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Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 07-01-08, Opt. Mem, Bl. Junipero Serra
USCCB.org/New American Bible ^ | 07-01-08 | New American Bible

Posted on 06/30/2008 9:42:11 PM PDT by Salvation

July 1, 2008

                                Tuesday of the Thirteenth Week
                                in Ordinary Time
 
 
 
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel

Reading 1
Am 3:1-8; 4:11-12

Hear this word, O children of Israel, that the LORD pronounces over you,
over the whole family that I brought up from the land of Egypt:

You alone have I favored,
more than all the families of the earth;
Therefore I will punish you
for all your crimes.

Do two walk together
unless they have agreed?
Does a lion roar in the forest
when it has no prey?
Does a young lion cry out from its den
unless it has seized something?
Is a bird brought to earth by a snare
when there is no lure for it?
Does a snare spring up from the ground
without catching anything?
If the trumpet sounds in a city,v will the people not be frightened?
If evil befalls a city,
has not the LORD caused it?
Indeed, the Lord GOD does nothing
without revealing his plan
to his servants, the prophets.

The lion roars—
who will not be afraid!
The Lord GOD speaks—
who will not prophesy!

I brought upon you such upheaval
as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah:
you were like a brand plucked from the fire;
Yet you returned not to me,
says the LORD.

So now I will deal with you in my own way, O Israel!
and since I will deal thus with you,
prepare to meet your God, O Israel.

Responsorial Psalm
Ps 5:4b-6a, 6b-7, 8

R. (9a) Lead me in your justice, Lord.
At dawn I bring my plea expectantly before you.
For you, O God, delight not in wickedness;
no evil man remains with you;
the arrogant may not stand in your sight.
R. Lead me in your justice, Lord.
You hate all evildoers;
you destroy all who speak falsehood;
The bloodthirsty and the deceitful
the LORD abhors.
R. Lead me in your justice, Lord.
But I, because of your abundant mercy,
will enter your house;
I will worship at your holy temple
in fear of you, O LORD.
R. Lead me in your justice, Lord.

Gospel
Mt 8:23-27

As Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him.
Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea,
so that the boat was being swamped by waves;
but he was asleep.
They came and woke him, saying,
“Lord, save us! We are perishing!”
He said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?”
Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea,
and there was great calm.
The men were amazed and said, “What sort of man is this,
whom even the winds and the sea obey?”




TOPICS: Catholic; General Discusssion; Prayer; Worship
KEYWORDS: california; catholic; catholiclist; ijuniperoserra; juniperoserra; popefrancis; romancatholicism; saints
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Catholic Culture

Daily Readings (on USCCB site):
» July 01, 2008
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Collect: God most high, your servant Junipero Serra brought the gospel of Christ to the peoples of Mexico and California and firmly established the Church among them. By his intercession, and through the example of his apostolic zeal, inspire us to be faithful witnesses of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Month Year Season
« July 01, 2008 »

Optional Memorial of Blessed Junipero Serra, priest (USA)
Old Calendar: Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Miguel Jose Serra was born on the island of Mallorca, Spain. He took the name Junipero when he entered the Franciscan Order in 1730. Ordained in 1737, he taught philosophy and theology at the University of Padua for twelve years. At age 37, he went to Mexico City where he spent the rest of his life working for the conversion of the peoples of the New World. Largely responsible for the spread of the Church on the West Coast of the United States, Junipero founded 21 missions and converted thousands of Native Americans.

Before the reform of the General Roman Calendar today was the feast of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Precious Blood of our Savior, the life giving spring made ever open by the redeeming Cross! You wash away the stains of the whole world and in the Church, Paradise regained, you bring forth flowers of sanctity.


Bl. Junipero Serra
In 1776, when the American revolution was beginning in the east, another part of the future United States was being born in California. That year a gray-robed Franciscan founded Mission San Juan Capistrano, now famous for its annually returning swallows. San Juan was the seventh of nine missions established under the direction of this indomitable Spaniard. Born on Spain's island of Mallorca, Serra entered the Franciscan Order, taking the name of Saint Francis' childlike companion, Brother Juniper. Until he was thirty-five, he spent most of his time in the classroom-first as a student of theology and then as a professor. He also became famous for his preaching. Suddenly he gave it all up and followed the yearning that had begun years before when he heard about the missionary work of Saint Francis Solanus in South America. Junipero's desire was to convert native peoples in the New World.

