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From: 2 Kings 22:8-13; 23:1-3

The book of the Law is discovered

[8] And Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, “I have found the
book of the law in the house of the Lord.” And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan,
and he read it. [9] And Shaphan the secretary came to the king, and reported
to the king, “Your servants have emptied out the money that was found in the
house, and have delivered it into the hand of the workmen who have the over-
sight of the house of the Lord.” [10] Then Shaphan the secretary told the king,
“Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it before the king.

Huldah the prophetess is consulted

[11] And when the king heard the words of the book of the law, he rent his
clothes. [12] And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son
of Shephan, and Achbor the son of Micaiah, and Shephan the secretary, and
Assiah the king’s servant, saying, [13] “Go, inquire of the Lord for me, and for
the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been
found; for great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our
fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is
written concerning us.”

A solemn reading of the Book of the Covenant

Then the king sent, and all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem were gathered to
him. [2] And the king went up to the house of the Lord, and with him all the men
of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priests and the prophets,
all the people, both small and great; and he read in their hearing all the words
of the book of the covenant which had been found in the house of the Lord. [3]
And the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk
after the Lord and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his
statutes, with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this cove-
nant that were written in this book; and all the people joined in the covenant.

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

22:1-23-23:30. Much space is given to the account of Josiah’s reign, but the fo-
cus is entirely on its religious aspects.

The text gives the impression that Josiah’s reform took place in a single year,
after the finding of the book of the covenant; but it must have been the fruit of
a long process, and Jeremiah’s prophetical activity (cf. Jer 1:2; 22:15-16) must
have been a strong influence from the very start. Neither Jeremiah nor Zepha-
niah (cf. Zeph 1:1) is mentioned in this book.

The Assyrian empire began to decline at this time and the power of the Medes
and the Babylonians was growing apace (Nineveh, the Assyrian capital, was
destroyed in 621 BC). All this allowed Josiah to free himself from Assyria and
try to build up the kingdom of Judah. But the Lord had already decided the fate
of Judah and Jerusalem (cf. 23:26-27).

22:1-23:3. Josiah’s reform was based on the words of a book found in the tem-
ple. This book is thought to have been a part of the present book of Deuterono-
my, perhaps Deuteronomy 12:1-26:19, given that the reform embarked on by
the king is in line with the rules given there about having only one place of wor-
ship (cf. Deut 12:2-7). Deuteronomy refers to itself as the “book of the law”
(Deut 29:20; 31:26).

22:3-10. As befitting a pious king, Josiah’s first concern is to repair the temple
in which the Lord dwells. To carry out that restoration (much needed, for two
hundred years had passed since the previous restoration, and the excesses of
Manasseh had done much damage), Josiah applies the dispositions laid down
by Jehoash (cf. 12:10-16).

22:11-20. This is all we know of the prophetess Huldah. She may well have been
consulted because she was living in Jerusalem (v. 14). The justification given for
God’s decision is the evil conduct of Josiah’s predecessors. As regards Josiah
himself, he is not told that he will die a natural death, but that the catastrophe
which looms will not happen in his lifetime (v. 20).

The New Vulgate interprets that the king’s heart repented on hearing the words
“of the book” (”voluminis”: v. 18-19; cf. 2 Chron 34:27).

23:1-3. Josiah and his people renew the Covenant on the basis of the book con-
taining the decrees and rulings of the Lord. That book becomes, thereby, the
“Book of the Covenant”, and it acquires a sacred and normative status for all fu-
ture generations. When Jesus institutes the new Covenant sealed with and
based on his blood (cf. Mk 14:22-25; 1 Cor 11:23-25), that book, together with
others which completed it, will continue to bear witness to the Old Covenant,
and the Church will in due course call it the Old Testament.

*********************************************************************************************
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 7:15-20

False Prophets

(Jesus said to His disciples,) [15] “Beware of false prophets, who come to you
in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. [16] You will know them by
their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? [17] So, every
sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit. [18] A sound tree can-
not bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. [19] Every tree that does not
bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [20] Thus you will know them
by their fruits.”

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

15-20. There are many references in the Old Testament to false prophets; per-
haps the best-known passage is Jeremiah 23:9-40 which condemns the impiety
of those prophets who “prophesied by Baal and led my people Israel astray”;
“who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes; they speak visions of their own
minds, not from the mouth of the Lord [...]. I did not send the prophets, yet they
ran. I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied”; they “lead my people astray
by their lies and their recklessness, when I did not send them or charge them;
so that they do not profit this people at all.”

