Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 11-24-16, M, St. Andrew Dung-Lac,Priest,Martyr, Thanksgiving

USCCB.org/RNAB ^ | 11-24-16 | Revised New American Bible

[Salvation]

(For if he had not hoped that they that were slain should rise again, it would have seemed superfluous and vain to pray for the dead,) And because he considered that they who had fallen asleep with godliness, had great grace laid up for them. It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins." II Maccabees 12

 

November Devotion: The Holy Souls in Purgatory

Since the 16th century Catholic piety has assigned entire months to special devotions. As a reminder of our duty to pray for the suffering faithful in Purgatory, the Church has dedicated the month of November to the Holy Souls. The Holy Souls are those who have died in the state of grace but who are not yet free from all punishment due to their unforgiven venial sins and all other sins already forgiven for which satisfaction is still to be made. They are certain of entering Heaven, but first they must suffer in Purgatory. The Holy Souls cannot help themselves because for them the night has come, when no man can work (John 9:4). It is our great privilege of brotherhood that we can shorten their time of separation from God by our prayers, good works, and, especially, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

To Help the Holy Souls in Purgatory:

1. Have the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass offered up for them.

2. Pray the Rosary and or the Chaplet of Divine Marcy for them, or both.

3. Pray the Stations of the Cross.

4. Offer up little sacrifices and fasting.

5. Spread devotion to them, so that others may pray for them.

6. Attend Eucharistic Adoration and pray for them.

7. Gain all the indulgences you can, and apply them to the Holy Souls

8. Visit to a Cemetery

 

Litany for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

The just shall be in everlasting remembrance; 

He shall not fear the evil hearing.

V. Absolve, O Lord, the souls of the faithful departed 

from every bond of sin, 

R. And by the help of Thy grace

may they be enabled to escape the avenging judgment, 

and to enjoy the happiness of eternal life. 

Because in Thy mercy are deposited the souls that departed 

in an inferior degree of grace,

Lord, have mercy.

Because their present suffering is greatest 

in the knowledge of the pain that their separation from Thee is causing Thee,

Lord, have mercy. 

Because of their present inability to add to Thy accidental glory, 

Lord, have mercy.

Not for our consolation, O Lord; 

not for their release from purgative pain, O God; 

but for Thy joy 

and the greater accidental honour of Thy throne, O Christ the King,

Lord, have mercy.

For the souls of our departed friends, relations and benefactors, 

grant light and peace, O Lord.  

For those of our family who have fallen asleep in Thy bosom, O Jesus, 

grant light and peace, O Lord.  

For those who have gone to prepare our place,

grant light and peace, O Lord.  

(For those who were our brothers [or sisters] in Religion,)

grant light and peace, O Lord.  

For priests who were our spiritual directors,

grant light and peace, O Lord.  

For men or women who were our teachers in school,

grant light and peace, O Lord.  

For those who were our employers (or employees),

grant light and peace, O Lord.  

For those who were our associates in daily toil,

grant light and peace, O Lord.  

For any soul whom we ever offended,

grant light and peace, O Lord.  

For our enemies now departed,

grant light and peace, O Lord.  

For those souls who have none to pray for them,

grant light and peace, O Lord.  

For those forgotten by their friends and kin,

grant light and peace, O Lord.  

For those now suffering the most,

grant light and peace, O Lord.  

For those who have acquired the most merit,

grant light and peace, O Lord.  

For the souls next to be released from Purgatory,

grant light and peace, O Lord.  

For those who, while on earth, 

were most devoted to God the Holy Ghost, 

to Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament, 

to the holy Mother of God,

grant light and peace, O Lord.  

For all deceased popes and prelates,

grant light and peace, O Lord.  

For all deceased priests, seminarians and religious, 

grant light and peace, O Lord.  

For all our brethren in the Faith everywhere, 

grant light and peace, O Lord.  

For all our separated brethren who deeply loved Thee, 

and would have come into Thy household had they known the truth,

grant light and peace, O Lord.  

