Since the 16th century Catholic piety has assigned entire months to special devotions. Due to the solemnity of Saint Joseph on March 19, this month is devoted to this great saint, the foster father of Christ. "It greatly behooves Christians, while honoring the Virgin Mother of God, constantly to invoke with deep piety and confidence her most chaste spouse, Saint Joseph. We have a well grounded conviction that such is the special desire of the Blessed Virgin herself." --Pope Leo XIII

FOR OUR WORK
Glorious Saint Joseph, pattern of all who are devoted to toil, obtain for me the grace to toil in the spirit of penance, in order thereby to atone for my many sins; to toil conscientiously, putting devotion to duty before my own inclinations; to labor with thankfulness and joy, deeming it an honor to employ and to develop, by my labor, the gifts I have received from Almighty God; to work with order, peace, moderation, and patience, without ever shrinking from weariness and difficulties; to work above all with a pure intention and with detachment from self, having always before my eyes the hour of death and the accounting which I must then render of time ill-spent, of talents unemployed, of good undone, and of my empty pride in success, which is so fatal to the work of God. All for Jesus, all through Mary, all in imitation of thee, 0 Patriarch Joseph! This shall be my motto in life and in death. Amen.

OFFERING TO SAINT JOSEPH
O great Saint Joseph, thou generous depositary and dispenser of immortal riches, behold us prostrate at thy feet, imploring thee to receive us as thy servants and as thy children. Next to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, of which thou art the faithful copy, we acknowledge that there is no heart more tender, more compassionate than thine.

What, then, have we to fear, or, rather, for what should we not hope, if thou dost deign to be our benefactor, our master, our model, our father and our mediator? Refuse not, then, this favor, O powerful protector! We ask it of thee by the love thou hast for Jesus and Mary. Into thy hands we commit our souls and bodies, but above all the last moments of our lives.

May we, after having honored, imitated, and served thee on earth, eternally sing with thee the mercies of Jesus and Mary. Amen.

FOR THE INTERCESSION OF SAINT JOSEPH
O Joseph, virgin-father of Jesus, most pure spouse of the Virgin Mary, pray every day for us to the same Jesus, the Son of God, that we, being defended by the power of His grace and striving dutifully in life, may be crowned by Him at the hour of death.

Prayer Source: Prayer Book, The by Reverend John P. O'Connell, M.A., S.T.D. and Jex Martin, M.A., The Catholic Press, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, 1954

St. Joseph
St. Joseph was an ordinary manual laborer although descended from the royal house of David. In the designs of Providence he was destined to become the spouse of the Mother of God. His high privilege is expressed in a single phrase, "Foster-father of Jesus." About him Sacred Scripture has little more to say than that he was a just man-an expression which indicates how faithfully he fulfilled his high trust of protecting and guarding God's greatest treasures upon earth, Jesus and Mary.

The darkest hours of his life may well have been those when he first learned of Mary's pregnancy; but precisely in this time of trial Joseph showed himself great. His suffering, which likewise formed a part of the work of the redemption, was not without great providential import: Joseph was to be, for all times, the trustworthy witness of the Messiah's virgin birth. After this, he modestly retires into the background of holy Scripture.

Of St. Joseph's death the Bible tells us nothing. There are indications, however, that he died before the beginning of Christ's public life. His was the most beautiful death that one could have, in the arms of Jesus and Mary. Humbly and unknown, he passed his years at Nazareth, silent and almost forgotten he remained in the background through centuries of Church history. Only in more recent times has he been accorded greater honor. Liturgical veneration of St. Joseph began in the fifteenth century, fostered by Sts. Brigid of Sweden and Bernadine of Siena. St. Teresa, too, did much to further his cult.

At present there are two major feasts in his honor. On March 19 our veneration is directed to him personally and to his part in the work of redemption, while on May 1 we honor him as the patron of workmen throughout the world and as our guide in the difficult matter of establishing equitable norms regarding obligations and rights in the social order.

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

St. Joseph is invoked as patron for many causes. He is the patron of the Universal Church. He is the patron of the dying because Jesus and Mary were at his death-bed. He is also the patron of fathers, of carpenters, and of social justice. Many religious orders and communities are placed under his patronage.

Patron: Against doubt; against hesitation; Americas; Austria; Diocese of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; California; Belgium; Bohemia; bursars; cabinetmakers; Canada; Carinthia; carpenters; China; Church; confectioners; craftsmen; Croatian people (in 1687 by decree of the Croatian parliament) dying people; emigrants; engineers; expectant mothers; families; fathers; Florence, Italy; happy death; holy death; house hunters; immigrants; interior souls; Korea; laborers; Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin; Archdiocese of Louisville, Kentucky; Diocese of Manchester, New Hampshire; Mexico; Diocese of Nashville, Tennessee; New France; New World; Oblates of Saint Joseph; people in doubt; people who fight Communism; Peru; pioneers; pregnant women; protection of the Church; Diocese of San Jose, California; diocese of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; social justice; Styria, Austria; travelers; Turin Italy; Tyrol Austria; unborn children Universal Church; Vatican II; Viet Nam; Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston West Virginia; wheelwrights; workers; working people.

Symbols: Bible; branch; capenter's square; carpenter's tools; chalice; cross; hand tools; infant Jesus; ladder; lamb; lily; monstrance; old man holding a lily and a carpenter's tool such as a square; old man holding the infant Jesus; plane; rod.

Things to Do:

You must have a table that is simply overflowing with good Italian food on this day! The feast of San Giuseppe began in the Middle Ages when Sicily was suffering from a severe drought and the desperate people begged St. Joseph for rain. When they received rainy weather in response, they held a huge "feste" in Saint Joseph's honor. Even today, Sicilians go to Mass before their St. Joseph's day dinner and then process to their festive tables, decked out in flowers, breads, and all sorts of Italian foods. The priest blesses the food, and everyone shouts "Viva la tavola di San Giuse!" (which your children will readily do with great gusto). After the meal is done, everyone present is given something to take home, in the generous spirit of this day. Try some of our delicious recipes linked here. We especially recommend the traditional Minestrone. Italian sausage is always a favorite, as well. And you should have bread of all kinds — this recipe for Italian Decorative Breads can provide the traditional shape of your choice (St. Joseph's staff, his beard, etc). Also a traditional must with children is St. Joseph's Sfinge, (Cream Puffs), for which we have several recipes on this site. Plan a St. Joseph's potluck for this day with other Catholic families — invite a parish priest and ask his blessing over the food before you begin the meal. If you do not have the time or resources to do this, plan a smaller affair with your own family, complete with prayers to St. Joseph, a little procession with candles for the older children and your favorite hymns, and then the father of the family ought to say a special blessing over the food before you begin.

Check out this wonderful site that explains the St. Joseph Altar more in detail, includes recipes, history, and allows virtual offerings.

For further reading:

Viva San Giuseppe: A guide for Saint Joseph Altars. This wonderful booklet is available for $5.00 plus $1.50 postage. All proceeds from the sale of this book will be used to assist the Sisters of St. Joseph in their ministries. Make your check payable to St. Joseph Guild, 1200 Mirabeau Ave., New Orleans, LA 70122.
The St. Joseph Altar Traditions of South Louisiana (Louisiana Life Series; No. 4) by Ethelyn Gay Orso, small booklet with photographs, available for purchase at online bookstores, such as Amazon.
Brand new beautifully illustrated hardcover book, Saint Joseph Altars by Kerri McCaffety (Photographer), also available at bookstores.
Read the section of Directory on Popular Piety and Liturgy on St. Joseph.
Read Pope Leo XIII's encyclical on Devotion to St. Joseph.
Interested in history? Read this article on the history of devotions to St. Joseph, Finding St. Joseph, by Sandra Miesel.

