Claire’s Corner
· 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.
· Bucket List trip: Orval Abbey, Belgium
· Arizona Renaissance Festival February 1-March 30-last day
· Spirit Hour: 10 Most Popular Cocktails in March
· 30 Days with St. Joseph Day 11-The Immaculata
· Never Out of Season Sunday Dinner
· Endometriosis Awareness Month
· Try[4]: Cold Butter Milk Soup
· Pretzel Sunday
march 30 Fourth Sunday of Lent
National
Doctors Day
I made an inspection, then
addressed these words to the nobles, the magistrates, and the rest of the
people: “Do not FEAR them! Keep in
mind the LORD, who is great and to be feared,
and fight for your kindred, your sons and daughters, your wives and your
homes.”
The final battle for the kingdom;
like here in Nehemiah and the secular resistance to the rebuilding of a people
dedicated to God will be through the family.
Families must not live in fear. Do
not let fear take hold of your families and communities. The enemies’ threats
and attacks are imminent. Do not let your spirit be broken. Take concrete
measures to protect your family.
You must challenge your fears and only fear God. Depend on God and fight for yourselves. HE will free you from the grip of hopelessness. Do not be afraid of hard work.
ON KEEPING THE LORD'S DAY HOLY[1]
CHAPTER
II
DIES
CHRISTI
The
Day of the Risen Lord
and of the Gift
of the Holy Spirit
The
day of Christ-Light
27.
This Christocentric vision sheds light upon another symbolism which Christian
reflection and pastoral practice ascribed to the Lord's Day. Wise pastoral
intuition suggested to the Church the Christianization of the notion of Sunday
as "the day of the sun", which was the Roman name for the day and
which is retained in some modern languages. This was in order to draw the
faithful away from the seduction of cults which worshipped the sun, and to
direct the celebration of the day to Christ, humanity's true "sun".
Writing to the pagans, Saint Justin uses the language of the time to note that
Christians gather together "on the day named after the sun", but for
believers the expression had already assumed a new meaning which was unmistakably
rooted in the Gospel. Christ is the light of the world (cf. Jn 9:5; also
1:4-5, 9), and, in the weekly reckoning of time, the day commemorating his
Resurrection is the enduring reflection of the epiphany of his glory. The theme
of Sunday as the day illuminated by the triumph of the Risen Christ is also
found in the Liturgy of the Hours and is given special emphasis in the Pannichida,
the vigil which in the Eastern liturgies prepares for Sunday. From generation
to generation as she gathers on this day, the Church makes her own the
wonderment of Zechariah as he looked upon Christ, seeing in him the dawn which
gives "light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death"
(Lk 1:78-79), and she echoes the joy of Simeon when he takes in his arms
the divine Child who has come as the "light to enlighten the
Gentiles" (Lk 2:32).
Fourth Sunday of
Lent
·
Fourth Sunday of Lent (a.k.a. Laetare,
or Mid-Lent Sunday). A note of joy is struck, for having died to sin with
Christ during Lent, we will rise again with Him and be part of His mystical
Body, the Church which is the new Jerusalem. Thus, the Introit: "Rejoice,
Jerusalem."
·
Wednesday after Laetare Sunday: end of
Mid-Lent.
A note of joy is struck, for having died to sin with Christ during Lent, we will rise again with Him and be part of His mystical Body, the Church which is the new Jerusalem. Thus, the Introit: "Rejoice, Jerusalem."
BY the Introit of the Mass the Church reminds us of the joys of heaven, to encourage us to persevering zeal in penance and fasting, and to patience under persecution, crosses, and sorrows.
The Introit of the Mass begins with the word Laetare
(rejoice),
from which the Sunday derives its name: Rejoice, O Jerusalem, and come together, all you that love her. Rejoice with joy, you that have been in sorrow, that you may exult and be filled from the breasts of your consolation. I was glad at the things that were said unto me: we shall go into the house of the Lord.
Prayer.
Grant, we beseech Thee, O Almighty God, that we, who are afflicted for our deeds as we deserve, may be relieved by the comfort of Thy grace.
EPISTLE. Gal. iv. 23-31.
Brethren: It is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, and the other by a free-woman: but he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh: but he of the free-woman was by promise: which things are said by an allegory: for these are the two testaments. The one from Mount Sina engendering unto bondage: which is Agar: for Sina is a mountain in Arabia, which hath affinity to that Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But that Jerusalem which is above is free, which is our mother. For it is written: Rejoice thou barren, that bearest not: break forth and cry, thou that travailest not; for many are the children of the desolate, more than of her that hath a husband. Now, we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he, that was born according to the flesh, persecuted him that was after the spirit: so also, it is now. But what saith the Scripture?
Cast out the bondwoman and her son; for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. So then, brethren, we are not the children of the bondwoman, but of the free: by the freedom wherewith Christ hath made us free.
Explanation.
