Catholic Caucus: Sunday Mass Readings, 10-10-10, Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

USCCB.org/New American Bible ^ | 10-10-10 | New American Bible

[Salvation]

October 10, 2010

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Reading 2
Gospel

Reading 1

2 Kgs 5:14-17

Naaman went down and plunged into the Jordan seven times
at the word of Elisha, the man of God.
His flesh became again like the flesh of a little child,
and he was clean of his leprosy.

Naaman returned with his whole retinue to the man of God.
On his arrival he stood before Elisha and said,
"Now I know that there is no God in all the earth,
except in Israel.
Please accept a gift from your servant."

Elisha replied, "As the LORD lives whom I serve, I will not take it;"
and despite Naaman's urging, he still refused.
Naaman said: "If you will not accept,
please let me, your servant, have two mule-loads of earth,
for I will no longer offer holocaust or sacrifice
to any other god except to the LORD."

 

---

Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4

Responsorial Psalm

R. (cf. 2b) The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
his right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands:
break into song; sing praise.
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

 

---

2 Tm 2:8-13

Reading 2

Beloved:
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David:
such is my gospel, for which I am suffering,
even to the point of chains, like a criminal.
But the word of God is not chained.
Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen,
so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus,
together with eternal glory.
This saying is trustworthy:
If we have died with him
we shall also live with him;
if we persevere
we shall also reign with him.
But if we deny him
he will deny us.
If we are unfaithful
he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny himself.

---

Lk 17:11-19

Gospel

As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem,
he traveled through Samaria and Galilee.
As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him.
They stood at a distance from him and raised their voices, saying,
"Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!"
And when he saw them, he said,
"Go show yourselves to the priests."
As they were going they were cleansed.
And one of them, realizing he had been healed,
returned, glorifying God in a loud voice;
and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.
He was a Samaritan.
Jesus said in reply,
"Ten were cleansed, were they not?
Where are the other nine?
Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?"
Then he said to him, "Stand up and go;
your faith has saved you."

[Salvation]

The Angelus 

The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary: 
And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. 

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of
our death. Amen. 

Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word. 

Hail Mary . . . 

And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us. 

Hail Mary . . . 

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. 

Let us pray: 

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord.

Amen. 

[Salvation]

Openness to life is at the centre of true development. When a society moves towards the denial or suppression of life, it ends up no longer finding the necessary motivation and energy to strive for man's true good. If personal and social sensitivity towards the acceptance of a new life is lost, then other forms of acceptance that are valuable for society also wither away.67 --Pope Benedict XVI, Caritas In Veritate

[Guardian Sebastian]

Awesome picture! Love it.

[Salvation]

I liked it too. Thanks for stopping by.

[Salvation]

Office of Readings and Invitatory Psalm

Office of Readings

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

---

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.

---

Hymn

Hail, day! whereon the One in Three

First formed the earth by sure decree,

The day its Maker rose again,

And vanquished death, and burst our chain.

Away with sleep and slothful ease!

We raise our hearts and bend our knees,

And early seek the Lord of all,

Obedient to the Prophet’s call:

That he may hearken to our prayer,

Stretch forth his strong right arm to spare,

And, every past offense forgiven,

Restore us to our home in heaven.

Assembled here this holy day,

This holiest hour we raise the lay;

And, O, that he to whom we sing,

May now reward our offering!

Most Holy Father, hear our cry,

Through Jesus Christ our Lord most High

Who, with the Holy Ghost and thee

Doth live and reign eternally.

---

Psalm 23 (24)
The Lord comes to his temple

Who will climb the mountain of the Lord? Who will stand in his holy place?

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.

Who will climb the mountain of the Lord? Who will stand in his holy place?

---

Psalm 65 (66)
Hymn for a sacrifice of thanksgiving

Bless our God, you nations, praise him who brought us to life.

Cry out to God, all the earth,

  sing psalms to the glory of his name,

  give him all glory and praise.

Say to God, “How tremendous your works!

  Faced with the greatness of your power

  your enemies dwindle away.

Let all the earth worship you and sing your praises,

  sing psalms to your name.”

Come and see the works of God,

  be awed by what he has done for the children of men.

He turned the sea into dry land,

  and they crossed the waters on foot:

  therefore will we rejoice in him.

In his might he will rule for all time,

  his eyes keep watch on the nations:

  no rebellion will ever succeed.

Bless our God, you nations,

  and let the sound of your praises be heard.

Praise him who brought us to life,

  and saved us from stumbling.

For you have tested us, O Lord,

  you have tried us by fire, as silver is tried.

You led us into the trap,

  heaped tribulations upon us.

You set other men to rule over us –

  but we passed through fire and water,

  and you led us out to our rest.

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.

Bless our God, you nations, praise him who brought us to life.

---

Psalm 65 (66)

Listen, you who fear the Lord: hear what he has done for me.

I shall enter your house with burnt-offerings.

  I shall fulfil my vows to you,

the vows that I made with my lips,

  the vows that I uttered in my troubles.

I shall offer you rich burnt-offerings,

  the smoke of the flesh of rams;

  I shall offer you cattle and goats.

Draw near and listen, you who fear the Lord,

  and I will tell all that he has done for me.

I cried out aloud to him,

  and his praise was on my tongue.

If I looked upon sin in the depths of my heart,

  the Lord would not hear me –

but the Lord has listened,

  he has heard the cry of my appeal.

Blessed be God, who has not spurned my prayer,

  who has not kept his mercy from 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.

Listen, you who fear the Lord: hear what he has done for me.

---

The word of God is a living and active thing.

– It is sharper than a double-edged sword.

