Posted on 07/09/2017 9:15:35 PM PDT by Salvation
KEYWORDS: catholic; mt9; ordinarytime; prayer;
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From: Genesis 28:10-22a
Jacob’s Dream
[18] So Jacob rose early in the morning, and he took the stone which he had put
under his head and set it up for a pillar and poured oil on the top of it. [19] He
called the name of that place Bethel; but the name of the city was Luz at the first.
[20] Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me, and will keep me in
this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, [21] so that
I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, [22a]
and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house.”
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Commentary:
28:10-22 The narrative continues with this scene which deals with the first appea-
rance of God to Jacob, when he confirms to him the promise he made to Abra-
ham; it also recalls the foundation of the shrine at Bethel.
It is significant that these events occur in Canaan, the land of the promise and
the land to which Jacob and his sons will later have reason to return. After the
exodus from Egypt and the conquest of the land, the Israelites consulted [the
LORD] at Bethel (cf. Judg 20:18, 26-28); and after the division of the country
into two kingdoms, on the death of Solomon, Bethel became one of the main
religious shrines of the Northern kingdom (cf. 1 Kings 12:26-33).
In the context in which it appears here, the account of Jacob’s dream shows how
the patriarch, strengthened by God who has revealed to him his plan, is now able
to face the long years which he will have to spend away from the promised land.
The Lord will not appear to him again until he returns (cf. 32:22-32). The Lord
does the same thing with us, sometimes allowing quite a time to go by when we
do not feel his presence. “You told me that God sometimes fills you with light for
a while and sometimes does not. I reminded you, firmly, that the Lord is always
infinitely good. That is why those moments of light are enough to help you carry
on; but the times when you see no light are good for you too, and make you
more faithful” (St. J. Escriva. “Furrow”, 341).
28:12. As described in the biblical text, the ladder which Jacob sees in his
dream (which might have been like the staircases in Mesopotamian or Egyptian
temples, copied in turn in the shrines of Canaan) is filled with deep symbolism:
it is the link between heaven and earth. Some Fathers of the Church interpret
this ladder as being divine providence, which reaches earth through the ministry
of angels; others see it as a sign of the Incarnation of Christ (who is of the line
of Jacob), for the Incarnation is truly the time when divine and human join, since
Christ is true God and true man.
In St John’s Gospel we see Jacob’s dream fulfilled in the glorification of Jesus
through his death on the cross: “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven
opened, and the angels or God ascending and descending upon the Son of man”
(Jn 1:5 1). And so other prominent interpreters see Jacob’s ladder as represen-
ting the cross, whereby Christ and Christians attain the glory of heaven. St Ber-
nard applied the symbolism of the ladder to the Blessed Virgin: “She is the lad-
der of Jacob, which has twelve rungs, counting the two sides. The right-hand
side is disdain for oneself out of love for God; the left-hand side is disdain for the
world, for love for the Kingdom. The ascent up its twelve rungs represents the
degrees of humility. [...] By these rungs angels ascend and men are raised up...”
(”Sermo ad Beatam Virginem”, 4).
28:14. Once more, divine revelation makes it clear that the reason for choosing
the people of Israel (a choice now confirmed to Jacob) is to have the blessing of
God reach all nations (cf. 12:3), and to let all men, created as they are in God’s
image and likeness (cf. 1:26), benefit from that choice. The fact that God chose
one people does not mean that he has put a limit on his goodness; it is simply
the way that he, the Creator of all, chose to make his fatherly call reach the ears
of all. “Connected with the mystery of creation is the “mystery of the election”,
which in a special way shaped the history of the people whose spiritual father is
Abraham by virtue of his faith. Nevertheless, through this people which journeys
forward through the history both of the Old Covenant and of the New, that mys-
tery of election refers to every man and woman, to the whole great human family.
‘I have loved you with an everlasting love, therefore I have continued my faithful-
ness to you’ (Jer 31:3)” (”Dives in Misericordiae”, 4).
28:20. St John Chrysostom comments that the words “will give me bread to eat”
were endorsed by Jesus in the Our Father: “Give us this day our daily bread”:
“Let us request of him no material things beyond this. I mean, it would be quite
inappropriate to ask of such a generous giver, who enjoys such an abundance
of power, things that will dissolve with this present life and undergo great trans-
formation and decay. All such things are, in fact, human, whether you refer to
wealth, or power, or human glory. Let us instead ask for what lasts forever, for
what is permanent’ (”Homiliae in Genesim”, 54, 5).
*********************************************************************************************
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 9:18-26
The Raising of Jairus’ Daughter
The Curing of the Woman with a Hemorrhage
*********************************************************************************************
Commentary:
18-26. Here are two miracles which occur almost simultaneously. From parallel
passages in Mark (5:21-43) and Luke (8:40-56) we know that the “ruler” (of the
synagogue) referred to here was called Jairus. The Gospels report Jesus raising
three people to life—this girl, the son of the widow of Nain, and Lazarus. In each
case the identity of the person is clearly given.
This account shows us, once again, the role faith plays in Jesus’ saving actions.
In the case of the woman with the hemorrhage we should note that Jesus is won
over by her sincerity and faith: she does not let obstacles get in her way. Simi-
larly, Jairus does not care what people will say; a prominent person in his city,
he humbles himself before Jesus for all to see.
18. “Knelt before Him”: the eastern way of showing respect to God or to impor-
tant people. In the liturgy, especially in the presence of the Blessed Eucharist,
reverences are a legitimate and appropriate external sign of internal faith and
adoration.
