Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 03-23-16, Wednesday of Holy Week
USCCB.org/RNAB ^ | 03-23-16 | Revised New American Bible

Posted on 03/22/2016 7:39:16 PM PDT by Salvation

March 23, 2016

Wednesday of Holy Week

Reading 1 Is 50:4-9a

The Lord GOD has given me
a well-trained tongue,
That I might know how to speak to the weary
a word that will rouse them.
Morning after morning
he opens my ear that I may hear;
And I have not rebelled,
have not turned back.
I gave my back to those who beat me,
my cheeks to those who plucked my beard;
My face I did not shield
from buffets and spitting.

The Lord GOD is my help,
therefore I am not disgraced;
I have set my face like flint,
knowing that I shall not be put to shame.
He is near who upholds my right;
if anyone wishes to oppose me,
let us appear together.
Who disputes my right?
Let him confront me.
See, the Lord GOD is my help;
who will prove me wrong?

Responsorial Psalm PS 69:8-10, 21-22, 31 and 33-34

R. (14c) Lord, in your great love, answer me.
For your sake I bear insult,
and shame covers my face.
I have become an outcast to my brothers,
a stranger to my mother’s sons,
because zeal for your house consumes me,
and the insults of those who blaspheme you fall upon me.
R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.
Insult has broken my heart, and I am weak,
I looked for sympathy, but there was none;
for consolers, not one could I find.
Rather they put gall in my food,
and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.
I will praise the name of God in song,
and I will glorify him with thanksgiving:
“See, you lowly ones, and be glad;
you who seek God, may your hearts revive!
For the LORD hears the poor,
and his own who are in bonds he spurns not.”
R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.

Verse Before the Gospel

Hail to you, our King;
You alone are compassionate with our errors.

Or

Hail to you, our King, obedient to the Father;
you were led to your crucifixion like a gentle lamb to the slaughter.

Gospel Mt 26:14-25

One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot,
went to the chief priests and said,
“What are you willing to give me
if I hand him over to you?”
They paid him thirty pieces of silver,
and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread,
the disciples approached Jesus and said,
“Where do you want us to prepare
for you to eat the Passover?”
He said,
“Go into the city to a certain man and tell him,
‘The teacher says, “My appointed time draws near;
in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples.”’”
The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered,
and prepared the Passover.

When it was evening,
he reclined at table with the Twelve.
And while they were eating, he said,
“Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”
Deeply distressed at this,
they began to say to him one after another,
“Surely it is not I, Lord?”
He said in reply,
“He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me
is the one who will betray me.
The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him,
but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed.
It would be better for that man if he had never been born.”
Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply,
“Surely it is not I, Rabbi?”
He answered, “You have said so.”


TOPICS: Catholic; General Discusssion; Prayer; Worship
KEYWORDS: catholic; lent; mt26; prayer
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041 next last
To: All
'Knowledge of created things helps a man at a time of temptation and listlessness; but at a time of pure prayer it is usually harmful.'

St. Mark the Ascetic

21 posted on 03/22/2016 8:35:22 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 20 | View Replies]

To: All



The Angelus 

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

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

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

Hail Mary . . . 

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

Hail Mary . . . 


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

Let us pray: 

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

Amen. 


"Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you" (Lk 1:28) 

 "Blessed are you among women,
 and blessed is the fruit of your womb"
(Lk 1:42). 


22 posted on 03/22/2016 8:36:12 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 21 | View Replies]

