New Year; Old Song

The sands runs out of the hourglass known as 2016. A new time piece is in place. With it comes the hope and optimism that what is ahead will be better that what was left behind. Then, an old familiar tune to an old familiar poem by Robert Burns start to play. We join in singing both verses and chorus:

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp,
And surely I'll be mine!
And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

We twa hae run about the braes,
And pu'd the gowans fine;
But we've wandered mony a weary fit
Sin' auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidled i' the burn,
Frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roared
Sin' auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

And there's a hand, my trusty fiere,
And gie's a hand o' thine!
And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught
For auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

May our eternal God grant us abundant blessings in this new year. May He show us what it important in this life so as to be with Him in the next. May the coming twelve months bring  Him glory and praise.

Happy New Year, Everybody!

Farewell Speech For 2016

What a tumultuous year. (And I think that may be the kindest thing that could be said about the previous twelve months.)

Pick your subject. The 2016 United States Presidential election (and the nominating process leading to it). The seemingly sudden spate of deaths to notable celebrities these past 366 days. The increase of tension between opposing factions no matter what the topic. "Peace on earth" was nothing more than a wishful thought at times.

Even in my own private life, the ups and downs were as turbulent. A job in February didn't work out. A return to a seasonal position from last year was more physically taxing, as a severe back muscle spasm in August required a trip to the emergency room, where a MRI revealed a slight disk bulge between the 4th. and 5th. lumbar vertebrae, causing even more personal concern about what type of work could I do. Even a stint selling Christmas trees for a local store just seemed to demand more of my body. While the status quo is status quo, the plan to "Go Forward" had more reverse motion.

I must say, however, that completing my "Propers Meditation" was a success, even if it was just sticking with it. It is said that everyone has a book in them. Consider what I did a very rough first draft.

But 2017 will come with all its fanfare. As it should. And whether we are ready or not for it. We should cherish the chance to begin anew as we display a new calendar. The question is whether we have learn from those things that defeated us. Have we, and are we, in the words of author Matthew Kelly becoming a better version of our selves with the help of God's grace? (Of course, we need to define "better".)

So, where does one go from here? Where else? Toward God. Toward Jesus Christ. St. Peter had it spot on:  "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." (John 6:68) It is only "through Him, and with Him, and in Him" where we will find fulfillment.

2017 comes soon. Could it be worse than what came before? Possibly.

But, in our eternal optimism, in hoping with hope, we look for better.

May we find it.

As the lyric in the song "Send In The Clowns":  "Well, maybe next year."

2016 Christmas Day Card

May the Word made Flesh bring you and yours joy today and always. May the Christ Child bring peace on earth and to your home. May the newborn King of Kings and Lord of Lords bestow His love upon all now and forever.

Merry Christmas, Everybody!

2016 Christmas Eve Reflection

The Second Reading of the Feast of the Nativity--Mass During the Day:

Brothers and sisters:
In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways
to our ancestors through the prophets;
in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son,
whom he made heir of all things
and through whom he created the universe,
who is the refulgence of his glory,
the very imprint of his being,
and who sustains all things by his mighty word.When he had accomplished purification from sins,
he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
as far superior to the angels
as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

For to which of the angels did God ever say:
You are my son; this day I have begotten you?
Or again:
I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me?
And again, when he leads the firstborn into the world, he says:
Let all the angels of God worship him.

Hebrews 1:1-6

I had a bit of a problem for this year's Christmas Eve Reflection. I just simply didn't have a topic for the longest time. Then inspiration came. (Thank you, Holy Spirit.)

The past two years have seen the use of "lectio divina" on the two readings from St. Paul's letter to Titus found in the Christmas Masses. I continue in the same vein, this year using the passage from the opening of the letter to the Hebrews. While sentence structure may not allow for many short snippets, there will be ample opportunity to mine much insight.

"In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets." Ever since Eden, when Adam and Eve disobeyed (did not hear) the word of God and His instruction, God has taken the initiative to re-call humanity to Him. The pre-prophetic time of  the Old Testament is replete with God speaking to the crowning of His creation, especially His encounters with Abraham and Moses, when covenant and Law were given to the Chosen People. Even the establishment of the Kingdom of Israel was another opportunity for listening. Then came the prophets, a more direct bearer of God's word. They spoke of the love of God, the need of repentance, and the promise of redemption. Even the prophet who bridged Old and New Testament, St. John the Baptist, continued to deliver this message. But their words were only an echo of the Word.

"In these last days." These words ring as true today as they did in the 1st. Century. While we live in the here and now, we are coming to end of time, whether our own death or the end of the world. Our salvation awaits us if we but just listen for and to the Word made Flesh.

"He has spoken to us through the Son." "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was in God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1) To begin the fulfillment of the promise of redemption, God the Father sent into the world through the Holy Spirit, via the Blessed Virgin Mary, His only begotten Son, through Whom the world was made. It is His birth we celebrate today, in spite of the attempt the secular world to minimize, if not eliminate, this Word from our vocabulary.

And how the Second Person of the Trinity has spoken. We hear of  His Life, Death, and Resurrection as articulated by Him through the Evangelists. We continue to hear the Word through His Bride, the Church which He established. It was this Couple which brought us Sacred Scripture, so we could continue to listen to what He said. It is through His Bride the Sacramental Life He established is administered. As our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, spoke back over two millennia, He continues to speak to us today and until "the life of the world to come".

"Whom he made heir of all things."As Son, He is heir to all the Father has created. Through the Son, we have become co-heirs. We will share the Trinitarian Life, the Beatific Vision promised to us if only we heed the voice at His Baptism and Transfiguration and "listen to Him" and the Church whose authority is from Him.

"And through whom he created the universe." Not only is Jesus the rightful heir to what His Father has created, He helped created what is to become His. Recall the refrain in the creation story, "And God said." It is no coincidence St. John opened his Gospel with the same phrase which opened Genesis. The re-creation of the world had to be like its creation. The Word had to be spoken; "the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us."

"Who is the refulgence of his glory." Glory can only reflect glory; Light can only reflect light. As St. Paul says in his first letter to the Corinthians, we only see dimly now. But even in that dimness, we see Him as He truly is.

"The very imprint of his being." Like Father, like Son. "God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God. begotten not made, consubstantial with the Father." Of the same substance. People complained about the use of that word when the Roman Missal was more accurately translated in 2011. As Jesus said, "The Father and I are one." End of argument.

"And who sustains all things by his mighty word." We return to Genesis. God creates and sustains with His Word. That Word last infinitely and eternally. And that Word holds all in the palm of His hand. "Of the Father's love begotten, 'ere the world began to be."

"When he had accomplished purification from sins." There is no redemption without sacrifice. There is no re-birth without death. There is no Resurrection without a Nativity. There is no Easter without a Christmas. The Incarnate Word had to be born, become "like us in all things but sin" so as to reconcile us to the Father as the Father willed.

"He took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high." "He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty." Thus we complete the story of Jesus' earthly life in these brief sentences in the first half of this reading. He came, lived, died, rose, and ascended. He did the will of His Father.

