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From: Isaiah 35:4-7a

Promise of Redemption

[4] Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, fear not! Behold, your God
will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save
you.” [5] Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf un-
stopped; [6] then shall the lame man leap like a hart, and the tongue of the dumb
sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the de-
sert; [7a] the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs
of water.

*********************************************************************************************
Commentary:

35:1-10 The focus now changes with this hymn celebrating Zion, the holy city. It
presents a picture of the restored Jerusalem in language reminiscent of that of
chapters 11 and 12. God who manifested his presence and protection during the
exodus, when Israel came up out of Egypt, will do so again in wonderful ways
as the redeemed flock back home to Zion. He will show them the route and give
them a highway and be with them in a sort of solemn procession to where he
dwells (v. 8). Just as in Babylon there was a “Holy Way” lined with statues of
lions and dragons that led to the temple of Marduk, the redeemed will have a tru-
ly “Holy Way” to take them to the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. The joy of the
returnees is compounded by the instant cure of the blind, deaf and lame (cf. 29:
18-19), which is an anticipation of what will happen in the messianic era.

The miracles worked by Jesus demonstrate that the moment of true redemption
foreseen indistinctly by the prophets has come to pass (cf. Mt 11:2-6). St Justin,
showing the Jew Tryphon that this prophecy found fulfillment in Christ, points out:
“Christ is the stream of living water that flows from God; he sprang up in the de-
sert wastes of ignorance of God; that is, in the parched earth of all the nations.
He, who was born among your people, cured those who were blind from birth,
and the deaf and the lame: by his word alone, they leapt and heard and saw
once more. He raised the dead and gave them new life, and by all his good works
prompted men to see Him for who he is. [...] He did all these things to convince
those who were to believe in him, whatever bodily defects they might have, that
if they obeyed the teachings that he gave them, he would raise them up again at
his Second Coming and make them whole and perfect and immortal as He is”
(”Dialogus Cum Tryphone”, 69,6).

The Church uses this passage from Isaiah in the Advent liturgy (3rd Sunday, Cy-
cle A) to encourage the faithful in joyous hope that God will come and bring sal-
vation.

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

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

From: James 2:1-5

Respect for the Poor

[1] My brethren, show no partiality as you hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Lord of glory. [2] For if a man with gold rings and in fine clothing comes into
your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, [3] and you
pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “Have a seat here,
please,” while you say to the poor man, “Stand there,” or, “Sit at my feet,” [4]
have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil
thoughts? [5] Listen, my beloved brethren. Has not God chosen those who are
poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom which He has pro-
mised to those who love Him?

*********************************************************************************************
Commentary:

1-13. Apparently some of the Christians to whom this letter was addressed were
guilty of discriminating against people on the grounds of social standing — a clear
instance of inconsistency between faith and actions, a key theme which James
has already touched on (cf. 1:19-27) and will develop later (cf. 2:14-26). He may
well be taking an example from something that actually happened (verses 1-4)
to make the very vigorous point that discrimination is opposed to the Gospel (ver-
ses 5-7) as indeed to the Law (verses 8-11); and he makes it plain that this type
of behavior will be severely punished by God when He comes to judge (verses
12-13).

1-4. God “is not partial and takes no bribe” (Deuteronomy 10:17). Discrimination
among people is often condemned in the Old Testament—in the Law as well as in
the Prophets and the Wisdom books (cf., e.g. Leviticus 19:15; Isaiah 5:23; Micah
3:9-11; Psalm 82:2-4). In the Gospel even our Lord’s enemies admit that He is
impartial and does not make unfair distinctions (cf. Matthew 22:16).

In line with this teaching, the Church takes issue with every form of discrimina-
tion. “All men are endowed with a rational soul and are created in God’s image;
they have the same nature and origin and, being redeemed by Christ, they enjoy
the same divine calling and destiny; there is here a basic equality between men
and it must be given ever greater recognition. Undoubtedly not all men are alike
as regards physical capacity and intellectual and moral powers. But forms of so-
cial or cultural discrimination in basic personal rights on the grounds of sex, race,
color, social conditions, language or religion, must be curbed and eradicated as
incompatible with God’s design” (”Gaudium Et Spes”, 29).

1. “The faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory”: literally “the faith of our
Lord Jesus Christ of glory.” This phrase can be interpreted in slightly different
ways depending on how one understands “of glory”. The most likely interpreta-
tion is that this is an instance of a Semitic genitive used in place of the adjective
“glorious” or “glorified”; in which case St. James is referring to Jesus Christ who,
after His ascension and resurrection, enjoys, also in His capacity as man, the
highest honor and glory.

The RSV takes up the idea found in 1 Corinthians 2:8 where St. Paul calls Christ
“the Lord of glory”: since in the Old Testament “glory” was the splendor of the
majesty of Yahweh (cf. Exodus 24:16), by applying this divine attribute to Christ
His divinity is being explicitly asserted. If this is the correct translation, it may be
a form of words taken from early Christian liturgy.

Some translate it in another way which puts even greater stress on Christ’s divi-
nity: “The faith of the glory (that is, the divinity) of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

All these translations are compatible with one another and complementary to
one another.

5-7. Many of the people to whom the letter was written must have been quite
poor (cf. note on 1:2-4; 1 Corinthians 1:26-29). St. James reminds them that God
wants to make them rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus in
fact had given as a sign of His messiahship the fact that the Gospel is proclaimed
to the poor (cf. Matthew 11:5; Luke 7:22) and He also taught that “Blessed are
the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 5:3). “Christ was
sent by the Father ‘to preach good news to the poor...to heal the contrite of heart’
(Luke 4:18), ‘to seek and to save the lost’ (Luke 19:10). Similarly, the Church en-
compasses with her love all those who are afflicted by human misery and she re-
cognizes in those who are poor and who suffer, the image of her poor and suffe-
ring Founder. She does all in her power to relieve their need and in them she
strives to serve Christ” (Vatican II, “Lumen Gentium”, 8).