To: Salvation
Matthew
  English: Douay-Rheims Latin: Vulgata Clementina Greek NT: Byzantine/Majority Text (2000)
  Matthew 26
14 Then went one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, to the chief priests, Tunc abiit unus de duodecim, qui dicebatur Judas Iscariotes, ad principes sacerdotum : τοτε πορευθεις εις των δωδεκα ο λεγομενος ιουδας ισκαριωτης προς τους αρχιερεις
15 And said to them: What will you give me, and I will deliver him unto you? But they appointed him thirty pieces of silver. et ait illis : Quid vultis mihi dare, et ego vobis eum tradam ? At illi constituerunt ei triginta argenteos. ειπεν τι θελετε μοι δουναι καγω υμιν παραδωσω αυτον οι δε εστησαν αυτω τριακοντα αργυρια
16 And from thenceforth he sought opportunity to betray him. Et exinde quærebat opportunitatem ut eum traderet. και απο τοτε εζητει ευκαιριαν ινα αυτον παραδω
17 And on the first day of the Azymes, the disciples came to Jesus, saying: Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the pasch? Prima autem die azymorum accesserunt discipuli ad Jesum, dicentes : Ubi vis paremus tibi comedere Pascha ? τη δε πρωτη των αζυμων προσηλθον οι μαθηται τω ιησου λεγοντες αυτω που θελεις ετοιμασομεν σοι φαγειν το πασχα
18 But Jesus said: Go ye into the city to a certain man, and say to him: the master saith, My time is near at hand, with thee I make the pasch with my disciples. At Jesus dixit : Ite in civitatem ad quemdam, et dicite ei : Magister dicit : Tempus meum prope est, apud te facio Pascha cum discipulis meis. ο δε ειπεν υπαγετε εις την πολιν προς τον δεινα και ειπατε αυτω ο διδασκαλος λεγει ο καιρος μου εγγυς εστιν προς σε ποιω το πασχα μετα των μαθητων μου
19 And the disciples did as Jesus appointed to them, and they prepared the pasch. Et fecerunt discipuli sicut constituit illis Jesus, et paraverunt Pascha. και εποιησαν οι μαθηται ως συνεταξεν αυτοις ο ιησους και ητοιμασαν το πασχα
20 But when it was evening, he sat down with his twelve disciples. Vespere autem facto, discumbebat cum duodecim discipulis suis. οψιας δε γενομενης ανεκειτο μετα των δωδεκα
21 And whilst they were eating, he said: Amen I say to you, that one of you is about to betray me. Et edentibus illis, dixit : Amen dico vobis, quia unus vestrum me traditurus est. και εσθιοντων αυτων ειπεν αμην λεγω υμιν οτι εις εξ υμων παραδωσει με
22 And they being very much troubled, began every one to say: Is it I, Lord? Et contristati valde, cœperunt singuli dicere : Numquid ego sum Domine ? και λυπουμενοι σφοδρα ηρξαντο λεγειν αυτω εκαστος αυτων μητι εγω ειμι κυριε
23 But he answering, said: He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, he shall betray me. At ipse respondens, ait : Qui intingit mecum manum in paropside, hic me tradet. ο δε αποκριθεις ειπεν ο εμβαψας μετ εμου εν τω τρυβλιω την χειρα ουτος με παραδωσει
24 The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man shall be betrayed: it were better for him, if that man had not been born. Filius quidem hominis vadit, sicut scriptum est de illo : væ autem homini illi, per quem Filius hominis tradetur ! bonum erat ei, si natus non fuisset homo ille. ο μεν υιος του ανθρωπου υπαγει καθως γεγραπται περι αυτου ουαι δε τω ανθρωπω εκεινω δι ου ο υιος του ανθρωπου παραδιδοται καλον ην αυτω ει ουκ εγεννηθη ο ανθρωπος εκεινος
25 And Judas that betrayed him, answering, said: Is it I, Rabbi? He saith to him: Thou hast said it. Respondens autem Judas, qui tradidit eum, dixit : Numquid ego sum Rabbi ? Ait illi : Tu dixisti. αποκριθεις δε ιουδας ο παραδιδους αυτον ειπεν μητι εγω ειμι ραββι λεγει αυτω συ ειπας

23 posted on 03/23/2016 4:48:58 AM PDT by annalex (fear them not)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: annalex
14. Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the Chief Priests,
15. And said to them, What will you give me, and I will deliver him to you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
16. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

GLOSS. Having described the occasion of his treachery, the Evangelist proceeds to recount the manner of it.

CHRYS. Then, when, that is, he heard that this Gospel should be preached every where; for that made him afraid, as it was indeed a mark of unspeakable power.

AUG. The order of the narrative is this. The Lord says, You know that after two days will be the feast of the Passover;. . . then assembled together the Chief Priests and Scribes;. . . then went one of the twelve. Thus the narrative of what took place at Bethany is inserted by way of digression, respecting an earlier time between that, Lest there be an uproar, and, Then one of the twelve.

ORIGEN; Went, against that one high priest, who was made a Priest for ever, to many high priests, to sell for a price Him who sought to redeem the whole world.

RABAN. Went, he says, because he was neither compelled, nor invited, but of his own free will formed the wicked design.

CHRYS. One of the twelve, as much as to say, of that first band who are elected for preeminent merit.

GLOSS. He adds his distinctive appellation, Scarioth, for there was another' Judas.

REMIG. So called from the village Scariotha, from which he came.