In the life of the Church the Fathers see these false prophets, as of whom Jesus
speaks, in heretics, who apparently are pious and reformist but who in fact do not
have Christ’s sentiments (cf. St Jerome, “Comm. in Matth.”, 7). St John Chrysos-
tom applies this teaching to anyone who appears to be virtuous but in fact is not,
and thereby misleads others.

How are false prophets and genuine prophets to be distinguished? By the fruit
they produce. Human nobility and divine inspiration combine to give the things
of God a savor of their own. A person who truly speaks the things of God sows
faith, hope, charity, peace and understanding; whereas a false prophet in the
Church of God, in his preaching and behavior, sows division, hatred, resentment,
pride and sensuality (cf. Gal 5:16-25). However, the main characteristic of a
false prophet is that he separates the people of God from the Magisterium of the
Church, through which Christ’s teaching is declared to the world. Our Lord also
indicates that these deceivers are destined to eternal perdition.

*********************************************************************************************
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: Green.

First reading
2 Kings 22:8-13,23:1-3 ©

The Book of the Law is found in the Temple of the Lord

The high priest Hilkiah said to Shaphan the secretary, ‘I have found the Book of the Law in the Temple of the Lord.’’’ And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, who read it. Shaphan the secretary went to the king and reported to him as follows, ‘Your servants’ he said ‘have melted down the silver which was in the Temple and have handed it over to the masters of works attached to the Temple of the Lord.’ Then Shaphan the secretary informed the king, ‘Hilkiah the priest has given me a book’; and Shaphan read it aloud in the king’s presence.

On hearing the contents of the Book of the Law, the king tore his garments, and gave the following order to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king’s minister: ‘Go and consult the Lord, on behalf of me and the people, about the contents of this book that has been found. Great indeed must be the anger of the Lord blazing out against us because our ancestors did not obey what this book says by practising everything written in it.’

The king then had all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem summoned to him, and the king went up to the Temple of the Lord with all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, priests, prophets and all the people, of high or low degree. In their hearing he read out everything that was said in the book of the covenant found in the Temple of the Lord. The king stood beside the pillar, and in the presence of the Lord he made a covenant to follow the Lord and keep his commandments and decrees and laws with all his heart and soul, in order to enforce the terms of the covenant as written in that book. All the people gave their allegiance to the covenant.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 118(119):33-37,40 ©

Lord, teach me your statutes.

Teach me the demands of your statutes

and I will keep them to the end.

Train me to observe your law,

to keep it with my heart.

Lord, teach me your statutes.

Guide me in the path of your commands;

for there is my delight.

Bend my heart to your will

and not to love of gain.

Lord, teach me your statutes.

Keep my eyes from what is false;

by your word, give me life.

See, I long for your precepts;

then in your justice, give me life.

Lord, teach me your statutes.

Gospel Acclamation	Ps118:18

Alleluia, alleluia!

Open my eyes, O Lord, that I may consider

the wonders of your law.

Alleluia!

Or:	Jn15:4,5

Alleluia, alleluia!

Make your home in me, as I make mine in you,

says the Lord;

whoever remains in me bears fruit in plenty.

Alleluia!

Gospel	Matthew 7:15-20 ©

You will be able to tell them by their fruits

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Beware of false prophets who come to you disguised as sheep but underneath are ravenous wolves. You will be able to tell them by their fruits. Can people pick grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? In the same way, a sound tree produces good fruit but a rotten tree bad fruit. A sound tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor a rotten tree bear good fruit. Any tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down and thrown on the fire. I repeat, you will be able to tell them by their fruits.’

