September 1, 2019 | 12th Sunday after Pentecost and 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Commentary on the Readings for the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost (Latin Mass)
"A Samaritan (seeing the robbers' victim) was moved with compassion, bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine, and took care of him. And Jesus said, 'Go and do thou also in like manner'" (Gospel).

St. Bede suggests that this victim is Adam and the human race robbed by Satan (pictured at left). Jesus, our Divine Rescuer (pictured at right), comes to pour "wine and oil" into our "wounds": the "life"-giving Wine of His Precious Blood (PostCommunion), the "cheerful...oil" of all His Sacraments (Communion Verse).

Otherwise, having left the "Jerusalem" of Divine Life, how could we "run without stumbling" (Prayer) lifeless into the Dead Sea next to "Jericho"? "We are not sufficient of ourselves..our sufficiency is from God." Without Jesus the Ten Commandments would be dead "letters upon stones" (Epistle)

What Christ does for us, we "in like manner" are to do unto others, friend and foe. "Samaritan-charity" is Christ's own teaching.

Excerpted from My Sunday Missal, Confraternity of the Precious Blood
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Commentary on the Sunday Readings (Novus Ordo)

Then he said to the host who invited him, "When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.

Sunday Readings
The first reading is taken from the Book of Sirach 3:17-18, 20:28-29. In today's reading we have a few more of the words of wisdom on humility from this saintly man who spent his life meditating on the law of God revealed to the Chosen People.

The second reading is from St. Paul to the Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24, in which he contrasts two scenes. One is the giving of the Old Covenant, and the other is the assembly of those justified by the New Covenant. The reason why the Church has selected these verses is the same reason that St. Paul had when he wrote them. He wanted to impress on the Jewish converts the superiority of the Christian religion over that of the Old Testament, which they had practiced until their conversion.

The Gospel is from St. Luke 14:1, 7-14, in which Jesus had been invited to dine in the house of a leading Pharisee. The Pharisees were so convinced of their own perfect knowledge and observance of the law, that they thought nobody else could possibly know it or observe it as perfectly as they did. In a very simple parable, Jesus told them where their pride would lead them.

A proud Christian, that is, a proud follower of the humble Christ, is a contradiction in terms. Christ, the Son of God, lowered himself to our level when He took our human nature. He was born in a stable, reared in the obscure village of Nazareth, earned his meager meals as a country carpenter, died on a cross as a malefactor with two thieves as companions and was buried in a God's banquet. Thank God, there are few whose pride leads them to these extremes, but there are far too many who set themselves up as judges over their neighbor and appoint themselves as the models to be imitated by all others.

There is a little demon of pride in each one of us. There is a natural inclination in each one to esteem ourselves a little better in most ways, if not in all, than our neighbor. We must keep this demon in check and not let him grow in us. Any gifts of mind or body that we have are from God — our duty is to use them properly and to thank God for the loan of them. If He gave greater gifts to another, I thank God for it. That other was able to make better use of them than I would. I have enough gifts to go on. I shall not be judged on the use or abuse of gifts which I did not receive.

If I use all the gifts which God gave me, to help my neighbor, the spiritually poor, the lame and blind, to heaven, instead of keeping myself aloof from them as the Pharisees did, then my judgment will be easy. I shall be "repaid in the resurrection of the just."

The proud Christian sets himself up as a critic of God's wisdom. He muses: God forgives sinners too easily. God doesn't know them as well as I do. That conversion cannot be trusted, it will not last, he says. The "sinners" prosper, they are blessed with good health, a happy family, more than their share of the world's goods, and here am I who never failed God, who always did what was right and even more, and I am neglected by God. God doesn't know his real friends!

These are the questionings of a proud soul. Such Christians raise themselves above their neighbors in their own minds. They choose the first places, and from their self-appointed heights they look down on their fellow guests at stranger's grave. Could He have done more to induce us to listen to his counsel when He said: "Learn of me, for I am humble of heart?"

Yet, there are Christians who are proud. Like the Pharisees of old, they thank God that they are not like the rest of men. They shun any contact with sinners. They cover their ears when any scandal is mentioned. Yet they never miss the gossip and are always ready to condemn offhand the unfortunate giver of scandal, without knowing the extenuating circumstances.

— Excerpted from The Sunday Readings Cycle C, Fr. Kevin O' Sullivan, O.F.M.

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Latin Mass

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Novus Ordo Missae

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Credits to
catholicculture.org
divinumofficium.org
Sambuhay Missalette 

April 14, 2019 | PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD'S PASSION

So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" And Jesus found a young ass and sat upon it; as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on an ass's colt (Jn 12:13-15)!"

Today we commemorate Christ's entry into Jerusalem for the completion of the Paschal Mystery. In Liturgical Calendar preceding Vatican II, the Church celebrated Passion Sunday two Sundays before Easter, and then Palm Sunday was the beginning of Holy Week. The Church has combined the two to reinforce the solemnity of Holy Week.

The Palm Sunday procession is formed of Christians who, in the "fullness of faith," make their own the gesture of the Jews and endow it with its full significance. Following the Jews' example we proclaim Christ as a Victor... Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord. But by our faith we know, as they did not, all that His triumph stands for. He is the Messiah, the Son of David and the Son of God. He is the sign of contradiction, acclaimed by some and reviled by others. Sent into this world to wrest us from sin and the power of Satan, He underwent His Passion, the punishment for our sins, but issues forth triumphant from the tomb, the victor over death, making our peace with God and taking us with Him into the kingdom of His Father in heaven.

