Psalm 3
Domine, Quid Multiplicati

The prophet's danger and delivery from his son, Absalom: mystically the passion and resurrection of Christ.

1 The psalm of David when he fled from the face of his son Absalom. 2 WHY, O Lord, are they multiplied that afflict me? many are they who rise up against me. 3 Many say to my soul: There is no salvation for him in his God. 4 But thou, O Lord art my protector, my glory, and the lifter up of my head. 5 I have cried to the Lord with my voice: and he hath heard me from his holy hill. 6 I have slept and taken my rest: and I have risen up, because the Lord hath protected me. 7 I will not fear thousands of the people, surrounding me: arise, O Lord; save me, O my God. 8 For thou hast struck all them who are my adversaries without cause: thou hast broken the teeth of sinners. 9 Salvation is of the Lord: and thy blessing is upon thy people.
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

SECOND NOCTURN:

Psalm 8
Domine Dominus Noster

God is wonderful in his works; especially in mankind, singularly exalted by the incarnation of Christ.

1 Unto the end, for the presses: a psalm for David. 2 O LORD our Lord, how admirable is thy name in the whole earth! For thy magnificence is elevated above the heavens. 3 Out of the mouth of infants and of sucklings thou hast perfected praise, because of thy enemies, that thou mayst destroy the enemy and the avenger. 4 For I will behold thy heavens, the works of thy fingers: the moon and the stars which thou hast founded. 5 What is man that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man that thou visitest him? 6 Thou hast made him a little less than the angels, thou hast crowned him with glory and honour: 7 and hast set him over the works of thy hands. 8 Thou hast subjected all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen: moreover the beasts also of the fields. 9 The birds of the air, and the fishes of the sea, that pass through the paths of the sea. 10 O Lord our Lord, how admirable is thy name in all the earth!
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

Psalm 9a
Confitebor Tibi Domine

The church praiseth God for his protection against her enemies.

1 Unto the end, for the hidden things of the Son. A psalm for David. 2 I WILL give praise to thee, O Lord, with my whole heart: I will relate all thy wonders. 3 I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing to thy name, O thou most high. 4 When my enemy shall be turned back: they shall be weakened and perish before thy face. 5 For thou hast maintained my judgment and my cause: thou hast sat on the throne, who judgest justice. 6 Thou hast rebuked the Gentiles, and the wicked one hath perished: thou hast blotted out their name for ever and ever. 7 The swords of the enemy have failed unto the end: and their cities thou hast destroyed. Their memory hath perished with a noise: 8 but the Lord remaineth for ever. He hath prepared his throne in judgment: 9 and he shall judge the world in equity, he shall judge the people in justice. 10 And the Lord is become a refuge for the poor: a helper in due time in tribulation. 11 And let them trust in thee who know thy name: for thou hast not forsaken them that seek thee, O Lord. 12 Sing ye to the Lord, who dwelleth in Sion: declare his ways among the Gentiles: 13 For requiring their blood he hath remembered them: he hath not forgotten the cry of the poor. 14 Have mercy on me, O Lord: see my humiliation which I suffer from my enemies. 15 Thou that liftest me up from the gates of death, that I may declare all thy praises in the gates of the daughter of Sion. 16 I will rejoice in thy salvation: the Gentiles have stuck fast in the destruction which they have prepared. Their foot hath been taken in the very snare which they hid. 17 The Lord shall be known when he executeth judgments: the sinner hath been caught in the works of his own hands. 18 The wicked shall be turned into hell, all the nations that forget God. 19 For the poor man shall not be forgotten to the end: the patience of the poor shall not perish for ever. 20 Arise, O Lord, let not man be strengthened: let the Gentiles be judged in thy sight. 21 Appoint, O Lord, a lawgiver over them: that the Gentiles may know themselves to be but men.
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

THIRD NOCTURN

Psalm 9b
Confitebor Tibi Domine

The church praiseth God for his protection against her enemies.

22 Why, O Lord, hast thou retired afar off? why dost thou slight us in our wants, in the time of trouble? 23 Whilst the wicked man is proud, the poor is set on fire: they are caught in the counsels which they devise. 24 For the sinner is praised in the desires of his soul: and the unjust man is blessed. 25 The sinner hath provoked the Lord according to the multitude of his wrath he will not seek him: 26 God is not before his eyes: his ways are filthy at all times. Thy judgments are removed from his sight: he shall rule over all his enemies. 27 For he hath said in his heart: I shall not be moved from generation to generation, and shall be without evil. 28 His mouth is full of cursing, and of bitterness, and of deceit: under his tongue are labour and sorrow. 29 He sitteth in ambush with the rich in private places, that he may kill the innocent. 30 His eyes are upon the poor man: He lieth in wait in secret like a lion in his den. He lieth in ambush that he may catch the poor man: to catch the poor, whilst he draweth him to him. 31 In his net he will bring him down, he will crouch and fall, when he shall have power over the poor. 32 For he hath said in his heart: God hath forgotten, he hath turned away his face not to see to the end. 33 Arise, O Lord God, let thy hand be exalted: forget not the poor. 34 Wherefore hath the wicked provoked God? for he hath said in his heart: He will not require it. 35 Thou seest it, for thou considerest labour and sorrow: that thou mayst deliver them into thy hands. To thee is the poor man left: thou wilt be a helper to the orphan. 36 Break thou the arm of the sinner and of the malignant: his sin shall be sought, and shall not be found. 37 The Lord shall reign to eternity, yea, for ever and ever: ye Gentiles shall perish from his land. 38 The Lord hath heard the desire of the poor: thy ear hath heard the preparation of their heart. 39 To judge for the fatherless and for the humble, that man may no more presume to magnify himself upon earth.
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

Psalm10
In Domino Confido

The just man's confidence in God in the midst of persecutions.

