Posted on 11/10/2019 10:57:19 PM PST by Salvation
KEYWORDS: catholic; lk17; ordinarytime; prayer; saints;
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From: Wisdom 1:1-7
To Be Wise, a Person Must Avoid Sin
Wisdom, Spirit and Word
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Commentary:
1:1-6:21. These chapters form the first part of the book. The sacred writer begins
by exhorting the rulers of the earth to love righteousness, for it bestows immort-
ality (1:1-15). He goes on to expound the arguments used by the ungodly to jus-
tify their behavior (1:16-2:24). Then he takes issue with them by explaining what
lies in store after death—the separate fates of the righteous and the ungodly (3:
1-4:20). God will judge all and the ungodly will recognize their sins and be pu-
nished (5:1-23). People in positions of government have a heavy responsibility
(6:1-11), so the author invites them to love wisdom (6:12-21). In this way, on the
basis of belief in God, the book supplies answers to questions that arise from
the fact that ungodly people are often successful in this world and the righteous
seem to fail: many a just man dies prematurely, for example. It is an advance in
Revelation to set retribution the context of the after-life — thereby opening up the
way for the definitive Revelation of the New Testament.
1:1-15. The exhortation to seek righteousness is made specific here: it involves
letting oneself be guided by Wisdom. Wisdom lets one see that God will judge
every human being (vv. 8-11). Man, like everything else, was made to live: “God
did not make death” v. 13), “for he created all things that they might exist, and
the creatures of the world are wholesome” (v. 14). This is an optimistic view of
the world and of man, and one that goes right back to the first creation account
in the book of Genesis (cf. Gen 1:1-2:4). It connects death with divine punish-
ment (v. 12), but, as already pointed out in the previous verse (a lying mouth de-
stroys the soul) physical death is not the sum total of death; it is, of course, al-
ways a sign of death, but vv. 1-12 see beyond the notion of mere physical death,
opening the way to an eschatological scenario (not very well defined as yet; New
Testament revelation will make it much plainer).
1:1-5. The sacred writer addresses “the rulers” of the earth in the first instance —
literally, “those who judge” (cf. Ps 2:10). In the Bible, ‘judging” is one of the main
prerogatives of the king, and often it means the same thing as “ruling”. By “righ-
teousness” is meant, above all, faithfulness to the divine will, dutiful observance
of the Covenant made between God and the chosen people — upright moral con-
duct. What we have here is a spiritual profile of the wise man. He must be well-
disposed to the things of God, and not have a “deceitful soul” (v. 4), and he must
be convinced that Good is the Supreme God and that everything that he does or
allows to happen is for the best. Whereas (cf. v. 5) the worst thing is to be com-
plicated and distrustful of God. So, from the very start we see this contrast that
runs right through the book, between those who are wise, prudent and just, and
who trust in God—and the ungodly and unbelievers who pay attention only to
what they can see and touch.
“A holy...spirit” (v. 5): in the Old Testament sense, the Spirit of God. This Spirit
is the teacher of the soul; that is why it is “ashamed at the approach of unrigh-
teousness”: evildoers will curse the Spirit for teaching the righteous how to
please God (cf. 2:12-20).
1:6-11. Wisdom is a divine attribute (cf. Job 28:23-24) which God communicates
to man (cf. Prov 8:22-31)—to all mankind, although the underlying conviction is
that it is given in a special way to the people of Israel (cf. Sir 24:3-47; Bar 3:9-
38). In verses 6-7 Wisdom is identified with the Spirit of God, insofar as it is an
expression of the creative and life-giving power of God. The text says that the
Spirit holds all things together and is present everywhere in the universe and
knows everything — even the hidden thoughts of man (cf. 1 Cor 2:10-11): in this
sense Wisdom and the Spirit are the same thing. This is a subject that will be
developed in 7:22-28. This notion of Wisdom, taking on the features of a person,
prepares the way for the fullness of revelation in the New Testament, when the
Divine Word will reveal himself as the Son, that is, as the Word and the media-
tor of the knowledge of God (cf. Jn 1:1; Col 1:15; Heb 1:1-3).
In v. 6 Wisdom is defined as being “kindly” (towards men). This has not been
said before in the Old Testament, but it is consistent with what Genesis (1:31)
says about God seeing that everything he made was “very good” and with what
God says in Isaiah about his maternal love for Israel (Cf. Is 49:15). Now it is
said with reference not only to the chosen people but to all mankind, and there-
fore it is an announcement of God’s plan of salvation (cf. Rom 5:8-11; 1 Tim 2:
4). These words (v. 6) allow us to foresee, to glimpse, that God’s love for man-
kind will reveal itself fully in the Incarnation of the Son of God (cf. Titus 3:4).
