Tuesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 450



Reading 1 (Ezr 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20)

King Darius issued an order to the officials
of West-of-Euphrates:
"Let the governor and the elders of the Jews
continue the work on that house of God;
they are to rebuild it on its former site.
I also issue this decree
concerning your dealing with these elders of the Jews
in the rebuilding of that house of God:
From the royal revenue, the taxes of West-of-Euphrates,
let these men be repaid for their expenses, in full and without delay.
I, Darius, have issued this decree;
let it be carefully executed."

The elders of the Jews continued to make progress in the building,
supported by the message of the prophets,
Haggai and Zechariah, son of Iddo.
They finished the building according to the command
of the God of Israel
and the decrees of Cyrus and Darius
and of Artaxerxes, king of Persia.
They completed this house on the third day of the month Adar,
in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius.
The children of Israel–priests, Levites,
and the other returned exiles–
celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy.
For the dedication of this house of God,
they offered one hundred bulls,
two hundred rams, and four hundred lambs,
together with twelve he-goats as a sin-offering for all Israel,
in keeping with the number of the tribes of Israel.
Finally, they set up the priests in their classes
and the Levites in their divisions
for the service of God in Jerusalem,
as is prescribed in the book of Moses.

The exiles kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month.
The Levites, every one of whom had purified himself for the occasion,
sacrificed the Passover for the rest of the exiles,
for their brethren the priests, and for themselves.

Responsorial Psalm (Ps 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5)

R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

I rejoiced because they said to me,
"We will go up to the house of the LORD."
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Jerusalem, built as a city
with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Alleluia (Lk 11:28)

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are those who hear the word of God
and observe it.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel (Lk 8:19-21)

The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him
but were unable to join him because of the crowd.
He was told, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside
and they wish to see you."
He said to them in reply, "My mother and my brothers
are those who hear the word of God and act on it."



REFLECTION

My Mother and my Brothers. Luke, who presents a revered picture of Mary in his infancy narratives, pictures Jesus’ family in a much better light than Mark, his source of material on this episode. He omits Mark’s passage where Jesus’ relatives set out to seize him, believing he is “out of his mind” (Mk 3:21). Neither does Luke mention the incident when upon being told that his mother, brothers, and sisters are standing outside asking for him, Jesus looks around at those seated in the circle and says, “Here are my mother and my brothers” (Mk 3:34).

While not omitting this episode that suggests that Jesus is misunderstood by his family circle, Luke does not present Mary as sharing the same attitude. For Luke, Mary is blessed because of the fruit of her womb (cf 1:42). She is doubly blessed because she measures up to the demand of the Gospel beatitude: to hear the word of God and act on it.

Jesus teaches that relationship with him and with the Father consists not so much of descent from common ancestry as of acceptance of God’s will. Of this last, Mary, Jesus’ mother, is presented as model.

Think of the time when you showed that your love of God took precedence over your love of family. Or vice versa.

SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2017,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.) http://www.ssp.ph/

Behold the Lamb,
Behold Him, who takes away the sins of the world.
Happy are those who are called to the supper of the Lamb!

Hello and welcome,

Apologies but could you please explain what you mean by 'Catholic Parish' and 'Church Editor'?

I see. The best solution is to call up the Church's parish office for an accurate answer then.

Memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul, Priest
Lectionary: 451



Reading 1 (EzR 9:5-9)

At the time of the evening sacrifice, I, Ezra, rose in my wretchedness,
and with cloak and mantle torn I fell on my knees,
stretching out my hands to the LORD, my God.

I said: "My God, I am too ashamed and confounded to raise my face to you,
O my God, for our wicked deeds are heaped up above our heads
and our guilt reaches up to heaven.
From the time of our fathers even to this day
great has been our guilt,
and for our wicked deeds we have been delivered up,
we and our kings and our priests,
to the will of the kings of foreign lands,
to the sword, to captivity, to pillage, and to disgrace,
as is the case today.