LEO; He did not out of any fear forsake Christ, but through lust of money cast Him off; for in comparison; of the love of money all our affections are feeble; the soul athirst for gain fears not to die for a very little; there is no trace of righteousness in that heart in which covetousness has once taken up its abode. The traitor Judas, intoxicated with this bane, in his thirst for lucre was so foolishly hardened, as to sell his Lord and Master.

JEROME; The wretched Judas would fain replace, by the sale of his Master, that loss which he supposed he had incurred by the ointment. And he does not demand any fixed sum, lest his treachery should seem a gainful thing, but as though delivering up a worthless slave, he left it to those who bought, to determine how much they would give.

ORIGEN; The same do all who take any material or worldly things to cast out of their thoughts the Savior and the word of truth which was in them. And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver, as many pieces as the Savior had dwelt years in the world.

JEROME; Joseph was not sold as many, following the LXX, think for twenty pieces of gold, but as the Hebrew text has for twenty pieces of silver, for it could not be that the servant should be more valuable than his Master.

AUG. That the Lord was sold for thirty pieces of silver by Judas, denotes the unrighteous Jews, who pursuing things carnal and temporal, which belong to the five bodily senses, refuse to have Christ; and forasmuch as they did this in the sixth age of the world, their receiving five times six as the price of the Lord is thus signified; and because the Lord's words are silver, but they understood even the Law carnally, they had, as it were, stamped on silver the image of that worldly dominion which they held to when they renounced the Lord.

ORIGEN; The opportunity which Judas sought is further explained by Luke, how he might betray him in the absence of the multitude; when the populace was not with Him but He was withdrawn with His disciples. And this he did, delivering Him up after supper, when He was withdrawn to the garden of Gethsemane. And from that time forward, such has been the season sought for by those that would betray the word of God in time of persecution, when the multitude of believers is not around the word of truth.

17. Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to him, Where will you that we prepare for you to eat the Passover?
18. And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say to him, The Master says, My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.
19. And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the Passover.

GLOSS. The Evangelist having gone through the events preliminary to the Passion, namely, the announcement of it, the counsel of the Chief Priests, and the covenant for His betrayal, prosecutes the history in the order of events, saying, On the first day of unleavened bread.

JEROME; The first day of unleavened bread is the fourteenth day of the first month, when the lamb is killed, the moon is at full, and leaven is put away.

REMIG. And observe that with the Jews, the Passover is celebrated on the first day, and the following seven are called the days of unleavened bread; but here the first day of unleavened bread means the day of the Passover.

CHRYS. Or, by the first day, he means the day before the days of unleavened bread. For the Jews always reckoned the day from the evening; and this day of which he speaks was that on the evening of which they were to kill the Passover, namely, the fifth day of the weeks.

REMIG. But perhaps some one will say, If that typical lamb bore a type of this the true lamb, how did not Christ suffer on the night on which this was always killed? It is to be noted, that on this night, He committed to His disciples the mysteries of His flesh and blood to be celebrated, and then also being seized and bound by the Jews, He hallowed the commencement of His sacrifice, i.e. His Passion. The disciples came to him, among these no doubt was the traitor Judas.

CHRYS. Hence it is evident that He had neither house nor lodging. Nor, I conclude, had the disciples any, for they would surely have invited Him thither.

AUG. Go into the city to such a man, Him whom Mark and Luke call the good-man of the house, or the master of the house. And when Matthew says, to such a man, he is to be understood to say this as from himself for brevity's sake; for every one knows that no man speaks thus, Go you to such a man. And Matthew adds these words, to such a man, not that the Lord used the very expression, but to convey to us that the disciples were not sent to any one in the city, but to some certain person.

CHRYS. Or, we may say that this, to such a man, shows that He sent them to some person unknown to them, teaching them thereby that He was able to avoid His Passion. For He who prevailed with this man to entertain Him, how could He not have prevailed with those who crucified Him, had He chosen not to suffer? Indeed, I marvel not only that he entertained Him, being a stranger, but that he did it in contempt of the hatred of the multitude.

HILARY; Or, Matthew does not name the man in whose house Christ would celebrate the Passover, because the Christian name was not yet held in honor by the believers.

RABAN. Or, he omits the name, that all who would fain celebrate the true Passover, and receive Christ within the dwelling place of their own minds, should understand that the opportunity is afforded them

JEROME; In this also the New Scripture observes the practice of the Old, in which we frequently read, 'He said unto him,' and 'In this or that place,' without any name of person or place.

