DR Squared: Tuesday After Epiphany

First Reading:  1 John 4:7-10

Dearly beloved, let us love one another, for charity is of God. And every one that loveth, is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not, knoweth not God: for God is charity. 9 By this hath the charity of God appeared towards us, because God hath sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we may live by him. In this is charity: not as though we had loved God, but because he hath first loved us, and sent his Son to be a propitiation for our sins. 

Responsorial Psalm:  cf. Psalm 72 (71):11a; V. 1-2, 3-4, 7-8

R. And all kings of the earth shall adore him:

V. Give to the king thy judgment, O God: and to the king's son thy justice:

     To judge thy people with justice, and thy poor with judgment.

V. Let the mountains receive peace for the people: and the hills justice.

    He shall judge the poor of the people, and he shall save the children of the poor: and he            shall humble the oppressor.

V.  In his days shall justice spring up, and abundance of peace, till the moon be taken away.

      And he shall rule from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.

Gospel Reading:  Mark 6:34-44

And Jesus going out saw a great multitude: and he had compassion on them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things. And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came to him, saying: This is a desert place, and the hour is now past:  Send them away, that going into the next villages and towns, they may buy themselves meat to eat. And he answering said to them: Give you them to eat. And they said to him: Let us go and buy bread for two hundred pence, and we will give them to eat. And he saith to them: How many loaves have you? go and see. And when they knew, they say: Five, and two fishes.  And he commanded them that they should make them all sit down by companies upon the green grass. And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds and by fifties. And when he had taken the five loaves, and the two fishes: looking up to heaven, he blessed, and broke the loaves, and gave to his disciples to set before them: and the two fishes he divided among them all. And they all did eat, and had their fill. And they took up the leavings, twelve full baskets of fragments, and of the fishes. And they that did eat, were five thousand men.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR: Squared: Monday After Epiphany

First Reading:  1 John 3:22–4:6

And whatsoever we shall ask, we shall receive of him: because we keep his commandments, and do those things which are pleasing in his sight. And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ: and love one another, as he hath given commandment unto us. And he that keepeth his commandments, abideth in him, and he in him. And in this we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us .Dearly beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits if they be of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. By this is the spirit of God known. Every spirit which confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is of God:  And every spirit that dissolveth Jesus, is not of God: and this is Antichrist, of whom you have heard that he cometh, and he is now already in the world. You are of God, little children, and have overcome him. Because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore of the world they speak, and the world heareth them. We are of God. He that knoweth God, heareth us. He that is not of God, heareth us not. By this we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. 

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 2:8bc; V. 7bc-8, 10-11

R. I will give thee the Gentiles for thy inheritance, and the utmost parts of the earth for thy       possession.

V. Thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee.

     Ask of me, and I will give thee the Gentiles for thy inheritance,

     and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession.

V. And now, O ye kings, understand: receive instruction, you that judge the earth.

    Serve ye the Lord with fear: and rejoice unto him with trembling. 

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

And when Jesus had heard that John was delivered up, he retired into Galilee:  And leaving the city Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capharnaum on the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim;  That it might be fulfilled which was said by Isaias the prophet:  Land of Zabulon and land of Nephthalim, the way of the sea beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles:  The people that sat in darkness, hath seen great light: and to them that sat in the region of the shadow of death, light is sprung up. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say: Do penance, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom: and healing all manner of sickness and every infirmity, among the people. And his fame went throughout all Syria, and they presented to him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and such as were possessed by devils, and lunatics, and those that had palsy, and he cured them:  And much people followed him from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: The Epiphany Of The Lord

First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6

Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem: for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For behold darkness shall cover the earth, and a mist the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall walk in thy light, and kings in the brightness of thy rising. Lift up thy eyes round about, and see: all these are gathered together, they are come to thee: thy sons shall come from afar, and thy daughters shall rise up at thy side. Then shalt thou see, and abound, and thy heart shall wonder and be enlarged, when the multitude of the sea shall be converted to thee, the. strength of the Gentiles shall come to thee. The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Madian and Epha: all they from Saba shall come, bringing gold and frankincense: and shewing forth praise to the Lord.  

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm cf. 72 (71):11; V. 1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13

R. And all kings of the earth shall adore him: all nations shall serve him.

V .Give to the king thy judgment, O God: and to the king's son thy justice:

     To judge thy people with justice, and thy poor with judgment.