1 Unto the end. A psalm for David. 2 IN the Lord I put my trust: how then do you say to my soul: Get thee away from hence to the mountain like a sparrow? 3 For, lo, the wicked have bent their bow; they have prepared their arrows in the quiver; to shoot in the dark the upright of heart. 4 For they have destroyed the things which thou hast made: but what has the just man done? 5 The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord's throne is in heaven. His eyes look on the poor man: his eyelids examine the sons of men. 6 The Lord trieth the just and the wicked: but he that loveth iniquity hateth his own soul. 7 He shall rain snares upon sinners: fire and brimstone and storms of winds shall be the portion of their cup. 8 For the Lord is just, and hath loved justice: his countenance hath beheld righteousness.
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

LAUDS:

Psalm 92
Dominus Regnavit

The glory and stability of the kingdom; that is, of the Church of Christ.

1 Praise in the way of a canticle, for David himself, on the day before the sabbath, when the earth was founded. THE Lord hath reigned, he is clothed with beauty: the Lord is clothed with strength, and hath girded himself. For he hath established the world which shall not be moved. 2 Thy throne is prepared from of old: thou art from everlasting. 3 The floods have lifted up, O Lord: the floods have lifted up their voice. The floods have lifted up their waves, 4 with the noise of many waters. Wonderful are the surges of the sea: wonderful is the Lord on high. 5 Thy testimonies are become exceedingly credible: holiness becometh thy house, O Lord, unto length of days.
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

Psalm 99
Jubilate Deo

All are invited to rejoice in God, the Creator of all.

1 A psalm of praise. 2 SING joyfully to God, all the earth: serve ye the Lord with gladness. Come in before his presence with exceeding great joy. 3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: he made us, and not we ourselves. We are his people and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Go ye into his gates with praise, into his courts with hymns: and give glory to him. Praise ye his name: 5 for the Lord is sweet, his mercy endureth for ever, and his truth to generation and generation.
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

Psalm 62
Deus Deus Meus Ad Te

The prophet aspireth after God.

1 A psalm of David when he was in the desert of Edom. 2 O GOD, my God, to thee do I watch at break of day. For thee my soul hath thirsted; for thee my flesh, O how many ways! 3 In a desert land, and where there is no way, and no water: so in the sanctuary have I come before thee, to see thy power and thy glory. 4 For thy mercy is better than lives: thee my lips shall praise. 5 Thus will I bless thee all my life long: and in thy name I will lift up my hands. 6 Let my soul be filled as with marrow and fatness: and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips. 7 If I have remembered thee upon my bed, I will meditate on thee in the morning: 8 because thou hast been my helper. And I will rejoice under the covert of thy wings: 9 my soul hath stuck close to thee: thy right hand hath received me. 10 But they have sought my soul in vain, they shall go into the lower parts of the earth: 11 They shall be delivered into the hands of the sword, they shall be the portions of foxes. 12 But the king shall rejoice in God, all they shall be praised that swear by him: because the mouth is stopped of them that speak wicked things.
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

Canticle of the Three Young Men: Dan 3:57-88

57 All ye works of the Lord, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. 58 O ye angels of the Lord, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. 59 O ye heavens, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. 60 O all ye waters that are above the heavens, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all for ever. 61 O all ye powers of the Lord, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. 62 O ye sun and moon, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. 63 O ye stars of heaven, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. 64 O every shower and dew, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. 65 O all ye spirits of God, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. 66 O ye fire and heat, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. 67 O ye cold and heat, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. 68 O ye dews and hoar frosts, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. 69 O ye frost and cold, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. 70 O ye ice and snow, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. 71 O ye nights and days, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. 72 O ye light and darkness, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. 73 O ye lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. 74 O let the earth bless the Lord: let it praise and exalt him above all for ever. 75 O ye mountains and hills, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. 76 O all ye things that spring up in the earth, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. 77 O ye fountains, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. 78 O ye seas and rivers, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. 79 O ye whales, and all that move in the waters, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. 80 O all ye fowls of the air, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. 81 O all ye beasts and cattle, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. 82 O ye sons of men, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. 83 O let Israel bless the Lord: let them praise and exalt him above all for ever. 84 O ye priests of the Lord, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. 85 O ye servants of the Lord, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. 86 O ye spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. 87 O ye holy and humble of heart, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. 88 O Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. For he hath delivered us from hell, and saved us out of the hand of death, and delivered us out of the midst of the burning flame, and saved us out of the midst of the fire.
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

Psalm 148
Laudate Dominum de Caelis

All creatures are invited to praise their Creator.

1 Alleluia. PRAISE ye the Lord from the heavens: praise ye him in the high places. 2 Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts. 3 Praise ye him, O sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars and light. 4 Praise him, ye heavens of heavens: and let all the waters that are above the heavens 5 praise the name of the Lord. For he spoke, and they were made: he commanded, and they were created. 6 He hath established them for ever, and for ages of ages: he hath made a decree, and it shall not pass away. 7 Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all ye deeps: 8 Fire, hail, snow, ice, stormy winds which fulfil his word: 9 Mountains and all hills, fruitful trees and all cedars: 10 Beasts and all cattle: serpents and feathered fowls: 11 Kings of the earth and all people: princes and all judges of the earth: 12 Young men and maidens: let the old with the younger, praise the name of the Lord: 13 for his name alone is exalted. 14 The praise of him is above heaven and earth: and he hath exalted the horn of his people. A hymn to all his saints: to the children of Israel, a people approaching to him. Alleluia.
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

PRIME:

Psalm 117
Confitemini Domino

The psalmist praiseth God for his delivery from evils; putteth his whole trust in him; and foretelleth the coming of Christ.