"And now, but a short time ago, mercy came to us from the LORD, our God,
who left us a remnant and gave us a stake in his holy place;
thus our God has brightened our eyes
and given us relief in our servitude.
For slaves we are, but in our servitude our God has not abandoned us;
rather, he has turned the good will
of the kings of Persia toward us.
Thus he has given us new life
to raise again the house of our God and restore its ruins,
and has granted us a fence in Judah and Jerusalem."

Responsorial Psalm (Tobit 13:2, 3-4a, 4befghn, 7-8)

R. Blessed be God, who lives for ever.

He scourges and then has mercy;
he casts down to the depths of the nether world,
and he brings up from the great abyss.
No one can escape his hand.
R. Blessed be God, who lives for ever.

Praise him, you children of Israel, before the Gentiles,
for though he has scattered you among them,
he has shown you his greatness even there.
R. Blessed be God, who lives for ever.

So now consider what he has done for you,
and praise him with full voice.
Bless the Lord of righteousness,
and exalt the King of ages.
R. Blessed be God, who lives for ever.

In the land of my exile I praise him
and show his power and majesty to a sinful nation.
R. Blessed be God, who lives for ever.

Bless the Lord, all you his chosen ones,
and may all of you praise his majesty.
Celebrate days of gladness, and give him praise.
R. Blessed be God, who lives for ever.

Alleluia (Mk 1:15)

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Kingdom of God is at hand;
repent and believe in the Gospel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel (Lk 9:1-6)

Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority
over all demons and to cure diseases,
and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God
and to heal the sick.
He said to them, "Take nothing for the journey,
neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money,
and let no one take a second tunic.
Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there.
And as for those who do not welcome you,
when you leave that town,
shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them."
Then they set out and went from village to village
proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere.



REFLECTION



Jesus summoned the Twelve. Jesus is called Rabbi (Teacher) by many of his followers. In the Gospel, we get a glimpse of his ways. While prospective students of the law usually choose the teacher under whom they will study, Jesus’ followers are handpicked by him (cf Lk 6:13). The Twelve are not only mathetai, followers and companions of Jesus in his ministry. They are apostoloi, people who are sent on a mission (v 2; cf Lk 6:13). Jesus expects them to continue his work when he returns to the Father.

Jesus then goes about preparing the Twelve for their mission. He gives them specific instructions so that they will know what to do. He tells them how to cope with tough times. Above all, Jesus empowers them – he passes on to them his authority. The expression “power and authority” is repeatedly used by Luke to refer to Jesus’ ability to rebuke both demons and diseases (4:36; 5:17; 6:19). Encouragement without empowerment is enthusiasm without direction. Jesus himself is the recipient of his Father’s trust and empowerment.

Unlike the other evangelists, Luke also mentions the sending of another group: the seventy-two disciples (cf Lk 10:1-12). In the Christian community, it is not only the Twelve who are active but also “apostles and evangelists” who form a bigger circle and who preach the Gospel far and wide.

SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2017,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.) http://www.ssp.ph/

WORD Today
REFLECTION



"Jesus called the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick."

In today's Gospel, Jesus sends the apostles on a mission of building the Kingdom of God. They would be doing this fulltime when He returns to heaven.

Likewise, Jesus sends all of us followers to do the same, to share in the fullness of His life, to be His feet to seek the lost, His hands to lift the fallen, to be His ears to listen to the troubled, to be His tongue to encourage the hopeless, and to be His presence to accompany the lonely.

And like the apostles, Jesus sends us out with little resources and abilities, lest we think our success depends on ourselves. Our job is simply to plant a seed of His love. He will send others to water and others to fertilize. Ultimately, it is God's job to make the seed grow, flourish and bear fruit, all in His time.

Jesus does not need us; He calls us because He LOVES us and wants our lives to be happy and fulfilled, building the Kingdom with Him. Serving the Lord gives our lives direction. It leads us away from temptations and harmful pastimes. It leads us to spiritual, emotional, and even physical healing. It leads us toward where God has placed His blessings to be picked up. Serving the Lord transforms our lives to be purposeful, meaningful and happy.

