Posted on 07/11/2016 10:50:17 PM PDT by Salvation
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From: Isaiah 7:1-9
The sign of Immanu-el
[3] And the Lord said to Isaiah, “Go forth to meet Ahaz, you and Shear-jashub
your son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool on the highway to the Ful-
ler’s Field, [4] and say to him, ‘Take heed, be quiet, do not fear, and do not let
your heart be faint because of these two smouldering stumps of firebrands, at
the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria and the son of Remaliah. [5] Because Sy-
ria, with Ephraim and the son of Remaliah, has devised evil against you, sa-
ying, [6] Let us go up against Judah and terrify it, and let us conquer it for our-
selves, and set up the son of Tabe-el as king in the midst of it,” [7] thus says
the Lord God:
It shall not stand,
and it shall not come to pass.
[8] For the head of Syria is Damascus,
and the head of Damascus is Rezin.
(Within sixty-five years Ephraim will be broken to pieces so that it will
no longer be a people.)
[9] And the head of Ephraim is Samaria,
and the head of Samaria is the son of Remaliah.
If you will not believe,
surely you shall not be established.â
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Commentary:
7:1-12:6. This series of oracles and narratives is usually known as the “Book of
Immanuel”, because its climax is taken to be the mysterious announcement of
a Messiah-Saviour, called “Immanu-el”, which means “God-with-us” (7:14). This
“book” is one of the most interesting parts of First Isaiah. Some scholars include
in the “book”, as its introduction, the prophet’s vision of God in majesty, and the
account of Isaiah’s calling (6:1-13).
The Immanuel prophecy begins with the announcement of a God-given “sign” of
salvation — the “virgin” who will conceive and bear a “son” (7:1-8:22). The “son”
is described in such a way that he seems to be no ordinary human child (8:23-
9:6). Paradoxically, the joy of salvation that has just been proclaimed is then
immediately clouded by announcements about the wrath of God, the collapse
of Samaria and the Assyrian threat to Jerusalem (9:7-10:19). But, as often hap-
pens in Isaiah, we are told that a “remnant” will he saved, a “shoot from the
stump of Jesse” (11:1), that is, a descendant of David on whom “the Spirit of
the Lord will rest” (11:2), and that a kingdom of righteousness and peace will
emerge and the exiles will return home (10:20-11:16). This leads the prophet to
intone a short psalm of thanksgiving (12: I-6).
7:1-9. After the account of Isaiah’s vocation, where we heard that a hardened
heart is unable to hear the word of the Lord (cf. 6:9-10), we are now given evi-
dence to that effect. Isaiah has a meeting with King Ahaz, in which the king is
in two minds as to what to do in the face of pressure to join the coalition a-
gainst the Assyrians made up of Israel (here also called Ephraim), whose capi-
tal was Samaria, and Syria (Aram), the capital of which was Damascus. Verse
6 mentions Tabeel, about whom nothing more is known; he may have been a
senior official in the Southern kingdom who was in favour of joining the coalition.
The prophet’s message warns Judah that it should put its trust in God, believing
in his word, and not try to take refuge in any political alliance, be it with the Sy-
rians and Ephraimites, or with Assyria. It ends abruptly with the threat that if A-
haz and his supporters fail to listen, their downfall will soon follow (vv. 7-9). The
narrative says that a son of Isaiah is present at his exchange with Ahaz —
Shear-jashub (v. 3), a name full of symbolism, for it means “a remnant shall re-
turn”. The presence of this son implies, in some way, that God will ensure the
permanent survival of the people: there will always be some, a remnant, who
will come back to the Lord and recover what has been lost (cf. 10:20-22).
*********************************************************************************************
Source: “The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries”. Biblical text from the
Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries by members of
the Faculty of Theology, University of Navarre, Spain.
Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland, and
by Scepter Publishers in the United States.
From: Matthew 11:20-24
Jesus Reproaches People for Their Unbelief
*********************************************************************************************
Commentary:
21-24. Chorazin and Bethsaida were thriving cities on the northern shore of the
lake of Gennesaret, not very far from Capernaum. During His public ministry Je-
sus often preached in these cities and worked any miracles there; in Capernaum
He revealed His teaching about the Blessed Eucharist (cf. John 6:51ff). Tyre, Si-
don, Sodom and Gomorrah, the main cities of Phoenicia — all notorious for loose
living — were classical examples of divine punishment (cf. Ezekiel 26-28; Isaiah
23).
Here Jesus is pointing out the ingratitude of people who could know Him but who
refuse to change: on the day of Judgment (verses 22 and 24) they have more ex-
plaining to do: “Every one to whom much is given, of him will much be required”
(Luke 12:48).
*********************************************************************************************
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.
Liturgical Colour: Green.
First reading | Isaiah 7:1-9 © |
---|
Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 47:2-8 © |
---|
Gospel Acclamation | Ps118:24 |
---|
Or | Ps94:8 |
---|
Gospel |
---|
Matthew 11:20-24 © |
Pray for Pope Francis.
