From: Mark 13:33-37
The Time of the Destruction of Jerusalem (Continuation)
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [33] "Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time will come. [34] It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. [35] Watch therefore--for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning--[36] lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. [37] And what I say to you I say to all: Watch."
________________
Commentary:
33-37. "Watch": since we do not know when the Lord will come, we must be prepared. Vigilance is, above all, love. A person who loves keeps the commandments and looks forward to Christ's return; for life is a period of hope and waiting. It is the way towards our encounter with Christ the Lord. the first Christians often tenderly repeated the aspiration: "Come, Lord Jesus" (1 Cor 16:22; Rev 22:20). By expressing their faith and charity in this way, those Christians found the interior strength and optimism necessary for fulfilling their family and social duties, and interiorly detached themselves from earthly goods, with the self-mastery that came from hope of eternal life.
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
2nd Reading, 1st Sunday of Advent
From: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Greeting
[3] Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving
[4] I give thanks to God always for you because of the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, [5] that in every way you were enriched in him with all speech and all knowledge [6] even as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you--[7] so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ; [8] who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. [9] God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
_______________
Commentary:
1-9. With slight variations almost all St Paul's letters begin in the same kind of way: there is a greeting (vv. 1-3), which carries the name of the writer, information on the addressee(s), and the conventional phrase; and an act of thanksgiving to God (vv. 4-9), in which the Apostle refers to the main qualities and endowments of the Christians to whom he is writing. By comparing his letters with other letters that have come down to us from the same period, it is quite apparent that St Paul usually begins his letters in the style of the time. yet he does not entirely follow this rigid pattern: he changes the usual opening--"Greeting!" (cf. Acts 15:23; 23:26)--to this more personal one, which has a pronounced Christian stamp: "Grace to you and peace." Also, the way in which he introduces himself and describes those he is addressing tells much more than a simple "Paul to the Corinthians: greeting!" Even his words of thanksgiving convey tenderness and warmth--and their tone is not merely human, for he attributes to God the virtues he praises in the faithful.
The Fathers of the Church have drawn attention to this characteristic of Paul's letters--the way he manages to convey a deep doctrinal message in a familiar style, nicely suited to whomever he happens to be addressing: "A doctor", St John Chrysostom explains, "does not treat the patient in the same way at the start of his illness as when he is recovering; nor does a teacher use the same method with children as with those who need more advanced tuition. That is how the Apostle acts: he writes as suits the needs and the times" ("Hom. On Rom", Prologue).
3. Peace of soul, that "serenity of mind, tranquility of soul, simplicity of heart, bond of love, union of charity" of which St Augustine spoke ("De Verb. Dom. Serm.", 58), originates in the friendship with God which grace brings with it; it is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (cf. Gal 5:22-23). This is the only true kind of peace: "There is no true peace, just as there is no true grace, other than the grace and peace which come from God," St John Chrysostom teaches, "Possess this divine peace and you will have nothing to fear, even if you be threatened by the direct danger, whether from men or even from the demons themselves; whereas see how everything is a cause of fear for the man who is at war with God through sin" ("Hom. on 1 Cor", 1, "ad loc".).
4-9. After the greeting, words of thanksgiving conclude the introduction to the letter, before St Paul begins the doctrinal part. He reminds the Corinthians that they owe their privileged position to God. They, like all Christians, received God's grace in Christ, and that grace has enriched them in every way, for it causes man to share in God's very nature (cf. 2 Pet 1:4), raising him to an entirely new level of existence. This transfiguration enables a person, even here, to know the perfections of God's inner life and to partake of that life--albeit in a limited, imperfect way--through the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity, which grace brings and which elevate the mind and will to know and love God, One and Three.
St Paul teaches the need to give thanks to God and he sets us an example in this regard. Obdurate sinners fail to acknowledge the benefits God gives them (cf. Rom 1:21), but Christians should always base their prayer on gratitude to God (cf. Phil 4:6). "Nothing charms God more than a heart that is grateful either on its own account or on account of others" (Chrysostom, "Hom. on 1 Cor", 2, "ad loc".).
5-6. The grace of God, mentioned in the previous verse, embraces gifts, including those to do with eloquence and knowledge. So richly does God endow the Christian that St Alphonsus exclaims: "Our wretchedness should not make us uneasy, for in Jesus crucified we shall find all richness and all grace (cf. 1 Cor 1:5, 7). The merits of Jesus Christ have enriched us with all the wealth of God and there is no grace we might desire that we cannot obtain by asking for it" ("The Love of God Reduced to Practice", chap. 3). The Fathers interpret these gifts as meaning that the Corinthians had such a good grasp of Christian teaching that they were able to express it clearly: "There are those who have the gift of knowledge but not that of speech; and there are others who have the gift of speech but not knowledge. The faithful in general, who are uneducated, know these truths, but they cannot clearly explain what they have in their soul. You on the other hand, St Paul says, are different; you know these truths and you can speak about them; you are rich in the gift of speech and in that of knowledge" (Chrysostom, "Hom. on 1 Cor", 2, "ad loc".).
8-9. "The day of our Lord': in St Paul's writings and in the New Testament generally, this refers to the day of the General Judgment when Christ will appear Judge, clothed in glory (cf. 2 Cor 1:14; 1 Thess 5:2).
Christians actively hope that that Day will find them "blameless" (cf. Phil 1:10; 1 Thess 3:13; 5:23); the basis for this hope is God's faithfulness--an attitude frequently applied to him in the Old Testament (cf. Deut 7:9; Is 49:7) and in St Paul's letters (cf. 1 Cor 10:13; 2 Cor 1:18; 1 Thess 5:24; 2 Thess 3:3; Heb 10:23): the Covenant which God made with the chosen people was primarily a gift and a grace, but it also was a legal commitment. The Covenant was grounded on God's fidelity, which was not merely a matter of legal obligation: it involved faithful, constant love. The God's fidelity will finds its fullest expression in the Redemption brought about by Jesus Christ: "If, in fact, the reality of the Redemption," Pope John Paul II says, "in its human dimension, reveals the unheard-of greatness of man, "qui talem ac tantum meruit habere Redemptorem", at the same time "the divine dimension of the Redemption" enables us [...] to uncover the depth of that love which does not recoil before the extraordinary sacrifice of the Son, in order to satisfy the fidelity of the Creator and Father towards human beings, created in his image" ("Dives In Misericordia", 7).
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Greeting
[3] Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving
[4] I give thanks to God always for you because of the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, [5] that in every way you were enriched in him with all speech and all knowledge [6] even as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you--[7] so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ; [8] who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. [9] God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
_______________
Commentary:
1-9. With slight variations almost all St Paul's letters begin in the same kind of way: there is a greeting (vv. 1-3), which carries the name of the writer, information on the addressee(s), and the conventional phrase; and an act of thanksgiving to God (vv. 4-9), in which the Apostle refers to the main qualities and endowments of the Christians to whom he is writing. By comparing his letters with other letters that have come down to us from the same period, it is quite apparent that St Paul usually begins his letters in the style of the time. yet he does not entirely follow this rigid pattern: he changes the usual opening--"Greeting!" (cf. Acts 15:23; 23:26)--to this more personal one, which has a pronounced Christian stamp: "Grace to you and peace." Also, the way in which he introduces himself and describes those he is addressing tells much more than a simple "Paul to the Corinthians: greeting!" Even his words of thanksgiving convey tenderness and warmth--and their tone is not merely human, for he attributes to God the virtues he praises in the faithful.
The Fathers of the Church have drawn attention to this characteristic of Paul's letters--the way he manages to convey a deep doctrinal message in a familiar style, nicely suited to whomever he happens to be addressing: "A doctor", St John Chrysostom explains, "does not treat the patient in the same way at the start of his illness as when he is recovering; nor does a teacher use the same method with children as with those who need more advanced tuition. That is how the Apostle acts: he writes as suits the needs and the times" ("Hom. On Rom", Prologue).
