Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 11-16-09, Opt. Mem. St. Margaret of Scotland, St. Gertrude

USCCB.org/New American Bible ^ | 11-16-09 | New American Bible

[Salvation]

St. Gertrude

Saint Gertrude, Virgin
Optional Memorial
November 16th


Jacinto Vieira
St. Gertrude
1725 - Painted Wood
Monastery Church, Aruca

(1256-1301) Born in Eisleben, Germany, Saint Gertrude was received into the Cistercian convent. She studied literature and philosophy and devoted herself as well to prayer and contemplation. In cooperation with her close friend and fellow mystic Saint Mechtildis, St. Gertrude wrote a compilation of prayers that became very popular. She introduced the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus which, centuries later, would spread throughout the Church.

Source: Daily Roman Missal, Edited by Rev. James Socías, Midwest Theological Forum, Chicago, Illinois ©2003

 

Collect:
Father,
you filled the heart of St. Gertrude
with the presence of your love.
Bring light into our darkness
and let us experience the joy of your presence
and the power of your grace.
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.

 

First Reading: Ephesians 3:14-19
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have power to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fulness of God. Now to Him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.

Gospel: John 15:1-8
"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch of Mine that bears no fruit, He takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.You are already made clean by the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If a man does not abide in Me, he is cast forth as a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.

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St. Gertrude Prayer:
Eternal Father,
I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus,
in union with the masses said throughout the world today,
for all the holy souls in Purgatory,
for sinners everywhere,
for sinners in the universal church,
those in my own home and within my family.
Amen.

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Luke
	English: Douay-Rheims	Latin: Vulgata Clementina	Greek NT: Byzantine/Majority Text (2000)
	Luke 18
35.	Now it came to pass, when he drew nigh to Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the way side, begging.	Factum est autem, cum appropinquaret Jericho, cæcus quidam sedebat secus viam, mendicans.	εγενετο δε εν τω εγγιζειν αυτον εις ιεριχω τυφλος τις εκαθητο παρα την οδον προσαιτων
36.	And when he heard the multitude passing by, he asked what this meant.	Et cum audiret turbam prætereuntem, interrogabat quid hoc esset.	ακουσας δε οχλου διαπορευομενου επυνθανετο τι ειη τουτο
37.	And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.	Dixerunt autem ei quod Jesus Nazarenus transiret.	απηγγειλαν δε αυτω οτι ιησους ο ναζωραιος παρερχεται
38.	And he cried out, saying: Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me.	Et clamavit, dicens : Jesu, fili David, miserere mei.	και εβοησεν λεγων ιησου υιε δαυιδ ελεησον με
39.	And they that went before, rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried out much more: Son of David, have mercy on me.	Et qui præibant, increpabant eum ut taceret. Ipse vero multo magis clamabat : Fili David, miserere mei.	και οι προαγοντες επετιμων αυτω ινα σιωπηση αυτος δε πολλω μαλλον εκραζεν υιε δαυιδ ελεησον με
40.	And Jesus standing, commanded him to be brought unto him. And when he was come near, he asked him,	Stans autem Jesus jussit illum adduci ad se. Et cum appropinquasset, interrogavit illum,	σταθεις δε ο ιησους εκελευσεν αυτον αχθηναι προς αυτον εγγισαντος δε αυτου επηρωτησεν αυτον
41.	Saying: What wilt thou that I do to thee? But he said: Lord, that I may see.	dicens : Quid tibi vis faciam ? At ille dixit : Domine, ut videam.	λεγων τι σοι θελεις ποιησω ο δε ειπεν κυριε ινα αναβλεψω
42.	And Jesus said to him: Receive thy sight: thy faith hath made thee whole.	Et Jesus dixit illi : Respice, fides tua te salvum fecit.	και ο ιησους ειπεν αυτω αναβλεψον η πιστις σου σεσωκεν σε
43.	And immediately he saw, and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.	Et confestim vidit, et sequebatur illum magnificans Deum. Et omnis plebs ut vidit, dedit laudem Deo.	και παραχρημα ανεβλεψεν και ηκολουθει αυτω δοξαζων τον θεον και πας ο λαος ιδων εδωκεν αινον τω θεω

[annalex]

35. And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:
36. And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.
37. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passes by.
38. And he cried, saying, Jesus, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
39. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
40. And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought to him: and when he was come near, he asked him,
41. Saying, What will you that I shall do to you? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.
42. And Jesus said to him, Receive your sight: your faith has saved you.
43. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

GREG. Because the disciples being yet carnal were unable to receive the words of mystery, they are brought to a miracle. Before their eyes a blind man receives his sight, that by a divine work their faith might be strengthened.

THEOPHYL. And to show that our Lord did not even walk without doing good, He performed a miracle on the way, giving His disciples this example, that we should be profitable in all things, and that nothing in us should be in vain.

