Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 06-18-12

USCCB.org/RNAB ^ | 06-18-12 | Revised New American Bible

[Salvation]

June 18, 2012

 

Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

 

Reading 1 1 Kgs 21:1-16

Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard in Jezreel
next to the palace of Ahab, king of Samaria.
Ahab said to Naboth, "Give me your vineyard to be my vegetable garden,
since it is close by, next to my house.
I will give you a better vineyard in exchange, or,
if you prefer, I will give you its value in money."
Naboth answered him, "The LORD forbid
that I should give you my ancestral heritage."
Ahab went home disturbed and angry at the answer
Naboth the Jezreelite had made to him:
"I will not give you my ancestral heritage."
Lying down on his bed, he turned away from food and would not eat.

His wife Jezebel came to him and said to him,
"Why are you so angry that you will not eat?"
He answered her, "Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite
and said to him, 'Sell me your vineyard, or,
if you prefer, I will give you a vineyard in exchange.'
But he refused to let me have his vineyard."
His wife Jezebel said to him,
"A fine ruler over Israel you are indeed!
Get up.
Eat and be cheerful.
I will obtain the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite for you."

So she wrote letters in Ahab's name and,
having sealed them with his seal,
sent them to the elders and to the nobles
who lived in the same city with Naboth.
This is what she wrote in the letters:
"Proclaim a fast and set Naboth at the head of the people.
Next, get two scoundrels to face him
and accuse him of having cursed God and king.
Then take him out and stone him to death."
His fellow citizens' the elders and nobles who dwelt in his city?
did as Jezebel had ordered them in writing,
through the letters she had sent them.
They proclaimed a fast and placed Naboth at the head of the people.
Two scoundrels came in and confronted him with the accusation,
"Naboth has cursed God and king."
And they led him out of the city and stoned him to death.
Then they sent the information to Jezebel
that Naboth had been stoned to death.

When Jezebel learned that Naboth had been stoned to death,
she said to Ahab,
"Go on, take possession of the vineyard
of Naboth the Jezreelite that he refused to sell you,
because Naboth is not alive, but dead."
On hearing that Naboth was dead, Ahab started off on his way
down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite,
to take possession of it.

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

R. (2b) Lord, listen to my groaning.
Hearken to my words, O LORD,
attend to my sighing.
Heed my call for help,
my king and my God!
R. Lord, listen to my groaning.
At dawn I bring my plea expectantly before you.
For you, O God, delight not in wickedness;
no evil man remains with you;
the arrogant may not stand in your sight.
R. Lord, listen to my groaning.
You hate all evildoers.
You destroy all who speak falsehood;
The bloodthirsty and the deceitful
the LORD abhors.
R. Lord, listen to my groaning.

Gospel Mt 5:38-42

Jesus said to his disciples:
"You have heard that it was said,
An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.
When someone strikes you on your right cheek,
turn the other one to him as well.
If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic,
hand him your cloak as well.
Should anyone press you into service for one mile,
go with him for two miles.
Give to the one who asks of you,
and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow."

[sayuncledave]

Vespers

INTRODUCTION

God, + come to my assistance.
ñ Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
ñ as it was in the beginning, is now, will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.

HYMN

Lord Jesus Christ, abide with us,
Now that the sun has run its course;
Let hope not be obscured by night,
But may faithís darkness be as light.

Lord Jesus Christ, grant us your peace,
And when the trials of earth shall cease,
Grant us the morning light of grace,
The radiant splendor of your face.

Immortal, Holy, Threefold Light,
Yours be the kingdom, powír, and might;
All glory be eternally
To you, life-giving Trinity!

Melody: Old100th L.M.
Music: Louis Bourgeois, 1551
Text: Saint Josephís Abbey, 1967, 1968.

Or:

O boundless Wisdom, God most high,
O Maker of the earth and sky,
Who bidíst the parted waters flow
In heaven above, on earth below.

The streams on earth, the clouds in heaven,
By thee their ordered bounds were given,
Lest íneath the untempered fires of day
The parchËd soil should waste away.

Eíen so on us who seek thy face
Pour forth the waters of thy grace;
Renew the fount of life within,
And quench the wasting fires of sin.

Let faith discern the eternal Light
Beyond the darkness of the night,
And through the mists of falsehood see
The path of truth revealed by thee.

O Father, that we ask be done,
Through Jesus Christ, thine only Son;
Who, with the Holy Ghost and thee,
Doth live and reign eternally.

Translation: © the Benedictines of Saint Ceciliaís Abbey, Ryde, UK. Used with permission.

PSALMODY

Ant. 1 Our eyes are fixed intently on the Lord, waiting for his merciful help.

Psalm 123
The Lord, unfailing hope of his people

Two blind men cried out: ìHave pity on us, Lord, Son of Davidî (Matthew 20:30).

To you have I lifted up my eyes, *
you who dwell in the heavens:
my eyes, like the eyes of slaves *
on the hand of their lords.

Like the eyes of a servant *
on the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes are on the Lord our God *
till he show us his mercy.

Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
We are filled with contempt. *
Indeed all too full is our soul Ü
with the scorn of the rich, *
with the proud manís disdain.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Psalm Prayer

Father in heaven, we lift our eyes to you and pray: confound the scorn of the proud and graciously show us your mercy.

Ant. Our eyes are fixed intently on the Lord, waiting for his merciful help.

Ant. 2 Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 124
Our help is in the name of the Lord

The Lord said to Paul: ìFear not . . . I am with youî (Acts 18:9-10).

