Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent, Dec 9,2008

Entrance Antiphon (stand)
See, the Lord is coming and with him all his saints. Then there will be endless day. (Zec 14:5,7)
Opening Prayer
Almighty God, help us to look forward to the glory of the birth of Christ our Savior: his coming is proclaimed joyfully to the ends of the earth, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Liturgy of the Word
Reading 1 (sit) (Is 40:1-11)
Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her service is at an end, her guilt is expiated; Indeed, she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her sins. A voice cries out: In the desert prepare the way of the LORD! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God! Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill shall be made low; The rugged land shall be made a plain, the rough country, a broad valley. Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken. A voice says, “Cry out!” I answer, “What shall I cry out?” “All flesh is grass, and all their glory like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower wilts, when the breath of the LORD blows upon it. So then, the people is the grass. Though the grass withers and the flower wilts, the word of our God stands forever.” Go up onto a high mountain, Zion, herald of glad tidings; Cry out at the top of your voice, Jerusalem, herald of good news! Fear not to cry out and say to the cities of Judah: Here is your God! Here comes with power the Lord GOD, who rules by his strong arm; Here is his reward with him, his recompense before him. Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, Carrying them in his bosom, and leading the ewes with care. The word of the LORD. Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm (Ps 96:1-2, 3 and 10ac, 11-12, 13)
R. The Lord our God comes with power.
Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all you lands. Sing to the LORD; bless his name; announce his salvation, day after day.
R. The Lord our God comes with power.
Tell his glory among the nations; among all peoples, his wondrous deeds. Say among the nations: The LORD is king; he governs the peoples with equity.
R. The Lord our God comes with power.
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and what fills it resound;
let the plains be joyful and all that is in them! Then let all the trees of the forest rejoice.
R. The Lord our God comes with power.
They shall exult before the LORD, for he comes; for he comes to rule the earth.
He shall rule the world with justice and the peoples with his constancy.
R. The Lord our God comes with power.
Alleluia, alleluia (stand)
The day of the Lord is near: Behold, he comes to save us.
Alleluia, alleluia
Gospel (Mt 18:12-14)
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
A reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew. Glory to you, Lord
Jesus said to his disciples: “What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.”
The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord, Jesus Christ.
Homily
Profession of Faith
We believe …
General Intercessions
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Preparation of the Altar and Gifts
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation…
Blessed be God forever.
Blessed be God forever.
Pray, brethren...
May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his Church.
Prayer over the Gifts
Pray, brethren...
Lord, we are nothing without you. As you sustain us with your mercy, receive our prayers and offerings. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Eucharistic Prayer
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Preface
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord. When he humbled himself to come among us as a man, he fulfilled the plan you formed long ago and opened for us the way to salvation. Now we watch for the day, hoping that the salvation promised us will be ours when Christ our Lord will come again in his glory. And so, with all the choirs of angels in heaven we proclaim your glory and join in their unending hymn of praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Eucharistic Prayer
Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.
Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life, Lord Jesus, come in glory.
When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus, until you come in glory.
Lord, by your cross and resurrection you have set us free. You are the Savior of the world.
Communion Rite
Lord’s Prayer
Our Father……
for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and for ever.
Breaking of the Bread
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: grant us peace.
Communion
This is the Lamb of God…
Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.
Communion Antiphon
The Lord is just; he will award the crown of justice to all who have longed for his coming. (2 Tm 4:8)
Prayer after Communion
Let us pray...
Father, You give us food from heaven. By our sharing in this mystery, teach us to judge wisely the things of earth and to love the things of heaven. Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Concluding Rite
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Amen
Thanks be to God.
http://www.usccb.org/nab/120908.shtml

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Dec 8

Entrance Antiphon (stand)
I exult for joy in the Lord, my soul rejoices in my God; for he has clothed me in the garment of salvation and robed me in the cloak of justice, like a bride adorned with her jewels. (Is 61:10)
Greeting
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
Father, you prepared the Virgin Mary to be the worthy mother...
Liturgy of the Word
Reading 1 (Gn 3:9-15, 20) (sit)
A reading from the Book of Genesis. After the man, Adam, had eaten of the tree, the LORD God called to the man and asked him, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden; but I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself.” Then he asked, “Who told you that you were naked? You have eaten, then, from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat!” The man replied, “The woman whom you put here with me she gave me fruit from the tree, and so I ate it.” The LORD God then asked the woman, “Why did you do such a thing?” The woman answered, “The serpent tricked me into it, so I ate it.” Then the LORD God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this, you shall be banned from all the animals and from all the wild creatures; on your belly shall you crawl, and dirt shall you eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel.” The man called his wife Eve, because she became the mother of all the living. The word of the LORD. Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm (Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4)
R. Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds.
Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.
R. Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds.
The LORD has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel.
R. Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds.
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise.
R. Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds.
Reading 11(Eph 1:3-6, 11-12)
A reading from the letter to the Ephesians. Brothers and sisters: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved. In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ. The word of the LORD. Thanks be to God.
Alleluia, alleluia (stand)
Alleluia, alleluia
Gospel (Lk 1:26-38)
A reading from the holy gospel according to Luke.
The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. Glory to you, Lord. The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord, Jesus Christ.
Homily (sit)
Profession of Faith (stand)
We believe …
General Intercessions
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Preparation of the Altar and Gifts
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation…
Blessed be God forever.
Blessed be God forever.
Pray, brethren... (stand)
May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his Church.
Prayer over the Gifts
Amen.
Eucharistic Prayer
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Preface
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, she became the virgin mother of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who is for ever the light of the world. Through him the choir of angels and all the powers of heaven praise and worship your glory. May our voices blend with theirs as we join in their unending hymn:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. (kneel)
Eucharistic Prayer
Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.
Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life, Lord Jesus, come in glory.
When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus, until you come in glory.
Lord, by your cross and resurrection you have set us free. You are the Savior of the world.Communion Rite
Lord’s Prayer (stand)
Our Father…
…for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and for ever.
Sign of Peace
Breaking of the Bread
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: grant us peace. (kneel)
Communion
This is the Lamb of God…
Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.
Communion Antiphon
Prayer after Communion
Concluding Rite (stand)
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Amen
Thanks be to God.
http://www.usccb.org/nab/120808.shtml …
Vatican ll Weekday Missal, Pauline Books & Media www.pauline.org

