Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 10-30-10

USCCB.org/New American Bible ^ | 10-30-10 | New American Bible

[Salvation]

Office of Readings and Invitatory Psalm

Office of Readings

If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, you should precede it with the Invitatory Psalm.

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Introduction

O God, come to my aid.

  O Lord, make haste to help me.

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. Alleluia.

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Hymn

Great God of boundless mercy, hear!

Thou Ruler of this earthly sphere;

In substance one, in Persons three,

Dread Trinity in Unity!

Do thou in love accept our lays

Of mingled penitence and praise;

And set our hearts from error free,

More fully to rejoice in thee.

Our reins and hearts in pity heal,

And with thy chastening fires anneal;

Gird thou our loins, each passion quell,

And every harmful lust expel.

Now as our anthems, upward borne,

Awake the silence of the morn,

Enrich us with thy gifts of grace,

From heaven, thy blissful dwelling place!

Hear thou our prayer, almighty King;

Hear thou our praises, while we sing,

Adoring with the heavenly host

The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

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Psalm 135 (136)
A paschal hymn

The Lord alone performs great wonders: his mercy lasts for ever.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,

  for his love is for ever.

Give thanks to the God of gods,

  for his love is for ever.

Give thanks to the Lord of lords,

  for his love is for ever.

He alone works wonders,

  for his love is for ever.

In his wisdom he made the heavens,

  for his love is for ever.

He set the Earth upon the waters,

  for his love is for ever.

He created the great lights,

  for his love is for ever.

The sun, to rule over the day,

  for his love is for ever.

The moon and stars, to rule over the night,

  for his love is for ever.

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.

The Lord alone performs great wonders: his mercy lasts for ever.

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Psalm 135 (136)

With a strong hand and an outstretched arm he led Israel out from the midst of Egypt.

He struck down the first-born of Egypt,

  for his love is for ever.

He led Israel out from their midst,

  for his love is for ever.

With a strong hand and an outstretched arm,

  for his love is for ever.

He divided the Red Sea in two,

  for his love is for ever.

He led Israel out through the sea,

  for his love is for ever.

He overthrew Pharaoh and his army,

  for his love is for ever.

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.

With a strong hand and an outstretched arm he led Israel out from the midst of Egypt.

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Psalm 135 (136)

Give thanks to the Lord of heaven: he has rescued us from our enemies.

He led his people through the wilderness,

  for his love is for ever.

He struck down great kings,

  for his love is for ever.

Sihon, king of the Amorites,

  for his love is for ever.

And Og, the king of Bashan,

  for his love is for ever.

He gave their land to his people,

  for his love is for ever.

A heritage for Israel his servant,

  for his love is for ever.

He remembered us in our affliction,

  for his love is for ever.

He rescued us from our enemies,

  for his love is for ever.

He gives food to all creatures that live,

  for his love is for ever.

Give thanks to the God of heaven,

  for his love is for ever.

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.

Give thanks to the Lord of heaven: he has rescued us from our enemies.

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Lord, show me your ways,

– and teach me your paths.

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Reading	Wisdom 11:21-12:2,11-19 ©

Lord, who can withstand the might of your arm?

In your sight the whole world is like a grain of dust that tips the scales,

like a drop of morning dew falling on the ground.

Yet you are merciful to all, because you can do all things

and overlook men’s sins so that they can repent.

Yes, you love all that exists, you hold nothing of what you have made in abhorrence,

for had you hated anything, you would not have formed it.

And how, had you not willed it, could a thing persist,

how be conserved if not called forth by you?

You spare all things because all things are yours, Lord, lover of life,

you whose imperishable spirit is in all.

Little by little, therefore, you correct those who offend,

you admonish and remind them of how they have sinned,

so that they may abstain from evil and trust in you, Lord.

Nor was it from awe of anyone that you left them unpunished for their sins.

Who would venture to say, ‘What have you done?’

Who would dare to defy your sentence?

Who arraign you for destroying nations which you have created?

What champion of guilty men dare come to confront you and challenge you?

For there is no god, other than you, who cares for every thing,

to whom you might have to prove that you never judged unjustly;

as for those you punished, no king, no despot, dare reproach you with it to your face.

Being just yourself, you order all things justly,

holding it unworthy of your power

to condemn a man who has not deserved to be punished.

Your justice has its source in strength,

your sovereignty over all makes you lenient to all.

You show your strength when your sovereign power is questioned

and you expose the insolence of those who know it;

but, disposing of such strength, you are mild in judgement,

you govern us with great lenience,

for you have only to will, and your power is there.

By acting thus you have taught a lesson to your people

how the virtuous man must be kindly to his fellow men,

and you have given your sons the good hope

that after sin you will grant repentance.

Responsory

Lord, you alone are all-merciful and not one of your creatures do you reject. You overlook our human failings, hoping for our repentance, because you are the Lord our God.

Look upon us and be gracious, and show us your mercy, because you are the Lord our God.

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Reading	St Catherine of Siena's Dialogue on Divine Providence

How good and how delightful is your spirit, Lord, in all men!

The eternal Father, indescribably kind and tender, turned his eye to this soul and spoke to her thus:

  ‘O dearest daughter, I have determined to show my mercy and loving kindness to the world, and I choose to provide for mankind all that is good. But man, ignorant, turns into a death-giving thing what I gave in order to give him life. Not only ignorant, but cruel: cruel to himself. But still I go on providing. For this reason I want you to know: whatever I give to man, I do it out of my great providence.

  ‘So it was that when, by my providence, I created man, I looked into myself and fell in love with the beauty of the creature I had made – for it had pleased me, in my providence, to create man in my own image and likeness.