---

Reading	Haggai 1:1-2:9 ©

In the second year of King Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the Lord was addressed through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, high commissioner of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, as follows, ‘The Lord of Hosts says this, “This people says: The time has not yet come to rebuild the Temple of the Lord. (And the word of the Lord was addressed through the prophet Haggai, as follows:) Is this a time for you to live in your panelled houses, when this House lies in ruins? So now, the Lord of Hosts says this: Reflect carefully how things have gone for you. You have sown much and harvested little; you eat but never have enough, drink but never have your fill, put on clothes but do not feel warm. The wage earner gets his wages only to put them in a purse riddled with holes. So go to the hill country, fetch wood, and rebuild the House: I shall then take pleasure in it, and be glorified there, says the Lord. The Lord of Hosts says this: Reflect carefully how things have gone for you. The abundance you expected proved to be little. When you brought the harvest in, my breath spoilt it. And why? – it is the Lord of Hosts who speaks. Because while my House lies in ruins you are busy with your own, each one of you. That is why the sky has withheld the rain and the earth withheld its yield. I have called down drought on land and hills, on wheat, on new wine, on oil and on all the produce of the ground, on man and beast and all their labours.”’

  Now Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and all the remnant of the people, paid attention to the voice of the Lord their God and to the words of the prophet Haggai, the Lord having sent him to them. And the people were filled with fear before the Lord. Haggai, the messenger of the Lord, passed on the message of the Lord to the people, as follows, ‘I am with you – it is the Lord who speaks.’ And the Lord roused the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, high commissioner of Judah, the spirit of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and set to work on the Temple of the Lord of Hosts their God. This was on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month.

  In the second year of King Darius, on the twenty-first day of the seventh month, the word of the Lord was addressed through the prophet Haggai, as follows, ‘You are to speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, the high commissioner of Judah, to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to all the remnant of the people. Say this, “Who is there left among you that saw this Temple in its former glory? And how does it look to you now? Does it seem nothing to you? But take courage now, Zerubbabel – it is the Lord who speaks. Courage, High Priest Joshua son of Jehozadak! Courage, all you people of the country! – it is the Lord who speaks. To work! I am with you – it is the Lord of Hosts who speaks– and my spirit remains among you. Do not be afraid! For the Lord of Hosts says this: A little while now, and I am going to shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all the nations and the treasures of all the nations shall flow in, and I will fill this Temple with glory, says the Lord of Hosts. Mine is the silver, mine the gold! – it is the Lord of Hosts who speaks. The new glory of this Temple is going to surpass the old, says the Lord of Hosts, and in this place I will give peace – it is the Lord of Hosts who speaks.”’

Responsory

Go up to the hill country and there rebuild my house; I shall then take pleasure in it, says the Lord.

My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations: I shall then take pleasure in it, says the Lord.

---

Reading	A commentary on Haggai by St Cyril of Alexandria

My name is great among the nations

When our Saviour came, he appeared as a divine temple, glorious beyond any comparison, far more splendid and excellent than the older temple. He exceeded the old as much as worship in Christ and the gospels exceeds the cult of the laws, as much as truth exceeds its shadows.

  Furthermore, I might point out that originally there was just one temple at Jerusalem, in which one people, the Israelites, offered their sacrifices. Since the only-begotten Son became like us, and as Scripture says, though he was Lord and God, he has shone upon us, the rest of the world has been filled with places of worship. Now there are countless worshippers who honour the universal God with spiritual offerings and fragrant sacrifices. This, surely, is what Malachi foretold, speaking, as if in the person of God: I am a great king, says the Lord; my name is honoured among the nations, and everywhere there is offered to my name the fragrance of a pure sacrifice.

  With justice, therefore, do we say that the final temple, the Church, will be more glorious. To those who are so solicitous for the Church and labour for its construction, Haggai declares that a gift will be made, a gift from heaven given by the Saviour. That gift is Christ himself, the peace of all men; through him we have access in the one Spirit to the Father. The prophet goes on to say: I will give peace to this place and peace of soul to save all who lay the foundation to rebuild the temple. Christ too says somewhere: My peace I give you. Paul will teach how profitable this is for those who love: The peace of Christ, he says, which surpasses all understanding will keep your minds and hearts. Isaiah, the seer, made the same prayer: O Lord our God, give us peace, for you have given us everything. Once a man has been found worthy of Christ’s peace, he can easily save his soul and guide his mind to carry out exactingly the demands of virtue.

  Haggai, therefore, declares that peace will be given to all who build. One builds the Church either as a teacher of the sacred mysteries, as one set over the house of God, or as one who works for his own good by setting himself forth as a living and spiritual stone in the holy temple, God’s dwelling place in the Spirit. The results of these efforts will profit such men so that each will be able to gain his own salvation without difficulty.

Responsory

They are happy who dwell in your house, O Lord, for ever singing your praise.

On that day, many nations will join you, O Lord; they will become your own people; for ever singing your praise.

---

Hymn	Te Deum

God, we praise you; Lord, we proclaim you!

You, the Father, the eternal –

all the earth venerates you.

All the angels, all the heavens, every power –

The cherubim, the seraphim –

unceasingly, they cry:

“Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts:

heaven and earth are full of the majesty of your glory!”

The glorious choir of Apostles –

The noble ranks of prophets –

The shining army of martyrs –

all praise you.

Throughout the world your holy Church proclaims you.

– Father of immeasurable majesty,

– True Son, only-begotten, worthy of worship,

– Holy Spirit, our Advocate.

You, Christ:

– You are the king of glory.

– You are the Father’s eternal Son.

– You, to free mankind, did not disdain a Virgin’s womb.

– You defeated the sharp spear of Death, and opened the kingdom of heaven to those who believe in you.

– You sit at God’s right hand, in the glory of the Father.

– You will come, so we believe, as our Judge.

And so we ask of you: give help to your servants, whom you set free at the price of your precious blood.

Number them among your chosen ones in eternal glory.

The final part of the hymn may be omitted:

Bring your people to safety, Lord, and bless those who are your inheritance.

Rule them and lift them high for ever.

Day by day we bless you, Lord: we praise you for ever and for ever.

Of your goodness, Lord, keep us without sin for today.

Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us.

Let your pity, Lord, be upon us, as much as we trust in you.

In you, Lord, I trust: let me never be put to shame.

---

Let us pray.

Lord, may your grace go always before us and behind us:

  may it make us constantly eager to do good works.

[We make our prayer] 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.

[Salvation]

Spiritual Bouquet
A different meditation each time you click.