For those souls who need, or in life asked, our prayers,

grant light and peace, O Lord.  

For those, closer to Thee than we are, whose prayers we need,

grant light and peace, O Lord.  

That those may be happy with Thee forever, 

who on earth were true exemplars of the Catholic Faith, 

grant them eternal rest, O Lord.

That those may be admitted to Thine unveiled Presence, 

who as far as we know never committed mortal sin,     

grant them eternal rest, O Lord.  

That those may be housed in glory, 

who lived always in recollection and prayer,

grant them eternal rest, O Lord.  

That those may be given the celestial joy of beholding Thee, 

who lived lives of mortification and self-denial and penance,

grant them eternal rest, O Lord.  

That those may be flooded with Thy love, 

who denied themselves even Thy favours of indulgence 

and who made the heroic act 

for the souls who had gone before them,

grant them eternal rest, O Lord.  

That those may be drawn up to the Beatific Vision, 

who never put obstacles in the way of sanctifying grace 

and who ever drew closer in mystical union with Thee,

grant them eternal rest, O Lord.  

V. Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord, 

R. And let perpetual light shine upon them. 

Let Us Pray 

Be mindful, O Lord, 

of Thy servants and handmaids, 

N. and N., 

who are gone before us 

with the sign of faith 

and repose in the sleep of grace.  

To these, O Lord, 

and to all who rest in Christ, 

grant, we beseech Thee, 

a place of refreshment, 

light and peace, 

through the same Christ Our Lord.

Amen

Bringing back the dead… Catholic style
All Souls, Purgatory and the Bible

Letter #95: Remembering the Dead
Hungry Souls (a bit of a [Book] review) Catholic/Orthodox Caucus
What Is All Souls Day (Commemoration of the Faithful Departed)?
All Saints or All Souls? Differences should be black and white
All Souls' Day [Catholic Caucus]
Why I Am Catholic: For Purgatory, Thank Heavens (Ecumenical)
Q and A: Why Pray for the Dead? [Ecumenical]
“….and Death is Gain” – A Meditation on the Christian View of Death [Catholic Caucus]
99 & 1/2 Won’t Do – A Meditation on Purgatory
The Month of November: Thoughts on the "Last Things"
To Trace All Souls Day

November 2 -- All Souls Day
On November: All Souls and the "Permanent Things"
"From the Pastor" ALL SAINTS & ALL SOULS
Praying for the Dead [All Souls Day] (Catholic/Orthodox Caucus)
To Trace All Souls Day [Ecumenical]
All Souls Day [Catholic/Orthodox Caucus]
The Roots of All Souls Day
The Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed (All Souls)
During Month of Souls, Recall Mystic, St. Gertrude the Great
All Saints and All Souls

[Salvation]

November 2016

Pope's Intentions

Universal: Countries Receiving Refugees -- That the countries which take in a great number of displaced persons and refugees may find support for their efforts which show solidarity.

Evangelization: Collaboration of Priests and Laity -- That within parishes, priests and lay people may collaborate in service to the community without giving in to the temptation of discouragement.

[Salvation]

Daily Gospel Commentary

Thursday of the Thirty-fourth week in Ordinary Time

Commentary of the day
Origen (c.185-253), priest and theologian
Homilies on Joshua, 11,3-4

“Walk while you still have the light or darkness will come over you.” (Jn 12:35)

       As soon as the Lord came, it was already the end of the world. Moreover he himself said these words, situating himself in the end-time: “Reform your lives! The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Mt 4:17) But he kept back and delayed the day of consummation; he forbade it to appear. For God the Father, seeing that the nations' salvation can only come from Jesus, told him: “Ask of me and I will give you the nations for an inheritance and the ends of the earth for your possession.” (Ps 2:8) Thus, until the fulfillment of this promise of the Father's and until the churches increase with people from various nations and “the full number of gentiles enter in” so that, finally, “all Israel will be saved” (Rom 11:25): the day is lengthened, the day's close is deferred. The “sun of justice” (Mal 3:20) never sets, but continues to pour forth the light of truth into the hearts of those who believe. But when the number of believers has come to completion and when the degenerate and corrupt time of this last generation has taken place; when, “because of the increase of evil, the love of most will grow cold,” (Mt 24:12) ...then “the days will be shortened.” (Mt 24:22) Yes, the same Lord is able to prolong the length of days when it is a time of salvation and to shorten the length of the time of tribulation and iniquity. As for ourselves, so long as we have the day and the time of light is lengthened for us, “let us live honorably as in daylight,” (Rom 13:13) and do the works of light.