Arriving by ship at Vera Cruz, Mexico, he and a companion walked the 250 miles to Mexico City. On the way Junipero's left leg became infected by an insect bite and would remain a cross, often life-threatening, the rest of his life. For eighteen years he worked in central Mexico and in the Baja Peninsula. He became president of the missions there.

Enter politics: the threat of a Russian invasion south from Alaska. Charles III of Spain ordered an expedition to beat Russia to the territory. So the last two conquistadores-one military, one spiritual-began their quest. Jose de Galvez persuaded Junipero to set out with him for present-day Monterey, California. The first mission founded after the nine-hundred-mile journey north was San Diego (1769). That year a shortage of food almost canceled the expedition. Vowing to stay with the local people, Junipero and another friar began a novena in preparation for Saint Joseph's day, March 19, the scheduled day of departure. On that day, the relief ship arrived.

Other missions followed: Monterey/Carmel (1770); San Antonio and San Gabriel (1771); San Luis Obispo (1772); San Francisco and San Juan Capistrano (1776); Santa Clara (1777); San Buenaventura (1782). Twelve more were founded after Serra's death.

Junipero made the long trip to Mexico City to settle great differences with the military commander. He arrived at the point of death. The outcome was substantially what Junipero sought: the famous "Regulation" protecting the Indians and the missions. It was the basis for the first significant legislation in California, a "Bill of Rights" for Native Americans.

Because the Native Americans were living a nonhuman life from the Spanish point of view, the friars were made their legal guardians. The Native Americans were kept at the mission after Baptism lest they be corrupted in their former haunts — a move that has brought cries of "injustice" from some moderns.

Junipero's missionary life was a long battle with cold and hunger, with unsympathetic military commanders and even with danger of death from non-Christian native peoples. Through it all his unquenchable zeal was fed by prayer each night, often from midnight until dawn. He baptized over six thousand people and confirmed five thousand. His travels would have circled the globe. He brought the Native Americans not only the gift of faith but also a decent standard of living. He won their love, as witnessed especially by their grief at his death. He is buried at Mission San Carlo Borromeo, Carmel, and was beatified in 1988.

Excerpted from Saint of the Day, Leonard Foley, O.F.M.

Things to Do:


The Most Precious Blood of Jesus
July is traditionally associated with the Precious Blood of Our Lord. It may be customary to celebrate the votive Mass of the Precious Blood today.

The extraordinary importance of the saving Blood of Christ has ensured a central place for its memorial in the celebration of this cultic mystery: at the centre of the Eucharistic assembly, in which the Church raises up to God in thanksgiving "the cup of blessing" (1 Cor 10, 16; cf Ps 115-116, 13) and offers it to the faithful as a "real communion with the Blood of Christ" (1 Cor 10, 16); and throughout the Liturgical Year. The Church celebrates the saving Blood of Christ not only on the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, but also on many other occasions, such that the cultic remembrance of the Blood of our redemption (cf 1 Pt 1, 18) pervades the entire Liturgical Year. Hence, at Vespers during Christmastide, the Church, addressing Christ, sings: "Nos quoque, qui sancto tuo redempti sumus sanguine, ob diem natalis tui hymnum novum concinimus." In the Paschal Triduum, the redemptive significance and efficacy of the Blood of Christ is continuously recalled in adoration. During the adoration of the Cross on Good Friday the Church sings the hymn: "Mite corpus perforatur, sanguis unde profluit; terra, pontus, astra, mundus quo lavanturflumine", and again on Easter Sunday, "Cuius corpus

Excerpted from Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy.


21 posted on 07/01/2008 8:51:58 AM PDT by Salvation (†With God all things are possible.†)
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To: All
Lauds -- Morning Prayer

Morning Prayer (Lauds)

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

O God, come to my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
 as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
 world without end.
Amen. Alleluia.


A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.

Psalm 23 (24)
The Lord comes to his temple
The Lord’s is the earth and its fullness, the world and all who live in it.
He himself founded it upon the seas and set it firm over the waters.

