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Friday, May 29, 2015

What He Says

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Minute Meditations

An Understanding God Minute Meditations
When you go to Jesus, you're not going to a God who only knows heaven; instead, you're placing your hurting heart into pierced hands that understand both the pain of suffering and the glory of redemption.
— from Ask The Bible Geek


St. Madeleine Sophie Barat
(1779-1865)
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The legacy of Madeleine Sophie Barat can be found in the more than 100 schools operated by her Society of the Sacred Heart, institutions known for the quality of the education made available to the young.

Sophie herself received an extensive education, thanks to her brother, Louis, 11 years older and her godfather at Baptism. Himself a seminarian, he decided that his younger sister would likewise learn Latin, Greek, history, physics and mathematics—always without interruption and with a minimum of companionship. By age 15, she had received a thorough exposure to the Bible, the teachings of the Fathers of the Church and theology. Despite the oppressive regime Louis imposed, young Sophie thrived and developed a genuine love of learning.

Meanwhile, this was the time of the French Revolution and of the suppression of Christian schools. The education of the young, particularly young girls, was in a troubled state. At the same time, Sophie, who had concluded that she was called to the religious life, was persuaded to begin her life as a nun and as a teacher. She founded the Society of the Sacred Heart, which would focus on schools for the poor as well as boarding schools for young women of means; today, co-ed Sacred Heart schools can be found as well as schools exclusively for boys.

In 1826, her Society of the Sacred Heart received formal papal approval. By then she had served as superior at a number of convents. In 1865, she was stricken with paralysis; she died that year on the feast of the Ascension.

Madeleine Sophie Barat was canonized in 1925.



Comment:

Madeleine Sophie Barat lived in turbulent times. She was only 10 when the Reign of Terror began. In the wake of the French Revolution, rich and poor both suffered before some semblance of normality returned to France. Born to some degree of privilege, she received a good education. It grieved her that the same opportunity was being denied to other young girls, and she devoted herself to educating them, whether poor or well-to-do. We who live in an affluent country can follow her example by helping to ensure to others the blessings we have enjoyed.


 

Saint of the Day
Lives, Lessons and Feast
By Leonard Foley, O.F.M.; revised by Pat McCloskey, O.F.M.
 
 
 

 

Daily Prayer - 2015-05-29

Presence

God is with me, but more, God is within me.

Let me dwell for a moment on God's life-giving presence

in my body, in my mind, in my heart,

as I sit here, right now.

Freedom

If God were trying to tell me something, would I know?
If God were reassuring me or challenging me, would I notice?
I ask for the grace to be free of my own preoccupations
and open to what God may be saying to me.

Consciousness

I ask how I am within myself today? Am I particularly tired, stressed, or off-form? If any of these characteristics apply, can I try to let go of the concerns that disturb me?

The Word of God

 

Friday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 Sir 44:1, 9-13

Now will I praise those godly men,
our ancestors, each in his own time.
But of others there is no memory,
for when they ceased, they ceased.
And they are as though they had not lived,
they and their children after them.
Yet these also were godly men
whose virtues have not been forgotten;
Their wealth remains in their families,
their heritage with their descendants;
Through God's covenant with them their family endures,
their posterity, for their sake.

And for all time their progeny will endure,
their glory will never be blotted out.

Responsorial Psalm PS 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b

R. (see 4a) The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Sing to the LORD a new song
of praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel be glad in their maker,
let the children of Zion rejoice in their king.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let them praise his name in the festive dance,
let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.
For the LORD loves his people,
and he adorns the lowly with victory.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let the faithful exult in glory;
let them sing for joy upon their couches;
Let the high praises of God be in their throats.
This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia See Jn 15:16

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I chose you from the world,
to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mk 11:11-26

Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple area.
He looked around at everything and, since it was already late,
went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

The next day as they were leaving Bethany he was hungry.
Seeing from a distance a fig tree in leaf,
he went over to see if he could find anything on it.
When he reached it he found nothing but leaves;
it was not the time for figs.
And he said to it in reply, "May no one ever eat of your fruit again!"
And his disciples heard it.

