Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 05-24-14

St. David I of Scotland

Feast Day: May 24
Born: 1080 :: Died: 1153

David was born in Scotland. He was the youngest son of King Malcom and St. Margaret, queen of Scotland. David became king when he was about forty. Those who knew him well realized that he did not want the royal crown. But once he was king, he was a very good one.

St. David ruled his kingdom with great justice and charity. All his people were allowed to visit him whenever they wished. He set a good example with his own love of prayer. Under this holy king, the people of Scotland united more closely into one nation. They became better Christians.

King David established new dioceses. He built many new monasteries. He gave much money to the Church and the poor during his twenty years as king.

Two days before he died, he received the last sacraments of Holy Communion and Anointing of the Sick. He spent his time praying with those caring for him. The next day, they begged him to rest, but King David answered, "Let me think about the things of God, instead, so that my soul may be strengthened on its trip from exile to home."

He was talking about his heavenly home. "When I stand before God's judgment seat, you will not be able to answer for me or defend me," he said. "No one will be able to deliver me from his hand." So he kept on praying right up until he died. St. David died on May 24, 1153.

John
	English: Douay-Rheims	Latin: Vulgata Clementina	Greek NT: Byzantine/Majority Text (2000)
	John 15
18.	If the world hate you, know ye, that it hath hated me before you.	Si mundus vos odit, scitote quia me priorem vobis odio habuit.	ει ο κοσμος υμας μισει γινωσκετε οτι εμε πρωτον υμων μεμισηκεν
19.	If you had been of the world, the world would love its own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.	Si de mundo fuissetis, mundus quod suum erat diligeret : quia vero de mundo non estis, sed ego elegi vos de mundo, propterea odit vos mundus.	ει εκ του κοσμου ητε ο κοσμος αν το ιδιον εφιλει οτι δε εκ του κοσμου ουκ εστε αλλ εγω εξελεξαμην υμας εκ του κοσμου δια τουτο μισει υμας ο κοσμος
20.	Remember my word that I said to you: The servant is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you: if they have kept my word, they will keep yours also.	Mementote sermonis mei, quem ego dixi vobis : non est servus major domino suo. Si me persecuti sunt, et vos persequentur ; si sermonem meum servaverunt, et vestrum servabunt.	μνημονευετε του λογου ου εγω ειπον υμιν ουκ εστιν δουλος μειζων του κυριου αυτου ει εμε εδιωξαν και υμας διωξουσιν ει τον λογον μου ετηρησαν και τον υμετερον τηρησουσιν
21.	But all these things they will do to you for my name's sake: because they know not him who sent me.	Sed hæc omnia facient vobis propter nomen meum : quia nesciunt eum qui misit me.	αλλα ταυτα παντα ποιησουσιν υμιν δια το ονομα μου οτι ουκ οιδασιν τον πεμψαντα με

18. If the world hates you, you know that it hated me before it hated you.
19. If you were of the world, the world would love his own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
20. Remember the word that I said to you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If' they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
21. But all these things will they do to you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.

CHRYS. Or thus: I have said that I lay down My life for you, and that I first chose you. I have said this not by way of reproach, but to induce you to love one another.

Then as they were about to suffer persecution and reproach, He bids them not to grieve, but rejoice on that account: If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you: as if to say, I know it is a hard trial, but you will endure it for My sake.

AUG. For why should the members exalt themselves above the head? You refuse to be in the body, if you are not willing, with the head, to endure the hatred of the world. For love's sake let us be patient; the world must hate us, whom it sees hate whatever it loves;

If you were of the world, the world would love his own.

CHRYS. As if Christ's suffering were not consolation enough, He consoles them still further by telling them, the hatred of the world would be an evidence of their goodness; so that they ought rather to grieve if they were loved by the world, as that would be evidence of their wickedness.

