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St. Catherine of Siena: A Feisty Role for Sister Nancy Murray

9 Day Novena - St. Catherine of Siena - to protect Pope Benedict XVI

EWTN New Program - St. Catherine of Siena: Mystic and Reformer

Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin (d.1380)

Catholic Caucus - St. Catherine of Siena

From: Acts 6:1-7

The Appointment of the Seven Deacons

[1] Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in numbers,
the Hellenists murmured against the Hebrews because their widows were
neglected in the daily distribution. [2] And the Twelve summoned the
body of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up
preaching the Word of God to serve tables. [3] Therefore, brethren,
pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit
and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty. [4] But we will
devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word." [5] And
what they said pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen, a
man full of faith of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and
Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of
Antioch. [6] These they set before the Apostles, and they prayed and
laid their hands upon them.

[7] And the Word of God increased; and the number of the disciples
multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were
obedient to the faith.

Commentary:

1-6. A new section of the book begins at this point. It is introduced
by reference to two groups in the early community, identified by their
background prior to their conversion--the Hellenists and the Hebrews.
From this chapter onwards, Christians are referred to as "disciples";
in other words this term is no longer applied only to the Apostles and
to those who were adherents of Jesus during His life on earth; all the
baptized are "disciples". Jesus is the Lord of His Church and the
Teacher of all: after His ascension into Heaven He teaches, sanctifies
and governs Christians through the ministry of the Apostles, initially,
and after the Apostles' death, through the ministry of their
successors, the Pope and the bishops, who are aided by priests.

Hellenists were Jews who had been born and lived for a time outside
Palestine. They spoke Greek and had synagogues of their own where the
Greek translation of Scripture was used. They had a certain amount of
Greek culture; the Hebrews would have also had some, but not as much.
The Hebrews were Jews born in Palestine; they spoke Aramaic and used
the Hebrew Bible in their synagogues. This difference of backgrounds
naturally carried over into the Christian community during its early
years, but it would be wrong to see it as divisive or to imagine that
there were two opposed factions in early Christianity. Before the
Church was founded there existed in Jerusalem a well-established
Hellenist-Jewish community--an influential and sizeable grouping.

This chapter relates the establishment by the Apostles of "the seven":
this is the second, identifiable group of disciples entrusted with a
ministry in the Church, the first being "the Twelve".

Although St. Luke does not clearly present this group as constituting a
holy "order", it is quite clear that the seven have been given a public
role in the community, a role which extends beyond distribution of
relief. We shall now see Philip and Stephen preaching and
baptizing--sharing in some ways in the ministry of the Apostles,
involved in "care of souls".

St. Luke uses the term "diakonia" (service), but he does not call the
seven "deacons". Nor do later ancient writers imply that these seven
were deacons (in the later technical sense of the word)--constituting
with priests and Bishops the hierarchy of the Church. Therefore, we do
not know for certain whether the diaconate as we know it derives
directly from "the seven". St. John Chrysostom, for example, has
doubts about this (cf. "Hom. on Acts", 14). However, it is at least
possible that the ministry described here played a part in the
instituting of the diaconate proper.

In any event, the diaconate is a form of sacred office of apostolic
origin. At ordination deacons take on an obligation to perform--under
the direction of the diocesan bishop--certain duties to do with
evangelization, catechesis, organization of liturgical ceremonies,
Christian initiation of catechumens and neophytes, and Church
charitable and social welfare work.

The Second Vatican Council teaches that "at a lower level of the
hierarchy are to be found deacons, who receive the imposition of hands
`not unto the priesthood, but unto the ministry'. For, strengthened by
sacramental grace they are dedicated to the people of God, in
conjunction with the bishop and his body of priests, in the service of
the liturgy, of the Gospel and of works of charity. It pertains to the
office of a deacon, in so far as it may be assigned to him by the
competent authority, to administer Baptism solemnly, to be custodian
and distributor of the Eucharist, in the name of the Church to assist
at and to bless marriages, to bring Viaticum to the dying, to read
Sacred Scripture to the faithful, to instruct and exhort the people, to
preside over the worship and the prayer of the faithful, to administer
sacramentals, and to officiate at funeral and burial services" ("Lumen
Gentium", 29).

2-4. The Twelve establish a principle which they consider basic: their
apostolic ministry is so absorbing that they have no time to do other
things. In this particular case an honorable and useful
function--distribution of food--cannot be allowed to get in the way of
another even more important task essential to the life of the Church
and of each of its members. "They speak of it `not being right' in
order to show that the two duties cannot in this case be made
compatible"(Chrysostom, "Hom. on Acts", 14).

The main responsibility of the pastors of the Church is the preaching
of the Word of God, the administration of the Sacraments and the
government of the people of God. Any other commitment they take on
should be compatible with their pastoral work and supportive of it, in
keeping with the example given by Christ: He cured people's physical
ailments in order to reach their souls, and He preached justice and
peace as signs of the Kingdom of God.

"A mark of our identity which no doubt ought to encroach upon and no
objection eclipse is this: as pastors, we have been chosen by the mercy
of the Supreme Pastor (cf. 1 Peter 5:4), in spite of our inadequacy, to
proclaim with authority the Word of God, to assemble the scattered
people of God, to nourish this people on the road to salvation, to
maintain it in that unity of which we are, at different levels, active
and living instruments, and increasingly to keep this community
gathered around Christ faithful to its deepest vocation" ([Pope] Paul
VI, "Evangelii Nuntiandi", 68).

A priest should be avid for the Word of God, [Pope] John Paul II
emphasizes; he should embrace it in its entirety, meditate on it, study
it assiduously and spread it through his example and preaching (cf.
e.g., "Addresses" in Ireland and the United States, 1 October and 3
October 1979 respectively). His whole life should be a generous
proclamation of Christ. Therefore, he should avoid the temptation to
"temporal leadership: that can easily be a source of division whereas
he should be a sign and promoter of unity and fraternity" ("To the
Priests of Mexico", 27 January 1979).

