ATTENTION! Operation Overlord 2.0: November 30 - December 8
OPERATION OVERLORD 2.0
- Starting Monday, November 30, we will enter into the St. Maximillian Kolbe Nine-Day Preparation for Total Consecration
- Be in a State of Grace = Go to Confession
- Add whatever intense fasting, penance and mortification God is calling you to during these nine days. Renew fitness goals
- On December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, we will all make our Marian Consecration (or renew it)
- Dedicate yourself to wear the Miraculous Medal every day (or carry it. The Combat Rosary has the Miraculous Medal)
- We call upon the intercession of the Blessed Mother, St. Michael, St. Maximillian Kolbe, Pope St. John Paul II and Mother Angelica
- PETITION: May truth be revealed, and may America and the Catholic Church become strong in God's power. - Ephesians 6:10
DAY 28 - MARY, TOWER OF DAVID, PRAY FOR US!
DRAW YOUR STRENGTH FROM THE LORD
PRAY A ROSARY
- Rosary of the Day: Glorious Mysteries
- Traditional 54 Day Rotation: Joyful Mysteries
Second Sunday of Advent
feast of saint
Isaiah, Chapter 40,
verse 9:
9 Go
up onto a high mountain, Zion, herald of good news! Cry out at the top of your
voice, Jerusalem, herald of good news! Cry out, do not FEAR! Say to the
cities of Judah: Here is your God!
Christ delights in us if we delight in Him we should also delight in others.
One of my favorite representations of the Lords delight with us is a statue of Joseph and the baby Jesus. Jesus and Joseph are playing. Joseph is slightly bent with the baby Jesus giggling crawling over the back of Joseph and peeking over his shoulder looking at his face in peek a boo fashion and delight is all over both of their faces. How can we fear when we have a God who loves us so!
In times of tribulation when we feel courage being drained from our souls let us remember the courage of blessed Saint Joseph reflecting on his courage, strength and of course gentleness with our Lord Jesus. In times of trouble let us call on the aid of St. Joseph reflecting on this portion of the litany of Saint Joseph[1].
”St. Joseph, Renowned offspring of David,
Light of Patriarchs, Spouse of the Mother of God, Chaste guardian of the
Virgin, Foster father of the Son of God, Diligent protector of Christ, Head of
the Holy Family, Joseph most just, Joseph most chaste, Joseph most prudent,
Joseph most strong, Joseph most obedient, Joseph most faithful, Mirror of
patience, Lover of poverty, Model of artisans, Glory of home life, Guardian of
virgins, Pillar of families, Solace of the wretched, Hope of the sick, Patron
of the dying, Terror of demons, Protector of Holy Church. Pray for Us!”
Fortitude[2]
Ways
to live out the gift of fortitude in your life, bestowed upon you by the Holy
Spirit at your Confirmation.
1.
Speak
out against evil wherever you find it.
2.
Take
the job in which you can do the most good for the spiritual welfare of others.
3.
Be
cheerful at your work; practice the apostolate of smiling; it will cost an
effort at times.
4.
Have
a loving solicitude for all with whom you come in contact, especially for those
who are friendless.
5.
Fight
down your own evil passions daily with renewed energy.
6.
Be
ready to defend your Faith in word, deed, and association.
7.
Bring
happiness where there is strife.
8.
Live
your Faith; join organizations that promote Catholic Action.
9.
Advise
others what to do in a spiritual difficulty; make sure the advice is correct.
10. Stay informed on Catholic news; it
will help when explaining the Faith to those outside of the Church.
11. Forsake the job rather than
Christian principles.
Second Sunday of Advent
The voices of Isaiah and John the
Baptist tell us to prepare.
“As the journey of Advent
continues, as we prepare to celebrate the nativity of Christ, John the
Baptist's calls us to conversion and sounds out in our communities. It is a
pressing invitation to open our hearts and to welcome the Son of God Who comes
among us to make divine judgement manifest. The Father, writes St. John the
Evangelist, does not judge anyone, but has entrusted the power of judgement to
the Son, because He is the Son of man. “And it is today, in the present, that
we decide our future destiny. It is with our concrete everyday behavior in this
life that we determine our eternal fate. At the end of our days on earth, at
the moment of death, we will be evaluated on the basis of our likeness or
otherwise to the Baby Who is about to be born in the poor grotto of Bethlehem,
because He is the measure God has given humanity. “Through the Gospel John the
Baptist continues to speak down the centuries to each generation. His
hard-clear words bring health to us, the men and women of this day in which
even the experience and perception of Christmas often, unfortunately, reflects
materialist attitudes. The 'voice' of the great prophet asks us to prepare the
way for the coming Lord in the deserts of today, internal and external deserts,
thirsting for the water of life which is Christ.” — Benedict XVI[3]
Goffine’s
Devout Instructions, 1896.
