Reading 1 2 Kgs 19:9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36

Sennacherib, king of Assyria, sent envoys to Hezekiah
with this message:
“Thus shall you say to Hezekiah, king of Judah:
‘Do not let your God on whom you rely deceive you
by saying that Jerusalem will not be handed over
to the king of Assyria.
You have heard what the kings of Assyria have done
to all other countries: they doomed them!
Will you, then, be saved?’”

Hezekiah took the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it;
then he went up to the temple of the LORD,
and spreading it out before him,
he prayed in the LORD’s presence:
“O LORD, God of Israel, enthroned upon the cherubim!
You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth.
You have made the heavens and the earth.
Incline your ear, O LORD, and listen!
Open your eyes, O LORD, and see!
Hear the words of Sennacherib which he sent to taunt the living God.
Truly, O LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations
and their lands, and cast their gods into the fire;
they destroyed them because they were not gods,
but the work of human hands, wood and stone.
Therefore, O LORD, our God, save us from the power of this man,
that all the kingdoms of the earth may know
that you alone, O LORD, are God.”

Then Isaiah, son of Amoz, sent this message to Hezekiah:
“Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel,
in answer to your prayer for help against Sennacherib, king of Assyria:
I have listened!
This is the word the LORD has spoken concerning him:

“‘She despises you, laughs you to scorn,
the virgin daughter Zion!
Behind you she wags her head,
daughter Jerusalem.

“‘For out of Jerusalem shall come a remnant,
and from Mount Zion, survivors.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this.’

“Therefore, thus says the LORD concerning the king of Assyria:
‘He shall not reach this city, nor shoot an arrow at it,
nor come before it with a shield,
nor cast up siege-works against it.
He shall return by the same way he came,
without entering the city, says the LORD.
I will shield and save this city for my own sake,
and for the sake of my servant David.’”

That night the angel of the LORD went forth and struck down
one hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp.
So Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, broke camp,
and went back home to Nineveh.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 48:2-3ab, 3cd-4, 10-11

R. (see 9d) God upholds his city for ever.
Great is the LORD and wholly to be praised
in the city of our God.
His holy mountain, fairest of heights,
is the joy of all the earth.
R. God upholds his city for ever.
Mount Zion, Athe recesses of the North,”
is the city of the great King.
God is with her castles;
renowned is he as a stronghold.
R. God upholds his city for ever.
O God, we ponder your mercy
within your temple.
As your name, O God, so also your praise
reaches to the ends of the earth.
Of justice your right hand is full.
R. God upholds his city for ever.

Alleluia Jn 8:12

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
whoever follows me will have the light of life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mt 7:6, 12-14

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine,
lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.

“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.
This is the Law and the Prophets.

“Enter through the narrow gate;
for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction,
and those who enter through it are many.
How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life.
And those who find it are few.”

From: 2 Kings 19:9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36

Further threats against Jerusalem

[9b] [Sennacherib the king] sent messengers again to Hezekiah, saying, [10]
“Thus shall you speak to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God on whom
you rely deceive you by promising that Jerusalem will not be given into the hand
of the king of Assyria. [11] Behold, you have heard what the kings of Assyria
have done to all lands, destroying them utterly. And shall you be delivered?

A further oracle

[14] Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it;
and Hezekiah went up to the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.
[15] And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said: “O LORD the God of Isra-
el, who art enthroned above the cherubim, thou art the God, thou alone, of all the
kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth. [16] Incline thy ear, O
LORD, and hear; open thy eyes, O LORD, and see; and hear the words of Sen-
nacherib, which he has sent to mock the living God. [17] Of a truth, O LORD,
the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands, [18] and have
cast their gods into the fire; for they were no gods, but the work of men’s hands,
wood and stone; therefore they were destroyed. [19] So now, O LORD our God,
save us, I beseech thee, from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may
know that thou, O LORD, art God alone.”

