Daily Mass readings and feast days

Discussion in 'Scriptural Thoughts' started by Waiting by the window, Sep 30, 2019.

  1. Thank you so much for hosting this Mother of God forum, Padraig! Surely the saints are so happy for this bit of internet space to speak of our Catholic faith, prayer petitions, prophecy, the Word of the Lord and so much more. You may be Irish Internet Missionary Saint Padraig one day.:)
     
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  2. padraig

    padraig Powers

    It is a joy doing it. Thank you:)
     
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  3. November 8
    Friday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time

    Reading 1 Rom 15:14-21
    I myself am convinced about you, my brothers and sisters,
    that you yourselves are full of goodness,
    filled with all knowledge, and able to admonish one another.
    But I have written to you rather boldly in some respects to remind you,
    because of the grace given me by God
    to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles
    in performing the priestly service of the Gospel of God,
    so that the offering up of the Gentiles may be acceptable,
    sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
    In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to boast in what pertains to God.
    For I will not dare to speak of anything
    except what Christ has accomplished through me
    to lead the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed,
    by the power of signs and wonders,
    by the power of the Spirit of God,
    so that from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum
    I have finished preaching the Gospel of Christ.
    Thus I aspire to proclaim the Gospel
    not where Christ has already been named,
    so that I do not build on another's foundation,
    but as it is written:

    Those who have never been told of him shall see,
    and those who have never heard of him shall understand.


    Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
    R.(see 2b) The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
    Sing to the LORD a new song,
    for he has done wondrous deeds;
    His right hand has won victory for him,
    his holy arm.
    R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
    The LORD has made his salvation known:
    in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
    He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
    toward the house of Israel.
    R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
    All the ends of the earth have seen
    the salvation by our God.
    Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
    break into song; sing praise.
    R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

    Alleluia 1 Jn 2:5
    R. Alleluia, alleluia.
    Whoever keeps the word of Christ,
    the love of God is truly perfected in him.
    R. Alleluia, alleluia.

    Gospel Lk 16:1-8
    Jesus said to his disciples, "A rich man had a steward
    who was reported to him for squandering his property.
    He summoned him and said,
    'What is this I hear about you?
    Prepare a full account of your stewardship,
    because you can no longer be my steward.'
    The steward said to himself, 'What shall I do,
    now that my master is taking the position of steward away from me?
    I am not strong enough to dig and I am ashamed to beg.
    I know what I shall do so that,
    when I am removed from the stewardship,
    they may welcome me into their homes.'
    He called in his master's debtors one by one.
    To the first he said, 'How much do you owe my master?'
    He replied, 'One hundred measures of olive oil.'
    He said to him, 'Here is your promissory note.
    Sit down and quickly write one for fifty.'
    Then to another he said, 'And you, how much do you owe?'
    He replied, 'One hundred measures of wheat.'
    He said to him, 'Here is your promissory note;
    write one for eighty.'
    And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently.
    For the children of this world
    are more prudent in dealing with their own generation
    than the children of light."

    Feast day of four crowned martyrs: St. Castorus, St. Claudius, St. Nicostratus, and St. Simpronian. These men were skilled stone carvers in the third century. They were martyred by drowning in the River Sava in 305 because they refused to carve an idol of Aesculapius for Diocletian. Their relics are enshrined in the Basilica of Mt. Celio, Rome, Italy. Patrons of stonecutters and sculptors
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  4. Sam

    Sam Powers

    Today is also the the optional memorial of Blessed John Duns Scotus

    Newly beatified in 1993 by St. John Paul II, the Franciscans and other particular calendars may celebrate the optional memorial of Blessed John Duns Scotus, a Scottish Franciscan priest and theologian who died in 1308. He was the founder of the Scotistic School in Theology, and until the time of the French Revolution his thought dominated the Roman Catholic faculties of theology in nearly all the major universities of Europe. He is chiefly known for his theology on the Absolute Kingship of Jesus Christ, the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and his philosophic refutation of evolution. He is also known as the "Doctor of Mary Immaculate" because of his defense of the Immaculate Conception.
     
  5. November 9
    Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome

    Reading 1 Ez 47:1-2, 8-9, 12
    The angel brought me
    back to the entrance of the temple,
    and I saw water flowing out
    from beneath the threshold of the temple toward the east,
    for the façade of the temple was toward the east;
    the water flowed down from the southern side of the temple,
    south of the altar.
    He led me outside by the north gate,
    and around to the outer gate facing the east,
    where I saw water trickling from the southern side.
    He said to me,
    “This water flows into the eastern district down upon the Arabah,
    and empties into the sea, the salt waters, which it makes fresh.
    Wherever the river flows,
    every sort of living creature that can multiply shall live,
    and there shall be abundant fish,
    for wherever this water comes the sea shall be made fresh.
    Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of every kind shall grow;
    their leaves shall not fade, nor their fruit fail.
    Every month they shall bear fresh fruit,
    for they shall be watered by the flow from the sanctuary.
    Their fruit shall serve for food, and their leaves for medicine.”

    Responsorial Psalm Ps 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9
    R.(5) The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!
    God is our refuge and our strength,
    an ever-present help in distress.
    Therefore, we fear not, though the earth be shaken
    and mountains plunge into the depths of the sea.
    R. The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!
    There is a stream whose runlets gladden the city of God,
    the holy dwelling of the Most High.
    God is in its midst; it shall not be disturbed;
    God will help it at the break of dawn.
    R. The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!
    The LORD of hosts is with us;
    our stronghold is the God of Jacob.
    Come! behold the deeds of the LORD,
    the astounding things he has wrought on earth.
    R. The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!

    Reading 2 1 Cor 3:9c-11, 16-17
    Brothers and sisters:
    You are God’s building.
    According to the grace of God given to me,
    like a wise master builder I laid a foundation,
    and another is building upon it.
    But each one must be careful how he builds upon it,
    for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there,
    namely, Jesus Christ.

    Do you not know that you are the temple of God,
    and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
    If anyone destroys God’s temple,
    God will destroy that person;
    for the temple of God, which you are, is holy.

    Alleluia 2 Chr 7:16
    R. Alleluia, alleluia.
    I have chosen and consecrated this house, says the Lord,
    that my name may be there forever.
    R. Alleluia, alleluia.

    Gospel Jn 2:13-22
    Since the Passover of the Jews was near,
    Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
    He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves,
    as well as the money-changers seated there.
    He made a whip out of cords
    and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen,
    and spilled the coins of the money-changers
    and overturned their tables,
    and to those who sold doves he said,
    "Take these out of here,
    and stop making my Father's house a marketplace."
    His disciples recalled the words of Scripture,
    Zeal for your house will consume me.
    At this the Jews answered and said to him,
    "What sign can you show us for doing this?"
    Jesus answered and said to them,
    "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up."
    The Jews said,
    "This temple has been under construction for forty-six years,
    and you will raise it up in three days?"
    But he was speaking about the temple of his Body.
    Therefore, when he was raised from the dead,
    his disciples remembered that he had said this,
    and they came to believe the Scripture
    and the word Jesus had spoken.

