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Catholic Caucus:Daily Mass Readings, 12-14-10, Mem., St. John of the Cross, Priest, Doctor/Church
USCCB.org/New American Bible ^ | 12-14-10 | New American Bible

Posted on 12/13/2010 9:35:26 PM PST by Salvation

December 14, 2010


Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, priest and doctor of the Church

 

Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel


Reading 1

Zep 3:1-2, 9-13

Thus says the LORD:
Woe to the city, rebellious and polluted,
to the tyrannical city!
She hears no voice,
accepts no correction;
In the LORD she has not trusted,
to her God she has not drawn near.

For then I will change and purify
the lips of the peoples,
That they all may call upon the name of the LORD,
to serve him with one accord;
From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia
and as far as the recesses of the North,
they shall bring me offerings.

On that day
You need not be ashamed
of all your deeds,
your rebellious actions against me;
For then will I remove from your midst
the proud braggarts,
And you shall no longer exalt yourself
on my holy mountain.
But I will leave as a remnant in your midst
a people humble and lowly,
Who shall take refuge in the name of the LORD:
the remnant of Israel.
They shall do no wrong
and speak no lies;
Nor shall there be found in their mouths
a deceitful tongue;
They shall pasture and couch their flocks
with none to disturb them.

 
Responsorial Psalm

R. (7a) The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,
and your faces may not blush with shame.
When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,
and from all his distress he saved him.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
The LORD confronts the evildoers,
to destroy remembrance of them from the earth.
When the just cry out, the LORD hears them,
and from all their distress he rescues them.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
The LORD redeems the lives of his servants;
no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in him.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people:
“What is your opinion?
A man had two sons.
He came to the first and said,
‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’
The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’
but afterwards he changed his mind and went.
The man came to the other son and gave the same order.
He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go.
Which of the two did his father’s will?”
They answered, “The first.”
Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you,
tax collectors and prostitutes
are entering the Kingdom of God before you.
When John came to you in the way of righteousness,
you did not believe him;
but tax collectors and prostitutes did.
Yet even when you saw that,
you did not later change your minds and believe him.”



TOPICS: Catholic; General Discusssion; Prayer; Worship
KEYWORDS: advent; catholic; catholiclist; saints
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To: All
Vultus Christi

Though It Be Night

| Johann vom Kreuz.jpg

John of the Cross: A Saint for Advent

Saint John of the Cross comes to us in the middle of Advent; he comes to us just one week before the longest night of the year. He comes to us at the very moment when God speaks to us through the mouth of the prophet Isaiah, saying: “I am the Lord, there is no other; I form the light, and create the darkness” (Is 24:6). Saint John comes to guide us through the night; he is familiar with all its secrets.

Blest night of wandering
In secret, where by none might I be spied,
Nor I see anything;
Without a light to guide,
Save that which in my heart burnt in my side.

That light did lead me on,
More surely than the shining of noontide,
Where well I knew that One
Did for my coming bide;
Where he abode, might none but he abide.

(In an Obscure Night, trans. by Arthur Symons)

Poetry, the best poetry, is born of suffering and forged in the crucible of life. Though I find in the poems of Saint John of the Cross a fire that unfailingly warms and illumines, I have, over the years, come to rely more and more on his Precautions, an incomparable guide for the terrible quotidian, wise rules for coping with the struggles and stress of living with oneself and others.

His Poetry and His Precautions

Every Advent, I return to the Precautions of Saint John of the Cross. He wrote them between 1578 and 1579 for the nuns of Beas; at the time he was living at the monastery of El Calvario, having just escaped from prison in Toledo.

The Mystical Doctor’s teaching in the Precautions interfaces in the most remarkable way with what Saint Benedict teaches us in Chapter Seven of the Holy Rule. Here is a sampling of what Saint John of the Cross says:

Very carefully guard yourself against thinking about what happens in the community, and even more against speaking of it, of anything in the past or present concerning a particular religious: nothing about his or her character or conduct or deeds no matter how serious any of this seems.

Do not say anything under the color of zeal or of correcting a wrong, unless at the proper time to whomever by right you ought to tell.

Never be scandalized or astonished at anything you happen to see or learn of, endeavoring to preserve your soul in forgetfulness of all that.