 

Meditations by Padre Pio
	Do not let your heart become troubled by the sad spectacle of human injustice, even this has its value in the face of all else. And it is from this that one day you will see the justice of God rising with unfailing triumph.

[Salvation]

Catholic Culture

Daily Readings for: October 10, 2010
(Readings on USCCB website)

Collect: Lord, our help and guide, make your love the foundation of our lives. May our love for you express itself in our eagerness to do good for others. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

RECIPES

• Colony Mountain Chili
• Green Bean Stir-Fry
• Homesteader Cornbread
• Pumpkin Orange Cake

ACTIVITIES

• None

PRAYERS

• Bookmark of St. Teresa of Avila
• Litany of Saint Teresa of Jesus, The Glory of Spain

10th

  Twenty-Eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time Old Calendar: Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as He entered a village, He was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." When He saw them He said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests (Lk 17:11-14)."

---

Sunday Readings
The first reading is taken from the second book of Kings 5:14-17. Elisha from Thisbe in Galaad is the first of the great prophets in Israel after the separation of Israel from Judah. He lived during the reign of King Achab (869-850), who married a daughter of the pagan king of Tyre. She introduced idolatry into Israel which Elisha fought fearlessly. He is credited with many miracles, one of which is related in today's reading.

The second reading is from the second letter of Paul to Timothy 2:8-13. In last Sunday's extract from this same reading, St. Paul exhorts his convert and disciple to be proud of the Gospel. He must guard the rich treasure of the faith he has received from Paul and hand it on to the next generation. Today, he reminds Timothy of the resurrection of Jesus, the crowning act of divine drama of our redemption.

The Gospel is from St. Luke 17:11-19. The incident of the ten lepers happened as our Lord was on His way to Jerusalem, where He was to die on the cross so that we could live eternally. The Church brings it before our minds today, not so much to remind us of the mercy and kindness of Jesus to all classes, even the outcasts, as lepers were, as to make us see and be amazed at the depths of ingratitude to which men can sink.

This is but one of many such examples of ingratitude that occurred during Christ's public ministry, most of those He miraculously cured forget to thank Him. In today's incident there was one, and he was the one least expected to do so, who had the decency to return and thank his benefactor. This pleased our Lord and led Him to remark on the ingratitude of the others. "Were not all ten made whole, where are the other nine?"

He was surprised and also sad for their sakes, not for his own. They missed greater graces through this lack of appreciation and gratitude.

All ten showed great faith and confidence in Jesus' power to heal. They had not heard Him preach nor had they seen any of His miracles. They lived in isolation camps, yet they believed the reports they had heard. They all were very obedient too. They set off for Jerusalem to carry out the command of Jesus, even though their leprosy had not yet left them.

In all of this it was their own self-interest which came first in the minds of the nine Jews. Once they found their leprosy gone all they thought of was their own good fortune. Their Benefactor was quickly forgotten. The Samaritan's first thought, on the other hand, was of the one who had healed him. He was as delighted as the others with his cure but being generous and thoughtful for others, he felt it his bounden duty to return and thank the man who had done him this miraculous good turn.

While we are ashamed of our fellowmen who were so ungrateful, and who treated the loving Jesus so shamefully, let us see if we have improved very much in our way of acting towards our Savior. Those Jewish lepers did not know that He was the Son of God who assumed human nature, became man, in order to raise us up to a new supernatural status. He gave them the gift of physical health for thirty, forty, or maybe sixty years more. We know that He has come to give us an eternal life — a life that will last forever, a life free from all troubles and worries "where all tears will be wiped away and death shall be no more."

With this knowledge then of what Christ means to us, of what His Incarnation has won for us, of the eternal freedom from all sickness and death which His human life, death and resurrection have put at our disposal, how can any real Christian ever cease thanking Him, could there be such a being as an ungrateful Christian ever on earth?

Unfortunately, there is not only one such ungrateful being, but there are millions of them. How many of us here present are numbered amongst these ungrateful ones? There are those of us who think of God only when we are in difficulties. While things are going well, when there is no sickness in the home, when our business is prospering, when there is peace all around us, how many times in the week do we say, "thank you, God, you are very good to me." When trouble strikes it is a different matter. We rush to church, we implore God to have pity on us, we make novenas to our special saints. This is not wrong. What is wrong, however, is that we forgot to thank God all the time that He was giving us spiritual and temporal favors.

Think for a moment. If those nine ungrateful lepers were struck again with disease some months later and returned to implore Christ for a cure, would you blame Him if He refused? Most of us would refuse. Yet we expect Him to listen to our urgent pleas the minute we make them, while we have not given Him a thought and never said one "thank you, Lord; while things were going well with us.

We all need to be more grateful to God every day of our lives—more grateful than we have been. He has not only given us life on this earth with its joys and its sorrows, but He has prepared for us a future life where there will be no admixture of sorrows. It is for that life that we are working. It is because there is a heaven after death that we are Christians. God has already done His part in preparing this heaven for us. He is assisting us daily to get there. We need a lot of that assistance and one of the surest ways of getting further benefits from God (as well as from men) is to show true gratitude for the benefits already received.

— Excerpted from The Sunday Readings Cycle C, Fr. Kevin O' Sullivan, O.F.M.

[annalex]