CHRYS. My time is at hand, this He said, both by so manifold announcements of His Passion, fortifying His disciples against the event, and at the same time showing that He undertook it voluntarily. I will keep the Passover at your house, wherein we see, that to the very last day He was not disobedient to the Law. With my disciples, He adds, that there might be sufficient preparation made, and that he to whom He sent might not think that He desired to be concealed.

ORIGEN; Some one may argue, that because Jesus kept the Passover with Jewish observances, we ought to do the same as followers of Christ, not remembering that Jesus was made under the Law, though not that He should leave under the Law those who were under it, but should lead them out of it; how much less fitting then is it, that those who before were without the Law, should afterwards enter in? We celebrate spiritually the things which were carnally celebrated in the Law, keeping the Passover in the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth, according to the will of the Lamb, who said, Except you eat my flesh and drink my blood, you shall not have life in you.

20. Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.
21. And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say to you, that one of you shall betray me.
22. And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say to him, Lord, is it I?
23. And he answered and said, He that dips his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.
24. The Son of man goes as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.
25. Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said to him, You have said.

; The Lord had above foretold His Passion, He now foretell who is to be the traitor; thus giving him place of repentance, when he should see that his thoughts and the secret designs of his heart were known.

REMIG. With the twelve, it is said, for Judas was personally among them, though he had ceased to be so in merit.

JEROME; Judas acts in every thing to remove all suspicion of his treachery.

REMIG. And it is beautifully said, When evening was come, because it was in the evening that the Lamb was wont to be slain.

RABAN. For this reason also, because in Christ's Passion, wherein the true sun hastened to his setting, eternal refreshment was made ready for all believers.

CHRYS. The Evangelist relates how as they sat at meat, Jesus declares Judas' treachery, that the wickedness of the betrayer may be more apparent from the season and the circumstances.

LEO; He shows that the conscience of His betrayer was known to Him, not meeting his wickedness with a harsh and open rebuke, that penitence might find a readier way to one who had not been disgraced by public dismissal.

ORIGEN; Or, He spoke generally, to prove the nature of each of their hearts, and to evince the wickedness of Judas, who would not believe in One who knew his heart. I suppose that at first he supposed that the thing was hid from Him, deeming Him man, which was of unbelief; but when he saw that his heart was known, he embraced the concealment offered by this general way of speaking, which was shamelessness. This also shows the goodness of the disciples, that they believed Christ's words more than their own consciences, they began each to say, Lord, is it I? For they knew by what Jesus had taught them that human nature is readily turned to evil, and is in continual struggle with the rulers of the darkness of this world; whence they ask as in fear, for by reason of our weakness the future is an object of dread to us. When the Lord saw the disciples thus alarmed for themselves, He pointed out the traitor by the mark of the prophetic declaration, He that has eaten bread with me has wantonly overthrown me.

JEROME; O wonderful endurance of the Lord, He had said before, One of you shall betray me. The traitor perseveres in his wickedness; He designates him more particularly, yet not by name. For Judas, while the rest were sorrowful, and withdrew their hands and bid away the food from their mouths, with the same hardihood and recklessness which led him to betray Him reached forth his hand into the dish with his Master, passing off his audacity as a good conscience.

CHRYS. I rather think that Christ did this out of regard for him, and to bring him to a better mind.

RABAN. What Matthew calls 'paropsis,' Mark calls 'catinus.' The 'paropsis' is a square dish for meat, 'catinus,' an earthen vessel for containing fluids; this then might be a square earthen vessel.

ORIGEN; Such is the wont of men of exceeding wickedness, to plot against those of whose bread and salt they have partaken, and especially those who have no enmity against them. But if we take it of the spiritual table, and the spiritual food, we shall see the more abundant and overthrowing measure of this man's wickedness, who called to mind neither his Master's love in providing carnal goods, nor His teaching in things spiritual. Such are all in the Church who lay snares for their brethren whom they continually meet at the same table of Christ's Body.

JEROME; Judas, not withheld by either the first or second warning, perseveres in his treachery; the Lord's long-suffering nourishes his audacity. Now then his punishment is foretold, that denunciations of wrath may correct where good feeling has no power.

REMIG. It belongs to human nature to come and go, Divine nature remains ever the same. So because His human nature could suffer and die, therefore of the Son of Man it is well said that he goes. He says plainly, As it is written of him, for all that He suffered had been foretold by the Prophets.