Those who will be punished are depicted as complainers, slanderers and liars,
The ungodly are deceiving themselves because they have a mistaken idea of
God and his providence: they think that he does not interest himself in the do-
ings of mankind and that he lets evil happen; therefore, they do not obey him or
respect him. Deep down, every sin against God can be traced back to deceit,
just as true faith is grounded on truth. Psalm 58:3 said as much: those who
stray from God “err from birth, speaking lies”; in the New Testament, Jesus,
who declares himself to be Truth, accuses those who do not believe in him of
being liars and calls the devil a liar (cf. Jn 8:42-44); and St John calls a liar him
who denies Jesus (cf. 1 Jn 2:21-23).
*********************************************************************************************
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: Luke 17:1-6
On Leading Others Astray, Fraternal Correction
The Power of Faith
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Commentary:
1-3. Our Lord condemns scandal, that is, “any saying, action or omission which
constitute for another an occasion of sin” (”St. Pius X Catechism”, 417). Jesus
is teaching two things here: the first is that scandal will “in fact” happen; the se-
cond, that it is a grave sin, as shown by the punishment it earns.
The reason why it is so serious a sin is that it “tends to destroy God’s greatest
work, that of Redemption, through souls being lost; it kills one’s neighbor’s soul
by taking away the life of grace, which is more precious than the life of the body,
and it is the cause of a multitude of sins. This is why God threatens with the
most severe punishment those who cause others to stumble” (”ibid”., 418). See
[the notes on] Matthew 18:6-7; 18-8; 18:10.
“Take heed to yourselves”: a serious warning, meaning that we should not be a
cause of scandal to others nor should we be influenced by the bad example
others give us.
People who enjoy authority of any kind (parents, teachers, politicians, writers, ar-
tists, etc.) can more easily be a cause of scandal. We need to be on the alert in
this respect in view of our Lord’s warning, “Take heed to yourselves.”
2. Millstones were circular in shape with a large hole in the center. Our Lord’s de-
scription, therefore, was very graphic: it meant that the person’s head just fitted
through the hole and then he could not get the stone off.
3-4. In order to be a Christian one must always, genuinely, forgive others. Also,
one has to correct an erring brother to help him change his behavior. But fraternal
correction should always be done in a very refined way, full of charity; otherwise
we would humiliate the person who has committed the fault, whereas we should
not humiliate him but help him to be better.
Forgiving offenses — which is something we should always do — should not be
confused with giving up rights which have been justly violated. One can claim
rights without any kind of hatred being implied; and sometimes charity and jus-
tice require us to exercise our rights. “Let’s not confuse the rights of the office
you hold with your rights as a person. The former can never be waived” (St. J.
Escriva, “The Way”, 407).
Sincere forgiveness leads us to forget the particular offense and to extend the
hand of friendship, which in turn helps the offender to repent.
The Christian vocation is a calling to holiness, but one of its essential require-
ments is that we show apostolic concern for the spiritual welfare of others: Chris-
tianity cannot be practiced in an isolated, selfish way. Thus, “if any one among
you wanders from the truth and some one brings him back, let him know that
whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from
death and will cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:20).
5. “Increase our faith!”: a good ejaculatory prayer for every Christian. “Omnia pos-
sibilia sunt credenti”. “Everything is possible for anyone who has faith.” The words
are Christ’s. How is it that you don’t say to Him with the Apostles: ‘”adauge nobis
fidem!” “increase my faith!’ (”The Way”, 588).
*********************************************************************************************
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: White.
These are the readings for the feria
First reading | Wisdom 1:1-7 © |
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Seek the Lord in simplicity of heart |
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Responsorial Psalm |
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Psalm 138(139):1-10 © |
Gospel Acclamation | Ph2:15-16 |
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Gospel | Luke 17:1-6 © |
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If your brother does wrong, reprove him |
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These are the readings for the memorial
First reading | Isaiah 61:1-3 © |
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He has sent me to proclaim a year of favour from the Lord |
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Responsorial Psalm |
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Psalm 88(89):2-5,21-22,25,27 © |
Gospel Acclamation | Jn13:34 |
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Gospel |
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Matthew 25:31-40 © |
I was naked and you clothed me; sick, and you visited me |
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Luke | |||
English: Douay-Rheims | Greek NT: Byzantine/Majority Text (2000) | Latin: Vulgata Clementina | |
Luke 17 |
|||
1. | AND he said to his disciples: It is impossible that scandals should not come: but woe to him through whom they come. | ειπεν δε προς τους μαθητας ανενδεκτον εστιν του μη ελθειν τα σκανδαλα ουαι δε δι ου ερχεται | Et ait ad discipulos suos : Impossibile est ut non veniant scandala : væ autem illi per quem veniunt. |
