For your reading, reflection, faith-sharing, comments, questions, discussion.

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2 posted on 04/13/2016 8:27:18 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)

From: Acts 8:26-40

Philip Baptizes a Eunuch

[26] But an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the
road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert road. [27] And he
rose and went. And behold, an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a minister of Candace the
queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of all her treasure, had come to Jerusalem to
worship [28] and was returning; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet
Isaiah. [29] And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join this chariot.” [30] So
Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and asked, “Do you
understand what you are reading?” [31] And he said, “How can I, unless some
one guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. [32] Now the
passage of the scripture which he was reading was this:

“As a sheep led to the slaughter
or a lamb before its shearer is dumb,
so he opens not his mouth.
[33] In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken up from the earth.”

[34] And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, pray, does the prophet say
this, about himself or about some one else?” [35] Then Philip opened his mouth,
and beginning with this scripture he told him the good news of Jesus. [36] And
as they went along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said,
“See, here is water! What is to prevent my being baptized?” [38] And he com-
manded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip, and
the eunuch, and he baptized him. [39] And when they came up out of the water,
the Spirit of the Lord caught up Philip; and the eunuch saw him no more, and
went on his way rejoicing. [40] But Philip was found at Azotus, and passing on
he preached the gospel to all the towns till he came to Caesarea.

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

26-40. The baptism of the Ethiopian official marks an important step in the spread
of Christianity. St Luke’s account underlines the importance of Sacred Scripture,
and its correct interpretation, in the work of evangelization. This episode encapsu-
lates the various stages in apostolate: Christ’s disciple is moved by the Spirit (v.
29) and readily obeys his instruction; he bases his preaching on Sacred Scripture
— as Jesus did in the case of the disciples of Emmaus — and then administers
Baptism.

27. Ethiopia: the kingdom of Nubia, whose capital was Meroe, to the south of
Egypt, below Aswan, the first cataract on the Nile (part of modern Sudan). Can-
dace, or Kandake, is not the name of an individual; it was the dynastic name of
the queens of that country, a country at that time ruled by women (cf. Eusebius,
“Ecclesiastical History”, II, 1, 13).

The term “eunuch”, like its equivalent in Hebrew, was often used independently
of its original physiological meaning and could refer to any court official (cf. for
example, Gen 39:1; 2 Kings 25:19). This particular man was an important official,
the equivalent of a minister of finance. We do not know if he was a member of
the Jewish race, a proselyte (a Jew not by race but by religion) or — perhaps —
a God-fearer (cf. note on Acts 2:5-11).

28. “Consider,” St John Chrysostom says, “what a good thing it is not to neglect
reading Scripture even when one is on a journey.... Let those reflect on this who
do not even read the Scriptures at home, and, because they are with their wife,
or are fighting in the army, or are very involved in family or other affairs, think that
there is no particular need for them to make the effort to read the divine Scrip-
tures. [...] This Ethiopian has something to teach us all—those who have a family
life, members of the army, officials, in a word, all men, and women too (particu-
larly those women who are always at home), and all those who have chosen the
monastic way of life. Let all learn that no situation is an obstacle to reading the
word of God: this is something one can do not only when one is alone at home
but also in the public square, on a journey, in the company of others, or when
engaged in one’s occupation. Let us not, I implore you, neglect to read the
Scriptures” (St John Chrysostom, “Hom. on Acts”, 35).

29-30. The fact that they are alone, that the road is empty, makes it easier for
them to have a deep conversation and easier for Philip to explain Christian tea-
ching. “I think so highly of your devotion to the early Christians that I will do all I
can to encourage it, so that you—like them—will put more enthusiasm each day
into that effective Apostolate of discretion and friendship” St. Escriva, “The Way”,
971). This was in fact one of the characteristic features of the kind of apostolate
carried out by our first brothers and sisters in the faith as they spread gradually
all over the Roman empire. They brought the Christian message to the people
around them — the sailor to the rest of the crew, the slave to his fellow slaves,
soldiers, traders, housewives .... This eager desire of theirs to spread the Gos-
pel showed their genuine conviction and was an additional proof of the truth of
the Christian message.

31. “How can I understand it, unless some one guides me?”: to a Jew of this pe-
riod the very idea of a Messiah who suffers and dies at the hands of his enemies
was quite repugnant. This explains why the Ethiopian has difficulty in understan-
ding this passage—and, indeed, the entire song of the Servant of Yahweh, from
which it comes (cf. Is 53).

Sometimes it is difficult to understand a passage of Scripture; as St Jerome com-
ments: “I am not,” to speak in passing of himself, “more learned or more holy than
that eunuch who traveled to the temple from Ethiopia, that is, from the end of the
earth: he left the royal palace and such was his desire for divine knowledge that
he was even reading the sacred words in his chariot. And yet...he did not realize
whom he was venerating in that book without knowing it. Philip comes along, he
reveals to him Jesus hidden and as it were imprisoned in the text [...], and in that
very moment he believes, is baptized, is faithful and holy. [...] I tell you this to
show you that, unless you have a guide who goes ahead of you to show you the
way, you cannot enter the holy Scriptures” (”Letter 53”, 5-6).

This guide is the Church; God, who inspired the sacred books, has entrusted
their interpretation to the Church. Therefore, the Second Vatican Council teaches
that “If we are to derive their true meaning from the sacred texts,” attention must
be devoted “not only to their content but to the unity of the whole of Scripture,
the living tradition of the entire Church, and the analogy of faith. [...] Everything to
do with the interpretation of Scripture is ultimately subject to the judgment of the
Church, which exercises the divinely conferred communion and ministry of wat-
ching over and interpreting the Word of God” (Vatican II, “Dei Verbum”, 12).

