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Day 1 - The Immaculate Conception Novena
(Audio/Video Version) In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O
most pure Virgin Mary conceived without sin, from the very first
instant, you were entirely immaculate. O glorious Mary full of grace,
you are the mother of my God – the Queen of Angels and of men. I humbly
venerate you as the chosen mother of my Savior, Jesus Christ.
The
Prince of Peace and the Lord of Lords chose you for the singular grace
and honor of being His beloved mother. He preserved you from all sin.
Therefore, by His power and love, I have hope and bold confidence in
your prayers for my holiness and salvation.
I pray that your prayers will bring me to imitate your holiness and submission to Jesus and the Divine Will.
Hail
Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among
women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of
God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Now, Queen of Heaven, I beg you to beg my Savior to grant me these requests…
(Mention your intentions)
My
holy Mother, I know that you were obedient to the will of God. In
making this petition, I know that God’s will is more perfect than mine.
So, grant that I may receive God’s grace with humility like you.
As
my final request, I ask that you pray for me to increase in faith in
our risen Lord; I ask that you pray for me to increase in hope in our
risen Lord; I ask that you pray for me to increase in love for the risen
Jesus!
Hail
Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among
women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of
God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. |
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Novena Prayers for the Immaculate Conception
Here is the latest Novena Prayer from our friends at Prayer More Novenas; please prayer along everyday and also check out their website for the Advent Retreat and sign up for that as well. God Bless!
Sunday, November 26, 2017
Homily
"God highly exalted Him and gave Him
the Name that is above every name, so that at the Name of Jesus
every knee should bend, in Heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the
glory of God the Father." [Phil. 2:9-11]
Welcome everyone to today's celebration of the Holy Mass. Today, by the grace of the heavenly Father and the power of the Holy Spirit, we have been called and moved to celebrate the very special Feast of Christ the King. Although Christ has always been recognized by the Holy, Catholic and apostolic Church as the King of kings, the Feast of "Christ the King" did not receive its official recognition until its institution in 1925 by Pope Pius XI.
Reviewing the kingship of the Lord, the title of King goes back quite far in biblical history. The first mention of a king in the Holy Bible is in the Book of Genesis. About 1,500 B.C., King Bela, the son of Beor, reigned in the city of Dinhabah, the capital of Edom. He was one of the many kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king ever reigned over God's chosen people, the Israelites. [Gen. 36:31]
Biblical history tells us that God chose a people to be His own, starting with Abraham, and going down through his many generations. Unofficially, God was the King of the Israelites, although the word King was not used early in time.
Then came the days of Samuel when his sons were appointed as judges over Israel. They did not follow the ways of their father, turning aside after gain, taking bribes and perverting justice. [1 Sam. 8:3] Because of this, the elders of the Isrealite people, God's chosen nation, approached Samuel, asking him to appoint a king over them. [1 Sam. 8:5]
God was very offended by this. In His own words, He said, "Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them." [1 Sam. 8:7] This is where we first learn that our One and true God is the Supreme King over all the people.
When the elders asked for a king of their own, God gave a message to Samuel regarding the consequences of having a worldly king. When Samuel related God's message to the people, [1 Sam. 8:10-7] the elders persisted that they should have a king over them like the other surrounding nations [1 Sam. 8:20] that were not of God's people.
Consequently, God informed Samuel to proceed and give the Isrealite people their first king. As commanded by God, Samuel anointed Saul as the first king of God's chosen people. [1 Sam. 10:1]
The reign of kings for God's people continued for about one thousand years until such time as the Israelites were taken into captivity. During their suffering, the Israelites never gave up hope that one day, God's promise would be fulfilled - He would give them a King who would rule over them for eternity.
During today's First Reading from the Book of Ezekiel, [Ezek. 34:11-12, 15-17] we heard of God's promise that He Himself would come as the Shepherd of His sheep to seek them out and rescue them from where they have been scattered. In this passage, we perceive the unforgotten love of a King who takes care of His subjects.
God said, "I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed my sheep with justice." [Ezek. 34:16] Here, we see the justice of the Eternal King who had yet to be proclaimed as the King of kings.
The Book of Zechariah prepared the closing of the age of the Old Testament. God said, "Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! Lo, your king come to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." [Zech. 9:9]
The last Book of the Old Testament, the Book of Melachi states, "See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple." [Mal. 3:1]
As Biblical history tells us, John the Baptist was sent as the messenger of God to prepare the way for the Lord. A week before His crucifixion, Jesus made His triumphant entry into Jerusalem at which time He was proclaimed as the promised King. [Mt. 21:1-11; Mk. 11:1-11; Lk. 19:28-40; Jn. 12:12-9] Jerusalem is the City of the Great King. [Mt. 5:35]
To fulfill God the Father's promises that are found in the Old Testament, Jesus, in who all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell bodily, [Col. 1:19, 2:9] was sent by the Heavenly Father and was proclaimed in Jerusalem as the eternal King.
During His ministry on earth, Jesus preached that the Kingdom of God was at hand. [Mt. 4:17] He said that His Kingdom was not of this world. [Jn. 18:36] "Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God was coming, and He answered, 'The Kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, 'Look, here it is!' or 'There it is! For, in fact, the Kingdom of God is among you.'" [Lk. 17:20-1]
On another ocassion, Jesus said, "If it is by the finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the Kingdom of God has come to you." [Lk. 11:20; Mt. 12:28] Speaking to the crowd and His disciples, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the Kingdom of God has come with power." [Mk. 9:1]
All these Bible passages tell us that the Kingdom of God is now here, having arrived on earth. It is not a physical Kingdom, but rather a spiritual Kingdom that is manifested visibly through the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
During today's Second Reading from the First Letter to the Corinthians, [1 Cor. 15:20-26, 28] we heard that Christ was raised from the dead as the first fruits of those who have died. One day, all those who have walked their living faith in Christ will resurrect from the dead to receive their salvation and to be glorified in Christ.
To walk one's living faith means to believe in Jesus Christ as one's Saviour, to be baptized, to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the remission of sins and to receive the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, the Living Bread, as one's assurance of salvation. All of these are necessary during our sanctification by the grace of God the Father and the power of the Holy Spirit in the Most Holy Name of Jesus, Christ the King.
At present, Christ is reigning as our King, gradually destroying every ruler, authority and power of Satan that has overtaken this world through the sin of Adam. He will reign until such time until He has put all His enemies under His foot, destroying every last one to death.
By this, it is meant that the number of those who are born again [Jn. 3:3, 5, 7; 1 Jn. 4:7, 5:1, 4] in Christ as new creations [1 Jn. 3:9, 5:18] shall increase tremendously. The believers will all have received their gift of the promised new heart and human spirit, [Ezek. 11:19-20; 18:31] over and above the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. [Ezek. 36:26-7] The number of the born again Christians, God's chosen people who form the invisible Kingdom of God on earth, the Mystical Body of Christ that is made visible through the Holy Catholic Church, shall increase to such an extent that the number of Satan's followers will have become minimal, they being destroyed.
This is the spiritual work that Christ, our King, the King of kings, is presently doing on earth by the grace of God the Father and the power of the Holy Spirit. All this is being done so that in the end, Christ the King shall hand over the Kingdom to God the Father, all being subjected to God so that God may be all in all.