Of the rich on the other hand, the Apostle speaks with unusual harshness. As
elsewhere in Sacred Scripture, those who deserve such severe condemnation are
people who are bent on building up their possession as if ownership were the on-
ly purpose in life, not minding what means they used, and oppressing and ill-trea-
ting the poor (cf. note on Luke 6:24).

Behavior of this type is so serious that it amounts to “blaspheming that honora-
ble name by which you are called” (verse 7) — blasphemy by scandalous action
rather than by words. This “name” can mean both the name “Jesus” — called
down on them at Baptism — and that of “Christian”, a name already being given
to those first followers of the Master (cf. Acts 11:26).

What St. James says here can in no sense be used to justify the “class struggle”
which some materialistic doctrines propose. The Magisterium of the Church has
often pointed out that the application of Christian principles should make for har-
mony and concord between the various groups in society (cf. Leo XIII, “Rerum
Novarum”, 14). James’ words certainly do urge everyone to make a real effort to
promote the human dignity of all: “The evil inequities and oppression of every kind
which afflict millions of men and women today openly contradict Christ’s Gospel
and cannot leave the conscience of any Christian indifferent” (SCDF, “Libertatis
Conscientia”, 57).

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

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

From: Mark 7:31-37

The Curing of a Deaf Man

[31] Then [Jesus] returned from the region of Tyre, and went through Sidon to
the Sea of Galilee, through the region of the Decapolis. [32] And they brought
Him a man who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech; and they be-
sought Him to lay His hand upon him. [33] And taking him aside from the mul-
titude privately, He put His fingers into his ears, and He spat and touched his
tongue; [34] and looking up to Heaven, He sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,”
that is, “Be opened.” [35] And his ears were opened, his tongue was released,
and he spoke plainly. [36] And He charged them to tell no one; but the more
He charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. [37] And they were
astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well; He even
makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak.”

*********************************************************************************************
Commentary:

32-33. Sacred Scripture quite often shows the laying on of hands as a gesture
indicating the transfer of power or blessing (cf. Genesis 48:14ff; 2 Kings 5:11;
Luke 13:13). Everyone knows that saliva can help heal minor cuts. In the lan-
guage of Revelation fingers symbolized powerful Divine action (cf. Exodus 8:19;
Psalm 8:4; Luke 11:20). So Jesus uses signs which suit in some way the effect
He wants to achieve, though we can see from the text that the effect—the instan-
taneous cure of the deaf and dumb man—far exceeds the sign used.

In the miracle of the deaf and dumb man we can see a symbol of the way God
acts on souls: for us to believe, God must first open our heart so we can listen
to His word. Then, like the Apostles, we too can proclaim the “magnalia Dei”,
the mighty works of God (cf. Acts 2:11). In the Church’s liturgy (cf. the hymn
“Veni Creator”) the Holy Spirit is compared to the finger of the right hand of God
the Father (”Digitus paternae dexterae”). The Consoler produces in our souls,
in the supernatural order, effects comparable to those which Christ produces
in the body of the deaf and dumb man.

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

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

Readings at Mass

First reading	Isaiah 35:4-7 ©

Say to all faint hearts,

‘Courage! Do not be afraid.

Look, your God is coming,

vengeance is coming,

the retribution of God;

he is coming to save you.’

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,

the ears of the deaf unsealed,

then the lame shall leap like a deer

and the tongues of the dumb sing for joy;

for water gushes in the desert,

streams in the wasteland,

the scorched earth becomes a lake,

the parched land springs of water.

Psalm	Psalm 145:6-10 ©

My soul, give praise to the Lord.

or

Alleluia!

It is the Lord who keeps faith for ever,

who is just to those who are oppressed.

It is he who gives bread to the hungry,

the Lord, who sets prisoners free,

My soul, give praise to the Lord.

or

Alleluia!

It is the Lord who gives sight to the blind,

who raises up those who are bowed down,

the Lord, who protects the stranger

and upholds the widow and orphan.

My soul, give praise to the Lord.

or

Alleluia!

It is the Lord who loves the just

but thwarts the path of the wicked.

The Lord will reign for ever,

Zion’s God, from age to age.

My soul, give praise to the Lord.

or

Alleluia!

Second reading	James 2:1-5 ©

My brothers, do not try to combine faith in Jesus Christ, our glorified Lord, with the making of distinctions between classes of people. Now suppose a man comes into your synagogue, beautifully dressed and with a gold ring on, and at the same time a poor man comes in, in shabby clothes, and you take notice of the well-dressed man, and say, ‘Come this way to the best seats’; then you tell the poor man, ‘Stand over there’ or ‘You can sit on the floor by my foot-rest.’ Can’t you see that you have used two different standards in your mind, and turned yourselves into judges, and corrupt judges at that?

Listen, my dear brothers: it was those who are poor according to the world that God chose, to be rich in faith and to be the heirs to the kingdom which he promised to those who love him.

Gospel Acclamation	1S3:9,Jn6:68

Alleluia, alleluia!

Speak, Lord, your servant is listening:

you have the message of eternal life.

Alleluia!

Or	cf.Mt4:23

Alleluia, alleluia!

Jesus proclaimed the Good News of the kingdom

and cured all kinds of sickness among the people.

Alleluia!

Gospel	Mark 7:31-37 ©

Returning from the district of Tyre, Jesus went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, right through the Decapolis region. And they brought him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they asked him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, put his fingers into the man’s ears and touched his tongue with spittle. Then looking up to heaven he sighed; and he said to him, ‘Ephphatha’, that is, ‘Be opened.’ And his ears were opened, and the ligament of his tongue was loosened and he spoke clearly. And Jesus ordered them to tell no one about it, but the more he insisted, the more widely they published it. Their admiration was unbounded. ‘He has done all things well,’ they said ‘he makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak.’