35. “The eunuch deserves our admiration for his readiness to believe,” St John
Chrysostom comments. “He has not seen Jesus Christ nor has he witnessed
any miracle; what then is the reason for his change? It is because, being obser-
vant in matters of religion, he applies himself to the study of the sacred books
and makes them his book of meditation and reading” (”Hom. on Acts”, 19).

36. “What is to prevent my being baptized?”: the Ethiopian’s question reminds us
of the conditions necessary for receiving Baptism. Adults should be instructed in
the faith before receiving this sacrament; however, a period of “Christian initiation”
is not required if there is a good reason, such as danger of death.

The Church’s Magisterium stresses the obligation to baptize children without de-
lay. “The fact that children are incapable of making a personal profession of faith
does not deter the Church from conferring this sacrament on them; what it does
is baptize them in its own faith. This teaching was already clearly expressed by
St Augustine: ‘Children are presented for the reception of spiritual grace, not so
much by those who carry them in their arms—although also by them, if they are
good members of the Church as by the universal society of saints and faithful.

It is Mother Church herself who acts in her saints, because the whole Church be-
gets each and all’ (”Letter 98”, 5; cf. “Sermon 176”, 2). St Thomas Aquinas, and
after him most theologians, take up the same teaching: the child who is baptized
does not believe for itself, by a personal act of faith, but rather through others ‘by
the faith of the Church which is communicated to the child’ (”Summa Theologiae”,
III, q.69, a.6, ad 3; cf. q. 68, a. 9, ad 3). This same teaching is expressed in the
new rite of Baptism, when the celebrant asks the parents and godparents to pro-
fess the faith of the Church ‘in which the children are being baptized’”(”Instruction
on Infant Baptism”, 20 October 1980).

The Instruction goes on to say that “it is true that apostolic preaching is normal-
ly addressed to adults, and that the first to be baptized were adults who had
been converted to the Christian faith. From what we read in the New Testament
we might be led to think that it deals only with adults’ faith. However, the practice
of Baptism of infants is based on an ancient tradition of apostolic origin, whose
value must not be underestimated; furthermore, Baptism has never been admini-
stered without faith: in the case of infants the faith that intervenes is the Church’s
own faith. Besides, according to the Council of Trent’s teaching on the sacra-
ments, Baptism is not only a sign of faith: it is also the cause of faith” (”ibid.”).

Christian parents have a duty to see that their children are baptized quickly. The
Code of Canon Law specifies that parents are obliged to see that their infants are
baptized within the first few weeks. As soon as possible after the birth, indeed of-
ten before it, they are to approach the parish priest to ask for the sacrament for
their child, and to be themselves duly prepared for it” (can. 867).

37. This verse, not to be found in some Greek codices or in the better transla-
tions, was probably a gloss which later found its way into the text. In the Vulgate
it is given in this way: “Dixit autem Philippus: Si credis ex toto corde, licet. Et res-
pondens ait: Credo, Filium Dei esse Jesum Christum”, which translated would be:
“Philip said, If you believe with all your heart, you may. And he replied, I believe
that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” This very ancient gloss, inspired by baptis-
mal liturgy, helps to demonstrate that faith in Christ’s divine worship was the nu-
cleus of the creed a person had to subscribe to in order to be baptized. On this
occasion Philip, guided by the Holy Spirit, lays down no further condition and he
immediately proceeds to baptize the Ethiopian.

39. St John Chrysostom pauses to note that the Spirit takes Philip away without
giving him time to rejoice with the man he has just baptized: “Why did the Spirit
of the Lord bear him away? Because he had to go on to preach in other cities.
We should not be surprised that this happened in a divine rather than a human
way” (”Hom. on Acts”, 19).

The official “went on his way rejoicing” that God had made him his son through
Baptism. He had received the gift of faith, and with the help of divine grace he
was ready to live up to all the demands of that faith, even in adverse circumstan-
ces: quite probably he would be the only Christian in all Ethiopia.

Faith is a gift of God and is received as such at Baptism; but man’s response is
necessary if this gift is not to prove fruitless.

Baptism is one of the sacraments which imprints an indelible mark on the soul
and which can be received only once. However, a baptized person needs to be
continually renewing his commitment; this is not something to be done only du-
ring the Easter liturgy: in his everyday activity he should be striving to act like a
son of God.

It is natural and logical for the Ethiopian to be so happy, for Baptism brings with
it many graces. These St John Chrysostom lists, using quotations from the Gos-
pels and from the letters of St Paul: “The newly baptized are free, holy, righteous,
sons of God, heirs of heaven, brothers and co-heirs of Christ, members of his bo-
dy, temples of God, instruments of the Holy Spirit.... Those who yesterday were
captives are today free men and citizens of the Church. Those who yesterday
were in the shame of sin are now safe in righteousness; not alone are they free,
they are holy” (”Baptismal Catechesis”, III, 5).

*********************************************************************************************
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.

3 posted on 04/13/2016 8:28:27 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)

The Discourse on the Bread of Life (Continuation)

(Jesus said to the Jews,) [44] “No one can come to Me unless the Father who
sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. [45] It is written in
the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Every one who has heard
and learned from the Father comes to Me. [46] Not that any one has seen the
Father except Him who is from God; He has seen the Father. [47] Truly, truly,
I say to you, he who believes has eternal life. [48] I am the bread of life. [49]
Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. [50] This is the
bread which comes down from Heaven, that a man may eat of it and not die.
[51] I am the living bread which came down from Heaven; if any one eats of this
bread, he will live for ever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world
is My flesh.”

