SEPTEMBER
September--Our buildings need to be
winterized. Now is the time to think of energy conservation measures, adding
caulking and painting, completing needed repairs, composting yard waste, and
protecting garden plants for late fall and winter. Do we regard our abodes as
God's dwelling space, a sacred trust and healthy place? Do we cherish the
abundance of space and use it properly as good stewards?
Overview of September[1]
The month of September is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, whose memorial the Church celebrates on September 15. September falls during the liturgical season known as Ordinary Time, which is represented by the liturgical color green. This symbol of hope is the color of the sprouting seed and arouses in the faithful the hope of reaping the eternal harvest of heaven, especially the hope of a glorious resurrection. It is used in the offices and Masses of Ordinary Time.
September is Harvest Time
Since man is both a spiritual and physical being, the
Church provides for the needs of man in his everyday life. The Church's liturgy
and feasts in many areas reflect the four seasons of the year (spring, summer,
fall and winter). The months of August, September, October and November are
part of the harvest season, and as Christians we recall God's constant
protection over his people and give thanksgiving for the year's harvest.
September is the end of the
summer season and the start of the fall season.
Explanation of Ember Days—Three days set apart for fasting,
abstinence, and prayer during each of the four seasons of the year. They were
the Wednesday, Friday and Saturday after St. Lucy (or Lucia, d. 304) (December
13), the First Sunday of Lent, Pentecost, and the feast of the Holy Cross
(September 14). Since the revision of the Roman calendar in 1969, Ember Days
are to be observed at the discretion of the National Conference of Bishops.
Moreover, their observance may be extended beyond three days and even repeated
during the year. Possibly occasioned by the agricultural feasts of ancient
Rome, they came to be observed by Christians for the sanctification of the
different seasons of the year, and for obtaining God's blessing on the clergy
to be ordained during the Embertides. (Etym. Anglo-Saxon oemerge,
ashes.) — Modern Catholic Dictionary by John A. Hardon, SJ, Doubleday, 1980.
So, during these times the Church had a threefold focus:
(1) sanctifying each new season by
turning to God through prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
(2) giving thanks to God for the
various harvests of each season; and
(3) praying for the newly ordained
and for future vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
Since the reorganization of the Roman calendar in 1969
after the Second Vatican Council, Ember Days are still retained in principle,
but how and when they are to be observed is at the discretion of each country's
Episcopal Conference. There is no longer set Mass readings for the Ember Days
in the Ordinary Rite. Another harvest feast is September 29, the Feast of the
Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Before the revision of the calendar,
this used to be only the feast of St. Michael. In many countries this day was
referred to as "Michaelmas" and is celebrated with traditional foods
and customs
September is the time to
reflect on the Sorrows of Mary
September Devotion: Our Lady of Sorrows.[2] Since the 16th century Catholic piety
has assigned entire months to special devotions. Due to her feast day on
September 15, the month of September has traditionally been set aside to honor
Our Lady of Sorrows. All the sorrows of Mary (the prophecy of Simeon, the three
days' loss, etc.) are merged in the supreme suffering at the Passion. In the
Passion, Mary suffered a martyrdom of the heart because of Our Lord's torments
and the greatness of her love for Him. "She it was," says Pope Pius
XII, "who immune from all sin, personal or inherited, and ever more
closely united with her Son, offered Him on Golgotha to the Eternal Father
together with the holocaust of her maternal rights and motherly love. As a new
Eve, she made this offering for all the children of Adam contaminated through
his unhappy fall. Thus she, who was the mother of our Head according to the
flesh, became by a new title of sorrow and glory the spiritual mother of all
His members."
Daily
Prayers for September
At Morning
O most
holy Virgin, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ: by the overwhelming grief you
experienced when you witnessed the martyrdom, the crucifixion, and the death of
your divine Son, look upon me with eyes of compassion, and awaken in my heart a
tender commiseration for those sufferings, as well as a sincere detestation of
my sins, in order that, being disengaged from all undue affection for the
passing joys of this earth, I may sigh after the eternal Jerusalem, and that
henceforward all my thoughts and all my actions may be directed towards this
one most desirable object. Honor, glory, and love to our divine Lord Jesus, and
to the holy and immaculate Mother of God. Amen. --Saint Bonaventure
At
Noon
Mary, most holy Virgin and
Queen of Martyrs, accept the sincere homage of my filial affection. Into thy
heart, pierced by so many swords, do thou welcome my poor soul. Receive it as
the companion of thy sorrows at the foot of the Cross, on which Jesus died for
the redemption of the world. With thee, O sorrowful Virgin, I will gladly
suffer all the trials, contradictions, and infirmities which it shall please
our Lord to send me. I offer them all to thee in memory of thy sorrows, so that
every thought of my mind, and every beat of my heart may be an act of
compassion and of love for thee. And do thou, sweet Mother, have pity on me,
reconcile me to thy divine Son Jesus, keep me in His grace, and assist me in my
last agony, so that I may be able to meet thee in heaven and sing thy glories.