They came to Jerusalem,
and on entering the temple area
he began to drive out those selling and buying there.
He overturned the tables of the money changers
and the seats of those who were selling doves.
He did not permit anyone to carry anything through the temple area.
Then he taught them saying, "Is it not written:

My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples?
But you have made it a den of thieves."


The chief priests and the scribes came to hear of it
and were seeking a way to put him to death,
yet they feared him
because the whole crowd was astonished at his teaching.
When evening came, they went out of the city.

Early in the morning, as they were walking along,
they saw the fig tree withered to its roots.
Peter remembered and said to him, "Rabbi, look!
The fig tree that you cursed has withered."
Jesus said to them in reply, "Have faith in God.
Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain,
'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,'
and does not doubt in his heart
but believes that what he says will happen,
it shall be done for him.
Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer,
believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours.
When you stand to pray,
forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance,
so that your heavenly Father may in turn
forgive you your transgressions."



    Listen to audio of this reading

    Watch a video reflection

Some thoughts on today's scripture

  • What aroused anger in Jesus was that commerce and caste had ousted reverence. The moneychangers and sellers of doves used their privilege and license to extort high prices from poor pilgrims. Men had created barriers and divisions between the courts, to exclude gentiles and women from some areas.
  • Do I always respect what a church should be? A house of prayer, not of commerce; and for all nations, without compartments; a place where all can seek God.

Conversation

Remembering that I am still in God's presence, I imagine Jesus himself standing or sitting beside me, and say whatever is on my mind, whatever is in my heart, speaking as one friend to another.

Conclusion

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

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be,

world without end.


Catholic Meditations

Meditation: Mark 11:11-26

View NAB Reading at USCCB.org

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8th Week in Ordinary Time

My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. (Mark 11:17)

We sometimes read this incident as Jesus' lashing out at greed and commercialism. This line of thinking may prompt us to make minor adjustments in our lives or spending habits. But really, this would be equivalent to these money changers merely lowering their prices or setting up shop just outside the Temple courts.

However, Jesus' action is more symbolic and more sweeping. The people who were buying and selling in the Temple may not have been doing anything wrong—especially since the commodities sold there were directly related to the Temple worship. No, the problem wasn't what they were doing as much as what they weren't doing. They failed to recognize Jesus as God's Messiah, the Holy One who had come to make their worship space sacred in a whole new way.

Jesus' dramatic action certainly intrigued the common people, who came to see what he had to say. It also aroused the anger of those religious leaders who were bent on preserving the status quo and their own position. It drew the attention of both groups to Jesus himself, the answer to their deepest longings.

In the same way, we can become focused on relatively external things in our church—our statues or our sound system, perhaps—and miss what makes each church God's dwelling place: Jesus present in the Eucharist. We debate over where the tabernacle should be placed and how it should be adorned, but we risk forgetting how we should place ourselves in the presence of the Lord who has chosen to dwell among us.

Next time you walk through the doors of your church, make a conscious effort to recognize Jesus. Once you focus on him both in the tabernacle and in the Eucharistic sacrifice, you will find it easier to enter into heartfelt prayer with all his people. You'll hear him in the music, however good or bad you think it is. You'll see him in the stained glass windows. And you'll touch him in the people around you.

Jesus is waiting for you at every Mass. Come and bow down to him.

"Jesus, you are the way to the Father. Let me enter more fully into your presence."

 

Sirach 44:1, 9-13; Psalm 149:1-6, 9

 


 