Pray this prayer and litany in honor of St. Joseph with your family rosary tonight.

Here is a link to several meditations on St. Joseph — choose the one that is perfect for you and your family!

Here are some ideas for teaching children about St. Joseph.

Young girls ought to pray to St. Joseph for their future spouse.

Prayer to St. Joseph

Pope Pius X composed this prayer to St. Joseph, patron of working people, that expresses concisely the Christian attitude toward labor. It summarizes also for us the lessons of the Holy Family's work at Nazareth.

Glorious St. Joseph, model of all who devote their lives to labor, obtain for me the grace to work in the spirit of penance in order thereby to atone for my many sins; to work conscientiously, setting devotion to duty in preference to my own whims; to work with thankfulness and joy, deeming it an honor to employ and to develop by my labor the gifts I have received from God; to work with order, peace, moderation, and patience, without ever shrinking from weariness and difficulties; to work above all with a pure intention and with detachment from self, having always before my eyes the hour of death and the accounting which I must then render of time ill spent, of talents wasted, of good omitted, and of vain complacency in success, which is so fatal to the work of God.

All for Jesus, all through Mary, all in imitation of you, O Patriarch Joseph! This shall be my motto in life and in death, Amen.

Nothing Will Be Denied Him (St. Joseph)

The Heart of a Father [St. Joseph]

Quemadmodum Deus - Decree Under Blessed Pius IX, Making St. Joseph Patron of the Church

St. Joseph [Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary], Solemnity, March 19

MORE THAN PATRON OF HOMES, IT'S TIME FOR ST. JOSEPH TO GAIN HIGHEST OF RECOGNITION [Fatherhood]

(Saint) Joseph the Patriarch: A Reflection on the Solemnity of St. Joseph

How I Rediscovered a "Neglected" Saint: Work of Art Inspires Young Man to Rediscover St. Joseph

The Heart of St. Joseph

The Importance of Devotion to St. Joseph

St. Francis de Sales on St. Joseph (Some Excerpts for St. Joseph's Day 2004)

St. Joseph: REDEMPTORIS CUSTOS (Guardian Of The Redeemer)

St. Joseph's Humility (By St. Francis de Sales)

March 19 - Feast of St. Joseph - Husband of Mary - Intercessor of civil leaders

St. Joseph's Spirit of Silence

Father & Child (An Evangelical Minister preaches on St. Joseph)

Catholic Devotions: St. Joseph the Worker

HOMILIES PREACHED BY FATHER ALTIER ON THE FEAST OF SAINT JOSEPH, THE WORKER.

Feast of St. Joseph the Worker (May 1st.)- Discussion

From: Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18

God's Covenant with Abram (Continuation)

[5] And he (God) brought him (Abram) outside and said, "Look toward heaven,
and number the stars, if you are able to number them." Then he said to him,
"So shall your descendants be." [6] And he believed the Lord; and he reckoned
it to him as righteousness.

[7] And he said to him, "I am the Lord who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans,
to give you this land to possess." [8] But he said, "0 Lord God, how am I to know
that I shall possess it?" [9] He said to him, "Bring me a heifer three years old, a
she-goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon."
[10] And he brought him all these, cut them in two, and laid each half over against
the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. [11] And when birds of prey came
down upon the carcasses, Abram drove them away.

[12] As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abram; and lo, a dread and
great darkness fell upon him.

[17] When the sun had gone down and it was dark, behold, a smoking firepot and
a flaming torch passed between these pieces. [18] 0n that day the Lord made a
covenant with Abram, saying, "To your descendants I give this land, from the river
of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates."

Commentary:

15:1-21. God rewards Abraham for his generosity towards Mechizedek and for
his renouncing of the riches offered him by the king of Sodom. He appears to
him in a vision and promises his help, many descendants and the land of Ca-
naan. Here all that is required of Abraham is that he believe in the promise that
God himself, through a rite of covenant, undertakes to fulfill. This passage em-
phasizes the gravity of God's promise and speaks of the faithfulness of God,
who will keep his word.

15:4-6. Once more Abraham is asked to make an act of faith in the word of God,
and he does so. This pleases God and is reckoned righteous. This makes Abra-
ham the father of all those who believe in God and his saving word.

In the light of this passage St Paul sees Abraham as the model of how a person
becomes righteous in God's eyes--through faith in his word, the definitive word
being the announcement that God saves us through the death and resurrection
of Jesus. In this way, Abraham not only becomes the father of the Jewish people
according to the flesh, but also the father of those who without being Jews have
become members of the new people of God through faith in Jesus: "We say that
faith was reckoned to Abraham as righteousness. How then was it reckoned to
him? Was it before or after he was circumcised? It was not after, but before he
was circumcised. He received circumcision as a sign or seal of the righteous-
ness which he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was
to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised and who thus
have righteousness reckoned to them, and likewise the father of the circumcised
who are not merely circumcised but also follow the example of the faith which
our father Abraham had before he was circumcised" (Rom 4:9-12).

Abraham's faith revealed itself in his obedience to God when he left his home-
land (cf. 12:4), and later on when he was ready to sacrifice his son (cf 22:1-4).
This is the aspect of Abraham's obedience which is given special emphasis in
the Letter of St James, inviting Christians to prove the genuineness of their faith
with obedience to God and good works: "Was not Abraham our father justified
by works, when he offered his son Isaac upon the altar? You see that faith was
active along with his works, and faith was completed by works, and scripture
was fulfilled which says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him
as righteousness'; and he was called the friend of God" (Jas 2:21-23).

15:7-21. The strength of God's resolve to give the land of Canaan is vividly de-
monstrated by his ordaining a rite of covenant to externalize the commitment
undertaken by both parties. According to this ancient rite (cf. Jer 34:18), the
action of the two parties--"passing between" the pieces of the victims-indicated
a readiness to be similarly cut in pieces if one were guilty of breaking the pact.
The text makes the point that God (represented by the flaming torch: cf Ex 3:2;
13:21; 19:18) "passes between" the bloody limbs of the victims, to ratify his
promise.

This is how the book of Genesis portrays the people of Israel's right to the land
of Canaan and explains how the land came to belong to it only in recent times,
after the Exodus. During the ceremony Abraham is given advance information
about the afflictions the people will suffer before the promise is fulfilled. An expla-
nation is also given as to why God will take the land away from the Canaanites
(here described as Amorites): their evil-doing will have gone too far. God emerges
here as the Lord of the earth and of nations. On the sojourn of the people of Israel
in Egypt, cf. the note on 37:2-50:25.

Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text from the
Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries by members of
the Faculty of Theology, University of Navarre, Spain.

Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland, and
by Scepter Publishers in the United States.

From: Philippians 3:17-4:1

Citizens of Heaven

[17] Brethren, join in imitating me, and mark those who so live as you have an
example in us. [18] For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you
even with tears, live as enemies of the cross of Christ. [19] Their end is des-
truction, their god is the belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on
earthly things. [20] But our commonwealth is in heaven, and from it we await a
Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, [21] who will change our lowly body to be like his
glorious body, by the power which enables him even to subject all things to
himself.

Exhortation to Perseverance and Joy

[1] Therefore, my brethren, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand
firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

Commentary:

17. The Apostle's teaching goes further than to list a series of truths and rules
for moral behavior: he backs this up with his own life in the service of the Gos-
pel, and, through it, all men; this is what makes his preaching arresting and
convincing.

There is no better teaching than the teacher's own example," St John Chrysos-
tom exclaims, commenting on this passage; "by taking this course the teacher
is sure of getting his disciple to follow him. Speak wisely, instruct as eloquently
as you can ..., but your example will make a greater impression, will be more
decisive.... When your actions are in line with your words, nobody will be able
to find fault with you" ("Hom. on Phil, ad loc.").