The Jews, typified by Agar, served Godlike servants, from fear of punishment and in the hope of rewards. Christians, typified by Sara, lift up their hands to Him as their Father, and if they fulfil His will faithfully will become partakers of His glory in heaven.
Prayer.
O Jesus, grant that by fasting, prayer, and patience under persecution I may partake in Thy sufferings and be found worthy of Thy divine promises and Thy eternal consolations in the heavenly Jerusalem. Amen.
GOSPEL. John vi. 1-15.
At that time: Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is that of Tiberias: and a great multitude followed Him, because they saw the miracles which He did on them that were diseased. Jesus therefore went up into a mountain: and there He sat with His disciples. Now the Pasch, the festival-day of the Jews, was near at hand. When Jesus therefore had lifted up His eyes, and seen that a very great multitude cometh to Him, He said to Philip: Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?
And this He said to try him, for He Himself knew what He would do. Philip answered Him: Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that everyone may take a little. One of His disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, saith to Him: There is a boy here that hath five barley loaves, and two fishes: but what are these among so many?
Then Jesus said: Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. The men therefore sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when He had given thanks, He distributed to them that were sat down: in like manner also of the fishes as much as they would. And when they were filled, He said to His disciples: Gather up the fragments that remain, lest they be lost. They gathered up therefore and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above to them that had eaten. Now those men, when they had seen what a miracle Jesus had done, said: This is of a truth the prophet that is to come into the world. Jesus, therefore, when He knew that they would come to take Him by force and make Him king, fled again into the mountain Himself alone.
Why did
Christ thus try St. Philip?
1. To try his faith and confidence.
2. To teach us to make use of natural and ordinary means before we
have recourse to the supernatural.
3. So that the miracle would be the more striking to the people,
when they were satisfied that the provisions, they had been quite small and
insufficient.
4. That we might have confidence in God, Who is a helper in time of tribulation (Ps. ix. 10).
What ceremonies did Our Savior use at this miracle, and why?
He first looked up to heaven, to remind us that every good gift comes from above, and that it is God only Who opens His hand and fills all with benediction.
Second. He thanked His heavenly Father, to show us that we also should be careful to thank God for all His benefits. The table, says St. Chrysostom, which begins and ends with prayer shall never know want.
Thirdly He blessed the bread that we might learn that it is the Blessing of God which gives success.
Why did
Jesus flee after this miracle?
1. To teach us to seek not the admiration and applause of men, but
only the glory of God and the good of our neighbor.
2. To love solitude, that far from the noise of the world, we may with more freedom converse with God.
Consolation in Poverty.
To those poor who follow Christ this gospel is full of consolation, as it shows that from the very beginning of the world God has cared for His children. For the comfort and preservation of His chosen people He sent Joseph before them into Egypt (Gen. xlv. 5; Ps. civ. 4). He sustained the children of [Israel during forty years in the wilderness with bread from heaven He fed the prophet Elias, sending him bread and flesh by a raven (in. Kings xvii. 6). He remembered Daniel lying in the lion’s den (Dan. xiv. 37). In the New Testament also God has shown His care for His own by nourishing and feeding them in their greatest need, at times through the instrumentality of animals and at other times by that of angels and of men as we read in the lives of the saints.
Aspiration.
In Thy power and
goodness, O my God, I put my trust. I firmly believe if I fear Thee, and do
what is right, I shall, though poor here, after this life have abundance of
good things from Thee.
Aids in
Battle[2] Psalms and Supplications in Combat with Evil
A number
of the Psalms and other scriptural canticles praise God for giving His people
victory in battle and ask for God’s assistance.
·
Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands
for war, and my fingers for battle; my mercy and my fortress, my stronghold and
my deliverer, my shield, and He in whom I take refuge. Ps 144: 1– 2
·
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my
spirit rejoices in God my Savior because He who is mighty has done great things
for me, and holy is His name. He has shown might with His arm, He has scattered
the proud in the conceit of their heart, He has put down the mighty from their
thrones, and exalted the lowly.” Lk 1: 46– 47, 49, 51– 52
Catechism of the
Catholic Church
Day
287 2214-2220
Catechism
of the Catholic Church
PART THREE: LIFE IN CHRIST
SECTION TWO-THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
CHAPTER
TWO-YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF
ARTICLE 4-THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT
III. The Duties of Family Members
The duties of children
2214 The
divine fatherhood is the source of human fatherhood; this is the
foundation of the honor owed to parents. The respect of children, whether
minors or adults, for their father and mother is nourished by the natural
affection born of the bond uniting them. It is required by God's commandment.
2215 Respect
for parents (filial piety) derives from gratitude toward those who, by the gift
of life, their love and their work, have brought their children into the world
and enabled them to grow in stature, wisdom, and grace. "With all your
heart honor your father, and do not forget the birth pangs of your mother.
Remember that through your parents you were born; what can you give back to
them that equals their gift to you?"
2216 Filial respect is shown by true docility and obedience. "My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not your mother's teaching.... When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you." "A wise son hears his father's instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke."