1 Alleluia. GIVE praise to the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. 2 Let Israel now say, that he is good: that his mercy endureth for ever. 3 Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. 4 Let them that fear the Lord now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. 5 In my trouble I called upon the Lord: and the Lord heard me, and enlarged me. 6 The Lord is my helper: I will not fear what man can do unto me. 7 The Lord is my helper: and I will look over my enemies. 8 It is good to confide in the Lord, rather than to have confidence in man. 9 It is good to trust in the Lord, rather than to trust in princes. 10 All nations compassed me about; and in the name of the Lord I have been revenged on them. 11 Surrounding me they compassed me about: and in the name of the Lord I have been revenged on them. 12 They surrounded me like bees, and they burned like fire among thorns: and in the name of the Lord I was revenged on them 13 Being pushed I was overturned that I might fall: but the Lord supported me. 14 The Lord is my strength and my praise: and he is become my salvation. 15 The voice of rejoicing and of salvation is in the tabernacles of the just. 16 The right hand of the Lord hath wrought strength: the right hand of the Lord hath exalted me: the right hand of the Lord hath wrought strength. 17 I shall not die, but live: and shall declare the works of the Lord. 18 The Lord chastising hath chastised me: but he hath not delivered me over to death. 19 Open ye to me the gates of justice: I will go into them, and give praise to the Lord. 20 This is the gate of the Lord, the just shall enter into it. 21 I will give glory to thee because thou hast heard me: and art become my salvation. 22 The stone which the builders rejected; the same is become the head of the corner. 23 This is the Lord's doing: and it is wonderful in our eyes. 24 This is the day which the Lord hath made: let us be glad and rejoice therein. 25 O Lord, save me: O Lord, give good success. 26 Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord. We have blessed you out of the house of the Lord. 27 The Lord is God, and he hath shone upon us. Appoint a solemn day, with shady boughs, even to the horn of the alter. 28 Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, and I will exalt thee. I will praise thee, because thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. 29 O praise ye the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

Psalm 118: 1-16
Beati Imaculati

Of the excellence of virtue, consisting in the love and observance of the commandments of God.

1 Alleluia. ALEPH. BLESSED are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. 2 Blessed are they who search his testimonies: that seek him with their whole heart. 3 For they that work iniquity, have not walked in his ways. 4 Thou hast commanded thy commandments to be kept most diligently. 5 O! that my ways may be directed to keep thy justifications. 6 Then shall I not be confounded, when I shall look into all thy commandments. 7 I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned the judgments of thy justice. 8 I will keep thy justifications: O! do not thou utterly forsake me. BETH. 9 By what doth a young man correct his way? by observing thy words. 10 With my whole heart have I sought after thee: let me not stray from thy commandments. 11 Thy words have I hidden in my heart, that I may not sin against thee. 12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy justifications. 13 With my lips I have pronounced all the judgments of thy mouth. 14 I have been delighted in the way of thy testimonies, as in all riches. 15 I will meditate on thy commandments: and I will consider thy ways. 16 I will think of thy justifications: I will not forget thy words. GIMEL.
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

Psalm 118: 17-32
Beati Imaculati

Of the excellence of virtue, consisting in the love and observance of the commandments of God.

17 Give bountifully to thy servant, enliven me: and I shall keep thy words. 18 Open thou my eyes: and I will consider the wondrous things of thy law. 19 I am a sojourner on the earth: hide not thy commandments from me. 20 My soul hath coveted to long for thy justifications, at all times. 21 Thou hast rebuked the proud: they are cursed who decline from thy commandments. 22 Remove from me reproach and contempt: because I have sought after thy testimonies. 23 For princes sat, and spoke against me: but thy servant was employed in thy justifications. 24 For thy testimonies are my meditation: and thy justifications my counsel. DALETH. 25 My soul hath cleaved to the pavement: quicken thou me according to thy word. 26 I have declared my ways, and thou hast heard me: teach me thy justifications. 27 Make me to understand the way of thy justifications: and I shall be exercised in thy wondrous works. 28 My soul hath slumbered through heaviness: strengthen thou me in thy words. 29 Remove from me the way of iniquity: and out of thy law have mercy on me. 30 I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments I have not forgotten. 31 I have stuck to thy testimonies, O Lord: put me not to shame. 32 I have run the way of thy commandments, when thou didst enlarge my heart. HE
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

TERCE:

Psalm 118: 33-48
Beati Imaculati

Of the excellence of virtue, consisting in the love and observance of the commandments of God.

33 Set before me for a law the way of thy justifications, O Lord: and I will always seek after it. 34 Give me understanding, and I will search thy law; and I will keep it with my whole heart. 35 Lead me into the path of thy commandments; for this same I have desired. 36 Incline my heart into thy testimonies and not to covetousness. 37 Turn away my eyes that they may not behold vanity: quicken me in thy way. 38 Establish thy word to thy servant, in thy fear. 39 Turn away my reproach, which I have apprehended: for thy judgments are delightful. 40 Behold I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy justice. VAU. 41 Let thy mercy also come upon me, O Lord: thy salvation according to thy word. 42 So shall I answer them that reproach me in any thing; that I have trusted in thy words. 43 And take not thou the word of truth utterly out of my mouth: for in thy words have I hoped exceedingly. 44 So shall I always keep thy law, for ever and ever. 45 And I walked at large: because I have sought after thy commandments. 46 And I spoke of thy testimonies before kings: and I was not ashamed. 47 I meditated also on thy commandments, which I loved. 48 And I lifted up my hands to thy commandments, which I loved: and I was exercised in thy justifications. ZAIN.
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

Psalm 118: 49-64
Beati Imaculati

Of the excellence of virtue, consisting in the love and observance of the commandments of God.

49 Be thou mindful of thy word to thy servant, in which thou hast given me hope. 50 This hath comforted me in my humiliation: because thy word hath enlivened me. 51 The proud did iniquitously altogether: but I declined not from thy law. 52 I remembered, O Lord, thy judgments of old: and I was comforted. 53 A fainting hath taken hold of me, because of the wicked that forsake thy law. 54 Thy justifications were the subject of my song, in the place of my pilgrimage. 55 In the night I have remembered thy name, O Lord: and have kept thy law. 56 This happened to me: because I sought after thy justifications. HETH. 57 O Lord, my portion, I have said, I would keep the law. 58 I entreated thy face with all my heart: have mercy on me according to thy word. 59 I have thought on my ways: and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. 60 I am ready, and am not troubled: that I may keep thy commandments. 61 The cords of the wicked have encompassed me: but I have not forgotten thy law. 62 I rose at midnight to give praise to thee; for the judgments of thy justification. 63 I am a partaker with all them that fear thee, and that keep thy commandments. 64 The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy justifications. TETH.
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

Psalm 118: 65-80
Beati Imaculati

Of the excellence of virtue, consisting in the love and observance of the commandments of God.