Who will climb the mountain of the Lord? Who will stand in his holy place?
The one who is innocent of wrongdoing and pure of heart,
who has not given himself to vanities or sworn falsely.
He will receive the blessing of the Lord and be justified by God his saviour.
This is the way of those who seek him, seek the face of the God of Jacob.

Gates, raise your heads. Stand up, eternal doors, and let the king of glory enter.
Who is the king of glory?
The Lord of might and power. The Lord, strong in battle.

Gates, raise your heads. Stand up, eternal doors, and let the king of glory enter.
Who is the king of glory?
The Lord of hosts – he is the king of glory.

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 Tobit 13
God punishes and saves
Blessed be God who lives for ever, whose kingdom is eternal:
for he both punishes and takes pity,
he leads down to the underworld, and rescues from perdition;
no one can escape him.

Give thanks to him before all nations, children of Israel: he scattered you among them, and there he has made known his greatness.
Give glory to him before all who live: he is our Lord, our father, and our God for ever.

He will punish you for your transgressions; but he will take pity on all your sufferings, and gather you together from all the nations among whom he scattered you.
If you turn back to him with all your heart and soul – if you keep faithful to him – he will turn back to you and hide his face no longer.

So now look at what he has done with you, and praise him with all your might.
Bless the Lord of justice, and glorify the eternal King.

In the land of my captivity I trust in him; I show his power and majesty to the sinful people.
Turn back, sinners, and be upright in his presence – perhaps he will forgive you and show you his favour.

I will rejoice in the Lord with all my soul, my soul will rejoice as long as it lives.
Bless the Lord, all his chosen ones: all people, praise his greatness.
Fill your days with joy and proclaim his glory.

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 32 (33)
The Lord provides
Rejoice in the Lord, you just: it is good for the upright to praise him.
Proclaim the Lord on the lyre, play his song on the ten-stringed harp.
Sing a new song to the Lord, sing out your cries of triumph,
for the word of the Lord is truly just, and all his actions are faithful.
The Lord loves justice and right judgement; the earth is full of his loving kindness.
By the Lord’s word the heavens were made, and all their array by the breath of his mouth.
He gathered the seas as if in a bag, he stored up the depths in his treasury.

Let every land fear the Lord, let all the world be awed at his presence.
For he spoke, and they came into being; he commanded, and they were made.
The Lord confounds the counsel of the nations, throws the thoughts of the peoples into confusion.
But the Lord’s own counsel stands firm for ever, his thoughts last for all generations.

Happy the nation whose lord is God, the people he has chosen as his inheritance.
The Lord looks down from the heavens and sees all the children of men.
From his dwelling-place he looks upon all who inhabit the earth.
He moulded each one of their hearts, he understands all that they do.

The king will not be saved by his forces; the abundance of his strength will not set the strong man free.
Do not trust a horse to save you, whatever its swiftness and strength.
For see, the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, upon those who trust in his mercy,
hoping he will save their souls from death and their bodies from hunger.

Our souls praise the Lord, for he is our help and our protector,
for our hearts rejoice in him, and we trust in his holy name.
Lord, show us your loving kindness, just as we put our hope in you.

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 Romans 13:11 - 13 ©
You must wake up now: the night is almost over, it will be daylight soon. Let us give up all the things we prefer to do under cover of the dark; let us arm ourselves and appear in the light. Let us live decently as people do in the daytime.

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 ?
We are called to heaven, beloved brethren, so let us bless Jesus, high priest of our faith, and call on him:
Lord, you are our God and our saviour.
Almighty King, through our baptism you have made us a royal priesthood:
may we offer you a constant sacrifice of praise.
Help us to keep your commandments
so that through the Holy Spirit we may dwell in you, and you in us.
Give us your eternal wisdom
so that it may be with us today and work with us.
Grant that today we may bring sadness to no-one
but on the contrary, give happiness to all we meet.
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.

Lord, look with favour on our morning prayers.
 Brighten the inmost places of our hearts with your love so that no dark desires can hide there:
 heal us with the light of your heavenly grace.

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

22 posted on 07/01/2008 8:54:22 AM PDT by Salvation (†With God all things are possible.†)
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To: annalex; All
I bet you have seen this dramatic painting as displayed on Vultus Christi

July 1, 2008

Feast of the Most Precious Blood

The first time I saw Bernini's little known depiction of the Blood of Christ, I was completely smitten by it. The Eternal Father contemplates the outpouring of the Blood of the Son. The Angels are awestruck by what they see. Blood pours out of the hands, and feet, and open side of the Crucified.