[Salvation]

'O refulgent mirror, who illumine those who look at you and recognize their deformities.'

St. Catherine of Bologna

[Salvation]

The Angelus

The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary:  And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.  Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.  Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word.  Hail Mary . . .  And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us.  Hail Mary . . .  Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.  Let us pray:  Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.  "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you" (Lk 1:28)   "Blessed are you among women,  and blessed is the fruit of your womb" (Lk 1:42).

[Salvation]

Saint Andrew Dung-Lac, priest and martyr and his companions, martyrs

Saint Andrew Dung-Lac,
priest & martyr and his companions, martyrs
Optional Memorial
November 24th

from Vatican Website

Martyrs of Vietnam (+1745-1862)

Saint Andrew Dung-Lac was a diocesan priest who was martyred in 1839. He was one of a group of 117 martyrs, 96 were Vietnamese, 11 Spaniards, and 10 French. Of these, 8 were bishops, 50 priests, and 59 laity. They were martyred over the course of a few years and canonized together in 1988.

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

 

Collect:
O God,
the source and origin of all fatherhood,
you kept the Martyrs Andrew Dung-Lac and his companions
faithful to the cross of your Son
even to the shedding of their blood,
grant, through their intercession,
that, spreading your love among our brothers and sisters,
we may be your children both in name and in truth.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, you Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. +Amen.

Readings from the Common of Martyrs:

[Salvation]

Saint Andrew Dung-Lac, priest and martyr, and his companions

[Salvation]

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day (USA)
Fourth Thursday in November

Jan Davidsz. de Heem
Eucharist in Fruit Wreath - 1648 - Oil on canvas, 138 x 125,5 cm
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna

History from the 1913 edition of the Catholic Encyclopedia:

A civil holiday observed annually in the United States of America on the last Thursday in November. The president issues a proclamation, calling on the citizens, all Federal officials, and others subject to Federal authority to observe the day as one of national thanksgiving and prayer. The governors of states concur in the president's proclamation and also recommend the citizens to observe the holiday, and all public business is suspended.

The custom originated in 1621, when Governor Bradford of the Plymouth colony appointed a day for public praise and prayer after the first harvest, and the practice spread throughout the other New England colonies. The first national observance was when President Washington, at the request of Congress, recommended Thursday, November 26, 1789, to the people of the United States "as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favours of Almighty God". This proclamation exhorted the people to "beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions, to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best". It was the first observation of the day on the date that present custom holds it.

In 1817 Thanksgiving Day was first officially noticed in New York State, and by 1859 its observance had spread to twenty-eight states and two territories. In 1863 President Lincoln made his first proclamation, naming the last Thursday of November as a day of national observance, which President Johnson also selected in 1867 and President Grant in 1870. Since then there has been no change, the last Thursday in November being named in each year's proclamation.

Catholic recognition of the day by special religious features has only been of comparatively recent date and not as yet (1911) of official general custom. Historians of the day attempt to trace the origin of Governor Bradford's idea (1621) back to the old Hebrew Feast of the Tabernacles and through the ages to the ancient Greek Harvest Feast, Thesmophoria, the Roman Cerealia, and the English Harvest Home. In the Dominion of Canada the governor-general by proclamation sets aside the last Monday in October as a legal holiday for the purpose of acknowledging God's providence and expressing the nation's dependence on His bounty.