Stational Church

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Liturgy for Palm Sunday

The priests and deacons wear red vestments for Mass. There is a special entrance at the beginning of each Mass, either simple or solemn. This includes a blessing of the palms and the gospel reading of the entrance into Jerusalem (Matt 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-10; John 12:12-16; Luke 19:28-40). The introduction by the priest explains the solemnity of Holy Week, and invites the faithful to take full part in the celebration:

Dear friends in Christ, for five weeks of Lent we have been preparing, by works of charity and self-sacrifice, for the celebration of our Lord's paschal mystery. Today we come together to begin this solemn celebration in union with the whole Church throughout the world. Christ entered in triumph into his own city, to complete his work as our Messiah: to suffer, to die, and to rise again. Let us remember with devotion this entry which began his saving work and follow him with a lively faith. United with him in his suffering on the cross, may we share his resurrection and new life.

The palms are blessed with the following prayer:

Almighty God, we pray you bless these branches and make them holy. Today we joyfully acclaim Jesus our Messiah and King. May we reach one day the happiness of the new and everlasting Jerusalem by faithfully following him who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

As the faithful, we remember and dramatize Christ's triumphal entrance into Jerusalem on a donkey. In Jesus' time, a huge crowd assembled, put their cloaks or branches on the ground, and waved palm branches, acclaiming Christ as the King of Israel, the Son of David. We now wave our palm branches and sing as the priest enters the church:

Hosanna to the Son of David, the King of Israel.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

These words of praise are echoed every day at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at the Sanctus (Holy, Holy).

Our joy is quickly subdued. We are jolted to reality and see the purpose of Christ coming to Jerusalem by the reading of the Passion at the Gospel. (Written by Jennifer Gregory Miller)

Things to Do:

• The palms distributed at Mass are blessed, so are sacramentals. Read Blessed Palms in the Home.
• Read Pope Francis' Homily for Palm Sunday 2014. Also read the History of Palm Sunday by Fr. Francis X. Weiser
• This is also known as "Carling Sunday" after carling peas. Peas porridge would be an appropriate dish for today. See recipes for suggestions and history behind this tradition.
• This is also known as "Fig Sunday" due to the tradition that Christ ate figs after his entry into Jerusalem. Adding some type of figs to your meal would be a nice touch.
• Read the short passages from Directory on Popular Piety concerning Holy Week and Palm Sunday.

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Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion, Station with San Giovanni in Laterano (St. John Lateran):

The Station at Rome is in the church of St. John Lateran which represents the Holy City Jerusalem which Christ and we, His disciples, have just entered. It is the first cathedral of Rome, where Emperor Constantine allowed the Pope to set up the episcopal chair after 312.

This is the head of your page. This is the body of your page.

Biyernes na Debosyon sa Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno ng Quiapo, Maynila

Palagiang Nobena tuwing Biyernes sa Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno ng Quiapo, Maynila

*PAMBUNGAD NA AWIT*

Krus ng ating kaligtasan
Dapat nating ikarangal
Sagisag ng kalayaan
At ng Muling Pagkabuhay
Ni Hesus na Poong mahal (2x)

*PAMBUNGAD NA PANALANGIN*

V. Sa ngalan ng Ama, at ng Anak, at ng Espiritu Santo.
R. Amen

V. Mga kapatid, lumuhod tayo sa harap ng larawan ng Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno. Sambahin natin Siya na nakaluklok sa kanan ng Amang nabubuhay magpakailanman.

*PAGBASA*

V. Mga kapatid, pakinggan po ninyo ang sinasabi ng ating Panginoon.

(Makapipili ng alin man sa Tatlo na Pagbasa)

(I) 
(Binabasa tuwing Una, Ikaapat, at Ikapitong Araw ng Pagsisiyam, at Una, Ikaapat at Ikalimang Biyernes ng Buwan)

Ang pagtitiis ng hirap
ay bahagi ng pagkatawag sa inyo ng Diyos,
sapagkat nang si Kristo ay magtiis para sa inyo, binigyan niya kayo ng isang halimbawang dapat tularan. Hindi siya gumawa ng anumang kasalanan, o nagsinungaling kailanman
Nang siya’y insultuhin, hindi siya gumanti.
Nang siya’y pahirapan, hindi siya nagbanta.
sa halip, ipinaubaya niya ang lahat
sa Diyos na makatarungan kung humatol.
Sa kanyang pagkamatay sa krus,
pinasan niya ang bigat ng ating mga kasalanan
upang tayo’y mamatay na sa kasalanan
at mamuhay ayon sa kalooban ng Diyos.
Kayo’y pinagaling na
sa pamamagitan ng kanyang mga sugat.
Sapagkat kayo ay tulad ng mga tupang naliligaw,
ngunit ngayon kayo’y nanumbalik na upang sumunod sa Pastol
at Tagapangalaga ng inyong mga kaluluwa. (I Pedro 2:21-25)

(II)
(Binabasa tuwing Ikalawa, Ikalima, at Ikawalong Araw ng Pagsisiyam, at Ikalawang Biyernes ng Buwan)   

