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From: Romans 1:16-25

The Theme of the Epistle

[16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel: it is the power of God for salvation
to every one who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the
righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, “He
who through faith is righteous shall live.”

The Fault and Punishment of the Gentiles

[18] For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and
wickedness of men who by their wickedness suppress the truth. [19] For what
can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.
[20] Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely, his eternal
power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made.
So they are without excuse; [21] for although they knew God they did not honor
him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking and
their senseless minds were darkened. [22] Claiming to be wise, they became
fools, [23] and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling
mortal man or birds or animals or reptiles.

[24] Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the
dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, [25] because they exchanged the
truth about God for a lie and worshipped and served the creature rather than the
Creator, who is blessed for ever! Amen.

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

16. St Paul continues to speak about the “Gospel”. The proclamation of the sa-
ving power of Christ’s death on the Cross is a stumbling block to the Jews and
foolishness to the Gentiles, whereas a Christian is proud of the Cross and draws
strength from it. When writing to the Romans, the Apostle, who was quite fami-
liar with the noise of triumphal marches and the divinization of emperors, simply
says that “he is not ashamed; he does so to encourage them also not to be
ashamed but, rather, to boast as he did. If today someone approaches you and
asks you, ‘But...do you adore a crucified man?’, far from hanging your head and
blushing with confusion, use this reproach as an opportunity to boast and let
your eyes and your face show that you are not ashamed. If they come back and
ask you aloud, ‘What, adore the crucified?’, reply: ‘Yes, I adore him [...]. I adore
and boast of a crucified God who, by his Cross, reduced the demons to silence
and did away with all superstition: for me his Cross is the ineffable trophy of his
benevolence and of his love”’ (St John Chrysostom, “Hom. on Rom”, 2).

17. The expression “righteousness of God” refers to the state of righteousness
or justice (= justness) in which a person is placed when God gives him grace. It
is called the righteousness of God because man cannot attain it through his own
efforts: it is a free (gratuitous, hence “grace”) gift of God. The fact that “righteous-
ness” comes from God does not mean that it is something external to man, for
righteousness does not mean merely that we are called “righteous” but that we
really are righteous in God’s eyes. The Magisterium of the Church has given so-
lemn teaching on this matter in the context of explaining the various factors
which cause man’s justification; “Finally”, says the Council of Trent, “the only
formal cause is ‘justice of God, not the justice by which he is himself just, but
the justice by which he makes us just’ (St Augustine, “De Trinitate”, XIV, 12,
15), namely, the justice which we have as a gift from him and by which we are
renewed in the spirit of our mind. And not only are we considered just, but we
are truly said to be just, and we are just” (”De Iustificatione”, chap. 7).

“Through faith for faith”: Sacred Scripture tends to use this kind of phrase to in-
dicate on-going growth in something that is living (cf. Ps 84:8; 2 Cor 2:16; 3:18;
Rom 6:19). What is being spoken about here is a steady progression from the
imperfect understanding of divine truths possible in this life to the perfect under-
standing that is experienced in heaven. The full meaning of the phrase can be
seen from St Paul’s statement that in the Gospel justice is made manifest: it
begins and is nourished and grows through faith, until the believer at last attains
eternal salvation.

The statement that “he who through faith is righteous shall live” comes from Hab
2:4; St Paul here applies it to the position of the Christian. What the prophet
meant was that those Jews who kept the Law and trusted in its promises would
not succumb when the Babylonians invaded. St Paul applies the test to the righ-
teous of the New Testament: if they stay firm in their faith in the Gospel, they will
continue in the life of grace and will attain everlasting beatitude. The faith of good
Israelites was a prefiguring of the faith of good Christians. The just man will live
by faith, which “faith is the beginning of man’s salvation, the foundation and
source of all justification, ‘without which it is impossible to please God’ (cf. Heb
11:6) and to be counted as his sons” (Council of Trent, “De Iustificatione”, chap.
8).

St Paul’s statement can also be understood as meaning that he who through
faith is just will live. This puts the emphasis on the fact that faith is the beginning
of the process of justification, and that a person who is justified will attain salva-
tion.