But often we resist and object to Jesus' call, saying we have no time, no skills, and no finances. We ought to remember that when God sent His Son to earth, God gave him NOTHING. He did not own anything, not the crib at His birth, not the tomb at His burial, and not a pillow in between (Mt 8:20). But because He had nothing but love for His Father, the Father was able to do everything through Him.

Lord Jesus, help me respond to Your call without hesitation and without condition. Amen!



Source: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicMassReflec...83027035328387/

September 27, Feast of St. Vincent de Paul



St. Vincent de Paul was born to a poor peasant family in the French village of Pouy on April 24, 1581. His first formal education was provided by the Franciscans. He did so well, he was hired to tutor the children of a nearby wealthy family. He used the monies he earned teaching to continue his formal studies at the University of Toulose where he studied theology.

He was ordained in 1600 and remained in Toulose for a time. In 1605, while on a ship traveling from Marseilles to Narbone, he was captured, brought to Tunis and sold as a slave. Two years later he and his master managed to escape and both returned to France.

St. Vincent went to Avignon and later to Rome to continue his studies. While there he became a chaplain to the Count of Goigny and was placed in charge of distributing money to the deserving poor. He became pastor of a small parish in Clichy for a short period of time, while also serving as a tutor and spiritual director.

From that point forward he spent his life preaching missions to and providing relief to the poor. He even established hospitals for them. This work became his passion. He later extended his concern and ministry to convicts. The need to evangelize and assist these souls was so great and the demands beyond his own ability to meet that he founded the Ladies of Charity, a lay institute of woman, to help, as well as a religious institute of priests - the Congregation of Priests of the Mission, commonly referred to now as the Vincentians.



This was at a time when there were not many priests in France and what priests there were, were neither well-formed nor faithful to their way of life. Vincent helped reform the clergy and the manner in which they were instructed and prepared for the priesthood. He did this first through the presentation of retreats and later by helping develop a precursor to our modern day seminaries. At one point his community was directing 53 upper level seminaries. His retreats, open to priests and laymen, were so well attended that it is said he infused a "Christian spirit among more than 20,000 persons in his last 23 years."

The Vincentians remain with us today with nearly 4,000 members in 86 countries. In addition to his order of Vincentian priests, St. Vincent cofounded the Daughters of Charity along with St. Louise de Marillac. There are more than 18,000 Daughters today serving the needs of the poor in 94 countries. He was eighty years old when he died in Paris on September 27, 1660.He had "become the symbol of the successful reform of the French Church". St. Vincent is sometimes referred to as "The Apostle of Charity" and "The Father of the Poor".



His incorrupt heart can be found in the Convent of the Sisters of Charity and his bones have been embedded in a wax effigy of the Saint located at the Church of the Lazarist Mission. Both sites are located in Paris, France.

Two miracles have been attributed to St Vincent - a nun cured of ulcers and a laywoman cured of paralysis. As a result of the first, Pope Benedict XIII beatified him on August 13, 1729. Less than 8 years later (on June 16, 1737) he was canonized by Pope Clement XIII. The Bull of Canonization recognized Vincent for his charity and reform of the clergy, as well as for his early role in opposing Jansenism.

It has been reported that St. Vincent wrote more than 30,000 letters in his lifetime and that nearly 7,000 had been collected in the 18th century. There are at least five collections of his letters in existence today.



Source: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicOrthodoxyB...484122138335368

Thursday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 452



Reading 1 (Hg 1:1-8)

On the first day of the sixth month in the second year of King Darius,
The word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai
to the governor of Judah, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel,
and to the high priest Joshua, son of Jehozadak:

Thus says the LORD of hosts:
This people says:
"The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD."
(Then this word of the LORD came through Haggai, the prophet:)
Is it time for you to dwell in your own paneled houses,
while this house lies in ruins?

Now thus says the LORD of hosts:
Consider your ways!
You have sown much, but have brought in little;
you have eaten, but have not been satisfied;
You have drunk, but have not been exhilarated;
have clothed yourselves, but not been warmed;
And whoever earned wages
earned them for a bag with holes in it.