Luke
	English: Douay-Rheims	Latin: Vulgata Clementina	Greek NT: Byzantine/Majority Text (2000)
	Luke 17
11.	And it came to pass, as he was going to Jerusalem, he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.	Et factum est, dum iret in Jerusalem, transibat per mediam Samariam et Galilæam.	και εγενετο εν τω πορευεσθαι αυτον εις ιερουσαλημ και αυτος διηρχετο δια μεσου σαμαρειας και γαλιλαιας
12.	And as he entered into a certain town, there met him ten men that were lepers, who stood afar off;	Et cum ingrederetur quoddam castellum, occurrerunt ei decem viri leprosi, qui steterunt a longe :	και εισερχομενου αυτου εις τινα κωμην απηντησαν αυτω δεκα λεπροι ανδρες οι εστησαν πορρωθεν
13.	And lifted up their voice, saying: Jesus, master, have mercy on us.	et levaverunt vocem, dicentes : Jesu præceptor, miserere nostri.	και αυτοι ηραν φωνην λεγοντες ιησου επιστατα ελεησον ημας
14.	Whom when he saw, he said: Go, shew yourselves to the priests. And it came to pass, as they went, they were made clean.	Quos ut vidit, dixit : Ite, ostendite vos sacerdotibus. Et factum est, dum irent, mundati sunt.	και ιδων ειπεν αυτοις πορευθεντες επιδειξατε εαυτους τοις ιερευσιν και εγενετο εν τω υπαγειν αυτους εκαθαρισθησαν
15.	And one of them, when he saw that he was made clean, went back, with a loud voice glorifying God.	Unus autem ex illis, ut vidit quia mundatus est, regressus est, cum magna voce magnificans Deum,	εις δε εξ αυτων ιδων οτι ιαθη υπεστρεψεν μετα φωνης μεγαλης δοξαζων τον θεον
16.	And he fell on his face before his feet, giving thanks: and this was a Samaritan.	et cecidit in faciem ante pedes ejus, gratias agens : et hic erat Samaritanus.	και επεσεν επι προσωπον παρα τους ποδας αυτου ευχαριστων αυτω και αυτος ην σαμαρειτης
17.	And Jesus answering, said, Were not ten made clean? and where are the nine?	Respondens autem Jesus, dixit : Nonne decem mundati sunt ? et novem ubi sunt ?	αποκριθεις δε ο ιησους ειπεν ουχι οι δεκα εκαθαρισθησαν οι δε εννεα που
18.	There is no one found to return and give glory to God, but this stranger.	Non est inventus qui rediret, et daret gloriam Deo, nisi hic alienigena.	ουχ ευρεθησαν υποστρεψαντες δουναι δοξαν τω θεω ει μη ο αλλογενης ουτος
19.	And he said to him: Arise, go thy way; for thy faith hath made thee whole.	Et ait illi : Surge, vade : quia fides tua te salvum fecit.	και ειπεν αυτω αναστας πορευου η πιστις σου σεσωκεν σε

[annalex]

Catena Aurea does not contain commentary on this episode.

[Salvation]

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.

---

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.

---

Hymn

Father, we praise thee, now the night is over,

Active and watchful, stand we all before thee;

Singing we offer prayer and meditation:

  Thus we adore thee.

Monarch of all things, fit us for thy mansions;

Banish our weakness, health and wholeness sending;

Bring us to heaven, where thy saints united

  Joy without ending.

All-holy Father, Son and Equal Spirit,

Trinity blessed, send us thy salvation;

Thine is the glory, gleaming and resounding

  Through all creation.

---

Psalm 117 (118)
A cry of rejoicing and triumph

Give thanks to the Lord, for his kindness is for ever. Alleluia.

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.

Give thanks to the Lord, for his kindness is for ever. Alleluia.

---

Canticle	Daniel 3

Let every creature praise the Lord

Alleluia. Bless the Lord, all his works, praise and exalt him for ever. Alleluia.

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.

Alleluia. Bless the Lord, all his works, praise and exalt him for ever. Alleluia.

---

Psalm 150
Praise the Lord

All that breathes, praise the Lord! Alleluia.

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.

All that breathes, praise the Lord! Alleluia.

---

Short reading	2 Timothy 2:8,11-13 ©

Remember the Good News that I carry, ’Jesus Christ risen from the dead, sprung from the race of David’; Here is a saying that you can rely on: ‘If we have died with him, then we shall live with him. If we hold firm, then we shall reign with him. If we disown him, then he will disown us. We may be unfaithful, but he is always faithful, for he cannot disown his own self.’

---

Short Responsory

We will give thanks to you, O God, and call upon your name.

– We will give thanks to you, O God, and call upon your name.

We will tell of your wonderful deeds.

– We will give thanks to you, O God, and call upon your name.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

– We will give thanks to you, O God, and call upon your name.

---

Canticle	Benedictus

The Messiah and his forerunner

Finding himself cured, one of the lepers turned back, praising God at the top of his voice. Alleluia.

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.

Finding himself cured, one of the lepers turned back, praising God at the top of his voice. Alleluia.

---

Prayers and Intercessions

Our God is a God of power and goodness, who loves us and knows our souls. We praise him with joyful hearts:

– We praise you, Lord, and we trust in you.

We bless you, almighty God, King of all things. We are in the wrong; we have sinned; but you have called us

  to know your truth and serve you in your greatness.

– We praise you, Lord, and we trust in you.

God, you chose to open wide the doors of your compassion:

  do not let us stray from the path of true life.

– We praise you, Lord, and we trust in you.

As we celebrate the resurrection of your beloved Son,

  let us spend this day in spiritual rejoicing.

– We praise you, Lord, and we trust in you.

Lord, give your faithful a spirit of prayer and praise,

  and let us always give you thanks.

– We praise you, Lord, and we trust in you.

---

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, may your grace go always before us and behind us:

  may it make us constantly eager to do good works.

[We make our prayer] 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.

AMEN

[annalex]

The Ten Lepers

James Christensen

[Salvation]

The Word Among Us

Meditation: Luke 17:11-19

“Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.” (Luke 17:19)

What an exciting statement! Out of the ten who first asked Jesus for healing, this fellow was the only one whom Jesus praised. What was it that set him apart? Let’s look at the way he overcame three barriers, all of which can speak to us today.

The first barrier was physical: his illness of leprosy, which was considered to be highly contagious. The second barrier was cultural: He was a Samaritan, whom the Jews looked down upon as unworthy of God’s favor. And the third barrier was spiritual: the temptation to take his healing and run with it, without coming back to thank Jesus for performing such a miracle in his life.

Just as this fellow’s leprosy caused a barrier between himself and his family, so too does sin prevent us from being brothers and sisters. Sin creates barriers and division. It isolates us and makes us focus on ourselves and not on the needs and the love of those around us.