    ++++++++++++++++++
    Let us pray to the Holy Spirit to blow out of the churches all the unholy and pagan things that are set up there or to pierce the consciences of the priests to physically remove any artifact that should not be in the church. Please God, hear our prayer. You know what I mean, LORD, about my local parish and how bummed out it makes me that the presence of that altar with food/drink for the dead is on it and profaning Your House. Please let Father change his mind. Please send your Holy Angels to tell him to remove that from Your Sanctuary. I ask this in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.+++++++++++++++++

    Feast of the Dedication of St. John Lateran Basilica (information from Wikipedia)
    The anniversary of the dedication of this church has been observed as a feast in Roman Catholicism since the 12th century, a time of increasing centralization of papal authority in the history of the Church. 9 November is the feast of the Dedication of the (Arch)Basilica of the Lateran (Dedicatio Basilicae Lateranensis), and is referred to in older texts as the "Dedication of the Basilica of the Most Holy Savior". In view of its role as the mother church of the world, this liturgical day is ranked worldwide as a feast.
    The origin of the church was that it was once a palace for Roman Emperor Constantin I, but he gave it to Pope Miltiades in about the year 313. It is the oldest and highest ranking of the four papal major basilicas, holding the unique title of "archbasilica". It is the oldest public church in the city of Rome, and the oldest basilica of the Western world. It houses the cathedra of the Roman bishop, and has the title of ecumenical mother church of the Catholic faithful. There are papal tombs within the Basilica, as well as the Holy Stairs that Helena brought to Rome from Jerusalem, and many other pieces of historical interest.
     
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  6. November 10
    Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

    Reading 1 2 Mc 7:1-2, 9-14
    It happened that seven brothers with their mother were arrested
    and tortured with whips and scourges by the king,
    to force them to eat pork in violation of God's law.
    One of the brothers, speaking for the others, said:
    "What do you expect to achieve by questioning us?
    We are ready to die rather than transgress the laws of our ancestors."

    At the point of death he said:
    "You accursed fiend, you are depriving us of this present life,
    but the King of the world will raise us up to live again forever.
    It is for his laws that we are dying."

    After him the third suffered their cruel sport.
    He put out his tongue at once when told to do so,
    and bravely held out his hands, as he spoke these noble words:
    "It was from Heaven that I received these;
    for the sake of his laws I disdain them;
    from him I hope to receive them again."
    Even the king and his attendants marveled at the young man's courage,
    because he regarded his sufferings as nothing.

    After he had died,
    they tortured and maltreated the fourth brother in the same way.
    When he was near death, he said,
    "It is my choice to die at the hands of men
    with the hope God gives of being raised up by him;
    but for you, there will be no resurrection to life."

    Responsorial Psalm Ps 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15
    R. (15b) Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.
    Hear, O LORD, a just suit;
    attend to my outcry;
    hearken to my prayer from lips without deceit.
    R. Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.
    My steps have been steadfast in your paths,
    my feet have not faltered.
    I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
    incline your ear to me; hear my word.
    R. Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.
    Keep me as the apple of your eye,
    hide me in the shadow of your wings.
    But I in justice shall behold your face;
    on waking I shall be content in your presence.
    R. Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.

    Reading 2 2 Thes 2:16-3:5
    Brothers and sisters:
    May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,
    who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement
    and good hope through his grace,
    encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed
    and word.

    Finally, brothers and sisters, pray for us,
    so that the word of the Lord may speed forward and be glorified,
    as it did among you,
    and that we may be delivered from perverse and wicked people,
    for not all have faith.
    But the Lord is faithful;
    he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.
    We are confident of you in the Lord that what we instruct you,
    you are doing and will continue to do.
    May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God
    and to the endurance of Christ.

    Alleluia Rv 1:5a, 6b
    R. Alleluia, alleluia.
    Jesus Christ is the firstborn of the dead;
    to him be glory and power, forever and ever.
    R. Alleluia, alleluia.

    Gospel Lk 20:27-38
    Some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection,
    came forward and put this question to Jesus, saying,
    "Teacher, Moses wrote for us,
    If someone's brother dies leaving a wife but no child,
    his brother must take the wife
    and raise up descendants for his brother.

    Now there were seven brothers;
    the first married a woman but died childless.
    Then the second and the third married her,
    and likewise all the seven died childless.
    Finally the woman also died.
    Now at the resurrection whose wife will that woman be?
    For all seven had been married to her."
    Jesus said to them,
    "The children of this age marry and remarry;
    but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age
    and to the resurrection of the dead
    neither marry nor are given in marriage.
    They can no longer die,
    for they are like angels;
    and they are the children of God
    because they are the ones who will rise.
    That the dead will rise
    even Moses made known in the passage about the bush,
    when he called out 'Lord, '
    the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob;
    and he is not God of the dead, but of the living,
    for to him all are alive."

    Or Lk 20:27, 34-38
    Some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection,
    came forward.

    Jesus said to them,
    "The children of this age marry and remarry;
    but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age
    and to the resurrection of the dead
    neither marry nor are given in marriage.
    They can no longer die,
    for they are like angels;
    and they are the children of God
    because they are the ones who will rise.
    That the dead will rise
    even Moses made known in the passage about the bush,
    when he called out 'Lord, '
    the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob;
    and he is not God of the dead, but of the living,
    for to him all are alive."

    Feast day of Pope Saint Leo I the Great (info. from Wikipedia)
    Pope Leo I (c. 400 – 10 November 461), also known as Saint Leo the Great, was Bishop of Rome from 29 September 440 and died in 461. Pope Benedict XVI said that Leo's papacy "...was undoubtedly one of the most important in the Church's history."

    He was a Roman aristocrat, and was the first pope to have been called "the Great". He is perhaps best known for having met Attila the Hun in 452 and persuading him to turn back from his invasion of Italy. He is also a Doctor of the Church, most remembered theologically for issuing the Tome of Leo, a document which was a major foundation to the debates of the Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon. The Council of Chalcedon, the fourth ecumenical council, dealt primarily with Christology, and elucidated the orthodox definition of Christ's being as the hypostatic union of two natures, divine and human, united in one person, "with neither confusion nor division". It was followed by a major schism associated with Monophysitism (the heresy that Jesus had a single nature that was either Divine or a mix of Divine and natural) and two other heresies involving the Christological nature of Jesus)
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  7. November 11
    Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop

    Reading 1 Wis 1:1-7
    Love justice, you who judge the earth;
    think of the Lord in goodness,
    and seek him in integrity of heart;
    Because he is found by those who test him not,
    and he manifests himself to those who do not disbelieve him.
    For perverse counsels separate a man from God,
    and his power, put to the proof, rebukes the foolhardy;
    Because into a soul that plots evil, wisdom enters not,
    nor dwells she in a body under debt of sin.
    For the holy Spirit of discipline flees deceit
    and withdraws from senseless counsels;
    and when injustice occurs it is rebuked.
    For wisdom is a kindly spirit,
    yet she acquits not the blasphemer of his guilty lips;
    Because God is the witness of his inmost self
    and the sure observer of his heart
    and the listener to his tongue.
    For the Spirit of the Lord fills the world,
    is all-embracing, and knows what man says.

