Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 01-09-19

USCCB.org/RNAB ^ | 01-09-19 | Revised New American Bible

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January, 2019

The Holy Father's Prayer Intention

Evangelization – Religious Minorities in Asia, That Christians and other religious minorities in Asian countries, may be able to practice their faith in full freedom.

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'I am about to tell all those who listen to me, that their souls are God's vineyard, in which faith is the cistern, hope the tower, holy charity the wine-press, and the law of God the hedge that separates them from unfaithful people.

To you, dear daughter, I say, that your will is your vineyard; the Divine inspirations poured into your soul by God, the cistern; holy chastity, the tower, which, like that of David, should be made of ivory; obedience, by which all your actions become meritorious, the wine-press.'

St. Francis de Sales

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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).

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http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/3718698/posts

Saint of the Day — Saint Adrian of Canterbury.

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Information: St. Adrian of Canterbury

Feast Day: January 9

Born: 635 in North Africa

Died: 9 January 710

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CATHOLIC ALMANAC

Wednesday, January 9

Liturgical Color: White

St. Josemaria Escriva, founder of Opus Dei, was born
on this day in 1902. On his 16th birthday, he came
across footprints in the snow made by a barefooted
friar. He was so impressed by his dedication and
sacrifice that he entered the seminary.

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Catholic Culture

Christmas: January 9th

Wednesday Christmas Weekday; Venerable Pauline-Marie Jaricot

MASS READINGS

January 09, 2019 (Readings on USCCB website)

COLLECT PRAYER

O God, who bestow light on all nations, grant your peoples the gladness of lasting peace and pour into our hearts that brilliant light by which you purified the minds of our fathers in faith. 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.

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Recipes (1)

• French Style Shepherd's Pie

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Activities (1)

• Day Sixteen ~ St. Francis and the Creche

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Prayers (7)

• Christmas Table Blessing 1
• Christmas Table Blessing 2
• Christmas Table Blessing 3
• Christmas Table Blessing 4
• Book of Blessings: Blessing Before and After Meals: Christmas Season (2nd Plan)
• Book of Blessings: Blessing Before and After Meals: Christmas (1st Plan)
• Novena to Ask for the Intercession of the Venerable Pauline Jaricot

Library (0)

» Enjoy our Liturgical Seasons series of e-books!

Old Calendar: Sts. Julian and Basilissa, martyrs (Hist)

In 1818 a young French lay woman, Pauline Marie Jaricot, founded the Association for the Propagation of the Faith, officially recognized on 3 May 1822. Pauline is "the foundress of the largest aid agency for the missions in the entire history of the Catholic Church," which later became the Society for the Propagation of the Faith and was conferred the title "Pontifical" by Pius XI in 1922. — Vatican website

She also was the foundress of the Association of the Living Rosary. She died on January 9, 1862 and was declared venerable on February 25, 1963. It is also the feast of Sts. Julian and Basilissa, husband and wife martyrs in the 4th century.

Christmas Weekday - Day Sixteen
St. Francis initiated the beautiful practice of displaying a Christmas crib or creche. He built it in a cave on a bleak mountain near the village of Greccio. News of what he was doing spread all over the countryside and a steady stream of men, women and chldren came by night carrying torches and candles to light their way.

"It seemed like midday," wrote someone who was there, "during that midnight filled with gladness for man and beast, and the crowds drawing near, so happy to be present for the renewal of the eternal mystery." Francis himself sang the Gospel story in a voice which was "strong and sweet and clear," says the observer. "Then he preached to the people, most movingly, about the birth of the poor King in little Bethlehem." — Excerpted from Christmas

• Day Sixteen activity (St. Francis and the Creche)
• Day Sixteen recipe (Double Chocolate Mocha Biscotti)

Venerable Pauline-Marie Jaricot
Pauline Marie Jaricot was born to a very pious Catholic family in Lyons, France, July 22, 1799, and grew up dreaming of becoming a great missionary. Through her brother she developed a real concern for the Asian missions, and at age 17, she began to lead a life of unusual abnegation and self-sacrifice, and on Christmas Day, 1816, took a vow of perpetual virginity. At age 18, she composed a treatise on the Infinite Love of the Divine Eucharist.