18-32. The Apostle is saying that the righteousness of God (= justness) can only
come about through faith in Jesus Christ—and that neither Jews nor Gentiles pos-
sess this righteousness. He develops this point up as far as 3:20.

In the present passage he describes two stages in the position of the Gentiles.
In the first (vv. 18-23) he points out their blameworthiness, and then in the second
he goes on (vv. 24-32) to speak about the punishment of their sins. Justice as the
righteousness of God refers to God’s action of saving sinful man by pouring his
grace into him; God’s “wrath” is the punishment which the Almighty inflicts on him
who persists in sin. For, as St Thomas says, “Anger and the like are ascribed to
God by an analogy drawn from their effects. Because it is characteristic of anger
that it stimulates men to requite wrong, divine retribution is analogically termed
anger” (”Summa Theologiae”, I, q. 3, a. 2 ad 2).

There is a connection between faith and righteousness, on the one hand, and sin
and God’s wrath, on the other. This Pauline teaching ties in with the last thing St
John the Baptist is recorded as saying in bearing witness to Christ: “He who be-
lieves in the Son has eternal life; he who does not obey the Son shall not see life,
but the wrath of God rests upon him” (Jn 3:36).

Christian teaching often points out how God’s desire that all sinners be saved (the
“righteousness of God” as instrument of salvation) combines with his punishment
of sin (the “wrath of God”). How perfect justice interfaces with perfect mercy is
ultimately a mystery.

18. “Who by their wickedness suppress the truth”: commenting on these words
St Thomas writes: “Genuine knowledge of God has the effect of inclining a person
to goodness. However, this knowledge of God can be frustrated, as if enchained,
by a person’s attachment to vice” (”Commentary on Rom, ad loc.”).

Clearly St Paul is speaking here of those Gentiles who do know about God but
who fail to appreciate their good fortune; their knowledge of God does not produce
the result which should naturally flow from it — an upright life. We can see from
what Paul says that man is naturally religious. He has a knowledge of God which
is not just theoretical: it has implications for his whole life because it implies that
he is intimately united to God. When a person does not follow the impulse of his
very nature he is guilty of unrighteousness, for he should render God homage for
being his Creator.

“All men, because they are persons, that is, beings endowed with reason and
free will and therefore bearing personal responsibility, are both impelled by their
nature and bound by a moral obligation to seek the truth, especially religious truth.
They are also bound to adhere to the truth once they come to know it and direct
their whole lives in accordance with the demands of truth” (Vatican II, “Dignitatis
Humanae”, 2).

Our dependence on God does not mean that we are less than free; on the con-
trary, it is rejection of all religious duties that leads to the shameful slaveries
which Paul now goes on to list, for “religion is the greatest rebellion of a person
who does not want to live like an animal, who is not satisfied and will not rest un-
til he reaches and comes to know his Creator” (St. J. Escriva, “Conversations”,
73).

19-20. It is possible to know about God without his having to reveal himself in a
supernatural way; we know this from the book of Wisdom (Wis 13:1-9), which
says that pagans, who, led astray by the beauty and power and greatness of
created things, took these things for gods, should have known that all this perfec-
tion etc. came from their Author, for “from the greatness and beauty of created
things comes a corresponding perception of their Creator” (Wis 13:5).

This knowledge of God, which we term “natural”, is not something easy to attain;
but it can be attained and it is the best form of preparation for accepting superna-
turally revealed truths, and for disposing us to honor and worship our Creator.
Moreover, Revelation confirms the certainty which natural knowledge gives: “The
heavens are telling the glory of God”, the Psalmist exclaims, band the firmament
proclaims his handiwork” (Ps 19:2). St Augustine reminds us that traces of the
Creator are to be found in man, and, as we all know from experience, we have
been made to know and love God and therefore our heart is restless until it rests
in him (cf. “Confessions”, I, 1, 1).

To sum up, we can say with St Thomas Aquinas that, in the natural order, man
has two ways of discovering the existence of God—one, through reason that inner
light by means of which a person acquires knowledge; the other, through certain
external pointers to the wisdom of God, that is, created things perceivable through
the senses: these things are like a book on which are imprinted traces of God (cf.
“Commentary on Rom”, 1:6).