This, then, is the standard Christians should aim at. It will help those they come
in contact with to learn how to be hard-working, noble, loyal and sincere people,
or at least to tend in that direction.

One can see from this verse, as from many other passages in his letters, that
St Paul refers to himself now as "me", now as "us". In the second case he is
probably also referring to his co-workers; these they should also imitate, for like
him they are imitators of Christ (cf. 1 Cor 4:17). it is quite likely that he is thin-
king particularly of Timothy, whose name he put alongside his own at the head
of this letter--and whom he praised in glorious terms in the previous chapter (cf.
Phil 2:19, 22).

Imitation of the saints is a very good way to equip oneself to serve others.
"Most earnestly, then, we exhort you", Pius XII says, "be very solicitous for
the salvation of those whom Providence has entrusted to your apostolic labors,
maintaining throughout the closest union with our divine Redeemer, by whose
strength we can do all things (cf. Phil 4:13). It is our ardent desire, beloved sons,
that you may emulate those saintly men of old who, by the immensity of their
achievement, bore witness to the power of divine grace. Would that each of you
could on the evidence of the faithful attribute to himself in humble sincerity the
words of the Apostle: 'I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls' (2
Cor 12:15)" ("Menti Nostrae", 31).

18-19. St Paul points to the bad example given by those (cf. v. 2) who, by up-
holding false doctrines or abusing their Christian freedom, lead a life steeped in
vice; they let themselves be controlled by their sensual appetites and they set
their hearts on things which enslave them, which should rather make them
blush. They are enemies of Christ's cross.

"They glory in their own shame": they take pride in behavior which is shameful.
This may also be an allusion to circumcision, for Judaizers were proud of a
mark which decency keeps covered.

20-21. "It is nature, flawed by sin, that begets all the citizens of the earthly city,
whereas it is grace alone which frees nature from sin, which begets citizens of
the heavenly city" ("De Civitate Dei", 15, 2). Christians are "citizens of heaven"
and therefore are called to live a life that is joyful and full of hope, as befits chil-
dren of God.

The effort to live in a manner worthy of members of the commonwealth of heaven
is aided by hope in the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in glory. The
Parousia, as well as the passion and death of Christ and his subsequent resur-
rection, are constant themes in the Apostle's preaching. Reflection on these
mysteries helps us to have hope and gives us encouragement in our everyday
struggle.

Christ's resurrection is the cause of our resurrection, for "Christ has been raised
from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man
came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead" (1 Cor
15:20-21). An essential prerequisite for attaining resurrection in glory is the effort
to identify with Christ, in both joy and suffering, in both life and death. "If we have
died with him, we shall also live with him; if we endure, we shall also reign with
him" (2 Tim 2:12). Christ is the Lord of all creation; his authority extends over the
entire universe (cf. Col 1:15-20). If we make the effort that fidelity requires, he will
take our body, which is weak and subject to illness, death and decay, and trans-
form it into a glorious body.

Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text from the
Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries by members of
the Faculty of Theology, University of Navarre, Spain.

Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland, and
by Scepter Publishers in the United States.

From: Luke 9:28b-36

The Transfiguration

[28b] He (Jesus) took with Him Peter and John and James, and went up on
the mountain to pray. [29] And as He was praying, the appearance of His
countenance was altered, and His raiment became dazzling white. [30] And
behold, two men talked with Him, Moses and Elijah, [31] who appeared in
glory and spoke of His departure which He was to accomplish at Jerusalem.
[32] Now Peter and those who were with Him were heavy with sleep but kept
awake, and they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. [33] And
as the men were parting from Him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is well that
we are here; let us make three booths, one for You and one for Moses and one
for Elijah"--not knowing what He said. [34] As he said this, a cloud came and
overshadowed them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. [35] And
a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My Son, My Chosen; listen to
Him!" [36] And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they
kept silence and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.

Commentary:

28-36. By His transfiguration Jesus strengthens His disciples' faith, revealing a
trace of the glory His body will have after the Resurrection. He wants them to
realize that His passion will not be the end but rather the route He will take to
reach His glorification. "For a person to go straight along the road, he must have
some knowledge of the end--just as an archer will not shoot an arrow straight
unless he first sees the target [...]. This is particularly necessary if the road is
hard and rough, the going heavy, and the end delightful" (St. Thomas Aquinas,
"Summa Theologiae", III, q. 45, a. 1).

Through the miracle of the Transfiguration Jesus shows one of the qualities of
glorified bodies--brightness, "by which the bodies of the saints shall shine like
the sun, according to the words of our Lord recorded in the Gospel of St.
Matthew: `The righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father'
(Matthew 13:43). To remove the possibility of doubt on the subject, He exemp-
lifies this in His transfiguration. This quality the Apostle (St. Paul) sometimes
calls glory, sometimes brightness: `He will change our lowly body to be like
His glorious body' (Philippians 3:21); and again, `It is sown in dishonor, it is
raised in glory' (1 Corinthians 15:43). Of this glory the Israelites beheld some
image in the desert, when the face of Moses, after he had enjoyed the presence
and conversation of God, shone with such luster that they could not look on it
(Exodus 34:29; 2 Corinthians 3:7). This brightness is a sort of radiance reflec-
ted by the body from the supreme happiness of the soul. It is a participation in
that bliss which the soul enjoys [...]. This quality is not common to all in the
same degree. All the bodies of the saints will be equally impassible; but the
brightness of all will not be the same, for, according to the Apostle, `There is
one glory of the sun, and another of the moon, and another glory of the stars;
for star differs from star in glory. So it is with the resurrection of the dead' (1
Corinthians 15:4f)" ("St. Pius V Catechism", I, 12, 13). See also the notes on
Matthew 17:1-13; 17:5; 17:10-13; and Mark 9:2-10; 9:7.

31. "And spoke of His departure": that is, His departure from this world, in other
words, His death. It can also be understood as meaning our Lord's Ascension.

35. "Listen to Him!": everything God wishes to say to mankind He has said
through Christ, now that the fullness of time has come (cf. Hebrews 1:1).
Therefore," St. John of the Cross explains, "if any now should question God or
desire a vision or revelation, not only would he be acting foolishly but he would
be committing an offense against God, by not fixing his gaze on Christ with no
desire for any new thing. For God could reply to him in this way: `If I have spo-
ken all things to you in My Word, which is My Son, and I have no greater word,
what answer can I give you now, or what can I reveal to you that is greater than
this? Fix your eyes on Him alone, for in Him I have spoken and revealed to you
all things, and in Him you will find even more than what you ask for and desire
[...]. Hear Him, for I have no more faith to reveal, nor have I any more things to
declare'" ("Ascent of Mount Carmel", Book 2, Chapter 22, 5).

Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text from the
Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries by members of
the Faculty of Theology, University of Navarre, Spain.

Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland, and
by Scepter Publishers in the United States.

Mass Readings

First reading	Genesis 15:5 - 18 ©
The Lord said to Abram, ‘Look up to heaven and count the stars if you can. Such will be your descendants.’ Abram put his faith in the Lord, who counted this as making him justified. ‘I am the Lord’ he said to him ‘who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldaeans to make you heir to this land.’ ‘My Lord,’ Abram replied ‘how am I to know that I shall inherit it?’ He said to him, ‘Get me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove and a young pigeon’. He brought him all these, cut them in half and put half on one side and half facing it on the other; but the birds he did not cut in half. Birds of prey came down on the carcases but Abram drove them off. When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, there appeared a smoking furnace and a firebrand that went between the halves. That day the Lord made a Covenant with Abram in these terms: ‘To your descendants I give this land, from the wadi of Egypt to the Great River, the river Euphrates.’