Sunday, Dec 7, 2008. 2nd week of Advent

Entrance Antiphon
People of Zion, the Lord will come to save all nations, and your hearts will exult to hear his majestic voice. (Is 30:19,30)
Greeting
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayers
God of power and mercy, open our hearts in welcome. Remove the things that hinder us from receiving Christ with joy, so that we may share his wisdom and become one with him when he comes in glory, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Reading 1 (Is 40:1-5, 9-11)
A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah:
Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her service is at an end, her guilt is expiated; indeed, she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her sins. A voice cries out:
In the desert prepare the way of the LORD! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God! Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill shall be made low; the rugged land shall be made a plain, the rough country, a broad valley. Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken. Go up on to a high mountain, Zion, herald of glad tidings; cry out at the top of your voice, Jerusalem, herald of good news! Fear not to cry out and say to the cities of Judah: Here is your God! Here comes with power the Lord GOD, who rules by his strong arm; here is his reward with him, his recompense before him. Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, carrying them in his bosom, and leading the ewes with care. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm (Ps 85:9-10-11-12,13-14)
R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
I will hear what God proclaims; the LORD—for he proclaims peace to his people. Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land.
R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven.
R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
The LORD himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase. Justice shall walk before him, and prepare the way of his steps.
R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
Reading 11 (2 Pt 3:8-14)
A reading from the Second Letter to Peter
Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day. The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard “delay,” but he is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a mighty roar and the elements will be dissolved by fire, and the earth and everything done on it will be found out. Since everything is to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be, conducting yourselves in holiness and devotion, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved in flames and the elements melted by fire. But according to his promise we await new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you await these things, be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Alleluia, alleluia
Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths; all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
Alleluia, alleluia
Gospel (Mk 1:1-8)
The reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark:
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He fed on locusts and wild honey. And this is what he proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Homily
Profession of Faith
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation…
Blessed be God forever.
Blessed be God forever.
Pray, brethren…
May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his Church.
Prayer over the Gifts
Pray, brethren...
Lord, we are nothing without you. As you sustain us with your mercy, receive our prayers and offerings. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Eucharistic Prayer
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Preface
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord. When he humbled himself to come among us as a man, he fulfilled the plan you formed long ago and opened for us the way to salvation. Now we watch for the day, hoping that the salvation promised us will be ours when Christ our Lord will come again in his glory. And so, with all the choirs of angels in heaven we proclaim your glory and join in their unending hymn of praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord…
Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again.
Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory.
When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus, until you come in glory.
Lord, by your cross and resurrection you have set us free. You are the Savior of the world.
Communion Rite
Our Father…
...for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and for ever.
Sign of Peace
Breaking of the Bread
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: grant us peace.
Communion
This is the Lamb of God…
Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.
Communion Antiphon
Rise up, Jerusalem, stand on the heights, and see the joy that is coming to you from God.
Prayer after Communion
Let us pray.
Father, you give us food from heaven. By our sharing in this mystery, teach us to judge wisely the things of earth and to love the things of heaven. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Concluding Rite
Thanks be to God.

Source: http://www.usccb.org/nab/120708.shtml
Vatican ll Weekday Missal, Pauline Books & Media www.pauline.org

Sat, Dec 6, 2008, 1st week of Advent

Feast of St. Nicholas of Mira
Entrance Antiphon
Come, Lord, from your cherubim throne; let us see your face, and we shall be saved. (Ps 79:4,2)
Greeting
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
(St. Nicholas of Mira) Father, hear our prayers for mercy, and by the help of St. Nicholas keep us safe from all danger, and guide us on the way of salvation. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
God our Father, you loved the world so much you gave your only Son to free us from the ancient power of sin and death. Help us who wait for his coming, and lead us to true liberty. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Reading 1
A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah. (Is 30:19-21,23-26)
Thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: O people of Zion, who dwell in Jerusalem, no more will you weep; He will be gracious to you when you cry out, as soon as he hears he will answer you. The Lord will give you the bread you need and the water for which you thirst. No longer will your Teacher hide himself, but with your own eyes you shall see your Teacher, While from behind, a voice shall sound in your ears: “This is the way; walk in it,” when you would turn to the right or to the left.. He will give rain for the seed that you sow in the ground, And the wheat that the soil produces will be rich and abundant. On that day your flock will be given pasture and the lamb will graze in spacious meadows; The oxen and the asses that till the ground will eat silage tossed to them with shovel and pitchfork. Upon every high mountain and lofty hill there will be streams of running water. On the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall, The light of the moon will be like that of the sun and the light of the sun will be seven times greater like the light of seven days. On the day the LORD binds up the wounds of his people, he will heal the bruises left by his blows. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Responsorial (Ps 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6)
R. Blessed are all who wait for the Lord.
Praise the LORD, for he is good; sing praise to our God, for he is gracious; it is fitting to praise him. The LORD rebuilds Jerusalem; the dispersed of Israel he gathers. R. Blessed are all who wait for the Lord.
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He tells the number of the stars; he calls each by name. R. Blessed are all who wait for the Lord.
Great is our LORD and mighty in power: to his wisdom there is no limit. The LORD sustains the lowly; the wicked he casts to the ground. R. Blessed are all who wait for the Lord.
Alleluia, alleluia The LORD is our Judge, our Lawgiver, our King; he it is who will save us. Alleluia, alleluia
Gospel ( Mt 9:35–10:1, 5a, 6-8)
The reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” Then he summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, “Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Homily
Profession of Faith
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation…
Blessed be God forever.
Blessed be God forever.
Pray, brethren…
May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his Church.
Prayer over the Gifts
Pray, brethren...
Lord, may the gift we offer in faith and love be a continual sacrifice in your honor and truly become our eucharist and our salvation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Eucharistic Prayer
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Preface
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord. When he humbled himself to come among us as a man, he fulfilled the plan you formed long ago and opened for us the way to salvation. Now we watch for the day, hoping that the salvation promised us will be ours when Christ our Lord will come again in his glory. And so, with all the choirs of angels in heaven we proclaim your glory and join in their unending hymn of praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again.
Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory.
When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus, until you come in glory.
Lord, by your cross and resurrection you have set us free. You are the Savior of the world.
Communion Rite
Our Father…
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and for ever.
Sign of Peace
Breaking of the Bread
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: grant us peace.
Communion
This is the Lamb of God…
Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.
Communion Antiphon
I am coming quickly, says the Lord, and will repay each man according to his deeds. (Rv 22:12)
Prayer after Communion
Let us pray.
God of mercy, may this eucharist bring us your divine help, free us from our sins, and prepare us for the birthday of our Savior, who is Lord for ever and ever.
Concluding Rite
Thanks be to God.Source: http://www.usccb.org/nab/120508.shtml
Vatican ll Weekday Missal, Pauline Books & Media www.pauline.org