"As far superior to the angels." How can the angels, created by God, be superior to Jesus, Who is God? That was Lucifer's downfall. That was ours. But unlike Satan, we have been redeemed. We only need to cooperate with the grace of God to make it happen.

"As the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs." Hearken to another Second Reading, this one from Palm Sunday:

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. 2:8-11

Jesus--A variant of Joshua--God saves. Emmanuel--God is with us. This is the name the Christ Child inherited. This is the name which should be reverenced, as should His Real Presence. Have people forgotten that Jesus is God? I wonder about that at times. (And, just in case you think I don't practice what I preach, I do genuflect in front of the tabernacle as I pass it and bow my head when I hear the Holy Name.)

"For to which of the angels did God ever say:  You are my son; this day I have begotten you?" Does this sound vaguely familiar? It is the Introit for the Feast of the Nativity--Mass During the Night (Psalm 2:7). The announcing of the birth of our Savior bring not only joy to the world, but also awe, so much so the heavenly host were inspired to sing the first Gloria.

"Or again:  I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me?" From the First Reading of the Solemnity of St. Joseph (2 Samuel 7:14a), this confirms the house of David is to be the royal lineage. It is from this house St. Joseph came and thus "legitimizes" Jesus as a rightful heir to the throne. But is goes much deeper than that. The Kingdom of God has now come to earth and is to be established, which Christ as its Ruler.

"And again, when he leads the firstborn into the world." Is there not an echo of the Last Judgement in this phrase? Is there not also an echo of the admonition of St. James in his letter? Re-born by baptism, works sustained in faith, the new firstborn are those who are like Nicodemus, who heard the Word and acted upon it.

"He says:  Let all the angels of God worship him." Psalm 97:7b is referenced here. Creatures can only worship a Creator. Worshiping themselves is a form of idolatry, which an angel (or a human) loyal to God would never do. And being able to see God as He is (as we hope to do as well), they can do nothing but adore Him.

Tonight we adore Him, albeit veiled in flesh. But this is only so we can be "caught up in the love of God we cannot see." Our God is here. "Come and worship...Christ, the newborn King."

Hodie Christus natus est.

Soon To Blossom

For the past three Advent seasons the Holy Family Catholic Church Choir has sung an arrangement by David Ashley White of a 16th. Century German folk song originally used as part of pilgrimages before Christmas. It is the first three verses which are commonly used today, thank to a translation by Henry S. Drinker.

1. Maria walks amid the thorn,
Kyrie eleison.
Maria walks amid the thorn,
Which seven years no leaf has born.
Jesus and Maria.

2. What 'neath her heart doth Mary bear?
Kyrie eleison.
A little child doth Mary bear,
Beneath her heart He nestles there.
Jesus and Maria.

3. And as the two are passing near,
Kyrie eleison,
Lo! roses on the thorns appear,
Lo! roses on the thorns appear.
Jesus and Maria.

The imagery of barrenness, lifelessness, and death miraculously being revived makes it a great contemplative point for the past four weeks. Much like St. John the Baptist in Elizabeth's womb recognizing the Christ Child in Mary's, life recognizes life.

Soon the barrenness of this Advent will pass.

Ero cras.

Counting The "O's" Once More

No matter how long or short the season of Advent is, or no matter the quantity or quality of your preparation for Christmas, these next seven days bring into focus the reason for this liturgical season. Whether one is praying Vespers in the Divine Office or the Evening Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours, when it comes time for the Canticle of Mary, a most familiar pattern reappears. As welcomed as an old friend with something more to discover, the antiphons preceding this part of the prayer bring a tiding of comfort and joy while still we anticipate the birth of the Christ Child.

As has been my tradition every year of this 'blog's existence, I once again present my series of posts on the seven "O" Antiphons. As I still have the original, updated, and current versions and look back on their development, the message, ever ancient, is still ever new. While I haven't added anything to them recently, these meditations, I hope, still speak for themselves.

Arguably my most popular posts, I blow away the dust from a year in storage and place them on the mantle for your perusal.

May you glean what you are able.

They come later today; I hope you do as well.

December 2016 Morning Offering Prayer Intentions

Here are the intentions for this month when reciting the Morning Offering:

Universal Intention - End to Child-Soldiers.  That the scandal of child-soldiers may be eliminated the world over.

Evangelization Intention - Europe. That the peoples of Europe may rediscover the beauty, goodness, and truth of the Gospel which gives joy and hope to  life.

Reflections for these intentions are found here.

Four Full Weeks

It is here.

The beginning of a new liturgical year. The beginning of a new liturgical time. The beginning of our remembrance of the beginning of our salvation.

The advent of Advent.

While you are materially preparing for Christmas, you also need to spiritually prepare as well. This year we have all 28 days of the season, as the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord falls on a Sunday. While not as severe as Lent (despite the color reminders in both priestly vestments and Advent wreath candles), the penitential admonition of St. John the Baptist still hangs in the air.

So, how will you "prepare the way of the Lord" this time? Meditate on the daily Mass readings? Maybe assist at a weekday Mass more often than you do? Find time for the Rosary, perhaps focusing on the Joyful Mysteries? Take advantage of one of the myriad books that offer reflections about this season? The promptings of the Holy Spirit are limitless.

In the midst of the hustle and bustle, we need to be a little more like Mary while we work like Martha. The material side of Christmas eventually gets done. While the spiritual side can be never ending, at least we can work on it, whatever our widow's mite is in this regard.

And it will go by all too quickly, even thought we have all of it.

Make the most of it so you can make the most of Christmas.

"Veni, veni, Emmanuel."

2016 Thanksgiving Day Card

May you "Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow". May you rejoice at all the benefits you have received. May the gathering of family and friends this day be one of festivity and warmth.

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!

Producing Melody; Creating Harmony

For this year's tribute to the patron saint of music, St. Cecelia, I present to you a poem which shows how man, cooperating with the world over which he has dominion, creates beauty in the form of music.

      Before man came to blow it right
        The wind once blew itself untaught,
      And did its loudest day and night
        In any rough place where it caught.

      Man came to tell it what was wrong:
        It hadn't found the place to blow;
      It blew too hard - the aim was song.
        And listen - how it ought to go!

      He took a little in his mouth,
        And held it long enough for north
      To be converted into south,
        And then by measure blew it forth.

      By measure. It was word and note,
        The wind the wind had meant to be -
      A little through the lips and throat.
        The aim was song - the wind could see.

"The Aim Was Song" (from the collection New Hampshire, 1923)

Robert Frost (1874-1963)

PM: Communion Fridays--Solemnity Of Christ The King

There are two option; the second is for Cycles B and C.

Amen I say to you:  in as much as you have done it to one of the least these, my brethren, you have done it to me. Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world.

Matthew 25:40, 34

This is the measure of how we are to love our neighbor so as to love God. The reward for this is the greatest--a place at the table of the Eternal Wedding Banquet.

The Lord will sit on his royal throne forever; the Lord will bless his people in peace.