AUG. He said this to the whole Church which is often called the world; as God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself (2 Cor 5:19). The whole world then is the Church, and the whole world hates the Church. The world hates the world, the world in enmity, the world reconciled, the defiled world, the changed world. Here it may be asked, If the wicked can be said to persecute the wicked; e. g., if impious kings, and judges, who persecute the righteous, punish murderers and adulterers also, how are we to understand our Lord's words, If you were of the world, the world would love his own? In this way; The world is in them who punish these offenses, and the world is In them who love them. The world then hates its own so far as it punishes the wicked, loves its own so far as it favors them. Again, if it be asked how the world loves itself, when it hates the means of its redemption, the answer is, that it loves itself with a false, not a true love, loves what hurts it; hates nature, loves vice. Wherefore we are forbidden to love what it loves in itself; commanded to love what it hates in itself. The vice in it we are forbidden, the nature in it we are commanded, to love. And to separate us from this lost world, we are chosen out of it, not by merit of our own, for we had no merits to begin with, not by nature which was radically corrupt, but by grace: But because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

GREG. For the dispraise of the perverse, is our praise. There is nothing wrong in not pleasing those who do not please God. For no one can by one and the same act please God, and the enemies of God. He proves himself no friend to God, who pleases His enemy; and he whose soul is in subjection to the Truth, will have to contend with the enemies of that Truth.

AUG. Our Lord, in exhorting His servants to bear patiently the hatred of their world, proposes to them an example than which there can be no better and higher one, viz. Himself: Remember the word that I said to you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also.

GLOSS. They observed it in order to calumniate it, as we read in the Psalms, The ungodly sees the righteousness .

THEOPHYL. Or thus: If, He says, they have persecuted your Lord, much more will they persecute you; if they had persecuted Him, but kept His commandments they would keep yours also.

CHRYS. As if He said, you must not be disturbed at having to share My sufferings; for you are not better than I.

AUG. The servant is not greater than his lord. Here the servant is the one who has the purified fear, which abides for ever.

CHRYS. Then follows another consolation, viz. that the Father is despised and injured with them: But all these things will they do unto you for My name's sake, because they know not Him that sent Me.

AUG. All these things, viz. what He had mentioned, that the world would hate them, persecute them, despise their word. For My Name's sake, i.e., in you they will hate Me, in you persecute Me, your word they will not keep, because it is mine. They who do these things for His name's sake are as miserable, as they who suffer them are blessed: except when they do them to the wicked as well; for then both they who do, and they who suffer, are miserable. But how do they do all these things for His name's sake, when they do nothing for Christ's name's sake, i.e., for justice sake? We shall do away with this difficulty, if we take the words as applying to the righteous; as if it were, All these things will you suffer from them, for My name's sake. If for My name's sake mean this, i.e., My name which they hate in you, justice which they hate in you; of the good, when they persecute the wicked, it may be said in the same way, that they do so both for righteousness' sake, which they love, which love is their motive in persecuting, and for unrighteousness' sake, the unrighteousness of the wicked, which they hate. Because they know not Him that sent Me, i.e. know not according to that knowledge of which it is said, To know you is perfect righteousness (Wisdom 15:3).

Catena Aurea John 15

Martyrdom of St. Ignatius of Antioch

CATHOLIC ALMANAC

Saturday, May 24

Liturgical Color: Green

Today is the Feast of the Dedication of
the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi.
This church built in 1228, in honor of St.
Francis, was heavily damaged in an
earthquake in 1997, but has since been
restored. (Franciscan Calendar)

Day 160 - What is required for forgiveness in the sacrament of Penance? // What must I bring to a confession?

What are the two basic elements required for the forgiveness of a Christian's sins to occur in the sacrament of Penance?

What is required for the forgiveness of sins is the person who undergoes conversion and the priest who in God's name gives him absolution from his sins.

What must I bring to a confession?

Essential elements of every confession are an examination of conscience, contrition, a purpose of amendment, confession, and penance.

The examination of conscience should be done thoroughly, but it can never be exhaustive. No one can be absolved from his sin without real contrition, merely on the basis of "lip-service". Equally indispensable is the purpose of amendment, the resolution not to commit that sin again in the future. The sinner absolutely must declare the sin to the confessor and, thus, confess to it. The final essential element of confession is the atonement or penance that the confessor imposes on the sinner to make restitution for the harm done.(YOUCAT questions 231 & 232)

Dig Deeper: CCC section (1450-1460) and other references here.