Culturally, this man saw that Jesus’ message and his power were meant for everyone, not just Jesus’ kinsfolk, the Jews. Just as Jews looked down on Samaritans, so too did many Samaritans consider their Jewish neighbors to be inferior to them. But this fellow was so moved by his healing that he came back and humbly thanked and praised Jesus for this miracle. Similarly, when we are healed by God’s grace, our prejudices against other people begin to melt away.

You can almost hear Jesus saying: “How can this Samaritan fellow, this foreigner with the strange accent and the unorthodox spirituality, be the only one who came back to me? Why didn’t they all come?” Jesus asks us the same question: “Will you come to me, or have you forgotten me? Will you let me help you overcome your barriers?”

“Lord, wipe away every sin and tear down every barrier. Unite us all in you. Let nothing divide us. We will never forget what you have done for us.”

---

Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion

(2 Kings 5:14-17; Psalm 98:1-4; 2 Timothy 2:8-13; Luke 17:11-19)

1. In the first reading, Naaman, an army commander from Aram, is healed through the prophet Elisha. Why do you believe his healing caused Naaman to turn from false gods to the true God and Lord? Do you believe that God still heals today? Why or why not? Share any times you were healed by God or witnessed God’s healing. What impact did it have on you?

2. The response in the responsorial psalm is, “The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.” What is the difference between God’s healing power and his saving power? How have you personally experienced the Lord’s saving power?

3. In the second reading, we hear these words: “But if we deny him he will deny us. If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself” (2 Timothy 2:12-13). What do you think these words mean? How do they apply to you personally?

4. In the Gospel, why do you believe only one of the ten lepers who were healed glorified God and came back to praise and thank Jesus? How often do you spend time in prayer praising and thanking God for the many blessings you have received from him? Why not take some time now to do this, especially for saving you from sin and eternal separation from God.

5. The meditation ends with these words: “Jesus asks us the same question: ‘Will you come to me, or have you forgotten me?’” How would you answer this question?

[Salvation]

YOUR FAITH HAS MADE YOU WELL

Posted on October 9, 2010 by achristianpilgrim

(A biblical reflection on the 28^th Ordinary Sunday, 10 October, 2010) 

Gospel Reading: Lk 17:11-19

First Reading: 2Kings 5:14-17; Psalms: Ps 98:1-4; Second Reading: 2Tim 2:8-13 

The Scripture Texts

On the way to Jerusalem He was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as He entered a village, He was met by ten lepers who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices anda said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When He saw them He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving Him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then said Jesus, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well (Lk 17:11-19 RSV). 

What a disappointment even for us who read today’s Gospel. The nine of the lepers whom Jesus healed from their leprosy did not return to thank Him. By not returning to Jesus they missed the opportunity to receive something far greater than physical healing. Certainly what they received was amazing: Even in our advanced medical age, leprosy can be halted, but not reversed. But the man who returned received something more than physical health. Jesus told him: “Your faith has made you well” (Lk 17:19). Not only had the man been “cleansed” of leprosy; he had been “saved.” 

Jesus heals people because He wants to set their hearts on fire with love for Him. This story of the ten lepers is a prime example of this truth. Jesus healed these men not only because He loved them, but because He wanted to invite them into a relationship with Him. The nine other lepers had no personal encounter with Jesus. From afar they were told to show themselves to the priests. They never established a relationship with Him, as the tenth man did. This relationship with Jesus is the crucial point, because it is only as we grow in a personal relationship with Him that we become children of God with new hearts and minds. To be with Jesus in a relationship of love and self-giving – that is truly what it means to be saved. 

In the ancient world, leprosy was an image of the state of humankind as a result of sin. Just as this disease makes a person an outcast from society, sin cuts us off from God, who is the source of our life and peace. In our distress, we can call out to Jesus from afar, and He will always help us. But His purpose is frustrated if we merely accept His help and go on our way. Jesus wants a relationship with us, in which we give Him our thanks and praise and He gives us His peace, comfort, and guidance. 

At Mass this Sunday, let us return to Jesus and thank Him for what He has done for us. Let us lay our lives down before Him in love, freely inviting Him to rule in our minds and hearts. 

Short prayer: Lord Jesus, we praise You today, as the Samaritan did. Thank You for cleansing us and saving us. Keep us close to You today and always. Amen. 

Jakarta, 7 October 2010  

F.X. Indrapradja, SFO

[Salvation]

 

Marriage = One Man and One Woman

Daily Marriage Tip for October 10, 2010:

“One of the great illusions of our time is that love is self-sustaining. It is not. Love must be fed and nurtured, constantly renewed. That demands ingenuity and consideration, but first and foremost, it demands time.”(David Mace) Identify one time waster in your day.

[Salvation]

Sunday Scripture Study

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle C

October 10, 2010

Click here for USCCB readings

Opening Prayer  

First Reading: 2 Kings 5:14-17

Psalm: 98:1-4

Second Reading: 2 Timothy 2:8-13

Gospel Reading: Luke 17:11-19

• This Sunday’s Gospel reading follows Jesus as he continues his journey toward Jerusalem. On the way he passes between the regions of Galilee and Samaria.

• It was only a short time before that Jesus was refused welcome in a Samaritan village (Luke 9:51-56). The Samaritans were historic enemies of the Jews, who considered them pagan foreigners even though many of them had Israelite roots.

• As they travel in this border region, Jesus and his disciples are approached by a mixed group of Samaritan and Jewish lepers. Perhaps their common misery had forced them to band together, since as lepers they were all considered outcasts.

• Excluded from contact with others (Leviticus 13:45-46, 49; Numbers 5:2-3), lepers could return to society only after being made physically and ritually clean (Leviticus 14:2-9). After they beseech Jesus, he tells them what to do to be healed.

• They all obey and are all healed, but only one of them after realizing it, returns to Jesus. Who (or what) he is and why he returns turns out to be very significant.

 

QUESTIONS:

• Read the verses prior to the First Reading (2 Kings 5:1-13). What is Naaman’s reaction to Elisha’s relayed instructions? Why do you think he reacted this way? What argument did his servant use to change his mind? What is our reaction to God’s commands that do not seem to make any sense to us? What should our attitude and response be?