Thus says the LORD of hosts:
Consider your ways!
Go up into the hill country;
bring timber, and build the house
That I may take pleasure in it
and receive my glory, says the LORD.

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

R. The Lord takes delight in his people.

Sing to the LORD a new song
of praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel be glad in their maker,
let the children of Zion rejoice in their king.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.

Let them praise his name in the festive dance,
let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.
For the LORD loves his people,
and he adorns the lowly with victory.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.

Let the faithful exult in glory;
let them sing for joy upon their couches;
Let the high praises of God be in their throats.
This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.

Alleluia (Jn 14:6)

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord;
no one comes to the Father except through me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel (Lk 9:7-9)

Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening,
and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying,
"John has been raised from the dead";
others were saying, "Elijah has appeared";
still others, "One of the ancient prophets has arisen."
But Herod said, "John I beheaded.
Who then is this about whom I hear such things?"
And he kept trying to see him.



REFLECTION



Herod… was greatly perplexed. While the Twelve are away on a mission and are busy preaching and healing, Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, is asking questions about the identity of the prophet from Galilee. The Gospel relates that he has beheaded John because John condemned his union with Herodias, his brother’s wife. The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus relates that since John had attracted many followers and were ready to do his bidding, Herod nipped future trouble in the bud by having John executed.

While Herod may not suspect that Jesus is a new John the Baptist or a new Elijah, he keeps trying to see Jesus because a prophet is always a “disturber of Israel” for rulers like him. He wants to get rid of Jesus as he has killed John.

This plan will be evident even to the Pharisees who will warn Jesus, “Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you” (Lk 13:31). Jesus will send a message to the “fox” that no threat will prevent him from continuing his mission of casting out demons and performing healing. It is God who guides His “purpose,” and no amount of Herod’s threat can sway Him from the path – not even the prospect of undergoing a prophet’s “fate” in Jerusalem.

Who then is this Jesus? How will you answer Herod’s question?

SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2017,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.) http://www.ssp.ph/

Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels
Lectionary: 647



Reading 1 (Dn 7:9-10, 13-14)

As I watched:

Thrones were set up
and the Ancient One took his throne.
His clothing was bright as snow,
and the hair on his head as white as wool;
His throne was flames of fire,
with wheels of burning fire.
A surging stream of fire
flowed out from where he sat;
Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him,
and myriads upon myriads attended him.

The court was convened, and the books were opened.
As the visions during the night continued, I saw

One like a son of man coming,
on the clouds of heaven;
When he reached the Ancient One
and was presented before him,
He received dominion, glory, and kingship;
nations and peoples of every language serve him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that shall not be taken away,
his kingship shall not be destroyed.

or

(Rv 12:7-12ab)

War broke out in heaven;
Michael and his angels battled against the dragon.
The dragon and its angels fought back,
but they did not prevail
and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.
The huge dragon, the ancient serpent,
who is called the Devil and Satan,
who deceived the whole world,
was thrown down to earth,
and its angels were thrown down with it.

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
"Now have salvation and power come,
and the Kingdom of our God
and the authority of his Anointed.
For the accuser of our brothers is cast out,
who accuses them before our God day and night.
They conquered him by the Blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
love for life did not deter them from death.
Therefore, rejoice, you heavens,
and you who dwell in them."

Responsorial Psalm (Ps 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 4-5)

R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple
and give thanks to your name.
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

Because of your kindness and your truth;
for you have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O LORD
when they hear the words of your mouth;
And they shall sing of the ways of the LORD
"Great is the glory of the LORD
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

Alleluia (Ps 103:21)

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Bless the LORD, all you angels,
you ministers, who do his will.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel (Jn 1:47-51)

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him,
"Here is a true child of Israel.
There is no duplicity in him."
Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?"
Jesus answered and said to him,
"Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree."
Nathanael answered him,
"Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."
Jesus answered and said to him,
"Do you believe
because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree?
You will see greater things than this."
And he said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you,
you will see heaven opened
and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."