AUG. We might understand the expression of being nigh to Jericho, as if they had already gone out of it, but were still near. It might, though less common in this sense, be so taken here, since Matthew relates, that as they were going out of Jericho, two men received their sight who sat by the way side. There need be no question n about the number, if we suppose that one of the Evangelists remembering only one was silent about the other Mark also mentions only one, and he too says that he received his sight as they were going out of Jericho; he has given also the name of the man and of his father, to let us understand that this one was well known, but the other not so, so that it might come to pass that the one who was known would be naturally the only one mentioned. But seeing that what follows in St. Luke's Gospel most plainly proves the truth of his account, that while they were yet coming to Jericho, the miracle took place, we cannot but suppose that there were two such miracles, the first upon one blind man when our Lord was coming to that city, the second on two, when He was departing out of it; Luke relating the one, Matthew the other.

PSEUDO-CHRYS. There was a great multitude gathered round Christ, and the blind man indeed knew Him not, but felt a drawing towards Him, and grasped with his heart what his sight embraced not. As it follows, And when he heard the multitude passing by, he asked what it was. And those that saw spoke indeed according to their own opinion.

And they told him that Jesus of Nazareth passes by. But the blind man cried out. He is told one thing, he proclaims another; for it follows, And he cried out, saying, Jesus, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. Who taught you this, O man? Have you that are deprived of sight read books? Whence then know you the Light of the world? Verily the Lord gives sight to the blind.

CYRIL; Having been brought up a Jew, he was not ignorant that of the seed of David should God be born according to the flesh, and therefore he addresses Him as God, saying, Have mercy upon me. Would that those might imitate him who divide Christ into two. For he speaks of Christ as God, yet calls Him Son of David. But they marvel at the justice of his confession, and some even wished to prevent him from confessing his faith. But by checks of this kind his ardor was not damped. For faith is able to resist all, and to triumph over all. It is a good thing to lay aside shame in behalf of divine worship. For if for money's sake some ale bold, is it not fitting when the soul is at stake, to put on a righteous boldness?

As it follows, But he cried out the more, Son of David, &c. The voice of one invoking in faith stops Christ, for He looks back upon them who call upon Him in faith.

And accordingly He calls the blind man to Him, and bids him draw nigh, that he in truth who had first laid hold on Him in faith, might approach Him also in the body.

The Lord asks this blind man as he drew near, What will you that I shall do? He asks the question purposely, not as ignorant, but that those who stood by might know that he sought not money, but divine power from God. And thus it follows, But he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.

PSEUDO-CHRYS. Or because the Jews perverting the truth might say, as in the case of him who was born blind, This is not he, but one like to him, He wished the blind first to make manifest the infirmity of his nature, that then he might fully acknowledge the greatness of the grace bestowed upon him. And as soon as the blind man explained the nature of his request, with words of the highest authority He commanded him to see. As it follows, And Jesus said to him, Receive your sight. This served only still more to increase the guilt of unbelief in the Jews. For what prophet ever spoke in this way? Observe moreover what the physician claims from him whom he has restored to health. Your faith has saved you. For faith then mercies are sold. Where faith is willing to accept, there grace abounds. And as from the same fountain some in small vessels draw little water, while others in large draw much, the fountain knowing no difference in measure; and as according to the windows which are opened, the sun sheds more or less of its brightness within; so according to the measure of a man's motives does he draw down supplies of grace. The voice of Christ is changed into the light of the afflicted. For He was the Word of true light.

And thus it follows, And immediately he said. But the blind man as before his restoration he showed an earnest faith, so afterwards did he give plain tokens of his gratitude; And he followed him, glorifying God.

CYRIL; From which it is clear, that he was released from a double blindness, both bodily and intellectual. For he would not have glorified Him as God, had he not truly seen Him as He is. But he also gave occasion to others to glorify God; as it follows, And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

BEDE; Not only for the gift of light obtained, but for the merit of the faith which obtained it.

PSEUDO-CHRYS. We may here well inquire, why Christ forbids the healed demoniac who wished to follow Him, but permits the blind man who had received his sight. There seems to be a good reason for both the one case and the other. He sends away the former as a kind of herald, to proclaim aloud by the evidence of his own state his benefactor, for it was indeed a notable miracle to see a raving madman brought to a sound mind. But the blind man He allows to follow Him, since He was going up to Jerusalem about to accomplish the high mystery of the Cross, that men having a recent report of a miracle might not suppose that He suffered so much from helplessness as from compassion.

AMBROSE; In the blind man we have a type of the Gentile people, who have received by the Sacrament of our Lord the brightness of the light which they had lost. And it matters not whether the cure is conveyed in the case of one or two blind men, inasmuch as deriving their origin from Ham and Japhet, the sons of Noah, in the two blind men they put forward two authors of their race.

