Reading 1
Acts 7:51—8:1a

Stephen said to the people, the elders, and the scribes:
“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears,
you always oppose the Holy Spirit;
you are just like your ancestors.
Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute?
They put to death those who foretold the coming of the righteous one,
whose betrayers and murderers you have now become.
You received the law as transmitted by angels,
but you did not observe it.”

When they heard this, they were infuriated,
and they ground their teeth at him.
But Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit,
looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God
and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,
and Stephen said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened
and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
But they cried out in a loud voice,
covered their ears, and rushed upon him together.
They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him.
The witnesses laid down their cloaks
at the feet of a young man named Saul.
As they were stoning Stephen, he called out,
“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
Then he fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice,
“Lord, do not hold this sin against them”;
and when he said this, he fell asleep.

Now Saul was consenting to his execution.

Responsorial Psalm
Ps 31:3cd-4, 6 and 7b and 8a, 17 and 21ab

R. (6a) Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to give me safety.
You are my rock and my fortress;
for your name’s sake you will lead and guide me.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Into your hands I commend my spirit;
you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God.
My trust is in the LORD;
I will rejoice and be glad of your mercy.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your kindness.
You hide them in the shelter of your presence
from the plottings of men.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Gospel
Jn 6:30-35

The crowd said to Jesus:
“What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you?
What can you do?
Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written:

He gave them bread from heaven to eat.”

So Jesus said to them,
“Amen, amen, I say to you,
it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven;
my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.
For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven
and gives life to the world.”

So they said to Jesus,
“Sir, give us this bread always.”
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life;
whoever comes to me will never hunger,
and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”

From: Acts 7:51-8:1a

Stephen's Address to the Sanhedrin

(Stephen addressed the Sanhedrin,) [51] "You stiff-necked people,
uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As
your fathers did, so do you. [52] Which of the prophets did not your
fathers persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the
coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered,
[53] you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep
it."

The Martyrdom of Stephen

[54] Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they
ground their teeth against him. [55] But he, full of the Holy Spirit,
gazed into Heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the
right hand of God; [56] and he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened,
and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." [57] But they
cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together
upon him. [58] Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him; and
the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named
Saul. [59] And as they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, "Lord Jesus,
receive my spirit." [60] And he knelt down and cried with a loud
voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said
this, he fell asleep.

Persecution of the Church

[1a] And Saul was consenting to his death.

Commentary:

55-56. "It is clear", St. Ephraem comments, "that those who suffer for
Christ enjoy the glory of the whole Trinity. Stephen saw the Father
and Jesus at His side, because Jesus appears only to his own, as was
the case with the Apostles after the Resurrection. While the champion
of the faith stood there helpless in the midst of those who had killed
the Lord, just at the point when the first martyr was to be crowned, he
saw the Lord, holding a crown in His right hand, as if to encourage him
to conquer death and to show that he inwardly helps those who are about
to die on his account. He therefore reveals what he sees, that is, the
heavens opened, which were closed to Adam and only opened to Christ at
the Jordan, but open now after the Cross to all who share Christ's
sufferings, and in the first instance open to this man. See how
Stephen reveals why his face was lit up: it was because he was on the
point of contemplating this wondrous mission. That is why he took on
the appearance of an angel--so that his testimony might be more
reliable" ("Armenian Commentary, ad loc.").

57-59. The cursory trial of Stephen ends without any formal sentence of
death: this Jewish tribunal was unable to pass such sentences because
the Romans restricted its competence. In any event no sentence proves
necessary: the crowd becomes a lynching party: it takes over and
proceeds to stone Stephen, with the tacit approval of the Sanhedrin.

Tradition regards Stephen as the first Christian martyr, an example of
fortitude and suffering for love of Christ. "Could you keep all God's
commandments," St. Cyprian asks, "were it not for the strength of
patience? That was what enabled Stephen to hold out: in spite of being
stoned he did not call down vengeance on his executioners, but rather
forgiveness.... How fitting it was for him to be Christ's first
martyr, so that by being, through his glorious death, the model of all
the martyrs that would come after him, he should not only be a preacher
of the Lord's Passion, but should also imitate it in his meekness and
immense patience" ("De Bono Patientiae", 16).

Martyrdom is a supreme act of bravery and of true prudence, but to the
world it makes no sense. It is also an expression of humility, because
a martyr does not act out of bravado or overweening self-confidence; he
is a weak man like anyone else, but God's grace gives him the strength
he needs. Although martyrdom is something which happens rarely, it
does show Christians what human nature can rise to if God gives it
strength, and it establishes a standard, both real and symbolic, for
the behavior of every disciple of Christ.

"Since all the virtues and the perfection of all righteousness are born
of love of God and one's neighbor," St. Leo says, "in no one is this
love more worthily found than in the blessed martyrs, who are nearest
to our Lord in terms of imitation of both His charity and His Passion.

"The martyrs have been of great help to others, because the Lord has
availed of the very strength as He granted them to ensure that the pain
of death and the cruelty of the Cross do not frighten any of His own,
but are seen as things in which man can imitate Him....

"No example is more useful for the instruction of the people of God
than that of the martyrs. Eloquence is effective for entreating,
argument for convincing; but examples are worth more than words, and it
is better to teach by deeds than by speech" ("Hom. on the Feast of St.
Laurence").

The Second Vatican Council has reminded us of the excellence of the
martyrdom as a form of witness to the faith. Although there are heroic
ways of imitating and following our Lord which do not involve the drama
of bloodshed and death, all Christians should realize that confession
of the faith in this way is not a thing of the past and is sometimes
necessary.

"Since Jesus, the Son of God, showed His love by laying down His life
for us, no one has greater love than he who lays down his life for Him
and for his brothers (cf. 1 John 3:16; John 15:13). Some Christians
have been called from the beginning, and will always be called, to give
this greatest testimony of love to all, especially to persecutors.
Martyrdom makes the disciple like his Master. [...] Therefore, the
Church considers it the highest gift and supreme test of love. And
although it is given to few, all must be prepared to confess Christ
before men and to follow him along the way of the Cross amidst the
persecutions which the Church never lacks.

