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
+

Feast of
the Holy Name of Jesus

Luke 2:21 "...Et vocatum est Nomen eius IESUS"
("And His Name was called JESUS")

Psalm 90:14 "Because he hoped in me I will deliver him:
I will protect him because he hath known My Name."

Zacharias 10:12 "I will strengthen them in the Lord,
and they shall walk in His Name, saith the Lord."

Apocalypse 3:8 "I know thy works. Behold, I have given before thee a door opened, which no man can shut: because thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied My Name."

Apocalypse 15:4 "Who shall not fear Thee, O Lord, and magnify Thy Name?..."

Blessed be the most holy Name of Jesus without end!

January Devotion: The Holy Name of Jesus

The month of January is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. This feast is also celebrated on January 3. Here is an explanation of the devotion.

Since the 16th century Catholic piety has associated entire months to special devotions. The devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus has been traditionally associated with the month of January, due to its celebration on January 3. The name Jesus was given to the Holy Child at God's command (Luke 1:31). The Holy Name is all-powerful because of the Person who bears it; we honor it because of the command of Christ, that we should pray in His Name and because it reminds us of all the blessings we receive through our Holy Redeemer. Hence St. Paul was able to write to the Philippians: ". . . at the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven, on earth, and under the earth" (Phil. 2:10). By means of this devotion we also make amends for improper use of the Holy Name.

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

Prayer/Hymn in Honor of the Most Holy Name of Jesus - Iesu, Dulcis Memoria

Iesu, Dulcis Memoria is a celebrated 12th century hymn attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153), Doctor Mellifluus. The entire hymn has some 42 to 53 stanzas depending upon the manuscript. Parts of this hymn were used for the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus, which was formerly celebrated on the Sunday between the Circumcision and Epiphany, or failing such a Sunday, on January 2. The part below was used at Vespers. In the liturgical revisions of Vatican II, the feast was deleted, though a votive Mass to the Holy Name of Jesus had been retained for devotional use. With the release of the revised Roman Missal in March 2002, the feast was restored as an optional memorial on January 3.

Jesus, the very thought of Thee
With sweetness fills the breast!
Yet sweeter far Thy face to see
And in Thy presence rest.

No voice can sing, no heart can frame,
Nor can the memory find,
A sweeter sound than Jesus' name,
The Savior of mankind.

O hope of every contrite heart!
0 joy of all the meek!
To those who fall, how kind Thou art!
How good to those who seek!

But what to those who find? Ah! this
Nor tongue nor pen can show
The love of Jesus, what it is,
None but His loved ones know.

Jesus! our only hope be Thou,
As Thou our prize shalt be;
In Thee be all our glory now,
And through eternity. Amen.

---Roman Breviary

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

O Divine Jesus, Thou hast promised that anything we ask of the Eternal Father in Thy name shall be granted.

O Eternal Father. In the name of Jesus, for the love of Jesus, in fulfillment of this promise, and because Jesus has said it, grant us our petitions for the sake of Jesus, Thy Divine Son. 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

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Phil:2:10-11

The Most Holy Name
The Power of Jesus’ Name
What does IHS stand for? The meaning of the Holy Name of Jesus [Catholic Caucus]
Litany Of The Holy Name of Jesus
Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus
Jesus, The Name above all Names
Devotion to the Holy Name (of Jesus) [Catholic Caucus]
Lessons In Iconography : The Chi Rho - Christ
St. Francis de Sales on the Most Holy Name of Jesus (Excerpt from a Sermon) (Catholic Caucus)
St. Francis de Sales on the Most Holy Name of Jesus (Catholic/Orthodox Caucus)

St. Bernard on the Most Holy Name of Jesus [Ecumenical]
Saving the day in His Holy Name: St. Genevieve gets a reprieve [Catholic Caucus]
The Holy Name of Jesus
Holy Name of Jesus [San Bernadino of Siena] Ecumenical
The Holy Name of Jesus
Devotion to the Holy Name [of Jesus]
The Name of Jesus: Its Power in Our Lives
The Holy Name of Jesus
Devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus
The Holy Name of Jesus

Philippians 2
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Pope’s Intention for January

Evangelization - Promotion of World Peace

Peace We pray that Christians, followers of other religions, and all people of goodwill may promote peace and justice in the world.