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

44-45. Seeking Jesus until one finds Him is a free gift which no one can obtain
through his own efforts, although everyone should try to be well disposed to re-
ceiving it. The Magisterium of the Church has recalled this teaching in Vatican II:
“Before this faith can be exercised, man must have the grace of God to move
and assist him; he must have the interior help of the Holy Spirit, who moves the
heart and converts it to God, who opens the eyes of the mind and makes it easy
for all to accept and believe the truth” (”Dei Verbum”, 5).

When Jesus says, “They shall all be taught by God”, He is invoking Isaiah 54:13
and Jeremiah 31:33ff, where the prophets refer to the future Covenant which God
will establish with His people when the Messiah comes, the Covenant which will
be sealed forever with the blood of the Messiah and which God will write on their
hearts (cf. Isaiah 53:10-12; Jeremiah 31:31-34).

The last sentence of verse 45 refers to God’s Revelation through the prophets
and especially through Jesus Christ.

46. Men can know God the Father only through Jesus Christ, because only He
has seen the Father, whom He has come to reveal to us. In his prologue St. John
already said: “No one has ever seen God; the only Son, who is in the bosom of
the Father, He has made Him known” (John 1:18). Later on Jesus will say to Phi-
lip at the Last Supper: “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9),
for Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and no one goes to the Father ex-
cept through Him (cf. John 14:6).

In other words, in Christ God’s revelation to men reaches its climax: “For He
sent His Son, the eternal Word who enlightens all men, to dwell among men
and to tell them about the inner life of God (cf. John 1:1-18). Hence, Jesus Christ,
sent as ‘a man among men’, ‘utters the words of God’ (John 3:34), and accompli-
shes the saving work which the Father gave Him to do (cf. John 5:36; 17:4). To
see Jesus is to see His Father (cf. John 14:9)” (Vatican II, “Dei Verbum”, 4).

48. With this solemn declaration, which He repeats because of His audience’s
doubts, (cf. John 6:35, 41, 48), Jesus begins the second part of His discourse,
in which He explicitly reveals the great mystery of the Blessed Eucharist.
Christ’s words have such a tremendous realism about them that they cannot be
interpreted in a figurative way: if Christ were not really present under the species
of bread and wine, this discourse would make absolutely no sense. But if His
real presence in the Eucharist is accepted on faith, then His meaning is quite
clear and we can see how infinite and tender His love for us is.

This is so great a mystery that it has always acted as a touchstone for Christian
faith: it is proclaimed as “the mystery of our faith” immediately after the Conse-
cration of the Mass. Some of our Lord’s hearers were scandalized by what He
said on this occasion (cf. verses 60-66). Down through history people have tried
to dilute the obvious meaning of our Lord’s words. In our own day the Magiste-
rium of the Church has explained this teaching in these words” “When Transub-
stantiation has taken place, there is no doubt that the appearance of the bread
and the appearance of the wine take on a new expressiveness and a new pur-
pose since they are no longer common bread and common drink, but rather the
sign of something sacred and the sign of spiritual food. But they take on a new
expressiveness and a new purpose for the very reason that they contain a new
‘reality’ which we are right to call “ontological”. For beneath these appearances
there is no longer what was there before but something quite different [...] since
on the conversion of the bread and wine’s substance, or nature, into the body
and blood of Christ, nothing is left of the bread and the wine but the appearances
alone. Beneath these appearances Christ is present whole and entire, bodily pre-
sent too, in His physical ‘reality’, although not in the manner in which bodies are
present in place.

For this reason the Fathers have had to issue frequent warnings to the faithful,
when they consider this august Sacrament, not to be satisfied with the senses
which announce the properties of bread and wine. They should rather assent to
the words of Christ: these are of such power that they change, transform, ‘trans-
element’ the bread and the wine into His body and blood. The reason for this, as
the same Fathers say more than once, is that the power which performs this ac-
tion is the same power of Almighty God that created the whole universe out of
nothing at the beginning of time” (Paul VI, “Mysterium Fidei”).

49-51. The manna during the Exodus was a figure of this bread — Christ Himself
— which nourishes Christians on their pilgrimage through this world. Communion
is the wonderful banquet at which Christ gives Himself to us: “the bread which I
shall give for the life of the world is My flesh”. These words promise the manifes-
tation of the Eucharist at the Last Supper: “This is My body which is for you” (1
Corinthians 11:24). The words “for the life of the world” and “for you” refer to the
redemptive value of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. In some sacrifices of the
Old Testament, which were a figure of the sacrifice of Christ, part of the animal
offered up was later used for food, signifying participation in the sacred rite (cf.
Exodus 11:3-4). So, by receiving Holy Communion, we are sharing in the sacri-
fice of Christ: which is why the Church sings in the Liturgy of the Hours on the
Feast of Corpus Christi: “O sacred feast in which we partake of Christ: His suf-
ferings are remembered, our minds are filled with His grace and we receive a
pledge of the glory that is to be ours” (”Magnificat Antiphon”, Evening Prayer II).

********************************************************************************************
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.

4 posted on 04/13/2016 8:29:20 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)

Scripture readings from the Jerusalem Bible by Darton, Longman & Todd

Readings at Mass

Liturgical Colour: White.