Part 2: The Celebration of the Christian Mystery (1066 - 1690)

Section 2: The Seven Sacraments of the Church (1210 - 1690)

Chapter 2: The Sacraments of Healing (1420 - 1532)

Article 4: The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation (1422 - 1498)

VII. THE ACTS OF THE PENITENT ⇡

1450

"Penance requires ... the sinner to endure all things willingly, be contrite of heart, confess with the lips, and practice complete humility and fruitful satisfaction."⁴⁹

49.

Roman Catechism II,V,21; cf. Council of Trent (1551): DS 1673.

Contrition ⇡

431
(all)

1451

Among the penitent's acts contrition occupies first place. Contrition is "sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again."⁵⁰

50.

Council of Trent (1551): DS 1676.

1822
(all)

1452

When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called "perfect" (contrition of charity). Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible.⁵¹

51.

Cf. Council of Trent (1551): DS 1677.

1453

The contrition called "imperfect" (or "attrition") is also a gift of God, a prompting of the Holy Spirit. It is born of the consideration of sin's ugliness or the fear of eternal damnation and the other penalties threatening the sinner (contrition of fear). Such a stirring of conscience can initiate an interior process which, under the prompting of grace, will be brought to completion by sacramental absolution. By itself however, imperfect contrition cannot obtain the forgiveness of grave sins, but it disposes one to obtain forgiveness in the sacrament of Penance.⁵²

52.

Cf. Council of Trent (1551): DS 1678; 1705.

1454

The reception of this sacrament ought to be prepared for by an examination of conscience made in the light of the Word of God. The passages best suited to this can be found in the Ten Commandments, the moral catechesis of the Gospels and the apostolic Letters, such as the Sermon on the Mount and the apostolic teachings.⁵³

53.

Cf. Mt 5-7; Rom 12-15; 1 Cor 12-13; Gal 5; Eph 4-6; etc.

The confession of sins ⇡

1424
1734
(all)

1455

The confession (or disclosure) of sins, even from a simply human point of view, frees us and facilitates our reconciliation with others. Through such an admission man looks squarely at the sins he is guilty of, takes responsibility for them, and thereby opens himself again to God and to the communion of the Church in order to make a new future possible.

1505
1855
(all)

1456

Confession to a priest is an essential part of the sacrament of Penance: "All mortal sins of which penitents after a diligent self-examination are conscious must be recounted by them in confession, even if they are most secret and have been committed against the last two precepts of the Decalogue; for these sins sometimes wound the soul more grievously and are more dangerous than those which are committed openly."⁵⁴ When Christ's faithful strive to confess all the sins that they can remember, they undoubtedly place all of them before the divine mercy for pardon. But those who fail to do so and knowingly withhold some, place nothing before the divine goodness for remission through the mediation of the priest, "for if the sick person is too ashamed to show his wound to the doctor, the medicine cannot heal what it does not know."⁵⁵

54.

Council of Trent (1551): DS 1680 (ND 1626); cf. Ex 20:17; Mt 5:28.

55.

Council of Trent (1551): DS 1680 (ND 1626); cf. St. Jerome, In Eccl. 10,11:PL 23:1096.

1385
2042
(all)

1457

According to the Church's command, "after having attained the age of discretion, each of the faithful is bound by an obligation faithfully to confess serious sins at least once a year."⁵⁶ Anyone who is aware of having committed a mortal sin must not receive Holy Communion, even if he experiences deep contrition, without having first received sacramental absolution, unless he has a grave reason for receiving Communion and there is no possibility of going to confession.⁵⁷ Children must go to the sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first time.⁵⁸

56.

Cf. CIC, Can. 989; Council of Trent (1551): DS 1683; DS 1708.

57.

Cf. Council of Trent (1551): DS 1647; 1661; CIC, can. 916; CCEO, can. 711.

58.

Cf. CIC, can. 914.