PRAYERS AFTER

HOLY MASS AND COMMUNION

Leonine Prayers

Complete Prayer to St. Michael

Prayer Before the Crucifix

Anima Christi Prayer

Prayer for Vocations

Leonine Prayers
Following are the Prayers after Low Mass which were prescribed by Pope Leo XIII who composed the Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel, and were reinforced by Pope Pius XI and Pope Pius XII to pray for the conversion of Russia. These prayers were in effect until after Vatican II. A decade later Paul VI said, "satan has entered the sanctuary." Could the elimination of these powerful prayers with a ten year indulgence have played a huge part in allowing the devil such easy access? The answer is obvious. Below the normal Leonine Prayers is the longer version of the Prayer to St. Michael, composed by His Excellency Pope Leo XIII to defend against The Great Apostasy.

Latin
Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum, benedicta tu in mulieribus et benedictus fructis ventris tui, Jesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen.
(Said 3 times)
    Salve Regina, Mater misericordiae, vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve. Ad te clamamus, exsules filii Evae. Ad te suspiramus gementes et fientes in hac lacrymarum valle. Eia ergo, Advocata nostra, illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte. Et Jesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui, nobis, post hoc exilium, ostende. O clemens, o pia, o dulcis Virgo Maria. Ora pro nobis, sancta Dei Genitrix. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.
    Oremus. Deus, refugium nostrum et virtus, populum ad te clamantem propitius respice; et intercedente gloriosa, et immaculata Virgine Dei Genitrice Maria, cum beato Joseph, ejus Sponso, ac beatis Apostolis tuis Petro et Paulo, et omnibus Sanctis, quas pro conversione peccatorum, pro libertate et exaltatione sanctae Matris Ecclesiae, preces effundimus, misericors et benignus exaudi. Per eundum Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
Sancte Michael Archangele, defende nos in proelio; contra nequitiam et insidias diaboli esto praesidium. Imperet illi Deus, supplices deprecamur: tuque, Princeps militiae Caelestis, satanam aliosque spiritus malignos, qui ad perditionem animarum pervagantur in mundo, divina virtute in infernum detrude. Amen.
Cor Jesu sacratissimum. Miserere nobis.
Cor Jesu sacratissimum. Miserere nobis.
Cor Jesu sacratissimum. Miserere nobis.

Vernacular
   Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst 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.
(Said 3 times)
   Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee to we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mouring and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this exile, show unto us the blessed Fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
   Let us pray.
O God, our refuge and our strength, look down with mercy upon the people who cry to Thee; and by the intercession of the glorious and immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of Saint Joseph her spouse, of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the saints, in Thy mercy and goodness hear our prayers for the conversion of sinners, and for the liberty and exaltation of the Holy Mother the Church. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
   Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray: and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us.

Complete Prayer to Saint Michael
The following is the longer version of the vital prayer composed by Pope Leo XIII in 1888 after his startling vision as to the future of the Church. This prayer was dedicated for the Feast of St. Michael 1448 years from the date of the election of the first Leo - Pope Saint Leo the Great. Everyone is familiar with the first prayer below which was mandated by His Holiness as part of the Leonine Prayers after Low Mass. After Vatican II, in legion with the devil Giovanni Montini outlawed this necessary prayer and then one wonders how "the smoke of satan" got into the sanctuary? The conciliarists wanted to make sure the words in bold below would never see the light of day again for in it Leo foretold what would happen: The shepherd would be struck, the sheep scattered. Below are both the short and longer versions of this poignant prayer which should never be forgotten.

    Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray, and do thou, O heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

O glorious Archangel Saint Michael, Prince of the heavenly host, be our defense in the terrible warfare which we carry on against principalities and powers, against the rulers of this world of darkness, spirits of evil. Come to the aid of man, whom God created immortal, made in His own image and likeness, and redeemed at a great price from the tyranny of the devil. Fight this day the battle of our Lord, together with the holy angels, as already thou hast fought the leader of the proud angels, Lucifer, and his apostate host, who were powerless to resist thee, nor was there place for them any longer in heaven. That cruel, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil or Satan who seduces the whole world, was cast into the abyss with his angels. Behold this primeval enemy and slayer of men has taken courage. Transformed into an angel of light, he wanders about with all the multitude of wicked spirits, invading the earth in order to blot out the Name of God and of His Christ, to seize upon, slay, and cast into eternal perdition, souls destined for the crown of eternal glory. That wicked dragon pours out. as a most impure flood, the venom of his malice on men of depraved mind and corrupt heart, the spirit of lying, of impiety, of blasphemy, and the pestilent breath of impurity, and of every vice and iniquity. These most crafty enemies have filled and inebriated with gall and bitterness the Church, the spouse of the Immaculate Lamb, and have laid impious hands on Her most sacred possessions. In the Holy Place itself, where has been set up the See of the most holy Peter and the Chair of Truth for the light of the world, they have raised the throne of their abominable impiety with the iniquitous design that when the Pastor has been struck the sheep may be scattered. Arise then, O invincible Prince, bring help against the attacks of the lost spirits to the people of God, and give them the victory. They venerate thee as their protector and patron; in thee holy Church glories as her defense against the malicious powers of hell; to thee has God entrusted the souls of men to be established in heavenly beatitude. Oh, pray to the God of peace that He may put Satan under our feet, so far conquered that he may no longer be able to hold men in captivity and harm the Church. Offer our prayers in the sight of the Most High, so that they may quickly conciliate the mercies of the Lord; and beating down the dragon, the ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, do thou again make him captive in the abyss, that he may no longer seduce the nations. Amen.
V: Behold the Cross of the Lord; be scattered ye hostile powers.
R: The Lion of the Tribe of Juda has conquered the root of David.
V: Let Thy mercies be upon us, O Lord.
R: As we have hoped in Thee.
V: O Lord hear my prayer.
R: And let my cry come unto Thee.
V: Let us pray. O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we call upon Thy holy Name, and as suppliants, we implore Thy clemency, that by the intercession of Mary, ever Virgin, immaculate and our Mother, and of the glorious Archangel Saint Michael, Thou wouldst deign to help us against Satan and all other unclean spirits, who wander about the world for the injury of the human race and the ruin of our souls. Amen.