Reflection



Nathanael is doubtful about a Messiah coming from a small place like Nazareth. Perhaps we too are like Nathanael. At times we judge people by their appearance. But when Nathanael encounters Jesus, he meets his God, for whom he was thirsting and longing to meet. God places in every heart a longing and desire to know the One who created Him and the One who loves Him. Jesus is the One who fulfils our longing and desire to meet our Creator. Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection opens the way for each of us to come to a new relationship with God as His sons and daughters. Jesus opens the way for each of us to “ascend to heaven” and “bring heaven to earth” in the daily circumstances of our life. We need to make our hearts clean and pure like Nathanael to allow Jesus to reach us to heaven to meet our Creator.

BE PURE AND CLEAN IN HEART


Source: https://www.facebook.com/SACREDHEARTOFJESUS...866300486869869

The Feast of the Holy Archangels: Their Identity & Mission



On September 29th the Church honors the Holy Archangels. Although there are believed to be seven archangels (based on Tobit 12:15 and Rev. 8:2), only these three are mentioned by name in the Catholic Bible:

- St. Gabriel
- St. Michael
- St. Raphael

Only one of them, St. Michael, is specifically called an archangel in Scripture. According to Catholic tradition, the archangels are an order of angels within a hierarchy of angelic hosts. In all, there are nine ranks, or choirs, of angelic beings.

As derived in part from the teaching of St. Paul the Apostle and later developed by Church theologians, these nine choirs of angels are (in ascending order):

1) Angels, 2) Archangels, 3) Virtues, 4) Powers, 5) Principalities, 6) Dominions, 7) Thrones, 8) Cherubim, and 9) Seraphim

The nine choirs of angels are broken into three groups of three, but beyond this basic organization there is not much more in Sacred Tradition about the specific duties and distinctions of these mysterious creatures of God.

Rank I
1. Seraphim (highest)
2. Cherubim
3. Thrones

Rank II
4. Dominions
5. Virtues
6. Powers

Rank III
7. Principalities
8. Archangels
9. Angels (lowest)

According to this chart, it may be surprising that the archangels are one of the lowest ranks of angelic creatures. Archangels are called such because their choir is above that of the lowest angels (among these are our Guardian Angels), therefore they are referred to as the “princes” of the angels that rank beneath them.

We can discern from this ranking of angels that the lower choirs have closer dealings with events on earth, while the higher choirs attend the throne of God in heaven.

Both angels and archangels are the angelic beings that have direct dealings with humans as recorded in the Catholic Bible. The archangels are seen to be the highest of all God’s messenger angels and they are given the most important missions. Of the seven, St. Michael is regarded as the highest ranking.



Saint Michael the Archangel

Michael means, “Who is like God?” Of the three angels mentioned by name in the Catholic Bible, St. Michael the Archangel is mentioned the most. He is found in the Old Testament in Daniel 10:13-21, 10:21, 12:1, and in the New Testament in Rev. 12:7-9 and Jude 1:9.

St. Michael is most known for doing battle against Lucifer (who could have been a seraph) and casting him and the other fallen angels out of heaven. Because of this feat, he is known as the leader or prince of the angels.

St. Michael is the champion of God’s people and the protector of the Church. He is also regarded as the angel who brings the souls of men to their judgment before God, thus being the angel of judgment.

Saint Gabriel the Archangel

Gabriel means “Power of God.” St. Gabriel the Archangel is mentioned the most in the Bible after St. Michael. He is found in the Old Testament in Daniel 8:15-26 and 9:21-27, and in the New Testament in Luke 1:11-38.

St. Gabriel is most known for his messenger role in the Annunciation. He is the angel who appeared to Zachariah and the Blessed Virgin Mary announcing the birth of St. John the Baptist and Incarnation of Jesus Christ, respectively.

He is also believed by some to be the angel who appeared to St. Joseph and the shepherds at Christ’s nativity, as well as the angel who comforted Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Because of this he is known as the herald angel, and the angel of mercy and consolation.