---

Collect:
Father all-powerful,
your gifts of love are countless
and your goodness infinite;
as we come before you on Thanksgiving Day
with gratitude for your kindness,
open our hearts to have concern
for every man, woman, and child,
so that we may share your gifts in loving service.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who livies and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Readings as in Mass for Various occasions and needs (In Thanksgiving to God)

Sirach 50:22-24
And now bless the God of all, who in every way does great things;
who exalts our days from birth, and deals with us according to His mercy.
May He give us gladness of heart, and grant that peace may be in our days in Israel, as in the days of old. May He entrust to us His mercy! And let Him deliver us in our days!

1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I give thanks to God always for you because of the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in Him with all speech and all knowledge -- even as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you --
so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ; who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Luke 17:11-19
On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as He entered a village, He was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." When He saw them He said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving Him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then said Jesus, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" And He said to him, "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well."

Prayers of Thankgiving after Mass

---

Prayer for the Nation

John Carroll (1735-1815) the first Catholic bishop in America (1790), and in 1808 he became the first archbishop of Baltimore, Bishop Carroll wrote a prayer asking God's blessing on the president, Congress, and government of the United States for the first American diocesan synod, November 10, 1791, "for all the ranks of society and for the welfare of the Republic".

We pray Thee, O Almighty and Eternal God! Who through Jesus Christ hast revealed Thy glory to all nations, to preserve the works of Thy Mercy, that Thy Church, being spread through the whole world, may continue with unchanging faith in the confession of Thy Name.

We pray Thee, who alone art good and holy, to endow with heavenly knowledge, sincere zeal, and sanctity of life, our chief bishop, Pope [N.N.], the vicar of Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the government of His Church; our own bishop (or archbishop), [N.N.]; all other bishops, prelates, and pastors of the Church; and especially those who are appointed to exercise amongst us the functions of the holy ministry, and conduct Thy people into the ways of salvation.

We pray Thee, O God of might, wisdom, and justice! Through Whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment decreed, assist with Thy holy spirit of counsel and fortitude the President of the United States, that his administration may be conducted in righteousness, and be eminently useful to Thy people over whom he presides; by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion; by a faithful execution of the laws in justice and mercy; and by restraining vice and immorality. Let the light of Thy divine wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress, and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for our rule and government, so that they may tend to the preservation of peace, the promotion of national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety, and useful knowledge; and may perpetuate to us the blessing of equal liberty.

We pray for his excellency, the Governor of this State, for the members of the Assembly, for all judges, magistrates, and other officers who are appointed to guard our political welfare, that they may be enabled, by Thy powerful protection, to discharge the duties of their respective stations with honesty and ability.

We recommend likewise, to Thy unbounded mercy, all our brethren and fellow citizens throughout the United States, that they may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of Thy most holy law; that they may be preserved in union, and in that peace which the world can not give; and after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal.

Finally, we pray to Thee, O Lord of mercy, to remember the souls of Thy servants departed who are gone before us with the sign of faith and repose in the sleep of peace; the souls of our parents, relatives, and friends; of those who, when living, were members of this congregation, and particularly of such as are lately deceased; of all benefactors who, by their donations or legacies to this church, witnessed their zeal for the decency of divine worship and proved their claim to our grateful and charitable remembrance. To these, O Lord, and to all that rest in Christ, grant, we beseech Thee, a place of refreshment, light, and everlasting peace, through the same Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen

--Prayer for the Nation and the Civil Authorities
John Carroll of Baltimore, First Bishop of the United States
10 November 1791

[Documents of American Catholic History, Volume 1 (1493-1865), ed. John Tracy Ellis, # 57, pp. 174f.]