Amen.
At
3PM
Most holy Virgin. and
Mother, whose soul was pierced by a sword of sorrow in the Passion of thy
divine Son, and who in His glorious Resurrection wast filled with never-ending
joy at His triumph; obtain for us who call upon thee, so to be partakers in the
adversities of Holy Church and the sorrows of the Sovereign Pontiff, as to be
found worthy to rejoice with them in the consolations for which we pray, in the
charity and peace of the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
At Twilight
O most holy and afflicted
Virgin! Queen of Martyrs! thou who didst stand motionless beneath the Cross,
witnessing the agony of thy expiring Son--through the unceasing sufferings of
thy life of sorrow, and the bliss which now more than amply repays thee for thy
past trials, look down with a mother's tenderness and pity on me, who kneel
before thee to venerate thy dolors, and place my requests, with filial
confidence, in the sanctuary of thy wounded heart; present them, I beseech
thee, on my behalf, to Jesus Christ, through the merits of His own most sacred
death and passion, together with thy sufferings at the foot of the cross, and
through the united efficacy of both obtain the grant of my present petition. To
whom shall I resort in my wants and miseries if not to thee, O Mother of Mercy,
who, having so deeply drunk of the chalice of thy Son, canst compassionate the
woes of those who still sigh in the land of exile? Offer for me to my Savior
one drop of the Blood which flowed from His sacred veins, one of the tears
which trickled from His divine eyes, one of the sighs which rent His adorable
Heart. O refuge of the universe and hope of the whole world, do not reject my
humble prayer, but graciously obtain the grant of my petition.
At Slumber.
Mary most sorrowful, Mother of Christians, pray for us. Virgin most sorrowful, pray for us.
September is the month dedicated to
contemplation of the Angels.
Devotion to
the Angels is a mark of Predestination[3]
The Church has always practiced and encouraged devotion to the holy angels. All ancient liturgies make mentions of them and the protection they provide to men. It is their greatest desire to aid us in all our acts of religion by uniting their supplications to ours. We should honor and love angels as well as our fellow mankind for it is though the Precious Blood of Christ, we are all united. Christ is the head of angels as well as men, and it is as Man that He is Head of the angels. To honor them and love them we must first know them and earnestly strive to cultivate their friendship.
September is the month of Angels and Mary is the Queen of Angels
The church traditionally honors
angels during the month of September. Paul in Colossians states of Christ, “He is the image of the invisible God, the
firstborn of all creation. For in him were created all things in heaven and on
earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or
principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him. He
is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of
the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in
all things he himself might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness was
pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile all things for him, making peace
by the blood of his cross through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.”
“St. Michael and the Angels” is a beautiful and inspiring book telling all about the angels. Filled with stories from the lives and writings of the saints, it tells of the role which the good angels play in the divine economy of saving souls. Led by St. Michael, the Prince of the heavenly host, the angels act as our guardians, serve as messengers from God to us and from us to God, surround the altar during Mass, and bear the graces of the Mass like incense to the altar of God on high. Here is explained the relationship of the angels to the Blessed Virgin Mary and how, if she is to send them to our aid, we must request her to do so. Included too is the prayer to our guardian angel asking him to go in our place to attend Mass when we cannot, plus the way the good angels protect us against the evil spirits. The book also discusses in detail the pre-eminent role of St. Michael as "Champion of the Church," "Defender of Christians," "Guardian of Purgatory," and "Helper of the Sick and Dying."
It is also a good practice to ask for angelic help throughout our day. There are nine choirs of angels and three hierarchies three within three. Remember to ask their assistance about every two hours throughout your day
First Sphere
The angels of the first sphere
serve as the heavenly servants of God the Son incarnated. It includes the
Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones.
Upon rising (7
am) address the first choir of angels, the Seraphim. Their chief
characteristic is great and ardent love. They were made for one thing
alone-----to love the God of Love. Without ceasing they honor, praise, and love
the most Blessed Trinity-----they can do nothing else-----this is their
happiness.
- Practice upon rising to try to become a Seraph
of love: let this be your habitual disposition. Love and do what God
wills. Ask this great gift fervently.
- Aspiration: "Oh! Blessed Seraphim! Make
us love." Say the Shema
Yisrael and make a Morning Offering.
- By the intercession of St. Michael and the
heavenly Choir of Seraphim, may it please God to make us worthy to receive
into our hearts the fire of his perfect charity. Amen.
- (1 Our Father and 3 Hail Mary's)
At the second hour (9
am) of the day address the second choir is the Cherubim who
continually are employed in contemplating the beauty and perfections of God and
will share with us their admirable wisdom, if we ask them, and show ourselves
in earnest, by the practice of supplication and prayer. Cherubim are full of
zeal for the glory of God and stand ready at all times to defend His honor.
Cherubim should be invoked when one is troubled with doubts against faith those
who experience temptations against holy purity.