First reading	Acts 8:26-40 ©

The angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, ‘Be ready to set out at noon along the road that goes from Jerusalem down to Gaza, the desert road.’ So he set off on his journey. Now it happened that an Ethiopian had been on pilgrimage to Jerusalem; he was a eunuch and an officer at the court of the kandake, or queen, of Ethiopia, and was in fact her chief treasurer. He was now on his way home; and as he sat in his chariot he was reading the prophet Isaiah. The Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go up and meet that chariot.’ When Philip ran up, he heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ ‘How can I’ he replied ‘unless I have someone to guide me?’ So he invited Philip to get in and sit by his side. Now the passage of scripture he was reading was this:

Like a sheep that is led to the slaughter-house,

like a lamb that is dumb in front of its shearers,

like these he never opens his mouth.

He has been humiliated and has no one to defend him.

Who will ever talk about his descendants,

since his life on earth has been cut short!

The eunuch turned to Philip and said, ‘Tell me, is the prophet referring to himself or someone else?’ Starting, therefore, with this text of scripture Philip proceeded to explain the Good News of Jesus to him.

Further along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, ‘Look, there is some water here; is there anything to stop me being baptised?’ He ordered the chariot to stop, then Philip and the eunuch both went down into the water and Philip baptised him. But after they had come up out of the water again Philip was taken away by the Spirit of the Lord, and the eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing. Philip found that he had reached Azotus and continued his journey proclaiming the Good News in every town as far as Caesarea.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 65:8-9,16-17,20 ©

Cry out with joy to God, all the earth.

Alleluia!

O peoples, bless our God,

let the voice of his praise resound,

of the God who gave life to our souls

and kept our feet from stumbling.

Cry out with joy to God, all the earth.

Alleluia!

Come and hear, all who fear God.

I will tell what he did for my soul:

to him I cried aloud,

with high praise ready on my tongue.

Cry out with joy to God, all the earth.

Alleluia!

Blessed be God

who did not reject my prayer

nor withhold his love from me.

Cry out with joy to God, all the earth.

Alleluia!

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia!

The Lord, who hung for us upon the tree,

has risen from the tomb.

Alleluia!

Or	Jn6:51

Alleluia, alleluia!

I am the living bread which has come down from heaven,

says the Lord.

Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever.

Alleluia!

Gospel	John 6:44-51 ©

Jesus said to the crowd:

‘No one can come to me

unless he is drawn by the Father who sent me,

and I will raise him up at the last day.

It is written in the prophets:

They will all be taught by God,

and to hear the teaching of the Father,

and learn from it,

is to come to me.

Not that anybody has seen the Father,

except the one who comes from God:

he has seen the Father.

I tell you most solemnly,

everybody who believes has eternal life.

‘I am the bread of life.

Your fathers ate the manna in the desert

and they are dead;

but this is the bread that comes down from heaven,

so that a man may eat it and not die.

I am the living bread which has come down from heaven.

Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever;

and the bread that I shall give is my flesh,

for the life of the world.’

5 posted on 04/13/2016 8:33:52 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)

Pray for Pope Francis

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11 posted on 04/13/2016 8:37:36 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)

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.

12 posted on 04/13/2016 8:38:43 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)

13 posted on 04/13/2016 8:39:23 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)

Pray a Rosary each day for our nation.

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, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from there 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.

6. 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 Luminous Mysteries or Mysteries of Light (Thursdays) see Rosarium Virginis Mariae
1. Jesus' Baptism in the Jordan (II Corinthians 5:21, Matthew 3:17 and parallels) [Spiritual fruit - Gratitude for the gift of Faith]
2. Jesus' self-manifestation at the wedding of Cana (John 2:1- 12) [Spiritual fruit - Fidelity]
3. Jesus' proclamation of the Kingdom of God, with His call to conversion (Mark 1:15, Mark 2:3-13; Luke 7:47- 48, John 20:22-23) [Spiritual fruit - Desire for Holiness]
4. Jesus' Transfiguration (Luke 9:35 and parallels) [Spiritual fruit - Spiritual Courage]
5. Jesus' institution of the Eucharist, as the sacramental expression of the Paschal Mystery. (Luke 24:13-35 and parallels, 1 Corinthians 11:24-25) [Spiritual fruit - Love of our Eucharistic Lord]

14 posted on 04/13/2016 8:40:02 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)

St. Michael the Archangel

~ 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
+

15 posted on 04/13/2016 8:40:36 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)

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.

16 posted on 04/13/2016 8:41:14 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)

April Devotion: The Blessed Sacrament

<b>blessed</b>_<b>sacrament</b>.jpg (235956 bytes)

Since the 16th century Catholic piety has assigned entire months to special devotions. The Church traditionally encouraged the month of April for increased devotion to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. "The Church in the course of the centuries has introduced various forms of this Eucharistic worship which are ever increasing in beauty and helpfulness; as, for example, visits of devotion to the tabernacles, even every day; Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament; solemn processions, especially at the time of Eucharistic Congresses, which pass through cities and villages; and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament publicly exposed . . . These exercises of piety have brought a wonderful increase in faith and supernatural life to the Church militant upon earth and they are re-echoed to a certain extent by the Church triumphant in heaven, which sings continually a hymn of praise to God and to the Lamb 'Who was slain.'" --Pope Pius XII

ACT OF ADORATION
I adore Thee, 0 Jesus, true God and true Man, here present in the Holy Eucharist, humbly kneeling before Thee and united in spirit with all the faithful on earth and all the blessed in heaven. In deepest gratitude for so great a blessing, I love Thee, my Jesus, with my whole heart, for Thou art all perfect and all worthy of love.