    Responsorial Psalm Ps 139:1b-3, 4-6, 7-8, 9-10
    R. (24b) Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.
    O LORD, you have probed me and you know me;
    you know when I sit and when I stand;
    you understand my thoughts from afar.
    My journeys and my rest you scrutinize,
    with all my ways you are familiar.
    R. Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.
    Even before a word is on my tongue,
    behold, O LORD, you know the whole of it.
    Behind me and before, you hem me in
    and rest your hand upon me.
    Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
    too lofty for me to attain.
    R. Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.
    Where can I go from your spirit?
    From your presence where can I flee?
    If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I sink to the nether world, you are present there.
    R. Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.
    If I take the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle at the farthest limits of the sea,
    Even there your hand shall guide me,
    and your right hand hold me fast.
    R. Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

    Alleluia Phil 2:15d, 16a
    R. Alleluia, alleluia.
    Shine like lights in the world,
    as you hold on to the word of life.
    R. Alleluia, alleluia.

    Gospel Lk 17:1-6
    Jesus said to his disciples,
    "Things that cause sin will inevitably occur,
    but woe to the one through whom they occur.
    It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck
    and he be thrown into the sea
    than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.
    Be on your guard!
    If your brother sins, rebuke him;
    and if he repents, forgive him.
    And if he wrongs you seven times in one day
    and returns to you seven times saying, 'I am sorry,'
    you should forgive him."

    And the Apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith."
    The Lord replied, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed,
    you would say to this mulberry tree,
    'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you."

    St. Martin of Tours - a brief history This is taken directly from http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ASaints/Martin.html
    Martin was born in Hungary in 316. He was the son of a pagan army officer who moved with his family to his father's new post in Pavia, Italy. At the age of 10, and against his parents’ will, he became a catechumen and took lessons at the local church. Several years later, his love of God was so intense that he wanted to become a hermit. However, as the son of an army veteran, he was compelled to go into the service when he was 15 years old.

    His military career took him to a post in Amiens, France. There, during the bitterly cold winter of 337, he was approached by an almost-naked beggar. Martin immediately sliced his cloak in two and wrapped half of it around the shivering vagrant. According to his biographer, Christopher Donaldson, that same night Martin had a dream. He saw Jesus wrapped in the piece of cloak he had given away and Jesus said to him, "Martin, yet a catechumen, has covered me with this garment." Following this dream, he immediately sought to be baptized.

    When he was about 20, barbarians invaded Gaul. Martin and his companions were presented to Emperor Julian in order to receive a commission to fight the invaders. Martin refused and told Julian that he had served him as a soldier but now he was a soldier of Christ and it was unlawful for him to fight. The emperor accused him of cowardice. Martin countered by saying that he was willing to go into battle unarmed and stand between the opposing parties in the name of Jesus.

    Miraculously, he was saved from being placed into such a dangerous position because that night, the barbarians demanded and received an armistice. Three years later, in 339, Martin requested and was given his discharge. Now, he could freely pursue his burning desire to serve God.

    For a time, Martin lived in Italy and Dalmatia; he then went to Poitiers where Bishop Saint Hilary took him as a disciple. It was during this period that he had another dream - this one calling him back home to Hungary. There, he converted his mother and many others. From Hungary, Martin’s travels took him back to Italy where he found that Saint Hilary had been exiled by Auxtensius, the Arian bishop. It was then that he entered the monastic life at a place near Milan. However, Auxtensius seized the See of Milan and drove Martin from the diocese. He ended up on an island in the Gulf of Genoa, where he lived as a recluse until 360, when the banished Hilary was allowed to come out of exile.

    Martin left the island and travelled to Rome to meet Saint Hilary en route and accompany him back to his See in Poitiers. Hilary knew that Martin preferred to live the monastic life, so he gave him some land on which Martin founded the first monastic community in Gaul. He lived there for 10 years, preaching and reputedly performing many miracles. Then, around 371, Tours chose him as its third bishop.

    He lived in a cell by the church but soon retreated from the city and its distractions to Marmoutier, where he founded yet another great monastic center. Before long, the community had grown to more than 80 monks. They engaged in no art or business transactions; the older ones spent all of their waking hours in prayer and the younger ones in writing. It was out of this monastery that many bishops were chosen, because every city wanted a religious leader who had been bred under the discipline of St. Martin.

    In Marmoutier, Martin lived privately as a monk; publicly, he ardently discharged his episcopal duties. Every year, he visited each of his parishes in rural regions, travelling by foot, by donkey, or by boat. Previous to these innovative efforts to spread the faith, Christians were primarily to be found only in urban areas.

    Undoubtedly, St. Martin was one of the greatest pioneers of Western monasticism, directly influencing the type of monasteries established in Ireland, Scotland and Wales. He was also one of the most popular saints in the middle ages. After his death in 397, his successor, Saint Brice, built a chapel over his grave. This was later replaced with a basilica. Today, he is the patron saint of France and his shrine attracts thousands of pilgrims. He is also the patron saint of many diverse groups, including wool-weavers - because he divided his cloak.
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  8. Memorial of Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr

    Reading 1 Wis 2:23–3:9
    God formed man to be imperishable;
    the image of his own nature he made them.
    But by the envy of the Devil, death entered the world,
    and they who are in his possession experience it.

    But the souls of the just are in the hand of God,
    and no torment shall touch them.
    They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead;
    and their passing away was thought an affliction
    and their going forth from us, utter destruction.
    But they are in peace.
    For if before men, indeed, they be punished,
    yet is their hope full of immortality;
    Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed,
    because God tried them
    and found them worthy of himself.
    As gold in the furnace, he proved them,
    and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.
    In the time of their visitation they shall shine,
    and shall dart about as sparks through stubble;
    They shall judge nations and rule over peoples,
    and the Lord shall be their King forever.
    Those who trust in him shall understand truth,
    and the faithful shall abide with him in love:
    Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones,
    and his care is with his elect.

    Responsorial Psalm Ps 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19
    R.(2a) I will bless the Lord at all times.
    I will bless the LORD at all times;
    his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
    Let my soul glory in the LORD;
    the lowly will hear me and be glad.
    R. I will bless the Lord at all times.
    The LORD has eyes for the just,
    and ears for their cry.
    The LORD confronts the evildoers,
    to destroy remembrance of them from the earth.
    R. I will bless the Lord at all times.
    When the just cry out, the LORD hears them,
    and from all their distress he rescues them.
    The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
    and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
    R. I will bless the Lord at all times.

    Alleluia Jn 14:23
    R. Alleluia, alleluia.
    Whoever loves me will keep my word,
    and my Father will love him,
    and we will come to him.
    R. Alleluia, alleluia.

    Gospel Lk 17:7-10
    Jesus said to the Apostles:
    "Who among you would say to your servant
    who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field,
    'Come here immediately and take your place at table'?
    Would he not rather say to him,
    'Prepare something for me to eat.
    Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink.
    You may eat and drink when I am finished'?
    Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded?
    So should it be with you.
    When you have done all you have been commanded, say,
    'We are unprofitable servants;
    we have done what we were obliged to do.'"