my2cents:
We heard today in the first Holy Scripture "for all time their progeny will endure, their glory will never be blotted out." and the Psalms pray the life of Christ "The Lord takes delight in His people".  Today's 5 minutos said a priest finally found an opening through a thick forest while riding on horseback and decided to rest.  He saw suddenly some sunburnt mean, in ragged clothes, he approached them and eventually asked if they were Catholic.  They said yes they were baptized and the priest spoke to them about Jesus and the Blessed Mother Mary and about baptism and recommended they confess and receive Holy Communion next time a priest comes by.  He asked them, "how do you pray?" and he said "every day when I get up, I say "here I am Lord, your charcoal maker has awakened.  I love you very much and I'd like to take you alive in my heart." and then I go to work.  During the day I repeat that I love Him and I don't want to lose Him.  I don't know to say anything else, it is to hope in God, not in of ourselves, or our works:  faith is free and that is why it is expressed in prayer.  Faith is to hope in God that what He wants to give to us; we should not strive to want ourselves to be the measure of the project of God." 
In today's Holy Gospel, our Lord approaches the fig tree, fruitless at the coming of the Lord.  We should not be found fruitless.  Your marriage should produce children, unless naturally barren, but we should not be making ourselves infertile, and our marriages should not just produce children, but children of God, godly.  Sometimes in the liturgy of the hours, the night time prayer says that we are to tell our children to love God with all their heart, mind, all their soul.  One thing I don't know if I've mentioned here, is that I want the absolute best for my children, my deepest desire is for their happiness, but not as the world offers, but the faith.  My biggest failure as a father is feeling the next day "I didn't pray with my children".  As I hold one child at times I wonder what they will grow up to be, and truly, I don't care, so long as they love God with all their heart, mind, and soul.  And so, as the Psalms say "the high praise of God is in our throat", the glory of His faithful.  Jesus loves His faithful children.  He truly does, and the faithful know it.  I say all of this, so that you will bear fruit, fruit of the Spirit, Jesus, the vine of which we are the branches.  God's children are waiting.  Some waiting to be baptized.  Some waiting for you to talk to them about Jesus.  Some are waiting just for a smile, or a hug (for starters).  And how can we do this?  Tap into the Grace of God!  This gives strength, because it is going to take alot to give...at first.  Let me give you a silly example:  So I've been helping the choir with my poor guitar skills lately right?  Every week is an absolute challenge.  This is an easy week compared to last.  Last week, there must've been 20-25 songs we had to do, many of which I am not familiar with.  This week, just 4 songs I have to learn.  Sometimes, at first, I hear a song to learn and I'm like "what the? How am I going to learn that??!"  Some have strange notes and guitar chords I don't even know.  So what do I do?  I apply myself.   You just have to step out onto the water.  The Lord helps you, and wants you to have courage.  Yeah, I goof up...alot!  On daily emails, on daily dealings with people, and playing the guitar in front of hundreds, totally botching up the songs.  What do I do? Give up in embarrasment?  Blame everyone else and live mad?  No.  You just keep going, perfecting little by little.  I want you to be brave, a super child of God.  I want you to do what I do but so much more, and better.  And please, listen to what I've learned...don't complain, especially about doing the Lord's work.  It is an absolute priveledge to work for God.  If you are involved in a ministry, helping the Church in any way, love it...and love God. 
  I put myself in His hands so that He may go through me and bear fruit.  If God decides to accept my goofy self into Heaven, that is His choice, all I know is that . .  .
I LIVE FOR HIM
I LOVE HIM
thus
I LOVE YOU
adrian
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Going4th,

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Go Your Way

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Minute Meditations

United With Jesus
It's through suffering that we grow in endurance, character, and ultimately, in hope. Our suffering is not without value if we know Jesus. When you are suffering, you can pray and unite your sufferings to the only one who truly loves you perfectly or knows all you are feeling.
— from Ask The Bible Geek


Venerable Pierre Toussaint
(1766-1853)

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Born in modern-day Haiti and brought to New York City as a slave, Pierre died a free man, a renowned hairdresser and one of New York City's most well-known Catholics.

Pierre Bérard, a plantation owner, made Toussaint a house slave and allowed his grandmother to teach her grandson how to read and write. In his early 20s, Pierre, his younger sister, his aunt and two other house slaves accompanied their master's son to New York City because of political unrest at home. Apprenticed to a local hairdresser, Pierre learned the trade quickly and eventually worked very successfully in the homes of rich women in New York City.

When his master died, Pierre was determined to support his master's widow, himself and the other house slaves. He was freed shortly before the widow's death in 1807.

Four years later he married Marie Rose Juliette, whose freedom he had purchased. They later adopted Euphémie, his orphaned niece. Both preceded him in death. He attended daily Mass at St. Peter's Church on Barclay Street, the same parish that St. Elizabeth Seton attended.