HAVING taught us on the first
Sunday of Advent to sigh with the prophets for the redemption through Christ,
the Church on this day reminds us, in the holy sacrifice of the Mass, of the
joyful promises of God for the salvation of the gentiles, and of Jesus Christ s
actual coming, in order to quicken our desire for it, and to produce in us an
alacrity in making ready our hearts by penance and love.
For this reason, she says in the
Introit of the Mass: “People of Sion, behold the Lord shall come to save the nations,
and the Lord shall make the glory of His voice to be heard in the joy of your
heart.” “Give ear, O Thou that rulest Israel: Thou that leadest Joseph like a
sheep.”
Prayer.
Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to make
ready the ways of Thine only begotten Son, that by His coming we may be worthy
to serve Thee with purified minds.
EPISTLE. Rom. xv. 4-13.
Brethren: What things so ever were
written, were written for our learning: that through patience and the comfort
of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now the God of patience and of comfort
grant you to be of one mind one towards another, according to Jesus Christ:
that with one mind, and with one mouth, you may glorify God and the Father of
Our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive one another, as Christ also hath
received you unto the honor of God. For I say that Christ Jesus was minister of
the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the
fathers. But that the gentiles are to glorify God for His mercy, as it is written:
Therefore, will I confess to Thee, O Lord, among the gentiles, and will sing to
Thy name. And again, He saith: Rejoice, ye gentiles, with His people. And again:
Praise the Lord, all ye gentiles; and magnify Him, all ye peoples. And again,
Isaias saith: There shall be a root of Jesse; and He that shall rise up to rule
the gentiles, in Him the gentiles shall hope. Now the God of hope fill you all
with joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope, and in the power
of the Holy Ghost.
What are we to learn by this
epistle?
To be grateful to God for having
called us, by His grace, to the true faith, and for having received us into the
bosom of His holy Church. Again, we are taught that by envy, discord, pride,
and hatred we lose our salvation. Finally, St. Paul refers us to the Scriptures
for instruction.
Why do the Holy Scriptures profit
us?
1. They teach, correct,
and instruct us in justice, that we may serve God faithfully, and be ever ready
for good works.
2. They sustain our
patience in suffering, and our hope of eternal life, by many promises, and by
the example of Jesus Christ and His saints.
Why is God called the God of patience,
comfort, and hope?
1. Because He looks
with patience and long-suffering upon our sinful lives.
2. Because He gives us
grace to carry our cross with patience and joy, and removes our despair by
spiritual consolation.
3. Because He gives us
hope that after this life, we shall possess Him, the object of our desire.
Aspiration.
O
God of patience, comfort, and hope fill our hearts with joy and peace, and
grant that we may become perfect in all good works by faith, hope, and charity,
and that we may attain the promised salvation.
GOSPEL.
Matt. xi. 2-10.
At that time: When John
had heard in prison the works of Christ, sending two of his disciples, he said
to Him: Art Thou He that art to come, or look we for another? And Jesus making
answer said to them: Go and relate to John what you have heard and seen. The
blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead rise
again, the poor have the Gospel preached to them: And blessed is he that shall
not be scandalized in Me. And when they went their way, Jesus began to say to
the multitudes concerning John: What went you out into the desert to see? a
reed shaken with the wind? But what went you out to see? a man clothed in soft
garments? Behold, they that are clothed in soft garments are in the houses of
kings. But what went you out to see? a prophet? Yea, I tell you, and more than
a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written: Behold I send My angel before
Thy face, who shall prepare Thy way before Thee.
Why was St. John cast into prison?
Because he rebuked King Herod, who
was living in adultery with the wife of his stepbrother. This teaches us that
we should not be deterred from our duty, though great suffering and misfortune
should thereby befall us. Is it not nobler and more profitable to our salvation
to be a martyr for truth, as St. John was, rather than to gain favor with the
world by timidly looking on, or by deceitful flattery?
Why did St. John send his disciples
to Jesus?
St. John sent his disciples to
Christ so that they, too, might be convinced that He was the Messiah.
Superiors and parents should learn
from this to see that their dependents and children are well instructed in the
faith.
Why did Christ merely say to the
disciples of St. John: Go and relate to John what you have heard and seen: the
blind see, the lame walk?