ìIf the Lord had not been on our side,î *
this is Israelís song.
ìIf the Lord had not been on our side *
when men rose against us,
then would they have swallowed us alive *
when their anger was kindled.

Then would the waters have engulfed us, *
the torrent gone over us;
over our head would have swept *
the raging waters.î

Blessed be the Lord who did not give us *
a prey to their teeth!
Our life, like a bird, has escaped *
from the snare of the fowler.

Indeed the snare has been broken *
and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the Lord, *
who made heaven and earth.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Psalm Prayer

Lord Jesus, you foretold that your disciples would be despised on account of your name, but that not a hair of their heads is ever forgotten. In times of persecution, defend and revive us by the power and comfort of the Holy Spirit, so that we can be freed from our enemies and praise your saving help.

Ant. Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.

Ant. 3 God chose us in his Son to be his adopted children.

Canticle: Ephesians 1:3-10
God our Savior

Praised be the God and Father *
of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has bestowed on us in Christ *
every spiritual blessing in the heavens.

God chose us in him *
before the world began
to be holy *
and blameless in his sight.

He predestined us *
to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ,
such was his will and pleasure, Ü
that all might praise the glorious favor *
he has bestowed on us in his beloved.

In him and through his blood, we have been redeemed, *
and our sins forgiven,
so immeasurably generous *
is Godís favor to us.

God has given us the wisdom *
to understand fully the mystery,
the plan he was pleased *
to decree in Christ.

A plan to be carried out *
in Christ, in the fullness of time,
to bring all things into one in him, *
in the heavens and on earth.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. God chose us in his Son to be his adopted children.

READING
James 4:11-12

Do not, my brothers, speak ill of one another. The one who speaks ill of his brother or judges his brother is speaking against the law. It is the law he judges. If, however, you judge the law you are no observer of the law, you are its judge. There is but one Lawgiver and judge, one who can save and destroy. Who then are you to judge your neighbor?

RESPONSORY

Lord, you alone can heal me, for I have grieved you by my sins.
ñ Lord, you alone can heal me, for I have grieved you by my sins.

Once more I say: O Lord, have mercy on me,
ñ for I have grieved you by my sins.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
ñ Lord, you alone can heal me, for I have grieved you by my sins.

GOSPEL CANTICLE

Ant. My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

Luke 1:46-55
The soul rejoices in the Lord

My soul + proclaims the greatness of the Lord, Ü
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior *
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed: Ü
the Almighty has done great things for me, *
and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him *
in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm, *
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel *
for he has remembered his promise of mercy
the promise he made to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

INTERCESSIONS

Christ desires to lead all men to salvation. Let us implore him with all our heart:
Draw all things to yourself, Lord.

Through your precious blood, Lord, you redeemed us from the slavery of sin,
ñ grant us the freedom of the sons of God.
Draw all things to yourself, Lord.

Bestow your grace upon our bishop N., and upon all bishops,
ñ may they administer your sacraments with fervent joy.
Draw all things to yourself, Lord.

Grant that all who seek the truth may find it,
ñ and in finding it may they desire it all the more.
Draw all things to yourself, Lord.

Be present to comfort widows, orphans and all the abandoned, Lord,
ñ may they feel close to you and cling to you.
Draw all things to yourself, Lord.

Receive our departed brethren into the heavenly kingdom,
ñ where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you will be all in all.
Draw all things to yourself, Lord.

THE LORDíS PRAYER

(Remember us, Lord, when you come to your kingdom and teach us how to pray:)

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.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

God our Father,
at the close of day we come to you,
the light that never fades.
Shine in the darkness of our night
and forgive our sins and failings.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
ñ Amen.

DISMISSAL

May the Lord + bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
ñ Amen.

[sayuncledave]

Compline

INTRODUCTION

God, + come to my assistance.
ñ Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
ñ as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.

Examination of Conscience

A brief examination of conscience may be made. In the communal celebration of the Office, a Penitential Rite using the formulas of the Mass may be inserted here.

[I confess to almighty God
and to you, my brothers and sisters,
that I have greatly sinned,
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done and in what I have failed to do,

And, striking their breast, they say:

through my fault, through my fault,
through my most grievous fault;

Then they continue:

therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin,
all the Angels and Saints,
and you, my brothers and sisters,
to pray for me to the Lord our God.

The absolution by the Priest follows:

May almighty God have mercy on us,
forgive us our sins,
and bring us to everlasting life.
ñ Amen.]

HYMN

Now, God be with us, for the night is closing;
The light and darkness are of your disposing;
And ëneath your shadow here to rest we yield us,
     For you will shield us.

Let holy thoughts be ours when sleep oíertakes us;
Our earliest thought be yours when morning wakes us;
All day serve you, in all that we are doing
     Your praise pursuing.

We have no refuge, none on earth to aid us,
Save you, O Father, who in love has made us;
But your dear presence will not leave them lonely
     Who seek you only.

Melody: Lobet den Herren 11.11.11.5
Music: Johann Cr¸ger, 1598-1662
Text: Bohemian Brethrenís Kirchengesange, 1566
Translation: Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878

PSALMODY

Ant. O Lord, our God, unwearied is your love for us.

Psalm 86
Poor manís prayer in trouble

Blessed be God who comforts us in all our trials (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4).

Turn your ear, O Lord, and give answer *
for I am poor and needy.
Preserve my life, for I am faithful: *
save the servant who trusts in you.

You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord, *
for I cry to you all day long.
Give joy to your servant, O Lord, *
for to you I lift up my soul.

O Lord, you are good and forgiving, *
full of love to all who call.
Give heed, O Lord, to my prayer *
and attend to the sound of my voice.