Whichever of these routes is taken, “God, the origin and end of all things, can be
known with certainty by the natural light of human reason from the things that he
created” (Vatican I, “Dei Filius”, chap. 2).

Recalling the core of Christian teaching about the nature of man, the Second Va-
tican Council states that “sacred Scripture teaches that man was created in the
image of God’ as able to know and love his Creator”, and that “the dignity of man
rests above all on the fact that he is called to communion with God. The invitation
to converse with God is addressed to man as soon as he comes into being. For
if man exists it is because God has created him through love, and through love
continues to hold him in existence” (”Gaudium Et Spes”, 12 and 19). The human
mind, therefore, even when relying on its own resources can grasp various truths
concerning God—first of all, his existence, and secondly, certain of his attributes,
which St Paul sums up here as his “invisible nature”, “eternal power” and “deity”.
By reflecting on the created world, we can learn about some of God’s perfections;
but, St Thomas Aquinas comments, only in heaven will we be able to see that
these various perfections are all one with the divine essence. This is why St Paul
talks about God’s “invisible nature”. Contemplation of the works of creation leads
us to posit the presence of an ever-existing Creator, and brings us to discover his
“eternal power”. Finally, the word “deity” implies that God is transcendent: he is
the Cause, superior to all other causes, and in him everything finds its explana-
tion and ultimate purpose.

The fact that it is possible to know God by the use of natural reason means that
pagans who chose not to worship him were blameworthy. Their position is com-
parable to that of contemporary atheists and unbelievers who deny or doubt the
existence of God despite the fact that as human beings they do know him in
some way in the depths of their conscience. The culpability of pagans as of mo-
dern unbelievers (”they are without excuse”) derives from the fact that they fail to
accept that God is knowable through the use of human reason; they both commit
the same fault—that of refusing to render worship to God.

Of course, to some degree the attitude of atheists can be explained by historical,
environmental, personal and other factors. However, it should not be forgotten that
these do not justify atheism. However, “those who willfully try to drive God from
their heart and to avoid all questions about religion, not following the biddings of
their conscience, are not free from blame” (Vatican II, “Gaudium Et Spes”, 19).

21-23. The Gentiles knew God but they failed to give him his due—to worship him
in a spirit of adoration and thanksgiving. As a result they fell into polytheism (be-
lief in a multiplicity of gods) and idolatry, as St Paul vividly describes: they wor-
shipped images depicting men and women (the Greeks gave their gods human
form) or animals (as was the case in Egyptian and other eastern religions).

In our own time idolatry does not take that form, but there are practices which
can properly be called idolatrous. Man is naturally religious and if he does not
worship the true God he necessarily has to find other things to take God’s place.
Sometimes it is himself that man makes the object of worship: the Second Vati-
can Council points out that “with some people it is their exaggerated idea of man
that causes their faith to languish; they are more prone, it would seem, to affirm
man than to deny God [...]. Those who profess this kind of atheism maintain that
freedom consists in this, that man is an end to himself and the sole maker, with
supreme control, of his own history” (”Gaudium Et Spes”, 19 and 20). It also
happens that people, by becoming enslaved to them, make gods out of the good
things created by God for man’s benefit—money, power, sensuality.

24-32. The sin of idolatry leads to the kind of moral disorder described by St Paul:
every time man knowingly and willingly tries to marginalize God, that religious
aberration leads to moral disorder not only in the individual but also in society.

God punishes the sin of idolatry and impiety by withdrawing his graces: that is
what the Apostle means when he says that he “gave them up to the lusts of their
hearts” (v. 24), “gave them up to dishonorable passions” (v. 26). St John Chryso-
stom, explaining these words, says: “The Apostle shows here that ungodliness
brings with it violation and forgetfulness of every law. When Paul says that God
gives them up, this must be understood as meaning that God leaves them to
their own devices. God abandons the evildoer but he does not impel him towards
evil. When the general withdraws in the thick of the battle, he gives his soldiers
up to the enemy, not in the sense of physically shackling them but because he
deprives them of the help of his presence. God acts in the same way. Rebels
against his law, men have turned their back on him; God, his goodness ex-
hausted, abandons them [...]. What else could he do? Use force, compel them?
Those means do not make men virtuous. The only thing he could do was let
them be” (”Hom. on Rom”, 3).