- Practice: Spend time before praying in great
silence and recollection; endeavor to "know God, and Him Whom He has
sent, Jesus Christ."
- Aspiration: "Blessed Cherubim! Teach us
to pray."
- By the intercession of St. Michael and the
heavenly Choir of Cherubim, may God in his good pleasure, grant us grace
to abandon the ways of sin, and follow the path of Christian perfection.
Amen.
- (1 Our Father and 3 Hail Mary's)
At the fourth hour (11
am) of the day address the third choir is the choir of Thrones.
They are called Angels of Peace; calm, tranquility, and stability. Ask
them for that peace of soul which is the fruit of a good conscience. Invoke
their aid for such as are prone to hatred, passion and impatience; and after
their example, practice being meek, calm, and peaceful with all.
- Practice: Dispose yourself to great sweetness
and patience.
- Aspiration: "O Holy Thrones! Obtain that
Divine peace, which surpasses all understanding, may keep our hearts and
minds in Jesus Christ, Our Lord."
- By the intercession of St. Michael and the
sacred Choir of Thrones, may it please God to infuse into our hearts the
spirit of true and sincere humility. Amen.
- (1 Our Father and 3 Hail Mary's)
Second Sphere
Second, Sphere angels are
considered to work as heavenly governors of creation by subjecting the matter
and ruling and guiding the spirits. The second sphere includes the Dominions or
Lordships Virtues and the Strongholds Powers or Authorities.
At the sixth hour (1
pm) of the day address the fourth choir of angels which is the choir
of Dominations. They are consumed by their yearning for the
interests of God: their principal office is to manifest His will. We should
also beg of God to manifest His will to us by these Blessed
"Intelligences" and then take care to fulfill it scrupulously, as
being the shortest way to perfection and sanctity. We should ask these Angels
to help us to spread God's kingdom upon earth, for the conversion of heretics
and infidels, and for the return of lukewarm and fallen away Catholics to the
practice of the faith.
- Practice: Give practical proof of your zeal
for the glory of God; do something for His reign in souls, as instructing
the ignorant.
- Aspiration: "Holy Dominations! Animate us
with thy zeal." It was also at the sixth hour that Jesus was
crucified. Traditionally Catholics recite the Angelus at
noon, some pray it at six in the morning and six in the evening. For those
who wish to make personal change this is a good time to examine our day so
far and offer ourselves to our God. It is at the turning point of our day
that we recall the turning point of history: the moment when the angel
appeared to a young woman named Mary.
- By the intercession of St. Michael and the
heavenly Choir of the Dominations, may it please God to grant us grace to
have dominion over our senses, and to correct our depraved passions. Amen
- (1 Our Father and 3 Hail Mary's)
At the eighth hour (3
pm) of the day address the fifth choir of angels which is the choir
of Virtues. Energy and strength are attributed to the Virtues. They
have dominion over the elements; all nature is subjected to their control.
Hence they can raise or appease the tempest. We may profitably invoke them in
unforeseen accidents, sickness, etc. We may also have recourse to them for that
strength necessary to lead a penitential life, and root out the inclinations of
depraved nature. All persons inclined to the contemplative life should call on
this choir of Angels for help, for good thoughts alone do not make holy, one
needs also strength to persevere and to accomplish this great task.
- Practice: (After work) Visit the Blessed
Sacrament to obtain grace to overcome your evil dispositions.
- Aspiration: "Holy Virtues! Strengthen and
fortify us."
- By the intercession of St. Michael and the
admirable heavenly Choir of the Virtues, may it please God to keep us from
falling into temptation, and may He deliver us from evil. Amen.
- (1 Our Father and 3 Hail Mary's)
At the 10th hour (5
pm) of the day address the sixth choir of angels the Powers.
These Angels have unlimited mastery over the wicked Spirits; they are endowed
with great intelligence and are able to discover their schemes and plans for
our destruction. Their power is so amazing that one alone of them would be able
to destroy the entire infernal host. It is well to invoke them in temptation:
but to merit their assistance we must take care to avoid the occasions of
sin.
- Practice: Resist the attacks of vice and
passion; frequently make acts of diffidence in self and confidence in God;
combat your evil inclinations.
- Aspiration: "Lord! Send Thy Angels to
assist us."
- By the intercession of St. Michael and the
heavenly Choir of the Powers, may God vouchsafe to keep our souls from the
wiles and temptations of the devil. Amen.
- (1 Our Father and 3 Hail Mary's)
Third Sphere
The angels of the third sphere
function as heavenly protectors, messengers and guides to human beings.
At the 12th hour (7
pm) of the day address the seventh choir of angels the Principalities.
The Principalities watch over Empires, Provinces, and Dioceses. Purity of
intention is the virtue ascribed to them, for in their high functions they
never seek but the honor and interest of God alone. Let us imitate them. It is
the intention which stamps the action with merit or demerit.
- Practice: In all you do and say, seek the
greater glory of God.