V. In his days shall justice spring up, and abundance of peace, till the moon be taken away. 

    And he shall rule from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.

V. The kings of Tharsis and the islands shall offer presents: the kings of the Arabians and         of Saba shall bring gifts:

     And all kings of the earth shall adore him: all nations shall serve him.

V. For he shall deliver the poor from the mighty: and the needy that had no helper.

    He shall spare the poor and needy: and he shall save the souls of the poor.

Second Reading:  Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

If yet you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me towards you:  How that, according to revelation, the mystery has been made known to me, Which in other generations was not known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit:  That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and co-partners of his promise in Christ Jesus, by the gospel:

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 2:1-12

When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. Saying, Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to adore him. And king Herod hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born. But they said to him: In Bethlehem of Juda. For so it is written by the prophet:  And thou Bethlehem the land of Juda art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come forth the captain that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, privately calling the wise men, learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them; And sending them into Bethlehem, said: Go and diligently inquire after the child, and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I also may come to adore him. Who having heard the king, went their way; and behold the star which they had seen in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was. And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they adored him; and opening their treasures, they offered him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Christmas Weekday

(NB: Today is the Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious. There are no specific reading assigned; they would be taken from the Common of Holy Men and Women: For Religious.)

First Reading:  1 John 3:7-10

Little children, let no man deceive you. He that doth justice is just, even as he is just. He that committeth sin is of the devil: for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose, the Son of God appeared, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God, committeth not sin: for his seed abideth in him, and he can not sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil. Whosoever is not just, is not of God, nor he that loveth not his brother.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 98 (97):3cd; V. 1, 7-8, 9

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

V. Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: because he hath done wonderful things.

    His right hand hath wrought for him salvation, and his arm is holy.

V. Let the sea be moved and the fulness thereof: the world and they that dwell therein.

    The rivers shall clap their hands, the mountains shall rejoice together

V. At the presence of the Lord: because he cometh to judge the earth.

    He shall judge the world with justice, and the people with equity.

Gospel Reading:  John 1:35-42

The next day again John stood, and two of his disciples. And beholding Jesus walking, he saith: Behold the Lamb of God. And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. And Jesus turning, and seeing them following him, saith to them: What seek you? Who said to him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? He saith to them: Come and see. They came, and saw where he abode, and they stayed with him that day: now it was about the tenth hour. And Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who had heard of John, and followed him. He findeth first his brother Simon, and saith to him: We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And Jesus looking upon him, said: Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is interpreted Peter.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

Every Knee Should Bend

Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

Phil. 2:6-11

In my 2016 Christmas Eve Reflection, using this passage as a focal point for a phrase, I had wondered if people have forgotten that Jesus is God. With at least 70% of the faithful not believing in the Real Presence (depending on the poll you have seen), it is no wonder why one may see such casual, if not irreverent behavior, during Communion. Many people, using lex orandi, lex credendi as a starting point, question the posture of standing and receiving the Sacred Host on the hand versus kneeling and receiving on the tongue, saying this contributes to the lack of reverence.

I made mention I genuflect as I pass by the Tabernacle outside of Mass, praying the "Jesus Prayer" as I pause there. I also bow my head at the mention of the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and during the recitation of the Gloria Patri, as is/was customary. I do that to remind me of the very thing I decry, to give witness to the fact that He is here among us.

Today is the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus. You may not see it on your calendar, as it was seemingly removed and then restored. In keeping with a positive take on the 2nd. Commandment, there are two prayers you can use to honor "the name which is above every name."

++++++++++

The first is one of the six officially approved litanies of the Church. The Litany of the Holy Name invokes titles associated with Jesus. A partial indulgence is gained for its recitation.

