"Prayer Hands"

I teach First Sacraments (second grade) class at my parish, and we teach them "prayer hands."  In other words they are to hold their hands together in a prayerful gesture in front of them.  It is in this way that they walk up to receive first communion--two by two with hands together in a gesture of prayer.  So, from the beginning, we practice this gesture in class.

Why is putting our hands together in prayer so important?  Usually we see the priest, the deacon, the altar servers with their hands together.  So, a lot of people think that gesture is only for those serving at the altar.  Why?  Putting the hands together is a sign of submission to God.  What could be more fitting then showing submission to God in our worship service?  Also, we try to teach them to cross their thumbs in a cross, representing Jesus, Our Lord. 

Prayer Zone

It is very frustrating, however, to teach the children this gesture when the adults in the church give such a poor example of piety or submission.  I try to teach the children not to talk in the sanctuary--it is a holy place where we can encounter God.  When the adults stand up after Mass and start talking as if they are in their own living rooms, what can you say to the children?  There is only so much I can teach them in an hour a week.  Not only the parents, but the rest of the adults need to be better examples.  We talk so much about community in the church, why isn't the community a better example for the younger members of said community?  I don't understand why teens and adults think that putting their hands together is childish or beneath them or only for those at the altar.

Gestures of prayer and submission are very important.  After what He has done for us, giving Him an hour of our undivided attention is not too much to ask.  Please, all adults be better examples for the children in your parish.  Stop talking.  Put your hands together in prayer.  God deserves our submission, our humility, our whole selves.  Do it.  Be an example of holiness, if not for yourself, for the children.  Someday, it will feel more natural, I promise.

I've been wanting to write about this for some time, but got the idea to write now from "Thank God I'm Catholic" blog.

Being a Grown Up

I don't know about the few of you who read my blog, but I'm tired of being a grown-up--the only grown up I know sometimes seems.  I feel like I know too much about some people and too little about others.  I have to make all the decisions, and push every one else in my life to do so.  I am the only one who can pick up anything, remind everyone else to pick up anything, or remember to pick up anything.  I am the one who runs all the errands, and must make all the phone calls.  It seems like I am the one who has to make sure everyone eats and breathes. 

Sometimes, I sit dazed at the end of the day wondering--when is my day off?  When is my break?  When do I get to have fun?

I have so long fought for my children's right to be kids that they can't be bothered to do chores, or pick up after themselves.  Now, I'm not even taken seriously unless I'm yelling at everyone.  I don't know when that happened.  I've tried to tell everyone that I don't enjoy being angry, but they don't do anything I say unless I'm yelling.  I hate it.

Being the grown up sucks. 

I need to pray more:

"When night comes, and retrospect shows that everything was patchwork and much that one had planned left undone, when so many things rouse shame and regret, then take all as is, lay it in God's hands, and offer it up to Him. In this way we will be able to rest in Him, actually to rest and to begin the new day like a new life."
[St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross - excerpted from Gold in the Furnace, Jean M. Heimann, copyright 2004.]

"Holy Spirit, come into my heart; draw it to Thee by Thy power, O my God, and grant me charity with filial fear. Preserve me, O ineffable Love, from every evil thought; warm me, inflame me with Thy dear love, and every pain will seem light to me. My Father, my sweet Lord, help me in all my actions. Jesus, love, Jesus, love."
Amen
[St. Catherine of Siena]

Thanksgiving

I hope everyone had a wonderful, safe holiday. 

                                     "Come, Lord Jesus, our Guest to be
                                      And bless these gifts bestowed by Thee.
                                      And bless our loved ones everywhere,
                                      And keep them in Your loving care."

"Give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you"  (Thess. 5:18)

A Saint for Oklahoma

Portrait of Father Rother

Wow! We heard a great talk from our deacon Sunday about the "cause" for Fr. Rother. It was quite interesting to hear about the more than a decade he has been involved in the cause. The last three years were the most critical, as the historical research, witness interviews, and paperwork were all put together for Fr. Rother's cause. Just about two weeks ago, the crate holding the two copies of the over 7,000 page document was sealed up. Our deacon told us about how he had to make sure the boxes had to be wrapped in brown paper, and tied with a red ribbon. He had to insure that the wax seal on the ribbon made it to Rome, intact. He had to make sure the crate containing the wrapped boxes went out and spent the minimum time in a warehouse in the three digit July weather here in Oklahoma. He did that, but found out that when it did reach Rome, via FedEx, it got stuck in customs for a week. It is now at the Vatican. It may not be opened for a year or more. So, we just keep praying.

Image of Fr. Rother, Okarche, Ok

The "cause" for Fr. Rother is there and now all we can do is wait. However, most of us know that he is already there. He was, after all, a martyr for Christ. Many saints are already in Heaven whether the Church has made a declaration or not. But the declaration does point out the special, heroic virtue of the few that people here loved, admired, and looked up to as examples of Christ's love for us. Father Rother is one of those. God Bless you Servant of God Father Rother.

You can read the Sooner Catholic article about the official beginning of his "cause" on Oct. 5, 2007, and information on Fr. Rother and his cause at the Oklahoma Archdiocese website.

Fr. Rother display for CWV Memorial Post 168, Del City, Ok

Memorial Day Weekend (2)

Well, today was a very long, hot day.  I was feeling a little guilty about not going to the cemetary to "plant" flags with the kids.  As it turns out approximately 200 people showed up and our little post got the credit for it!  No guilt now!