GREG. Or, blindness is a symbol of the human race, which in our first parent knowing not the brightness of heavenly light, now suffers the darkness of his condemnation. Jericho is interpreted 'the moon,' whose monthly wanings represent the feebleness of our mortality. While then our Creator is drawing nigh to Jericho, the blind is restored to sight, because when God took upon Him the weakness of our flesh, the human race received back the light which it had lost. He then who is ignorant of this brightness of the everlasting light, is blind. But if he does no more than believe in the Redeemer who said, I am the way, the truth, and the life; he sits by the way side. If he both believes and prays that he may receive the everlasting light, he sits by the way side and begs. Those that went before Jesus, as He was coming, represent the multitude of carnal desires, and the busy crowd of vices which before that Jesus comes to our heart, scatter our thoughts, and disturb us even in our prayers. But the blind man cried out the more; for the more violently we are assailed by our restless thoughts, the more fervently ought we to give ourselves to prayer. As long as we still suffer our manifold fancies to trouble us in our prayers, we feel in some measure Jesus passing try. But when we are very steadfast in prayer, God is fixed in our heart, and the lost light is restored. Or to pass by is of man, to stand is of God. The Lord then passing by heard the blind man crying, standing still restored him to sight, for by His humanity in compassion to our blindness He has pity upon our cries, by the power of His divinity He pours upon us the light of His grace.

Now for this reason He asks what the blind man wished, that He might stir up his heart to prayer, for He wishes that to be sought in prayer, which He knows beforehand both that we seek and He grants.

AMBROSE; Or, He asked the blind man to the end that we might believe, that without confession no man can be saved.

GREG. The blind man seeks from the Lord not gold, but light. Let us then seek not for false riches, but for that light which together with the Angels alone we may see, the way whereunto is faith. Well then was it said to the blind, Receive your sight; your faith has saved you. He who sees, also follows, because the good which he understands he practices.

AUG. If we interpret Jericho to mean the moon, and therefore death, our Lord when approaching His death commanded the light of the Gospel to be preached to the Jews only, who are signified by that one blind man whom Luke speaks of, but rising again from the dead and ascending to heaven, to both Jews and Gentiles; and these two nations seem to be denoted by the two blind men whom Matthew mentions.

Catena Aurea Luke 18

[annalex]

The healing of the blind man of Jerico

14c. mosaic

Chora Monastery, Constantinopol

[Salvation]

Catholic Culture

Daily Readings for: November 16, 2009
(Readings on USCCB website)

Collect: Father, you filled the heart of Saint Gertrude with the presence of your love. Bring light into our darkness and let us experience the joy of your presence and the power of your grace. 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.

RECIPES

• 'Braveheart' Cock-A-Leekie Soup
• Crown Cake
• Genoise Book Cake
• Heart Cake (cut-up)
• Nun's Lemon Layer Cake
• Scottish Oat Scones

ACTIVITIES

• Death and Burial
• Namedays
• November and the Holy Souls
• Practical Suggestions for Christian Living (Anointing of the Sick)
• Praying for the Dead and Gaining Indulgences During November
• Prepare for Death
• Preparing for Heaven
• Religion in the Home for Elementary School: November
• Religion in the Home for Preschool: November
• Teaching About Death
• Teaching Children About Sickness and Death
• What is a Nameday?
• Nameday Ideas for the Feast of St. Gertrude the Great
• Nameday Ideas for the Feast of St. Margaret of Scotland

PRAYERS

• Consecration to the Sacred Heart
• Married Couple's Prayer to the Sacred Heart
• Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Home
• November Devotion: The Holy Souls in Purgatory
• Explanation of the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart
• Devotion to the Sacred Heart
• Efficacious Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
• Little Litany of the Holy Souls
• Ave Maria (Hail Mary)
• Litany of St. Gertrude the Great
• Prayer for a Happy Death
• Daily Acceptance of Death

LIBRARY

• Gertrude: The Only Female Saint to Be Called 'The Great' | Paolo Rossi

  16th

Optional Memorials of St. Margaret of Scotland; St. Gertrude, virgin Old Calendar: St. Gertrude

St. Margaret (c. 1045-1093) was the great-niece of St. Edward the Confessor. She was a Saxon princess, raised in Hungary in exile. Returning to England, she had to flee once again after the Battle of Hastings, to the court of Malcolm, the King of Scotland, whom she married shortly thereafter. She proved to be a model mother and exemplary queen who brought up her eight children in an atmosphere of great devotion and worked hard to improve the morality of her subjects.

St. Gertrude, a Benedictine nun of the monastery of Helfta, in Saxony, is one of the great mystics of the Middle Ages. She was favored by visions of our Savior and has left a marvelous account of them in a book which she called Revelations. St. Gertrude introduced the devotion to the Sacred Heart which, four centuries later, St. Margaret Mary spread throughout the Church. She died at the beginning of the thirteenth century.

According to the Roman Missal of 1962 June 10 is the feast day of St. Margaret of Scotland.

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St. Margaret of Scotland
She was born in Hungary (1046), where her father was living in exile, and likewise spent her childhood there as an unusually devout and pious girl. In the course of time she went to England, when her father was called to high office in his fatherland by his uncle, King St. Edward III. Fortune, however, soon reversed itself again (Margaret's father died suddenly in 1057), and upon leaving England a mighty storm — or better, divine Providence — brought her to the shores of Scotland. Upon instructions from her mother, Margaret married Malcolm III, king of Scotland, in 1069. The country was blessed by her holy life and by her deeds of charity for the next thirty years. Her eight children she zealously trained in the practice of Christian virtues.