1783
2468
(all)

1458

Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church.⁵⁹ Indeed the regular confession of our venial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit. By receiving more frequently through this sacrament the gift of the Father's mercy, we are spurred to be merciful as he is merciful:⁶⁰ Whoever confesses his sins ... is already working with God. God indicts your sins; if you also indict them, you are joined with God. Man and sinner are, so to speak, two realities: when you hear "man" — this is what God has made; when you hear "sinner" — this is what man himself has made. Destroy what you have made, so that God may save what he has made. ... When you begin to abhor what you have made, it is then that your good works are beginning, since you are accusing yourself of your evil works. The beginning of good works is the confession of evil works. You do the truth and come to the light.⁶¹

59.

Cf. Council of Trent: DS 1680; CIC, can. 988 § 2.

60.

Cf. Lk 6:36.

61.

St. Augustine, In Jo. ev. 12,13:PL 35,1491.

Satisfaction ⇡

1473
2412
2487
(all)

1459

Many sins wrong our neighbor. One must do what is possible in order to repair the harm (e.g., return stolen goods, restore the reputation of someone slandered, pay compensation for injuries). Simple justice requires as much. But sin also injures and weakens the sinner himself, as well as his relationships with God and neighbor. Absolution takes away sin, but it does not remedy all the disorders sin has caused.⁶² Raised up from sin, the sinner must still recover his full spiritual health by doing something more to make amends for the sin: he must "make satisfaction for" or "expiate" his sins. This satisfaction is also called "penance."

62.

Cf. Council of Trent (1551): DS 1712.

2011
2447
618
(all)

1460

The penance the confessor imposes must take into account the penitent's personal situation and must seek his spiritual good. It must correspond as far as possible with the gravity and nature of the sins committed. It can consist of prayer, an offering, works of mercy, service of neighbor, voluntary self-denial, sacrifices, and above all the patient acceptance of the cross we must bear. Such penances help configure us to Christ, who alone expiated our sins once for all. They allow us to become co-heirs with the risen Christ, "provided we suffer with him."⁶³ The satisfaction that we make for our sins, however, is not so much ours as though it were not done through Jesus Christ. We who can do nothing ourselves, as if just by ourselves, can do all things with the cooperation of "him who strengthens" us. Thus man has nothing of which to boast, but all our boasting is in Christ ... in whom we make satisfaction by bringing forth "fruits that befit repentance." These fruits have their efficacy from him, by him they are offered to the Father, and through him they are accepted by the Father.⁶⁴

63.

Rom 8:17; Rom 3:25; 1 Jn 2:1-2; cf. Council of Trent (1551): DS 1690.

64.

Council of Trent (1551): DS 1691; cf. Phil 4:13; 1 Cor 1:31; 2 Cor 10:17; Gal 6:14; Lk 3:8.

Daily Readings for:May 24, 2014
(Readings on USCCB website)

Collect: May your Spirit, O Lord, we pray, imbue us powerfully with spiritual gifts, that he may give us a mind pleasing to you and graciously conform us to your will. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

RECIPES

o Fresh Broccoli Parmesan

o Green Rice

o Spiced Lamb Cutlets

ACTIVITIES

o Marian Hymn: Ave Maria Dear

o Marian Hymn: Beautiful, Glorious

o Marian Hymn: Salve Regina

o May, the Month of Mary

PRAYERS

o Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Litany of Loretto)

o Novena in Honor of Mary Help of Christians

o Table Blessing for the Feasts of the Mother of God

o Prayer to Our Lady of Sheshan

LIBRARY

o Our Lady, Help of Christians | John O'Connell

· Easter: May 24th

· Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter: Australia: Solemnity of Mary Help of Christians; Bl. Louis-Zepherin Moreau (Canada)

Today the Church in Australia celebrates the Solemnity of Mary Help of Christians. Mary Help of Christians was adopted as patron of the new Church of Australia in 1844, at a significant time in their history. British settlement was just over fifty years old, the transportation of convicts was coming to an end, and the first elections in Australian history had been held in 1843. Issues of land, immigration and education had begun to surface and the Church was involved in these social problems. The Holy See confirmed the patronage in 1852.