We must give alms. Charity wins souls and draws them to virtue.

St. Angela Merici

The Angelus

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

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

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

Hail Mary . . .

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

Hail Mary . . .

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

Let us pray:

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

Amen.

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

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

Saint Anthony the Abbot

Catholic Culture

Ordinary Time: January 17th

Memorial of St. Anthony, abbot

MASS READINGS

January 17, 2020 (Readings on USCCB website)

COLLECT PRAYER

O God, who brought the Abbot Saint Anthony to serve you by a wondrous way of life in the desert, grant, through his intercession, that, denying ourselves, we may always love you above all things. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

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Recipes (1)

Saint Antony of the Desert Soup

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Activities (3)

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Prayers (1)

Prayer for the Dead - 2

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Library (1)

Monastery of St. Anthony in Upper Egypt Continues to be an Oasis of Spirituality and Culture | Egidio Picucci

» Enjoy our Liturgical Seasons series of e-books!

Old Calendar: St. Anthony, abbot

In both calendars the Church commemorates the abbot from the 3rd century. St. Anthony, the father of monks, retired to the desert at about the age of eighteen in order to live in perfect solitude. He laid the foundations of community life, and gave to his disciples that profound broad and sane instruction, the mature result of solitude and prayer, which forms the surest basis of Christian asceticism.

St. Anthony
Anthony "the Great", the "Father of Monks", ranks with those saints whose life exercised a profound influence upon succeeding generations. He was born in Middle Egypt (about 250) of distinguished parents. After their untimely deaths, he dedicated himself wholly to acts of mortification.

One day while in church he heard the words of the Gospel: "If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give it to the poor" (Matt. 19:21). It seemed as if Christ had spoken to him personally, giving a command he must obey. Without delay he sold his property, gave the proceeds to the poor, and went into the desert (about 270). When overcome by fatigue, his bed was the hard ground. He fasted rigorously, ate only bread and salt, and drank only water. Nor would he take food before sundown; at times he passed two days without any nourishment. Often, too, he spent whole nights in prayer.

The saint suffered repeatedly from diabolical attacks, but these merely made him more steadfast in virtue. He would encourage his disciples in their struggle with the devil with such words: "Believe me; the devil fears the vigils of pious souls, and their fastings, their voluntary poverty, their loving compassion, their humility, but most of all their ardent love of Christ our Lord. As soon as he sees the sign of the Cross, he flees in terror." He died in 356 on Mount Kolzin by the Red Sea, 105 years old. A year later his friend, the fearless bishop and confessor St. Athanasius, wrote his biography, which for centuries became the classic handbook of ascetics. As seen by St. Anthony, the purpose of asceticism is not to destroy the body but to bring it into subjection, re-establishing man's original harmonious integrity, his true God-given nature.

St. Anthony lived in solitude for about twenty years. "His was a perfectly purified soul. No pain could annoy him, no pleasure bind him. In him was neither laughter nor sadness. The sight of the crowd did not trouble him, and the warm greetings of so many men did not move him. In a word, he was thoroughly immune to the vanities of the world, like a man unswervingly governed by reason, established in inner peace and harmony."

Here are a few of his famous sayings to monks. "Let it be your supreme and common purpose not to grow weary in the work you have begun, and in time of trial and affliction not to lose courage and say: Oh, how long already have we been mortifying ourselves! Rather, we should daily begin anew and constantly increase our fervor. For man's whole life is short when measured against the time to come, so short, in fact, that it is as nothing in comparison with eternity. . . . Therefore, my children, let us persevere in our acts of asceticism. And that we may not become weary and disheartened, it is good to meditate on the words of the apostle: 'I die daily.' If we live with the picture of death always before our eyes, we will not sin. The apostle's words tell us that we should so awaken in the morning as though we would not live to evening, and so fall asleep as if there were to be no awakening. For our life is by nature uncertain and is daily meted out to us by Providence. If we are convinced of this and live each day as the apostle suggests, then we will not fall into sin; no desire will enslave us, no anger move us, no treasure bind us to earth; we will await death with unfettered hearts."