In order to repair the sins of neglect and ingratitude committed against the Sacred Heart of Jesus, she established a union of prayer among pious servant girls, the members of which were known as the "Réparatrices du Sacré-Coeur de Jésus-Christ."

During an extended visit to her married sister at Saint-Vallier (Drôme), she succeeded in effecting a complete transformation in the licentious lives of the numerous girls employed by her brother-in-law. It was among them and the "Réparatrices" that she first solicited offerings for the foreign missions. Her systematic organization of such collections dates back to 1819 when she asked each of her intimate friends to act as a promoter by finding ten associates willing to contribute one cent each week to the propagation of the Faith. One out of every ten promoters gathered the collections of their fellow-promoters; through a logical extension of this system, all the offerings were ultimately remitted to one central treasurer. The Society for the Propagation of Faith at its official foundation (3 May 1822) adopted this method, and easily triumphed over the opposition which had sought from the very start to thwart the realization of Pauline Jaricot's plans.

In 1826 she founded the Association of the Living Rosary. The fifteen decades of the Rosary were divided among fifteen associates, each of whom had to recite daily only one determined decade. A second object of the new foundation was the spread of good books and articles of piety. An undertaking of Pauline's in the interest of social reform, though begun with prudence, involved her in considerable financial difficulties and ended in failure. She died on January 9, 1862 and was declared venerable on February 25, 1963.

Patron: Against poverty; impoverishment; poverty.

Things to Do:

• Read more about Pauline-Marie Jaricot here and here.

• Read the Letter written by Pope John Paul II for the bicentenary of the birth of Ven. Pauline-Marie Jaricot.

• Learn more about The Society for the Propagation of the Faith.

• Have your children offer extra prayers for the missions or make a small sacrifice for priests and nuns in mission countries.

Sts. Julian and Basilissa
St. Julian and St. Basilissa, though married, lived, by mutual consent, in perpetual chastity; they sanctified themselves by the most perfect exercises of an ascetic life, and employed their revenues in relieving the poor and the sick. For this purpose they converted their house into a kind of hospital, in which they sometimes entertained a thousand poor people. Basilissa attended those of her sex, in separate lodgings from the men; these were taken care of by Julian, who from his charity is named the Hospitalarian. Egypt, where they lived, had then begun to abound with examples of persons who, either in the cities or in the deserts, devoted themselves to the most perfect exercises of charity, penance, and mortification.

Basilissa, after having stood seven persecutions, died in peace; Julian survived her many years and received the crown of a glorious martyrdom, together with Celsus, a youth, Antony, a priest, Anastasius, and Marcianilla, the mother of Celsus.

Many churches and hospitals in the East, and especially in the West, bear the name of one or other of these martyrs. Four churches at Rome, and three out of five at Paris, which bear the name of St. Julian, were originally dedicated under the name of St. Julian, the Hospitalarian and martyr.

In the time of St. Gregory the Great, the skull of St. Julian was brought out of the East into France, and given to Queen Brunehault; she gave it to the nunnery which she founded at Étampes; part of it is at present in the monastery of Morigny, near Étampes, and part in the church of the regular canonesses of St. Basilissa at Paris.

Excerpted from Lives of the Saints, by Alban Butler, Benziger Bros. ed. [1894]

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The Word Among Us

Meditation: Mark 6:45-52

Christmas Weekday

Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid! (Mark 6:50)

Jesus’ words are perplexing at best. Why wouldn’t the disciples be terrified, given the situation? Not only are they far out to sea, but it’s dark, a storm is raging, and what appears to be a ghost is walking toward them. Who wouldn’t be afraid?

So how should we understand Jesus’ words to the disciples? And more to the point, how can we deal with our fears when we face terrifying circumstances? We all know the kinds of things that could make us afraid: a cancer diagnosis, job loss, financial upheaval, a child in a car accident, and many others. These are the situations where fear can overwhelm and paralyze us. They’re the situations in which it feels as if we are in the boat with the disciples—and just moments away from capsizing.

But look what happens right after Jesus tells the disciples to do something that seemed impossible: “He got into the boat with them” (Mark 6:51). Which is exactly what Jesus does for us. He joins us in our “boat.” He doesn’t just tell us not to be afraid; he enters into our situation and promises to remain with us every step of the way.