[20] Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, “Thus says the
LORD, the God of Israel: Your prayer to me about Sennacherib king of Assyria
I have heard. [21] This is the word that the LORD has spoken concerning him:
“She despises you, she scorns you –
the virgin daughter of Zion;
she wags her head behind you –
the daughter of Jerusalem.

[31] for out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and out of Mount Zion a band
of survivors. The zeal of the LORD will do this.

[32] “Therefore thus says the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not
come into this city or shoot an arrow there, or come before it with a shield or cast
up a siege mound against it. [33] By the way that he came, by the same he shall
return, and he shall not come into this city, says the LORD. [34] For I will defend
this city to save it, for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David.”

Death of the Assyrian king

[35a] And that night the angel of the LORD went forth, and slew a hundred and
eighty-five thousand in the camp of the Assyrians. [36] Then Sennacherib king
of Assyria departed, and went home, and dwelt at Nineveh.

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

19:8-9. The final part of the prophet’s oracle (cf. 19:7) is fulfilled to the letter. God
uses the king of Ethiopia to force Sennacherib to shelve his plans to take Jerusa-
lem.

19:9-13. The king of Assyria not only does not change his plans but he is dismis-
sive of the God who protects Hezekiah; he puts him on a par with the gods of the
other nations that the Assyrians have defeated and forced into submission. This
is the theme which runs right through this account: there is no God like the God
of Israel, the one true God. Sennacherib’s words reflect the commonly held view
at the time that each nation has a god-protector; but they also show that the As-
syrian king, relying on the force of arms, thought himself superior to all those
gods. His plan to take Jerusalem is going to encounter the living and true God.
So, the biblical text goes on, in the words of Hezekiah and Isaiah, to give further
teaching about the unicity of God and about his plan of salvation.

19:14-34. In a significant gesture which implies faith in the presence of God in
the temple, Hezekiah spreads out the Assyrian letter for the Lord to read. In his
prayer the king explains why it is that other nations were conquered (vv. 17-18),
and he asks God to show himself to be the only God there is (v. 19): “There is
only one God: ‘The Christian faith confesses that God is one in nature, sub-
stance and essence’ (”Roman Catechism:, 1,2,2)” (”Catechism of the Catholic
Church”, 200).

The prophet’s oracle also clear that the God of Israel is the only God, because
everything that happen is in line with his designs, even the Assyrian victories (vv.
25-26), and because the Lord knows all the doings of men (v. 27). God has deci-
ded to save Jerusalem as a “remnant” of Israel (vv. 29-31), in keeping with his
promise to David (v. 34): “Faced with God’s fascinating and mysterious presence,
man discovers his own insignificance. [...] Before the glory of the thrice-holy God,
Isaiah cries out: ‘Woe is me! I am lost; for l am a man of unclean lips’ (Is 6:5).
The apostle John says likewise: ‘We shall reassure our hearts before him when-
ever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows
everything’ (1 Jn 3:19-20)” (”Catechism of the Catholic Church”, 208).

19:35-37. The disaster that befell the Assyrian army was probably some kind of
pestilence. On the angel of the Lord, cf. the note on 2 Samuel 24:1-25. The sec-
ond part of Isaiah’s oracle is now fulfilled (cf. 19:7), and it is made clear that the
god whom Sennacherib worships has no power to save him. Sennacherib’s death
occurred in 681 BC; an Assyrian monolith dedicated to King Esarhaddon records
his assassination by his sons.

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

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

From: Matthew 7:6, 12-14

Respect for Holy Things

(Jesus said to His disciples,) [6] “Do not give dogs what is holy; and do not throw
your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under foot and turn to attack you.

The Golden Rule

[12] “So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the
law and the prophets.

The Narrow Gate

[13] “Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads
to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. [14] For the gate is narrow and
the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”

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

6. Jesus uses a popular saying to teach prudent discernment in the preaching of
the word of God and distribution of the means of sanctification. The Church has
always heeded this warning, particularly in the sense of respect with which it ad-
ministers the Sacraments — especially the Holy Eucharist. Filial confidence does
not exempt us from the sincere and profound respect which should imbue our re-
lations with God and with holy things.