Because they ought to have been
convinced from the miracles He wrought, which were the fulfilment of the
prophecies, that He was the promised messiah.
What was the object of the
question, “What went you out to see?” which Our Savior asked?
1. To praise the constancy
of St. John, who was not to be deterred from exercising his sacred functions
either by the commands of Herod or through fear of imprisonment and death.
2. To approve the
austere life of St. John, that we should thereby be encouraged to crucify the flesh
and to do penance.
Why did Our Savior say that St.
John was more than a prophet?
Because he was destined to see the messiah,
to preach to men, and declare Him to be the Savior of the world. And as he was
a messenger of God, to announce the coming of Christ and prepare His way, he
was called an angel (Malachi. iii. T).
Why did Jesus add, “Blessed is he
that shall not be scandalized in Me”?
On account of those who would be
scandalized, at His humility,
His poverty, His ignominious suffering and death upon the cross, and who would,
accordingly, despise and reject Him; although the more He humbled Himself for
them the more they ought rather to love and honor Him.
Why does the Church set before us
this gospel?
In order that we, like the
disciples of St. John, may, by His works, recognize Jesus as our Lord and
Savior, and that we may make ourselves worthy of the grace of redemption by
doing penance earnestly and firmly, thus preparing the way of the Lord in our
hearts.
Consolation
in Adversities and Afflictions
What
can and should console us in adversity?
1. A firm belief that
everything is ordered by God’s wise providence, and that no evil can befall us
except by His permission, who never allows us to suffer more than is for our
good.
2. That if we call upon
Him in adversity God will help us, whenever it is expedient for our salvation.
Thus, to encourage us He says, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble, I will
deliver thee” (Ps. xlix. 15); and, “If God be for us, who is against us?” (Rom.
viii. 31); and “Can a woman forget her infant so as not to have pity on the son
of her womb? and if she should forget, yet will not I forget thee: behold, I
have graven thee in My hands” (Isaias xlix. 15, 16).
3. That it is useless
to resist Divine Providence, for all who have done so have been filled with
shame and ignominy, “Who hath resisted Him and hath had peace?” (Job ix. 4.)
4. That our sufferings when borne with patience and submission lose their sharpness and bring us merit and reward. “For that which is at present momentary and light of our tribulation, worketh for us, above measure exceedingly, an eternal weight of glory” (n. Cor. iv.17).
St. Nicholas Feast Day (270–343)—December 6[4]
From the ninth century in the East and the eleventh century in the West, Nicholas has been one of the most popular saints in Christendom and in Christian art and is the patron of many countries, dioceses, churches, and cities. He was a Greek bishop of Myra in Lycia (now Turkey). According to folklore, he may have saved three girls from prostitution, restored to life three children who had been killed, and saved three unjustly condemned men from death. While some sources say that he may have been imprisoned during the Diocletian persecution, there is no historical certainty that he suffered persecution for his faith. Likewise, while some sources place him at the Council of Nicaea in 325, it is uncertain if he attended. His charity to the poor is commemorated in modern times by those who follow the tradition of stuffing a boot or a stocking with gifts on his feast day. “Santa Claus” comes from the Dutch form of his name, “Sinterklaas.” He is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, and children.
Things
to Do[5]
·
Today is a good day to teach your children the
difference between Santa Claus and St. Nicholas. This story of the origin of Santa Claus will help you. Also learn all you can about St.
Nicholas.
·
Read St. Nicholas of Bari, ancestor of Santa Claus.
·
Choose some of the recommended activities — a puppet
show, a party, a visit from "St. Nicholas." Make sure to include in
all the activities the story of St. Nicholas, virtues to imitate, and his
significance in the Advent season. Read how different countries Celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas.
·
To enhance your feasting, purchase a copy of the
CD by the Anonymous 4 Legends of St. Nicholas. This is medieval music, all in honor
of St. Nicholas, done by four female vocalists.
·
There are numerous recipes to enhance this
feast, anything from a soup to dessert, so have fun in the kitchen trying
different ones.
·
St. Nicholas did his charitable works secretly.
Suggest that your children do one hidden act of kindness in imitation of the
saint.
· From the Netherlands we have the most popular recipe, speculaas (or St. Nicholas Cookies; Speculaus; Speculatius; Kris Kringle Cookies; Dutch spice cookies). You can find tips for using special speculaas cookie molds by Gene Wilson. Try these sites for St. Nicholas Cookie cutters or molds: House on the Hill, HOBI Picture Cookie Molds, Rycraft, and St. Nicholas Center. You could also use Nativity Cookie Cutters, like these from Cookie Craft.
