Sapientia

I have been busy as of late. So some different things have been happening to me. After I went to the Franciscans Retreat in Carey I continued to pray the Liturgy of the Hours as usual. I also now pray(not on a daily basis) the Little office of the Blessed Virgin Mary and also pray the prayer on the back of my St. Padre Pio prayer card and ask for his intercession to receive the gift of the stigmata. No, I have not experienced the bleeding, but I have felt some pain in my hands and feet for about an hour after praying the prayer. Today it the pain has started to last longer. Also November 1, 2009 I experienced the Holy Spirit for a complete hour as I felt Holy Water on my forehead the entire time. I hadn’t been to mass that day either.

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

Today I finished the book, “Treasure in Clay”. It is the autobiography of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. Since this is the year of the priest announced by Pope Benedict XVI. It would be a great idea to read this book and see the what priesthood is all about through a man who served as priest, monsignor, bishop and archbishop and left quite a legacy. Perhaps one of his most famous quote came on his hit TV show “Life is Worth Living” on February 26, 1953. He spoke ” One day Stalin must meet his judgment” Soon after Stalin was dead.  Fr. Andrew Apostoli was ordained by Bishop Sheen and is now ahead of the cause for the canonization of Bishop who died December of 1979.

Liturgy of Hours Readings for September 9, 2009

O God, come to my aid.

– O Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end.

Amen. Alleluia.

Office of Readings

Psalm 88 (89)
I will sing for ever of the kindnesses of the Lord: to generation upon generation my mouth will proclaim your faithfulness. For you have said “My kindness shall be established for ever”; your faithfulness will be established in the heavens. “I have made a covenant with my chosen one. I have sworn to David my servant: To all eternity I will set your descendants firm; I shall build your house to last for all generations.” The heavens will proclaim your wonders, O Lord, the assembly of your holy ones will proclaim your faithfulness. For who in the sky can be compared to the Lord? Who could resemble the Lord among all the sons of God? God is to be feared in the council of his holy ones, great and terrible above all who surround him. Lord God of hosts, who is like you? Yours is the power, and faithfulness surrounds you. You subdue the pride of the sea: when its waves rise high, you calm them. You have trampled Rahab underfoot, like a wounded man; through the strength of your arm you have scattered your enemies. Yours are the heavens and yours is the earth, you set firm the globe and all it contains. You made the north and the south, Tabor and Hermon will rejoice in your name. Your arm it is that has the power, your hand is strong, your right hand held high. Your throne is founded on justice and right, kindness and faithfulness are your attendants. Happy the people that knows the cry of praise! They will walk in the light of your presence, Lord, and rejoice in your name all the day – for you are the splendour of their strength, and by your good will our standard is held high. For our shields belong to the Lord, and our king to the Holy One of Israel. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Kindness and faithfulness are your attendants, O Lord.

Psalm 88 (89)
In a vision you spoke to your holy ones. You said, “I have given strength to a warrior, I have raised a chosen one from the people. I have found David my servant, I have anointed him with my holy oil. For my hand will always give him support, my right arm will give him strength. The enemy shall make no headway against him, the son of iniquity shall have no power over him. I will crush his foes in his sight and strike down those who hate him. My faithfulness and kindness shall be with him and his strength will be triumphant through my name. I shall extend his power over the sea, and his right hand over the rivers. He will call upon me: ‘you are my father, my God and my safe refuge.’ And I shall make him my first-born, supreme over all the kings of the earth. My kindness to him will continue for ever, my covenant with him will remain firm. For all ages I shall establish his descendants, and for all the days of heaven his throne will stand.” Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Psalm 88 (89)
I
“But if his children abandon my law and walk no more in the paths of my decrees; if they profane my judgements and do not keep to my commandments, I will punish their transgressions with a rod, I will punish their wickedness with a beating. Even so, I will not turn my kindness away from him, nor will I be untrue to my word. I will not profane my covenant, I will not go against the word I have spoken. I have sworn in my sanctuary, once and for all: I will not lie to David. His seed shall remain for ever, his throne firm as the sun in my sight, just as the moon stays firm for ever, a faithful witness in the sky.” Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
I have sworn once and for all to my servant David: his seed shall remain for ever.

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The words that you utter give light – and understanding to the simple.