Prayer Before the Crucifix
   Look down upon me, O good and gentle Jesus, while before Thy face I humbly kneel, and with burning soul pray and beseech Thee to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope and charity, true contrition for my sins, and a firm purpose of amendment; the while I contemplate with great love and tender pity Thy five most precious wounds, pondering over them within me, calling to mind the words which David Thy prophet said of Thee, my good Jesus: "They have pierced My hands and My feet; they have numbered all My bones."
Indulgence of ten years; a plenary indulgence if recited after devout reception of Holy Communion, Raccolta 201)
Anima Christi - Soul of Christ
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O Good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds, hide me.
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee.
From the malignant enemy, defend me.
In the hour of my death, call me.
And bid me come to Thee, that with
Thy saints I may praise Thee for ever and ever. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days; if recited after devout reception of Holy Communion, seven years Raccolta 131)
Prayer for Vocations
   O Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst take to Thyself a body and soul like ours, to teach us the glory of self-sacrifice and service, mercifully deign to instill in other hearts the desire to dedicate their lives to Thee. Give us PRIESTS to stand before Thine Altar and to preach the words of Thy Gospel; BROTHERS to assist the priests and to reproduce in themselves Thy humility; SISTERS to teach the young and nurse the sick and to minister Thy charity to all; LAY PEOPLE to imitate Thee in their homes and families. Amen.

NOVENA for the ELECTION -- 54 or 56 days (you choose!) ECUMENICAL

Prayers for The Religion Forum (Ecumenical)

Continue to Pray for Pope Benedict [Ecumenical]

Jesus, High Priest

We thank you, God our Father, for those who have responded to your call to priestly ministry.

Accept this prayer we offer on their behalf: Fill your priests with the sure knowledge of your love.

Open their hearts to the power and consolation of the Holy Spirit.

Lead them to new depths of union with your Son.

Increase in them profound faith in the Sacraments they celebrate as they nourish, strengthen and heal us.

Lord Jesus Christ, grant that these, your priests, may inspire us to strive for holiness by the power of their example, as men of prayer who ponder your word and follow your will.

O Mary, Mother of Christ and our mother, guard with your maternal care these chosen ones, so dear to the Heart of your Son.

Intercede for our priests, that offering the Sacrifice of your Son, they may be conformed more each day to the image of your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Saint John Vianney, universal patron of priests, pray for us and our priests

This icon shows Jesus Christ, our eternal high priest.

The gold pelican over His heart represents self-sacrifice.

The border contains an altar and grapevines, representing the Mass, and icons of Melchizedek and St. Jean-Baptiste Vianney.

Melchizedek: king of righteousness (left icon) was priest and king of Jerusalem. He blessed Abraham and has been considered an ideal priest-king.

St. Jean-Baptiste Vianney is the patron saint of parish priests.

Pray a Rosary each day for our nation.

Pray the Rosary

1. Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

2. The Apostles Creed: I BELIEVE in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

3. The Lord's Prayer: 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. Amen.

4. (3) Hail Mary: HAIL Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and in the hour of our death. Amen. (Three times)

5. Glory Be: 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.

Fatima Prayer: Oh, my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of your mercy.

Announce each mystery, then say 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory Be and 1 Fatima prayer. Repeat the process with each mystery.

End with the Hail Holy Queen:

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve! To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears! Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us; and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus!

O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Final step -- The Sign of the Cross

The Mysteries of the Rosary

By tradition, Catholics meditate on these Mysteries during prayers of the Rosary.
The biblical references follow each of the Mysteries below.

The Glorious Mysteries
(Wednesdays and Sundays)
1.The Resurrection (Matthew 28:1-8, Mark 16:1-18, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-29) [Spiritual fruit - Faith]
2. The Ascension (Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:6-11) [Spiritual fruit - Christian Hope]
3. The Descent of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:1-13) [Spiritual fruit - Gifts of the Holy Spirit]
4. The Assumption [Spiritual fruit - To Jesus through Mary]
5. The Coronation [Spiritual fruit - Grace of Final Perseverance]

~ PRAYER ~

St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle
Be our protection against the wickedness
and snares of the devil;
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God,
Cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits
who prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen
+

A Prayer for our Free Nation Under God
God Save Our Country web site (prayer warriors)
Prayer Chain Request for the United States of America
Pray for Nancy Pelosi
Prayer and fasting will help defeat health care reform (Freeper Prayer Thread)
Prayer Campaign Started to Convert Pro-Abortion Catholic Politicians to Pro-Life
[Catholic Caucus] One Million Rosaries
Non-stop Rosary vigil to defeat ObamaCare

From an Obama bumper sticker on a car:

"Pray for Obama. Psalm 109:8"

PLEASE JOIN US -

Evening Prayer
Someone has said that if people really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, we might be speechless.
Did you know that during WWII there was an advisor to Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every day at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England, its people and peace?

There is now a group of people organizing the same thing here in America. If you would like to participate: Every evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (8:00 PM Central) (7:00 PM Mountain) (6:00 PM Pacific), stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens, and for a return to a Godly nation. If you know anyone else who would like to participate, please pass this along. Our prayers are the most powerful asset we have. Please forward this to your praying friends.