“Ang sinumang nagnanais sumunod sa akin
ay kinakailangang itakwil niya ang kanyang sarili,
pasanin ang kanyang krus, at sumunod sa akin.
Ang naghahangad na magligtas ng kanyang buhay ay mawawalan nito;
ngunit ang mawalan ng kanyang buhay alang-alang sa akin ay magkakamit nito.
Sapagkat ano ba ang mapapala ng isang tao makamtan man niya ang buong daigdig,
ngunit mapapahamak naman ang kanyang sarili?
Ano ba ang maibabayad ng isang tao para mabawi niya ang kanyang buhay?
Sapagkat darating ang Anak ng Tao na kasama ang kanyang mga anghel,
at taglay ang dakilang kapangyarihan ng kanyang Ama.
Sa panahong iyo’y
gagantimpalaan niya ang bawat tao ayon sa ginawa nito. ” (Mateo 16:24-27)

(III)
(Binabasa tuwing Ikatlo, Ikaanim, at Ikasiyam na Araw ng Pagsisiyam, at Ikatlong  Biyernes ng Buwan) 

Totoo ang kasabihang ito:
“Kung tayo’y namatay na kasama ni Hesukristo, mabubuhay din tayong kasama niya.
Kung tayo’y nagtitiis ng hirap sa mundong ito, maghahari din tayong kapiling niya.
Kapag siya’y ating ikinahiya, ikakahiya rin niya tayo.
Kung tayo man ay hindi tapat, siya’y nananatiling tapat pa rin sapagkat hindi niya maaaring itakwil ang kanyang sarili.” (2 Timoteo 1:11-13)

*RESPONSORIO*

R. Hesus Nazareno, aming Panginoon at Diyos!
Karapat-dapat kang tumanggap
ng papuri at pasasalamat, parangal at paggalang,
kadakilaan at kapangyarihan magpakailanman! Amen.

V. Ikaw ang tanging Anak ng Diyos!
Naging anak ka rin ni Mariang Birheng kalinis-linisan.
Bigay ka ni Maria sa amin
bilang Tagapagligtas at kapatid.
Bigay mo si Maria sa amin bilang Ina namin at pag-asa.
Pinuno mo siya ng grasya.
Punuin mo rin kami ng grasya ng Espiritu Santo:
pag-ibig, kagalakan, kapayapaan,
pagtitiyaga, kagandahang-loob,
kabutihan, katapatan, kaamuan,
at pagpipigil sa sarili. Amen.

R. Hesus Nazareno, aming Panginoon at Diyos!
Karapat-dapat kang tumanggap
ng papuri at pasasalamat, parangal at paggalang,
kadakilaan at kapangyarihan magpakailanman! Amen.

V. Inilalarawan mo sa amin
ang mukha ng Diyos na di nakikita;
ang Diyos na puspos ng pag-ibig at lipos ng habag.
Katulad mo kami sa lahat ng bagay, liban sa kasalanan.
Sa Binyag kami ay ginawa mong
mga anak ng Diyos na banal.
Sa aming pamumuhay araw-araw maipakita nawa namin
ang nakalulugod sa Ama namin. Amen.

R. Hesus Nazareno, aming Panginoon at Diyos!
Karapat-dapat kang tumanggap
ng papuri at pasasalamat, parangal at paggalang,
kadakilaan at kapangyarihan magpakailanman! Amen.

Lubos mong naunawaan at nadama
kung gaano kasama ang kasalanan
ng bawat tao sa nakaraan, sa kasalukuyan
at hanggang sa katapusan ng panahon.
Sinunod mo ang kalooban ng Ama
na iyong tiisin ang maraming hirap at kamatayan sa krus
para tubusin ang mga tao
mula sa bawat lipi, wika, bayan, at bansa
at gawin silang mga saserdote para maglingkod sa Diyos Amang Makapangyarihan sa lahat.
Kami nawa’y makasama mo
sa iyong patuloy na pagtitiis ng kahirapan
para sa kaligtasan ng sanlibutan. Amen.

R. Hesus Nazareno, aming Panginoon at Diyos!
Karapat-dapat kang tumanggap
ng papuri at pasasalamat, parangal at paggalang,
kadakilaan at kapangyarihan magpakailanman! Amen.

Sapagkat ikaw ay mabuti.
Ang pag-ibig mo’y napakatatag at mananatili,
hindi kukupas, walang katapusan, hindi magwawakas. Amen.

*MGA PANALANGIN AT KAHILINGAN SA BAWAT BIYERNES NG BUWAN*

(Dinarasal ng Paawit)

UNANG BIYERNES NG BUWAN 
(Dinarasal din tuwing Una, Ikalima at Ikasiyam na Araw ng Pagsisiyam)

V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga Katolikong malayo sa simbahan,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga madalang manalangin,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga hinahatulang mamatay,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga labis na pinahihirapan,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga di-marunong magtiis,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga sobra na ang paghihirap,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga mag-asawa sa hirap at dusa,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga ina ng mga suwail,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga yumayaong nag-iisa,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga ayaw manalig sa iyo,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga may anak na magpapari,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga namamanata sa Diyos,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga nagbabaón ng kasalanan,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga bagong lingkod ng Diyos,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.