The Canadian Church honors Bl. Louis-Zephirin Moreau today. He is the founder of the communities of the Sisters of Saint Joseph and the Sisters of Sainte Marthe. He also participated in the founding of numerous other institutions and pious works. He died on May 24, 1901.

Mary Help of Christians
As Mother of God's children, Mary has responded by helping Christians throughout the ages. She has done this by coming to the aid of individuals, families, towns, kingdoms and nations.

In 1214 she gave the Rosary to Saint Dominic as a weapon to combat the Albigesian heresy which was devastating Southern France. It is very clear to Christians and it is also the Will of God that we have and will continue to have the Help of Mary through the recitation of the Holy Rosary.

In the year 1531 Our Lady appeared in Mexico to an indian named Juan Diego. He was a humble peasant aged 51. As a result of the apparitions, over 10 million indians were converted to Catholicism, the sacrificial killings of babies stopped, and Our Lady left an image which is a reflection of herself imprinted miraculously on the tilma of Juan Diego.

In 1571 the whole of Christendom was saved by Mary Help of Christians when faithful Catholics throughout Europe prayed the Rosary. The great battle of Lepanto occurred on October 7th 1571. For this reason this date has been chosen as the feast of the Holy Rosary. In 1573 Pope Pius V instituted the feast in thanksgiving for the decisive victory of Christianity over Islamism.

Near the end of the 17th century, Emperor Leopold I of Austria took refuge in the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians at Pasau, when 200,000 Ottoman Turks besieged the capital city of Vienna. Pope Innocent XI united Christendom against the ominous attack of Mohammedanism. A great victory occurred thanks to Mary Help of Christians. On September 8th, Feast of Our Lady's Birthday, plans were drawn for the battle. On September 12, Feast of the Holy Name of Mary, Vienna was finally freed through the intercession of Mary Help of Christians. All Europe had joined with the Emperor crying out "Mary, Help!" and praying the Holy rosary.

In 1809, Napoleon's men entered the Vatican, arrested Pius VII and brought him in chains to Grenoble, and eventually Fontainbleau. His imprisonment lasted five years. The Pope smuggled out orders from prison for the whole of Christendom to pray to Our Lady Help of Christians, and thus the whole of Europe once again became a spiritual battle ground, not of arms against ruthless arms, but of Rosaries against ruthless military might. Soon Napoleon was off the throne and the Pope freed from prison.

After proving her maternal help, throughout the centuries, Our Lady has continued to appear in hundreds of places throughout the world mainly during the 20th century, Lourdes and Fatima being the most famous apparitions. She has brought help from Heaven, and has warned her children to do prayer and penance as a formula for peace. She has stressed that her children must pray the Holy Rosary daily.

Taken from The Work of God website.

Patron: Church in Australia; Andorran security forces; Austrialian military chaplains; New York; New Zealand.

Things to Do:

Make a virtual visit to the chapel of Our Lady, Help of Christians at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Read more about Our Lady, Help of Christians.

Travel via the Internet to the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians built by St. John Bosco as a monument to the Virgin Mary, with the title Help of Christians, as the mother church and spiritual center of the Salesian Congregation.

Bl. Louis-Zepherin Moreau

Born and baptised at Becanour on the first of April 1824, the future saint was the fifth of thirteen children from the marriage Louis-Zephirin Moreau and Marquerite Champoux-Saint-Pair. This "intelligent, pious, modest, gentle, and thoughtful" child was educated in his native parish until the age of fifteen before being admitted into the Seminary of Nicolet. In 1844, he received the ecclesiastic habit at Quebec, but in 1845, Msgr Signay sent him back home, because he found him to be in fragile health. It would take more than this setback to discourage the young man on his path towards the priesthood. He then begged Msgr Bourget to permit him to achieve his dream at the Ecole de theology of Montreal. This was accomplished, thanks to the kindness of Msgr Prince, head of this institution. Father Moreau was ordained a priest on Dec. 19, 1846. at the age of 22. Six years later, Msgr Prince became the first titular of the new diocese of Saint-Hyacinthe and he appointed Father Moreau as secretary-chancellor. The apprenticeship of the future prelate was as parish priest for the cathedral, and he was administrator of the diocese five times. On Jan 15 1876, at the age of 51, Father Moreau became the fourth bishop of Saint Hyacinth.