[Salvation]

The Miracle of Squanto’s Path to Plymouth
Some Thoughts to Help Deepen Gratitude
How to Thank God as He Has Instructed – A Meditation on Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Day Should Be Year Round
Our Nation’s Thanksgiving A Time to Thank Almighty God
How to Give Adequate Thanks to God. A Meditation on Thanksgiving Day

A Thanksgiving Reflection
Tenacity: A Thanksgiving Lesson
On The Grace of Gratitude – A Thanksgiving Meditation
Father Corapi: This Thanksgiving, Give Thanks For What You Have [blurry screen alert]
This Thanksgiving, Give Thanks For What You Have And For What You Have Lost!
[CATHOLIC/ORTHODOX CAUCUS] Prayer for the Church and for Civil Authorities
Giving Thanks for the Hard Things in Life
100 Reasons to be Thankful, Even in Hard Times
Let Us Give Thanks (even in these difficult times)
Thanksgiving Day

[Salvation]

CATHOLIC ALMANAC

Thursday, November 24

Liturgical Color: Red

Today is the Memorial of St.
Andrew Dung-Lac, priest and
martyr. St. Andrew worked as a
missionary among his people in
Viet Nam during a time of great
persecution of Christians. He
was beheaded in 1839, charged
with being a priest.

[Salvation]

Catholic Culture

[Salvation]

Catholic Culture

Ordinary Time: November 24th

Memorial of St. Andrew Dung-Lac, priest and martyr, and Companions, martyrs; Thanksgiving Day

MASS READINGS

November 24, 2016 (Readings on USCCB website)

COLLECT PRAYER

O God, source and origin of all fatherhood, who kept the Martyrs Saint Andrew Dung-Lac and his companions faith to the Cross of your Son, even to the shedding of their blood, grant through their intercession, that, spreading your love among our brothers and sisters, we may be your children both in name and in truth. 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.

show

Recipes (8)

• Cranberry Ice
• Glazed Sweet Potatoes Florida
• Pumpkin Tarts
• Roast Turkey
• Roast Turkey
• Thanksgiving Dinner Menus
• Vietnamese Grilled Pork
• Wild Rice Stuffing

show

Activities (15)

• 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
• Thanksgiving and Martinmas
• What is a Nameday?
• Celebrating Thanksgiving
• Thanksgiving Day

show

Prayers (5)

• November Devotion: The Holy Souls in Purgatory
• Little Litany of the Holy Souls
• Prayer for a Happy Death
• Daily Acceptance of Death
• Novena to St. Francis Xavier - The Novena of Grace

show

Library (1)

• Ecclesia in Asia | Pope John Paul II

Old Calendar: St. John of the Cross, confessor and doctor; St. Chrysogonus, martyr; Sts. Flora & Mary, virgins & martyrs (Hist)

Today the Church celebrates the memorial of St. Andrew Dung-Lac, priest and martyr, and companions, martyrs. St. Andrew was one of 117 people who were martyred in Vietnam between 1820 and 1862. The last of the martyrs were 17 laypersons, one of them a 9-year-old, executed in 1862.

According to the 1962 Missal of St. John XXIII the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, today is the feast of St. John of the Cross which is now celebrated on December 14. It is also the commemoration of St. Chrysogonus, a martyr of Aquilea at the beginning of the fourth century. His name occurs in the Canon of the Mass.

Historically today is the feast of Sts. Flora and Mary, Christian martyrs of Cordoba, Spain. Flora was raised a Christian in secret by her mother, who was married to a Muslim. Betrayed by her brother, she was beaten and given to him to abuse because of her faith. Escaping, Flora met Mary, the sister of a martyred deacon. They surrendered to Muslim authorities and were placed in a brothel. Still clinging to the faith, Flora and Mary were beheaded.

Many people assume that the United States has celebrated Thanksgiving Day since the time of the pilgrims as a sign of thanksgiving for the harvest season. This is not exactly true. President Abraham Lincoln instituted the holiday in 1863 during the Civil War. However, he did not have the harvest in mind. He wanted Americans to celebrate the holiday as a sign of unity and thanksgiving to God.

I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens” (President Abraham Lincoln, Proclamation, October 3, 1863).

There is no American holiday that so closely resembles the symbolism and meaning of the sacrament of the Eucharist. We celebrate Thanksgiving as a sign of American unity and thanksgiving to God who has given us great gifts.

Excerpted from The Religion Teacher

For more information please see Thanksgiving Day.