Our Blessed Lady's Sorrows

Sea of Sorrow

Oh! on what a sea of sorrow
Was the Virgin-Mother cast,
When her eyes with tears o'erflowing
Gazed upon her Son aghast,
From the bloodstained gibbet taken,
Dying in her arms at last.

In her bitter desolation,
His sweet mouth, His bosom too,
Then His riven side beloved,
Then each hand, both wounded through,
Then His feet, with blood encrimsoned,
Her maternal tears bedew.

She, a hundred times and over,
Strains Him closely to her breast
Heart to Heart, arms arms enfolding,
Are His wounds on her impressed:
Thus, in sorrow's very kisses,
Melts her anguished soul to rest.

Oh, dear Mother! we beseech thee,
By the tears thine eyes have shed,
By the cruel death of Jesus
And His wounds' right royal red,
Make our hearts o'erflow with sorrow
From thy heart's deep fountainhead.

To the Father, Son, and Spirit,
Now we bend on equal knee:
Glory, sempiternal glory,
To the Most High Trinity;
Yea! perpetual praise and honor
Now and through all ages be.

Novena Prayer To Our Sorrowful Mother

Most Blessed and afflicted Virgin, Queen of Martyrs, who didst stand generously beneath the cross, beholding the agony of thy dying Son; by the sword of sorrow which then pierced thy soul, by the sufferings of thy sorrowful life, by the unutterable joy which now more than repays thee for them; look down with a mother's pity and tenderness, as I kneel before thee to compassionate thy sorrows, and to lay my petition with childlike confidence in thy wounded heart. I beg of thee, O my Mother, to plead continually for me with thy Son, since He can refuse thee nothing, and through the merits of His most sacred Passion and Death, together with thy own sufferings at the foot of the cross, so to touch His Sacred Heart, that I may obtain my request,
For to whom shall I fly in my wants and miseries, if not to thee, O Mother of mercy, who, having so deeply drunk the chalice of thy Son, canst most pity us poor exiles, still doomed to sigh in this vale of tears? Offer to Jesus but one drop of His Precious Blood, but one pang of His adorable Heart; remind Him that thou art our life, our sweetness, and our hope, and thou wilt obtain what I ask, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hail Mary
Virgin Most Sorrowful, pray for us
(Seven times each)

Mary, most holy Virgin and Queen of Martyrs, accept the sincere homage of my filial affection. Into thy Heart, pierced by so many swords, do thou welcome my poor soul. Receive it as the companion of thy sorrows at the foot of the Cross, on which Jesus died for the redemption of the world. With thee, O sorrowful Virgin, I will gladly suffer all the trials, contradictions, and infirmities which it shall please Our Lord to send me. I offer them all to thee in memory of thy sorrows, so that: every thought of my mind and every beat of my heart may be an act of compassion and of love for thee. And do thou, sweet Mother, have pity on me, reconcile me to thy Divine Son, Jesus; keep me in His grace and assist me in my last agony, so that I may be able to meet thee in Heaven and sing thy glories.

Most holy Virgin and Mother, whose soul was pierced by a sword of sorrow in the Passion of thy Divine Son, and who in His glorious Resurrection wast filled with never ending joy at His triumph, obtain for us who call upon thee, so to be partakers in the adversities of Holy Church and the Sorrows of the Sovereign Pontiff, as to be found worthy to rejoice with them in the consolations for which we pray, in the charity and peace of the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Litany of the Seven Sorrows

For private use only.

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven,
Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God,
Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary,
Pray for us.
Holy Mother of God,
Pray for us.
Holy Virgin of virgins, etc.
Mother crucified,
Mother sorrowful,
Mother tearful,
Mother afflicted,
Mother forsaken,
Mother desolate,
Mother bereft of thy Child,
Mother transfixed with the sword,
Mother consumed with grief,
Mother filled with anguish,
Mother crucified in heart,
Mother most sad,
Fountain of tears,
Abyss of suffering,
Mirror of patience,
Rock of constancy,
Anchor of confidence,
Refuge of the forsaken,
Shield of the oppressed,
Subduer of the unbelieving,
Comfort of the afflicted,
Medicine of the sick,
Strength of the weak,
Harbor of the wrecked,
Allayer of tempests,
Resource of mourners,
Terror of the treacherous,
Treasure of the faithful,
Eye of the Prophets,
Staff of the Apostles,
Crown of Martyrs,
Light of confessors,
Pearl of virgins,
Consolation of widows,
Joy of all Saints,

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.

Look down upon us, deliver us, and save us from all trouble,
in the power of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Let Us Pray.
Imprint, O Lady, thy wounds upon my heart, that I may read therein sorrow and love
--- sorrow to endure every sorrow for thee, love to despise every love for thee. Amen.

Conclude with the Apostles Creed, Hail Holy Queen, and three Hail Marys,
in honor of the Most Holy Heart of Mary.

Stabat Mater Dolorosa

Stabat mater dolorosa
iuxta Crucem lacrimosa,
dum pendebat Filius.

Cuius animam gementem,
contristatam et dolentem
pertransivit gladius.

O quam tristis et afflicta
fuit illa benedicta,
mater Unigeniti!

Quae maerebat et dolebat,
pia Mater, dum videbat
nati poenas inclyti.

Quis est homo qui non fleret,
matrem Christi si videret
in tanto supplicio?

Quis non posset contristari
Christi Matrem contemplari
dolentem cum Filio?

Pro peccatis suae gentis
vidit Iesum in tormentis,
et flagellis subditum.

Vidit suum dulcem Natum
moriendo desolatum,
dum emisit spiritum.

Eia, Mater, fons amoris
me sentire vim doloris
fac, ut tecum lugeam.

Fac, ut ardeat cor meum
in amando Christum Deum
ut sibi complaceam.

Sancta Mater, istud agas,
crucifixi fige plagas
cordi meo valide.

Tui Nati vulnerati,
tam dignati pro me pati,
poenas mecum divide.

