St. James the Apostle by Benedict XVI 2006

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/audiences/2006/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20060621_en.html   

BENEDICT XVI GENERAL AUDIENCE Wednesday, 21 June 2006 James, the Greater  Dear Brothers and Sisters, We are continuing the series of portraits of the Apostles chosen directly by Jesus during his earthly life. We have spoken of St Peter and of his brother, Andrew. Today we meet the figure of James. The biblical lists of the Twelve mention two people with this name: James, son of Zebedee, and James, son of Alphaeus (cf. Mk 3: 17,18; Mt 10: 2-3), who are commonly distinguished with the nicknames "James the Greater" and "James the Lesser".   These titles are certainly not intended to measure their holiness, but simply to state the different importance they receive in the writings of the New Testament and, in particular, in the setting of Jesus' earthly life. Today we will focus our attention on the first of these two figures with the same name. The name "James" is the translation of Iakobos, the Graecised form of the name of the famous Patriarch, Jacob. The Apostle of this name was the brother of John and in the above-mentioned lists, comes second, immediately after Peter, as occurs in Mark (3: 17); or in the third place, after Peter and Andrew as in the Gospels of Matthew (10: 2) and Luke (6: 14), while in the Acts he comes after Peter and John (1: 13). This James belongs, together with Peter and John, to the group of the three privileged disciples whom Jesus admitted to important moments in his life.

Abbot elected Dormition Abbey Jerusalem

Later further Links below . . .

http://www.indcatholicnews.com/new Father Gregory Collins OSB, Glenstal Abbey,  elected Abbot of Dormition Abbey in Jerusalem

Posted: Tuesday, July 26, 2011 3:33 pm

Dormition Abbey  Fr Gregory Collins OSB has been elected as Abbot of Dormition Abbey in Jerusalem. Following the announcement, Bishop Noel Treanor, Bishop of Down and Connor said: "I warmly welcome the election of Fr Gregory Collins OSB as the sixth Abbot of Dormition Abbey in Jerusalem. I send him my congratulations and those of the people of Belfast, the city he was born in. "I send him my good wishes and blessings as he takes up his appointment in Jerusalem - the sacred land in which Our Lord walked during his time on earth." Gregory Collins was born in Belfast in 1960. He studied at Queen's University Belfast, gaining a doctorate in Byzantine Studies in 1991. He made Solemn Profession at Glenstal Abbey in 1994. Following ordination as priest in 1995, he studied Depth Psychology at the Jung Institute in Zurich. Between 1998 and 2002 Father Gregory was Headmaster of Glenstal Abbey School, after which he spent six years teaching Orthodox Theology and the History of Theology at the Benedictine university of Sant' Anselmo in Rome. Since returning to Glenstal, Father Gregory has had a varied ministry of writing and preaching retreats. Among his publications are The Glenstal Book of Icons (Dublin: Columba Press, 2002) and Meeting Christ in His Mysteries: A Benedictine Vision of the Spiritual Life (Dublin: Columba Press, 2011) Abbot Gregory will leave for Jerusalem in early August. For more information on Dormition Abbey see: http://dormitio.net/index.html  Source: Irish Catholic Media Office

Tags: Abbot of Dormition Abbey in Jerusalem, Bishop Noel Treanor, Bishop of Down  ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Donald . . . . . . Sent: Wed, 27 July, 2011 10:48:10 Subject: Gregory Glenstal Icons Interesting two LINKS of YouTube   ICONS AS IMAGES OF GOD ● Fr. Gregory Collins OSB  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxhKvXpAMzM   http://wn.com/Fr_Gregory_Collins_OSB_Icons_as_Images_of_God  Copies of the Glenstal Icons Book are in Nunraw store of Abbey Guest House shop.

MESSAGE FROM NORWAY

Cistercian Community Tautra Norway

On our Bulletin Board we read the message from the Cistrecian Nuns in Norway.

The tragedies bombing and shooting touch us again, knowing how closely  the Sisters of Tautra have suffered in spirit with the whole people.

As you pray you, so many people are in your hearts. 

It was the Mass of St. Joachim and St. Anne and united the Intercessions with you this morning

Thank you, Sr. Rosemary, and for pointing us to deeply moving words of the PM and King Harald, below.

God bless

Donald.

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Rosemary . . .
To: Mark . . .
Sent: Monday, 25 July 2011, 18:10
Subject: Re: Norway

Dear Mark,

 

Thank  you so much!  It is awful - at least 94 young people were shot by
one Norwegian man dressed as a policeman. He had been also seen at the place
of the bombing (7 dead there) and then on the island assembled the youth to
tell them about the bombing and then started shooting them all, even those
who tried to swim away.