This might not mean an instantaneous healing of cancer or a surprise check appearing in our mailbox. But it may well entail the Lord offering you his help just when you most need it. Maybe he leads you to an excellent doctor. Maybe you learn about a promising new job opportunity. Or maybe nothing appears to happen at all, but you experience a sense of peace in the midst of turmoil. Whatever happens, Jesus wants to show you that he is with you for the long haul. He has no intention of abandoning you. This means you can trust in him, even in the most terrifying of storms.

So whenever you feel like your boat is sinking, remember Jesus’ words: “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid” (Mark 6:50). Jesus is with you, and he will remain with you through every frightening moment. Then keep your eyes open so that you don’t miss all the ways he is caring for you.

“Lord Jesus, thank you for being with me and helping me to face my fears.”

1 John 4:11-18
Psalm 72:1-2, 10, 12-13

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Daily Gospel Commentary

Saint Bernard (1091-1153)
Cistercian monk and doctor of the Church
1st Sermon of the Epiphany

"About the fourth watch of the night he came towards them"

“Behold, goodness and kindness has appeared, the humanity of God our Savior” (Tit 3:4 Vg). Thanks be to God who, through his mercy in this our pilgrimage, in this our banishment, in this our state of misery, has also greatly increased our consolation... Before his humanity appeared, his goodness remained hidden too. Naturally, it existed beforehand since “the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting” (Ps 102[103]). But how could we have known its greatness? It was the object of a promise, not of an experience, which is why many people did not believe in it...

Now, however, people can believe in what they see, since: “The Lord's decrees are worthy of trust indeed”, and: “He has pitched his tent in the sun” (cf. Ps 92[93]:5; 18[19]:5). Now peace is no longer promised but sent, not reserved until later but given, not prophesied but manifested. Now God has sent the treasures of his mercy upon earth, treasures that are to be exposed by his Passion so as to pour forth the prize of our salvation concealed in them... For if it is only a tiny child that has been given to us (Is 9:5), yet “in him dwells the whole fulness of the godhead bodily” (Col 2:9). In the fullness of time he came in the flesh to be visible to our eyes of flesh, that seeing his humanity and his kindness we should recognize his goodness... Does anything better prove his mercy than to see him take on our misery? “What is man, O Lord, that you notice him; the son of man that you take thought of him?” (Ps 143[144]:3; Jb 7:17 Vg).

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

Daily Marriage Tip for January 9, 2019:

“Do not let the sun set on your anger.” (Eph 4:26) Great biblical advice! Even if an issue is not completely resolved, make it a point to say “I’m sorry” and “I love you” after an argument and before bed.

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Regnum Christi

January 9, 2019 – Walking with Christ

Wednesday after the Epiphany

Mark 6:45-52

After the five thousand had eaten and were satisfied, Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And when he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray. When it was evening, the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on shore. Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing, for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out. They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were completely astounded. They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened.

Introductory Prayer: Lord, I see in you how to live life with the Spirit as my foundation, as the rock that permits me to walk through any troubled moment with peace and joyful abandonment to your will. Gratefully I put all my trust in you and offer all my meager love in return.

Petition: Lord, grant me the grace not only to know, but to live your presence as the one and only foundation of my hope and happiness.

1. He Went off to the Mountain to Pray: Christ did not run his interior life on the thrill of immediate success. The core of what consoled and sustained his heart was not splendid results in the apostolate, but rather his prayerful union with his Father in heaven. Whether results for his mission were easy or hard to obtain, Christ was equally given and equally motivated. Constancy of spirit and firmness of will are founded not on momentary results, but on the peace and deep joy of living the Father’s will. Christ defends this sacred place in his heart with one key element: time. Making time for prayer builds the wall that defends God’s sanctuary in our soul. Time for him alone is what establishes a beachhead for the Kingdom in us, so that we can establish it around us. From there we see what is passing, superficial or vain. This leads us to embrace what is eternal, self-giving and perfect in love.