This passage allows us to see the difference between election and
appointment to a ministry in the Church. A person can be elected or
designated by the faithful; but power to carry out that ministry (which
implies a calling from God) is something he must receive through
ordination, which the Apostles confer. "The Apostles leave it to the
body of the disciples to select the [seven], in order that it should
not seem that they favor some in preference to others" (Chrysostom,
"Hom. on Acts", 14). However, those designated for ordination are not
representatives or delegates of the Christian community; they are
ministers of God. They have received a calling and, by the imposition
of hands, God--not men--gives them a spiritual power which equips them
to govern the Christian community, make and administer the Sacraments
and preach the Word.

Christian pastoral office, that is, the priesthood of the New Testament
in its various degrees, does not derive from family relationship, as
was the case of the Levitical priesthood in the Old Testament; nor is
it a type of commissioning by the community. The initiative lies with
the grace of God, who calls whom He chooses.

5. All the people chosen have Greek names. One of them is a
"proselyte", that is, a pagan who became a Jew through circumcision and
observance of the Law of Moses.

6. The Apostles establish the seven in their office or ministry through
prayer and the laying on of hands. This latter gesture is found
sometimes in the Old Testament, principally as a rite of ordination of
Levites (cf. Numbers 8:10) and as a way of conferring power and wisdom
on Joshua, Moses' successor as leader of Israel (Numbers 27:20;
Deuteronomy 13:9).

Christians have retained this rite, as can be seen quite often in
Acts. Sometimes it symbolizes curing (9:12, 17; 28:8), in line with
the example given by our Lord in Luke 4:40. It is also a rite of
blessing, as when Paul and Barnabas are sent out on their first
apostolic journey (13:3); and it is used as a post-baptismal rite for
bringing down the Holy Spirit (8:17; 19:5).

In this case it is a rite for the ordination of ministers of the
Church--the first instance of sacred ordination reported by Acts (cf. 1
Timothy 4:14; 5:22; 2 Timothy 5:22). "St. Luke is brief. He does not
say how they were ordained, but simply that it was done with prayer,
because it was an ordination. The hand of a man is laid [upon a
person], but the whole work is of God and it is His hand which touches
the head of the one ordained" (Chrysostom, "Hom. on Acts", 14).

The essential part of the rite of ordination of deacons is the laying
on of hands; this is done in silence, on the candidate's head, and then
a prayer is said to God asking Him to send the Holy Spirit to the
person being ordained.

7. As in earlier chapters, St. Luke here refers to the spread of the
Church--this time reporting the conversion of "a great many of the
priests". Many scholars think that these would have come from the
lower ranks of the priesthood (like Zechariah: cf. Luke 1:5) and not
from the greatly priestly families, which were Sadducees and enemies of
the new-born church (cf. 4:1; 5:17). Some have suggested that these
priests may have included members of the Qumran sect. However, the
only evidence we have to go on is what St. Luke says here.

Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text
taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries
made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of
Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock,
Co. Dublin, Ireland.

From: John 6:16-21

Jesus Walks on the Water

[16] When evening came, His (Jesus') disciples went down to the sea,
[17] got into the boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It
was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. [18] The sea rose
because a strong wind was blowing. [19] When they had rowed about
three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near
to the boat. They were frightened, [20] but He said to them, "It is I;
do not be afraid." [21] Then they were glad to take Him into the boat,
and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.

Commentary:

16-21. It seems the disciples were disconcerted because darkness had
fallen, the sea was getting rough and Jesus had still not appeared.
But our Lord does not abandon them; when they had been rowing for some
five kilometers (three miles), He arrives unexpectedly, walking on the
water--to strengthen their faith, which was still weak.

In meditating on this episode Christian tradition has seen the boat as
symbolizing the Church, which will have to cope with many difficulties
and which our Lord has promised to help all through the centuries (cf.
Matthew 28:20); the Church, therefore, will always remain firm. St.
Thomas Aquinas comments: "The wind symbolizes the temptations and
persecution the Church will suffer due to lack of love. For, as St.
Augustine says, when love grows cold, the sea become rougher and the
boat begins to founder. Yet the wind, the storm, the waves and the
darkness will fail to put it off course and wreck it" ("Commentary on
St. John, in loc.").

Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text
taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries
made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of
Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock,
Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Saturday, April 29, 2006
St. Catherine of Siena, Virgin, Doctor of the Church (Memorial)

First Reading:
Psalm:
Gospel:

Acts 6:1-7
Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19
John 6:16-21

But as for me, when they were troublesome to me, I was clothed with haircloth. I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer shall be turned into my bosom.

-- Psalm xxxiv. 13

Office of Readings -- Awakening Prayer

Office of Readings

If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, you should precede it with the Invitatory Psalm.

O God, come to my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
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. Alleluia.

A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.

Psalm 105 (106)
The Lord's goodness and his people's infidelity
Give praise to the Lord, for he is good, for his kindness is for ever. Who shall tell of his powerful deeds? Who shall proclaim the praises of the Lord? Blessed are they who keep his decrees, who do right at all times. Remember us, Lord, in your love for your people, and bring us your salvation, so that we may see the good things you have kept for your chosen ones, that we may rejoice in the joys of your people, that we may glory with those whom you have made your heirs. Like our fathers, we too have sinned: we have done wrong, we have transgressed. Our fathers, in Egypt, did not understand your miracles; they did not remember the abundance of your mercies, but rebelled as they approached the Red Sea. Still he saved them, for his own name’s sake, and to make known his mighty power. He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up. He led them through its depths as if through a desert. He saved them from the hands of those who hated them, he set them free from slavery at the hands of their enemies. The water covered their oppressors: not one was left alive. Then they believed his word, and they sang his praises. But soon they forgot what he had done, and refused to submit to his direction. They embraced desire in the desert and put God to the test in the waterless places. He gave them all they requested, he filled their hearts with his abundance. But in the camp, they grew jealous of Moses and Aaron, consecrated to the Lord. The earth opened and swallowed Dathan, covered the party of Abiram. Fire broke out against them, flames burnt up the sinners. 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.

Psalm 105 (106)

The Lord's goodness and his people's infidelity

Give praise to the Lord, for he is good,
for his kindness is for ever.

Who shall tell of his powerful deeds?
Who shall proclaim the praises of the Lord?
Blessed are they who keep his decrees,
who do right at all times.

