Reading 1 Sir 17:1-15

God from the earth created man,
and in his own image he made him.
He makes man return to earth again,
and endows him with a strength of his own.
Limited days of life he gives him,
with power over all things else on earth.
He puts the fear of him in all flesh,
and gives him rule over beasts and birds.
He created for them counsel, and a tongue and eyes and ears,
and an inventive heart,
and filled them with the discipline of understanding.
He created in them knowledge of the spirit;
With wisdom he fills their heart;
good and evil he shows them.
He put the fear of himself upon their hearts,
and showed them his mighty works,
That they might glory in the wonder of his deeds
and praise his holy name.
He has set before them knowledge,
a law of life as their inheritance;
An everlasting covenant he has made with them,
his justice and his judgments he has revealed to them.
His majestic glory their eyes beheld,
his glorious voice their ears heard.
He says to them, "Avoid all evil";
each of them he gives precepts about his fellow men.
Their ways are ever known to him,
they cannot be hidden from his eyes.
Over every nation he places a ruler,
but God's own portion is Israel.
All their actions are clear as the sun to him,
his eyes are ever upon their ways.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 103:13-14, 15-16, 17-18

R. (see 17) The Lord's kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him,
For he knows how we are formed;
he remembers that we are dust.
R. The Lord's kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.
Man's days are like those of grass;
like a flower of the field he blooms;
The wind sweeps over him and he is gone,
and his place knows him no more.
R. The Lord's kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.
But the kindness of the LORD is from eternity
to eternity toward those who fear him,
And his justice toward children's children
among those who keep his covenant.
R. The Lord's kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.

Alleluia SEE Mt 11:25

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;
you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mk 10:13-16

People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them,
but the disciples rebuked them.
When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them,
"Let the children come to me; do not prevent them,
for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Amen, I say to you,
whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child
will not enter it."
Then he embraced the children and blessed them,
placing his hands on them.

From: Sirach 17:1-15

God and Man

[1] The Lord created man out of earth,
and turned him back to it again.
[2] He gave to men few days, a limited time,
but granted them authority over the things upon the earth.
[3] He endowed them with strength like his own,
and made them in his own image.
[4] He placed the fear of them in all living beings,
and granted them dominion over beasts and birds.
[6] He made for them tongue and eyes;
He gave them ears and a mind for thinking.
[7] He filled them with knowledge and understanding,
and showed them good and evil.
[8] He set his eye upon their hearts
to show them the majesty of his works.
[10] And they will praise his holy name,
to proclaim the grandeur of his works.
[11] He bestowed knowledge upon them,
and allotted to them the law of life.
[12] He established with them an eternal covenant,
and showed them his judgments.
[13] Their eyes saw his glorious majesty,
and their ears heard the glory of his voice.
[14] And he said to them, “Beware of all unrighteousness.”
And he gave commandment to each of them concerning his neighbor.

The Divine Judge. A Call to Repentance

[15] Their ways are always before him,
they will not be hid from his eyes.”

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

16:24-23:27. These chapters are the second of the five parts we can distinguish
in the book of Sirach. Like all the other parts it opens with doctrinal instruction
(16:24-18:14), dealing this time with the divine Wisdom manifested by the Crea-
tor in all his works; this is followed (18:15-23:27) by a series of practical tea-
chings. As in the previous part it is not easy to see any clear order in the ma-
xims. However, further emphasis is put here on prudence in speech.

16:24-18:14 The doctrinal introduction to the first part of the book (1:1-2:18) sum-
marized the main ideas in the book and put the focus, mainly, on the Lord, the
only God, as being the source of wisdom. Now the author goes on to explain that,
in creating the universe, the Most High arranged all his works in order and laid
down laws to govern them (16:27). First (cf. 16:24-31) we find teachings from the
first chapters of Genesis: creation took place “from [in] the beginning” (16:26a;
Gen 1:1); God determined the order of things (16:26b; Gen 1:3-2:3); with the re-
sult that it “was good” (Gen 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31 and Sir 16:29b) and “he
covered its surface with all kinds of living beings” (16:30; Gen 1:20-31).

Pre-eminent among these created beings is man, made in the image of God (cf.
17:3; Gen 1:26-27). When it sees the harmony of the universe and all the living
things that populate it, the human mind can recognize that there is a pattern to
all this and can work its way up to God (17: 1-10). St Paul, in his Letter to the
Romans, makes the point, again that “his (God’s) invisible nature, namely, his
eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been
made” (Rom 1:20). In addition, man has been given divine law to help him lead
a life in line with what God has revealed to him over the course of time. And the
supernatural revelation of the Law through Moses makes God’s wisdom shine
even brighter (17:11-17).

This brings the writer to reflect on God as Judge, and on man as someone who
must render an account to his creator, not just as regards his external actions
but as regards even his inmost thoughts. This is a well-argued case for conver-
sion to God (cf. 17:19-32). Ben Sirach has clear ideas about the meaning of life
and death, but the New Testament sees further. He knows that the Lord will “re-
compense” people (cf. 17:23), but he does not go so far as to say that there is
life after death (17:27-31).In any event, for the author the main thing is to give
praise to God (17:27-29); hence his call to conversion (17:24, 26, 29).

