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Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 07-01-09, Opt. Mem. Bl. Junipero Serra
USCCB.org/New American Bible ^ | 07-01-09 | New American Bible

Posted on 06/30/2009 10:35:20 PM PDT by Salvation

July 1, 2009

                                Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week
                            in Ordinary Time
 
 
 

Reading 1
Gn 21:5, 8-20a

Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.
Isaac grew, and on the day of the child's weaning
Abraham held a great feast.

Sarah noticed the son whom Hagar the Egyptian
had borne to Abraham
playing with her son Isaac;
so she demanded of Abraham:
"Drive out that slave and her son!
No son of that slave is going to share the inheritance
with my son Isaac!"
Abraham was greatly distressed,
especially on account of his son Ishmael.
But God said to Abraham: "Do not be distressed about the boy
or about your slave woman.
Heed the demands of Sarah, no matter what she is asking of you;
for it is through Isaac that descendants shall bear your name.
As for the son of the slave woman,
I will make a great nation of him also,
since he too is your offspring."

Early the next morning Abraham got some bread and a skin of water
and gave them to Hagar.
Then, placing the child on her back, he sent her away.
As she roamed aimlessly in the wilderness of Beer-sheba,
the water in the skin was used up.
So she put the child down under a shrub,
and then went and sat down opposite him, about a bowshot away;
for she said to herself, "Let me not watch to see the child die."
As she sat opposite Ishmael, he began to cry.
God heard the boy's cry,
and God's messenger called to Hagar from heaven:
"What is the matter, Hagar?
Don't be afraid; God has heard the boy's cry in this plight of his.
Arise, lift up the boy and hold him by the hand;
for I will make of him a great nation."
Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water.
She went and filled the skin with water, and then let the boy drink.
God was with the boy as he grew up.


Responsorial Psalm
Ps 34:7-8, 10-11, 12-13

R. (7a) The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,
and from all his distress he saved him.
The angel of the LORD encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
Fear the LORD, you his holy ones,
for nought is lacking to those who fear him.
The great grow poor and hungry;
but those who seek the LORD want for no good thing.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
Come, children, hear me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Which of you desires life,
and takes delight in prosperous days?
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.


Gospel
Mt 8:28-34

When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes,
two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him.
They were so savage that no one could travel by that road.
They cried out, "What have you to do with us, Son of God?
Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?"
Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding.
The demons pleaded with him,
"If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine."
And he said to them, "Go then!"
They came out and entered the swine,
and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea
where they drowned.
The swineherds ran away,
and when they came to the town they reported everything,
including what had happened to the demoniacs.
Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus,
and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.




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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 35 (36)
The sinner's wickedness; God's goodness
O God, in your light we shall see true light.
Evil whispers to the sinner in the depths of his heart:
  the fear of God does not stand before his eyes.
Evil’s flattering light disguises his wickedness,
  so that he does not hate it.
His words are false and deceitful,
  he no longer considers how to do good.
Even when in bed he plots mischief;
  he follows the wrong path; he does not hate malice.
Lord, your mercy fills the heavens,
  your faithfulness rises to the sky.
Your justice is like the mountains of God,
  your judgements are like the deeps of the sea.
Lord, you protect both men and beasts.
How precious is your kindness, O God!
  The sons of men will take shelter under your wings;
they will eat their fill from the riches of your house,
  drink all they want from the stream of your joy.
For with you is the spring of life-giving water,
  in your light we see true light.
Hold out your mercy to those who know you,
  offer your justice to the upright in heart.
Let me not be crushed under the heels of the proud,
  nor dispossessed by the hands of sinners.
The doers of evil have fallen where they stood,
  they are cast down and cannot rise.
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.
O God, in your light we shall see true light.

Canticle Judith 16
The Lord, creator of the world, protects his people
Lord, you are great, you are the almighty one.
Make music to my God with drums,
  sing to my Lord with cymbals.
Begin a new song to him,
  extol and call upon his name.
You are the God who crushes battle-lines,
  you set up your camp among your people,
  you save me from the grip of my persecutors.
I will sing a new song to God:
  Lord, you are great and glorious,
  wonderful in your unconquerable power.
Let all your creatures serve you,
  for you spoke and they were made,
you sent forth your spirit, and they were created:
  there is no-one who can resist your command.
For the mountains will be shaken to their roots,
  the seas will be stirred up,
  at your sight the rocks will melt like wax –
but to those who fear you,
  you will show your loving kindness.
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, you are great, you are the almighty one.