Remember us, Lord, in your love for your people,
and bring us your salvation,
so that we may see the good things you have kept for your chosen ones,
that we may rejoice in the joys of your people,
that we may glory with those whom you have made your heirs.

Like our fathers, we too have sinned:
we have done wrong, we have transgressed.
Our fathers, in Egypt, did not understand your miracles;
they did not remember the abundance of your mercies,
but rebelled as they approached the Red Sea.
Still he saved them, for his own name’s sake,
and to make known his mighty power.

He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up.
He led them through its depths as if through a desert.
He saved them from the hands of those who hated them,
he set them free from slavery at the hands of their enemies.
The water covered their oppressors:
not one was left alive.
Then they believed his word,
and they sang his praises.

But soon they forgot what he had done,
and refused to submit to his direction.
They embraced desire in the desert
and put God to the test in the waterless places.
He gave them all they requested,
he filled their hearts with his abundance.

But in the camp, they grew jealous of Moses
and Aaron, consecrated to the Lord.
The earth opened and swallowed Dathan,
covered the party of Abiram.
Fire broke out against them,
flames burnt up the sinners.

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.

Psalm 105 (106)
At Horeb they made a calf and worshipped a statue. They exchanged the glory of their people for the likeness of a bull, that eats grass. They forgot their God, who had saved them, who had done great miracles for them in Egypt, wonders in the land of Ham, terrors at the Red Sea. Then he said that he would destroy them, but Moses, his chosen one, was there: he stood in the breach before him to turn aside his wrath, to prevent the destruction. To them, the Promised Land meant nothing, they did not believe the Lord’s word. They stayed muttering in their tents, they were deaf to the voice of the Lord. So he raised his hand against them to crush them in the desert, to scatter their seed among the nations, to disperse them in foreign lands. They made themselves followers of Baal-Peor, they ate the sacrifices of the dead. They angered the Lord by their actions, and a plague broke out among them. Then Phinehas stood up and gave judgement, and the plague was stopped. For this, he is revered as one of the just, from generation to generation, for all eternity. At the waters of Meribah they so angered the Lord that Moses suffered on their account: they so embittered his spirit that his lips spoke rash words. 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.

Psalm 105 (106)

At Horeb they made a calf
and worshipped a statue.
They exchanged the glory of their people
for the likeness of a bull, that eats grass.
They forgot their God, who had saved them,
who had done great miracles for them in Egypt,
wonders in the land of Ham,
terrors at the Red Sea.
Then he said that he would destroy them,
but Moses, his chosen one, was there:
he stood in the breach before him
to turn aside his wrath,
to prevent the destruction.

To them, the Promised Land meant nothing,
they did not believe the Lord’s word.
They stayed muttering in their tents,
they were deaf to the voice of the Lord.
So he raised his hand against them
to crush them in the desert,
to scatter their seed among the nations,
to disperse them in foreign lands.

They made themselves followers of Baal-Peor,
they ate the sacrifices of the dead.
They angered the Lord by their actions,
and a plague broke out among them.
Then Phinehas stood up and gave judgement,
and the plague was stopped.
For this, he is revered as one of the just,
from generation to generation,
for all eternity.

At the waters of Meribah they so angered the Lord
that Moses suffered on their account:
they so embittered his spirit
that his lips spoke rash words.

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.

Psalm 105 (106)
They did not destroy the peoples as the Lord had told them they must. They mingled themselves with the peoples, and learned to do as they did. They served the same idols until it became their undoing. They sacrificed their own sons and their daughters to demons. They poured out innocent blood. The blood of their own sons and daughters was sacrificed to the idols of Canaan. Their blood polluted the land, and their actions defiled them. They devoted themselves to whoring. The Lord blazed out in anger against his own people, he detested his own chosen race. He gave them into the hands of foreigners, they were conquered by those who hated them. Their enemies persecuted them and humbled them beneath their hands. Many times he freed them, but they turned him against themselves by falling back into wickedness. Still he looked upon their distress when he heard their cries. He remembered his covenant, and in his infinite kindness he repented. He made them an object of pity and kindness to all their captors. Save us, O Lord, our God, and gather us from among the nations, so that we may proclaim your holy name, and rejoice as we praise you. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from the beginning and for all time. And all the people shall cry, “Amen!”. 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.

Psalm 105 (106)

They did not destroy the peoples
as the Lord had told them they must.
They mingled themselves with the peoples,
and learned to do as they did.
They served the same idols
until it became their undoing.

They sacrificed their own sons
and their daughters to demons.
They poured out innocent blood.
The blood of their own sons and daughters
was sacrificed to the idols of Canaan.
Their blood polluted the land,
and their actions defiled them.
They devoted themselves to whoring.

The Lord blazed out in anger against his own people,
he detested his own chosen race.
He gave them into the hands of foreigners,
they were conquered by those who hated them.
Their enemies persecuted them
and humbled them beneath their hands.

Many times he freed them,
but they turned him against themselves
by falling back into wickedness.
Still he looked upon their distress
when he heard their cries.
He remembered his covenant,
and in his infinite kindness he repented.
He made them an object of pity
and kindness to all their captors.
Save us, O Lord, our God,
and gather us from among the nations,
so that we may proclaim your holy name,
and rejoice as we praise you.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
from the beginning and for all time.
And all the people shall cry, “Amen!”.

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.