In the day of distress I will call *
and surely you will reply.
Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord; *
nor work to compare with yours.

All the nations shall come to adore you *
and glorify your name, O Lord:
for you are great and do marvelous deeds, *
you who alone are God.

Show me, Lord, your way Ü
so that I may walk in your truth. *
Guide my heart to fear your name.

I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart *
and glorify your name for ever;
for your love to me has been great: *
you have saved me from the depths of the grave.

The proud have risen against me; Ü
ruthless men seek my life: *
to you they pay no heed.

But you, God of mercy and compassion, *
slow to anger, O Lord,
abounding in love and truth, *
turn and take pity on me.

O give your strength to your servant *
and save your handmaidís son.
Show me the sign of your favor Ü
that my foes may see to their shame *
that you console me and give me your help.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. O Lord, our God, unwearied is your love for us.

READING
1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

God has destined us for acquiring salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us, that all of us, whether awake or asleep, together might live with him.

RESPONSORY

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

You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth.
ñ I commend my spirit.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
ñ Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

CANTICLE OF SIMEON

Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace.

Luke 2:29-32
Christ is the light of the nations and the glory of Israel

Lord, + now you let your servant go in peace; *
your word has been fulfilled:

my own eyes have seen the salvation *
which you have prepared in the sight of every people:

a light to reveal you to the nations *
and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, *
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, *
and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord,
give our bodies restful sleep
and let the work we have done today
bear fruit in eternal life.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
ñ Amen.

BLESSING

May the all-powerful Lord
grant us a restful night
and a peaceful death.
ñ Amen.

Antiphon or song in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy,
our life, our sweetness, and our hope.
To you do we cry,
poor banished children of Eve.
To you do we send up our sighs
mourning and weeping in this vale of tears.
Turn then, most gracious advocate,
your eyes of mercy toward us,
and after this exile
show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving,
O sweet Virgin Mary.

Or:

Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with you!
Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Or:

Salve, Regina, mater misericordiae;
 vita, dulcedo et spes nostra, salve,
Ad te clamamus, exsules filii Evae.
Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes
 in hac lacrimarum valle.

Eia ergo, advocata nostra,
 illos tuos misericordes occulos
 ad nos converte.
Et Iesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui,
 nobis post hoc exilium ostende.
O clemens, o pia, o dulcis Virgo Maria.

Or:

Loving mother of the Redeemer,
gate of heaven, star of the sea,
assist your people who have fallen yet strive to rise again.
To the wonderment of nature you bore your Creator,
yet remained a virgin after as before.
You who received Gabrielís joyful greeting,
have pity on us poor sinners.

[who knows what evil?]

Polite question: is there any way of blocking the 'Religion Forum' so that none of the posts in that forum appear on the main forum on my computer?

Just curious.

[annalex]

Thank you very much.

[annalex]

You can use the Browse by Forum block. I don’t think there is a way to exclude a forum.

[who knows what evil?]

I don’t think there is a way to exclude a forum.

Thank you for your help...maybe I can drop the suggestion by John sometime...

[sayuncledave]

You’re always welcome, friend. You wanna get ‘em tomorrow?

[Salvation]

Information: St. Elizabeth of Schoenau

Feast Day:	June 18
Born:	1129 at Germany
Died:	18 June 1165 at Bonn, Germany
Patron of:	against temptations

[Salvation]

Interactive Saints for Kids

Blessed Gregory Barbarigo

Feast Day: June 18
Born: 1625 :: Died: 1697

Gregorio Giovanni Gasparo Barbarigo was born at Venice in Italy. His father was a Venetian Senator (a politician). Gregory received a good education, studied at the University of Padua, in Italy and became a Civil and canon lawyer.

While still in his twenties, he was chosen by the officials of Venice to represent them in Munster, Germany, at an important event. Leaders were meeting to sign the Treaty of Westphalia on October 24, 1648. This treaty (peace agreement) would bring to an end the Thirty Year War being fought in Germany. It involved local, Swedish and French troops and was caused by a Catholic-Protestant misunderstanding.

At Munster, Blessed Gregory met the pope's representative archbishop Fabio Chigi. This man later became Pope Alexander VII. Archbishop Fabio realized how good and holy Father Gregory was. He made him the bishop of Bergamo, Italy. In 1660, Pope Alexander VII called Bishop Gregory to Rome again and this time he made appointed him as cardinal of Padua.

Blessed Gregory spent the rest of his life in Padua, a city already made famous by St. Anthony. Cardinal Barbarigo lived a plain, self-sacrificing life. He gave large sums of money for charitable needs. He kept his door open and was always available when people were in trouble.

He started an excellent college and seminary for the training of men to be priests. He gave the seminary a first-class library with many books by the early Church fathers and books about Sacred Scripture. He even set up a printing press in the seminary.

As Cardinal, Gregory had the unusual task of attending four conclaves. He helped to elect Pope Clement IX in 1667, Pope Innocent XI in 1676, Pope Alexander VIII in 1689 and Pope Innocent XII in 1691. Blessed Gregory Barbarigo died on June 15, 1697, at the age of seventy-two and is buried in the cathedral of Padua.

[Religion Moderator]

If you do not wish to see Religion Forum posts, do NOT use the “everything” option on the browse. Instead, browse by “News/Activism.” When you log back in, the browse will reset to “everything” - so be sure to set it back to “News/Activism.”

[who knows what evil?]

Thank you!

[Salvation]

 

Catholic

Almanac:

Monday, June 18
Liturgical Color: Green
The Church dedicates the month of June to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Devotion to the Sacred Heart can be traced to the 11th century and was formally approved by Pope Pius IX in 1873.