Psalm 46 (47)
The Lord is King
Cry out to God in exultation.
All nations, clap your hands;
  cry out to God in exultation,
for the Lord, the Most High, is greatly to be feared,
  and King over all the earth.
He has made whole peoples our subjects,
  put nations beneath our feet.
He has chosen our inheritance for us,
  the pride of Jacob, whom he loved.
God ascends amid rejoicing,
  the Lord goes up with trumpet blast.
Sing to God, sing praise.
  Sing to our king, sing praise.
God is king over the whole earth:
  sing to him with all your skill.
God reigns over the nations;
  God sits on his holy throne.
The nobles of the peoples join together
  with the people of the God of Abraham,
for to God belong the armies of the earth;
  he is high above all things.
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.
Cry out to God in exultation.

Short reading Tobit 4:14-15,16,19 ©
Be careful, my child, in all you do, well-disciplined in all your behaviour. Do to no one what you would not want done to you. Give your bread to those who are hungry, and your clothes to those who are naked. Whatever you own in plenty, devote a proportion to almsgiving. Bless the Lord God in everything; beg him to guide your ways and bring your paths and purposes to their end.

Canticle Benedictus
The Messiah and his forerunner
Remember your holy covenant, Lord, and take pity on us.
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.
Remember your holy covenant, Lord, and take pity on us.

Prayers and Intercessions ?
Let us thank Christ and praise him always: he has sanctified us himself, yet does not disdain to call us brothers. So we ask him:
Lord, sanctify your brethren.
Grant that with pure hearts we may consecrate the start of the day to the honour of your resurrection;
  and that throughout today we may please you with good works.
Lord, sanctify your brethren.
You have given us a new day, for our salvation and joy, as a proof of your love:
  in each new day renew our hearts, for your greater glory.
Lord, sanctify your brethren.
Teach us today to recognise your presence in all men,
  most of all, in the sorrowful and the poor.
Lord, sanctify your brethren.
Grant that we may be at peace with everyone today,
  and never repay evil actions with evil.
Lord, sanctify your brethren.

Our Father, who art in Heaven,
  hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
  thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
  and forgive us our trespasses
  as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
  but deliver us from evil.

Listen to our prayers, God our salvation: make us hold fast to the light and work for the truth.
  Just as you have made us children of light,
  so make us worthy to bear witness to you before all the world.
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

21 posted on 07/01/2009 9:33:49 AM PDT by Salvation (With God all things are possible.)
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To: All
Part of this link from Catholic Culture

A Time of Regeneration

The Blood that coursed through the veins of Christ was a part of that Sacred Humanity made possible by the maternity of Mary, whose parents, St. Joachim and St. Ann are honored this month. (July 26). Our Lord's blood poured out on the Cross purchased our salvation, washed clean the robes of the martyrs, and gave birth to the Church as it flowed from his wounded side. The Precious Blood of Christ — now pulsing through his Mystical Body — continues its salvific work, preserving and purifying, repairing and providing nourishment for regeneration and renewal of its members.

July’s longer and warmer days also provide us with the opportunity for renewal, both interior and exterior. Schedules relax and pressures ease, inviting travel. But, whether we travel or not, like the missionary, Bl. Junipero Serra (July 1), we preach to others — by our conduct, our speech, even the clothes we wear. May we be modest in everything we do, imitating St. Maria Goretti, the young martyr for purity (July 6), and “preaching” Christ to everyone we meet.

The summer Readings of Ordinary Time remind us that our earthly pilgrimage is also a journey, a great adventure towards union with Christ, the Beginning and the End of our journey. Each Sunday with its Easter renewal becomes a mile marker along the way, linking where we have been with where we are going. May the Precious Blood of Jesus sustain us as we journey to our true home, with Mary and the angels as our companions on the way.


22 posted on 07/01/2009 1:52:00 PM PDT by Salvation (With God all things are possible.)
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To: All
The Word Among Us

Meditation: Matthew 8:28-34

Have you ever noticed how easy it can be to take your view of the world and impose it on Scripture?

Take today’s Gospel reading. It’s not very fashionable to talk about demons. Many people feel uncomfortable with such “primitive” concepts, so they try to find other ways to explain this story. Maybe these two people were mentally disturbed, or maybe they suffered from a severe form of epilepsy—anything that can be explained, and therefore controlled, in scientific, human terms.

But if we find that our view of reality is different from the biblical approach, our safest response is to compare our view with what we read in biblical commentaries or the Catechism. We should always approach the word of God with an attitude of respect, trust, and a willingness to be taught by the Lord. We should always be willing to examine our thoughts and attitudes to see if they conform to the way God wants us to think and live.