- Aspiration: "O Holy Spirits! May we, like
thee, seek God, for God alone."
- By the intercession of St. Michael and the
heavenly Choir of Principalities, may it please God to fill our souls with
the spirit of true and sincere obedience. Amen.
- (1 Our Father and 3 Hail Mary's)
At the 14th hour (9
pm) of the day address the eighth choir of angels the Archangels.
The Archangels are distinguished from the Angels by the greater importance of
their functions: the Guardians of those invested with authority in the Church
and State and are remarkable for their love and care of men. Let us imitate
them, doing our neighbor all the good we can and invoking in his behalf these
Blessed Spirits. Members of this choir are the holy spirits who stand before
the throne of God, ever ready to announce His commands. St. Michael is the
warrior leader of God’s angels. St. Gabriel is the special messenger of The
Holy Spirit. St. Raphael is the angel of Joy.
- Practice-----Two Acts of Charity, with great
affection.
- Aspiration: "Holy Archangels! Pray for
us, and for our priests."
- By the intercession of St. Michael and the
heavenly Choir of Archangels, may it please God to grant us the gift of
perseverance in the faith, and in all good works, that we may be thereby
enabled to attain the glory of paradise. Amen.
- (1 Our Father and 3 Hail Mary's)
At the 16th hour (11
pm) of the day address the Ninth choir of the angels. They are
charged with the execution of the Divine ordinances and are appointed the
Guardians of men. Humility is the virtue particularly ascribed to
them-----for though the least among the Choirs, yet they see their celestial
companions without desiring their greater, more excellent endowments. The
Guardian Angels exercise continual watchfulness over the souls committed to
their care. Their number is exceedingly great, and it is not necessary when an
Angel has accompanied his charge into Heaven, that he be again assigned to a
soul in any future generation. Our Guardian, who is our companion in life, will
also be forever at our side in Heaven. The joy of these Angels is immeasurably increased
when souls entrusted to their care enter Heaven. The Guardian Angels of the
lost souls are not deprived of their share of joy. God in His justice increases
also theirs with the others, and then assigns them to the special guard of the
Queen of Angels, where they with great joy praise the Infinite Justice of God.
Let us, like the humble Guardian Angels, love the lowest place, especially when
placed therein by Divine Providence, and to behold with joy the preference
given to others.
- Practice: Three Acts of Humility, interior and
exterior.
- Aspiration: "Who is like God!"
- By the intercession of St. Michael and the
heavenly Choir of all the Angels, may God vouchsafe to grant us their
guardianship through this mortal life, and after death a happy entrance
into the everlasting glory of heaven. Amen
- (1 Our Father and 3 Hail Mary's)
Information was obtained from:
- http://www.catholictradition.org/Angels/angels.htm
- Hierarchy of Angels Catholic Church | Hierarchy structure
September
Travel and Events
Belgian Beer Weekend September 6-8. The drinking fun doesn’t end in Budapest! Head
to Belgium for Belgian Beer Weekend. Held at Brussel’s Grand Place square, this
annual celebration in early September showcases Belgian brews from more than 30
small and big breweries.
·
Southern Arizona Beer Tour
·
Oktoberfest in Arizona 2023
Constitution Day Celebrate
Constitution Day and the anniversary of the signing of the US Constitution with
a trip to Washington, DC, on September 17. The National Archives has the
original Constitution on display in the Rotunda, along with the Bill of Rights
and Declaration of Independence. Make the most out of your trip to DC and pay a
visit to the Smithsonian museums and
monuments along the National Mall.
Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival Call it an
excuse to party: Come Sept. 17, 2024, the 3-day Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival
begins. In mainland China, the annual festival is the second biggest holiday of
the year (right behind the country’s spring festival).
Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance
(Hong Kong) September 28-30.
Top off Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations with the Tai Hang fire dragon dance.
This 3-day-long event, held during the Mid-Autumn Festival, carries on a
tradition that’s more than 100 years old. In the Hong Kong community of Tai
Hang, some 300 performers take to the streets, dancing, waving incense sticks
and animating a 220-foot-long dragon.
Texas State Fair (Dallas) September 27-Oct
20 “Our state fair is a great state fair.” How can
it not be when it’s in Texas? Beginning the last Friday in September, the
annual Texas State Fair unfolds over 24 days in Dallas, TX, with plenty of fun
for the whole family, including the chance to ride this Ferris wheel – the
largest in North America.
