+JMJ+
In this e-weekly:
- Saving on Gas and being More Safe on the Road ("Helpful Hints of Life")
- Sunday Mass Readings and Questions for Reflection
- MOTHER'S PRAYER TO THE GUARDIAN ANGEL OF HER CHILDREN (Praying Hands at end of e-weekly)
In this e-weekly:
- Saving on Gas and being More Safe on the Road ("Helpful Hints of Life")
- Sunday Mass Readings and Questions for Reflection
- MOTHER'S PRAYER TO THE GUARDIAN ANGEL OF HER CHILDREN (Praying Hands at end of e-weekly)
Catholic Good News
Receiving the Gospel, Serving God and Neighbor
Ordinary Time
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:" Ecclesiaties 3:1
Receiving the Gospel, Serving God and Neighbor
Ordinary Time
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:" Ecclesiaties 3:1
Dear friends in Christ Jesus,
We are currently in Ordinary Time, that is ORDERED time. It is not 'ordinary' in that there is nothing special about it; it is 'ordered' so that we can grow in love of God and neighbor, and true love of self.
We are going through the big green section of the Church's Liturgical calendar. You hear and will hear, read and will read, Sunday after Sunday, "30th Sunday of Ordinary Time, 31st Sunday of Ordinary Time, 32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time," etc. This in a sense is asking you the same questions each week: Are you loving God and your neighbor more? Are you working on those faults and sins in your life? Do you truly desire Heaven, your true home? Green is for growing and that is what we are meant to do in this season.
Put God first this Sunday, put everyone else second, and then you will love yourself, not because you put yourself last, but because it is in the right place ORDERED to true love and happiness.
Peace and prayers in Jesus through Mary, loved by Saint Joseph,
Father Robert
P.S. This coming Sunday is 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time. The readings can be found at: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102322.cfm
We are currently in Ordinary Time, that is ORDERED time. It is not 'ordinary' in that there is nothing special about it; it is 'ordered' so that we can grow in love of God and neighbor, and true love of self.
We are going through the big green section of the Church's Liturgical calendar. You hear and will hear, read and will read, Sunday after Sunday, "30th Sunday of Ordinary Time, 31st Sunday of Ordinary Time, 32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time," etc. This in a sense is asking you the same questions each week: Are you loving God and your neighbor more? Are you working on those faults and sins in your life? Do you truly desire Heaven, your true home? Green is for growing and that is what we are meant to do in this season.
Put God first this Sunday, put everyone else second, and then you will love yourself, not because you put yourself last, but because it is in the right place ORDERED to true love and happiness.
Peace and prayers in Jesus through Mary, loved by Saint Joseph,
Father Robert
P.S. This coming Sunday is 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time. The readings can be found at: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102322.cfm
Homilies (second one contains the Gospel) from Sacred Heart of Jesus and 10th Sunday of Ordinary Time is found below (5, 7 minutes length respectively):
http://www.freewebs.com/godislove333/Sacred%20Heart%20of%20Jesus-St%20Michael%208am-Our%20Heart-Heart%20of%20Jesus.wav
http://www.freewebs.com/godislove333/10th%20Sunday%20of%20Ordinary%20Time-Cycle%20A-6-8-2008-St%20Michael%2010am-Wait%20for%20the%20Lord%20in%20Patience%20and%20Hope-Letter%20read%20Granting%20me%20move%20to%20Parish.wav
http://www.freewebs.com/godislove333/Sacred%20Heart%20of%20Jesus-St%20Michael%208am-Our%20Heart-Heart%20of%20Jesus.wav
http://www.freewebs.com/godislove333/10th%20Sunday%20of%20Ordinary%20Time-Cycle%20A-6-8-2008-St%20Michael%2010am-Wait%20for%20the%20Lord%20in%20Patience%20and%20Hope-Letter%20read%20Granting%20me%20move%20to%20Parish.wav
588. What does “Hallowed be thy Name” mean? (Catechism of the Catholic Church, CCC 2807-2812, 2858)
a) a desire for hallowedness to be over all the earth
b) a petition that our name may be holy as God’s name is holy
c) a prayer of praise that acknowledges God as holy
d) none of the above
589. How is the Name of God made holy in us and in the world? (CCC 2813-2815)
a) in that we want all men to bless the Name of the Lord
b) that the Name of God may be known to all
c) in our Baptism touching every part of our life
d) all of the above
590. What does the Church ask for when she prays “Thy Kingdom come”? (CCC 2816-2821, 2859)
a) the Church prays for the final coming of the Kingdom of the God
b) the Church is asking for earthly perfection
c) the Church acknowledges that she does fine on her own, but even better with God
d) the Church is praying for Jesus to set up an kingdom on earth only
591. Why pray “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”? (CCC 2822-2827,
2860)
a) to help unite our will to that of Jesus
b) the will of the Father is that all be saved
c) that God’s loving plan is realized here on earth
d) all of the above
(Answers below)
a) a desire for hallowedness to be over all the earth
b) a petition that our name may be holy as God’s name is holy
c) a prayer of praise that acknowledges God as holy
d) none of the above
589. How is the Name of God made holy in us and in the world? (CCC 2813-2815)
a) in that we want all men to bless the Name of the Lord
b) that the Name of God may be known to all
c) in our Baptism touching every part of our life
d) all of the above
590. What does the Church ask for when she prays “Thy Kingdom come”? (CCC 2816-2821, 2859)
a) the Church prays for the final coming of the Kingdom of the God
b) the Church is asking for earthly perfection
c) the Church acknowledges that she does fine on her own, but even better with God
d) the Church is praying for Jesus to set up an kingdom on earth only
591. Why pray “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”? (CCC 2822-2827,
2860)
a) to help unite our will to that of Jesus
b) the will of the Father is that all be saved
c) that God’s loving plan is realized here on earth
d) all of the above
(Answers below)
Catholic Terms
Ordinary Time
(Middle English ordinarie "regular", Latin ordinarius "ordered" + from Middle English timen "to arrange a time")
- liturgical time ordered to practice the Christian Life
[Ordinary Time is represented by green in the liturgical Church year. It is the largest part of the Churches calendar broken up in two sections between the end of the Christmas Season and the start of Lent, and the end of the Easter Season and the start of Advent.]
(Middle English ordinarie "regular", Latin ordinarius "ordered" + from Middle English timen "to arrange a time")
- liturgical time ordered to practice the Christian Life
[Ordinary Time is represented by green in the liturgical Church year. It is the largest part of the Churches calendar broken up in two sections between the end of the Christmas Season and the start of Lent, and the end of the Easter Season and the start of Advent.]