CHRYS. This He said to comfort His disciples, that they might not think that it was through weakness that He suffered; and at the same time for the correction of His betrayer. And notwithstanding His Passion had been foretold, Judas is still guilty; and not his betrayal wrought our salvation, but God's providence, which used the sins of others to our profit.

ORIGEN; He said not, By whom the Son of Man is betrayed, but through whom, pointing out another, to wit, the Devil, as the author of His betrayal, Judas as the minister. But woe also to all betrayers of Christ! and such is every one who betrays a disciple of Christ.

REMIG. Woe also to all who draw near to Christ's table with an evil and defiled conscience! who though they do not deliver Christ to the Jews to be crucified, deliver Him to their own sinful members to be taken. He adds, to give more emphasis, Good were it for that man if he had never been born.

JEROME; We are not to infer from this that man has a being before birth; for it cannot be well with any man till he has a being; it simply implies that it is better not to be, than to be in evil.

AUG. And if it be contended that there is a life before this life, that will prove that not only not for Judas, but for none other is it good to have been born. Can it mean, that it were better for him not to have been born to the Devil, namely, for sin? Or does it mean that it had been good for him not to have been born to Christ at his calling, that he should now become apostate?

ORIGEN; After all the Apostles had asked, and after Christ had spoken of him, Judas at length inquired of himself, with the crafty design of concealing his treacherous purpose by asking the same question as the rest; for real sorrow brooks not suspense.

JEROME; His question feigns either great respect, or a hypocritical incredulousness. The rest who were not to betray Him, said only Lord; the actual traitor addresses Him as Master, as though it were some excuse that he denied Him as Lord, and betrayed a Master only.

ORIGEN; Or, out of sycophancy he calls Him Master, while he holds Him unworthy of the title.

CHRYS. Though the Lord could have said, Have you covenanted to receive silver, and dare to ask Me this? But Jesus, most merciful, said nothing of all this, therein laying down for us rules and landmarks of endurance of evil. He said to him, you have said.

REMIG. Which may be understood thus; You say it, and you say what is true; or, You have said this, not I; leaving him room for repentance so long as his villainy was not publicly exposed.

RABAN. This might have been so said by Judas, and answered by the Lord as not to be overheard by the rest.

Catena Aurea Matthew 26
24 posted on 03/23/2016 4:49:35 AM PDT by annalex (fear them not)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 23 | View Replies]

To: annalex


The Last Supper

El Greco

c. 1568
Oil on panel, 43 x 52 cm
Pinacoteca Nazionale, Bologna

25 posted on 03/23/2016 4:50:23 AM PDT by annalex (fear them not)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 24 | View Replies]

To: annalex


The Last Supper

Valentin de Boulogne

1625-26
Oil on canvas, 139 x 230 cm
Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica, Rome

26 posted on 03/23/2016 4:51:08 AM PDT by annalex (fear them not)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 25 | View Replies]

To: annalex


Pact of Judas

Duccio

between 1308 and 1311
tempera on wood
19.7 x 20.9 in.

27 posted on 03/23/2016 4:51:46 AM PDT by annalex (fear them not)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 26 | View Replies]

To: All
Saint Turibius of Mongrovejo, Bishop

Saint Turibius of Mongrovejo, Bishop
Optional Memorial
March 23rd

The Journey of a Bishop: Bishop St. Turibius of Mongrovejo (1538-1606 ...

b. at Mayorga, León, Spain November 16, 1538; d. near Lima, Peru, March 23, 1606; beatified by Pope Innocent XI 1697, Canonized by Pope Benedict XIII 1726.

A well-educated nobleman, Turbius of Mongrovejo (or Turbio Alfonso de Mongrovejo) was law professor at the university of Salamanca and served with distinction as a judge before he was appointed Archbishop of Peru, arriving there in May 1581. His missionary work included baptizing and teaching the natives, often traveling his diocese on foot, despite dangers from wild beasts, tropical heat, and savage tribes. With remarkable zeal, he baptized and confirmed nearly half a million people, among them St. Rose of Lima, St. Francis Solano, and St. Martin of Porres.  He learned the native languages, build roads, schools, hospitals, convents and many chapels; and he founded the first seminary in the New World at Lima in 1591. He contracted a fever on one of his journeys, struggled to reach the sanctuary of a church near Lima, received Viaticum (last rites), and died shortly after.  He was one of the first saints from the Americas to be canonized.