Pierre donated to various charities, generously assisting blacks and whites in need. He and his wife opened their home to orphans and educated them. The couple also nursed abandoned people who were suffering from yellow fever. Urged to retire and enjoy the wealth he had accumulated, Pierre responded, "I have enough for myself, but if I stop working I have not enough for others."

He was originally buried outside St. Patrick's Old Cathedral, where he was once refused entrance because of his race. His sanctity and the popular devotion to him caused his body to be moved to St. Patrick's Cathedral on Fifth Avenue.

Pierre Toussaint was declared Venerable in 1996.



Comment:

Pierre was internally free long before he was legally free. Refusing to become bitter, he daily chose to cooperate with God's grace, eventually becoming a compelling sign of God's wildly generous love.

Quote:

Emma Cary, one of Pierre's customers, said: "His life was so perfect, and he explained the teaching of the Church with a simplicity so intelligent and courageous that everyone honored him as a Catholic. He would explain the devotion to the Mother of God with the utmost clearness, or show the union of the natural and supernatural gifts in the priest."


 

Saint of the Day
Lives, Lessons and Feast
By Leonard Foley, O.F.M.; revised by Pat McCloskey, O.F.M.

 

Daily Prayer - 2015-05-28

Presence

Dear Jesus, as I call on you today I realise that I often come asking for favours.
Today I'd like just to be in your presence.
Let my heart respond to Your Love.

Freedom

Everything has the potential to draw forth from me a fuller love and life.

Yet my desires are often fixed, caught, on illusions of fulfillment.

I ask that God, through my freedom may orchestrate

my desires in a vibrant loving melody rich in harmony.

Consciousness

I ask how I am within myself today? Am I particularly tired, stressed, or off-form?
If any of these characteristics apply, can I try to let go of the concerns that disturb me?

The Word of God

 

Reading 1 Sir 42:15-25

Now will I recall God's works;
what I have seen, I will describe.
At God's word were his works brought into being;
they do his will as he has ordained for them.
As the rising sun is clear to all,
so the glory of the LORD fills all his works;
Yet even God's holy ones must fail
in recounting the wonders of the LORD,
Though God has given these, his hosts, the strength
to stand firm before his glory.
He plumbs the depths and penetrates the heart;
their innermost being he understands.
The Most High possesses all knowledge,
and sees from of old the things that are to come:
He makes known the past and the future,
and reveals the deepest secrets.
No understanding does he lack;
no single thing escapes him.
Perennial is his almighty wisdom;
he is from all eternity one and the same,
With nothing added, nothing taken away;
no need of a counselor for him!
How beautiful are all his works!
even to the spark and fleeting vision!
The universe lives and abides forever;
to meet each need, each creature is preserved.
All of them differ, one from another,
yet none of them has he made in vain,
For each in turn, as it comes, is good;
can one ever see enough of their splendor?

Responsorial Psalm PS 33:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R. (6a) By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.
Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;
with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.
Sing to him a new song;
pluck the strings skillfully, with shouts of gladness.
R. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.
For upright is the word of the LORD
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.
R. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.
By the word of the LORD the heavens were made;
by the breath of his mouth all their host.
He gathers the waters of the sea as in a flask;
in cellars he confines the deep.
R. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.
Let all the earth fear the LORD;
let all who dwell in the world revere him.
For he spoke, and it was made;
he commanded, and it stood forth.
R. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.

Alleluia Jn 8:12

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
whoever follows me will have the light of life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mk 10:46-52

As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd,
Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus,
sat by the roadside begging.
On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth,
he began to cry out and say,
"Jesus, son of David, have pity on me."
And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent.
But he kept calling out all the more, "Son of David, have pity on me."
Jesus stopped and said, "Call him."
So they called the blind man, saying to him,
"Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you."
He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus.
Jesus said to him in reply, "What do you want me to do for you?"
The blind man replied to him, "Master, I want to see."
Jesus told him, 'Go your way; your faith has saved you."
Immediately he received his sight
and followed him on the way.