3. Peace of soul, that "serenity of mind, tranquility of soul, simplicity of heart, bond of love, union of charity" of which St Augustine spoke ("De Verb. Dom. Serm.", 58), originates in the friendship with God which grace brings with it; it is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (cf. Gal 5:22-23). This is the only true kind of peace: "There is no true peace, just as there is no true grace, other than the grace and peace which come from God," St John Chrysostom teaches, "Possess this divine peace and you will have nothing to fear, even if you be threatened by the direct danger, whether from men or even from the demons themselves; whereas see how everything is a cause of fear for the man who is at war with God through sin" ("Hom. on 1 Cor", 1, "ad loc".).
4-9. After the greeting, words of thanksgiving conclude the introduction to the letter, before St Paul begins the doctrinal part. He reminds the Corinthians that they owe their privileged position to God. They, like all Christians, received God's grace in Christ, and that grace has enriched them in every way, for it causes man to share in God's very nature (cf. 2 Pet 1:4), raising him to an entirely new level of existence. This transfiguration enables a person, even here, to know the perfections of God's inner life and to partake of that life--albeit in a limited, imperfect way--through the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity, which grace brings and which elevate the mind and will to know and love God, One and Three.
St Paul teaches the need to give thanks to God and he sets us an example in this regard. Obdurate sinners fail to acknowledge the benefits God gives them (cf. Rom 1:21), but Christians should always base their prayer on gratitude to God (cf. Phil 4:6). "Nothing charms God more than a heart that is grateful either on its own account or on account of others" (Chrysostom, "Hom. on 1 Cor", 2, "ad loc".).
5-6. The grace of God, mentioned in the previous verse, embraces gifts, including those to do with eloquence and knowledge. So richly does God endow the Christian that St Alphonsus exclaims: "Our wretchedness should not make us uneasy, for in Jesus crucified we shall find all richness and all grace (cf. 1 Cor 1:5, 7). The merits of Jesus Christ have enriched us with all the wealth of God and there is no grace we might desire that we cannot obtain by asking for it" ("The Love of God Reduced to Practice", chap. 3). The Fathers interpret these gifts as meaning that the Corinthians had such a good grasp of Christian teaching that they were able to express it clearly: "There are those who have the gift of knowledge but not that of speech; and there are others who have the gift of speech but not knowledge. The faithful in general, who are uneducated, know these truths, but they cannot clearly explain what they have in their soul. You on the other hand, St Paul says, are different; you know these truths and you can speak about them; you are rich in the gift of speech and in that of knowledge" (Chrysostom, "Hom. on 1 Cor", 2, "ad loc".).
8-9. "The day of our Lord': in St Paul's writings and in the New Testament generally, this refers to the day of the General Judgment when Christ will appear Judge, clothed in glory (cf. 2 Cor 1:14; 1 Thess 5:2).
Christians actively hope that that Day will find them "blameless" (cf. Phil 1:10; 1 Thess 3:13; 5:23); the basis for this hope is God's faithfulness--an attitude frequently applied to him in the Old Testament (cf. Deut 7:9; Is 49:7) and in St Paul's letters (cf. 1 Cor 10:13; 2 Cor 1:18; 1 Thess 5:24; 2 Thess 3:3; Heb 10:23): the Covenant which God made with the chosen people was primarily a gift and a grace, but it also was a legal commitment. The Covenant was grounded on God's fidelity, which was not merely a matter of legal obligation: it involved faithful, constant love. The God's fidelity will finds its fullest expression in the Redemption brought about by Jesus Christ: "If, in fact, the reality of the Redemption," Pope John Paul II says, "in its human dimension, reveals the unheard-of greatness of man, "qui talem ac tantum meruit habere Redemptorem", at the same time "the divine dimension of the Redemption" enables us [...] to uncover the depth of that love which does not recoil before the extraordinary sacrifice of the Son, in order to satisfy the fidelity of the Creator and Father towards human beings, created in his image" ("Dives In Misericordia", 7).
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
1st Reading, 1st Sunday of Advent
From: Isaiah 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7
Victory at the End (Continuation)
[16b] Thou, O Lord, art our Father, our Redeemer from of old is thy name. [17] O Lord, why dost thou make us err from thy ways and harden our heart, so that we fear thee not? Return for the sake of thy servants, the tribes of thy heritage.
[1] O that thou wouldst rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at thy presence [2b] to make thy name known to thy adversaries, and that the nations might tremble at thy presence! [3] When thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, thou camest down the mountains quaked at thy presence. [4] From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides thee, who works for those who wait for him. [5] Thou meetest him that joyfully works righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways. Behold, thou wast angry, and we sinned; in our sins we have been a long time, and shall we be saved? [6] We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. [7] There is no one that calls upon thy name, that bestirs himself to take hold of thee; for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast delivered us into the hand of our iniquities.
([8] Yet, O Lord, thou art our Father; we are the clay, and thou art our potter; we are all the work of thy hand.)
_______________
Commentary:
63:1-64:12. The previous oracle sang of the glory of the new Jerusalem and the prospect of its savior’s imminent arrival (cf. 62:11). Now at last the Lord comes as a conqueror and a Judge to dispense rewards and punishments. There are a number of oracles here to do with this theme, and they combine to create a long and beautiful apocalyptic poem. There are three stanzas in it: the first (63:1-6) describes the Lord’s victory over the Edomites, the epitome of a nation hostile to Israel; the second (63:7-14) celebrates the mercy of God and all he has done for his people; the third (63:15-64:12) is an entreaty full of confidence in the Lord, our Father.
God is twice invoked in urgent tones as the Father of Israel (63:16; 64:8). This is one of the most eloquent Old Testament passages about God’s tender fatherly feelings towards his people. The author of the poem is fully confident that the Lord’s fatherly heart will be sensitive towards everything his people suffer, even though they brought it on themselves (64:3-6). He beseeches God for help (63: 17-19), even asking for a spectacular miracle (64:1).
The listing of the calamities that beset Israel continues in 64:1-12 in the same tone as 63:15-19: the prophet spells out why God should help his people.
63:1-6. The poem uses surprisingly strong, apocalyptic, language. It refers to a victory that appears to have two very different effects. On the one hand, victory is obtained after a very real and bloody struggle, symbolized by the treading of the wine-press, and it ends with the blood-stained clothes (v. 3). The conqueror works on his own, unaided (v. 5). On the other hand, his victory over the enemy means redemption for his people: the conqueror is first and foremost, the redeemer ("goel": v. 4; cf. 41:14).
Christian tradition has interpreted this passage as a prophecy about the Messiah. The Revelation to John combines it with Psalm 2 to describe Christ’s battle with the beast and his eventual victory (Rev 19:11-21). The "Divine Office", which offers the poem as an optional reading in Eastertide, suggests that these words of Isaiah apply to Jesus Christ, Judge of the living and the dead, who shed his blood during his passion. And just as the vine harvester does his heavy work on his own, with none to help him (v. 5), so too Jesus Christ was abandoned by his disciples and left alone on Calvary when he was redeeming the world.
64:1. The prophet’s cry sums up very well the long years when Israel waited patiently for God to bring salvation; set in a messianic context, it expresses the hope in a Savior that the chosen people maintained over the centuries. And in some way it is a cry that everyone utters to God when be or she begs to see their noble aspirations bear fruit. This centuries-long Advent, which in some way is being relived in our own days, finds its answer once again in the purpose of God the Father, who sent his Son, made Man, to bring about our Redemption, and who sent the Holy Spirit to enable human beings to share in his Love.
64:4. St Paul quotes from this verse when writing about the wisdom of God, and his love for those who love him, and the gifts he has in store for man: “As it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him'” (1 Cor 2:9). Because these gifts will not be fully bestowed until the next life, the verse is often quoted in Christian spirituality to describe the happiness enjoyed in heaven. For example, St Robert Bellarmine says: “You promise to those who obey your commandments a reward more precious than gold and sweeter than honey from the comb. It is a great reward, as St James says: 'The crown of life which the Lord has prepared for those who love him.' And what is the crown of life? It is a gift greater than any we can imagine or desire. St Paul says, quoting the prophet Isaiah: 'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him'" ("De Ascensione Mentis In Deum", first step).
