Reading 1 2 Cor 4:7-15

Brothers and sisters:
We hold this treasure in earthen vessels,
that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us.
We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained;
perplexed, but not driven to despair;
persecuted, but not abandoned;
struck down, but not destroyed;
always carrying about in the Body the dying of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body.
For we who live are constantly being given up to death
for the sake of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

So death is at work in us, but life in you.
Since, then, we have the same spirit of faith,
according to what is written, "I believed, therefore I spoke,"
we too believe and therefore speak,
knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus
will raise us also with Jesus
and place us with you in his presence.
Everything indeed is for you,
so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people
may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 116:10-11, 15-16, 17-18

R. (17a) To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I believed, even when I said,
"I am greatly afflicted";
I said in my alarm,
"No man is dependable."
R. To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Precious in the eyes of the LORD
is the death of his faithful ones.
O LORD, I am your servant;
I am your servant, the son of your handmaid;
you have loosed my bonds.
R. To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise.
or:
R. Alleluia.
To you will I offer sacrifice of thanksgiving,
and I will call upon the name of the LORD.
My vows to the LORD I will pay
in the presence of all his people.
R. To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia Phil 2:15d, 16a

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Shine like lights in the world,
as you hold on to the word of life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mt 5:27-32

Jesus said to his disciples:
"You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery.
But I say to you,
everyone who looks at a woman with lust
has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
If your right eye causes you to sin,
tear it out and throw it away.
It is better for you to lose one of your members
than to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna.
And if your right hand causes you to sin,
cut it off and throw it away.
It is better for you to lose one of your members
than to have your whole body go into Gehenna.

"It was also said,
Whoever divorces his wife must give her a bill of divorce.
But I say to you,
whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful)
causes her to commit adultery,
and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery."

From: 2 Corinthians 4:7-15

The Trials He Has Experienced

[7] But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent
power belongs to God and not to us. [8] We are afflicted in every way, but not
crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; [9] persecuted, but not forsaken;
struck down, but not destroyed; [10] always carrying in the body the death of
Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. [11] For
while we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the
life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. [12] So death is at work in
us, but life in you.

He Is Sustained By Hope in Heaven

[13] Since we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, “I believed, and
so I spoke,” we too believe, and so we speak, [14] knowing that he who raised
the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his pre-
sence. [15] For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and
more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

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

7-12. In contrast to the greatness of the Gospel—the “treasure” entrusted to them
by God—St. Paul emphasizes the limitations of its ministers: they are “earthen
vessels” (v. 7). To illustrate this he describes the afflictions and persecution to
which he finds himself subjected and in which God’s grace always comes to his
aid.

In some way these sufferings of the Apostles and of all Christians reproduce in
their lives the sufferings of Christ in his passion and death. In his case his suf-
fering opened the way to his glorification after the Resurrection; similarly his ser-
vants, even in this life, are experiencing an anticipation of the life they will attain
in heaven; this helps them overcome every kind of affliction.

7. St. Paul again stresses that the effectiveness of all his apostolic activity
comes from God (cf., e.g., 1 Cor 1:26-31; 2 Cor 3:5); he it is who places his trea-
sures in poor earthenware vessels. The image the Apostle uses—which is remini-
scent of the clay which God used to make Adam (cf. Gen 2:7)—helps Christians
realize that through grace they bear in their souls a wonderful treasure, God him-
self; like earthen vessels they are very fragile and they need to be put together
again in the sacrament of Confession. As a gloss on these ideas St. Escriva
taught that Christians by bearing God in their souls are enabled to live at one
and the same time “in heaven and on earth, divinized: but knowing that we are
of the world and made of clay, with the frailty that is typical of clay — an earthen-
ware pot which our Lord has deigned to use in his service. And whenever it has
got broken, we have gone and riveted the bits together again, like the prodigal
son: ‘I have sinned against heaven and against you...’” (quoted in Bernal, “Mon-
signor Escriva de Balaguer”).

8-9. The Apostle’s words assure the Christian that he or she can always count
on God’s help: no matter what trials they have to undergo, victory can be attained
with the grace of God as happened in St. Paul’s case. “God is faithful, and he will
not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with temptation will also provide
you the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Cor 10:13). More-
over, St. Paul’s example reminds us that more or less severe suffering and tribula-
tion will be a normal thing in the lives of Christ’s followers; theirs will never be a
comfortable, trouble-free life. “If it is your ambition to win the esteem of men, if
your desire to be well-regarded and seek only a life of ease, you have gone astray
[...]. In the city of the saints, entrance is given and rest and eternal rule with the
King, only to those who have made their way along the rough, narrow way of tribu-
lation” (Pseudo-Macarius, “Homilies”, XII, 5).