First reading

Genesis 15:5 - 18 ©

The Lord said to Abram, ‘Look up to heaven and count the stars if you can. Such will be your descendants.’ Abram put his faith in the Lord, who counted this as making him justified.
‘I am the Lord’ he said to him ‘who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldaeans to make you heir to this land.’ ‘My Lord,’ Abram replied ‘how am I to know that I shall inherit it?’ He said to him, ‘Get me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove and a young pigeon’. He brought him all these, cut them in half and put half on one side and half facing it on the other; but the birds he did not cut in half. Birds of prey came down on the carcases but Abram drove them off.
When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, there appeared a smoking furnace and a firebrand that went between the halves. That day the Lord made a Covenant with Abram in these terms:
‘To your descendants I give this land,
from the wadi of Egypt to the Great River,
the river Euphrates.’

Psalm or canticle: Psalm 26

Second reading	Philippians 3:17 - 4:1 ©
My brothers, be united in following my rule of life. Take as your models everybody who is already doing this and study them as you used to study us. I have told you often, and I repeat it today with tears, there are many who are behaving as the enemies of the cross of Christ. They are destined to be lost. They make foods into their god and they are proudest of something they ought to think shameful; the things they think important are earthly things. For us, our homeland is in heaven, and from heaven comes the saviour we are waiting for, the Lord Jesus Christ, and he will transfigure these wretched bodies of ours into copies of his glorious body. He will do that by the same power with which he can subdue the whole universe. So then, my brothers and dear friends, do not give way but remain faithful in the Lord. I miss you very much, dear friends; you are my joy and my crown.

Second reading

Philippians 3:17 - 4:1 ©

My brothers, be united in following my rule of life. Take as your models everybody who is already doing this and study them as you used to study us. I have told you often, and I repeat it today with tears, there are many who are behaving as the enemies of the cross of Christ. They are destined to be lost. They make foods into their god and they are proudest of something they ought to think shameful; the things they think important are earthly things. For us, our homeland is in heaven, and from heaven comes the saviour we are waiting for, the Lord Jesus Christ, and he will transfigure these wretched bodies of ours into copies of his glorious body. He will do that by the same power with which he can subdue the whole universe.
So then, my brothers and dear friends, do not give way but remain faithful in the Lord. I miss you very much, dear friends; you are my joy and my crown.

Gospel	Luke 9:28 - 36 ©
About eight days after this had been said, Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up the mountain to pray. As he prayed, the aspect of his face was changed and his clothing became brilliant as lightning. Suddenly there were two men there talking to him; they were Moses and Elijah appearing in glory, and they were speaking of his passing which he was to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were heavy with sleep, but they kept awake and saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As these were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah’. – He did not know what he was saying. As he spoke, a cloud came and covered them with shadow; and when they went into the cloud the disciples were afraid. And a voice came from the cloud saying, ‘This is my Son, the Chosen One. Listen to him.’ And after the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. The disciples kept silence and, at that time, told no one what they had seen.

Gospel

Luke 9:28 - 36 ©

About eight days after this had been said, Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up the mountain to pray. As he prayed, the aspect of his face was changed and his clothing became brilliant as lightning. Suddenly there were two men there talking to him; they were Moses and Elijah appearing in glory, and they were speaking of his passing which he was to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were heavy with sleep, but they kept awake and saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As these were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah’. – He did not know what he was saying. As he spoke, a cloud came and covered them with shadow; and when they went into the cloud the disciples were afraid. And a voice came from the cloud saying, ‘This is my Son, the Chosen One. Listen to him.’ And after the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. The disciples kept silence and, at that time, told no one what they had seen.

Transfiguration Transparency

Fr. Jerome Magat

Other Articles by Fr. Jerome Magat
Printer Friendly Version

Transfiguration Transparency

March 2, 2007

The subject of the fourth luminous mystery of the rosary is one of the most dramatic scenes in all of Scripture. It places Jesus between Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (representing the Prophets) as the Lord of all history and the fulfillment of God's promise of a savior. This moment made such an impression on the disciples of the Lord that it is one of the few stories common to all three synoptic Gospels.

In St. Luke's version of this event, there is a detail contained in the story unique to his account: Jesus was transfigured while he was praying. This seemingly minor detail presents some insights into the power of prayer and the relationship between the Transfiguration and the sacrament of penance.

Just as Jesus was transfigured while He was praying, we are called in a similar manner to be transformed into saints. Throughout the ages, many saints and theologians have offered different definitions for prayer, but in its simplest terms, prayer is, "the elevation of the mind and heart to God in praise of his glory; a petition made to God for some desired good, or in thanksgiving for a good received, or in intercession for others before God" (CCC Nos. 2559-2565).

As the soul is drawn in closer union with God, it is steadily transformed by grace and becomes a more perfect image of God Himself, sharing in the Trinity's inner life. Not only does prayer have the power to secure favors — more importantly, it has the power to transform our will and desires to conformity with God and His loving, providential plan. So, no matter whether our petitions are "answered" or not, the person transformed by prayer will have greater insights into God's will for them, especially if that plan includes a participation in the Passion through suffering.

Not only does the Transfiguration remind us of the transforming power of prayer, it also invites us to consider the transforming power of the sacrament of penance. When Jesus was transfigured on Mt. Tabor before Sts. Peter, James and John, these three apostles caught a glimpse of Christ's divine glory. In a sense, Jesus uncovered for them an insight into His divine nature. They were able to see Jesus in a unique and highly-privileged manner. It was as if they could see a part of Jesus beyond what mere human sight could discern.

In a similar fashion, this is what can happen for a contrite penitent in the sacrament of penance. When one approaches our Lord's tribunal of mercy in making a good confession, all of the masks and appearances that we assume in life can be taken off. We lay bare our souls before Jesus' mercy; He sees us as we truly are. No longer must we "put on airs" or "present ourselves" in order to cast a certain image that we would like others to have of us. In effect, we reveal our true self. We allow the grace of Christ's mercy to take our frail humanity and permit it to be purified, strengthened and transformed, so that we become as transparent to Him as He was to the three apostles.

The challenge for us after confession is to integrate that true self known to Jesus with the perception that we want others to have of us. The integration of Christ's two natures, held in perfect balance, calls us to become whole and integrated persons.

In the season of Lent, we do well to pray for the grace of prayer to transform us, so that we can become as transparent as the Transfigured One through the sacrament of penance.

The Work of God

Year C

- 2nd Sunday of Lent

This is my beloved Son; hear him.

Luke 9:28-36

28 Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray.
29 And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white.
30 Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him.
31 They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
32 Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him.
33 Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah" -- not knowing what he said.
34 While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud.
35 Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!"
36 When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen. (NRSV)

Inspiration of the Holy Spirit - From the Sacred Heart of Jesus

2nd Sunday of Lent - This is my beloved Son; hear him.

When the time came, I revealed the plan of the Father to my apostles, which included all my sufferings and my death in Calvary for the redemption of men. It was very difficult for them to accept that they would soon be left without their master.

I invited my three closest apostles to come with me to pray, however they were tired and sleepy, so they missed out on my prayers.

There was a moment when my humanity was overwhelmed by my divinity, so Moses and Elijah came to see me and to talk with me. In the middle of this consolation my apostles woke up to see me transfigured in the light of my divinity, then they saw my heavenly visitors and at that moment they heard the voice of my Father saying “This is my beloved, listen to him”. The participation in these divine moments caused them great amazement. For a start they had a glance at my divinity, something that would strengthen their faith for the future sufferings they had to endure. They were very fortunate to also hear the voice of my Father who confirms my mission as his Word, who urges men to take advantage of the heavenly gift that has been sent from heaven, the Son of God.