We are still in shock but I know God will
bring a greater good out of all this unimaginable chaos!

The Prime Minister Stoltenberg(?) gave an exceptionally strong speech-see if
you can get it all. Then the king also gave a speech..
PRAY!

. . . 

Rosemary

Norwegian PM: Attack 'like a nightmare'

http://www.norway.org/News_and_events/top-stories/Transcript-of-the-Prime-Ministers-speech/

Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg spoke at a news conference Saturday about the two-pronged attack on his country the previous day -- a shooting at a youth camp that killed at least 85, and a bomb targeting government buildings in the capital, Oslo, that killed seven. The following is a transcript of his speech:

Transcript of the Prime Minister's speech

www.norway.org

Last updated: 7/23/2011 // The Prime Minister's speech at the press conference Saturday 23 July at 08:00.

Last night, it became apparent that what happened at the Labour Youth League summer camp on Utøya yesterday was a national tragedy. Not since the Second World War has the country experienced such an atrocity. At least 80 young people have been killed on Utøya. We have also lost some of our colleagues in the government offices. It is incomprehensible. It is like a nightmare. A nightmare for the young people who have been killed. For their families. Mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters who have been brutally confronted with death. But also for the survivors and their families. Every single person on Utøya has been marked for life. Young people have experienced things that no one should have to experience. Fear, blood and death. I am unable to express with words how deeply I feel with all who have been hit. Today – in a few hours’ time – I should have been at Utøya to meet these young people. Many of them are no longer alive. For me, Utøya is the paradise of my youth that yesterday turned into hell. Now we have to do all we can to support and help those who have been stricken by grief. Many people are still working to save lives. I visited Oslo University Hospital last night and applauded the outstanding work the health personnel are doing there. We also extend our thanks to the teams of police and firemen, and many others who are doing a tremendous job. Volunteers have also offered their help. Everyone is doing an impressive job. I appreciate this. We all feel a need to contribute, talk together and take care of each other. Last night, I talked to the leader of the Labour Youth League Eskil Pedersen. He is doing everything he can to comfort and assist everyone who has been hit. Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Minister of Culture Anniken Huitfeldt were at Sundvollen last night and in the early hours to support the young people arriving from Utøya and their families. Many people are still waiting for answers. Later today, I will go to Sundvollen to meet these young people and their families. Early this morning, there will be a meeting of ministers who are most immediately affected, and the whole Government will meet later today. Flags will be flown at half mast today to reflect the grief of the whole nation over this terrible tragedy.

 http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/kingharaldvnationaltragedyenglish.htm

[English version based on Google translation]

King Harald V

Address to the Nation on the Bombing Tragedies in Norway

delivered 23 July 2011

 

Norway has been hit by a national tragedy. What we fervently hoped would never happen, has yet happened.

At Sundvolden today we met young people and their families who shared their own horror stories with us. They have lived through a day that none of us can put ourselves in. Our thoughts and deepest sympathy goes to all those affected, in Oslo and Utøya.

Police, rescue teams, medical staff and volunteers have been fighting to save lives and have made a heroic effort for us all, even at the risk of their lives. All of us are affected by this incomprehensible tragedy, struck in disbelief at the news of the growing number of dead.

Amid all the pain and confusion, we've seen the Prime Minister, the Government, and ministries dealing with the situation in an excellent manner.

Both as individuals and as a nation, we will take a long time to digest and process the impact, grief, and feelings. In this process, we need each other. Across the country, people have lost someone they love. There are many children and young people who are afraid today. They must be taken special care of. For many, it is important to be together, while others need quiet reflection. It is good that the country's churches are open to all who want to light candles and need a place to be. It's also great that local authorities and NGOs have offered to those who feel the need to come together.

There is still much we do not know about the background of yesterday's horrific events, and it is important that we let the managers work to clarify things. But something we know: The actions carried out in Oslo and Utøya are an attack on Norwegian society that we value so highly. And they are an attack on the core of the Norwegian democracy.

It is when our nation is put to the test that the strength, solidarity, and courage of the Norwegian people is made clear. Now, we stand firmly by our values.

I remain convinced in the belief that freedom is stronger than fear.

I remain convinced in the belief of an open Norwegian democracy and society.

I remain convinced in the belief of our ability to live freely and safely in our own country.

Joachim and Ann

MASS Tuesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

---

Saint of the Day: 26th July

Joachim and Ann

Parents of the Virgin Mary.  Little is known about the parents of Our Lady.  Their story is told in the  apocryphal Gospel of James but neither are mentioned in Holy Scripture. 