"Likewise the Church's holiness is fostered [...] by the manifold
counsels which the Lord proposes to His disciples in the Gospel"
(Vatican II, "Lumen Gentium", 42).

The Liturgy of the Church sums up the asceticism and theology of
martyrdom in the preface for Christian martyrs: "Your holy martyr
followed the example of Christ, and gave his life for the glory of Your
name. His death reveals Your power shining through our human
weakness. You choose the weak and make them strong in bearing witness
to You."

Like Jesus, Stephen dies commending his soul to God and praying for his
persecutors. At this point St. Luke brings in Saul who cooperates in
the proceedings by watching the executioners' clothes; Saul will soon
experience the benefits of Stephen's intercession. "If Stephen had not
prayed to God, the Church would not have had Paul" (St. Augustine,
"Sermons", 315, 7).

Stephen has died, but his example and teaching continue to speak across
the world.

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.

Dear Freepers in Christ,

Here is some information from the web site of a Catholic Apologist -- http://www.jesus-passion.com regarding the Solemnity of Saint Athanasius that we celebrate today.

SAINT ATHANASIUS, BISHOP

DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH

FEAST DAY: MAY 2ND

ATHANASIUS was born in Egypt towards the end of the third century, and was from his youth pious, learned, and deeply versed in the sacred writings, as befitted one whom God had chosen to be the champion and defender of His Church against the Arian heresy.

Though only a deacon, he was chosen by his bishop to go with him to the Council of Nicaea, A.D. 325, and attracted the attention of all by the learning and ability with which he defended the Faith. A few months later, he became Patriarch of Alexandria, and for forty-six years he bore, often well-nigh alone, the whole brunt of the Arian assault. On the refusal of the Saint to restore Arius to Catholic communion, the emperor ordered the Patriarch of Constantinople to do so. The wretched heresiarch took an oath that he had always believed as the Church believes; and the patriarch, after vainly using every effort to move the emperor, had recourse to fasting and prayer, that God would avert from the Church the frightful sacrilege. The day came for the solemn entrance of Arius into the great church of Sancta Sophia.

The heresiarch and his party set out glad and in triumph. But before he reached the church, death smote him swiftly and awfully, and the dreaded sacrilege was averted. St. Athanasius stood unmoved against four Roman emperors; was banished five times; was the butt of every insult, calumny, and wrong the Arians could devise, and lived in constant peril of death. Though firm as adamant in defence of the Faith, he was meek and humble, pleasant and winning in converse, beloved by his flock, unwearied in labors, in prayer, in mortifications, and in zeal for souls.

In the year 373 his stormy life closed in peace, rather that his people would have it so than that his enemies were weary of persecuting him. He left to the Church the whole and ancient Faith, defended and explained in writings rich in thought and learning, clear, keen, and stately in expression. He is honored as one of the greatest of the Doctors of the Church.

REFLECTON.—The Catholic Faith, says St. Augustine, is more precious far than all the riches and treasures of earth; more glorious and greater than all its honors, all its possessions. This it is which saves sinners, gives light to the blind, restores penitents, perfects the just, and is the crown of martyrs.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER: Ask Saint Athanasius to intercede for your needs today.

Saint Athanasius, please pray for (make your prayer request).

http://www.doctorsofthecatholicchurch.com/AT.html

From: John 6:30-35

The Discourse on the Bread of Life (Continuation)

[30] So they said to Him (Jesus), "Then what sign do You do, that we
may see, and believe You? What work do You perform? [31] Our fathers
ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, `He gave them bread
from Heaven to eat.'" [32] Jesus then said to them, "Truly, truly, I
say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from Heaven; My
Father gives you the true bread from Heaven. [33] For the bread of God
is that which comes down from Heaven, and gives life to the world."
[34] They said to Him, "Lord, give us this bread always."

[35] Jesus said them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall
not hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst."

Commentary:

28-34. This dialogue between Jesus and His hearers is reminiscent of
the episode of the Samaritan woman (cf. John 4:11-15). On that
occasion Jesus was speaking about water springing up to eternal life;
here, He speaks of bread coming down from Heaven to give to the world.
There, the woman was asking Jesus if He was greater than Jacob; here
the people want to know if He can compare with Moses (cf. Exodus
16:13). "The Lord spoke of Himself in a way that made Him seem
superior to Moses, for Moses never dared to say that he would give food
which would never perish but would endure to eternal life. Jesus
promises much more than Moses. Moses promised a kingdom, and a land
flowing with milk and honey, good health and other temporal blessings
[...], plenty for the belly, but food which perishes; whereas Christ
promised food which never perishes but which endures forever" (St.
Augustine, "In Ioann. Evang.", 25:12).

These people know that the manna--food which the Jews collected every
day during the journey through the wilderness (cf. Exodus 16:13ff)--
symbolized messianic blessings; which was why they asked our Lord for a
dramatic sign like the manna. But there was no way they could suspect
that the manna was a figure of a great supernatural messianic gift
which Christ was bringing to mankind--the Blessed Eucharist. In this
dialogue and in the first part of the discourse (verses 35-47), the
main thing Jesus is trying to do is bring them to make an act of faith
in Him, so that He can then openly reveal to them the mystery of the
Blessed Eucharist--that He is the bread "which comes down from Heaven,
and gives life to the world" (verse 33). Also, St. Paul explains that
the manna and the other marvels which happened in the wilderness were a
clear prefiguring of Jesus Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:3-4).

The disbelieving attitude of these Jews prevented them from accepting
what Jesus revealed. To accept the mystery of the Eucharist, faith is
required, as [Pope] Paul VI stressed: "In the first place we want to
remind you that the Eucharist is a very great mystery; strictly
speaking, to use the words of sacred liturgy, it is `the mystery of
faith'. This is something well known to you but it is essential to the
purpose of rejecting any poisonous rationalism. Many martyrs have
witnessed to it with their blood. Distinguished Fathers and Doctors of
the Church in unbroken succession have taught and professed it. [...]
We must, therefore, approach this mystery, above all, with humble
reverence, not following human arguments, which ought to be hushed, but
in steadfast adherence to divine revelation" ("Mysterium Fidei").