My transfiguration is also the great hope of man. When you come face to face with me after the resurrection, this is what you will become like, Sons and Daughters of God, whose humanity will be divinized by the grace of my Salvation.

But my work is already in you because you have heard my words and have taken them into your heart.

Author: Joseph of Jesus and Mary

Catholic homilies - gospel inspirations - list

Sunday, March 4, 2007
Second Sunday of Lent (Total Consecration - Day 12)

First Reading:
Psalm:
Second Reading:
Gospel:

Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18
Psalm 27:1-1, 7-9, 13-14
Philippians 3:17 - 4:1 or 3:20 - 4:1
Luke 9:28-36

Dismiss all anger and look into yourself a little. Remember that he of whom you are speaking is your brother, and, as he is in the way of salvation, God can make him a Saint, in spite of his present weakness.

-- St. Thomas of Villanova

Kiturgical Scripture Study
For Sunday, March 4, 2007
Second Sunday of Lent – Cycle C

Genesis 15:5-12,17-18 (Ps 27:1,7-9,13-14) Philippians 3:20—4:1 Luke 9:28b-36

Overview of the Gospel:
· In this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus, having just made his first prediction of his Passion (Luke 9:22), takes three of his Apostles (Peter, John, and James) up to Mt. Tabor to pray. Jesus often prays at momentous times in his life (see Luke 6:12; 9:18; 11:1; 22:41; 23:46), and these same three Apostles are often present at crucial times (see Luke 5:37; 14:33).
· During Jesus’ prayer, he is transfigured so that his divine glory, usually veiled by his human flesh is revealed, in a limited way, to these three Apostles. Their experience recalls the experience of Israel at another mountain (Sinai) where in a similar way God’s glory was seen and his voice heard (see Exodus 20:18-21 and Deuteronomy 5:24).
· The presence of Moses and Elijah represent the Jewish Law and Prophets whose voices Israel had always been urged to heed. Jesus, who is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, is God’s chosen Son; God’s voice tells us to “listen to him” (vv 35-36).

Questions:
· Why would Jesus take these three disciples to witness this event? How is this related to: (a) Peter’s confession (vv 18-20)? (b) Jesus’ prophecy (v 22)? (c) The preceding saying (v 27)? (d) The radiant face of Moses (Exodus 34:29-30)?
· Why is this event misunderstood by Peter (v 33)? Underscored by God (vv 34-35)?
· When have you experienced God in an unusual manner? What happened?
· When it comes to listening to Jesus, how hard of hearing are you?
· What do you do to obey the command of the Father to obey his Son?

Catechism of the Catholic Church: §§ 554-56, 697, 2600

The saints are like the stars. In his providence Christ conceals them in a hidden place that they may not shine before others when they might wish to do so. Yet they are always ready to exchange the quiet of contemplation for the works of mercy as soon as they perceive in their heart the invitation of Christ. -St. Anthony of Padua

__________________
Please visit my Webpage!
Catholic Scripture Study: Share the Good News!
http://members.cox.net/fidelis927/

Thanks, fidelis!

Catholic Culture

Collect:
God our Father, help us to hear your Son. Enlighten us with your word, that we may find a way to your glory. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Recipes:

Activities:

» How the Devil Tempts Us

Prayers:

March 04, 2007

Second Sunday of Lent

Between Moses and Elias Jesus shows forth His divine glory, thus foreshadowing His resurrection. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end of all things. Today's Mass places before us the transfigured Lord and the model toward Whom we must tend, and our own transfiguration as the goal we must attain. We attain this goal by a profound realization of our sinfulness and need of a Redeemer; by preserving purity of body and soul; by combatting our passions and carnal instincts and observing the commandments and most importantly by participating in the Mass. — Excerpted from Cathedral Daily Missal

The Station at Rome is in the church of St. Mary in Dominica, on Monte Celio. Tradition tells us that in this basilica was the diaconicum of which St. Lawrence had charge, and from which he distributed to the poor the alms of the Church.

Sunday Readings
The first reading is taken from the book of Genesis, 15:5-2, 17-18. Some 10 to 11 years after God's first covenant with Abram he and Sari remained childless. Abram has despaired to God that he has no offspring and that his servant will inherit his estate. God now makes His promise into a covenant.

The second reading is from the letter of Paul to the Philippians, 3:17, 4:1. This epistle today comes from St. Paul's warning against false teachers. The adversaries would seem to be Judaizers — itinerant preachers, who in the name of a higher perfection seek to impose upon Gentile converts the Levitical practices which were outdated by the new covenant; the covenant by which we were made children of God and were no longer His slaves.

The Gospel is from St. Luke, 9:28-36. "Listen to Him!": everything God wishes to say to mankind he has said through Christ, now that the fullness of time has come (cf. Heb 1:1). "Therefore," St. John of the Cross explains, "if any now should question God or desire a vision or revelation, not only would he be acting foolishly but he would be committing an offence against God, by not fixing his gaze on Christ with no desire for any new thing. For God could reply to him in this way: 'If I have spoken all things to you in my Word, which is my Son, and I have no other word, what answer can I give you now, or what can I reveal to you that is greater than this? Fix your eyes on him alone, for in him I have spoken and revealed to you all things, and in him you will find even more than what you ask for and desire....Hear him, for I have no more faith to reveal, nor have I any more things to declare'" (Ascent of Mount Carmel, book 2, chap. 22, 5). — The Navarre Bible - St. Luke

Things to Do:

Begin praying the Prayer for the Second Week of Lent with your family.

Read this article on appropriate Lenten Music — Be courageous, and begin implementing these principles within your home! Expose your children to worthwhile sacred music early on, and they will have a greater capacity to appreciate fine music throughout their life.

Read Fr. Landry's homily for today.

Regnum Christi

Behold Christ, Your Life
March 4, 2007

An Experience of the Trinitarian God

Second Sunday of Lent
Father Patrick Butler, LC

Luke 9:28b-36
Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." But he did not know what he was saying. While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my chosen Son; listen to him." After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.

Introductory Prayer:Lord Jesus, I thank you for inviting me, also, to accompany you today. You want to take me to new heights. It takes an effort to enter into prayer, to encounter you alone, like the arduous climb to a mountain summit. However, I know that you will show me your glory and that you want me to share in it.

Petition:Lord, grant me such a desire for heaven that I might be ready to undertake whatever effort it takes to get there.

1. Taken by Jesus up the Mountain to Pray. It has been eight days since Jesus announced that he will suffer. It is the “scandal of the cross” that weighs heavily upon the hearts of his friends. Jesus knows that they need an experience of his glory to encourage them. At the same time, he takes them along a rough path to the summit of Mount Tabor for this revelation because intimacy with Jesus always takes an effort. With them, we need to leave behind the things that are below, the worldly things, to contemplate Jesus on high.

2. The Revelation of Jesus as Lord. Having made the effort to conquer the mountain summit, the apostles are not disappointed with what awaits them. Jesus is transfigured before their eyes, taking on a radiance unlike anything on earth. As if that were not enough, he appears with two of the greatest figures of the Old Testament: Moses and Elijah. However, Jesus’ conversation with Moses, who gave Israel God’s Commandments, and Elijah, who prophesied to bring Israel’s heart back to God, turn to the events of Christ’s approaching passion. The message is clear: It is necessary to take up Jesus’ cross in order to share in his glory.