"Helpful Hints of Life"
Saving on Gas and being More Safe on the Road
1) Accelerate slowing; do not drive agreesively (save average of 31%)
2) Lower speeds (save average 12%) [Speed Limit or 5 mph less than speed limit]
3) Use cruise control (save average 7%)
more from: http://www.wikihow.com/Save-Money-on-Gas
"In time we can discover that God in his almighty providence can bring a good from the consequences of an evil, even a moral evil, caused by his creatures: "It was not you", said Joseph to his brothers, "who sent me here, but God. . . You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive." From the greatest moral evil ever committed - the rejection and murder of God's only Son, caused by the sins of all men - God, by his grace that "abounded all the more", brought the greatest of goods: the glorification of Christ and our redemption. But for all that, evil never becomes a good.
-Catechism of the Catholic Church #312
Saving on Gas and being More Safe on the Road
1) Accelerate slowing; do not drive agreesively (save average of 31%)
2) Lower speeds (save average 12%) [Speed Limit or 5 mph less than speed limit]
3) Use cruise control (save average 7%)
more from: http://www.wikihow.com/Save-Money-on-Gas
"In time we can discover that God in his almighty providence can bring a good from the consequences of an evil, even a moral evil, caused by his creatures: "It was not you", said Joseph to his brothers, "who sent me here, but God. . . You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive." From the greatest moral evil ever committed - the rejection and murder of God's only Son, caused by the sins of all men - God, by his grace that "abounded all the more", brought the greatest of goods: the glorification of Christ and our redemption. But for all that, evil never becomes a good.
-Catechism of the Catholic Church #312
For Your Marriage
http://www.foryourmarriage.org/
The site is not only a source for custom designed ceremony programs, but also a place to find information on relevant topics. To this end, there is an excellent section devoted to helping users understand what the Catholic Church teaches about the Mass, prayer, engagements and weddings. As our culture respects the dignity of the marital vocation less and less, this site recalls the true solemnity of a wedding and the fact that marriage is something worth celebrating.
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[For those traveling and needing to get to the Holy Mass.]
MASS TIMES AND CATHOLIC CHURCHES throughout the US
http://www.MassTimes.org/dotNet/default.aspx
Simply type in the town you will be in.
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Oct 22, 2022 / 04:00 am
“If I can speak to God directly, why should I tell my sins to a human man? I haven’t killed anyone; I don’t need confession. I always confess the same sins.”
A priest and canon lawyer of the Vatican recently responded to these and other questions in a speech on “(Good) Reasons for Not Going to Confession.”
Monsignor Krzysztof Nykiel is regent of the Apostolic Penitentiary, the office of the Roman Curia responsible for issues related to the sacrament known as penance, reconciliation, or confession.
He addressed 10 common objections during an Oct. 13–14 conference on “celebrating the sacrament of confession today,” organized by the Vatican’s Apostolic Penitentiary in Rome and streamed online.
Vatican City, Oct 22, 2022 / 04:00 am
“If I can speak to God directly, why should I tell my sins to a human man? I haven’t killed anyone; I don’t need confession. I always confess the same sins.”
A priest and canon lawyer of the Vatican recently responded to these and other questions in a speech on “(Good) Reasons for Not Going to Confession.”
Monsignor Krzysztof Nykiel is regent of the Apostolic Penitentiary, the office of the Roman Curia responsible for issues related to the sacrament known as penance, reconciliation, or confession.
He addressed 10 common objections during an Oct. 13–14 conference on “celebrating the sacrament of confession today,” organized by the Vatican’s Apostolic Penitentiary in Rome and streamed online.
Here are six of Nykiel’s answers to common reasons people give for not going to confession:
1. I don’t go to confession because I can speak with God directly.
Prayer, or dialogue with God, is good, Nykiel said. It is good to do a frequent examination of conscience and even to ask God for forgiveness for our sins in our personal prayer.
“And certainly,” he explained, “it is not impossible to obtain pardon even just ‘speaking directly with God’ in prayer, but we cannot ever be certain of it.”
“And it is exactly in this ‘certainty’ [that] lies the fundamental difference between the requested and rightly hoped-for forgiveness in the humble prayer to God and the forgiveness obtained in the celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation,” he continued.
“The penitent who humbly confesses his sins and obtains absolution for them from the priest is morally sure, for certainty of faith, that his sins are forgiven and will not be imputed to him on the day of judgment,” he said. “The difference between a well-founded hope and a certainty, it seems to me, is worth all the effort of confession.”
2. I don’t go to confession because the priest could be a worse sinner than me.
Nykiel said it is true that priests, who are not God, nor the Immaculate Conception, could find themselves in graver sin than the penitent.
He reassured anyone concerned, however, that even though priests are sinners too, “the moral condition of the priest at the time of sacramental absolution is completely irrelevant to the validity of the absolution.”
“Giving up confession because of uncertainty about the confessor’s moral condition would be like giving up medical treatment because of uncertainty about the doctor’s health condition,” he said.
3. I don't go to confession because I always say the same things.
The priest said it is tempting to respond to this objection by joking that it is a “good thing they are always the same; it means there are no new sins!”
“But joking aside, repeated frailty in the same sins is no reason to abandon confession; in fact, it is exactly the opposite,” he urged. “Only the humble surrender of oneself to God, imploring his mercy, makes it possible to fight and win against the vices that can bind and sometimes grip our souls.”
Nykiel recalled a line he attributed to St. Augustine: “If we defeated one vice a year, we would soon be saints.”
He also said St. John Vianney, the Curé of Ars, would affirm that “‘God always forgives us, even if he knows that we will sin again.’ So ‘always committing the same sins’ is not a reason to not go to confession, but on the contrary, [it is a reason] to resort to the sacrament more frequently and faithfully.”
4. I don’t go to confession because I’m basically a good person who hasn’t stolen anything or killed anyone.
Nykiel warned people to be vigilant, because having not committed some very serious sins is a gift of grace that can risk becoming “a reason for pride in believing oneself righteous before others or, much worse, God. No one can be righteous before God.”
“The sense of one’s sin and unworthiness before God is always directly proportional to one’s proximity to him,” he explained. “The great saints have always claimed to feel like great sinners. If we do not feel like sinners, we are probably not yet saints.”
He used another analogy, comparing God to the light and heat of the sun: “The closer we get to the ‘sun of God,’ the more intensely we feel the burning fire of our sin and deeply desire to be freed from it. If we do not feel this burning desire, we are probably still far from the sun of Christ.”
The canon lawyer further noted that the Church requires Catholics to go to confession at least once per year and to receive Holy Communion at least during the Easter season. So, he pointed out, if someone has voluntarily gone longer than one year without going to confession, he or she is at fault for this reason.