Reading

Habakkuk 2:5-20 ©

Wealth is indeed a treacherous thing. Haughty and unable to rest is he who is as greedy as Sheol, who is like death, insatiable, who assembles all the nations for his own ends, collects all the peoples to his own advantage. On him, will not all men make satires, and turn an epigram against him? They will say: Trouble is coming to the man who amasses goods that are not his, (for how long?) and loads himself with pledges. Will not your creditors suddenly rise, will not your duns awake? Then you will be their victim. Since you have plundered many nations, all that remains of the peoples will plunder you; for you have shed men’s blood and ravished the country, the city and all who live in it. Trouble is coming to the man who grossly exploits others for the sake of his House, to fix his nest on high and so evade the hand of misfortune. You have contrived to bring shame on your House; by making an end of many peoples you have worked your own ruin. For the stone from the very walls cries out, and the beam responds from the framework. Trouble is coming to the man who builds a town with blood and founds a city on crime. Is it not the will of the Lord of Hosts that the labouring of peoples should end in fire, and the toiling of nations come to nothing? For the country shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters swell the sea. Trouble is coming to the man who makes his neighbours drink, who pours his poison until they are drunk, to look at their nakedness. You are drunk with ignominy, not with glory. Your turn now to drink and show your foreskin. The cup from the Lord’s right hand comes round to you, and disgrace will overshadow your glory. For the violence done to Lebanon is going to overwhelm you, so will the slaughter of terrified beasts, for you have shed men’s blood and ravished the country, the city and all who live in it. Trouble is coming to the man who says to the piece of wood, ‘Wake up!’ to the dumb stone, ‘On your feet!’ (And that is the oracle.) Plated it may be with gold and silver, but not a breath of life inside it. What is the use of a carved image, or for its maker to carve it at all? It is a thing of metal, a lying oracle. What is the use of its maker trusting this and fashioning dumb idols? But the Lord is in his holy Temple: let the whole earth be silent before him.

Reading	From a sermon by St Bernard of Clairvaux
On the stages of contemplation
Let us take our stand on the tower, leaning with all our strength on Christ, the most solid rock, as it is written: He has set my feet on a rock, he has guided my steps. Thus firmly established, let us begin to contemplate, to see what he is saying to us and what reply we ought to make to him. The first stage of contemplation, my dear brothers, is to consider constantly what God wants, what is pleasing to him, and what is acceptable in his eyes. We all offend in many things; our strength cannot match the rightness of God’s will and cannot be joined to it or made to fit with it. So let us humble ourselves under the powerful hand of the most high God and make an effort to show ourselves unworthy before his merciful gaze, saying Heal me, Lord, and I shall be healed; save me and I shall be saved. And again, Lord, have mercy on me; heal my soul because I have sinned against you. Once the eye of the soul has been purified by such considerations, we no longer abide within our spirit in a sense of sorrow, but abide rather in the Spirit of God with great delight. No longer do we consider what is the will of God for us, but rather what it is in itself. For our life is in his will. Thus we are convinced that what is according to his will is in every way better for us, and more fitting. And so, if we are concerned to preserve the life of our soul, we must be equally concerned to deviate as little as possible from his will. Thus having made some progress in our spiritual exercise under the guidance of the Spirit who gazes into the deep things of God, let us reflect how gracious the Lord is and how good he is in himself. Let us join the Prophet in praying that we may see the Lord’s will and frequent not our own hearts but the Lord’s temple; and let us also say, My soul is humbled within me, therefore I shall be mindful of you. These two stages sum up the whole of the spiritual life: when we contemplate ourselves we are troubled, and our sadness saves us and brings us to contemplate God; that contemplation in turn gives us the consolation of the joy of the Holy Spirit. Contemplating ourselves brings fear and humility; contemplating God brings us hope and love.