3. An Experience of the Trinitarian God. Overwhelmed by what he sees, Peter says that they should make three tents: one for Jesus, one for Moses and one for Elijah. He forgets to consider that it would also be good for his companions and himself to live in this glory. At that moment, a cloud, representing the Holy Spirit, comes over them and the voice of the Father is heard. Suddenly, they are then left in the best of company, that of Jesus alone. Now they know him better. They have experienced him and what he offers to his faithful friends. They desire it with all their hearts and are ready to face the way of the cross to get there.

Dialogue with Christ: Lord Jesus, I thank you for inviting me into your presence and revealing yourself to me in all your splendor. You give me new strength, the strength that comes from a firm hope to carry my cross in order to share in your glory forever.

Resolution: I will transmit my joyful hope to others by means of my example and words.

Homily of the Day

Homily of the Day

Monsignor Dennis Clark, Ph.D.

Other Articles by Monsignor Dennis Clark, Ph.D.
Printer Friendly Version

He Is Bigger Than Any Sadness!

March 2, 2007

Gn 15:5-12, 17-18 / Phil 3:17-4:1 or 3:20-4:1 / Lk 9:28b-36

A man was crawling through the desert on his hands and knees, desperate for a drink of water. He came upon a person selling neckties. "Would you like to buy a nice necktie?" asked the salesman.

"All I want is a drink of water," croaked the man. The salesman had no water, so the poor fellow crawled on across the sand.

Eventually he came upon a beautiful restaurant. "It must be a mirage," he thought, but as he drew nearer he saw it was real.

With his last ounce of energy, he struggled up to the entrance and asked the doorman. "Please, sir, may I have a drink of water!"

The doorman replied, "Sorry. Gentlemen are not admitted without neckties."

+ + +

Life is a marvelous gift, but at times it can seem awfully unfair and very hard. At those times — which can stretch on and on — we can all too easily lose heart and lose our way.

Sunday's Gospel is about one of those times. Jesus and the apostles are on the road to Jerusalem and He has just told them that He is going to die there. They are crushed and confused and feeling mightily betrayed. Suddenly their life and the last three years with Him seem like a huge waste. They make no sense.

Jesus understands this, so He takes them up to the top of the mountain and renews their hearts and their hopes by showing them where He is really headed, and that is to the resurrection. He helps them look through the pain that lies immediately ahead and see His destiny as God's Son — resurrection. And it begins to dawn on them, "This is our destiny too."

Of course they want to stay right there on the mountain top and set up shop with their own little shrines. But the work that will bring Jesus — and them — to the resurrection is not up there. It's down below, on the flat land, down below in Jerusalem. So together they walk down the mountain, pick up the fabric of their lives, and make their way to Jerusalem where they know what awaits them.

To each of us has been assigned the building of one piece of God's kingdom. The work is never fast and rarely easy. Too often it seems impossible and sometimes even pointless. We can lose heart and lose our way, and sometimes we do. But always in even the darkest times, our Lord is there, calling us for just a moment to the mountain top, showing us yet again where we're headed, to the resurrection, and reassuring us once more we do not walk this rock road alone, we are not building these lives of ours alone.

The Lord is calling out to you this very moment from the top of the mountain. So, as the gospel says, listen to Him! Trust Him! And never give up!

He is bigger than any pain! He is bigger than any sadness!

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.

A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.

Psalm 103 (104)
Hymn to God the Creator
Bless the Lord, my soul! Lord, my God, how great you are! You are robed in majesty and splendour; you are wrapped in light as in a cloak. You stretch out the sky like an awning, you build your palace upon the waters. You make the clouds your chariot, you walk upon the wings of the wind. You make the breezes your messengers, you make burning fire your minister. You set the earth upon its foundation: from age to age it will stand firm. Deep oceans covered it like a garment, and the waters stood high above the mountains; but you rebuked them and they fled; at the sound of your thunder they fled in terror. They rise to the mountains or sink to the valleys, to the places you have decreed for them. You have given them a boundary they must not cross; they will never come back to cover the earth. You make springs arise to feed the streams, that flow in the midst of the mountains. All the beasts of the field will drink from them and the wild asses will quench their thirst. Above them will nest the birds of the sky, from among the branches their voices will sound. 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 103 (104)

Hymn to God the Creator

Bless the Lord, my soul!
Lord, my God, how great you are!
You are robed in majesty and splendour;
you are wrapped in light as in a cloak.

You stretch out the sky like an awning,
you build your palace upon the waters.
You make the clouds your chariot,
you walk upon the wings of the wind.
You make the breezes your messengers,
you make burning fire your minister.

You set the earth upon its foundation:
from age to age it will stand firm.
Deep oceans covered it like a garment,
and the waters stood high above the mountains;
but you rebuked them and they fled;
at the sound of your thunder they fled in terror.
They rise to the mountains or sink to the valleys,
to the places you have decreed for them.
You have given them a boundary they must not cross;
they will never come back to cover the earth.

You make springs arise to feed the streams,
that flow in the midst of the mountains.
All the beasts of the field will drink from them
and the wild asses will quench their thirst.
Above them will nest the birds of the sky,
from among the branches their voices will sound.

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 103 (104)
From your palace you water the mountains, and thus you give plenty to the earth. You bring forth grass for the cattle, and plants for the service of man. You bring forth bread from the land, and wine to make man’s heart rejoice. Oil, to make the face shine; and bread to make man’s heart strong. The trees of the Lord have all that they need, and the cedars of Lebanon, that he planted. Small birds will nest there, and storks at the tops of the trees. For wild goats there are the high mountains; the crags are a refuge for the coneys. He made the moon so that time could be measured; the sun knows the hour of its setting. You send shadows, and night falls: then all the beasts of the woods come out, lion cubs roaring for their prey, asking God for their food. When the sun rises they come back together to lie in their lairs; man goes out to his labour, and works until evening. 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 103 (104)

From your palace you water the mountains,
and thus you give plenty to the earth.
You bring forth grass for the cattle,
and plants for the service of man.
You bring forth bread from the land,
and wine to make man’s heart rejoice.
Oil, to make the face shine;
and bread to make man’s heart strong.

The trees of the Lord have all that they need,
and the cedars of Lebanon, that he planted.
Small birds will nest there,
and storks at the tops of the trees.
For wild goats there are the high mountains;
the crags are a refuge for the coneys.

He made the moon so that time could be measured;
the sun knows the hour of its setting.
You send shadows, and night falls:
then all the beasts of the woods come out,
lion cubs roaring for their prey,
asking God for their food.
When the sun rises they come back together
to lie in their lairs;
man goes out to his labour,
and works until evening.

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 103 (104)
How many are your works, O Lord! You have made all things in your wisdom, and the earth is full of your creatures. The sea is broad and immense: sea-creatures swim there, both small and large, too many to count. Ships sail across it; Leviathan lives there, the monster; you made him to play with. All of them look to you to give them their food when they need it. You give it to them, and they gather; you open your hand, they are filled with good things. But turn away, and they are dismayed; take away their breath, and they die, once more they will turn into dust. You will send forth your breath, they will come to life; you will renew the face of the earth. Glory be to the Lord, for ever; let the Lord rejoice in his works. He turns his gaze to the earth, and it trembles; he touches the mountains, and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord all my life; as long as I exist, I will sing songs to God. May my praises be pleasing to him; truly I will delight in the Lord. Let sinners perish from the earth, let the wicked vanish from existence. Bless the Lord, my soul! 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 103 (104)

How many are your works, O Lord!
You have made all things in your wisdom,
and the earth is full of your creatures.
The sea is broad and immense:
sea-creatures swim there, both small and large,
too many to count.
Ships sail across it;
Leviathan lives there, the monster;
you made him to play with.

All of them look to you
to give them their food when they need it.
You give it to them, and they gather;
you open your hand, they are filled with good things.
But turn away, and they are dismayed;
take away their breath, and they die,
once more they will turn into dust.
You will send forth your breath, they will come to life;
you will renew the face of the earth.