Is the excuse of not having committed certain grave sins, he added, “not an attempt at self-justification, at self-reproach that ends up dispensing with the salvation offered by Christ? Does not a fear of the reality of self hide behind those masks of respectability?”
“And finally, are we sure that the only way to ‘kill’ is to deprive [someone of] physical life? Or do we kill with words, indifference, and in so many other ways? Let us think about it!”
5. I don’t go to confession because the last time I went it didn’t go well.
The priest also addressed what to think about when a person’s most recent confession left a bad taste in their mouth — whether because the priest was not particularly attentive or available, or because he was either too tough or too lax.
“First, we should ask ourselves: what do we expect from the sacrament of reconciliation?” he said. “If our expectation is disproportionate, or misplaced, or misdirected, we risk being disappointed.”
“Confession,” he said, “does not resolve our guilt, which is psychological and natural, nor does it solve all our personal and spiritual problems. Sacramental absolution destroys the sense of sin, which is theological and supernatural.”
He recommended, when faced with an inadequate confessor, that someone go to confession with a different priest.
6. I don’t go to confession because the confessional makes me claustrophobic.
If someone has a genuine problem with claustrophobia, Nykiel said, the rule about using a confessional to preserve the anonymity of the penitent can be exempted with.
But he also warned about the tendency to make trivial excuses for avoiding confession, such as: “I don’t have time, I didn’t remember, the schedule is not convenient, etc.”
“Because the evil one tempts through trivialities,” he said, adding that the devil does not always attack from the “front,” sowing doubt in God’s mercy or the power of the sacrament, “but progressively turning away from its celebration with seemingly harmless trivialities, which, however, over time, end up undermining both the regular practice of confession and — God forbid — faith itself.”
“Divine mercy always awaits us; let us not run away from it like naughty children, devising excuses that no one would believe and, in the end, neither would we,” he urged.
By Christine RousselleHartford, Conn., Oct 31 (CNA).-
Fr. Michael McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus, was beatified October 31, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford, Connecticut. He will now be known as “Blessed Michael McGivney” and his feast day will be observed August 13 in the Archdiocese of Hartford.
Fr. McGivney was formally beatified through an apostolic letter from Pope Francis that was read on Saturday by Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark, the appointed representative of Pope Francis. Tobin was the principal celebrant of the beatification Mass at Hartford’s cathedral.
“Fr. McGivney’s life is an illustration of how a holy priest can provide the necessary and intimate connection, so crucial in the life and mission of a parish,” Tobin said. He described McGivney as a priest who loved his flock, and was happy to see them work together as a community.
“The signature accomplishment for which he is remembered, founding the Knights of Columbus, grew out of his ministry as a parish priest,” Tobin added.
“This great brotherhood of 2 million now spanning the globe was born from the pastoral ingenuity of a parish priest to respond to the twin challenges faced by the people he served. Because he knew his people well, so well.”
“We accept that like him, God calls each one of us in our own day and our own way, to be vessels of mercy, and so, enter into our heavenly inheritance.”
Cardinals Sean O’Malley of Boston and Timothy Dolan of New York were cardinal concelebrators of the Mass. Several other archbishops and bishops, including representatives from the Ukrainian Catholic Church, were also present.
Pope Francis said that McGivney’s “zeal for the proclamation of the Gospel and generous concern for his brothers and sisters,” that “made him an outstanding witness of Christian solidarity and fraternal assistance.”
The pope concluded that the Connecticut priest “henceforth be given the title blessed.” The letter was dated September 13, 2020.
The date selected for McGivney’s feast, August 13, is the day between his birth, which was August 12, 1852, and his death, which was August 14, 1890.
Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore read an English translation of the letter. McGivney was ordained a priest in the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s cathedral in 1877.
A tapestry of Father McGivney’s portrait was unveiled in the cathedral’s sanctuary immediately after the letter was read.
Before the letter was read, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson read a biographical letter of McGivney’s life, and detailed his earthly ministry.
After the portrait was unveiled, Michael “Mikey” McGivney Schachle, accompanied by his parents and many of his siblings, presented a monstrance containing a relic of McGivney to Cardinal Tobin. Mikey Schaecle’s live birth after a prenatal diagnosis of fetal hydrops, a rare, typically fatal, condition, was confirmed by the Vatican to be a miracle attributed to the intercession of Bl. McGivney.
Archbishop Leonard Blair of Hartford read a letter of thanks to Tobin for presiding over the beatification Mass, and requested that Tobin relay his thanks to Pope Francis.
“I believe that Fr. McGivney is truly Pope Francis’ kind of priest,” said Blair. “A model of his time of closeness to Christ Jesus on the peripheries of life and society.”
In his homily, Tobin said that early Christians, weary due to the demands of a Christian life, were consoled that there was a “cloud of witnesses who would give them courage to go on” and reminding them that their fidelity would be rewarded in heaven.
“In his beautiful reflection on holiness Pope Francis dares to name some of those witnesses. Abraham, Sarah, Moses, gideon, and others,” said Tobin.
“Today, in the name of the Church, Pope Francis recognizes one more face among those witnesses: the serene and youthful countenance of Fr. Michael Joseph McGivney.”
Today, explained Tobin, is a celebration of the faithfulness of God to the body of His Son, the Church. He said that the beatification of McGivney coincided with “timely signs of God’s providential care that can speak in a personal way to each one of us, especially in this moment of our history.”
McGivney, said Tobin, was someone who “worked to keep families united in dignity, and security,” and took special care for members of his flock who were immigrants to the United States.
“We are in the presence of an apostle, who cared for victims of an epidemic, before he himself would die of the disease,” said Tobin. “We acknowledge gratefully the providence of God by confirming in the holiness of this witness by the miraculous cure of an unborn child, healed in utero of a fatal, multi-organ failure, after prayer by his family to Fr. McGivney.”
“We praise God for the timeliness of the celebration, because 130 years after his death, the brief life of this holy man speaks eloquently to our own path to holiness. We should listen to his testimony,” said Tobin.
While August 13 is the date of McGivney’s feast in the Archdiocese of Hartford, priests outside the archdiocese will be permitted to celebrate votive Masses for Knights of Columbus gatherings on this date with permission of their bishops.
Blair closed the Mass by thanking those who had assisted with the beatification process and the logistics of planning and broadcasting the Mass amid a pandemic. He requested that people pray daily for McGivney’s continued intercession in the world.
“First, that with Bl. Michael McGivney as our model, and with his intercession, that many more men will heed God’s call to serve as priests,” said Blair.
“And second, that at Bl.Michael McGivney’s intercession, we may be blessed with a further miracle leading to his canonization as a saint for the whole Church.”