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Victory at the End (Continuation)
[16b] Thou, O Lord, art our Father, our Redeemer from of old is thy name. [17] O Lord, why dost thou make us err from thy ways and harden our heart, so that we fear thee not? Return for the sake of thy servants, the tribes of thy heritage.
[1] O that thou wouldst rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at thy presence [2b] to make thy name known to thy adversaries, and that the nations might tremble at thy presence! [3] When thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, thou camest down the mountains quaked at thy presence. [4] From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides thee, who works for those who wait for him. [5] Thou meetest him that joyfully works righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways. Behold, thou wast angry, and we sinned; in our sins we have been a long time, and shall we be saved? [6] We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. [7] There is no one that calls upon thy name, that bestirs himself to take hold of thee; for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast delivered us into the hand of our iniquities.
([8] Yet, O Lord, thou art our Father; we are the clay, and thou art our potter; we are all the work of thy hand.)
_______________
Commentary:
63:1-64:12. The previous oracle sang of the glory of the new Jerusalem and the prospect of its savior’s imminent arrival (cf. 62:11). Now at last the Lord comes as a conqueror and a Judge to dispense rewards and punishments. There are a number of oracles here to do with this theme, and they combine to create a long and beautiful apocalyptic poem. There are three stanzas in it: the first (63:1-6) describes the Lord’s victory over the Edomites, the epitome of a nation hostile to Israel; the second (63:7-14) celebrates the mercy of God and all he has done for his people; the third (63:15-64:12) is an entreaty full of confidence in the Lord, our Father.
God is twice invoked in urgent tones as the Father of Israel (63:16; 64:8). This is one of the most eloquent Old Testament passages about God’s tender fatherly feelings towards his people. The author of the poem is fully confident that the Lord’s fatherly heart will be sensitive towards everything his people suffer, even though they brought it on themselves (64:3-6). He beseeches God for help (63: 17-19), even asking for a spectacular miracle (64:1).
The listing of the calamities that beset Israel continues in 64:1-12 in the same tone as 63:15-19: the prophet spells out why God should help his people.
63:1-6. The poem uses surprisingly strong, apocalyptic, language. It refers to a victory that appears to have two very different effects. On the one hand, victory is obtained after a very real and bloody struggle, symbolized by the treading of the wine-press, and it ends with the blood-stained clothes (v. 3). The conqueror works on his own, unaided (v. 5). On the other hand, his victory over the enemy means redemption for his people: the conqueror is first and foremost, the redeemer ("goel": v. 4; cf. 41:14).
Christian tradition has interpreted this passage as a prophecy about the Messiah. The Revelation to John combines it with Psalm 2 to describe Christ’s battle with the beast and his eventual victory (Rev 19:11-21). The "Divine Office", which offers the poem as an optional reading in Eastertide, suggests that these words of Isaiah apply to Jesus Christ, Judge of the living and the dead, who shed his blood during his passion. And just as the vine harvester does his heavy work on his own, with none to help him (v. 5), so too Jesus Christ was abandoned by his disciples and left alone on Calvary when he was redeeming the world.
64:1. The prophet’s cry sums up very well the long years when Israel waited patiently for God to bring salvation; set in a messianic context, it expresses the hope in a Savior that the chosen people maintained over the centuries. And in some way it is a cry that everyone utters to God when be or she begs to see their noble aspirations bear fruit. This centuries-long Advent, which in some way is being relived in our own days, finds its answer once again in the purpose of God the Father, who sent his Son, made Man, to bring about our Redemption, and who sent the Holy Spirit to enable human beings to share in his Love.
64:4. St Paul quotes from this verse when writing about the wisdom of God, and his love for those who love him, and the gifts he has in store for man: “As it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him'” (1 Cor 2:9). Because these gifts will not be fully bestowed until the next life, the verse is often quoted in Christian spirituality to describe the happiness enjoyed in heaven. For example, St Robert Bellarmine says: “You promise to those who obey your commandments a reward more precious than gold and sweeter than honey from the comb. It is a great reward, as St James says: 'The crown of life which the Lord has prepared for those who love him.' And what is the crown of life? It is a gift greater than any we can imagine or desire. St Paul says, quoting the prophet Isaiah: 'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him'" ("De Ascensione Mentis In Deum", first step).
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Principles and Practices - November 30
MAN PROPOSES-GOD DISPOSES
There is a story of a young Austrian noble, a youth of great piety, who had made up his mind to enter a religious order. The day before that on which he was to have left home, his father made a great feast at the castle, and invited all his cousins to the third and fourth degree. There was heavy drinking, dancing, and wild revelry, in all of which the hero of the hour was compelled to play the first part. He was prevailed upon, or persuaded himself, to make one first essay in sin ere he renounced the world forever. Had he not before him long years of much endurance in labours, in watchings, in fastings, in chastity (2 Cor. vi, 4-6) ? He was not strong, he had overdone it in dancing, he broke a blood vessel and died in his bed that night. The chaplain who wished to say Mass for him the next morning had the sacristy door slammed in his face, and could not get to the altar. Then the soul reappeared, to say that it was lost.
-J. Rickaby, S.J.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
There is a story of a young Austrian noble, a youth of great piety, who had made up his mind to enter a religious order. The day before that on which he was to have left home, his father made a great feast at the castle, and invited all his cousins to the third and fourth degree. There was heavy drinking, dancing, and wild revelry, in all of which the hero of the hour was compelled to play the first part. He was prevailed upon, or persuaded himself, to make one first essay in sin ere he renounced the world forever. Had he not before him long years of much endurance in labours, in watchings, in fastings, in chastity (2 Cor. vi, 4-6) ? He was not strong, he had overdone it in dancing, he broke a blood vessel and died in his bed that night. The chaplain who wished to say Mass for him the next morning had the sacristy door slammed in his face, and could not get to the altar. Then the soul reappeared, to say that it was lost.
-J. Rickaby, S.J.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
Thoughts of St Augustine for November 30
ASSURED, then, of the promises of Christ, let us believe the past, acknowledge the present, and hope for the future.
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day-November 30
DEVOTION does not consist in feeling, but in the desire and resolution to embrace promptly all that God wills. Such was the prayer that Jesus Christ made in the Garden of Olives; it was full of aridity and tediousness, but it was the most devout and meritorious prayer that had ever been offered in this world.
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
Friday, November 28, 2008
Gospel for Saturday, 34th Week in Ordinary Time
From: Luke 21:34-36
The Need for Vigilance
(Jesus said to His disciples), [34] "But take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a snare; [35] for it will come upon all who dwell upon the face of the whole earth. [36] But watch at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."
___________________
Commentary:
34-36. At the end of His discourse Jesus emphasizes that every Christian needs to be vigilant: we do not know the day nor the hour in which He will ask us to render an account of our lives. Therefore, we must at all times be trying to do God's will, so that death, whenever it comes, will find us ready. For those who act in this way, sudden death never takes them by surprise. As St. Paul recommends: "You are not in darkness, brethren, for that day to surprise you like a thief" (1 Thessalonians 5:4). Vigilance consists in making a constant effort not to be attached to the things of this world (the concupiscence of the flesh, the concupiscence of the eyes and pride of life: cf. John 2:16) and in being assiduous in prayer, which keeps us close to God. If we live in this way, the day we die will be a day of joy and not of terror, for with God's help our vigilance will mean that our souls are ready to receive the visit of our Lord; they are in the state of grace: in meeting Christ we will not be meeting a judge who will find us guilty; instead He will embrace us and lead us into the house of His Father to remain there forever. "Does your soul not burn with the desire to make your Father-God happy when He has to judge you?" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 746).
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
The Need for Vigilance
(Jesus said to His disciples), [34] "But take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a snare; [35] for it will come upon all who dwell upon the face of the whole earth. [36] But watch at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."