Concluding Prayer

O God, you have redeemed us and adopted us. Grant to your beloved children that their belief in Christ may bring them true liberty and an eternal inheritance. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen. O God, come to my aid. – O Lord, make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia. Morning Prayer Psalm 85 (86) Turn your ear to me, Lord, and hear me, for I am poor and destitute. Keep my life safe, for I am faithful; O God, save your servant, who trusts in you. Take pity upon me, O Lord, for I call to you all the day long. Make your servant’s heart glad, for to you, O Lord, I have raised it. For you, Lord, are gentle and mild: you are kind to all those who call on you. Let your ears hear my prayer, O Lord! Turn to the voice of my pleading! In my time of trouble I call on you, for you, O Lord, will hear me. No other god is like you, O Lord, and nothing compares with your works. All people – all nations you made – will come and worship before you; they will give glory to your name. For you are great, you work wonders: you alone are God. O Lord, teach me your paths, and I will come to your truth. Make my heart simple and guileless, so that it honours your name. I will proclaim you, Lord my God, and give you praise with all my heart. I will give glory to your name for ever, for your great kindness is upon me: you have rescued me from the deepest depths. O God, the proud rise against me, in the meetings of the powerful they seek my life: they do not keep you in their sight. And you, Lord, are a God of compassion, full of mercies, patient and true. Look upon me, have mercy upon me, give your strength and protection to your servant: your servant, the child of your handmaid. Give me a sign of your goodness, let my enemies see it and be confounded; because you, O Lord, have helped me and given me comfort. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Make your servant’s heart glad, for to you, O Lord, I have raised it. Canticle Isaiah 33 Hear what I have done, you who are far off, and you who are near, learn of my strength. In Zion, the sinners are afraid; the hypocrites tremble. Which of you could live with a devouring fire? Which of you will abide in everlasting burning? He who walks in justice, he who speaks fairly – he who rejects the spoils of robbery – he who throws back a bribe – he who blocks his ears against murderous counsels – he who shuts his eyes against evil sights – this is he who will dwell on high, secure in a fortress of rocks. Bread is given to him; his supply of water is secure. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Blessed the man whose speech is true and whose ways are just. Psalm 97 (98) Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has worked wonders. His right hand, his holy arm, have brought him victory. The Lord has shown his saving power, and before all nations he has shown his justice. He has remembered to show his kindness and his faithfulness to the house of Israel. The farthest ends of the earth have seen the saving power of our God. Rejoice in God, all the earth. Break forth in triumph and song! Sing to the Lord on the lyre, with the lyre and with music. With trumpets and the sound of the horn, sound jubilation to the Lord, our king. Let the sea resound in its fulness, all the earth and all its inhabitants. The rivers will clap their hands, and the mountains will exult at the presence of the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge all the world in justice, and the peoples with fairness. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Sound jubilation to the Lord, our king. Short reading Job 1:21,2:10 © Naked I came from my mother’s womb, naked I shall return. The Lord gave, the Lord has taken back. Blessed be the name of the Lord! If we take happiness from God’s hand, must we not take sorrow too? Canticle Benedictus Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has come to his people and brought about their redemption. He has raised up the sign of salvation in the house of his servant David, as he promised through the mouth of the holy ones, his prophets through the ages: to rescue us from our enemies and all who hate us, to take pity on our fathers, to remember his holy covenant and the oath he swore to Abraham our father, that he would give himself to us, that we could serve him without fear – freed from the hands of our enemies – in uprightness and holiness before him, for all of our days. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High: for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his path, to let his people know their salvation, so that their sins may be forgiven. Through the bottomless mercy of our God, one born on high will visit us to give light to those who walk in darkness, who live in the shadow of death; to lead our feet in the path of peace. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Remember your holy covenant, Lord, and take pity on us. Prayers and Intercessions ? Christ feeds and cares for the Church, for which he gave his very self. And so we pray: – Lord, look after your Church. Blessed are you, shepherd of your Church, because today you give us light and life: make us truly grateful for such wonderful gifts. – Lord, look after your Church. Look kindly on the flock you have gathered in your name: let no-one perish from the flock your Father has given you. – Lord, look after your Church. Lead your Church along the path of your commandments: may the Holy Spirit keep her faithful to you. – Lord, look after your Church. By the feast of bread and the Word, give life to your Church: nourish her and give her the strength to follow you with joy. – Lord, look after your Church. Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Lord, in your kindness fill our deepest being with your holy light, so that we may be steadfast in our devotion to you: for your wisdom created us and your providence guides us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen. O God, come to my aid. – O Lord, make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia. Evening Prayer Psalm 125 (126) When the Lord gave Zion back her captives, we became like dreamers. Our mouths were filled with gladness and our voices cried in exultation. Among the Gentiles they were saying, “By his deeds the Lord has shown himself great.” The Lord’s deeds showed forth his greatness, and filled us with rejoicing. Give us back our captives, O Lord, as you renew the dry streams in the desolate South. Those who sow in tears will rejoice at the harvest. They wept as they went, went with seed for the sowing; but with joy they will come, come bearing the sheaves. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Those who sow in tears will rejoice at the harvest. Psalm 126 (127) If the Lord does not build the house, its builders labour in vain. If the Lord does not watch over a city, its workmen guard it in vain. It is vain for you to rise before the dawn and go late to your rest, eating the bread of toil – to those he loves, the Lord gives sleep. The Lord bestows sons as an heirloom, the fruit of the womb as a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior – so are the sons of one’s youth. Happy the man who fills his quiver thus: when he disputes with his enemies at the gate, he will not be the loser. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. The Lord will build a house for us; he will keep his city safe. Canticle (Colossians 1) Let us give thanks to God the Father, who has made us worthy to share in the light that is the saints’ inheritance. He has rescued us from the power of the shadows and brought us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation, for in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, thrones and dominations, principalities and powers. All things were created through him and for him: he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the Church. He is the beginning, the first-born from the dead, and so he is pre-eminent above all. For it was the Father’s will that the fullness of God should dwell in him, and that through him all things should be reconciled to himself. Through the blood of the Cross he brought peace to all things, both on Earth and in the heavens. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. He is the first-born of all creation, he is pre-eminent above all. Short reading Ephesians 3:20-21 © Glory be to him whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine; glory be to him from generation to generation in the Church and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen. Canticle Magnificat My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God, my salvation. For he has shown me such favour – me, his lowly handmaiden. Now all generations will call me blessed, because the mighty one has done great things for me. His name is holy, his mercy lasts for generation after generation for those who revere him. He has put forth his strength: he has scattered the proud and conceited, torn princes from their thrones; but lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, he has remembered his mercy as he promised to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. The mighty one has done great things for me. Holy is his name. Prayers and Intercessions ? God sent his Son as an example for our lives and as our Saviour. Humbly we pray to him: – Lord, may your people sing your praises. We give you thanks because you have chosen us to be the first-fruits of your salvation; you have called us to be a new people to the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Lord, may your people sing your praises. May all who profess your holy name be at one in the truth of your teaching, and on fire with the flame of your love. – Lord, may your people sing your praises. You are the creator of all things; your Son chose to work with his hands, among men and with men. Remember the workers who earn their bread by the sweat of their brow. – Lord, may your people sing your praises. Remember also those who devote themselves to the service of their brethren: may neither failure nor the failings of others distract them from their chosen task. – Lord, may your people sing your praises. Grant your mercy to our deceased brethren: do not hand them over to the power of the devil. – Lord, may your people sing your praises. Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. In your kindness, Lord, let the cries of your Church come to your ears. May your people receive pardon for their sins. Fill them with devotion to you, and by your protection keep them safe. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen. O God, come to my aid. O Lord, make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia. Night Prayer O God, protect me; be my refuge. In you, Lord, I put my trust: may I never be put to shame. In your justice, set me free, Turn your ear to me, make haste to rescue me. Be my rampart, my fortification; keep me safe. For you are my strength and my refuge: you will lead me out to the pastures, for your own name’s sake. You will lead me out of the trap that they laid for me – for you are my strength. Into your hands I commend my spirit: you have redeemed me, Lord God of truth. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. O God, protect me; be my refuge. Psalm 129 (130) Out of the depths I have cried to you, Lord. Out of the depths I have cried to you, Lord: Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears listen out for the voice of my pleading. If you took notice of our transgressions, Lord – Lord, who would be left? But with you is forgiveness, and for this we revere you. I rely on you, Lord, my spirit relies on your promise; my soul hopes in the Lord, more than the watchman for daybreak. More than the watchman for daybreak, let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is kindness and abundant redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all its transgressions. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Out of the depths I have cried to you, Lord. Reading Ephesians 4:26-27 Be angry if you must, but do not sin: do not let your anger outlast the sunset: do not give the Devil his chance. Short Responsory Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. – Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. You have redeemed us, Lord, God of faithfulness. – Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. – Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. Canticle Nunc Dimittis Keep us safe, Lord, while we are awake, and guard us as we sleep, so that we can keep watch with Christ and rest in peace. Now, Master, you let your servant go in peace. You have fulfilled your promise. My own eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all peoples. A light to bring the Gentiles from darkness; the glory of your people Israel. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Keep us safe, Lord, while we are awake, and guard us as we sleep, so that we can keep watch with Christ and rest in peace. Let us pray. Lord Jesus Christ, you lay a gentle yoke upon those who follow you. Meek and humble, you give them a light burden to carry. Receive the work and the prayers we have offered to you today; and give us rest, to make us more eager to serve you, who live and reign for ever and ever, Amen. May the almighty Lord grant us a quiet night and a perfect end.