Fr. Michael McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus, was beatified October 31, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford, Connecticut. He will now be known as “Blessed Michael McGivney” and his feast day will be observed August 13 in the Archdiocese of Hartford.
Fr. McGivney was formally beatified through an apostolic letter from Pope Francis that was read on Saturday by Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark, the appointed representative of Pope Francis. Tobin was the principal celebrant of the beatification Mass at Hartford’s cathedral.
“Fr. McGivney’s life is an illustration of how a holy priest can provide the necessary and intimate connection, so crucial in the life and mission of a parish,” Tobin said. He described McGivney as a priest who loved his flock, and was happy to see them work together as a community.
“The signature accomplishment for which he is remembered, founding the Knights of Columbus, grew out of his ministry as a parish priest,” Tobin added.
“This great brotherhood of 2 million now spanning the globe was born from the pastoral ingenuity of a parish priest to respond to the twin challenges faced by the people he served. Because he knew his people well, so well.”
“We accept that like him, God calls each one of us in our own day and our own way, to be vessels of mercy, and so, enter into our heavenly inheritance.”
Cardinals Sean O’Malley of Boston and Timothy Dolan of New York were cardinal concelebrators of the Mass. Several other archbishops and bishops, including representatives from the Ukrainian Catholic Church, were also present.
Pope Francis said that McGivney’s “zeal for the proclamation of the Gospel and generous concern for his brothers and sisters,” that “made him an outstanding witness of Christian solidarity and fraternal assistance.”
The pope concluded that the Connecticut priest “henceforth be given the title blessed.” The letter was dated September 13, 2020.
The date selected for McGivney’s feast, August 13, is the day between his birth, which was August 12, 1852, and his death, which was August 14, 1890.
Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore read an English translation of the letter. McGivney was ordained a priest in the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s cathedral in 1877.
A tapestry of Father McGivney’s portrait was unveiled in the cathedral’s sanctuary immediately after the letter was read.
Before the letter was read, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson read a biographical letter of McGivney’s life, and detailed his earthly ministry.
After the portrait was unveiled, Michael “Mikey” McGivney Schachle, accompanied by his parents and many of his siblings, presented a monstrance containing a relic of McGivney to Cardinal Tobin. Mikey Schaecle’s live birth after a prenatal diagnosis of fetal hydrops, a rare, typically fatal, condition, was confirmed by the Vatican to be a miracle attributed to the intercession of Bl. McGivney.
Archbishop Leonard Blair of Hartford read a letter of thanks to Tobin for presiding over the beatification Mass, and requested that Tobin relay his thanks to Pope Francis.
“I believe that Fr. McGivney is truly Pope Francis’ kind of priest,” said Blair. “A model of his time of closeness to Christ Jesus on the peripheries of life and society.”
In his homily, Tobin said that early Christians, weary due to the demands of a Christian life, were consoled that there was a “cloud of witnesses who would give them courage to go on” and reminding them that their fidelity would be rewarded in heaven.
“In his beautiful reflection on holiness Pope Francis dares to name some of those witnesses. Abraham, Sarah, Moses, gideon, and others,” said Tobin.
“Today, in the name of the Church, Pope Francis recognizes one more face among those witnesses: the serene and youthful countenance of Fr. Michael Joseph McGivney.”
Today, explained Tobin, is a celebration of the faithfulness of God to the body of His Son, the Church. He said that the beatification of McGivney coincided with “timely signs of God’s providential care that can speak in a personal way to each one of us, especially in this moment of our history.”
McGivney, said Tobin, was someone who “worked to keep families united in dignity, and security,” and took special care for members of his flock who were immigrants to the United States.
“We are in the presence of an apostle, who cared for victims of an epidemic, before he himself would die of the disease,” said Tobin. “We acknowledge gratefully the providence of God by confirming in the holiness of this witness by the miraculous cure of an unborn child, healed in utero of a fatal, multi-organ failure, after prayer by his family to Fr. McGivney.”
“We praise God for the timeliness of the celebration, because 130 years after his death, the brief life of this holy man speaks eloquently to our own path to holiness. We should listen to his testimony,” said Tobin.
While August 13 is the date of McGivney’s feast in the Archdiocese of Hartford, priests outside the archdiocese will be permitted to celebrate votive Masses for Knights of Columbus gatherings on this date with permission of their bishops.
Blair closed the Mass by thanking those who had assisted with the beatification process and the logistics of planning and broadcasting the Mass amid a pandemic. He requested that people pray daily for McGivney’s continued intercession in the world.
“First, that with Bl. Michael McGivney as our model, and with his intercession, that many more men will heed God’s call to serve as priests,” said Blair.
“And second, that at Bl.Michael McGivney’s intercession, we may be blessed with a further miracle leading to his canonization as a saint for the whole Church.”
Mexico City, Mexico, Sep 21, (EWTN News/CNA) -
Sister Crucita has been a member of the Josephine Sisters in Mexico for 70 years. At nearly 100 years old, she says she is happy with her vocation and would not change her decision to give her life to God.
In an interview with EWTN News, Sister Crucita – whose full religious name is Sister Maria of the Royal Cross – said that the secret of her perseverance has always been her trust in the mercy of God and the support of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“I say to the Blessed Virgin Mary, 'Take care of me, you already know I'm yours. Deliver me from the snares of the devil.' The Blessed Virgin has taken great care of me,” she said.
Through the Holy Rosary she was able to persevere in face of the temptation to abandon the religious life on many occasions, she said.
“One of the strongest temptations was to want to leave the religious life, because there were a lot of difficulties at the hospital where I was. The doctors encouraged me to leave, but I trusted in God and the Blessed Virgin. And here I am, thanks to them,” she said.
Sister Crucita was born Nov. 23, 1917 in the El Oro municipality in Mexico State. From a very young age, she had a love for Christ and the Church, thanks to the devotion of her parents who took her to Mass.
“I always liked going to Mass. I had an uncle who was a sacristan and I liked to spend time with him. So I was always drawn to the things of the Lord,” she said.
She began thinking about a religious vocation after a group of religious sisters came to her home town. She even discerned with a cloistered convent, but was forced to return home after two years, due to an illness.
Sister Crucita was introduced to the Josephine Sisters by a priest. She worked alongside the sisters at a local hospital for a few months, and then entered the novitiate.
On Aug. 15, 1947, Sister Crucita made her final vows as a Josephine sister, at 30 years of age. Currently she goes to confession about every two weeks, prays the Holy Rosary three or four times a day, and attends Mass daily.
She said her religious vocation was always tied to her profession as a nurse.