12. This “golden rule” gives a guideline to realize our obligations towards and the
love we should have for others. However, if we interpreted it superficially it would
become a selfish rule; it obviously does not mean “do utdes” (”I give you some-
thing so that you will give me something”) but that we should do good to others
unconditionally: we are clever enough not to put limits on how much we love our-
selves. This rule of conduct will be completed by Jesus’ “new commandment”
(John 13:34), where He teaches us to love others as He Himself loved us.

13-14. “Enter”: in St. Matthew’s Gospel this verb often has as its object the “King-
dom of Heaven” or equivalent expressions (life, the marriage feast, the joy of the
Lord, etc.). We can interpret “enter” as an imperious invitation.

The way of sin is momentarily pleasant and calls for no effort, but it leads to eter-
nal perdition. Following the way of a generous and sincere Christian life is very de-
manding — here Jesus speaks of a narrow gate and a hard way — but it leads to
Life, to eternal salvation.

The Christian way involves carrying the cross. “For if a man resolve to submit him-
self to carrying this cross—that is to say, if he resolve to desire in truth to meet
trials and to bear them in all things for God’s sake, he will find in them all great
relief and sweetness wherewith he may travel upon this road, detached from all
things and desiring nothing. Yet, if he desires to possess anything — whether it
comes from God or from any other source—with any feeling of attachment, he has
not stripped and denied himself in all things; and thus he will be unable to walk
along this narrow path or climb upward by it” (St. John of the Cross, “Ascent of
Mount Carmel”, book 2, chapter 7, 7).

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

Scripture readings from the Jerusalem Bible by Darton, Longman & Todd

Readings at Mass

Liturgical Colour: White.

First reading
2 Kings 19:9-11,14-21,31-36 ©

Sennacherib, King of the Assyrians, sent messengers to Hezekiah saying, ‘Tell this to Hezekiah king of Judah, “Do not let your God on whom you are relying deceive you, when he says: Jerusalem shall not fall into the power of the king of Assyria. You have learnt by now what the kings of Assyria have done to every country, putting them all under the ban. Are you likely to be spared?’

Hezekiah took the letter from the hands of the messenger and read it; he then went up to the Temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord. Hezekiah said this prayer in the presence of the Lord, ‘O Lord of Hosts, God of Israel, enthroned on the cherubs, you alone are God of all the kingdoms of the earth, you have made heaven and earth.

‘Give ear, Lord, and listen.

Open your eyes, Lord, and see.

Hear the words of Sennacherib

who has sent to insult the living God.

‘It is true, O Lord, that the kings of Assyria have exterminated all the nations, they have thrown their gods on the fire, for these were not gods but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone, and hence they have destroyed them. But now, O Lord our God, save us from his hand, I pray you, and let all the kingdoms of the earth know that you alone are God, the Lord.’

Then Isaiah son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah. ‘The Lord, the God of Israel,’ he said, ‘says this, “I have heard the prayer you have addressed to me about Sennacherib king of Assyria.” Here is the oracle that the Lord has pronounced against him:

‘“She despises you, she scorns you,

the virgin, daughter of Zion;

she tosses her head behind you,

the daughter of Jerusalem.”

‘This, then, is what the Lord says about the king of Assyria:

‘“He will not enter this city,

he will let fly no arrow against it,

confront it with no shield,

throw up no earthwork against it.

By the road that he came on he will return;

he shall not enter this city. It is the Lord who speaks.

I will protect this city and save it

for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David.”’

That same night the angel of the Lord went out and struck down a hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp. Sennacherib struck camp and left; he returned home and stayed in Nineveh.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 47:2-4,10-11 ©

God upholds his city for ever.

The Lord is great and worthy to be praised

in the city of our God.

His holy mountain rises in beauty,

the joy of all the earth.

God upholds his city for ever.

Mount Zion, true pole of the earth,

the Great King’s city!

God, in the midst of its citadels,

has shown himself its stronghold.