I did spend several hours out there signing people up to buy a Wreaths Across America wreath.  It is an evergreen wreath that will be put on their loved ones grave for the Christmas Holiday season.  It is a wonderful program.  I am looking forward to helping with that project also.

Tomorrow will see more "business" on that score but I don't know how much time I can spend there.  Today took a lot out of me.  I know that it took a lot out of one of the elderly men from our post.  He was  having a hard time walking to his car for the drive home.  I hope all goes well tomorrow.

Monday is the big day.  We will be participating in one formal ceremony at the cemetary and a rather informal one at another.  There just doesn't seem to be enough veteran's organizations for all those who want our help to perform these honors.

Well, God Bless America!  Pray for a veteran today.  If you've lost a loved one, even if they weren't a veteran, we'll say a prayer for you, too.  God Bless!

Adoration

I just came back from Holy Thursday Eucharistic adoration.  My body aches from the waist down.  My knees and my lower back are screaming at me.  All I can think about is how much more pain more saviour was in when He suffered for me.  I deserve so much more (pain, that is) but He suffered it for me.  There is no way to express my thankfulness to Him.  Even the hour I spent with Him this evening seems totally inadequate.

I prayed and prayed, and just sat in the exquisite silence of the sanctuary.  Sitting up front you never have the problem of having someone block your view, or being distracted by their figetting.  At one point I think I may actually have experienced a brief glimpse of an ecstacy.  But it was kind of like that luxurious dream that makes you so happy that you immediately wake up, and you try to go back to that place again.  Unfortunately, I couldn't get back there once I thought about it too much.  The experience took my breath away.  No one can ever convince me that my Lord was not there with me.

As I said prayed the 20 mysteries of the Rosary, I could see each one in the shadows reflected in the Host.  Jesus seemed to be reinacting the mysteries right there for me.  I know it may sound a little strange to some, but it is a "you had to be there" moment I will cherish for a long time.

Anyway, one more sad day of remembrance tomorrow.  My daughter wants to see the Passion of the Christ.  She has never seen it before.  I said we could watch it on Good Friday.  I hope it is not too intense for my soft hearted 9 yo.  Actually, I should also be worried about my 11 yo--they don't come any soft-hearted than he.  It may be too much for Him.  We'll see if we can use it as a meditation and not tramatize anyone. 

God Bless you all on this Good Friday.

Pictures:  Top, Monstrance containing the True Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.  Right, the Ecstacy of St. Catherine of Siena.

Stations of the Cross

What a wonderful devotion for Lent--the Stations of the Cross. I thought I'd post a nice, short version of the Stations of the Cross for anyone who can't get to Church to pray the Stations or would just like a version they could pray at home. I have included material in the public domain.


THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS
by Cardinal Newman,
in his Meditations and Devotions, Longman's and Green (1893) pp. 155-68.
-----------------
Begin with an Act of Contrition.
-----------------

FIRST STATION
Jesus condemned to Death


V. We adore thee O Christ and we bless thee,

R. Because by thy Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

THE Holy, Just, and True was judged by sinners, and put to death. Yet, while they judged, they were compelled to acquit Him. Judas, who betrayed Him, said, "I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood." Pilate, who sentenced Him, said, "I am innocent of the blood of this just person," and threw the guilt upon the Jews. The Centurion who saw Him crucified said, "Indeed this was a just man.' Thus ever, 0 Lord, You art justified in Thy words, and do overcome when You are judged. And so, much more, at the last day "They shall look on Him whom they pierced" ; and He who was condemned in weakness shall judge the world in power, and even those who are condemned will confess their judgment is just.

Lord's Prayer, Hail Mary, Glory be

----------------------

THE SECOND STATION
Jesus receives His Cross

V. We adore thee O Christ and we bless thee,

R. Because by thy Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

JESUS supports the whole world by His divine power, for He is God; but the weight was less heavy than was the Cross which our sins hewed out for Him. Our sins cost Him this humiliation. He had to take on Him our nature, and to appear among us as a man, and to offer up for us a great sacrifice. He had to pass a life in penance, and to endure His passion and death at the end of it. O Lord God Almighty, who does bear the weight of the whole world without weariness, who bore the weight of all our sins, though they wearied Thee, as You are the Preserver of our bodies by Thy Providence, so be You the Savior of our souls by Thy precious blood.

Lord's Prayer, Hail Mary, etc.
-----------------------

THE THIRD STATION
Jesus falls under the weight of the Cross the First Time.

V. We adore thee O Christ and we bless thee,

R. Because by thy Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

SATAN fell from heaven in the beginning; by the just sentence of his Creator he fell, against whom he had rebelled. And when he had succeeded in gaining man to join him in his rebellion, and his maker came to save him, then his brief hour of triumph came, and he made the most of it. When the Holiest had taken flesh, and was in his power, then in his revenge and malice he determined, as he himself had been struck down by the Almighty arm, to strike in turn a heavy blow at Him who struck him. Therefore it was that Jesus fell down so suddenly. O dear Lord, by this Thy first fall raise us all out of sin, who have so miserably fallen under its power.

Lord's Prayer, Hail Mary, etc.
----------------------------

THE FOURTH STATION
Jesus meets His Mother.