Fri, Dec 5, 2008, 1st week of Advent

Entrance Antiphon
The Lord is coming from heaven in splendor to visit his people, and bring them peace and eternal life.
Greeting
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
Jesus, our Lord, save us from our sins. Come, protect us from all dangers and lead us to salvation, foryou live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Reading 1 (Is 29:17-24)
Thus says the Lord GOD: But a very little while, and Lebanon shall be changed into an orchard, and the orchard be regarded as a forest! On that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book; And out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see. The lowly will ever find joy in the LORD, and the poor rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. For the tyrant will be no more and the arrogant will have gone; All who are alert to do evil will be cut off, those whose mere word condemns a man, Who ensnare his defender at the gate, and leave the just man with an empty claim. Therefore thus says the LORD, the God of the house of Jacob, who redeemed Abraham: Now Jacob shall have nothing to be ashamed of, nor shall his face grow pale. When his children see the work of my hands in his midst, They shall keep my name holy; they shall reverence the Holy One of Jacob, and be in awe of the God of Israel. Those who err in spirit shall acquire understanding, and those who find fault shall receive instruction. The word of the LORD. Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm (Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14)
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The LORD is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid? R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
One thing I ask of the LORD; this I seek: To dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, That I may gaze on the loveliness of the LORD and contemplate his temple. R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD. R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Alleluia, alleluia Behold, our Lord shall come with power; he will enlighten the eyes of his servants. Alleluia, alleluia
Gospel (Mt 9:27-31)
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
The reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew Glory to you, Lord.
As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us!” When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they said to him. Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread word of him through all that land. The gospel of the Lord. The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Homily
Profession of Faith
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation…
Blessed be God forever.
Blessed be God forever.
Pray, brethren…
May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his Church.
Prayer over the Gifts
Pray, brethren...
Lord, we are nothing without you. As you sustain us with your mercy, receive our prayers and offerings. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Eucharistic Prayer
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord.Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.Preface
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord. When he humbled himself to come among us as a man, he fulfilled the plan you formed long ago and opened for us the way to salvation. Now we watch for the day, hoping that the salvation promised us will be ours when Christ our Lord will come again in his glory. And so, with all the choirs of angels in heaven we proclaim your glory and join in their unending hymn of praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again.
Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory.
When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus, until you come in glory.
Lord, by your cross and resurrection you have set us free. You are the Savior of the world.
Communion Rite
Our Father…
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and for ever.
Sign of Peace
Breaking of the Bread
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: grant us peace.
Communion
This is the Lamb of God…
Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.
Communion Antiphon
We are waiting for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; he will transfigure our lowly bodies into copies of his own glorious body. (Phil 3:20-21)
Prayer after Communion
Let us pray. Father, you give us food from heaven. By our sharing in this mystery, teach us to judge wisely the things of earth and to love the things of heaven. Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Concluding Rite
Thanks be to God.
Source: http://www.usccb.org/nab/120508.shtml
Vatican ll Weekday Missal, Pauline Books & Media www.pauline.org

Thurs, Dec 4, 2008, 1st week of Advent

Entrance Antiphon
Lord, you are near, and all your commandments are just; long have I known that you decreed them for ever. (Ps 118:151-152)
Opening Prayers
Father, we need your help. Free us from sin and bring us to life. Support us by your power. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
(St. John of Damascus) Opening Prayers:
Lord, may the prayers of St. John Damascene help us, and may the true faith he taught so well always be our light and our strength. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Reading 1 (Is 26:1-6)
On that day they will sing this song in the land of Judah: “A strong city have we; he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us. Open up the gates to let in a nation that is just, one that keeps faith. A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace; in peace, for its trust in you.” Trust in the LORD forever! For the LORD is an eternal Rock. He humbles those in high places, and the lofty city he brings down; He tumbles it to the ground, levels it with the dust. It is trampled underfoot by the needy, by the footsteps of the poor.
Responsorial Psalm (Ps 118:1 and 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a)
R. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.
R. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Open to me the gates of justice; I will enter them and give thanks to the LORD. This gate is the LORD’s; the just shall enter it. I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me and have been my savior.
R. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
O LORD, grant salvation! O LORD, grant prosperity! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD; we bless you from the house of the LORD. The LORD is God, and he has given us light.
R. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Alleluia, alleluia
Seek the LORD while he may be found; call him while he is near.
Alleluia, alleluia
Gospel (Mt 7:21, 24-27)
Jesus said to his disciples: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”
Prayer over the Gifts
Pray, brethren...
Father, from all you give us we present this bread and wine. As we serve you now, accept our offering and sustain us with your promise of eternal life. Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Preface
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord. When he humbled himself to come among us as a man, he fulfilled the plan you formed long ago and opened for us the way to salvation. Now we watch for the day, hoping that the salvation promised us will be ours when Christ our Lord will come again in his glory. And so, with all the choirs of angels in heaven we proclaim your glory and join in their unending hymn of praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord…
Communion Antiphon
Let our lives be honest and holy in this present age, as we wait for the happiness to come when our great God reveals himself in glory. (Ti 2:12-13)
Prayer after Communion
Let us pray.
Father, may our communion teach us to love heaven. May its promise and hope guide our way on earth. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Sources:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/120408.shtml
Vatican ll Weekday Missal, Pauline Books & Media www.pauline.org

Wed, Dec 3, 2008 Readings at Mass...

Memorial of St Francis Xavier, priest
Entrance Antiphon
The Lord is coming and will not delay; he will bring every hidden thing to light and reveal himself to every nation. (Hab 2:3, 1 Cor 4-5)
Opening Prayer (St Francis Xavier)
God our Father, by the preaching of Francis Xavier you brought many nations to yourself. Give his zeal for the faith to all who believe in you, that your Church may rejoice in continued growth throughout the world. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Opening Prayer
Lord our God, grant that we may be ready to receive Christ when he comes in glory and to share in the banquet of heaven, where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Reading 1 (Is 25:6-10a)
On this mountain the LORD of hosts will provide for all peoples A feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines. On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, The web that is woven over all nations; he will destroy death forever. The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces; The reproach of his people he will remove from the whole earth; for the LORD has spoken. On that day it will be said: “Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us! This is the LORD for whom we looked; let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!” For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain.
Responsorial Psalm (Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6)
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
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.
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side With your rod and your staff that give me courage.
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
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.
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