35. Going to Jesus means believing in Him, for it is through faith that
we approach our Lord. Jesus uses the metaphor of food and drink to
show that He is the one who really meets all man's noblest aspirations:
"How beautiful is our Catholic faith! It provides a solution for all
our anxieties, calms our minds and fills our hearts with hope"
([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 582).

The Creed of Athanasius

The Athanasian Creed is that latest of the ecumenical creeds, dating back to the early dark ages. Though seldom used in worship, it is one of the clearest definitions of the Trinity and the incarnation ever written.

Whosoever will be saved,
before all things it is is necessary that he hold the Catholic Faith.
Which Faith except everyone do keep whole and undefiled,
without doubt he shall perish everlastingly.
And the Catholic Faith is this: That we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity
in Unity,
neither confounding the Persons, nor dividing the Substance.
For there is one Person of the Father, another of the Son,
and another of the Holy Ghost.
But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, is all one,
the Glory equal, the Majesty co-eternal.
Such as the Father is, such is the Son,
and such is the Holy Ghost.
The Father uncreate, the Son uncreate,
and the Holy Ghost uncreate.
The Father incomprehensible, the Son incomprehensible,
and the Holy Ghost incomprehensible.
The Father eternal, the Son eternal,
and the Holy Ghost eternal.
And yet they are not three eternals,
but one eternal.
As also there are not three incomprehensibles, nor three uncreated,
but one uncreated, and one incomprehensible.
So likewise the Father is Almighty, the Son Almighty,
and the Holy Ghost Almighty.
And yet they are not three Almighties,
but one Almighty.
So the Father is God, the Son is God,
and the Holy Ghost is God.
And yet they are not three Gods,
but one God.
So likewise the Father is Lord, the Son Lord,
and the Holy Ghost Lord.
And yet not three Lords,
but one Lord.
For like as we are compelled by the Christian verity to acknowledge ever y
Person by Himself to be both God and Lord,
so we are forbidden by the Catholic Religion, to say, there be three Gods,
or three Lords.
The Father is made of none,
neither created, nor begotten.
The Son is of the Father alone,
not made, nor created, but begotten.
The Holy Ghost is of the Father [and of the Son],
neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but proceeding.
So there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons;
one Holy Ghost, not three Holy Ghosts.
And in this Trinity none is afore, or after other; none is greater, or l ess
than another;
but the whole three Persons are co-eternal together and co-equal.
So that in all things, as is aforesaid,
the Unity in Trinity and the Trinity in Unity is to be worshipped.
He therefore that will be saved
must thus think of the Trinity.

Furthermore, it is necessary to everlasting salvation
that he also believe rightly the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ .
For the right Faith is, that we believe and confess,
that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God and Man.
God, of the substance of the Father, begotten before the worlds;
and Man, of the Substance of His Mother, born in the world;
Perfect God and perfect Man,
of a reasonable soul in human flesh subsisting;
Equal to the Father, as touching His Godhead;
and inferior to the Father, as touching His Manhood.
Who, although He be God and Man,
yet He is not two, but one Christ;
One, not by conversion of the Godhead into flesh,
but by taking of the Manhood into God;
One altogether; not by confusion of Substance,
but by unity of Person.
For as the reasonable soul and flesh is one man,
so God and Man is one Christ.
Who suffered for our salvation, descended into hell,
rose again the third day from the dead.
He ascended into heaven, He sitteth on the right hand of the Father, God
Almighty,
from whence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
At whose coming all men shall rise with their bodies
and shall give account for their own works.
And they that have done good shall go into life everlasting;
and they that have done evil into everlasting fire.
This is the Catholic Faith, which except a man believe faithfully,
he cannot be saved.

Amen.

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 67 (68)
The Lord's triumphal journey
God arises and his enemies are scattered: those who hate him flee from his sight. You blow them away like wisps of smoke; as wax melts in front of a fire, so the wicked melt away before God. The righteous are glad and exult in God’s sight; they rejoice in their gladness. Sing to the Lord and celebrate his name! Make a road for him who rides upon the clouds – “The Lord” is his name. Rejoice in his sight, the father of orphans, defender of widows, God in his holy dwelling-place, God, who gives the lonely a house to dwell in, God, who leads captives out into prosperity; but the rebellious shall live in a desert land. God, when you set out in the sight of your people, when you crossed the wilderness – the earth shook. The heavens sent down dew at your coming – the God of Sinai, the God of Israel. At your bidding the rains came, O God, your inheritance was worn out but you refreshed it. All your creatures took up residence there, in your goodness you made a place for the needy. 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 67 (68)

The Lord's triumphal journey

God arises and his enemies are scattered:
those who hate him flee from his sight.
You blow them away like wisps of smoke;
as wax melts in front of a fire,
so the wicked melt away before God.
The righteous are glad and exult in God’s sight;
they rejoice in their gladness.

Sing to the Lord and celebrate his name!
Make a road for him who rides upon the clouds –
“The Lord” is his name.
Rejoice in his sight,
the father of orphans, defender of widows,
God in his holy dwelling-place,
God, who gives the lonely a house to dwell in,
God, who leads captives out into prosperity;
but the rebellious shall live in a desert land.

God, when you set out in the sight of your people,
when you crossed the wilderness – the earth shook.
The heavens sent down dew at your coming –
the God of Sinai, the God of Israel.
At your bidding the rains came, O God,
your inheritance was worn out but you refreshed it.
All your creatures took up residence there,
in your goodness you made a place for the needy.