At the start of the 1950s, Sister Crucita was sent to her congregation's hospital in Cuba. Later, in 1952, she arrived in Guadalajara and was assigned as a nurse to the Civil Hospital. For many years she was the supervisor of the pediatrics department.
“I see how the sick suffer and there are many who offer everything to God, they don't complain or anything. So then I think, if they who are sick and are always thinking about God, then what can I complain about. Anything on my part is something passing and I offer it to the Lord,” she emphasized.
Sister María de la Cruz said that one of her secrets to keep on going has always been to feel welcomed by the mercy of God: “I know that He loves me much more than I love him. I have always thought that He seeks me, he calls me, that he is always with me. If something happens to me, He watches over me.”
She encouraged young people to trust “completely in God, in the love that He has for us” because “He helps us and gives us peace.”
On Nov. 23, at Our Lady of Bethlehem and Saint Michael the Archangel church, a Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated for Sister Crucita’s 100th birthday.
Sister Beatriz Escamilla, a 44-year-old Josephine sister, said that at nearly 100 years old, Sister Crucita is still very independent.
“She begins her routine at 5:00 am, because she moves at a slower pace, and then she comes to the chapel at 7:00 am. She is one of the most punctual sisters, and sometimes she beats us all there. Sometimes she's the one who opens up the chapel,” Sister Beatriz said.
She also highlighted Sister Crucita's fervent prayer for “vocations and for those of us still working in the apostolate.”
“She has an hour dedicated to prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament to especially ask for these needs,” she said.
Whenever things at the hospital get difficult, Sister Beatriz said, she can always count on Sister Crucita for encouragement.
“She's a person you're drawn to, through the peace she conveys. She offers a lesson in joy, perseverance, dedication and sacrifice,” she concluded.
Homeless Persons Find a Spiritual Father in Pope FrancisBy Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Nov 14, 2016 / 02:06 pm (EWTN News/CNA) -
Always close to his heart, around 3,600 homeless men and women were given the chance to be also physically near the Pope this weekend – and near the heart of the Church – as they participated in the Jubilee of Mercy.
From 22 countries around Europe, the men and women came at the invitation of Pope Francis, who has called the poor the “treasures of the Church,” to participate in the European Festival of Joy and Mercy held in Rome Nov. 11-13.
From the UK, Josephine Kandeba said meeting Pope Francis was like “a daughter talking with her father.”
“He is very humble,” she told EWTN News. “He listened to me. When I stopped him, I said, 'Holy Father, if you don’t mind, I want to say something'. He stopped, while I was holding his hand and while he was holding mine, and I said what I wanted to say to him.”
Having been on the streets for years, Josephine now lives at a shelter in London. She said she never thought that one day she “could see the Pope.”
Other pilgrims attending the event said they were struck by Francis’ great love for the poor, and the attention he showed to all of them.
“Do you know why we’re here?” asked Terence, another pilgrim from the UK. We’ve come “from all over the world at the Holy Father’s invitation; that’s why we’re here.”
Terence also pointed out that Pope Francis said “he’s the Pope of the poor, and that has really stuck in my mind. Never before has a Pope said he’s the pope of the poor. He’s an exceptional man.”
Organized by the French organization Fratello, the event brought in groups of pilgrims from around Europe and the UK, including a large number from France and Poland, and Rome itself. It was organized as a way to help the homeless participate more fully in the Church and in the Jubilee of Mercy.
Organizations from five cities in the UK – Father Hudson’s Care, Cornerstone, the Church of Scotland and The Passage – together brought a group of around 50 pilgrims. The Passage, located in London, does street outreach in addition to having two hostels and a resource center for homeless.
The weekend’s schedule for pilgrims included an audience and catechesis with Pope Francis on Friday, a vigil of Mercy at the basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls on Saturday evening, and concluded with Mass celebrated by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday.
In between these, the schedule included Morning Prayer, faith sharing, and of course, some free time to tour Rome and to walk through the Holy Doors for the Jubilee.
Charlie Egan, another pilgrim, told EWTN News he found it very moving when an older homeless man from France spoke to the Pope on Friday, with “tears in his eyes.”
“And the Pope, he showed so much love,” even giving the Frenchman a hug, Charlie said. “And then the Pope didn’t go away, he had a chat as if they were in a restaurant.”
“The Pope talked about every person, homeless or not, looking for that dream and that goal, talking about peace and love and charity.”
Charlie said that before going on the pilgrimage, he had four days to “look back” at his life. He said that he had “messed up” his life by drinking and had practiced no religion for years, only coming back to the faith a few years ago.
But at the vigil at St. Paul Outside the Walls, Charlie said he had the chance to speak with a priest “about everything,” and he came out afterward “with a bit of emotion.”
One of the messages he said he received that weekend was that even if you’ve lived a “bad life,” there is still the sacrament of confession.
“Everything that Pope Francis said was brilliant,” said Jacob Mensah, a young man, also from London. What struck him was what Pope Francis said about dreams being for everyone, and that they all “have dignity.”
Fr. Padraig Regan, a chaplain at The Passage, said the weekend was a huge “sign of respect” for everyone who participated. It was incredibly important for each of them to be “taken seriously” by the Church.
One of the organizers of the group from the UK, Bénédicte Miolane, is a member of Fratello who now lives in London. She said that Fratello is already talking about how they can include even more people from around the world in the future.
The goal, she said, would be to make it like a World Youth Day, but a version specifically for the poor and homeless.
Terence said that another major thing that struck him “and changed his view” was the love he witnessed between “rough sleepers” (what they call those who sleep on the street) and the “ordinary” people also participating in the event.
“It was the love between them that I noticed,” he said. “They have something about them, they show each other affection.”
Speaking to pilgrims at the event’s concluding Mass Nov. 13, Pope Francis said: “Let us look with trust to the God of mercy, with the certainty that ‘love never ends.’”
“And let us open our eyes to our neighbor, especially to our brothers and sisters who are forgotten and excluded. That is where the Church’s magnifying glass is pointed.”
"From the time of the Mosaic law, the People of God have observed fixed feasts, beginning with Passover, to commemorate the astonishing actions of the Savior God, to give him thanks for them, to perpetuate their remembrance, and to teach new generations to conform their conduct to them. In the age of the Church, between the Passover of Christ already accomplished once for all, and its consummation in the kingdom of God, the liturgy celebrated on fixed days bears the imprint of the newness of the mystery of Christ." -Catechism of the Catholic Church #1164
A bit of humor…
Some Thoughts:
-I intend to live forever… or die trying.
-At what age is it appropriate to tell my dog that he’s adopted?
-I used to be in a band, we were called ‘lost dog’. You probably saw our posters.