Matthew
	English: Douay-Rheims	Latin: Vulgata Clementina	Greek NT: Byzantine/Majority Text (2000)
	Matthew 7
15.	Beware of false prophets, who come to you in the clothing of sheep, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.	Attendite a falsis prophetis, qui veniunt ad vos in vestimentis ovium, intrinsecus autem sunt lupi rapaces :	προσεχετε δε απο των ψευδοπροφητων οιτινες ερχονται προς υμας εν ενδυμασιν προβατων εσωθεν δε εισιν λυκοι αρπαγες
16.	By their fruits you shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?	a fructibus eorum cognoscetis eos. Numquid colligunt de spinas uvas, aut de tribulis ficus ?	απο των καρπων αυτων επιγνωσεσθε αυτους μητι συλλεγουσιν απο ακανθων σταφυλην η απο τριβολων συκα
17.	Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit, and the evil tree bringeth forth evil fruit.	Sic omnis arbor bona fructus bonos facit : mala autem arbor malos fructus facit.	ουτως παν δενδρον αγαθον καρπους καλους ποιει το δε σαπρον δενδρον καρπους πονηρους ποιει
18.	A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can an evil tree bring forth good fruit.	Non potest arbor bona malos fructus facere : neque arbor mala bonos fructus facere.	ου δυναται δενδρον αγαθον καρπους πονηρους ποιειν ουδε δενδρον σαπρον καρπους καλους ποιειν
19.	Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, shall be cut down, and shall be cast into the fire.	Omnis arbor, quæ non facit fructum bonum, excidetur, et in ignem mittetur.	παν δενδρον μη ποιουν καρπον καλον εκκοπτεται και εις πυρ βαλλεται
20.	Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them.	Igitur ex fructibus eorum cognoscetis eos.	αραγε απο των καρπων αυτων επιγνωσεσθε αυτους

15. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16. You shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17. Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit.
18. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19. Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20. Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them.

PSEUDO-CHRYS. The Lord had before commanded His Apostles, that they should not do their alms, prayers, and fasting before men, as the hypocrites; and that they might know that all these things may be done in hypocrisy, He speaks saying, Take heed of false prophets.

AUG. When the Lord had said that there were few that find the straight gate narrow way, that heretics, who often commend themselves because of the smallness of their numbers, might not intrude themselves, He straightway subjoins, Take heed of false prophets.

CHRYS. Having taught that the gate is strait, because there are many that pervert the way that leads to it, He proceeds, Take heed of false prophets. In which that they might be the more careful, He reminds them of the things that were done among their fathers, calling them false prophets; for even in that day the like things fell out.

PSEUDO-CHRYS. What is written below that the Law and the Prophets were until John, is said, because there should he no prophecy concerning Christ after He was come. Prophets indeed there have been and are, but not prophesying of Christ, rather interpreting the things which had been prophesied of Christ by the ancients, that is by the doctors of the Churches. For no man can unfold prophetic meaning, but the Spirit of prophecy. The Lord then knowing that there should be false teachers, warns them of divers heresies, saying, Take heed of false prophets. And for as much as they would not be manifest Gentiles, but lurk under the Christian name, He said not 'See you,' but, Take heed. For a thing that is certain is simply seen, or looked upon; but when it is uncertain it is watched or narrowly considered. Also He says Take heed, because it is a sure precaution of security to know him whom you avoid. But this form of warning, Take heed, does not imply that the Devil will introduce heresies against God's will, but by His permission only; but because He would not choose servants without trial, therefore He sends them temptation; and because He would not have them perish through ignorance, He therefore warns them beforehand. Also that no heretical teacher might maintain that He spoke here of Gentile and Jewish teachers and not of them, He adds, who come to you in sheep's clothing. Christians are called sheep, and the sheep's clothing is a form of Christianity and of feigned religion. And nothing so casts out all good as hypocrisy; for evil that puts on the semblance of good, cannot be provided against, because it is unknown. Again, that the heretic might not allege that He here speaks of the true teachers which were yet sinners, He adds, But inwardly they are ravening wolves. But Catholic teachers should they indeed have been sinners, are spoken of as servants of the flesh, yet not as ravening wolves, because it is not their purpose to destroy Christians. Clearly then it is of heretical teachers that He speaks; for they put on the guise of Christians, to the end they may tear in pieces the Christian with the wicked fangs of seduction. Concerning such the Apostle speaks, I know that after my departure there will enter among you grievous wolves, not sparing the flock.

CHRYS Yet He may seem here to have aimed under the title of false prophets, not so much at the heretic, as at those who, while their life is Corrupt, yet wear an outward face of virtuousness; whence it is said, By their fruits you shall know them. For among heretics it is possible many times to find a good life, but among those I have named never.

AUG. Wherefore it is justly asked, what fruits then He would have us look to? For many esteem among fruits some things which pertain to the sheep's clothing, and in this manner are deceived concerning wolves. For they practice fasting, almsgiving, or praying, which they display before men, seeking to please those to whom these things seem difficult. These then are not the fruits by which He teaches us to discern them. Those deeds which are done with good intention, are the proper fleece of the sheep itself, such as are done with bad intention, or in error, are nothing else than a clothing of wolves; but the sheep ought not to hate their own clothing because it is often used to hide wolves. What then are the fruits by which we may know an evil tree? The Apostle says, The works of the flesh are manifest, which are, fornication, uncleanness, &c. And which are they by which we may know a good tree? The same Apostle teaches, saying, The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace.