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 67 (68)
The Lord gives out the word, and a great army of maidens brings the news: “The kings of the armies are fleeing, they are fleeing, and the fair one at home is dividing the spoils. While you sleep among the sheepfolds, the wings of the dove shine with silver, her feathers glow with green gold. Through her the Almighty scatters the kings, and the mountain of Salmon is white with snow. The mountain of Bashan is God’s mountain; the mountain of God is a high-peaked mountain. Why do you envy it, you high-peaked mountains, envy the mountain that God has chosen? The Lord will dwell there for ever. The chariots of God are ten thousand thousand: the Lord has come from Sinai to his holy sanctuary. You have scaled the heights, you have taken captives, you have received men as gifts so that even the rebels live with the Lord God. Blessings on the Lord, day after day! God will carry us, God our saviour. Our God is a God of salvation, our Lord is a Lord who rescues from death. Truly God will break the heads of his enemies, take the scalps of those who tread the path of crime. The Lord has spoken: “I shall bring them back from Bashan, I shall bring them back from the depths of the sea, so that your feet may be dipped in blood and the tongues of your dogs receive food from your enemies”. 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 67 (68)

The Lord gives out the word,
and a great army of maidens brings the news:
“The kings of the armies are fleeing, they are fleeing,
and the fair one at home is dividing the spoils.
While you sleep among the sheepfolds,
the wings of the dove shine with silver,
her feathers glow with green gold.
Through her the Almighty scatters the kings,
and the mountain of Salmon is white with snow.

The mountain of Bashan is God’s mountain;
the mountain of God is a high-peaked mountain.
Why do you envy it, you high-peaked mountains,
envy the mountain that God has chosen?
The Lord will dwell there for ever.
The chariots of God are ten thousand thousand:
the Lord has come from Sinai to his holy sanctuary.
You have scaled the heights, you have taken captives,
you have received men as gifts
so that even the rebels live with the Lord God.

Blessings on the Lord, day after day!
God will carry us, God our saviour.
Our God is a God of salvation,
our Lord is a Lord who rescues from death.
Truly God will break the heads of his enemies,
take the scalps of those who tread the path of crime.

The Lord has spoken:
“I shall bring them back from Bashan,
I shall bring them back from the depths of the sea,
so that your feet may be dipped in blood
and the tongues of your dogs receive food from your enemies”.

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 67 (68)
They have seen your processions, O God, the processions of God, my king, to his sanctuary. First came the singers, last the musicians, between them the maidens playing their drums. “Bless God in the assemblies: bless the Lord, you who spring from Israel!” There was young Benjamin, leading them, the princes of Judah in their rich robes, the princes of Zebulun, the princes of Naphtali. O God, command in your strength; make firm what you have achieved in us. From your temple in Jerusalem, kings shall bring you tribute. Rebuke the wild beast of the reeds, the herd of bulls, the lords of peoples. Let them lie prostrate before you with tribute of silver. Scatter the peoples that delight in war. Nobles will come from Egypt, Ethiopia will stretch out its hands to God. Kingdoms of the earth, sing to God; celebrate the Lord. Sing to God who rides on the highest heavens, at the origin of all things. Listen! – he speaks, a voice of power. Acknowledge the strength of the Lord: his majesty is over Israel, his strength is in the clouds. God inspires awe in his holy place; he, the God of Israel, gives power to his people; he gives them strength. Blessed be God! 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 67 (68)

They have seen your processions, O God,
the processions of God, my king, to his sanctuary.
First came the singers, last the musicians,
between them the maidens playing their drums.
“Bless God in the assemblies:
bless the Lord, you who spring from Israel!”
There was young Benjamin, leading them,
the princes of Judah in their rich robes,
the princes of Zebulun, the princes of Naphtali.

O God, command in your strength;
make firm what you have achieved in us.
From your temple in Jerusalem,
kings shall bring you tribute.
Rebuke the wild beast of the reeds,
the herd of bulls, the lords of peoples.
Let them lie prostrate before you with tribute of silver.
Scatter the peoples that delight in war.
Nobles will come from Egypt,
Ethiopia will stretch out its hands to God.

Kingdoms of the earth, sing to God;
celebrate the Lord.
Sing to God who rides on the highest heavens,
at the origin of all things.
Listen! – he speaks, a voice of power.

Acknowledge the strength of the Lord:
his majesty is over Israel,
his strength is in the clouds.
God inspires awe in his holy place;
he, the God of Israel, gives power to his people;
he gives them strength.
Blessed be God!

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 8:1 - 13 ©
The Lamb then broke the seventh seal, and there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. Next I saw seven trumpets being given to the seven angels who stand in the presence of God. Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. A large quantity of incense was given to him to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar that stood in front of the throne; and so from the angel’s hand the smoke of the incense went up in the presence of God and with it the prayers of the saints. Then the angel took the censer and filled it with the fire from the altar, which he then threw down on to the earth; immediately there came peals of thunder and flashes of lightning, and the earth shook. The seven angels that had the seven trumpets now made ready to sound them. The first blew his trumpet and, with that, hail and fire, mixed with blood, were dropped on the earth; a third of the earth was burnt up, and a third of all trees, and every blade of grass was burnt. The second angel blew his trumpet, and it was as though a great mountain, all on fire, had been dropped into the sea: a third of the sea turned into blood, a third of all the living things in the sea were killed, and a third of all ships were destroyed. The third angel blew his trumpet, and a huge star fell from the sky, burning like a ball of fire, and it fell on a third of all rivers and springs; this was the star called Wormwood, and a third of all water turned to bitter wormwood, so that many people died from drinking it. The fourth angel blew his trumpet, and a third of the sun and a third of the moon and a third of the stars were blasted, so that the light went out of a third of them and for a third of the day there was no illumination, and the same with the night. In my vision, I heard an eagle, calling aloud as it flew high overhead, ‘Trouble, trouble, trouble, for all the people on earth at the sound of the other three trumpets which the three angels are going to blow’.