    Biography of St. Josaphat from Franciscan media.org
    In 1595, the Orthodox bishop of Brest-Litovsk in present-day Belarus and five other bishops representing millions of Ruthenians, sought reunion with Rome. John Kunsevich—who took the name Josaphat in religious life—was to dedicate his life, and die for the same cause. Born in what is now Ukraine, he went to work in Vilna and was influenced by clergy adhering to the 1596 Union of Brest.
    Saint Josaphat was ordained a priest and began to preach in various churches of the city, bringing back many dissidents to the Union. He was invited also to preach and govern in various regions of the land; he became head of a monastery at Bytene. He restored sanctuaries, built a convent, and converted, among others, one of the most zealous of the dissidents. In 1614 Josaphat’s friend Joseph Routski became Archbishop of the city of Vilna, and recalled his holy former companion to that city, confiding the monastery of the Trinity to him. Saint Josaphat never made harsh reproaches, but corrections warmed by a wholly paternal affection.
    He became bishop of Vitebsk at a relatively young age, and faced a difficult situation. Most monks, fearing interference in liturgy and customs, did not want union with Rome. By synods, catechetical instruction, reform of the clergy, and personal example, however, Josaphat was successful in winning over the greater part of the Orthodox in that area to the union. He became known as 'The Scourge of the Schismatics.'

    But the next year a dissident hierarchy was set up, and a little group spread the accusation that Josaphat had “gone Latin” and that all his people would have to do the same. He was not enthusiastically supported by the Latin bishops of Poland.

    Despite warnings, he went to Vitebsk, still a hotbed of trouble. Attempts were made to foment trouble and drive him from the diocese: A priest was sent to shout insults to him from his own courtyard. When Josaphat had him removed and shut up in his house, the opposition rang the town hall bell, and a mob assembled. The priest was released, but members of the mob broke into the bishop’s home. Josaphat was struck with weapons and his body thrown into the river.

    His mortal remains were recovered after five days from the waters, and exposed for nine days, constantly emitting a fragrance of roses and lilies. Josaphat had gone gladly to his death, offering his life that the schism might end; he had said as much beforehand. Four years after his death, the false accuser, Melece Smotritski, after many combats made a decisive step and consecrated his life to penance, prayer and the defense of the Union. Such changes of heart are indeed the greatest of miracles, won by the sanctity of the true servants of God.


    About five years after Saint Josaphat’s martyrdom his body was found intact, though the clothing had rotted away. Again in 1637 it was still white and supple. A beautiful silver reliquary was made for it, with a life-size image of the reclining Saint surmounting it. The body was again exposed intact in 1767. It was eventually taken to the Basilica of Saint Peter in Rome. Pope Leo XIII canonized Saint Josaphat in 1867 and is now buried in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. He was the first saint of the Eastern Church to be canonized by Rome.

    Josaphat’s death brought a movement toward Catholicism and unity, but we are still divided. In time the Russians forced most Ruthenians to join the Russian Orthodox Church.
    [​IMG]
     
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  9. November 13
    Memorial of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, Virgin

    Reading 1 Wis 6:1-11
    Hear, O kings, and understand;
    learn, you magistrates of the earth's expanse!
    Hearken, you who are in power over the multitude
    and lord it over throngs of peoples!
    Because authority was given you by the Lord
    and sovereignty by the Most High,
    who shall probe your works and scrutinize your counsels.
    Because, though you were ministers of his kingdom, you judged not rightly,
    and did not keep the law,
    nor walk according to the will of God,
    Terribly and swiftly shall he come against you,
    because judgment is stern for the exalted–
    For the lowly may be pardoned out of mercy
    but the mighty shall be mightily put to the test.
    For the Lord of all shows no partiality,
    nor does he fear greatness,
    Because he himself made the great as well as the small,
    and he provides for all alike;
    but for those in power a rigorous scrutiny impends.
    To you, therefore, O princes, are my words addressed
    that you may learn wisdom and that you may not sin.
    For those who keep the holy precepts hallowed shall be found holy,
    and those learned in them will have ready a response.
    Desire therefore my words;
    long for them and you shall be instructed.
    Responsorial Psalm Ps 82:3-4, 6-7
    R. (8a) Rise up, O God, bring judgment to the earth.
    Defend the lowly and the fatherless;
    render justice to the afflicted and the destitute.
    Rescue the lowly and the poor;
    from the hand of the wicked deliver them.
    R. Rise up, O God, bring judgment to the earth.
    I said: "You are gods,
    all of you sons of the Most High;
    yet like men you shall die,
    and fall like any prince."
    R. Rise up, O God, bring judgment to the earth.
    Alleluia 1 Thes 5:18
    R. Alleluia, alleluia.
    In all circumstances, give thanks,
    for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
    R. Alleluia, alleluia.
    Gospel Lk 17:11-19
    As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem,
    he traveled through Samaria and Galilee.
    As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him.
    They stood at a distance from him and raised their voice, saying,
    "Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!"
    And when he saw them, he said,
    "Go show yourselves to the priests."
    As they were going they were cleansed.
    And one of them, realizing he had been healed,
    returned, glorifying God in a loud voice;
    and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.
    He was a Samaritan.
    Jesus said in reply,
    "Ten were cleansed, were they not?
    Where are the other nine?
    Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?"
    Then he said to him, "Stand up and go;
    your faith has saved you."

    Frances Xavier Cabrini
    Frances Xavier Cabrini, also called Mother Cabrini, was an Italian-American Roman Catholic nun, who founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a Catholic religious institute that was a major support to the Italian immigrants to the United States. She was the first naturalized citizen of the United States to be canonized by the Roman Catholic Church, on July 7, 1946.
    Born:Jul 15, 1850, Sant'Angelo Lodigiano, Province of Lodi, Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia, Austrian Empire
    Died Dec 22, 1917, Chicago, Ill
    The youngest of thirteen children, Frances Cabrini was born on July 15, 1850 in a small village called S’ant Angelo Lodigiano near the city of Milan, Italy. She loved stories of missionaries as a little girl and as she grew up, she made up her mind to join a religious order. Because of her frail health, she was not permitted to join the Daughters of the Sacred Heart who had been her teachers and under whose guidance she obtained her teaching certificate.

    However, in 1880, with seven young women, Frances founded the Institute of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She was as resourceful as she was prayerful, finding people who would donate what she needed in money, time, labor and support. She and her sisters wanted to be missionaries in China; she visited Rome to obtain an audience with Pope Leo XIII. The Pope told Frances to go “not to the East, but to the West” to New York rather than to China as she had expected. She was to help the thousands of Italian immigrants already in the United States.

    In 1889, New York seemed to be filled with chaos and poverty, and into this new world stepped Mother Frances Cabrini and her sister companions. Cabrini organized catechism and education classes for the Italian immigrants and provided for the needs of the many orphans. She established schools and orphanages despite tremendous odds.

    Soon, requests for her to open schools came to Frances Cabrini from all over the world. She traveled to Europe, Central and South America and throughout the United States. She made 23 trans-Atlantic crossings and established 67 institutions: schools, hospitals and orphanages.

    Her activity was relentless until her death. On December 22, 1917, in Chicago, she died. In 1946, she was canonized a saint by Pope Pius XII in recognition of her holiness and service to mankind and was named Patroness of Immigrants in 1950.