Today's Reading from the Gospel of Matthew [Mt. 25:31-46] discloses to us what will happen just before all of this is accomplished. Jesus will come in His glory with all the angels. He will sit on the Throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him and He will separate the sheep from the goats, the sheep at His right and the goats at His left.
To the sheep, those who have persevered in their living faith until the end, Jesus will say, come, you that are blessed by My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For when I was hungry, you gave Me food. When I was thirsty, you gave Me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed Me. When I was naked, you gave Me clothing. When I was sick, you took care of Me. When I was in prison, you visited Me. For as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to Me.
To the goats on His left, He will say, you that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire 0prepared for the devil and his angels. When I was hungry, you did not feed Me. When I was thirsty, you gave Me nothing to drink. Etc...
Today's Gospel echoes the eternal Divine love and justice of our beloved King. He will show His eternal love to those who have shown love in this world. He will show His eternal justice against those who have failed to live a righteous life. Divine justice shall favour those who have been persecuted because of their living faith in Christ.
As we reflect on all the goodness of God that we have received by the grace of God the Father through Christ the King, our calling, our living faith, our Baptism, our new heart and human spirit, the indwelling Holy Spirit, the Holy Church Sacraments, the fruit of the Spirit that shine through us, let us give thanks to Christ the King for showing us the way to His eternal Kingdom. For without the abundant blessings of our most generous King, we could never attain salvation on our own. Praise be Christ the King!
Welcome everyone to today's celebration of the Holy Mass. Today, by the grace of the heavenly Father and the power of the Holy Spirit, we have been called and moved to celebrate the very special Feast of Christ the King. Although Christ has always been recognized by the Holy, Catholic and apostolic Church as the King of kings, the Feast of "Christ the King" did not receive its official recognition until its institution in 1925 by Pope Pius XI.
Reviewing the kingship of the Lord, the title of King goes back quite far in biblical history. The first mention of a king in the Holy Bible is in the Book of Genesis. About 1,500 B.C., King Bela, the son of Beor, reigned in the city of Dinhabah, the capital of Edom. He was one of the many kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king ever reigned over God's chosen people, the Israelites. [Gen. 36:31]
Biblical history tells us that God chose a people to be His own, starting with Abraham, and going down through his many generations. Unofficially, God was the King of the Israelites, although the word King was not used early in time.
Then came the days of Samuel when his sons were appointed as judges over Israel. They did not follow the ways of their father, turning aside after gain, taking bribes and perverting justice. [1 Sam. 8:3] Because of this, the elders of the Isrealite people, God's chosen nation, approached Samuel, asking him to appoint a king over them. [1 Sam. 8:5]
God was very offended by this. In His own words, He said, "Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them." [1 Sam. 8:7] This is where we first learn that our One and true God is the Supreme King over all the people.
When the elders asked for a king of their own, God gave a message to Samuel regarding the consequences of having a worldly king. When Samuel related God's message to the people, [1 Sam. 8:10-7] the elders persisted that they should have a king over them like the other surrounding nations [1 Sam. 8:20] that were not of God's people.
Consequently, God informed Samuel to proceed and give the Isrealite people their first king. As commanded by God, Samuel anointed Saul as the first king of God's chosen people. [1 Sam. 10:1]
The reign of kings for God's people continued for about one thousand years until such time as the Israelites were taken into captivity. During their suffering, the Israelites never gave up hope that one day, God's promise would be fulfilled - He would give them a King who would rule over them for eternity.
During today's First Reading from the Book of Ezekiel, [Ezek. 34:11-12, 15-17] we heard of God's promise that He Himself would come as the Shepherd of His sheep to seek them out and rescue them from where they have been scattered. In this passage, we perceive the unforgotten love of a King who takes care of His subjects.
God said, "I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed my sheep with justice." [Ezek. 34:16] Here, we see the justice of the Eternal King who had yet to be proclaimed as the King of kings.
The Book of Zechariah prepared the closing of the age of the Old Testament. God said, "Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! Lo, your king come to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." [Zech. 9:9]
The last Book of the Old Testament, the Book of Melachi states, "See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple." [Mal. 3:1]
As Biblical history tells us, John the Baptist was sent as the messenger of God to prepare the way for the Lord. A week before His crucifixion, Jesus made His triumphant entry into Jerusalem at which time He was proclaimed as the promised King. [Mt. 21:1-11; Mk. 11:1-11; Lk. 19:28-40; Jn. 12:12-9] Jerusalem is the City of the Great King. [Mt. 5:35]
To fulfill God the Father's promises that are found in the Old Testament, Jesus, in who all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell bodily, [Col. 1:19, 2:9] was sent by the Heavenly Father and was proclaimed in Jerusalem as the eternal King.
During His ministry on earth, Jesus preached that the Kingdom of God was at hand. [Mt. 4:17] He said that His Kingdom was not of this world. [Jn. 18:36] "Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God was coming, and He answered, 'The Kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, 'Look, here it is!' or 'There it is! For, in fact, the Kingdom of God is among you.'" [Lk. 17:20-1]
On another ocassion, Jesus said, "If it is by the finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the Kingdom of God has come to you." [Lk. 11:20; Mt. 12:28] Speaking to the crowd and His disciples, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the Kingdom of God has come with power." [Mk. 9:1]
All these Bible passages tell us that the Kingdom of God is now here, having arrived on earth. It is not a physical Kingdom, but rather a spiritual Kingdom that is manifested visibly through the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
During today's Second Reading from the First Letter to the Corinthians, [1 Cor. 15:20-26, 28] we heard that Christ was raised from the dead as the first fruits of those who have died. One day, all those who have walked their living faith in Christ will resurrect from the dead to receive their salvation and to be glorified in Christ.
To walk one's living faith means to believe in Jesus Christ as one's Saviour, to be baptized, to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the remission of sins and to receive the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, the Living Bread, as one's assurance of salvation. All of these are necessary during our sanctification by the grace of God the Father and the power of the Holy Spirit in the Most Holy Name of Jesus, Christ the King.
At present, Christ is reigning as our King, gradually destroying every ruler, authority and power of Satan that has overtaken this world through the sin of Adam. He will reign until such time until He has put all His enemies under His foot, destroying every last one to death.
By this, it is meant that the number of those who are born again [Jn. 3:3, 5, 7; 1 Jn. 4:7, 5:1, 4] in Christ as new creations [1 Jn. 3:9, 5:18] shall increase tremendously. The believers will all have received their gift of the promised new heart and human spirit, [Ezek. 11:19-20; 18:31] over and above the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. [Ezek. 36:26-7] The number of the born again Christians, God's chosen people who form the invisible Kingdom of God on earth, the Mystical Body of Christ that is made visible through the Holy Catholic Church, shall increase to such an extent that the number of Satan's followers will have become minimal, they being destroyed.
This is the spiritual work that Christ, our King, the King of kings, is presently doing on earth by the grace of God the Father and the power of the Holy Spirit. All this is being done so that in the end, Christ the King shall hand over the Kingdom to God the Father, all being subjected to God so that God may be all in all.
Today's Reading from the Gospel of Matthew [Mt. 25:31-46] discloses to us what will happen just before all of this is accomplished. Jesus will come in His glory with all the angels. He will sit on the Throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him and He will separate the sheep from the goats, the sheep at His right and the goats at His left.
To the sheep, those who have persevered in their living faith until the end, Jesus will say, come, you that are blessed by My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For when I was hungry, you gave Me food. When I was thirsty, you gave Me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed Me. When I was naked, you gave Me clothing. When I was sick, you took care of Me. When I was in prison, you visited Me. For as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to Me.