V. We adore thee O Christ and we bless thee,

R. Because by thy Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

THERE is no part of the history of Jesus but Mary has her part in it. There are those who profess to be His servants, who think that her work was ended when she bore Him, and after that she had nothing to do but disappear and be forgotten. But we, O Lord, Thy children of the Catholic Church, do not so think of Thy Mother. She brought the tender infant into the Temple, she lifted Him up in her arms when the wise men came to adore Him, She fled with Him to Egypt, she took Him up to Jerusalem when He was twelve years old. He lived with her at Nazareth for thirty years. She was with Him at the marriage-feast. Even when He had left her to preach, she hovered about Him. And now she shows herself as He toils along the Sacred Way with His cross on His shoulders. Sweet Mother, let us ever think of thee when we think of Jesus, and when we pray to Him, ever aid us by thy powerful intercession.

Lord's Prayer, Hail Mary, etc.
------------------------

THE FIFTH STATION
Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry the Cross.

V. We adore thee O Christ and we bless thee,

R. Because by thy Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

JESUS could bear His Cross alone, did He so will; but He permits Simon to help Him, in order to remind us that we must take part in His sufferings, and have a fellowship in His work. His merit is infinite, yet He condescends to let His people add their merit to it. The sanctity of the Blessed Virgin, the blood of the Martyrs, the prayers and penances of the Saints, the good deeds of all the faithful, take part in that work which, nevertheless, is perfect without them. He saves us by His blood, but it is through and with ourselves that He saves us. Dear Lord, teach us to suffer with Thee, make it pleasant to us to suffer for Thy sake, and sanctify all our sufferings by the merits of Thy own.

Lord's Prayer, Hail Mary, etc.
------------------------

THE SIXTH STATION
The Face of Jesus is wiped by Veronica.

V. We adore thee O Christ and we bless thee,

R. Because by thy Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

JESUS let the pious woman carry off an impression of His Sacred Countenance, which was to last to future ages. He did this to remind us all, that His image must ever be impressed on all our hearts. Whoever we are, in whatever part of the earth, in whatever age of the world, Jesus must live in our hearts. We may differ from each other in many things, but in this we must all agree, if we are His true children. We must bear about with us the napkin of St. Veronica; we must ever meditate upon His death and resurrection, we must ever imitate His divine excellence, according to our measure. Lord, let our countenances be ever pleasing in Thy sight, not defiled with sin, but bathed and washed white in Thy precious blood.

Lord's Prayer, Hail Mary, etc.
------------------------

THE SEVENTH STATION
Jesus falls a second time.

V. We adore thee O Christ and we bless thee,

R. Because by thy Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

SATAN had a second fall, when our Lord came upon the earth. By that time he had usurped the dominion of the whole world -- and he called himself its king. And he dared to take up the Holy Savior in his arms, and show Him all kingdoms, and blasphemously promise to give them to Him, His Maker, if He would adore him. Jesus answered, "Begone, Satan !", and Satan fell down from the high mountain. And Jesus bare witness to it when He said, "I saw Satan, as lightning, falling from heaven." The Evil One remembered this second defeat, and so now he smote down the Innocent Lord a second time, now that he had Him in his power. O dear Lord, teach us to suffer with Thee, and not be afraid of Satan's buffetings, when they come on us from resisting him.

Lord's Prayer, Hail Mary, etc.
------------------------

THE EIGHTH STATION
The Women of Jerusalem morn for our Lord.

V. We adore thee O Christ and we bless thee,

R. Because by thy Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

EVER since the prophecy of old time, that the Savior of man was to be born of a woman of the stock of Abraham, the Jewish women had desired to bear Him. Yet, now that He was really come, how different, as the Gospel tells us, was the event from what they had expected. He said to them "the days are surely coming when they will say, 'Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed." [ Luke 23:29. NRSV]. Ah, Lord, we know not what is good for us, and what is bad. We cannot foretell the future, nor do we know, when You come to visit us, in what form You wilt come. And therefore we leave it all to Thee. Do to us and in us [whatever pleases you]. Let us ever look at Thee, and do You look upon us, and give us the grace of Thy bitter Cross and Passion, and console us in Thy own way and at Thy own time.

Lord's Prayer, Hail Mary, etc.
------------------------

THE NINTH STATION
Jesus falls for third time.

V. We adore thee O Christ and we bless thee,

R. Because by thy Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

SATAN will have a third and final fall at the end in the everlasting fiery prison. He knew this was to be his end--he has no hope, but despair only. He knew that no suffering which he could at that moment inflict upon the Savior of men would avail to rescue himself from that inevitable doom. But, in horrible rage and hatred, he determined to insult and torture while he could the great King whose throne is everlasting. Therefore a third time he smote Him down fiercely to the earth. O Jesus, Only-begotten Son of God, the Word Incarnate, we adore with fear and trembling and deep thankfulness Thy awful humiliation, that You who art the Highest, should have permitted Yourself, even for one hour, to be the sport and prey of the Evil One.

Lord's Prayer, Hail Mary, etc.
------------------------

THE TENTH STATION
Jesus is stripped of His Garments.

V. We adore thee O Christ and we bless thee,

R. Because by thy Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

JESUS would give up everything of this world, before He left it. He exercised the most perfect poverty. When He left the Holy House of Nazareth, and went out to preach, He had not where to lay His head. He lived on the poorest food, and on what was given to Him by those who loved and served Him. And therefore He chose a death in which not even His clothes were left to Him. He parted with what seemed most necessary, and even a part of Him, by the law of human nature since the fall. Grant us in like manner, O dear Lord, to care nothing for anything on earth, and to bear the loss of all things, and to endure even shame, reproach, contempt, and mockery, rather than that You shalt be ashamed of us at the last day.