God upholds his city for ever.

O God, we ponder your love

within your temple.

Your praise, O God, like your name

reaches the ends of the earth.

God upholds his city for ever.

Gospel Acclamation	Mt11:25

Alleluia, alleluia!

Blessed are you, Father,

Lord of heaven and earth,

for revealing the mysteries of the kingdom

to mere children.

Alleluia!

Or	Jn8:12

Alleluia, alleluia!

I am the light of the world, says the Lord;

anyone who follows me will have the light of life.

Alleluia!

Gospel
Matthew 7:6,12-14 ©

Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Do not give dogs what is holy; and do not throw your pearls in front of pigs, or they may trample them and then turn on you and tear you to pieces.

‘So always treat others as you would like them to treat you; that is the meaning of the Law and the Prophets.

‘Enter by the narrow gate, since the road that leads to perdition is wide and spacious, and many take it; but it is a narrow gate and a hard road that leads to life, and only a few find it.’

Jesus, High Priest

We thank you, God our Father, for those who have responded to your call to priestly ministry.

Accept this prayer we offer on their behalf: Fill your priests with the sure knowledge of your love.

Open their hearts to the power and consolation of the Holy Spirit.

Lead them to new depths of union with your Son.

Increase in them profound faith in the Sacraments they celebrate as they nourish, strengthen and heal us.

Lord Jesus Christ, grant that these, your priests, may inspire us to strive for holiness by the power of their example, as men of prayer who ponder your word and follow your will.

O Mary, Mother of Christ and our mother, guard with your maternal care these chosen ones, so dear to the Heart of your Son.

Intercede for our priests, that offering the Sacrifice of your Son, they may be conformed more each day to the image of your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Saint John Vianney, universal patron of priests, pray for us and our priests

This icon shows Jesus Christ, our eternal high priest.

The gold pelican over His heart represents self-sacrifice.

The border contains an altar and grapevines, representing the Mass, and icons of Melchizedek and St. Jean-Baptiste Vianney.

Melchizedek: king of righteousness (left icon) was priest and king of Jerusalem. He blessed Abraham and has been considered an ideal priest-king.

St. Jean-Baptiste Vianney is the patron saint of parish priests.

Pray a Rosary each day for our nation.

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

2. The Apostles Creed: I BELIEVE in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

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

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

5. Glory Be: GLORY be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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

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

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

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

Final step -- The Sign of the Cross

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

The Sorrowful Mysteries

(Tuesdays and Fridays)

1. The Agony in the Garden (Matthew 26:36-46, Luke 22:39-46) [Spiritual fruit - God's will be done]
2. The Scourging at the Pillar (Matthew 27:26, Mark 15:15, John 19:1) [Spiritual fruit - Mortification of the senses]
3. The Crowning with Thorns (Matthew 27:27-30, Mark 15:16-20, John 19:2) [Spiritual fruit - Reign of Christ in our heart]
4. The Carrying of the Cross (Matthew 27:31-32, Mark 15:21, Luke 23:26-32, John 19:17) [Spiritual fruit - Patient bearing of trials]
5. The Crucifixion (Matthew 27:33-56, Mark 15:22-39, Luke 23:33-49, John 19:17-37) [Spiritual fruit - Pardoning of Injuries]

June Devotion: The Sacred Heart

Since the 16th century Catholic piety has assigned entire months to special devotions. The month of June is set apart for devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. "From among all the proofs of the infinite goodness of our Savior none stands out more prominently than the fact that, as the love of the faithful grew cold, He, Divine Love Itself, gave Himself to us to be honored by a very special devotion and that the rich treasury of the Church was thrown wide open in the interests of that devotion." These words of Pope Pius XI refer to the Sacred Heart Devotion, which in its present form dates from the revelations given to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque in 1673-75.

The devotion consists in the divine worship of the human heart of Christ, which is united to His divinity and which is a symbol of His love for us. The aim of the devotion is to make our Lord king over our hearts by prompting them to return love to Him (especially through an act of consecration by which we offer to the Heart of Jesus both ourselves and all that belongs to us) and to make reparation for our ingratitude to God.