Today’s reading is a case in point. There is much we can learn if we accept the fact that there really is a demonic realm and that demons really do have the ability to influence people. It doesn’t mean that we have to accept every depiction of demonic activity in books or movies. But it does mean that the devil may well have had a hand in shaping some of the attitudes in our hearts. He is not above meddling in our lives, even to the point of introducing thoughts into our minds—temptations that seek to lead us away from Jesus.

So how can we discern where our thoughts come from? By making sure that the Holy Spirit is ministering to our consciences as we pray and celebrate the sacraments. If that is happening, then the thoughts that have an evil origin will unsettle us and make us anxious. By contrast, the thoughts that come from the Spirit will fill us with peace and assurance. God wants to form us. He wants to open our eyes. All he needs is our cooperation.

“Come, Holy Spirit, and fill me with the mind of Christ.”

Genesis 21:5,8-20; Psalm 34:7-8,10-13


23 posted on 07/01/2009 1:56:04 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 26 (27)
Keeping faith in time of peril
The Lord is my light and my help: whom should I fear?
The Lord is my light and my help:
  whom should I fear?
The Lord protects my life:
  what could terrify me?
When they come to do me harm,
  to consume my flesh,
my enemies and my persecutors,
  it is they who stumble and fall.
If their armies encamp against me,
  my heart will not fear;
if battle flares up against me,
  even then will I hope.
One thing I beg of the Lord, one thing will I ask:
  that I may live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
so that I may behold the joys of the Lord
  and always see his temple.
For he will shelter me in his tent in the time of evils.
He will hide me in the hidden parts of the tabernacle;
  then raise me up on a rock,
  lift me high up above the enemies who surround me.
In his tabernacle I will offer him a sacrifice
  of shouts, of songs, of psalms to 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.
The Lord is my light and my help: whom should I fear?

Psalm 26 (27)
I seek your face, Lord: do not turn it away from me.
Listen, Lord, to my voice as I cry:
  have mercy and listen to me.
“Seek his face,” my heart has said,
  and so I will seek your face, O Lord.
Do not turn your face away from me,
  do not turn from your servant in anger.
You are my helper, do not reject me;
  do not abandon me, God, my help.
For when my father and mother have abandoned me,
  the Lord will take me up.
Show me your ways, Lord, and guide me along the right path,
  out of the reach of my enemies.
Do not hand me over to the whim of those who would persecute me,
  when lying witnesses have risen up against me,
  with those who plan to do me violence.
I trust I shall see the joys of the Lord
  in the land of the living.
Hope in the Lord, be brave,
  let your heart take comfort and trust in 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.
I seek your face, Lord: do not turn it away from me.

Canticle (Colossians 1)
Christ, firstborn of all creatures and firstborn from the dead
He is the first-born of all creation, he is pre-eminent above all.
Let us give thanks to God the Father,
  who has made us worthy to share in the light that is the saints’ inheritance.
He has rescued us from the power of the shadows
  and brought us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
in whom we have redemption
  and the forgiveness of sins.
He is the image of the invisible God,
  the first-born of all creation,
for in him all things were created,
  in heaven and on earth,
  visible and invisible,
thrones and dominations,
  principalities and powers.
All things were created through him and for him:
  he is before all things,
  and in him all things hold together.
And he is the head of the body, the Church.
  He is the beginning, the first-born from the dead,
  and so he is pre-eminent above all.
For it was the Father’s will that the fullness of God should dwell in him,
  and that through him all things should be reconciled to himself.
Through the blood of the Cross he brought peace to all things,
  both on Earth and in the heavens.
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.
He is the first-born of all creation, he is pre-eminent above all.

Short reading James 1:22,25 ©
You must do what the word tells you, and not just listen to it and deceive yourselves. But the man who looks steadily at the perfect law of freedom and makes that his habit – not listening and then forgetting, but actively putting it into practice – will be happy in all that he does.

Canticle Magnificat
My soul rejoices in the Lord
The mighty one has done great things for me. Holy is his name.
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.
The mighty one has done great things for me. Holy is his name.

Prayers and Intercessions ?
Glory be to the name of the Lord, for he cares for his chosen people with infinite love. And so we send our prayers up to him:
Lord, show us your love.
Remember your Church, Lord:
  keep her free from evil and make her grow perfect in your love.
Lord, show us your love.
Make all peoples recognise that you alone are God,
  with Jesus Christ your Son, whom you have sent to us.
Lord, show us your love.
May all go well with those who are near to us:
  bless them and give them unending life.
Lord, show us your love.
Give solace to those who are burdened by hard labour,
  and uphold the dignity of those the world despises.
Lord, show us your love.
In your compassion, open wide your gates for those who have left the body today,
  and graciously welcome them into your kingdom.
Lord, show us your 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 who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
  but deliver us from evil.