The Mother of Jesus, she who is the perfect image of the Church, raises her hands to receive the crimson torrent gushing from the inner sanctuary of His Sacred Heart. Beneath the Cross there is an ocean of Blood: Blood to cleanse the world of every stain of sin, of every crime, of every defilement. If you would know the value of the Precious Blood, ask the Mother of the Lamb.

bernini_crocifissione.jpg

Priests and the Precious Blood

"My maternal heart yearns to lead all my priest sons into the presence of my Jesus, the Lamb by Whose Blood the world is saved and purified of sin. My priest sons must be the first to experience the healing power of the Blood of the Lamb of God. I ask all my priest sons to bear witness to the Precious Blood of Jesus. They are the ministers of His Blood. His Blood is in their hands to purify and refresh the living and the dead."

Apply It to Your Wounds

"I desire that all priests should become aware of the infinite value and power of but a single drop of the Blood of my Son. . . . Adore His Precious Blood in the Sacrament of His Love. His Blood mixed with water flows ceaselessly from His Eucharistic Heart, His Heart pierced by the soldier’s lance to purify and vivify the whole Church, but in the first place, to purify and vivify His priests. When you come into His Eucharistic presence, be aware of His Precious Blood streaming from His Open Heart. Adore His Blood and apply it to your wounds and to the wounds of souls."

Purity Wherever It Flows

"The Blood of my Son brings purity and healing and new life wherever it flows. Implore the power of the Precious Blood over yourself and over all priests. Whenever you are asked to intercede for souls, invoke the power of the Precious Blood over them, and present them to the Father covered with the Blood of the Lamb."


23 posted on 07/01/2008 5:09:21 PM PDT by Salvation (†With God all things are possible.†)
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To: All
Regnum Christi

Saved by Faith
July 1, 2008
U. S. A. | SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY
What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?

Tuesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Father Steven Liscinsky, LC

Matthew 8: 23-27
As Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him. Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep. They came and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!" He said to them, "Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?" Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm. The men were amazed and said, "What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?"

Introductory Prayer: Lord, I believe that you are present within me. Let me feel your presence in my heart and soul. I want to live this day close to you and see everything through the prism of faith. I want to put my trust and confidence in you. You will grant me all the graces I need today. All I have to do is ask. I want to love you with all my heart, especially in charity, giving myself to all I meet today so that I can communicate your love to them. Mary, accompany me in this meditation and intercede for me, so that God will grant me what I need to be a better follower of Christ and an apostle of his Kingdom.

Petition: Lord, increase my faith.

1. Surrounded by a Tempest
How often we feel ourselves surrounded by a tempest! As we look at the world around us, we see violence, injustice, poverty, and sinfulness of all sorts. We are overwhelmed by the power and strength of evil and feel impotent. How can all this change? Will I be enveloped by this sinfulness? Even my own nature has been marred by original sin and has left me with evil inclinations. In the face of all this, it is easy to lose hope and cry out to the Lord in despair.

2. We Cry Out to the Lord
In the midst of this storm we must turn to Christ. He is in our boat, dwelling in our souls through sanctifying grace. With his help, we have nothing to fear. We need to ask him to reassure us. But as we cry out to him, let us not lose faith. He wants us to have confidence in the triumph of good over evil. On the cross, it seemed that evil and death had conquered and won the day. It seemed that his enemies had finally vanquished him, as they mocked him and told him to come down from the cross. Yet it was the moment of his triumph. When evil seems to be winning, let us look at the crucifix and be sure of the victory.

3. Who Is This Man Who Saves Us?
Many present themselves as saviors of the world. They promise us happiness and the solutions to all our problems. In the end they turn out to be swindlers seeking money or fame at the expense of the credulous. Christ is the only authentic savior who is interested in us. He is the true shepherd who genuinely loves us and cares about us. And he is the only one with real power to help us. Let us turn to him in prayer to solve our problems. Let us visit him in the Eucharist, where he is always waiting for us to come with our needs.