Spiritual Journey

Late last year I had a calling. As a member of Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) I knew that my days of this group were up and was looking for something more permanent. I found the answer in November of 2008 and April of 2009 attended my first meeting of the Secular Franciscans. I started getting off the CRHP train and started looking for something more in March of 2008 and looked towards Regnum Christi for awhile. I appreciate Regnum Christi, but decided after a plethora of information that it wasn’t right for me. There was a lady in my hometown that was professed recently and I contacted her for information. I was provided with a wealth of information and ordered a Franciscan Crown Rosary and the Liturgy of Hours (Christian Prayer).  I will soon start classes and it will be a 3 year process in becoming a Secular Franciscan. I follow the order of St. Francis of Assisi. The Evangelical counsels of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience mean a world to me in relation of Faith, Hope and Charity.

Readings for September 9, 2009

Feast of St. Peter Claver

Colossians 3:1-11 (Douay-Rheims Challoner Version)

Therefore, if you be risen with Christ, seek the things that are above; where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God:  Mind the things that are above, not the things that are upon the earth.  For you are dead; and your life is hid with Christ in God.  When Christ shall appear, who is your life, then you also shall appear with him in glory.  Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, lust, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is the service of idols. For which things the wrath of God cometh upon the children of unbelief, In which you also walked some time, when you lived in them. But now put you also all away: anger, indignation, malice, blasphemy, filthy speech out of your mouth. Lie not one to another: stripping yourselves of the old man with his deeds, And putting on the new, him who is renewed unto knowledge, according to the image of him that created him. Where there is neither Gentile nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian nor Scythian, bond nor free. But Christ is all, and in all

Epistola B. Pauli Apostoli ad Colossenses 3:1-11 (Clementine Vulgate)

gitur, si consurrexistis cum Christo : quæ sursum sunt quærite, ubi Christus est in dextera Dei sedens :  quæ sursum sunt sapite, non quæ super terram. Mortui enim estis, et vita vestra est abscondita cum Christo in Deo.  Cum Christus apparuerit, vita vestra : tunc et vos apparebitis cum ipso in gloria. Mortificate ergo membra vestra, quæ sunt super terram : fornicationem, immunditiam, libidinem, concupiscentiam malam, et avaritiam, quæ est simulacrorum servitus :  propter quæ venit ira Dei super filios incredulitatis : Nunc autem deponite et vos omnia : iram, indignationem, malitiam, blasphemiam, turpem sermonem de ore vestro. Nolite mentiri invicem, expoliantes vos veterem hominem cum actibus suis,  et induentes novum eum, qui renovatur in agnitionem secundum imaginem ejus qui creavit illum : ubi non est gentilis et Judæus, circumcisio et præputium, Barbarus et Scytha, servus et liber : sed omnia, et in omnibus Christus in quibus et vos ambulastis aliquando, cum viveretis in illis.

Gospel of St. Luke 6:20-26 (Douay-Rheims Challoner Version)

And he, lifting up his eyes on his disciples, said: Blessed are ye poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for you shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for you shall laugh. Blessed shall you be when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Be glad in that day and rejoice; for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For according to these things did their fathers to the prophets.  But woe to you that are rich: for you have your consolation. Woe to you that are filled: for you shall hunger. Woe to you that now laugh: for you shall mourn and weep. Woe to you when men shall bless you: for according to these things did their fathers to the false prophets.

Evangelium secundum Lucam 6:20-26 (Clementine Vulgate)

Et ipse elevatis oculis in discipulis suis, dicebat : Beati pauperes, quia vestrum est regnum Dei. Beati qui nunc esuritis, quia saturabimini. Beati qui nunc fletis, quia ridebitis.  Beati eritis cum vos oderint homines, et cum separaverint vos, et exprobraverint, et ejicerint nomen vestrum tamquam malum propter Filium hominis.  Gaudete in illa die, et exsultate : ecce enim merces vestra multa est in cælo : secundum hæc enim faciebant prophetis patres eorum. Verumtamen væ vobis divitibus, quia habetis consolationem vestram.  Væ vobis, qui saturati estis : quia esurietis. Væ vobis, qui ridetis nunc : quia lugebitis et flebitis.  Væ cum benedixerint vobis homines : secundum hæc enim faciebant pseudoprophetis patres eorum.

Notes on Colossians 3:1-11 (Haydock Bible Commentary)

Ver. 1. Here begins the second or the moral part of this epistle. — If you be risen, &c. The remaining part of this epistle has no great difficulties, but excellent instructions, as that to the Ephesians. (Witham)

Ver. 5. Your members,…fornication, uncleanness, &c. He considers man’s body as made up of sins and sinful inclinations. (Witham) — It is not to bring back Judaism we practise abstinences and fasts, nor with the same motive as the Jews, but to accomplish the precepts of mortifying the irregular desires of the flesh among which gluttony must find a place. In a mortified body sensuality is more easily subdued. (Haydock)

Ver. 6. The children of unbelief are either those who perished in Noe’s[Noah’s] flood, for St. Peter in his epistle give them this title, or they are the inhabitants of Chanaan[Canaan], whom Josue[Joshua] exterminated; for these also are called children of unbelief, in the epistle to the Hebrews, and their crimes were the same as those mentioned here. (Calmet)

Ver. 8. Blasphemy.[1] It may here signify either the sin of blasphemy against God, or speaking ill of our neighbour by detraction, calumnies, affronts, &c. See St. Chrysostom. (Witham) — Now that you live in God, with Jesus Christ, quit not only the above shameful crimes, but also these sins, which, although they excite less horror, will separate you no less from the Author of all sanctity.