As bishop, he remained what he had always been: "good, simple, humble, and poor". Twenty three years after his death, steps were taken towards his beatification and canonization. The numerous healings which were attributed to him would later launch this irrevocable progression towards the formal recognition of his holiness.

Excerpted from Our French - Canadian Ancestors, Thomas J. Laforest

Things to do:

Trials and crosses always accompany us as we embrace our vocation. Renew your commitment to Christ and your fidelity to the vocation He has called you to.

The Word Among Us

Meditation: John 15:18-21

5th Week of Easter

Because you do not belong to the world … the world hates you. (John 15:19)

This is not one of Jesus’ most popular teachings. Even those of us who have been Christians a long time don’t like to hear that we are hated or even disliked. But we still know that it’s true. Now more than at any time in history, Christians around the world are victims of hatred and persecution.

The reasons for this seem to defy logic. Why would someone hate the followers of a God who is all about love, forgiveness, and mercy? In some cases it’s because we who bear the name of Christ don’t always bear a resemblance to him! People are usually very good at spotting inconsistencies between our words and our actions.

In other cases, those who claim to hate Christians are, deep down, looking for answers for their own lives. As the saying goes, “Hurt people hurt people.” Perhaps they’ve been deprived of love or have themselves been subjected to unkindness and cruelty. But if these people could learn what an awesome, loving God we serve, perhaps they would open their hearts to his love—and begin to show that love in return.

That’s where we come in. Jesus told us to love our enemies and pray for them (Matthew 5:44). We can do that much better if we are careful not to see them as enemies—no matter how they may see us.

What if you never had access to Confession or the Eucharist? What if you had only heard about Jesus but never felt his love? What would your life be like? Even those who hate us are our brothers and sisters—they just haven’t opened the door to Jesus yet.

How do you react when you encounter hostility to your faith? It’s easy to complain. It’s almost natural to condemn. But you don’t have to feel particularly loving to pray for that person—or to simply smile at him or her when you feel like responding harshly. The best way to react to hatred, fear, and mistrust of Christianity is to show it to be exactly the opposite. You are a living reminder of God’s love—so just be that to others, and see what happens!

“Lord, bless all those who hate and persecute my brothers and sisters in the faith. Send them your Spirit so that they will find what they are really seeking—your mercy!”

Acts 16:1-10; Psalm 100:1-3, 5

Marriage=One Man and One Woman 'Til Death Do Us Part

Daily Marriage Tip for May 24, 2014:

Is your own marriage strong and happy? Good. Perhaps it’s time to give back by mentoring engaged couples or becoming involved with marriage ministry in your parish.

Vultus Christi

God Hidden and Unknown

Saturday, 24 May 2014 17:58

The Auction

Someone informed me, yesterday, of an auction being held this weekend at a farm not far from the priory. Among the old furniture and various objects being put up for sale, there were, I was told, a monstrance, a chalice, a ciborium, a tabernacle, and other ecclesiastical appointments. I thought it worth my while to investigate the situation more closely.

Entering the farm, I found myself in a kind of central yard surrounded by outbuildings or sheds filled with furniture and bric–a–brac. The public auction is scheduled to begin tomorrow. Entering a shed, I saw an array of statues of Our Lord, Our Lady, and the saints. One of them, a carved statue of Our Lady, was especially beautiful. Next to it I saw a monstrance (complete with the lunula), a ciborium, a couple of communion patens, and a tabernacle that looked as if it had been wrenched out of a stone altarpiece or wall. The key was in the tabernacle door.

The Discovery

Something moved me to open the tabernacle door. I was not prepared for what I saw. There, lying on the stained and mouldy floor of the tabernacle — once lined with immaculate white silk — were a dirty corporal and two Hosts. My sense was that these were consecrated Hosts: the adorable Body of Jesus Christ. Unconsecrated hosts would not have been left lying in a locked tabernacle.