It may be that God counts on the experience of sin to move people to repentance.
In any event, we should not read into this passage unconcern, much less injustice
on God’s part: he never abandons people unless they first abandon him (cf. Coun-
cil of Trent, “De Iustificatione”, chap. 11).

25. When describing the blasphemous behavior of Gentiles who worship created
things rather than the Creator, St Paul cannot but utter an ejaculation, in a spirit
of atonement. This should teach us to do the same whenever we witness offense
being offered to God.

*********************************************************************************************
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: Luke 11:37-41

The Hypocrisy of the Scribes and Pharisees

[37] While He (Jesus) was speaking, a Pharisee asked Him to dine with Him; so
He went in and sat at table. [38] The Pharisee was astonished to see that He did
not first wash before dinner. [39] And the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees
cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of extortion
and wickedness. [40] You fools! Did not He who made the outside make the in-
side also? [41] But give for alms those things which are within; and behold every-
thing is clean for you.”

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

39-52. In this passage (one of the most severe in the Gospel) Jesus determinedly
unmasks the vice which was largely responsible for official Judaism’s rejection of
His teaching — hypocrisy cloaked in legalism. There are many people, who under
the guise of doing good, keeping the mere letter of the law, fail to keep its spirit;
they close themselves to the love of God and neighbor; they harden their hearts
and, though apparently very upright, turn others away from fervent pursuit of God
— making virtue distasteful. Jesus’ criticism is vehement because they are worse
than open enemies: against open enemies one can defend oneself, but these en-
emies are almost impossible to deal with. The scribes and Pharisees were bloc-
king the way of those who wanted to follow Jesus: they were the most formidable
obstacle to the Gospel. Our Lord’s invective against the scribes and Pharisees is
reported even more fully in chapter 23 of St. Matthew. See the note on Matthew
23:1-39.

[The note on Matthew 23:1-39 states:

1-39. Throughout this chapter Jesus severely criticizes the scribes and Phari-
sees and demonstrates the sorrow and compassion He feels towards the ordina-
ry mass of the people, who have been ill-used, “harassed and helpless, like sheep
without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). His address may be divided into three parts:
in the first (verses 1-12) He identifies their principal vices and corrupt practices;
in the second (verses 13-36) He confronts them and speaks His famous “woes”,
which in effect are the reverse of the Beatitudes He preached in Chapter 5: no
one can enter the Kingdom of Heaven — no one can escape condemnation to the
flames — unless he changes his attitude and behavior; in the third part (verses 37-
39) He weeps over Jerusalem, so grieved is He by the evils into which the blind
pride and hardheartedness of the scribes and Pharisees have misled the people.]

40-41. It is not easy to work out what these verses mean. Probably our Lord is
using the idea of cleaning the inside and outside of dishes to teach that a per-
son’s heart is much more important than what appears on the surface — whereas
the Pharisees got it the wrong way round, as so many people tend to do. Jesus
is warning us not to be so concerned about “the outside” but rather give impor-
tance to “the inside”. Applying this to the case of alms: we have to be generous
with those things we are inclined to hoard; in other words, it is not enough just to
give a little money (that could be a purely formal, external gesture); love is what
we have to give others — love and understanding, refinement, respect for their free-
dom, deep concern for their spiritual and material welfare; this is something we
cannot do unless our interior dispositions are right.

In an address to young people, Bl. John Paul II explained what almsgiving really
meant: “The Greek word for alms, “eleemosyne”, comes from “eleos”, meaning
compassion and mercy. Various circumstances have combined to change this
meaning so that almsgiving is often regarded as a cold act, with no love in it. But
almsgiving in the proper sense means realizing the needs of others and letting
them share in one’s own goods. Who would say that there will not always be
others who need help, especially spiritual help, support, consolation, fraternity,
love? The world is always very poor, as far as love is concerned” (28 March
1979).

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

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

Readings at Mass

Liturgical Colour: Red.