To the goats on His left, He will say, you that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire 0prepared for the devil and his angels. When I was hungry, you did not feed Me. When I was thirsty, you gave Me nothing to drink. Etc...
Today's Gospel echoes the eternal Divine love and justice of our beloved King. He will show His eternal love to those who have shown love in this world. He will show His eternal justice against those who have failed to live a righteous life. Divine justice shall favour those who have been persecuted because of their living faith in Christ.
As we reflect on all the goodness of God that we have received by the grace of God the Father through Christ the King, our calling, our living faith, our Baptism, our new heart and human spirit, the indwelling Holy Spirit, the Holy Church Sacraments, the fruit of the Spirit that shine through us, let us give thanks to Christ the King for showing us the way to His eternal Kingdom. For without the abundant blessings of our most generous King, we could never attain salvation on our own. Praise be Christ the King!
Prayer and Reflection
Prayer and reflection from my friends at Kairos a site in Europe who I get daily items from and from Legionaries of Christ as well.
First to Kairos; please reflect and enjoy!
Do you allow the love of Christ to rule in your heart?
First to Kairos; please reflect and enjoy!
Do you allow the love of Christ to rule in your heart?
Do you allow the love of Christ, who is your Lord and King, to rule in your heart? Augustine of Hippo (354-430 A.D.)
said, "Essentially, there are two kinds of people, because there are
two kinds of love. One is holy, the other is selfish. One is subject to
God; the other endeavors to equal Him." Jesus came not only to fulfill
the law of righteousness (Leviticus 19), but to transform it through his
unconditional love and mercy towards us.
The Lord Jesus proved his love for us by offering up his life on the cross as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. His death brings freedom and life for us - freedom from fear, selfishness, and greed - and new abundant life in the Holy Spirit who fills our hearts with the love of God (Romans 5:5). Do you allow God's love to purify your heart and transform your mind to think, act, and love others as the Lord Jesus has taught through word and example?
The lesson of separating goats and sheep at the end of the day
Jesus' description of the "Son of Man", a Messianic title which points to the coming of God's anointed Ruler and Judge over the earth (John 5:26-29, Daniel 7:13ff), and his parable about the separation of goats and sheep must have startled his audience. What does the separation of goats and sheep have to do with the Day of God's Judgement over the earth? In arid dry lands such as Palestine, goats and sheep often grazed together during the day because green pasture was sparse. At nightfall, when the shepherd brought the sheep and goats to their place of rest, he separated them into two groups. Goats by temperament are aggressive, domineering, restless, and territorial. They butt heads with their horns whenever they think someone is intruding on their space.
Goats came to symbolize evil and the expression "scape-goat" become a common expression for someone bearing blame or guilt for others. (See Leviticus 26:20-22 for a description of the ritual expulsion of a sin-bearing goat on the Day of Atonement.) Jesus took our guilt and sins upon himself and nailed them to the cross. He payed the price to set us free from sin and death. Our choice is either to follow and obey him as our Lord and Savior or to be our own master and go our own separate way apart from God's way of truth and righteousness (moral goodness). We cannot remain neutral or indifferent to the commands of Christ. If we do not repent of our wrongdoing (our sins and offenses against God and neighbor) and obey the Gospel we cannot be disciples of the Lord Jesus nor inherit his kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy. Separation of the good from the bad is inevitable because one way leads to sin, rebellion, and death and the other way leads to purification, peace, and everlasting life with God.
Love of God frees us from inordinate love of self
The parable of the goats and sheep has a similar endpoint as the parable of the rich man who refused to give any help to the poor man Lazarus who begged daily at the rich man's doorstep (Luke 16:19-31). Although Lazarus was poor and lacked what he needed, he nonetheless put his hope in God and the promise of everlasting life in God's kingdom. The rich man was a lover of wealth rather than a lover of God and neighbor. When Lazarus died he was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom to receive his reward in heaven. When the rich man died his fortunes were reversed and he was cast into the unquenchable fires of hell to receive his just desserts. The parable emphasizes the great chasm and wall of separation between the former rich man held now bound as a poor and miserable prisoner in hell and Lazarus clothed in royal garments feasting at God's banquet table in the kingdom of heaven.
The day of God's righteous judgment will disclose which kind of love we chose in this present life - a holy unselfish love directed to God and to the welfare of our neighbor or a disordered and selfish love that puts oneself above God and the good of our neighbor.
When Martin of Tours (316-397 AD), a young Roman soldier who had been reluctant to fully commit his life to Christ and be baptized as a Christian, met a poor beggar on the road who had no clothes to warm himself in the freezing cold, Martin took pity on him. He immediately got off his horse and cut his cloak in two and then gave half to the stranger. That night Martin dreamt he saw a vision of Jesus in heaven robed in a torn cloak just like the one he gave away that day to the beggar. One of the angels next to Jesus asked, "Master, why do you wear that battered cloak?" Jesus replied, "My servant Martin gave it to me." Martin's disciple and biographer Sulpicius Severus states that as a consequence of this vision "Martin flew to be baptized" to give his life fully to Christ as a member of his people - the body of Christ on earth and the communion of saints and angels in heaven.
Augustine of Hippo (354-430 A.D.) wrote, "Christ is at once above and below - above in Himself, below in his people. Fear Christ above, and recognize him below. Here he is poor, with and in the poor; there he is rich, with and in God. Have Christ above bestowing his bounty; recognize him here in his need" (excerpt from Sermon 123, 44).
On the day of judgment Jesus will ask "whom did you love"?
When the Lord Jesus comes again as Judge and Ruler over all, he will call each one of us to stand before his seat of judgment to answer the question - who did you love and put first in this life? Inordinate love of self crowds out love of God and love of neighbor. Those who put their faith in Jesus Christ and follow his way of love and righteousness will not be disappointed. They will receive the just reward - life and peace with God in his everlasting kingdom.
If we entrust our lives to the Lord Jesus today, and allow his Holy Spirit to purify our hearts and minds, then he will give us the grace, strength, and freedom to walk and live each day in the power of his merciful love and goodness. Let us entrust our lives into the hands of the merciful Savior who gave his life for us. And let us ask the Lord Jesus to increase our faith, strengthen our hope, and enkindle in us the fire of his merciful love and compassion for all.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, be the Master and Ruler of my life. May your love rule in my heart that I may only think, act, and speak with charity and good will for all.
This from Legionaries of Christ ;
Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for this chance to spend time with you in prayer. You are the Prince of Peace and the Lord of Mercy. I trust in your goodness and love. I love you and earnestly long to love you more each day.
Petition: Lord, help me to translate my faith in you into good deeds done for others.
1. Judgment Day: All of our life is, in a sense, a preparation for the judgment we face at life's end. That is when we go before Our Lord and give account for everything we have done or failed to do. No excuses will be accepted, no more "second chances" given. Jesus' mercy doesn’t mean he ignores justice. "Mercy differs from justice, but is not in opposition to it," wrote Pope Saint John Paul II in his 1980 encyclical, Dives in Misericordia (Rich in Mercy). Would I be ready to face the Lord this very day? If not, why not? What facet of my life do I need to change right now?