Lord, support us as we pray to you, and keep us day and night under your protection.
  Guide us as we live in this world of change,
  and let your own unchangeability be a firm foundation for us.
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

24 posted on 07/01/2009 2:23:09 PM PDT by Salvation (With God all things are possible.)
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To: All
Regnum Christi

 
 
Casting out Evil
July 1, 2009
| SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY
Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time


Father Steven Liscinsky, LC


Matthew 8: 28-34

When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by that road. They cried out, "What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?" Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding. The demons pleaded with him, "If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine." And he said to them, "Go then!" They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned. The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.

Introductory Prayer: Lord, I believe that you are present within me. 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 everyone I meet today so that I can communicate your love to them.

Petition: Lord, help me defeat the evil of sin in my life.

1. Sin Keeps Us Away from God We learn in the catechism that mortal sin takes sanctifying grace away from our soul and cuts us off from God. Today’s Gospel illustrates that separation, as the two possessed men keep their distance from Christ and want him to leave them alone. Our sin, whether mortal or venial, pushes God away from our lives. It is like telling him that we do not need him, that we do not want him in our lives. Have I willfully accepted sin in my life, thereby shunning God? Even in the slightest way?

2. Sin Hurts Our Relationships with Others Clearly the evil of the possessed men has hurt their relationship with their fellow men. They can no longer be a part of their community, but have to live apart from society. Every sin, in a way, is a “social sin” because it has social consequences. Even our most personal sins – in our thoughts – injure the Mystical Body of the Church, and so have an effect on others. Those sins that others see are even greater, because they cause scandal and could lead others into sin. Christ is inviting us to reject sin. Let us join him and cast out the devil from our daily lives.

3. Sin Harms Us, Too The evil that we do is harmful above all to ourselves. The demoniacs often gashed and cut themselves. The physical injury to their bodies signifies a deeper spiritual affliction. Our souls are made for God, and so separation from him is truly heart-wrenching. Sin avoids presenting its ugly face, but after we have committed it, our conscience begins to bother us. Then we realize that our wrong choice has separated us from the One we are drawn to by nature. We feel the pain of separation and of that rupture which divides us interiorly.

Conversation with Christ: Lord, help me to cast out sin from my life. I need your help, since I cannot do it on my own. Just like the demoniacs who longed to be freed from their torment, I also long to defeat sin in my life. So often I am overpowered by my passions or the temptations of the devil. Grant me the strength I need, Lord.

Resolution: I will promise Christ that today I will reject one specific sin or imperfection that I usually fall into.


25 posted on 07/01/2009 4:26:43 PM PDT by Salvation (With God all things are possible.)
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To: All

Homily of the Day

Ignore This Question at Your Peril!

July 1st, 2009 by Monsignor Dennis Clark, Ph.D.

Gn 21:5, 8-20 / Mt:8:28-34

In every generation, one of the most popular children’s games is Hide-And-Go-Seek. And one of the more rotten things that children sometimes do in this game is to send their playmate off to hide and then not bother to look for him or her. Adults often do a variant of that, namely, we look for a place to hide from reality or from the truth, instead of seeking and finding it.

The Old Testament prophets, and later Jesus himself, saw too much of that at the very core of Jewish religious practice. Many Jews thought that they could hide from God under the cover of elaborate rituals, observances, and sacrifices. How small and foolish they imagined God to be, for they thought their hiding out in religion would really work! But it didn’t, for God can’t be fooled!

The only thing that will ever work with God is a pure and trusting heart, from which flow the deeds of love. Our religious practices are means to an end and only that, and they have legitimacy only to the extent that they help us build a pure and trusting heart that does the deeds of love.

This brings us to today’s question: Are you just hanging out or hiding in your church and your religious practices? Or are you being transformed? Is your heart being reshaped or are you just treading water?

Warning: You ignore this question at your peril!