Unique Gift
Every year on my birthday, I looked forward to my aunt’s gift—a scarf, hat, or sweater knitted by hand. One year, she must have had better things to do because I received a ball of yarn, knitting needles, and a how-to-knit book. Her card read "Scarf, some assembly required."
From the Mouths of Infants and Babes:
Little Angel!
Little Johnny's new baby brother was screaming up a storm.
Johnny asked his mom, "Where'd he come from?"
"He came from heaven, Johnny."
Johnny responded: "Wow! I can see why they threw him out!"
On the first day of school, a first-grader handed his teacher a note from his mother. The note read, 'The opinions expressed by this child are not necessarily those of his parents.'
A woman was trying hard to get the ketchup out of the jar. During her struggle the phone rang so she asked her 4-year-old daughter to answer the phone. 'Mommy can't come to the phone to talk to you right now. She's hitting the bottle.'
While taking a routine vandalism report at an elementary school, I was interrupted by a little girl about 6 years old. Looking up and down at my uniform, she asked, 'Are you a cop? Yes,' I answered and continued writing the report. My mother said if I ever needed help I should ask the police. Is that right?' 'Yes, that's right,' I told her. 'Well, then,' she said as she extended her foot toward me, 'would you please tie my shoe?'
A little girl had just finished her first week of school. 'I'm just wasting my time,' she said to her mother. 'I can't read, I can't write, and they won't let me talk!'
Some Thoughts:
-I intend to live forever… or die trying.
-At what age is it appropriate to tell my dog that he’s adopted?
-I used to be in a band, we were called ‘lost dog’. You probably saw our posters.
Unique Gift
Every year on my birthday, I looked forward to my aunt’s gift—a scarf, hat, or sweater knitted by hand. One year, she must have had better things to do because I received a ball of yarn, knitting needles, and a how-to-knit book. Her card read "Scarf, some assembly required."
From the Mouths of Infants and Babes:
Little Angel!
Little Johnny's new baby brother was screaming up a storm.
Johnny asked his mom, "Where'd he come from?"
"He came from heaven, Johnny."
Johnny responded: "Wow! I can see why they threw him out!"
On the first day of school, a first-grader handed his teacher a note from his mother. The note read, 'The opinions expressed by this child are not necessarily those of his parents.'
A woman was trying hard to get the ketchup out of the jar. During her struggle the phone rang so she asked her 4-year-old daughter to answer the phone. 'Mommy can't come to the phone to talk to you right now. She's hitting the bottle.'
While taking a routine vandalism report at an elementary school, I was interrupted by a little girl about 6 years old. Looking up and down at my uniform, she asked, 'Are you a cop? Yes,' I answered and continued writing the report. My mother said if I ever needed help I should ask the police. Is that right?' 'Yes, that's right,' I told her. 'Well, then,' she said as she extended her foot toward me, 'would you please tie my shoe?'
A little girl had just finished her first week of school. 'I'm just wasting my time,' she said to her mother. 'I can't read, I can't write, and they won't let me talk!'
MOTHER'S PRAYER TO THE GUARDIAN ANGEL OF HER CHILDREN
I humbly salute you, O you faithful, heavenly Friends of my children! I give you heartfelt thanks for all the love and goodness you show them. At some future day I shall, with thanks more worthy than I can now give, repay your care for them, and before the whole heavenly court acknowledge their indebtedness to your guidance and protection. Continue to watch over them. Provide for all their needs of body and soul. Pray, likewise, for me, for my husband, and my whole family, that we may all one day rejoice in your blessed company. Amen.
[This is a weekly electronic newsletter from Father Robert. This will be sent out weekly. Please recommend this to individuals you think might be interested. Any suggestions or comments are welcomed, or if you wish to no longer receive this please e-mail: Roman.Catholic.Good.News@gmail.com]
"From the time of the apostles, becoming a Christian has been accomplished by a journey and initiation in several stages. This journey can be covered rapidly or slowly, but certain essential elements will always have to be present: proclamation of the Word, acceptance of the Gospel entailing conversion, profession of faith, Baptism itself, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and admission to Eucharistic communion."
-Catechism of the Catholic Church #1229
+JMJ+
SUNDAY MASS READINGS AND QUESTIONS
for Self-Reflection, Couples or Family Discussion
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Sunday, October 23rd, 2022
The First Reading- Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18
The LORD is a God of justice, who knows no favorites. Though not unduly partial toward the weak, yet he hears the cry of the oppressed. The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint. The one who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens. The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal, nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds, judges justly and affirms the right, and the Lord will not delay.
Reflection
The theme of our reading, Sir 35:12-18, continues the theme of perseverance in prayer that we witnessed in last week’s Lord’s Day readings. Sirach mentions that God is “not unduly partial toward the weak,” meaning that God does not consider the weak to be in the right merely for the fact that they are weak. Weakness, poverty, or other disadvantages do not justify any and every action of the disadvantaged person, nor do they automatically confer the mantle of righteousness on him. Nonetheless, God is particularly attentive to the cries of the poor for justice and salvation. God is sensitive to the vulnerability of those without the resources to defend and support themselves. God is especially solicitous for those whose only hope is in Him. When we read the entire chapter Sir 35, we realize that one of the major themes is the inter-relatedness of proper worship and charity towards the poor. Sirach 25:2 says, “He who offers alms sacrifices a thank-offering.” The thank offering was the Old Covenant precursor of the Eucharist. This verse emphasizes a mystical connection between proper liturgical worship and acts of charity. This was well-understood in medieval Christianity. Observe the painting on the left of a medieval saint. The saint is portrayed distributing food to the poor on the left, but his food distribution intentionally resembles the distribution of the Eucharist. Furthermore, the looks and posture of the saint mimic in every particular the appearance of the bishop on the right, who is dressed in liturgical garments as he blesses what appears to be a sack of flour and jug of wine, offered by the laity to be made into the Eucharistic species. Charity is liturgical and the liturgy is charitable.
Adults - Have you ever considered the connection between liturgy and charity?
Teens - How does attending Mass affect the way you live through the week?
Kids - Be sure to say a special prayer for the poor each day this week.
Responsorial- Psalm 34: 2-3, 17-18, 19, 23
R.The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
The LORD confronts the evildoers,
to destroy remembrance of them from the earth.
When the just cry out, the Lord hears them,
and from all their distress he rescues them.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
The LORD redeems the lives of his servants;
no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in him.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
Reflection
-Much of Book I of the Psalter (pss 1-41) is dominated by the image of David the suffering servant, at the mercy of his enemies and the forces of evil in the world. Psalm 34 is pure consolation for the righteous oppressed of this world, who find themselves victims of the powerful, the wealthy, and the unscrupulous.
What is one small thing you can do each day to make a difference?