Lord's Prayer, Hail Mary, etc.
------------------------

THE ELEVENTH STATION
Jesus is nailed to the Cross.

V. We adore thee O Christ and we bless thee,

R. Because by thy Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

JESUS is pierced through each hand and each foot with a sharp nail. His eyes are dimmed with blood, and are closed by the swollen lids and livid brows which the blows of His executioners have caused. His mouth is filled with vinegar and gall. His head is encircled by the sharp thorns. His heart is pierced with the spear. Thus, all His senses are mortified and crucified, that He may make atonement for every kind of human sin. O Jesus, mortify and crucify us with Thee. Let us never sin by hand or foot, by eyes or mouth, or by head or heart. Let all our senses be a sacrifice to Thee; let every member sing Thy praise. Let the sacred blood which flowed from Thy five wounds anoint us with such sanctifying grace that we may die to the world, and live only to Thee.

Lord's Prayer, Hail Mary, etc.
-----------------------

THE TWELFTH STATION
Jesus dies upon the Cross.

V. We adore thee O Christ and we bless thee,

R. Because by thy Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

"CONSUMMATUM est." It is completed -- it has come to a full end. The mystery of God's love towards us is accomplished. The price is paid, and we are redeemed. The Eternal Father determined not to pardon us without a price, in order to show us especial favor. He condescended to make us valuable to Him. What we buy we put a value on. He might have saved us without a price -- by the mere fiat of His will. But to show His love for us He took a price, which, if there was to be a price set upon us at all, if there was any ransom at all to be taken for the guilt of our sins, could be nothing short of the death of His Son in our nature. O my God and Father, You have valued us so much as to pay the highest of all possible prices for our sinful souls--and shall we not love and choose Thee above all things as the one necessary and one only good?

Lord's Prayer, Hail Mary, etc.
------------------------

THE THIRTEENTH STATION
Jesus is laid in the arms of His Blessed Mother.

V. We adore thee O Christ and we bless thee,

R. Because by thy Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

HE is Thy property now, O Virgin Mother, once again, for He and the world have met and parted. He went out from Thee to do His Father's work--and He has done and suffered it. Satan and bad men have now no longer any claim upon Him- too long has He been in their arms. Satan took Him up aloft to the high mountain; evil men lifted Him up upon the Cross. He has not been in Thy arms, O Mother of God, since He was a child--but now thou have a claim upon Him, when the world has done its worst. For thou art the all-favoured, all-blessed, all-gracious Mother of the Highest. We rejoice in this great mystery. He has been hidden in thy womb, He has lain in thy bosom, He has been [nursed] at thy breasts, He has been carried in thy arms--and now that He is dead, He is placed upon thy lap. Virgin Mother of God, pray for us.

Lord's Prayer, Hail Mary, etc.
------------------------

THE FOURTEENTH STATION
Jesus is laid in the Sepulcher.

V. We adore thee O Christ and we bless thee,

R. Because by thy Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

JESUS, when He was nearest to His everlasting triumph, seemed to be farthest from triumphing. When He was nearest upon entering upon His kingdom, and exercising all power in heaven and earth, He was lying dead in a cave of the rock. He was wrapped round in burying-clothes, and confined within a sepulcher of stone, where He was soon to have a glorified spiritual body, which could penetrate all substances, go to and fro quicker than thought, and was about to ascend on high. Make us to trust in thee, O Jesus, that You wilt display in us a similar providence. Make us sure, O Lord, that the greater is our distress, the nearer we are to Thee. The more men scorn us, the more You did honor us. The more men insult over us, the higher You wilt exalt us. The more they forget us, the more You did keep us in mind. The more they abandon us, the closer You wilt bring us to Yourself.
-------------------

LET US PRAY
God, who by the Precious Blood of Thy only-begotten Son did sanctify the standard of the Cross, grant, we beseech Thee, that we who rejoice in the glory of the same Holy Cross may at all times and places rejoice in Thy protection, through the same Christ, our Lord.

End with one Lord's Prayer, Hail Mary and Glory be..., for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff. (This is required to qualify for the Plenary Indulgence.)

St. Leonard

St. Leonard is the next statue you would see as you enter St. Peter's square. He stands to St. Gallicano's right. "St Leonard, being a patron of prisoners, is generally represented holding chains in his hands, although his statue here seems to hold a book..."


From: Catholic.org
St. Leonard
Feastday: November 6

According to [11th centruy] legend, Leonard belonged to a noble Frankish family of the time of King Clovis, and St. Remy of Reims was his godfather. After having secured from the king the release of a great number of prisoners, and refused episcopal honours which Clovis offered him, he entered a monastery at Micy near Orléans. Later he went to Aquitaine and there preached the Gospel. Having obtained, through prayer, a safe delivery for the Queen of the Franks in her confinement, he received as a gift from the king a domain at Noblac, near Limoges, where he founded a monastery. [Legend states that he got all the land he could ride around on a donkey in one day]. The veneration of this saint is as widely known as his history is...uncertain....little by little churches were dedicated to him, not only in France, but in all Western Europe.... Pilgrims, among them kings, princes, and high dignitaries of the Church, flocked to Noblac (now St. Leonard). Numerous miracles are attributed to him, and in one small town alone, Inchenhofen, Bavaria, from the fourteenth to the eighteenth century, there are records of about 4000 favours granted through his intercession. The saint wrought the delivery of captives, women in confinement, those possessed of an evil spirit, people and beasts afflicted with diseases. At the end of the eleventh century his name had already become renowned among the Crusaders captured by the Mussulmans. He is generally represented holding chains in his hands.
[From Catholic Encyclopedia]