V. Lord, have mercy on us.
R. Christ, have mercy on us.
V. Lord, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear us.
R. Jesus, graciously hear us.
V. God the Father of Heaven
R. Have mercy on us.
V. God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
R. Have mercy on us.
V. God the Holy Spirit,
R. Have mercy on us.
V. Holy Trinity, one God,
R. Have mercy on us.
V. Jesus, Son of the living God,
R. Have mercy on us.
Jesus, splendor of the Father, [etc.]
Jesus, brightness of eternal light.
Jesus, King of glory.
Jesus, sun of justice.
Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary.
Jesus, most amiable.
Jesus, most admirable.
Jesus, the mighty God.
Jesus, Father of the world to come.
Jesus, angel of great counsel.
Jesus, most powerful.
Jesus, most patient.
Jesus, most obedient.
Jesus, meek and humble of heart.
Jesus, lover of chastity.
Jesus, lover of us.
Jesus, God of peace.
Jesus, author of life.
Jesus, example of virtues.
Jesus, zealous lover of souls.
Jesus, our God.
Jesus, our refuge.
Jesus, father of the poor.
Jesus, treasure of the faithful.
Jesus, good Shepherd.
Jesus, true light.
Jesus, eternal wisdom.
Jesus, infinite goodness.
Jesus, our way and our life.
Jesus, joy of Angels.
Jesus, King of the Patriarchs.
Jesus, Master of the Apostles.
Jesus, teacher of the Evangelists.
Jesus, strength of Martyrs.
Jesus, light of Confessors.
Jesus, purity of Virgins.
Jesus, crown of Saints.

V. Be merciful, R. spare us, O Jesus.
V. Be merciful, R. graciously hear us, O Jesus.
V. From all evil, R. deliver us, O Jesus.
From all sin, deliver us, O Jesus.
From Your wrath, [etc.]
From the snares of the devil.
From the spirit of fornication.
From everlasting death.
From the neglect of Your inspirations.
By the mystery of Your holy Incarnation.
By Your Nativity.
By Your Infancy.
By Your most divine Life.
By Your labors.
By Your agony and passion.
By Your cross and dereliction.
By Your sufferings.
By Your death and burial.
By Your Resurrection.
By Your Ascension.
By Your institution of the most Holy Eucharist.
By Your joys.
By Your glory.

V. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
R. spare us, O Jesus.
V. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
R. graciously hear us, O Jesus.
V. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
R. have mercy on us, O Jesus.
V. Jesus, hear us.
R. Jesus, graciously hear us.

Let us pray.
O Lord Jesus Christ, You have said, "Ask and you shall receive, seek, and you shall find, knock, and it shall be opened to you." Grant, we beg of You, to us who ask it, the gift of Your most divine love, that we may ever love You with our whole heart, in word and deed, and never cease praising You.

Give us, O Lord, as much a lasting fear as a lasting love of Your Holy Name, for You, who live and are King for ever and ever, never fail to govern those whom You have solidly established in Your love.
R. Amen.

++++++++++ 

The other is a very familiar prayer at the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. The Divine Praises are recited as the Sacred Host is being returned to the tabernacle. It can also be used to make reparations for blasphemy and profane language.

Blessed be God.
Blessed be His Holy Name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man.
Blessed be the Name of Jesus.
Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart.
Blessed be His Most Precious Blood.
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most Holy.
Blessed be her Holy and Immaculate Conception.
Blessed be her Glorious Assumption.
Blessed be the Name of Mary, Virgin and Mother.
Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse.
Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints.

++++++++++

Perhaps one or both of these can be your New Year's resolution in terms of the spiritual life.

**********

Originally posted 1/3/2017.
Re-posted 1/3/2018.
Re-posted 1/3/2019.

Re-posted 1/3/2020.

Re-posted 1/3/2022.

Re-posted 1/3/2023.

Re-posted 1/3/2024.

DR Squared: Christmas Weekday

First Reading:  1 John 2:29–3:6

If you know, that he is just, know ye, that every one also, who doth justice, is born of him. Behold what manner of charity the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called, and should be the sons of God. Therefore the world knoweth not us, because it knew not him. Dearly beloved, we are now the sons of God; and it hath not yet appeared what we shall be. We know, that, when he shall appear, we shall be like to him: because we shall see him as he is. And every one that hath this hope in him, sanctifieth himself, as he also is holy. Whosoever committeth sin committeth also iniquity; and sin is iniquity. And you know that he appeared to take away our sins, and in him there is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him, sinneth not; and whosoever sinneth, hath not seen him, nor known him.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 98 (97):3cd: V. 1, 3cd-4, 5-6

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

V. Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: because he hath done wonderful things.

His right hand hath wrought for him salvation, and his arm is holy.

V. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Sing joyfully to God, all the earth; make melody, rejoice and sing.