The doctrinal introduction to this second part of the book concludes with reflec-
tions on the majesty and compassion of God—so vast compared to man (18:1-
14).Having established just how limited man is, Ben Sirach asks himself: What
is man, and what good can he do? God is under no obligation to care for man,
to encourage him to do good or to guard him against evil. This sapiential style
of writing is rhetorical: it is meant to draw attention to God’s kindness and mer-
cy towards man. The sacred writer does not have access to God’s last revela-
tion in the form of Jesus Christ; but by contemplating God’s favors to Israel he
is able to get more insights into man and the nature of man. John Paul II points
out that: “These are questions in every human heart, as the poetic genius of
every time and every people has shown, posing again and again — almost as
the prophetic voice of humanity — the “serious question” which makes human
beings truly what they are.

They are questions which express the urgency of finding a reason for existence,
in every moment, at life’s most important and decisive times as well as more or-
dinary times. These questions show the deep reasonableness of human exis-
tence, since they summon human intelligence and will to search freely for a solu-
tion which can reveal the full meaning of life. These enquiries, therefore, are the
highest expression of human nature; which is why the answer to them is the
gauge of the depth of his engagement with his own existence. In particular, when
“the why of things” is explored in full harmony with the search for the ultimate an-
swer, then human reason reaches its zenith and opens to the religious impulse.
The religious impulse is the highest expression of the human being’s free and per-
sonal search for the divine” (”Fides Et Ratio”, note 28).

*********************************************************************************************
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: Mark 10:13-16

Jesus and the Children

[13] And they were bringing children to Him, that He might touch them; and the
disciples rebuked them. [14] But when Jesus saw it He was indignant, and said
to them, “Let the children come to Me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs
the Kingdom of God. [15] Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the
Kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” [16] And He took them in His
arms and blessed them, laying His hands upon them.

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

13-16. This Gospel account has an attractive freshness and vividness about it
which may be connected with St. Peter, from whom St. Mark would have taken
the story. It is one of the few occasions when the Gospels tell us that Christ
became angry. What provoked His anger was the disciples’ intolerance: they
felt that these people bringing children to Jesus were a nuisance: it meant a
waste of His time; Christ had more serious things to do than be involved with
little children. The disciples were well-intentioned; it was just that they were
applying the wrong criteria. What Jesus had told them quite recently had not
registered: “Whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me; and
whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me” (Mark 9:37).

Our Lord also stresses that a Christian has to become like a child to enter the
Kingdom of Heaven. “To be little you have to believe as children believe, to love
as children love, to abandon yourself as children do..., to pray as children pray”
(St. J. Escriva, “Holy Rosary”, Prologue).

Our Lord’s words express simply and graphically the key doctrine of man’s divine
sonship: God is our Father and we are His sons and daughters, His children; the
whole of religion is summed up in the relationship of a son with His good Father.
This awareness of God as Father involves a sense of dependence on our Father
in Heaven and trusting abandonment to His loving providence—in the way a child
trusts its father or mother; the humility of recognizing that we can do nothing by
ourselves; simplicity and sincerity, which make us straightforward and honest in
our dealings with God and man.

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: Green.

First reading
Ecclesiasticus 17:1-13 ©

The Lord fashioned man from the earth,

to consign him back to it.

He gave them so many days’ determined time,

he gave them authority over everything on earth.

He clothed them with strength like his own,

and made them in his own image.

He filled all living things with dread of man,

making him master over beasts and birds.

He shaped for them a mouth and tongue, eyes and ears,

and gave them a heart to think with.

He filled them with knowledge and understanding,

and revealed to them good and evil.

He put his own light in their hearts

to show them the magnificence of his works.

They will praise his holy name,

as they tell of his magnificent works.

He set knowledge before them,

he endowed them with the law of life.

Their eyes saw his glorious majesty,

and their ears heard the glory of his voice.

He said to them, ‘Beware of all wrong-doing’;

he gave each a commandment concerning his neighbour.

Their ways are always under his eye,

they cannot be hidden from his sight.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 102(103):13-18 ©

The love of the Lord is everlasting upon those who hold him in fear.

As a father has compassion on his sons,

the Lord has pity on those who fear him;

for he knows of what we are made,

he remembers that we are dust.

The love of the Lord is everlasting upon those who hold him in fear.

As for man, his days are like grass;

he flowers like the flower of the field;

the wind blows and he is gone

and his place never sees him again.

The love of the Lord is everlasting upon those who hold him in fear.

But the love of the Lord is everlasting

upon those who hold him in fear;

his justice reaches out to children’s children

when they keep his covenant in truth.

The love of the Lord is everlasting upon those who hold him in fear.

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!