Give me grace nevermore in any way to offend Thee, and grant that I, being refreshed by Thy Eucharistic presence here on earth, may be found worthy to come to the enjoyment with Mary of Thine eternal and everblessed presence in heaven. Amen.

FAITH IN THE EUCHARIST
O my God, I firmly believe that Thou art really and corporally present in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar. I adore Thee here present from the very depths of my heart, and I worship Thy sacred presence with all possible humility. O my soul, what joy to have Jesus Christ always with us, and to be able to speak to Him, heart to heart, with all confidence. Grant, O Lord, that I, having adored Thy divine Majesty here on earth in this wonderful Sacrament, may be able to adore it eternally in Heaven. Amen.

FOR THE PEACE OF CHRIST
O most sacred, most loving heart of Jesus, Thou art concealed in the Holy Eucharist, and Thou beatest for us still. Now as then Thou sayest, "With desire I have desired." I worship Thee, then, with all my best love and awe, with my fervent affection, with my most subdued, most resolved will. O make my heart beat with Thy heart. Purify it of all that is earthly, all that is proud and sensual, all that is hard and cruel, of all perversity, of all disorder, of all deadness. So fill it with Thee, that neither the events of the day nor the circumstances of the time may have power to ruffle it; but that in Thy love and Thy fear it may have peace. --Cardinal Newman

ACT OF LOVE
I believe Thou art present in the Blessed Sacrament, O Jesus. I love Thee and desire Thee. Come into my heart. I embrace Thee, O never leave me. I beseech Thee, O Lord Jesus, may the burning and most sweet power of Thy love absorb my mind, that I may die through love of Thy love, who wast graciously pleased to die through love of my love. --St. Francis of Assisi

ACT OF REPARATION
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, well known in connection with devotion to the Sacred Herat of Jesus, led the way in making reparation to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament for the coldness and ingratitude of men. This prayer of hers can become our own as we attempt to make amends for our own and others' neglect of the great Sacrament of His love, the Eucharist.
O kind and merciful savior, from my heart I earnestly desire to return Thee love for love. My greatest sorrow is that Thou art not loved by men, and, in particular, that my own heart is so cold, so selfish, so ungrateful. Keenly aware of my own weakness and poverty, I trust that Thy own grace will enable me to offer Thee an act of pure love. And I wish to offer Thee this act of love in reparation for the coldness and neglect that are shown to Thee in the sacrament of Thy love by Thy creatures. O Jesus, my supreme good, I love Thee, not for the sake of the reward which Thou hast promised to those who love Thee, but purely for Thyself. I love Thee above all things that can be loved, above all pleasures, and above myself and all that is not Thee, promising in the presence of heaven and earth that I will live and die purely and simply in Thy holy love, and that if to love Thee thus I must endure persecution and suffering I am completely satisfied, and I will ever say with Saint Paul: Nothing "will be able to separate us from the love of God." 0 Jesus, supreme master of all hearts, I love Thee, I adore Thee, I praise Thee, I thank Thee, because I am now all Thine own. Rule over me, and transform my soul into the likeness of Thyself, so that it may bless and glorify Thee forever in the abode of the saints.
--Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque

OFFERING
My Lord, I offer Thee myself in turn as a sacrifice of thanksgiving. Thou hast died for me, and I in turn make myself over to Thee. I am not my own. Thou hast bought me; I will by my own act and deed complete the purchase. My wish is to be separated from everything of this world; to cleanse myself simply from sin; to put away from me even what is innocent, if used for its own sake, and not for Thine. I put away reputation and honor, and influence, and power, for my praise and strength shall be in Thee. Enable me to carry out what I profess. Amen. --Cardinal Newman

Prayer Source: Prayer Book, The by Reverend John P. O'Connell, M.A., S.T.D. and Jex Martin, M.A., The Catholic Press, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, 1954

ALL TOGETHER BEFORE THE MOST <b>BLESSED</b>
<b>SACRAMENT</b>

Litany of the Most Blessed Sacrament

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

O Living Bread, Who from Heaven descended, have mercy on us.
Hidden God and Savior, have mercy on us.
Grain of the elect, have mercy on us.
Vine sprouting forth virgins, have mercy on us.
Wholesome Bread and delicacy of kings, have mercy on us.
Perpetual sacrifice, have mercy on us.
Clean oblation, have mercy on us.
Lamb without spot, have mercy on us.
Most pure feast, have mercy on us.
Food of Angels, have mercy on us.
Hidden manna, have mercy on us.
Memorial of God's wonders, have mercy on us.
Supersubstantial Bread, have mercy on us.
Word made flesh, dwelling in us, have mercy on us.
Holy Victim, have mercy on us.

O Cup of blessing, have mercy on us.
O Mystery of faith, have mercy on us.
O Most high and venerable Sacrament, have mercy on us.
O Most holy of all sacrifices, have mercy on us.
O True propitiatory Sacrifice for the living and the dead, have mercy on us.
O Heavenly antidote, by which we are preserved from sin, have mercy on us.
O stupendous miracle above all others, have mercy on us.
O most holy Commemoration of the Passison of Christ, have mercy on us.
O Gift transcending all abundance, have mercy on us.
O extraordinary memorial of Divine love, have mercy on us.
O affluence of Divine largess, have mercy on us.
O most holy and august mystery, have mercy on us.