Reading

Apocalypse 8:1 - 13 ©

The Lamb then broke the seventh seal, and there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.
Next I saw seven trumpets being given to the seven angels who stand in the presence of God. Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. A large quantity of incense was given to him to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar that stood in front of the throne; and so from the angel’s hand the smoke of the incense went up in the presence of God and with it the prayers of the saints. Then the angel took the censer and filled it with the fire from the altar, which he then threw down on to the earth; immediately there came peals of thunder and flashes of lightning, and the earth shook.
The seven angels that had the seven trumpets now made ready to sound them. The first blew his trumpet and, with that, hail and fire, mixed with blood, were dropped on the earth; a third of the earth was burnt up, and a third of all trees, and every blade of grass was burnt. The second angel blew his trumpet, and it was as though a great mountain, all on fire, had been dropped into the sea: a third of the sea turned into blood, a third of all the living things in the sea were killed, and a third of all ships were destroyed. The third angel blew his trumpet, and a huge star fell from the sky, burning like a ball of fire, and it fell on a third of all rivers and springs; this was the star called Wormwood, and a third of all water turned to bitter wormwood, so that many people died from drinking it. The fourth angel blew his trumpet, and a third of the sun and a third of the moon and a third of the stars were blasted, so that the light went out of a third of them and for a third of the day there was no illumination, and the same with the night.
In my vision, I heard an eagle, calling aloud as it flew high overhead, ‘Trouble, trouble, trouble, for all the people on earth at the sound of the other three trumpets which the three angels are going to blow’.

Reading	From a discourse by Saint Athanasius, bishop
On the incarnation of the Word
The Word of God, incorporeal, incorruptible and immaterial, entered our world. Yet it was not as if he had been remote from it up to that time. For there is no part of the world that was ever without his presence; together with his Father, he continually filled all things and places. Out of his loving-kindness for us he came to us, and we see this in the way he revealed himself openly to us. Taking pity on mankind’s weakness, and moved by our corruption, he could not stand aside and see death have the mastery over us; he did not want creation to perish and his Father’s work in fashioning man to be in vain. He therefore took to himself a body, no different from our own, for he did not wish simply to be in a body or only to be seen. If he had wanted simply to be seen, he could indeed have taken another, and nobler, body. Instead, he took our body in its reality. Within the Virgin he built himself a temple, that is, a body; he made it his own instrument in which to dwell and to reveal himself. In this way he received from mankind a body like our own, and, since all were subject to the corruption of death, he delivered this body over to death for all, and with supreme love offered it to the Father. He did so to destroy the law of corruption passed against all men, since all died in him. The law, which had spent its force on the body of the Lord, could no longer have any power over his fellowmen. Moreover, this was the way in which the Word was to restore mankind to immortality, after it had fallen into corruption, and summon it back from death to life. He utterly destroyed the power death had against mankind – as fire consumes chaff – by means of the body he had taken and the grace of the resurrection. This is the reason why the Word assumed a body that could die, so that this body, sharing in the Word who is above all, might satisfy death’s requirement in place of all. Because of the Word dwelling in that body, it would remain incorruptible, and all would be freed for ever from corruption by the grace of the resurrection. In death the Word made a spotless sacrifice and oblation of the body he had taken. by dying for others, he immediately banished death for all mankind. In this way the Word of God, who is above all, dedicated and offered his temple, the instrument that was his body, for us all, as he said, and so paid by his own death the debt that was owed. The immortal Son of God, united with all men by likeness of nature, thus fulfilled all justice in restoring mankind to immortality by the promise of the resurrection. The corruption of death no longer holds any power over mankind, thanks to the Word, who has come to dwell among them through his one body.

Reading

From a discourse by Saint Athanasius, bishop

On the incarnation of the Word

The Word of God, incorporeal, incorruptible and immaterial, entered our world. Yet it was not as if he had been remote from it up to that time. For there is no part of the world that was ever without his presence; together with his Father, he continually filled all things and places.
Out of his loving-kindness for us he came to us, and we see this in the way he revealed himself openly to us. Taking pity on mankind’s weakness, and moved by our corruption, he could not stand aside and see death have the mastery over us; he did not want creation to perish and his Father’s work in fashioning man to be in vain. He therefore took to himself a body, no different from our own, for he did not wish simply to be in a body or only to be seen.
If he had wanted simply to be seen, he could indeed have taken another, and nobler, body. Instead, he took our body in its reality.
Within the Virgin he built himself a temple, that is, a body; he made it his own instrument in which to dwell and to reveal himself. In this way he received from mankind a body like our own, and, since all were subject to the corruption of death, he delivered this body over to death for all, and with supreme love offered it to the Father. He did so to destroy the law of corruption passed against all men, since all died in him. The law, which had spent its force on the body of the Lord, could no longer have any power over his fellowmen. Moreover, this was the way in which the Word was to restore mankind to immortality, after it had fallen into corruption, and summon it back from death to life. He utterly destroyed the power death had against mankind – as fire consumes chaff – by means of the body he had taken and the grace of the resurrection.
This is the reason why the Word assumed a body that could die, so that this body, sharing in the Word who is above all, might satisfy death’s requirement in place of all. Because of the Word dwelling in that body, it would remain incorruptible, and all would be freed for ever from corruption by the grace of the resurrection.
In death the Word made a spotless sacrifice and oblation of the body he had taken. by dying for others, he immediately banished death for all mankind.
In this way the Word of God, who is above all, dedicated and offered his temple, the instrument that was his body, for us all, as he said, and so paid by his own death the debt that was owed. The immortal Son of God, united with all men by likeness of nature, thus fulfilled all justice in restoring mankind to immortality by the promise of the resurrection.
The corruption of death no longer holds any power over mankind, thanks to the Word, who has come to dwell among them through his one body.

A concluding prayer may follow here.

American Catholic’s Saint of the Day

May 2, 2006

St. Athanasius

(295?-373)

Athanasius led a tumultuous but dedicated life of service to the Church. He was the great champion of the faith against the widespread heresy of Arianism. The vigor of his writings earned him the title of doctor of the Church.

Born of a Christian family in Alexandria, Egypt, and given a classical education, Athanasius entered the priesthood, became secretary to Alexander, the bishop of Alexandria, and eventually was named bishop himself. His predecessor, Alexander, had been an outspoken critic of a new movement growing in the East—Arianism.

When Athanasius assumed his role as bishop of Alexandria, he continued the fight against Arianism. At first it seemed that the battle would be easily won and that Arianism would be condemned. Such, however, did not prove to be the case. The Council of Tyre was called and for several reasons that are still unclear, the Emperor Constantine exiled Athanasius to northern Gaul. This was to be the first in a series of travels and exiles reminiscent of the life of St. Paul.