26 posted on 07/01/2009 4:29:36 PM PDT by Salvation (With God all things are possible.)
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To: Salvation
Matthew
  English: Douay-Rheims Latin: Vulgata Clementina Greek NT: Byzantine/Majority Text (2000)
  Matthew 8
28 And when he was come on the other side of the water, into the country of the Gerasens, there met him two that were possessed with devils, coming out of the sepulchres, exceeding fierce, so that none could pass by that way. Et cum venisset trans fretum in regionem Gerasenorum, occurrerunt ei duo habentes dæmonia, de monumentis exeuntes, sævi nimis, ita ut nemo posset transire per viam illam. και ελθοντι αυτω εις το περαν εις την χωραν των γεργεσηνων υπηντησαν αυτω δυο δαιμονιζομενοι εκ των μνημειων εξερχομενοι χαλεποι λιαν ωστε μη ισχυειν τινα παρελθειν δια της οδου εκεινης
29 And behold they cried out, saying: What have we to do with thee, Jesus Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? Et ecce clamaverunt, dicentes : Quid nobis et tibi, Jesu fili Dei ? Venisti huc ante tempus torquere nos ? και ιδου εκραξαν λεγοντες τι ημιν και σοι ιησου υιε του θεου ηλθες ωδε προ καιρου βασανισαι ημας
30 And there was, not far from them, an herd of many swine feeding. Erat autem non longe ab illis grex multorum porcorum pascens. ην δε μακραν απ αυτων αγελη χοιρων πολλων βοσκομενη
31 And the devils besought him, saying: If thou cast us out hence, send us into the herd of swine. Dæmones autem rogabant eum, dicentes : Si ejicis nos hinc, mitte nos in gregem porcorum. οι δε δαιμονες παρεκαλουν αυτον λεγοντες ει εκβαλλεις ημας επιτρεψον ημιν απελθειν εις την αγελην των χοιρων
32 And he said to them: Go. But they going out went into the swine, and behold the whole herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea: and they perished in the waters. Et ait illis : Ite. At illi exeuntes abierunt in porcos, et ecce impetu abiit totus grex per præceps in mare : et mortui sunt in aquis. και ειπεν αυτοις υπαγετε οι δε εξελθοντες απηλθον εις την αγελην των χοιρων και ιδου ωρμησεν πασα η αγελη των χοιρων κατα του κρημνου εις την θαλασσαν και απεθανον εν τοις υδασιν
33 And they that kept them fled: and coming into the city, told every thing, and concerning them that had been possessed by the devils. Pastores autem fugerunt : et venientes in civitatem, nuntiaverunt omnia, et de eis qui dæmonia habuerant. οι δε βοσκοντες εφυγον και απελθοντες εις την πολιν απηγγειλαν παντα και τα των δαιμονιζομενων
34 And behold the whole city went out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart from their coasts. Et ecce tota civitas exiit obviam Jesu : et viso eo, rogabant ut transiret a finibus eorum. και ιδου πασα η πολις εξηλθεν εις συναντησιν τω ιησου και ιδοντες αυτον παρεκαλεσαν οπως μεταβη απο των οριων αυτων

27 posted on 07/01/2009 5:08:30 PM PDT by annalex (http://www.catecheticsonline.com/CatenaAurea.php)
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To: Salvation
28. And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.
29. And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with you, Jesus, you Son of God? are you here to torment us before the time?
30. And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.
31. So the devils besought him, saying, If you cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.
32. And he said to them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.
33. And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils.
34. And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that He would depart out of their coasts.

CHRYS; Because there were who thought Christ to be a man, therefore the demons came to proclaim His divinity, that they who had not seen the sea raging and again still, might hear the demons crying; And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there meet him two men having demons.

RABAN; Gerasa is a town of Arabia beyond Jordan, chose to Mount Gilead, which was in the possession of the tribe of Manasseh, not far from the lake of Tiberias, into which the swine were precipitated.

AUG; Whereas Matthew relates that there were two who were afflicted with demons, but Mark and Luke mention only one, you must understand that one of them was a person of note, for whom all that country was in grief, and about whose recovery there was much care, when the fame of this miracle was the more noised abroad.