2. The Sheep: The sheep to be saved are the people who helped others, who showed mercy, who didn't turn a cold shoulder to someone in need. Our Lord doesn't praise them for their many prayers so much as for their good deeds. Prayer is important, of course. But it's not enough. Christ wants our love for him to be reflected in our love for others. Oddly, many of those to be saved will not have realized that it was really Christ they were helping. Do I see Christ in those who need help? Do I see Christ in my family members? My co-workers? The demanding boss? The unpopular classmate? The smelly beggar?
3. The Goats: It's scary to think that those who will be lost were not necessarily "bad people." In this passage Our Lord doesn't chide them for doing wicked things. He doesn't accuse them of starting wars or peddling drugs or committing acts of terrorism. Rather, he faults them for the sin of omission, for things they didn't do. "You gave me no food …. You gave me no clothing." We may think ourselves good Christians because we don't cheat on our taxes or look at pornography or miss Mass on Sundays. But acts of charity are key, too. We should do these without neglecting the others.
Conversation with Christ: Lord, I don't want to end up with the goats at the Last Judgment. That's why I want to take my faith seriously. I want to have a generous heart. But do I limit my generosity? Why can't I see you in my neighbor? You have loved me unconditionally. Help me to respond to your love by loving others unconditionally.
Resolution: Before noon, I will perform one small act of charity for someone close to me.
The Lord Jesus proved his love for us by offering up his life on the cross as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. His death brings freedom and life for us - freedom from fear, selfishness, and greed - and new abundant life in the Holy Spirit who fills our hearts with the love of God (Romans 5:5). Do you allow God's love to purify your heart and transform your mind to think, act, and love others as the Lord Jesus has taught through word and example?
The lesson of separating goats and sheep at the end of the day
Jesus' description of the "Son of Man", a Messianic title which points to the coming of God's anointed Ruler and Judge over the earth (John 5:26-29, Daniel 7:13ff), and his parable about the separation of goats and sheep must have startled his audience. What does the separation of goats and sheep have to do with the Day of God's Judgement over the earth? In arid dry lands such as Palestine, goats and sheep often grazed together during the day because green pasture was sparse. At nightfall, when the shepherd brought the sheep and goats to their place of rest, he separated them into two groups. Goats by temperament are aggressive, domineering, restless, and territorial. They butt heads with their horns whenever they think someone is intruding on their space.
Goats came to symbolize evil and the expression "scape-goat" become a common expression for someone bearing blame or guilt for others. (See Leviticus 26:20-22 for a description of the ritual expulsion of a sin-bearing goat on the Day of Atonement.) Jesus took our guilt and sins upon himself and nailed them to the cross. He payed the price to set us free from sin and death. Our choice is either to follow and obey him as our Lord and Savior or to be our own master and go our own separate way apart from God's way of truth and righteousness (moral goodness). We cannot remain neutral or indifferent to the commands of Christ. If we do not repent of our wrongdoing (our sins and offenses against God and neighbor) and obey the Gospel we cannot be disciples of the Lord Jesus nor inherit his kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy. Separation of the good from the bad is inevitable because one way leads to sin, rebellion, and death and the other way leads to purification, peace, and everlasting life with God.
Love of God frees us from inordinate love of self
The parable of the goats and sheep has a similar endpoint as the parable of the rich man who refused to give any help to the poor man Lazarus who begged daily at the rich man's doorstep (Luke 16:19-31). Although Lazarus was poor and lacked what he needed, he nonetheless put his hope in God and the promise of everlasting life in God's kingdom. The rich man was a lover of wealth rather than a lover of God and neighbor. When Lazarus died he was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom to receive his reward in heaven. When the rich man died his fortunes were reversed and he was cast into the unquenchable fires of hell to receive his just desserts. The parable emphasizes the great chasm and wall of separation between the former rich man held now bound as a poor and miserable prisoner in hell and Lazarus clothed in royal garments feasting at God's banquet table in the kingdom of heaven.
The day of God's righteous judgment will disclose which kind of love we chose in this present life - a holy unselfish love directed to God and to the welfare of our neighbor or a disordered and selfish love that puts oneself above God and the good of our neighbor.
When Martin of Tours (316-397 AD), a young Roman soldier who had been reluctant to fully commit his life to Christ and be baptized as a Christian, met a poor beggar on the road who had no clothes to warm himself in the freezing cold, Martin took pity on him. He immediately got off his horse and cut his cloak in two and then gave half to the stranger. That night Martin dreamt he saw a vision of Jesus in heaven robed in a torn cloak just like the one he gave away that day to the beggar. One of the angels next to Jesus asked, "Master, why do you wear that battered cloak?" Jesus replied, "My servant Martin gave it to me." Martin's disciple and biographer Sulpicius Severus states that as a consequence of this vision "Martin flew to be baptized" to give his life fully to Christ as a member of his people - the body of Christ on earth and the communion of saints and angels in heaven.
Augustine of Hippo (354-430 A.D.) wrote, "Christ is at once above and below - above in Himself, below in his people. Fear Christ above, and recognize him below. Here he is poor, with and in the poor; there he is rich, with and in God. Have Christ above bestowing his bounty; recognize him here in his need" (excerpt from Sermon 123, 44).
On the day of judgment Jesus will ask "whom did you love"?
When the Lord Jesus comes again as Judge and Ruler over all, he will call each one of us to stand before his seat of judgment to answer the question - who did you love and put first in this life? Inordinate love of self crowds out love of God and love of neighbor. Those who put their faith in Jesus Christ and follow his way of love and righteousness will not be disappointed. They will receive the just reward - life and peace with God in his everlasting kingdom.
If we entrust our lives to the Lord Jesus today, and allow his Holy Spirit to purify our hearts and minds, then he will give us the grace, strength, and freedom to walk and live each day in the power of his merciful love and goodness. Let us entrust our lives into the hands of the merciful Savior who gave his life for us. And let us ask the Lord Jesus to increase our faith, strengthen our hope, and enkindle in us the fire of his merciful love and compassion for all.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, be the Master and Ruler of my life. May your love rule in my heart that I may only think, act, and speak with charity and good will for all.
This from Legionaries of Christ ;
Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for this chance to spend time with you in prayer. You are the Prince of Peace and the Lord of Mercy. I trust in your goodness and love. I love you and earnestly long to love you more each day.
Petition: Lord, help me to translate my faith in you into good deeds done for others.
1. Judgment Day: All of our life is, in a sense, a preparation for the judgment we face at life's end. That is when we go before Our Lord and give account for everything we have done or failed to do. No excuses will be accepted, no more "second chances" given. Jesus' mercy doesn’t mean he ignores justice. "Mercy differs from justice, but is not in opposition to it," wrote Pope Saint John Paul II in his 1980 encyclical, Dives in Misericordia (Rich in Mercy). Would I be ready to face the Lord this very day? If not, why not? What facet of my life do I need to change right now?
2. The Sheep: The sheep to be saved are the people who helped others, who showed mercy, who didn't turn a cold shoulder to someone in need. Our Lord doesn't praise them for their many prayers so much as for their good deeds. Prayer is important, of course. But it's not enough. Christ wants our love for him to be reflected in our love for others. Oddly, many of those to be saved will not have realized that it was really Christ they were helping. Do I see Christ in those who need help? Do I see Christ in my family members? My co-workers? The demanding boss? The unpopular classmate? The smelly beggar?