    Mother Cabrini is one of my favorite saints and an orphanage that she founded in Colorado has become a holy place to pray. https://www.mothercabrinishrine.org/about-us/history
    [​IMG]

    Also the feast day of St. Stanislaus Kostka
    Stanislaus was born to a noble family in Poland in the year 1550. Although his brother mistreated Stanislaus by hitting him and swearing at him for his piety, Stanislaus always forgave him. At the age of 14, he studied with the Jesuits in Vienna, He became very ill during this time and he prayed to St. Barbara to intercede for him. He had a mystical vision in which angels brought him Holy Communion. Stanislaus got better from his illness. At this time the Virgin Mary asked Stanislaus to become a Jesuit priest. Stanislaus knew that his father would raise objections to this so he decided to apply to be a Jesuit in Rome, instead. He undertook the long journey and stayed in Rome for almost a year before his health deteriorated and he died at the age of 17 as a Jesuit novice.
    There is a portrait by Scipione Delfine, the oldest of St. Stanislaus in existence. Having probably been painted at Rome within two years of his death, it may be regarded as the best likeness.
    [​IMG]

    You holy ones, please pray for us. Amen.
     
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  10. Sam

    Sam Powers



    Well, I never heard of young St. Stanislaus Kosta! I love to learn of new saints. Blessed A. C. Emmerick said saints are very powerful on their feast days. St. Mother Cabrini is one of those saints who made a promise of her intercession from heaven.

    Mother wrote in one of her letters a prophecy of her intercession for them and for us, “In the adorable Heart of Jesus, I can always find you. He is our comfort, our way, our life. To Him I shall confide all your needs. I will speak to Him of each one of you in particular. I know the wants of every one of you. I will take a great interest in you and keep you close to my heart – you may be sure of this.”

    View attachment 11499

     
  11. November 13th is also the remembrance of Bartolo Longo enshrining the portrait of Our Lady of Pompeii in the valley of Pompeii.
    This is an online translation of the article from Medjugorje Today
    Exactly 142 years ago (11.13.1875) he came by the will of Bartolo Longo trying some of the Rosary icon to the small chapel that he had built for the poor farmers of the Valley of Pompeii, this revered picture that became famous in the entire Catholic church and the whole world because of the miracles and wonders tasks by God through him miserable in the Valley of Pompeii; Today the citadel of Mary and of charity. That's why the 13 NovembKing of each year, in memory of this event, the painting Our Lady comes down from his throne and receives thousands and thousands of faithful kiss of gratitude and of 'love; kiss of faith and devotion to the Holy Mother the most beautiful and merciful world. We, too, invoke the spiritual pilgrims from the depths of our misery, to obtain from God, our Lord, through her manifold intercession Almighty: rescue, protection, mercy and peace. The Mother of God string it between her warm arms. There string to her virginal breast and, through her immaculate heart, we always look more like our ... his ... Jesus! Amen


    A canvas ugly and smelly! History of the painting of Our Lady of Pompeii
    When the Blessed Bartolo Longo arrived in Pompeii in 1872, he found the valley and its inhabitants in extreme material poverty but spiritual. To keep his promise to the Virgin Mary to propagate the Rosary is concerned, then, to organize a series of initiatives to sensitize the inhabitants of the valley to a life of prayer and faith. Guadagnatosi the affection and esteem of Valley farmers, decided in October 1875 to organize a popular mission that would profoundly mark the hearts of the faithful
    , Fostering in them "the hope of forgiveness through devotion to Mary and especially to his Rosary." Later, it will call the '' Hour of Mercy. " In the program, each day, there was the recitation of the Rosary, Holy Mass and other moments of prayer. The large participation of the people in the mission and the current liturgical norms at the time, convinced Bartolo in buying a painting of the Virgin of the Rosary to be exhibited at the end of the popular mission. A framework would enable the farmers to gather every evening to church to pray the Rosary
    . So on November 13, the eve of the closure of the mission, Bartolo goes on the road to Naples in search of a painting, but did not find any of his liking or appropriate to its budget. But Providence, "that invisible hand guided the files of an event that would have been soon afterwards extraordinary", he made sure to him meet his spiritual father, the Dominican Father Alberto Radente . It is said that the case is the way God uses when he wants to remain anonymous, and, coincidentally, p. Alberto, years ago, he had donated to the Conservatory of the Rosary Sister Porta Medina, Sister Maria Concetta De Litala, An old picture of Rosario. Bartolo, not have it repeated twice, hurried to the nun to ensure that the framework could arrive in time to the Valley, where he waited for the missionaries and the devout people. But when Sister Maria Concetta showed him the painting felt a pang:

    "It was not just an old and tattered canvas, but the face of the Madonna, better than a benign Virgin, all holiness and grace, seemed rather a rough and unpolished big woman [...]. In addition to deformity and unpleasantness of the face, he lacked even the head of the Virgin a web palm; the whole surface was cracked and gnawed by time and moth-riddled, and the cracks were posted here and there with colored tunes. Nothing is to say of the ugliness of the other characters. S. Domenico seemed right rather than a saint, an idiot crossroads; and to the left it was a Santa Rosa, with a fat face, rough and vulgar, like a peasant crowned with roses. "
    (B. Longo, History of the Shrine , 1890, pp. 111-112). In short, the picture was really bad and worthless . Bartolo almost wanted to desist from taking the canvas, but a little 'promised to the farmers to get back with an image, a bit' insistence nun, finally agreed; was convinced, however, that the valpompeiani hardly would be willing to pray before such a bad image. In this issue he added another: how to get the painting in Pompeii? Its dimensions were excessive for both the state railways and for a coach. Going to happen one episode symbolic value that leaves already see the charisma of the nascent Pompeian work and the message it encapsulates. Bartolo recalled that "one of the leaders of all the settlers of the Valley"

    Angelo Tortora , he used to go to Naples with his cart; at that time probably he was ready to return, so summoned him and gave him the big picture. What Bartolo did not know was that Angelo often went to Naples to load the manure from the stables of lords, then sell it to the peasants that we manured the Valley campaigns.
    "While the picture was on the way to the road to Pompeii on the cart Angelo Tortora, I ran to the train station to go before his arrival. But what it was the regret we felt when the evening came to the Valley of Pompeii, knew that Tortora had brought the picture, otherwise you allogandolo above the manure, which had already loaded his wagon. "
    (B. Longo, the Sanctuary History , ed. 1954, p. 82).

    In this way, the evening of November 13, 1875, on a dung cart, made his entrance to the Valley a canvas ugly and smelly that would soon become the miraculous image of the Holy Virgin Rosary of Pompeii, revered and famous every corner of the world! During the recent special Jubilee of Mercy (08/12/2015 - 11/20/2016) proclaimed by Pope Francesco, Pompeii has been called "House of Mercy" and certainly this episode helps us to understand why. Mary is Mother of Mercy because it teaches us that whatever we bring in, even what smells of sin or makes us dirty, put in the hands of God becomes an instrument to manifest the greatness of his love.

    Pompeii's House of Mercy of Mercy because it originates from an experience in the first person by its Founder, Blessed Bartolo Longo. This young man was not abandoned by God although he chose to rebel against him proudly, now decides in turn to help all those who are immersed in the darkness of error and injustice. He manages to do this through the intercession of the Virgin Mary and the Rosary. Pompeii is still in the crowded House of Mercy Chapel of Confessions of the Sanctuary, alternating thirty priests, and in the Works of Charity in which, on the footsteps of its Founder, continues to give back life and hope to all who are discarded by world.
    "From diamonds nothing is born, the flowers come from manure" sang Fabrizio De André in Via del Campo. From the moment that little cart made his entrance to the Valley, were born the most beautiful flowers and the same Pompei, from scenario of death and destruction, has become a garden of thanks, a beautiful rose garden in honor of Mary , Mother of Mercy.
     