[Salvation]

Catholic Culture

Daily Readings for: June 18, 2012
(Readings on USCCB website)

Collect: O God, strength of those who hope in you, graciously hear our pleas, and, since without you mortal frailty can do nothing, grant us always the help of your grace, that in following your commands we may please you by our resolve and our deeds. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

ACTIVITIES

• Religion in the Home for Preschool: June

PRAYERS

• June Devotion: The Sacred Heart

Ordinary Time: June 18th

Monday of the Eleventh Week of Ordinary Time

Old Calendar: St. Ephrem, deacon, confessor and doctor; Sts. Mark & Marcellianus, martyrs

The virtues of gratitude, confidence and love, stimulated and motivated by the Holy Eucharist, are especially necessary in the modern world. Today gratitude has become a forgotten virtue; confidence in God has been replaced by arrogant self-reliance; love for God and for mankind has been driven from the hearts of many by a spirit of pagan selfishness.

Catholics must strive to revive these virtues and shall have the special help of Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist. If we cultivate a deep and persevering devotion to Him who dwells among us under the humble appearances of bread and wine, particularly if we receive Holy Communion frequently and fervently, we cannot but make progress in the spirit of gratitude, in unwavering confidence in God's assistance, and in ardent love both for God and for our fellowmen.

According to the 1962 Missal of Bl. John XXIII the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, today is the feast of St. Ephrem. His feast in the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite is celebrated on June 9. It is also the feast of the martyrs, Sts. Mark and Marcellianus.

---

Sts. Mark & Marcellianus
Saint Marcus and Saint Marcellianus were twin brothers of an illustrious family in Rome, who had been converted to the Faith in their youth and were honorably married.

When Diocletian ascended the imperial throne in 284, the pagans raised persecutions; the brothers were then thrown into prison and condemned to be beheaded. Their friends obtained a delay of the execution for thirty days, that they might prevail on them to worship the false gods. Tranquillinus and Martia, their afflicted pagan parents, accompanied by their sons’ wives and their little babes, endeavored to move them by the most tender entreaties and tears. But Saint Sebastian, an officer of the emperor’s household, arriving in Rome soon after their confinement, daily visited and encouraged them.

The issue of the conferences was the happy conversion of the father, mother, and wives, also of Nicostratus, the public stenographer, and soon afterwards of Chromatius, the judge, who set the Saints at liberty and abdicating the magistracy, retired into the country. Marcus and Marcellianus were concealed by a Christian officer of the imperial household, in his apartments in the palace, but they were betrayed by an apostate and reimprisoned. Fabian, a judge who had succeeded Chromatius, condemned them to be bound to two pillars, their feet nailed to them. In this posture they remained a day and a night, and on the following day were stabbed with lances. Their martyrdom occurred in the year 286. Their tomb and that of their father, Saint Tranquillinus, was found in Rome, in 1782, in the church of Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian, adjoining that of the martyred pope, Saint Felix II. They are honored particularly in Spain, where the city of Badajoz escaped destruction by their intercession.

Excerpted from Little Pictorial Lives of the Saints, a compilation based on Butler’s Lives of the Saints, and other sources by John Gilmary Shea (Benziger Brothers: New York, 1894).

[Salvation]

The Word Among Us

Meditation: 1 Kings 21:1-16

“Go on, take possession of the vineyard.” (1 Kings 21:15)

Just thinking about the way Naboth was treated by Jezebel and Ahab can make your blood boil. What a horrendous injustice! They completely ignored his rights and used false accusations to stir up a murderous mob to get rid of him. And their scheme worked. Naboth was put to death, and Ahab and Jezebel got what they wanted.

Sadly, Naboth is one of a long line of righteous victims in the Scriptures. Think of Uriah, deprived of his wife Bathsheba, and eventually of his own life. Think, too, about Joseph, whose brothers sold him into slavery just because of a special gift his father had given him. Or think about John the Baptist, who lost his life because of Herodias’ burning jealousy and Herod’s fear.

Despite the differences in these people’s stories, they all have one thing in common: They foreshadow the suffering and death of Jesus, the ultimate righteous victim.

Of course, Jesus willingly took on the role of scapegoat for our sake. When the religious leaders stirred up public opinion against him because they were afraid of the Romans, Jesus didn’t defend himself. Even when he was arrested and beaten and bruised, he willingly accepted it. He laid down his life for us. No one took it from him.

Think of all the times that Jesus showed himself as a servant: washing the disciples’ feet, feeding the mul­titudes instead of demanding their worship, forgiving rather than judg­ing. And he did it all so that he could rescue us from sin and death.

By living such a humble, submit­ted life, Jesus showed us a new way to live: not maneuvering to get what we want at the expense of others, not flaunting our power or authority over others, but finding ways to serve other people and lift them up, not tear them down.

Jesus overcame our sin by serving, even to the last drop of his blood. May we all follow him by freely choosing to serve today. Let’s decide now to reject the temptation to deceive or manipulate to get what we want. Let’s pour out our lives for the people around us, treating everyone with justice and love!

“Thank you, Jesus, that by embracing your passion and death, you have defeated death and taught me how to live!”

Psalm 5:2-7; Matthew 5:38-42

[Salvation]

 

Marriage = One Man and One Woman

Til' Death Do Us Part

Daily Marriage Tip for June 18, 2012:

(Reader’s Tip) I look at my husband’s body language and can tell whether he’s tense or feeling “beat up” after a long day at work. I usually give him a neck and head massage.