Saint Raphael the Archangel

Raphael means “God has healed.” St. Raphael the Archangel is only mentioned once in the Catholic Bible, in Tobit chapter 12.

In this passage he was a companion, protector, and healer. He is also believed to be the angel who stirred the water in the pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem, giving it its healing properties, as mentioned in the New Testament. He therefore is regarded as a healing angel and a companion angel.



From the Responsorial Psalm of today’s Mass reading for the Feast of the Archangels:

R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple
and give thanks to your name.



Source: https://www.catholiccompany.com/getfed/feas...e=socialnetwork

TO OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY



O Virgin Mary, grant that the recitation of thy Rosary may be for me each day, in the midst of my manifold duties, a bond of unity in my actions, a tribute of filial piety, a sweet refreshment, an encouragement to walk joyfully along the path of duty. Grant, above all, O Virgin Mary, that the study of thy fifteen mysteries may form in my soul, little by little, a luminous atmosphere, pure, strengthening, and fragrant, which may penetrate my understanding, my will, my heart, my memory, my imagination, my whole being. So shall I acquire the habit of praying while I work, without the aid of formal prayers, by interior acts of admiration and of supplication, or by aspirations of love. I ask this of thee, O Queen of the Holy Rosary, through Saint Dominic, thy son of predilection, the renowned preacher of thy mysteries, and the faithful imitator of thy virtues. Amen.

The Rosary is the most excellent form of prayer and the most efficacious means of attaining eternal life. It is the remedy for all our evils, the root of all our blessings. There is no more excellent way of praying.
~Pope Leo XIII

Memorial of the Guardian Angels
Lectionary: 455/650



Reading 1 (Exo 23:20-23)

I am going to send an angel in front of you,
to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared.
Be attentive to him and listen to his voice; do not rebel against him,
for he will not pardon your transgression; for my name is in him.

But if you listen attentively to his voice and do all that I say,
then I will be an enemy to your enemies and a foe to your foes.

When my angel goes in front of you, and brings you to the Amorites,
the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites,
and I blot them out

Responsorial Psalm (Ps 102:16-18, 19-21, 29 and 22-23)

R. The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory.

The nations shall revere your name, O LORD,
and all the kings of the earth your glory,
When the LORD has rebuilt Zion
and appeared in his glory;
When he has regarded the prayer of the destitute,
and not despised their prayer.
R. The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory.

Let this be written for the generation to come,
and let his future creatures praise the LORD:
"The LORD looked down from his holy height,
from heaven he beheld the earth,
To hear the groaning of the prisoners,
to release those doomed to die."
R. The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory.

The children of your servants shall abide,
and their posterity shall continue in your presence.
That the name of the LORD may be declared in Zion;
and his praise, in Jerusalem,
When the peoples gather together,
and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD.
R. The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory.

Alleluia (Ps 103:21)

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Bless the LORD, all you angels,
you ministers, who do his will.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel (Mt 18:1-5, 10)



"See that you do not despise one of these little ones,
for I say to you that their angels in heaven
always look upon the face of my heavenly Father."



REFLECTION: WORD Today



Today we celebrate the Feast of the Guardian Angels. In His great love for us, God sends each one of us a guardian angel to guard us in all our ways (Psalm 91:11) and Jesus says they report to God everything that happens to us (Gospel, Mt 18:10).

The Church says, "Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life." (Catechism of the Catholic Church #336)

They are sent to care for those who are to receive salvation (Hebrews 1:14). "See, I am sending an angel before you, to guard you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared." (First Reading)

We are all pilgrims in this world on the way to heaven. The path is full of traps and snares of the devil and so we need an angel to guide and protect us. In gratitude, we can make them visible to others as we help one another on our common journey to the place God has prepared.

Angels are mighty warriors, with intelligence for superior to ours. But they will not violate our free will. They need our childlike trust and humility as they guide us in obeying God's commandments that keep us away from danger.

