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/

Eternal Father, I offer you the Sacred Heart of Jesus, with all his love, all his sufferings and all his merits:
-To expiate all the sins I have committed this day and during all my life.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.
-To purify the good I have done in my poor way this day and during all my life.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.
-To supply for the good I ought to have done and that I have neglected this day and during all my life.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen

Source: https://www.facebook.com/roman.catholicity/...146895938877927

Introibo ad altare Dei

Blessed Noel Pinot, priest & martyr (feast February 21), Noel was born at Angers in 1747. He became a priest and excelled in ministering to the sick. In 1788, he was made pastor at a parish in Louroux Beconnais, which he revitalized spiritually through his piety and preaching.

Father Noel refused to take the oath of allegiance to the new French Republic which denied the authority of the Church, and was sentenced to be deprived of his parish for two years. Nonetheless, he continued to carry out his ministry in secret. Later, the holy priest even took clandestine possession of his parish and continued his pastoral work, managing to avoid capture for his defiance of the Revolutionary edict.

However, one day while fully vested for Mass, Father Noel was captured and dragged through the streets to the jeers of hostile spectators and soldiers. He remained in jail for twelve days and was given the death sentence for refusing to take the oath. The holy priest went to the guillotine still vested for Mass and uttering the words that began the Traditional Latin Mass: “I will go to the altar of God, to God Who gives joy to my youth.” He joined his sacrifice to that of his Master on February 21, 1794, and was beatified in 1926.

Tuesday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 456



Reading 1 (Zec 8:20-23)

Thus says the LORD of hosts:
There shall yet come peoples,
the inhabitants of many cities;
and the inhabitants of one city shall approach those of another,
and say, "Come! let us go to implore the favor of the LORD";
and, "I too will go to seek the LORD."
Many peoples and strong nations shall come
to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem
and to implore the favor of the LORD.
Thus says the LORD of hosts:
In those days ten men of every nationality,
speaking different tongues, shall take hold,
yes, take hold of every Jew by the edge of his garment and say,

"Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you."

Responsorial Psalm (Ps 87:1b-3, 4-5, 6-7)

R. God is with us.

His foundation upon the holy mountains
the LORD loves:
The gates of Zion,
more than any dwelling of Jacob.
Glorious things are said of you,
O city of God!
R. God is with us.

I tell of Egypt and Babylon
among those that know the LORD;
Of Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia:
"This man was born there."
And of Zion they shall say:
"One and all were born in her;
And he who has established her
is the Most High LORD."
R. God is with us.

They shall note, when the peoples are enrolled:
"This man was born there."
And all shall sing, in their festive dance:
"My home is within you."
R. God is with us.

Alleluia (Mk 10:45)

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

Gospel (Lk 9:51-56)

When the days for Jesus to be taken up were fulfilled,
he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem,
and he sent messengers ahead of him.
On the way they entered a Samaritan village
to prepare for his reception there,
but they would not welcome him
because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem.
When the disciples James and John saw this they asked,
"Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven
to consume them?"
Jesus turned and rebuked them,
and they journeyed to another village.



REFLECTION: WORD Today

In the Gospel, Jesus has determined that it is time for Him to accomplish the final part of His earthly mission, which is to offer His life as a sacrifice for our salvation. He starts the 100-kilometer journey from Galilee to Jerusalem in the south. His disciples follow Him.

Along the way, a Samaritan village refuses to receive Him and give Him common hospitality. Two hotheaded disciples suggest that He destroy the village with a rain of fire. He sharply scolds them for thinking this way, and then He continues onward to the next town ...

This reminds us modern-day disciples that Jesus forces no one to follow Him. Everyone must decide freely (as we did) and we are not to condemn those who are not yet ready. We are to preach the Good News and teach doctrine in a pastoral way, like a shepherd calling his flock to green pasture and fresh waters.

If they hear from our voice and see in our lives the beauty of walking with Jesus, on their own they will ask, "Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you." (1st Reading)



Source: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicMassReflec...785195685111522

Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi
Lectionary: 457



Reading 1 (Neh 2:1-8)

In the month Nisan of the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes,
when the wine was in my charge,
I took some and offered it to the king.
As I had never before been sad in his presence,
the king asked me, "Why do you look sad?
If you are not sick, you must be sad at heart."
Though I was seized with great fear, I answered the king:
"May the king live forever!
How could I not look sad
when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins,
and its gates have been eaten out by fire?"
The king asked me, "What is it, then, that you wish?"
I prayed to the God of heaven and then answered the king:
"If it please the king,
and if your servant is deserving of your favor,
send me to Judah, to the city of my ancestors' graves,
to rebuild it."
Then the king, and the queen seated beside him,
asked me how long my journey would take
and when I would return.
I set a date that was acceptable to him,
and the king agreed that I might go.