Reading	Apocalypse 5:1 - 14 ©
I saw that in the right hand of the One sitting on the throne there was a scroll that had writing on back and front and was sealed with seven seals. Then I saw a powerful angel who called with a loud voice, ‘Is there anyone worthy to open the scroll and break the seals of it?’ But there was no one, in heaven or on the earth or under the earth, who was able to open the scroll and read it. I wept bitterly because there was nobody fit to open the scroll and read it, but one of the elders said to me, ‘There is no need to cry: the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed, and he will open the scroll and the seven seals of it’. Then I saw, standing between the throne with its four animals and the circle of the elders, a Lamb that seemed to have been sacrificed; it had seven horns, and it had seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits God has sent out all over the world. The Lamb came forward to take the scroll from the right hand of the One sitting on the throne, and when he took it, the four animals prostrated themselves before him and with them the twenty-four elders; each one of them was holding a harp and had a golden bowl full of incense made of the prayers of the saints. They sang a new hymn: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and break the seals of it, because you were sacrificed, and with your blood you bought men for God of every race, language, people and nation and made them a line of kings and priests, to serve our God and to rule the world’. In my vision, I heard the sound of an immense number of angels gathered round the throne and the animals and the elders; there were ten thousand times ten thousand of them and thousands upon thousands, shouting, ‘The Lamb that was sacrificed is worthy to be given power, riches, wisdom, strength, honour, glory and blessing’. Then I heard all the living things in creation – everything that lives in the air, and on the ground, and under the ground, and in the sea, crying, ‘To the One who is sitting on the throne and to the Lamb, be all praise, honour, glory and power, for ever and ever’. And the four animals said, ‘Amen’; and the elders prostrated themselves to worship.

Reading

Apocalypse 5:1 - 14 ©

I saw that in the right hand of the One sitting on the throne there was a scroll that had writing on back and front and was sealed with seven seals. Then I saw a powerful angel who called with a loud voice, ‘Is there anyone worthy to open the scroll and break the seals of it?’ But there was no one, in heaven or on the earth or under the earth, who was able to open the scroll and read it. I wept bitterly because there was nobody fit to open the scroll and read it, but one of the elders said to me, ‘There is no need to cry: the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed, and he will open the scroll and the seven seals of it’.
Then I saw, standing between the throne with its four animals and the circle of the elders, a Lamb that seemed to have been sacrificed; it had seven horns, and it had seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits God has sent out all over the world. The Lamb came forward to take the scroll from the right hand of the One sitting on the throne, and when he took it, the four animals prostrated themselves before him and with them the twenty-four elders; each one of them was holding a harp and had a golden bowl full of incense made of the prayers of the saints. They sang a new hymn:
‘You are worthy to take the scroll
and break the seals of it,
because you were sacrificed, and with your blood
you bought men for God
of every race, language, people and nation
and made them a line of kings and priests,
to serve our God and to rule the world’.

In my vision, I heard the sound of an immense number of angels gathered round the throne and the animals and the elders; there were ten thousand times ten thousand of them and thousands upon thousands, shouting, ‘The Lamb that was sacrificed is worthy to be given power, riches, wisdom, strength, honour, glory and blessing’. Then I heard all the living things in creation – everything that lives in the air, and on the ground, and under the ground, and in the sea, crying, ‘To the One who is sitting on the throne and to the Lamb, be all praise, honour, glory and power, for ever and ever’. And the four animals said, ‘Amen’; and the elders prostrated themselves to worship.

Reading	From the dialogue On Divine Providence by Saint Catherine of Siena, virgin and doctor
I tasted and I saw
Eternal God, eternal Trinity, you have made the blood of Christ so precious through his sharing in your divine nature. You are a mystery as deep as the sea; the more I search, the more I find, and the more I find the more I search for you. But I can never be satisfied; what I receive will ever leave me desiring more. When you fill my soul I have an even greater hunger, and I grow more famished for your light. I desire above all to see you, the true light, as you really are. I have tasted and seen the depth of your mystery and the beauty of your creation with the light of my understanding. I have clothed myself with your likeness and have seen what I shall be. Eternal Father, you have given me a share in your power and the wisdom that Christ claims as his own, and your Holy Spirit has given me the desire to love you. You are my Creator, eternal Trinity, and I am your creature. You have made of me a new creation in the blood of your Son, and I know that you are moved with love at the beauty of your creation, for you have enlightened me. Eternal Trinity, Godhead, mystery deep as the sea, you could give me no greater gift than the gift of yourself. For you are a fire ever burning and never consumed, which itself consumes all the selfish love that fills my being. Yes, you are a fire that takes away the coldness, illuminates the mind with its light and causes me to know your truth. By this light, reflected as it were in a mirror, I recognise that you are the highest good, one we can neither comprehend nor fathom. And I know that you are beauty and wisdom itself. The food of angels, you gave yourself to man in the fire of your love. You are the garment which covers our nakedness, and in our hunger you are a satisfying food, for you are sweetness and in you there is no taste of bitterness, O triune God!

Reading

From the dialogue On Divine Providence by Saint Catherine of Siena, virgin and doctor

I tasted and I saw

Eternal God, eternal Trinity, you have made the blood of Christ so precious through his sharing in your divine nature. You are a mystery as deep as the sea; the more I search, the more I find, and the more I find the more I search for you. But I can never be satisfied; what I receive will ever leave me desiring more. When you fill my soul I have an even greater hunger, and I grow more famished for your light. I desire above all to see you, the true light, as you really are.
I have tasted and seen the depth of your mystery and the beauty of your creation with the light of my understanding. I have clothed myself with your likeness and have seen what I shall be. Eternal Father, you have given me a share in your power and the wisdom that Christ claims as his own, and your Holy Spirit has given me the desire to love you. You are my Creator, eternal Trinity, and I am your creature. You have made of me a new creation in the blood of your Son, and I know that you are moved with love at the beauty of your creation, for you have enlightened me.
Eternal Trinity, Godhead, mystery deep as the sea, you could give me no greater gift than the gift of yourself. For you are a fire ever burning and never consumed, which itself consumes all the selfish love that fills my being. Yes, you are a fire that takes away the coldness, illuminates the mind with its light and causes me to know your truth. By this light, reflected as it were in a mirror, I recognise that you are the highest good, one we can neither comprehend nor fathom. And I know that you are beauty and wisdom itself. The food of angels, you gave yourself to man in the fire of your love.
You are the garment which covers our nakedness, and in our hunger you are a satisfying food, for you are sweetness and in you there is no taste of bitterness, O triune God!

A concluding prayer may follow here.

Lauds -- Morning Prayer

Morning Prayer (Lauds)

If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, you should precede it with the Invitatory Psalm.

O God, come to my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
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. Alleluia.

A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.