IKALAWANG BIYERNES NG BUWAN  
(Dinarasal din tuwing Ikalawa, at Ikaanim  na Araw ng Pagsisiyam)  

V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga bayang walang Misa,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga may mabigat na problema,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga di-kayang magtrabaho,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga katulong na dustang-dusta,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga hirap sa paghahanap-buhay,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga di nakararanas ng pahinga,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga nag-aalaga ng matatanda,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga mag-inang taga-kalye,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga maysakit na nagtatrabaho,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga nagsasamang di pa kasal,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga nag-aampon ng anak ng iba,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga namatay sa tabi ng kanilang ina,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga naglilibing ng kaibigan,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga nagsisikap magbagong-buhay,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.

IKATLONG BIYERNES NG BUWAN  
(Dinarasal din tuwing Ikatlo, at Ikapitong Araw ng Pagsisiyam)  

V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga paring di na makapagmisa,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga madaling matukso,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga inosenteng nakakulong,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga nilalait ng Mass-Media,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga nagpapadala sa kapahamakan,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga di makaiwas sa mga bisyo,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga ayaw magpasan ng krus,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga maraming alagang anak,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga nataningan na ang buhay,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga maysakit na mangungumpisal,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga di umiibig kay Inang Maria,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga wala nang anak,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga kaluluwa sa Purgatoryo,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga di makasunod sa iyo,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.

IKAAPAT AT IKALIMANG BIYERNES NG BUWAN  
(Dinarasal din tuwing Ikaapat, at Ikawalong Araw ng Pagsisiyam)  

V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga Katolikong di makapagsimba,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga nagpapadasal at nagpapamisa,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga hukom ng mga maralita,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga pulis at guardiang maaasahan,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga nag-iisip pumatay ng bata,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga lumalapastangan ng kagubatan,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga mag-anak na sidewalk-vendor,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga anak ng mga OFW at marinero,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga gutom, uhaw at hubad,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga taong mapaghiganti,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga balo at mga ulila,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga masakim at makasarili,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga naglilibing ng minamahal,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.
V. Hesus Nazareno, sa mga bagong binyagang Katoliko,
R. maawa ka, Panginoon.

*PANGWAKAS NA PANALANGIN*

Ama naming makapangyarihan,
niloob mong akuin ng iyong Anak ang krus at kamatayan
upang ang sangkatauha’y matubos at mabuhay.
Ang pag-ako namin sa krus at kamatayan dito sa lupa
ayon sa diwa ng pagsunod sa iyong loob na ginanap ng iyong Anak ay magpagindapat nawang aming kamtin
ang lubos na katubusan at pagkabuhay sa iyong piling
sa pamamagitan ni Hesukristo kasama ng Espiritu Santo
magpasawalang hanggan. Amen.

*PANGWAKAS NA AWIT*

Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno,
sinasamba ka namin,
pinipintuho ka namin.
Aral mo ang aming buhay at kaligtasan.
Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno,
iligtas mo kami sa kasalanan.
Ang krus mong kinamatayan ay
sagisag ng aming kaligtasan.
Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno,
dinarangal ka namin.
Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno,
Nilul’walhati ka namin.

February 24, 2019 | Sexagisma Sunday and the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

February 17, 2019 | Septuagesima Sunday (EF) and Sixth Sunday of the Ordinary Time (OF)

This Sunday, in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite we begin the Three Sundays Preparation before the Lenten Season. It begins with the Septuagesima Sunday or the 70th Day before Easter. It is a Preparation Sundays before the Season of Preparations for Easter or simply this Season is a Pre-Lenten Preparation.

Septuagesima and Lent are both times of penance, Septuagesima being a time of voluntary fasting in preparation for the obligatory Great Fast of Lent. The theme is the Babylonian exile, the "mortal coil" we must endure as we await the Heavenly Jerusalem. Sobriety and somberness reign liturgically; the Alleluia and Gloria are banished

The Sundays of Septugesima are named for their distance away from Easter:

The first Sunday of Septuagesima gives its name to the entire season as it is known as "Septuagesima." "Septuagesima" means "seventy," and Septuagesima Sunday comes roughly seventy days before Easter. This seventy represents the seventy years of the Babylonian Captivity. It is on this Sunday that the alleluia is "put away," not to be said again until the Vigil of Easter. 

The second Sunday of Septuagesima is known as "Sexagesima, which means "sixty". Sexagesima Sunday comes roughly sixty days before Easter.

The third Sunday of Septuagesima is known as "Quinquagesima," which means "fifty" and which comes roughly fifty days before Easter.

Quadragesima means "forty," and this is the name of the first Sunday of Lent and the Latin name for the entire season of Lent.

Throughout this short Season and that of Lent (next Season) you will notice a deepening sense of penance and somberness, culminating in Passiontide (the last two weeks of Lent), that will suddenly and joyously end at the Vigil of Easter on Holy Saturday when the alleluia returns and Christ's Body is restored and glorified.

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Septuagesima Sunday

Septuagesima Sunday is a semi-double Sunday of the second class. Yesterday afternoon the liturgical mood became more sombre with Vespers of Septuagesima as penitential violet became the liturgical colour of the season. Although more sombre than the season after the Epiphany the short season of Septuagesima is not as penitential as Lent. Although the colour violet is used at Mass the ministers do not wear folded chasubles but dalmatic and tunicle for these three Sundays and for ferial days. The organ is still played until Ash Wednesday. However, from Septuagesima until Holy Saturday the dress of certain prelates changes. Cardinals of the Court of Rome no longer wear scarlet choir dress but that of violet. Correspondingly bishops do not wear violet choir dress but their black, or mourning dress. In the case of the latter this is not to be confused with their habitus pianus, or house dress. The black choir cassock has a train, like the violet one, and the mozzeta or mantelletum are faced with violet. However, Protonotaries Apostolic and Domestic Prelates do not change their choir dress (except sede vacante). Yesterday the third Sunday after the Epiphany was anticipated.