Ps. 28: 10b, 11b

Christ is the victory, ruler, and commander of the world. He shall be peace.

PM: Offertory Thursdays--Solemnity Of Christ The King

Ask of me, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance and the utmost parts of the earth as your possession.

Ps. 2:8

As we are adopted children of God, we also share the gifts He has bestowed. Through Jesus our Brother we must reign as He would.

PM: Alleluia Wednesdays--Solemnity Of Christ The King

His power is an everlasting power that shall not be taken away; and his kingdom shall not be destroyed.

Daniel 7:14

The Kingdom of God has been established in both heaven and earth.By Christ's own word,"the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

PM: Gradual Tuesdays--Solemnity Of Christ The King

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

V. All the kings of the earth shall adore him; all nations shall serve him.

Ps. 71:8; V. 11

The Magi in Matthew's accounting symbolize all the earth and those who dwell in it. They recognize the King of Kings and Lord of Lords; so should we.

PM: Introit Mondays--Solemnity Of Christ The King

The Lamb who has been slain is worthy to receive power, and divinity, and wisdom, and strength, and honor; let glory and dominion be his for ever and ever.

V. Endow the King with your judgement. O God, and the King's son with your righteousness.

Rev. 5:12 and 1:6; V. Ps. 71

From manger to cross to empty tomb, Our Lord Jesus Christ reigns.Taking His seat at the right hand of the Father, the Son rules with all the gifts of diving majesty.

PM: Communion Fridays--33rd. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

There are two options; the second is for Cycles B and C.

"Lord, you delivered five talents unto me; behold, I have gained five more."
"Well done, good and faithful servant; because you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your Lord."

Matt. 25:20, 21

I may not have five talents, but I also pray I don't have only one. We must always cooperated with God's grace to increase what we do have of our selves and our lives.

Amen I say to you, whatever you ask in you prayers, believe that you shall receive it, and it shall be granted unto you.

Mark 11:24

A reminder that we always need to ask for "our daily bread" so it may be given to us. We are also reminded that our wills need to be aligned with God's for our prayers to be effective.

PM: Offertory Thursdays--33rd. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

Out of the depths have I cried to you, O Lord, Lord, hear my prayer; out of the depths have I cried to you, O Lord.

Ps. 129:1, 2

It is not just only our own individual prayer we offer here. It is the prayer which is ever before God--the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

PM: Alleluia Wednesdays--33rd. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

Out of the depths have I cried to you, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice.

Ps. 129:1, 2

From the depths of our souls comes the groaning of our prayer which only the Holy Spirit can decipher. It is this deep longing for God which is the cornerstone of our communion with Him.

PM: Gradual Tuesdays--33rd. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

You have delivered us, Lord, from those who afflict us; and you have put to shame those who hate us.

V. In God we shall take pride all day long; and we shall celebrate your name forever.

Ps.43:8: V. 9

God has fulfilled the final petition of the Lord's Prayer. The Cross is the sign that we have won the victory.

PM: Introit Mondays--33rd. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

The Lord said, "I am pondering thoughts of peace and not of affliction; you shall call upon me, and I will hear you; and I will bring you back from all the land where you are held captive."

V. O Lord, you have blessed your land; you have put an end to Jacob's captivity.

Jeremiah 29:11, 12, 14; V. Ps. 84

God has set us free from whatever binds us, including sin. In this freedom to choose the good, we will find the peace He has promised.

PM: Communion Fridays--32nd. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

There are two options; the second is for Cycles B and C.

The five wise virgins took oil in flasks with their lamps; at midnight there was a cry; "Behold, the bridegroom is here; come out to meet Christ the Lord."

Matt. 25:4, 6

The Bridegroom, the Real Presence, has arrived. Let us worthily come and be in common union with Him.

The Lord is my shepherd and I shall want nothing; he has set me in a land of abundant pastures; he has lead me to life-renewing waters.

Ps. 22:1, 2

We lack nothing if we allow Christ to lead our lives. Do we, the sheep of His flock, listen to and for the voice of the Good Shepherd?

PM: Offertory Thursdays--32nd. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

Guide my footsteps, O Lord, according to your word, so that no iniquity may ever gain the upper hand, O Lord.

Ps. 118:133

To follow Christ means to walk the narrow path. He is our guide to heaven if we but heed His words.

PM: Alleluia Wednesdays--32nd. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

There are two options; the second is for Cycles B and C.

The five wise virgins took oil in flasks with their lamps; at midnight there was a cry; "Behold, the bridegroom is here; come out to meet Christ the Lord."

Matt. 25:4, 6

Death comes like a thief in the night. Are we prepared to meet our Triune God when that time comes?

He has established peace in your boundaries, and he fills you with the finest wheat.

Ps. 147:3

The "peace which surpasses all understanding" comes only from Christ. His own Body is the finest of wheat; the Bread of Life is most filling.

PM: Gradual Tuesdays-32nd. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

Let my prayer ascend like incense in your presence, O Lord.

V. May the lifting of my hands be an evening sacrifice.

Ps. 140:2

All our supplications rise to the eyes and ears of God. We hope they are found worthy of the praise and adoration due Him.

PM: Special Edition--Solemnity Of All Saints

"...and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and of the life of the world to come." We bring into focus the Communion of Saints.

Let us all rejoice in the Lord as we celebrate this feast day in honor of all the saints; it is a solemnity which causes the Angels to rejoice, and to praise together the Son of God.

V. Rejoice in the Lord, all you righteous; praise befits those who are upright.

V. Ps. 32

The Church Militant celebrates the Church Triumphant. Where they have gone, we hope to follow.

Revere the Lord, all you saints of his; for there is no want among those who fear him.

V. Those who seek the Lord shall lack no good thing.

Ps. 33:10; V. 11b

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." From this holy reverence comes all the gifts God will bestow on us.

Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will comfort you.

Matt. 11:28

Jesus removes the heavy burden of sin from us. His yoke, His Cross, while demanding, is still easier that the yoke of the Devil.

The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no malicious torment will ever touch them; in the eyes of the unwise they seem to have died; but they are dwelling in peace, alleluia.

Wisdom 3:1, 2, 3

The comfort found in this verse is unmatched. As this is the opening of the First Reading of the first Mass of the Commemoration of All the Faithfully Departed (All Souls Day), go and meditate upon the whole thing.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God; blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called Sons of God; blessed are those who suffer persecution for the sake of justice, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matt. 5:8, 9, 10

Recall all the rest of the Beatitudes as well. These are the marks of those who have been sanctified.

November 2016 Morning Offering Prayer Intentions

Here are the intentions for this month when reciting the Morning Offering:

Universal Intention - Countries Receiving Refugees.  That the countries which take in a great number of displaced persons and refugees may find support for their efforts which show solidarity.

Evangelization Intention - Collaboration of Priests and Laity. That within parishes, priests and lay people may collaborate in service to the community without giving in to the temptation of discouragement.

Reflections for these intentions are found here.

PM: Introit Mondays--32nd. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

Let my prayer enter into your presence; incline your ear to my supplication, O Lord.