Gospel	Mark 10:13-16 ©

People were bringing little children to Jesus, for him to touch them. The disciples turned them away, but when Jesus saw this he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. I tell you solemnly, anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ Then he put his arms round them, laid his hands on them and gave them his blessing.

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 Joyful Mysteries

(Mondays and Saturdays)

1. The Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38) [Spiritual fruit - Humility]
2. The Visitation (Luke 1: 39-56) [Spiritual fruit - Love of Neighbor]
3. The Nativity (Luke 2:1-20) [Spiritual fruit - Poverty of Spirit]
4. The Presentation (Luke 2:21-38) [Spiritual fruit - Purity of mind & body]
5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52) [Spiritual fruit - Obedience ]

February Devotion: The Holy Family

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Holy Family Chaplet

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

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

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

The Holy Family Icon by Nicholas Markell

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

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

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

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

Parent's Prayer

Jesus, Son of God, Son of Man, and Son of Mary, I thank you for the gift of life you have entrusted to my care. Help me be a parent both tender and wise, both loving and forgiving.

Mary, Holy Mother of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and our Motherly Queen of Heaven, nourish our family with your heavenly grace. Help us to remain faithful to The Most Holy Trinity, in all our sorrows and joys.

Joseph, Earthly father to our Lord God, guardian and spouse of Mary, keep our family safe from harm. Help us in all times of discouragement or anxiety.

Holy Family of Nazareth, help our family to walk in your footsteps. May we be peace-loving and peace-giving.
Amen.

Imitating the Holy Family: Four Traits that Make It Possible
[Catholic Caucus] On the Holy Family [Angelus]
Biblical Teachings on Marriage and Family. A Homily for the Feast of the Holy Family
Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
Recovering God's Plan for Marriage and Family: A Sermon on the Feast of the Holy Family

"Why were you looking for me?" (On the Feast of The Holy Family)
U.S. Postal Service Issues Holy Family Forever Stamp
On Prayer in the Life of the Holy Family
The Holy Family - held together by Love through all their problems [Ecumenical]
Feast of the Holy Family: The Christian Family is a Domestic Church
Chesterton on "The Human Family and the Holy Family"
Joseph, Mary and Jesus: A Model Family
ADVICE TO PARENTS by Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
The Holy Family
St. Joseph as Head of the Holy Family (Catholic/Orthodox Caucus)

Feast of the Holy Family
Feast of the Holy Family (Dom Guéranger OSB)
The Feast of the Holy Family
The Holy Family vs. The Holy Innocents: A Christmas season reflection [Catholic Caucus]
Vatican creche to place Holy Family in Joseph's carpentry workshop
The Redemption and Protection of the Family [Feast of the Holy Family]
Study Backs Tradition of Loreto House - Stones in Altar Match Those in Nazareth, It Says
Unraveling Jesus' mystery years in Egypt
Gaudi's Church of the Holy Family to be ready for worship in 2008
Imitating the Holy Family; Four Traits that Make It Possible
Lots of Graphics: Post your favorite image of the St. Mary and Child, the Holy Family...

Daily Gospel Commentary

Saturday of the Seventh week in Ordinary Time

Commentary of the day
Hermas (2nd century)
The Shepherd, parable 9, 24.29 (trans. E.J. Goodspeed, rev.; cf SC 53, p.341)

"Let the children comes to me… for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these"

The Shepherd showed me a mountain on which there were luxuriant green plants; the whole mountain was flourishing and all kinds of cattle and wild birds were feeding on the plants on this mountain. He said to me: “Believers from this place have always been sincere and without guile, blessed and holding nothing against one another but always rejoicing in the servants of God. Clad in the holy spirit of young virgins, always feeling compassion for all, they have provided for the needs of their fellows out of the sweat of their own brows. So the Lord, seeing their sincerity and perfect innocence, prospered them in the labors of their hands and showed them favor in all that they did… All those of you who so act, continue to be such, and your descendants will never be botted out…”

The he showed me a very beautiful mountain, all white: “Here believers are like veritable babes into whose minds no evil comes. They do not know what wickedness is but have always continued in innocence. Such people, therefore, will undoubtedly live in the Kingdom of God for they have not by any act profaned God’s commands but have continued in innocence all the days of their lives in the same attitude of mind. All those of you, then, who will continue like babes, with no wickedness, will be more glorious than those who have been mentioned before, for all babes are glorious in the sight of God and are foremost in his sight. So blessed are you who have put off wickedness from yourselves and put on innocence; you will be the first of all to live to God.”

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February 25, 2017

Saturday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 Sir 17:1-15

Responsorial Psalm Ps 103:13-14, 15-16, 17-18

Alleluia SEE Mt 11:25

Gospel Mk 10:13-16

Readings at Mass

February2017

Pope's Intention

Universal: Comfort for the Afflicted, That all those who are afflicted, especially the poor, refugees, and marginalized, may find welcome and comfort in our communities.

Saturday of the Seventh week in Ordinary Time