In the midst of royal splendor Margaret chastised her flesh by mortification and vigils and passed the greater part of the night in devout prayer. Her most remarkable virtue was love of neighbor, particularly love toward the poor. Her alms supported countless unfortunates; daily she provided food for three hundred and shared in the work of serving them personally, washing their feet and kissing their wounds

Excerpted from the Roman Breviary

Queen Margaret of Scotland is the secondary patroness of Scotland. Margaret's copy of the Gospels is preserved in the Bodleian Library at Oxford University.

Patron: Death of children; large families; learning; queens; Scotland; widows.

Symbols: Black cross; sceptre and book; hospital.
Often portrayed as: queen, often carrying a black cross, dispensing gifts to the poor.

Things to Do:

• Read more about this wonderful wife and mother: Life of St. Margaret of Scotland, Catholic Encyclopedia entry, and David McRoberts' essay.

• Give special attention to the virtue of charity today by performing some service for the poor, i.e., send alms, buy baby things for a local crisis pregnancy center, take a food donation to a food pantry.

• Offer your support (even if it is just a little morale) to a mother with young children who is trying to raise her children to love God.

• If you are a mother with young children, pray to St. Margaret to help you imitate her zeal in training her children.

• If you are a mother and need a little boost, read Cardinal Mindszenty's book, The Mother.

• Today it might be fun to cook a pot of Scottish soup in honor of St. Margaret who probably cooked many pots of soup herself.

• For nameday celebrations of St. Margaret, a crown cake, denoting her rank would be appropriate; a book cake would recall the love she had for Sacred Scripture. Chocolate "coins" wrapped in gold foil could be distributed to guests in memory of her generosity.

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St. Gertrude
St. Gertrude the Great, a Cistercian nun, is one of the most lovable German saints from medieval times, and through her writings she will remain for all ages a guide to the interior life. She was born in 1256 at Eisleben and at the age of five taken to the convent at Rossdorf, where Gertrude of Hackeborn was abbess. Similarity in name has often occasioned confusion between the two Gertrudes. Our St. Gertrude never functioned as superior.

In spite of much ill-health, Gertrude used her exceptional natural talents well, knew Latin fluently. When she was twenty-five years old (1281), Christ began to appear to her and to disclose to her the secrets of mystical union. Obeying a divine wish, she put into writing the favors of grace bestowed upon her. Her most important work, Legatus Divinae Pietatis, "The Herald of Divine Love," is distinguished for theological profundity, sublime poetry, and unusual clarity. How it stimulates love of God can be felt only by reading it; Abbot Blosius is said to have read it twelve times each year. St. Gertrude died in 1302, more consumed by the fire of God's love than by fever.

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

Patron: Nuns; travellers; West Indies.

Symbols: Crown; lily; taper; seven rings; heart with IHS; heart.

Things to Do:

• Teach your children the Hail Mary in Latin.

• Read The Life and Revelations of St. Gertrude the Great.

• Pray the Novena of the Sacred Heart; say the Litany of St. Gertrude.

[Salvation]

Lauds -- Morning Prayer

Morning Prayer (Lauds)

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

Introduction

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 here.

Psalm 5
A morning prayer for help

As I make my prayer to you, Lord, listen to my voice in the morning.

Let my words come to your ears, O Lord:

  hear my sighs.

Listen to the voice of my crying,

  my King and my God.

As I make my prayer to you,

  Lord, listen to my voice in the morning;

  in the morning I will stand before you and await you.

You are not a God who loves evil.

  The wicked cannot stay near you,

  the unjust cannot remain in your presence.

You hate all who do evil –

  you destroy all who speak falsehood –

  the Lord abominates the bloody and deceitful man.

But in the abundance of your mercy you will admit me to your house:

  I will worship you in your holy temple, with fear and reverence.

Lord, guide me in your justice, protect me from my enemies:

  let me see the path I must follow.

For there is no truth in their mouth – their heart is a bottomless pit –

  their throat is a wide open grave – their tongue seduces.

Punish them, Lord,

  and let their own plans destroy them.

On account of their crimes, thrust them from your presence;

  for they are rebels against you.

Let all who hope in you rejoice, triumph for ever.

  You will shelter them and they will glory in you.

For you bless the just, O Lord,

  and your good will surrounds them like a shield.

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.

As I make my prayer to you, Lord, listen to my voice in the morning.

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Canticle	1 Chronicles 29

To God alone be honour and glory

We praise your glorious name, O God, our God.

Blessed are you, Lord, God of our father Israel,

  through all the ages.

All power and greatness are yours, O God;

  glory, splendour, and majesty.

All things are yours, in the heavens and on the earth;

  you rule over them, Lord, you are high above them all.