___________________
Commentary:
34-36. At the end of His discourse Jesus emphasizes that every Christian needs to be vigilant: we do not know the day nor the hour in which He will ask us to render an account of our lives. Therefore, we must at all times be trying to do God's will, so that death, whenever it comes, will find us ready. For those who act in this way, sudden death never takes them by surprise. As St. Paul recommends: "You are not in darkness, brethren, for that day to surprise you like a thief" (1 Thessalonians 5:4). Vigilance consists in making a constant effort not to be attached to the things of this world (the concupiscence of the flesh, the concupiscence of the eyes and pride of life: cf. John 2:16) and in being assiduous in prayer, which keeps us close to God. If we live in this way, the day we die will be a day of joy and not of terror, for with God's help our vigilance will mean that our souls are ready to receive the visit of our Lord; they are in the state of grace: in meeting Christ we will not be meeting a judge who will find us guilty; instead He will embrace us and lead us into the house of His Father to remain there forever. "Does your soul not burn with the desire to make your Father-God happy when He has to judge you?" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 746).
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Principles and Practices, November 29
SPIRITUAL IDLENESS
If of all graces that of perseverance is the most precious, because it is the one which makes all the others of lasting value, certainly among the vices which beset the devout life spiritual idleness is one of the chief; for it is the contradictory of perseverance. Yet I doubt whether practically we regard it with the fear which it deserves.
All the three dispositions of our normal state, fatigue especially, are desolated by it. Struggle is tempted to give way to laziness and to take recreation apart from Christ. Fatigue is sorely drawn in its aching lassitude to fall from dry interior faith, and to seek consolation in creatures, a step almost as fatal as going to sleep in the snow. Rest murmurs when the trumpet sounds to renew the fight, and would fain prolong itself by natural means when supernatural means have ceased.
-Faber.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
If of all graces that of perseverance is the most precious, because it is the one which makes all the others of lasting value, certainly among the vices which beset the devout life spiritual idleness is one of the chief; for it is the contradictory of perseverance. Yet I doubt whether practically we regard it with the fear which it deserves.
All the three dispositions of our normal state, fatigue especially, are desolated by it. Struggle is tempted to give way to laziness and to take recreation apart from Christ. Fatigue is sorely drawn in its aching lassitude to fall from dry interior faith, and to seek consolation in creatures, a step almost as fatal as going to sleep in the snow. Rest murmurs when the trumpet sounds to renew the fight, and would fain prolong itself by natural means when supernatural means have ceased.
-Faber.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
Thoughts of St Augustine for November 29
Now we recognize Christ the cleanser; now we hold him in whom thou fulfillest thy promises. Show forth in him what thou hast promised.
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day-November 29
My Jesus, whose the hands that wove
That cruel thorny crown?
Who made that hard and heavy cross
Which weighs thy shoulders down?
'Tis I have thus ungrateful been,
Yet, Jesus, pity take;
Oh, spare and pardon me, my Lord,
For thy sweet mercy's sake.
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
That cruel thorny crown?
Who made that hard and heavy cross
Which weighs thy shoulders down?
'Tis I have thus ungrateful been,
Yet, Jesus, pity take;
Oh, spare and pardon me, my Lord,
For thy sweet mercy's sake.
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Gospel for Friday, 34th Week and Final Week in Ordinary Time
From: Luke 21:29-33
Discourse on the Destruction of Jerusalem
and the End of the World (Continuation)
[29] And He (Jesus) told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees; [30] as soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. [31] So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the Kingdom of God is near. [32] Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away till all has taken place. [33] Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away."
__________________________
Commentary:
31. The Kingdom of God, announced by John the Baptist (cf. Matthew 3:2) and described by our Lord in so many parables (cf. Matthew 13; Luke 13:18-20), is already present among the Apostles (Luke 17:20-21), but it is not yet fully manifest. Jesus here describes what it will be like when the Kingdom comes in all its fullness, and He invites us to pray for this very event in the Our Father: "Thy Kingdom come." "The Kingdom of God, which had its beginnings here on earth in the Church of Christ, is not of this world, whose form is passing, and its authentic development cannot be measured by the progress of civilization, of science and of technology. The true growth of the Kingdom of God consists in an ever deepening knowledge of the unfathomable riches of Christ, in an ever stronger hope in eternal blessings, in an ever more fervent response to the love of God, and in an ever more generous acceptance of grace and holiness by men" ("Creed of the People of God", 27). At the end of the world everything will be subjected to Christ and God will reign for ever more (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:24, 28).
32. Everything referring to the destruction of Jerusalem was fulfilled some forty years after our Lord's death--which meant that Jesus' contemporaries would be able to verify the truth of this prophecy. But the destruction of Jerusalem is a symbol of the end of the world; therefore, it can be said that the generation to which our Lord refers did see the end of the world, in a symbolic way. This verse can also be taken to refer to the generation of believers, that is, not just the particular generation of those Jesus was addressing (cf. note on Matthew 24:32-35).
[The note on Matthew 24:32-35 states:
32-35. Seeing in the destruction of Jerusalem a symbol of the end of the world, St. John Chrysostom applies to it this parable of the fig tree: "Here He also foretells a spiritual spring and a calm which, after the storm of the present life, the righteous will experience; whereas for sinners there will be a winter after the spring they have had [...]. But this was not the only reason why He put before them the parable of the fig tree, to tell them of the interval before His coming; He wanted to show them that His word would assuredly come true. As sure as the coming of spring is the coming of the Son of Man" ("Hom. on St. Matthew", 77).
"This generation": this verse is a clear example of what we say in the note on Matthew 24:1 about the destruction of Jerusalem being itself a symbol. "This generation" refers firstly to the people alive at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem. But, since that event is symbolic of the end of the world, we can say with St. John Chrysostom that "the Lord was speaking not only of the generation then living, but also of the generation of the believers; for He knows that a generation is distinguished not only by time but also by its mode of religious worship and practice: this is what the Psalmist means when he says that `such is the generation of those who seek Him' (Psalm 24:6)" ("Hom. on St. Matthew", 77).]
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Discourse on the Destruction of Jerusalem
and the End of the World (Continuation)
[29] And He (Jesus) told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees; [30] as soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. [31] So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the Kingdom of God is near. [32] Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away till all has taken place. [33] Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away."
__________________________
Commentary:
31. The Kingdom of God, announced by John the Baptist (cf. Matthew 3:2) and described by our Lord in so many parables (cf. Matthew 13; Luke 13:18-20), is already present among the Apostles (Luke 17:20-21), but it is not yet fully manifest. Jesus here describes what it will be like when the Kingdom comes in all its fullness, and He invites us to pray for this very event in the Our Father: "Thy Kingdom come." "The Kingdom of God, which had its beginnings here on earth in the Church of Christ, is not of this world, whose form is passing, and its authentic development cannot be measured by the progress of civilization, of science and of technology. The true growth of the Kingdom of God consists in an ever deepening knowledge of the unfathomable riches of Christ, in an ever stronger hope in eternal blessings, in an ever more fervent response to the love of God, and in an ever more generous acceptance of grace and holiness by men" ("Creed of the People of God", 27). At the end of the world everything will be subjected to Christ and God will reign for ever more (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:24, 28).
32. Everything referring to the destruction of Jerusalem was fulfilled some forty years after our Lord's death--which meant that Jesus' contemporaries would be able to verify the truth of this prophecy. But the destruction of Jerusalem is a symbol of the end of the world; therefore, it can be said that the generation to which our Lord refers did see the end of the world, in a symbolic way. This verse can also be taken to refer to the generation of believers, that is, not just the particular generation of those Jesus was addressing (cf. note on Matthew 24:32-35).
[The note on Matthew 24:32-35 states:
32-35. Seeing in the destruction of Jerusalem a symbol of the end of the world, St. John Chrysostom applies to it this parable of the fig tree: "Here He also foretells a spiritual spring and a calm which, after the storm of the present life, the righteous will experience; whereas for sinners there will be a winter after the spring they have had [...]. But this was not the only reason why He put before them the parable of the fig tree, to tell them of the interval before His coming; He wanted to show them that His word would assuredly come true. As sure as the coming of spring is the coming of the Son of Man" ("Hom. on St. Matthew", 77).
"This generation": this verse is a clear example of what we say in the note on Matthew 24:1 about the destruction of Jerusalem being itself a symbol. "This generation" refers firstly to the people alive at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem. But, since that event is symbolic of the end of the world, we can say with St. John Chrysostom that "the Lord was speaking not only of the generation then living, but also of the generation of the believers; for He knows that a generation is distinguished not only by time but also by its mode of religious worship and practice: this is what the Psalmist means when he says that `such is the generation of those who seek Him' (Psalm 24:6)" ("Hom. on St. Matthew", 77).]