Psalm 91 (92)
Praise of God, the Creator
It is good to praise the Lord, and to sing psalms to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your mercy in the morning and your faithfulness by night; on the ten-stringed lyre and the harp, with songs upon the lyre. For you give me joy, Lord, in your creation: I rejoice in the work of your hands. How great are your works, O Lord, how immeasurably deep your thoughts. The fool does not hear, the slow-witted do not understand. When the wicked sprout up like grass, and the doers of evil are in full bloom, it will come to nothing, for they will perish for ever and ever; but you, Lord, are the Highest eternally. For behold, Lord, your enemies, how your enemies will perish, how wrongdoers will be scattered. You will give me strength as the wild oxen have; I have been anointed with the purest oil. I will look down upon my enemies, and hear the plans of those who plot evil against me. The just will flourish like the palm tree, grow tall like the cedar of Lebanon. They will be planted in the house of the Lord; in the courts of our God they will flourish. They will bear fruit even when old, fresh and luxuriant through all their days. They will proclaim how just is the Lord, my refuge, for in him there is no unrighteousness. 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.

Psalm 91 (92)

Praise of God, the Creator

It is good to praise the Lord, and to sing psalms to your name, O Most High,
to proclaim your mercy in the morning and your faithfulness by night;
on the ten-stringed lyre and the harp, with songs upon the lyre.

For you give me joy, Lord, in your creation: I rejoice in the work of your hands.
How great are your works, O Lord, how immeasurably deep your thoughts.
The fool does not hear, the slow-witted do not understand.
When the wicked sprout up like grass, and the doers of evil are in full bloom,
it will come to nothing, for they will perish for ever and ever; but you, Lord, are the Highest eternally.

For behold, Lord, your enemies, how your enemies will perish, how wrongdoers will be scattered.
You will give me strength as the wild oxen have; I have been anointed with the purest oil.
I will look down upon my enemies, and hear the plans of those who plot evil against me.

The just will flourish like the palm tree, grow tall like the cedar of Lebanon.
They will be planted in the house of the Lord; in the courts of our God they will flourish.
They will bear fruit even when old, fresh and luxuriant through all their days.
They will proclaim how just is the Lord, my refuge, for in him there is no unrighteousness.

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.

Canticle	Deuteronomy 32
The things God has done for his people
Listen, heavens to what I say; earth, hear the words of my mouth! Let my teaching fall like the rain, my speech descend like the dew, like a shower on the grass, like rain on the wheat. For I shall call on the name of the Lord: give praise to the greatness of our God! His works are like a rock: they are perfect, for all his ways are just. God is faithful, he can do no wrong: he is just and upright. They have sinned against him, they are no children of his – this filthy generation, wicked and perverse. Is this how you repay the Lord, you foolish and witless people? Is he not your father, who took charge of you, created you and made you exist? Remember the days of old: think upon each generation. Ask your father and he will tell you; ask your ancestors, and they will let you know. When the Most High divided the peoples, when he was separating the children of Adam, he laid down the boundaries of the people according to the number of the children of Israel: the Lord’s own portion was his people, Jacob the measure of his inheritance. He found him in a desert land, in a place of horror, in the howling wilderness. He protected him, looked after him, guarded him as the apple of his eye. Like an eagle teaching its chicks to fly, hovering close above them, he spread out his wings and lifted him up, carried him on his back. The Lord alone led Jacob; no foreign god was with him. 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.

Canticle

Deuteronomy 32

The things God has done for his people

Listen, heavens to what I say;
earth, hear the words of my mouth!
Let my teaching fall like the rain,
my speech descend like the dew,
like a shower on the grass,
like rain on the wheat.

For I shall call on the name of the Lord:
give praise to the greatness of our God!
His works are like a rock: they are perfect,
for all his ways are just.
God is faithful, he can do no wrong:
he is just and upright.

They have sinned against him, they are no children of his –
this filthy generation, wicked and perverse.
Is this how you repay the Lord,
you foolish and witless people?
Is he not your father, who took charge of you,
created you and made you exist?

Remember the days of old: think upon each generation.
Ask your father and he will tell you;
ask your ancestors, and they will let you know.

When the Most High divided the peoples,
when he was separating the children of Adam,
he laid down the boundaries of the people
according to the number of the children of Israel:
the Lord’s own portion was his people,
Jacob the measure of his inheritance.

He found him in a desert land, in a place of horror,
in the howling wilderness.
He protected him, looked after him,
guarded him as the apple of his eye.
Like an eagle teaching its chicks to fly, hovering close above them,
he spread out his wings and lifted him up,
carried him on his back.

The Lord alone led Jacob; no foreign god was with him.

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.

Psalm 8
The greatness of God, the dignity of man
How wonderful is your name over all the earth, O Lord, our Lord! How exalted is your glory above the sky! Out of the mouths of children and infants you have brought praise, to confound your enemies, to destroy your vengeful foes. When I see the heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars, which you set in their place – what is man, that you should take thought for him? what is the son of man, that you should look after him? You have made him but one step lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honour; you have set him over the works of your hands. You have put everything beneath his feet, cattle and sheep and the beasts of the field, the birds in the air and the fish in the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the waters. How wonderful is your name above all the earth, O Lord, our Lord! 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.

Psalm 8

The greatness of God, the dignity of man

How wonderful is your name over all the earth, O Lord, our Lord!
How exalted is your glory above the sky!

Out of the mouths of children and infants you have brought praise, to confound your enemies, to destroy your vengeful foes.

When I see the heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars, which you set in their place –
what is man, that you should take thought for him? what is the son of man, that you should look after him?

You have made him but one step lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honour; you have set him over the works of your hands.

You have put everything beneath his feet, cattle and sheep and the beasts of the field,
the birds in the air and the fish in the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the waters.

How wonderful is your name above all the earth, O Lord, our Lord!

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.

A short Bible reading and responsory may follow here.

Canticle	Benedictus
The Messiah and his forerunner
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has come to his people and brought about their redemption. He has raised up the sign of salvation in the house of his servant David, as he promised through the mouth of the holy ones, his prophets through the ages: to rescue us from our enemies and all who hate us, to take pity on our fathers, to remember his holy covenant and the oath he swore to Abraham our father, that he would give himself to us, that we could serve him without fear – freed from the hands of our enemies – in uprightness and holiness before him, for all of our days. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High: for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his path, to let his people know their salvation, so that their sins may be forgiven. Through the bottomless mercy of our God, one born on high will visit us to give light to those who walk in darkness, who live in the shadow of death; to lead our feet in the path of peace. 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.