3. The Goats: It's scary to think that those who will be lost were not necessarily "bad people." In this passage Our Lord doesn't chide them for doing wicked things. He doesn't accuse them of starting wars or peddling drugs or committing acts of terrorism. Rather, he faults them for the sin of omission, for things they didn't do. "You gave me no food …. You gave me no clothing." We may think ourselves good Christians because we don't cheat on our taxes or look at pornography or miss Mass on Sundays. But acts of charity are key, too. We should do these without neglecting the others.
Conversation with Christ: Lord, I don't want to end up with the goats at the Last Judgment. That's why I want to take my faith seriously. I want to have a generous heart. But do I limit my generosity? Why can't I see you in my neighbor? You have loved me unconditionally. Help me to respond to your love by loving others unconditionally.
Resolution: Before noon, I will perform one small act of charity for someone close to me.
Christ the King - Solemnity
Book of Ezekiel 34:11-12.15-17.
Thus says
the Lord GOD: I myself will look after and tend my sheep.
As a shepherd tends his flock when he finds himself among his scattered sheep, so will I tend my sheep. I will rescue them from every place where they were scattered when it was cloudy and dark.
I myself will pasture my sheep; I myself will give them rest, says the Lord GOD.
The lost I will seek out, the strayed I will bring back, the injured I will bind up, the sick I will heal but the sleek and the strong I will destroy, shepherding them rightly.
As for you, my sheep, says the Lord GOD, I will judge between one sheep and another, between rams and goats.
As a shepherd tends his flock when he finds himself among his scattered sheep, so will I tend my sheep. I will rescue them from every place where they were scattered when it was cloudy and dark.
I myself will pasture my sheep; I myself will give them rest, says the Lord GOD.
The lost I will seek out, the strayed I will bring back, the injured I will bind up, the sick I will heal but the sleek and the strong I will destroy, shepherding them rightly.
As for you, my sheep, says the Lord GOD, I will judge between one sheep and another, between rams and goats.
Psalms 23(22):1-2a.2b-3.5.6.
The LORD
is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
beside restful waters he leads me;
He refreshes my soul.
He guides me in right paths
For his name's sake.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
beside restful waters he leads me;
He refreshes my soul.
He guides me in right paths
For his name's sake.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come.
First Letter to the Corinthians 15:20-26.28.
Brothers
and sisters: Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those
who have fallen asleep.
For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead came also through a human being.
For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life,
but each one in proper order: Christ the firstfruits; then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ;
then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to his God and Father, when he has destroyed every sovereignty and every authority and power.
For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
The last enemy to be destroyed is death,
When everything is subjected to him, then the Son himself will (also) be subjected to the one who subjected everything to him, so that God may be all in all.
For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead came also through a human being.
For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life,
but each one in proper order: Christ the firstfruits; then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ;
then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to his God and Father, when he has destroyed every sovereignty and every authority and power.
For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
The last enemy to be destroyed is death,
When everything is subjected to him, then the Son himself will (also) be subjected to the one who subjected everything to him, so that God may be all in all.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 25:31-46.
Jesus said
to his disciples: "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels
with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne,
and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
Then the king will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me,
naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.'
Then the righteous will answer him and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?
When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?
When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?'
And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.'
Then they will answer and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?'
He will answer them, 'Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.'
And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
Then the king will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me,
naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.'
Then the righteous will answer him and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?
When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?
When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?'
And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.'
Then they will answer and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?'
He will answer them, 'Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.'
And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
Sunday, November 19, 2017
Homily for Today
Unto us it is given so we may blossom in Jesus! Good morning to everyone and welcome to our guests who have found their way to our humble Church so that they may share their living faith with us. It is always a joy to all of us to see new faces in our parish community.
Today's readings echo a wise message of spiritual investments. The good Lord Jesus invested in us, His chosen children. He expects to reap something in return. Anyone who is involved in business knows that money management stresses the importance of getting something in return from your original investment. If the business cannot show a profit, it is a loser. And losers are dumped in favour of better business opportunities that promise profits.
The First Reading from the Book of Proverbs [Prov. 31:10-13, 16-18, 20, 26, 28-31] spoke of a very productive wife that bears fruit in all things. She never sits idle, using every opportunity presented to her to increase the family wealth. Because of her qualities, she is far more precious than jewels.
This capable wife is trustworthy. The husband can count on her to be faithful and productive for the betterment of the home. She is not afraid to learn how to sew and make clothing for the members of the family in order to save money.
From the money that she managed to save, she invests in land. There, she plants a garden in hope of selling the fruits of the seeds that she plants. Not counting the hours that come and go, night and day, she works long hours.
While tending to the worldly needs of the family, she also tends to her spiritual needs and the needs of others. She gives generously to those in need. To those seeking comfort, she speaks gentle words, only wisdom coming from her mouth. She is never idle, having no time for foolishness and gossip.
Her children, well raised in values and the ways of the Lord, show appreciation, thanking her and praising her for being such a happy and wonderful mother. Even her husband recognizes the treasure that he has in his possession, the best of the best.
From each of the characters in this reading, there is something for us to learn. In a way, this wonderful woman is a picture of what we should be, always being fruitful in our ways. The children and the husband are also pictures to us, telling us that we should be thankful to the Lord for all that He has provided for us, praising Him in all things. As the woman is more precious than jewels in the eyes of her family, we are called to be more precious than jewels in the eyes of the Lord.
The Second Reading from the Letter to the Thessalonians [1 Thess. 5:1-6] tells us that since we are children of the light and children of the day, we should not worry about when the Lord shall return. It is sufficient for us to know that when the Lord does suddenly come as a thief in the night, either through His Second and final Coming on Judgment Day or when we are individually called to appear before Him at death, which ever comes first, we will be ready.
According to the promise that we have made when we have received the Sacrament of Baptism, we strive to walk in our living faith. We strive to be like the wife that was just described during the First Reading.
Today's Reading from the Gospel of Matthew [Mt. 24:36, 25:14-30] involved two stories. The first reminded us of the necessity to be watchful at all time. The second, the Parable of the Talents, informed us as to why we must persevere in our living faith, why we must be fruitful in all our thoughts, our words and our actions.
The man who was going on a journey and who summoned his slaves is a picture of Jesus. As the man entrusted his slaves with some talents, the Lord Jesus also entrusted us with spiritual gifts that have been bestowed upon us through the Holy Spirit. Through the Blood of Christ, we received the opportunity to become children of God. Through the Sacrament of Baptism, we became new creations, having received a new heart. To protect and strengthen our new creation, we received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Through the Holy Catholic Church that has been entrusted with the apostolic authority, we received the Sacrament of Reconciliation to maintain our souls in an ongoing state of grace. Through the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, we receive the Living Bread that gives life to our souls. All of these are necessary for our salvation.
As the man expected his slaves to invest the talents that he had entrusted them with in order to be fruitful, the Lord Jesus also expects us to be fruitful. He expects us to appreciate all of the gifts that have just been aforementioned, not only appreciate them but also use them to their greatest potential.
Having received the Holy Spirit, we are expected to grow in the fruit of the Holy Spirit. We are expected to shine as lights in the world, to shine in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. [Gal. 5:22-3] These are the fruit that the capable wife displayed in the First Reading.
> We are expected to love God first with our whole being, above everyone and everything, even above our parents, our spouse and our children. Then, we are expected to love others as we love ourselves. Through these fruit of the Spirit, we become productive, giving in return to the Lord. Our personal efforts and growth to mature spiritually in Christ are the end result that the Lord seeks from us.