All riches and glory come from you,

  you rule over all things.

In your hand lie strength and power,

  your hand raises all things and sets them firm.

So now, our God, we give you thanks,

  and praise your glorious name.

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.

We praise your glorious name, O God, our God.

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Psalm 28 (29)
Praise the word of the Lord

Worship the Lord in his holy courts.

Give to the Lord, all his children,

  his glory and power,

  give to the Lord the glory of his name.

Worship the Lord in holy splendour.

The voice of the Lord is heard over the waters:

  the God of majesty thunders,

  God above all the waters.

The voice of the Lord in his power,

  the voice of the Lord in his greatness.

The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars,

  the Lord breaks down the cedars of Lebanon.

The Lord makes Lebanon leap like a calf,

  Sirion like a wild ox.

The voice of the Lord cuts flames in two;

  the voice of the Lord beats on the desert,

  the Lord stuns the desert of Kadesh.

The voice of the Lord puts the deer to flight,

  it empties the thickets;

  in his sanctuary, all praise his glory.

The Lord dwells above the raging flood,

  he is enthroned as king for ever.

The Lord will give strength to his people,

  the Lord will bless his people with peace.

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

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

  world without end.

Amen.

Worship the Lord in his holy courts.

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Short reading	2 Thessalonians 3:10-13 ©

Do not let anyone have any food if he refuses to do any work. Now we hear that there are some of you who are living in idleness, doing no work themselves but interfering with everyone else’s. In the Lord Jesus Christ, we order and call on people of this kind to go on quietly working and earning the food that they eat. My brothers, never grow tired of doing what is right.

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Short Responsory

Blessed be the Lord for ever, for all time.

– Blessed be the Lord for ever, for all time.

He alone has done marvellous things.

– Blessed be the Lord for ever, for all time.

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

– Blessed be the Lord for ever, for all time.

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Canticle	Benedictus

The Messiah and his forerunner

Blessed be the Lord our God.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,

  for he has come to his people and brought about their redemption.

He has raised up the sign of salvation

  in the house of his servant David,

as he promised through the mouth of the holy ones,

  his prophets through the ages:

to rescue us from our enemies

  and all who hate us,

to take pity on our fathers,

  to remember his holy covenant

and the oath he swore to Abraham our father,

  that he would give himself to us,

that we could serve him without fear

 – freed from the hands of our enemies –

in uprightness and holiness before him,

  for all of our days.

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High:

  for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his path,

to let his people know their salvation,

  so that their sins may be forgiven.

Through the bottomless mercy of our God,

  one born on high will visit us

to give light to those who walk in darkness,

  who live in the shadow of death;

  to lead our feet in the path of peace.

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

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

  world without end.

Amen.

Blessed be the Lord our God.

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Prayers and Intercessions

Christ is filled with grace and the Holy Spirit. Let us proclaim his greatness and trustfully ask him:

– Lord, give us your Spirit.

Make our day happy, without disturbance, without sin,

  so that when we reach evening we can praise you joyfully with pure hearts.

– Lord, give us your Spirit.

May your radiance shine on us through the day:

  guide the work of our hands.

– Lord, give us your Spirit.

Watch over us: let us do good in peace

  and do what is right, with the strength you give us.

– Lord, give us your Spirit.

Look kindly on all who have asked for our prayers

  and fill them with good things, both in body and in soul.

– Lord, give us your Spirit.

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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.

---

Lord, be with us in all we plan and help us in all we do,

  so that our every action begins from you

  and is completed through you.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

  who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

  God for ever and ever.

Amen.

---

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

A M E N

[Salvation]

The Word Among Us

Meditation: Luke 18:35-43

Judging from all the symptoms, we can probably conclude that the blind beggar in today’s Gospel reading had a condition called SPE.

He was specific, persistent, and expectant. If only we had the same symptoms! Through them, we can discover the power of prayer to change our lives, regardless of the circumstances we are praying about. The mere act of praying confirms our faith in a God who we believe hears us and answers us.

We should be specific. No one doubts that it’s important to pray for world peace in general. But if there is an annoying next-door neighbor who bothers you every time you see him, be sure to take it to prayer as well. Praying, for instance, that he quit yelling at the kids could make you more sensitive to the things that may cause him to yell. Praying for a friend on a regular basis may accomplish something, but knowing that a back injury incapacitated her and that she has been in therapy for three weeks allows you to be specific. Not only has your petition reached God’s ears but your heart goes out to her distress. God is in the details.

We should be persistent. The blind beggar in today’s Gospel was not going to be put off by rebukes. When we are dedicated with our prayer, we are reconfirming our trust that in God’s time—which is eternity—our prayer is already answered. Our faithfulness to persistent prayer builds our faith whether we see answers in our lifetime or not. Keep praying. Know that God hears you and will answer you in his own good time.