— Excerpted from The Church's Year of Grace, Pius Parsch

Patron: Amputees; animals; basket makers; basket weavers; brushmakers; butchers; cemetery workers; domestic animals; eczema; epilepsy; epileptics; ergotism (Saint Anthony's fire); erysipelas; gravediggers; hermits; hogs; monks; pigs; relief from pestilence; skin diseases; skin rashes; swine; swineherds.

Symbols: Bell; pig; t-shaped staff; tau cross with a bell on the end; man with a pig at his side.

Things to Do:

Read St. Athanasius' account of St. Anthony.
Learn more about Western Monasticism.
Pray for those in monastic life and pray for a resurgence of vocations to this life.
Spend some time contemplating death, considering God's judgments and the thought of eternity.
Say a prayer to St. Anthony for vigilance in the fight against temptations, prudence in avoiding dangerous occasions, courage under trial and humility in victory.

Marriage = One Man and One Woman Until Death Do Us Part

Daily Marriage Tip for January 17, 2020:

Sometimes spouses have different conversation goals. Be aware of your styles of communication as well as the direction of your conversation – whether you want to vent, bring clarity to a problem, or get a new viewpoint on a tough situation.

Regnum Christi

January 17, 2020 – A Man and His Friends

17 Jan 2020

Memorial of Saint Anthony, Abbot

Father Paul Campbell, LC

Mark 2:1-12

When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?” Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth”—he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.” He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”

Introductory Prayer: Jesus, thank you for this time to be with you. I humbly offer you my intention to set all my distractions aside so that I can encounter you, my Lord and my God. I hope in you and know that you could never let me down. I love you and long to love you with all of my strength. Aware of my misery and weakness, I trust in your mercy and love.

Petition: Lord, increase my zeal for souls.

The Paralytic: One day, four men carried a friend to Jesus. It made all the difference in the world to the friend, for he was paralyzed and was unable to approach Jesus on his own. He had heard of the miracles Jesus had performed but had never seen them. His own healing was out of the question: he couldn’t go to Jesus on his own. Had his four friends not stepped in and brought him to Jesus, he would never have been cured. Their faith and love made his healing possible. Who does Jesus want me to bring to him? Do I invite people to prayer and adoration? Do I invite people to Mass and confession?
The Four Friends: These four men were not stopped by the obstacles in their way. How long they traveled isn’t mentioned, but even a short distance is tiring when carrying a man on a mat. When they arrived at the house, it was full of people who had traveled to hear and see Jesus and to be cured by him. It was impossible for the men to get inside the house through the door, but they didn’t give up. They didn’t quit. They carried their friend up to the rooftop and lowered him down into the house. By persevering we can achieve anything. Love knows no boundaries or limits.
Jesus: God wants to save so many people. He wants to bring real healing into their lives, but he wants to heal them through us. Jesus could have found the paralyzed man. He chose, rather, to let the others bring the man to him. Jesus wanted to heal him, but without the charity in the hearts of the four men, the healing might never have been accomplished. Who does Jesus wish to encounter through me? How can I be a better instrument of his love?

Conversation with Christ: Lord, help me to realize more deeply that you want me involved in salvation history. I’m on the front lines. You entrust souls to me, and you want to bless their lives through my prayers, my sacrifices and my work. Increase my love for these souls. They need my help and my fidelity. I don’t want to let them down. Help me to be faithful.

Resolution: I will make a sacrifice today for the person most in need of God’s grace.

The Word Among Us

Meditation: Mark 2:1-12

Saint Anthony, Abbot (Memorial)

Unable to get near Jesus. . . , they opened up the roof above him. (Mark 2:4)

Four men carried their friend to the house where Jesus was preaching. Foremost in their minds was getting as close as possible. No matter what the obstacles, they would push through and not give up. “If we can just get to Jesus,” they told each other. They weren’t sure what to expect, but all the stories of healing they had heard filled them with hope and expectation. They wanted Jesus to heal their friend.

What a beautiful image for intercessory prayer! When we intercede, we bring ourselves into the presence of Jesus—and we bring the person or situation we’re praying for right along with us. Filled with hope that Jesus can do anything, we lay the person at his feet and ask him for help.