Died c.559 of natural causes
Patronage: childbirth; blacksmiths; captives; Castelmauro, Italy; coal miners; coopers; coppersmiths; greengrocers; grocers; horses; imprisoned people; Kirkop, Malta; locksmiths; miners; porters; prisoners; prisoners of war; against burglars; against burglaries; against robberies; against robbers
Representation abbot holding chain, fetters or lock; chain; fetters; manacles

St. Teresa of Avila's Peace

"Let nothing disturb you.
Let nothing frighten you.
All things pass away.
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
He who has God
Finds he lacks nothing.
God alone suffices."









--Taken from St. Teresa of Avila's breviary at the time of her death.

Mary, Queen of Heaven

"The Blessed Virgin Mary was chosen to be the Mother of the King of Kings. Accordingly, holy Church honors her, and wants everyone to honor her, with the glorious title of "Queen.""

"Saint Athanasius mentions how proper this is...: "If he who was born of the virgin is king, then the one who bore him is rightly called a lady and a queen." Ever since the moment that Mary gave her consent to be the Mother of the Eternal Word, adds Saint Bernardine of Siena, she deserved to be called queen of the whole world and of every creature in it. If Jesus took his flesh from Mary, how can Mary be disjoined from the royal dignity of her son?...We conclude...that not only the kingdom's glory, but the very kingdom itself, belongs to both the Son and the Mother."

From: "The Glories of Mary" by St. Alphonsus Liguori


I just started reading this wonderful book. I can't wait to share it.

The irony is that I was introduced to this work by an anti-Catholic bigot on one of the discussion forums in which I participate. I am sure that was not his intention when he mentioned this book, as he was trying to say that St. Alphonsus was going against Catholic teaching on Mary with his words. It just showed me how very little that person knows about the Church or Mary's role therein.

St. Alphonsus wrote this work as a series of sermons on the Salve Regina or 'Hail Holy Queen' plus other writings on Marian prayers, feasts, and other aspects of the devotions to Mary. So far, I can find absolutely nothing that goes against any ancient or modern Church Teaching or practice. I can also absolutely see how an anti-Catholic who abhors any honor given to Mary could read the wrong things into the context of St. Alphonsus' works. I was one of those people once upon a time...

More on this work later.

Let us pray:
Hail holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, Our Life, Our Sweetness, and Our Hope, to you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve, to you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Most gracious advocate, turn then, your eyes of mercy toward us and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed Fruit of your womb, Jesus. O Clement! O loving! O sweet Virgin Mary! Pray for us O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.

Holy Card image courtesy of 'Holy Cards for your Inspiration' at http://thewindowshowsitall.blogspot.com/

Psalm 116

Latin words (which are from a translation of Psalm 116, verses 12 and 13):
"What reward shall I give to the Lord?
I shall accept the chalice of salvation,
and I shall call upon the Name of the Lord."

Holy Card image courtesy of 'Holy Cards for Your Inspiration' at http://thewindowshowsitall.blogspot.com/

Pray for Vocations

Today is the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord. What a wonderful thing to celebrate today. After all, He asked His disciples to go and do likewise. "Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned." (Mark 16:15,16)

The Mass readings today were: Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7;
 Psalm 29:1-4,9-10;
 Acts 10:34-38
"...today let’s reflect on another dimension of Jesus’ baptism: It marked his entry into the community of those awaiting the kingdom of God. When Jesus was baptized, he joined a community of Jews who believed that repentance had the power to bring them into a new time of God’s favor and blessing. By accepting baptism, Jesus was telling his people that he was one with them, that he wanted to share in their lives, and that he wanted them to share in his life.

But Jesus didn’t just enter this community of believers; he transformed them. Through his miracles, his teachings, and the witness of his love, he raised the people’s expectations. He showed them that the new era they were awaiting was one of closeness to him. It was an era marked by the power of God active in their lives. And it was an era filled with the promise of a new heart and a new mind."
http://wau.org/meditations/current/?month=10&day=6&year=2008

Our priest used the celebration of the Baptism of Our Lord to talk not only about how Jesus showed the way to a new community of believers. Jesus also called certain men to follow in this act and on to the priesthood. Men who were to follow Him and imitate Him in the Holy Priesthood of Melchizedek of which He is the 'First' member. Let us pray that the call to the priesthood will be felt and followed by all those chosen by God. Let them say, as Jeremiah said, "Here I am, Lord, send me."



Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood
Lord Jesus, High Priest and universal Shepherd, You have taught us to pray, saying: "Pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into His harvest" [Matt. 9: 38]. Therefore we ask You graciously to hear our supplications and raise up many generous souls who, inspired by Your example and supported by Your grace, may conceive the ardent desire to enter the ranks of Your sacred ministers in order to continue the office of Your one true priesthood.