  12. Image of Our Lady of Pompeii continued
    After his arrival in Pompeii, the panel was subjected to urgent restoration because the way it was "rather devotion inspired terror". He was first assigned to Guglielmo Galella, a landscape architect who worked in archaeological excavations, and then to Frederick Maldarelli, famous Neapolitan painter. The painting was made more harmonious from the addition of the missing part on the Virgin's head; Santa Rosa also was replaced with St. Catherine because special protector of Bartolo Longo. However, even after this extensive restoration, the face of the Madonna had not improved significantly, but no one knew what to do. Apparently it was the Lady herself prodigiously to embellish his image! In fact Bartolo said that from the day when in 1881 the painting was removed from the church of the Savior SS.mo and was placed in one of the side chapels of the nascent Sanctuary, the Virgin's face began to turn, assuming a particular beauty that vibrate hearts of those who approached the effigy to pray.
    [​IMG]
    The canvas of the Madonna covered with jewels
    Like any woman, Mary wanted to present beautiful in the world and were many those that donated any piece of jewelry , such as the four emeralds of Jewish gentlemen Henry Kaminker and Jacques Sloag that, along with other brilliant, were placed directly on the canvas. This practice became necessary scientific restoration and in 1965 the painting was given to the Benedictine Fathers Olivetani of Rome . During the two months of work, the monks discovered beneath the overlapping colors in previous restorations, the painting bought by p. Radente for just 8 pugs (roughly € 40 today), was actually a painting of the school of Luca Giordano , a famous Neapolitan painter of the seventeenth century.


    The icon of the Virgin of the Rosary of Pompeii after the restoration of 1965
    On that occasion the panel was crowned by Pope Paul VI , holy day, in St. Peter's Basilica. The Pontiff, moved in to kiss the face of Mary depicted on the canvas, shared with the audience a special memory:

    "Nor can we forget the day away in April 1907, when the child We, with our pious Family, visited for the first time the Shrine of Pompeii and prayed before the holy picture that we now have the joy of seeing and worshiping before to us. We are therefore all the more pleased to give back to your shrine the Blessed framework, restored by the Olivetan monks with great respect and with rare skill. You know what should be such a restoration, considering the conditions of decay and decay in which they were both revered painting, the canvas is taking him; Now an art, that we can all admire not less patient and expert, has restored integrity and freshness to the Sacred Image, that in his simple but dignified and pious composition, will return to spread in prayerful souls and the devout crowds, the sweet and attractive impression of maternal and regal figure of the Mother of Christ, seated on Her knees, while Jesus and Mary offer to the Saints, there prostrated at, Dominic and Catherine, the crowns of the Holy Rosary, as if to invite them to their receiving devotion and trust. The pious and popular crown reappears as a chain of salvation, which hangs from the hands of the Savior and the Blessed Mother, and indicating whence comes down to us all grace and where should we go up all hope. "
    (Pope Paul VI, in L'Osservatore Romano of April 24, 1965 ) The last restoration, conservative nature, was made in 2012 by the restoration laboratories of the Vatican Museums, according to the wish of Pope Benedict XVI.

    • [​IMG]
    On 13 November each year , the anniversary of the arrival in Pompeii Image of the Virgin of the Rosary, the panel is removed from his throne and placed in the assembly so that the devotees can express their devotion with a kiss . From the first light of dawn, thousands of pilgrims are put patiently in line with preparing the prayer meeting with Maria; only when the last of these was able to kiss the Virgin of the Rosary, the Framework, late at night, it is put back in its place.
     
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  13. November 14
    Thursday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time

    Reading 1 Wis 7:22b–8:1
    In Wisdom is a spirit
    intelligent, holy, unique,
    Manifold, subtle, agile,
    clear, unstained, certain,
    Not baneful, loving the good, keen,
    unhampered, beneficent, kindly,
    Firm, secure, tranquil,
    all-powerful, all-seeing,
    And pervading all spirits,
    though they be intelligent, pure and very subtle.
    For Wisdom is mobile beyond all motion,
    and she penetrates and pervades all things by reason of her purity.
    For she is an aura of the might of God
    and a pure effusion of the glory of the Almighty;
    therefore nought that is sullied enters into her.
    For she is the refulgence of eternal light,
    the spotless mirror of the power of God,
    the image of his goodness.
    And she, who is one, can do all things,
    and renews everything while herself perduring;
    And passing into holy souls from age to age,
    she produces friends of God and prophets.
    For there is nought God loves, be it not one who dwells with Wisdom.
    For she is fairer than the sun
    and surpasses every constellation of the stars.
    Compared to light, she takes precedence;
    for that, indeed, night supplants,
    but wickedness prevails not over Wisdom.

    Indeed, she reaches from end to end mightily
    and governs all things well.

    Responsorial Psalm Ps 119:89, 90, 91, 130, 135, 175
    R.(89a) Your word is for ever, O Lord.
    Your word, O LORD, endures forever;
    it is firm as the heavens.
    R. Your word is for ever, O Lord.
    Through all generations your truth endures;
    you have established the earth, and it stands firm.
    R. Your word is for ever, O Lord.
    According to your ordinances they still stand firm:
    all things serve you.
    R. Your word is for ever, O Lord.
    The revelation of your words sheds light,
    giving understanding to the simple.
    R. Your word is for ever, O Lord.
    Let your countenance shine upon your servant,
    and teach me your statutes.
    R. Your word is for ever, O Lord.
    Let my soul live to praise you,
    and may your ordinances help me.
    R. Your word is for ever, O Lord.

    Alleluia Jn 15:5
    R. Alleluia, alleluia.
    I am the vine, you are the branches, says the Lord:
    whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit.
    R. Alleluia, alleluia.

    Gospel Lk 17:20-25
    Asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come,
    Jesus said in reply,
    "The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed,
    and no one will announce, 'Look, here it is,' or, 'There it is.'
    For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you."

    Then he said to his disciples,
    "The days will come when you will long to see
    one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it.
    There will be those who will say to you,
    'Look, there he is,' or 'Look, here he is.'
    Do not go off, do not run in pursuit.
    For just as lightning flashes
    and lights up the sky from one side to the other,
    so will the Son of Man be in his day.
    But first he must suffer greatly and be rejected by this generation."

    Feast day of Lorcán Ua Tuathail
    Lorcán Ua Tuathail, also known as Saint Laurence O'Toole, was Archbishop of Dublin at the time of the Norman invasion of Ireland. In 1161 Laurence was unanimously chosen to fill the new metropolitan See of Dublin. About the year 1171 he was obliged, for the affairs of his diocese, to go over to England to see the king, Henry II, who was then at Canterbury. The Saint was received by the Benedictine monks of Christ Church with the greatest honor and respect. On the following day, as the holy archbishop was going to the altar to officiate, a maniac, who had heard much of his sanctity, struck him a violent blow on the head. All present concluded that he was mortally wounded; but the Saint came to himself, asked for some water, blessed it, and having his wound washed with it, the blood was immediately stopped, and the Archbishop celebrated Mass. He played a prominent role in the Irish Church Reform Movement of the 12th century and mediated between the parties during and after the invasion. In 1175 Henry II of England became offended with Roderic, the monarch of Ireland, and St. Laurence undertook another journey to England to negotiate a reconciliation between them. Henry was so moved by his piety, charity, and prudence that he granted him everything he asked, and left the whole negotiation to his discretion. He was canonized in 1225 by Pope Honorius III.
    Born:1128, Castledermot, Ireland
    Died:Nov 14, 1180, Eu, Normandy, Angevin Empire
    [​IMG]
     
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  14. padraig

    padraig Powers

    The priest at mass gave the most beautiful homily on the ten lepers; focusing on the need for gratitude.

