FEAST
OF THE HOLY PENITENT MARY MAGDALEN
But shall we say, ‘Of human
origin’?”—they FEARED the crowd, for
they all thought John really was a prophet.
The Jewish leaders here were not, let us say, persons with high integrity and honesty.
The other day, while going through my
personal notes, I ran across some records I had taken on a lecture on “life’s
most important learning’s” I would like to share.
·
Be
a Mensch or a person with high integrity and
honesty.
·
Never
stop learning.
·
Love
and be loved.
·
Don’t
be afraid to take risks.
·
Set
the example.
·
Take
care of your health.
·
Take
care of your family.
·
Watch
your mouth.
·
One
person can make a difference.
·
Life
is a test/challenge; live it!
Overcoming
Fear[1]
King David shows us how to overcome fear, whether it be the fear of death, the fear of speaking in public (which surveys show to be greater than the fear of death!), fear of losing your children, fear of the future, or whatever. He says:
To overcome fear, seek the Lord!
David knew
what he was talking about! He had evildoers coming at him to devour his flesh
(27:2). They were breathing out violence (27:12). Nothing would have made them
happier than to see David’s head removed from his body. He had an entire army
encamped against him. The soldiers had probably been told, “Whoever comes back
with David’s head gets an instant promotion to general and a fat reward!” And
yet David could say, “My heart will not fear; though war arise against me, in
spite of this I am confident” (27:3)! The man knows his subject! He can teach
us about overcoming fear. David isn’t dispensing a formula that’s easy or
simple to apply. God isn’t a good-luck charm which you can pull out when you’re
in a jam and rub the right way. David is talking about a total way of life that
is focused on God and which clings to God with naked faith in desperately
overwhelming situations where there is no other source of help.
Psalm 27
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? When evildoers come at me to devour my flesh, these my
enemies and foes themselves stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me,
my heart does not fear; though war be waged against me, even then do I trust.
One thing I ask
of the LORD; this I seek: to dwell in the LORD’s house all the days of my life,
to gaze on the LORD’s beauty, to visit his temple. For God will hide me in his
shelter in time of trouble, He will conceal me in the cover of his tent; and
set me high upon a rock. Even now my head is held high above my enemies on
every side! I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing
and chant praise to the LORD.
Hear my voice,
LORD, when I call; have mercy on me and answer me. “Come,” says my heart, “seek
his face” your face, LORD, do I seek! Do not hide your face from me; do not
repel your servant in anger. You are my salvation; do not cast me off; do not
forsake me, God my savior! Even if my father and mother forsake me, the LORD
will take me in.
LORD, show me
your way; lead me on a level path because of my enemies. Do not abandon me to
the desire of my foes; malicious and lying witnesses have risen against me. I
believe I shall see the LORD’s goodness in the land of the living. Wait for the
LORD, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the LORD!
Feast of the Holy
Penitent Mary Magdalen[2]
MARY MAGDALEN, a sister of Lazarus and of Martha, of Bethany, was
a notorious sinner in Jerusalem. Moved by the preaching of Jesus, she did
public penance. She went openly into the house of the Pharisee with whom Jesus
was sitting at table, threw herself at His feet, anointed them with precious
ointment, washed them with her tears, and wiped them with her hair. Jesus,
knowing her contrite heart, forgave her, her sins (Luke vii. 37, 38), and from
that time forward she became the most zealous and faithful of the women who
were disciples of Our Lord. She followed Him, always ministered unto Him of her
substance (Luke viii. 3), and when He died was standing under the cross.
Prayer. We beseech Thee, O
Lord, that we may be helped by the intercession of blessed Mary Magdalen, at
whose prayers Thou didst raise up again to life her brother Lazarus, who had
been dead for four days.
EPISTLE. Cant. iii. 2-5; viii. 6, 7.
I will rise and will go about the city: in the streets and the
broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, and I found him
not. The watchmen who keep the city found me: Have you seen him whom my soul
loveth? When I had a little passed by them, I found him whom my soul loveth. I
held him: and I will not let him go till I bring him into my mother’s house,
and into the chamber of her that bore me. I adjure you, O daughters of
Jerusalem, by the roes and the harts of the fields, that you stir not up, nor
awake my beloved till she please. Put me as a seal upon thy heart, as a seal
upon thy arm, for love is strong as death; jealousy as hard as hell; the lamps
thereof are fire and flame. Many waters cannot quench charity, neither can the
floods drown it: if a man should give all the substance of his house for love,
he shall despise it as nothing. The soul that, following the direction of the
watchmen, that is, the priests, teachers, and rulers of the Church, seeks
Jesus, He goes to meet, gives Himself up to, takes up His abode in, with all
His love, with all His treasures. The soul which has found Christ for delight
forgets all outward things, and no longer has love or joy but for and in
Christ. How should it be otherwise? What can be wanting to him who truly
possesses Christ? This love for Him Who loved us unto death shows itself by
outward acts that are heroic. So, Mary Magdalen loved Jesus. Follow her
example.