At Vespers on Saturday afternoon the antiphons and psalms of Saturday were sung. The chapter was proper to Septuagesima Sunday and the Office hymn was Jam sol recedit igneus sung with the melody and Doxology of the Incarnation, Jesu tibi sit gloria, Qui natus es etc. After the collect of the Sunday commemorations were sung of the preceding Office of Our Lady of Lourdes and of the Seven Founders of the Servite Order. The Suffrage was omitted. At the end of Vespers Alleluia was added, twice, to both Benedicamus Domino and to its response. After that Alleluia will not be heard again until the Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Saturday. At Compline after the Lesser Doxology, and at all Hours until Compline on Holy Saturday, Laus tibi Domine Rex aeterne gloriae is sung in place of Alleluia. The Dominical preces were sung at Compline.

At Mattins the invitatory is Praeoccupemus as on preceding Sundays and the hymn Primo die. The antiphons and psalms are as on previous 'green' Sundays. In the first nocturn the Incipit of the Book of Genesis is read. In the second nocturn the lessons are from the Enchiridion of St. Augustine, in the third nocturn the lessons are a homily from St. Gregory on the Gospel of the labourers in the vineyard. The Te Deum is not sung but in its place is sung a ninth responsory, Ubi est Abel frater tuus?.

At Lauds the 'second scheme' of psalms is sung: Pss 50, 117, 62, Canticle of the Three Children (Benedictus es) and 148. The antiphons at Lauds are proper to the Sunday as are the versicle after the hymn Aeterne, chapter, antiphon at the Benedictus and collect. After the collect of the Sunday a commemoration of the Seven Founders is sung. The Suffrage is omitted.

At all the Hours the antiphons and chapters are proper. At Prime the order of psalmody is changed and four psalms are sung, Pss. 92, 99 (displaced from Lauds) and the usual first two stanzas of Ps. 118. Both Quicumque and the Dominical preces are omitted.

At Mass the Gloria is omitted. The ministers wear violet dalmatic and tunicle. The second collect is of the Seven Founders. Today there is no third collect. A Tract replaces the Alleluia after the Gradual, the Credo is sung and the Preface is of the Blessed Trinity. Benedicamus Domino is sung, by the deacon facing the altar, as the dismissal.

At Vespers the antiphons and psalms of Sunday are sung. The Office hymn is Lucis creator. After the collect of the Sunday acommemoration is sung of the Seven Founders. The Suffrage is omitted as are the Dominical preces at Compline.

In the 'liturgical books of 1962' at Vespers there were no commemorations. Mattins is reduced to a single nocturn. At Prime the arrangement of psalms is truly bizarre with the festal arrangment of Pss. 53, 118i, 118ii (!) At Mass there is only one collect and Benedicamus Domino is suppressed in favour of Ite, missa est. At Vespers there are no commemorations.

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In the Novus Ordo, these Sundays are Omitted, the Church continues to Travel at the Season of Ordinary Time

"And he came down with them and stood on a stretch of level ground. A great crowd of his disciples and a large number of the people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and even those who were tormented by unclean spirits were cured (Luke 6:17-18)."

The feast of the Seven Founders of the Orders of Servites, which is ordinarily celebrated today, is superseded by the Sunday liturgy.

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Sunday Readings

The first reading is from the book of Jeremiah (Jer 17:5-8). Jeremiah lived through one of the most troubled periods of the ancient Near East as he witnessed the fall of Assyria and the rising of Babylon. In the midst of this turmoil, the kingdom of Judah, came to its downfall by resisting this overwhelming force of history. The two predominant themes of Jeremiah's message are to precisely define true Yahwehism, and to proclaim the imminent wars as punishments of Judah's aberrations. Today's reading falls into the category of true Yahwehism and is a wisdom saying on true justice.

The second reading is from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians (1 Cor 15:12, 16-20). This reading continues the teaching we heard last week on the resurrection of the dead. St. Paul addresses the Corinthian claim that there is no such thing as resurrection from the dead.

The Gospel reading is taken from St. Luke (Lk 6:17, 20-26). Jesus then went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated apostles: Simon, his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot. He then came down the mountain with them and delivered the sermon on the plain which is our reading for today.

Things to Do:

• Read the more detailed, corresponding passage in Matthew 5:3-12 on the Beatitudes. Choose a beatitude to focus on for the rest of this month. Write it in conspicuous places throughout your house — desk, home altar, fridge, bathroom mirror. Think of some small practical ways to put this beatitude into action in your daily life. For some ideas on how to live the poverty and detachment prescribed by the first beatitude (Blessed are the poor in spirit), read this interviewwith spiritual director and writer Fr. Dubay.
• Read a summary of St. Bernard's advice for living the Beatitudes, and the Holy Father's exhortation to the youth at Toronto's World Youth Day to be people of the Beatitudes.