Ver. 10. According to the image of him who created him. We are created to the image of God, inasmuch as our souls are spiritual and immortal, but here we are put in mind to imitate God by sanctity and justice, as God is holy and the fountain of justice. (Witham) — The image or resemblance of our Creator was effaced by sin, but is retraced by Jesus Christ, who forms in us this new man. (Bible de Vence)

Ver. 11. Where, or in which state, when we put on the new man by sanctity and grace, God makes no distinction betwixt Jew and Gentile, &c. (Witham) — In the Church of Christ God makes no exception of persons; all are called to the marriage feast, whether Jews (formerly the most favoured people of God) or Greeks, (who were reckoned the most polite, or learned) or Barbarians, or Scythians: (who are esteemed the most cruel and ferocious of men) still these are called; Christ died for all. (Calmet) — In St. Paul’s epistles, by the Greeks are usually designated the Gentiles. (Bible de Vence)

Notes on St. Luke 6:20-26 (Haydock Bible Commentary)

Ver. 20. St. Matthew (v. 3. 10.) mentions eight beatitudes, St. Luke only four; but St. Luke only gives an abridgment in this place of the discourse, which St. Matthew gives more at length. We are also to remark, that in these four the whole eight are comprised, and that both evangelists place poverty in the first place, because it is the first in rank, and, as it were, the parent of the other virtues; for he who hath forsaken earthly possessions, deserves heavenly ones. Neither can any man reasonably expect eternal life, who is not willing to forsake all in affection, and in effect also, if called upon for the love of Jesus Christ. (St. Ambrose) — Not that every one under great poverty is happy, but that the man who prefers the poverty of Christ to the riches of the world, ought certainly to be esteemed such. Many indeed are poor in worldly substance, but are avaricious in affection; to such as these poverty is no advantage. Nothing that is against the will, merits reward; therefore all virtue is known by the will. Blessed, therefore, are the poor, who bear poverty for the sake of Christ: he himself hath already trodden the path before us, and taught us by his example that it leads to honour and enjoyment. (St. Cyril in St. Thomas Aquinas)

Ver. 24. Jesus Christ having declared how meritorious poverty of spirit was to eternal life, proceeds to denounce heavy chastisements upon the rich and proud. (St. Cyril in St. Thomas Aquinas) — Although in great riches there are great inducements to sin, yet there are not wanting even in that state great incitements to virtue; neither is this woe aimed against those who abound in affluence; but against “those who abuse that affluence which Providence has bestowed upon them: Non enim census, sed affectus, in crimine est.” (St. Ambrose)

Ver. 25. As before he promised blessings to those that hunger, that weep, that are outcasts for Christ’s sake; so here, and in the next verse, he denounces curses to such as are filled, that laugh, and are praised; i.e. to such, as so far seek their beatitude in present enjoyment, as to become indifferent with regard to the good things of the next world. (Haydock)

Ver. 26. Woe to you, when men shall bless you. The ministers of the gospel must not value themselves, when they are applauded by men; for so did the fore-fathers of the Jews, formerly commend the false prophets, when they flattered the people, and spoke things that were pleasing to them. (Witham)

Conservative Christian Politics

Written June 27, 2009

Switching political parties

Yes, you heard right. I have switched political parties. I wish no longer to be affiliated with the Republican party as I have been all 27 years of my life. No I have not switched to the Liberal side, the Democrat Party. Indeed I have always been conservative, but more conservative the last 2 years than ever before. Yesterday I joined the AIP. This stands for America’s Independent Party. Not to be confused with other independent parties affiliated with the Country. This was the party of last year’s Presidential candidate (3rd party) Dr. Alan Keyes. Dr. Keyes was primarily known as Republican from 1968-2008. He like myself oppose many decisions of Barack Obama. Dr. Keyes like myself refuse to refer Mr. Obama as President of the United State. Dr. Keyes is also a well respected Catholic like myself. American’s Independent Party is completely pro-life and pro-liberty. For more information about America’s Independent Party (AIP) please go to their website.

http://www.aipnews.com/

As mentioned earlier. I consider myself conservative, more or less ultra-conseravative. I oppose LGBT rights, abortion, embryonic stem cell research, euthanaisa, the ACLU, ACORN. I also oppose the likes of Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, Perez Hilton, Chastity (Chaz) Bono.

I totally agree with the founding fathers of our nation in their principal and morals. I also agree with the positions of not only Dr. Keyes, but also Republican Bobby Jindall, Fr. John Corapi, Fr. Frank Pavone, Rush Limbaugh and Fr. Mitch Pacwa.