23. “The flute players”: engaged to provide music at wakes and funerals.
24. “Depart, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping”: Jesus says the same thing
about Lazarus: “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him”
(John 11:11).
Although Jesus speaks of sleep, there is no question of the girl—or Lazarus, later
—not being dead. For our Lord there is only one true death—that of eternal punish-
ment (cf. Matthew 10:28).
*********************************************************************************************
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.
Liturgical Colour: Green.
First reading |
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Genesis 28:10-22 © |
Responsorial Psalm |
---|
Psalm 90(91):1-4,14-15 © |
Gospel Acclamation | cf.Jn6:63,68 |
---|
Or | cf.2Tim1:10 |
---|
Gospel | Matthew 9:18-26 © |
---|
Pray for Pope Francis.
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Military evacuating girls, women rescued from Boko Haram
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After vision of Christ, Nigerian bishop says rosary will bring down Boko Haram (Catholic Caucus)
Nigerian Bishop Says Christ Showed Him How to Beat Islamic Terror Group
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.
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 ]
St. Michael the Archangel
~ PRAYER ~
St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle
Be our protection against the wickedness
and snares of the devil;
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God,
Cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits
who prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen
+
A Prayer for PriestsO my God, help those priests who are faithful to remain faithful; to those who are falling, stretch forth Your Divine Hand that they may grasp it as their support. In the great ocean of Your mercy, lift those poor unfortunate ones who have fallen, that being engulfed therein they may receive the grace to return to Your Great Loving Heart. Amen. Precious Blood of Jesus, protect them!
The Most Precious Blood of Jesus
July is traditionally associated with the Precious Blood of Our Lord. It may be customary to celebrate the votive Mass of the Precious Blood on July 1.
The extraordinary importance of the saving Blood of Christ has ensured a central place for its memorial in the celebration of this cultic mystery: at the centre of the Eucharistic assembly, in which the Church raises up to God in thanksgiving "the cup of blessing" (1 Cor 10, 16; cf Ps 115-116, 13) and offers it to the faithful as a "real communion with the Blood of Christ" (1 Cor 10, 16); and throughout the Liturgical Year. The Church celebrates the saving Blood of Christ not only on the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, but also on many other occasions, such that the cultic remembrance of the Blood of our redemption (cf 1 Pt 1, 18) pervades the entire Liturgical Year. Hence, at Vespers during Christmastide, the Church, addressing Christ, sings: "Nos quoque, qui sancto tuo redempti sumus sanguine, ob diem natalis tui hymnum novum concinimus." In the Paschal Triduum, the redemptive significance and efficacy of the Blood of Christ is continuously recalled in adoration. During the adoration of the Cross on Good Friday the Church sings the hymn: "Mite corpus perforatur, sanguis unde profluit; terra, pontus, astra, mundus quo lavanturflumine", and again on Easter Sunday, "Cuius corpus sanctissimum in ara crucis torridum, sed et cruorem roesum gustando, Deo vivimus (194).
Catholic Word of the Day: LITANY OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD, 09-25-12
ST. GASPAR: Founder of the Society of the Precious Blood
Mass in the Cathedral of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ (London, 9/18)
Devotion to the Drops of Blood Lost by our Lord Jesus Christ on His Way to Calvary (Prayer/Devotion)
Chaplet of the Most Precious Blood
Catholic Word of the Day: PRECIOUS BLOOD, 12-03-11
The Traditional Feast of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Catholic Caucus)
Devotion to the Precious Blood
DOCTRINE OF THE BLOOD OF CHRIST
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,And More on the Precious Blood
Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ
NOTHING IS MORE POTENT AGAINST EVIL THAN PLEADING THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST
Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus
"The girl is not dead but sleeping"
This synagogue official can be understood as representing the Law of Moses who, when interceding on behalf of the crowd he had nurtured for Christ by preaching the expectation of his coming, asks the Lord to restore a dead woman to life... The Lord promised to help him and, to assure him of it, he followed him.
First of all, however, the mass of pagan sinners was saved together with the apostles. The gift of life reverted in the first place to the elect predestined by the Law and yet, before that, salvation was bestowed on publicans and sinners in the image of the woman. That was why this woman was confident that, coming upon the Lord as he passed by, she would be healed of her haemorrhage at the touch of the Lord's garment... In her faith she was in haste to touch the fringe of his garment, that is to say to attain, together with the apostles, the gift of the Holy Spirit emanating from Christ's body after the manner of a fringe. She was swiftly healed. Thus the cure intended for the one was also granted to the other, whose faith and perseverance the Lord praised since what had been prepared for Israel had been received by the gentiles... The healing power of the Lord contained in his body spread even to the fringes of his garments. For indeed God is neither divisible nor graspable in such a way as to be enclosed within a body. He himself shares out his gifts in the Spirit but is not divided among his gifts. In every place his power is touched by faith because it exists everywhere and is never absent from anywhere. The body he took did not restrict his power but his power took on the weakness of a body to redeem it...
Then the Lord entered the official's house, otherwise called the synagogue..., and many people mocked him. Effectively, they didn't believe in the God-man and laughed to hear him preach the resurrection from the dead. Taking the young girl's hand the Lord restored her to life, whose death, where he was concerned, was nothing but a dream.
St. Jean Marie Baptiste Vianney, the Cure of Ars
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