  ‘Moreover, I gave man memory, to be able to remember the good things I had done for him and to be able to share in my own power, the power of the eternal Father.

  ‘Moreover, I gave man intellect, so that, seeing the wisdom of my Son, he could recognise and understand my own will; for I am the giver of all graces and I give them with a burning fatherly love.

  ‘Moreover, I gave man the desire to love, sharing in the tenderness of the Holy Spirit, so that he might love the things that his intellect had understood and seen.

  ‘But my kind providence did all this solely that man might be able to understand me and enjoy me, rejoicing in my vision for all eternity. And as I have told you elsewhere, the disobedience of your first parent Adam closed heaven to you – and from that disobedience came all evil through the whole world.

  ‘To relieve man of the death that his own disobedience had brought, I tenderly and providently gave you my only-begotten Son to heal you and bring satisfaction for your needs. I gave him the task of being supremely obedient, to free the human race of the poison that your first parent’s disobedience had spread throughout the world. Falling in love, as it were, with his task, and truly obedient, he hurried to a shameful death on the most holy Cross. By his most holy death he gave you life: not human life this time, but with the strength of his divinity.’

Responsory

Guard me, O Lord, as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.

Display your great love, you whose right hand saves those who trust in you; hide me in the shadow of your wings.

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Let us pray.

Almighty and ever-living God, give us more faith, more hope, and more love.

  Make us love what you have taught,

  so that we are worthy to receive what you have promised.

[We make our prayer] through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

  who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

  God for ever and ever.

Amen.

[Salvation]

Spiritual Bouquet
A different meditation each time you click.

 

Meditations by Padre Pio

Why do you distress yourself because you cannot meditate, as you suppose? Meditation is a means to rise to God, but not an end. The final purpose of meditation is the love of God and one's neighbor. Love the first with all your soul and without reservation; love the second as another self, and you will have arrived at the final purpose of meditation. I beg of you therefore, not to spoil the work of God in yourself when the soul feels itself called to contemplate God. Be it in Himself or in his attributes, let yourself be conquered and don't desire to have the presumption to rise up to Him by the discursive way, which would be the first part of meditation. Apply yourself to move towards God, which would be the second part of meditation when you must come to the second part. But when the good God already places you in the second part, don't wish to turn back, which would be the same as spoiling everything.

[Salvation]

Catholic Culture

Daily Readings for: October 30, 2010
(Readings on USCCB website)

Collect: Almighty and ever-living God, our source of power and inspiration, give us strength and joy in serving you as followers of Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

ACTIVITIES

• Religion in the Home for Elementary School: October
• Religion in the Home for Preschool: October

PRAYERS

• A Prayer For Our National Elections 

  30th

  Saturday of the Thirtieth Week of Ordinary Time Old Calendar: St. Alphonsus Rodriguez (Hist)

St. Alphonsus Rodriguez was a cloth merchant in Segovia, Spain, he was married and had children. Following on the death of his wife and children, he lost his shop, and due to financial misfortune, became a thoroughly confused person. He prayed and was inspired to become a Jesuit. He was found too old to study for the priesthood and too weak to take up a lay brother’s work but the Provincial boldly admitted him, remarking that he was receiving him for his holiness. He proved right. A little while after his first vows he was appointed porter or door-keeper of the Jesuit college at Majorca and for the next forty years he remained at the same post. It was patient humble work for hours on end, daily walking up and down, taking messages of visitors and students and distributing alms to the poor. He was an influence for good to the hundreds who met him. He spent his time in quiet prayer and meditation, and towards the end he lost even his memory and could only say, “Jesus, Mary”. On October 31, 1617, surrounded by his Jesuit brothers he died. Historically today is his feast.

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St. Alphonsus Rodriguez
Saint Alphonsus Rodriguez was born in Spain in 1531, of a well-to-do commercial household of Segovia, the third of eleven children. When Alphonsus was eleven years old, he and his older brother were sent to a Jesuit college which had just been founded. He had already manifested great joy in serving the Jesuits when they had given a mission in Segovia and lodged in his father’s country home; now he rejoiced in the one year of study he was able to undertake, before the death of his father interrupted these pursuits. His brother, after certain affairs were settled, returned to school, but Alphonsus was obliged to remain at home, destined one day to replace his father.

He accepted this lot and in 1557 married a virtuous wife; they were blessed with a daughter and two sons. But God intended to sanctify this soul of predilection by great and heroic sufferings. Only five years later he was already a widower, with only one little boy of three years remaining for him to raise. He believed this calamity must have come upon him for his sins, and he developed a great horror of sin; he asked God to let him bear even the torments of hell here below, rather than fall into a single mortal sin. He offered himself entirely to God, for whatever He might desire of him. Then he began a life of severe penance. A year later his mother died. He looked at his beautiful and innocent child, the only bond which still attached him to the earth; and he prayed to God that if ever that child should offend Him, to take him at once. His prayer was granted before long.

Alphonsus left Segovia and went to Valencia, where a Jesuit priest he had loved and admired earlier in Segovia was then stationed. This priest helped him to attain a loving confidence in God. He was thirty-eight years old when he requested his admission to the Order, but insufficient instruction and his unstable health, affected by his austerities, were regarded as obstacles. For two years he was employed as a preceptor of the young by two families of that city; finally, when he renewed his request for admission, he was accepted.