I asked the king further: "If it please the king,
let letters be given to me for the governors
of West-of-Euphrates,
that they may afford me safe-conduct until I arrive in Judah;
also a letter for Asaph, the keeper of the royal park,
that he may give me wood for timbering the gates
of the temple-citadel and for the city wall
and the house that I shall occupy."
The king granted my requests,
for the favoring hand of my God was upon me.

Responsorial Psalm (Ps 137:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6)

R. Let my tongue be silenced if I ever forget you!

By the streams of Babylon
we sat and wept
when we remembered Zion.
On the aspens of that land
we hung up our harps.
R. Let my tongue be silenced if I ever forget you!

Though there our captors asked of us
the lyrics of our songs,
And our despoilers urged us to be joyous:
"Sing for us the songs of Zion!"
R. Let my tongue be silenced if I ever forget you!

How could we sing a song of the LORD
in a foreign land?
If I forget you, Jerusalem,
may my right hand be forgotten!
R. Let my tongue be silenced if I ever forget you!

May my tongue cleave to my palate
if I remember you not,
If I place not Jerusalem
ahead of my joy.
R. Let my tongue be silenced if I ever forget you!

Alleluia (Phil 3:8-9)

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I consider all things so much rubbish
that I may gain Christ and be found in him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel (Lk 9:57-62)

As Jesus and his disciples were proceeding
on their journey, someone said to him,
"I will follow you wherever you go."
Jesus answered him,
"Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests,
but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head."
And to another he said, "Follow me."
But he replied, "Lord, let me go first and bury my father."
But he answered him, "Let the dead bury their dead.
But you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God."
And another said, "I will follow you, Lord,
but first let me say farewell to my family at home."
Jesus answered him, "No one who sets a hand to the plow
and looks to what was left behind is fit for the Kingdom of God."



REFLECTION: WORD Today



"I will follow you wherever you go," someone said to Jesus in (Gospel)

After our spiritual seminar or retreat, filled with love and faith, we too promised Jesus we will follow Him forever. Oh how we burned with passion back then!

But now weeks or years have passed. Is the passion still there? Are we still following Jesus? Or has spiritual lethargy returned?

Following Jesus needs God's grace and our strong will. The seminar was God's GRACE; the weeks and years that follow requires our WILL. God refills His grace through daily Bible reading, Holy Mass and prayer meetings. Then we must will to serve the Lord, for without works, faith dies.

Serving the Lord through our family alone may not be enough as Jesus implies in today's Gospel, for family is basically an extension of our self. It is an obligation that must be done, not a voluntary service. As we do our duty toward family, we also need to make time and volunteer to serve the Lord in at least small ways outside of home. In the neighborhood, church, or faith community.

Or our country, like Nehemiah in the First Reading (440+ BC). He was deeply in love with the Lord but he was not a spiritual leader. God needed him to serve the physical needs of his nation Israel. The New American Bible has this to say of him:

"Nehemiah was a man of action who rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem and introduced administrative reforms... dedicated to the single purpose of the welfare of his people. He was an administrator of good practical sense combined with deep faith in God... His generous dedication of talents to the service of God and His people remains an example of undiminished force for laymen today."

Because Nehemiah responded to God's call to serve, God provided him with great administrative talents. Then God softened the heart of King Artaxerxes of Persia under whom Nehemiah served during the Jewish exile. The King granted him a leave of absence plus all the lumber from the King's forest to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. As the people worked to restore the walls, their faith was also rehabilitated.

"Let my tongue be silenced if I ever forget you!" (Responsorial Psalm)

Our tongue, muscles and passion for Jesus will grow cold, weaken and die in silence should we refuse to serve the Him. Let us pray and ask for a venue of service for Jesus and His people. God is sure to grant it, together with the needed time, health, resources and passion to do it. Plus the reward of joy and fulfillment in walking with Jesus.