Fac me tecum pie flere,
crucifixo condolere,
donec ego vixero.

Iuxta Crucem tecum stare,
et me tibi sociare
in planctu desidero.

Virgo virginum praeclara,
mihi iam non sis amara,
fac me tecum plangere.

Fac, ut portem Christi mortem,
passionis fac consortem,
et plagas recolere.

Fac me plagis vulnerari,
fac me Cruce inebriari,
et cruore Filii.

Flammis ne urar succensus,
per te, Virgo, sim defensus
in die iudicii.

Christe, cum sit hinc exire,
da per Matrem me venire
ad palmam victoriae.

Quando corpus morietur,
fac, ut animae donetur
paradisi gloria. Amen.

Prayer To Our Lady of Sorrows, by St. Bridget

O Blessed Virgin Mary, Immaculate Mother of God, who didst endure a martyrdom of love and grief beholding the sufferings and sorrows of Jesus! Thou didst cooperate in the benefit of my redemption by thine innumerable afflictions and by offering to the Eternal Father His only begotten Son as a holocaust and victim of propitiation for my sins. I thank thee for the unspeakable love which led thee to deprive thyself of the Fruit of thy womb, Jesus, true God and true Man, to save me, a sinner. Oh, make use of the unfailing intercession of thy sorrows with the Father and the Son, that I may steadfastly amend my life and never again crucify my loving Redeemer by new sins, and that, persevering till death in His grace. I may obtain eternal life through the merits of His Cross and Passion. Amen.

Mother of love, of sorrow and of mercy, pray for us.

Saint Alphonsus Liguori's Prayer To The Mother Of Sorrows

O, my Blessed Mother, it is not one sword only with which I have pierced thy heart, but I have done so with as many as are the sins which I have committed. O, Lady, it is not to thee, who art innocent, that sufferings are due, but to me, who am guilty of so many crimes. But since thou hast been pleased to suffer so much for me, by thy merits, obtain me great sorrow for my sins, and patience under the trials of this life, which will always be light in comparison with my demerits; for I have often deserved Hell.
Amen.

Stabet Mater Dolorosa (catholic/orthodox caucus)
[CATHOLIC/ORTHODOX CAUCUS] Spirituality: Our Lady of Sorrows
The Seven Swords Rosary Of Our Lady Of Sorrows [Catholic Caucus] Prayer and Meditation
The Rosary of the Seven Sorrows [Catholic Caucus] Prayer/Devotion
Our Lady of Sorrows, part I: "Her Martyrdom was longer and greater than that of all the martyrs"

Lists Every Catholic Should be Familiar With: The 7 Sorrows (Dolours) and 7 Joys of Our Lady
The Seven Dolors (Sorrows) of Mary [Catholic/Orthodox Devotional]
Apparition in Africa: Our Lady of Sorrows [Catholic/Orthodox Caucus]
Feast of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary [Catholic Caucus Devotional]
Feast of Our Lady/Mother of Sorrows
Homilies on Our Lady of Sorrows
Starkenburg:Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Sorrows Shrine
Our Mother of Sorrows
ST. ALPHONSUS LIGUORI, OF THE DOLOURS OF MARY, The Glories [Sorrows] of Mary
Our Lady of Sorrows - Sep 15

September 2012

Pope's intentions

General Intention: That politicians may always act with honesty, integrity, and love for the truth.

Missionary Intention: Help for the Poorest Churches. That Christian communities may have a growing willingness to send missionaries, priests, and lay people, along with concrete resources, to the poorest Churches.

Arlington Catholic Herald

GOSPEL COMMENTARY MK 7:31-37

Restoring man in Christ

Fr. Jerome Magat

At first glance, the actions taken by Our Lord to heal the deaf and mute man may seem somewhat unusual and perhaps intrusive. The thought of putting one’s finger in another person’s ears or applying saliva on another person’s tongue offends our notions of personal space and hygiene. A more studied examination of this physical healing, however, demonstrates the restorative power of God working within the soul.

First, we observe that Jesus takes the man away by himself, away from the crowd. This action reminds us that God relates to us as individuals. For example, when we confess our sins, God takes us away to be with Him in the privacy of the confessional. He takes us away from the activity of the world to be alone with Him so that He can open to us His inner life and pour His grace into our soul to heal us, as we bear our soul to the priest.

Second, it is worth noting that the use of spittle to heal infirmities was not uncommon in Our Lord’s day since saliva was believed to have curative qualities. While touching the deaf and mute man, Jesus looks up to heaven, acknowledging that it is God who is the source of all healing. The effect of Jesus placing His finger into the deaf and mute man’s ears is expressed in the hymn “Veni Creator.” In this hymn, the Holy Spirit is referred to as digitus paternae dexterae — the finger of the right hand of the Father who effects in us supernatural life. It is an allusion to the creation of Adam and the regeneration of fallen man in baptism.

In fact, the events of this Gospel reading form a portion of the Rite of Baptism for Children. After the lighting of the baptismal candle, the celebrant touches the ears and mouth of the child with his thumb and says, “The Lord Jesus made the deaf hear and the dumb (mute) speak. May He soon touch your ears to receive His word and your mouth to proclaim His faith, to the praise and glory of God the Father.” This part of the rite reminds us that before a person can believe in God, he must first receive that virtue of faith from him. It is only after hearing God’s word and accepting it in faith that the human person can proclaim God’s praises and His mighty works. Therefore, it is not simply the human person acting alone when believing, trusting and loving God. Rather, it is God who extends His hand toward us in the sacrament of baptism in order to give us the capacity to believe, trust and love Him as He desires. In His graciousness, God gives us these theological virtues of faith, hope and love through no merit of our own. They are completely a gift from God.

More than just the story of a miraculous cure, the healing of the deaf and the mute man may be understood as an analogy for the restoration of fallen man through baptism and a sign of the new dignity that man assumes through this sacrament because God has made His dwelling within him.