Glory be to the Lord, for ever;
let the Lord rejoice in his works.
He turns his gaze to the earth, and it trembles;
he touches the mountains, and they smoke.
I will sing to the Lord all my life;
as long as I exist, I will sing songs to God.
May my praises be pleasing to him;
truly I will delight in the Lord.

Let sinners perish from the earth,
let the wicked vanish from existence.
Bless the Lord, my soul!

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	Exodus 13:17 - 14:9 ©
When Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not let them take the road to the land of the Philistines, although that was the nearest way. God thought that the prospect of fighting would make the people lose heart and turn back to Egypt. Instead, God led the people by the roundabout way of the wilderness to the Sea of Reeds. The sons of Israel went out from Egypt fully armed. Moses took with him the bones of Joseph who had put the sons of Israel on solemn oath. ‘It is sure that God will visit you,’ he had said ‘and when that day comes you must take my bones from here with you.’ From Succoth they moved on, and encamped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness. The Lord went before them, by day in the form of a pillar of cloud to show them the way, and by night in the form of a pillar of fire to give them light: thus they could continue their march by day and by night. The pillar of cloud never failed to go before the people during the day, nor the pillar of fire during the night. The Lord spoke to Moses and said, ‘Tell the sons of Israel to turn back and pitch camp in front of Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, facing Baal-zephon. You are to pitch your camp opposite this place, beside the sea. Pharaoh will think, “Look how these sons of Israel wander to and fro in the countryside; the wilderness has closed in on them”. Then I shall make Pharaoh’s heart stubborn and he will set out in pursuit of them. But I shall win glory for myself at the expense of Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will learn that I am the Lord.’ And the Israelites did this. When Pharaoh, king of Egypt, was told that the people had made their escape, he and his courtiers changed their minds about the people. ‘What have we done,’ they said ‘allowing Israel to leave our service?’ So Pharaoh had his chariot harnessed and gathered his troops about him, taking six hundred of the best chariots and all the other chariots in Egypt, each manned by a picked team. The Lord made Pharaoh, king of Egypt, stubborn, and he gave chase to the sons of Israel as they made their triumphant escape. So the Egyptians gave chase and came up with them where they lay encamped beside the sea – all the horses, the chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen, his army – near Pi-hahiroth, facing Baal-zephon.

Reading

When Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not let them take the road to the land of the Philistines, although that was the nearest way. God thought that the prospect of fighting would make the people lose heart and turn back to Egypt. Instead, God led the people by the roundabout way of the wilderness to the Sea of Reeds. The sons of Israel went out from Egypt fully armed. Moses took with him the bones of Joseph who had put the sons of Israel on solemn oath. ‘It is sure that God will visit you,’ he had said ‘and when that day comes you must take my bones from here with you.’
From Succoth they moved on, and encamped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness.
The Lord went before them, by day in the form of a pillar of cloud to show them the way, and by night in the form of a pillar of fire to give them light: thus they could continue their march by day and by night. The pillar of cloud never failed to go before the people during the day, nor the pillar of fire during the night.
The Lord spoke to Moses and said, ‘Tell the sons of Israel to turn back and pitch camp in front of Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, facing Baal-zephon. You are to pitch your camp opposite this place, beside the sea. Pharaoh will think, “Look how these sons of Israel wander to and fro in the countryside; the wilderness has closed in on them”. Then I shall make Pharaoh’s heart stubborn and he will set out in pursuit of them. But I shall win glory for myself at the expense of Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will learn that I am the Lord.’ And the Israelites did this.
When Pharaoh, king of Egypt, was told that the people had made their escape, he and his courtiers changed their minds about the people. ‘What have we done,’ they said ‘allowing Israel to leave our service?’ So Pharaoh had his chariot harnessed and gathered his troops about him, taking six hundred of the best chariots and all the other chariots in Egypt, each manned by a picked team. The Lord made Pharaoh, king of Egypt, stubborn, and he gave chase to the sons of Israel as they made their triumphant escape. So the Egyptians gave chase and came up with them where they lay encamped beside the sea – all the horses, the chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen, his army – near Pi-hahiroth, facing Baal-zephon.

Reading	From a sermon by Saint Leo the Great, pope
The Law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ
The Lord reveals his glory in the presence of chosen witnesses. His body is like that of the rest of mankind, but he makes it shine with such splendour that his face becomes like the sun in glory, and his garments as white as snow. The great reason for this transfiguration was to remove the scandal of the cross from the hearts of his disciples, and to prevent the humiliation of his voluntary suffering from disturbing the faith of those who had witnessed the surpassing glory that lay concealed. With no less forethought he was also providing a firm foundation for the hope of holy Church. The whole body of Christ was to understand the kind of transformation that it would receive as his gift. the members of that body were to look forward to a share in that glory which first blazed out in Christ their head. The Lord had himself spoken of this when he foretold the splendour of his coming: Then the just will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Saint Paul the apostle bore witness to this same truth when he said: I consider that the sufferings of the present time are not to be compared to the future glory that is to be revealed in us. In another place he says: You are dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, your life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory. This marvel of the transfiguration contains another lesson for the apostles, to strengthen them and lead them into the fullness of knowledge. Moses and Elijah, the law and the prophets, appeared with the Lord in conversation with him. This was in order to fulfil exactly, through the presence of these five men, the text which says: Before two or three witnesses every word is ratified. What word could be more firmly established, more securely based, than the word which is proclaimed by the trumpets of both old and new testaments, sounding in harmony, and by the utterances of ancient prophecy and the teaching of the Gospel, in full agreement with each other? The writings of the two testaments support each other. The radiance of the transfiguration reveals clearly and unmistakably the one who had been promised by signs foretelling him under the veils of mystery. As Saint John says: The law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. In him the promise made through the shadows of prophecy stands revealed, along with the full meaning of the precepts of the law. He is the one who teaches the truth of the prophecy through his presence, and makes obedience to the commandments possible through grace. In the preaching of the holy Gospel all should receive a strengthening of their faith. No one should be ashamed of the cross of Christ, through which the world has been redeemed. No one should fear to suffer for the sake of justice; no one should lose confidence in the reward that has been promised. The way to rest is through toil, the way to life is through death. Christ has taken on himself the whole weakness of our lowly human nature. If then we are steadfast in our faith in him and in our love for him, we win the victory that he has won, we receive what he has promised. When it comes to obeying the commandments or enduring adversity, the words uttered by the Father should always echo in our ears: This is my Son, the beloved, in whom I am well pleased; listen to him.