• Consider the qualities of spiritual patience. Of persistence. Of steadfastness. Of faithfulness. How are these qualities active in the Second Reading? What is their reward?

• What would healing mean for a leper in biblical times? In what ways does the Gospel story of the 10 lepers relate to the story of Naaman in our first reading?

• What is the significance of the one leper being a Samaritan (verse 16)? From what did his faith save him (verse 19)? For what did it save him? What might the healing indicate at a deeper level?

• What do you think happened to the other 9 lepers after they were cleansed and went to show themselves to the priests, as Jesus told them to (verse 14)?

• When your prayer is answered, do you act like the one leper who returned to give thanks, or the other nine who did not? How do you express your gratitude to God?

Closing Prayer

Catechism of the Catholic Church: §§ 2616, 1503-05, 2096-97

 

Christ, like a skillful physician, understands the weakness of men. He loves to teach the ignorant, and the erring he turns again to his own true way. He is easily found by those who live by faith, and to those of pure eye and holy heart who desire to knock at the door, he opens immediately.

-St. Hyppolytus

[Salvation]

St. Damien of Molokai: Apostle to the Lepers

[Salvation]

He fell at the feet of Jesus

28th Sunday - "Where are the other nine?"

The other day I joined my brother priests along the beautiful Oregon coast for our annual Convocation. This time of year, the weather can be sunny, foggy, rain, wind, cold but rarely very warm. Well, the weather these past three days was nothing short of spectacular. The sun was shining every day and you could see about as far west on the Pacific as possible. With blue skies, shimmering seas gently rolling towards shore and little wind, the coast was at its best. Now and then, as we met each other, everyone would take a break and step outside in the fresh sea air as we enjoyed the view. “What a beautiful day! Can you believe this weather? We really lucked out this year,” was the commentary.

However, never once did I hear, “Thanks be to God for this beautiful day.” Or, as St. Francis would have said, “Brother Sun who is beautiful, radiant with great splendor.” I found myself grateful for the weather but not particularly moved to respond in praise of God and joined the chorus of usual positive commentary on the great scene before us. I stand guilty of failing to thank the Creator for his creation so lavishly shared with us.

An attitude of gratitude might do us well now and then. Though it may sound somewhat cliché, gratitude, giving thanks or saying “thank you,” is not only good manners it is also a way to approach God.

This Sunday, our Gospel relates a well known story about those who were grateful and those who simply went on their way – the ten lepers healed, only one returned to give thanks to God.

When is the last time you said “Praise God” or “Thanks be to God” for the beauty of nature? The little daily blessings? The food we eat? The homes we live in? If we never thank God for the small things, we surely will forget to say “Thanks” for the big things.

As you read the Gospel from Luke, imagine you are among the lepers. Or, maybe imagine you are standing at a distance, because you fear the contagion of leprosy, but you notice and overhear the man who was healed and who fell at the feet of Jesus. How do you feel about what you see and hear?

God provides so much for us but, just as I failed to thank God for the spectacular Ocean view, we often take these things for granted. If we see everything as gift – we will never fail to give thanks. And, isn't that the very foundation of our Eucharist? To gather, praise,rejoice, reflect, receive and "give thanks" for God's gift of his own Son among us.

Like the leper, we fall at the feet of Jesus for without him, there would be no life. Like the leper, in a kind of resurrection image, we stand and go to love and serve the Lord in great thanksgiving.

Luke 17: 11-19

As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem,
he traveled through Samaria and Galilee.
As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him.
They stood at a distance from him and raised their voices, saying,
"Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!"
And when he saw them, he said,
"Go show yourselves to the priests."
As they were going they were cleansed.
And one of them, realizing he had been healed,
returned, glorifying God in a loud voice;
and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.
He was a Samaritan.
Jesus said in reply,
"Ten were cleansed, were they not?
Where are the other nine?
Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?"
Then he said to him, "Stand up and go;
your faith has saved you."

[Salvation]

Insight Scoop

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Washed and Healed of the Leprosy of Sin

A Scriptural Reflection on the Readings for Sunday, October 10, 2010 | Carl E. Olson

Readings:
• 2 Kgs 5:14-17
• Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4
• 2 Tm 2:8-13
• Lk 17:11-19

Recently, while preparing to teach a Bible study, I was reading the story of Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4). I was struck again by how difficult it is for modern-day Americans to appreciate how radical it was for Jesus to have had a conversation with a woman who was a Samaritan and who was living a life of dubious moral quality, to put it mildly. After all, an ancient rabbinic saying declared that it was better to drink the blood of a pig than to accept Samaritan water! Thus, many ancient Jews often went out of their way to avoid contact with non-Jewish people, often for fear of embracing pagan practices, but sometimes because of the belief that they alone were meant to be God’s covenantal people.

This exclusive attitude is addressed in varying ways in today’s readings. The Old Testament reading describes the plight of Naaman, the army commander for the king of Aram, who was both a pagan and a leper. With these two strikes against him, it was understandable that the king of Israel would view with distressed suspicion the king of Aram’s request for Naaman to be cured by Elisha, “the prophet in Samaria” (2 Kgs 5:1-7).

Elisha, however, intervened and directed Naaman to wash in the muddy waters of Jordan, which elicited a cranky response from the impatient warrior: “Are not the rivers of Damascus … better than all the waters of Israel?” That response is a fitting metaphor for how many people today, used to the seemingly neatly packaged answers of modernity, are perplexed by the apparent dustiness of the teachings of the Catholic Church. How can something that seems so muddied by human weakness offer forgiveness of sins?

But Naaman, at the urging of his servants, finally relented and was “plunged into the Jordan seven times.” Here, too, is an appropriate reminder of how the lowly—the “servants” of society—often have a more clear and reasonable understanding of what God is doing. The number of plunges symbolizes the complete nature of the cleansing, for seven is the biblical number of perfection and of the covenant. Thus, Naaman’s washing in the Jordan River foreshadowed the waters of baptism, which wash away the leprosy of sin and make a new creation—“a little child” of God. For, the Catechism states, “just as the gestation of our first birth took place in water, so the water of Baptism truly signifies that our birth into the divine life is given to us in the Holy Spirit” (par 694).