    Listen to audio of this reading

    Watch a video reflection


Some thoughts on today's scripture
 
  • Mark has heard this story from St Peter, whom he accompanied, so the scene is vivid. I imagine the margin of the dirt road on which Jesus is walking. There sits the blind beggar Bartimaeus, a symbol of all the marginalized. Some of the bystanders scold him for making a fuss. Others pick up the quick response of Jesus and encourage Bartimaeus: 'Take heart, get up, he is calling you'. What are my reactions? What do I want Jesus to do for me?
  • 

Conversation

Remembering that I am still in God's presence,

I imagine Jesus himself standing or sitting beside me,

and say whatever is on my mind, whatever is in my heart,

speaking as one friend to another.

Conclusion

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.


Catholic Meditations

Meditation: Mark 10:46-52

View NAB Reading at USCCB.org

Subscriber? Login to view archives.

8th Week in Ordinary Time

What do you want me to do for you? (Mark 10:51)

As Jesus leaves the city of Jericho, people are crowding around him, each one hoping to bend the Master's ear to their specific needs. Yet in the midst of that clamor, Jesus hears the voice of Bartimaeus and stops. He calls him over and listens attentively to the blind man's petition. Then Jesus heals him. Miraculous!

As you're reading this, you can be certain there's an enormous crowd around the globe praying, interceding, and worshipping before the Lord. But no matter how many voices, no matter how loud the entreaties, your voice has caught Jesus' ear, and he is giving you his full, undivided attention. Listen as he asks you, "What do you want me to do for you?"

Lord, I know you love me. But sometimes I can be so hard on myself that it's difficult to accept this free love. I feel unworthy. Lord, I want to receive.

Don't worry. I am not disappointed in you, so why should you be? I am shining the light of my love upon you right now. Don't shy away from it. Try to open yourself to it so that you can find your rest here. Become a child again, and just enjoy me as I pour my affection on you.

Lord, I need your help to care for those I love most: my family. Make me into a channel of your love within my home.

Every time you encounter a member of your family, look to me, and you will discover special grace for that encounter. I will give you the kindness you need and inspire you with ideas that can help bring you together. As you serve your family, remember to care for yourself by creating time spent alone with me.

Lord, there are paths laid out in front of me, but I don't know which one to take. I need your guidance.

Seek me persistently over these next days and weeks. Listen as your friends speak wisdom into your life. Look for my nudges. Watch for me to speak to you through the Scriptures. I will answer you as you yield to me in obedience. Then, in your good conscience, pursue the path, and I will be with you.

"Hear my prayer, Lord. In your faithfulness, answer me."

 

Sirach 42:15-25; Psalm 33:2-9

 


my2cents:
 
From today's 1st holy Scripture we read "At God's word were his works brought into being".  We discussed this last night at our co-worker bible study, even though these were not the scriptures.  Interesting.  One brother said that God's word continues, speaking on to us, now is it being fulfilled?  His commands? 
 And we continue to read the Holy Psalms " By the word of the Lord the heavens were made. For upright is the word of the LORD".  Who has that kind of power, that just by saying it, it comes to be?
In comes our Lord in the Holy Gospel.  Jesus hears the cries of a blind man.  While the people had been telling Bart to hush, Bart persisted.  I want you to learn of this in your faith.  Persist, do not ever give up, for the Lord will eventually listen to persistence. 
Such is the tenacity of the Catholic Church, persistent in prayers and supplications. 
As I was walking into work, a thought hit me as I got off my truck, "it's like the Lord is reaching others through us, and the call will not reach, when we do not do".  Because today, our Lord said to the people "call him".  If they did not do what the Lord said, there would've been no salvation through God's manifestation turned revelation.  In other words, we must do what He says...this is key.  His word must not return fruitless. 
Now, let us see what happens when we listen.  " they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you."  Psshhh! AWESOME!  They encouraged poor Bart who was being silenced, quite the opposite now, all because of his tenacity, persistence, and also, because Jesus cares.  Listen.  Irksome folks need Jesus.  And so Jesus asks what Bart wants.  Bart answers "Master, I Want TO SEE!".  "Go your way; your faith has saved you.", says our Lord and our Master.  As if to say "have it your way, according to your faith.  We spoke about this last night.  To the degree of our faith we will be granted.  To the degree that we forgive, we will be forgiven.  Have it your way.  Such is the motto then of our lives on earth, as if the Lord gives total freedom to choose, "have it your way".  But you know what?  I like it when our Lord cheats and has it His way.  He calls without being bothered.
I want you to be silent, hush Bart!  But only for an instance, because I want your prayers to become real, go inward and out.  Let your call be really heard...faith.  And what are you praying for?  The number one thing I pray for is everyone's faith.  When I look into the souls of God's children, I want them to live forever.  And so I become a slave..with a Divine Master.  I'm truly free when I'm truly His.  Anything else is slavery to death. 
And so, Bart sees for the first time, and standing in front of him is Jesus.  Such is what happens at the breaking of the bread, the Holy Eucharist.  The blind with faith will see.  And you will follow.  You will fall in love.  Because our Lord had been asking for this the whole time when He granted the freedom to have it your way...
 