Medicine of immortality, have mercy on us.
Awesome and life-giving Sacrament, have mercy on us.
Unbloody Sacrifice, have mercy on us.
Food and guest, have mercy on us.
Sweetest banquet at which the Angels serve, have mercy on us.
Bond of love, have mercy on us.
Offering and oblation, have mercy on us.
Spiritual sweetness tasted in its own foutain, have mercy on us.
Refreshment of holy souls, have mercy on us.
Viaticum of those dying in the Lord, have mercy on us.
Pledge of future glory, have mercy on us.

Be merciful, spare us, O Lord.
Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Lord.

From the unworthy reception of Thy Body and Blood, deliver us, O Lord.
From passions of the flesh, deliver us, O Lord.
From the concupiscence of the eyes, deliver us, O Lord.
From pride, deliver us, O Lord.
From every occasion of sin, deliver us, O Lord.
Through that desire, with which Thou desiredst to eat the Passover with Thy disciples, deliver us, O Lord.
Through that profound humility with which Thou didst wash Thy disciples' feet, deliver us, O Lord.
Through that most ardent love, with which Thou instituted this Divine Sacrament,
deliver us, O Lord.
Through the most precious Blood, which Thou hast left for us upon the altar, deliver us, O Lord.
Through those Five Wounds of Thy most holy Body, which was given up for us, deliver us, O Lord.

Sinners we are, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst graciously preserve and augment the faith, reverence, and devotion in us towards this admirable Sacrament, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst graciously lead us through the true confession of we beseech Thee, hear us.
our sins to a frequent reception of the Eucharist, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst graciously free us from every heresy, falsehood, and blindness of the heart, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst graciously impart to us the Heavenly and precious fruits of this most Holy Sacrament, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst graciously protect and strengthen us in our hour of death with this Heavenly Viaticum, we beseech Thee, hear us.

O Son of God, we beseech Thee, hear us.
Lamb of God, Who taketh away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who taketh away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who taketh away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, O Lord.
Christ, hear us, Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us, Christ, graciously hear us.
Lord, have mercy, Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy, Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy, Lord, have mercy.
Our Father . . .
Hail Mary . . .

V. Thou didst furnish them with Bread from Heaven, Alleluia.
R. Having in it every delight.

Let us pray.

O God, Who under a marvelous Sacrament has left us a memorial of Thy Passion; grant us; we beseech Thee; so to venerate the sacred mysteries of Thy Body and Blood, that we may ever perceive within us the fruit of Thy Redemption. Thou, Who livest and reignest forever and ever. Amen.

From the Manuale Sacerdotum, P. Josephus Schneider, S. J., 1867

The Real Presence: The Eucharist as the Living Christ [Catholic/Orthodox Caucus]
The Real Presence: Christ in the Eucharist, Introduction to the Eucharist,[Catholic/Orthodox Caucus]
The Real Presence: Christ in the Eucharist, The Last Supper, [Catholic/Orthodox Caucus]
The Eucharist: Foundation of the Christian Family(Catholic/Orthodox Caucus)
A Beautiful Summary of Eucharistic theology in an antiphon by Aquinas
Christ in the Eucharist (Ecumenical)
Canon Law and Consecrating the Eucharist (Catholic Caucus)
COMMUNION THROUGH A FEEDING TUBE (And More on Confirmations)
The Eucharist -- John 6
Catholicism and Fundamentalism - The Eucharist
On the Giving and Receiving of Holy Communion: Some norms to recall [Catholic Caucus]
Catholic Word of the Day: HOLY COMMUNION, 05-19-12
Following the Truth: Recognizing Jesus In The Eucharist [Catholic Caucus]
The Fourth Cup
The Last Supper and the Forgiveness of Sins
Bread from Heaven: The Eucharist Sustains Us and Lifts Us Up [Catholic Caucus]
Essays for Lent: The Eucharist
Essays for Lent: The Mass
Excerpt from: The Didache (The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles) [Catholic/Orthodox Caucus]
Divorced Catholics and the Eucharist
Following The Truth: So, You Just Received Jesus...Now What? (Catholic or Open)
The Coptic Orthodox doctrine of the Eucharistic sacrifice

Auxiliary Bishop Says Communion In the Hand is a Calvinist Novelty [Ecumenical]
How Something We Consider Solidly Traditional was Once Thought Progressive (Catholic)
Transubsta ntiation: Change We Can Believe In
Diocese limits Communion under both kinds, laments excessive extraordinary ministers
Phoenix Diocese to adopt new norms for Holy Communion [Catholic Caucus]
What Does GIRM 160 for the USA Really Say?
Lift the City - a Catholic Eucharistic flash mob (Catholic Caucus)
Justin Martyr: 1st apology: Sacraments, Eucharist {Catholic/Orthodox caucus}
The Institution of the Eucharist in Scripture [Catholic Caucus]
How the Mass is a sacrifice, and why so many deny this doctrine (Catholic/Orthodox Caucus)
[Ecumenical] Lent through Eastertide - Divine Mercy Diary Exerpts: Holy Communion and the Eucharist
Vatican consultant responds to Cardinal Mahoney 'Christ gave Judas communion' argument
New book connects the Eucharist with its Jewish roots
THE SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST (sections 3 only) {Ecumenical Thread}
THE SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST (sections 1&2 only) {Ecumenical Thread}
The Perfect Sacrifice: When Heaven Comes to Earth [Catholic Caucus]
The Real Presence [Church Fathers on the Holy Eucharist, cont'd ]
Is the Mass a Sacrifice? (Once and for all, Heb 9-10) {Catholic/Orthodox Caucus}
Radio Replies Second Volume - Holy Communion
The Real presence of Christ in the Eucharist {Catholic/Orthodox Caucus}