Conversation with Christ: Lord, you are my only Savior. You are the only one I can count on to rescue me in the midst of the tempest that besets me on all sides. You alone can solve my problems; all I have to do is turn to you. You are ready to listen to me and understand me as no one else can. Today I want to be close to you. I am counting on you.


24 posted on 07/01/2008 5:27:27 PM PDT by Salvation (†With God all things are possible.†)
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To: All
Vespers -- Evening Prayer

Vespers (Evening Prayer)

O God, come to my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
 as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
 world without end.
Amen. Alleluia.


A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.

Psalm 19 (20)
Prayer for victory
May the Lord hear your prayer in the day of tribulation, may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
May he send you help from his holy place; from Sion, may he extend his protection.

May he remember every one of your sacrifices and find merit in your burnt-offerings.
May he deal with you as your heart desires and bring all your plans to fulfilment.

We will rejoice in your saving help, we will raise our banners in the name of God; may the Lord grant all your prayers.

Now I know that the Lord keeps his anointed one safe: in his sanctuary in heaven he hears his prayer, and lends the support of his strong right hand.

Some put their faith in chariots and some in horses, but we invoked the name of the Lord our God.
They stumbled and fell, but we rose and we stand upright.

Lord, keep the king safe, and hear our prayer whenever we call upon you.

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 20 (21)
Thanksgiving for victory
Lord, the king will rejoice in your strength, he will triumph in your saving power.
You have granted him his heart’s desire, you have not denied the wish that he spoke.
For you showered him with blessings even before he asked for them. You have placed a crown of purest gold upon his head.
He asked you for life, and you granted it to him, length of days for ever and for ever.

Great is his glory through your help: you cover him with splendour and majesty.
You lay a blessing upon him that will last for ever, you make him rejoice in joy before you.
For the king hopes in the Lord, and through the kindness of the Most High he will not be shaken.

Stand high above us, Lord, in your power; and we will sing and celebrate your might.

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.

Short reading 1 John 3:1 - 2 ©
Think of the love that the Father has lavished on us,
by letting us be called God’s children;
and that is what we are.
My dear people, we are already the children of God
but what we are to be in the future has not yet been revealed;
all we know is, that when it is revealed
we shall be like him
because we shall see him as he really is.

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 the Lord lives among us and we are his adopted people. Let us praise him and offer him our prayers:
Lord, listen to us and show your greatness.
Lord, king and ruler of the nations, guide all peoples and all who exercise power
that they may work together for the common good, according to your laws.
You conquered our captivity and took it prisoner:
restore to freedom our brethren who are captive in body or in soul.
May our young grow up irreproachable in your sight
and may they wholeheartedly follow you when you call.
Make children follow your example
and move steadily forward in wisdom and grace.
Take up the dead into your eternal kingdom
where we hope one day to rule at your side.
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.

Lord God almighty, we thank you that you have brought us through the day to this evening.
 We lift our hands to you in thanks:
 accept this as our sacrifice to you.

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

25 posted on 07/01/2008 6:01:20 PM PDT by Salvation (†With God all things are possible.†)
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To: All
The Word Among Us


Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Meditation
Amos 3:1-8; 4:11-12



Amos had some hard things to say to the Israelites. "If evil befalls a city, has not the Lord caused it? . . .The lion roars—who will not be afraid. . . Prepare to meet your God!" (Amos 3:6,8; 4:12). Yet these hard things are set within the context of God's close relationship with his people: "You alone have I favored, more than all the families of the earth" (3:2).

As chilling as this passage may sound at first, we need to be clear that God is not the direct cause of the evils we experience. Although he set the laws of nature in place, he doesn't directly intervene in their workings—and especially not for our harm! Rather, much of the evil we experience is the result of human sinfulness and poor choices, our own and those of others.

But that doesn't mean that God is powerless. No, he is very much involved in this world and in our lives. Rather than as a puppet master yanking strings, however, he comes to us as companion, guide, and friend, walking alongside of us. He offers us his grace and power to help us face our days with courage, hope, and trust.

When bad things happen, it is natural to be fearful and angry. It is also fine to express these feelings to the God who loves you. However, we often ask the wrong question: God doesn't always tell us why something is happening to us. Rather, the question he loves to answer is, "What would you have me do here and now?" What is the loving attitude available to me through the Spirit?

What area of your life is most murky right now? You don't have to face it alone! Instead, prepare to meet your God and to walk in harmony with him.