Alleluia, alleluia
Behold, the Lord comes to save his people; blessed are those prepared to meet him.
Alleluia, alleluia
Gospel (Mt 15:29-37)
At that time: Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there. Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them. The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind able to see, and they glorified the God of Israel. Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way.” The disciples said to him, “Where could we ever get enough bread in this deserted place to satisfy such a crowd?” Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” “Seven,” they replied, “and a few fish.” He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation…
Blessed be God forever.
Blessed be God forever.
Pray, brethren…
May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his Church.
Prayer over the Gifts
Pray brethren…
(St Francis Xavier) Lord, receive the gifts we bring on the feast of fRancis Xavier. As his zeal for the salvation of mankind led him to the ends of the earth,, may we be effective witnesses to the gospel and come with our brothers and sisters to be with you in the joy of your kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Prayer over the Gifts
Pray brethren…
Lord, may the gift we offer in faith and love be a continual sacrifice in your honor and truly become our eucharist and our salvation. Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Preface
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord. When he humbled himself to come among us as a man, he fulfilled the plan you formed long ago and opened for us the way to salvation. Now we watch for the day, hoping that the salvation promised us will be ours when Christ our Lord will come again in his glory. And so, with all the choirs of angels in heaven we proclaim your glory and join in their unending hymn of praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord…
Communion Antiphon
The Lord our God comes in strength and will fill his servants with joy. (Is 40:10 34:5)
Prayer after Communion
Let us pray.
(St Francis Xavier) Lord God, may this eucharist fill us with the same love that inspired Francis Xavier to work for the salvation of all. Help us to live in a manner more worthy of our Christian calling and so inherit the promise of eternal life. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
Prayer after Communion
Let us pray.
God of mercy, may this eucharist bring us your divine help, free us from our sins, and prepare us for the birthday of our Savior, who is Lord forever and ever.
--------------
Source:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/120308.shtml
Vatican 11 Weekly Missal published by Pauline Books & Media, www.pauline.org, 2002

Reading at today's mass, Tuesday, Dec 2, 2008,

Tuesday, Dec 2, 2008, 1st week of Advent
Entrance Antiphon
See, the Lord is coming and with him all his saints. Then there will be endless day. (Zec 14:5,7)
Opening Prayer
God of mercy and consolation, help us in our weakness and free us from sin. Hear our prayers that we may rejoice at the coming of your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Reading 1 (Is 11:1-10)
On that day, A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, A Spirit of counsel and of strength, a Spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD, and his delight shall be the fear of the LORD. Not by appearance shall he judge, nor by hearsay shall he decide, But he shall judge the poor with justice, and decide alright for the land’s afflicted. He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. Justice shall be the band around his waist, and faithfulness a belt upon his hips. Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; The calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them. The cow and the bear shall be neighbors, together their young shall rest; the lion shall eat hay like the ox. The baby shall play by the cobra’s den, and the child lay his hand on the adder’s lair. There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the LORD, as water covers the sea. On that day, The root of Jesse, set up as a signal for the nations, The Gentiles shall seek out, for his dwelling shall be glorious. The word of the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm (Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17)
R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.O God, with your judgment endow the king, and with your justice, the king’s son; He shall govern your people with justice and your afflicted ones with judgment.
R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
Justice shall flower in his days, and profound peace, till the moon be no more. May he rule from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.
R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.He shall rescue the poor when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him. He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor; the lives of the poor he shall save.
R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
May his name be blessed forever; as long as the sun his name shall remain. In him shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed; all the nations shall proclaim his happiness.
R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
Alleluia, alleluia
Behold, our Lord shall come with power; he will enlighten the eyes of his servants.
Alleluia, alleluia
Gospel (Lk 10:21-24)
Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.” Turning to the disciples in private he said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.” The Gospel of the Lord.
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation…
Blessed be God forever.
Blessed be God forever.
Pray, brethren…
May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his Church.
Prayer over the Gifts
Pray brethren…
Lord, we are nothing without you. As you sustain us with your mercy, receive our prayers and offerings. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Preface
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord. When he humbled himself to come among us as a man, he fulfilled the plan you formed long ago and opened for us the way to salvation. Now we watch for the day, hoping that the salvation promised us will be ours when Christ our Lord will come again in his glory. And so, with all the choirs of angels in heaven we proclaim your glory and join in their unending hymn of praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord…
Communion Antiphon
The Lord is just; he will award the crown of justice to all who have longed for his coming. (2 Tm 4-8)
Prayer after Communion
Let us pray.
Father, you give us food from heaven. By our sharing in this mystery, teach us to judge wisely the things of earth and to love the things of heaven. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

http://www.usccb.org/nab/120208.shtml

Monday, Dec 1, 2008, 1st Week of Advent

Entrance Antiphon
Nations, hear the message of the Lord, and make it known to the ends of the earth: Our Savior is coming. Have no more fear.
(Jer 31:10; Is:35:4)
Opening Prayers
Lord our God, help us to prepare for the coming of Christ your Son. May he find us waiting, eager in joyful prayer. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, on God, forever and ever.
Reading 1 (Is 2:1-5)
This is what Isaiah, son of Amoz, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In days to come, The mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established as the highest mountain and raised above the hills. All nations shall stream toward it; many peoples shall come and say: “Come, let us climb the LORD’s mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob, That he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths.” For from Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and impose terms on many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD!
Responsorial Psalm (Ps 122:1-2,3-4b,4cd-5,6-7,8-9)
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
I rejoiced because they said to me, “We will go up to the house of the LORD." And now we have set foot within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Jerusalem, built as a city with compact unity. To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
According to the decree for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. In it are set up judgment seats, seats for the house of David.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May those who love you prosper! May peace be within your walls, prosperity in your buildings.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Because of my relatives and friends I will say, “Peace be within you!" Because of the house of the LORD, our God, I will pray for your good.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Gospel (Mt 8:5-11)
When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” He said to him, “I will come and cure him.” The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven.”

Prayer over the Gifts
Pray, brethren...
Father, from all you give us we present this bread and wine. As we serve you now, accept our offering and sustain us with your promise of eternal life. Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Preface
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord. When he humbled himself to come among us as a man, he fulfilled the plan you formed long ago and opened for us the way to salvation. Now we watch for the day, hoping that the salvation promised us will be ours when Christ our Lord will come again in his glory. And so, with all the choirs of angels in heaven we proclaim your glory and join in their unending hymn of praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord…
Communion Antiphon
Come to us, Lord, and bring us peace. We will rejoice in your presence and serve you with all our heart. (Ps 105:4-5; Is 38:3)
Prayer after Communion
Let us pray…
Father, may our communion teach us to love heaven. May its promise and hope guide our way on earth. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

St. Nicholas of Myra

from AmericanCatholic.org

Of the few things we can say with historical certainty about this saint of early Christianity is that he indeed lived. He was born in 280 and his see was on the Mediterranean coast, in an area where St. Paul had first brought the gospel a few hundred years earlier. The busy seaport of Myra, in the Asia Minor province of Lycea, is present-day Demre, Turkey. He was such a devoted and holy bishop that, much like Mother Teresa today, the people immediately recognized him as a saint. Thus, the Church kept careful track of his remains after he died in about 342.

St. Nicholas was few decades before St. Augustine of Hippo...