February 10, 2019 | Fifth Sunday after Epiphany and Fifth Sunday of the Ordinary Time

After Jesus had finished speaking, he said to Simon Peter, "Put out into the deep water and lower your nets for a catch!" The Holy Father proposed Jesus' imperative "Put out into the deep water" as the motto of the Church. He did this because so often we in the Church today can feel that we're in Peter's shoes. In many areas of life, but particularly in our discipleship, we can work so hard and seem to have so little to show for it. We're called, like Peter, Andrew, James and John to leave behind whatever might keep us from the Lord and follow him, being sent out into the deep water of the world to fish for souls. We're called, like St. Paul, to "work harder than any" of the rest, because of the Lord's great mercy, love and trust in calling us and sending us. — Fr. Roger Landry

The feast of St. Scholastica, which is ordinarily celebrated today, is superseded by the Sunday liturgy.

Sunday Readings

The first reading is taken from the book of Isaiah (Is 6:1-2a, 3-8). This reading describes Isaiah's call to prophetic office. According to Jewish tradition, Isaiah was of royal stock. It is certain that he belongs to the tribe of Judah and that his home was in Jerusalem. From the time of his calling, Isaiah's whole life was devoted to the "Lord Yahweh". The Lord had called him and henceforth Isaiah was His servant. Jeremiah's call to office was in the form of a dialog between Yahweh and Jeremiah; Isaiah's is a majestic vision. Isaiah is eager to serve God, "Here I am," I said, "send me!"

The second reading is taken from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians (1 Cor 15:1-11). St. Paul treats the subject of the resurrection of the body. A characteristic Greek and Platonic concept was that the body was a hindrance to the soul's activity. St. Paul answers this question by declaring that the bodily resurrection of Christ is a fact duly attested to by chosen witnesses.

The Gospel is a reading from St. Luke (Lk 5:1-11). How the wisdom of God differs from the wisdom of men! If a businessman of today (or even of the year 28 A.D.) were choosing a chairman and assistants for the world-wide enterprise he was about to set up, is it likely that he would choose them from among the unknown, unlettered fishermen of Galilee? Yet Christ, who was about to set up not only a world-wide institute but an everlasting one, chose these simple fishermen and made them his assistants and his successors in the work that he had taken in hand.

And it wasn't that he was restricted in his choice. There were many highly educated priests and scribes in Jerusalem whom he could have won over, men who could preach and instruct so much more eloquently than Peter or Andrew. There were Roman officers in Palestine who were highly educated, and who would be much more eagerly listened to in the Gentile world. There were Greek philosophers whose very name would add prestige to the Gospel message had they been Apostles. Yet it was to none of these that Christ entrusted the arduous task of spreading the good news of the Gospel, it was to none of these that he gave the keys of his kingdom.

Christ was not influenced in his judgement by external, accidental qualifications. He judged the heart and the will. He knew the true worth of men. Furthermore, the society that he was about to set up was not a worldly business concern but a free transport system to heaven. The truths he was committing to its keeping were not based on earthly wisdom which would require eloquence and prestige to bolster them up. They were the eternal, divine truths which needed no human propaganda, no help from mere men.

Thus, in the selection of his Apostles, Christ has given us an extra proof, if one were needed, of his own divine wisdom and of the divine origin of the Christian religion which we profess. Our religion is not man-made, God is its author.

While thanking God today for our Christian religion, with its clearly-drawn map of salvation, let us show our appreciation by doing our own little part, as humble apostles, weak but willing helpers of Christ. This we can do without eloquence, or personal prestige. We do so by living as true Christians in our homes, in our places of work, and in our recreations, by carrying our cross daily and patiently, ever ready to give a hand when the neighbor's cross seems too heavy for him. This will be Christian eloquence, this will be a true apostleship of Christ, because actions speak louder than words.

Excerpted from The Sunday Readings by Fr. Kevin O'Sullivan, O.F.M.

Things to Do:

• Prepare a fish dinner and discuss what it means to be "Fishers of Men". Ask your children if this just applies to priests or if they can also "fish" for men.
• Say a prayer for the Holy Father.

February 3, 2019 | Fourth Sunday after Epiphany and Fourth Sunday in the Ordinary Time

There is a shocking turnaround in today's Gospel. The people with whom Jesus grew up were assembled in the Nazareth synagogue. After they heard him read Sacred Scripture and give a one sentence homily "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing" St. Luke tells us that "all spoke well of him and were AMAZED at the gracious words that came from his mouth." But that amazement soon turned into doubt and then into fury. — Fr. Roger J. Landry

The feasts of St. Blaise and St. Ansgar, which are ordinarily celebrated today, are superseded by the Sunday liturgy.

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Sunday Readings

The first reading is taken from the book of Jeremiah (Jer 1:4-5, 17-19). Jeremiah is the second of the four great prophets of Israel; a contemporary of Zephaniah, Nahum, and Habakkuk. He was born in the last part of the reign of Manasseh, about 645 years before the birth of Jesus and almost a century after Isaiah. Today's reading comes from the prologue which gives an account of Jeremiah's calling. It is a dialog between Yahweh and Jeremiah.