CHRYS; Or; Luke and Mark chose to speak of one who was more grievously afflicted; whence also they add a further description of his calamity; Luke saying that he broke his bonds and was driven into the desert; Mark telling that he often cut himself with stones. But they neither of them say that there was only one, which would be to contradict Matthew. What is added respecting them that they came from among the tombs, alludes to a mischievous opinion, that the souls of the dead become demons. Thus many soothsayers use to kill children, that they may have their souls to cooperate with them; and demoniacs also often cry out, I am the spirit of such an one. But it is not the soul of the dead man that then cries out, the demon assumes his voice to deceive the hearers. For if the soul of a dead man has power to enter the body of another, much more might it enter its own. And it is more unreasonable to suppose that a soul that has suffered cruelty should cooperate with him that injured it, or that a man should have power to change an incorporeal being into a different kind of substance, such as a human soul into the substance of a demon. For even in material body, this is beyond human power; as, for example, no man can change the body of a man into that of an ass. And it is not reasonable to think that a disembodied spirit should wander to and fro on the earth. The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, therefore those of young children must be so, seeing they are not evil. And the souls of sinners are at once conveyed away from hence, as is clear from Lazarus, and the rich man. Because none dared to bring them to Christ because of their fierceness therefore Christ goes to them. This fierceness is intimated when it is added, Exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass that way. So they who hindered all others from passing that way, found one now standing in their way. For they were tortured in an unseen manner, suffering intolerable things from the mere presence of Christ. And, lo they cried out, saying, What have we to do with you, Jesus, you son of David?

JEROME; This is no voluntary confession followed up by a reward to the utterer, but one extorted by thee compulsion of necessity. A runaway slave, when after long time he first beholds his master, thinks only of deprecating the scourge; so the demons, seeing the Lord suddenly moving upon the earth, thought He was come to judge them. Some absurdly suppose, that these demons knew time Son of God, while the Devil knew Him not, because their wickedness was less than his. But all the knowledge of the disciple must be supposed in the Master.

AUG; God was so far known to them as it was His pleasure to be known; and He pleased to be known so far as it was needful. He was known to them therefore not as He is Life eternal, and the Light which enlightens the good, but by certain temporal effects of His excellence, and signs of His hidden presence, which are visible to angelic spirits though evil, rather than to the infirmity of human nature.

JEROME; But both the Devil and the demons may be said to have rather suspected, than known, Jesus to be the Son of God.

PSEUDO-AUG; When the demons fly out, What have we to do with you, Jesus, You Son of God? we must suppose them to have spoken from suspicion rather than knowledge. For had they known him, they never could have suffered the Lord of glory to be crucified,

REMIG; But as often as they were tortured by His excellent power, and saw Him working signs and miracles, they supposed Him to be the Son of God; when they saw Him hungry and thirsty, and suffering such timings, they doubted, and thought Him mere man. It should he considered that even time unbelieving Jews when they said that Christ cast out demons in Beelzebub, and the Arians who said that He was a creature, deserve condemnation not only on God's sentence, but on time confession of the demons, who declare Christ to be the Son of God. Rightly do they say, What have we to do with you, Jesus, You Son of God? that is, our malice and Your grace have nothing in common, according to that time Apostle speaks, There is no fellowship of light with darkness.

CHRYS; That this should not be thought to be flattery, they cry out what they were experiencing, Have You come to torment us before the time?

AUG; Either because that came upon them unexpectedly, which they looked for indeed, but supposed more distant; or because they thought their perdition consisted in this, that when known they would be despised; or because this was before the day of judgment when they should be punished with eternal damnation.

JEROME; For be presence of time Savior is the torment of demons.

CHRYS; They could not say they had not sinned, because Christ had found them doing evil, and marring the workmanship of God; whence they supposed that for their more abundant wickedness the time of the last punishment which shall be at the day of judgment should not be tarried for to punish them.

AUG; Though the words of the demons are variously reported by the three Evangelists, yet this is no difficulty; for they either all convey the same sense, or may be supposed to have been all spoken. Nor again because in Matthew they speak in the plural, in the others in the singular number; because even time other two Evangelists relate that when asked his name, he answered, Legion, showing that the demons were many. Now there was not far from thence a herd of many swine feeding; and the demons prayed Him saying If You cast us out send us into the swine.

GREG; For the Devil knows that of himself he was no power to do anything, because it is not of himself that he exists as a spirit.

REMIG; They did not ask to be sent into men, because they saw Him by whose excellence they were tortured existing in human shape. Nor did they ask to be sent into sheep, because sheep are by God's institution clean animals, and were then offered in the temple of God. But they requested to be sent into the swine rather than into any of the other unclean animals, because this is of all animals the most unclean; whence also it has its name 'porcus,' as being 'spurcus,' filthy, and delighting in filthiness; and demons also delight in the filthiness of sin. They did not pray that they might sent into the air, because of their eager desire of hurting men. And he said to them, Go.