Finally, we should be expectant. Expectant prayer assumes that God will act. Once you offer your prayer, watch for an answer. Often, God will give you more than you expected, and you don’t want to miss how he does it. The more you look for miracles, the more of them you will see—simply because your eyes are open. Your faith will continue to grow as you live each day expecting the blessings that God wants to pour out.

So be specific, be persistent, be expectant, and leave the answers up to God.

“Jesus, just as you prayed to the Father, I place all my needs in your care.”

1 Maccabees 1:10-15,41-43, 54-57,62-63; Psalm 119:53,61,134,150,155,158

[Salvation]

Vespers -- Evening Prayer

Vespers (Evening Prayer)

Introduction

O God, come to my aid.

  O Lord, make haste to help me.

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

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

  world without end.

Amen. Alleluia.

---

A suitable hymn may be inserted here.

Psalm 10 (11)
The Lord, support of the just

The eyes of the Lord look down upon the poor.

I trust in the Lord, so why do you say to me:

  “Fly up to the mountain like a sparrow”?

“For the wicked have drawn their bows,

  fitted the arrow to the string,

  to shoot in darkness at the upright of heart.

When the foundations are being overthrown,

  what are the just to do?”

The Lord is in his holy temple;

  the Lord’s throne is in heaven.

His eyes look down on the poor,

  he examines the children of men.

The Lord scrutinises the just and the unjust,

  and his heart hates those who do evil.

He rains down coals upon the wicked,

  fire and brimstone and a scorching wind:

  this is what he gives them to drink.

For the Lord is just and loves just deeds,

  and the upright shall see his face.

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 eyes of the Lord look down upon the poor.

---

Psalm 14 (15)
Who is worthy to face the Lord?

Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.

Lord, who will live in your tent?

  Who will dwell on your holy mountain?

Whoever comes there without stain,

  acts rightly, speaks truth in his heart.

Whoever does not speak deceitfully,

  or do harm to his neighbour, or slander him.

Whoever despises the evil-doer,

  but reveres those who fear the Lord.

Whoever swears and keeps his word, come what may

 – lends his money without usury –

  takes no bribe to condemn the innocent.

Whoever lives like this

  will stand firm for ever.

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

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

  world without end.

Amen.

Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.

---

Canticle	Ephesians 1

God the Saviour

Through his Son, God chose us to be his adopted children.

Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

  who has blessed us, in Christ,

  with every spiritual blessing in heaven.

In love, he chose us before the creation of the world,

  to be holy and spotless in his sight.

He predestined us to be his adopted children through Jesus Christ,

  simply because it pleased him to do so.

This he did for the praise of the glory of his grace,

  of his free gift to us in his Beloved,

in whose blood we have gained redemption,

  and the forgiveness of our sins.

This he did according to the riches of his grace,

  which he gave us in abundance,

with all wisdom and discernment,

  revealing to us the mysteries of his will,

  because it pleased him to do so.

In this action he has planned, in the fulfilment of time,

  to bring all things together in Christ,

  from the heavens and from the earth.

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

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

  world without end.

Amen.

Through his Son, God chose us to be his adopted children.

---

Short reading	Colossians 1:9-11 ©

Through perfect wisdom and spiritual understanding, may you reach the fullest knowledge of God’s will. So you will be able to lead the kind of life which the Lord expects of you, a life acceptable to him in all its aspects; showing the results in all the good actions you do and increasing your knowledge of God. You will have in you the strength, based on his own glorious power, never to give in, but to bear anything joyfully.

---

Short Responsory

Heal my soul, for I have sinned against you.

– Heal my soul, for I have sinned against you.

I have said, ‘Lord, take pity on me.’

– Heal my soul, for I have sinned against you.

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

– Heal my soul, for I have sinned against you.

---

Canticle	Magnificat

My soul rejoices in the Lord

My soul proclaims the greatness of my Lord, because God has looked upon my lowliness.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

  and my spirit rejoices in God, my salvation.

For he has shown me such favour –

  me, his lowly handmaiden.

Now all generations will call me blessed,

  because the mighty one has done great things for me.

His name is holy,

  his mercy lasts for generation after generation

  for those who revere him.

He has put forth his strength:

  he has scattered the proud and conceited,

  torn princes from their thrones;

  but lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things;

  the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel,

  he has remembered his mercy as he promised to our fathers,

  to Abraham and his children for ever.

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

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

  world without end.

Amen.

My soul proclaims the greatness of my Lord, because God has looked upon my lowliness.

---

Prayers and Intercessions

God made an eternal covenant with his people, and continues his gifts to them still. So we give him thanks and turn to him in prayer:

– Lord, give blessings to your people.

Lord, save your people

  and bless your inheritance.

– Lord, give blessings to your people.

Unite all who bear the name of Christians,

  so that the world may believe in Christ, whom you have sent.

– Lord, give blessings to your people.

Pour out your grace onto our friends and acquaintances,

  so that they spread the sweetness of Christ through the world.

– Lord, give blessings to your people.

Show your love for the dying

  and let them see your salvation with their own eyes.

– Lord, give blessings to your people.

Show your compassion for the dead

  and let them rest together in Christ.