First Sunday of Advent, November 30, 2008

Entrance Song
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Opening Prayers
Let us pray
Reading 1 Is 63:16b-17,19b;64:2-7
You, LORD, are our father, our redeemer you are named forever. Why do you let us wander, O LORD, from your ways, and harden our hearts so that we fear you not? Return for the sake of your servants, the tribes of your heritage. Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, with the mountains quaking before you, while you wrought awesome deeds we could not hope for, such as they had not heard of from of old. No ear has ever heard, no eye ever seen, any God but you doing such deeds for those who wait for him. Would that you might meet us doing right, that we were mindful of you in our ways! Behold, you are angry, and we are sinful; all of us have become like unclean people, all our good deeds are like polluted rags; we have all withered like leaves, and our guilt carries us away like the wind. There is none who calls upon your name, who rouses himself to cling to you; for you have hidden your face from us and have delivered us up to our guilt. Yet, O LORD, you are our father; we are the clay and you the potter: we are all the work of your hands.

Responsorial Psalm (Ps 80:2-3,15-16,18-19)
R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
O shepherd of Israel, hearken, from your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth. Rouse your power, and come to save us.
R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
Once again, O LORD of hosts, look down from heaven, and see; take care of this vine,
and protect what your right hand has planted the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
May your help be with the man of your right hand, with the son of man whom you yourself made strong. Then we will no more withdraw from you; give us new life, and we will call upon your name.
R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

Reading II 1 Cor 1:3-9
Brothers and sisters:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus, that in him you were enriched in every way, with all discourse and all knowledge, as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you, so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.


Alleluia, alleluia (Lk 21:36)

Alleluia, alleluia

Gospel Mk 13:33-37
Jesus said to his disciples: “Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come. It is like a man traveling abroad. He leaves home and places his servants in charge, each with his own work, and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch.
Watch, therefore; you do not know when the Lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning. May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’”

Prayer over the Gifts
Pray, brethren...

Communion Antiphon

Prayer after Communion
Let us pray


Amen.

Source: http://www.usccb.org/nab/113008.shtml

Readings, Saturday, November 29, 2008

Saturday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Entrance Antiphon
The Lord speaks of peace to his people, to those who turn to him with all their heart. (Ps 84:9)
Opening Prayers
Let us pray [that the Spirit of God will renew our lives]
Lord, increase our eagerness to do your will and help us to know the saving power of your love. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Reading 1 Rv 22:1-7
John said: An angel showed me the river of life-giving water, sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the street, On either side of the river grew the tree of life that produces fruit twelve times a year, once each month; the leaves of the trees serve as medicine for the nations. Nothing accursed will be found anymore. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will look upon his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. Night will be no more, nor will they need light from lamp or sun, for the Lord God shall give them light, and they shall reign forever and ever. And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true, and the Lord, the God of prophetic spirits, sent his angel to show his servants what must happen soon.” “Behold, I am coming soon.” Blessed is the one who keeps the prophetic message of this book.
Responsorial Psalm (Ps 95:1-2, 3-5, 6-7ab)
R. Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus! (1 Cor 16:22b, Rev.22:20c)
Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD; let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us joyfully sing psalms to him.
R. Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
For the LORD is a great God, and a great king above all gods; In his hands are the depths of the earth, and the tops of the mountains are his. His is the sea, for he has made it, and the dry land, which his hands have formed.
R. Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
Come, let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the LORD who made us. For he is our God, and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides.
R. Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
Alleluia, alleluia (Lk 21:36)
Be vigilant at all times and pray that you may have the strength to stand before the Son of Man.
Alleluia, alleluia
Gospel Lk 21:34-36
Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Prayer over the Gifts
Pray, brethren...
God of love, may the sacrifice we offer in obedience to your command renew our resolution to be faithful to your word. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon
All you nations, praise the Lord, for steadfast is his kindly mercy to us. (Ps 116:1-2)
or
I, the Lord, am with you always, until the end of the world. (Mt 28:20)
Prayer after Communion
Let us pray
Almighty God, in this eucharist you give us the joy of sharing your life. Keep us in your presence. Let us never be separated from you. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
Amen.

Readings, Friday, November 28, 2008

Friday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Entrance Antiphon
The Lord speaks of peace to his people, to those who turn to him with all their heart. (Ps 84:9)
Opening Prayers
Let us pray [that the Spirit of God will renew our lives]
Lord, increase our eagerness to do your will and help us to know the saving power of your love. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Reading 1, (Rv 20:1-4, 11—21:2)
I, John, saw an angel come down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the abyss and a heavy chain. He seized the dragon, the ancient serpent, which is the Devil or Satan, and tied it up for a thousand years and threw it into the abyss, which he locked over it and sealed, so that it could no longer lead the nations astray until the thousand years are completed. After this, it is to be released for a short time.
Then I saw thrones; those who sat on them were entrusted with judgment. I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, and who had not worshiped the beast or its image nor had accepted its mark on their foreheads or hands. They came to life and they reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
Next I saw a large white throne and the one who was sitting on it. The earth and the sky fled from his presence and there was no place for them. I saw the dead, the great and the lowly, standing before the throne, and scrolls were opened. Then another scroll was opened, the book of life. The dead were judged according to their deeds, by what was written in the scrolls. The sea gave up its dead; then Death and Hades gave up their dead. All the dead were judged according to their deeds. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the pool of fire. (This pool of fire is the second death.) Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the pool of fire.
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Responsorial Psalm
R. Here God lives among his people. (Rev. 21:3b)
My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the LORD. My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
R. Here God lives among his people.
Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest in which she puts her young–Your altars, O LORD of hosts, my king and my God!
R. Here God lives among his people.
Blessed they who dwell in your house! continually they praise you. Blessed the men whose strength you are! They go from strength to strength.
R. Here God lives among his people.
(Ps 84:3, 4, 5-6a and 8a)
Alleluia, alleluia (Lk 21:28)
Stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.
Alleluia, alleluia
Gospel (Lk 21:29-33) (When you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near.)
Jesus told his disciples a parable. “Consider the fig tree and all the other trees. When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near; in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
Prayer over the Gifts
Pray, brethren...
God of love, may the sacrifice we offer in obedience to your command renew our resolution to be faithful to your word. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon
All you nations, praise the Lord, for steadfast is his kindly mercy to us. (Ps 116:1-2)
or
I, the Lord, am with you always, until the end of the world. (Mt 28:20)
Prayer after Communion
Let us pray
Almighty God, in this eucharist you give us the joy of sharing your life. Keep us in your presence. Let us never be separated from you. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
Amen.