CHRYS; Jesus did not say this, as though persuaded by the demons, but with many designs therein. One, that He might show the mighty power to hurt of these demons, who were in possession of the two men; another, that all might see that they had no power against the swine unless by His sufferance; thirdly, to show that they would have done more grievous hurt to the men, had they not even in their calamities been aided by Divine Providence, for they hate men more than irrational animals. By this it is manifest that there is no man who is not supported by Divine Providence; and if all are not equally supported by it, neither one after one manner of Providence, that it is extended to each man according to his need. Besides the above-mentioned things, we learn also that He cares not only for the whole together, but for each one in particular; which one may see clearly in this demoniac, who would have been long before choked in the deep, had not Divine care reserved them. He also permitted them to go into the herd of swine, so they who dwelt in those parts might know His power. For where He was known to none, there He makes His miracles to shine forth, that He may bring them to a confession of His divinity.

JEROME; The Savior bade them go, not as yielding to their request, but that by the death of the swine, an occasion of man's salvation might be offered. But they went out, (to wit, out of the men,) and went into the swine; and the whole herd rushed violently headlong into the sea, and perished in the waters. Let Manicheus blush; if the souls of men and of beasts be of one substance, and one origin, how should two thousand swine have perished for the sake of the salvation of two men?

CHRYS; The demons destroyed the swine because they are ever striving to bring men into distress, and rejoice in destruction. The greatness of the loss also added to the fame of that which was done; for it was published by many persons; namely, by the men that were healed, by the owners of the swine, and by those that fed them; as it follows, But they that fed them fled, and went into the town, and told all, and concerning them that had the demons; and behold, the whole town went out to meet Jesus. But when they should have adored Him, and wondered at His excellent power, they cast Him from them, as it follows, And when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts. Observe theme clemency of Christ next to His excellent power; when those who had received favors from Him would drive Him away, He resisted not, but departed, and left those who thus pronounced themselves unworthy of His teaching, giving them as teachers those who had been delivered from the demons, and the feeders of the swine.

JEROME; Otherwise; this request may have proceeded from humility as well as pride; like Peter, they may have held themselves unworthy of the Lord's presence, Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

RABAN; Geresa is interpreted ' casting out the dweller,' or, 'a stranger approaching;' this is theme Gentile world which cast out the Devil from it; and which was first far off but now made near, after the resurrection being visited by Christ through His preachers.

AMBROSE; The two demoniacs are also a type of the Gentile world; for Noah having three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japhet, Shem's posterity alone was taken into the inheritance of God, while from the other two sprang the nations of the Gentiles.

HILARY; Thus the demons held the two men among the tombs without the town, that is, without the synagogue of the Law and the Prophets; that is, they infested the original seats of the two nations, the abodes of the dead, nicking the way of this present life dangerous to the passers by.

RABAN; it is not without cause that He speaks of them as dwelling among the tombs; for what else are the bodies of the faithless but sepulchers of the dead, in which the word of God dwells not, but there is enclosed the soul dead in sins. He says, So that no man might pass through that way, because before the coming of the Savior the Gentile world was inaccessible. Or, by the two, understand both Jews and Gentiles, who did not abide in the house, that is, did not rest in their conscience. But they abide in the tombs, that is, delighted themselves in dead works, and suffered no man to pass by the way of faith, which way the Jews obstructed.

HILARY; By their coming forth to meet Him is signified the willingness of men flocking to the faith. The demons seeing that there is no longer any place left for them among the Gentiles, pray that they may be suffered to dwell among the heretics; these, seized by them, are drowned in the sea, that is, in worldly desires, by the instigation of the demons, and perish in the unbelief of the rest of the Gentiles.

BEDE; Or the swine are they that delight in filthy manners; for unless one live as a swine, the devils do not receive power over him; or at most, only to try him, not to destroy him. That the swine were sent headlong into the lake, Signifies, that when the people of the Gentiles are delivered from the condemnation of the demons, yet still they who would not believe in Christ, perform their profane rites in secret, drowned in a blind amid deep curiosity. That they that fed the swine, fled and told what was done, signifies that even the leaders of the wicked though they shun the law of Christianity, yet cease not to proclaim the wonderful power of Christ. When struck with terror, they entreat Him to depart from them, they signify a great number who, well satisfied with their ancient life, show themselves willing to honor the Christian law, while they declare themselves unable to perform it.

HILARY; Or the town is a type of the Jewish nation, which having heard of Christ's works goes forth to meet its Lord, to forbid Him to approach their country and town; for they have not received the Gospel.