[Salvation]

Vultus Christi

Thank you, Father Blake

By

Father Mark

 on June 18, 2012 7:00 AM |

The Problem of Frequent Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

Father Ray Blake, writing after a splendid experience of the Forty Hours Devotion in his Church of Saint Mary Magdalene, Brighton, says something that I have long wanted to say: "I am not in favour of frequent exposition".

One might wonder why I, of all people, would have a problem with frequent exposition. I am, after all, a monk professed with an explicit and solemn dedication to adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament. First, read what Father Blake wrote:

. . . I am not in favour of the current trend for frequent Exposition, it seems to encourage a type of receptionism and undermine the fact that Lord is truly present and able to be adored when reserved in the tabernacle. I think there is a real danger in promoting a piety that says that he can only be adored or treated with reverence when he is exposed in the monstrance. In part I suspect this is result of the confusion after the Council about reservation in a side chapel. In many places diocesan bishops demanded the removal of the Blessed Sacrament to a side chapel, with the consequence that many even the basics of Eucharistic piety were not only lost but undermined.

Exposition and Benediction were traditionally high points, always involving putting out more candles, having servers, using incense, a priest wearing cope and for Benediction a humeral veil. The modern directory on Eucharistic Devotion seems to downplay all these, having no more candles than at Mass, for example, and often the exposing and reposing is done by an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, with no priest present, and even if one is present it is often done without Benediction. The problem is making something which should be done with as much solemnity as possible worker-day and prosaic.

I do appreciate the intentions of those who try to encourage devotion to the Blessed Sacrament but starting with Exposition rather than the reception of Holy Communion and reverence to the reserved Blessed Sacrament seems to me a dangerous mistake.

Solemn and Festive

It should be noted that, until the post-conciliar chaos, exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament in the monstrance was always considered a particularly solemn and festive occasion, a kind of condensed expression of the jubilant feast of Corpus Domini. Exposition called for an array of candles, flowers, incense, and sacred ministers. It was considered special, out of the ordinary, and the occasion of a lavish outpouring of graces for those who would come to adore.

In the Light of Recent History

Historically, even the first religious and monastic congregations vowed to perpetual adoration, practiced that adoration before the Blessed Sacrament concealed in the tabernacle. Such was -- and remains today in most monasteries -- the regular practise of the Benedictines of the Perpetual Adoration of the Most Holy Sacrament, founded by Mother Mectilde de Bar in 1653. Only on Thursdays, celebrated as a weekly Corpus Christi with the Votive Office and Mass of the Most Holy Eucharist, and on a certain number of greater feastdays in the year, was the Blessed Sacrament exposed in the monstrance.

The Fathers of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary of Perpetual Adoration of the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar (Picpus Fathers), founded in 1800, adopted the same sobriety with regard to exposition; adoration was made, habitually, before the closed tabernacle, with reference to the humble, hidden life of Our Lord at Nazareth.

Only with Saint Peter Julian Eymard did prolonged, even perpetual, exposition become the normative practise, and this by the concession of a rare and precious privilege to the Congregation of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Exposition in the churches entrusted to the Blessed Sacrament Fathers was a lavish display of homage to the King of Kings, enthroned in the monstrance on an awe-inspiring and lofty throne.

The Loss of Awe

The multiplication of chapels of perpetual adoration -- in themselves praiseworthy and holy endeavours -- has led, in far too many places, to a loss of "Eucharistic amazement" and of awe in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed. Exposition is taken for granted. Instead of a precious privilege calling for a sacrificial investment of our resources -- lovely clean white altar linens, including a special corporal under the monstrance; the illumination of multiple burning candles (six, twelve, or fourteen!); flowers, the humble offering of the earth; incense, fragrant as it rises before the Most Holy -- it has become banal. Often there are no more than two burning candles. Sadly, I have seen altars with no more than cheap paraffin votive lights burning in plastic jars. I have even seen exposition with no lighted candles, no flowers . . . and, worst of all, no one watching in adoration.

It must be said, straightway, that such negligence is not the result of economic penury. It is the result of the decline in reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament that began over forty years ago, a decline manifested and precipitated by:

• the reduction of the Eucharistic Fast to the point of it becoming, in practise, non-existent;
• the demolition of the Communion rail and opening of the sanctuary to all and sundry;
• the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice facing the people;
• the introduction of Holy Communion in the hand;
• the most unfortunate and universally abused authorization for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion;
• the disappearance of the genuflexion and of an "adoring silence" in church.

The promotion of perpetual adoration and of frequent exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament must go hand-in-hand with an ongoing mystagogical catechesis on the Mystery of the Most Holy Eucharist and by:

• the retrieval of the Eucharistic Fast and frequent Confession;
• the reclaiming of the sanctuary for the priest and sacred ministers alone;
• the restoration of the Communion rail;
• the universal abrogation of Holy Communion in the hand;
• the abrogation of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion in all but circumstances of extremely critical need, such as persecution, imprisonment, or the total lack of priests and deacons.
• the restoration of the genuflection and of an "adoring silence" in church.

At a Marian Shrine

While visiting an international Marian shrine a few years ago, I hastened to the "Adoration Chapel", eager to spend some time before Our Lord's Eucharistic Face. At the appointed hour, the sacristan, a layman, emerged from the sacristy in his work uniform, removed the Blessed Sacrament from the tabernacle and, rather unceremoniously, exposed It in the monstrance on the altar. This happened in a Marian shrine where there are a number of priests in service. What saddened me more than anything else was that a priestly service that is so sacred and exalted should be delegated to a layman employed in the sacristy.

A Solution?