But how do we get ourselves into the presence of Jesus? One way is to start your intercessory time with worship. Set aside everything else that’s on your mind and focus on how wonderful Jesus is. Praise him for his power and mercy and love. Thank him for everything he has done for this person or in this situation already. Fix your heart on all that is good and holy and beautiful about Jesus, and you’ll drive out the fear, doubt, and anxiety that can keep you from knowing his presence.

If you find doubt or worry creeping in because it looks like no answer is coming, imitate the men in today’s reading: don’t give up! They went so far as to climb the roof and take off the tiles so they could lower their friend in front of Jesus. Try to persist as well! Remember, Jesus knows the situation or the person completely; he won’t abandon you.

Also, as you intercede, stay confident that Jesus is at work, even if it’s behind the scenes. It was that kind of confidence that drove the men to do whatever it took to reach Jesus. When Jesus sees your persistence, your confidence, and your faith, he will be moved with compassion.

You can make a real difference. Your prayers can move Jesus’ own heart. That’s the promise of today’s Gospel—a promise that God wants you to never forget.

“Jesus, I bring my loved ones into your presence. I believe that you can change everything.”

1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22
Psalm 89:16-19

Homily of the Day

January 17, 2020

Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

In today’s Gospel, there are four important points:

1. The paralytic is brought to Jesus by his friends;
2. The paralytic wants to be brought to Jesus;
3. The paralytic’s sin are forgiven; and
4. Even the paralytic’s physical impairment is cured.

This Gospel’s focal point is to demonstrate that Jesus had power not only over the physical condition of the paralytic but more importantly over the sinful situation of the person. And indeed, we know that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.

However, these passages also allow us to reflect on ourselves and how we approach Jesus.

1. Do we need other people to bring us to God or even remind us of God? How about the things that God wants us to do?
2. Do we need to be reminded that we need not only physical healing but also spiritual wholeness?
3. Do we have friends that we need to bring to Jesus for physical healing and spiritual wholeness?

The Lord truly wants to heal us, to help us, to make us whole. Let us
approach him with this confidence.

One Bread, One Body

Language: English | Espanol

All Issues > Volume 36, Issue 1

<< Friday, January 17, 2020 >>

St. Anthony

1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22
View Readings

Psalm 89:16-19

Mark 2:1-12
Similar Reflections

WHAT'S ON THE MIND OF LOVE?

"When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralyzed man, 'My son, your sins are forgiven.' " �Mark 2:5

The purpose of living is to develop a deep relationship with Jesus so that we will totally give our lives to Him.

To love Jesus, we must know Him. For example, it is good to know what is foremost on Jesus' mind. When He saw a paralyzed man being lowered on a stretcher through a hole in the roof, Jesus said: "My son, your sins are forgiven" (Mk 2:5). Jesus is preoccupied with the forgiveness of our sins. He even died on the cross to take away our sins (see 1 Pt 2:24).

Moreover, when Jesus saw the four men lowering the paralytic on a stretcher, Jesus saw their faith (Mk 2:5). He is on the lookout for faith, because, by faith, we can accept the grace to be forgiven from our sins and by the forgiveness of sin we can grow in faith.

Jesus' name means "Yahweh saves." Thus, we should expect that He would be preoccupied with the main aspects of our salvation, such as grace, faith, the forgiveness of sins, and eternal life. To relate to Jesus rightly, we must "have the mind of Christ" (1 Cor 2:16) and have His priorities. As we try to think and be more like Jesus, we will love Him more deeply and even come to worship Him as we love Him with all our hearts and all our minds (see Lk 10:27). Get to know Jesus. Accept Him on His terms. Love Him and give yourself totally to Him.

Prayer: Father, change my mind so I will love You in greater ways.

Promise: "You are the Splendor of their strength, and by Your favor our horn is exalted. For to the Lord belongs our shield." —Ps 89:18-19

Praise: St. Anthony embraced Gospel poverty as a hermit in the Egyptian desert. Ironically, his lifestyle attracted many followers. He is often called the father of monasticism.

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