For, should you desire to pay heed to things, many will seem wrong, even were you to live among angels, because of your not understanding the substance of them.

Take Lot's wife as an example: Because she was troubled at the destruction of the Sodomites and turned her head to watch what was happening, God punished her by converting her into a pillar of salt [Gn. 19:26].

You are thus to understand God's will: that even were you to live among devils you should not turn the head of your thoughts to their affairs, but forget these things entirely and strive to keep your soul occupied purely and entirely in God, and not let the thought of this thing or that hinder you from so doing.

And to achieve this, be convinced that in monasteries and communities there is never a lack of stumbling blocks, since there is never a lack of devils who seek to overthrow the saints; God permits this in order to prove and try religious.

And if you do not guard yourself, acting as though you were not in the house, you will not know how to be a religious no matter how much you do, nor will you attain holy denudation and recollection or free yourself of the harm arising from these thoughts.

If you are not cautious in this manner, no matter how good your intention and zeal, the devil will catch you in one way or another. And you are already fully captive when you allow yourself distractions of this sort.

Recall what the Apostle St. James asserts: If anyone thinks he is religious, not restraining the tongue, that one's religion is vain [Jas. 1:26]. This applies as much to the interior as to the exterior tongue.

No Other

You may have noticed in your lectio divina of the prophet Isaiah that two words recur, almost like a refrain: “No other.” “I am the Lord and there is no other” (Is 45:6). “There is none besides me” (Is 45:6) “I am God, and there is no other” (Is 45:22). Saint John, in his Precautions, says the same thing: “No other.” He teaches us in all our nights to train our gaze on the light that shines from the Face of Christ alone and on no other. Only then are we capable of looking upon others and ourselves rightly.

From the Cross Shines the Human Face of God

We enter the Holy Sacrifice today, conscious that it is the Mystery of the Cross made present. From the Cross there shines for us the Human Face of God and no other. In the light of that Face, let us go forward, “though it be night.”


41 posted on 12/14/2010 8:41:50 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
Vespers -- Evening Prayer

Vespers (Evening 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.

Hymn
On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry
Announces that the Lord is nigh;
Come then and hearken, for he brings
Glad tidings from the King of kings.
Then cleansed be every Christian breast,
And furnished for so great a guest!
Yea, let us each his heart prepare
For Christ to come and enter there.
For thou art our salvation, Lord,
Our refuge and our great reward;
Without thy grace our souls must fade,
And wither like a flower decayed.
Stretch forth thine hand, to heal our sore,
And make us rise to fall no more;
Once more upon thy people shine,
And fill the world with love divine.
All praise, eternal Son, to thee,
Whose Advent sets thy people free,
Whom, with the Father, we adore,
And Holy Ghost, for evermore.

Psalm 124 (125)
The Lord guards his people
The Lord surrounds his people.
Those who trust in the Lord are like the mountain of Zion:
  it cannot be shaken, it will stand firm for ever.
Jerusalem – the mountains stand guard over it,
  and the Lord stands guard over his people,
  both now and for ever.
The sceptre of the wicked shall not rest
  upon the inheritance of the just;
lest the just themselves stretch out their hands
  and turn to wickedness.
Be good, O Lord, to the good
  and the upright of heart.
As for those who turn away to crooked paths,
  the Lord shall treat them like the doers of evil.
Peace be on Israel!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
  as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
  world without end.
Amen.
The Lord surrounds his people.

Psalm 130 (131)
Childlike trust in God
Unless you become like little children you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Lord, I do not puff myself up or stare about,
  or walk among the great or seek wonders beyond me.
Truly calm and quiet I have made my spirit:
  quiet as a weaned child in its mother’s arms –
  like an infant is my soul.
Let Israel hope in the Lord, now and for all time.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
  as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
  world without end.
Amen.
Unless you become like little children you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Canticle Apocalypse 4,5
The song of the redeemed
Lord, you made us a kingdom and priests to serve our God.
You are worthy, our Lord and our God,
  to receive glory and honour and power;
for you made all things,
  and it is by your will that they exist and were created.
You are worthy, Lord,
  to receive the book and open its seals,
for you were killed,
  and with your blood you have ransomed people
  from every tribe and language and people and nation,
and made them rulers and priests for God;
  and they will rule over the earth.
The Lamb is worthy, who was killed,
  to receive power and riches and wisdom,
  strength and honour, glory and blessing.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
  as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
  world without end.
Amen.
Lord, you made us a kingdom and priests to serve our God.