adrian
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Going4th,

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Who Are Recognized

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Minute Meditations

Feeling Forgotten
When we go through pain it is easy to feel abandoned or forgotten, but suffering doesn't mean God doesn't love us, He does. Even Jesus suffered, and He was completely without sin.
— from Ask The Bible Geek

St. Augustine of Canterbury
(d. 605?)Listen to Audio

In the year 596, some 40 monks set out from Rome to evangelize the Anglo-Saxons in England. Leading the group was Augustine, the prior of their monastery in Rome. Hardly had he and his men reached Gaul (France) when they heard stories of the ferocity of the Anglo-Saxons and of the treacherous waters of the English Channel. Augustine returned to Rome and to the pope who had sent them—St. Gregory the Great (September 3 )—only to be assured by him that their fears were groundless.

Augustine again set out. This time the group crossed the English Channel and landed in the territory of Kent, ruled by King Ethelbert, a pagan married to a Christian, Bertha. Ethelbert received them kindly, set up a residence for them in Canterbury and within the year, on Pentecost Sunday, 597, was himself baptized. After being consecrated a bishop in France, Augustine returned to Canterbury, where he founded his see. He constructed a church and monastery near where the present cathedral, begun in 1070, now stands. As the faith spread, additional sees were established at London and Rochester.

Work was sometimes slow and Augustine did not always meet with success. Attempts to reconcile the Anglo-Saxon Christians with the original Briton Christians (who had been driven into western England by Anglo-Saxon invaders) ended in dismal failure. Augustine failed to convince the Britons to give up certain Celtic customs at variance with Rome and to forget their bitterness, helping him evangelize their Anglo-Saxon conquerors

Laboring patiently, Augustine wisely heeded the missionary principles—quite enlightened for the times—suggested by Pope Gregory the Great: purify rather than destroy pagan temples and customs; let pagan rites and festivals be transformed into Christian feasts; retain local customs as far as possible. The limited success Augustine achieved in England before his death in 605, a short eight years after he arrived in England, would eventually bear fruit long after in the conversion of England. Augustine of Canterbury can truly be called the "Apostle of England."



Comment:

Augustine of Canterbury comes across today as a very human saint, one who could suffer like many of us from a failure of nerve. For example, his first venture to England ended in a big U-turn back to Rome. He made mistakes and met failure in his peacemaking attempts with the Briton Christians. He often wrote to Rome for decisions on matters he could have decided on his own had he been more self-assured. He even received mild warnings against pride from Pope Gregory, who cautioned him to "fear lest, amidst the wonders that are done, the weak mind be puffed up by self-esteem." Augustine's perseverance amidst obstacles and only partial success teaches today's apostles and pioneers to struggle on despite frustrations and be satisfied with gradual advances.

Quote:

In a letter to Augustine, Pope Gregory the Great wrote: "He who would climb to a lofty height must go by steps, not leaps."

Patron Saint of:

England

 

Saint of the Day
Lives, Lessons and Feast
By Leonard Foley, O.F.M.; revised by Pat McCloskey, O.F.M.
  
  

 

Daily Prayer - 2015-05-27

Presence

"Come to me all you who are burdened
and I will give you rest"
Here I am, Lord.
I come to seek your presence.
I long for your healing power.

Freedom

If God were trying to tell me something, would I know?

If God were reassuring me or challenging me, would I notice?

I ask for the grace to be free of my own preoccupations

and open to what God may be saying to me.