Source: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicMassReflec...785598638404560

Who was St. Francis of Assisi?


IMAGE: Scenes from the Life of St Francis (Scene 7) | Benozzo Gozzoli

October 4 is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, “the little beggar”, who is perhaps the most popular saint in history. Who was this great saint?

Francis Bernardone was born in 1182 in Assisi, Italy. His baptismal name was John, but his father renamed him Franceso, in honor of his love for France. The son of a wealthy merchant, Francis had time and money to host lavish banquets for young nobles who proclaimed him “King of Feasts.” Parties and selling cloth left Francis little time for God.

A handsome, charming and educated young man, he spent his early life leading young nobles to parties. He dreamed of knighthood and longed for the adventurous life of chivalry. In pursuit of that dream, he joined in the war between Assisi and Perugia at the age of 20.

In that war, Francis fought with youthful enthusiasm, but was wounded and taken prisoner. Spending the next year in a dungeon, he contracted malaria. Ransomed by his father, a more reflective Francis returned to Assisi. Sickness overtook him and in that languishing experience he heard the first stirrings of a vocation to peace and justice.

The military victories of Count Walter of Brienne revived Francis’ desire for knighthood. Under Brienne’s command, he hoped to win his favor and become a knight. On his way to join Brienne, Francis stopped in Spoleto and heard the shocking news of his death. Overcome by depression, his malaria returned.

One night a mysterious voice asked him, “Who do you think can best reward you, the Master or the servant?” Francis Answered, “The Master.” The voice continued, “Why do you leave the Master for the servant?” Francis realized the servant was Count Walter. He left Spoleto convinced God had spoken to him.

From that moment on, Francis began to care for the sick and the poor — especially the lepers — convinced that this was what God had called him to do. When Francis took a diseased man’s face in his hands and kissed it, the man was healed of all malformation.

A further call came in 1205, when, in a dramatic moment of prayer in the abandoned Church of San Damiano, Francis heard a voice coming from the crucifix which challenged him to rebuild the church. At first he thought it meant that he should rebuild San Damiano, so he sold some of his father’s cloth to raise money to build the Church at San Damiano. His father, who was already upset about the life he was leading, took him to court, where he was ordered to pay back the money. Francis complied with a dramatic gesture, renouncing his inheritance and handing his expensive clothing to him as well. Dressed only in a workman’s smock, he left town and spent the next two years as a hermit, taking a vow of poverty and dedicating his life his life to God.

Francis begged for his food, wore old clothes, and preached peace. He began to attract followers, and in 1209 with the papal blessing he founded the Friars Minor (Franciscans). Then in 1212 with St. Clare of Assisi he founded the “Poor Ladies,” now known as the “Poor Clares.” He also founded the “Third Order of Penance” (the Third Order) which included lay people. He was the first person (recorded) to receive the stigmata (the five wounds of Christ) in 1224. Out of humility Francis never accepted the priesthood but remained a deacon all his life. He had a great love for animals. His ardent love of God merited him the name “Seraphic.”

Francis died at the age of 44, on October 4, 1226 at Portiuncula, Italy. He was canonized by Pope Gregory IX less than two years later.

St. Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of: animals, archeologists, ecology, families, Italy, merchants, messengers, metal workers, and peace.

Writings of St. Francis of Assisi

Letter to All the Faithful
Will of St. Francis of Assisi

St. Francis of Assisi Quotes

~The Little Flowers of St. Francis: Chapter 50

~ The Voice of the Saints, TAN Books, 1965, page 127



St. Francis of Assisi Prayers

Litany to St. Francis
Novena to St. Francis of Assisi
Prayers Composed by St. Francis of Assisi



Source: http://www.jeanmheimann.com/2017/10/st-francis-assisi/

Some useful tips for October - month dedicated to the Holy Rosary.