Am I against exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament? Not at all. Anyone who has heard me speak on the subject knows that I cherish it as an immense grace and privilege. I will not, however, defend or promote the practise of exposition at any cost. Liturgical minimalism is never a good thing. Minimal liturgical practise leads inexorably to minimal engagement with the Mystery of Faith. The whole question needs to be addressed by pastors of souls, for the glory of Our Lord who waits for us in the Sacrament of His Love, and for the spiritual good of those who come to adore Him.

Here at Silverstream Priory, under the vigilance of Our Lady of the Cenacle, we do indeed have a prolonged exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament daily, making use of all the means at our disposal to express the reverence, jubilation, and love that so great a Mystery calls forth from our hearts.

[Salvation]

Vultus Christi

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear

By

Father Mark

 on June 18, 2012 7:21 AM |

Today, If Ye Shall Hear His Voice

In listening to Our Holy Father deliver his message to the participants in the 50th International Eucharistic Congress, which closed yesterday in Dublin, two passages of Sacred Scripture immediately came to mind: "Today if you shall hear his voice, harden not your hearts" (Psalm 94:8);
and "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear " (Mark 4:9).

The Holy Father's message was unambiguous and to the point. He addressed four crucial issues facing the Church in Ireland:

1. The Liturgical Crisis
2. The Call to Holiness
3. Sin
4. Routine and Renewal

Bishops and Parish Priests would do well to address systematically each of these four issues in the weeks ahead, lest the good seed of the Holy Father's message fall on rocky ground or among weeds and briars.

1. The Liturgical Crisis

Until the liturgical crisis in Ireland (and elsewhere) is addressed, and concrete steps taken to remedy it, nothing of any lasting value will be accomplished at any level in the life of the Church.

The underlying principle is simple: Lex orandi>Lex credendi>Lex vivendi.

A people that worship rightly, that is:
• "as worthily and reverently as possible" (Pope Benedict XVI);
• in organic continuity with the received tradition of their historic rite;
• in fidelity to the letter of the rubrics and to their spirit;

will believe rightly, that is:
• in communion of mind and heart with the Church's living Tradition in all times and places;
• with a faith that both "seeks understanding" (Saint Anselm) and adores the Mystery;
• and in obedience to the Pope, the Successor of Peter, and to the bishops in communion with him;

and will act rightly and justly, that is;
in moral and ethical harmony with natural law and with Divine Revelation;
fructifying the theological virtues, the moral virtues, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit;
and building up a civilization of love, illumined by the splendour of truth.

2. The Call to Holiness

It is time to cast off, once and for all, the minimalistic and legal moralism by which the "practicing Catholic" has been identified for too long by too many. It is not enough to practice a lifeless and sullen adhesion to the outward forms of the Catholic identity. It is time for every bishop, priest, religious, layman, laywoman, and child to look in the mirror and say, "Today, relying on the grace of Jesus Christ, I resolve to become a saint".

A new Ireland, a Holy Ireland, a people of saints, can emerge today from the obscurity, confusion, and unrest of the past five decades, just as a Holy Ireland, a people of saints emerged from the obscurity, confusion, and unrest of paganism when Saint Patrick enkindled on this island the light of the Gospel and the fire of the Sacraments.

3. Sin

Sin must be unmasked and denounced for what it is: the single greatest obstacle to man's unhappiness in this world and in the next. Sin, in all its tentacular forms, has never made anyone happy. Vice foments misery; it brings in its wake emotional, psychological, and physical fragmentation. Virtue fosters happiness; it brings in its wake the inner healing that is the full meaning of salvation.

The remedy for sin lies in:
• identifying it, first of all, in oneself;
• in detesting it;
• in repenting of it;
• in resolving to turn from it;
• in confessing it as often as necessary in the Sacrament of Penance.

As long as bishops, priests, religious, and lay Catholics of all ages
• turn a blind eye to sin;
• make excuses for it;
• grow comfortable in it;
• delay turning away from it;
• and neglect frequent confession,
priestly life, religious life, and family life will continue to disintegrate,
Catholic culture will become increasingly invisible and inarticulate,
and, as a result, society itself will continue to rot.

4. Routine and Renewal

The "business as usual" approach to Catholic life, based on a sterile and lifeless compliance with minimalistic interpretations and applications of liturgical principles, doctrine, and morality, is nothing more than an attempt to inject a decaying corpse with embalming fluid. A naive satisfaction with things going according routine is -- with the occasional showy splash of bureaucratically engineered vitality (itself, part of the routine) -- is the indication that, beneath the surface, there is something very wrong.

Renewal must not be equated with novelty. Nothing gets older more quickly than novelty. What is needed is Pope Benedict's famous "hermeneutic of continuity". True renewal will rise out of a hard pruning of Church life in all its facets, beginning with the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy. Thus will the Church, the vine chosen and planted by the Father, begin to experience revitalization in Christ, a new vitality carried by the Holy Spirit into every branch and tendril.

The Holy Father's Text

I didn't intend to offer such a developed introduction to the Holy Father's message, but it is written, and I shall leave it as it flowed almost willy-nilly from my mind and heart. What is essential is the Holy Father's message in our points. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

With great affection in the Lord, I greet all of you who have gathered in Dublin for the
Fiftieth International Eucharistic Congress, especially Cardinal Brady, Archbishop Martin, the clergy, religious and faithful of Ireland, and all of you who have come from afar to support the Irish Church with your presence and prayers.