The Second Reading- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Beloved: I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance. At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Reflection
In this second reading we see St. Paul in a similar situation to David in the Psalm. Both were in positions of vulnerability, under the power of an evil monarch. David was delivered; St. Paul has faith that he will be, too.
Some believe St. Paul wrote 2 Timothy while being tried before the imperial court of Nero before ultimately being put to death. We hear a note of sadness and loneliness in Paul’s remark that no one came to assist him at this defense. As Christians, we can often feel abandoned. Sometimes we are persecuted for the faith, and even our brothers and sisters in faith distance themselves from us, not wishing to be entangled in the persecution we are experiencing. Through it all, St. Paul finds consolation in Jesus alone, Jesus who himself was completely abandoned by his companions when he suffered his Passion.
Do you know anyone who feels abandoned because of their faith? How can you help them?
The Holy Gospel according to Luke 18:9-14
Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. "Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, 'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity -- greedy, dishonest, adulterous -- or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.' But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, 'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.' I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."
Reflection
The proud Pharisee “speaks his prayer to himself.” He mostly talks about himself in his prayer; in fact, he is praising himself and even praying to himself! The Pharisee has gotten himself confused with God. That’s the essence of pride. The tax collector simply cries to God for mercy, and receives it. Take note that this does not mean the tax collector was a “good man.” Many tax collectors were unjust, abusive persons who took advantage of others in society, even and including the poor. Jesus’ point is that pride can overshadow all other sins, and that if we have attained all other human virtues but retained pride in ourselves, we are like someone who has not even begun the spiritual life. The spiritual life begins with the acknowledgement of our sinfulness and our need.
Adults - Is there an area where you struggle with pride? Take it to prayer and ask God’s help.
Teens - What is the difference between healthy and unhealthy pride?
Kids - Try to compliment or help someone each day this week.
LIVING THE WORD OF GOD THIS WEEK! –“We must all be on our guard against this insidious and destructive vice. It is insidious because it can grow in us almost without our knowing it, and once it has taken root it is difficult to eradicate. It is destructive because it spoils every other virtue we practice and every good work we do. Charity, or brotherly love, cannot flourish in a proud heart, for a proud heart is so full of self that it has no room for others. No true love of God can exist in a proud heart, for even the very acts of religion which a proud man performs, are done for the motive of self-glory and not for the glory of God. The Pharisee in this parable proves that fact. He boasted of his good works. A few simple straight questions can tell us whether or not we are proud. Do we like others to see and hear of our good works, or do we prefer to do them in secret? Do we give as generously to charitable causes when no list of benefactors is published? Do we willingly take part among the rank and file in parish activities or do we feel offended if we are not the leaders? Do we criticize offhand those who are not all they should be, or do we thank God that we were saved from similar temptations? Do we always try to find an excuse for the failings of others or have we excuses for our own faults only? God forbid that anyone in this congregation should be suffering from this, the worst of all vices. If anyone recognizes that he is, let him pray to God from the bottom of his heart for the opposite virtue, the true Christian virtue of humility, and look for every possible occasion to practice it. Let us all remember the two men praying in the Temple. One was full of himself and boasted to God and to all present, of his many good works. The Other just humbly beat his breast and asked for mercy-he had nothing to boast of. Yet, he left the Temple forgiven, the other returned home a worse sinner than when he had entered the Temple.” — Excerpted from The Sunday Readings Cycle C, Fr. Kevin O' Sullivan, O.F.M.
588. What does “Hallowed be thy Name” mean? c) a prayer of praise that acknowledges God as holy
To hallow or make holy the Name of God is above all a prayer of praise that acknowledges God as holy. In fact, God revealed his holy Name to Moses and wanted his people to be consecrated for him as a holy nation in which he would dwell.
589. How is the Name of God made holy in us and in the world?d) all of the above
To make holy the Name of God, who calls us “to holiness” (1 Thessalonians 4:7) is to desire that our baptismal consecration animate our whole life. In addition, it is to ask –with our lives and our prayers – that the Name of God be known and blessed by every man.
590. What does the Church ask for when she prays “Thy Kingdom come”?a) the Church prays for the final coming of the Kingdom of the God
The Church prays for the final coming of the Kingdom of God through Christ’s return in glory. The Church prays also that the Kingdom of God increase from now on through people’s sanctification in the Spirit and through their commitment to the service of justice and peace in keeping with the Beatitudes. This petition is the cry of the Spirit and the Bride: “Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).
591. Why pray “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”?d) all of the above
The will of the Father is that “all men be saved” (1 Timothy 2:4). For this Jesus came: to perfectly fulfill the saving will of his Father. We pray God our Father to unite our will to that of his Son after the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints. We ask that this loving plan be fully realized on earth as it is already in heaven. It is through prayer that we can discern “what is the will of God” (Romans 12:2) and have the “steadfastness to do it” (Hebrews 10:36).
I humbly salute you, O you faithful, heavenly Friends of my children! I give you heartfelt thanks for all the love and goodness you show them. At some future day I shall, with thanks more worthy than I can now give, repay your care for them, and before the whole heavenly court acknowledge their indebtedness to your guidance and protection. Continue to watch over them. Provide for all their needs of body and soul. Pray, likewise, for me, for my husband, and my whole family, that we may all one day rejoice in your blessed company. Amen.
[This is a weekly electronic newsletter from Father Robert. This will be sent out weekly. Please recommend this to individuals you think might be interested. Any suggestions or comments are welcomed, or if you wish to no longer receive this please e-mail: Roman.Catholic.Good.News@gmail.com]
"From the time of the apostles, becoming a Christian has been accomplished by a journey and initiation in several stages. This journey can be covered rapidly or slowly, but certain essential elements will always have to be present: proclamation of the Word, acceptance of the Gospel entailing conversion, profession of faith, Baptism itself, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and admission to Eucharistic communion."
-Catechism of the Catholic Church #1229
+JMJ+
SUNDAY MASS READINGS AND QUESTIONS
for Self-Reflection, Couples or Family Discussion
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Sunday, October 23rd, 2022
The First Reading- Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18
The LORD is a God of justice, who knows no favorites. Though not unduly partial toward the weak, yet he hears the cry of the oppressed. The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint. The one who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens. The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal, nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds, judges justly and affirms the right, and the Lord will not delay.