Canticle

Benedictus

The Messiah and his forerunner

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has come to his people and brought about their redemption.
He has raised up the sign of salvation in the house of his servant David,
as he promised through the mouth of the holy ones, his prophets through the ages:
to rescue us from our enemies and all who hate us, to take pity on our fathers,
to remember his holy covenant and the oath he swore to Abraham our father,
that he would give himself to us, that we could serve him without fear – freed from the hands of our enemies –
in uprightness and holiness before him, for all of our days.

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High: for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his path,
to let his people know their salvation, so that their sins may be forgiven.
Through the bottomless mercy of our God, one born on high will visit us
to give light to those who walk in darkness, who live in the shadow of death;
to lead our feet in the path of peace.

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.

Some short prayers may follow here, to offer up the day's work to God.

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 that trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

A concluding prayer may follow here.

May the Lord bless us and keep us from all harm; and may he lead us to eternal life.

A M E N

Dear Freepers in Christ,

Here is an interesting article posted today from http://www.jesus-passion.com regarding the Spiritual Works of Saint Catherine of Siena.

It is called: THE DIALOGUE OF THE SERAPHIC VIRGIN. SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENA.

http://www.cfpeople.org/Books/Dialog/cfptoc.htm

Check it out Folks. It seems to be a good link.

IN THE RISEN LORD JESUS CHRIST,

Doctors of the Catholic Church>Saint Catherine of Siena

(Caps are on this page -- I am not shouting!

ST CATHERINE OF SIENA IS THE DOCTOR OF UNITY. HER COURAGE, HOLINESS AND COOPERATION WITH GOD'S SPIRIT IS A MARVELOUS PROTOTYPE HARDLY MATCHED IN CHURCH HISTORY. SHE WAS NOT A NUN BUT THE POPE LISTENED TO HER AND THROUGH HER EFFORTS THE PAPACY RETURNED TO ROME AFTER MANY YEARS IN FRANCE.

WHAT CATHERINE DID FOR THE CHURCH IS COMPARABLE TO THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL. CAN ANYONE IMAGINE THE CHURCH NOT IN ROME? FOR NEARLY A CENTURY, DUE TO MANY PROBLEMS, THE PAPACY WAS ESTABLISHED IN FRANCE. CATHERINE HELPED CORRECT THIS SEPARATION.

SHE WAS INTELLIGENT, CHEERFUL AND INTENSELY PRAYERFUL. FROM HER PRAYER LIFE DEVELOPED A PUBLIC APOSTOLATE. CATHERINE'S SPIRITUAL TESTAMENT IS FOUND IN THE DIALOGUE CONTAINED AS A LINK ON THIS WEBSITE. SHE WORKED TIRELESSLY FOR THE POOR, THE CHURCH AND FOR PEACE BETWEEN FLORENCE AND THE POPE.

St Catherine of Siena, 1347-1379. Doctor of Unity, Feast April 29th.

Regnum Christi

Only the Unknown Is Feared
April 29, 2006

To know Christ is to know love.

Saint Catherine of Siena, virgin and doctor of the Church
Father Michael Goodyear, LC

John 6: 16-21
When it was evening, the disciples of Jesus went down to the sea, embarked in a boat, and went across the sea to Capernaum. It had already grown dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea was stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they began to be afraid. But he said to them, "It is I. Do not be afraid." They wanted to take him into the boat, but the boat immediately arrived at the shore to which they were heading.

Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, I am here in the darkness of this world to receive you as Light. I wish to encounter you. Dispel the darkness of my mind. Enlighten me. In the midst of the winds of time, teach me to keep my eyes on your eternal face and know your love and steadfast kindness. Lord, if I were to truly know you, I would have no fear of wind or waves.

Petition: Lord, that I may truly know you.

1. Stir. We stir to comply with instructions for cement, cake-mixes and medications. But we like to be the ones to do it, and would rather not have our lives on the receiving end of “stirring.” Yet we sometimes experience our lives being stirred up by so many variables. We find ourselves tossed about mercilessly. What an opportunity to discover once again our vulnerability and limitations! The apostles were discovering this in the midst of the sea -- stirred up by the strong wind lapping up the waters. When Christ came upon the scene they should have recognized him as Shepherd, Gate, and Resurrection, as the Way, Truth, and Life. Do we recognize him in the stirred sea of our own lives?

2. Fear: The Wrong Answer. The apostles began to fear. It was the wrong answer, the wrong response. They didn’t know Christ. Like theirs, our lives are so very fleeting. Why is it that we cannot grasp the fundamental element of our existence: the difference between our existence in time and our existence in eternity? No wonder so many are fearful at the moment of death – they are crossing into the unknown. We Christians who have accepted Christ’s love journey toward the moment when we continue an eternal friendship with Christ, one that was inaugurated here in time. Lord, that I may truly know you.

3. Only the Unknown Is Feared. To know Christ is to know love. To know love is to open our hands and let go of all the clutter. It is to open our hearts and let go of other loves. It is to open our soul and have life, and have it abundantly (cf. John 10:10). One day the boat of our lives will abruptly come ashore and our journey will be over. The apostles wanted to take Christ into the boat, but they ran out of time. Lord, may I truly know you soon.

Dialogue with Christ: Lord, thank you for this time spent in your company. I have recognized you. I have opened my entire being to you in the midst of the stirred seas of my life. May I truly know you Lord, and may this knowledge dispel all darkness and fear. May it enable me to quicken my pace to serve you and all my brothers and sisters, as we journey toward the far shore of our time in this world, the shore of eternity.

Resolution: I will cultivate the presence of Christ throughout this day in the midst of all my activities.

Pray for

A Voice in the Desert

Fidelity Green Light Award for Excellence in Catholic Fidelity given by CatholicCulture.org in February 2006

The Archbishop's Response - with a commentary

Response of Fr. Altier and Fr. Welzbacher, pastor

Is this the reason Father Altier was silenced?