First reading	Romans 1:16-25 ©

I am not ashamed of the Good News: it is the power of God saving all who have faith – Jews first, but Greeks as well – since this is what reveals the justice of God to us: it shows how faith leads to faith, or as scripture says: The upright man finds life through faith.

The anger of God is being revealed from heaven against all the impiety and depravity of men who keep truth imprisoned in their wickedness. For what can be known about God is perfectly plain to them since God himself has made it plain. Ever since God created the world his everlasting power and deity – however invisible – have been there for the mind to see in the things he has made. That is why such people are without excuse: they knew God and yet refused to honour him as God or to thank him; instead, they made nonsense out of logic and their empty minds were darkened. The more they called themselves philosophers, the more stupid they grew, until they exchanged the glory of the immortal God for a worthless imitation, for the image of mortal man, of birds, of quadrupeds and reptiles. That is why God left them to their filthy enjoyments and the practices with which they dishonour their own bodies, since they have given up divine truth for a lie and have worshipped and served creatures instead of the creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen!

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 18(19):2-5 ©

The heavens proclaim the glory of God.

The heavens proclaim the glory of God,

and the firmament shows forth the work of his hands.

Day unto day takes up the story

and night unto night makes known the message.

The heavens proclaim the glory of God.

No speech, no word, no voice is heard

yet their span extends through all the earth,

their words to the utmost bounds of the world.

The heavens proclaim the glory of God.

Gospel Acclamation	Ps118:135

Alleluia, alleluia!

Let your face shine on your servant,

and teach me your decrees.

Alleluia!

Or	Heb4:12

Alleluia, alleluia!

The word of God is something alive and active:

it can judge secret emotions and thoughts.

Alleluia!

Gospel	Luke 11:37-41 ©

Jesus had just finished speaking when a Pharisee invited him to dine at his house. He went in and sat down at the table. The Pharisee saw this and was surprised that he had not first washed before the meal. But the Lord said to him, ‘Oh, you Pharisees! You clean the outside of cup and plate, while inside yourselves you are filled with extortion and wickedness. Fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside too? Instead, give alms from what you have and then indeed everything will be clean for you.’

40 Days for Life keeps growing …. September 27 through November 5

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Pray the Rosary!

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Jesus, High Priest

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

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

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

Lead them to new depths of union with your Son.

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

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

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

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

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

This icon shows Jesus Christ, our eternal high priest.

The gold pelican over His heart represents self-sacrifice.

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

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

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

Pray a Rosary each day for our nation.

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
+

October Devotion: The Holy Rosary

This feast was established by Pope Pius V to commemorate the great victory of the Christian army against the Turks in the Battle of Lepanto in 1571.
All soldiers on the battlefield prayed the Rosary for three hours and the wind has shifted in their favor. They were able to defeat an army three times bigger, in one of the greatest naval victory in history.
Pope Pius V named this the Feast of Our Lady of Victories, to be celebrated on October 7th.
In 1573, Pope Gregory XIII changed the title of this memorial to Feast of the Holy Rosary.

Pope Paul VI established the form that we celebrate this feast today, in 1969 under the name “Our Lady of the Rosary”.
“The celebration of this day invites all to mediate upon the mysteries of Christ, following the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary who was so singularly associated with the incarnation, passion and glorious resurrection of the Son of God.”

Madonna del Rosario

Caravaggio

1607

1. Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
2. The Apostles Creed: I BELIEVE in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
3. The Lord's Prayer: OUR Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
4. (3) Hail Mary: HAIL Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and in the hour of our death. Amen. (Three times)
5. Glory Be: GLORY be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Fatima Prayer: Oh, my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of your mercy.
Announce each mystery, then say 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory Be and 1 Fatima prayer. Repeat the process with each mystery.
End with the Hail Holy Queen:
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve! To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears! Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us; and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus!
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Final step -- The Sign of the Cross
The Mysteries of the Rosary

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

The Joyful Mysteries
(Mondays and Saturdays)
1. The Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38) [Spiritual fruit - Humility]
2. The Visitation (Luke 1: 39-56) [Spiritual fruit - Love of Neighbor]
3. The Nativity (Luke 2:1-20) [Spiritual fruit - Poverty of Spirit]
4. The Presentation (Luke 2:21-38) [Spiritual fruit - Purity of mind & body]
5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52) [Spiritual fruit - Obedience ]