Iceman’s Calendar
·
September 1st Fifteen
Sunday after Pentecost
·
Mon. September 2nd Labor
Day
· September 4th MASS First Wednesday
·
September 6th MASS First
Friday
·
September 7th MASS First
Saturday
·
September 8th Sixteenth
Sunday after Pentecost
o
Nativity
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
·
Wed. September 11th Patriot
Day
·
Sat. September 14th Feast
of the Holy Cross
·
September 15th Seventeenth
Sunday after Pentecost
·
Tue. September 17th Full
Harvest Moon
·
September 18th Ember
Wednesday fast
·
September 20nd Ember
Friday fast
·
Sat. September 21st Feast
of St. Matthew
o
Ember
Saturday fast
·
September 22nd Eighteenth
Sunday after Pentecost
·
Mon. September 23rd Padre
Pio
·
September 29th Nineteenth
Sunday after Pentecost
o Feast
of St. Michael the Archangel
Drink Calendar SEPTEMBER
- All Month in September - Whiskey Worth Knowing Month
- First Saturday - National Tailgating Day - Tailgating in the fall is a rite of passage. Find an easy cocktail to make on game day!
- 9/7 - National Beer Lover’s Day - Grab a pint and cheers with a side of Slane Irish Whiskey.
- September 12-18 - Negroni Week - Easy to learn, simple to make, and endlessly compelling. Enjoy this classic Italian cocktail during Negroni week.
- 9/20 - National Punch Day - For every occassion, we suggest the BACARDÍ Gingerberry Punch!
- 9/20-29 - Bee’s Knees Week - Sip on this prohibition-era cocktail filled with gin, lemon juice, and honey during its dedicated week.
- 9/29 - National Coffee Day - Ring in this caffeinated holiday with a White Russian cocktail from Mr Black.
Clair’s Corner- Make a comfy dish that celebrates fall's harvest.
·
How to celebrate Sep 1st
o
Wake
up and kick off your day by showing appreciation for your pet rock. Get
creative and decorate your pet rock with colorful paints or markers. Take it on
a walk outside or find a special spot for it in your home.
o
Embrace
the theme of positivity by celebrating Acne Positivity Day. Treat yourself to a
DIY spa day using natural ingredients like honey and oats to pamper your skin.
Remember, acne is normal and nothing to be ashamed of!
o
Next,
channel your inner fashionista for National
Little Black Dress Day. Put on your favorite LBD and strike a pose. Take
pictures, dance around your living room, or simply feel fabulous while sipping
on a refreshing drink.
o
Harness
your strategic skills for American Chess
Day. Challenge a friend to a game of chess or try your luck against a
computer opponent online. It’s a great way to exercise your brain and have some
fun.
o
Celebrate
National
Chicken Boy Day by indulging in a tasty chicken dish. Whether you prefer
fried chicken, grilled chicken, or a vegetarian alternative, whip up a
delicious meal to enjoy with friends or family.
o
Get
in touch with your creative side for World Letter
Writing Day. Grab some paper and a pen, and write a thoughtful letter to
someone you care about. It’s a simple gesture that can brighten someone’s day.
o
Wrap
up your day by showing some love to your ginger cat on Ginger
Cat Appreciation Day. Spend quality time playing with your furry friend,
giving them extra cuddles, and maybe even capturing some adorable photos to
cherish.
o
As
you wind down, reflect on the diversity of activities you’ve enjoyed throughout
the day. Remember, every day is an opportunity to find joy in the little things
and celebrate the unique aspects of life.
·
30
DAY TRIBUTE TO MARY 18th ROSE: Sin of Pontius Pilate
o
30
Days of Women and Herbs – Frauendreissiger
§ Meadowsweet
(Filipendula ulmaria, spirea)
MEDICINAL PLANTS Day 18 NERVOUS SYSTEM-Revealed by Heaven to Luz
De María
NETTLE Scientific name: Urtiga dioica
L. Family: Urticaceae
As a painkiller, it helps to manage
both anxiety and stress and to treat other nervous problems. It has benefits to
retard aging and prevent memory-related problems. Anti-inflammatory, antiviral,
antimicrobial, hepato-protective. It can be used to combat many ailments. The
most effective way to ingest it is as infusion.
The Blessed Mother announced to me a disease that will attack the nervous and immune system causing serious problems on the skin, for which she told me to use the leaf of the nettle and ginkgo plants. Luz de María Reflection, 11.10.2014
SEPTEMBER
1 Fifteenth Sunday
after Pentecost
Proverbs,
Chapter 19, Verse 23
The
FEAR of the LORD leads to life; one
eats and sleeps free from any harm.
The gift of fear of the
Lord enables a person “to avoid sin and attachment to created things out of
reverence and love of God.” Primarily, this gift entails a profound respect for
the majesty of God who is the Supreme Being. Here, a person realizes his “creatureliness”
and dependency upon God, has a true “poverty of spirit,” and never would want
to be separated from God, who is love. As such, this gift arouses in the soul a
vibrant sense of adoration and reverence for God and a sense of horror and
sorrow for sin. This gift of fear of the Lord is sometimes misunderstood
because of the word “fear.” “Fear of the Lord” is not a servile fear whereby a
person serves God simply because he fears punishment, whether some sort of
temporal punishment in this life or the eternal punishment of hell.
A genuine
relationship with God is based on love, not fear.