After Constantine died, his son restored Athanasius as bishop. This lasted only a year, however, for he was deposed once again by a coalition of Arian bishops. Athanasius took his case to Rome, and Pope Julius I called a synod to review the case and other related matters.

Five times Athanasius was exiled for his defense of the doctrine of Christ’s divinity. During one period of his life, he enjoyed 10 years of relative peace—reading, writing and promoting the Christian life along the lines of the monastic ideal to which he was greatly devoted. His dogmatic and historical writings are almost all polemic, directed against every aspect of Arianism.

Among his ascetical writings, his Life of St. Anthony achieved astonishing popularity and contributed greatly to the establishment of monastic life throughout the Western Christian world.

Comment:

Athanasius suffered many trials while he was bishop of Alexandria. He was given the grace to remain strong against what probably seemed at times to be insurmountable opposition. Athanasius lived his office as bishop completely. He defended the true faith for his flock, regardless of the cost to himself. In today’s world we are experiencing this same call to remain true to our faith, no matter what.

Quote:

The hardships Athanasius suffered in exile, hiding, fleeing from place to place remind us of what Paul said of his own life: “[O]n frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my own race, dangers from Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers at sea, dangers among false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many sleepless nights, through hunger and thirst, through frequent fastings, through cold and exposure. And apart from these things, there is the daily pressure upon me of my anxiety for all the churches” (2 Corinthians 11:26—28).

Catholic Culture

Collect:
Father, you raised up St. Athanasius to be an outstanding defender of the truth of Christ's divinity. By his teaching and protection may we grow in your knowledge and love. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Prayers:

May 02, 2006

Memorial of St. Athanasius, bishop and doctor

Old Calendar: St. Athanasius

St. Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria and a great defender of the orthodox faith, throughout his life opposed the Arian heresy. By denying the Godhead of the Word the Arians turned Christ into a mere man, only higher in grace than others in the eyes of God. St. Athanasius took part in the Council of Nicea in 325 and until the end remained a champion of the faith as it was defined by the Council. In him the Church venerates one of her great Doctors. He was subjected to persecutions for upholding the true teaching concerning the person of Christ and was sent into exile from his see no less than five times. He died at Alexandria in 373 after an episcopate of forty-six years.

St. Athanasius

A champion of orthodoxy! He did not die a martyr, but his life was martyrdom in the truest sense. Athanasius was the Church's greatest hero in the battle against Arianism (a heresy that denied Christ's divinity). Even as a young deacon at the Council of Nicea (325), he was recognized as "Arius' ablest enemy" and the foremost defender of the Church's faith. After the death of his bishop (328), "the entire Catholic congregation with one accord, as one soul and body, voiced the wish of the dying bishop Alexander that Athanasius should succeed him. Everyone esteemed him as a virtuous, holy man, an ascetic, a true bishop."

There followed fifty years of constant conflict. Under five emperors and by exile on five different occasions, he gave testimony to the truth of the Catholic position. His allegiance to the Church never wavered, his courage never weakened. As consolation in the face of horrendous calumnies and cruel persecution, Athanasius looked to the unwavering love of his Catholic people. Even time brought no mitigation in Arian hatred. For five years he hid in a deep, dry cistern to be safe from their raging wrath and their attempts to assassinate him. The place was known only to one trusted friend who secretly supplied necessary food.

That Athanasius enjoyed God's special protection should have been obvious to all. On one occasion when the emperor's assassins were pursuing him, Athanasius ordered the ship on which he was fleeing to double-back and sail upstream so that he might meet and by-pass his persecutors. Not recognizing the boat upon meeting in semi-darkness, they naively asked whether the ship carrying Athanasius was still far ahead. Calmly and truthfully Athanasius himself called back, "He is not far from here." So his persecutors kept sailing on in the same direction, allowing the saint to complete his escape.

Preserved by divine Providence through a lifetime of trial and danger, he finally died in his own quarters at Alexandria during the reign of the Emperor Valens (373). Athanasius enriched Christian literature with many important works, some pointed toward piety and edification, others polemical and dogmatic in nature. He ruled the Church of Alexandria for forty-six years.

Excerpted from The Church's Year of Grace, Pius Parsch.

Symbols: Bishop arguing with a pagan; bishop holding an open book; bishop standing over a defeated heretic.

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.

A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.

Psalm 84 (85)
Our salvation is very near
You looked kindly, O Lord, on your land: you ended the captivity of Jacob. You forgave your people’s unrighteousness and covered over their sins. You reined back all of your anger and renounced your indignant fury. Rescue us, God, our saviour, and turn your anger away from us. Do not be angry for ever – or will you let your wrath last from one generation to the next? Surely you will turn round and give us life – so that your people can rejoice in you? Show us, Lord, your kindness and give us your salvation. I will listen to whatever the Lord God tells me, for he will speak peace to his people and his chosen ones, and to those who repent in their hearts. Truly his salvation is close to those who fear him, so that glory may dwell in our land. Kindness and faithfulness have met together, justice and peace have kissed. Faithfulness has sprung from the earth, and justice has looked down from heaven. Truly the Lord will give generously, and our land will be fruitful. Justice will walk before him and place its footsteps on his path. 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 84 (85)

Our salvation is very near

You looked kindly, O Lord, on your land:
you ended the captivity of Jacob.
You forgave your people’s unrighteousness
and covered over their sins.
You reined back all of your anger
and renounced your indignant fury.

Rescue us, God, our saviour,
and turn your anger away from us.
Do not be angry for ever
– or will you let your wrath last from one generation to the next?
Surely you will turn round and give us life
– so that your people can rejoice in you?
Show us, Lord, your kindness
and give us your salvation.

I will listen to whatever the Lord God tells me,
for he will speak peace to his people and his chosen ones,
and to those who repent in their hearts.
Truly his salvation is close to those who fear him,
so that glory may dwell in our land.
Kindness and faithfulness have met together,
justice and peace have kissed.
Faithfulness has sprung from the earth,
and justice has looked down from heaven.