Short reading (1 Corinthians 1:7-9) ©
We are waiting for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed; and he will keep you steady and without blame until the last day, the day of our Lord Jesus Christ, because God by calling you has joined you to his Son, Jesus Christ; and God is faithful.

Short Responsory
Come to set us free, Lord God of hosts.
Come to set us free, Lord God of hosts.
Show us your face and we shall be saved.
Come to set us free, Lord God of hosts.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Come to set us free, Lord God of hosts.

Canticle Magnificat
My soul rejoices in the Lord
This is the faithful and wise steward whom the Lord has put in charge of his household. He gives them each their measure of wheat at the proper time.
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.
This is the faithful and wise steward whom the Lord has put in charge of his household. He gives them each their measure of wheat at the proper time.

Prayers and Intercessions
The eternal Word cloaked himself in flesh and showed us a new and living path to the temple of heaven. Humbly we ask him:
Come, Lord, and save us.
God, in you we move, we live, we are:
  come to show us that we are your people.
Come, Lord, and save us.
You are close to each one of us:
  come swiftly and show yourself to all who seek you.
Come, Lord, and save us.
Father of the poor, consoler of the afflicted,
  give freedom to captives and joy to those who mourn.
Come, Lord, and save us.
You hate death and love life:
  give freedom from eternal death to all who have died, and to us also.
Come, Lord, and save us.

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 God, you gave Saint John of the Cross the grace of complete self-denial and an ardent love for the cross of Christ.
  Grant that by following always in his footsteps we may come to the eternal vision of your glory.
[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


42 posted on 12/14/2010 8:58:37 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
Regnum Christi

Sharing in the Labor of the Father’s Vineyard
| SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY
Tuesday, 3rd week of Advent (Dec. 14, 2010)

Father James Swanson, LC

Matthew 21:28-32

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: “What is your opinion?

A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went.

The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.”

Introductory Prayer: Father, here I am before you, ready to open my heart to you. I believe that you are my God, my Creator. I am confident that you are leading me home to you day by day. You wish to draw me closer to you, because you have given me your only Son as my Redeemer. I love you and wish to cooperate with your loving designs for my salvation and the salvation of countless souls. Here I am, Lord, to do your will!

Petition: Lord, help me to cooperate generously in your work of salvation.

1. Saying “Yes, But No” It seems that the longer we have been following Jesus, the more we are like the second son in the parable. We have said “Yes” to God. Our intention is to follow him, but in the end, we don’t seem to follow him very well. We come up short. Then we renew our resolutions to follow him more closely, and before long, we catch ourselves once again using up our time on ourselves and doing very little for him. What’s wrong? We don’t truly want to be like the second son, who said “Yes” only with his lips. In what aspect of my life am I saying, “Yes, but no”?

2. Doing the Bare Minimum Isn´t at least part of the problem that Jesus doesn´t come first in our lives? Since we live in a world where many follow him lukewarmly––if at all––, it´s easy to think we are doing a wonderful, even exceptional, job with the way we practice our faith. It’s easy to think this way even when we´re doing little more than the bare minimum, or perhaps living with a fatal flaw in some basic virtue like charity or purity. What if we were evaluated in our Christianity the way we would be evaluated for a job? Would we keep that job if we never worried about doing more than the bare minimum, or if we lacked one of the basic skills needed for it? Why do I think I can get away with shoddy work when it comes to Jesus? Do I forget that God the Father invites me to work in his vineyard, the Church, not as a servant, but as his son/daughter?

3. I Am Crucial for the Salvation of Souls Following Jesus is the single most important thing I have to do in my life. It is more important than any job I could ever have. He has given me a mission in my life similar to his own mission. Our Lord wishes me to earn graces not only for myself but for many souls out there whom I may never even know. These graces could be crucial for the salvation of many souls. Certainly, if I am married, my spouse and children would be the first ones to benefit from the graces I gain through my prayers, good works and sacrifices. But in addition, I have no way of knowing how many others will depend on my holiness. I need to be ready at any time to bear witness to Jesus and to be a faithful instrument of his grace for whomever he places in my life.