GOSPEL. Luke vii. 36-50.
At that time:
One of the Pharisees desired Jesus to eat with him. And He went into the house
of the Pharisee, and sat down to meat. And behold a woman that was in the city,
a sinner, when she knew that He sat at meat in the Pharisee s house, brought an
alabaster box of ointment, and standing behind, at His feet, she began to wash
His feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head, and kissed His
feet, and anointed them with the ointment. And the Pharisee, who had invited
Him, seeing it, spoke within himself, saying: This man, if He were a prophet,
would know surely who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth Him, that
she is a sinner. And Jesus answering, said to him: Simon, I have somewhat to
say to thee. But he said: Master, say it. A certain creditor had two debtors,
the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And whereas they had not
wherewith to pay, he forgave them both. Which, therefore, of the two loveth him
most? Simon answering, said I suppose that he to whom he forgave most. And He
said to him: Thou hast judged rightly. And turning to the woman, He said unto
Simon: Dost thou see this woman? I entered into thy house, thou gavest Me no
water for My feet; but she with tears hath washed My feet, and with her hairs
hath wiped them. Thou gavest Me no kiss; but she, since she came in, hath not
ceased to kiss My feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint; but she with
ointment hath anointed My feet. Wherefore I say to thee: Many sins are forgiven
her, because she hath loved much. But to whom less is forgiven, he loveth less.
And He said to her: Thy sins are forgiven thee. And they that sat at meat with
Him began to say within themselves: Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And
He said to the woman: Thy faith hath made thee safe, go in peace.
Magdalen, who had sinned openly, openly did penance. In like
manner, he who has given public scandal must seek to make
amends for it by public good example. Magdalen confessed her sins, says St.
Ambrose, not with words, but with abundant tears of penitence. To tell her sins
to Christ, the All-knowing, was not necessary but what a confession was there
in the posture of humiliation, and in the tears that flowed from the contrite
sinner. Would you obtain forgiveness? Confess with contrition, like Magdalen.
The words, “Thy faith hath made thee safe,” denote a faith active as love.
Faith and love are in truth never separated, for the only truly believes who
also loves; and he only loves according to God’s will who believes in Him.
Therefore, believe in truth, love, and show your love by earnest hatred of
every sin, by flying from occasions of sin, by fighting against your passions,
by change of your life, and by humble confession, and as true as God lives you
will be saved, as was Magdalen the peace of God will enter into your heart.
Patron: Apothecaries; Casamicciola, Italy;
contemplative life; contemplatives; converts; druggists; glove makers;
hairdressers; hairstylists; penitent sinners; penitent women; people ridiculed
for their piety; perfumeries; perfumers; pharmacists; reformed prostitutes;
sexual temptation; tanners; women.
Redeemed
Sexuality[3]
As Christians we should be grateful beyond words for the gift of our redemption. We believe that Christ’s action on the cross has changed all things, for all time. We should seek to relate every aspect of our lives to how Christ has redeemed us and our world. When we consider the mystery and contemporary confusion of human sexuality, it is even more urgent for Christians to ask, ―How has Christ redeemed human sexuality?
Today our media features topics that not long ago would
have been labeled science fiction, or pornography. Cloning, ―casual sex,
getting pregnant by means of reproductive technologies, frozen embryos,
adultery — the list goes on. Does anyone in the public square relate these
issues to the spiritual?
When those of us try to bring God into the equation, we are
often told that ―individual morality must not be ―imposed on the public. But
that should not deter the Christian. Christ’s work on the cross has restored
all of human life, even human sexuality. That means that human sexuality is not
tinged with sin, nor is it morally neutral. Although we can misuse even the
best of God’s gifts, that does not change the fact that sex is God’s gift of
life and love to us. Specifically, sexual intercourse was never meant to be
directed to the individual. It’s not a sport or game to be enjoyed on its own. Sexual
intercourse is a powerful event of interpersonal communion — it is a
sacramental event. This makes more sense when we realize that Christian
marriage is a sign of Christ’s presence in the world. As Christians we accept
on faith that human sexuality is caught up in Christ, uniting a man and woman
in a union which reflects God’s love in the world and is directed to others.