V. O Lord, God of my salvation, day and night have I cried before you.

Ps. 87:3; V. 2

Learning to "pray unceasingly" is a great way to seek the face of God. It is this dialogue with Him that allows us to become more made "in His image and likeness".

PM: Communion Fridays--31st. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

You have made known unto me the ways of life; you will fill me with joy at the sight of your countenance, O Lord.

Ps. 15:11

W no longer have to fear seeing the face of God. In seeing the face of Christ, we see the Father and are elated beyond description.

PM: Offertory Thursdays--31st. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits; and your youth shall be renewed like the eagle's.

Ps. 102:2, 5

We do well to remember all that God has done for us, especially loving and forgiving us. "Our help is in the name of the Lord, Who created heaven and earth."

PM: Alleluia Wednesdays--31st. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

There are two options; the first is for Cycles A and B.

By the Word of the Lord, the heavens were established, and all the power therein by the Spirit of his mouth.

Ps. 32:6

Here is a perfect example of the Trinity at work. The co-equal persons of our Triune God, by the power of love, bring forth creation.

O Lord, how good and delightful your Spirit is in us!

Wisdom 12:1

We are animated by grace. It is by that grace we recognize our goodness and the ultimate good, God.

PM: Gradual Tuesdays--31st. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

We have received your mercy, O God, in the midst of your temple; even as your name, so does praise extend to the ends of the earth.

V. All that we have heard, we have now seen, in the city of our God, on his holy mountain.

Ps. 47:10, 11; V. 9

The mercy we have received is the Death and Resurrection of Christ. From the mountain that was Calvary, we recall the saving mysteries in the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass.

PM: Introit Mondays--31st. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

There are two options; the first is for Cycle A and B.

Abandon me not, O Lord my God, do not depart from me; come to my assistance, O Lord, mainstay of my deliverance.

V. O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger; chastise me not in your wrath.

Ps. 37:22, 23; V. 2

We realize our dependence on God for our lives. We plead to God for forgiveness, with mercy do we wish to be considered.

Your mercy extends to all things, O Lord, and you despise none of the things you have made. You overlook the sins of men for the sake of repentance. You grant them your pardon, because you are the Lord our God.

V. Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for my soul confides in you. 

Wisdom 11:24, 25, 27; V. Ps. 56

Again we see the Introit from Ash Wednesday, the plea to extend mercy to us. We pray that God will take pity on us in spite of our sinful ways.

PM: Communion Fridays--30th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

We shall rejoice in your salvation; and in the name of the Lord our God shall we place our pride.

Ps. 19:6

Only in God shall we find all we seek. It is in His saving power that we are able to do good.

PM: Offertory Thursdays--30th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

O Lord, grant me life according to your word, so that I may learn your commandments.

Ps. 118:107, 125

We ask God for sustenance spiritually and materially. In return, we offer back what He has given us.

PM: Alleluia Wednesdays--30th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion.

Ps. 147:1

We are the crowing achievement of God's creation. As in Him "we live, move, and have our being", "it is truly right and just, always and everywhere" to give Him adoration, praise, and thanksgiving. 

PM: Gradual Tuesdays--30th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

There are two choices; the first is for Cycle A and B.

One thing have I asked of the Lord, this I will seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord.

V. To gaze in delight upon the Lord's beauty, and to be sheltered in his holy temple.

Ps. 26:4

This is how we are to adore the Lord. This is communion in its simplest form.

The righteous cried out for help, and the Lord heard them; and he delivered them out of all their troubles.

V. The Lord is near to all the broken-hearted, and he shall save the contrite in spirit.

Ps. 23:18; V. 19

Only in God alone is our salvation. He is never far away from us, even as we wander off in sin.

PM: Introit Mondays--30th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice; seek the Lord and be strengthened; seek his face for evermore.

V. Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his name; declare his deed amongst the gentiles.

Ps. 104: 3, 4; V. 1

It is only in God where will we find the grace to live our lives as He intends.As we gaze upon His face when we dwell in His house, our hearts find their rest in Him.

PM: Communion Fridays--29th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

O Lord our governor, how admirable is your name in all the earth!

Ps. 8:2ab

The admirable name is that of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We would do well to follow the advise in Philippians 2.

PM: Offertory Thursdays--29th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

I shall meditate upon your commandments which I greatly love; I will extend my hands towards your commandments which I greatly love.

Ps. 118: 47, 48

Here the Psalmist focuses on the Law of the Lord. He is actually praying to Jesus, the fulfillment of that Law; we should do likewise.

PM: Alleluia Wednesdays--29th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

Praise the Lord, O my soul; I will praise the Lord throughout my life; I will sing in honor of my God as long as I have being.

Ps. 145:2

Let everything that has breathe praise the Lord. Let man, who was made in the image and likeness of God, lead the chorus.

PM: Gradual Tuesdays--29th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

Save your people, O Lord, and bless your inheritance.

V. Unto you have I cried, O Lord; O my God, be not silent with me, lest I become like those who go down into the grave.

Ps. 27:9, V. 1

God will not forget us, the apple of His eye. He Who holds us in the palm of His hand will hear ans answer our sincere prayers to Him.

PM: Introit Mondays--29th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

I have called out because you answered me, O God; incline your ear and hear my words; keep me, O Lord, like the apple of your eye; protect me under the shadow of your wings.

V. Hear my just cause, O Lord; attend to my supplication.

Ps. 16:6, 8; V. 1

There is only one God Who hears our prayers. That same God cherishes our being; with a fatherly love He cares for us.

PM: Communion Fridays--28th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

Remove from me all scorn and contempt, for I have kept your commandments; for your law is the object of my meditations.

Ps. 118:22, 24

A final, small examination of conscience before reception of Communion. Are we being totally honest with God and ourselves, or are we being deceiving by saying we have not sinned?

PM: Offertory Thursdays--28th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

Remember me, O Lord, you who dominate all authority; put the right words on my lips, so that my speech may be convincing in the presence of the King.

Esther 14:12, 13

What an appropriate prayer as the Litany of the Eucharist begins. Reminds one of the dialogue between priest and congregation--"Pray, brothers and sisters,..../May the Lord...."

PM: Alleluia Wednesdays--28th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

Let those who fear the Lord put their trust in him; he is their help and their protection.

Ps. 113:11

"Our help in in the name of the Lord, who created heaven and earth." This is the only being in which we can place all of our cares, worries, and anxieties.

PM: Gradual Tuesdays--28th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

There are two options; the second is for Cycles B and C.

Though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, O Lord.

V. Your rod and your staff have comforted me.

Ps. 22:4

We return to a Gradual from the 16th. Sunday of Ordinary Time. Even when death confronts us, God will be there to see us through it.

Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell in unity.

V. Like the precious ointment on the head, that ran down upon the beard, the beard of Aaron.

Ps. 132:1; V. 2

One of the marks of the Catholic Church is unity, or oneness. How well do we express that as the Body of Christ, the new People of God?