---

St. Andrew Dung-Lac and Companions
There are 117 martyrs in this group and although they died at different times, they were all canonized by Pope John Paul II on June 19, 1988. Of the group, 96 were Vietnamese, 11 were Spaniards, and 10 were French. There were 8 bishops, 50 priests and 59 lay Catholics in the group. Of the priests, 11 were Dominicans, 10 belonged to the Paris Mission Society, and the rest were diocesan priests plus one seminarian. Certain individual martyrs were mentioned by name in the process of canonization: Andrew Dung-Lac, a diocesan priest; Thomas Tran-Van-Thien, a seminarian; Emmanuel Le-Van-Pung, father of a family; the Dominican bishops Jerome Hermosilla and Valentine Berrio-Ochoa; and John Theophane Venard.

—Excerpted from Saints of the Roman Calendar by Enzo Lodi

St. Andrew Dung-Lac's name was originally Dung An Trân, and he was born about 1795 in a poor and pagan family in Bac-Ninh in North Vietnam. When he was twelve the family had to move to Hà-Nôi (Hanoi) where his parents could find work. There he met a catechist and got food and shelter from him. He also got education in the Christian faith for three years, and was baptized in Vinh-Tri with the Christian name Andrew (Andrew Dung). After learning Chinese and Latin he became a catechist, and thereafter taught catechism in the country. He was chosen to study theology, and on March 15, 1823 he was ordained a priest. As parish priest in Ke-Dâm he was tireless in his preaching. He often fasted and lived a simple and moral life, he was a good example for the people, and many were baptized. In 1835 he was imprisoned under emperor Minh-Mang's persecutions (he was called Vietnam's emperor Nero), but his freedom was purchased by donations from members of the congregation he served. To avoid persecutions he changed his name to Lac (Andrew Lac) and moved to another prefecture to continue his work. But on November 10, 1839 he was again arrested, this time with Peter Thi, another Vietnamese priest whom he was visiting so that he might go to confession.

Once again Andrew was liberated, along with Peter Thi, in exchange for money. Their freedom was brief. They were soon re-arrested and taken to Hanoi, where both suffered dreadful torture. Finally they both were beheaded December 21, 1839.

Things to Do:

• Find out more about the Vietnam martyrs.

• Find out more about the suffering of the Church in communist Vietnam.

• Pray a rosary for those suffering persecution today in Vietnam.

• Cook a Vietnamese dish in honor of today's saints.

---

St. Chrysogonus
St. Chrysogonus probably was a native of Aquileia, although he was venerated in Rome already in the fourth century. According to legend he was brought to Rome under Emperor Diocletian and thrown into prison; there he stayed two years, sustained by St. Anastasia. That pious woman was obliged to endure many hardships from her husband Publius because of the Christian faith, but she derived much comfort from these short visits and acts of mercy. When all imprisoned Christians were ordered to be executed, Chrysogonus was brought to Aquileia. There Diocletian addressed him, "I have called you before me, Chrysogonus, to load you with honors provided you are willing to adore the gods." The saint replied, "Only the true God will I adore. Idols which neither have existence nor life and only represent devils, I hate and curse." Embittered by such an answer, the Emperor commanded him to be beheaded on November 24. His body was submerged in the sea; when found shortly after on the shore, it was interred by the priest Zoilus in his house (c. 304). Great honor was paid Chrysogonus by the Church of Rome; his name was inserted in the Canon, and a station church in his honor was erected.

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

Symbols: Roman patrician's robes; sword; millstone.

---

Sts. Flora and Mary
In the reign of Abderramene II., king of the Saracens at Cordova in Spain, Flora, because she was of Muslim extraction by her father, but had been secretly instructed in the faith by her mother, was impeached by her own brother before the cadi, or judge of the city. This magistrate caused her to be scourged, and beaten on the head till in some parts her scull was bare. Then he put her into the hands of her brother, that he might overcome her resolution.