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Principles and Practices - November 28
THE SOUL IN SENSIBLE QUIETUDE
Since for a long time past Our Lord has called you to this kind of prayer, granting to you to taste the sweetness of its fruits and to know the evils of the contrary method, stand firm therein, and as quietly as you can bring your mind back to this single consciousness of the presence of God and of self-abandonment in Him. And since your spirit desires that I should have recourse to obedience, I say this to it: Dear spirit, why strive to act the part of Martha in prayer, when God shows you that He wills you to take that of Mary? I command you, therefore, to abide simply in God or close to Him, without seeking to do anything or ask anything of Him whatever, save at His inspiration. Do not review your own conduct, only abide in His presence.
-St. Francis of Sales.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
Since for a long time past Our Lord has called you to this kind of prayer, granting to you to taste the sweetness of its fruits and to know the evils of the contrary method, stand firm therein, and as quietly as you can bring your mind back to this single consciousness of the presence of God and of self-abandonment in Him. And since your spirit desires that I should have recourse to obedience, I say this to it: Dear spirit, why strive to act the part of Martha in prayer, when God shows you that He wills you to take that of Mary? I command you, therefore, to abide simply in God or close to Him, without seeking to do anything or ask anything of Him whatever, save at His inspiration. Do not review your own conduct, only abide in His presence.
-St. Francis of Sales.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
Thoughts of St Augustine for November 28
HE that could have so healed his limbs as that no trace of wounds should appear there, chose to keep the scars on his body to heal the wound of doubt in our hearts.
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day-November 28
THE maxims of the world are diametrically opposed to the maxims of Jesus Christ. What the world esteems Jesus Christ has called folly. And what the world regards as folly Jesus Christ has strongly recommended, such as crosses, pains and contempt.
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Principles and Practices - November 27
WHAT SIN IS
Sin is the evil of God; it is opposed to all His perfections, which it wounds, dishonours, and outrages. God is truth; sin is error and lying; God is infinite goodness; sin is wickedness and malice itself; God is essential purity and holiness; sin is defilement, abomination and opprobrium; God is infinite justice; sin is disorder and injustice; God is unity; sin is division; God is the necessary Being; sin is nothingness. Wherefore sin is the opposite of God, directly opposed to all His divine perfections; God is the supreme Good, sin is the supreme evil.
-F. Girardey, C.SS.R.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
Sin is the evil of God; it is opposed to all His perfections, which it wounds, dishonours, and outrages. God is truth; sin is error and lying; God is infinite goodness; sin is wickedness and malice itself; God is essential purity and holiness; sin is defilement, abomination and opprobrium; God is infinite justice; sin is disorder and injustice; God is unity; sin is division; God is the necessary Being; sin is nothingness. Wherefore sin is the opposite of God, directly opposed to all His divine perfections; God is the supreme Good, sin is the supreme evil.
-F. Girardey, C.SS.R.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
Thoughts of St Augustine for November 27
THEREFORE consider God, your physician, ask of him health and salvation, and he himself wil1 be your salvation....What if he will not give thee the thing thou wishest to have, in order that he may give thee himself? He is removing obstacles to make his entrance into thee.
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day-November 27
My Lord, would it not have been enough hadst thou remained in this Sacrament during the day, when thou couldst have had adorers of thy presence; but why remain also the whole night, when men retire to their houses, leaving thee alone? I already understand thee; love has made thee our prisoner.
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
News Updates, 11/26
“We have watched with great distress”
U.S. bishops express support, solidarity with Mormons over attacks by foes of Prop. 8
Detractors Downplay Pro-Abortion FOCA Bill's Reach, Say Pro-Lifers Exaggerate
With Barack Obama in the White House and abortion advocates having a strong grip on Congress, pro-life advocates are wasting no time in energizing the grassroots for the next battle. While pro-life advocates accurately point out the far-reaching effects of the pro-abortion FOCA bill, detractors claim they're exaggerating.
Court lets Vatican sex-abuse case proceed
Three men alleging cover-up by officials at Holy See
Gonzaga disallows pro-life ad in campus paper
Catholic college objects to criticizing pro-abort groups
The list: Obama's anti-life appointments
Several have received 100% NARAL pro-choice rating
Church, hospital clash over tubal ligation
Report surfaces detailing 'direct sterilizations'
Bishops ask governor to stop Wash. execution
They propose instead life imprisonment for murderer
Senate Democrats [AKA, Morons] Reject Pro-Life Bush Nominee for Federal Judge Post
Richard Honaker hasn't received notice from Senate Democrats that they have rejected his nomination for a federal judgeship or will never take a vote on it. The pro-life Wyoming attorney has resigned himself to the fact that he will not become a judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming. Honaker, an attorney and former state legislator, received an appointment from President Bush two years ago to the position.
Cardinal leads protest against abortion
Archbishop of Houston expected to take public stands
Italian Communist had deathbed conversion
Vatican says Antonio Gramsci reverted to Catholic faith
Barack Obama's FOCA Bill Will Make Him the Most Pro-Abortion Presdient
Many of us have been discouraged by the outcome of the elections. Let's be honest—we are devastated. Pro-abortion groups are celebrating and we are mourning, not the loss of the elections, but the loss of life that will result.
Pope: Beauty inseparable from search for truth
World of art has fallen into a misunderstanding
Coptic leader seeks to avoid clash with Muslims
Shenuda III bans Christians from praying in hall
U.S. bishops express support, solidarity with Mormons over attacks by foes of Prop. 8
Detractors Downplay Pro-Abortion FOCA Bill's Reach, Say Pro-Lifers Exaggerate
With Barack Obama in the White House and abortion advocates having a strong grip on Congress, pro-life advocates are wasting no time in energizing the grassroots for the next battle. While pro-life advocates accurately point out the far-reaching effects of the pro-abortion FOCA bill, detractors claim they're exaggerating.
Court lets Vatican sex-abuse case proceed
Three men alleging cover-up by officials at Holy See
Gonzaga disallows pro-life ad in campus paper
Catholic college objects to criticizing pro-abort groups
The list: Obama's anti-life appointments
Several have received 100% NARAL pro-choice rating
Church, hospital clash over tubal ligation
Report surfaces detailing 'direct sterilizations'
Bishops ask governor to stop Wash. execution
They propose instead life imprisonment for murderer
Senate Democrats [AKA, Morons] Reject Pro-Life Bush Nominee for Federal Judge Post
Richard Honaker hasn't received notice from Senate Democrats that they have rejected his nomination for a federal judgeship or will never take a vote on it. The pro-life Wyoming attorney has resigned himself to the fact that he will not become a judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming. Honaker, an attorney and former state legislator, received an appointment from President Bush two years ago to the position.
Cardinal leads protest against abortion
Archbishop of Houston expected to take public stands
Italian Communist had deathbed conversion
Vatican says Antonio Gramsci reverted to Catholic faith
Barack Obama's FOCA Bill Will Make Him the Most Pro-Abortion Presdient
Many of us have been discouraged by the outcome of the elections. Let's be honest—we are devastated. Pro-abortion groups are celebrating and we are mourning, not the loss of the elections, but the loss of life that will result.
Pope: Beauty inseparable from search for truth
World of art has fallen into a misunderstanding
Coptic leader seeks to avoid clash with Muslims
Shenuda III bans Christians from praying in hall
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Gospel for Wednesday, 34th Week in Ordinary Time
Old Calendar: St. Sylvester, abbot; St. Peter of Alexandria, bishop and martyr; St. John Berchmans, priest RM
From: Luke 21:12-19
Discourse on the Destruction of Jerusalem and the End of the World (Continuation)
(Jesus said to His disciples), [12] "But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for My name's sake. [13] This will be a time for you to bear testimony. [14] Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; [15] for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. [16] You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends, and some of you they will put to death; [17] you will be hated by all for My name's sake. [18] But not a hair of your head will perish. [19] By your endurance you will gain your lives."