65 Thou hast done well with thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word. 66 Teach me goodness and discipline and knowledge; for I have believed thy commandments. 67 Before I was humbled I offended; therefore have I kept thy word. 68 Thou art good; and in thy goodness teach me thy justifications. 69 The iniquity of the proud hath been multiplied over me: but I will seek thy commandments with my whole heart. 70 Their heart is curdled like milk: but I have meditated on thy law. 71 It is good for me that thou hast humbled me, that I may learn thy justifications. 72 The law of thy mouth is good to me, above thousands of gold and silver. JOD. 73 Thy hands have made me and formed me: give me understanding, and I will learn thy commandments. 74 They that fear thee shall see me, and shall be glad: because I have greatly hoped in thy words. 75 I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are equity: and in thy truth thou hast humbled me. 76 O! let thy mercy be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant. 77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, and I shall live: for thy law is my meditation. 78 Let the proud be ashamed, because they have done unjustly towards me: but I will be employed in thy commandments. 79 Let them that fear thee turn to me: and they that know thy testimonies. 80 Let my heart be undefiled in thy justifications, that I may not be confounded. CAPH.
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

SEXT:

Psalm 118: 81-96
Beati Imaculati

Of the excellence of virtue, consisting in the love and observance of the commandments of God.

81 My soul hath fainted after thy salvation: and in thy word I have very much hoped. 82 My eyes have failed for thy word, saying: When wilt thou comfort me? 83 For I am become like a bottle in the frost: I have not forgotten thy justifications. 84 How many are the days of thy servant: when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? 85 The wicked have told me fables: but not as thy law. 86 All thy statutes are truth: they have persecuted me unjustly, do thou help me. 87 They had almost made an end of me upon earth: but I have not forsaken thy commandments. 88 Quicken thou me according to thy mercy: and I shall keep the testimonies of thy mouth. LAMED. 89 For ever, O Lord, thy word standeth firm in heaven. 90 Thy truth unto all generations: thou hast founded the earth, and it continueth. 91 By thy ordinance the day goeth on: for all things serve thee. 92 Unless thy law had been my meditation, I had then perhaps perished in my abjection. 93 Thy justifications I will never forget: for by them thou hast given me life. 94 I am thine, save thou me: for I have sought thy justifications. 95 The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I have understood thy testimonies. 96 I have seen an end to all persecution: thy commandment is exceeding broad. MEM.
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

Psalm 118: 97-112
Beati Imaculati

Of the excellence of virtue, consisting in the love and observance of the commandments of God.

97 O how have I loved thy law, O Lord! it is my meditation all the day. 98 Through thy commandment, thou hast made me wiser than my enemies: for it is ever with me. 99 I have understood more than all my teachers: because thy testimonies are my meditation. 100 I have had understanding above ancients: because I have sought thy commandments. 101 I have restrained my feet from every evil way: that I may keep thy words. 102 I have not declined from thy judgments, because thou hast set me a law. 103 How sweet are thy words to my palate! more than honey to my mouth. 104 By thy commandments I have had understanding: therefore have I hated every way of iniquity. NUN. 105 Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my paths. 106 I have sworn and am determined to keep the judgments of thy justice. 107 I have been humbled, O Lord, exceedingly: quicken thou me according to thy word. 108 The free offerings of my mouth make acceptable, O Lord: and teach me thy judgments. 109 My soul is continually in my hands: and I have not forgotten thy law. 110 Sinners have laid a snare for me: but I have not erred from thy precepts. 111 I have purchased thy testimonies for an inheritance for ever: because they are the joy of my heart. 112 I have inclined my heart to do thy justifications for ever, for the reward. SAMECH.
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

Psalm 118: 113-128
Beati Imaculati

Of the excellence of virtue, consisting in the love and observance of the commandments of God.

113 I have hated the unjust: and have loved thy law. 114 Thou art my helper and my protector: and in thy word I have greatly hoped. 115 Depart from me, ye malignant: and I will search the commandments of my God. 116 Uphold me according to thy word, and I shall live: and let me not be confounded in my expectation. 117 Help me, and I shall be saved: and I will meditate always on thy justifications. 118 Thou hast despised all them that fall off from thy judgments; for their thought is unjust. 119 I have accounted all the sinners of the earth prevaricators: therefore have I loved thy testimonies. 120 Pierce thou my flesh with thy fear: for I am afraid of thy judgments. AIN. 121 I have done judgment and justice: give me not up to them that slander me. 122 Uphold thy servant unto good: let not the proud calumniate me. 123 My eyes have fainted after thy salvation: and for the word of thy justice. 124 Deal with thy servant according to thy mercy: and teach me thy justifications. 125 I am thy servant: give me understanding that I may know thy testimonies. 126 It is time, O Lord, to do: they have dissipated thy law. 127 Therefore have I loved thy commandments above gold and the topaz. 128 Therefore was I directed to all thy commandments: I have hated all wicked ways. PHE.
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

NONE:

Psalm 118: 129-144
Beati Imaculati

Of the excellence of virtue, consisting in the love and observance of the commandments of God.

129 Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore my soul hath sought them. 130 The declaration of thy words giveth light: and giveth understanding to little ones. 131 I opened my mouth and panted: because I longed for thy commandments. 132 Look thou upon me, and have mercy on me, according to the judgment of them that love thy name. 133 Direct my steps according to thy word: and let no iniquity have dominion over me. 134 Redeem me from the calumnies of men: that I may keep thy commandments. 135 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: and teach me thy justifications. 136 My eyes have sent forth springs of water: because they have not kept thy law. SADE. 137 Thou art just, O Lord: and thy judgment is right. 138 Thou hast commanded justice thy testimonies: and thy truth exceedingly. 139 My zeal hath made me pine away: because my enemies forgot thy words. 140 Thy word is exceedingly refined: and thy servant hath loved it. 141 I am very young and despised; but I forget not thy justifications. 142 Thy justice is justice for ever: and thy law is the truth. 143 Trouble and anguish have found me: thy commandments are my meditation. 144 Thy testimonies are justice for ever: give me understanding, and I shall live. COPH.
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

Psalm 118: 145-160
Beati Imaculati

Of the excellence of virtue, consisting in the love and observance of the commandments of God.