Namaan, who was not a Jew, represents those countless peoples and nations who will finally be drawn into the new and everlasting covenant established by the greatest prophet, Jesus Christ, who not only utters the words of God, but is the Word of God. This same truth was proclaimed by Jesus at numerous times, including in the actions described in today’s Gospel.

In this story, which is unique to Luke, Jesus encounters ten lepers. Unclean and shunned by society (cf., Num 5:2-3), they call to him from a distance. Apparently they had heard something about this mysterious traveling teacher, for they address him as “Master,” the only time Jesus is called such by a non-disciple. Also remarkable is their faith. Having been told to go to the priests, who would see if they were clean and able to rejoin society, they obeyed—and were healed. Yet only one, a Samaritan, returned to offer thanks to the one who had delivered him from a living death. “By this,” writes Cyril of Jerusalem in his commentary on Luke’s Gospel, Jesus “shows that Israel is hard of heart and utterly unthankful.”

Like the Samaritans, the pagans, and the lepers, we also were once outcasts in need of God’s mercy. Through the waters of baptism and the saving work of the Master, we have been cleansed. May we present ourselves daily at the feet of Jesus, glorifying God and giving thanks for His gift of faith.

(This "Opening the Word" column originally appeared in a slightly different form in the October 14, 2007, edition of Our Sunday Visitor newspaper.)

Posted by Carl Olson on Sunday, October 10, 2010 at 12:01 AM

[Salvation]

Vultus Christi

With a quiet mind

By

Father Mark

 on October 10, 2010 6:33 AM |

 

If you can't see the pictures, please click on the links above.

Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost

Quietness of mind is a priceless blessing. And so we ask for it in today's Collect. Quietness of mind -- serenity, tranquility, or inward security-- is the fruit of the pardon and peace that only God can bestow. According to the Collect, it comes together with a cleansing of the soul from sin; for quietness of mind cannot cohabit with sin. Sin causes anguish, fear, restlessness, and insecurity. Once sin has been washed away, the soul begins to experience quietness of mind.

Collect

Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord,
to Thy faithful people pardon and peace,
that they may be cleansed from all their sins,
and serve Thee with a quiet mind.

Translation by the Marquess of Bute, 1879

O Lord! we beseech Thee bestow upon Thy faithful people pardon,
and of Thy forgiveness, peace:
that they may be cleansed of all their offences,
and likewise serve Thee with quiet minds.

Translation by J.D.C., 1852

Epistle: Ephesians 5:15-21

See therefore, brethren, how you walk circumspectly: not as unwise, But as wise: redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore, become not unwise: but understanding what is the will of God. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is luxury: but be ye filled with the Holy Spirit, Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual canticles, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord: Giving thanks always for all things, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God and the Father: Being subject one to another, in the fear of Christ.

In the Epistle, Saint Paul, tells us to walk circumspectly, or cautiously, watching where we place our feet. We cannot walk circumspectly if we are always rushing about, from one thing to another. The frenzied pace foisted upon us by the secular culture must be resisted calmly by a peaceful pace, one marked by Benedictine gravitas, and by a tranquil assessment of the things that surround us. Thus are we given grace to "redeem the time", that is to make a difference in the culture that surrounds us, by giving an example of peace in turmoil, of serenity in anguish, of purity in licentiousness, of quietness in the infernal din that alienates so many from themselves and from God's perfect will for them.

Nolite inebriari vino, says the Apostle, sed implemini Spiritu Sancto. Is this not Saint Ambrose's inspiration, in the hymn for Monday Lauds?

Christusque nobis sit cibus,
potusque noster sit fides;
laeti bibamus sobriam
ebrietatem Spiritus.

And Christ to us for food shall be,
from Him our drink that welleth free,
the Spirit's wine, that maketh whole,
and mocking not, exalts the soul.

The "sober drunkenness" of the Holy Ghost gives rise to singing. But, here again, Christians do not sing as the world, intoxicated by passing pleasures, sings. The melody that rises from the heart of the Church is not of this world. It is the sound of heaven while we are yet on earth. And so, "psalms and hymns and spiritual canticles" find a very pure expression in the Church's plainchant. Plainchant is the song of those who have drunken deeply of the Holy Spirit. It is also one of the chief means given us by the Church to acquire the quiet mind for which we pray in the Collect.

Holy Gospel: John 4:46-53

He came again therefore into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain ruler, whose son was sick at Capharnaum. He having heard that Jesus was come from Judea into Galilee, sent to him and prayed him to come down and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. Jesus therefore said to him: Unless you see signs and wonders, you believe not. The ruler saith to him: Lord, come down before that my son die. Jesus saith to him: Go thy way. Thy son liveth. The man believed the word which Jesus said to him and went his way. And as he was going down, his servants met him: and they brought word, saying, that his son lived. He asked therefore of them the hour wherein he grew better. And they said to him: Yesterday at the seventh hour, the fever left him. The father therefore knew that it was at the same hour that Jesus said to him: Thy son liveth. And himself believed, and his whole house.

Driven to Jesus Out of Desperation

The noble ruler of the Gospel is driven to Jesus out of desperation. His son is sick with a life-threatening fever. He comes to Jesus for his son's sake, being ready in his child's last critical hours to do whatever may save him. Jesus knows that the ruler has come to him, not out of faith, but as a last recourse. In His Heart, Our Lord decides to give the man not only his son's life, but also the gift of faith. "Go thy way, thy son liveth."

Thy Son Liveth

The ruler, clinging to the word of Jesus, sets out for his home. This is the real beginning of his journey in faith. Every step marks the growth of faith in his heart. His obedience to the word of Jesus brings about an increase of faith. And, lest he become discouraged along the way, he is met by his servants bearing news of his son's miraculous recovery at the very hour when Jesus said to him, "Thy son liveth."

The ruler, accompanied by his retinue, continues the journey home where, undoubtedly his son came out to meet him. Thus did the whole household come to believe, with him, in Jesus.