Although Your priests live in the world as dispensers of the mysteries of God, yet their mission demands that they be not men of this world. Grant, then, that the insidious lies and vicious slanders directed against the priesthood by the malignant enemy and abetted by the world through its spirit of indifference and materialism may not dim the brilliance of the light with which they shine before men, nor lessen the profound and reverent esteem due to them. Grant that the continual promotion of religious instruction, true piety, purity of life and devotion to the highest ideals may prepare the groundwork for good vocations among youth. May the Christian family, as a nursery of pure and pious souls, become the unfailing source of good vocations, ever firmly convinced of the great honor that can redound to our Lord through some of its numerous offspring. Come to the aid of Your Church, that always and in every place she may have at her disposal the means necessary for the reception, promotion, formation and mature development of all the good vocations that may arise. For the full realization of all these things, O Jesus, Who are most zealous for the welfare [and] salvation of all, may Your graces continually descend from Heaven to move many hearts by their irresistible force: first, the silent invitation; then generous cooperation; and finally perseverance in Your holy service.
































Are You not moved to compassion, O Lord, seeing the crowds like sheep without a shepherd, without anyone to break for them the bread of Your word, or to lead them to drink at the fountains of Your grace, so that they are continually in danger of becoming a prey to ravening wolves? Does it not grieve You to behold so many unplowed fields where thorns and thistles are allowed to grow in undisputed possession? Are You not saddened that many of Your gardens, once so green and productive, are now on the verge of becoming fallow and barren through neglect?

O Mary, Mother most pure, through whose compassion we have received the holiest of priests; O glorious Patriarch St. Joseph, perfect model of co-operation with the Divine call; O holy priests, who in heaven compose a choice choir about the Lamb of God: obtain for us many good vocations in order that the Lord's flock, through the support and government of vigilant shepherds, may attain to the enjoyment of the most delightful pastures of eternal happiness.

Composed by Pope Pius XII
Nov. 6, 1957
http://www.catholictradition.org/Priests/priests4-2.htm
[Revised slightly by yours truly from thees and thous to yous and yours]

Mary, Mother of God, Solemnity

Prayer in Praise of the Mother of God

Mary, our Mother, the whole world reveres you as the holiest shrine of the living God, for in you the salvation of the world dawned. The Son of God was pleased to take human form from you. You have broken down the wall of hatred, the barrier between heaven and earth which was set up by man's first disobedience. In you heaven met earth when divinity and humanity were joined in one person,
the God-Man.

Mother of God, we sing your praises, but we must praise you even more. Our speech is too feeble to honor you as we ought for no tongue is eloquent enough to express your excellence. Mary, most powerful, most holy, and worthy of all love! Your name brings new life, and the thought of you inspires love in the hearts of those devoted to you.

St. Bernard

[Prayer: New Saint Joseph People's Prayer Book, Catholic Book Publishing Co., NY]
[Painting: The Holy Mother of God, tempra on wood, Collection of Mr. Giovanni d'Alessandro, Italy]

The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Fourth Sunday and Week of Advent
Directions
Light the 1st purple candle
(repeat first week's prayer: Stir up thy power, O Lord, and come, that by thy protection we may be rescued from the dangers that beset us through our sins; and be a Redeemer to deliver us; who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.)

Light the 2nd purple candle
(repeat 2nd week's prayer: Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the paths of thine Only-begotten Son: that we may worthily serve thee with hearts purified by His coming: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.)

Light the rose candle
(repeat 3rd week's prayer: We beseech thee to listen to our prayers, O Lord,
and by the grace of thy coming enlighten our darkened minds: Thou who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.)


Light the 3rd purple candle

Prayer:
Pour forth thy power, O Lord, and come:
Assist us by that mighty power,
so that by thy grace and merciful kindness
we may swiftly receive the salvation that our sins impede:
Who livest and reignest with thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Alternate/Complementary Prayer:
O Wisdom, holy Word of God, Jesus Christ,
all things are in your hands,
come and show us the way to salvation.
(From Christmas Prayers, Victor Hoagland, C.P.)
http://www.churchyear.net/adventwreath.html


Sunday's Scriptures:
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16
Romans 16:25-27
Luke 1:26-38


Fourth Sunday of Advent

The long wait is almost over. Jesus' birth is nearly upon us. As we get closer to the end of a wait, our expectations grow, often into something that can't be fulfilled. We think a new job will solve our problems at home, or moving away will fix a broken heart. Christmas especially gets saddled with unrealistic expectations�perhaps of family togetherness or the perfect gift. Are you doing this to Christ's coming? Are you expecting something of Jesus? Or are you simply waiting to meet him and accept him for who he is?

December 22
(1 Sm 1:24-28; Lk 1:46-56)

Be humble. Our society does not place great value on humility. We fear being overlooked if we don't assert our own worth. In contrast, Mary sees herself as a "lowly servant" and speaks of the mercy in store for the downtrodden. Let the Magnificat be your guide as you find ways to practice humility.

December 23
(Mal 3:1-4, 4:23-24; Lk 1:57-66)

Accept God's plan. The birth of John the Baptist marks the end of his parents' long and difficult wait for a child, but also the beginning of a life filled with great joy and great sorrow. As our wait ends, we too often find other stories unfolding. Accept the twists and turns as part of God's plan.

December 24(2 Sm 7:1-5, 8-11, 16; Lk 1:67-79)

Find your role. Zechariah, struck dumb when he doubted, finally finds his voice. What joyful words tumble forth when he understands and accepts his family's role in the Redemption! What role does God want you to take in preparing for Jesus' return, and what joy can you find in that role?

http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/ac1103.asp

Third Sunday of Advent--Gaudete Sunday

Third Sunday and Week of Advent
Directions
Light the 1st purple candle
(repeat first week's prayer: Stir up thy power, O Lord, and come, that by thy protection we may be rescued from the dangers that beset us through our sins; and be a Redeemer to deliver us; who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.)