Father Altier innocent of any impropriety

About Father Altier and the Desert Voice Website

A Statement from the Webmaster at Desert Voice

Letters from the Desert - your response


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Vespers -- Evening Prayer

Vespers (Evening Prayer)

O God, come to my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
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. Alleluia.

A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.

Psalm 112 (113)
Praise of the Lord's name
Praise, servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. Let the Lord’s name be blessed, now and for ever. From the sun’s rising to its setting, the Lord’s name is to be praised. The Lord is high over all peoples, his glory is above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God, who lives on high, who bends down to watch over heaven and earth? He raises the weak from the ground, the poor from the dunghill, raises them among the princes, the princes of his people. He gives the barren woman a household, makes her the happy mother of children. 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.

Psalm 112 (113)

Praise of the Lord's name

Praise, servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord.
Let the Lord’s name be blessed, now and for ever.
From the sun’s rising to its setting, the Lord’s name is to be praised.

The Lord is high over all peoples, his glory is above the heavens.
Who is like the Lord our God, who lives on high,
who bends down to watch over heaven and earth?

He raises the weak from the ground, the poor from the dunghill,
raises them among the princes, the princes of his people.

He gives the barren woman a household,
makes her the happy mother of children.

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.

Psalm 115 (116B)
Thanksgiving in the Temple
Still I trusted, even when I said “I am greatly afflicted”, when I said in my terror, “all men are liars”. How shall I repay the Lord for all he has done for me? I will take up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfil my vows to the Lord before all his people. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful. O Lord, I am your servant, your maidservant’s son. You have torn apart my chains: I will make you a sacrifice of praise, I will call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfil my vows to the Lord before all his people, in the courts of the house of the Lord, within your walls, Jerusalem. 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.

Psalm 115 (116B)

Thanksgiving in the Temple

Still I trusted, even when I said “I am greatly afflicted”,
when I said in my terror, “all men are liars”.

How shall I repay the Lord for all he has done for me?
I will take up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.

I will fulfil my vows to the Lord before all his people.
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful.

O Lord, I am your servant, your maidservant’s son.
You have torn apart my chains: I will make you a sacrifice of praise, I will call on the name of the Lord.

I will fulfil my vows to the Lord before all his people,
in the courts of the house of the Lord, within your walls, Jerusalem.

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.

Canticle	Philippians 2
Christ, God's servant
Jesus Christ, although he shared God’s nature, did not try to seize equality with God for himself; but emptied himself, took on the form of a slave, and became like a man – not in appearance only, for he humbled himself by accepting death – even death on a cross. For this, God has raised him high, and given him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bend, in heaven, on earth, and under the earth, and every tongue will proclaim “Jesus Christ is Lord”, to the glory of God the Father. 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.

Canticle

Philippians 2

Christ, God's servant

Jesus Christ, although he shared God’s nature, did not try to seize equality with God for himself; but emptied himself, took on the form of a slave, and became like a man – not in appearance only, for he humbled himself by accepting death – even death on a cross.
For this, God has raised him high, and given him the name that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bend, in heaven, on earth, and under the earth,
and every tongue will proclaim “Jesus Christ is Lord”, to the glory of God the Father.

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.

A short Bible reading and responsory may follow here.

Canticle	Magnificat
My soul rejoices in the Lord
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God, my salvation. For he has shown me such favour – me, his lowly handmaiden. Now all generations will call me blessed, because the mighty one has done great things for me. His name is holy, his mercy lasts for generation after generation for those who revere him. He has put forth his strength: he has scattered the proud and conceited, torn princes from their thrones; but lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, he has remembered his mercy as he promised to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever. 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.

Canticle

Magnificat

My soul rejoices in the Lord

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God, my salvation.
For he has shown me such favour –
me, his lowly handmaiden.
Now all generations will call me blessed,
because the mighty one has done great things for me.
His name is holy,
his mercy lasts for generation after generation
for those who revere him.

He has put forth his strength:
he has scattered the proud and conceited,
torn princes from their thrones;
but lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things;
the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel,
he has remembered his mercy as he promised to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.

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.

Prayers and Intercessions

?

Christ is our resurrection and our life. Let us faithfully call on him, crying: - son of the living God, look after your people.
We pray to you, Christ, for your catholic Church:: make her holy and establish your kingdom among the nations.
We pray to you for those oppressed by sickness, grief, servitude and exile:: may they receive help and consolation.
We pray for those who wander far from your paths:: let them have the grace of forgiveness, the joy of life renewed.
Our Saviour, you were crucified, you rose from the dead, you will come to judge the world:: look kindly on us sinners.
We pray to you for all who live in this world,: and who all who have left us, hoping in the resurrection.

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 that trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

A concluding prayer may follow here.

May the Lord bless us and keep us from all harm; and may he lead us to eternal life.

A M E N

The Word Among Us

Saturday, April 29, 2006

Meditation
John 6:16-21

Think of a dangerous situation you have faced, and you will immediately understand the apostles’ experience as their boat was tossed about by pounding waves and fierce wind. Add to any fear that such a situation might normally evoke the unnatural experience of seeing a man walking along the peaks and valleys of the stormy sea. Now, imagine this scene being intermittently illuminated by lightning. It’s no wonder the apostles “were frightened” (John 6:19). The situation has all the earmarks of a well-made movie thriller!

Fear—from minor concern to debilitating anxiety—is familiar to all of us. Scripture tells us that Satan manipulates us through our fear of loss and death (Hebrews 2:14-15). The thought that our fears give the devil an open door to hold us in bondage can alarm us even more. So how can we best deal with fear? Scripture tells us that Jesus, our model, also experienced fear: he “offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears to him who was able to save him from death” (Hebrews 5:7). But Jesus always let his fear move him to deeper prayer and stronger faith in his Father (John 12:27-28).

Jesus wants us to have the same faith in his Father’s ability to protect us. Without this faith, we will remain in bondage to our fears and anxieties. What’s worse, without faith in a loving God, we end up having only ourselves to depend upon. And the longer we live, the more we realize how vulnerable we are. We end up fearing for our health, our financial security, the people in our lives, what others think about us, the church, the world, even our spiritual well-being.