His religious life was spent primarily as a porter in a Jesuit college on the island of Majorca; his interior life was a succession of moral tortures, borne with perfect humility and love of God. The demons would not leave alone this holy man who made it his joy to take upon himself all the most humble and fatiguing offices. He cast himself, as it were, into the abyss of the love of Jesus Crucified. Twice he was thrown down a cement staircase by the adjured enemies of man’s salvation; but his love for his crucified Saviour was proof against all such attempts on his virtue. He was afflicted with various illnesses, which plunged him into a sort of preliminary purgatory but did not change his life of effacement and service.

In 1591 he was already 60 years old when he received an order to sleep thereafter in a bed; until then he had contented himself with a few hours of sleep on a table or in a chair. He served a chapel where the elderly or infirm fathers celebrated late Masses. He was told to write the story of his life, which work he began with hesitation in 1604. He was not spared the trial of being misunderstood and underestimated by a new Superior, but he found only joy and consolation in the public reproaches he received. He wrote in his book of maxims: “In the difficulties which are placed before me, why should I not act like a donkey? When one speaks ill of him — the donkey says nothing. When he is mistreated — he says nothing. When he is forgotten — he says nothing. When no food is given him — he says nothing. When he is made to advance — he says nothing. When he is despised — he says nothing. When he is overburdened — he says nothing... The true servant of God must do likewise, and say with David: Before You I have become like a beast of burden.”

The story of his association in his old age with Saint Peter Claver, the novice whose future mission he saw by a vision and foretold to him, is written into the annals of the Church in letters of gold; the two Saints were canonized together by Pope Leo XIII after more than two centuries.

Saint Alphonsus died in 1617; already he was known and loved as a Saint by the population. In 1825 he was beatified, and in 1888 Pope Leo XIII closed the inquiries after two new miracles had been verified, and proceeded to the ceremonies of canonization in Rome. The memory of Saint Alphonsus remains in benediction in the Order and in the hearts of those who know the value of the Cross of Christ and its perpetuity in His Mystical Body.

Excerpted from Biography of Saint Alphonsus Rodriguez, text by Abbé L. Tabourier, in Un Saint pour chaque jour du mois

[Salvation]

Lauds -- Morning Prayer

Morning Prayer (Lauds)

If this is the first Hour that you are reciting today, you should precede it with the Invitatory Psalm.

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Introduction

O God, come to my aid.

  O Lord, make haste to help me.

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. Alleluia.

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Hymn

Dawn sprinkles all the east with light;

Day o’er the earth is gliding bright;

Morn’s glittering rays their course begin;

Farewell to darkness and to sin.

Each phantom of the night depart,

Each thought of guilt forsake the heart:

Let every ill that darkness brought

Beneath its shade, now come to nought.

So that last morning, dread and great,

Which we with trembling hope await,

With blessed light for us shall glow

Who chant the song we sang below.

All laud to God the Father be;

All praise, eternal Son, to thee;

All glory, as is ever meet,

To God the Holy Paraclete.

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Psalm 91 (92)
Praise of God, the Creator

Lord, we proclaim your loving kindness in the morning and your truth throughout the night.

It is good to praise the Lord,

  and to sing psalms to your name, O Most High,

to proclaim your mercy in the morning

  and your faithfulness by night;

on the ten-stringed lyre and the harp,

  with songs upon the lyre.

For you give me joy, Lord, in your creation:

  I rejoice in the work of your hands.

How great are your works, O Lord,

  how immeasurably deep your thoughts.

The fool does not hear,

  the slow-witted do not understand.

When the wicked sprout up like grass,

  and the doers of evil are in full bloom,

it will come to nothing, for they will perish for ever and ever;

  but you, Lord, are the Highest eternally.

For behold, Lord, your enemies, how your enemies will perish,

  how wrongdoers will be scattered.

You will give me strength as the wild oxen have;

  I have been anointed with the purest oil.

I will look down upon my enemies,

  and hear the plans of those who plot evil against me.

The just will flourish like the palm tree,

  grow tall like the cedar of Lebanon.

They will be planted in the house of the Lord;

  in the courts of our God they will flourish.

They will bear fruit even when old,

  fresh and luxuriant through all their days.

They will proclaim how just is the Lord, my refuge,

  for in him there is no unrighteousness.

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.

Lord, we proclaim your loving kindness in the morning and your truth throughout the night.

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Canticle	Deuteronomy 32

The things God has done for his people

Proclaim the greatness of our God.

Listen, heavens to what I say;

  earth, hear the words of my mouth!

Let my teaching fall like the rain,

  my speech descend like the dew,

  like a shower on the grass,

  like rain on the wheat.

For I shall call on the name of the Lord:

  give praise to the greatness of our God!

His works are like a rock: they are perfect,

  for all his ways are just.

God is faithful, he can do no wrong:

  he is just and upright.

They have sinned against him, they are no children of his –

  this filthy generation, wicked and perverse.

Is this how you repay the Lord,

  you foolish and witless people?

Is he not your father, who took charge of you,

  created you and made you exist?

Remember the days of old: think upon each generation.

Ask your father and he will tell you;

  ask your ancestors, and they will let you know.

When the Most High divided the peoples,

  when he was separating the children of Adam,

he laid down the boundaries of the people

  according to the number of the children of Israel:

the Lord’s own portion was his people,

  Jacob the measure of his inheritance.

He found him in a desert land, in a place of horror,

  in the howling wilderness.

He protected him, looked after him,

  guarded him as the apple of his eye.

Like an eagle teaching its chicks to fly, hovering close above them,

  he spread out his wings and lifted him up,

  carried him on his back.

The Lord alone led Jacob; no foreign god was with him.

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.

Proclaim the greatness of our God.

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Psalm 8
The greatness of God, the dignity of man

How wonderful is your name over all the earth, O Lord.

How wonderful is your name over all the earth,

  O Lord, our Lord!