With that starting point, it makes excellent sense to keep sex in marriage.
The redeemed nature of marriage was understood by the Church
from our earliest history. Following up on Jesus’ own words on the
indissolubility of marriage, St. Paul likened Christian marriage to Christ’s
relationship with His Church. ―As Christ loved the Church . . . so the husband
should love and cherish his wife as he cherishes his own body; for husband and
wife are one body, as Christ and the Church are one body. This is a great
mystery. St. John Chrysostom (347-407) taught that the ―one flesh of the
spouses is ―not an empty symbol. ―They have not become the image of anything on
earth, but of God Himself‖ (Homily 12).
The love of spouses, says the Catechism, ―requires of its
very nature, the unity and indissolubility of the spouses’ community of
persons, which embraces their entire life (#1644). The root of this
indissolubility is found in God Himself, who taught us of His fidelity through
His covenant with Abraham. It is found finally in Christ, who united Himself
with His Church. In this age of continuous assaults on God’s design for life
and love, it would do the world good if Christians reclaimed our rich heritage.
Before we can do this, we need to return to the mystery of our faith and
meditate on who Jesus is, what He did for us, and how this has changed all life
for all ages.
Novena
of St. Ann[4]
Daily Prayer to Saint Ann
O
glorious St. Ann, you are filled with compassion for those who invoke you and
with love for those who suffer! Heavily burdened with the weight of my
troubles, I cast myself at your feet and humbly beg of you to take the present
intention which I recommend to you in your special care.
Please recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and place it
before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Continue
to intercede for me until my request is granted. But, above all, obtain for me
the grace one day to see my God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the
saints to praise and bless Him for all eternity. Amen.
Our Father, . . . Hail Mary . . .
O Jesus, Holy Mary, St. Ann, help me now and at
the hour of my death. Good St. Ann, intercede for me.
SIXTH DAY
Good St. Ann do not allow my soul, a
masterpiece of God’s creative power, to be lost forever. Free my heart of
pride, vanity, self-love. May I know myself as I really am and learn meekness
and simplicity of heart.
God’s great love for me leaves me cold and
unresponsive. I must reflect this love through works of mercy and charity
toward my neighbor.
In your boundless charity, good St. Ann, help
me to merit the glorious crown which is given to those who have fought the good
fight against the world, the devil and the flesh. Assist me to preserve purity
of heart and body. With Mary and her divine Son, protect me always.
Fitness
Friday-Camino
Fitness Plan[5]
The Camino de Santiago, known in English as the Way of St James, is a network of pilgrims' ways or pilgrimages leading to the shrine of the apostle Saint James (Feast Day, July 25) the Great in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwestern Spain, where tradition holds that the remains of the apostle are buried. Wikipedia
6 Month Action Plan
CaminoWays has partnered
with Peter from D-Pete Health and Fitness clinic to share this Camino Fitness
Plan and professional fitness advice to help you prepare for your Camino
de Santiago trip.
Peter has created this
dedicated 6 Month Action Plan below, which is easy to print and follow.
The Camino Fitness Plan
below is a general fitness plan, but we would always recommend talking to your
doctor before undertaking any fitness plan. You can print or download this
Camino fitness plan to show your doctor if necessary.
Month 6
- Time
/ Distance: 25 – 30mins
- Frequency: 3
times p/w
- Progress:
- Walk – jog – walk-jog (interval training)
- Include hiking gear (bag + contents, jacket, shoes)
- Change route: hills – steps – uneven terrain
- Alternate days: 2 Train days (back-to-back) – rest
– Train – rest – Train….and so on!!
Month 5
- Time:
40 – 60mins
- Frequency: 3
times p/w
- Progress:
- Choose any of the previous months.
- 5. Hiking trail: 1 -2 times p/w walk a local hiking
trail; this will break you away from the even surfaced roads and paths
Month 4
- Time:
40 – 60mins
- Frequency:
4 times p/w
- Progress:
- Choose any of the previous months.