Radio Replies Second Volume - The Sacrifice of the Mass
Radio Replies Second Volume - Holy Eucharist
How Do We Prepare Well for the Coming of the Lord
Thanksgiving, the Prophets and the Eucharist
[CATHOLIC CAUCUS] The Pope of a Eucharistic Springtime
Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi, Lex Vivendi. As we Worship, So we Believe, So we Live
[CATHOLIC/ ORTHODOX CAUCUS] 5th Luminous Mystery: Institution of the Eucharist (Patristic Rosary)
Wounded in the house of them that loved Me
[CATHOLIC / ORTHODOX CAUCUS] Eucharist is Jesus' greatest gift to us, teaches Pope Benedict XVI
[CATHOLIC CAUCUS] What makes Jesus present in the Eucharist: broadening one's view.
The Catholic Mass in 155 A.D.
Pope's Q--A at End of Priestly Year Pt 4 "We Celebrate,..Meditate..on Eucharist" [Catholic Caucus]
Sacrifice, Transubstantiation, and Real Presence (Pope Benedict XVI) [Catholic Caucus]
Catholic Caucus: Eucharist is the Heart of God
[CATHOLIC CAUCUS]'Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity': The Miracle and Gift of the Most Holy Eucharist
A Secular Eucharist
Paul and the Eucharist
Centered in the Eucharist
Centered in the Eucharist
Who Can Receive Communion? (Catholic Caucus)

Respect For Christ In The Eucharist - One Priest's Perspective
From The Gospel To Life: The Disciples and the Eucharist
Catholic Biblical Apologetics: Opportunities of Grace: The Eucharist: The Lord's Supper
THE PRIEST IN THE COMMUNION RITES - Liturgy Prepares for Reception of the Eucharist
Novena with Saint Peter Julian Eymard for Prayer in the Presence of the Blessed Sacrament [Prayer]
Boston Cardinal: Church Needs 'Clear' Injunction Denying Pro-Abortion Pols Communion
Benedict XVI calls priests to protect communion between God and man
Eucharist: Holy Sacrifice
Fr. Men: The Eucharist [Cath-Orth caucus]
Catholics in Costa Rica outraged by disrespect toward Eucharist [Catholic Caucus]
The Institution of the Eucharist in Scripture
St Anthony and the Real Presence
The Essentials of the Catholic Faith, Part Two: Channels of Grace: The Eucharist
EWTN - October 29 - 8PM - Fr. Antoine and the Eucharist
All Should Offer Their Bodies and Blood at Mass (Father Cantalamessa) [Catholic Caucus]
The Role of the Bishop of Rome in the Communion of the Church in the First Millennium
Radio Replies First Volume - Holy Eucharist
The Institution of the Eucharist in Scripture
Catholic Caucus: The Spiritual Combat Ch 54. MANNER IN WHICH WE OUGHT TO RECEIVE...BLESSED SACRAMENT
Catholic Caucus: The Spiritual Combat: Ch 53. CONCERNING THE MOST HOLY SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST

A Few Texts From Saint Cyril of Jerusalem on the Eucharist
Catholic Devotional: On Visiting Jesus Christ In the Blessed Sacrament
The Early Christians Believed in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist
Focus on the Real Presence
A Chinese Girl-True Story That Inspired Bishop Fulton Sheen- Eucharist Adoration (Catholic Caucus)
Doubting Thomases(Eucharist); the Pitfalls of Folly(Catholic Caucus)
Rainbow sash-wearers prohibited from receiving [the Eucharist at Cathedral of St. Paul]
The significance of Holy Thursday (institution of the Eucharist and priesthood)
Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament [Catholic Caucus]
The Catechism of St. Thomas Aquinas THE HOLY EUCHARIST
Holy Communion and Non-Catholics (with a Quiz!)
Beginning Catholic: The Eucharist: In the Presence of the Lord Himself [Ecumenical]
Beginning Catholic: Receiving the Lord in Holy Communion [Ecumenical]
Faithful Invited to Follow Pope, Adore Eucharist [Catholic Caucus]
Christmas and the Eucharist(Catholic/Orthodox Caucus)
Eucharist kneeling request sparks controversy [Catholic Caucus]
Eucharist vs. the Word (which is more important in the Catholic Church)
Christ the Miracle Worker in the Eucharist(Catholic Caucus)
Imitating Christ in the Eucharist(Catholic Caucus)
The Eucharist - the Lord's Sacrifice, Banquet and Presence (OPEN)

Pope Calls Eucharist History's Greatest Revolution [OPEN]
A Brief Catechism for Adults - Lesson 22: The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion)
A series of reflections from St. Peter Julian Eymard Blessed Sacrament(Catholic Caucus)
Eucharist, Holy Meal
Imitating Christ in the Eucharist
Christmas and the Eucharist
Prayer Before the Blessed Sacrament
This is My Body, This is My Blood
THE HOLY EUCHARIST IS THE WHOLE CHRIST
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Area worshipers march to celebrate Holy Eucharist
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The Disposition of Priests [Valid Mass, Valid Holy Eucharist?]
The Body of Christ?
Holy Sacrifice, Living Sacrament
Knights of the Eucharist
The Banquet of Corpus Christi - "Why did Jesus give us His Body and Blood?"
The Eucharist: Eternity and Time Together
Restored Order of the Sacraments of Initiation? Confirmation and First Eucharist together? (Vanity)
Reflection s of Cardinal Ratzinger on the Eucharist