– Lord, give blessings to your people.

---

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.

---

Lord, we, your servants, proclaim your greatness.

  For our salvation, you looked kindly on the lowliness of the Virgin Mary:

  look kindly on us too, and raise us up into the fullness of redemption.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

  who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

  God for ever and ever.

Amen.

---

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

A M E N

[Salvation]

Regnum Christi

Seeing with Faith

| SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY

Monday, 33rd week, OT

John Doyle, LC

Luke 18:35-43

Now as Jesus approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging, and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening. They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." He shouted, "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!" The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, "Son of David, have pity on me!" Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" He replied, "Lord, please let me see." Jesus told him, "Have sight; your faith has saved you." He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God.

Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the Alpha and the Omega. You have given me life and offer me eternal life with you. You deserve my honor, gratitude and love, and yet you never impose yourself upon me. Thank you for respecting my freedom so that I can offer myself to you. All that I have is yours; I return it to you.

Petition: Lord, grant me greater faith in your constant and continual presence in my life.

1. Begging by the Roadside How many times in life have we felt like this blind beggar sitting by the roadside, down-and-out and hard on luck – physically, spiritually or emotionally? Witnessing our distress, some people simply walked by without a care. Maybe they tossed us a coin, though they didn’t really help us out of our discouragement or difficulty. Others might have jeered at us or not dared to look at us. Some may even have scolded us, like the people in the Gospel telling the beggar “to be silent.” Just as the blind beggar of today’s Gospel could not give himself what he most desired – sight, we are unable to give ourselves what we most need – faith. Do I regularly ask for an increase of faith? Am I aware of how much I need a strong faith?

2. Jesus Is Passing By The book of Job tells us that “human beings have a hard service on earth” (Job 7:1). It shouldn’t be surprising, then, when in our lives as Christians we take some real blows and even some falls. God doesn’t want us to become discouraged. He wants us to see these as opportunities to turn to him, the source of the strength and help we need. Other voices will tell us to be quiet and not bother the Master: “After all, you just need to work things out”, “With so much going on, how can you find time to pray?” Jesus constantly passes by. He is the only one who can bring me the peace my heart desires and longs for. “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” 

3. Lord, Please Let Me See Jesus promises us that he will listen to our request, just as he did to the blind man. But what should our request be? To have a more comfortable stool so as to sit by the road and beg with ease? To have a beautiful silver cup to collect coins in? Or to see? Often what we really need is not what we ask for in prayer. We need the vision that only the supernatural virtue of faith can give. We need the ability to see everything from God’s vantage point and to see how the difficulties and trials we experience are part of a bigger picture. We need to have the firm assurance of the final victory of the Lamb, Jesus, and the strength to persevere in fidelity. Lord, please let me see…. Please increase my faith. 

Conversation with Christ: Lord Jesus, allow me to praise and glorify you for your constant companionship and for never leaving me alone in my struggles and trials. Increase my faith so that I will be able to experience your love even amidst difficulty and trials.

Resolution: I will pray three “Our Fathers” for an increase of faith among my family members.

[Salvation]

Homily of the Day

Stay Connected or You’ll Lose Your Way

November 16th, 2009 by Monsignor Dennis Clark, Ph.D.

1 Mc 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63 / Lk 18:35-43

We have the beginnings of a great tragedy in today’s reading from the book of Maccabees. The Greeks had decided to impose their own language and culture on the various parts of their empire. And that meant zero tolerance for the religion of all conquered peoples, including the Jews. The temple at Jerusalem was converted into a gymnasium, and all Jewish religious observances were forbidden under pain of death.

It was decision time for the Jews, young and old, and many of them forgot what it was that made them special, what made them who they were: It was their conscious connection to the Lord. Hoping to win acceptance and advancement from those who held power, many of the Jews turned their backs on their connection to the Lord. And in doing so they lost their identity and lost their way.

It’­s a temptation that presents itself in every age, if not in so dramatic a way. We face it now, the temptation to give in to a culture that in so many ways has considerable appeal, but is simultaneously seriously flawed. It’s hard not to fall victim to its subtle allures and distorted values without even noticing we’ve done so. Only one thing can prevent that from happening, and that is serious time spent with the Lord every day.

Take that time every day. Let Him help you remember who you are and what really matters. Let Him give you the energy to be faithful and true

[Salvation]

One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

 

<< Monday, November 16, 2009 >>

St. Margaret of Scotland St. Gertrude Saint of the Day

1 Maccabees 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63
View Readings

Psalm 119:53, 61, 134, 150, 155, 158

Luke 18:35-43

THREE BLIND MEN

"A blind man sat at the side of the road begging." —Luke 18:35

 

Luke put his account of Jesus healing the blind man between the accounts of the young rich man and Zacchaeus. He implies all three were blind. The blind man was physically blind, while the young rich man and Zacchaeus were spiritually blind. All three blind men had the opportunity to be healed, but the young rich man refused to let Jesus open his eyes while the other two accepted healing.