The Price

I attempted to explain to the young attendant what I had just discovered in the tabernacle. He was unable to grasp what I was saying and seemed never to have heard the word “host” before. Moments later the gentleman conducting the auction arrived. I told him that among his wares were things belonging to God, sacred things, and that I wanted to rescue them so as to restore them to God’s house. Looking at the monstrance, the ciborium, and the tabernacle containing its priceless Treasure, I offered him a price for the lot of things. He accepted my offer, and allowed me to make my purchase in advance of the public auction. . The transaction completed, I returned to the priory with my acquisitions; I was sorrowful but grateful.

Reparation

At the priory, I called the brethren together. We carried the tabernacle to the sacristy, where I opened it and transferred the Sacred Hosts to a pyx. Accompanied by a brother bearing a lighted candle and by the rest of the community, I went to the Oratory and placed the pyx in the tabernacle. Kneeling, we prayed the Collect of the Most Blessed Sacrament, and made an act of reparation. And then I wept. Would that I could, in some way, make reparation for the irreverence, coldness, and ignorance that surround Our Lord in the Sacrament of His Love! Would that I could preach the surpassing wonder of His Real Presence over the entire length and breadth of this island!

God Hidden and Unknown

Not only is Our Lord hidden — Vere tu es Deus absconditus — He is also unknown. Even among those who frequent their churches Sunday after Sunday, there are souls in darkness concerning the mystery of the Real Presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Two or three generations have come to understand the Blessed Sacrament as mere holy bread. Jesus the Host —meaning the Victim, the Lamb of Sacrifice — is forgotten. His adorable Body is treated as a thing, as an object of little worth apart from the subjective sentiments one chooses to attach to it. Once, in this very island, men shed their blood for the Host. Once, in this very island, men deemed Him their all, wanting nothing on earth apart from Him.

The Green Wood and the Dry

What can I pray? I ask Our Lord to reveal Himself. I ask Him to give words to His priests that they might proclaim the adorable Sacrament of the Altar and make known Its wonders at every opportunity. I ask Our Lord to inspire His priests to speak of Him and, even more, to give a worthy example of faith, of adoration, of reverence, and of burning love. “For if in the green wood they do these things, what shall be done in the dry?” (Luke 23:31)

Guardians, Sentinels, Friends

Who are the guardians of the Real Presence of Jesus Christ if not His priests? Who are the sentinels charged with keeping watch before Him? Who are His chosen friends, called to tarry in His presence and to prefer His company to all else? Who are the men set aside to handle His most pure Body and to touch the chalice of His Precious Blood? These are His priests, my own brothers.

Prayer for Eucharistic Light and Fire

Send, O Jesus, a penetrating light upon thy priests. Enkindle a fire of love in their hearts. Increase their faith and grace them with an angelic reverence in Thy presence, lest by treating Thee carelessly, or with indifference, they scandalize the little ones who look to them for an example of living faith and of humble adoration.

The light of the true faith that once illumined Ireland has grown dim; the hearts of the multitude have grown cold. Reveal, O Jesus, Thy Eucharistic Face! Let the flames that escape from Thy Eucharistic Heart enkindle a great body of adorers, especially among Thine own priests, lest Thy Church suffer too great a darkness, too piercing a cold. Amen.

Regnum Christi

The Master and the Slave

U. S. A. | SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY

John 15: 18-21

Jesus said to his disciples: "If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you. Remember the word I spoke to you, ´No slave is greater than his master.´ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. And they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know the one who sent me."

Introductory Prayer: Lord, thank you for granting me the opportunity to be with you. There are things in life, Lord, that attract me, but you attract me more. I hope in you, and I love you. Maybe I don’t really understand what it means to love, and maybe I don’t love the way I should, but I do love you.

Petition: Lord, help me to embrace my cross joyfully.

1. Bearing the Burden: “The world hated me first.” This is the incredible story of the Gospels. Christ came and the culture was against him. As the story of Christ in the Gospel progresses, the forces of antagonism get worse: The dangers increase with the turning of every page. This was a real burden for Christ, the burden of a parent whose children turn against him. Perhaps I, too, feel that burden. Perhaps I experience that rejection from those who love me or from those who don’t believe.