A lot led me to switching from the Republican party to the AIP. I don’t feel that the Republican’s are conservative enough. Although I do like some members of the Republican party I truely cannot agree with their views entirely.

America’s Independent Party

ADONAI

This is something that I wrote about an experience I had on August 20, 2009

Today was like the usual day of Eucharistic Adoration. I went into the Church and got the Holy Water and did the Signum Crucis. From then on it was all unexplainable. The Holy Water was really thick and it felt like blood had dripped off my forehead. Usually I get the Holy Water and feel like there is blood on my forehead, but not drippin from my forehead. I then proceed to go to the kneeler by the tabernacle as I usually do and did my Liturgy of the Hours. After that I did the Franciscan Crown Rosary except this time in Latin instead of my usual English. I finished up 25 til 11 and went to the alter where the Crucifix was. The host was just like it always is. I seen at the top and image of the crown of thorns, which I have had happen on couple of occasions, this time there looked as if it was a symbol. A symbol that I could not understand. I took my eyes off it and reaffixed my eyes on the host again. Again there was the crown of thorns, but this time no symbol, but weaved inside the crown of thorns was ADONAI. I had seen this name in my Douay-Rheims and my Latin Vulgate. It isn’t Latin however, but Hebrew as it is the name of God. I remembered that it was in my Bible and I went to a pew to find it. I had thought it was in Genesis on a page on the left hand side. It turns out I was wrong it was in Exodus 6:3 where I had seen this. Before I left I went back to the Alter and seen the crown of thorns and ADONAI weaved into it. When I got home I decided to search for ADONAI and not much more information given other than the symbol I had seen was part of the Hebrew alphabet in the name ADONAI

Blogs

I no longer wish to attempt  blog every day as I use to in the past.  I have changed the blog name for the billionth time.  I will continue to build on the wealth of information that I do have concerning Catholicism and occasionally provide daily readings and maybe Liturgy of Hours readings.

Readings for May 13, 2009

Acts 15:1-6

And some coming down from Judea, taught the brethren: That except you be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved.  And when Paul and Barnabas had no small contest with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others of the other side, should go up to the apostles and priests to Jerusalem about this question. They therefore being brought on their way by the church, passed through Phenice, and Samaria, relating the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. But there arose some of the sect of the Pharisees that believed, saying: They must be circumcised, and be commanded to observe the law of Moses. And the apostles and ancients assembled to consider of this matter. And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church, and by the apostles and ancients, declaring how great things God had done with them.

Actus Apostolorum 15:1-6

Et quidam descendentes de Judæa docebant fratres : Quia nisi circumcidamini secundum morem Moysi, non potestis salvari. Facta ergo seditione non minima Paulo et Barnabæ adversus illos, statuerunt ut ascenderent Paulus et Barnabas, et quidam alii ex aliis ad Apostolos et presbyteros in Jerusalem super hac quæstione.  Illi ergo deducti ab ecclesia pertransibant Phœnicen et Samariam, narrantes conversionem gentium : et faciebant gaudium magnum omnibus fratribus.  Cum autem venissent Jerosolymam, suscepti sunt ab ecclesia, et ab Apostolis et senioribus, annuntiantes quanta Deus fecisset cum illis.  Surrexerunt autem quidam de hæresi pharisæorum, qui crediderunt, dicentes quia oportet circumcidi eos, præcipere quoque servare legem Moysi.  Conveneruntque Apostoli et seniores videre de verbo hoc.

Gospel According to St. John 15:1-8

I am the true vine; and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me, that beareth not fruit, he will take away: and every one that beareth fruit, he will purge it, that it may bring forth more fruit.  Now you are clean by reason of the word, which I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abide in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in me.  I am the vine: you the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing.  If any one abide not in me, he shall be cast forth as a branch, and shall wither, and they shall gather him up, and cast him into the fire, and he burneth.  If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask whatever you will, and it shall be done unto you. In this is my Father glorified; that you bring forth very much fruit, and become my disciples

Evangelium Secundum Joannem 15:1-8

Ego sum vitis vera, et Pater meus agricola est.  Omnem palmitem in me non ferentem fructum, tollet eum, et omnem qui fert fructum, purgabit eum, ut fructum plus afferat.  Jam vos mundi estis propter sermonem quem locutus sum vobis.  Manete in me, et ego in vobis. Sicut palmes non potest ferre fructum a semetipso, nisi manserit in vite, sic nec vos, nisi in me manseritis. Ego sum vitis, vos palmites : qui manet in me, et ego in eo, hic fert fructum multum, quia sine me nihil potestis facere.  Si quis in me non manserit, mittetur foras sicut palmes, et arescet, et colligent eum, et in ignem mittent, et ardet.  Si manseritis in me, et verba mea in vobis manserint, quodcumque volueritis petetis, et fiet vobis.  In hoc clarificatus est Pater meus, ut fructum plurimum afferatis, et efficiamini mei discipuli.