When Jesus Speaks A Word

It sometimes happens that we are driven to Jesus out of desperation. The circumstances and changes of life call us to change, and yet fear holds us back. Insecurity threatens us from all sides. And so we go to Jesus, worn down by suffering and ready to receive His word, if only it might save us. Jesus speaks His word. Ours it is to cling to or to reject. If we cling to it, we will begin to walk with it, perhaps in the very direction of what we fear most.

And then, while we are yet walking by faith, Our Lord sends us bearers of good news. Heartened by their testimony, we complete the journey with a lighter step and with the first stirrings of thanksgiving in the heart.

A Monastic Vocation Story

I have seen this very drama play itself out in the discernment of a monastic vocation. Am I called to the cloister or not? Will it be for me the place of death or the place of life? Should I not remain where I am, in spite of the inward restlessness that tells me that I am called to something more? And then, there comes a moment of capitulation to Jesus. He sees that I have come to him, not out of faith, but of sheer weariness after sleepless nights and ghostly struggles. What does He give me? A word. Mine it is to obey His word by taking the next step, or to turn away from Him, like the rich young man who refused to journey in the insecurity of faith.

If I set out, there will be bearers of glad tidings to meet me along the way. If I refuse to walk in faith, clinging to the word of Jesus as I put one foot in front of the other, I risk never finding the home He has prepared for my soul.

[Salvation]

Vespers -- Evening Prayer

Vespers (Evening Prayer)

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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.

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Hymn

O blest Creator of the light,

Who mak’st the day with radiance bright,

And o’er the forming world didst call

The light from chaos first of all.

Whose wisdom joined in meet array

The morn and eve, and named them day;

Night comes with all its darkling fears;

Regard thy people’s prayers and tears.

Lest, sunk in sin and ’whelmed with strife

They lose the gift of endless life;

While thinking but the thoughts of time,

They weave new chains of woe and crime.

But grant them grace that they may strain

The heavenly gate and prize to gain;

Each harmful lure aside to cast,

And purge away each error past.

O Father, that we ask be done

Through Jesus Christ, thine only Son,

Who, with the Holy Ghost and thee,

Doth live and reign eternally.

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Psalm 109 (110)
The Messiah, king and priest

Among the sacred splendours, I begot you before the dawn.

The Lord has said to my lord:

  “Sit at my right hand

  while I make your enemies your footstool.”

From Zion the Lord will give you a sceptre,

  and you will rule in the midst of your foes.

Royal power is yours in the day of your strength,

  among the sacred splendours.

  Before the dawn, I begot you from the womb.

The Lord has sworn, and he will not repent:

  “You are a priest for ever,

  a priest of the priesthood of Melchisedech.”

The Lord is at your right hand,

  and on the day of his anger he will shatter kings.

He will drink from the stream as he goes –

  he will hold his head high.

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.

Among the sacred splendours, I begot you before the dawn.

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Psalm 111 (112)
How blessed are the just

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for what is right, for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed is the man who fears the Lord

  and loves his commands above all things.

His seed will be powerful on earth:

  the descendants of the just will be blessed.

Glory and riches will fill his house,

  and his righteousness will stand firm for ever.

He rises up in the darkness,

  a light for the upright,

  compassionate, generous, and just.

Happy the man who takes pity and lends,

  who directs his affairs with wisdom –

  he will never be shaken.

The just man will be remembered for ever,

  no slander will he fear.

His heart is ready, hoping in the Lord;

  his heart is strong, it will not fear,

  until he looks down on his defeated enemies.

He gives alms and helps the poor:

  his righteousness will endure for ever,

  his future will be glorious.

The transgressor will see, and be enraged:

  he will grind his teeth and fade away.

The desires of the wicked will perish.

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.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for what is right, for they shall be satisfied.

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Canticle	(Apocalypse 19)

The wedding of the Lamb

Praise God, all his servants, small and great. Alleluia.

Alleluia.

Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,

  because his judgements are true and just.

Alleluia.

Alleluia.

Praise our God, all his servants,

  and you who fear him, small and great.

Alleluia.

Alleluia.

For the Lord reigns, our God, the Almighty:

  let us rejoice and exult and give him glory.

Alleluia.

Alleluia.

The marriage of the Lamb has come,

  and his spouse has made herself ready.

Alleluia.

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.

Praise God, all his servants, small and great. Alleluia.

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Short reading	Hebrews 12:22-24 ©

What you have come to is Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem where the millions of angels have gathered for the festival, with the whole Church in which everyone is a ’first-born son’ and a citizen of heaven. You have come to God himself, the supreme Judge, and been placed with spirits of the saints who have been made perfect; and to Jesus, the mediator who brings a new covenant and a blood for purification which pleads more insistently than Abel’s.

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Short Responsory

Our Lord is great, and great is his power.

– Our Lord is great, and great is his power.

His wisdom has no limits.

– Our Lord is great, and great is his power.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

– Our Lord is great, and great is his power.

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Canticle	Magnificat

My soul rejoices in the Lord

‘It seems that no one has come back to give praise to God, except this foreigner.’ And he said to the man, ‘Stand up and go on your way. Your faith has saved you.’

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.

‘It seems that no one has come back to give praise to God, except this foreigner.’ And he said to the man, ‘Stand up and go on your way. Your faith has saved you.’

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Prayers and Intercessions

We rejoice in the Lord, from whom all good things come, and as we rejoice we sincerely pray:

– Lord, hear our prayer.

Father and Lord of all, you sent your Son into the world so that everyone everywhere would give you glory:

  make your Church an ever stronger witness among the nations.

– Lord, hear our prayer.

Make us followers of the teaching of the Apostles

  and firm believers in the truth.

– Lord, hear our prayer.

You love justice:

  give judgement in favour of those who suffer wrongs.

– Lord, hear our prayer.

Break the fetters of captives, enlighten the eyes of the blind,

  lift up those who are cast down, be the protection of strangers.

– Lord, hear our prayer.

Fulfil the hopes of those who already sleep in peace:

  through your Son, bring them to the final resurrection.

– Lord, hear our prayer.

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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.

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Lord, may your grace go always before us and behind us:

  may it make us constantly eager to do good works.

[We make our prayer] 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.

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

AMEN