Thanksgiving Day Readings for Mass

Entrance Antiphon
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; his love is everlasting. Give thanks to the Lord of Lords, for his love is everlasting. (Ps 136:1)
Reading 1 (Sir 50:22-24)
And now, bless the God of all, who has done wondrous things on earth; Who fosters people’s growth from their mother’s womb, and fashions them according to his will! May he grant you joy of heart and may peace abide among you; May his goodness toward us endure in Israel to deliver us in our days.
Responsorial Psalm
R.Lord, I thank you for your faithfulness and love.
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all of my heart,for you have heard the words of my mouth; in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise; I will worship at your holy temple.
R. Lord, I thank you for your faithfulness and love.
I will give thanks to your name, Because of your kindness and your truth. When I called, you answered me; you built up strength within me.
R. Lord, I thank you for your faithfulness and love.
All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O LORD, when they hear the words of your mouth; And they shall sing of the ways of the LORD: “Great is the glory of the LORD.”
R.Lord, I thank you for your faithfulness and love.
(Ps 138:1-2a, 2bc-3, 4-5)
Reading II (1 Cor 1:3-9)
Brothers and sisters:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus, that in him you were enriched in every way, with all discourse and all knowledge, as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you, so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Gospel Lk 17:11-19
As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten persons with leprosy met him. They stood at a distance from him and raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” And when he saw them, he said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” Then he said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.”
Prayer over the Gifts
God our Father, from your hand we have received generous gifts so that we might learn to share your blessings in gratitude. Accept these gifts of bread and wine, and let the perfect sacrifice of Jesus draw us closer to all our brothers and sisters in the family of man. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Communion
O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for his great love is without end.
Prayer after Communion
Lord God, in this celebration, we have seen the depths of your love for every man and woman and been reminded of our engaging toward others. Help us to reach out in love to all your people, so that we may share with them the goods of time and eternity. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Parable of the Talents

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.'"
Matthew 25:14-30

Catholic Bishops post Obama election

Cardinal Francis George: “The common good can never be adequately incarnated in any society when those waiting to be born can be legally killed at choice,”
Bishop Joseph Martino of Scranton singled out Vice President-elect Biden, a Catholic, Scranton native who supports abortion rights: “I cannot have a vice president-elect coming to Scranton to say he’s learned his values there when those values are utterly against the teachings of the Catholic Church,”
Archbishop Joseph Naumann of the Diocese of Kansas City in Kansas said politicians “can’t check your principles at the door of the legislature.” Naumann has said repeatedly that Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, a Catholic Democrat who supports abortion rights, should stop taking Holy Communion until she changes her stance. “They cannot call themselves Catholic when they violate such a core belief as the dignity of the unborn,” Naumann said Tuesday.
Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Chicago said the hospitals would close rather than comply.
“We have a very important thing to say. I think we should say it clearly and with a punch,” said New York Cardinal Edward Egan.

Bishop Serratelli of Paterson Diocese rebuke Obama

Bishop Serratelli: No Right to Life! No Freedom!
With 108 members of Congress, Obama support Freedom of Choice Act. He promised Planned Parenthood the first thing he would sign as President is the Freedom of Choice Act.

Every vote counts. Today, either we choose to respect and protect life, especially the life of the child in the womb of the mother or we sanction the loss of our most basic freedoms.

Catholic hierarchies rebuke of Biden & Pelosi on abortion..

via EWTN

Bishop rebukes Biden again!

Today is Respect Life Sunday.
Bishop Martino of Scranton on Respect Life Sunday 10/4/2008
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

A person who supports permissive abortion laws rejects the truth that innocent human life may never be destroyed. This profound moral failure runs deeper than any error in applying just war criteria to particular cases.

Catholic 'Doctors of the Church'...

I never know who the 'Doctors of the Church' are frequently mentioned by converts interviewed by Marcus Grodi in The Journey Home, EWTN, Monday 8pm EST until now.

Doctors of the Church
This is a very special title accorded by the Church to certain saints. This title indicates that the writings and preachings of such a person are useful to Christians "in any age of the Church." Such men and women are also particularly known for the depth of understanding and the orthodoxy of their theological teachings. While the writings of the Doctors are often considered inspired by the Holy Spirit. This does not mean they are infallible, but it does mean that they contributed significantly to the formulation of Christian teaching in at least one area.

I've read St. Augustine major work 'City of God, Confession and Letters', St. Thomas' 5 volume Summa Theologica and St Therese of Lisieux 'Story of a Soul'.
via Catholic Online.com.

Catholic must view video...

here.

Congress, no FOCA please...

Cardinal Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, Chairman, Committee on Pro-Life Activities, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops letter to Members of Congress on September 19, 2008 here.

gravely concerned about any possible consideration of the "Freedom of Choice Act" ("FOCA," S.1173 and H.R.1964). FOCA would deprive the American people in all 50 states of the freedom they now have to enact modest restraints and regulations on the abortion industry.

It's all about control and strengthening of Roe v. Wade.
tip: marketwatch.com, headlinebistro.com

The Womb

Fr. Thomas J. Loya writes about 'The Womb' in The Theology of the Body.

We have spoken before in this column about the "genius of womanhood" which is stamped in the very language of the female body. This genius of womanhood holds the key to the most powerful force in the created order — femininity. The power of femininity lies in the one thing that distinguishes womanhood itself — the womb.

K of C head admonish Biden

Supreme Knight Carl Anderson add his voice in behalf of his brother Knights to challenge pro-abortion Catholic, Democrat, Vice President candidate Senator Biden. Read letter in pdf here.
History of the Knights of Columbus here.

Election Novena from Priests For Life...

O God, we acknowledge you today as Lord,
Not only of individuals, but of nations and governments.
We thank you for the privilege
Of being able to organize ourselves politically
And of knowing that political loyalty
Does not have to mean disloyalty to you.
We thank you for your law,
Which our Founding Fathers acknowledged
And recognized as higher than any human law.
We thank you for the opportunity that this election year puts before us,
To exercise our solemn duty not only to vote,
But to influence countless others to vote,
And to vote correctly.
Lord, we pray that your people may be awakened.
Let them realize that while politics is not their salvation,
Their response to you requires that they be politically active.
Awaken your people to know that they are not called to be a sect fleeing the world
But rather a community of faith renewing the world.
Awaken them that the same hands lifted up to you in prayer
Are the hands that pull the lever in the voting booth;
That the same eyes that read your Word
Are the eyes that read the names on the ballot,
And that they do not cease to be Christians
When they enter the voting booth.
Awaken your people to a commitment to justice
To the sanctity of marriage and the family,
To the dignity of each individual human life,
And to the truth that human rights begin when human lives begin,
And not one moment later.
Lord, we rejoice today
That we are citizens of your kingdom.
May that make us all the more committed
To being faithful citizens on earth.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Senator Biden admonished by Archbishop Chaput!