PM: Introit Mondays--28th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

O Lord, if you were to take into account our iniquities, who would withstand the test? But forgiveness abides with you, O God of Israel.

V. Out of the depths have I cried to you, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice.

Ps. 129: 3, 4;  V. 1, 2

God is both loving and merciful. Like the Prodigal Father, he will restore us to our rightful place if we are repentant.

October 2016 Morning Offering Prayer Intentions

Here are the intentions for this month when reciting the Morning Offering:

Universal Intention - Journalists.  That journalists, in carrying out their work, may always be motivated by respect for truth and a strong sense of ethics.

Evangelization Intention - World Mission Day. That World Mission Day may renew within all Christian communities the joy of the Gospel and the responsibility to announce it.

Reflections for these intentions are found here.

PM: Communion Fridays--27th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

My souls aspires after your salvation; I hope in your word; when will you judge those who persecute me? The wicked are persecuting me; come to my assistance, O Lord my God.

Ps. 118:81, 84, 86

Those who trust in God will be able to endure the trials of their life. It is through grace they are able to carry their crosses.

PM: Offertory Thursdays--27th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

There was a man in the land of Hus whose name was Job, a blameless, upright, and God-fearing man; Satan asked to be allowed to tempt him, and the Lord gave him power over his possessions and his body; and so, he destroyed his possessions and his children, and he ravaged his flesh with horrible sores.

Job 1:1, 12; 2:7

The book of Job answers the question of why God allows evil and suffering in the world. He allows these things to display His power and glory, which is manifested in Jesus Christ.

PM: Alleluia Wednesdays--27th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

When Israel went out from Egypt; the house of Jacob from a barbarous nation...

Ps. 113:1

"Judea was made his sanctuary, Israel his dominion." (Ps.113:2) The power of God is on display as He delivered the Chosen People during the Exodus.

PM: Gradual Tuesdays--27th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

O Lord, you have been for us a refuge from age to age.

V. Before the mountains were created, and before the land and the world was formed, from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.

Ps. 89:1; V. 2

The transcendency of God is on display here. Our praise and gratitude to Him for His sustenance, like Him, should be never ending. 

PM: Introit Mondays--27th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

All things are submitted to your will, O Lord, and no one can resist your decisions; you have made all things, heaven and earth, and all that is contained under the vault of the sky; you are the master of the universe.

V. Blessed are those who way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord.

Esther 13:9, 10, 11; V. Ps. 118:1

All things are created by God are drawn to their ultimate end--unison with Him. Because of our free will, we must, with the help of His grace, continually choose to follow Him to get to Him.

PM: Communion Fridays--26th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

Be mindful of your word to your servant, O Lord, in which you caused me to hope; this has been  my comfort in my affliction.

Ps.118:49, 50

We trust in the promises God has made to us. This is the "how" when we have to endure a "why".

PM: Offertory Thursdays--26th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

Upon the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down and we wept, as we remembered you, O Zion.

Ps. 136:1

Sin makes us exiles. It is only a Prodigal Son moment which will allow us to return to God.

PM: Alleluia Wednesdays--26th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

My heart is ready, O God, my heart is ready; I will sing to you and praise you, my glory.

Ps. 107:2

We have Augustinian hearts.When we are ready to find rest, we find it only in God, to Whom we sing our songs of praise.

PM: Gradual Tuesdays--26th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

There are two options; the second is for Cycles B and C.

My God, my God, look upon me, why have you forsaken me? 

V. My words of sin have drawn me far from salvation. 

V. O my God, I call by day and you give no reply; I call by night and not without reason. 

V. Yet, you dwell in the sanctuary; you are the praise of Israel. 

V. Our fathers placed their hope in you; they trusted and you delivered them. 

V. They cried out to you and they were saved; they put their hope in you and they were not confounded. 

V. But I am a worm and no man; scorned by men and despised by the people. 

V. All who see me mock at me, they make mouths at me, they wag their heads. 

V. "He trusted in the Lord; let him deliver him, let him rescue him, for he delights in him." 

V. And so they looked and gazed upon me; they divided my garments among themselves, and for my raiment they have cast lots. 

V. Save me from the mouth of the lion; my afflicted soul from the horns of the unicorn. 

V. You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you sons of Jacob, glorify him.

V. A future generation shall be announce on behalf of the Lord, and the heavens will declare his
justice; 

V. Unto a nation yet to be born, and whom the Lord has prepared. 

Ps. 21:2-9, 18, 19, 22, 24, 32

The Gradual from Palm (Passion) Sunday returns. Meditate upon a crucifix when you read these words.

The eyes of all look towards you in hope, O Lord; and you give them their food in due season.

V. You open your hand and fill every living thing with your blessings.

Ps. 144:15; V. 16

The Gradual from the Solemnity of Corpus Christi returns. We depend on God for everything; He will give us all that is good.

PM: Introit Mondays--26th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

There are two options; the second is for Cycles B and C.

At the name of the Lord,  let every knee bend, in heaven, on earth and under the earth; for the Lord became obedient to death, even death on the Cross; that is why Jesus Christ is the Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

V. O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come unto you.

Phil. 2:10, 8, 11; V. Ps. 101:2

Blessed be the name of the Lord both now and forever. Do we truly give Him the glory and praise which is rightly His?

All you have inflicted upon us, O Lord, has been dealt out in true justice, for we have have sinned against you and we have failed to obey your commandments; but give glory to your name and deal with us according to the abundance your mercy.

V. Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord.

Daniel 3:31, 29, 30, 43, 42; Ps. 118:1

Justice without mercy is vengeance; mercy without justice is enabling. God is both just and merciful; His discipline is merited.

PM: Communion Fridays--25th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

You have ordered that your commandments be kept diligently; O that my ways may be guided towards the keeping of your statutes.

Ps. 118: 4, 5

To obey God is to be ever joyful. We pray that we may always walk in His path of justice and righteousness.

PM: Offertory Thursdays--25th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

If I walk in the midst of tribulation you shall preserve my life, O Lord; you shall stretch forth your hand against the fury of my enemies; your right hand has delivered me.

Ps. 137:7

Does this not hearken to Psalm 23? With God as our protector and provider, we shall be delivered from every evil.

PM: Alleluia Wednesdays--25th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his name; declare his deeds among the nations.

Ps. 104:1

We seek God always and all ways. We share the Gospel as we have been commanded.

PM: Gradual Tuesdays--25th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

There are three choices; one for each of the Cycles.

The Lord is close to all who call to him, who call on him in the sincerity of their hearts.

V. My mouth shall speak the praises of the Lord, let all flesh bless his holy name.

Ps.144:18; V. 21

We revisit the Gradual from the Fourth Sunday of Advent. While it reminds us of the approaching Nativity of the Lord, this reminds us He is no farther away from us when we call to Him from the depths of our being.

Let my prayer ascend like incense in your presence, O Lord.

V. May the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice.

Ps.140:2

This is also the Gradual for the 32nd. Sunday of Ordinary Time. May our supplications rise as a pleasing fragrance to God; our actions be acceptable gifts to Him.