Fr. Magat is parochial vicar of St. William of York Parish in Stafford.

The Work of God

Year B

- 23rd Sunday in ordinary time

And looking up to heaven, he groaned, and said to him: Ephpheta, which is, Be opened.

Mark 7:31-37

31 And again going out of the coasts of Tyre, he came by Sidon to the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.
32 And they bring to him one deaf and dumb; and they besought him that he would lay his hand upon him.
33 And taking him from the multitude apart, he put his fingers into his ears, and spitting, he touched his tongue:
34 And looking up to heaven, he groaned, and said to him: Ephpheta, which is, Be opened.
35 And immediately his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke right.
36 And he asked them that they should tell no man. But the more he asked them, so much the more a great deal did they publish it.
37 And so much the more did they wonder, saying: He has done all things well; he has made both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.

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

23rd Sunday in ordinary time - And looking up to heaven, he groaned, and said to him: Ephpheta, which is, Be opened.

Everyone marveled at my miracles when they realized the power of God manifested in such a supernatural manner. But miracles were not the reason for my coming to the world; they were just an indication to confirm the Word of God made flesh. How many went totally unaware before the heavenly portents that were taking place before them, because, as in all generations, many people preferred to live according to the laws of the flesh and despised the call of God.

My signs demonstrated clearly that I was someone special, the Messiah who was awaited for thousands of years by the Israelites for their liberation. My words were always backed by my power, since I am the Word of God, He who said “Let there be light, and the light was made.”

The divine powers continue to manifest daily, since my word sustains creation by the work of my Holy Spirit. The Divine Mercy is patient and allows human beings to experience God through the triple testimony: of the Father, through creation; of the Son through redemption and of the Holy Spirit though the continuous manifestation of God in each heart.

My Word does not go unaware by any human being, I speak constantly in each heart through my Spirit, I knock on the door inviting the soul to awake spiritually so that it will prepare through my commandments to know me, love me and serve me.

God does not need anybody, however everybody needs God. He who wishes to know me comes close to me and begins the spiritual life. He who loves me receives my love and grows spiritually in holiness. He who serves me receives a reward infinitely greater than his effort.

Nothing exists without the divine consent, and nothing occurs without the permission of the Divine Providence. The offering that I make is for the good of the soul, for the temporal human benefit and for the eternal heavenly reward. My glory is the humility and obedience of all the souls who upon hearing my Word understand the value of my call and follow me.

The miracle of the deaf mute is very significant spiritually, since the majority of human beings suffer spiritual deafness when they reject my voice and spiritual muteness when they don’t speak to me, when they don’t react before the divine greatness expressing their thanksgiving, fidelity and praise.

You, who receive these words, “If today you hear my word, harden not your heart”.

Author: Joseph of Jesus and Mary

Archdiocese of Washington

Can you hear me now? A Reflection on the Gospel of the 23rd Sunday of the Year

By: Msgr. Charles Pope

The Gospels do not simply tell us stories of people who lived thousands of years ago. No, the gospel tells us OUR story. Today’s Gospel is no different. We encounter a deaf man with a speech impediment living in a pagan land. And this man is us. His story is our story. And, if you are prepared to accept it, you are also Jesus, for his story, and his work is largely your work too. Lets look at this gospel, remembering that it is our story.

I. Note first the PLACE of the Gospel. It says that Jesus went into the “Decapolis” region. This was an area of ten Gentile, or Pagan Cities. And while there were believers living there, there were also many more who did not believe. In other words, Jesus is in an unbelieving region.

And for we who live in the West, this description of non-belief describes our culture too. But notice that Jesus does not hesitate to go there or to engage the culture, and neither should we. Something drew Jesus there, what was it? Was it love, was it zeal?

What is it that keep us engaged, and sends us forth to engage our increasingly pagan, indeed worse than pagan culture. Is it love, patriotism, love of God and truth? What motivates you to engage family, friends and neighbors?

Note too that Jesus, wherever he was, did not hesitate to proclaim the Gospel. He did simply wait until he found things comfortable or opportune. He proclaimed the gospel, in season and out season, in friendly lands and hostile ones, whether praised or persecuted. What of you and I?

II. Next note the PROBLEM that emerges. A man who is deaf and has a speech impediment is brought to Jesus. Frankly, this is a lot of us. In the midst of an increasingly unbelieving culture, many of us too have become deaf to God’s truth and also, on account of that deafness have the speech impediment of being silent in the face of this unbelief and sin.

Note first, that some of our deafness is because we haven’t heard. No one ever told us a lot of things due to bad catechesis, etc. Sadly, too many of our pulpits, whether the pulpit in the Church, or the pulpit of the dining room table, are silent. So, in a certain and real sense we have a deafness that has never heard the Word of God.

Secondly, much of our deafness is acquired, for our ears were open at baptism. But we haven’t listened, we have turned a deaf ear and been stubborn. Sometimes there is outright rejection of the word. But even more frequently it is a selective resistance. We are like a teenager his only half listens to his parents. And so we “tune out” when less appealing aspects of the Word of God confront us. We say, “Well there goes the preacher again….I understand he has to say stuff like that” etc.

And so we are deaf, either partially, or wholly, either on account of our own fault, or the fault of others who should have preached to us and taught us.

And, on account of this deafness or at least related to it, we also have a speech impediment. It will be noted that those who have never heard, have a hard time speaking well. The gospel today seems to link the deafness with the speech impediment.

But there are other causes of a speech impediment when it comes to faith. For example, half-hearted listening leads to a half-hearted witness or no witness at all. Our lukewarm faith can well lead us to remain silent even as we see the world around us falling into decay. St. Paul says, “Because I believed, I spoke out (2 Cor 4:13). But too many of us believe only in a lukewarm way, thus we say little, and frankly have little to say.