Consciousness

My soul longs for your presence, Lord.
When I turn my thoughts to you,
I find peace and contentment.

The Word of God

Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 349

Reading 1SIR 36:1, 4-5A, 10-17

Come to our aid, O God of the universe,
look upon us, show us the light of your mercies,
and put all the nations in dread of you!
Thus they will know, as we know,
that there is no God but you, O Lord.

Give new signs and work new wonders.

Gather all the tribes of Jacob,
that they may inherit the land as of old,
Show mercy to the people called by your name;
Israel, whom you named your firstborn.
Take pity on your holy city,
Jerusalem, your dwelling place.
Fill Zion with your majesty,
your temple with your glory.

Give evidence of your deeds of old;
fulfill the prophecies spoken in your name,
Reward those who have hoped in you,
and let your prophets be proved true.
Hear the prayer of your servants,
for you are ever gracious to your people;
and lead us in the way of justice.
Thus it will be known to the very ends of the earth
that you are the eternal God.

Responsorial PsalmPS 79:8, 9, 11 AND 13

R. (Sirach 36:1b) Show us, O Lord, the light of your kindness.
Remember not against us the iniquities of the past;
may your compassion quickly come to us,
for we are brought very low.
R. Show us, O Lord, the light of your kindness.
Help us, O God our savior,
because of the glory of your name;
Deliver us and pardon our sins
for your name's sake.
R. Show us, O Lord, the light of your kindness.
Let the prisoners' sighing come before you;
with your great power free those doomed to death.
Then we, your people and the sheep of your pasture,
will give thanks to you forever;
through all generations we will declare your praise.
R. Show us, O Lord, the light of your kindness.

AlleluiaMK 10:45

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Son of Man came to serve,
and to give his life as a ransom for many.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GospelMK 10:32-45

The disciples were on the way, going up to Jerusalem,
and Jesus went ahead of them.
They were amazed, and those who followed were afraid.
Taking the Twelve aside again, he began to tell them
what was going to happen to him.
"Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man
will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, 
and they will condemn him to death
and hand him over to the Gentiles who will mock him,
spit upon him, scourge him, and put him to death,
but after three days he will rise."
Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee,
came to Jesus and said to him,
'Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you."
He replied, 'What do you wish me to do for you?"
They answered him,
"Grant that in your glory
we may sit one at your right and the other at your left."
Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking.
Can you drink the chalice that I drink
or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?"
They said to him, 'We can."
Jesus said to them, "The chalice that I drink, you will drink,
and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized;
but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give
but is for those for whom it has been prepared."
When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John.
Jesus summoned them and said to them,
"You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles
lord it over them,
and their great ones make their authority over them felt.
But it shall not be so among you.
Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant;
whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.
For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve
and to give his life as a ransom for many."
 

Some thoughts on today's scripture

  • 'The cup that I drink, you will drink'. I am astonished at this story, Lord. You had tried to prepare your friends for the passion and death you foresaw. But could they hear you? James and John could not hear or imagine the fate of which you were speaking, so they gravitated back to their own fantasies of the kingdom, where they were sitting on thrones.
  • My own fantasies sometimes go the same way: to the short-term satisfactions in my life, forgetting your call, Lord. Only you know if I can drink the cup that you drink. But if you offer it to me, I will try to recognise where it comes from.

Conversation

Remembering that I am still in God's presence, I imagine Jesus himself standing or sitting beside me, and say whatever is on my mind, whatever is in my heart, speaking as one friend to another.

Conclusion

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

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be,

world without end.


Catholic Meditations

Meditation: Mark 10:32-45

 

Saint Augustine of Canterbury, Bishop

You do not know what you are asking. (Mark 10:38)

 

The old woman was gravely ill. The family had gathered round the bedside where, ashen and comatose, she breathed shallowly and irregularly. Off to the side, a mother explained gently to her four-year-old daughter that grandma would probably die very soon. After a brief pause, the little girl raised a sober-looking face and asked, "Mom?" Taking a deep breath, the mother steeled herself to answer the difficult question that was sure to follow. "May I have the last popsicle?"