________________________
Commentary:
19. Jesus foretells all kinds of persecution. Persecution itself is something inevitable: "all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12). His disciples will have need to remember the Lord's warning at the Last Supper: "A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you" (John 15:20). However, these persecutions are part of God's providence: they happen because He lets them happen, which He does in order to draw greater good out of them. Persecution provides Christians with an opportunity to bear witness to Christ; without it the blood of martyrs would not adorn the Church. Moreover, our Lord promises to give special help to those who suffer persecution, and He tells them not to be afraid: He will give them of His own wisdom to enable them to defend themselves; He will not permit a hair of their heads to perish, that is, even apparent misfortune and loss will be for them a beginning of Heaven.
From Jesus' words we can also deduce the obligation of every Christian to be ready to lose life rather than offend God. Only those will attain salvation who persevere until the end in faithfulness to the Lord. The three Synoptic Gospels locate His exhortation to perseverance in this discourse (cf. Matthew 24:13; Mark 13:13) and St. Matthew gives it elsewhere (Matthew 10:22) as does St. Peter (1 Peter 5:9)--all of which underlines the importance for every Christian of this warning from our Lord.
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
From: Luke 21:12-19
Discourse on the Destruction of Jerusalem and the End of the World (Continuation)
(Jesus said to His disciples), [12] "But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for My name's sake. [13] This will be a time for you to bear testimony. [14] Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; [15] for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. [16] You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends, and some of you they will put to death; [17] you will be hated by all for My name's sake. [18] But not a hair of your head will perish. [19] By your endurance you will gain your lives."
________________________
Commentary:
19. Jesus foretells all kinds of persecution. Persecution itself is something inevitable: "all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12). His disciples will have need to remember the Lord's warning at the Last Supper: "A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you" (John 15:20). However, these persecutions are part of God's providence: they happen because He lets them happen, which He does in order to draw greater good out of them. Persecution provides Christians with an opportunity to bear witness to Christ; without it the blood of martyrs would not adorn the Church. Moreover, our Lord promises to give special help to those who suffer persecution, and He tells them not to be afraid: He will give them of His own wisdom to enable them to defend themselves; He will not permit a hair of their heads to perish, that is, even apparent misfortune and loss will be for them a beginning of Heaven.
From Jesus' words we can also deduce the obligation of every Christian to be ready to lose life rather than offend God. Only those will attain salvation who persevere until the end in faithfulness to the Lord. The three Synoptic Gospels locate His exhortation to perseverance in this discourse (cf. Matthew 24:13; Mark 13:13) and St. Matthew gives it elsewhere (Matthew 10:22) as does St. Peter (1 Peter 5:9)--all of which underlines the importance for every Christian of this warning from our Lord.
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Principles and Practices - November 26
EXAMPLE OF JESUS CHRIST
Let it never be told that we care so little for Christ, that we make so little account of the most illustrious actions which He performed for our example, and that we show Him so little love. Let us often ponder what He has suffered for us, and the unconquerable patience with which he suffered; and let us do this in particular when tribulations assail us, in order that we may reproduce in ourselves the features of His wondrous endurance.
-J.B.Scaramelli, S.J.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
Let it never be told that we care so little for Christ, that we make so little account of the most illustrious actions which He performed for our example, and that we show Him so little love. Let us often ponder what He has suffered for us, and the unconquerable patience with which he suffered; and let us do this in particular when tribulations assail us, in order that we may reproduce in ourselves the features of His wondrous endurance.
-J.B.Scaramelli, S.J.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
Thoughts of St Augustine for November 26
To thee, Lord, have I lifted up my soul, and how have I lifted it up? As best I could, as thou hast given me strength, in such measure as I was able to overtake it and catch it on its flight.
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day-November 26
THE flesh desires what the spirit dislikes; and the spirit pants for what the flesh abhors. The false love of the flesh destroys the true charity we owe to ourselves; inordinate compassion towards the body is full of cruelty because by indu1ging the flesh it kills the soul.
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
Monday, November 24, 2008
News Updates, 11/25
Catholic Leader: Excommunication Possible for Backing Pro-Abortion FOCA Bill
A top Catholic leader says it is possible that Catholic members of Congress who vote for the Freedom of Choice Act could face excommunication. Cardinal France George of Chicago, the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, made the comments about excommunication in an interview with CNS...
Church defends priests, nun accused of murder
Says arrests are an attempt to 'save the skin' of police
Pope: Dialogue among religions should be pursued
Jewish, Muslim leaders cautiously praise Benedict XVI
Tan Books acquired by Saint Benedict Press
Traditional Catholic publisher pulled from bankruptcy
Bishop: I would give my life to end abortions
Robert Hermann's comment drawing worldwide acclaim
Texas: bishop acknowledges, laments sterilizations were done at Catholic hospitals
Bishop Alvaro Corrada of Tyler, Texas has acknowledged the accuracy of reports that Catholic hospitals in that state were allowing doctors to perform tubal ligations, rendering women sterile.
Arrested Mafia Godfather turns to God in prison
'Boss of bosses' spends his days "praying, reading the Bible"
Gonzaga University Twice Disallows Pro-Life Advertisement in Campus Newspaper
Gonzaga University, a prominent Catholic college, is coming under fire for twice denying a pro-life group the ability to run a pro-life advertisement in the student newspaper.
Obama admin reveals plans to advance gay agenda
Citing what they call America's 'promise of equality'
Hollywood ponders next step in gay marriage fight
Worrying about free speech rights being trampled
Pope pondering change to Mass liturgy
Sign of Peace may be moved to keep solemnity
Cardinal Arinze: Pope consulting with all bishops about moving Sign of Peace
Cardinal Francis Arinze, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, told the official Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano on Friday that Pope Benedict is consulting with the world’s bishops about moving the Sign of Peace during Mass.
London's Archbishop of Westminster keen to retire
Four bishops rumored to be recommended as replacement
Obama Helping Pro-Abortion Martin in Georgia Against Pro-Life Chambliss
Pro-life advocates are counting on every vote to help them stop the pro-abortion agenda Barack Obama will unleash next year once he takes office. Though Obama isn't president yet, they are already fighting him in the race to keep another pro-life vote -- Saxby Chambliss -- in the Senate.
A top Catholic leader says it is possible that Catholic members of Congress who vote for the Freedom of Choice Act could face excommunication. Cardinal France George of Chicago, the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, made the comments about excommunication in an interview with CNS...
Church defends priests, nun accused of murder
Says arrests are an attempt to 'save the skin' of police
Pope: Dialogue among religions should be pursued
Jewish, Muslim leaders cautiously praise Benedict XVI
Tan Books acquired by Saint Benedict Press
Traditional Catholic publisher pulled from bankruptcy
Bishop: I would give my life to end abortions
Robert Hermann's comment drawing worldwide acclaim
Texas: bishop acknowledges, laments sterilizations were done at Catholic hospitals
Bishop Alvaro Corrada of Tyler, Texas has acknowledged the accuracy of reports that Catholic hospitals in that state were allowing doctors to perform tubal ligations, rendering women sterile.
Arrested Mafia Godfather turns to God in prison
'Boss of bosses' spends his days "praying, reading the Bible"
Gonzaga University Twice Disallows Pro-Life Advertisement in Campus Newspaper
Gonzaga University, a prominent Catholic college, is coming under fire for twice denying a pro-life group the ability to run a pro-life advertisement in the student newspaper.
Obama admin reveals plans to advance gay agenda
Citing what they call America's 'promise of equality'
Hollywood ponders next step in gay marriage fight
Worrying about free speech rights being trampled
Pope pondering change to Mass liturgy
Sign of Peace may be moved to keep solemnity
Cardinal Arinze: Pope consulting with all bishops about moving Sign of Peace
Cardinal Francis Arinze, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, told the official Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano on Friday that Pope Benedict is consulting with the world’s bishops about moving the Sign of Peace during Mass.
London's Archbishop of Westminster keen to retire
Four bishops rumored to be recommended as replacement
Obama Helping Pro-Abortion Martin in Georgia Against Pro-Life Chambliss
Pro-life advocates are counting on every vote to help them stop the pro-abortion agenda Barack Obama will unleash next year once he takes office. Though Obama isn't president yet, they are already fighting him in the race to keep another pro-life vote -- Saxby Chambliss -- in the Senate.