Koinonia--Communio

The theme of the Congress - Communion with Christ and with One Another - leads us to
reflect upon the Church as a mystery of fellowship with the Lord and with all the members of his body. From the earliest times the notion of koinonia or communio has been at the core of the Church's understanding of herself, her relationship to Christ her founder, and the sacraments she celebrates, above all the Eucharist. Through our Baptism, we are incorporated into Christ's death, reborn into the great family of the brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ; through Confirmation we receive the seal of the Holy Spirit; and by our sharing in the Eucharist, we come into communion with Christ and each other visibly here on earth. We also receive the pledge of eternal life to come.

The Year of Faith

The Congress also occurs at a time when the Church throughout the world is preparing to
celebrate the Year of Faith to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the start of the Second Vatican Council, an event which launched the most extensive renewal of the Roman Rite ever known.

The Roman Rite: Misunderstandings and Irregularities

Based upon a deepening appreciation of the sources of the liturgy, the Council promoted the full and active participation of the faithful in the Eucharistic sacrifice. At our distance today from the Council Fathers' expressed desires regarding liturgical renewal, and in the light of the universal Church's experience in the intervening period, it is clear that a great deal has been achieved; but it is equally clear that there have been many misunderstandings and irregularities.

The Work of Real Liturgical Renewal

The renewal of external forms, desired by the Council Fathers, was intended to make it easier to enter into the inner depth of the mystery. Its true purpose was to lead people to a personal encounter with the Lord, present in the Eucharist, and thus with the living God, so that through this contact with Christ's love, the love of his brothers and sisters for one another might also grow. Yet not infrequently, the revision of liturgical forms has remained at an external level, and "active participation" has been confused with external activity. Hence much still remains to be done on the path of real liturgical renewal. In a changed world, increasingly fixated on material things, we must learn to recognize anew the mysterious presence of the Risen Lord, which alone can give breadth and depth to our life.

Call to Holiness

The Eucharist is the worship of the whole Church, but it also requires the full engagement of each individual Christian in the Church's mission; it contains a call to be the holy people of God, but also one to individual holiness; it is to be celebrated with great joy and simplicity, but also as worthily and reverently as possible; it invites us to repent of our sins, but also to forgive our brothers and sisters; it binds us together in the Spirit, but it also commands us in the same Spirit to bring the good news of salvation to others.

Ireland Shaped by the Mass

Moreover, the Eucharist is the memorial of Christ's sacrifice on the Cross, his Body and
Blood given in the new and eternal covenant for the forgiveness of sins and the transformation of the world. Ireland has been shaped by the Mass at the deepest level for centuries, and by its power and grace generations of monks, martyrs and missionaries have heroically lived the faith at home and spread the Good News of God's love and forgiveness well beyond your shores.

A Mighty Force for Good in the World

You are the heirs to a Church that has been a mighty force for good in the world, and which has given a profound and enduring love of Christ and his blessed Mother to many, many others. Your forebears in the Church in Ireland knew how to strive for holiness and constancy in their personal lives, how to preach the joy that comes from the Gospel, how to promote the importance of belonging to the universal Church in communion with the See of Peter, and how to pass on a love of the faith and Christian virtue to other generations.

Placed on the Lord's Altar

Our Catholic faith, imbued with a radical sense of God's presence, caught up in the beauty of his creation all around us, and purified through personal penance and awareness of God's forgiveness, is a legacy that is surely perfected and nourished when regularly placed on the Lord's altar at the sacrifice of the Mass.

Sin

Thankfulness and joy at such a great history of faith and love have recently been shaken in an appalling way by the revelation of sins committed by priests and consecrated persons against people entrusted to their care. Instead of showing them the path towards Christ, towards God, instead of bearing witness to his goodness, they abused people and undermined the credibility of the Church's message. How are we to explain the fact that people who regularly received the Lord's Body and confessed their sins in the Sacrament of Penance have offended in this way?

Merely a Matter of Habit

It remains a mystery. Yet evidently, their Christianity was no longer nourished by joyful encounter with Jesus Christ: it had become merely a matter of habit. The work of the Council was really meant to overcome this form of Christianity and to rediscover the faith as a deep personal friendship with the goodness of Jesus Christ. The Eucharistic Congress has a similar aim. Here we wish to encounter the Risen Lord. We ask him to touch us deeply. May he who breathed on the Apostles at Easter, communicating his Spirit to them, likewise bestow upon us his breath, the power of the Holy Spirit, and so help us to become true witnesses to his love, witnesses to the truth. His truth is love. Christ's love is truth.

The Next International Eucharistic Congress

My dear brothers and sisters, I pray that the Congress will be for each of you a spiritually
fruitful experience of communion with Christ and his Church. At the same time, I would like
to invite you to join me in praying for God's blessing upon the next International Eucharistic
Congress, which will take place in 2016 in the city of Cebu!

To the people of the Philippines I send warm greetings and an assurance of my closeness in prayer during the period of preparation for this great ecclesial gathering. I am confident that it will bring lasting spiritual renewal not only to them but to all the participants from across the globe.

In the meantime, I commend everyone taking part in the present Congress to the loving protection of Mary, Mother of God, and to Saint Patrick, the great patron of Ireland; and, as a token of joy and peace in the Lord, I willingly impart my Apostolic Blessing.

His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI
17 June 2012

[Salvation]

Regnum Christi

Something Radically New

| SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY

Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

Father Walter Schu, LC
Matthew 5: 38-42

Jesus said to his disciples: "You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow."

Introductory Prayer: Lord, you present a message that is not easy for my fallen nature to accept. However, I believe in your words, and I trust in you because you alone have the words of eternal life. As I begin this moment of prayer, I turn to you as one in need. I want only to please you in all I do.

Petition: Lord, help me to embrace your call to turn the other cheek.