How exalted is your glory

  above the sky!

Out of the mouths of children and infants you have brought praise,

  to confound your enemies, to destroy your vengeful foes.

When I see the heavens, the work of your fingers,

  the moon and stars, which you set in their place –

what is man, that you should take thought for him?

  what is the son of man, that you should look after him?

You have made him but one step lower than the angels;

  you have crowned him with glory and honour;

  you have set him over the works of your hands.

You have put everything beneath his feet,

  cattle and sheep and the beasts of the field,

the birds in the air and the fish in the sea,

  whatever passes along the paths of the waters.

How wonderful is your name above all the earth,

  O Lord, our Lord!

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.

How wonderful is your name over all the earth, O Lord.

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Short reading	Romans 12:14-16 ©

Bless those who persecute you: never curse them, bless them. Rejoice with those who rejoice and be sad with those in sorrow. Treat everyone with equal kindness; never be condescending but make real friends with the poor.

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Short Responsory

I will sing to you with joy upon my lips.

– I will sing to you with joy upon my lips.

I will reflect on the greatness of your justice.

– I will sing to you with joy upon my lips.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

– I will sing to you with joy upon my lips.

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Canticle	Benedictus

The Messiah and his forerunner

Lord, lead our feet in the path of peace.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,

  for he has come to his people and brought about their redemption.

He has raised up the sign of salvation

  in the house of his servant David,

as he promised through the mouth of the holy ones,

  his prophets through the ages:

to rescue us from our enemies

  and all who hate us,

to take pity on our fathers,

  to remember his holy covenant

and the oath he swore to Abraham our father,

  that he would give himself to us,

that we could serve him without fear

 – freed from the hands of our enemies –

in uprightness and holiness before him,

  for all of our days.

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High:

  for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his path,

to let his people know their salvation,

  so that their sins may be forgiven.

Through the bottomless mercy of our God,

  one born on high will visit us

to give light to those who walk in darkness,

  who live in the shadow of death;

  to lead our feet in the path of peace.

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.

Lord, lead our feet in the path of peace.

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Prayers and Intercessions

Let us celebrate Christ’s goodness and wisdom. We can see him in every one of our brethren, and love him; especially in those who are suffering. Let us pray to him urgently:

– Lord, make us perfect in love.

This morning we honour your resurrection once more,

  and wish for everyone the effects of your Redemption.

– Lord, make us perfect in love.

Lord, grant that we may bear witness to you today

  and through you offer a holy sacrifice acceptable to the Father.

– Lord, make us perfect in love.

Make us see your image in everyone we meet,

  and serve you by tending to their needs.

– Lord, make us perfect in love.

Christ, you are the true vine and we are your branches:

  grant that we may remain with you, bearing abundant fruit and giving glory to God the Father.

– Lord, make us perfect in love.

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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.

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May our mouths praise you, O Lord. May our souls and our lives give you praise.

  It is by your gift that we have life:

  may the whole act of living be our gift to you.

[We make our prayer] through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

  who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

  God for ever and ever.

Amen.

---

May the Lord bless us and keep us from all harm; and may he lead us to eternal life.

AMEN

[Salvation]

The Word Among Us

Meditation: Luke 14:7-11

“Give your place to this man.” (Luke 14:9)

On the face of it, this passage reads as if Jesus were giving pragmatic advice for people invited to dinner parties. Instead of seeking the place of honor, then being embarrassed when a more worthy guest arrives and you are demoted, seek a lower place at the beginning, all the while secretly hoping the host will invite you “higher,” where you know you truly belong. It’s a canny strategy, and it just might work in many situations. But if we read these verses in this way, the result doesn’t really fit with Christian humility. It’s all about appearances and prestige in the sight of others.

Surely that’s not what Jesus was after. Surely there is another way to look at it. We could readily imagine giving “our place” to a president, a CEO, an entertainer, or another celebrity. But suppose you were asked to give up your place of honor to an unkempt homeless man. Or a starving child in a Third World country. Or a foster teenager without a forever family. Or a victim of domestic abuse. Or an immigrant separated from his family support system. How quickly and willingly would you do it?

Of course, these are exactly the kind of folks with whom Jesus identifies. “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). To give such a person a place of honor, to put his needs before your own and to serve him as a waiter serves clients at a fine restaurant, is in fact to honor the One who is worthy of the highest place. It is to serve and honor the One who emptied himself and took the lowest place all for our sake (Philippians 2:7).

Today, be on the lookout to see if there is someone whom God may be inviting you to offer your place of comfort or honor. Someone may cross your path whom you could serve, whether through an act of generosity, a word of encouragement, or an offer of forgiveness. Give your place to this person! Humble yourself, and the Lord will lift up both of you!

“Jesus, you gave up your place in heaven to become my servant, to die for my sins. Open my eyes and my heart to the needs of those around me.”

Philippians 1:18-26; Psalm 42:2-3,5

[Salvation]

 

Marriage = One Man and One Woman

Daily Marriage Tip for October 30, 2010:

“Marriage is neither heaven nor hell; it is simply purgatory.” (Abraham Lincoln)  Lincoln may not have improved his relationship with Mary Todd with this statement but there’s some truth to the reality that we purify each other because we know, only too well, each other’s faults. Accept a fault today.

[Salvation]

Vespers -- Evening Prayer

Vespers (Evening Prayer)

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Introduction

O God, come to my aid.

  O Lord, make haste to help me.

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. Alleluia.

---

Hymn

O blest Creator of the light,

Who mak’st the day with radiance bright,

And o’er the forming world didst call

The light from chaos first of all.