Thursday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 458



Reading 1 (Neh 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12)

The whole people gathered as one in the open space before the Water Gate,
and they called upon Ezra the scribe
to bring forth the book of the law of Moses
which the LORD prescribed for Israel.
On the first day of the seventh month, therefore,
Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly,
which consisted of men, women,
and those children old enough to understand.
Standing at one end of the open place that was before the Water Gate,
he read out of the book from daybreak until midday,
in the presence of the men, the women,
and those children old enough to understand;
and all the people listened attentively to the book of the law.
Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform
that had been made for the occasion.
He opened the scroll
so that all the people might see it
(for he was standing higher up than any of the people);
and, as he opened it, all the people rose.
Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God,
and all the people, their hands raised high, answered,
"Amen, amen!"
Then they bowed down and prostrated themselves before the LORD,
their faces to the ground.
As the people remained in their places,
Ezra read plainly from the book of the law of God,
interpreting it so that all could understand what was read.
Then Nehemiah, that is, His Excellency, and Ezra the priest-scribe
and the Levites who were instructing the people
said to all the people:
"Today is holy to the LORD your God.
Do not be sad, and do not weep"–
for all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law.
He said further: "Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks,
and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared;
for today is holy to our LORD.
Do not be saddened this day,
for rejoicing in the LORD must be your strength!"
And the Levites quieted all the people, saying,
"Hush, for today is holy, and you must not be saddened."
Then all the people went to eat and drink,
to distribute portions, and to celebrate with great joy,
for they understood the words that had been expounded to them.

Responsorial Psalm (Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11)


R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye;
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just.
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

They are more precious than gold,
than a heap of purest gold;
Sweeter also than syrup
or honey from the comb.
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

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 10:1-12)

Jesus appointed seventy-two other disciples
whom he sent ahead of him in pairs
to every town and place he intended to visit.
He said to them,
"The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest
to send out laborers for his harvest.
Go on your way;
behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals;
and greet no one along the way.
Into whatever house you enter, first say,
'Peace to this household.'
If a peaceful person lives there,
your peace will rest on him;
but if not, it will return to you.
Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you,
for the laborer deserves his payment.
Do not move about from one house to another.
Whatever town you enter and they welcome you,
eat what is set before you,
cure the sick in it and say to them,
'The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.'
Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you,
go out into the streets and say,
'The dust of your town that clings to our feet,
even that we shake off against you.'
Yet know this: the Kingdom of God is at hand.
I tell you,
it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town."



REFLECTION: WORD Today

How would you feel if you were told the cure to your cancer? Or how to win the heart of your crush? Or how to compute the winning lotto numbers? Excited and happy of course, right?

Such was the reaction of the ancient Jews in the First Reading. They cried for joy and celebrated when the Word of God was read out to them. Their nation had been destroyed by the sins of their fathers. Many generations of their ancestors after Kings David and Solomon (1000 BC) became increasingly godless in spite the many prophets God sent to teach and warn them.

Finally, in 586 BC, God stopped protecting their nation and allowed the foreign kingdom of Babylon to defeat and totally destroy Jerusalem, including the Temple of God. The Jews were taken captive to distant Babylon. But 70 years later, in His mercy and by His divine providence, God brought them back to Jerusalem and they rebuilt the city and the Temple of God.

Then hearing the Word of God (particularly the first 5 books of the Old Testament) read to them, they knew now what went wrong and how to fix the cancer. They knew now how to reclaim the heart of God, and they knew now how to receive the wealth of right relationship with Him. And they cried in gratitude and joy.

"The precepts (laws) of the Lord give joy to the heart." (Responsorial Psalm)

Such should be our attitude too. Our nation is in similar state of moral and political ruin. We parents bear a big part of the blame for teaching our children only worldly survival skills and material success, neglecting the Word of God. So they grow up lusting for immoral wealth and caring only for themselves, ruining the nation.

The Word of God is like the map of a buried treasure. It shows us the way to a priceless relationship with God on earth and the path to the infinite riches of heaven. That is why it is called the Good News. In the Gospel, Jesus sends 72 nameless disciples to preach the Good News in the towns where He himself was about to come. They are nameless because Jesus wants to put our names in that list. We are the ones He expects to prepare people for His arrival, starting with our own family.

If we had been in error, if we had been teaching our little girls to wear skimpy clothes and lewd dance steps, if we had been allowing our little boys to play murderous video games and watch pornography, if we had been too busy with livelihood and lax in our responsibility to keep our family within the protective fence of the precepts of God and the Church, then we may have to think twice before blaming only corrupt politicians and drug lords for the nation's woes. Maybe they had parents like us.

But it's never too late, "Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (First Reading)

Jesus commands us to preach the Gospel. Let us teach the next generation to read and love the Word of God. All good things flow from it.