Dialogue with Christ: Dear Jesus, I am preparing myself to celebrate the beginning of your mission of salvation. Help me to understand the importance of the part of your mission you have entrusted to me, so I can live it well as you hope I will. Help me to be more faithful to the daily living of my Christian life and to give witness to you in all situations. Help me to guide others to you with real Christian charity, not pride, so they will not be repelled by my behavior, but drawn to you. Help me to be the light to my family that you want me always to be.

Resolution: What part of my mission do I do the most poorly? I will take some time to think about how I will accomplish it better today and put it into action.


43 posted on 12/14/2010 9:13:23 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All

Remember How Long It Takes to Make a Tree

December 14th, 2010 by Monsignor Dennis Clark, Ph.D. 

Zep 3:1-2, 9-13 / Mt 21:28-32

A shy young man fell in love, but he was utterly tongue-tied whenever he was with the girl. A friend offered some advice: “Just memorize some great lines, expressing your total admiration. Something like, ‘When I see your face, time stands still.’”

It made sense, so for weeks the young man practiced: “When I see your face, time stands still.” Finally he was ready. He took her to a romantic restaurant. The lights were low. His eyes met hers and he said, “When I see your face, I, time, uh…” He couldn’t remember the words.  Again he tried, “Mary, When I see your face, I, er, I mean…” Now he was totally flustered, so in desperation he blurted out, “Mary, your face could stop a CLOCK.”

We laugh, but there’s another part of us that’s a little sad when we hear a story like that, because it reminds us of all the things, large and small, that we’re still struggling to get right. “After all this time,” we say to ourselves, “I’m still stumbling at the same old places in the road. Same old places. Same old cuts and bruises!”

It can be mighty discouraging and can even make us want to give up. But before we do that, it might be a good idea to see what God has to say about it. He’s trying to catch our attention. He’s calling us by name. LISTEN!

“I’ve been walking at your side from the very beginning,” he says, “and following your progress with great hope.  And that’s why I asked Jesus to tell you the story about the two sons. Because you are like the both of them: Sometimes you say ‘yes’ to me, but then get distracted or tired and your ‘yes’ accidentally turns into a ‘no.’

“And sometimes you start with a loud ‘NO!’ and then your better self takes over and you turn it round into the beginning of a ‘yes’ — maybe a little shaky at first, but a beginning. And that makes me so proud of you, because I know what turnarounds cost.

“I know,” says the Lord, “that sometimes you don’t see the progress you’re making. You feel disappointed that you haven’t done better, faster. Dear child, I’m not surprised at all. These things take time. I knew that when I made you.

“Look at how long it takes ME to make a tree or even a flower! And that’s simple when compared to all I’m asking you to do. That will take a lifetime of you and me working together. And even when you reach the end of your pilgrimage, I know in advance that I’ll have to help you finish up. And I will do just that, I promise.

“So don’t be discouraged at how much time everything seems to take  Just hold to course. Don’t look back or waste time worrying about the past. And know that I am with you and that you are in my heart always!”

That is God’s word to us! Trust him. God is as good as his word.


44 posted on 12/14/2010 9:18:22 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body


<< Tuesday, December 14, 2010 >> St. John of the Cross
Saint of the Day
 
Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13
View Readings
Psalm 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-19, 23 Matthew 21:28-32
 

A FATHER'S HEART

 
"Which of the two did what the father wanted?" —Matthew 21:31
 

I am a father, and I want my children to live in God's love. If they act wrongly, I don't wish harm on them. Instead, I want them to repent and choose God's way. I want them to be free, restored, and healthy, not damaged for life because of any of their misdeeds. I want them to personally know God, experience His unconditional love (Eph 3:19), and rejoice always in His abundant mercy. I take no pleasure in punishing my children. Yet when necessary I punish them because I want them to change their hearts, learn to do right, and walk humbly with God (Mi 6:8).