The second reading, taken from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians (1 Cor 12:31-13:13), continues last week's comparison of the Church to the human body. Each part of the body is no greater than any other part; rather, all work together to serve the common good. The second reading also discusses the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The Gospel reading is taken from St. Luke (Lk 4:21-30). This rejection of Jesus by his own townfolk must have sincerely grieved him. But it was only the beginning of similar rejections. Their attempt to murder him was an indication of what was yet to come. "To his own he came but his own did not accept him" as St. John says (1:11). The reason was that the Messiah they were looking for was a political leader who would make Israel a political power not only among the nations but over the other nations. Nearly all the messianic prophecies had references to the universality of the messianic kingdom–this universality they interpreted in a political, worldly sense. Their interest in things spiritual was then at a very low ebb and therefore the message of Christ had little interest for them. They did not want a spiritual kingdom.

For seventeen centuries they had been God's Chosen People, and they were proud of their superiority over the sinful Gentiles who did not know the true God. That very pride of theirs was their undoing. The Gentiles were God's children too, and they also were to share in the new kingdom which the Messiah would establish, but the very thought of this was abhorrent to the vast majority of the Jews.

In spite of all their opposition, however, Jesus spent his public life amongst them. He gave them the first offer of entering the new kingdom. They could still continue to be God's Chosen People together with, and alongside, the other nations of the earth. They refused. And their refusal went so far as to call in the aid of the hated Gentiles to crucify the One—their own fellow Jew—who had come to bring them the message of the true kingdom and the offer of being its first citizens.

There were exceptions, of course, and honorable exceptions at that. Christ founded his Church, the new kingdom of God on the Apostles, who were Jews, and through their noble sacrifices and efforts, the kingdom spread to all the Gentile nations of the earth. Because of their sacrifices, we are Christians, members of Christ's kingdom on earth and heirs to his eternal kingdom in heaven. Through our Christian teaching we have learned that our life on this earth is but a period of preparation, a period during which we can earn the true life as citizens of his eternal kingdom. How often do we, like the Jews of Christ's day, forget this and bend all our efforts to building for ourselves a kingdom of power or wealth in this world, a kingdom which we will have to leave so soon?

We would not, of course, openly deny Christ, much less try, like his neighbors in Nazareth, to throw him to his death over a cliff: but how often in our private actions, and in our dealings with our neighbors, do we push him and his doctrine quietly aside and act as if we knew him not. In this we are no better than Christ's neighbors of Nazareth and we grieve his loving heart as much as they did on that sad day. Am I one of those (each one of us can ask himself)? Do I really love Christ or, to put it in a more personal way, do I really love myself ? If I do, I will not risk losing my place in the eternal kingdom for the sake of some paltry pleasure or gain in this present life which will end for me so very soon.

Excerpted from The Sunday Readings by Fr. Kevin O'Sullivan, O.F.M.

Things to Do:

• Read or reread Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Letter, Dies Domini on Keeping the Lord's Day Holy

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MASS OF THE EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE ROMAN RITE

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Introitus  Ps 96:7-8 Adoráte Deum, omnes Angeli eius: audívit, et lætáta est Sion: et exsultavérunt fíliæ Iudæ. Ps 96:1 Dóminus regnávit, exsúltet terra: læténtur ínsulæ multæ.  V. Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto. R. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculórum. Amen Adoráte Deum, omnes Angeli eius: audívit, et lætáta est Sion: et exsultavérunt fíliæ Iudæ. Dicutur Gloria	Introit Ps 96:7-8 Adore God, all you His angels: Sion hears and is glad, and the cities of Juda rejoice. Ps 96:1 The Lord is King; let the earth rejoice; let the many isles be glad. V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Adore God, all you His angels: Sion hears and is glad, and the cities of Juda rejoice. Gloria is said
Oratio  Orémus. Deus, qui nos, in tantis perículis constitútos, pro humána scis fragilitáte non posse subsístere: da nobis salútem mentis et córporis; ut ea, quæ pro peccátis nostris pátimur, te adiuvánte vincámus. Per Dominum nostrum Iesum Christum, Filium tuum: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum.  R. Amen.	Collect  Let us pray. O God, You Who know that our human frailty cannot stand fast against the great dangers that beset us, grant us health of mind and body, that with your help we may overcome what we suffer on account of our sins. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. R. Amen.
Lectio  Léctio Epístolæ beáti Pauli Apóstoli ad Romános. Rom 13:8-10 Fratres: Némini quidquam debeátis, nisi ut ínvicem diligátis: qui enim díligit próximum, legem implévit. Nam: Non adulterábis, Non occídes, Non furáberis, Non falsum testimónium dices, Non concupísces: et si quod est áliud mandátum, in hoc verbo instaurátur: Díliges próximum tuum sicut teípsum. Diléctio próximi malum non operátur. Plenitúdo ergo legis est diléctio. R. Deo gratias.	Lesson  Lesson from the letter of St. Paul the Apostle to the Romans Rom 13:8-10 Brethren: Owe no man anything except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the Law. For You shall not commit adultery. You shall not kill. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness. You shall not covet; and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no evil to a neighbor. Love therefore is the fulfillment of the Law. R. Thanks be to God.
Graduale  Ps 101:16-17 Timébunt gentes nomen tuum, Dómine, et omnes reges terræ glóriam tuam. V. Quóniam ædificávit Dóminus Sion, et vidébitur in maiestáte sua. Allelúia, allelúia. Ps 96:1 Dóminus regnávit, exsúltet terra: læténtur ínsulæ multæ. Allelúia.	Gradual  Ps 101:16-17 The nations shall revere Your name, O Lord, and all the kings of the earth Your glory. V. For the Lord has rebuilt Sion, and He shall appear in His glory. Alleluia, alleluia. Ps 96:1 The Lord is King; let the earth rejoice; let the many isles be glad. Alleluia.
Evangelium  Sequéntia ✠︎ sancti Evangélii secúndum Matthǽum. R. Gloria tibi, Domine! Matt 8:23-27 In illo témpore: Ascendénte Iesu in navículam, secúti sunt eum discípuli eius: et ecce, motus magnus factus est in mari, ita ut navícula operirétur flúctibus, ipse vero dormiébat. Et accessérunt ad eum discípuli eius, et suscitavérunt eum, dicéntes: Dómine, salva nos, perímus. Et dicit eis Iesus: Quid tímidi estis, módicæ fídei? Tunc surgens, imperávit ventis et mari, et facta est tranquíllitas magna. Porro hómines miráti sunt, dicéntes: Qualis est hic, quia venti et mare obœ́diunt ei? R. Laus tibi, Christe! Dicutur Credo	Gospel  Continuation ✠︎ of the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord. Matt 8:23-27 At that time, Jesus got into a boat, and His disciples followed Him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was covered by the waves; but He was asleep. So they came and woke Him, saying, Lord, save us! we are perishing! But He said to them, Why are you fearful, O you of little faith? Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the sea, and there came a great calm. And the men marvelled, saying, What manner of Man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him? R. Praise be to Thee, O Christ. Credo is said
Offertorium  Ps 117:16; 117:17 Déxtera Dómini fecit virtutem, déxtera Dómini exaltávit me: non móriar, sed vivam, et narrábo ópera Dómini.	Offertory Ps 117:16-17 The right hand of the Lord has struck with power: the right hand of the Lord has exalted me; I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.
Secreta  Concéde, quǽsumus, omnípotens Deus: ut huius sacrifícii munus oblátum fragilitátem nostram ab omni malo purget semper et múniat. Per Dominum nostrum Iesum Christum, Filium tuum: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum.  R. Amen.	Secret Grant, we beseech You, almighty God, that the offering of this sacrifice may always cleanse and strengthen the weakness of our nature. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. R. Amen.
Prefatio  V. Dóminus vobíscum. R. Et cum spíritu tuo. V. Sursum corda. R. Habémus ad Dóminum. V. Grátias agámus Dómino, Deo nostro. R. Dignum et iustum est. de sanctissima Trinitate Vere dignum et iustum est, æquum et salutáre, nos tibi semper et ubíque grátias ágere: Dómine sancte, Pater omnípotens, ætérne Deus: Qui cum unigénito Fílio tuo et Spíritu Sancto unus es Deus, unus es Dóminus: non in unius singularitáte persónæ, sed in uníus Trinitáte substántiæ. Quod enim de tua glória, revelánte te, crédimus, hoc de Fílio tuo, hoc de Spíritu Sancto sine differéntia discretiónis sentímus. Ut in confessióne veræ sempiternǽque Deitátis, et in persónis propríetas, et in esséntia únitas, et in maiestáte adorétur æquálitas. Quam laudant Angeli atque Archángeli, Chérubim quoque ac Séraphim: qui non cessant clamáre cotídie, una voce dicéntes: Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus Dóminus, Deus Sábaoth. Pleni sunt coeli et terra glória tua. Hosánna in excélsis. Benedíctus, qui venit in nómine Dómini. Hosánna in excélsis.	Preface  P. The Lord be with you.  S. And with thy spirit.  P. Lift up your hearts.  S. We have lifted them up to the Lord.  P. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.  S. It is meet and just.  Holy Trinity It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God; Who, together with Thine only-begotten Son, and the Holy Ghost, art one God, one Lord: not in the oneness of a single Person, but in the Trinity of one substance. For what we believe by Thy revelation of Thy glory, the same do we believe of Thy Son, the same of the Holy Ghost, without difference or separation. So that in confessing the true and everlasting Godhead, distinction in persons, unity in essence, and equality in majesty may be adored. Which the Angels and Archangels, the Cherubim also and Seraphim do praise: who cease not daily to cry out, with one voice saying: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts! Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory! Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!
Communio  Luc 4:22 Mirabántur omnes de his, quæ procedébant de ore Dei.	Communion Luke 4:22 All marvelled at the words that came from the mouth of God.
Postcommunio  Orémus. Múnera tua nos, Deus, a delectatiónibus terrenis expédiant: et cœléstibus semper instáurent aliméntis. Per Dominum nostrum Iesum Christum, Filium tuum: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum.  R. Amen.	Postcommunion  Let us pray. May Your gifts, O God, free us from the attraction of earthly pleasures and give us new strength through Your heavenly nourishment. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. R. Amen.

Commentary for the Readings in the Extraordinary Form:

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

"'Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?' Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the sea, and there came a great calm" (Gospel).

This is a picture of both the human and the Divine in Jesus and in His Church (symbolized by the dome of St. Peter's at the right). Jesus, a tired Man, fell off to sleep during "a great storm." Jesus, the tireless, wide-awake God, "arose," as it were from the tomb of a dead sleep, to restore "a great calm."

Enemies of the Church are ever ready to gloat over our human "weakness" (Prayer, Secret), tossed about by the "waves" of human passion, by the "winds" of inhuman evil spirits.

The Divine Presence is within our baptized, absolved souls. Let us rise up "from the facination of earthly things" (Postcommunion).

— Excerpted from My Sunday Missal, Confraternity of the Precious Blood