V.Sing praise to the Lord on the harp, on the harp, and with the voice of a psalm:

With long trumpets, and sound of cornet. Make a joyful noise before the Lord our king: 

Gospel Reading:  John 1:29-34

The next day, John saw Jesus coming to him, and he saith: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who taketh away the sin of the world. This is he, of whom I said: After me there cometh a man, who is preferred before me: because he was before me. And I knew him not, but that he may be made manifest in Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John gave testimony, saying: I saw the Spirit coming down, as a dove from heaven, and he remained upon him. And I knew him not; but he who sent me to baptize with water, said to me: He upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining upon him, he it is that baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and I gave testimony, that this is the Son of God.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here. 

DR Squared: Memorial Of Saints Basil The Great And Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops And Doctors Of The Church

First Reading:  Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13

I therefore, a prisoner in the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation in which you are called ,With all humility and mildness, with patience, supporting one another in charity. Careful to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. One body and one Spirit; as you are called in one hope of your calling. One Lord, one faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in us all. But to every one of us is given grace, according to the measure of the giving of Christ. And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and other some evangelists, and other some pastors and doctors, For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  Until we all meet into the unity of faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the age of the fulness of Christ;

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23 (22): 1b: V. 1b-3a, 4, 5, 6

R. The Lord ruleth me: and I shall want nothing.

V. The Lord ruleth me: and I shall want nothing.
     He hath set me in a place of pasture.
     He hath brought me up, on the water of refreshment:
     He hath converted my soul.

V. For though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evils, for thou      art with me.

    Thy rod and thy staff, they have comforted me.

V. Thou hast prepared a table before me against them that afflict me.
    Thou hast anointed my head with oil; and my chalice which inebriateth me, how goodly is      it!

V. And thy mercy will follow me all the days of my life.
    And that I may dwell in the house of the Lord unto length of days.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 23:8-12

But be not you called Rabbi. For one is your master; and all you are brethren. And call none your father upon earth; for one is your father, who is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters; for one is your master, Christ. He that is the greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled: and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

Hail, Theotokis!

Fish Eaters presents the Akathis Hymn to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

**********

Originally posted 1/1/2011.
Re-posted 1/1/2014.
Re-posted 1/1/2015.
Re-posted 1/1/2016.
Re-posted 1/1/2017.
Re-posted 1/1/2018.
Re-posted 1/1/2019.

Re-posted 1/1/2020.

Re-posted 1/1/2021.

Re-posted 1/1/2022.

Re-posted 1/1/2023.

Re-posted 1/1/2024.

Another New Year's Indulgence

For those of you who were unable to gain the indulgence from singing "Te Deum" last night, fear not.

You have another opportunity today.

Singing the hymn "Veni, Creator Spiritus", as it does on Pentecost Sunday, also carries with it a plenary indulgence, under the usual conditions.

You will find the words and a familiar translation here.

**********

Originally posted 1/1/2016.
Re-posted 1/1/2017.
Re-posted 1/1/2018.
Re-posted 1/1/2019.

Re-posted 1/1/2020.

Re-posted 1/1/2021.

Re-posted 1/1/2022.

Re-posted 1/1/2023.

Re-posted 1/1/2024.

DR Squared: Solemnity Of The Blessed Virgin Mary, The Mother Of God--The Octave Day Of Christmas

First Reading: Numbers 6:22-27

And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:  Say to Aaron and his sons: Thus shall you bless the children of Israel, and you shall say to them:  The Lord bless thee, and keep thee. The Lord shew his face to thee, and have mercy on thee. The Lord turn his countenance to thee, and give thee peace. And they shall invoke my name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 67 (66):2a; V. 2-3, 5, 6, 8

R. May God have mercy on us, and bless us:

V. May God have mercy on us, and bless us: may he cause the light of his countenance to         shine upon us, and may he have mercy on us.

     That we may know thy way upon earth: thy salvation in all nations.

V. Let the nations be glad and rejoice:

    for thou judgest the people with justice,

    and directest the nations upon earth.

V. Let the people, O God, confess to thee: let all the people give praise to thee:

    May God bless us: and all the ends of the earth fear him.

Second Reading:  Galatians 4:4-7

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent his Son, made of a woman, made under the law:  That he might redeem them who were under the law: that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because you are sons, God hath sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying: Abba, Father. Therefore now he is not a servant, but a son. And if a son, an heir also through God.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 2:16-21

And they came with haste; and they found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. And seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this child. And all that heard, wondered; and at those things that were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God, for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. And after eight days were accomplished, that the child should be circumcised, his name was called JESUS, which was called by the angel, before he was conceived in the womb.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.