Who is like the Lord our God who dwells on high and looks down on that which is humble in heaven and on earth?

V. He raises the need from the earth and lifts up the poor out of the mire.

Ps. 112:5, 6, 7

Another look at the Gradual from the 4th. Sunday of Ordinary Time. There is no other than God Who looks upon His creation in love, and with His infinite riches satisfies our every need.

Another Model Year

It all started with this.

Now, eleven years later, this infinitesimal corner of the universe humbly still is part of "the cacophony of chatter known as the 'blogosphere."

There have been times when I have wondered if it worth the effort to continue. Sure, there have been a few noteworthy posts (in my very humble opinion). I take pride in my two seasonal meditation (on the "O" Antiphons and the Seven Last Words), my Christmas Eve Reflections, my Independence Day posts, my tributes to music on St. Cecilia Day, and my tributes to 9/11. My ongoing "lectio divina" on the Propers I hope are helpful. And I thank you for letting me share some of my personal struggles.

My readers will notice this is not a news feed. The national and international stories, both of a secular and sacred nature, are covered well enough elsewhere. Unlike a certain 'blogger (who is a professional writer), not every thought I have will be broadcast over the internet. I keep the admonition of Mark Twain in mind when I choose to 'blog. And, like investing, there is no guarantee on what kind of return I get.

I just have to remember that I don't live to 'blog nor 'blog to live, that this has been a hobby. And, for now and the foreseeable future, that will be my aim. If I have of service to you in some manner with something that I have written, it will be enough. I can only take this one post at a time.

May what is to come be useful and fruitful.

PM: Introit Mondays--25th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

I am the salvation of the people, says the Lord; from whatever tribulations they cry out to me, I will give heed to them; and I will be their Lord forever.

V. Attend, O people, to my law; incline your ear to the words of my mouth.

Cf. Ps.36:39, 40, 28; V. Ps. 77

God will hear us, the poor in spirit, those who have no recourse but Him. However, it is a two-way street; we must obey (hear) his words--the Law, the Prophets, and, especially, Jesus.

Fifteen Years On

New York, NY. Washington, DC. Shanksville, PA.

Three communities forever bound together one day in a tragic event.

It has been fifteen years since the terrorist attack, hideously ingenious in its own way, was perpetrated over the skies and then on the ground of United States. (Who says evil doesn't have an imagination.)

The human toll of 2,996 does not even begin to measure the cost. The images of the lost and damaged buildings pale in comparison to what was lost to both the living and the dead. The toll on spirit and psyche, both individually and collectively, may be somewhat diminished but has never disappeared.

You can hear the echoes of this day in the acts of terrorism that have followed, especially recently. This day seemingly emboldened those whose ideology is seemingly embedded in these terms:  Submit to me or die. To me, it is strikingly similar to what Satan says to us in very simple terms:  Submit to me and die.

Anniversaries are good things, no matter what they commemorate. They force and urge us to recall what and why something happened. And while this country will have its memorial services in various forms, rightfully remembering those who have died, we also need to ponder the event at an even deeper level, perhaps, briefly, staring evil in the face.

As I hopefully do every year, I encourage you to read other tributes. Honor those who have died this "new" Patriots Day. While the living can do more, this is always a good start.

PM: Communion Fridays--24th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

There are three options, one for each of the Cycles.

Bring up your sacrifices and come into his courts; adore the Lord in his holy temple.

Ps. 95:8, 9

An echo of  "Adeste Fideles", we arrived at the ultimate place of worship. The Manger and the Cross, altars in their own ways, uphold the Real Presence for our adoration.

If a man wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Matt. 16:24

A repeat of one from the 12th. Sunday of Ordinary Time, we are confronted again with the Cross. The "sign of contradiction" is the true symbol of Christian discipleship.

I say unto you: there is joy among the Angels of God for one single sinner who repents.

Luke 15:10

One of the three options from the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, here we see a part of the depth of love Jesus has for us. The joy of Heaven is eternally profound when we "turn from sin and believe in the Gospel."

PM: Ofertory Thursdays--24th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

There are two options; the first is for Cycles A and B.

Moses consecrated an altar to the Lord, and presented thereupon burnt offerings and sacrificial victims; he made an evening sacrifice as a fragrant offering to the Lord, in the presence of the sons of Israel.

Cf. Exodus 24:4, 5

The Liturgy of the Eucharist is foreshadowed here. Moses, like Melchizedek before him, takes his place as a priest forever, an archetype of the Great High Priest to come.  

Moses prayed to the Lord his God, and said; Moses addressed this prayer to the Lord his God, and declared: "Why, O Lord, is your anger enkindled against your people? Let the wrath your mind has conceived cease. Remember Abraham, Issac, and Jacob, to whom you swore to give a land flowing with milk and honey." And the Lord was dissuaded from accomplishing the evil he had threatened to inflict upon his people.

Exodus 32:11, 15, 13, 14

Moses asks God to remember the covenant he made with Israel. Do we, as the People of God, keep our end of the New Covenant?

(NB:  These are the same options as found in the 18th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time.)

PM: Alleluia Wednesdays--24th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

The nations will fear your name, O Lord, and all the kings of the earth your glory.

Ps. 101:16

There is nobody or nothing greater than God. It is to Him that all reverence be directed.

PM: Gradual Tuesdays--24th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

I rejoiced when it was said unto me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord."

V.  Let peace reign within your walls, and abundance in your towers.

Ps. 121:1; V. 7

The Church is made of "living stones", as an individual and "when two or three gather in My name". it is within these "buildings' where "the peace which surpasses all understanding" and the abundance of grace which is "sufficient for you" abides.

PM: Introit Mondays--24th Sunday Of Ordinary Time

Grant peace to those who are waiting for you, O Lord, so that your prophets may be proved trustworthy; hear the prayers of your servant and of your people, Israel.

V. I rejoiced when it was said unto me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord."

Sirach 36:18; V. Ps 121

We come to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass as an individual and the People of God. It is here as among many, we are one as we joyfully celebrate the memorial of our redemption.

PM: Communion Fridays--23rd. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

Make vows unto the Lord your God, and accomplish them, all you who gather around him to present offerings; to the awesome God who takes away the life of princes; he is greatly feared by all the kings of the earth.

Ps. 75:12, 13

The fear of the Lord, one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, is the beginning of wisdom. It it by that wisdom we "can do all things".

Spetember 2016 Morning Offering Prayer Intentions

Here are the intentions for this month when reciting the Morning Offering:

Universal Intention - Centrality of the Human Person.  That each may contribute to the common good and to the building of a society that places the human person at the center.

Evangelization Intention - Mission to Evangelize. That by participating in the Sacraments and meditating on Scripture, Christians may become more award of their mission to evangelize.

Reflections for these intentions are found here.

PM: Offertory Thursdays--23rd. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

I prayed to my God, I, Daniel, and I said:  "Hearken, O Lord, unto the prayers of your servant, and cause your face to shine upon your sanctuary; look with forgiveness upon this nation over whom your name has been invoked, O God."