To those who persevere in their living faith, when the moment comes for them to appear before the Lord, He will say, "Well done, good and trustworthy child; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master."
To those who are wicked and lazy, having neglected their salvation, the Lord will say, "Take away from them the gifts that they have received. Throw them into the outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
The wicked and the lazy, they will be stripped of their new creations, their new hearts that have became dull and their talents that they have not nourished in order for them to blossom. They will not be stripped of the Holy Spirit because He will have already departed from them. For the Holy Spirit does not dwell within those who live in sin.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, let us consider ourselves very privileged by the grace of God to be aware of the danger that befalls those who neglect their gifts. Let us always be thankful to the Lord for the gift of the Holy Scriptures that remind us from time to time of the reward that awaits those who persevere in their living faith in Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. For it is through Christ that we have our assurance that we will not be counted among those who have failed to acknowledge the spiritual gifts that they have received through the goodness of the Almighty Lord God.
Some Prayers for Today
Lord Jesus, be the ruler of my heart and thoughts, be the king of my home and relationships, and be the master of my work and service. Help me to make good use of the gifts, talents, time, and resources you give me for your glory and your kingdom.
Lord Jesus, I know that you don’t want me to live my life in fear. Only one type of fear is legitimate: the fear of losing you. Because I know you will never leave me, I am not afraid of this either. I know that I can lose you only if I leave you. Jesus, I place my hope in you and offer you all my love.
Lord Jesus, I know that you do not want me to be afraid of failure. I know that if I try my hardest for you, there will be no such thing. Please help me always to fight courageously in order to better myself for your glory.
Lord Jesus, I know that you don’t want me to live my life in fear. Only one type of fear is legitimate: the fear of losing you. Because I know you will never leave me, I am not afraid of this either. I know that I can lose you only if I leave you. Jesus, I place my hope in you and offer you all my love.
Lord Jesus, I know that you do not want me to be afraid of failure. I know that if I try my hardest for you, there will be no such thing. Please help me always to fight courageously in order to better myself for your glory.
Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Book of Proverbs 31:10-13.19-20.30-31.
Psalms 128(127):1-2.3.4-5.
First Letter to the Thessalonians 5:1-6.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 25:14-30.
When one finds a worthy wife, her value is far beyond pearls.
Her husband, entrusting his heart to her, has an unfailing prize.
She brings him good, and not evil, all the days of her life.
She obtains wool and flax and makes cloth with skillful hands.
She puts her hands to the distaff, and her fingers ply the spindle.
She reaches out her hands to the poor, and extends her arms to the needy.
Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her a reward of her labors, and let her works praise her at the city gates.
Her husband, entrusting his heart to her, has an unfailing prize.
She brings him good, and not evil, all the days of her life.
She obtains wool and flax and makes cloth with skillful hands.
She puts her hands to the distaff, and her fingers ply the spindle.
She reaches out her hands to the poor, and extends her arms to the needy.
Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her a reward of her labors, and let her works praise her at the city gates.
Psalms 128(127):1-2.3.4-5.
Blessed are you who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways!
For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;
blessed shall you be, and favored.
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
in the recesses of your home;
Your children like olive plants
around your table.
Behold, thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.
The LORD bless you from Zion:
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life.
who walk in his ways!
For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;
blessed shall you be, and favored.
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
in the recesses of your home;
Your children like olive plants
around your table.
Behold, thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.
The LORD bless you from Zion:
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life.
First Letter to the Thessalonians 5:1-6.
Concerning times and seasons, brothers and sisters, you have no need for anything to be written to you.
For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief at night.
When people are saying, "Peace and security," then sudden disaster comes upon them, like labor pains upon a pregnant woman,and they will not escape.
But you, brothers, are not in darkness, for that day to overtake you like a thief.
For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness.
Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do, but let us stay alert and sober.
For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief at night.
When people are saying, "Peace and security," then sudden disaster comes upon them, like labor pains upon a pregnant woman,and they will not escape.
But you, brothers, are not in darkness, for that day to overtake you like a thief.
For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness.
Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do, but let us stay alert and sober.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 25:14-30.
Jesus told his disciples this parable: “A man going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them.
To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one– to each according to his ability. Then he went away. Immediately
the one who received five talents went and traded with them, and made another five.
Likewise, the one who received two made another two.
But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master's money.
After a long time the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them.
The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five. He said, 'Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.'
His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy.'
(Then) the one who had received two talents also came forward and said, 'Master, you gave me two talents. See, I have made two more.'
His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy.'
Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said, 'Master, I knew you were a demanding person, harvesting where you did not plant and gathering where you did not scatter;
so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground. Here it is back.'
His master said to him in reply, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant and gather where I did not scatter?
Should you not then have put my money in the bank so that I could have got it back with interest on my return?
Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten.
For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.'”
To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one– to each according to his ability. Then he went away. Immediately
the one who received five talents went and traded with them, and made another five.
Likewise, the one who received two made another two.
But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master's money.
After a long time the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them.
The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five. He said, 'Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.'
His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy.'
(Then) the one who had received two talents also came forward and said, 'Master, you gave me two talents. See, I have made two more.'
His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy.'
Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said, 'Master, I knew you were a demanding person, harvesting where you did not plant and gathering where you did not scatter;
so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground. Here it is back.'
His master said to him in reply, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant and gather where I did not scatter?
Should you not then have put my money in the bank so that I could have got it back with interest on my return?
Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten.
For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.'”
Friday, November 17, 2017
Christ the King Novena
Here is the newest Novena it is for Christ the King and brought to you from our friends at Pray More Novenas. Please visit and join their wonderful site.
Find the Original Here: http://www.praymorenovenas.com/christ-king-novena/#ixzz4ygVXfliG
The Feast of Christ the King is a moveable feast that occurs on the last Sunday of the Liturgical year. It is an important feast for all of us! Let’s join in preparing for this feast with a Novena for Christ the King!
Background on this Feast
This feast day was instituted by Pope Pius XI on December 11th in 1925 within the encyclical letter Quas Primas. The Holy Father was responding to the fact that the world was becoming increasingly nationalistic and secular. Governments were claiming more and more allegiance from their citizens and attempting to replace God.
“While nations insult the beloved name of our Redeemer by suppressing all mention of it in their conferences and parliaments, we must all the more loudly proclaim his kingly dignity and power, all the more universally affirm his rights.” – Quas Primas, 25
Pope Pius XI, therefore, created this feast to help the faithful to remember that allegiance to Christ is above any allegiance to government of a nation.
“The faithful, moreover, by meditating upon these truths, will gain much strength and courage, enabling them to form their lives after the true Christian ideal. If to Christ our Lord is given all power in heaven and on earth; if all men, purchased by his precious blood, are by a new right subjected to his dominion; if this power embraces all men, it must be clear that not one of our faculties is exempt from his empire. He must reign in our minds, which should assent with perfect submission and firm belief to revealed truths and to the doctrines of Christ. He must reign in our wills, which should obey the laws and precepts of God. He must reign in our hearts, which should spurn natural desires and love God above all things, and cleave to him alone. He must reign in our bodies and in our members, which should serve as instruments for the interior sanctification of our souls, or to use the words of the Apostle Paul, as instruments of justice unto God.” – Quas Primas, 33
It is particularly important to recognize the words of the encyclical in today’s climate of government intrusion on the Church.