2. Loving Acceptance: Christ courageously and lovingly accepted that burden. He did not complain. Perhaps he asked his Father for an easier way. It is the same in our lives. I often face problems, even when I want to do good. There comes a moment in life when I must accept my limitations and the limitations imposed on me by others. This is a memorable moment in life—the moment I accept my cross, like Christ did. That acceptance isn’t easy, but at the same time it fills my heart with a deep peace and sometimes even joy.

3. Seeking Solutions: After I accept my cross, I experience a new courage, and my imagination fires up. Love always looks for solutions: Christ never stopped searching for ways to get through to the culture. I must do the best I can to evangelize, even though I may encounter opposition. With Christ’s help, no obstacle is too great. He will help me to overcome all the problems I may encounter. The important thing is that I keep focused on the fulfillment of his will out of love. He will take care of the rest.

Conversation with Christ: Lord, you know my burden. You know what makes me lose sleep, what I wake up worrying about. Help me to accept it, as you accepted your cross.

Resolution: I will stop complaining and see what I can do to alleviate the burdens and sufferings of others.

Homily of the Day

May 24, 2014

The gospel speaks of the hatred of the world. “If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. You see, it’s nothing personal, but it gives you an idea of what life has in store for you when you choose to follow Christ Jesus. Because, to live a life awash with Christian values is to live in such a way as to be contrary to societal motivations, dictates and personal agenda. It is to live apart from what is considered acceptable by the world. If we live our lives guided by our love and faith in Jesus, we will be persecuted by the “world.” Maybe we won’t be literally stoned for how we live and what we believe, but we will be judged, criticized or even shunned for who we follow. Yet, even in so knowing, why do some people persist in following Jesus Christ? Why would we subject ourselves to society and risk persecution at all? Why? In that “we love, because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) In short, even though we know that following Jesus Christ may be filled with hatred and persecution; we persevere, because we are loved.

Points for reflection: Have you experienced being judged, persecuted or ridiculed for your religious beliefs? Think about those instances when you were ridiculed or criticized for your faith and remember how it made you feel. If yes, do you still believe in Jesus Christ? Why?

One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 30, Issue 3

<< Saturday, May 24, 2014 >>

Acts 16:1-10
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Psalm 100:1-3, 5

John 15:18-21
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THE MISSING PIECE

"Come over to Macedonia and help us." —Acts 16:9

Today begins the "we" section of the Acts of the Apostles. When Paul and his companions were prevented from going to Asia and Bithynia, Luke, the author of Acts, uses the pronoun "they" (Acts 16:6, 7). Then "they came down to Troas" (Acts 16:8). The missionaries were encountering closed doors and were seemingly wandering about aimlessly.

At Troas, "Paul had a vision" (Acts 16:9). There the team found the open door, leading to Macedonia. In Troas, they suddenly received vision, discernment, and direction (Acts 16:10). What made the difference?

In Troas, Luke joined the missionary team. Notice that the pronoun "we" is used beginning in Acts 16:10 and continuing throughout a good portion of the rest of Acts. Before Luke arrived, the mission was floundering. After Luke arrived, the door was opened to bring the gospel to Europe for the first time.

Luke is never mentioned in Acts as performing any noteworthy service. He is simply "with" Paul (see 2 Tm 4:11). Luke quietly used his spiritual and natural gifts, and that led to an open door. Luke was chosen by God to play this role (see Jn 15:19).

How about you? Are you a Luke? Is there a ministry, community, or vocation for which you are the missing piece? Pentecost is rapidly approaching. Pray diligently for docility to the Holy Spirit and discernment in all the areas of your life. May "the Spirit of Jesus" (Acts 16:7) fix you "like a peg in a sure spot" (Is 22:23).

Prayer: Father, thank You for preparing a life of good deeds for me in advance (Eph 2:10). May I joyfully complete all of them.

Promise: "I chose you out of the world." —Jn 15:19

Praise: For years, Mary tried to be a good person and do good works, but it wasn't until the Holy Spirit touched her heart and showed her Jesus as Savior that she had empowerment beyond imagining.