Haydock Bible Commentary- Acts 15:1-6

Ver. 1. Unless you be circumcised. Many who had been converted from Judaism, held that none, not even converted from paganism, could be saved, unless they were circumcised, and observed the other ceremonies of the law of Moses. (Witham) — See Galatians v. 2.

Ver. 2. To the apostles and priests,[1] where we find again presbyters in Greek, meaning bishops and priests. (Witham) — Paul…should go to…Jerusalem. We learn from Galatians ii. 2. 4. that St. Paul undertook this journey in consequence of a divine revelation, and was accompanied by Barnabas and Titus, the latter of whom he would not suffer to be circumcised. Such confidence had he in the rectitude of the opinion he defended. From the example of St. Paul and St. Barnabas, apostles, and men full of the Spirit of God, we learn, that as often as any contest arises about faith, recourse should be had to the supreme visible authority established by Jesus Christ, to have all differences adjusted. This is the order of divine Providence with regard to the Church; without it truth and unity could not be preserved; without it, the Church of God would be more defective and inefficient than any human government. Tell the Church: and if he will not hear the Church, let him be to thee as the heathen and the publican. (Matthew xviii. 17.)

[1] Ver. 2. presbuterous; presbyteros. For the same Greek word we sometimes find in the vulgar Latin, presbyteros, sometimes seniores, sometimes majores natu: yet it is generally a word of dignity in the ministry of Christ, signifying those who were afterwards known by the name of bishops or priests. When mention is made of presbuteros, or seniores, of the old law, I have translated elders: but where the ministers of the new law are understood, when in the Latin we have presbyteri, I have put priests; when majores natu or seniores, I have put in English seniors, bishops or priests, being to be understood.

Haydock Bible Commentary John 15:1-8

Ver 1. I am the true vine. Christ, says St. Augustine, speaks of himself, as man, when he compares himself to a vine, his disciples to the branches, and his Father to the husbandman. He himself, as God, is also the husbandman. — Without me, you can do nothing, that shall be meritorious of a reward in heaven. (Witham) — These words are supposed to have been spoken by our Saviour, when on the road, as he was going from the house, where he had supped, to the garden of Olives. It was then about midnight. (Calmet) — Though many other interpreters think they were spoken before Jesus Christ left the house.

Ver. 2. He here shews, that the virtuous themselves stand in need of the help of the husbandman; therefore the Almighty sends them tribulations, and temptations, that they may be cleansed, and rendered firm, like the vine, which, the more it is pruned, the more vigorous are its shoots. (St. Chrysostom, hom. lxxv. in Joan.)

Ver. 3. See John xiii. 10.

Ver. 7. On account of our being in this world, we sometimes ask for that, which is not expedient for us. But these things will not be granted us, if we remain in Christ, who never grants us any thing, unless it be profitable to us. (St. Augustine, tract. 81. in Joan.) — If we abide in Christ, by a lively faith, and his words abide in us by a lively, ardent charity, which can make us produce the fruits of good works, all that we ask, will be granted us. (Bible de Vence) — These conditional expressions, if you remain in the vine, if you keep my commandments, &c. give us to understand, that our perseverance and salvation are upon conditions, to be fulfilled by us. — (St. Augustine, de cor. & gra. chap. 13.)

Ver. 8. It is the glory of the husbandman, to see his vine well cultivated, and laden with fruit. And it is the glory of God, my Father, to see you filled with faith, charity, and good works, and to behold you usefully employed, in the conversion of others. Then will men, seeing your good works, and the fruit of your preaching, among all nations, glorify your heavenly Father, as the author of all these blessings. (St. Matthew v. 16.) (Calmet)

update

Starting next week I am branching out instead of Scripture readings only, I will have a variety of different Catholic reading Material. Sunday’s will be Tridentine Latin Mass readings in Latin only, Mondays will be Novus Ordo readings in English only. Post 2 of the day will be Liturgy of the Hours readings and Catechism of the Catholic Church reading. Tuesdays will be Novus Ordo readings in Latin only and post 2 will be Catechism and LOTH reading just as the day before.  Wednesday and Friday will be the same as Monday. Thursday and Saturday will be the same as Tuesday. All scripture reading will contain Douay-Rheims in English and Clementine Vulgate in Latin. Catechism Readings will be in English only. Liturgy of the Hours will contain readings from the New American Bible and Psalms according to the Grail Psalms of 1963