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

The Fifteen Promises Granted to Those Who Recite the Rosary [Catholic Caucus]
Essays for Lent: The Rosary

Radio Replies Second Volume - The Rosary
Town Rejects Rosary as Offensive and the Prayers that Changed Everything
No-contact order over a student's rosary
Collecting 860 rosaries result of a lifelong passion (Catholic Caucus)
After rosary campaign, Florida sheriff abruptly shuts down abortion clinic on Marian feast
Public Rosary in San Francisco to draw thousands [Catholic Caucus]
Chicago's Incredible Floating Rosary
Enourmous Rosary floats over Chicago
Surprised by the Joyful Mysteries (of the Rosary) [Catholic Caucus]
HISTORY OF THE ROSARY [Catholic/Orthodox Caucus]

The Rosary-a tool for evangelization [Catholic Caucus]
OUR LADY AND HEAVEN’S PEACE PLAN (Say the Rosary) [Ecumenical]
[CATHOLIC/ORTHODOX CAUCUS] 5th Joyful Mystery: The Finding in the Temple (Patristic Rosary)
[CATHOLIC/ORTHODOX CAUCUS] 4th Joyful Mystery: The Presentation (Patristic Rosary)
[CATHOLIC/ORTHODOX CAUCUS] 3rd Joyful Mystery: The Nativity (Patristic Rosary)
Praying the Holy Rosary in October
[CATHOLIC/ORTHODOX CAUCUS] 2nd Joyful Mystery: The Visitation (Patristic Rosary)
[CATHOLIC/ORTHODOX CAUCUS] 1st Joyful Mystery: The Annuniciation (Patristic Rosary)
[CATHOLIC CAUCUS] On the Rosary
Lists Every Catholic Should be Familiar With: 15 [20] Mysteries of the Holy Rosary & When They Are Prayed

It Was the Rosary: Mainz Priest Talks About His Vocation
Rosary to Halt Construction of NYC Mosque (Catholic Caucus)
British Soldier Shot in Afghanistan is Saved by His ROSARY...Like His Great-Grandfather in WWII
Catholic Caucus: Rosary Beads Saved My Life, British Soldier Says
British soldier shot in Afghanistan is saved my his ROSARY
Rosary returned to Vietnam vet as pledged 44 years ago
Rosary for the Bishop celebrates six months of prayer, global expansion
Rosary Rallies for Priests Give Final Flourish to Their Special Year (ECUMENICAL)
The Unseen Power of the Rosary
Worldwide Rosary Relay to Offer Prayer for Priests

Boy Suspended For Rosary -- Reinstated
NY school sued after teen suspended over rosary
Student Suspended for Wearing Rosary Beads
[CATHOLIC CAUCUS] The 3:30 Beads!
Catholic Biblical Apologetics: Private Devotions to Mary: The Rosary
Benedict XVI Promotes Rosary in Fatima [Catholic Caucus]
Archbishop Naumann, Bishop Finn Lead Mother's Day Rosary at Planned Parenthood
Did the Apostles Pray the Rosary? (First Novena to the Holy Spirit?) [Catholic Caucus]
The Importance of the Meditated Holy Rosary -- What the Popes have to say [Catholic Caucus]
A Ladder from Earth to Heaven: The Rosary for All Christians

Jesus is in the Holy Rosary
The Rosary, a powerful weapon against the devil
History of The Scriptural Rosary [Ecumenical]
The Lord Is with Thee
Rosary of Our Lady's Tears(Catholic Prayer Thread)
The Rosary and Me - Catholic/Orthodox Caucus
Rosary promoted as path to Christ and peace [at third annual Rosary Bowl NW]
The Efficacy and Power of One Hail Mary [Ecumenical]
“ Let Us Do It!“ (Sunday: Rosary to be simultaneously prayed on five continents)
The Fruits of the Mysteries of the Rosary