Perhaps you feel stuck in a hopeless situation, and no one is around to walk through it with you. Your situation may seem like that of the apostles in the storm. Perhaps even the thought that God is in the midst of the tempest is frightening to you. Whatever your thoughts, try to quiet your heart and listen as Jesus calls out to you: “It is I; do not be afraid” (John 6:20). Take him into the boat of your life, and he will bring you ashore safely (6:21).

“Lord Jesus, help me see you as you come to help me in trouble. Help me to hear your voice. Come into my boat, calm my fears, and bring me safely to land.”

Acts 6:1-7; Psalm 33:1-2,4-5,18-19

One Bread, One Body

<< Saturday, April 29, 2006 >>

St. Catherine of Siena

Acts 6:1-7

Psalm 33

John 6:16-21

View Readings

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?

"The word of God continued to spread, while at the same time the number of the disciples in Jerusalem enormously increased." —Acts 6:7

The early Church needed more workers for the harvest (Mt 9:37). The believers were feeding hundreds of people in their community meal and a whole group was overlooked (Acts 6:1). More workers were needed. They brought this to the attention of the community, which selected "seven men acknowledged to be deeply spiritual and prudent" (Acts 6:3).

Can your church community do the same? Can you raise up seven deeply spiritual men for full-time service? Most church communities have a small minority of men, many of whom are not mature enough to exercise much leadership. They would be hard-pressed to raise up one or two strong men for full-time service. How did the early Church get all these spiritually mature men?

Through community life, the growth rate of men was greatly accelerated. In true Christian community, we can grow more in one year than in twenty years of isolated, individualized "Christianity." Community life is the atmosphere conducive to growth and maturity in Christ. Growing anything is not only a matter of working but of climate. Community is the climate in which a Christian can grow.

Prayer: Father, I repent of destroying the fabric of Christianity by living as an individual rather than as part of a family.

Promise: "They were frightened, but He told them, 'It is I; do not be afraid.' They wanted to take Him into the boat, but suddenly it came aground on the shore." —Jn 6:20-21

Praise: At age 27, St. Catherine was already ministering to plague victims and converting thousands.

Compline -- Night Prayer

Compline (Night Prayer)

O God, come to my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
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. Alleluia.

This is an excellent moment for an examination of conscience. In a communal celebration of Compline, one of the penitential acts given in the Missal may be recited.

A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.

Psalm 4
Thanksgiving
Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
When I called out, he heard me, the God of my righteousness. When I was in trouble, you gave me freedom: now, take pity on me and listen to my prayer. Sons of men, how long will your hearts be heavy? Why do you seek for vain things? Why do you run after illusions? Know that the Lord has done marvellous things for those he has chosen. When I call upon the Lord, he will hear me. Be vigorous, but do not sin: speak in the silence of your heart, in your bed, be at rest. Offer righteousness as a sacrifice, and put your trust in the Lord. Many are saying, Who will give us good things? Let your face shine on us, Lord, let the light of your face be a sign. You have given me a greater joy than the others receive from abundance of wheat and of wine. In peace shall I sleep, Lord, in peace shall I rest: firm in the hope you have given me. 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.
Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Psalm 133 (134)
Evening prayer in the Temple
Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord who stand through the night in the house of the Lord! Lift up your arms to the sanctuary and bless the Lord! May the Lord bless you from Sion – the Lord, who made heaven and earth. 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.
Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Reading	Deuteronomy 6:4-7
Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one God. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your strength. These words that I teach you today will remain in your hearts. You will teach them to your children; you will speak them as you sit at home and as you go on your journeys; you will speak them when you lie down and when you rise up.

Short Responsory	?
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit, alleluia, alleluia. - Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit, alleluia, alleluia. You have redeemed us, Lord, God of faithfulness, alleluia, alleluia. - Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit, alleluia, alleluia. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. - Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit, alleluia, alleluia.

Canticle	Nunc Dimittis
Keep us safe, Lord, while we are awake, and guard us as we sleep, so that we can keep watch with Christ and rest in peace. Alleluia.
Now, Master, you let your servant go in peace. You have fulfilled your promise. My own eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all peoples. A light to bring the Gentiles from darkness; the glory of your people Israel. 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.
Keep us safe, Lord, while we are awake, and guard us as we sleep, so that we can keep watch with Christ and rest in peace. Alleluia.

Prayer
Let us pray. Come to us, Lord, this night, and give us the strength to rise at dawn rejoicing in the resurrection of your Anointed, who lives and reigns for ever and ever, Amen.

May the almighty Lord grant us a quiet night and a perfect end.

A M E N

Final Antiphon
Queen of Heaven, be joyful, Alleluia. You who were worthy to bear him. Alleluia. He has risen, as he promised. Alleluia. Pray for us to God. Alleluia.

Jn 6:16-21
#	Douay-Rheims	Vulgate
16	And when evening was come, his disciples went down to the sea.	ut autem sero factum est descenderunt discipuli eius ad mare
17	And when they had gone up into a ship, they went over the sea to Capharnaum. And it was now dark: and Jesus was not come unto them.	et cum ascendissent navem venerunt trans mare in Capharnaum et tenebrae iam factae erant et non venerat ad eos Iesus
18	And the sea arose, by reason of a great wind that blew.	mare autem vento magno flante exsurgebat
19	When they had rowed therefore about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking upon the sea and drawing nigh to the ship. And they were afraid.	cum remigassent ergo quasi stadia viginti quinque aut triginta vident Iesum ambulantem super mare et proximum navi fieri et timuerunt
20	But he saith to them: It is I. Be not afraid.	ille autem dicit eis ego sum nolite timere
21	They were willing therefore to take him into the ship. And presently the ship was at the land to which they were going.	voluerunt ergo accipere eum in navi et statim fuit navis ad terram quam ibant

Jesus walks on the water.

Codex Egberti, Stadtbibliothek (Trier, Germany), Ms. 24, fol. 27v
Stadtarchiv/Stadtbibliothek Trier (Trier, Germany)