10-11. As happened in St. Paul’s case, in their daily lives Christians must relive
the sufferings of Christ through self-denial and penance: this is part of following
Christ and imitating him. “The Christian vocation is one of sacrifice, penance,
expiation. We must make reparation for our sins—for the many times we turned
our face aside so as to avoid the gaze of God—and all the sins of mankind. We
must try to imitate Christ, ‘always carrying in the body the death of Christ’, his
abnegation, his suffering on the cross, ‘so that the life of Jesus may be manifes-
ted in our bodies’ (2 Cor 4:10). Our way is one of immolation and, in this denial,
we find “gaudium cum pace”, both joy and peace” (St. J. Escriva, “Christ Is
Passing By”, 9).

Self-denial, mortification, does not have to be something overt; it should be
practiced in the ordinary circumstances of life—for example, by being punctual
for appointments, carefully fulfilling one’s duties, treating everyone with as much
charity as possible, accepting little setbacks in a good-humored way (cf. St. J.
Escriva, “Friends of God”, 138).

10. “The death of Jesus”: more exactly, the “dying” of Christ: the Greek word
refers to the situation of someone who is dying.

12. In the Apostles, and also in other Christians, the paradox of Jesus’ life is ve-
rified: his death is the cause of life for all men. “Unless a grain of wheat falls into
the earth and dies, it remains alone, but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (Jn 12:24).
Afflictions and tribulations, physical and moral pain, daily self-denial and penance,
cause Christ’s disciple to die to himself and, if united to the sufferings of his Mas-
ter, they become a source of life for others through the communion of saints.

13-18. The Apostle explains where he gets the strength to bear all the tribulations
of life — from his hope in the resurrection and his expectation of being in heaven
with those to whom he is writing (v. 14). There is nothing selfish about this desire
for heaven: it helps us to stay true to the faith and it enables us to see all the suf-
ferings of this life as something transitory and slight (v. 17), a necessary step to
heaven and a way to obtain incomparably greater happiness. “If we wish to enjoy
the pleasures of eternity,” St. Alphonsus reminds us, “we must deprive ourselves
of the pleasures of time. ‘Whoever would save his life will lose it’ (Mt 16:25) [...].
If we wish to be saved, we must all be martyrs, either by the tyrant’s sword or
through our own mortification. Let us have this conviction — that everything we suf-
fer is nothing compared with the eternal glory that awaits us. ‘I consider the suffe-
rings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be re-
vealed to us’ (Rom 8:18). These momentary afflictions will bring us eternal happi-
ness (cf. 2 Cor 4:17)” (”Treasury of Preaching Material”, II, 9).

13. The Apostle’s faith leads him to keep on preaching, despite all the difficulties
this may involve. There is nothing else he can do: he is convinced that his faith
is what can save the world and he cannot but strive to spread it. If he acted other-
wise it would mean his faith was asleep and he did not truly love others. “When
you find that something has done you good,” St. Gregory the Great explains,
“try to bring it to the attention of others. You should, therefore, desire others to
join you on the ways of the Lord. If you are going to the forum or the baths, and
you meet someone who is not doing anything, you invite him to go along with
you. Apply this earthly custom to the spiritual sphere, and as you make your
way to God, do not do so alone” (”In Evangelia Homiliae”, 6, 6).

14. What inspires St. Paul’s apostolic activity and enables him to bear all the dif-
ficulties it involves, is his firm belief in resurrection in glory, the basis and cause
of which is Christ’s resurrection. He also has the hope of sharing this happiness
in heaven, in the presence of God, with all the faithful for whose salvation he is
working on earth.

15. After reminding the Corinthians that all the sufferings he has been speaking
about he has borne for their sake (cf. 4:5), St. Paul tells them what motivates him
most—the greater glory of God, to whom the faithful should turn in deep gratitude
(cf. 1:11; 9:12). This should be man’s primary attitude to God—one of profound
adoration and thanksgiving for all his benefits, as we are daily reminded in the
Preface of the Mass.

“If life’s purpose were not to give glory to God, how contemptible, how hateful it
would be” (St. J. Escriva, “The Way”, 783).

*********************************************************************************************
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 5:27-32

Jesus and His Teaching, the Fulfillment of the Law (Continuation)

(Jesus said to His disciples:) [27] “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall
not commit adultery.’ [28] But I say to you that every one who looks at a woman
lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. [29] If your right
eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away; it is better that you lose
one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. [30] And if
your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better that
you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.

[31] “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate
of divorce.’ [32] But I say to you that every one who divorces his wife, except
on the ground of unchastity, makes her an adulteress; and whoever marries a
divorced woman commits adultery.”

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

27-30. This refers to a sinful glance at any woman, be she married or not. Our
Lord fills out the precepts of the Old Law, where only adultery and the coveting
of one’s neighbor’s wife were considered sinful.