145 I cried with my whole heart, hear me, O Lord: I will seek thy justifications. 146 I cried unto thee, save me: that I may keep thy commandments. 147 I prevented the dawning of the day, and cried: because in thy words I very much hoped. 148 My eyes to thee have prevented the morning: that I might meditate on thy words. 149 Hear thou my voice, O Lord, according to thy mercy: and quicken me according to thy judgment. 150 They that persecute me have drawn nigh to iniquity; but they are gone far off from thy law. 151 Thou art near, O Lord: and all thy ways are truth. 152 I have known from the beginning concerning thy testimonies: that thou hast founded them for ever. RES. 153 See my humiliation and deliver me: for I have not forgotten thy law. 154 Judge my judgment and redeem me: quicken thou me for thy word's sake. 155 Salvation is far from sinners; because they have not sought thy justifications. 156 Many, O Lord, are thy mercies: quicken me according to thy judgment. 157 Many are they that persecute me, and afflict me; but I have not declined from thy testimonies. 158 I beheld the transgressors, and I pined away; because they kept not thy word. 159 Behold I have loved thy commandments, O Lord; quicken me thou in thy mercy. 160 The beginning of thy words is truth: all the judgments of thy justice are for ever. SIN.
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

Psalm 118: 161-176
Beati Imaculati

Of the excellence of virtue, consisting in the love and observance of the commandments of God.

161 Princes have persecuted me without cause: and my heart hath been in awe of thy words. 162 I will rejoice at thy words, as one that hath found great spoil. 163 I have hated and abhorred iniquity; but I have loved thy law. 164 Seven times a day I have given praise to thee, for the judgments of thy justice. 165 Much peace have they that love thy law, and to them there is no stumbling block. 166 I looked to thy salvation, O Lord: and I loved thy commandments. 167 My soul hath kept thy testimonies: and hath loved them exceedingly. 168 I have kept thy commandments and thy testimonies: because all my ways are in thy sight. TAU. 169 Let my supplication, O Lord, come near in thy sight: give me understanding according to thy word. 170 Let my request come in before thee; deliver thou me according to thy word. 171 My lips shall utter a hymn, when thou shalt teach me thy justifications. 172 My tongue shall pronounce thy word: because all thy commandments are justice. 173 Let thy hand be with me to save me; for I have chosen thy precepts. 174 I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; and thy law is my meditation. 175 My soul shall live and shall praise thee: and thy judgments shall help me. 176 I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost: seek thy servant, because I have not forgotten thy commandments.
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

VESPERS:

Psalm 109
Dixit Dominus

Christ's exultation, and everlasting priesthood.

1 A psalm for David. THE Lord said to my Lord: Sit thou at my right hand: Until I make thy enemies thy footstool. 2 The Lord will send forth the sceptre of thy power out of Sion: rule thou in the midst of thy enemies. 3 With thee is the principality in the day of thy strength: in the brightness of the saints: from the womb before the day star I begot thee. 4 The Lord hath sworn, and he will not repent: Thou art a priest for ever according to the order of Melchisedech. 5 The Lord at thy right hand hath broken kings in the day of his wrath. 6 He shall judge among nations, he shall fill ruins: he shall crush the heads in the land of many. 7 He shall drink of the torrent in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head.
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

Psalm 110
Confitebor Tibi Domine

God is to be praised for his graces, and benefits to his Church.

1 Alleluia. I WILL praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; in the council of the just: and in the congregation. 2 Great are the works of the Lord: sought out according to all his wills 3 His work is praise and magnificence: and his justice continueth for ever and ever. 4 He hath made a remembrance of his wonderful works, being a merciful and gracious Lord: 5 he hath given food to them that fear him. He will be mindful for ever of his covenant: 6 he will shew forth to his people the power of his works. 7 That he may give them the inheritance of the Gentiles: the works of his hands are truth and judgment. 8 All his commandments are faithful: confirmed for ever and ever, made in truth and equity. 9 He hath sent redemption to his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever. Holy and terrible is his name: 10 the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. A good understanding to all that do it: his praise continueth for ever and ever.
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

Psalm 111
Beatus Vir

The good man is happy.

1 Alleluia, of the returning of Aggeus and Zacharias. BLESSED is the man that feareth the Lord: he shall delight exceedingly in his commandments. 2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the righteous shall be blessed. 3 Glory and wealth shall be in his house: and his justice remaineth for ever and ever. 4 To the righteous a light is risen up in darkness: he is merciful, and compassionate and just. 5 Acceptable is the man that showeth mercy and lendeth: he shall order his words with judgment: 6 because he shall not be moved for ever. 7 The just shall be in everlasting remembrance: he shall not fear the evil hearing. His heart is ready to hope in the Lord: 8 his heart is strengthened, he shall not be moved until he look over his enemies. 9 He hath distributed, he hath given to the poor: his justice remaineth for ever and ever: his horn shall be exalted in glory. 10 The wicked shall see, and shall be angry, he shall gnash with his teeth and pine away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

Psalm 112
Laudate Pueri

God is to be praised, for his regard to the poor and humble.

1 Alleluia PRAISE the Lord, ye children: praise ye the name of the Lord. 2 Blessed be the name of the Lord, from henceforth now and for ever. 3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, the name of the Lord is worthy of praise. 4 The Lord is high above all nations; and his glory above the heavens. 5 Who is as the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high: 6 and looketh down on the low things in heaven and in earth? 7 Raising up the needy from the earth, and lifting up the poor out of the dunghill: 8 That he may place him with princes, with the princes of his people. 9 Who maketh a barren woman to dwell in a house, the joyful mother of children.
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

Psalm 113
In Exitu Israel

God hath shewn his power in delivering his people: idols are vain. (The Hebrews divide this into two psalms.)