Gospel for Tuesday, 34th and Final Week in Ordinary Time
Optional Memorial of St. Catherine of Alexandria, virgin and martyr
Old Calendar: St. Catherine of Alexandria, virgin and martyr
From: Luke 21:5-11
Discourse on the Destruction of Jerusalem and the End of the World
[5] And as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, He (Jesus) said, [6] "As for these things which you see, the days will come when there shall not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down." [7] And they asked Him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign when this is about to take place?" [8] And He said, "Take heed that you are not led astray; for many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He!' and, 'The time is at hand!' Do not go after them. [9] And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified; for this must first take place, but the end will not be at once."
[10] Then He said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; [11] there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven."
______________________
Commentary:
5-36. The disciples are in awe of the magnificence of the temple, and Jesus uses the occasion to give a long discourse, known as the "eschatological discourse" because it has to do with the last days of the world. The account given here is very similar to those in the other Synoptic Gospels (cf. Mt 24:1-51; Mk 13:1-37). The discourse deals with three inter-connected subjects--the destruction of Jerusalem (which took place some forty years later), the end of the world, andthe second coming of Christ in glory and majesty. Jesus, who also predicts here the persecution of the Church will experience, exhorts His disciples to be patient, to pray and be watchful.
Our Lord speaks here in the style and language of prophecy, using images taken from the Old Testament; also, in this discourse prophecies which are going to be fulfilled very soon are mixed in with others which have to do with the end of the world. It is not our Lord's intention to satisfy people's curiosity about future events, but to protect them from being discouraged and scandalized about what is going to happen in the days immediately ahead. This explains why He exhorts them: "Take heed that you are not led astray" (v. 8); "do not be tempted" (v. 9); "watch at all times" (v. 34).
8. On hearing that Jerusalem is going to be destroyed, the disciples ask what sign will be given as a warning of these events (vv. 5-7). Jesus answers by telling them "not to be led astray," that is to say, not to expect any warning; not to be misled by false prophets; to stay faithful to Him. These false prophets will come along claiming to be the Messiah ("I am He!"). Our Lord's reply in fact refers to two events which in the Jewish mind were interrelated--the destruction of the Holy City and the end of the world. This is why He goes on to speak of both events and implies that there will be a long gap between the two; the destruction of the temple and of Jerusalem are a kind of sign or symbol of the catastrophes which will mark the end of the world.
9-11. Our Lord does not want His disciples to confuse just any catastrophe--famine, earthquake, war--or even persecution with the signals of the end of the world. He exhorts them quite clearly: "Do not be tempted," because although all these has to happen, "the end will not be at once;" in spite of the difficulties of all kinds the Gospel will spread to the ends of the earth. Difficulties should not paralyze the preaching of the faith.
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Old Calendar: St. Catherine of Alexandria, virgin and martyr
From: Luke 21:5-11
Discourse on the Destruction of Jerusalem and the End of the World
[5] And as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, He (Jesus) said, [6] "As for these things which you see, the days will come when there shall not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down." [7] And they asked Him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign when this is about to take place?" [8] And He said, "Take heed that you are not led astray; for many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He!' and, 'The time is at hand!' Do not go after them. [9] And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified; for this must first take place, but the end will not be at once."
[10] Then He said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; [11] there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven."
______________________
Commentary:
5-36. The disciples are in awe of the magnificence of the temple, and Jesus uses the occasion to give a long discourse, known as the "eschatological discourse" because it has to do with the last days of the world. The account given here is very similar to those in the other Synoptic Gospels (cf. Mt 24:1-51; Mk 13:1-37). The discourse deals with three inter-connected subjects--the destruction of Jerusalem (which took place some forty years later), the end of the world, andthe second coming of Christ in glory and majesty. Jesus, who also predicts here the persecution of the Church will experience, exhorts His disciples to be patient, to pray and be watchful.
Our Lord speaks here in the style and language of prophecy, using images taken from the Old Testament; also, in this discourse prophecies which are going to be fulfilled very soon are mixed in with others which have to do with the end of the world. It is not our Lord's intention to satisfy people's curiosity about future events, but to protect them from being discouraged and scandalized about what is going to happen in the days immediately ahead. This explains why He exhorts them: "Take heed that you are not led astray" (v. 8); "do not be tempted" (v. 9); "watch at all times" (v. 34).
8. On hearing that Jerusalem is going to be destroyed, the disciples ask what sign will be given as a warning of these events (vv. 5-7). Jesus answers by telling them "not to be led astray," that is to say, not to expect any warning; not to be misled by false prophets; to stay faithful to Him. These false prophets will come along claiming to be the Messiah ("I am He!"). Our Lord's reply in fact refers to two events which in the Jewish mind were interrelated--the destruction of the Holy City and the end of the world. This is why He goes on to speak of both events and implies that there will be a long gap between the two; the destruction of the temple and of Jerusalem are a kind of sign or symbol of the catastrophes which will mark the end of the world.
9-11. Our Lord does not want His disciples to confuse just any catastrophe--famine, earthquake, war--or even persecution with the signals of the end of the world. He exhorts them quite clearly: "Do not be tempted," because although all these has to happen, "the end will not be at once;" in spite of the difficulties of all kinds the Gospel will spread to the ends of the earth. Difficulties should not paralyze the preaching of the faith.
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Principles and Practices - November 25
LET ME SEE HIM IN THINGS
When I see in things that which leads to God, I see the truth. For this true, this entirely true, side of creatures is that which glorifies God, since that is its essential destiny and the fundamental reason of its existence. The whole constitution and properties of beings are ordained and disposed to procure the glory of their Author. The great and full truth of things is their aptitude for revealing the greatness of God. When I see them in this light, I have the truth, which is the law and the life of my mind.
-Tissot.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
When I see in things that which leads to God, I see the truth. For this true, this entirely true, side of creatures is that which glorifies God, since that is its essential destiny and the fundamental reason of its existence. The whole constitution and properties of beings are ordained and disposed to procure the glory of their Author. The great and full truth of things is their aptitude for revealing the greatness of God. When I see them in this light, I have the truth, which is the law and the life of my mind.
-Tissot.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
Thoughts of St Augustine for November 25
HE suffers those follies of ours, and still expects of us prayer that he may perfect us; and when we give it to him he takes it kindly and hears us, remembering not the many prayers that we pour out at random, but rather receiving that one which we have hardly found heart to make.
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
_________________________
Click here for more information.
From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day-November 25
OUR blessed Redeemer passed the first part of his infancy in Egypt, leading there for seven years a life of poverty and contempt. Joseph and Mary were both strangers and unknown there, having there neither relatives nor friends; and they could hardly earn their daily bread by the labour of their hands. Their cottage was poor, their food was poor.
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
_________________
From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
Missouri Right to Life: Prepare To Fight FOCA
From MO Right to Life:
Dear Pro-Life Missourian,
I'm writing to let you know that we plan to intensify our battle over a terrible piece of federal legislation called "The Freedom of Choice Act" (FOCA).
FOCA would establish the right to abortion as a fundamental right (like the right to free speech) and wipe away every restriction on abortion nationwide.
It will eradicate all pro-life laws in Missouri that we have worked so hard to pass in the last 35 years. It will also eradicate all federal abortion laws that the majority of Americans support.
For more information on FOCA,visit http://www.nrlc.org/FOCA/index.html.
Join us in our battle and sign the petition to stop FOCA
Thank you!
Pam Fichter
President
=======================
More information on FOCA:
If FOCA becomes law...It would eliminate all of the federal and state laws passed in the past 35 years that restrict abortion and protect women and unborn babies.Three ways you can help Stop FOCA:
You, as a taxpayer, will be forced to pay for abortions.
Partial-birth abortion will be legal again.
There will be secret abortions for our minor daughters with no parental involvement.
No mandatory information or waiting periods for women seeking abortions will be required.
Medical professionals and facilities will be forced to perform abortions.