“Lustfully”: feeling is one thing, consenting another. Consent presupposes that
one realizes the evil of these actions (looking, imagining, having impure thoughts)
and freely engages in them.

Prohibition of vices always implies a positive aspect—the contrary virtue. Holy
purity, like every other virtue, is something eminently positive; it derives from the
First Commandment and is also directed to it: “You shall love the Lord your God
with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37).
“Purity is a consequence of the love that prompts us to commit to Christ our
soul and body, our faculties and senses. It is not something negative; it is a
joyful affirmation” (St. J. Escriva, “Christ Is Passing By”, 5). This virtue demands
that we use all the resources available to us, to the point of heroism if necessary.

“Right eye”, “right hand”, refers to whatever we value most. Our Lord lays it on
the line and it not exaggerating. He obviously does not mean that we should
physically mutilate ourselves, but that we should fight hard without making any
concessions, being ready to sacrifice anything which clearly could put us in the
way of offending God. Jesus’ graphic words particularly warn us about one of the
most common occasions of sin, reminding us of how careful we need to be guar-
ding our sight. King David, by indulging his curiosity, went on to commit adultery
and crime. He later wept over his sins and led a holy life in the presence of God
(cf. 2 Samuel 11 and 12).

“The eyes! Through them many iniquities enter the soul. So many experiences
like David’s!—If you guard your sight you will have assured the guard of your heart:
(St. J. Escriva, “The Way”, 183).

Among the ascetical methods of protecting the virtue of holy purity are: frequent
Confession and Communion; devotion to our Lady; a spirit of prayer and mortifi-
cation; guarding of the senses; flight from occasions of sin; and striving to avoid
idleness by always being engaged in doing useful things. There are two further
means which are particularly relevant today: “Decorum and modesty are younger
brothers of purity” (St. J. Escriva, “The Way”, 128). Decorum and modesty are a
sign of good taste, of respect for others and of human and Christian dignity. To
act in accord with this teaching of our Lord, the Christian has to row against the
current in a paganized environment and bring his influence for good to bear on it.

“There is need for a crusade of manliness and purity to counteract and undo the
savage work of those who think that man is a beast. And that crusade is a mat-
ter for you” (St. J. Escriva, “The Way”, 121).

31-32. The Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 24:1), which was laid down in ancient
times, had tolerated divorce due to the hardness of heart of the early Hebrews.
But it had not specified clearly the grounds on which divorce might be obtained.
The rabbis worked out different sorts of interpretations, depending on which
school they belonged to—solutions ranging from very lax to quite rigid. In all
cases, only husband could repudiate wife, not vice-versa. A woman’s inferior
position was eased somewhat by the device of a written document whereby the
husband freed the repudiated woman to marry again if she wished. Against these
rabbinical interpretations, Jesus re-establishes the original indissolubility of mar-
riage as God instituted it (Genesis 1:27; 2:24; cf. Matthew 19:4-6; Ephesians
1:31; 1 Corinthians 7:10).

[The RSVCE carries a note which reads: “unchastity”: The Greek word used here
appears to refer to marriages which were not legally marriages, because they
were within the forbidden degrees of consanguinity (Leviticus 18:6-16) or contrac-
ted with a Gentile. The phrase “except on the ground of unchastity” does not
occur in the parallel passage in Luke 16:18. See also Matthew 19:9 (Mark 10:
11-12), and especially 1 Corinthians 7:10-11, which shows that the prohibition
is unconditional.] The phrase, “except on the ground of unchastity”, should not
be taken as indicating an exception to the principle of absolute indissolubility of
marriage which Jesus has just re-established. It is almost certain that the phrase
refers to unions accepted as marriage among some pagan people, but prohibited
as incestuous in the Mosaic Law (cf. Leviticus 18) and in rabbinical tradition.
The reference, then, is to unions radically invalid because of some impediment.
When persons in this position were converted to the True Faith, it was not that
their union could be dissolved; it was declared that they had never in fact been
joined in true marriage. Therefore, this phrase does not do against the indissolu-
bility of marriage, but rather reaffirms it.

On the basis of Jesus’ teaching and guided by the Holy Spirit, the Church has
ruled that in the specially grave case of adultery it is permissible for a married
couple to separate, but without the marriage bond being dissolved; therefore,
neither party may contract a new marriage.

The indissolubility of marriage was unhesitatingly taught by the Church from the
very beginning; she demanded practical and legal recognition of this doctrine,
expounded with full authority by Jesus (Matthew 19:3-9; Mark 10:1-12; Luke 16:
18) and by the Apostles (1 Corinthians 6:16; 7:10-11; 39; Romans 7:2-3; Ephe-
sians 5:31f). Here, for example, are just a few texts from the Magisterium on
this subject:

“Three blessings are ascribed to matrimony [...]. The third is the indissolubility
of matrimony — indissoluble because it signifies the indivisible union of Christ
with the Church. Although a separation from bed may be permitted by reason
of marital infidelity, nevertheless it is not permitted to contract another matrimo-
ny since the bond of a marriage lawfully contracted is perpetual” (Council of Flo-
rence, “Pro Armeniis”).