PSEUDO-CHRYS. The fruits of a man are the confession of his faith and the works of his life; for he who utters according to God the words of humility and a true confession, is the sheep; but he who against the truth howls forth blasphemies against God is the wolf.

JEROME; What is here spoken of false prophets we may apply to all whose dress and speech promise one thing and their actions exhibit another. But it is specially to be understood of heretics, who by observing temperance, chastity, and fasting, surround themselves as it were with a them garment of sanctity,, but in as much as their hearts within are poisoned, they deceive the souls of the more simple brethren

AUG. But from their actions we may conjecture whether this their outward appearance is put on for display. For when by any temptations those things are withdrawn or denied them which they had either attained or sought to attain by this evil, then needs must that it appear whether they be the wolf in sheep's clothing, or the sheep in his own.

GREG. Also the hypocrite is restrained by peaceful ones of Holy Church, and therefore appears clothed with godliness; but let any trial of faith ensue, straight the wolf ravenous at heart strips himself of his sheep's skin, and shows by persecuting how great his rage against the good.

CHRYS And a hypocrite is easily discerned; for the way they are commanded to walk is a hard way, and the hypocrite is loath to toil. And that you may not say that you are unable to find out them that are such, He again enforces what He had said by example from men, saying, Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

PSEUDO-CHRYS. The grape has in it a mystery of Christ. As the bunch sustains many grapes held together by the woody stem, so likewise Christ holds many believers joined to Him by the wood of the Cross. The fig again is the Church which binds many faithful by a sweet embrace of charity, as the fig contains many seeds enclosed in one skin. The fig then has these significations, namely, love in its sweetness, unity in the close adhesion of its seeds. In the grape is shown patience, in that it is cast into the wine press - joy, because Wine makes glad the heart of man-purity, because it is not mixed with water and sweetness, in that it delights. The thorns and thistles are the heretics. And as a thorn or a thistle has sharp pricks on every part, so the Devil's servants, on whatsoever side you look at them, are full of wickedness. Thorns and thistles then of this sort cannot hear the fruits of the Church. And having instanced in particular trees, as the fig, the vine, the thorn, and the thistle, He proceeds to show that this is universally true, saying, Thus every good tree brings forth good fruit, but an evil tree brings forth evil fruit.

AUG. In this place we must guard against the error of such as imagine that the two trees refer to two different natures; the one of God, the other not. But we affirm that they derive no countenance from these two trees; as it will be evident to any who will read the context that He is speaking here of men.

ID. These men of whom we have spoken are offended with these two natures, not considering them according to their true usefulness; whereas it is not by our advantage or disadvantage, but in itself considered, that nature gives glory to her Framer. All natures then that are, because they are, have their own manner, their own appearance, and as it were their own harmony, and are altogether good.

CHRYS. But that none should say, An evil tree brings forth indeed evil fruit, but it brings forth also good, and so it becomes hard to discern, as it has a two-fold produce; on this account He adds, A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can an evil tree bring forth good fruit.

AUG. From this speech the Manichees suppose that neither can a soul that is evil be possibly changed for better, nor one that is good into worse. As though it had been, A good tree cannot become bad, nor a bad tree become good; whereas it is thus said, A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, nor the reverse. The tree is the soul, that is, the man himself; the fruit is the man's works. An evil man therefore cannot work good works, nor a good man evil works. Therefore if an evil man would work good things, let him first become good. But as long as he continues evil, he cannot bring forth good fruits. Like as it is indeed possible that what was once snow, should cease to be so; but it cannot be that snow should be warm; so it is possible that he who has been evil should be so no longer; but it is impossible that an evil man should do good. For though he may sometimes be useful, it is not he that does it, but it comes of Divine Providence superintending.

RABAN. And man is denominated a good tree, or a bad, after his will, as it is good or bad. His fruit is his works, which call neither be good when the will is evil, nor evil when it is good.

AUG. But as it is manifest that all evil works proceed from an evil will, as its fruits from an evil tree; so of this evil will itself whence will you say that it has sprung, except that the evil will of an angel sprung from an angel, of man from man? And what were these two before those evils arose in them, but the good work of good, and praiseworthy nature. See then out of good arises all; nor was there anything at all out of which it might arise but what was good. I mean the evil will itself; since there was no evil before it, no evil works, which could not come but from evil will as fruit from an evil tree. Nor can it be said that it sprung out of good in this way, because it was made good by a good God; for it was made of nothing, and not of God.