THE HOLY EUCHARIST: NOURISHMENT TO FINISH OUR COURSE
The Eucharist in Scripture - Part 1 - Old Testament
LITANY OF REPARATION TO OUR LORD IN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Benedictio n of the Blessed Sacrament
POPE GRANTS PLENARY INDULGENCE FOR YEAR OF THE EUCHARIST
New Plenary Indulgence to Mark Year of the Eucharist
Kneeling and Faith in the Eucharist
The Immaculate Conception and the Eucharist, a course in Christian culture in Tashkent
The Year of the Eucharist by Bishop Donald Wuerl
"While We're At It": What can we do to show that the Eucharist is a communal activity?
CATHOLICS AND ....... WITNESSED UNUSUAL IMAGES IN BLESSED SACRAMENT
The Discipline of the Eucharist Holy See Releases Redemptionis Sacramentum...
Vatican: Matters to be observed or to be avoided regarding the Most Holy Eucharist (April 23, 2004)
Devotion to the Holy Eucharist Advances Devotion to Jesus' Person
New rules on the Holy Eucharist on Holy Thursday
The Reverence due to the Holy Eucharist
The Holy Face of Jesus Christ as appeared on the Holy Eucharist
The Fourth Cup: The Sacrament of the Eucharist [Holy Thursday] [Passover]
Holy Father stresses Need of Devotion to Holy Eucharist outside of Mass: Pope Paul VI

17 posted on 04/13/2016 8:41:49 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)

April 2016

Pope's Intentions

Universal: Small Farmers -- That small farmers may receive a just reward for their precious labor.

Evangelization: African Christians -- That Christians in Africa may give witness to love and faith in Jesus Christ amid political-religious conflicts.

18 posted on 04/13/2016 8:42:26 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)

Daily Gospel Commentary

Thursday of the Third week of Easter

Commentary of the day
Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), Carmelite, Doctor of the Church
The Book of her Life, Chapter 12

“They shall all be taught by God”

“When the Lord suspends the intellect and causes it to stop, He Himself gives it that which holds its attention and makes it marvel; and without reflection it understands more in the space of a Creed than we can understand with all our earthly diligence in many years. Trying to keep the soul’s faculties busy and thinking you can make them be quiet is foolish…

Many years passed by in which I read a lot of things and didn’t understand anything of what I read. For a long time, even though God favored me, I didn’t know what words to use to explain His favors; and this was no small trial. In a way amazing to me, His Majesty when He desires teaches me everything in a moment.

One thing I can truthfully say: although I spoke with many spiritual persons who wanted to explain what the Lord was giving me so that I would be able to speak about it, my dullness was truly so great that their explanations benefited me neither little nor much. Or maybe, since His Majesty has always been my Master, it was the Lord’s desire that I have no one else to thank. May He be blessed forever because it is very disconcerting for me to speak in all truth about His favors. Without my desiring or asking … , God gave me in a moment completely clear understanding so that I knew how to explain His favor in a way that amazed me more than it did my confessors; for I understood better than they my own dullness…

Once again I counsel that it is very important for the spirit not to ascend unless the Lord raise it up. What this statement means is quite apparent.

19 posted on 04/13/2016 8:45:56 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)

'If one of you should be cross with another because of some hasty word, the matter must at once be put right and you must betake yourselves to earnest prayer. The same applies to the harbouring of any grudge, or to party strife, or to the desire to be greatest, or to any nice point concerning your honour. (My blood seems to run cold, as I write this, at the very idea that this can ever happen, but I know it is the chief trouble in convents.) If it should happen to you, consider yourselves lost. Just reflect and realize that you have driven your Spouse from His home: He will have to go and seek another abode, since you are driving Him from His own house. Cry aloud to His Majesty and try to put things right; and if frequent confessions and communions do not mend them, you may well fear that there is some Judas among you. For the love of God, let the prioress be most careful not to allow this to occur. She must put a stop to it from the very outset, and, if love will not suffice, she must use heavy punishments, for here we have the whole of the mischief and the remedy. If you gather that any of the nuns is making trouble, see that she is sent to some other convent and God will provide them with a dowry for her. Drive away this plague; cut off the branches as well as you can; and, if that is not sufficient, pull up the roots. If you cannot do this, shut up anyone who is guilty of such things and forbid her to leave her cell; far better this than that all the nuns should catch so incurable a plague. Oh, what a great evil is this! God deliver us from a convent into which it enters: I would rather our convent caught fire and we were all burned alive. As this is so important I think I shall say a little more about it elsewhere, so I will not write at greater length here, except to say that, provided they treat each other equally, I would rather that the nuns showed a tender and affectionate love and regard for each other, even though there is less perfection in this than in the love I have described, than that there were a single note of discord to be heard among them. May the Lord forbid this, for His own sake. Amen.'

St. Teresa of Jesus

20 posted on 04/13/2016 8:59:57 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)

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April 14, 2016

Thursday of the Third Week of Easter

Reading 1 Acts 8:26-40

Responsorial Psalm PS 66:8-9, 16-17, 20

Alleluia Jn 6:51

Gospel Jn 6:44-51

Readings at Mass

April Devotion: The Blessed Sacrament

April 2016

Pope's Intentions

Universal: Small Farmers -- That small farmers may receive a just reward for their precious labor.

Evangelization: African Christians -- That Christians in Africa may give witness to love and faith in Jesus Christ amid political-religious conflicts.

Thursday of the Third week of Easter