1 Alleluia. WHEN Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a barbarous people: 2 Judea made his sanctuary, Israel his dominion. 3 The sea saw and fled: Jordan was turned back. 4 The mountains skipped like rams, and the hills like the lambs of the flock. 5 What ailed thee, O thou sea, that thou didst flee: and thou, O Jordan, that thou wast turned back? 6 Ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams, and ye hills, like lambs of the flock? 7 At the presence of the Lord the earth was moved, at the presence of the God of Jacob: 8 Who turned the rock into pools of water, and the stony hill into fountains of waters. 9 Not to us, O Lord, not to us; but to thy name give glory. 10 For thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake: lest the gentiles should say: Where is their God? 11 But our God is in heaven: he hath done all things whatsoever he would. 12 The idols of the gentiles are silver and gold, the works of the hands of men. 13 They have mouths and speak not: they have eyes and see not. 14 They have ears and hear not: they have noses and smell not. 15 They have hands and feel not: they have feet and walk not: neither shall they cry out through their throat. 16 Let them that make them become like unto them: and all such as trust in them. 17 The house of Israel hath hoped in the Lord: he is their helper and their protector. 18 The house of Aaron hath hoped in the Lord: he is their helper and their protector. 19 They that fear the Lord hath hoped in the Lord: he is their helper and their protector. 20 The Lord hath been mindful of us, and hath blessed us. He hath blessed the house of Israel: he hath blessed the house of Aaron. 21 He hath blessed all that fear the Lord, both little and great. 22 May the Lord add blessings upon you: upon you, and upon your children. 23 Blessed be you of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. 24 The heaven of heaven is the Lord's: but the earth he has given to the children of men. 25 The dead shall not praise thee, O Lord: nor any of them that go down to hell. 26 But we that live bless the Lord: from this time now and for ever.
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

COMPLINE:

Psalm 4
Cum Invocarem

The prophet teacheth us to flee to God in tribulation, with confidence in him.

1 Unto the end, in verses. A psalm for David. 2 WHEN I called upon him, the God of my justice heard me: when I was in distress, thou hast enlarged me. Have mercy on me: and hear my prayer. 3 O ye sons of men, how long will you be dull of heart? why do you love vanity, and seek after lying? 4 Know ye also that the Lord hath made his holy one wonderful: the Lord will hear me when I shall cry unto him. 5 Be ye angry, and sin not: the things you say in your hearts, be sorry for them upon your beds. 6 Offer up the sacrifice of justice, and trust in the Lord: many say, Who sheweth us good things? 7 The light of thy countenance O Lord, is signed upon us: thou hast given gladness in my heart. 8 By the fruit of their corn, their wine and oil, they are multiplied. 9 In peace in the selfsame I will sleep, and I will rest: 10 For thou, O Lord, singularly hast settled me in hope.
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

Psalm 90
Qui Habitat

The just is secure under the protection of God.

1 The praise of a canticle for David. HE that dwelleth in the aid of the most High, shall abide under the protection of the God of Jacob. 2 He shall say to the Lord: Thou art my protector, and my refuge: my God, in him will I trust. 3 For he hath delivered me from the snare of the hunters: and from the sharp word. 4 He will overshadow thee with his shoulders: and under his wings thou shalt trust. 5 His truth shall compass thee with a shield: thou shalt not be afraid of the terror of the night. 6 Of the arrow that flieth in the day, of the business that walketh about in the dark: of invasion, or of the noonday devil. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand: but it shall not come nigh thee. 8 But thou shalt consider with thy eyes: and shalt see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because thou, O Lord, art my hope: thou hast made the most High thy refuge. 10 There shall no evil come to thee: nor shall the scourge come near thy dwelling. 11 For he hath given his angels charge over thee; to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 In their hands they shall bear thee up: lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 13 Thou shalt walk upon the asp and the basilisk: and thou shalt trample under foot the lion and the dragon. 14 Because he hoped in me I will deliver him: I will protect him because he hath known my name. 15 He shall cry to me, and I will hear him: I am with him in tribulation, I will deliver him, and I will glorify him. 16 I will fill him with length of days; and I will shew him my salvation.
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

Psalm 133
Ecce Nunc Benedicite

An exhortation to praise God continually.

1 A gradual canticle. BEHOLD now bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord: Who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. 2 In the nights lift up your hands to the holy places, and bless ye the Lord. 3 May the Lord out of Sion bless thee, he that made heaven and earth. -Glory be to the Father...
Haydock’s Bible Commentary

 

Divine Office "Liturgy of the Hours"

The Psalms: The Perfect Prayer Book for Everyone

"Ego sum Alpha et Omega, princípium
et finis, dicit Dóminus Deus : qui est,
et qui erat, et qui ventúrus est, omnípotens".

 

The Psalms

The Perfect Prayer Book for Everyone

"The psalms are prayer, in which God Himself teaches us how to pray; for they were written under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Herein we have the answer to the question: "What prayers shall I say?" Why the prayers of Holy Scripture itself! "There is no need to scrape together endless man-made prayers when Sacred Scripture frames the very thoughts of God." The psalms are the vital presentation of God's inspirations and man's aspirations; they are the ideal manifestations of man's hunger and thirst after God and of God's loving response to man. Of great age, they are ever new and appropriate. They are as satisfying and stimulating to us of the twentieth century as they were to men before the birth of Christ and down through the Apostolic and Middle Ages".

Rev. Joseph B. Frey; July 16, 1947.

From My Daily Psalm Book, Arranged by Father Joseph Frey, Confraternity of the Precious Blood (1947) pp.vi-ix.

..

You Can Find the Remaining Six Days of "The Daily Psalms" Here

[Salvation]

Catholic Culture

Daily Readings (on USCCB site):
» February 08, 2009
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Collect: Father, watch over your family and keep us safe in your care, for all our hope is in you. 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.

« February 08, 2009 »

Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time
Old Calendar: Septuagesima Sunday

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On leaving the synagogue he entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them (Mark 1:30-31).