Therefore, this “fear
of the Lord” is a filial or reverential fear that moves a person to do God’s
will and avoid sin because of love for God, who is all good and deserving of
all of our love. In a similar way, a child should not be motivated to obey a parent
simply because of fear of punishment, but because of love and respect; a person
who loves someone does not want to disappoint or to break the other person’s
heart. One should fear hurting a loved one and violating that person’s trust
more than one should fear punishment. Nevertheless, one should have a healthy
sense of fear for the punishment due to sin, including the fires of hell, even
though this should not be the motivating factor for loving God.
Therefore, this gift
motivates the person in three ways:
·
first, to have a vivid sense of God’s infinite
greatness.
·
Second, to have a real sorrow for sin, even
venial sins, and to do penance to atone for sins committed.
·
Third, to be vigilant to avoid the near
occasions of sin, to struggle against personal weakness and fight temptation.
The gift of fear brings
to perfection the virtue of hope. A person respects God as God, trusts in His
will, and anchors his life in Him. He approaches the Lord with humility,
docility and obedience. He believes in His promises of forgiveness of sin and eternal
life in heaven. Also, this gift is the launchpad for the other gifts. As sacred
Scripture attests, “Happy the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in
His commands” (Ps 112:1), and “the beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord”
(Sir 1:12). This gift also perfects the virtue of temperance, which seeks to
use all things wisely and in moderation, neither in excess nor in defect,
especially those sensible pleasures. With reason enlightened by faith,
temperance controls passions.
Temperance is related
to the gift of fear because one’s respect for God, and one’s awareness of being
made in His image and likeness and being redeemed by Christ motivate a person
to give glory to God by being temperate in actions and desires, not using,
doing, or indulging in anything to excess or defect. For example, chastity is a
virtue of temperance, which respects the goodness of one’s own sexuality, the
sanctity of marriage and the sanctity of marital love. A person moved by the
gift of fear strives to live a chaste life because God is the creator of these
goods, and a chaste life gives glory and praise to Him. This gift also prevents
us from being too familiar with God. We are the victims of original sin and
suffer from concupiscence; therefore, each of us struggles with a rebellious
heart. A person could easily take God’s love for granted and presume
forgiveness without real contrition; or forget God’s majesty by taking His holy
name in vain; or make demands of God and then be angry when He does not meet
them; or forget that every gift is from God and be selfish; or neglect prayer
and worship because there is not enough time for Him; or disregard God’s
commandments and the teachings of His church. And without fear of the Lord,
such a person might say,
“God loves me just the
way I am, and I am going to heaven.”
One must ask,
“Does such a person
really love God?”
While
the Lord will never spurn a humble and contrite heart, He will humble the
haughty.[1]
A good way to cultivate
humility is through
1. Daily prayer and worship at Mass.
2. Regular
and careful examinations of conscience also are important, as well as the
regular use of the sacrament of penance.
3. Meditating
on the infinite majesty of God.
ON KEEPING THE LORD'S DAY HOLY[2]
My esteemed Brothers in the
Episcopate
and the Priesthood,
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
Introduction
2. The Resurrection of Jesus is the
fundamental event upon which Christian faith rests (cf. 1 Cor 15:14). It
is an astonishing reality, fully grasped in the light of faith, yet
historically attested to by those who were privileged to see the Risen Lord. It
is a wondrous event which is not only absolutely unique in human history, but
which lies at the very heart of the mystery of time. In fact, "all
time belongs to [Christ] and all the ages", as the evocative liturgy of
the Easter Vigil recalls in preparing the Paschal Candle. Therefore, in
commemorating the day of Christ's Resurrection not just once a year but every
Sunday, the Church seeks to indicate to every generation the true fulcrum of
history, to which the mystery of the world's origin and its final destiny
leads.
It is right, therefore, to claim, in
the words of a fourth century homily, that "the Lord's Day" is
"the lord of days". Those who have received the grace of faith in the
Risen Lord cannot fail to grasp the significance of this day of the week with
the same deep emotion which led Saint Jerome to say: "Sunday is the day of
the Resurrection, it is the day of Christians, it is our day". For
Christians, Sunday is "the fundamental feast day", established not
only to mark the succession of time but to reveal time's deeper meaning.
Fifteenth Sunday after
Pentecost
The focus
of this Sunday instructs us to weep over lost souls and rejoice
over converted ones. Today the church retells the rising of the widow of Nain’s
dead son by Christ.
THE Introit of the Mass of this day is a fervent
prayer which may be said in any need or adversity. ‘Bow down Thy ear, O Lord,
to me and hear me; save Thy servant, O my God, that trusteth in Thee; have
mercy on me, O Lord, for I have cried to Thee all day. Give joy to the soul of
Thy servant, for to Thee, O Lord, I have lifted up my soul.”
Prayer.
May continued mercy purify and defend Thy Church, O
Lord; and since without Thee it cannot remain safe, may it ever be governed by
Thy bounty!
EPISTLE. Gal. v. 25, 26; vi. 1-10.