Catena Aurea Matthew 8
28 posted on 07/01/2009 5:09:20 PM PDT by annalex (http://www.catecheticsonline.com/CatenaAurea.php)
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To: annalex


Christ stills the Storm and the exorcism of the Gadarene Demoniac

Medieval manuscript

29 posted on 07/01/2009 5:10:06 PM PDT by annalex (http://www.catecheticsonline.com/CatenaAurea.php)
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To: All
One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

 

<< Wednesday, July 1, 2009 >> Bl. Junipero Serra
Saint of the Day
 
Genesis 21:5, 8-20
View Readings
Psalm 34:7-8, 10-13 Matthew 8:28-34
 

FOR CRYING OUT LOUD

 
"She said to herself, 'Let me not watch the child die.' As she sat opposite him, he began to cry." —Genesis 21:16-17
 

When children cry, they may be praying. The Lord hears the cry of the poor, especially poor little children. In response to children crying, the Lord sends the guardian angels of these children to deal with the problem. He sends angels to take custody of our lives (Bar 6:6). These guardian angels are not fat little babies themselves, as artists have erroneously pictured them. Guardian angels are mighty creatures not to be trifled with (see Rv 19:17). For example, when Zechariah seemed less than impressed with the angel Gabriel's message, he was struck dumb for nine months (Lk 1:19-20).

Babies throughout the world are crying out with silent screams as they are aborted. Other babies and older children are crying for food as they starve because of the selfishness and unjust politics of others. Some children are abused physically and/or psychologically, and are even sexually exploited through pornography. Millions of angels are being marshalled in response to these deafening cries from millions of babies and children. Jesus warned: "See that you never despise one of these little ones. I assure you, their angels in heaven constantly behold My heavenly Father's face" (Mt 18:10).

 
Prayer: Father, may my angel guard me as I serve You in obedient faith.
Promise: "The demons kept appealing to Him, 'If You expel us, send us into the herd of swine.' He answered, 'Out with you!' " —Mt 8:31-32
Praise: Bl. Junipero Serra founded twenty-one missions which became the foundations of California's first cities.
 
 

30 posted on 07/01/2009 8:39:19 PM PDT by Salvation (With God all things are possible.)
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To: All
Compline -- Night Prayer

Compline (Night Prayer)

Introduction
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.


Hymn
Now that the daylight dies away,
By all thy grace and love,
Thee, Maker of the world, we pray
To watch our bed above.
Let dreams depart and phantoms fly,
The offspring of the night,
Keep us, like shrines, beneath thine eye,
Pure in our foe’s despite.
This grace on thy redeemed confer,
Father, co-equal Son,
And Holy Ghost, the Comforter,
Eternal Three in One.

Psalm 30 (31)
Trustful prayer in time of adversity
O God, protect me; be my refuge.
In you, Lord, I put my trust: may I never be put to shame.
  In your justice, set me free,
Turn your ear to me,
  make haste to rescue me.
Be my rampart, my fortification;
  keep me safe.
For you are my strength and my refuge:
  you will lead me out to the pastures,
  for your own name’s sake.
You will lead me out of the trap that they laid for me –
  for you are my strength.
Into your hands I commend my spirit:
  you have redeemed me, Lord God of truth.
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.
O God, protect me; be my refuge.

Psalm 129 (130)
Out of the depths
Out of the depths I have cried to you, Lord.
Out of the depths I have cried to you, Lord:
  Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears listen out
  for the voice of my pleading.
If you took notice of our transgressions, Lord –
  Lord, who would be left?
But with you is forgiveness,
  and for this we revere you.
I rely on you, Lord,
  my spirit relies on your promise;
my soul hopes in the Lord,
  more than the watchman for daybreak.
More than the watchman for daybreak,
  let Israel hope in the Lord:
for with the Lord there is kindness
  and abundant redemption.
He himself will redeem Israel
  from all its transgressions.
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.
Out of the depths I have cried to you, Lord.

Reading Ephesians 4:26-27
Be angry if you must, but do not sin: do not let your anger outlast the sunset: do not give the Devil his chance.

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.

Let us pray.
Lord Jesus Christ, you lay a gentle yoke upon those who follow you. Meek and humble, you give them a light burden to carry. Receive the work and the prayers we have offered to you today; and give us rest, to make us more eager to serve you, who live and reign for ever and ever, Amen.

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

A M E N

Salve Regina
Hail to you, O Queen, mother of loving kindness,
  our life, our happiness, our hope.
Hear us cry out to you,
  children of Eve in our exile.
Hear as we sigh, with groaning and weeping
  in this life, this valley of tears.
Come then, our Advocate, turn towards us
  the gaze of your kind and loving eyes.
And show us Jesus, the blessed fruit of your womb,
  when at last our exile here is ended.

31 posted on 07/01/2009 8:45:01 PM PDT by Salvation (With God all things are possible.)
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