    He said a lady on 1000 reasons to be grateful. Apparently it took her a long time to write but she managed it in the end. He suggested that if at the end of each day we should recall only one thing during the day to be grateful for.

    In the very early morning I was walking along the beach when the dogs pulled me and I fell very hard on a rock. I believe if I had fallen on my car keys I might have broken my leg or hip. The readings at mass today seemed to focus on God's loving care. I have been grateful for this all day.

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003U2TWQ8/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

    [​IMG]
     
  15. I'm glad you weren't seriously hurt! Our dog pulls so hard sometimes, I had a sore elbow for awhile. Just this morning he wanted to cross the street right in front of a car, he had no idea what he was in for if I hadn't been holding the leash.
    The priest's homily about gratitude is so timely. I know for myself, I need to have a better 'gratitude attitude' like the grateful leper. Although, for the last year I have been writing something I am grateful for every day and leaving it under my St. Anthony statue. It helps me reflect on all the blessings the LORD sends me. May He continue to bless us and sustain us and convert all of us to Himself. Amen.
     
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  16. padraig

    padraig Powers

    I started counting things up. It gets easier as you along.:)

    Of ocurse the thing I am most grateful for is Our Lady saving me from hell... I have often told her I will spend me Eternity thanking her. She says it is not necessary, but how can I help it?
     
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  17. November 15

    Friday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
    Lectionary: 495

    Reading 1 Wis 13:1-9
    All men were by nature foolish who were in ignorance of God,
    and who from the good things seen did not succeed in knowing him who is,
    and from studying the works did not discern the artisan;
    But either fire, or wind, or the swift air,
    or the circuit of the stars, or the mighty water,
    or the luminaries of heaven, the governors of the world, they considered gods.
    Now if out of joy in their beauty they thought them gods,
    let them know how far more excellent is the Lord than these;
    for the original source of beauty fashioned them.
    Or if they were struck by their might and energy,
    let them from these things realize how much more powerful is he who made them.
    For from the greatness and the beauty of created things
    their original author, by analogy, is seen.
    But yet, for these the blame is less;
    For they indeed have gone astray perhaps,
    though they seek God and wish to find him.
    For they search busily among his works,
    but are distracted by what they see, because the things seen are fair.
    But again, not even these are pardonable.
    For if they so far succeeded in knowledge
    that they could speculate about the world,
    how did they not more quickly find its Lord?
    Responsorial Psalm Ps 19:2-3, 4-5ab
    R.(2a) The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
    The heavens declare the glory of God,
    and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
    Day pours out the word to day,
    and night to night imparts knowledge.
    R. The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
    Not a word nor a discourse
    whose voice is not heard;
    Through all the earth their voice resounds,
    and to the ends of the world, their message.
    R. The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
    Alleluia Lk 21:28
    R. Alleluia, alleluia.
    Stand erect and raise your heads
    because your redemption is at hand.
    R. Alleluia, alleluia.
    Gospel Lk 17:26-37
    Jesus said to his disciples:
    "As it was in the days of Noah,
    so it will be in the days of the Son of Man;
    they were eating and drinking,
    marrying and giving in marriage up to the day
    that Noah entered the ark,
    and the flood came and destroyed them all.
    Similarly, as it was in the days of Lot:
    they were eating, drinking, buying,
    selling, planting, building;
    on the day when Lot left Sodom,
    fire and brimstone rained from the sky to destroy them all.
    So it will be on the day the Son of Man is revealed.
    On that day, someone who is on the housetop
    and whose belongings are in the house
    must not go down to get them,
    and likewise one in the field
    must not return to what was left behind.
    Remember the wife of Lot.
    Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it,
    but whoever loses it will save it.
    I tell you, on that night there will be two people in one bed;
    one will be taken, the other left.
    And there will be two women grinding meal together;
    one will be taken, the other left."
    They said to him in reply, "Where, Lord?"
    He said to them, "Where the body is,
    there also the vultures will gather."

    Feast day of St. Albert the Great
    This is taken from Franciscanmedia.org
    Albert the Great was a 13th-century German Dominican who decisively influenced the Church’s stance toward Aristotelian philosophy brought to Europe by the spread of Islam.

    At one point, Albert was the instructor for Thomas Aquinas. Albert’s attempt to understand Aristotle’s writings established the climate in which Thomas Aquinas developed his synthesis of Greek wisdom and Christian theology. But Albert deserves recognition on his own merits as a curious, honest, and diligent scholar.

    He was the eldest son of a powerful and wealthy German lord of military rank. He was educated in the liberal arts. Despite fierce family opposition, he entered the Dominican novitiate.

    His boundless interests prompted him to write a compendium of all knowledge: natural science, logic, rhetoric, mathematics, astronomy, ethics, economics, politics, and metaphysics. His explanation of learning took 20 years to complete. “Our intention,” he said, “is to make all the aforesaid parts of knowledge intelligible to the Latins.”

    He achieved his goal while serving as an educator at Paris and Cologne, as Dominican provincial, and even
    as bishop of Regensburg for a short time. He defended the mendicant orders and preached the Crusade in Germany and Bohemia.

    Albert, a Doctor of the Church, is the patron of scientists and philosophers and also of the city of Cincinnati, Ohio.
    [​IMG]
     
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  18. padraig

    padraig Powers

    I love Autumn. Walking along paths covered with copper and gold pennies.
     
  19. November 16
    Saturday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time

    Reading 1 Wis 18:14-16; 19:6-9
    When peaceful stillness compassed everything
    and the night in its swift course was half spent,
    Your all-powerful word, from heaven's royal throne
    bounded, a fierce warrior, into the doomed land,
    bearing the sharp sword of your inexorable decree.
    And as he alighted, he filled every place with death;
    he still reached to heaven, while he stood upon the earth.

    For all creation, in its several kinds, was being made over anew,
    serving its natural laws,
    that your children might be preserved unharmed.
    The cloud overshadowed their camp;
    and out of what had before been water, dry land was seen emerging:
    Out of the Red Sea an unimpeded road,
    and a grassy plain out of the mighty flood.
    Over this crossed the whole nation sheltered by your hand,
    after they beheld stupendous wonders.
    For they ranged about like horses,
    and bounded about like lambs,
    praising you, O Lord! their deliverer.

    Responsorial Psalm Ps 105:2-3, 36-37, 42-43
    R.(5a) Remember the marvels the Lord has done!
    or:
    R. Alleluia.
    Sing to him, sing his praise,
    proclaim all his wondrous deeds.
    Glory in his holy name;
    rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!
    R. Remember the marvels the Lord has done!
    or:
    R. Alleluia.
    Then he struck every first born throughout their land,
    the first fruits of all their manhood.
    And he led them forth laden with silver and gold,
    with not a weakling among their tribes.
    R. Remember the marvels the Lord has done!
    or:
    R. Alleluia.
    For he remembered his holy word
    to his servant Abraham.
    And he led forth his people with joy;
    with shouts of joy, his chosen ones.
    R. Remember the marvels the Lord has done!
    or:
    R. Alleluia.