Brethren: If we live in the Spirit, let us also
walk in the Spirit. Let us not be made desirous of vainglory, provoking one
another, envying one another. And if a man be overtaken in any fault, you, who
are spiritual, instruct such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering
thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so you
shall fulfil the law of Christ. For if any man think himself to be something,
whereas he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let everyone prove his own work,
and so he shall have glory in himself only, and not in another. For everyone
shall bear his own burden. And let him that is instructed in the word
communicate to him that instructed him, in all good things. Be not deceived:
God is not mocked. For what things a man shall sow, those also shall he reap.
For he that soweth in his flesh, of the flesh also shall reap corruption: but
he that soweth in the Spirit, of the Spirit shall reap life everlasting. And in
doing good, let us not fail for in due time we shall reap, not failing.
Therefore, whilst we have time, let us work good to all men, but especially to
those who are of the household of the faith.
Explanation.
From this epistle we learn that humility should
teach and admonish us to think little of ourselves to shun self-confidence and
vainglory; charity should incite us, on the other hand, to be meek, loving,
compassionate, and kind to every man, even to sinners; to administer correction
to the erring only with charity, for if this be done with impertinent and
insolent zeal, we shall not only fail to correct offenders, but shall ourselves
fall into the same temptations and sins; for God, by a common and just judgment,
allows the proud, who look down upon others sins, to fall into sin themselves,
that they may learn to be humble, and to have compassion upon those who have
gone astray.
Aspiration.
O St. Paul, procure for me, by thy prayers, the
grace of God, that I may continually walk in humility, may always love my
neighbor, and, in particular, may bear with patience his faults and frailties,
that so I may fulfil the law of God, and reap an abundant harvest.
GOSPEL. Luke vii. 11-16.
At
that time Jesus went into a city that is called Nairn: and there went with Him
His disciples, and a great multitude. And when He came nigh to the gate of the
city, behold a dead man was carried out, the only son of his mother, and she
was a widow: and a great multitude of the city was with her. Whom when the Lord
had seen, being moved with mercy towards her, He said to her: Weep not. And He
came near and touched the brier. And they that carried it stood still. And He
said: young man, I say to thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up and began to
speak. And He gave him to his mother. And there came a fear on them all: and
they glorified God, saying: A great prophet is risen up among us: and God hath
visited His people.
Why
did Christ have compassion on this widow?
To show us that God takes forsaken and afflicted
widows under His care, and becomes Himself their comforter and helper, and to
teach us that we should do likewise. Christ had, however, still other grounds
for His compassion; for He foresaw in this dead youth of Nairn the death of the
sinner, and in the affliction of the mother the grief which the Church would
suffer over the spiritual loss of so many children.
“Why
did Christ say to this widow, Weep not?”
To
intimate that He would restore her son to her, and at the same time to teach us
that we should not mourn and weep to excess for the dead. St. Paul therefore
admonishes us not to be sorrowful in regard to the dead, as others who have no
hope of resurrection (i. Thess. iv. 12).
Why
did Christ command the bearers to stand still?
To
awaken their confidence and to put it beyond doubt that the resurrection of the
dead proceeded from Him. This should teach us that a soul that is dead cannot
be restored to life so long as the passions which have caused its death, and
borne it, as it were, to the grave, are not brought to a stop.
What
more do we learn from this gospel?
That
no one, however young, is safe from death; and that everyone, therefore, should
be always prepared for it.
What is often the cause of early
death among young persons?
1. Gluttony and intemperance
(Alcohol/Drug use); for by surfeiting and intemperance more perish than by the
sword (Ecclus. xxxvii. 34).
2. Lust.
3. Anger “If you bite and devour
one another, take heed you be not consumed one of another” (Gal. v. 15). From
angry words often come strife and blows, and not infrequently murder itself.
4. Disobedience. We have dreadful
examples to show that God has taken out of the world, early and suddenly,
disobedient children, for instance, Absalom. Not without reason does God say to
children “Honor thy father and mother, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee,
that thou mayest live a long time, and it may be well with thee in the land”
(Deut. v. 16).
ON
DEATH
Certain
it is that we shall die, but uncertain the hour of our death. Would that we
might never forget this truth that we might earnestly think of it every day!
How different our lives would then be! Have mercy, then, on thine own soul.
Keep thyself in readiness so live that thou mayest have no reason to fear
death. Do in thy lifetime what in the hour of death you will wish that you had
done. Die daily, with St. Paul, by crucifying the flesh with its desires and
lusts, and by voluntarily loosening thy heart from the world, its goods, and
its vanities, before death does this for you by violence. In time of temptation
and passion think of these truths and resist then to die will not be too hard.
Who is it that fears not death…?
Whoever walks without blame, doing
what is right, speaking truth from the heart; Who does not slander with his tongue,
does no harm to a friend, never defames a neighbor; Who disdains the wicked,
but honors those who fear the LORD; Who keeps an oath despite the cost, lends
no money at interest, accepts no bribe against the innocent.