Reading

From a sermon by Saint Leo the Great, pope

The Law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ

The Lord reveals his glory in the presence of chosen witnesses. His body is like that of the rest of mankind, but he makes it shine with such splendour that his face becomes like the sun in glory, and his garments as white as snow.
The great reason for this transfiguration was to remove the scandal of the cross from the hearts of his disciples, and to prevent the humiliation of his voluntary suffering from disturbing the faith of those who had witnessed the surpassing glory that lay concealed.
With no less forethought he was also providing a firm foundation for the hope of holy Church. The whole body of Christ was to understand the kind of transformation that it would receive as his gift. the members of that body were to look forward to a share in that glory which first blazed out in Christ their head.
The Lord had himself spoken of this when he foretold the splendour of his coming: Then the just will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Saint Paul the apostle bore witness to this same truth when he said: I consider that the sufferings of the present time are not to be compared to the future glory that is to be revealed in us. In another place he says: You are dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, your life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.
This marvel of the transfiguration contains another lesson for the apostles, to strengthen them and lead them into the fullness of knowledge. Moses and Elijah, the law and the prophets, appeared with the Lord in conversation with him. This was in order to fulfil exactly, through the presence of these five men, the text which says: Before two or three witnesses every word is ratified. What word could be more firmly established, more securely based, than the word which is proclaimed by the trumpets of both old and new testaments, sounding in harmony, and by the utterances of ancient prophecy and the teaching of the Gospel, in full agreement with each other?
The writings of the two testaments support each other. The radiance of the transfiguration reveals clearly and unmistakably the one who had been promised by signs foretelling him under the veils of mystery. As Saint John says: The law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. In him the promise made through the shadows of prophecy stands revealed, along with the full meaning of the precepts of the law. He is the one who teaches the truth of the prophecy through his presence, and makes obedience to the commandments possible through grace.
In the preaching of the holy Gospel all should receive a strengthening of their faith. No one should be ashamed of the cross of Christ, through which the world has been redeemed.
No one should fear to suffer for the sake of justice; no one should lose confidence in the reward that has been promised. The way to rest is through toil, the way to life is through death. Christ has taken on himself the whole weakness of our lowly human nature. If then we are steadfast in our faith in him and in our love for him, we win the victory that he has won, we receive what he has promised.
When it comes to obeying the commandments or enduring adversity, the words uttered by the Father should always echo in our ears: This is my Son, the beloved, in whom I am well pleased; listen to him.

Concluding Prayer
O God, you told us to listen to your beloved Son. Nourish us by planting your word within us; give us spiritual clearsightedness to see and enjoy the vision of your glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

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.

A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.

Psalm 117 (118)
A cry of rejoicing and triumph
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, and his kindness is for ever. Now let Israel say, he is good and his kindness is for ever. Now let the house of Aaron say it too: that his kindness is for ever. Now let all who fear the Lord say it too: that his kindness is for ever. In my time of trial I called out to the Lord: he listened, and led me to freedom. The Lord is with me, I will fear nothing that man can do. The Lord, my help, is with me, and I shall look down upon my enemies. It is good to seek shelter in the Lord, better than to trust in men. It is good to seek shelter in the Lord, better than to trust in the leaders of men. All the nations surrounded me, and in the Lord’s name I slew them. They crowded in and besieged me, and in the Lord’s name I slew them. They surrounded me like swarms of bees, they burned like a fire of dry thorns, and in the Lord’s name I slew them. They chased and pursued me, to make me fall, and the Lord came to my help. The Lord is my strength and my rejoicing: he has become my saviour. A cry of joy and salvation in the dwellings of the righteous: “The Lord’s right hand has triumphed! The Lord’s right hand has raised me up; the Lord’s right hand has triumphed”. I shall not die, but live, and tell of the works of the Lord. The Lord chastised me severely but did not let me die. Open the gates of righteousness: I will go in, and thank the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord; it is the upright who enter here. I will thank you, for you listened to me, and became my saviour. The stone that the builders rejected has become the corner-stone. It was the Lord who did this – it is marvellous to behold. This is the day that was made by the Lord: let us rejoice today, and be glad. Lord, keep me safe; O Lord, let me prosper! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord. The Lord is God, he shines upon us! Arrange the procession, with close-packed branches, up to the horns of the altar. You are my God, I will give thanks to you; my God, I will give you praise. Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, and his kindness is 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.

Psalm 117 (118)

A cry of rejoicing and triumph

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

Now let Israel say, he is good
and his kindness is for ever.
Now let the house of Aaron say it too:
that his kindness is for ever.
Now let all who fear the Lord say it too:
that his kindness is for ever.

In my time of trial I called out to the Lord:
he listened, and led me to freedom.
The Lord is with me,
I will fear nothing that man can do.
The Lord, my help, is with me,
and I shall look down upon my enemies.

It is good to seek shelter in the Lord,
better than to trust in men.
It is good to seek shelter in the Lord,
better than to trust in the leaders of men.

All the nations surrounded me,
and in the Lord’s name I slew them.
They crowded in and besieged me,
and in the Lord’s name I slew them.
They surrounded me like swarms of bees,
they burned like a fire of dry thorns,
and in the Lord’s name I slew them.
They chased and pursued me, to make me fall,
and the Lord came to my help.
The Lord is my strength and my rejoicing:
he has become my saviour.

A cry of joy and salvation
in the dwellings of the righteous:
“The Lord’s right hand has triumphed!
The Lord’s right hand has raised me up;
the Lord’s right hand has triumphed”.

I shall not die, but live,
and tell of the works of the Lord.
The Lord chastised me severely
but did not let me die.
Open the gates of righteousness:
I will go in, and thank the Lord.

This is the gate of the Lord;
it is the upright who enter here.

I will thank you, for you listened to me,
and became my saviour.

The stone that the builders rejected
has become the corner-stone.
It was the Lord who did this –
it is marvellous to behold.
This is the day that was made by the Lord:
let us rejoice today, and be glad.

Lord, keep me safe;
O Lord, let me prosper!

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
We bless you from the house of the Lord.

The Lord is God, he shines upon us!
Arrange the procession, with close-packed branches,
up to the horns of the altar.

You are my God, I will give thanks to you;
my God, I will give you praise.

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good,
and his kindness is 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	Daniel 3
Let every creature praise the Lord
Blessed are you, Lord God of our fathers, praised and exalted for ever. Blessed is the holy name of your glory praised above all things and exalted for ever. Blessed are you in the temple of your holy glory praised and glorious above all things for ever. Blessed are you who gaze on the depths, seated on the cherubim, praised and exalted for ever. Blessed are you in the firmament of heaven praised and glorious for ever. Bless the Lord, all his works, praise and exalt him 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

Daniel 3

Let every creature praise the Lord

Blessed are you, Lord God of our fathers,
praised and exalted for ever.
Blessed is the holy name of your glory
praised above all things and exalted for ever.
Blessed are you in the temple of your holy glory
praised and glorious above all things for ever.
Blessed are you who gaze on the depths,
seated on the cherubim,
praised and exalted for ever.
Blessed are you in the firmament of heaven
praised and glorious for ever.
Bless the Lord, all his works,
praise and exalt him 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.

Psalm 150
Praise the Lord
Praise the Lord in his sanctuary, praise him in his mighty firmament. Praise him for his mighty deeds, praise him for all his greatness. Praise him with trumpet-blasts, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dance, praise him with strings and pipes, praise him with cymbals resounding, praise him with cymbals of jubilation. All that breathes, praise the 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 150

Praise the Lord

Praise the Lord in his sanctuary,
praise him in his mighty firmament.
Praise him for his mighty deeds,
praise him for all his greatness.

Praise him with trumpet-blasts,
praise him with the harp and lyre,
praise him with timbrel and dance,
praise him with strings and pipes,
praise him with cymbals resounding,
praise him with cymbals of jubilation.

All that breathes, praise the 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.

Short reading	©
This day is sacred to the Lord your God. Do not be mournful, do not weep. For this day is sacred to our Lord. Do not be sad: the joy of the Lord is your stronghold.

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.

Prayers and Intercessions

?

God’s treasury of gifts is infinite. Through Jesus Christ, his ever-living Son who intercedes for us, let us give him glory and pray: - Kindle in us the fire of your love.
God of compassion, may we be full of kind actions today:: may everyone experience our humanity.
With the ark you saved Noah from the waters of the flood:: with the waters of baptism, save those who are soon to be baptized.
May we be fed not by bread alone: but by every word that comes from your mouth.
Make us make up every quarrel: and rejoice in your gifts of peace, concord and love.

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.

O God, you told us to listen to your beloved Son.
Nourish us by planting your word within us;
give us spiritual clearsightedness
to see and enjoy the vision of your glory.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
Amen.

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

A M E N