Light the 2nd purple candle
(repeat 2nd week's prayer: Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the paths of thine Only-begotten Son: that we may worthily serve thee with hearts purified by His coming: Who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Light the rose candle


Prayer:
We beseech thee to listen to our prayers, O Lord,
and by the grace of thy coming enlighten our darkened minds:
Thou who livest and reignest with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Alternate/Complementary Prayer:
O Key of David, Jesus Christ,
the gates of heaven open at your command,
come and show us the way to salvation.
(From Christmas Prayers, Victor Hoagland, C.P.)
http://www.churchyear.net/adventwreath.html

Sunday's Scriptures:
Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11
Lk 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54
1 Thess 5:16-24
John 1:6-8, 19-28

Third Sunday of Advent

This week we light the rose candle in the Advent wreath, signifying joy. Too often we think joy means getting what we want. But consider the joyful mysteries of the rosary events filled with surprise and often trepidation. Mary didn't ask to become pregnant before marriage, Elizabeth had despaired of conceiving in her old age, and it took a visit from an angel to convince Joseph that things would be OK. Their joy and ours too comes not in getting what we want, but in accepting God's will, even when we don't understand it.

Late Advent readings are by date, beginning December 17.

Monday
(Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a; Mt 21:23-27)

Give more. This is the season of giving, from presents for our loved ones to coins we throw in the bell-ringer's kettle. But too often, we give from our excess the change that would have ended up in our pocket, or our Christmas bonus. Remember that Jesus gave, not from his excess, but from his entire being. Then give away something you love.

Tuesday
(Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13; Mt 21:28-32)

Contemplate joy. Spend some time today with these thoughts from Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta: "Joy is prayer Joy is strength Joy is love Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls." And, "Never let anything so fill you with sorrow as to make you forget the joy of the Christ risen."

**December 17th
(Gen 49:2, 8-10; Matthew 1.1-17)

Learn your history. The litany of names in Jesus' ancestry often falls on deaf ears. So many strange names how can we make sense of them all! But examined closely, they are a fascinating tapestry of powerful kings, complicated courtships and other elements of great drama. Ask a relative about your family's own dramatic stories today.

December 18
(Jer 23:5-8; Mt 1:18-24)

Stand up for your convictions. Following Jesus sometimes means ignoring what other people say. No one knew this better than Joseph. Imagine what people said when they learned Mary was pregnant. It might have been easier to go along with his plan to abandon her quietly, but he trusted God and ignored everyone else.

December 19
(Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25; Lk 1:5-25)

Forgive your doubts. Isn't it refreshing to hear Zechariah doubt God? An angel arrives with news of a longed-for son, and he answers, in essence, "Prove it." In dark moments we all have doubted whether God's promises are real. The good news for Zechariah, and for us, is that they are real, and God keeps them even if we doubt.

December 20
(Is 7:10-14; Lk 1:26-38)

Say yes. In our over-committed, over-scheduled world, the last thing many of us want to do is accept another responsibility. Yet couldn't Mary have made the same case? "I'd love to help, God, but this will disrupt my wedding plans, and I don't really have time right now." Is there anything God is asking you to do that you should accept?

**Changed around to coincide with the correct days.

http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/ac1103.asp

Why is Advent Important?

Preparation for Christmas is an important theme for Advent, but more is involved. Advent gives us a vision of our lives as Christians and shows us the possibilities of life.

The vision of life that Advent gives us is twofold; it looks back to the first coming of Christ at Bethlehem, and it looks to the future when Christ will come again. In the interval between these two events we find meaning for our life as a Christian.

First we celebrate Christ-become-human. We view his life and experience his presence as a human being in our history. Christ came to show us what life can and should be. He gave us true and valid principles by which we can live true and valid lives. But Jesus knew that the human heart could not live in isolation. He formed the Church around the concept of a people held together by love. In that community we discover unlimited possibilities and meaning. Alone we can do nothing. Together we find real meaning.

When Christ left this earth, he did not abandon us. He remains with us in his Spirit, the Church, the sacraments, the Scriptures and each other. He lives in community with us and keeps his vision of life before us.

When Christ comes again, his presence will no longer be hidden behind the signs and symbols of the liturgy or the words of the Scriptures. His presence among us will be revealed in all its fullness, a presence that will never end, a presence that will perfect and complete our community.

This is the "greater significance" of Advent. In these few short weeks we take in the sweeping panorama of time - from Christ's birth to his Second Coming. The season of Advent brings us the magnificent vision of life and hope for the future given to us by Christ.

Advent is our time to become more involved, more caught up in the meaning and the possibilities of life as a Christian community. Thus we are preparing not only for Christmas but also for Christ's Second Coming. This means that when he comes again, we will be awake and watchful. He will not find us asleep.


© Liguori Publications Excerpt from Advent - A Quality Storecupboard The Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer

Novena for Faithful Citizenship - Day Eight

Opening prayer:
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love.

Reading: Isaiah 32:15-18

Until the spirit from on high is poured out on us, then will the desert become an orchard and the orchard be regarded as a forest. Right will dwell in the desert and justice abide in the orchard. Justice will bring about peace; right will produce calm and security. My people will live in peaceful country, in secure dwellings and quiet resting places.

Reflection:
How do I recognize the Spirit's involvement in my life in the community?