Today
the church remembers Saints Joseph Arimathea and Nicodemus[3],
who lived in first century in Jerusalem at the time of Christ and are mentioned
in the Gospels. They received the dead body of Jesus deposited from the cross,
wrapped it in linen and placed it in a tomb owned by Joseph. Joseph was a
"noble counselor" and disciple of the Lord, waiting for the kingdom
of God. Nicodemus was a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, who were the
ruler of the Jews. He came to Jesus at night asking questions about his
mission. In the presence of the Sanhedrin who wanted to seize Jesus, Nicodemus
defended his cause.
Catechism of the Catholic
Church
Day 79
A foretaste of the kingdom: the
Transfiguration
554 From the day Peter
confessed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, the Master
"began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many
things. . . and be killed, and on the third day be raised." Peter scorns
this prediction, nor do the others understand it any better than he. In
this context the mysterious episode of Jesus' Transfiguration takes place on a
high mountain, before three witnesses chosen by himself: Peter, James and
John. Jesus' face and clothes become dazzling with light, and Moses and Elijah
appear, speaking "of his departure, which he was to accomplish at
Jerusalem". A cloud covers him and a voice from heaven says:
"This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!"
555 For a moment Jesus
discloses his divine glory, confirming Peter's confession. He also reveals that
he will have to go by the way of the cross at Jerusalem in order to "enter
into his glory".
Moses and Elijah had seen God's glory on the Mountain; the Law and the Prophets
had announced the Messiah's sufferings. Christ's Passion is the will of
the Father: the Son acts as God's servant; The cloud indicates the
presence of the Holy Spirit. "The whole Trinity appeared: the Father in
the voice; the Son in the man; the Spirit in the shining cloud."
You were
transfigured on the mountain, and your disciples, as much as they were capable
of it, beheld your glory, O Christ our God, so that when they should see you
crucified they would understand that your Passion was voluntary, and proclaim
to the world that you truly are the splendour of the Father.
556 On the threshold of the
public life: the baptism; on the threshold of the Passover: the
Transfiguration. Jesus' baptism proclaimed "the mystery of the first
regeneration", namely, our Baptism; the Transfiguration "is the
sacrament of the second regeneration": our own Resurrection. From now
on we share in the Lord's Resurrection through the Spirit who acts in the
sacraments of the Body of Christ. the Transfiguration gives us a foretaste of
Christ's glorious coming, when he "will change our lowly body to be like
his glorious body." But it also recalls that "it is through many
persecutions that we must enter the kingdom of God":
Peter did
not yet understand this when he wanted to remain with Christ on the mountain.
It has been reserved for you, Peter, but for after death. For now, Jesus says:
"Go down to toil on earth, to serve on earth, to be scorned and crucified
on earth. Life goes down to be killed; Bread goes down to suffer hunger; the
Way goes down to be exhausted on his journey; the Spring goes down to suffer
thirst; and you refuse to suffer?"
Jesus' ascent to Jerusalem
557 "When the days drew
near for him to be taken up [Jesus] set his face to go to
Jerusalem." By this decision he indicated that he was going up to
Jerusalem prepared to die there. Three times he had announced his Passion and
Resurrection; now, heading toward Jerusalem, Jesus says: "It cannot be
that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem."
558 Jesus recalls the martyrdom
of the prophets who had been put to death in Jerusalem. Nevertheless he
persists in calling Jerusalem to gather around him: "How often would I
have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings,
and you would not!" When Jerusalem comes into view he weeps over her
and expresses once again his heart's desire: "Would that even today you
knew the things that make for peace! But now they are hid from your eyes."
Jesus' messianic entrance into
Jerusalem
559 How will Jerusalem welcome her Messiah? Although Jesus had always refused popular attempts to make him king, he chooses the time and prepares the details for his messianic entry into the city of "his father David". Acclaimed as son of David, as the one who brings salvation (Hosanna means "Save!" or "Give salvation!"), the "King of glory" enters his City "riding on an ass". Jesus conquers the Daughter of Zion, a figure of his Church, neither by ruse nor by violence, but by the humility that bears witness to the truth. and so the subjects of his kingdom on that day are children and God's poor, who acclaim him as had the angels when they announced him to the shepherds. Their acclamation, "Blessed be he who comes in the name of the Lord", is taken up by the Church in the Sanctus of the Eucharistic liturgy that introduces the memorial of the Lord's Passover.
560 Jesus' entry into Jerusalem
manifested the coming of the kingdom that the King-Messiah was going to
accomplish by the Passover of his Death and Resurrection. It is with the
celebration of that entry on Palm Sunday that the Church's liturgy solemnly opens
Holy Week.
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.
·
Unite yourself in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them
in fasting: Today's Fast: End
to abortion
·
Religion
in the Home for Preschool: September
·
Litany of the Most Precious
Blood of Jesus
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Rosary
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