Whose wisdom joined in meet array

The morn and eve, and named them day;

Night comes with all its darkling fears;

Regard thy people’s prayers and tears.

Lest, sunk in sin and ’whelmed with strife

They lose the gift of endless life;

While thinking but the thoughts of time,

They weave new chains of woe and crime.

But grant them grace that they may strain

The heavenly gate and prize to gain;

Each harmful lure aside to cast,

And purge away each error past.

O Father, that we ask be done

Through Jesus Christ, thine only Son,

Who, with the Holy Ghost and thee,

Doth live and reign eternally.

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Psalm 112 (113)
Praise of the Lord's name

From the sun’s rising to its setting, the Lord’s name is to be praised.

Praise, servants of the Lord,

  praise the name of the Lord.

Let the Lord’s name be blessed,

  now and for ever.

From the sun’s rising to its setting,

  the Lord’s name is to be praised.

The Lord is high over all peoples,

  his glory is above the heavens.

Who is like the Lord our God, who lives on high,

  who bends down to watch over heaven and earth?

He raises the weak from the ground,

  the poor from the dunghill,

raises them among the princes,

  the princes of his people.

He gives the barren woman a household,

  makes her the happy mother of children.

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.

From the sun’s rising to its setting, the Lord’s name is to be praised.

---

Psalm 115 (116B)
Thanksgiving in the Temple

I will take up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.

Still I trusted, even when I said

  “I am greatly afflicted,”

when I said in my terror,

  “all men are liars.”

How shall I repay the Lord

  for all he has done for me?

I will take up the cup of salvation

  and call on the name of the Lord.

I will fulfil my vows to the Lord

  before all his people.

Precious in the sight of the Lord

  is the death of his faithful.

O Lord, I am your servant,

  your maidservant’s son.

You have torn apart my chains:

  I will make you a sacrifice of praise,

  I will call on the name of the Lord.

I will fulfil my vows to the Lord

  before all his people,

in the courts of the house of the Lord,

  within your walls, Jerusalem.

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.

I will take up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.

---

Canticle	Philippians 2

Christ, God's servant

The Lord Jesus humbled himself: for this, God has raised him to glory.

Jesus Christ, although he shared God’s nature,

  did not try to seize equality with God for himself;

but emptied himself, took on the form of a slave,

  and became like a man:

not in appearance only,

  for he humbled himself by accepting death,

  even death on a cross.

For this, God has raised him high,

  and given him the name that is above every name,

so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bend,

  in heaven, on earth, and under the earth,

and every tongue will proclaim

  “Jesus Christ is Lord,”

  to the glory of God the Father.

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.

The Lord Jesus humbled himself: for this, God has raised him to glory.

---

Short reading	Hebrews 13:20-21 ©

I pray that the God of peace, who brought our Lord Jesus back from the dead to become the great Shepherd of the sheep by the blood that sealed an eternal covenant, may make you ready to do his will in any kind of good action; and turn us all into whatever is acceptable to himself through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen.

---

Short Responsory

How great are your works, O Lord.

– How great are your works, O Lord.

In your wisdom you have created them all.

– How great are your works, O Lord.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

– How great are your works, O Lord.

---

Canticle	Magnificat

My soul rejoices in the Lord

‘Zacchaeus, come down. Hurry, because I must stay at your house today.’ And he hurried down and welcomed him joyfully.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

  and my spirit rejoices in God, my salvation.

For he has shown me such favour –

  me, his lowly handmaiden.

Now all generations will call me blessed,

  because the mighty one has done great things for me.

His name is holy,

  his mercy lasts for generation after generation

  for those who revere him.

He has put forth his strength:

  he has scattered the proud and conceited,

  torn princes from their thrones;

  but lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things;

  the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel,

  he has remembered his mercy as he promised to our fathers,

  to Abraham and his children for ever.

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.

‘Zacchaeus, come down. Hurry, because I must stay at your house today.’ And he hurried down and welcomed him joyfully.

---

Prayers and Intercessions

Christ has taken pity on his hungry people and has worked wonders of love for them. In gratitude and devotion we pray to him:

– Lord, show us your love.

Lord, we acknowledge that all the good things that came to us today came to us from your kindness.

  May that kindness not be wasted on us: may it bear fruit in our hearts.

– Lord, show us your love.

Light and salvation of all peoples, watch over those whom you have sent all over the world to bear witness to you:

  kindle the fire of your Spirit within them.

– Lord, show us your love.

Make everyone work together to make the world a more perfect place:

  guide them to respond to the most urgent needs of our time.

– Lord, show us your love.

Doctor and healer of both body and soul, soothe the sick and be close to the dying:

  in your compassion come to us also, and restore our strength.

– Lord, show us your love.

Deign to add those who have died to the number of your saints,

  whose names are written in the book of life.

– Lord, show us your love.

---

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.

---

Almighty and compassionate God, it is by your gift that your faithful are able to serve you as they ought.

  Grant that we may hasten towards the joys you have promised

  and not stumble or sin on the way.

[We make our prayer] through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

  who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

  God for ever and ever.

Amen.

---

May the Lord bless us and keep us from all harm; and may he lead us to eternal life.