After some time she made her escape over a high wall, and took shelter with a sister at Ossaria. Having lain concealed some time, she ventured back to Cordova, and prayed publicly in the church of St. Aciclus, the martyr. There she met with Mary, sister to the deacon Valabonsus, who had lately received the crown of martyrdom. The zealous virgins agreed to present themselves in the court of the cadi, by whose order they were apprehended, and confined to a close dungeon, where no one had access to them but certain impious lewd women.

St. Eulogius, who was at that time detained in another prison, wrote and sent to them his Exhortation to Martyrdom. After a third examination, the cadi commanded them both to be beheaded. The sentence was executed on the same day, the 24th of November, in 851. They are named in the Roman Martyrology.

[Salvation]

The Word Among Us

Meditation: Luke 21:20-28

Thanksgiving Day (USA)

Raise your heads because your redemption is at hand. (Luke 21:28)

Have you ever watched long-distance runners in a race? By the final lap, they look exhausted. Their muscles ache and their hearts pound as they drag themselves toward the finish. This is the moment they have trained for—their goal is within reach. Leaning forward, they lift their heads and strain to cross the line. All their pain fades in the joy of having finished. It was all worth it!

Sometimes life can feel like a race. And actually, our Christian walk is often likened to a race—with heaven as our goal. This analogy can help us understand Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel reading. Jesus encourages his disciples not to be afraid when they see the turmoil and troubles that are sure to usher in the end-time. Instead, he tells them to stand erect and raise their heads because they know that this upheaval is the sign that he is returning for his people.

And so Jesus tells his disciples to take up a spiritual posture similar to the posture of runners approaching the finish line: focused on the goal, unafraid of danger because God is with them. They can see his return, not as an ominous event, but as the fulfillment of everything he has promised. It’s the time when the entire world will cross the finish line, and God’s people will live with him forever.

Today we see troubling news all around us. It’s easy to think that the world is careening out of control and descending into the chaos of war and terror, disease and disaster. Many people ask, “Where is God in all of this?”

But despite all of the grim news, we who believe in Christ can still have great hope. We can respond differently as we lift up our heads and stretch toward the finish line. We can rejoice because we know who is waiting for us: Jesus, our Savior. He is our faithful God who will never abandon us. He is our merciful Redeemer, who gave his life for us. He is our risen Lord, who conquered death and will return to set everything right.

So wait in joyful hope today. Lift up your head, and fix your eyes on Jesus. You never have to be afraid because you are not alone!

“Jesus, help me fix my eyes on heaven!”

Revelation 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9
Psalm 100:1-5

[Salvation]

Marriage = One Man and One Woman Until Death Do Us Part

Daily Marriage Tip for November 24, 2016:

“And now, bless the God of all, who has done wondrous things on earth.” (Sir 50:22) There is no better way to celebrate Thanksgiving than with prayers of gratitude!

[Salvation]

Regnum Christi

November 24, 2016 – Scary Times

24 Nov 2016

Memorial of Saint Andrew Dung-Lac, priest and Companions, martyrs

Father Edward McIlmail, LC

Luke 21:20-28

Jesus said to his disciples: “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is at hand. Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. Let those within the city escape from it, and let those in the countryside not enter the city, for these days are the time of punishment when all the scriptures are fulfilled. Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days, for a terrible calamity will come upon the earth and a wrathful judgment upon this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken as captives to all the Gentiles; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.”

Introductory Prayer: Jesus my Savior, thank you for another day and another chance to grow in holiness with your grace. I love you and wish to make you the true center of my thoughts, desires and actions.

Petition: Lord, give me a healthy but realistic Christian optimism.

1. Desolation at Hand: What a grim Gospel passage! Lots of talk of armies and calamity and roaring seas. Jesus is speaking of the coming destruction of Jerusalem (in A.D. 70) as well as images of the end times In our day we can think of wars, terrorism, floods and wonder why the world is such a nasty place sometimes. Why can’t life be easier? Why do so many innocent people suffer? Alas, Our Lord asked the same questions. All the evil we see springs from original sin, from the fall of Adam. It wasn’t God’s plan to have all this suffering–but he allows it. He allows it because he respects our freedom. He allows it too because he knows he can bring good out of it. How do I use my freedom? Do I have enough faith in Christ to be optimistic?