JEROME; We would ask those heretics to affirm that there are two natures directly opposed to each other, if they admit that a good tree cannot bring forth fruit, how it was possible for Moses, a good tree, to sin as he did at the water of contradiction? Or for Peter to deny his Lord in the Passion, saying, I know not the man? Or how, on the other hand, could Moses' father-in-law, an evil tree, inasmuch as he believed not in the God of Israel, give good counsel?

CHRYS. He had not enjoined them to punish the false prophets, and therefore shows them the horrors of that punishment that is of God, saying, Every tree that brings not forth good fruit shall be hewn down, and cast into the fire. In these words He seems to aim also at the Jews, and thus calls to mind the word of John the Baptist, denouncing punishment against them in the very same words. For he had thus spoken to the Jews, warning them of the ax impending, the tree that should be cut down, and the fire that could not be extinguished. But if one will examine somewhat closely, here are two punishments, to be cut down, and to be burned; and he that is burned is also altogether cut out of the kingdom; which is the harder punishment. Many indeed fear no more than hell; but I say that the fall of that glory is a far more bitter punishment, than the pains of hell itself. For what evil great or small would not a father undergo, that he might see and enjoy a most dear son? Let us then think the same of that glory; for there is no son so dear to his father as is the rest of the good, to be deceased and to be with Christ. The pain Of hell is indeed intolerable, yet are ten thousand hells nothing to falling from that blessed glory, and being held in hate by Christ.

GLOSS. From the foregoing similitude He draws the conclusion to what He had said before, as being manifest, saying, Therefore by their fruits you shall know them.

Catena Aurea Matthew 7

Legend of St Francis: 11. St Francis before the Sultan (Trial by Fire)

Giotto di Bondone

1297-1300
Fresco, 270 x 230 cm
Upper Church, San Francesco, Assisi

This is the eleventh of the twenty-eight scenes (twenty-five of which were painted by Giotto) of Legend of Saint Francis.

In order to convert the sultan to the Christian faith, Francis is prepared to undergo a trial by fire. The saint stands in the centre of the picture, points to the fire and turns towards the sultan. The latter appears surprised and annoyed that his own priests are running away. Giotto pictures the anxious priests and the suddenly powerless sultan most vividly.

This scene was executed partly by assistants.

(Source)

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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 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 Spirit (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]

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
+

June Devotion: The Sacred Heart

Since the 16th century Catholic piety has assigned entire months to special devotions. The month of June is set apart for devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. "From among all the proofs of the infinite goodness of our Savior none stands out more prominently than the fact that, as the love of the faithful grew cold, He, Divine Love Itself, gave Himself to us to be honored by a very special devotion and that the rich treasury of the Church was thrown wide open in the interests of that devotion." These words of Pope Pius XI refer to the Sacred Heart Devotion, which in its present form dates from the revelations given to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque in 1673-75.

The devotion consists in the divine worship of the human heart of Christ, which is united to His divinity and which is a symbol of His love for us. The aim of the devotion is to make our Lord king over our hearts by prompting them to return love to Him (especially through an act of consecration by which we offer to the Heart of Jesus both ourselves and all that belongs to us) and to make reparation for our ingratitude to God.

INVOCATION

O Heart of love, I put all my trust in Thee; for I fear all things from my own weakness, but I hope for all things from Thy goodness.
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque

PRAYER TO THE SACRED HEART

Devotion to the Sacred Heart was the characteristic note of the piety of Saint Gertrude the Great (1256-1302), Benedictine nun and renowned mystic. She was, in fact, the first great exponent of devotion to the Sacred Heart. In our efforts to honor the Heart of Jesus we have this prayer as a model for our own:
Hail! O Sacred Heart of Jesus, living and quickening source of eternal life, infinite treasure of the Divinity, and burning furnace of divine love. Thou art my refuge and my sanctuary, 0 my amiable Savior. Consume my heart with that burning fire with which Thine is ever inflamed. Pour down on my soul those graces which flow from Thy love, and let my heart be so united with Thine, that our wills may be one, and mine in all things be conformed to Thine. May Thy divine will be equally the standard and rule of all my desires and of all my actions. Amen.
Saint Gertrude

FOR THE CHURCH

O most holy Heart of Jesus, shower Thy blessings in abundant measure upon Thy holy Church, upon the Supreme Pontiff and upon all the clergy; to the just grant perseverance; convert sinners; enlighten unbelievers; bless our relations, friends and benefactors; assist the dying; deliver the holy souls in purgatory; and extend over all hearts the sweet empire of Thy love. Amen.