2. | It were better for him, that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should scandalize one of these little ones. | λυσιτελει αυτω ει μυλος ονικος περικειται περι τον τραχηλον αυτου και ερριπται εις την θαλασσαν η ινα σκανδαλιση ενα των μικρων τουτων | Utilius est illi si lapis molaris imponatur circa collum ejus, et projiciatur in mare quam ut scandalizet unum de pusillis istis. |
3. | Take heed to yourselves. If thy brother sin against thee, reprove him: and if he do penance, forgive him. | προσεχετε εαυτοις εαν δε αμαρτη εις σε ο αδελφος σου επιτιμησον αυτω και εαν μετανοηση αφες αυτω | Attendite vobis : Si peccaverit in te frater tuus, increpa illum : et si pnitentiam egerit, dimitte illi. |
4. | And if he sin against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day be converted unto thee, saying, I repent; forgive him. | και εαν επτακις της ημερας αμαρτη εις σε και επτακις της ημερας επιστρεψη λεγων μετανοω αφησεις αυτω | Et si septies in die peccaverit in te, et septies in die conversus fuerit ad te, dicens : Pnitet me, dimitte illi. |
5. | And the apostles said to the Lord: Increase our faith. | και ειπον οι αποστολοι τω κυριω προσθες ημιν πιστιν | Et dixerunt apostoli Domino : Adauge nobis fidem. |
6. | And the Lord said: If you had faith like to a grain of mustard seed, you might say to this mulberry tree, Be thou rooted up, and be thou transplanted into the sea: and it would obey you. | ειπεν δε ο κυριος ει εχετε πιστιν ως κοκκον σιναπεως ελεγετε αν τη συκαμινω ταυτη εκριζωθητι και φυτευθητι εν τη θαλασση και υπηκουσεν αν υμιν | Dixit autem Dominus : Si habueritis fidem sicut granum sinapis, dicetis huic arbori moro : Eradicare, et transplantare in mare, et obediet vobis. |
A conscientious objector who wanted to be a monk; a monk who was maneuvered into being a bishop; a bishop who fought paganism as well as pleaded for mercy to hereticssuch was Martin of Tours, one of the most popular of saints and one of the first not to be a martyr.
Born of pagan parents in what is now Hungary, and raised in Italy, this son of a veteran was forced at the age of 15 to serve in the army. Martin became a Christian catechumen and was baptized when he was 18. It was said that he lived more like a monk than a soldier. At 23, he refused a war bonus and told his commander: I have served you as a soldier; now let me serve Christ. Give the bounty to those who are going to fight. But I am a soldier of Christ and it is not lawful for me to fight. After great difficulties, he was discharged and went to be a disciple of Hilary of Poitiers.
He was ordained an exorcist and worked with great zeal against the Arians. Martin became a monk, living first at Milan and later on a small island. When Hilary was restored to his see following his exile, Martin returned to France and established what may have been the first French monastery near Poitiers. He lived there for 10 years, forming his disciples and preaching throughout the countryside.
The people of Tours demanded that he become their bishop. Martin was drawn to that city by a rusethe need of a sick personand was brought to the church, where he reluctantly allowed himself to be consecrated bishop. Some of the consecrating bishops thought his rumpled appearance and unkempt hair indicated that he was not dignified enough for the office.
Along with Saint Ambrose, Martin rejected Bishop Ithaciuss principle of putting heretics to deathas well as the intrusion of the emperor into such matters. He prevailed upon the emperor to spare the life of the heretic Priscillian. For his efforts, Martin was accused of the same heresy, and Priscillian was executed after all. Martin then pleaded for a cessation of the persecution of Priscillians followers in Spain. He still felt he could cooperate with Ithacius in other areas, but afterwards his conscience troubled him about this decision.
As death approached, Martin’s followers begged him not to leave them. He prayed, Lord, if your people still need me, I do not refuse the work. Your will be done.
Martins worry about cooperation with evil reminds us that almost nothing is either all black or all white. The saints are not creatures of another world: They face the same perplexing decisions that we do. Any decision of conscience always involves some risk. If we choose to go north, we may never know what would have happened had we gone east, west, or south. A hyper-cautious withdrawal from all perplexing situations is not the virtue of prudence; it is in fact, a bad decision, for not to decide is to decide.
Horses
Soldiers
South Africa
As well as of:
against poverty; against alcoholism; Baħrija, Malta; beggars; Beli Manastir; Archdiocese of Bratislava; Buenos Aires; Burgenland; cavalry; Church Lads' and Church Girls' Brigade; Dieburg; Edingen equestrians; Foiano della Chiana; France; geese; horses; hotel-keepers; innkeepers; Kortrijk; diocese of Mainz; Montemagno; Olpe; Ourense; Pietrasanta; Pontifical Swiss Guards; quartermasters; reformed alcoholics; riders; Taal, Batangas; Bocaue, Bulacan; Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart; soldiers; tailors; Utrecht; vintners; Virje; wine growers; wine makers; Wissmannsdorf and Villadoz
wikipedia
Pray for Pope Francis.
50 Boko Haram Islamic Radicals Killed; 1,000 Hostages, Women and Children, Rescued in Nigeria
Nigeria: In the Face of Ongoing Islamist Attacks, the Faith is Growing
US Promises to Help Nigeria Exterminate Boko Haram
Is This Bishop Right about the Rosary Conquering Boko Haram? [Catholic Caucus]
Why Boko Haram and ISIS Target Women
Report reveals scale of Boko Haram violence inflictef on Nigerian Catholics
Military evacuating girls, women rescued from Boko Haram
Echos of Lepanto Nigerian bishop says rosary will bring down Boko Harm
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
+
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