INVOCATION

O Heart of love, I put all my trust in Thee; for I fear all things from my own weakness, but I hope for all things from Thy goodness.
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque

PRAYER TO THE SACRED HEART

Devotion to the Sacred Heart was the characteristic note of the piety of Saint Gertrude the Great (1256-1302), Benedictine nun and renowned mystic. She was, in fact, the first great exponent of devotion to the Sacred Heart. In our efforts to honor the Heart of Jesus we have this prayer as a model for our own:
Hail! O Sacred Heart of Jesus, living and quickening source of eternal life, infinite treasure of the Divinity, and burning furnace of divine love. Thou art my refuge and my sanctuary, 0 my amiable Savior. Consume my heart with that burning fire with which Thine is ever inflamed. Pour down on my soul those graces which flow from Thy love, and let my heart be so united with Thine, that our wills may be one, and mine in all things be conformed to Thine. May Thy divine will be equally the standard and rule of all my desires and of all my actions. Amen.
Saint Gertrude

FOR THE CHURCH

O most holy Heart of Jesus, shower Thy blessings in abundant measure upon Thy holy Church, upon the Supreme Pontiff and upon all the clergy; to the just grant perseverance; convert sinners; enlighten unbelievers; bless our relations, friends and benefactors; assist the dying; deliver the holy souls in purgatory; and extend over all hearts the sweet empire of Thy love. Amen.

A PRAYER OF TRUST

O God, who didst in wondrous manner reveal to the virgin, Margaret Mary, the unsearchable riches of Thy Heart, grant that loving Thee, after her example, in all things and above all things, we may in Thy Heart find our abiding home.
Roman Missal

ACT OF LOVE

Reveal Thy Sacred Heart to me, O Jesus, and show me Its attractions. Unite me to It for ever. Grant that all my aspirations and all the beats of my heart, which cease not even while I sleep, may be a testimonial to Thee of my love for Thee and may say to Thee: Yes, Lord, I am all Thine;
pledge of my allegiance to Thee rests ever in my heart will never cease to be there. Do Thou accept the slight amount of good that I do and be graciously pleased to repair all m] wrong-doing; so that I may be able to bless Thee in time and in eternity. Amen.
Cardinal Merry del Val

MEMORARE TO THE SACRED HEART
Remember, O most sweet Jesus, that no one who has had recourse to Thy Sacred Heart, implored its help, or sought its mercy was ever abandoned. Encouraged with confidence, O tenderest of hearts, we present ourselves before Thee, crushed beneath the weight of our sins. In our misery, O Sacred Heart of Jesus, despise not our simple prayers, but mercifully grant our requests. Amen.

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

Only for Love: The Sacred Heart and the Priesthood [Catholic Caucus]

Catholic Word of the Day: LITANY OF THE SACRED HEART, 10-19-09
Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Devotion to the Sacred Heart Today
The Biblical Foundation of Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus [Ecumenical]
Heart to Heart (Sacred Heart of Jesus Devotion) [St. Margaret Mary Alacoque]
(June) The Month of the Sacred Heart {Catholic/Orthodox Caucus]
First Friday Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus [St. Margaret Mary Alacoque]
The Heart of the World (On the Sacred Heart of Jesus) (Catholic Caucus)
The Sacred Heart Is The Holy Eucharist(Catholic Caucus)
The Origin of the Sacred Heart Badge

Importance of Devotion to the Sacred Heart
An Awesome Homily on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus by Father Edmond Kline
Catholic Prayer and Devotion: June the Month of the Sacred Heart
Catholic Devotions: Sacred Heart of Jesus
Pope Urges Jesuits to Spread Sacred Heart Devotion
Homilies preached by Father Altier on the Feast of the Sacred Heart
Catholic Meditation and Devotion: The Sacred Heart of Jesus
Daily Recomendation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus powerful prayer!
The Sacred Heart and the Eucharist
The Love of the Sacred Heart