Today's Gospel reading describes a similarly off-topic response to a grave situation. Jesus had just outlined what awaited him in Jerusalem: arrest, beating, humiliation, torture, and an excruciating death—followed by a resurrection three days later. Alarming, unnerving, and puzzling as his words should have seemed, James and John were focused on one thing: sitting beside Jesus one day in heaven. Everything else Jesus had said was just background noise to them. Or perhaps they simply could not comprehend Jesus' words just yet.

Sometimes we just don't get it. Or we are so focused on what we are thinking about that we fail to grasp what Jesus is saying to us. But see how Jesus responds to these two disciples. He shifts his attention to what they are focused on and begins teaching, encouraging, and moving forward from there. He gives no criticism, no condemnation, no sharp words. Because he loves them so much, he is patient as he seeks to propel them toward the truth and life that he has for them.

This is how he deals with you as well. Don't worry about whether you understand everything. Don't worry if there are days when you aren't thinking along the same lines as the Lord. Trust that he will meet you wherever you are. He will lead, guide, and steer you in the direction he wants you to go. He loves you always and wants only that you embrace more of the life he has for you.

"Jesus, forgive me for the times you've offered me life, and all I want is a popsicle. Open my ears today to hear you and my heart to extend your grace to the people around me."

 

 

Sirach 36:1, 4-5, 10-17; Psalm 79:8-9, 11, 13


my2cents:
Today's 5 minutos said:
 "When God is revealed to us in prayer who He is, the beneficiaries are us, because only in Him we find our happiness in its fulness.  The manifestation of the Divine Glory is the revelation of Divine Mercy...It was late Saturday afternoon in a parish, the priest waits for the faithful that will come to confess.  There arrives a young woman, very perfumed, with provocative clothing and a doubting speech: she is a Magdalene.  He invites her to confess but she refuses: "No. I'm only here to satisfy my mother.  She wants me to convert, the poor old woman...", and he insists.  She leaves rapidly, but he says "You'll be back.  If it is necessary, I will wait the whole night.  Yes, the whole night, before the Blessed Sacrament", but the woman didn't understand much of that.  Confessions began.  He asked for a particular intention.  After everyone left, he told the sacristan not to close the door, and he went to kneel before the Blessed Sacrament.  The hours passed by; at about 3 in the morning, he heard footsteps.  It was her.  She changed her tone and the topic of prayer: "Thank you sir" she said haltingly, and she told him her story, sufferings, oppressions, and social abandonment.  Outside, little by little the darkness diminished.  It was the dawn that rose joyfully, full of hope and beautiful.  More beautiful than all the mornings was that born in her heart by the power of prayer."
  Today's 1st Holy Scripture ended with "Thus it will be known to the very ends of the earth that you are the eternal God."  And the Psalms pray "Show us O Lord, the Light of your Kindness".
Jesus enters in the Holy Gospel.  And the Gospel ends today with the words of our most precious Lord and Savior showing the Way, the "Light" with,
 "whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant;
whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.
For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve
and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Somehow, in our world, we live off of appreciation/love.  Somehow we have to feel appreciated/loved.  Apparently, we are designed in God's image.  Apparently, then, our Lord loves to be loved/appreciated.  So many of our prayers are like rakes, we just want to pull stuff in, never pushing stuff out. 
What if I told you that those that are going to Heaven are not all those taking the Eucharist?  What if I told you that the ones going to Heaven are the ones in Confession?  There is a small line to confession, maybe if we are lucky, one out of a 100.  This scary line is not meant to dissuade you or make you feel bad, because I'm speaking of myself.  How much do I really put out for the Lord?  Because the sons of Thunder in the Gospel today had the wrong idea of glory.  Jesus would turn backwards His flesh for them and for the world to convert.  Will I turn myself inside out for Him?  This guts is glory.  The strongest men I know in my life are those who live holy lives or at the least are trying hard.  The others?  Simply those that are in need of God's mercy.  I read a quote today ""Treat sinners as a good mother treats her sick child; she lavishes more caresses on him than when he is well." -St. Ignatius of Loyola
We are in a world that needs appreciation and love.  True love is one way...outwards.  We have to find an eternal spring to quench the thirst of a dry world.  It is Jesus.  Our only source for everything we need...

adrian


 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Going4th,