Truly the Lord will give generously,
and our land will be fruitful.
Justice will walk before him
and place its footsteps on his path.

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	Isaiah 26
Thanksgiving for victory
The city is ours, with its walls and ramparts, a refuge and stronghold. Open the gates, let the just people enter, the nation that keeps faith. The agreement is made: you will keep peace, for peace is entrusted to you. Trust in the Lord for all ages, for the Lord is your strength for ever. The way of the just is straight; you smooth the straight path of the just. As we follow the path of your judgements, we put all our trust in you, Lord. Our soul’s one desire is your name and your memory. My soul longs for you at night, my desire for you leaves me breathless. When your judgements shine out on the earth – then the peoples of the world will know your justice. Lord, you will give us peace, for all you have done, you did for us. 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

Isaiah 26

Thanksgiving for victory

The city is ours,
with its walls and ramparts,
a refuge and stronghold.
Open the gates, let the just people enter,
the nation that keeps faith.

The agreement is made: you will keep peace,
for peace is entrusted to you.
Trust in the Lord for all ages,
for the Lord is your strength for ever.

The way of the just is straight;
you smooth the straight path of the just.
As we follow the path of your judgements,
we put all our trust in you, Lord.
Our soul’s one desire
is your name and your memory.
My soul longs for you at night,
my desire for you leaves me breathless.
When your judgements shine out on the earth –
then the peoples of the world will know your justice.

Lord, you will give us peace,
for all you have done, you did for us.

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 66 (67)
All peoples, praise the Lord
O God, take pity on us and bless us, and let your face shine upon us, so that your ways may be known across the world, and all nations learn of your salvation. Let the peoples praise you, O God, let all the peoples praise you. Let the nations be glad and rejoice, for you judge the peoples with fairness and you guide the nations of the earth. Let the peoples praise you, O God, let all the peoples praise you. The earth has produced its harvest: may God, our God, bless us. May God bless us, may the whole world revere 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 66 (67)

All peoples, praise the Lord

O God, take pity on us and bless us, and let your face shine upon us,
so that your ways may be known across the world, and all nations learn of your salvation.

Let the peoples praise you, O God, let all the peoples praise you.
Let the nations be glad and rejoice, for you judge the peoples with fairness and you guide the nations of the earth.

Let the peoples praise you, O God, let all the peoples praise you.
The earth has produced its harvest: may God, our God, bless us.
May God bless us, may the whole world revere 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.

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

Regnum Christi

He Is the Bread of Life
May 2, 2006

Jesus teaches his followers that this daily miracle was prefiguring something greater: the Eucharist.

Athanasius, bishop and doctor of the Church
Father Paul Campbell, LC

John 6:30-35
The crowd said to Jesus, "What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you? What can you do? Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written: He gave them bread from heaven to eat.´" So Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." So they said to him, "Sir, give us this bread always." Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst."

Introductory Prayer: Lord, I thank you for this time. Help me to use it well. I place before you the needs of my family and friends. We all need your grace in our lives. I believe in you and your providence. You give me everything I need. Help me to grow in this confidence. Help me to see you present in my life, guiding me towards our eternal embrace.

Petition: Lord, increase my faith in your presence in the Eucharist and in my life.

1. Manna in the Desert. Israel lived on manna for the 40 years they traveled in the desert before entering the Promised Land. So too the Eucharist is to be our food on our journey towards heaven. The Israelites gathered only as much manna as they could use for the day, except when they gathered also for the Sabbath. It was a constant reminder that their life was in God’s hands. His providence was a daily occurrence. Jesus teaches his followers that this daily miracle was prefiguring something greater: the Eucharist. Jesus is the true bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. We receive his life in the Eucharist: “Give us this day our daily bread.”

2. Give Us This Bread Always. Moved by Christ’s words, the crowd spontaneously cries out, “Sir, give us this bread always.” They speak from a fundamental need of the human heart. We need God, and we know deep down inside that without him we are barren and empty. Without God we cannot be happy, as much as we might keep busy and entertained. God alone gives meaning and substance to life – “Give us this day our daily bread.”

3. Hunger and Thirst. “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” John’s Gospel frequently reveals who Christ is – the mystery of his person – in a series of “I am” statements. “I am the bread of life.” “ I am the way, the truth, and the life.” “I am the resurrection.” This complements God’s revelation of his name to Moses – “Yahweh,” “I am who am” (Exodus 3:14). So holy was this name that no one pronounced it except for the High Priest on the Day of Atonement.
How often do I hunger and thirst for things other than God? How much am I preoccupied with the passing goods of this world? If God is not first in my life, everything is out of order. “Seek first the kingdom of God.” Jesus is our life; he is the bread of life. Just as we cannot live without food and nourishment, our souls cannot live with out him. In baptism we received a divine principle of life. How can we expect to keep that divine life flourishing without a proper diet? “Give us this day our daily bread.”

Dialogue with Christ: Jesus help me to put you first in my life. I see how easily I sometimes get out of balance. I give myself to worldly cares. I become consumed with passing fancies. Help me to work for food that lasts to eternal life. Without you I am lost. You are my life and my true good. Give me the grace to receive you everyday.

Resolution: Before starting my work and my chores I will speak with Christ and unite myself to him.

You will all be some of the first to know if this website gets up and going again!

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 Prayers

Vespers (Evening Prayer)

A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.

Psalm 124 (125)
The Lord guards his people
Those who trust in the Lord are like the mountain of Sion: it cannot be shaken, it will stand firm for ever. Jerusalem – the mountains stand guard over it, and the Lord stands guard over his people, both now and for ever. The sceptre of the wicked shall not rest upon the inheritance of the just; lest the just themselves stretch out their hands and turn to wickedness. Be good, O Lord, to the good and the upright of heart. As for those who turn away to crooked paths, the Lord shall treat them like the doers of evil. Peace be on 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.

Psalm 124 (125)

The Lord guards his people

Those who trust in the Lord are like the mountain of Sion:
it cannot be shaken, it will stand firm for ever.