Frankly another huge source of our speech impediment is fear. We are so terrified of what people might say or think, that we say nothing. The martyrs went to their death for the proclamation of the faith but can barely tolerate a few raised eyebrows!

Yes we are a fearful lot, and that fear is rooted in a desperate and unbalanced need to be liked, to fit in and to be accepted. Well, we need to get a grip now, because the age of the martyrs may be returning to the West and if our faith is not strong we will not be strong.

Fear is a huge factor in our speech impediment.

III. Next, note the PROCESS. Note that Jesus is not interested in running a carnival side show. He takes the man away, alone and apart from the crowd. Note sever aspects of this healing:

A. It is PERSONAL. And it is personal in two senses. First, he minsters to man the man in way that respects his dignity. Whatever the causes of his deafness and speech impediment, his healing must be a personal walk with the Lord Jesus. And so must yours. Jesus is not interested in making a spectacle of you. He heals you for your own sake. And if one day you or I should choose to make a witness of our healings, fine, but that is not why the Lord heals. He heals us for our own sake, because he loves us.

Secondly, the healing is personal as a way of teaching us that it is easier to wear slippers than to carpet the whole world. In other words, the healing of the world can begin with us. It is too easy for us to merely wait and hope that God will raise up the next Fulton J Sheen. But what if the Lord wants to take you aside? What if He wants to speak a word to you? What if he wants to get your fingers our of your ears. What if He wants to heal all your deafness so the word is heard loud and clear! What if you are the next Sheen?

B.The healing is PICTURESQUE - There are images at work here: There are the fingers in the ears as if placing his words in the man’s ears, as if opening them to God’s Word. And the text says that Jesus, spitting touched the man’s tongue. As if to signify, “from his mouth to yours….” He puts his own words into our mouth. And there is also the command “Be opened” as if to say: “Open your mind, open your heart,” and thus, “Open your ears, open your mouth.” The problem is not merely a physical problem of stopped ears or a lame tongue, the problem is mental, and spiritual too, a closed mind and heart. Thus the Lord says, simply and without qualification: “Be opened.”

C.The healing is PURE - for the text says that when the man’s ears were opened and his tongue was loosed, “He spoke plainly.” And the Greek word here is ὀρθῶς (orthos), meaning straight, without deviation, true, or correct. It is the word from which we get the word “orthodoxy.” And this is important, for we don’t need eloquent heretics, we need eloquent true believers who have heard the true and whole word of God and are thus ready to articulate what the Lord says, not some fake or incomplete version of the Lord’s truth. Give us true prophets O Lord, not false prophets who say only what we want to hear or give only part of the truth.

IV. Finally note the PROCLAMATION - The text reports ironically: Jesus ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more he ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it. They were exceedingly astonished and they said, “He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

What, is the Lord kidding? He has healed a man to hear and speak the Word clearly and then he says be quiet? Scholars may differ on the interpretation here, but allow from me the interpretation that the Lord is being intentionally ironic, and “tongue in cheek” he says, smiling, “Not a word to anyone now!

For, when you’ve experienced really good news it’s hard to stay quiet!

What is your story? How has the Lord opened your ears? How has he increasingly enabled you to hear and understand his word in your life. And how has he loosed your tongue to speak his Word? I am a witness. A one shy and poorly catechized young man, frankly disinterested in the things of God, was taken aside by the Lord who put his word in his ear, loosed his tongue and now you can’t get me to shut up. Yes! He has done all things well.

A final question. How has Jesus used you to unstop the ears of the death, communicate his word and liberate the tongues of others? Perhaps as a parent, a catechist, a priest or religious, perhaps as a choir member, lector or leader he has used you to unstop ears and liberate tongues. Here too, I am a witness. Thank you Lord for using me to impart knowledge, unstopped ears, place your word there, and loosen tongues. Thank you Lord, You have done all things well, even through me

Sunday Gospel Reflections

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Reading I: Isaiah 35:4-7 II: James 2:1-5

Gospel
Mark 7:31-37

³¹ Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, through the region of the Decap'olis.
³² And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech; and they besought him to lay his hand upon him.
³³ And taking him aside from the multitude privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue;
³⁴ and looking up to heaven, he sighed, and said to him, "Eph'phatha," that is, "Be opened."
³⁵ And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly.
³⁶ And he charged them to tell no one; but the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it.
³⁷ And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, "He has done all things well; he even makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak."

Interesting Details

Tyre & Sidon were in the gentile area. Mark showed that Jesus was preaching to and healing the gentiles.
In Isaiah 35:5, "the ears of the deaf be cleared" is a sign that God liberates Israel. This miracle points to that passage and reveals that Jesus is the Messiah.
Spitting is a common gesture against evil, used by both common folk and healers.
"Ephphatha" is the original Aramaic word. People believed that the power is in the precise word of the healer, so Mark was careful in preserving the original word.
One reason why Jesus ordered people not to tell about the miracle is that people did not really understand Jesus, because people have not seen his passion, death, and resurrection.
Another reason to keep quiet was that His fame would surpass his humble birth and would create trouble for His ministry, as it happened eventually. It also troubled His family. Yet Jesus' nature is the savior so that it is recognized by all and cannot be hidden.

One Main Point

Jesus is the Savior who heals and liberates His people.

Reflections

How has Jesus touched me, healed me, and liberated me?
Do people see in me a reflection of Jesus' love and freedom, or something else?

September 9, 2012

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 Is 35:4-7a

Responsorial Psalm Ps 146:7, 8-9, 9-10

Reading 2 Jas 2:1-5

Gospel Mk 7:31-37

Readings at Mass

Year B

And looking up to heaven, he groaned, and said to him: Ephpheta, which is, Be opened.

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

Can you hear me now? A Reflection on the Gospel of the 23rd Sunday of the Year