Public Servants and Moral Reasoning (pdf)

"Abortion is a foundational issue; it is not an issue like housing policy or the price of foreign oil. It always involves the intentional killing of an innocent life, and it is always, grievously wrong."

via Hotair.com, Ed Morrissey

Answered Prayers!

Blessed Mother, thank you for Sarah Palin!

Palin is an answered prayer. She is exactly what America and John McCain needed. She is a proven leader. And leaders have an obligation to inspire others to do what is in the nation’s best interest.

from Townhall.com, Lee Culpepper

Amazing Grace - Sarah Palin

from humanevents.com, Peter Sprigg...

three profound misunderstandings of how social conservatives in general, and evangelical Christians in particular, think.
The first of these has to do with “moral values.” Yes, we believe that having sex before marriage is morally wrong (and dangerous -- conservative values are pragmatic, not just moralistic). So Bristol’s choice to engage in that behavior was wrong as well.
But while having sex outside of marriage is bad, deliberately destroying an innocent human life through abortion (no matter how that child was conceived) is far, far worse. That is why conservative celebration of Bristol’s decision to carry her child to term -- under circumstances where many would choose abortion -- outweighed disappointment over her sexual behavior. (Her announced intention to marry the father is also a plus, despite the unfortunate circumstances.)
This situation only underscores the sincerity of the Palin family’s pro-life convictions. Earlier this year, Gov. Palin gave birth to her son Trig -- despite knowing that he had Down syndrome, a diagnosis that leads to abortion in eighty percent of the time. Now, the Palins have again chosen life. When pro-abortion zealots say, “You don’t understand the agonizing personal circumstances that lead to abortion,” Sarah Palin can answer, “Yes, I do -- but I chose life.”
The second misunderstanding is about the role of women. The liberal stereotype of social conservatives, especially evangelicals, is that we think women should be perpetually barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen, rather than pursuing careers and assuming leadership roles in the political realm. So shouldn’t a mother of five (including a pregnant teen and a special-needs infant) be a homemaker, instead of trying to govern Alaska or run for vice president?
Well, yes -- if she chooses to. Many intelligent, well-educated, accomplished women do choose to stay home with their children -- and they should not be accused of “wasting” their talents or their education, as they often are by liberal feminists.
But those women who feel that they are able to balance career and family, with the help of a supportive husband, have every right to do so. Some of the most distinguished leaders in the social conservative movement, such as Beverly LaHaye, Phyllis Schlafly, Charmaine Yoest, and Connie Mackey, are women and mothers.
The final misunderstanding is theological. Contrary to stereotype, Christianity is not a religion of condemnation, but of grace. The good news, the gospel, the “evangel” (from which the word “evangelical” comes) is that even though every one of us is a sinner, every one of us can also be forgiven our sins, because Christ took the punishment for them on the cross. “Grace” is God’s unmerited favor -- the love he pours out on his children, not because we deserve it, but despite the fact that we don’t.

Blessed Mother, thank you for Sarah Palin!

Mary, Refuge of Holy Love
Thank you for answering our prayers!
We still pray for most voters (on the left and Democrat party) on November 4, 2008 will see the light most Republicans have seen since Governor Sarah Palin's speech on August 29,2008.

God Bless Gov. Sarah Palin's family

They have demonstrated clearly what it takes to be Pro-Life.
Lord, give them strength!

“Our beautiful daughter Bristol came to us with news that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. We’re proud of Bristol’s decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents. As Bristol faces the responsibilities of adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional love and support.”

via Foxnews.com

Archbishop Chaput respond to Speaker Pelosi's false Catholic belief

Catholic public leaders inconvenienced by the abortion debate tend to take a hard line in talking about the "separation of Church and state." But their idea of separation often seems to work one way. In fact, some officials also seem comfortable in the role of theologian. And that warrants some interest,not as a "political" issue, but as a matter of accuracy and justice.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is a gifted public servant of strong convictions and many professional skills. Regrettably, knowledge of Catholic history and teaching does not seem to be one of them.
Most Rev. Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Denver, CO. 8/25/08

Healing Grace

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAuowRIOtLc

Novena to Mary, Refuge of Holy Love for '08 election!

Four Month Novena to Mary, Refuge of Holy Love

Mary, Refuge of Holy Love, intercede for our country with your Immaculately-Conceived Heart during the upcoming elections. Since you are the Ever-Virgin Mary and Mother of the true God, obtain for us from the Blessed Trinity a president and other elected political leaders who will help the United States become a country of great purity and high morality.
O Sweet Blessed Mother, intercede for us that our next president will support life for each individual at every stage, uphold family life, and influence other countries throughout the world to love God above all else and neighbor as self, to serve Him, and to live for Him alone. Time and again you have given us your gracious assistance, and thus we humbly and gratefully acknowledge you as our Patron.
Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee and all those who do not have recourse to thee!
May Eternal Father shine His Light upon our country and the whole world. Amen

08 Election #1 issue is Life!

Specifically, life of the born and unborn!

Pro Life

I am pro life because of them!

God's place in wars!

http://www.breakpoint.org/listingarticle.asp?ID=7965

'war is crucifixion: God’s place in war is on the cross'

Pilgrimage of Cardinal Sean in Istanbul

Must see and read Cardinal Sean's blog this week. Lots of pictures of ancient church turn museum in Istanbul and St Petersburg with corresponding commentary. Better than if I've gone on pilgrimage myself.

The Muslims have a devotion to the Blessed Mother. They have adopted a lot of things from the New Testament, and one of them is regard for Christ, even though they do not accept his divinity, and also a very tender devotion to Mary.

I pray for our Blessed Mother's intercession to enlighten radical, fanatical and terror prone Muslims on ways to assimilate themselves and tolerate other people with or without faith.

Cardinal Sean of Boston

Check his blog every Friday. This week is full of pictures of his group's pilgrimage, this time in Rome.

I am currently leading, together with Metropolitan Methodios of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston, a joint pilgrimage to Rome, Constantinople and Saint Petersburg. My blog gives me the opportunity to share the pilgrimage with Catholics from Boston and beyond who were unable to accompany us.

Thank you, Cardinal Sean for blogging...

Filipino Catholic Charismative movement

For years, it puzzle me why Catholic Charismatic movement is popular in the Philippines. I credit such movement for keeping Filipinos catholic inspite of other Christian denominations openly evangelizing all over the islands.

My sister has her own organize charismatic ministry and community.

They pray and evangelize like Protestants in America but more like the Pentecostal and Baptist denomination with all the seven sacraments of the Catholic church. A lot of singing, praising, witnessing as well as tithing.

Proverbs, 1:7

'The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; wisdom and instruction fools despise'.