- 6. Cycle/ swim or jog one of the 4 days for a
variety
- 7. Attend the gym one of the 4 training days for a
variety
Month 3
- Distance:
5 – 7Km
- Frequency:
4 times p/w
- Progress:
- Choose any of the previous months
Month 2
- Distance:
15Km for 1/2 times a week & 10Km for 1/2 times a week
- Progress:
- Choose any of the previous month
- 8. Add an additional 5 -10 pounds (roughly 2-5Kg)
to your bag
Month 1
- Distance:
20Km for 1/2 times a week & 10Km for 1/2 times a week
- Progress:
- Choose any of the previous months
I hope you enjoyed our
Camino Fitness Plan prepared by the CaminoWays’ team and D-Pete Health Clinics.
There is a whole series of
Camino Preparation tips and advice on fitness we have prepared for you.
Continue
reading our preparation and fitness plan by D-Pete:
- Know Yourself, Camino Preparation Tip #1
- T-Rex Syndrome, Camino Preparation Tip #2
- How to prevent chafing, Camino Preparation Tip #3
- Motivation, Camino Preparation Tip #4
- Heel Pain, Camino Preparation Tip #5
- Shin Splints, Camino Preparation Tip #6
PART TWO: THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY
SECTION TWO-THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS OF THE CHURCH
CHAPTER
ONE-THE SACRAMENTS OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION
Article 1 THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
IV. Who
can Receive Baptism?
1246 "Every person not yet baptized and only such a person
is able to be baptized."
The Baptism of adults
1247 Since the beginning of the Church, adult Baptism is the
common practice where the proclamation of the Gospel is still new. the
catechumenate (preparation for Baptism) therefore occupies an important place.
This initiation into Christian faith and life should dispose the catechumen to
receive the gift of God in Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
1248 The catechumenate, or formation of catechumens, aims at
bringing their conversion and faith to maturity, in response to the divine
initiative and in union with an ecclesial community. the catechumenate is to be
"a formation in the whole Christian life . . . during which the disciples
will be joined to Christ their teacher. the catechumens should be properly
initiated into the mystery of salvation and the practice of the evangelical
virtues, and they should be introduced into the life of faith, liturgy, and
charity of the People of God by successive sacred rites."
1249 Catechumens "are already joined to the Church, they
are already of the household of Christ, and are quite frequently already living
a life of faith, hope, and charity." "With love and solicitude
mother Church already embraces them as her own."
The Baptism of infants
1250 Born with a fallen human nature and tainted by original
sin, children also have need of the new birth in Baptism to be freed from the
power of darkness and brought into the realm of the freedom of the children of
God, to which all men are called. The sheer gratuitousness of the grace of
salvation is particularly manifest in infant Baptism. the Church and the
parents would deny a child the priceless grace of becoming a child of God were
they not to confer Baptism shortly after birth.
1251 Christian parents will recognize that this practice also
accords with their role as nurturers of the life that God has entrusted to
them.
1252 The practice of infant Baptism is an immemorial tradition
of the Church. There is explicit testimony to this practice from the second
century on, and it is quite possible that, from the beginning of the apostolic
preaching, when whole "households" received baptism, infants may also
have been baptized.
Faith and Baptism
1253 Baptism is the sacrament of faith. But faith needs
the community of believers. It is only within the faith of the Church that each
of the faithful can believe. the faith required for Baptism is not a perfect
and mature faith, but a beginning that is called to develop. the catechumen or
the godparent is asked: "What do you ask of God's Church?" the
response is: "Faith!"
1254 For all the baptized, children or adults, faith must grow
after Baptism. For this reason, the Church celebrates each year at the Easter
Vigil the renewal of baptismal promises. Preparation for Baptism leads only to
the threshold of new life. Baptism is the source of that new life in Christ
from which the entire Christian life springs forth.
1255 For the grace of Baptism to unfold, the parents' help is
important. So too is the role of the godfather and godmother, who must be firm
believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized - child or adult on the
road of Christian life. Their task is a truly ecclesial function
(officium). The whole ecclesial community bears some responsibility for
the development and safeguarding of the grace given at Baptism.
Daily
Devotions
·
Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them
in fasting: Increase
of Vocations to the Holy Priesthood.
·
Litany of the Most Precious
Blood of Jesus
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Let
Freedom Ring Day 16
·
Rosary
[2]Goffine’s Devout Instructions, 1896.
[3]http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/marriage-and-family/natural-family-planning/awareness-week/upload/Redeemed-Sexuality.pdf
[4]Blessed Sacrament Fathers, ST. ANN’S SHRINE, Cleveland, Ohio
[5] https://caminoways.com/camino-fitness-plan/
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