There are three stages of man: 1st you believe in Santa Claus; 2nd you don’t believe in Santa Claus and 3rd you become Santa Claus!
Food and Drink[6]
It should always be remembered that like Lent, Advent is a period of penitence and sacrifice. Prior to the 1917 Code of Canon Law, in fact, the Roman church observed a fast (albeit one much less demanding than the Lenten fast), and prior to Vatican II it continued to require fasting during the Advent Embertide. It is therefore a salubrious custom to practice some kind of abstinence (e.g. giving up a favorite food) during Advent as a sober reminder of the season. Yet because it anticipates the Nativity, Advent cannot help but be suffused with joy as well. Traditional treats, especially on St. Nicholas Day (December 6) and during the "Golden Nights" (December 16 to 24), have long been a part of Advent observance. These hints of celebration have nothing to do with the ungodly bacchanalia of the annual Christmas party at the office or on the block and can therefore be made part of a holy preparation for the Lord.
· Cookies: traditional treat during Advent, especially on St. Nicholas Day and during the octave before Christmas. Springerles or Peppernuts (Pfeffernusse) are popular in Germany, Diples ("folds," for the infant Jesus' swaddling clothes) in Greece, and Speculaas cookies (on St. Nicholas Day) in the Netherlands.
· Drinks: there are special holiday drinks to toast the imminent arrival of the Christ Child. Eggnog and Rum pots are especially popular during the Octave before Christmas or the Golden Nights (see Customs), while Swedish mulled wine or Bishop's wine is drunk on St. Nicholas Day (December 6).
·
Fruitcake: alcoholic content and heavy
texture, fruitcakes are the preferred winter treat for many adults. Again, the
kind of fruitcake will various according to nationality. Do not use this
as a frienemy gift!
Jesse Tree[7]
The Jesse Tree dates back to the middle ages and came from
Europe. Even some ancient cathedrals have Jesse Tree designs in their
stained-glass windows. The "tree" is usually a branch or sapling and
is decorated with various symbols that remind us of the purpose and promises of
God from Creation to the Birth of Jesus Christ. Jesse was the father of King
David and God promised David that his Kingdom would last forever. Two centuries
after the death of King David, God spoke through the prophet Isaiah and said:
And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall
grow out of his roots: and the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: the
spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and fortitude, the
spirit of knowledge, and of the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:1-2) Each
Jesse Tree ornament usually consists of a handmade symbol or drawing that
represents one of the major stories of the Old Testament along with a brief
verse of Scripture from that story.
Jesse
Tree Ornaments
If you decide to use one
symbol each day during December, there are 24 symbolic ornaments to make for
your Jesse Tree, so each family member will need to make several. Making the
ornaments is a good project for Sunday afternoons during Advent. To make an ornament,
first read the Scripture verses for the day. Then pick out one or two short
verses that give the main idea. Copy these verses on the back of the ornament.
By this time, you will probably be thinking of various ways to illustrate your
Scripture verses. Use lots of creativity in making your ornament! You can use
pictures from magazines or old greeting cards. Or draw pictures or symbols
yourself. Color them with crayons, pencils, markers or paint. Look around the
house for bits and pieces that will make your design beautiful! If you prefer
to have a pattern already made, Caryn Talty, at Organic Living for a Healthy
Family, has created 26 excellent
ornaments which
she graciously offers free – both full color and black and white.
Jesse
Tree Scriptures (The Symbols Are Only Suggestions)
December 1 Creation: Gen. 1:1-31;
2:1-4 Symbols: sun, moon, stars, animals, earth
December 2 Adam and Eve: Gen. 2:7-9,
18-24 Symbols: tree, man, woman
December 3 Fall of Man: Gen. 3:1-7 and
23-24 Symbols: tree, serpent, apple with bite
December 4 Noah: Gen. 6:5-8, 13-22;
7:17, 23, 24; 8:1, 6-22 Symbols: ark, animals, dove, rainbow
December 5 Abraham: Gen. 12:1-3 Symbols:
torch, sword, mountain
December 6 Isaac: Gen. 22:1-14 Symbols:
bundle of wood, altar, ram in bush
Daily Devotions
·
Today in honor of the
Holy Trinity do the Divine Office giving your day to God. To honor God REST: no
shopping after 6 pm Saturday till Monday. Don’t forget the internet.
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Make
reparations to the Holy Face
·
Rosary
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