Why Democrats do what they do...

From my favorite bloggers old post - Powerlineblog...
This is truly an intelligent assessment of why most Democrats do what they do. I say, most them have no 'fear of the Lord' (Proverbs, 1:7).

But why should this new form of cynicism appear just now, and why primarily among Democrats? I believe the answer to the first question lies in the modern (or actually the post-modern) intellectual climate. The essentially frivolous manner in which Clinton and Gore approach vital issues has clear parallels in current intellectual and academic thought. In the post-modern intellectual climate, “texts” (e.g., great literature, philosophy, and even laws and judicial opinions) are not valued in their own right, but rather exist to be appropriated by creative “scholars” for whatever purposes they see fit. Everything is up for grabs. The only limit on valid interpretation is the imagination, and political correctness quotient, of the
interpreter. In this world, it becomes possible for politicians to ask what “the meaning of ‘is’ is.” And once that point is reached, it becomes possible to suggest that whether one should vote to go to war does not necessarily depend on who has the better arguments.Why has this tendency surfaced largely among Democrats? One plausible answer is that Democrats are more closely linked than Republicans with academia, the true home of post-modernism. However, while Clinton and Gore undoubtedly have “breathed the air” of post-modernism, so too have many Republican politicians–it is all around us.
A better explanation is that necessity is the mother of invention. After 1964 and before 1992, the Democrats lost five of six presidential elections, including three landslides. Their positions had become so unpopular that the term “liberal” became an epithet of derision. The party’s options were to change its core beliefs or to disguise them. Opting largely for the latter alternative, it needed and found leaders who were particularly skillful in the art of deception.
But this deception could only be tried if the Democrats were confident of getting away with it. And only the Democrats could have that confidence. First, only
Democrats could be confident that the overwhelmingly liberal media would, by-and-large, give them a pass. More fundamentally, only Democrats could be confident that their core constituencies would do so too.
The Democratic Party contains at least two core constituencies – African-Americans and feminists – whose leaders view rules as instruments of their oppression and
barriers to their advancement. In fact, the centerpiece of much modern civil rights employment litigation is the attack on neutral rules that disproportionately exclude African Americans from a particular job. Examples include tests, educational requirements, and even the requirement that an employee not have been convicted of a crime. Similarly, what is the demand for affirmative action other than a demand that the normal rules for selecting employees based on merit be ignored to the extent that they interfere with desired outcomes? And the disregard of leading feminists for the basic rules of scholarship is apparent in the notoriously shoddy “feminist scholarship” that has been exposed by Christina Hoff Sommers and others.
The common thread here is something akin to cheating. No wonder these core groups, and the sophisticates who believe that rules exist only to be deconstructed, admired Clinton’s intellectual gyrations on key issues and now tolerate Gore’s less supple efforts.

Hebrew 12:5-13

You have also forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons: "My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines; he scourges every son he acknowledges."
Endure your trials as "discipline"; God treats you as sons. For what "son" is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are without discipline, in which all have shared, you are not sons but bastards. Besides this, we have had our earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them. Should we not (then) submit all the more to the Father of spirits and live? They disciplined us for a short time as seemed right to them, but he does so for our benefit, in order that we may share his holiness. At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it. So strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees. Make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed.

Lora, in hope and prayer to ease your aching heart with all my love,

Praying for conversion of Christopher Hitchens

Lord God, only you understand man's neural circuit and cardiac flutter, today I pray at your feet for the soul of Christopher Hitchens. Open a screen to his thoughts of your presence and power. Amen.

Fr. Donald Calloway

frequent viewer of Marcus Grodi's Journey Home program, Monday, 8pm on EWTN. Last week's guest was Fr. Donald Calloway. What a miraculous conversion at such a young age! Twice on the show he mentioned Filipino women. A Filipino woman introduced his mother to Catholicism and five Filipino women taught him how to pray the Rosary.

When Calloway caught up with the Navy chaplain, the priest told him to go to church and sit in the back while he said Mass, and then they would talk to him. Donald did as he was told, waiting as a small group of Filipino women recited a repetitious prayer -- which of course was the Rosary. Then came the moment that changed his life. The priest came out with robes. Calloway thought it was some kind of performance. He had no idea what was going on. "I was amazed. All these ladies were kneeling and standing at the same time."
But it just clicked. All of a sudden, this young man -- this drug abuser, this runaway "knew" what was happening, that what was transpiring was a "real" re-presentation of what had happened 2,000 years ago, and that it was being poured out again. "Time ceased," he says. "I saw myself at Calvary with the faithful beholding the sacrifice of the lamb." Everything about it captivated him. He felt the Presence of Christ - knew He was there - as the priest held up the "white circle."
He was 20, going on 21, and "all I knew was that I was madly in love with God and Our Savior."

Pray for this diocesian seminarian!

an academic from Israel...through the Diocese of Paterson, NJ

"I want to be a priest to be closer to God, be a man of God, become more spiritual and preach the Gospel," said Barboutz, a second-year theology student at the Theological College at The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., who this summer is serving St. Joseph Parish here. "I want to celebrate the Eucharist, the center of the faith."

just ordained!

from Cardinal Sean's blog...

Do I feel blessed? Totally! Do I, even more so, feel humbled? Absolutely! I am so thankful to the Lord for having called me to serve Him and His Church as a priest. I am honored to serve the people of God in the Boston Archdiocese. I promise to pray for the grace that is needed for all of us to grow together toward a deeper knowledge of God’s Love. I ask you to continue to pray for me, for my six brothers who were also ordained in May and for all the priests who serve the Archdiocese of Boston. May God bless us all.
Fr. Robert J. Blaney

Tridentine Mass

Pope Benedict XVl allows Latin mass celebrated if enough parishioners petitions. English translation of Pope's message here.

"I am speaking from experience, since I, too, lived through that period with all its hopes and confusion. And I have seen how arbitrary deformations of the liturgy caused deep pain to individuals totally rooted in the faith of the church."

hat tip - chiesa. website home here.

Jesus of Nazareth by Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVl

full title:

Jesus of Nazareth

From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration

by Joseph Ratzinger

Pope Benedict XVl.

Translated from the German by Adrian J. Walker.

Published by Doubleday

Jewish scholar Jacob Neusner respond to Pope Benedict's mention of his book 'A Rabbi Talks with Jesus'. Online article here.

In his “Jesus of Nazareth” the Judeo-Christian disputation enters a new age. We are able to meet one another in a forthright exercise of reason and criticism. The challenges of Sinai bring us together for the renewal of a 2,000 year old tradition of religious debate in the service of God's truth. Someone once called me the most contentious person he had ever known. Now I have met my match. Pope Benedict XVI is another truth-seeker.