The young rich man decided to stay spiritually blind because he wouldn't obey doctor's orders. When Doctor Jesus told him to sell all he had and give the money to the poor, he disobeyed (Lk 18:22). However, when Zacchaeus met Jesus, he "said to the Lord: 'I give half my belongings, Lord, to the poor. If I have defrauded anyone in the least, I pay him back fourfold' " (Lk 19:8).

Jesus came to open the eyes of the blind (Lk 4:18). He asks us: "What do you want Me to do for you?" (Lk 18:41) We should respond: "I want to see" (Lk 18:41). If we back up our statement by obeying the Lord, He will open our eyes spiritually. We will be convicted of sin, change our lifestyle dramatically, and begin to follow Jesus (Lk 18:43). All the people will witness this and they too will give praise to God (Lk 18:43).

 

Prayer: Father, open my eyes, even if I have to suffer to be healed.

Promise: "Many in Israel were determined and resolved in their hearts not to eat anything unclean; they preferred to die." —1 Mc 1:62-63

Praise: St. Gertrude became a saint who had a special devotion to the Eucharist. After Jesus appeared to her in a vision, she only read the Bible and the works of the Church fathers. She received many revelations from the Lord and wrote them down to build up the body of Christ.

 

[Salvation]

Compline -- Night Prayer

Compline (Night Prayer)

Introduction

O God, come to my aid.

  O Lord, make haste to help me.

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

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

  world without end.

Amen. Alleluia.

---

This is an excellent moment for an examination of conscience. In a communal celebration of Compline, one of the penitential acts given in the Missal may be recited.

---

Hymn

Now that the daylight dies away,

By all thy grace and love,

Thee, Maker of the world, we pray

To watch our bed above.

Let dreams depart and phantoms fly,

The offspring of the night,

Keep us, like shrines, beneath thine eye,

Pure in our foe’s despite.

This grace on thy redeemed confer,

Father, co-equal Son,

And Holy Ghost, the Comforter,

Eternal Three in One.

---

Psalm 85 (86)
A poor man's prayer in time of trouble

Lord God, you are full of mercies, patient and true.

Turn your ear to me, Lord, and hear me,

  for I am poor and destitute.

Keep my life safe, for I am faithful;

  O God, save your servant, who trusts in you.

Take pity upon me, O Lord,

  for I call to you all the day long.

Make your servant’s heart glad,

  for to you, O Lord, I have raised it.

For you, Lord, are gentle and mild:

  you are kind to all those who call on you.

Let your ears hear my prayer, O Lord!

  Turn to the voice of my pleading!

In my time of trouble I call on you,

  for you, O Lord, will hear me.

No other god is like you, O Lord,

  and nothing compares with your works.

All people – all nations you made –

  will come and worship before you;

  they will give glory to your name.

For you are great, you work wonders:

  you alone are God.

O Lord, teach me your paths,

  and I will come to your truth.

Make my heart simple and guileless,

  so that it honours your name.

I will proclaim you, Lord my God,

  and give you praise with all my heart.

I will give glory to your name for ever,

  for your great kindness is upon me:

  you have rescued me from the deepest depths.

O God, the proud rise against me,

  in the meetings of the powerful they seek my life:

  they do not keep you in their sight.

And you, Lord, are a God of compassion,

  full of mercies, patient and true.

Look upon me, have mercy upon me,

  give your strength and protection to your servant:

  your servant, the child of your handmaid.

Give me a sign of your goodness,

  let my enemies see it and be confounded;

because you, O Lord, have helped me and given me comfort.

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.

Lord God, you are full of mercies, patient and true.

---

Reading	1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

God chose that we should receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us; so that, asleep or awake, we should still live with him.

---

Short Responsory

Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

– Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

You have redeemed us, Lord, God of faithfulness.

– Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

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

– Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

---

Canticle	Nunc Dimittis

Keep us safe, Lord, while we are awake, and guard us as we sleep, so that we can keep watch with Christ and rest in peace.

Now, Master, you let your servant go in peace.

  You have fulfilled your promise.

My own eyes have seen your salvation,

  which you have prepared in the sight of all peoples.

A light to bring the Gentiles from darkness;

  the glory of your people Israel.

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

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

  world without end.

Amen.

Keep us safe, Lord, while we are awake, and guard us as we sleep, so that we can keep watch with Christ and rest in peace.

---

Let us pray.

Give our bodies rest, Lord, to restore them; and let the seeds sown by our labours today grow and yield an eternal harvest.

Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

---

May the almighty Lord grant us a quiet night and a perfect end.

A M E N

	Salve Regina

Hail to you, O Queen, mother of loving kindness,

  our life, our happiness, our hope.

Hear us cry out to you,

  children of Eve in our exile.

Hear as we sigh, with groaning and weeping

  in this life, this valley of tears.

Come then, our Advocate, turn towards us

  the gaze of your kind and loving eyes.

And show us Jesus, the blessed fruit of your womb,

  when at last our exile here is ended.