Collect:
O God, who gave increase to your Church
through the apostolic labors and zeal for truth
of the Bishop Saint Turibius,
grant that the people consecrated to you
may always receive new growth in faith and holiness.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in hte unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. +Amen.

First Reading: 2 Timothy 1: 13-14;2:1-3
Follow the pattern of the sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus; guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 9:35-38
Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity. When He saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."


28 posted on 03/23/2016 10:57:05 AM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 27 | View Replies]

To: All
Pope Hails St. Turibius' Missionary Spirit [de Mongrovejo: Missionary, Saint, Pastor]
Saint of the Day- Turibius of Mongrovejo [St. Toribio de Mogrovejo]
29 posted on 03/23/2016 11:00:57 AM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 28 | View Replies]

To: All
Today is traditionally known as Spy Wednesday.

Spy Wednesday and a Reflection on the Sins of the Clergy
WDTPRS Spy Wednesday in Holy Week (Catholic/Orthodox Caucus)
Spy Wednesday [in Holy Week] Reflection: The Sins of the Clergy [Catholic Caucus]
Spy Wednesday (also Holy Wednesday of Holy Week)
Judas, Alive and Well
Spy Wednesday

30 posted on 03/23/2016 11:02:46 AM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 29 | View Replies]

To: Salvation
Information: St. Turibius de Mogrovejo

Feast Day: March 23

Born: 16 November, 1538, Mayorga, Spain

Died: 23 March, 1606, Saña, Peru

Canonized: 1726

Patron of: Native rights; Latin American bishops; Peru

31 posted on 03/23/2016 11:06:48 AM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 30 | View Replies]

To: All

St. Turibius of Mongrovejo

Feast Day: March 23
Born: 1538 :: Died: 1606

St. Turibius was born at Mayorga in Leon, Spain and came from a noble family. He studied law and became a university professor of law and then a famous judge of the Court of the Inquisition at Granada.

He was a good Christian and was known to be honest and wise. An unusual thing happened to him that changed his whole life. He was asked to become the archbishop of Lima, Peru as they badly needed and were looking for one. First of all, he was not a priest. Second, Peru was in far away South America.

Many people in the Church knew that Turibius had the qualities for this trusted position. He begged to be excused from the honor. But when he learned about the miserable condition of the native people of Peru, he could not refuse. He wanted to help them and to bring them the faith. He was ordained a priest and set out for Peru.

As archbishop, St. Turibius traveled all over the country. He made his way over the snowy mountains on foot. He walked over the hot sands of the seashore. He built churches and hospitals. He started the first school in Latin America for the training of priests. Such a school is called a seminary.

He learned the different native languages. He wanted the people to be able to listen to homilies at Mass and go to confession in their own language. He protected the natives who were often cruelly treated by their Spanish Conquerers.

St. Turibius loved the people of Peru. He spent the rest of his life as a priest and bishop for them. He died on March 23, 1606, at the age of sixty-eight at Santa in Peru. He is the patron saint of Latin American bishops and the people of Peru.

Reflection: "God works in mysterious ways." St. Turibius went from being a judge in Spain to becoming archbishop of Lima. How do I make room in my life for God to work in unexpected ways?


32 posted on 03/23/2016 11:09:33 AM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 31 | View Replies]

To: All

Wednesday

March 23, 2016

The Heart of Jesus

“When I see that the burden is beyond my strength, I do not consider or analyze it or probe into it, but I run like a child to the Heart of Jesus and say only one word to Him: “You can do all things.” And then I keep silent, because I know that Jesus Himself will intervene in the matter, and as for me, instead of tormenting myself, I use that time to love Him.”
~ St. Faustina


Year of Mercy Calendar for Today: “Strive to learn more about the message of the Divine Mercy ~ especially over the next week.”


33 posted on 03/23/2016 3:06:45 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 32 | View Replies]

To: All
CATHOLIC ALMANAC

Wednesday, March 23

Liturgical Color: Violet

Today is the optional memorial
of St. Toribio de Mogrovejo In
1581, he became the bishop of
Peru, which was under Spanish
rule. He worked hard as a
defender of the rights of the
native people, and founded
schools and hospitals for their
benefit.