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

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]

July 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

Friday of the Tenth week in Ordinary Time

Commentary of the day
Saint John-Paul II, Pope from 1978 to 2005
Discourse to young people in the Netherlands, May 14, 1985

The demands of Christ and joy of heart

Dear young people, you tell me that you often think the Church is an institution that does nothing but promulgate rules and laws… And you conclude that there is a deep discrepancy between the joy that issues from the word of Christ and the feeling of oppression that the Church’s rigidity gives you... But the gospel shows us a very demanding Christ who invites to a radical conversion of heart, detachment from earthly goods, forgiveness of sins, love of enemies, patient acceptance of persecutions and even to the sacrifice of one’s own life out of love for neighbor. Where the particular area of sexuality is concerned, we know the firm position he took in defending the indissolubility of marriage and his condemnation even as regards the simple adultery committed in the heart. And could anyone not be impressed when faced with the precept to “tear out one’s eye” or to “cut off one’s hand” when those members are an occasion of “scandal”? …

Moral licentiousness does not make people happy. Similarly, the consumer society does not bring joy of heart. The human person is only fulfilled to the extent to which that person is able to accept the demands flowing from their dignity as beings created “in the image and likeness of God” (Gen 1:27). That is why, if the Church today says things that are not agreeable, it is because it feels obligated to do so, it does so out of a duty to fidelity…

Does this mean that it isn't true the gospel message is a message of joy? On the contrary! It is absolutely true. And how is that possible? The answer can be found in one word, one single word, one short word, but its contents are as vast as the sea. And that word is love. It is perfectly possible to reconcile uncompromising precept with joy of heart. One who loves does not fear sacrifice but even seeks in sacrifice the most convincing proof of the authenticity of their love.

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

Readings at Mass

Liturgical Colour: Green.

First reading
2 Corinthians 4:7-15 ©

We are only the earthenware jars that hold this treasure, to make it clear that such an overwhelming power comes from God and not from us. We are in difficulties on all sides, but never cornered; we see no answer to our problems, but never despair; we have been persecuted, but never deserted; knocked down, but never killed; always, wherever we may be, we carry with us in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus, too, may always be seen in our body. Indeed, while we are still alive, we are consigned to our death every day, for the sake of Jesus, so that in our mortal flesh the life of Jesus, too, may be openly shown. So death is at work in us, but life in you.

But as we have the same spirit of faith that is mentioned in scripture – I believed, and therefore I spoke – we too believe and therefore we too speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus to life will raise us with Jesus in our turn, and put us by his side and you with us. You see, all this is for your benefit, so that the more grace is multiplied among people, the more thanksgiving there will be, to the glory of God.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 115(116):10-11,15-18 ©

A thanksgiving sacrifice I make to you, O Lord.

Alleluia!

I trusted, even when I said:

‘I am sorely afflicted,’

and when I said in my alarm:

‘No man can be trusted.’

A thanksgiving sacrifice I make to you, O Lord.

Alleluia!

O precious in the eyes of the Lord

is the death of his faithful.

Your servant, Lord, your servant am I;

you have loosened my bonds.

A thanksgiving sacrifice I make to you, O Lord.

Alleluia!

A thanksgiving sacrifice I make;

I will call on the Lord’s name.

My vows to the Lord I will fulfil

before all his people.

A thanksgiving sacrifice I make to you, O Lord.

Alleluia!

Gospel Acclamation	Jn10:27

Alleluia, alleluia!

The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice,

says the Lord,

I know them and they follow me.

Alleluia!

Or	Ph2:15-16

Alleluia, alleluia!

You will shine in the world like bright stars

because you are offering it the word of life.

Alleluia!

Gospel	Matthew 5:27-32 ©

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You have learnt how it was said: You must not commit adultery. But I say this to you: if a man looks at a woman lustfully, he has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye should cause you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of you than to have your whole body thrown into hell. And if your right hand should cause you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of you than to have your whole body go to hell.

‘It has also been said: Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a writ of dismissal. But I say this to you: everyone who divorces his wife, except for the case of fornication, makes her an adulteress; and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.’

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June 16, 2017

Friday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 2 Cor 4:7-15

Responsorial Psalm Ps 116:10-11, 15-16, 17-18

Alleluia Phil 2:15d, 16a

Gospel Mt 5:27-32

June, 2017

Pope's Intention

National Leaders, That national leaders may firmly commit themselves to ending the arms trade, which victimizes so many innocent people.

Friday of the Tenth week in Ordinary Time

Readings at Mass