A PRAYER OF TRUST

O God, who didst in wondrous manner reveal to the virgin, Margaret Mary, the unsearchable riches of Thy Heart, grant that loving Thee, after her example, in all things and above all things, we may in Thy Heart find our abiding home.
Roman Missal

ACT OF LOVE

Reveal Thy Sacred Heart to me, O Jesus, and show me Its attractions. Unite me to It for ever. Grant that all my aspirations and all the beats of my heart, which cease not even while I sleep, may be a testimonial to Thee of my love for Thee and may say to Thee: Yes, Lord, I am all Thine;
pledge of my allegiance to Thee rests ever in my heart will never cease to be there. Do Thou accept the slight amount of good that I do and be graciously pleased to repair all m] wrong-doing; so that I may be able to bless Thee in time and in eternity. Amen.
Cardinal Merry del Val

MEMORARE TO THE SACRED HEART
Remember, O most sweet Jesus, that no one who has had recourse to Thy Sacred Heart, implored its help, or sought its mercy was ever abandoned. Encouraged with confidence, O tenderest of hearts, we present ourselves before Thee, crushed beneath the weight of our sins. In our misery, O Sacred Heart of Jesus, despise not our simple prayers, but mercifully grant our requests. Amen.

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

Only for Love: The Sacred Heart and the Priesthood [Catholic Caucus]

Catholic Word of the Day: LITANY OF THE SACRED HEART, 10-19-09
Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Devotion to the Sacred Heart Today
The Biblical Foundation of Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus [Ecumenical]
Heart to Heart (Sacred Heart of Jesus Devotion) [St. Margaret Mary Alacoque]
(June) The Month of the Sacred Heart {Catholic/Orthodox Caucus]
First Friday Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus [St. Margaret Mary Alacoque]
The Heart of the World (On the Sacred Heart of Jesus) (Catholic Caucus)
The Sacred Heart Is The Holy Eucharist(Catholic Caucus)
The Origin of the Sacred Heart Badge

Importance of Devotion to the Sacred Heart
An Awesome Homily on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus by Father Edmond Kline
Catholic Prayer and Devotion: June the Month of the Sacred Heart
Catholic Devotions: Sacred Heart of Jesus
Pope Urges Jesuits to Spread Sacred Heart Devotion
Homilies preached by Father Altier on the Feast of the Sacred Heart
Catholic Meditation and Devotion: The Sacred Heart of Jesus
Daily Recomendation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus powerful prayer!
The Sacred Heart and the Eucharist
The Love of the Sacred Heart

On the Sacred Heart - "We Adore God's Love of Humanity"
HAURIETIS AQUAS (On Devotion To The Sacred Heart) - Encyclical by Pope Pius XII
Solemnity Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary
Sacred Heart a Feast of God's Love, Says John Paul II
The Sacred Heart of Jesus: Symbol of Combativity and the Restoration of Christendom
Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus-The Early Church, Middle Ages up to St. Margaret Mary
See this Heart
‘God Will Act and Will Reign’
About Devotion To The Sacred Heart:The Story Of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque
Rediscover Feast of Sacred Heart, John Paul II Tells Youth

"Behold this Heart which has loved men so much, and yet men do not want to love Me in return. Through you My divine Heart wishes to spread its love everywhere on earth."

- Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary

Our Lord also made 12 promises to St. Margaret Mary for those that are devoted to His Sacred Heart.

I will give them all the graces necessary for their state in life.
I will give peace in their families.
I will console them in all their troubles.
They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of death.
I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings.
Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.
Tepid souls shall become fervent.
Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection.
I will bless the homes in which the image of My Sacred Heart shall be exposed and honoured.
I will give to priests the power to touch the most hardened hearts.
Those who propagate this devotion shall have their name written in My Heart, and it shall never be effaced.
The all-powerful love of My Heart will grant to all those who shall receive Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months the grace of final repentance; they shall not die under My displeasure, nor without receiving their Sacraments; My Heart shall be their assured refuge at the last hour.

June, 2018

The Holy Father's Prayer Intention

June 27, 2018

Wednesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 2 Kgs 22:8-13; 23:1-3

Responsorial Psalm Ps 119:33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 40

Alleluia Jn 15:4a, 5b

Gospel Mt 7:15-20

Readings at Mass

June, 2018

The Holy Father's Prayer Intention

Universal – Social Networks, That social networks may work towards that inclusiveness which respects others for their differences.