Reflection
The theme of our reading, Sir 35:12-18, continues the theme of perseverance in prayer that we witnessed in last week’s Lord’s Day readings. Sirach mentions that God is “not unduly partial toward the weak,” meaning that God does not consider the weak to be in the right merely for the fact that they are weak. Weakness, poverty, or other disadvantages do not justify any and every action of the disadvantaged person, nor do they automatically confer the mantle of righteousness on him. Nonetheless, God is particularly attentive to the cries of the poor for justice and salvation. God is sensitive to the vulnerability of those without the resources to defend and support themselves. God is especially solicitous for those whose only hope is in Him. When we read the entire chapter Sir 35, we realize that one of the major themes is the inter-relatedness of proper worship and charity towards the poor. Sirach 25:2 says, “He who offers alms sacrifices a thank-offering.” The thank offering was the Old Covenant precursor of the Eucharist. This verse emphasizes a mystical connection between proper liturgical worship and acts of charity. This was well-understood in medieval Christianity. Observe the painting on the left of a medieval saint. The saint is portrayed distributing food to the poor on the left, but his food distribution intentionally resembles the distribution of the Eucharist. Furthermore, the looks and posture of the saint mimic in every particular the appearance of the bishop on the right, who is dressed in liturgical garments as he blesses what appears to be a sack of flour and jug of wine, offered by the laity to be made into the Eucharistic species. Charity is liturgical and the liturgy is charitable.
Adults - Have you ever considered the connection between liturgy and charity?
Teens - How does attending Mass affect the way you live through the week?
Kids - Be sure to say a special prayer for the poor each day this week.
Responsorial- Psalm 34: 2-3, 17-18, 19, 23
R.The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
The LORD confronts the evildoers,
to destroy remembrance of them from the earth.
When the just cry out, the Lord hears them,
and from all their distress he rescues them.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
The LORD redeems the lives of his servants;
no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in him.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
Reflection
-Much of Book I of the Psalter (pss 1-41) is dominated by the image of David the suffering servant, at the mercy of his enemies and the forces of evil in the world. Psalm 34 is pure consolation for the righteous oppressed of this world, who find themselves victims of the powerful, the wealthy, and the unscrupulous.
What is one small thing you can do each day to make a difference?
The Second Reading- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Beloved: I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance. At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Reflection
In this second reading we see St. Paul in a similar situation to David in the Psalm. Both were in positions of vulnerability, under the power of an evil monarch. David was delivered; St. Paul has faith that he will be, too.
Some believe St. Paul wrote 2 Timothy while being tried before the imperial court of Nero before ultimately being put to death. We hear a note of sadness and loneliness in Paul’s remark that no one came to assist him at this defense. As Christians, we can often feel abandoned. Sometimes we are persecuted for the faith, and even our brothers and sisters in faith distance themselves from us, not wishing to be entangled in the persecution we are experiencing. Through it all, St. Paul finds consolation in Jesus alone, Jesus who himself was completely abandoned by his companions when he suffered his Passion.
Do you know anyone who feels abandoned because of their faith? How can you help them?
The Holy Gospel according to Luke 18:9-14
Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. "Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, 'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity -- greedy, dishonest, adulterous -- or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.' But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, 'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.' I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."
Reflection
The proud Pharisee “speaks his prayer to himself.” He mostly talks about himself in his prayer; in fact, he is praising himself and even praying to himself! The Pharisee has gotten himself confused with God. That’s the essence of pride. The tax collector simply cries to God for mercy, and receives it. Take note that this does not mean the tax collector was a “good man.” Many tax collectors were unjust, abusive persons who took advantage of others in society, even and including the poor. Jesus’ point is that pride can overshadow all other sins, and that if we have attained all other human virtues but retained pride in ourselves, we are like someone who has not even begun the spiritual life. The spiritual life begins with the acknowledgement of our sinfulness and our need.
Adults - Is there an area where you struggle with pride? Take it to prayer and ask God’s help.
Teens - What is the difference between healthy and unhealthy pride?
Kids - Try to compliment or help someone each day this week.
LIVING THE WORD OF GOD THIS WEEK! –“We must all be on our guard against this insidious and destructive vice. It is insidious because it can grow in us almost without our knowing it, and once it has taken root it is difficult to eradicate. It is destructive because it spoils every other virtue we practice and every good work we do. Charity, or brotherly love, cannot flourish in a proud heart, for a proud heart is so full of self that it has no room for others. No true love of God can exist in a proud heart, for even the very acts of religion which a proud man performs, are done for the motive of self-glory and not for the glory of God. The Pharisee in this parable proves that fact. He boasted of his good works. A few simple straight questions can tell us whether or not we are proud. Do we like others to see and hear of our good works, or do we prefer to do them in secret? Do we give as generously to charitable causes when no list of benefactors is published? Do we willingly take part among the rank and file in parish activities or do we feel offended if we are not the leaders? Do we criticize offhand those who are not all they should be, or do we thank God that we were saved from similar temptations? Do we always try to find an excuse for the failings of others or have we excuses for our own faults only? God forbid that anyone in this congregation should be suffering from this, the worst of all vices. If anyone recognizes that he is, let him pray to God from the bottom of his heart for the opposite virtue, the true Christian virtue of humility, and look for every possible occasion to practice it. Let us all remember the two men praying in the Temple. One was full of himself and boasted to God and to all present, of his many good works. The Other just humbly beat his breast and asked for mercy-he had nothing to boast of. Yet, he left the Temple forgiven, the other returned home a worse sinner than when he had entered the Temple.” — Excerpted from The Sunday Readings Cycle C, Fr. Kevin O' Sullivan, O.F.M.
588. What does “Hallowed be thy Name” mean? c) a prayer of praise that acknowledges God as holy
To hallow or make holy the Name of God is above all a prayer of praise that acknowledges God as holy. In fact, God revealed his holy Name to Moses and wanted his people to be consecrated for him as a holy nation in which he would dwell.
589. How is the Name of God made holy in us and in the world?d) all of the above
To make holy the Name of God, who calls us “to holiness” (1 Thessalonians 4:7) is to desire that our baptismal consecration animate our whole life. In addition, it is to ask –with our lives and our prayers – that the Name of God be known and blessed by every man.
590. What does the Church ask for when she prays “Thy Kingdom come”?a) the Church prays for the final coming of the Kingdom of the God
The Church prays for the final coming of the Kingdom of God through Christ’s return in glory. The Church prays also that the Kingdom of God increase from now on through people’s sanctification in the Spirit and through their commitment to the service of justice and peace in keeping with the Beatitudes. This petition is the cry of the Spirit and the Bride: “Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).
591. Why pray “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”?d) all of the above
The will of the Father is that “all men be saved” (1 Timothy 2:4). For this Jesus came: to perfectly fulfill the saving will of his Father. We pray God our Father to unite our will to that of his Son after the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints. We ask that this loving plan be fully realized on earth as it is already in heaven. It is through prayer that we can discern “what is the will of God” (Romans 12:2) and have the “steadfastness to do it” (Hebrews 10:36).
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