"Father, I know that you love me. I bring you the puzzling things that are happening in my life right now. Please show me how to move forward united with you and your people."

Psalm 5:4-8; Matthew 8:23-27



26 posted on 07/01/2008 6:32:44 PM PDT by Salvation (†With God all things are possible.†)
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To: All
One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body


<< Tuesday, July 1, 2008 >> Bl. Junipero Serra
Saint of the Day
 
Amos 3:1-8; 4:11-12
View Readings
Psalm 5 Matthew 8:23-27
 

ALLS

 
" 'What sort of man is this,' they said, 'that even the winds and the sea obey Him?' " —Matthew 8:27
 

Jesus is all-knowing. "If evil befalls a city, has not the Lord caused it?" (Am 3:6) Although the good God is not the immediate cause of evil, He permits it and is aware of it. God knows everything.

Jesus is all-revealing. "Indeed, the Lord God does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants, the prophets" (Am 3:7). The all-knowing God does not keep His knowledge to Himself, but reveals His plan to us, His people.

Jesus is all-powerful. There is nothing He cannot do. For example, He can stop a violent storm with a simple command (see Mt 8:26).

Jesus is all-loving. He wants us to know what's happening so we can have victory in all circumstances. He cares about us because He loves us.

Because Jesus is all-knowing, all-revealing, all-powerful, and all-loving, we can be all-secure in His love and all-victorious over sin and Satan.

"Yet in all this we are more than conquerors because of Him Who has loved us. For I am certain that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor powers, neither height nor depth nor any other creature, will be able to separate us from the love of God that comes to us in Christ Jesus, our Lord" (Rm 8:37-39).

Give your "all" to the Lord, "so that God may be all in all" (1 Cor 15:28).

 
Prayer: Father, may I give all to enter Your kingdom (see Mt 13:44-46).
Promise: "The Lord God speaks — who will not prophesy!" —Am 3:8
Praise: Bl. Junipero Serra was untiring in his efforts to spread the gospel to distant lands.
 

27 posted on 07/01/2008 6:38:37 PM PDT by Salvation (†With God all things are possible.†)
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To: All
Compline -- Night Prayer

Compline (Night Prayer)

O God, come to my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
 as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
 world without end.
Amen. Alleluia.


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

A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.


Psalm 142 (143)
A prayer in time of trouble
Lord, I trust you: do not hide your face from me.
Lord, listen to my prayer:
 in your faithfulness turn your ear to my pleading;
 in your justice, hear me.
Do not judge your servant:
 nothing that lives can justify itself before you.

The enemy has hounded my spirit,
 he has crushed my life to the ground,
 he has shut me in darkness, like the dead of long ago.
So my spirit trembles within me,
 my heart turns to stone.
I remind myself of the days of old,
 I reflect on all your works,
 I meditate once more on the work of your hands.
I stretch out my arms to you,
 I stretch out my soul, like a land without water.

Come quickly and hear me, O Lord,
 for my spirit is weakening.
Do not hide your face from me,
 do not let me be like the dead,
 who go down to the underworld.
Show me your mercy at daybreak,
 because of my trust in you.
Tell me the way I should follow,
 for I lift up my soul towards you.
Rescue me from my enemies:
 Lord, I flee to you for refuge.
Teach me to do your will,
 for you are my God.

Your good spirit will lead me to the land of justice;
 for your name’s sake, Lord, you will give me life.
In your righteousness you will lead my soul
 away from all tribulation.

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.
Lord, I trust you: do not hide your face from me.

Reading 1 Peter 5:8-9
Be calm and keep watch. The Devil, your enemy, is circling you like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, strong in faith.

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

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

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
 as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
 world without end.
Amen.
Keep us safe, Lord, while we are awake, and guard us as we sleep, so that we can keep watch with Christ and rest in peace.

Prayer
Let us pray.
Of your kindness, Lord, dispel the darkness of this night, so that we your servants may go to sleep in peace and wake to the light of the new day, rejoicing in your name.
Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

May the almighty Lord grant us a quiet night and a perfect end.
A M E N
An antiphon to Our Lady should be recited here.

28 posted on 07/01/2008 6:46:03 PM PDT by Salvation (†With God all things are possible.†)
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