Daniel 9:4, (2), 17, 19

We are constantly seeking the face of God, as individuals and community. While He is everywhere, it is in His Real Presence and the Sacrament of Reconciliation where we truly encounter Him.

PM: Alleluia Wednesdays--23rd. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

O Lord, hear my prayer; and let my cry come unto you.

Ps. 101:2

With the exhortation to pray always, we are to be in constant conversation and communion with God. This kind of discussion and dialogue can  only help us draw closer to Him.

PM: Gradual Tuesdays--23rd. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

There are two options; the first is for Cycles A and B.

Blessed is the nation who God is the Lord; the people whom he has chosen as his inheritance.

V. By the word of the Lord the heavens were established, and all the powers therein by the Spirit of his mouth.

Ps. 32:12; V. 6

We are God's adopted children. Are we worthy to received what He has promised to us?

O Lord, you have been for us a refuge from age to age.

V. Before the mountains were created, and before the land and the world were formed, from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.

Ps. 89:1; V. 2

Also the Gradual for the 27th. Sunday of Ordinary Time, we can rely on God to be "our shelter from the stormy blast and our eternal home." How fitting is the Tetragrammaton.

PM: Introit Mondays--23rd. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

Your are righteous, O Lord, and right is your judgement; deal with this servant of yours according to your mercy.

V. Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord.

Ps. 118:137, 124; V. 1

There can be no mercy unless justice is also a part of it. We who are sinners will ask for forgiveness, knowing we are not right with God.

PM: Communion Fridays--22nd. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

There are two options; the second is for Cycles B and C.

If a man wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Matt. 16:24

We revisit one of the options from the 12th. Sunday of Ordinary Time. This is what is means to be a true disciple of Jesus; are we ready for the ultimate challenge?

O Lord, I will be mindful of your justice alone; you have taught me, O God, from my youth; and so, unto old age and grey hairs, O God, forsake me not.

Ps. 70:16, 17, 18

"O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,..." From beginning to end, He teaches us in the way to go.

PM: Offertory Thursdays--22nd. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

O Lord, look down in order to help me; let them be covered with confusion and shame, who seek after my soul to take it away.

Ps. 39:14, 15

Our spiritual enemies are many, even though they are traditionally classified as "the world, the flesh, and the devil". It is these that which, with the help of God's grace, we can overcome.

PM: Alleluia Wednesdays--22nd. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

Sing to the Lord a new song; for the Lord has accomplished wondrous deeds.

Ps. 97:1

All that God does is marvelous in our eyes. His right hand has given us the victory over sin and death.

PM: Introit Mondays--22nd. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I have called out to you all the day; for you, O Lord, are good and forgiving and plenteous in mercy to all who call upon you.

V. Incline your ear, O Lord, and hear me, for I am needy and poor.

Ps. 85:3, 5; V. 1

We are all spiritual beggars, pleading for forgiveness. It is only in God can we find these alms for our soul.

PM: Gradual Tuesdays--22nd. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

The nations shall fear your name, O Lord, and all the kings of the earth your glory.

V. For the Lord has built upon Zion, and he shall appear in his majesty.

Ps. 101:16; V. 17

There is none greater than God. While He claims all as His own, it is the People of God which magnify His majestic presence.

PM: Communion Fridays--21st. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

There are two choices for this Sunday.

The earth will be satisfied by the work of your hands, O Lord, as you bring forth bread from the land and wine to gladden the heart of man; oil to make his face shine, and bread to strengthen man's heart.

Ps. 103:13, 14, 15

It is not just ordinary produce which is promised. This is food and drink which will sustain the heart and soul of man forever.

He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood, abides in me, and I in him., says the Lord.

John 6:57

We again revisit a Communion from the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. The promise made here is confirmed at the Last Supper and Calvary; He gives us His Real Presence for everlasting life.

PM: Offertory Thursdays--21st. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

With expectation, I have waited for the Lord, and he has cast his look upon me; he has heard my supplication, and he has put a new canticle into my mouth, a song to our God.

Ps. 30:2, 3, 4

Our prayers are always heard by God, as He lovingly looks at us.We give Him thanks and praise with the words He gives us.

PM: Alleluia Wednesdays--21st. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

There are three options, one for each of the Cycles.

You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.

Matt.16:18

Also the Alleluia from the Solemnity of Ss. Peter and Paul, it is here that Christ give to Peter and his successors the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Full authority rests in the Chair of the eventual Bishop of Rome; it is upon the rock of this office that the Church has the power to bind and loose.

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is of no avail.

John 6:64

Recall the story of Creation, when the Spirit moved across the waters. It is that same Spirit which animates us.

For the Lord is a great God; a great king over all the earth.

Ps. 94:3

There is but one God, one Lord, one King. He reigns over heaven and earth forever and ever.

PM Gradual Tuesdays--21st. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

It is good to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing in honor of your name, O Most High.

V. To show forth your mercy in the morning, and your fidelity in the night.

Ps. 91:2, V. 3

He Who is always faithful and merciful is to be praised and thanked at all time. As we are nothing without Him, it is right to recognizes Him always.

PM: Introit Mondays--21st. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

Incline your ear to me, O Lord, and hear me; O God, save your servant who trusts in you; have mercy on me, O Lord, for unto you do I cry all the day.

V. Gladden the soul of your servant, for unto you, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul.

Ps. 85: 1, 2, 3; V. 4

We turn to God in our needs, trusting as much as a child does. We invite Him into our soul, where only He can fill it with His goodness.

PM: Special Edition--Solemnity Of The Assumption

Another Marian feast to celebrate. As always, she puts the focus on God.

A great sign appeared in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet;  and on her head, a crown of twelve stars.

V. Sing unto the Lord a new song, for he has accomplished wondrous deeds.

Rev. 12:1; V. Ps. 97

Preparing us for the First Reading, we hear in this Introit the description of the Queen of Heaven. This marvelous work done by God is a cause for great rejoicing.

Let us all rejoice in the Lord, as we celebrate this feast day in honor of the Virgin Mary; her Assumption caused the angels to rejoice and to praise together the Son of God.

V. My heart overflows with a goodly theme; I address my works to the king.

V. Ps. 44

An alternate Introit, we join with the angelic choirs to sing God's praise. All that Mary has done has been "yes" to God's will.

Hearken. O Daughter, and see, incline your ear, for the king greatly desires your beauty.

V. With your comeliness and your beauty, set out, proceed victorious and reign.

Ps. 44:11, 12; V. 5

Could this Gradual be compared to Gabriel's greeting at the Annunciation? Yes, because both are invitations to be one with God.

Mary has been taken up into heaven; the hosts of Angels rejoice.

The Alleluia provides another rare instance where a non-biblical text is used. The angels rejoice as they see the Mother of God taking her rightful place in heaven, completing the "fiat"of her earthly existence.

Mary has been taken up into heaven; the Angels rejoice, praising the Lord together and blessing him, alleluia.

The Offertory is still another instance of the use of a non-biblical text. Very much a repeat of the Alleluia, we should also join the choirs of angels in this declaration.