2217 As long
as a child lives at home with his parents, the child should obey his parents in
all that they ask of him when it is for his good or that of the family.
"Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the
Lord." Children should also obey the reasonable directions of their
teachers and all to whom their parents have entrusted them. But if a child is
convinced in conscience that it would be morally wrong to obey a particular
order, he must not do so.
As they grow up, children should continue to respect their parents. They should
anticipate their wishes, willingly seek their advice, and accept their just
admonitions. Obedience toward parents ceases with the emancipation of the
children; not so respect, which is always owed to them. This respect has its
roots in the fear of God, one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
2218 The
fourth commandment reminds grown children of their responsibilities toward
their parents. As much as they can, they must give them material and moral
support in old age and in times of illness, loneliness, or distress. Jesus
recalls this duty of gratitude.
For the Lord
honored the father above the children, and he confirmed the right of the mother
over her sons. Whoever honors his father atones for sins, and whoever glorifies
his mother is like one who lays up treasure. Whoever honors his father will be
gladdened by his own children, and when he prays he will be heard. Whoever
glorifies his father will have long life, and whoever obeys the Lord will
refresh his mother.
O son, help your father in his old age, and do not grieve him as long as he
lives; even if he is lacking in understanding, show forbearance; in all your
strength do not despise him.... Whoever forsakes his father is like a
blasphemer, and whoever angers his mother is cursed by the Lord.
2219 Filial respect promotes harmony in all of family life; it also concerns relationships between brothers and sisters. Respect toward parents fills the home with light and warmth. "Grandchildren are the crown of the aged." "With all humility and meekness, with patience, [support] one another in charity."
2220 For
Christians a special gratitude is due to those from whom they have received the
gift of faith, the grace of Baptism, and life in the Church. These may include
parents, grandparents, other members of the family, pastors, catechists, and
other teachers or friends. "I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith
that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am
sure, dwells in you."
National Doctor's Day[3]
National
Doctor's Day commemorates the nation's doctors, who have dedicated themselves
to public service by helping to ensure the good health of US citizens. Doctors
are qualified and licensed individuals who practice medicine of all forms. They
include many types such as physicians, surgeons, specialists, anesthesiologists
and pediatricians, who dedicate their lives to helping, healing and curing the
sick and needy. President George W. Bush designated March 30th as National
Doctor's Day on October 30, 1990, in an effort to celebrate the sacrifices and
contributions made by our nation's doctors. National Doctor's Day is
observed on March 30th every year in the US.
National
Doctor's Day Facts & Quotes
·
The
red carnation is the symbolic flower used for this holiday. It is often
placed on the gravesites of deceased physicians.
·
Eudora
Almond, wife of Dr. Charles Almond, celebrated the first Doctor's Day in
Winder, Georgia on March 30, 1933.
·
According
to a study by AAMC, the average cost of attending a US Medical school as a
nonresident is about $50,000 per year.
·
People
pay the doctor for his trouble; for his kindness-they still remain in his debt.
- Seneca, ancient Roman philosopher.
·
A
good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who
has the disease. - William Osler, Canadian physician and founder of John
Hopkins Hospital
National
Doctor's Day Top Events and Things to Do
·
Order
a gift for your doctor. Find something related to medicine such as a
spine keychain or even a basket of fruits shaped like bones.
·
Send
a personal Thank You Note to your doctor letting them know you appreciate
him/her.
·
Place
a red carnation on a deceased physician’s grave.
·
Drop
by your doctor's office with a free lunch or a snack in appreciation of their
dedication to your health.
·
If
you haven't been for a checkup in a while, get one. Your doctor will be happy
that you came in.
PRAYERS AND TEACHINGS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
What is a Sacrament?
A sacrament is an external sign, given to us by Jesus Christ, that point to an internal change or conversion. It is a visible sign of God's grace. Sacraments and faith are linked together in that sacraments pre-suppose, nourish, fortify and express faith. They build up the body of Christ, the Church.
It is a ritual that has been codified and evolved over time; coming from both the Bible (scripture) and lived experience (tradition).
In 1215 at the 4th Lateran Council the Church names the seven sacraments, using this definition "Something is properly called a sacrament because it is a sign of God's grace and is such an image of invisible grace that it bears its likeness and exists as its cause. (Peter Lombard)
Vatican II called the Church to ref-focus on the community aspect of the sacraments, reminding us that each sacrament communicates God's grace to the world. The Church itself is a sacrament.
Daily Devotions
·
Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them
in fasting: Today's Fast: The
lonely and destitute
·
Litany of the Most Precious
Blood of Jesus
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Make
reparations to the Holy Face
[2]Thigpen, Paul. Manual for Spiritual
Warfare. TAN Books.
[4] Sheraton, Mimi. 1,000 Foods To Eat Before You Die: A
Food Lover's Life List. Workman Publishing Company. Kindle Edition.
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