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Sunday Readings
The first reading is taken from the Book of Job 7:1-4, 6-7. The author cries out in his misery, speaks of life and death, cites his restlessness and life's struggle and notes that he will not see happiness again.

The second reading is from the First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians. In this section of his letter St. Paul is encouraging his Corinthian converts to be always ready to forgo their own rights when the edification or spiritual welfare of a neighbor is at stake.

The Gospel is from St. Mark 1:29-39. Surely the people of Capernaum saw enough that first day of Christ's public ministry among them to make them realize that this man from Nazareth who had come amongst them was no ordinary preacher, no ordinary rabbi, no ordinary man. They saw that he preached as one having authority; they saw that by a simple command he cast out demons and removed all bodily ailments. Yet though they were astonished and amazed at his power, their worldly outlook did not let them rise above their own small interests. Our Lord did not blame them or criticize them, he knew and fully understood their slowness of mind in regard to things spiritual, and he knew also that they would eventually give themselves wholeheartedly to his kingdom. While he was prepared to wait for the desired effects which his miracles and preaching would eventually have on them, he hastened the arrival of that day by praying to his heavenly Father to send the graces necessary for their conversion into their hearts.

When the four Apostles found him praying in a lonely place, they told him that all Capernaum was searching for him, but he knew why they were searching for him. They wanted to see more miracles and very likely they were hoping that he would stay on in Capernaum and the sick and the maimed from the whole of Galilee would be brought there for healing. This would increase their earthly business and prosperity. His answer to the Apostles, while not directly condemning this worldly outlook, shows that his mission had an entirely different objective. He had come on earth not to bring earthly prosperity to any town or country but to bring spiritual salvation and blessing on all people. That very morning he began to carry out his mission and for the remaining two years or more he went from town to town preaching the kingdom of God.

We Christians of today have many advantages over the people of Capernaum of that day. They saw Christ with their bodily eyes as a man of power amongst them; we see him with the eyes of faith as he really was and is — the Son of God who came on earth as man in order to make us sons of God. We know who he really was and we know the full meaning of his mission. We have seen that mission completed amongst us by his death on the cross and his resurrection. By his death he conquered death for us; by his resurrection he opened the gates of heaven for us and led the way there for all who will follow him.

This is the good news Christ brought to our world. This is the meaning of Christianity; this is why we are Christians. We are members of Christ's kingdom on earth, so that when our life here ends we shall be members of his everlasting heavenly kingdom. Yet, with all of this knowledge and with the example of the thousands and millions of saints who have lived according to this knowledge over the past nineteen hundred years and more, and who are now enjoying the reward Christianity promised them, how active and how effective is our Christian faith in our daily thoughts and deeds? In my daily dealings with my fellowmen would I be picked out as a Christian? Do I, by my words and deeds, prove to those with whom I live and work that I am convinced there is a future life after death, that reaching that life is the most important thing in this world for me, and that it is through living my short earthly life as a true Christian that I can earn that eternal life?

If I can say yes to these questions I am, thank God, on the right road. But if my answer is "no" then it is time I had another good look to see where I went off the road, and to find out that I can return to that right road once more. God is merciful; Christ is patient with followers who straggle and wander, but it could be fatal to postpone for too long our call to the God of mercy. It will be too late if we delay turning to our patient Christ until we are about to die. Stop straggling and wandering off the highway today and the patient Christ will welcome you and help you back. There may be no tomorrow for you, you have no guarantee of it.

Excerpted from The Sunday Readings by Fr. Kevin O'Sullivan, O.F.M.

[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.

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A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.

Psalm 1

The two paths

The cross of the Lord is the tree of life for us.

Blessed the man who does not follow the counsels of the wicked,

  or stand in the paths that sinners use,

or sit in the gatherings of those who mock:

  his delight is the law of the Lord,

  he ponders his law day and night.

He is like a tree planted by flowing waters,

  that will give its fruit in due time,

  whose leaves will not fade.

All that he does will prosper.

Not thus are the wicked, not thus.

  They are like the dust blown by the wind.

At the time of judgement the wicked will not stand,

  nor sinners in the council of the just.

For the Lord knows the path of the just;

  but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

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.

The cross of the Lord is the tree of life for us.

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Psalm 2

The Messiah, king and victor

I have set up my king on Zion, my holy mountain.

Why are the nations in a ferment?

  Why do the people make their vain plans?

The kings of the earth have risen up;

  the leaders have united against the Lord,

  against his anointed.

“Let us break their chains, that bind us;

  let us throw off their yoke from our shoulders!”

The Lord laughs at them,

  he who lives in the heavens derides them.

Then he speaks to them in his anger;

  in his fury he throws them into confusion:

“But I – I have set up my king on Zion,

my holy mountain.”

I will proclaim the Lord’s decrees.

The Lord has said to me: “You are my son: today I have begotten you.

  Ask me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance,

  the ends of the earth for you to possess.

You will rule them with a rod of iron,

  break them in pieces like an earthen pot.”

So now, kings, listen: understand, you who rule the land.

  Serve the Lord in fear, tremble even as you praise him.

Learn his teaching, lest he take anger,

  lest you perish when his anger bursts into flame.

Blessed are all who put their trust in the Lord.

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.

I have set up my king on Zion, my holy mountain.

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Psalm 3

The Lord is my protector

O my God, you have come to my help.

Lord, how many they are, my attackers!

  So many rise up against me, so many of them say:

  “He can hope for no help from the Lord.”

But you, Lord, are my protector, my glory:

  you raise up my head.

I called to the Lord,

  and from his holy mountain he heard my voice.

I fell asleep, and slept;

  but I rose, for the Lord raised me up.

I will not fear when the people surround me in their thousands.

  Rise up, O Lord;

  bring me to safety, my God.

Those who attacked me – you struck them on the jaw,

  you shattered their teeth.

Salvation comes from the Lord:

  Lord, your blessing is upon your people.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

  as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

  world without end.

Amen.

O my God, you have come to my help.

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May the word of the Lord find a true home in you.

– Teach and advise one another in all wisdom.