Why Boko Haram and ISIS Target Women
Report reveals scale of Boko Haram violence inflicted on Nigerian Catholics
Military evacuating girls, women rescued from Boko Haram
Echos of Lepanto Nigerian bishop says rosary will bring down Boko Harm
After vision of Christ, Nigerian bishop says rosary will bring down Boko Haram (Catholic Caucus)
Nigerian Bishop Says Christ Showed Him How to Beat Islamic Terror Group
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.
Jubilee of Mercy: A Final Gift, Prophecies, End Times
Sharing God's Mercy with Our Children
Mercy Heals Fear to Trust
Jubilee of Mercy, But With the Confessionals Empty
If You Don't Know the Bad News, the Good News is No News -- A Meditation on the Coming Year of Mercy
Letter of His Holiness Pope Francis According to which an Indulgence is Granted...[Catholic Caucus]
POPE FRANCIS FOR YEAR OF MERCY GRANTS THAT SSPX PRIESTS CAN VALIDLY ABSOLVE!
MISERICORDIAE VULTUS: BULL OF INDICTION OF THE EXTRAORDINARY JUBILEE OF MERCY
Pope: Church Must Be 'Oasis of Mercy,' Not Severe Fortress
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 Sorrowful Mysteries
(Tuesdays and Fridays)
1. The Agony in the Garden (Matthew 26:36-46, Luke 22:39-46) [Spiritual fruit - God's will be done]
2. The Scourging at the Pillar (Matthew 27:26, Mark 15:15, John 19:1) [Spiritual fruit - Mortification of the senses]
3. The Crowning with Thorns (Matthew 27:27-30, Mark 15:16-20, John 19:2) [Spiritual fruit - Reign of Christ in our heart]
4. The Carrying of the Cross (Matthew 27:31-32, Mark 15:21, Luke 23:26-32, John 19:17) [Spiritual fruit - Patient bearing of trials]
5. The Crucifixion (Matthew 27:33-56, Mark 15:22-39, Luke 23:33-49, John 19:17-37) [Spiritual fruit - Pardoning of Injuries]
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
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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.
A Prayer for PriestsO my God, help those priests who are faithful to remain faithful; to those who are falling, stretch forth Your Divine Hand that they may grasp it as their support. In the great ocean of Your mercy, lift those poor unfortunate ones who have fallen, that being engulfed therein they may receive the grace to return to Your Great Loving Heart. Amen. Precious Blood of Jesus, protect them!
The Most Precious Blood of Jesus
July is traditionally associated with the Precious Blood of Our Lord. It may be customary to celebrate the votive Mass of the Precious Blood on July 1.
The extraordinary importance of the saving Blood of Christ has ensured a central place for its memorial in the celebration of this cultic mystery: at the centre of the Eucharistic assembly, in which the Church raises up to God in thanksgiving "the cup of blessing" (1 Cor 10, 16; cf Ps 115-116, 13) and offers it to the faithful as a "real communion with the Blood of Christ" (1 Cor 10, 16); and throughout the Liturgical Year. The Church celebrates the saving Blood of Christ not only on the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, but also on many other occasions, such that the cultic remembrance of the Blood of our redemption (cf 1 Pt 1, 18) pervades the entire Liturgical Year. Hence, at Vespers during Christmastide, the Church, addressing Christ, sings: "Nos quoque, qui sancto tuo redempti sumus sanguine, ob diem natalis tui hymnum novum concinimus." In the Paschal Triduum, the redemptive significance and efficacy of the Blood of Christ is continuously recalled in adoration. During the adoration of the Cross on Good Friday the Church sings the hymn: "Mite corpus perforatur, sanguis unde profluit; terra, pontus, astra, mundus quo lavanturflumine", and again on Easter Sunday, "Cuius corpus sanctissimum in ara crucis torridum, sed et cruorem roesum gustando, Deo vivimus (194).
Catholic Word of the Day: LITANY OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD, 09-25-12
ST. GASPAR: Founder of the Society of the Precious Blood
Mass in the Cathedral of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ (London, 9/18)
Devotion to the Drops of Blood Lost by our Lord Jesus Christ on His Way to Calvary (Prayer/Devotion)
Chaplet of the Most Precious Blood
Catholic Word of the Day: PRECIOUS BLOOD, 12-03-11
The Traditional Feast of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Catholic Caucus)
Devotion to the Precious Blood
DOCTRINE OF THE BLOOD OF CHRIST
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,And More on the Precious Blood
Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ
NOTHING IS MORE POTENT AGAINST EVIL THAN PLEADING THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST
Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus
Return to me
Return to me with all your heart and prove that your repentance is genuine by fasting and weeping and lamentation. Fast now and you will feast hereafter; weep now and you will laugh hereafter. Present mourning brings future joy
Well, I say it is not your garments you must rend but your sinful hearts which, like the wine-skin, will burst unless you tear them.
When you have done this you can return to the Lord your God from whom you have been estranged by your former sins. Do not allow the greatness of your sin make you despair of his pardon. The greater the sin, the more striking is the power of God's mercy. The Lord is gracious and merciful, preferring the repentance of the sinner to his death, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, not being impatient, as we are, but waiting a whole lifetime for our return to him.
(Biblical references: Jl 2:12-13 Vg; Lk 6:21; Mt 5:5; Ez 33:11)
St. Cyprian of Carthage
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