All generations shall call me blessed; for he who is mighty has accomplished great things on my behalf.

Luke 1:48, 49

The Communion is a snippet of the Magnificat, Mary's canticle of praise and thanksgiving. We, too, can also be as blessed as she is, if we but just surrender our will to God.

PM: Communion Fridays--20th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

There are three options, one for each of the Cycles.

My house will be called a house of prayer, says the Lord; everyone who asks here, will receive, and he who seeks, will find, and to him who knocks, it will be opened.

Matt. 21:13

One of two choices for the Anniversary of the Dedication of a Church, the place set aside for God. It is here we come to present true worship to our Triune God.

He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood, abides in my, and I in him, says the Lord.

John 6:57

Recalling an option from the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, the most shocking promise made by Jesus is also the most reassuring.  It is a case of becoming what we eat.

Seek first the kingdom of God, and all the rest will be given to you in addition, says the Lord.

Matt. 6:3

God must come first in our lives. When that happens, the desires of our heart will be satisfied.

PM: Offertory Thursdays--20th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

The Angel of the Lord shall encamp around those who fear him and shall deliver them; taste and see how good the Lord is.

Ps. 33:8, 9

We have been invited to the Paschal Banquet. It is God Who has and will prepare this sacred feast.

PM: Alleluia Wednesdays--20th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

There are two options; the first is for Cycle A and C.

Come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise unto God our Savior.

Ps. 94:1

Is not our "alleluia", our "praise God", nothing less but singing to the Lord? It is the most joyful noise we can make as humans.

My flesh is the true food, my blood is the true drink; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.

John 6:56, 57

Also the Alleluia from the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, we are reminded of the promise Christ made to us. Partaking of Communion is the ultimate of "full, conscious actual (active) participation" in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

PM: Gradual Tuesdays--20th. Sunday In Ordinary Time

It is better to confide in the Lord than to have confidence in man.

V.  Better it is to trust in the Lord than to trust in princes.

Ps. 117:8; V. 9

"Our help is in the name of the Lord, Who created heaven and earth." No where and no one else can provide that kind of aid.

PM: Introit Mondays--20th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

Behold, O God our protector, and consider the face of your Anointed; for one day in your house is better than a thousand elsewhere.

V. How lovely is your tabernacle, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs and pines after the courts of the Lord.

Ps. 83: 10, 11; V. 2, 3

"One thing I ask of the Lord, this I seek; to dwell in the Lord's house all the days of my life, to gaze upon the Lord's beauty, to visit his temple." (Ps. 27:4) "Thou hast made us for thy self, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee." (St. Augustine)

PM: Communion Fridays--19th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

There are two options; the first is for Cycles A and B.

The bread which I give is my flesh for the life of the world.

John 6:52

Jesus establishes the new and true manna from heaven. As He gave Himself for the life of the world, so He also does for our lives in His Real Presence.

Blessed is the servant whom the Lord, when he comes, will find to be vigilant. Truly, I say to you, he will establish him over all his possessions.

Matt. 24: 46, 47

Since we do not know when the Son of Man will make His Second Coming (either at our death or the end of the world), we must constantly be prepared. We must be continually made perfect, as He is perfect.

PM: Offertory Thursdays--19th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

In you have I put my trust, O Lord; I said, "You are my God, my destiny is in your hands."

Ps. 30:15, 16

Simon Peter answered him, "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." (John 6:68)
This is our destiny, which can only be found in Him.

PM: Alleluia Wednesdays--19th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

O Lord, you have been unto us a refuge from age to age.

Ps. 89:1

Our God is eternally faithful, our protection forever. How have we shown in our lives a gratefulness for that gift?

PM: Gradual Tuesdays--19th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

There are three options, one for each of the Cycles.

Show us your mercy, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.

V. Lord, you have blessed your land, you have put an end to Jacob's captivity.

Ps. 84:8; V. 2

Revisiting one of the options for the15th. Sunday of Ordinary Time, we are again reminded of God's mercy. He will liberate us from sin and bless the land which is our lives.

Remember, O Lord, your covenant, and do not forget forever the souls of the poor.

V. Arise, O Lord, and judge your own cause; remember the scorn to which your servants have been subjected.

Ps. 79: 20, 19; V. 22, 23

The words of the Introit are again used. As we have been laid low, we ask God to restore us to our intended dignity as children of God.

Blessed is the man whose God is the Lord; the people whom he has chosen as his inheritance.

V. By the word of the Lord, the heavens were established, and all the power therein by the Spirit of his mouth.

Ps.32:12; V. 6

Also one of the options for the 23rd. Sunday of Ordinary Time, we are reminded that God created all things from nothing. As He had created us, He has also chosen and redeemed us.

PM: Introit Mondays--19th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

Remember, O Lord, your covenant, and do not abandon forever the souls of your poor; arise, O Lord, and judge your own cause; forget not the cries of those who seek you.

V. O God, why have you cast us off unto the end; why is your wrath enkindled against the sheep of your pasture?

Ps. 73:20, 19, 22, 23; V. 1

We are all spiritual beggars, poor in spirit, lacking in grace. If we call to God, He will remember our prayers and answer them accordingly.

August 2016 Morning Offering Prayer Intentions

Here are the intentions for this month when reciting the Morning Offering:

Universal Intention - Sports.  That sports may be an opportunity for friendly encounters between peoples and may contribute to peace in the world.

Evangelization Intention - Living the Gospel. That Christians may live the Gospel, giving witness to faith, honesty, and love of neighbor.

Reflections for these intentions are found here.

PM: Communion Fridays--18th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

You gave us bread from heaven, O Lord, having in it all that is delicious, and the sweetness of every taste.

Wisdom 16:20

We hear similar words near the end of Eucharistic Adoration, just before we are blessed. How fitting it is that after that blessing, we sound out the Divine Praises.

PM: Offertory Thursdays--18th. Sunday Of Ordinary Time

There are two options; the first is for Cycles A and B.

Moses prayed to the Lord his God, and said; Moses addressed this prayer to the Lord his God, and declared:  "Why, O Lord, is your anger enkindled against your people? Let the wrath your mind has conceived cease. Remember Abraham, Issac, and Jacob, to whom you swore to give a land flowing with milk and honey." And the Lord was dissuaded from accomplishing the evil which he had threatened to inflict upon his people.

Exodus 32: 11, 15, 13, 14

Moses reminds God of the covenant He made with His people and asks for forgiveness for all. God shows His fidelity to us who truly repent of their sins. 

Moses consecrated an altar to the Lord, and presented thereupon burnt offerings and sacrificial victims; he made an evening sacrifice as a fragrant offering to the Lord, in the presence of the sons of Israel.

Cf. Exodus 24: 4, 5

This is also the Offertory for the 24th. Sunday of Ordinary Time for Cycles A and B. Here Moses is an archetype for Jesus and all priests in his pleading for us; the asking of forgiveness through a sacrifice is nothing less than a foreshadowing of the Passion and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.