34 posted on 03/23/2016 3:13:15 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 33 | View Replies]

To: All
Catholic Culture

Lent: March 23rd

Wednesday of Holy Week

MASS READINGS

March 23, 2016 (Readings on USCCB website)

COLLECT PRAYER

O God, who willed your Son to submit for our sake to the yoke of the Cross, so that you might drive from us the power of the enemy, grant us, your servants, to attain the grace of the resurrection. 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.

show

Recipes (1)

show

Activities (11)

show

Prayers (6)


35 posted on 03/23/2016 3:20:11 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 34 | View Replies]

To: All
The Word Among Us

Meditation: Matthew 26:14-25

Wednesday of Holy Week

In your house I shall celebrate the Passover. (Matthew 26:18)

Many people refer to today as Spy Wednesday, an allusion to the day of Judas’ betrayal. But did you know that it’s also called Silent Wednesday?

This name comes from the fact that the Gospels don’t tell us what Jesus was doing on Wednesday of Holy Week. He was “silent” on that day. Some speculate that after journeying to Jerusalem and spending two exhausting days in disputes with the authorities, Jesus rested on Wednesday with his close friends in Bethany.

If you want to observe this special day, imagine that Jesus is inviting himself over to rest in your house for a bit. Imagine him inviting you to join him in a day of quiet reflection and respite.

It can be so easy for our minds to become overbusied, our bodies overworked, and our calendars overscheduled. But rest is essential because it’s restorative. Rest is also holy because it creates an opening for us to welcome Jesus into our hearts. Imagine yourself sitting with him at your kitchen table, catching up as you would with a friend. Or picture yourself coming home from a busy workday to find him waiting at your front door, eager for you to invite him in for dinner. Even if it means just slipping away for a few minutes of stillness with him, make the most of the opportunity; nothing is as refreshing as spending quiet time with the Lord!

Throughout this season of Lent, you have been journeying with Jesus as he walks toward Calvary. You’re almost there! Tomorrow evening, you will watch as he is arrested and beaten. On Friday, you’ll witness his crucifixion. And on Sunday, you’ll see him gloriously resurrected. But today, Silent Wednesday, is the calm before the storm.

As you read the Gospel for today, listen to Jesus’ voice echoing through the centuries, telling you, “In your house I shall celebrate the Passover” (Matthew 26:18). Jesus has chosen to spend today with you. Your schedule may not be silent today, but you can still find a special way to rest with him and prepare yourself—body, soul, and spirit—for the great celebrations that will start tomorrow evening.

“Jesus, help me to find some quiet time today. Come, Lord, and prepare me for what you have in store this week.”

Isaiah 50:4-9
Psalm 69:8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34

36 posted on 03/23/2016 3:23:09 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 35 | View Replies]

To: All
Marriage = One Man and One Woman Until Death Do Us Part

Daily Marriage Tip for March 23, 2016:

Consider doing a closet clean-out: if you have clothes that you do not wear or wear often, donate them.

37 posted on 03/23/2016 4:47:37 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 36 | View Replies]

To: All
Regnum Christi

Unmasking the Betrayer
U. S. A. | SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY
March 23, 2016 - Wednesday of Holy Week


By Father James Swanson, LC


Matthew 26:14-25


One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over. On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus and said, "Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?" He said, "Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ´The teacher says, "My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples."´" The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered, and prepared the Passover. When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, "Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me." Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, "Surely it is not I, Lord?" He said in reply, "He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me. The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born." Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, "Surely it is not I, Rabbi?" He answered, "You have said so."

Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, I wish to accompany you closely on the road to Calvary.  If I were to contemplate you more often as you hang scourged and bloody upon the cross, I’m certain I would be able to rest in your love and base my actions on that one truth. I know that you have loved me with an eternal love: you have proven it there on the wood of the cross. So I long to respond with gratitude, peace and the firm determination to spread your love to everyone.

Petition: Lord Jesus, help me to stay strong in my faith.


  1. One of the Twelve a Traitor? We often think that Judas must have been different, obviously worse than the other disciples. If that were true, everyone would have suspected him when Jesus said, “One of you will betray me.” They would have thought: “It must be Judas. He’s always been bad. He’s capable of betraying Jesus. I don’t know why Jesus picked him.” Instead, Judas did not stand out as any worse than they were. If he did, they would have immediately suspected him. Each one of us, as well, could become a Judas little by little, first by giving up our principles on smaller matters and then later on more important matters. In the Christian life there always needs to be a healthy tension of straining forward and of watchfulness. The one who is trustworthy in small matters is trustworthy in greater matters.