AMEN

[annalex]

Luke
	English: Douay-Rheims	Latin: Vulgata Clementina	Greek NT: Byzantine/Majority Text (2000)
	Luke 14
1.	AND it came to pass, when Jesus went into the house of one of the chief of the Pharisees, on the sabbath day, to eat bread, that they watched him.	Et factum est cum intraret Jesus in domum cujusdam principis pharisæorum sabbato manducare panem, et ipsi observabant eum.	και εγενετο εν τω ελθειν αυτον εις οικον τινος των αρχοντων των φαρισαιων σαββατω φαγειν αρτον και αυτοι ησαν παρατηρουμενοι αυτον
[...]
7.	And he spoke a parable also to them that were invited, marking how they chose the first seats at the table, saying to them:	Dicebat autem et ad invitatos parabolam, intendens quomodo primos accubitus eligerent, dicens ad illos :	ελεγεν δε προς τους κεκλημενους παραβολην επεχων πως τας πρωτοκλισιας εξελεγοντο λεγων προς αυτους
8.	When thou art invited to a wedding, sit not down in the first place, lest perhaps one more honourable than thou be invited by him:	Cum invitatus fueris ad nuptias, non discumbas in primo loco, ne forte honoratior te sit invitatus ab illo.	οταν κληθης υπο τινος εις γαμους μη κατακλιθης εις την πρωτοκλισιαν μηποτε εντιμοτερος σου η κεκλημενος υπ αυτου
9.	And he that invited thee and him, come and say to thee, Give this man place: and then thou begin with shame to take the lowest place.	Et veniens is, qui te et illum vocavit, dicat tibi : Da huic locum : et tunc incipias cum rubore novissimum locum tenere.	και ελθων ο σε και αυτον καλεσας ερει σοι δος τουτω τοπον και τοτε αρξη μετ αισχυνης τον εσχατον τοπον κατεχειν
10.	But when thou art invited, go, sit down in the lowest place; that when he who invited thee, cometh, he may say to thee: Friend, go up higher. Then shalt thou have glory before them that sit at table with thee.	Sed cum vocatus fueris, vade, recumbe in novissimo loco : ut, cum venerit qui te invitavit, dicat tibi : Amice, ascende superius. Tunc erit tibi gloria coram simul discumbentibus :	αλλ οταν κληθης πορευθεις αναπεσε εις τον εσχατον τοπον ινα οταν ελθη ο κεκληκως σε ειπη σοι φιλε προσαναβηθι ανωτερον τοτε εσται σοι δοξα ενωπιον των συνανακειμενων σοι
11.	Because every one that exalteth himself, shall be humbled; and he that humbleth himself, shall be exalted.	quia omnis, qui se exaltat, humiliabitur : et qui se humiliat, exaltabitur.	οτι πας ο υψων εαυτον ταπεινωθησεται και ο ταπεινων εαυτον υψωθησεται

[annalex]

1. And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him.

CYRIL; Although our Lord knew the malice of the Pharisees, yet He became their guest, that He might benefit by His words and miracles those who were present. Whence it follows, And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him; to see whether He would despise the observance of the law, or do any thing that was forbidden on the sabbath day. When then the man with the dropsy came into the midst of them, He rebukes by a question the insolence of the Pharisees, who wished to detect Him; as it is said, And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy. And Jesus answering, &c.

BEDE; When it is said that Jesus answered, there is a reference to the words which went before, And they watched him. For the Lord knew the thoughts of men.

7. And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying to them,
8. When you are bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honor man than you be bidden of him;
9. And he that bade you and him come and say to you, Give this man place; and you begin with shame to take the lowest room.
10. But when you are bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade you comes, he may say to you, Friend, go up higher: then shall you have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with you.
11. For whosoever exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted.

AMBROSE; First the dropsical man is cured, in whom the abundant discharges of the flesh crushed down the powers of the soul quenched the ardor of the Spirit. Next, humility is taught, when at the nuptial feast the desire of the highest place is forbidden. As it is said, And he spoke, Sit not down in the highest room.

CYRIL; For to rush forward hastily to honors which are not fitting for us, indicates rashness. and casts a slur upon our actions. Hence it follows, lest a more honorable man than you be invited, &c.

CHRYS. And so the seeker of honor obtained not that which he coveted, but suffered a defeat, and busying himself how he might be loaded with honors, is treated with dishonor. And because nothing is of so much worth as modesty, He leads His hearer to the opposite of this; not only for- him to seek the highest place, but bidding him search for the lowest. As it follows; But when you are bidden go and sit down in the lowest room.

CYRIL; For if a man wishes not to be set before others, he obtains this honor according to the divine word. As it follows; That when he that bade you comes, he may say to you, Friend, go up higher. In these words He does not harshly chide, but gently admonishes; for a word of advice is enough for the wise. And thus for their humility men are crowned with honors; as it follows, Then shall you have worship.

BASIL; To take then the lowest place at a feast, according to our Lord's command, is becoming to every man, but again to rush contentiously after this is to be condemned as a breach of order and cause of tumult; and a strife raised about it, will place you on a level with those who dispute concerning the highest place. Wherefore, as our Lord here says, it becomes him who makes the feast to arrange the order of sitting down. Thus in patience and love should we mutually bear ourselves, following all things decently according to order, not for external appearance or public display; nor should we seem to study or affect humility by violent contradiction, but rather gain it by condescension or by patience. For resistance or opposition is a far stronger token of pride than taking the first seat at meat, when we obtain it by authority.

THEOPHYL. Now let no one deem the above precepts of Christ to be trifling, and unworthy of the sublimity and grandeur of the Word of God. For you would not call him a merciful physician who professed to heal the gout, but refilled to cure a scar on the finger or a tooth-ache. Besides, how can that passion of vainglory appear slight, which moved or agitated those who sought the first seats. It became then the Master of humility to cut off every branch of the bad root. But observe this also, that when the supper was ready, and the wretched guests were contending for precedency before the eyes of the Savior, there was a fit occasion for advice.