So let us always pray the prayer we learned as children:

"Angel of God my guardian dear
To whom His love commits me here
Ever this day be at my side
To light and guard, to rule and guide
Amen."

Source: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicMassReflections/



This post has been edited by khool: Oct 2 2017, 05:35 PM

5 Amazing facts about Guardian Angels



We owe much to our Guardian Angels, who most of the time guard and protect us without our knowledge


October 2 is observed in the Catholic Church as the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels. In 1670, Pope Clement X established this day in the universal calendar as a day to honor the angels who protect us each day.

While most of the attention this day is given to personal Guardian Angels, it is a tradition in the Church (taught by theologians such as Saint Thomas Aquinas) that all countries, cities, dioceses, and parishes have their own Guardian Angel.

They are fascinating creatures of God, shrouded with great mystery. On occasion newspapers will report on miracles when someone is saved from an accident by a mysterious figure, often never seen again.

We owe much to our Guardian Angels, who most of the time guard and protect us without our knowledge. They intervene quietly, fulfilling their task as humbly as possible.

To help us appreciate these “heavenly helpers,” here are 5 amazing facts about our Guardian Angels:

1. Every person in the world has a Guardian Angel (whether Christian or not)

It is believed by theologians and is confirmed in the YOUCAT that “Every person receives from God a Guardian Angel” (n. 55). This is consistent with Sacred Scripture, the teachings of Saints Thomas Aquinas, Basil and Jerome as well as experiences from non-Christians who believe they were helped by a Guardian Angel.

Mike Aquilina writes about such an experience from a friend he knew in his book Angels of God:

“A friend of mine, a noted Harvard-trained philosopher, was an unbeliever as a young man. One day he was swimming in the ocean, and the undertow swept him away. He knew he was drowning, with no hope of rescue, when suddenly a strong arm grabbed him and towed him to shore. His rescuer was a big muscle-bound guy. When my sputtering friend tried to thank him, the guy laughed at him—and then vanished. This marked a milestone on my friend’s road to conversion.”

2. Guardian Angels are appointed at the beginning of life

As the Catechism explains, “From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession” (CCC 336). This statement leads some to believe (Saint Anselm for example) that angels are appointed at the very moment of the union of body and soul in the womb. If true (it is not dogmatically declared and is therefore up for debate), it would follow that women who are pregnant have two Guardian Angels watching over them and their child.

3. Guardian Angels have names, but God gives those names to them

The Catholic Church has instructed us that,

“The practice of assigning names to the Holy Angels should be discouraged, except in the cases of Gabriel, Raphael and Michael whose names are contained in Holy Scripture.” (Congregation of Divine Worship and the Sacraments, The Directory of Popular Piety, n. 217, 2001)

The reasoning behind this is that a name contains a certain amount of authority over another person. If I know your name I can call you whenever I want and can feel a certain amount of authority over you. We do not have authority over our Guardian Angels. They only report to one commander: God Himself. We can ask for their assistance or help, but we should not feel like they are at our beck and call.

The Church then discourages us from naming our Guardian Angels as we may receive a name in prayer, but it may not be divinely inspired. It could be influenced by the devil or by our own human thoughts. We have only three names of angels confirmed in Scripture and so any other name we receive is difficult to confirm as inspired by God.

4) We do not become Guardian Angels when we die

Contrary to popular belief, there is no way for us to transform into an angel after death. When we die, we may be separated from our bodies for the moment, but will be reunited with them at the end of time. We don’t become an angel while we wait. All Guardian Angels were created at the beginning of time in a single moment of creation.

Remember the words of God to the prophet Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you” (Jeremiah 1:5).

God had a Guardian Angel in mind for you when he created the world.

5) Guardian Angels are here to help us

The Catechism describes a Guardian Angel as a “shepherd” who is meant to protect us and lead us into everlasting life. Their chief goal is to help us get to heaven, and we are encouraged to pray to them on a daily basis, asking their help in every need.

The Church provides an excellent prayer that can be prayed by the young and the old:


Source: https://aleteia.org/2016/10/02/5-amazing-fa...uardian-angels/