Source: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicMassReflec...785956291702128

Feast of St. Faustina Kowalska



St. Faustina Kowalska, whose feast we celebrated yesterday, 05 September 2017 ,was told many wondrous things by Jesus, especially about His great desire that all people trust in His infinite mercy no matter what.

"My daughter, write that the greater the misery of a soul, the greater its right to My mercy; urge all souls to trust in the unfathomable abyss of My mercy, because I want to save them all. On the cross, the fountain of My mercy was opened wide by the lance for all souls – no one have I excluded!" - Diary of St. Faustina no. 1182

Source: https://www.facebook.com/TrueLightCatholicM...604261826299973

Friday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 459



Reading 1 (Bar 1:15-22)

During the Babylonian captivity, the exiles prayed:
"Justice is with the Lord, our God;
and we today are flushed with shame,
we men of Judah and citizens of Jerusalem,
that we, with our kings and rulers
and priests and prophets, and with our ancestors,
have sinned in the Lord's sight and disobeyed him.
We have neither heeded the voice of the Lord, our God,
nor followed the precepts which the Lord set before us.
From the time the Lord led our ancestors out of the land of Egypt
until the present day,
we have been disobedient to the Lord, our God,
and only too ready to disregard his voice.
And the evils and the curse that the Lord enjoined upon Moses, his servant,
at the time he led our ancestors forth from the land of Egypt
to give us the land flowing with milk and honey,
cling to us even today.
For we did not heed the voice of the Lord, our God,
in all the words of the prophets whom he sent us,
but each one of us went off
after the devices of his own wicked heart,
served other gods,
and did evil in the sight of the Lord, our God."

Responsorial Psalm (Ps 79:1b-2, 3-5, 8, 9)

R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.

O God, the nations have come into your inheritance;
they have defiled your holy temple,
they have laid Jerusalem in ruins.
They have given the corpses of your servants
as food to the birds of heaven,
the flesh of your faithful ones to the beasts of the earth.
R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.

They have poured out their blood like water
round about Jerusalem,
and there is no one to bury them.
We have become the reproach of our neighbors,
the scorn and derision of those around us.
O LORD, how long? Will you be angry forever?
Will your jealousy burn like fire?
R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.

Remember not against us the iniquities of the past;
may your compassion quickly come to us,
for we are brought very low.
R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.

Help us, O God our savior,
because of the glory of your name;
Deliver us and pardon our sins
for your name's sake.
R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.

Alleluia (Ps 95:8)

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
If today you hear his voice,
harden not your hearts.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel (Lk 10:13-16)

Jesus said to them,
"Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida!
For if the mighty deeds done in your midst
had been done in Tyre and Sidon,
they would long ago have repented,
sitting in sackcloth and ashes.
But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon
at the judgment than for you.
And as for you, Capernaum, 'Will you be exalted to heaven?
You will go down to the netherworld.'



REFLECTION: WORD TOday



The First Reading (587 years before Jesus came) is a public confession of the Jews taken as captives and exiled in distant Babylon. They are suffering because of their sin of disobedience. They admit and repent that their nation was conquered and the people scattered because they refused to listen to the prophets God authorized and sent to speak for Him. "Instead, we did as we pleased and went on our own evil way."

In the Gospel, the Son of God is very frustrated, angry even, at the people in the towns where He had performed many of His great miracles. They loved His miracles but refused His corrections. They would not repent their sins because they were not yet suffering the consequences suffered by their ancestors in Babylon.

Jesus then authorized and sent His disciples to speak for Him. He told them, "Whoever listens to you listens to Me. Whoever rejects you rejects Me. And whoever rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me."

Later, just before He died, Jesus authorized them to perform the miracle of Transubstantion, turning bread and water into His Body and Blood (Matthew 26:26-28). And still later, just before He ascended back to Heaven, Jesus once more sent them saying, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations... teaching them all that I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20)

Following the mandate of Jesus for 2000 years, the Church went to all nations bringing the Holy Eucharist and making disciples of all men, teaching them that they may not suffer the consequences suffered by the ancient Jews.

Every Sunday we go to church and witness the Great Miracle of plain bread and water turning into the Body and Blood of Christ. We love the miracle, but are we obeying the Church that Jesus authorized and sent to do the miracle? Do we repent our sins in private Confession? Whoever rejects His messenger rejects God.



Source: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicMassReflec...786278658336558