“When we pay honor to the princely dignity of Christ, men will doubtless be reminded that the Church, founded by Christ as a perfect society, has a natural and inalienable right to perfect freedom and immunity from the power of the state; and that in fulfilling the task committed to her by God of teaching, ruling, and guiding to eternal bliss those who belong to the kingdom of Christ, she cannot be subject to any external power.” – Quas Primas, 31
Christ the King Novena Prayers
Christ, our Savior and our King, renew in me allegiance to Your Kingship.
Day 1 – I pray for the grace to place You above the powers of this world in all things.
Day 2 – I pray for the grace to obey You before any civic authority.
Day 3 – I pray for the grace to fervently bring about Your Kingdom in my family and community.
Day 4 – I pray that You will reign in my mind.
Day 5 – I pray that You will reign in my heart.
Day 6 – I pray that You will reign in my will.
Day 7 – I pray that You will reign in my body.
Day 8 – I pray that You will reign throughout all the world.
Day 9 – I pray that You will reign in every area of my life.
O Prince of Peace, may Your reign be complete in my life and in the life of the world. Christ, my King, please answer these petitions if they be in accordance with Your Holy Will…
[Mention your intentions here]
As I reflect on Your second, glorious coming and the judgment of all mankind, I beg You to show me mercy and give me the grace to become a great saint. I pray that not only will I spend eternity with You but that You may use me – a sinner – to bring others into Your Kingdom for Your glory.
Christ the King, Your Kingdom come!
Find the Original Here: http://www.praymorenovenas.com/christ-king-novena/#ixzz4ygVXfliG
Sunday, November 12, 2017
Pope on the Mass
Saw this during the week and loved it. Certainly this should have been or could have been a homily at many churches this week. from Catholic News Agency;
Here it is,
Here it is,
Pope: Mass is for the Eucharist, not pictures. Put the phone away.
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.- On Wednesday, a fiery Pope Francis chastised those who spend Mass talking to others, looking at their phone or even taking pictures during papal liturgies, saying these are distractions that take focus away from the “heart of the Church,” which is the Eucharist.
“The Mass is not a show: it is to go to meet the passion and resurrection of the Lord,” the Pope said Nov. 8. “The Lord is here with us, present. Many times we go there, we look at things and chat among ourselves while the priest celebrates the Eucharist... But it is the Lord!”
In particular, Francis condemned the use of cell phones to take photos at papal Masses. At one point during the Mass the priest says, “we lift up our hearts,” he said. “He does not say, ‘We lift up our phones to take photographs!’”
“It’s a bad thing! And I tell you that it gives me so much sadness when I celebrate here in the Piazza or Basilica and I see so many raised cellphones, not just of the faithful, even of some priests and even bishops.”
“But think: when you go to Mass, the Lord is there! And you're distracted. (But) it is the Lord!”
During the general audience, Pope Francis said the Eucharist would be the new focus of his weekly catechesis for the year, because “it is fundamental for us Christians to understand well the value and meaning of the Holy Mass to live more and more fully our relationship with God.”
In the Eucharist we rediscover, through our senses, what is essential, he said. Just as the Apostle Thomas asked to see and touch the wounds of Jesus after his resurrection, we need the same thing: “to see him and touch him to be able to recognize him.”
In this way, the Sacraments meet this very "human need" of ours, he said. And in the Eucharist, in particular, we find a privileged way to meet God and his love.
The Second Vatican Council was inspired by the desire to help Christians understand the beauty of the encounter in the Eucharist even better, he continued. This is why “it was necessary first to implement, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, an adequate renewal of the liturgy.”
A central theme emphasized at Vatican II was the liturgical formation of the faithful, which Francis said is also the aim of the series of catechesis he began today: to help people “grow in the knowledge of this great gift God has given us in the Eucharist.”
As a side note, Francis asked if people had noticed the chaotic way children make the sign of cross at Mass, moving their hand all over their chest, and asked people to teach children to make the sign of the cross well.
“We need to teach children to do the sign of the cross well,” he said, noting that this is how Mass begins, because just as Mass begins this way, “so life begins, so the day begins.”
Concluding his reflection on the Mass and the Eucharist, Pope Francis said that he hopes that through these brief weekly lessons, everyone will rediscover the beauty "hidden in the Eucharistic celebration, and which, when revealed, gives a full meaning to the life of everyone."
What's New?
So basically time for an update about me. Not sure if I ever covered this but I was back in April diagnosed with rectal cancer. So a bunch of MRI's and CT scans and a course of action was laid out with a delay thrown in by the Oncologist to be sure of what they were up against. Through June and into July I was subjected to 25 radiation treatments along with chemotherapy (pill form) to shrink tumour and aid in surgery. Early September surgery to remove tumour and also an illeostomy (temporary to allow for area in rectum to heal. A couple of hiccups which had me close to meeting our lord but thanks to the Paramedics and Doctor's I made it through and had a second stay in hospital. I have now been at home 6 or so weeks and recovering as basically the incision where surgeon removed tumour opened up and they had to allow it to heal naturally so no sutures as it has closed up on its own.
Now on top of all this getting ready for chemotherapy as well. Surgery apparently went well and they got all of the tumour and the lymph nodes removed were clean indicating a good chance that the cancer had not spread. No guarantees on this but it looks positive. So have about 6 months of chemo to get through and then recovery and then illeostomy reversal surgery and then recovery with repaired plumbing (lack of a better term) and hopefully then just check ups and being cancer free for the rest of my natural life how ever long that may be.
Certainly a large thank you to Our Lord Jesus for his help and the Holy Mother as they listened to my prayers and helped me through this so far and have been beside me every step! Hardest part is not being able to go to mass especially now. In the first round with radiation before surgery and after side effects went away or were controllable I went to mass. Right now I am hoping I can get to mass next week as the wound will have healed enough that I do not have to worry about it and also still getting used to the ostomy bag so timing problems are still rounding out.
I pray every day and say a or parts of a rosary and will need more as chemo will be hard so I ask that those who read this also help me and pray to have the Lord look over me and help me through this ordeal and also to pray for all others who suffer with cancer and other diseases and also to pray for the health professionals who give so much of their time and work hard to help and cure everyone they deal with.
Thank you and God Bless!
Now on top of all this getting ready for chemotherapy as well. Surgery apparently went well and they got all of the tumour and the lymph nodes removed were clean indicating a good chance that the cancer had not spread. No guarantees on this but it looks positive. So have about 6 months of chemo to get through and then recovery and then illeostomy reversal surgery and then recovery with repaired plumbing (lack of a better term) and hopefully then just check ups and being cancer free for the rest of my natural life how ever long that may be.
Certainly a large thank you to Our Lord Jesus for his help and the Holy Mother as they listened to my prayers and helped me through this so far and have been beside me every step! Hardest part is not being able to go to mass especially now. In the first round with radiation before surgery and after side effects went away or were controllable I went to mass. Right now I am hoping I can get to mass next week as the wound will have healed enough that I do not have to worry about it and also still getting used to the ostomy bag so timing problems are still rounding out.
I pray every day and say a or parts of a rosary and will need more as chemo will be hard so I ask that those who read this also help me and pray to have the Lord look over me and help me through this ordeal and also to pray for all others who suffer with cancer and other diseases and also to pray for the health professionals who give so much of their time and work hard to help and cure everyone they deal with.
Thank you and God Bless!
Today's Homily
Welcome to all, children of the Lord God, brothers and sisters in Christ! Today, our three Readings delivered a beautiful fatherly message to us. The Lord called us all to be wise in the management of our spiritual lives.