2. He Saw That They Were Tossed About While Rowing: Whenever the apostles pushed out on the water, it was a time to learn. Water symbolizes life, and waves symbolize all the uncertainties of this life, all the trials and sufferings that seemingly labor to bring our world to a bad end. Christ consistently tests and forms more deeply those whom he loves. Troubles are not eliminated because we have found Christ. Rather, at times they may increase, for they are the training ground of a saint and an apostle. Christ saw the apostles in trouble, but they were never alone—the watchful gaze of Christ never left them, his care was never absent. Let my faith bring me to confidence in that gaze, the all-knowing presence of Christ, in all I do and suffer for him.

3. “Take Courage, It Is I, Do Not Be Afraid!” St. Augustine wrote of this passage, “He came treading the waves; and so, he puts all the swelling tumults of life under his feet. Christians — why be afraid?” Walking with Christ permits us to conquer the waves that wish to overwhelm us. Contact with him in prayer helps us to find solid ground in the midst of quicksand. The conquering Christ reminds us that no evil is stronger than he, that there is no sin or temptation that cannot be put behind us, and that there is no setback in health or business or disappointment in a loved one that cannot ultimately become a new good when we walk in cadence with Christ.

Conversation with Christ: Lord, at times I experience all my human successes and securities with such satisfaction that I forget that in a moment they could all be taken from me. In an instant, what was once stable could turn into a stormy sea. What are these comforts and goods to me, if from the beginning they have not been for you, have not honored you? Will I be able to cling to them in eternity? Forgive my superficiality in these moments. I seek now to ground myself more firmly in you, the true and eternal rock of my life.

Resolution: I will seek to remember the goals I have to achieve today for eternity: holiness of life, fulfillment of God’s will, and service of my neighbor.

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Homily of the Day

January 9, 2019

“What drives you?” This is a question posed in a TV advertisement of a fuel company. The ad shows people from various walks of life giving their best efforts in what they are doing — in sports, in one’s profession, while driving a sports car or while just playing with one’s children.

The images shown, and the question posed strike us at our core: “What drives us?” The answer is simple: that one cannot totally commit himself to a task, a profession, unless one is driven by something pure, compelling and convincing, by something truly as important as one’s life itself.

In today’s reading from the First Letter of John, we are given the compelling answer to the question, “What drives us?” The real answer is “love.” We do not have to study the many spiritual writers and practitioners who support John’s reply. If we look back at our own life experiences, we notice that the moments and times we are so alive, bold and courageous and so fulfilled are when we are ignited and moved by love.

One could think of the moment one proposed to his wife. Or accepted the proposal from one’s future husband. One could think of the times we went out of our usual comfort zone to reach out to a friend, office-mate or even a stranger in great need. These are key moments in our human life and experience which can only be driven by love.

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One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 35, Issue 1

<< Wednesday, January 9, 2019 >>

1 John 4:11-18
View Readings

Psalm 72:1-2, 10, 12-13

Mark 6:45-52
Similar Reflections

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CLIMBING THE MOUNTAIN OF LOVE

"If we love one another, God dwells in us, and His love is brought to perfection in us." �1 John 4:12

The Lord has a wonderful plan for our lives (see Jer 29:11). He plans for us not only to be loved or give love but even to abide in love and thereby abide in God (1 Jn 4:16). God, Who is Love, orchestrates the events of our lives to help us climb the mountain of unconditional love. When we sin, we fall down the mountain. When we obey, forgive, or repent, we climb up the mountain. Step by step, love by love, we can reach the heights of Christ's love (see Eph 3:18). Eventually, we can reach the mountaintop of love, that is, heaven, where the love is unconditional, perfect, and everlasting in the presence of God, Who is infinite Love.

This Christmas season, take several, big steps up the mountain of love. Love your spouse more than you have ever loved him or her. Forgive and love your enemies. Love strangers enough to tell them the Good News of God's crucified love. Love as never before. This is the meaning of Christmas and of life.

Prayer: Father, may I break new ground in love and climb higher than I've ever been before.

Promise: "Our love is brought to perfection in this, that we should have confidence on the day of judgment; for our relation to this world is just like His." —1 Jn 4:17

Praise: Roberta and Louis's reverence for the Eucharist is being passed on, to, and through their children.

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