    Alleluia See 2 Thes 2:14
    R. Alleluia, alleluia.
    God has called us through the Gospel,
    to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
    R. Alleluia, alleluia.

    Gospel Lk 18:1-8
    Jesus told his disciples a parable
    about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.
    He said, "There was a judge in a certain town
    who neither feared God nor respected any human being.
    And a widow in that town used to come to him and say,
    'Render a just decision for me against my adversary.'
    For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought,
    'While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being,
    because this widow keeps bothering me
    I shall deliver a just decision for her
    lest she finally come and strike me.'"
    The Lord said, "Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says.
    Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones
    who call out to him day and night?
    Will he be slow to answer them?
    I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.
    But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

    Feast days of St. Margaret of Scotland and Saint Gertrude (the Great)
    Saint Gertrude will be the focus.
    Saint Gertrude (January 6, 1256 – November 17, 1302)
    Gertrude was born in central Germany on January 6, 1256, but was orphaned at a young age, so the child Gertrude was received into the Benedictine Abbey at Helfta at the age of 5. The Benedictine Abbess, Gertrude of Hackerborn and her sister, Mechtilde raised the child in the ways of the Lord. Gertrude showed great aptitude for linguistics. She could read and converse in Latin at a young age and she also knew Greek. Gertrude studied sacred scripture and the writings of the Fathers of the church. At the age of 26, Our Lord manifested Himself to Gertrude in ways that broke through the spiritual blindness that she formerly experienced. For the remaining twenty years of her life, Our Lord brought Gertrude to the pinnacle of mystical union with His Divine Heart. She wrote about that journey of spiritual perfection in books that are available to us after more than 700 years. The Life and Revelations of Saint Gertrude the Great: A Classic from the Middle Ages (also known as The Herald of Divine Love) is an intimate and descriptive account of how Our Lord revealed His Divine Heart to Gertrude. Gertrude was shown the effects that her prayers and sacrifices worked in Heaven. Gertrude was shown imagery where colors, regal garments, jewels, and flowers each bore significance in heaven corresponding to the purity in which her prayers and sacrifices were performed. The book of her revelations is edifying to modern Catholics who wonder what lies beyond the veil.
    Gertrude described seeing the Blessed Virgin Mary, “The glorious Mother appeared to me as a rose without thorns, and a lily without spot, being adorned with the flowers of all virtues, I besought this most benign Mother to intercede continually with Thee for our necessities.” On another occasion when Gertrude asked Our Lord how she ought to pray, He replied, “Honor My Mother, who is seated at My side, and employ yourself in praising Her.” Gertrude invoked Our Lady under the title of ‘Paradise of delights’ and was shown an image of Our Lady inclining toward Gertrude and planting a rose symbolizing charity, a lily symbolizing chastity and a violet representing humility in Gertrude’s heart. The next day Our Lady appeared to Gertrude under the form of the white lily of the Trinity. The three petals of the white lily signify the Most Holy Trinity and the white color represents purity. Our Lady then gave Gertrude the prayer now known as the Golden Ave Maria with the attached promise that those who say the prayer devoutly will have Our Lady appear to them at the hour of death in anticipation of the joys of Heaven. The Golden Ave Maria prayer is this: “Hail white lily of the ever peaceful and glorious Trinity! Hail, effulgent rose, the delight of Heaven, of whom the King of Heaven was born and by whose milk He was nourished! Do thou feed our souls by the effusions of thy Divine influences.”
    Saint Gertrude’s revelations offer the reader insights into what merits our sacrifices bring in Heaven. Once, after a certain trial, Gertrude beheld Our Lord crowning her with a wreath of flowers which appeared more radiant than gold as a reward for bearing patiently the verbal abuse from a friend. Gertrude praised God for this grace and in response to her act of thanksgiving, she perceived those flowers expanding more and more to the degree that she returned thanks. On the occasion of the feast day of Saint Augustine, Gertrude beheld the scene in Heaven with Bishop Augustine standing in glory and unfolding his heart like a beautiful rose before God to present it to Him. The perfume from his offering gifted all the citizens of Heaven with an unfathomable fragrance.
    Our Lord made it known to Gertrude and her community how much the veneration of His five crucifixion wounds pleased Him. The simplest devotion to the holy wounds was to say an Our Father for each wound: the wound of the left hand, the right hand, the left foot, the right foot, and His sacred side. At the death of Saint Mechtilde, the nun who raised and trained Gertrude from childhood, Gertrude wrote, “On another occasion, when this religious (Gertrude) kissed Our Lord's Five Wounds in spirit saying the Paster nosters (Our Fathers) for negligence, she beheld five beautiful flowers springing forth from Our Lord's Wounds...they produced and poured forth a sweet and salutary balsam.”
     
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  20. Life of St. Gertrude continued
    As her writings indicate, Gertrude had a strong devotion to souls who were in the stages of dying and also the suffering souls in purgatory. Of all the writings and prayers Gertrude produced, she is best known for the prayer, which releases (a thousand) souls from purgatory every time it is said. The prayer is: Eternal Father, I offer to You the most precious blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ, in union with all the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my home and in my own family. Amen. Gertrude prayed tirelessly for the souls of the religious in her community that were close to death. She had the unique experience of seeing the state of their souls as they appeared in the eyes of Jesus. She also saw the affect that her prayers and Masses had on the soul to speed up entrance into heaven. The Masses that were said for the dead had the most beneficial effect and prayers Gertrude said out of pure charity profited the dying soul greatly.
    Years of sacrifice and penance took a toll on the health of Gertrude. As was common in the lives of Brides of Christ, these women lived short, but severely penitential lives. Gertrude started preparing for her own death at least a year in advance with prayer. By inspiration she had the habit of saying prayers for those in the stages of death every Friday. One Friday, Gertrude was given the opportunity to foresee the events of her own dying and entrance into Eternal life. She saw herself as a young maiden held in the arms of Our Lord with a multitude of angels and saints surrounding her. They held censers of incense in which were offered the prayers of the Church. The Virgin Mary was there to hold Gertrude’s hand and her guardian angel was radiant with joy. Saint Michael the Archangel and a host of Angels were present to guard against accusations from the demons. Groups of saints came forth to present Gertrude gifts as they were invoked in the Litany of the dying. Patriarchs offered branches, Prophets offered golden mirrors, the apostles brought golden rings, martyrs presented golden palms, Confessors brought golden flowers, Virgins brought forth roses which were used to adorn the Kingly Robe of Jesus. Widows, and Holy Innocents also were part of the celebration to welcome Gertrude into Heaven. Finally, Jesus was very pleased that Gertrude had compiled the book of His revelations. He said, “Therefore, whoever reads this book devoutly will receive great profit for his salvation.” Then he consecrated the book as part of her crowning achievement. After a long illness, Gertrude passed into eternity at the age of 46. Veneration to Saint Gertrude was officially permitted October 7, 1606.
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