During the First Reading from the Book of Wisdom, [Wis. 6:12-16] we heard how it is to our benefit that we listen to wisdom. In this Reading, Wisdom was addressed as if the writer was talking of a person. Reflecting on this passage, I see a picture of the Holy Spirit. If we were to change the word 'wisdom' for 'Holy Spirit,' we would increase our spiritual insight on the meaning of the First Reading. The words would sound like this...
The Holy Spirit is radiant and unfading,
and He is easily discerned by those who love Him,
and is found by those who seek Him.
He hastens to make Himself known to those who desire Him.
One who rises early to seek Him will have no difficulty,
for He will be found sitting at the gate.
To fix one's thought on Him is perfect understanding,
and one who is vigilant on His account will soon be free from care,
because He goes about seeking those worthy of Him,
and He graciously appears to them in their paths,
and meets them in every thought.
In these Sacred Words, we perceive how the light of God shines on His children [Mt. 5:14-6; Jn. 1:9] through the Spirit of Christ who will remain with us forever. [Jn. 14:16, 24:49; Acts 1:4, 2:2-4] Through the discernment of the spirits, one knows by the fruit of the Spirit of God [Gal. 5:22-3] that it is the Holy Spirit who is present. God gives the Holy Spirit freely to those who ask for His Divine Presence. The Holy Spirit wastes no time to make Himself known to those who want to know Him, this manifestation being very obvious in some prayers groups and Charismatic Movements just to name a couple of places.
When one keeps his eyes on the Lord and his mind on what is spiritual, he receives perfect understanding. Living according to the Spirit, he sets his mind on the Spirit. [Rom. 8:5] As the Book of Proverbs repeats over and over, knowledge and understanding are inseparable from wisdom. [Prov. 1:1-7, 2:6, 3:19-20, etc...] It is through the Holy Spirit that we are enlightened, receiving spiritual knowledge and understanding because it is the Holy Spirit who "interprets spiritual things to those who are spiritual." [1 Cor. 2:14]
The words, "one who is vigilant on His account" echoes the necessity for us to submit ourselves to the Divine Will of God, freely permitting the Holy Spirit to sanctify us in Christ. By persevering in our living faith as true children of God, soon, we will have no more worries for we will rejoice in the eternal glory in the Presence of the Lord. Wisdom tells us, the Holy Spirit seeks those who are worthy of God, those who have a sincerity of heart, those who take their spiritual lives as a serious matter, a matter of eternal life versus eternal death.
And to the sincere, the Holy Spirit manifests Himself through worldly and spiritual signs. He answers prayers. He inspires us in our spiritual growth so that we can reach the Christian maturity that we seek in Christ by the grace of our Heavenly Father. When exhausted, He delivers inner joy and peace to us. He plants a burning desire within our hearts to know God as God knows Himself. He convicts our conscience of sins when we disobey God, gently guiding us in the Spirit of truth and righteousness. Reminding us of the words of Jesus, He tells us to stay alert. [Lk. 21:34] He, the Holy Spirit, Divine Wisdom, is the greatest of all friends that we have and know.
During today's Second Reading from the Second Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians, [1 Thess. 4:13-18] we heard what the Second Coming of Christ will be like. This passage is one of the most misunderstood and misinterpreted passage in the Holy Bible, having led to Church division and the separations of many from the Spirit of Truth.
In his statement, Saint Paul was addressing the issue of the resurrection of the physical bodies and the glorifying of all those who lived their faith in Christ until the end. He was telling those who were present that those who die first will not be glorified first. In fact, when the moment arrives, the physical bodies of the dead will rise from their graves to be lifted into the clouds alongside those who are presently living. The final judgment of all shall come at the same time, some going to the right and some to the left according to their rewards.
Some religions refer to this passage as the "rapture," a term that the Roman Catholic Church tends to stay away from. The reason for this is that some of our separated brothers and sisters use this term in their belief that Christ will return to raise 144,000 elected ones who will rule with Jesus for 1,000 years on the earth in a physical Kingdom of God.
Such belief opposes the sound teachings of the Holy Catholic Church because the passage in the Second Letter to the Thessalonians is clear, it is the resurrection of all the physical bodies, they being raised alongside the living.
Also, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, guided and inspired by the Holy Spirit, makes it clear that the Kingdom of God is spiritual and present here now. Any belief in a secular (worldly) messianism is the deception of the Antichrist. (C.C.C. # 676) Jesus Himself said that His Kingdom "is not of this world." [Jn. 18:36] It is not a physical Kingdom - it is a spiritual Kingdom!
Paul stressed to his brothers and sisters in Christ that he did not want them to be uninformed. Those who are alive today, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who have died. As such, we should encourage one another with these words.
Today's Reading from the Gospel of Matthew [Mt. 25:1-13] reveals the Kingdom of Heaven to us. From the inspired words that the evangelist Saint Matthew wrote, we sense his diligence in spreading the spiritual message that is found in the Word of God. Today's words echo Matthew 7:22-3 where it says, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?" Then Jesus will declare to them, "I never knew you; go away from me, you evil-doers."
From the Gospel Reading, we perceive a number of pictures that echo spiritual meanings. Jesus is the Bridegroom. He descends out of Heaven from God to prepare His Bride, the new Jerusalem that is the invisible spiritual Kingdom of God on earth that is mirrored through the visible Holy Catholic Church. [Rev. 21:2-3] Remember that the Holy Catholic Church had its beginning in Jerusalem [Acts 1:4] on Pentecost Day when the Holy Spirit was given to the Church.
The bridesmaids, that is us. We are God's children who have placed our faith in Jesus Christ and who have been baptised as commanded by Jesus to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit (the new heart, the new human spirit and the indwelling Holy Spirit so we will remember God's laws). We have received our righteousness at Baptism to erase all traces of the original sin and the personal sins that we have committed before our Baptism. And now we enjoy the Sacraments of the Holy Catholic Church, the forgiveness of sins through the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the life of Christ in us through the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, the Bread of Life.
Each of the aforementioned are necessary steps for us children of God to remain as shining lights in the world, to have spiritual wisdom under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. If we neglect any of these, even just the Sacraments of Reconciliation or of the Holy Eucharist that gives us our ongoing assurance of God's righteousness that leads to eternal salvation, then, we are like the foolish bridesmaids who did not take any oil with them to ensure that their lamps would continue to shine in the darkness when the Lord Jesus comes unexpectedly at midnight.
To those who neglect their spiritual lives, even by temporarily taking a break to embrace the worldly ways of selfish fame, wealth and pleasures that destroy the soul, should the Lord Jesus call them to Heaven tonight, He will deny them the Kingdom of God because of their spiritual neglect. All are judged according to the sincerity of the heart that he has at the moment of death.
Today's heavenly message calls each and everyone of us to be prepared, to stay awake, because we do not know the day or the hour when we will be summoned to answer before the Lord God. We hear the Lord's call to be wise.
We Catholics are thankful to God the Father for His infinite love that reminds us to be wise in the management of our spiritual lives. We are thankful for the Body of Christ, the Holy Church, where we can find spiritual support from our brothers and sisters so we may all persevere until the end in our spiritual journey as pilgrims. We are thankful for today's message that awakens our awareness to our human weaknesses so we may spiritually mature in Christ to answer our call to become as shining lights in the world. May the grace of God be with all of you this week.
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