God is our Father (Mt 6:9; Is 64:7). How much more does God the Father love us, His children, than does a human parent! The Father shows great kindness in punishing us promptly for sins instead of allowing sinful behavior to linger and merit a more serious punishment later (2 Mc 6:13-15). He assures His repentant children: "On that day you need not be ashamed of all your deeds, your rebellious actions against Me" (Zep 3:11). Jesus presented the father of the prodigal son as a model of God the Father. This father did not constantly remind his returning son of his prior rebellion and wrongs; instead, the father saw only with eyes of love and welcome. The things of the past were forgotten; God made all things new, especially His restored relationship with His repentant children (see Is 43:18-19; see also Rv 21:5).

God wants all His family present at His Son's Christmas birthday, including His sinful, rebellious children. Do what the Father wants (Mt 21:31). Repent, do His will, and welcome His Son Jesus.

 
Prayer: Father, give me a heart eager to do your will (Ps 40:9).
Promise: "No one incurs guilt who takes refuge in Him." —Ps 34:23
Praise: St. John suffered for Jesus while he was imprisoned for many months when he attempted to reform the Carmelites.

45 posted on 12/14/2010 9:21:16 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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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 142 (143)
A prayer in time of trouble
Do not hide your face from me, for in you have I put my trust.
Lord, listen to my prayer:
  in your faithfulness turn your ear to my pleading;
  in your justice, hear me.
Do not judge your servant:
  nothing that lives can justify itself before you.
The enemy has hounded my spirit,
  he has crushed my life to the ground,
  he has shut me in darkness, like the dead of long ago.
So my spirit trembles within me,
  my heart turns to stone.
I remind myself of the days of old,
  I reflect on all your works,
  I meditate once more on the work of your hands.
I stretch out my arms to you,
  I stretch out my soul, like a land without water.
Come quickly and hear me, O Lord,
  for my spirit is weakening.
Do not hide your face from me,
  do not let me be like the dead,
  who go down to the underworld.
Show me your mercy at daybreak,
  because of my trust in you.
Tell me the way I should follow,
  for I lift up my soul towards you.
Rescue me from my enemies:
  Lord, I flee to you for refuge.
Teach me to do your will,
  for you are my God.
Your good spirit will lead me to the land of justice;
  for your name’s sake, Lord, you will give me life.
In your righteousness you will lead my soul
  away from all tribulation.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
  as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
  world without end.
Amen.
Do not hide your face from me, for in you have I put my trust.

Reading 1 Peter 5:8-9 ©
Be calm and vigilant, because your enemy the devil is prowling round like a roaring lion, looking for someone to eat. Stand up to him, strong in faith.

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

Canticle Nunc Dimittis
Keep us safe, Lord, while we are awake, and guard us as we sleep, so that we can keep watch with Christ and rest in peace.
Now, Master, you let your servant go in peace.
  You have fulfilled your promise.
My own eyes have seen your salvation,
  which you have prepared in the sight of all peoples.
A light to bring the Gentiles from darkness;
  the glory of your people Israel.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
  as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
  world without end.
Amen.
Keep us safe, Lord, while we are awake, and guard us as we sleep, so that we can keep watch with Christ and rest in peace.

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

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

AMEN


Alma Redemptoris Mater
Kind mother of our Redeemer,
  the way to heaven for us, now and always,
  come to our help as we fall and strive to rise.
All nature stood still in wonder
  when you gave flesh
  to your own flesh’s Creator.
Virgin at Gabriel’s greeting,
  Virgin now and always –
  take pity on us sinners.
Alma Redemptoris Mater, quae pervia caeli
porta manes, et stella maris, succurre cadenti,
surgere qui curat, populo: tu quae genuisti,
natura mirante, tuum sanctum Genitorem,
Virgo prius ac posterius, Gabrielis ab ore,
sumens illud Ave, peccatorum miserere.

46 posted on 12/14/2010 9:22:52 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: Salvation

Gave me shivers! I am so glad you are okay...


47 posted on 12/15/2010 9:22:53 PM PST by Judith Anne (Holy Mary, Mother of God, please pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death.)
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To: Judith Anne

I’m a little sore with a little bit of a black eye where my cheekbone hit the sidewalk. But like I said above — I’m walking, nothing got broken, not even my scratched up glasses and I know I was blessed by someone greater than me.


48 posted on 12/15/2010 9:32:46 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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