1. The Leitmotif: Can we discover a unifying thread in this week’s Gospel readings? One that stands out is the radical newness of Christ’s Kingdom. It is new in its fundamental principle: a charity that must extend to loving one’s very enemies (Monday and Tuesday). It is new in the intentions which must motivate all our actions (Wednesday). It is new in the way we are to pray to our Father in heaven (Thursday). And, finally, it is new in the radical demands it places upon us as followers of Christ: We must make this Kingdom our only treasure (Friday) and seek it above everything else in life (Saturday). What a privilege to be called to the mission of helping to establish such a Kingdom! What a joy, what an honor, what a glory to be the subjects of such a King! Do people encounter a “newness”, a freshness, in my approach to life? Is it rooted in Christ’s new teaching?

2. A New Legislator: We find ourselves at the heart of Christ’s discourse in his Sermon on the Mount. Our Lord attributes to himself an authority that must have startled and even shocked his Jewish listeners. He claims the power to alter what has been proclaimed in the very Law of Moses and the prophets — the absolute source of authority for the Jewish faith. Remember that God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, and God put his word in the mouths of the prophets. So when Jesus says, “You have heard it said…. But I say to you...,” only two alternatives are possible: Either Christ is a madman, or he is truly the Son of God, the one who has come “not to abolish the law and the prophets, but to fulfill them.” I may agree that he is truly the Son of God, but do I embrace all of his teachings?

3. Turning the Other Cheek: It would certainly be hard to find words more radical than these. Who would dare to speak them, if not the Son of God himself? He would live them out fully in his own life, allowing himself to be nailed to the cross by evil men. But is it really possible for us to live them as his followers, as Christians? Do we really turn the other cheek when someone strikes us? If people demand something of us unjustly, do we give them even more than they ask? What could be the purpose of these commands from Christ, which seem to leave us vulnerable and defenseless? In the end, it is only such heroic charity that will be able to win over evil men to the cause of the Gospel. And that is precisely what Christ, our Savior, longs for. “God … desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3-4).

Conversation with Christ: Lord, I long to have a heart that is more like yours. Warm my selfish heart so that I will lovingly turn the other cheek as you ask of me. Help me to grow in zeal for all men to be saved and to come to know you in their lives.

Resolution: I will do an act of kindness for someone with whom it is difficult for me to get along.

[Salvation]

Loving the Enemy, Part 1

• Homily of the Day
• June 18th, 2012
• Food For Thought

First Reading: 1 Kgs 21:1-16

Psalm: Ps 5:2-3ab4b-6a, 6b-7

Gospel:  Mt 5:38-42

The nature of a Christian is to love the enemy. This Gospel summarizes this love in so many ways that there is no doubt that this is what God wants us to do. In many other passages in the Gospels, Christ invites us to offer the wicked man no resistance. During those times, hitting you on the right cheek was an insult to one’s dignity and honor. Requiring one to go one mile was a form of injustice and yet Christ invites us to go two miles! Christ invites us to love those who do injustice to us. The enemy here may be living under our house. When our husband or wife goes against our will, he or she becomes our “enemy”. When our children disobey or disrespect us, they become our enemy. Anyone who destroys our plans or our projections becomes our enemy. And Christ invites us to love them as they are, especially when they are unlovable.

And how is this possible? Humanly speaking it is not. But with the Holy Spirit, Christ gives us His spirit that it may be possible. Because this is what Christ did with us. Christ loved us when we were His enemies. When we killed him with our sins, Christ answered with the other cheek, Christ also gave us his cloak, his life and walked two miles for us. Christ never took account of our sins, but paid for them with his blood. Believe it or not- we can only be truly happy when we can possess this special divine love for the enemy. This is the true love that saves the world!

[Salvation]

One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

<< Monday, June 18, 2012 >>

Saint of the Day

1 Kings 21:1-16
View Readings

Psalm 5:2-7

Matthew 5:38-42

OUR CHRISTIAN HERITAGE: NOT FOR SALE

"I will not give you my ancestral heritage." —1 Kings 21:4

 

Although Naboth was offered by King Ahab a better vineyard in exchange for his family's vineyard (1 Kgs 21:2), Naboth refused Ahab's offer. " 'The Lord forbid,' Naboth answered him, 'that I should give you my ancestral heritage' " (1 Kgs 21:3). Naboth was eventually stoned to death because he would not part with his ancestral heritage (1 Kgs 21:13). In contrast to Naboth, Esau sold not only his ancestral heritage but his birthright for a bowl of red stew (Gn 25:30ff). "Esau cared little for his birthright" (Gn 25:34).

Our heritage and birthright are much more than pieces of property. Our Christian heritage includes divine revelation through the official teachings of the Church, especially in the Bible. Our heritage is the truth of God's Word, His power manifested in the sacraments, and His love flowing through the body of Christ, the Church.

To preserve and deepen this heritage, we will certainly have to sacrifice. We may even have to give our lives. So many Christians don't know the truths of their faith. Many are Biblically illiterate, unappreciative of the Lord's awesome sacramental presence and power, and trapped in the isolated individualism of our "culture of death." Many of us have sold our birthright and heritage for next to nothing.

Jesus has paid the price of our heritage with His blood. He commands us: "Wake up, and strengthen what remains before it dies" (Rv 3:2). Sacrifice and die to preserve our heritage in Christ.

 

Prayer: Father, I will "fight hard for the faith delivered once for all to the saints" (Jude 3).

Promise: "What I say to you is: offer no resistance to injury. When a person strikes you on the right cheek, turn and offer him the other." —Mt 5:39

Praise: Henry's health improved once he forgave his parents.