CYRIL; Having shown therefore from so slight an example the degradation of the ambitious and the exaltation of the humble-minded, He adds a great thing to a little, pronouncing a general sentence, as it follows, For every one who exalts himself shall be abased, and he that humbles himself shall be exalted. This is spoken according to the divine judgment, not after human experience, in which they who desire after glory obtain it, while others who humble themselves remain inglorious.

THEOPHYL. Moreover, he is not to be respected in the end, nor by all men, who thrusts himself into honors; but while by some he is honored, by others he is disparaged, and sometimes even by the very men who outwardly honor him.

BEDE; But as the Evangelist calls this admonition a parable, we must briefly examine what is its mystical meaning. Whosoever being bidden has come to the marriage feast of Christ's Church, being united to the members of the Church by faith, let him not exalt himself as higher than others by boasting of his merits. For he will have to give place to one more honorable who is bidden afterwards, seeing that he is overtaken by the activity of those who followed him, and with shame he occupies the lowest place, now that knowing better things of the others he brings low whatever high thoughts he once had of his own works. But a man sits in the lowest place according to that verse, The greater you are, humble yourself in all things. But the Lord when He comes, whomsoever He shall find humble, blessing him with the name of friend, He will command him to go up higher. For whoever humbles himself as a little child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. But it is well said, Then shall you have glory, that you may not begin to seek now what is kept for you in the end. It may also be understood, even in this life, for daily does God come to His marriage feast, despising the proud; and often giving to the humble such great gifts of His Spirit, that the assembly of those who sit at meat, i.e. the faithful, glorify them in wonder. But in the general conclusion which is added, it is plainly declared that the preceding discourse of our Lord must be understood typically. For not every one who exalts himself before men is abased; nor is he who humbles himself in their sight, exalted by them. But whoever exalts himself because of his merits, the Lord shall bring low, and him who humbles himself on account of his mercies, shall He exalt.

Catena Aurea Luke 14

[annalex]

Laudario of the Compagnia di Sant'Agnese

Pacino di Bonaguida

1320s
Tempera and gold on parchment, 277 x 206 mm
National Gallery of Art, Washington

[Salvation]

Regnum Christi

Friend, Go Up Higher

INTERNATIONAL | SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY

Saturday, 30th Week in Ordinary Time (Oct. 30, 2010)

October 30, 2010
Saturday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Father James Swanson, LC

Luke 14:1, 7-11

On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. "When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, ´Give your place to this man,´ and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ´My friend, move up to a higher position.´ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

Introductory Prayer:  Lord, I believe in you with a faith that never seeks to test you. I trust in you, hoping to learn to accept and follow your will, even when it does not make sense to the way that I see things. May my love for you and those around me be similar to the love you have shown to me.
 
Petition:  Lord, please help me to replace my selfishness with love.

1. I Want to Hear All about Myself  Sooner or later we all experience the displeasure of having to be around someone who is always promoting himself. Perhaps we do it ourselves, without realizing how it disgusts the people around us. I remember working with one such fellow myself. He was the nicest guy in the world otherwise, but he consistently and continually talked about himself. He was his own favorite subject. It was his only noticeable flaw, but a fatal one.  I’m sure he didn’t realize it. Probably if you asked him if he talked about himself more than other people talk about themselves, he would have answered that he talked about himself about the same amount as others do. He had plenty of other virtues, and I’m sure if he had rid himself of his major flaw he would have been one of the most well-liked people where I worked. But he  was always putting himself in first place, and in our hearts we were always putting him in one of the last places.

2. Number One in your Heart  On the other hand, you sometimes run into people who don’t wave their own flag. They seem to exist to support and help others. Maybe you don’t always notice when they are around, but you notice the effects. Everyone is happier. There is less stress. People seem less worried. These people grease the wheels. If you need a hand, they’ll give it to you and you don’t even need to ask. Their support and friendship are givens. You know you can count on them. They are assets wherever they work because they know how to make the people around them more effective. Everybody likes them. They may not have the greatest personality or a lot of social skills, but nobody cares because the goodness seems to just ooze out of them. While they seem unassuming and unimportant, everyone who is around them prizes them highly. Without even realizing it, they are at the highest places in everyone’s hearts.

3. Will I Develop my Ambition or my Love?  Which kind of person am I? Am I a shameless self-promoter, always focused on getting as much for Number One as possible? This strategy might work well in a company where people are faceless widgets instead of personalities, where the bottom line is the bottom line, but it is never very successful in real life relationships. Perhaps I do what I can to help others whenever I can, to make others feel good. That is the way to real fulfillment. After all, Jesus said that those who wanted to be first must be the last of all and the servant of all. Have I been foolish enough to think that Jesus was saying that the way to achieve my ambitions is to serve? No way. Jesus isn’t concerned with us achieving ambitions, he is telling us how to be first in hearts. If you want to be first in hearts, be a servant of all. If you have the humility to serve others, you will attain to a high place in others’ hearts. When you take a low place, they will always raise you higher.

Conversation with Christ:  Dear Jesus, I am always trying to serve myself and my ambitions, and you want me to be concerned with serving others. Help me to be more focused on what really matters – loving – than on what the world prizes – empty, self-serving actions.

Resolution:  Today, I will perform some act of service for another person, preferably for someone close to me, preferably without their notice. These are the acts that most deeply express love. Remember, if you expect something in return, even just thanks, it isn’t love, it’s business.