[Catholic Caucus] One Million Rosaries
The Family Rosary [Try it for Lent!] (Catholic Caucus)
History of the Scriptural Rosary - Meditating on The Word
Rosary Resurgence [Ecumenical]
Beginning Catholic: How to Pray the Rosary: Contemplating Christ With Mary [Ecumenical]
[Oregon] Rosary Bowl focuses on links between prayer, evangelization
Praying the Rosary By Bishop Fulton J. Sheen(Catholic Caucus)
Rosary-Prayers Aiming to Break Record [Catholic Caucus]
Rosary vs. Repetitious Prayer [Ecumenical]
The Luminous Mysteries [of the Rosary]: Knowing Jesus in His Public Ministry

Rosary Is a School of Mary, Says Pope: Encourages Recitation [Catholic/Orthodox Caucus]
New campaign launched to promote family rosary
The Rosary and the Republic
Chant the Rosary... in Latin!
(...)and the rosary
Estimated 50,000 recite rosary in event at Rose Bowl
Our Lady of Victory (HLI Page)
Rosary to Mark St. Martha's Feast
Pray the Rosary
Rosary Aids Spiritual Growth, Says Pope

Remembering Lepanto
The Battle that Saved the Christian West (October 7, 1571: Battle of Lepanto)
Battle of Lepanto: Armada of the Cross
Remember Lepanto
How Europe Escaped Speaking Arabic
Bishop compares election to Battle of Lepanto
Bishop compares election to Battle of Lepanto
The Battle of Lepanto
Civilization in the Balance: The Battle of Lepanto and Election ‘08
LEPANTO

A Call To Prayer: This Lepanto Moment [Repost]
Lepanto, 1571: The Battle That Saved Europe
Celebrating the Battle of Lepanto
Clash of civilizations: Battle of Lepanto revisited
Lepanto, Bertone e Battesimo, Oh My!
Lepanto Sunday
Our Lady of the Rosary of La Naval (A Mini-Lepanto in the Philippines)
Swiss Guards at the Battle of Lepanto, 7 October 1571
Battle of Lepanto
LEPANTO, 7 OCTOBER 1571: The Defense of Europe

Battle of Lepanto
Remember Lepanto!
The Battle of Lepanto
On This Day In History, The Battle of Lepanto
The Battle of Lepanto
Chesterton's Lepanto
The Miracle At Lepanto...
Lepanto
The Naval Battle of Lepanto
The Battle of Lepanto

October, 2017

Pope's Prayer Intention

Workers and the Unemployed, That all workers may receive respect and protection of their rights, and that the unemployed may receive the opportunity to contribute to the common good.

Daily Gospel Commentary

Tuesday of the Twenty-eighth week in Ordinary Time

Commentary of the day
Saint Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997), founder of the Missionary Sisters of Charity
Something Beautiful for God

"Give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you"

We shouldn't be satisfied by giving money. Money isn't enough because it can always be found. It's our hands the poor need if they are to be helped; it's our hearts they need to be loved. Christ's religion is a religion of love, contagious love.

People who propose a comfortable life for themselves undoubtedly have their reasons. Perhaps they have acquired it by their work. I'm not upset by it; only by waste, by those who throw in the garbage what could be useful to us. The difficulty is that very often the rich – or even those who are comfortably off – don't really know what being poor means. That's why we can forgive them because knowledge can only lead to love and love to service. It's because they don't know them that they aren't moved by them.

I try to give the poor through love what the wealthy are able to acquire by money. True, I would not touch a leper for a million, but I willingly care for him for love of God.

'This sentence has been passed upon the world; this is the law of God; that all things which have come into existence die; and that those which have increased grow old; and that the strong be weakened; and that the large be diminished; and that when they have been weakened and diminished they come to an end.'

St. Cyprian of Carthage

October 17, 2017

Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr

Reading 1 Rom 1:16-25

Responsorial Psalm Ps 19:2-3, 4-5

Alleluia Heb 4:12

Gospel Lk 11:37-41

Readings at Mass

October, 2017

Pope's Prayer Intention

Workers and the Unemployed, That all workers may receive respect and protection of their rights, and that the unemployed may receive the opportunity to contribute to the common good.

Tuesday of the Twenty-eighth week in Ordinary Time