Jerusalem – the mountains stand guard over it,
and the Lord stands guard over his people,
both now and for ever.
The sceptre of the wicked shall not rest
upon the inheritance of the just;
lest the just themselves stretch out their hands
and turn to wickedness.

Be good, O Lord, to the good
and the upright of heart.
As for those who turn away to crooked paths,
the Lord shall treat them like the doers of evil.
Peace be on 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.

Psalm 130 (131)
Childlike trust in God
Lord, I do not puff myself up or stare about, or walk among the great or seek wonders beyond me. Truly calm and quiet I have made my spirit: quiet as a weaned child in its mother’s arms – like an infant is my soul. Let Israel hope in the Lord, now and for all time. 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 130 (131)

Childlike trust in God

Lord, I do not puff myself up or stare about,
or walk among the great or seek wonders beyond me.

Truly calm and quiet I have made my spirit:
quiet as a weaned child in its mother’s arms –
like an infant is my soul.

Let Israel hope in the Lord, now and for all time.

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	Apocalypse 4,5
The song of the redeemed
You are worthy, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honour and power; for you made all things, and it is by your will that they existed and were created. You are worthy, Lord, to receive the book and open its seals, for you were killed, and with your blood you have ransomed people from every tribe and language and people and nation, and made them rulers and priests for God; and they will rule over the earth. The Lamb is worthy, who was killed, to receive power and riches and wisdom, strength and honour, glory and blessing. 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

Apocalypse 4,5

The song of the redeemed

You are worthy, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honour and power;
for you made all things, and it is by your will that they existed and were created.

You are worthy, Lord, to receive the book and open its seals,
for you were killed, and with your blood you have ransomed people from every tribe and language and people and nation,
and made them rulers and priests for God; and they will rule over the earth.

The Lamb is worthy, who was killed, to receive power and riches and wisdom, strength and honour, glory and blessing.

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 was enfolded in the earth and emerged to the light of a new glory. Let us rejoice and cry out to him: - King of glory, hear us.
For bishops, priests, and deacons: let them perform their ministry with care.: We beg you, Lord: let them bring you the gift of a people eager to do good.
For teachers whose task it is to serve your Church –: we beg you, Lord: let them seek your truth in purity of heart.
For the Church’s faithful: may they fight the good fight of faith.: We beg you, Lord: let them run the race through, and earn the prize of your kingdom.
On the cross you cancelled the sentence of damnation:: loose our bonds and free us from the shadows.
You went down into the underworld and threw open its gates:: admit to your kingdom our brethren who have died.

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

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Meditation
John 6:30-35

I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry. (John 6:35)

Jesus, so many in the world today hunger for the bread of love. All they know are false loves that neither satisfy nor fill the heart. All they know are attachments to objects or philosophies or themselves—not to you, the source of all love and beauty. Lord, let the bread of your love come into their hearts and satisfy their deepest hunger.

Jesus, so many hunger for the bread of truth. All over the world, your people are being bombarded by media hype, false ideologies, and lies from the evil one. Jesus, you are the way, the truth, and the life. Your word is truth. Feed people today with the bread of your truth.

Jesus, so many people today are lonely, hungering for the bread of community. So many live in suspicion, cynicism, or fear of commitment to one another. Yet in the church, you formed a community of disciples on the foundation of your love. Guide those who are lonely to find friends, companions, and families that offer the gift of fellowship. Break down walls of fear and isolation so they will reach out to receive your presence in new brothers and sisters in faith.

Jesus, more and more people today hunger for hope. Some live day to day, without a vision for their lives, without any goals beyond taking care of their own needs and wants. Others are near despair, unable to see meaning or purpose for their lives. Let them know that you are the answer. Strengthen them inwardly to carry on and reach the goal you have prepared for them—nothing less than a seat at your banquet table. Lord, rain down the bread of hope.

Jesus, millions are literally hungering for food. Starvation and famine afflict people on every continent, even in our own backyard. Lord, move your people to feed the hungry and to work for a world in which everyone has enough to eat.

Finally, Jesus, millions today hunger for the bread of life. Lord, open their hearts to see your presence in your precious gift of the Eucharist. Lead them to your table, Lord, that they may satisfy their hunger for the bread of life—you, yourself, Lord.

“Lord, give us this, our daily bread, today and always.”

Acts 7:51–8:1; Psalm 31:3-4,6-8,17,21

One Bread, One Body

<< Tuesday, May 2, 2006 >>

St. Athanasius

Acts 7:51—8:1

Psalm 31

John 6:30-35

View Readings

GET YOUR RE-ACT TOGETHER

"Stephen, meanwhile, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked to the sky above and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at God's right hand. 'Look!' he exclaimed, 'I see an opening in the sky.' " —Acts 7:55

If a mob of people "ground their teeth in anger" against you, if they rushed at you while "shouting aloud, holding their hands over their ears as they did so" (Acts 7:54, 57), if they dragged you out of the city and began to stone you, what would your reaction be? Fear? Anger? Hatred? Resentment? Confusion?

Stephen's reaction was altogether different. His "face seemed like that of an angel" (Acts 6:15). "As Stephen was being stoned he could be heard praying, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' He fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them' " (Acts 7:59-60). His prayer of faith and forgiveness helped bring about Saul's conversion, one of the greatest conversions of all time.

How could Stephen react as he did? Our reactions derive from someone else's actions. Stephen chose to react to the act of Jesus "standing at God's right hand" (Acts 7:56) instead of reacting to the demon-driven mob. We can always choose to react to Jesus, for He overshadows all reality. Conversely, we can choose to bury our heads in the sands of worldly activities and ignore Jesus. Whose act will you react to?

Prayer: Jesus, risen and glorified, may I fix my eyes on You and have peace in the eye of the hurricane.

Promise: "Jesus explained to them: 'I Myself am the Bread of Life. No one who comes to Me shall ever be hungry, no one who believes in Me shall ever thirst." —Jn 6:35

Praise: St. Athanasius fought against the denial of Jesus' divinity most of his seventy-seven years.

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