  1. Is It I? The apostles are all asking, “Is it I?” Why? Was there some widespread desire to betray him of which they were barely keeping control? No, but they were in a very dangerous situation. The Pharisees had decided to kill Jesus. The apostles know it. That’s why the whole group had gone to stay in Jericho for a while. Jerusalem was too dangerous. They can imagine themselves following Jesus to the Temple the next day, being singled out in the crush of the crowd and then having their life threatened to provide information about where Jesus can be found at night. They wonder what they would say. With my life on the line would I betray Jesus? This is why they ask, “Is it I?” When push comes to shove, what comes first in my life? Would I ever consider selling out on Jesus for something or someone else?


  1. Vigilance of the Heart: Judas had everything he needed to be a great apostle. He had a magnanimous heart, which is why Jesus picked him. God never destines anyone for failure. So what happened to him? At some point he stopped working on his friendship with Jesus. Some would point to the moment of the discourse on the Bread of Life recorded in John 6. Judas couldn’t accept that he needed to eat Jesus’ body and drink his blood. Jesus must be wrong, and therefore he is a false Messiah. John 6:64 tells us that Jesus knew who his betrayer would be. Jesus gives Judas a chance to leave the group and remain an honest man in John 6:67. Instead, he stays, becoming a hypocrite – a “devil” in Jesus’ words – and begins the path that will lead to betrayal. Knowing that my faith is the most precious gift I have received from God, do I watch over and nourish my faith so that it grows and is strong?


Conversation with Christ: Lord, I have betrayed you so many times, even when I do such a simple thing as not saying grace in a restaurant out of fear that others will realize I am a Catholic. May the experience of your Passion and death help me to have the courage to live by my convictions at all times.

Resolution: Today I will live all the demands of my faith, especially in the moments when they point me out as a follower of Christ. Today I will not betray him, even in the smallest way.

 


38 posted on 03/23/2016 4:52:16 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 37 | View Replies]

To: All
Homily of the Day
March 23, 2016

These days, steadfastness is a rare commodity. It is much easier to switch sides based on convenience or opportunity. Politicians take advantage of this weakness all the time; people’s votes are easily bought if the price is right – but at what cost? On a smaller scale, it happens, too. Friendships can be traded for reputation. Loyalty is stolen through agenda. And standing for what is right is often given up due to indifference or fear.

Today’s gospel recounts the betrayal of Judas. He gives up our Lord for a few pieces of silver. Are we any better? Do we stop standing for Christian values when it starts costing us our time, reputation or resources? Or do we remain faithful to the teachings of the gospel, because we know that the freedom it gives is what’s truly priceless? What is the price of our loyalty to Jesus?


39 posted on 03/23/2016 4:59:40 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 38 | View Replies]

To: All
One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

Language: English | Español

All Issues > Volume 32, Issue 2

<< Wednesday, March 23, 2016 >> Holy Week
 
Isaiah 50:4-9
View Readings
Psalm 69:8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34 Matthew 26:14-25
Similar Reflections
 

"IN THE SIGHT OF MY FOES" (Ps 23:5)

 
"Distressed at this…" —Matthew 26:22
 

The apostles were deeply distressed that Jesus' betrayer was seated in their midst at the Last Supper. However, Jesus was not distressed, although hours later in the garden of Gethsemane Jesus "began to experience sorrow and distress" (see Mt 26:37). Yet, in the presence of His betrayer, Jesus was calmly in control of the situation.

Jesus does things to instruct His disciples, and also us. He's trying to teach them, and Judas, how we should respond in the presence of our enemies, and that the appropriate response is mercy. Jesus reaches out to Judas with an offer of friendship in the morsel. Jesus is giving Judas no room to deceive himself in his decision to betray Jesus by giving Judas a final chance to repent.

Jesus, by announcing that His betrayer is at hand, forces Judas to realize that Jesus is still divine, still all-knowing, and still reaching out to Him in mercy. Yet He knows that Judas will refuse His final offer to repent.

How can Jesus be calm in such a distressful situation? Jesus knows the Source of His peace. He can remain calm in the presence of a betrayer who will hand Him over to death because of His firm relationship with His Father.

Likewise, we disciples can be calm "in the sight of [our] foes" (Ps 23:5) if we are united with the Father, Who makes all things work together for the good for those who love Him (Rm 8:28).

 
Prayer: Jesus, I do love You.
Promise: "The Lord God is my Help, therefore I am not disgraced." —Is 50:7
Praise: Jessica forgave her father, who had been abusive to her, as well as her mother, who had allowed it.

40 posted on 03/23/2016 5:23:20 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 39 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson