Monday, February 13, 2017

Numbers, chapter 22, Verse 2-3

² Now Balak, son of Zippor, saw all that Israel did to the Amorites, ³ and Moab feared the Israelites greatly because they were numerous. Moab was in dread of the Israelites.

Fear is listed by many theologians as the 8^th deadly sin. God in making us a Holy people wants us to be free of fear. Is it any wonder that people without faith are plagued by fear? Fear Dominates Politics, Media and Human Existence in America—And It’s Getting Worse according to Don Hazen.

“Fear is the mind-killer” – Frank Herbert, Dune

People cannot think clearly when they are afraid. As numerous studies have shown, fear is the enemy of reason. It distorts emotions and perceptions, and often leads to poor decisions. For people who have suffered trauma, fear messages can sometimes trigger uncontrollable flight-or-fight responses with dangerous ramifications.

Yet over time, many interlocking aspects of our society have become increasingly sophisticated at communicating messages and information that produce fear responses. Advertising, political ads, news coverage and social media all send the constant message that people should be afraid—very afraid.

In addition, television and film are filled with extreme violence and millions of fictional deaths, far out of proportion to what happens in real life, as researchers have pointed out…All this, despite statistics indicating that in most parts of the country, the crime rate is actually on the decline.

Fear is so pervasive that experts have made the case we live in a generalized “culture of fear,” also the name of a book by Barry Glassner which underscores the fact that we often fear the wrong things, and incredibly out of proportion to reality. Statistics show you have a much higher chance of being killed by lightning than by a terrorist.[1]

St. Catherine de Ricci[2]

St. Catherine experienced the stigmata and every Thursday-Friday accompanied Jesus in His Passion. Despite Catherine's extraordinary interior life, she continued to serve the monastery in many capacities including prioress for 36 years. The Canticle of the Passion was revealed to Catherine immediately after her first great ecstasy of the Passion. Our Lady desired Catherine to spread it as a form of prayer and contemplation pleasing to Our Lord.

The Canticle is chanted in some Dominican monasteries on the Fridays of Lent.

Prayer

My friends and My neighbors * have drawn near and stood against Me. I was delivered up and came not forth; * My eyes languished through poverty. And my sweat became as drops of blood, * trickling down and upon the ground. For many dogs have encompassed Me * the council of the malignant hath besieged Me. I have given My body to the strikers * and My cheeks to them that plucked them. I have not turned away My face from them that rebuked Me * and spit upon Me. For I am ready for scourges, * and My sorrow is continually before Me. The soldiers, plaiting a crown of thorns, placed it upon My head. They have dug My hands and feet; * they have numbered all My bones. And they gave Me gall for My food; * and in My thirst, they gave me vinegar to drink. All they that saw Me laughed Me to scorn; * they have spoken with lips and wagged their heads. They have looked and stared upon Me; * they parted My garments among them and upon My vesture they cast lots. Into Thy hands I commend My spirit; * Thou has redeemed me, O God of truth. Be mindful, O Lord, of Thy servants, * when Thou shalt come into Thy kingdom. And Jesus having cried out with a loud voice * gave up the ghost. The mercies of the Lord * I will sing for all eternity. Surely He hath borne our infirmities * and carried our sorrows. He was bruised for our sins. All we, like sheep, have gone astray; * every one hath turned aside into his own way. For the Lord hath placed upon him * the iniquities of us all. Arise, why sleepest Thou, O Lord? * Arise and cast us not off to the end. Behold, God is my Saviour, * I will deal confidently, and will not fear. We beseech Thee, O Lord, help Thy servants * whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood.

V. Have mercy on us, O benign Jesus. R. Who in Thy clemency didst suffer for us.

Look down, we beseech Thee, O Lord, on this Thy family for which Our Lord Jesus Christ did not hesitate to be delivered into

Daily Devotions/Prayers

·         Drops of Christ’s Blood

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[1] http://www.alternet.org/fear-america/fear-dominates-politics-media-and-human-existence-america-and-its-getting-worse

[2]http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/prayers/view.cfm?id=1296