Novena Prayer:

Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Help us to conquer the menace of evil, which so easily takes root in the hearts of the people of today, and whose immeasureable effects already weigh down upon our modern world and seem to block the paths toward the future.
From famine and war, deliver us.
From nuclear war, from incalculable self-destruction, from every kind of war, deliver us.
From sins against human life from its very beginning, deliver us.
From hatred and from the demeaning of the dignity of the children of God, deliver us.
From readiness to trample on the commandments of God, deliver us.
From attempts to stifle in human hearts the very truth of God, deliver us.
From sins against the Holy Spirit, deliver us.
Accept, O Mother of Christ, this cry laden with the sufferings of all individual human beings, laden with the sufferings of whole societies. Help us with the power ofthe Holy Spirit conquer all sin; individual sin and the "sin of the world", sin in all its manifestations.
Let there be revealed once more in the history of the world thi infinite saving power of the redemption: the power of merciful love.
May it put a stop to evil.
May it transform consciences.
May your Immaculate Heart reveal for all the light of hope.
Amen.

Novena for Faithful Citzenship - Day Seven

Opening Prayer:
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love.

Reading: Ephesians 4:1-6

I...urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Reflection:
What divisions exist in my community? What structures in society seem unjust? How am I striving to achieve justice and peace?

Prayer:
God of justice, we are created in your image. May we glorify you in all of our actions. Amen.

Novena prayer:
Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Help us to conquer the menace of evil, which so easily takes root in the hearts of the people of today, and whose immeasureable effects already weigh down upon our modern world and seem to block the paths toward the future.
From famine and war, deliver us.
From nuclear war, from incalculable self-destruction, from every kind of war, deliver us.
From sins against human life from its very beginning, deliver us.
From hatred and from the demeaning of the dignity of the children of God, deliver us.
From readiness to trample on the commandments of God, deliver us.
From attempts to stifle in human hearts the very truth of God, deliver us.
From sins against the Holy Spirit, deliver us.
Accept, O Mother of Christ, this cry laden with the sufferings of all individual human beings, laden with the sufferings of whole societies. Help us with the power ofthe Holy Spirit conquer all sin; individual sin and the "sin of the world", sin in all its manifestations.
Let there be revealed once more in the history of the world thi infinite saving power of the redemption: the power of merciful love.
May it put a stop to evil.
May it transform consciences.
May your Immaculate Heart reveal for all the light of hope.
Amen.

Novena for Faithful Citizenship - Day Six

Opening Prayer:
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love.

Reading: Matthew 5:43-46

"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for He makes His sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?"

Reflection:
Who are my enemies? How do I love them? How do I live up to the definition Jesus provides for living the Christian lifestyle, a life of Christian love?

Prayer:
God of peace, give us the courage to be reconciled with our neighbors, our enemies. Give us the vision to truly see what it means to be3 a Christian so that peace and justice may rule in our world. Amen.

Novena Prayer:

Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Help us to conquer the menace of evil, which so easily takes root in the hearts of the people of today, and whose immeasureable effects already weigh down upon our modern world and seem to block the paths toward the future.
From famine and war, deliver us.
From nuclear war, from incalculable self-destruction, from every kind of war, deliver us.
From sins against human life from its very beginning, deliver us.
From hatred and from the demeaning of the dignity of the children of God, deliver us.
From readiness to trample on the commandments of God, deliver us.
From attempts to stifle in human hearts the very truth of God, deliver us.
From sins against the Holy Spirit, deliver us.
Accept, O Mother of Christ, this cry laden with the sufferings of all individual human beings, laden with the sufferings of whole societies. Help us with the power ofthe Holy Spirit conquer all sin; individual sin and the "sin of the world", sin in all its manifestations.
Let there be revealed once more in the history of the world thi infinite saving power of the redemption: the power of merciful love.
May it put a stop to evil.
May it transform consciences.
May your Immaculate Heart reveal for all the light of hope.
Amen.

Novena for Faithful Citizenship - Day Five

Opening Prayer:
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love.

Reading: I Corinthians 11:26-29

For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until He comes. Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the Body and Blood of the Lord. A person should examine himself, and so eat the bread and drink the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the Body, eats and drinks judgment on himself.

Reflection:
How is the Eucharist central in my life? My community? Where do I reach out to the Body of Christ in my community?

Prayer:
Lord, we come together at the Eucharist to celebrate your death and resurrection. Help us experience authentic worship.

Novena Prayer: Novena Prayer:

Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Help us to conquer the menace of evil, which so easily takes root in the hearts of the people of today, and whose immeasureable effects already weigh down upon our modern world and seem to block the paths toward the future.
From famine and war, deliver us.
From nuclear war, from incalculable self-destruction, from every kind of war, deliver us.
From sins against human life from its very beginning, deliver us.
From hatred and from the demeaning of the dignity of the children of God, deliver us.
From readiness to trample on the commandments of God, deliver us.
From attempts to stifle in human hearts the very truth of God, deliver us.
From sins against the Holy Spirit, deliver us.
Accept, O Mother of Christ, this cry laden with the sufferings of all individual human beings, laden with the sufferings of whole societies. Help us with the power ofthe Holy Spirit conquer all sin; individual sin and the "sin of the world", sin in all its manifestations.
Let there be revealed once more in the history of the world thi infinite saving power of the redemption: the power of merciful love.
May it put a stop to evil.
May it transform consciences.
May your Immaculate Heart reveal for all the light of hope.
Amen.