On the Sacred Heart - "We Adore God's Love of Humanity"
HAURIETIS AQUAS (On Devotion To The Sacred Heart) - Encyclical by Pope Pius XII
Solemnity Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary
Sacred Heart a Feast of God's Love, Says John Paul II
The Sacred Heart of Jesus: Symbol of Combativity and the Restoration of Christendom
Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus-The Early Church, Middle Ages up to St. Margaret Mary
See this Heart
‘God Will Act and Will Reign’
About Devotion To The Sacred Heart:The Story Of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque
Rediscover Feast of Sacred Heart, John Paul II Tells Youth

"Behold this Heart which has loved men so much, and yet men do not want to love Me in return. Through you My divine Heart wishes to spread its love everywhere on earth."

- Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary

Our Lord also made 12 promises to St. Margaret Mary for those that are devoted to His Sacred Heart.

I will give them all the graces necessary for their state in life.
I will give peace in their families.
I will console them in all their troubles.
They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of death.
I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings.
Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.
Tepid souls shall become fervent.
Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection.
I will bless the homes in which the image of My Sacred Heart shall be exposed and honoured.
I will give to priests the power to touch the most hardened hearts.
Those who propagate this devotion shall have their name written in My Heart, and it shall never be effaced.
The all-powerful love of My Heart will grant to all those who shall receive Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months the grace of final repentance; they shall not die under My displeasure, nor without receiving their Sacraments; My Heart shall be their assured refuge at the last hour.

Daily Gospel Commentary

Tuesday of the Twelfth week in Ordinary Time

Commentary of the day
Origen (c.185-253), priest and theologian
Homilies on Exodus, no. 5, 3 ; SC 321 (SC p. 157 rev.)

"How constricted the road that leads to life"

Let us take a look at what God said to Moses and which road he was told to choose... You may perhaps think that the way shown by God is straightforward and easy, that it involves absolutely no difficulty. To the contrary, it is an ascent, a very twisting climb! For the path by which we make our way towards the virtues does not go downwards but upwards and it is a narrow and difficult climb. Hear the Lord again, speaking in the the Gospel: “How strait and narrow is the way that leads to life!” See, then, how the Gospel matches the Law... Isn't it true to say that even the blind can see this clearly? One Spirit has written both the Law and the Gospel.

So the way by which we make progress follows a twisting ascent...; acts of virtue and faith involve a good many difficulties and efforts for many temptations, many obstacles set themselves against those who desire to act according to God's way. Then, too, in the faith we come across many a tricky thing, many points of debate, many objections from heretics... Listen to what Pharaoh said when he saw the way Moses and the Israelites had taken: “Those people are wandering about aimlessly” (Ex 14,3). Where Pharaoh was concerned those who follow God are going astray. As has been said, the way of wisdom is tortuous, with frequent twists and difficulties and numerous detours. And so to confess that there is one God and, in the same confession, to affirm that Father, Son and Holy Spirit are one God, how complicated, how difficult, how inextricable that seems to unbelievers! Then to add that “the Lord of glory” was crucified (1Cor 2,8) and that he is the Son of Man “who has come down from heaven” (Jn 3,13), how complicated, how difficult it seems! Someone hearing it without faith says: “Those people are going astray.” But you should stand firm, don't put such faith into doubt knowing that God is showing this way of faith to you.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

June 21, 2016

Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious

Reading 1 2 Kgs 19:9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36

Responsorial Psalm Ps 48:2-3ab, 3cd-4, 10-11

Alleluia Jn 8:12

Gospel Mt 7:6, 12-14

Readings at Mass

June 2016

Pope's Intentions

Universal: Human Solidarity, That the aged, marginalized, and those who have no one may find “even within the huge cities of the world” opportunities for encounter and solidarity.

Evangelization: Seminarians and Novices, That seminarians and men and women entering religious life may have mentors who live the joy of the Gospel and prepare them wisely for their mission.

Tuesday of the Twelfth week in Ordinary Time