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Reading

Galatians 1:1-12 ©

From Paul to the churches of Galatia, and from all the brothers who are here with me, an apostle who does not owe his authority to men or his appointment to any human being but who has been appointed by Jesus Christ and by God the Father who raised Jesus from the dead. We wish you the grace and peace of God our Father and of the Lord Jesus Christ, who in order to rescue us from this present wicked world sacrificed himself for our sins, in accordance with the will of God our Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.   I am astonished at the promptness with which you have turned away from the one who called you and have decided to follow a different version of the Good News. Not that there can be more than one Good News; it is merely that some troublemakers among you want to change the Good News of Christ; and let me warn you that if anyone preaches a version of the Good News different from the one we have already preached to you, whether it be ourselves or an angel from heaven, he is to be condemned. I am only repeating what we told you before: if anyone preaches a version of the Good News different from the one you have already heard, he is to be condemned. So now whom am I trying to please – man, or God? Would you say it is men’s approval I am looking for? If I still wanted that, I should not be what I am – a servant of Christ.   The fact is, brothers, and I want you to realise this, the Good News I preached is not a human message that I was given by men, it is something I learnt only through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

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Reading	From an explanation of Paul's letter to the Galatians by Saint Augustine, bishop
Let us understand the workings of God's grace
Paul writes to the Galatians to make them understand that by God’s grace they are no longer under the law. When the Gospel was preached to them, there were some among them of Jewish origin known as circumcisers – though they called themselves Christians – who did not grasp the gift they had received. They still wanted to be under the burden of the law. Now God had imposed that burden on those who were slaves to sin and not on servants of justice. That is to say, God had given a just law to unjust men in order to show them their sin, not to take it away. For sin is taken away only by the gift of faith that works through love. The Galatians had already received this gift, but the circumcisers claimed that the Gospel would not save them unless they underwent circumcision and were willing to observe also the other traditional Jewish rites.   The Galatians, therefore, began to question Paul’s preaching of the Gospel because he did not require Gentiles to follow Jewish observances as other apostles had done. Even Peter had yielded to the scandalised protests of the circumcisers. He pretended to believe that the Gospel would not save the Gentiles unless they fulfilled the burden of the law. But Paul recalled him from such dissimulation, as is shown in this very same letter. A similar issue arises in Paul’s letter to the Romans, but with an evident difference. Through his letter to them Paul was able to resolve the strife and controversy that had developed between the Jewish and Gentile converts.   In the present letter Paul is writing to persons who were profoundly influenced and disturbed by the circumcisers. The Galatians had begun to believe them and to think that Paul had not preached rightly, since he had not ordered them to be circumcised. And so the Apostle begins by saying: I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting him who called you to the glory of Christ, and turning to another gospel.   After this there comes a brief introduction to the point at issue. But remember in the very opening of the letter Paul had said that he was an apostle not from men nor by any man, a statement that does not appear in any other letter of his. He is making it quite clear that the circumcisers, for their part, are not from God but from men, and that his authority in preaching the Gospel must be considered equal to that of the other apostles. For he was called to be an apostle not from men nor by any man, but through God the Father and his Son. Jesus Christ.

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Hymn

Te Deum

God, we praise you; Lord, we proclaim you! You, the Father, the eternal – all the earth venerates you. All the angels, all the heavens, every power – The cherubim, the seraphim – unceasingly, they cry: “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts: heaven and earth are full of the majesty of your glory!” The glorious choir of Apostles – The noble ranks of prophets – The shining army of martyrs – all praise you. Throughout the world your holy Church proclaims you. – Father of immeasurable majesty, – True Son, only-begotten, worthy of worship, – Holy Spirit, our Advocate. You, Christ: – You are the king of glory. – You are the Father’s eternal Son. – You, to free mankind, did not disdain a Virgin’s womb. – You defeated the sharp spear of Death, and opened the kingdom of heaven to those who believe in you. – You sit at God’s right hand, in the glory of the Father. – You will come, so we believe, as our Judge. And so we ask of you: give help to your servants, whom you set free at the price of your precious blood. Number them among your chosen ones in eternal glory. Bring your people to safety, Lord, and bless those who are your inheritance. Rule them and lift them high for ever. Day by day we bless you, Lord: we praise you for ever and for ever. Of your goodness, Lord, keep us without sin for today. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us. Let your pity, Lord, be upon us, as much as we trust in you. In you, Lord, I trust: let me never be put to shame.

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Concluding Prayer

Lord, keep your family always in your care.

  Our only hope is in your divine grace:

  keep us always under your protection.

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]

The Word Among Us

Meditation: 1 Corinthians 9:16-19,22-23

 

The first question we face when we read today’s second reading is, “Is this calling to become all things to all people just for Paul? Or is it for me too?

Interestingly, Paul answered this question himself when he wrote: “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Paul’s goal behind his “all things to all people” strategy was to win people to Jesus. It was so important to him, in fact, that he repeats it five times in this short passage: that I might “win over as many as possible”; “to win over Jews”; “to win over those under the law”; “to win over those outside the law”; “to win over the weak” (1 Corinthians 9:19-22). Paul was willing to adapt to the ways of the people he was evangelizing in the hopes of bringing them to salvation in Christ.

God wants us to learn how to become all things to all people as well. We can learn how to be compassionate and generous to the poor. We can learn how to overcome our shyness or awkward feelings so that we can talk to teenagers about the gospel. We can even learn how to evangelize our closest friends—the ones who know our weaknesses and who might dismiss our testimony. In short, we can learn how to do everything in Christ, who strengthens us.

It all begins when we take up an attitude that says, “I want to be a worker in the field of God. I want to bring people back home.” This task, which seemed so easy for Paul, can sound next to impossible for us. But let’s not get overwhelmed. If we can take just a few small steps each day, then perhaps we can become a bit more bold by the end of the year. Don’t underestimate what Jesus is prepared to do through those who want to win people to him.

“Lord, please help me imitate Paul and be all things to the people I meet. I want to be your servant and evangelize people. Please help me overcome my fear.”

Job 7:1-4,6-7; Psalm 147:1-6;
 Mark 1:29-39