The early cult of Joachim was recorded in the East with images on the columns of St Marks in Venice.  Later, Giotto painted  Joachim and Ann in the Arena Chapel in Padua.

They were also depicted together in stained glass at Great Malvern Priory, Hereford, Worcester and elsewhere  (according to the Oxford Dictionary of Saints).  Joachim is said to be buried in Jerusalem. 

Meditation of the Day by Eugene Boylan OCSO

    [Thanks to Editor, MAGNIFICAT July 2011]

What Makes the Righteous Shine

What then have we to do? We must realise that God is our tremendous lover, that he is our all and that he has done all our works for us. We must believe in God and not in ourselves; we must hope in God and not in ourselves; we must love God and not ourselves. As Saint Augustine told us, there is one man who reaches to the extremities of the universe and unto the end of time. We have to enter into this one man - this one Christ - by faith, hope, and charity. We have to find our all in him. He is our full complement and our perfect supplement. No matter how weak we are, he is our strength; no matter how empty we are, he is our full­ness; no matter how sinful we are, he is our holiness. All we have to do is to accept God's plan - to say as Christ said coming into the world: "A body thou hast fitted to me; behold I come to do thy will, 0 God." We have to accept the self, and the surroundings, and the story, that God's providence arranges for us. In humility we must accept our self - just as we are; in charity, we must accept and love our neighbour just as he is; in abandonment, we must accept God's will just as things happen to us, and just as he would have us act. Faithful compliance with his will and humble acceptance of his arrangements will bring us to full union with Christ For the rest, let us gladly glory in our infirmities, that the power of Christ may dwell in us. In our weakness and in our love we shall thus become one with him, and there shall be one Christ loving himself.

DOM M. EUGENE BOYLAN, o. ClST. R.

Dom Boylan (+ 1963) was a monk of the Cistercian Abbey of Mount Saint Joseph, Roscrea, Ireland. 

Parables -The other four parables (13:31-32,33,44,45-46) come in pairs.

Dear William,
Late evening.
Excuse indulging in fill in gaps in Parables.


God bless.
Donald

Parables of Kingdom two pairs

Matthew Other Parables Sacra Pagina p.209.

The parables, which are so close as to constitute a pair, reflect an approach common in Jewish apocalyptic writings. A good example is the "in­struction" on the two spirits in the Qumran Manual of Discipline (lQS cols. 3-4). That text divides humankind into two segments: The "sons of light" who follow the Prince of Light and do the deeds of light, and the "sons of darkness" who follow the" Angel of Darkness" and do the deeds of darkness. These two groups walk in their two ways until the final end. But God "has set an end for the existence of perversity; and at the time of visitation he will destroy it forever. Then truth shall arise in the world forever" (lQS 4:18-19). The same point is made later: "For God has allotted these spirits in equal parts until the final end, the time of renewal" (lQS 4:25).

The two parables and the Qumran text try to deal with what their writers reckoned as misguided and even morally reprehensible behavior. The particular problem facing both groups is how are the "insiders" to react. The solution is to leave judgment to God in the end-time. For the present the proper response is patience and tolerance born from the conviction that in the end God will make all things right.

The other four parables (13:31-32,33,44,45-46) come in pairs. All concern the kingdom of heaven but not the particular problem of the mixed response to Jesus' preaching about the kingdom. Rather they provide in­formation about the nature of the Kingdom and how one should respond to it.

At this point the basic significance of these disparate materials in Matt 13:24-52 is clear. The general topic is the kingdom of God. The particular problem is the mystery of the rejection and acceptance of Jesus' word of the kingdom. The two traditional parables-the wheat and the weeds, and the dragnet-put forth a message of trust in God's final judgment in the future and patient tolerance in the present. If it is correct to attribute the explanations of those parables (13:36-43, 49-50) to Matthew himself, then it seems that his special interest was the future judgment. Nevertheless, he was sufficiently concerned also with the theme of patient tolerance that he included the two parables.

The two pairs of parables in Matt 13:31-33 and 13:44-46 highlight the con­trast between small beginnings and great results as well as the inestimable value of the kingdom. They serve to make rejection of Jesus' message and the presence of the kingdom in his ministry all the more mysterious. The quotation of Ps 78 (77):2 added to the saying about Jesus' use of parables in teaching the crowds asserts that this style of teaching-and its resultant incomprehension-was in accord with God's will.

If we are correct that Matt 13:1-52 concerns the same basic problem as Romans 9-11 does, it appears that Matthew has focused on only part of the problem and given reasons for Jewish rejection of the gospel. He has also advised Christians on how to deal with their fellow Jews who reject the gospel.