The number of abortions will skyrocket!1. Sign the FOCA Petition: http://www.missourilife.org/mrl_pac/foca.html
2. Call your Congressman, Senator Bond and Senator McCaskill and let them know that you oppose FOCA. For Federal Legislators, the telephone switchboards are:
U.S. Senate: (202) 225-3121
U.S. House : (202) 224-3121
3. Forward this email to your family, friends, church members and associates and ask them to sign the petition and contact their U.S. Legislators.
Dr Edward Peters: Canonical options for dealing with Catholic legislative support for FOCA
Dr Peters writes:
The final wording of the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) has yet to be set, but there is every indication that it will be the most radical piece of pro-abortion legislation ever proposed at the federal level.Read about them here.
The near certainty that FOCA will be re-introduced (compounded by the increased likelihood that it will pass and be signed into law) means that, ready or not, Catholic bishops will have to face squarely the problem of well-known Catholic legislators supporting a specifically and gravely evil bill.
As I see it, bishops have four options for dealing with Catholic legislators who support FOCA.
News Updates, 11/24
Obama selects pro-abort leader for key post
Ellen Moran will serve as communications director
Vatican 'forgives' John Lennon for impious quip
Beatle said his group was 'more popular than Jesus'
Child sex abuse claims divide Orthodox Jews
Dozens have come forward with stories about molestation
Infighting leaves 'Catholic' colony in flux
Created in the backlash against Vatican II reforms
Growing numbers train to be priests in Ireland
Director: Continuing dearth of vocations is 'a myth'
Mexican priest blesses transvestite revelers
Indigenous gays have found acceptance in Juchitan
Catholics honor victims of Japan's oppression
Ceremony to recall bloody anti-Christian persecution
'David and Goliath' city found in Israel?
Hailed as most important recent archaeological discovery
Cardinal Stafford stands by criticism of Obama
Vatican prelate said election was 'a cultural earthquake'
Ellen Moran will serve as communications director
Vatican 'forgives' John Lennon for impious quip
Beatle said his group was 'more popular than Jesus'
Child sex abuse claims divide Orthodox Jews
Dozens have come forward with stories about molestation
Infighting leaves 'Catholic' colony in flux
Created in the backlash against Vatican II reforms
Growing numbers train to be priests in Ireland
Director: Continuing dearth of vocations is 'a myth'
Mexican priest blesses transvestite revelers
Indigenous gays have found acceptance in Juchitan
Catholics honor victims of Japan's oppression
Ceremony to recall bloody anti-Christian persecution
'David and Goliath' city found in Israel?
Hailed as most important recent archaeological discovery
Cardinal Stafford stands by criticism of Obama
Vatican prelate said election was 'a cultural earthquake'
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Gospel for Nov 24, Memorial: St Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest and Martyr, and Companions, Martyrs
Gospel for Monday, 34th Week in Ordinary Time
From: Luke 21:1-4
The Widow's Mite
[1] He (Jesus) looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury; [2] and He saw a poor widow put in two copper coins. [3] And He said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; [4] for they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all the living she had."
____________________
Commentary:
1-4. Our Lord, surrounded by His disciples, watches people putting offerings into the treasury. This was a place in the women's courtyard, where there were various collection boxes for the offerings of the faithful. Just then, something happens whose significance Jesus wants His disciples to notice: a poor widow puts in two small coins, of very little value. He describes this as the greatest offering of all, praising the generosity of giving alms for this purpose, particularly that of those people who give part of what they need. Our Lord is moved by this tiny offering because in her case it implies a big sacrifice. "The Lord does not look", St. John Chrysostom comments, "at the amount offered but at the affection with which it is offered" ("Hom. on Heb", 1). Generosity is of the essence of almsgiving. This woman teaches us that we can move God's heart if we give Him all we can, which will always amount to very little even if we give our very lives. "How little a life is to offer to God!" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 42).
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
From: Luke 21:1-4
The Widow's Mite
[1] He (Jesus) looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury; [2] and He saw a poor widow put in two copper coins. [3] And He said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; [4] for they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all the living she had."
____________________
Commentary:
1-4. Our Lord, surrounded by His disciples, watches people putting offerings into the treasury. This was a place in the women's courtyard, where there were various collection boxes for the offerings of the faithful. Just then, something happens whose significance Jesus wants His disciples to notice: a poor widow puts in two small coins, of very little value. He describes this as the greatest offering of all, praising the generosity of giving alms for this purpose, particularly that of those people who give part of what they need. Our Lord is moved by this tiny offering because in her case it implies a big sacrifice. "The Lord does not look", St. John Chrysostom comments, "at the amount offered but at the affection with which it is offered" ("Hom. on Heb", 1). Generosity is of the essence of almsgiving. This woman teaches us that we can move God's heart if we give Him all we can, which will always amount to very little even if we give our very lives. "How little a life is to offer to God!" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 42).
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Principles and Practices - November 24
A WORTHIER OBJECT
Anything we can do to protect and brighten the home--our own first, and any other we can influence, is well worth an output of labour, ingenuity, and tact--by which we mean those little thoughtful attentions which do so much to strengthen its hold and make the wheels run smoothly. To keep this steadily before us is a worthier object than a constant round of excitement and pleasure. To lead a consistent Catholic life in our home and neighbourhood, utilizing our opportunities and being ready for little sacrifices, is no small service of God.
-Mother Mary Loyola.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
Anything we can do to protect and brighten the home--our own first, and any other we can influence, is well worth an output of labour, ingenuity, and tact--by which we mean those little thoughtful attentions which do so much to strengthen its hold and make the wheels run smoothly. To keep this steadily before us is a worthier object than a constant round of excitement and pleasure. To lead a consistent Catholic life in our home and neighbourhood, utilizing our opportunities and being ready for little sacrifices, is no small service of God.
-Mother Mary Loyola.
_________________
From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930
Thoughts of St Augustine for November 24
THE Body of this Head is the Church, not the Church in this place alone, but in this place and all over the earth.
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From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
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From Thoughts of St Augustine for Every Day
by Kathleen Mary Balfe (© 1926)
Nihil Obstat: Georgius D. Smith, S.T.D
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont
Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day-November 24
WHAT is our life on this earth but a scene, which passes away and ends very soon? He who acts the part of a king takes not the purple with him. Tell me, O Villa, O Mansion, how many masters have you had?
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From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
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From Thoughts from St Alphonsus for Every Day
Compiled by Rev. C. McNeiry, C.SS.R.
Imprimatur: Joseph Hull, C.SS.R., Prov. Angl. Sup.
Nihil Obstat: Innocentlus Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor Deptutatus.
Imprimatur: Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius Generalis.
Westmonasterii, Die 9a Junii, 1927.
First published 1927
Bishop Hermann: It would be a "privilege to die tomorrow to bring about an end to abortion."
From the St Louis review:
Read more of Bishop Hermann's interview here.
Last week at the annual fall assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, archdiocesan administrator Bishop Robert J. Hermann stated that for any bishop, it would be a "privilege to die tomorrow to bring about an end to abortion."Kudos to Bishop Hermann to speak so boldly in a culture infatuated with self and which denies the most innocent the inalienable right to life. The fact that some "shepherds" are unwilling to speak the truth of this evil of abortion, to say nothing of them willing to lay down their lives for the sake of Christ and His littles ones, speaks volumes about the state of the Church in Amerika today.
His comments were picked up by media outlets across the country and have been touted in the blogosphere as a courageous statement in the defense of unborn human life.
Review staff writer Jennifer Brinker recently met with Bishop Hermann, where he reflected on his statement and also answered several other questions relating to the issue of abortion, the bishops’ meeting and the recent presidential election.
Let’s delve right into the issue at hand. At the recent bishops’ meeting in Baltimore, you said this:
"We have lost 50 times as many children in the last 35 years as we have lost soldiers in all the wars since the Revolution.
"I think any bishop here would consider it a privilege to die tomorrow to bring about an end to abortion.
"If we are willing to die tomorrow, then we should be willing to, until the end of our lives, to take all kinds of criticism for opposing this horrible infanticide."...
Read more of Bishop Hermann's interview here.
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