[Salvation]

One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

<< Saturday, October 30, 2010 >>

Saint of the Day

Philippians 1:18-26
View Readings

Psalm 42:2-3, 5

Luke 14:1, 7-11

DOWNWARDLY MOBILE

"What you should do when you have been invited is go and sit in the lowest place." —Luke 14:10

 

Jesus compared life to a wedding party at which we must be careful to "sit in the lowest place." The Lord may change our seat, but that's up to Him. Our responsibility is to sit in the lowest place. Which are the lowest places in life? Low-paying jobs, houses or apartments in poor areas, a simple lifestyle, a single life for the Lord, the responsibility for a large family, or a religious vocation are sometimes the lowest places.

Some of today's lowest places were formerly high places, and the Lord may make them high places again when He exalts those who have humbled themselves (Lk 14:11). Then we will look for other low places. Jesus did this when He took the lowest place by becoming man. Then He chose to be born in a stable and laid in a manger. He found an even lower place by being crucified as a criminal. Jesus still looked for a place lower than the lowest. He found it in the Eucharist. Here Jesus became present under the appearances of common bread and wine, becoming our spiritual food and drink (see Jn 6:55).

Some Christians are called to be downwardly mobile — looking for less money, a more simple lifestyle, or a less appreciated job. We are absurd to the world as Jesus is (see 1 Cor 1:18).

 

Prayer: Father, may I not miss any opportunity to "empty" myself as Jesus did (see Phil 2:7).

Promise: "All that matters is that in any and every way, whether from specious motives or genuine ones, Christ is being proclaimed!" —Phil 1:18

Praise: Thomas was a witness for Christ when he turned down a promotion that would have required working Sundays.

[Salvation]

Compline -- Night Prayer

Compline (Night Prayer)

---

Introduction

O God, come to my aid.

  O Lord, make haste to help me.

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. Alleluia.

---

This is an excellent moment for an examination of conscience. In a communal celebration of Compline, one of the penitential acts given in the Missal may be recited.

---

Hymn

Christ, thou who art the light and day,

Who chasest nightly shades away,

Thyself the Light of Light confessed,

And promiser of radiance blest:

O holy Lord, we pray to thee,

Throughout the night our guardian be;

In thee vouchsafe us to repose,

All peaceful till the night shall close.

O let our eyes due slumber take,

Our hearts to thee forever wake:

And let thy right hand from above

Shield us who turn to thee in love.

O strong defender, hear our prayers,

Repel our foes and break their snares,

And govern thou thy servants here,

Those ransomed with thy life-blood dear.

Almighty Father, this accord

Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord,

Who with the Holy Ghost and thee

Doth reign through all eternity.

---

Psalm 4
Thanksgiving

Take pity on me, Lord, and listen to my prayer.

When I called out, he heard me, the God of my righteousness.

When I was in trouble, you gave me freedom:

  now, take pity on me and listen to my prayer.

Sons of men, how long will your hearts be heavy?

  Why do you seek for vain things?

  Why do you run after illusions?

Know that the Lord has done marvellous things

  for those he has chosen.

When I call upon the Lord, he will hear me.

Be vigorous, but do not sin:

  speak in the silence of your heart,

  in your bed, be at rest.

Offer righteousness as a sacrifice,

  and put your trust in the Lord.

Many are saying, Who will give us good things?

Let your face shine on us, Lord,

  let the light of your face be a sign.

You have given me a greater joy

  than the others receive

  from abundance of wheat and of wine.

In peace shall I sleep, Lord, in peace shall I rest:

  firm in the hope you have given me.

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.

Take pity on me, Lord, and listen to my prayer.

---

Psalm 133 (134)
Evening prayer in the Temple

Bless the Lord through the night.

Come, bless the Lord,

  all you servants of the Lord

  who stand through the night in the house of the Lord!

Lift up your arms to the sanctuary

  and bless the Lord!

May the Lord bless you from Zion –

  the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

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.

Bless the Lord through the night.

---

Reading	Deuteronomy 6:4-7 ©

Listen, Israel: the Lord our God is the one Lord. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength. Let these words I urge on you today be written on your heart. You shall repeat them to your children and say them over to them whether at rest in your house or walking abroad, at your lying down or at your rising.

---

Short Responsory

Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

– Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

You have redeemed us, Lord, God of faithfulness.

– Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

– Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

---

Canticle	Nunc Dimittis

Keep us safe, Lord, while we are awake, and guard us as we sleep, so that we can keep watch with Christ and rest in peace.

Now, Master, you let your servant go in peace.

  You have fulfilled your promise.

My own eyes have seen your salvation,

  which you have prepared in the sight of all peoples.

A light to bring the Gentiles from darkness;

  the glory of your people Israel.

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.

Keep us safe, Lord, while we are awake, and guard us as we sleep, so that we can keep watch with Christ and rest in peace.

---

Let us pray.

Come to us, Lord, this night, and give us the strength to rise at dawn rejoicing in the resurrection of your Anointed, who lives and reigns for ever and ever, Amen.

---

May the almighty Lord grant us a quiet night and a perfect end.

AMEN

---

	Salve Regina

Hail to you, O Queen, mother of loving kindness,

  our life, our happiness, our hope.

Hear us cry out to you,

  children of Eve in our exile.

Hear as we sigh, with groaning and weeping

  in this life, this valley of tears.

Come then, our Advocate, turn towards us

  the gaze of your kind and loving eyes.

And show us Jesus, the blessed fruit of your womb,

  when at last our exile here is ended.

O gentle, O loving, O sweet virgin Mary.

Salve, Regina, mater misericordiae;

vita, dulcedo et spes nostra, salve.

Ad te clamamus, exsules filii Hevae.

Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes

in hac lacrimarum valle.

Eia ergo, advocata nostra,

illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte.

Et Iesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui,

nobis post hoc exsilium ostende.

O clemens, o pia, o dulcis Virgo Maria.