2. Trampled Underfoot: The fall of Jerusalem didn’t mean that God abandoned the world. True, the focus of religion would no longer be the Temple; rather, it would be a new focus: Christ, truly present in the Eucharist. The tabernacle would be the new center of attention. How few souls grasp that truth! After 2,000 years, Jesus is still humble, allowing himself to be kept in a tabernacle. Does that fact influence the way I act in a church? Does it affect the way I dress when going to church? Do I try to enter church with the proper state of heart and mind?

3. Redemption at Hand: Faithful following of Christ gives us the best assurance that our lives have meaning. Christ will make sense of everything at the end of our lives. All our struggles to live the Gospel will be worth it. On the last day we might regret many things, but we will never regret the things we did for Christ. Does that truth guide our lives each day? Do we live each day as if it were our last? What is there in my life that I would be ashamed of on the last day? Why not weed it out of my life now?

Conversation with Christ: Lord, help me to judge the things of my daily life against eternity. Let me see things with your eyes. Let me see what is really valuable and what is fleeting. And help me to act accordingly.

Resolution: I will make a fresh effort to get rid of the biggest vice in my life

[Salvation]

Homily of the Day

November 24, 2016

The readings at today’s Mass speak of the destruction of Babylon, the great commercial and political capital, and of Jerusalem, the great city of Israel’s God. John in the Book of Revelation speaks of the destruction of evil in the world: Babylon as a powerful city is a representation of evil in the world.

Jesus speaks of the destruction of Jerusalem in the context of how the end of the world would come: what are the signs of the end of the world and of the second coming of the Son of Man in power and great glory at the end of time. Really we do not know. What is important is that it will eventually happen. What is really and absolutely important is that we lead our lives always ready and prepared when the Lord calls us: “Be on your guard . . . watch at all times and pray, that you may be able to escape all that is bound to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”(Lk 21: 34, 36)

[Salvation]

One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

Language: English | Espa�ol

All Issues > Volume 32, Issue 6

<< Thursday, November 24, 2016 >>

St. Andrew Dung-Lac & the Vietnamese Martyrs

Revelation 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9
View Readings

Psalm 100:1-5

Luke 21:20-28
Similar Reflections

TURKEY TALK?

"Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!" �Revelation 18:2

The Scripture readings for today's Eucharist do not seem appropriate for Thanksgiving Day in the U.S.A., especially the reference to "every filthy and disgusting bird" (Rv 18:2). Nevertheless, the Bible here is probably not referring to a turkey, but to the condition of Babylon, which "is a cage for every unclean spirit" (Rv 18:2).

In Revelation, Babylon refers to Rome. Today, it possibly refers to the anti-Christian system of secular humanism. The Lord is telling us to break all ties with Babylon. Otherwise, we will be led astray by her sorcery (Rv 18:23). We must be crucified to the worldly ways of secular humanism (see Gal 6:14). Although we live in the world, the Lord has chosen us out of the world (Jn 15:19). He commands us to "have no love for the world, nor the things that the world affords" (1 Jn 2:15). If we are set upon the things of the world, we become enemies of the cross (Phil 3:18-19) and enemies of God (Jas 4:4). We must make no provision for the worldly, carnal influences of secular humanism (see Rm 13:14).

On this Thanksgiving Day, let's reject Satan, all his works, and all his empty promises. Let's reject Babylon, secular humanism, and sin. Let's live for Jesus alone.

Prayer: Father, may I escape from Babylon's cage by giving my life to Your Son, Jesus.

Promise: "When these things begin to happen, stand erect and hold your heads high, for your deliverance is near at hand." �Lk 21:28

Praise: St. Andrew Dung-Lac and Peter Thi were beheaded for being priests. They joyfully accepted their sentence, glad to be judged as worthy of ill-treatment for Jesus (Acts 5:41).

[Salvation]

Video about Trig Palin

[Salvation]

http://podcast.frgary.com/episodes/53860-november-24-2016