. . .

Amplified Bible Parables Harmony Mt 13

64. The first great group of Parables

Mat 13:31-32

Mar 4:30-32

31  Another story by way of comparison He set forth before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field. 32  Of all the seeds it is the smallest, but when it has grown it is the largest of the garden herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and find shelter in its branches.

30  And He said, With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use to illustrate and explain it? 31  It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all seeds upon the earth; 32  Yet after it is sown, it grows up and becomes the greatest of all garden herbs and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air are able to make nests and dwell in its shade.

Mat 13:33-35	Mar 4:33-34
33  He told them another parable: The kingdom of heaven is like leaven (sour dough) which a woman took and covered over in three measures of meal or flour till all of it was leavened. [Gen. 18:6.] 34  These things all taken together Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, without a parable He said nothing to them. 35  This was in fulfillment of what was spoken by the prophet: I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things that have been hidden since the foundation of the world. [Ps. 78:2.]	33  With many such parables [Jesus] spoke the Word to them, as they were able to hear and to comprehend and understand. 34  He did not tell them anything without a parable; but privately to His disciples (those who were peculiarly His own) He explained everything [fully].
Mat 13:44
44  The kingdom of heaven is like something precious buried in a field, which a man found and hid again; then in his joy he goes and sells all he has and buys that field.

Mat 13:45-46

45  Again the kingdom of heaven is like a man who is a dealer in search of fine and precious pearls, 46  Who, on finding a single pearl of great price, went and sold all he had and bought it.

St James the Great & St James the Less or the Just

25 July

SAINT JAMES, Apostle

Feast Born at Berhsaida, the son of Zebedee and the brother of the apostle John. He was present when Christ performed his more important miracles. He was killed by King Herod about the year 42, and is venerated especially at Compostella in Spain where there is a magnificent church dedicated in his honour. 

St. James the Apostle also
known as St James the Great
St. James the Great July 25th   

St. James the Less also
known as Saint James the Just
 of St. James the Less, May 3rd

It can be puzzling about which of the James Apostles. James is my Baptismal name. My God-parents may not have been sure either. Perhaps they found the date of St James the Great was within a month of my birthday. .

  http://www.stjames.webhero.com/st-james-feast.htm   

Feast of St. James the Great Feast of St. James the Less

Saint James Greater the Apostle • Saint James Lesser the Just • St. James Medals • Feast Day of St. James • Patronage of St. James • St. James Cathedral • About Me

The Feast Day for Both St. James the Greater and St. James the Lesser Feast Day of Saint James the Greater July 25th Western Church April 30th Eastern Church Feast Day of St. James the lesser May 3rd Western Church October 9th Eastern Church Both St. James the Great and St. James the less have a St. James Feast Day that is dedicated to honoring each man. St. James the Greater has a Feast Day dedicated to him on July 25th of each year for the Western church, and April 30th for the Eastern church. St. James the Lesser has Feast Days dedicated to him on May 3rd in the Western church since 1969, and October 9th for the Eastern church. St. James the Lesser also shares a Feast Day with St. Philip. Part of the legend states that a Portuguese man was riding his horse on the beach and the horse plunged into the sea with the man still on the horse's back. The man suddenly emerged from the sea with scallops shells all over him, which is one of the symbols for St. James the Great. St. James the Great was a fisherman by trade, which is where Jesus met up with him and instructed James and his brother John to follow him. St. James the Great is the Patron Saint of Spain, blacksmiths, tanners, veterinarians, as well as equestrians. His depiction consists of James on horseback with cockleshells, a sword, and a pilgrim hat. Saint James Feast Day in Spain is a national holiday where the Spanish celebrate in St. James' honor. There are many different traditions that have been formed in some of the countries. For instance, in England, it is customary to eat oysters, and proclaim that anyone who eats the oyster will not want for anything. In France, they eat scallops instead of an oyster. While St. James the Great was handpicked by Jesus himself to follow him, St. James the Less was related to Jesus in that St. James' mother, Mary, was Jesus' mother's sister, Mary. It is also thought that St. James' mother, Mary, was at the crucifix when Jesus died. St. James the Less was called to the apostleship during Jesus' second year of preaching. St. James the Less was the first Bishop of Jerusalem and served the church for 30 years. He was so devoted to prayer that his knees and forehead were hardened, such as that of a camel's hoofs. He was martyred in the name of God in 62 A.D. and prayed up to God for the forgiveness of his murderers while he was being stoned to death. The last hit that actually killed him was from a club, which is now used in his depiction. A Feast of St. James the Less, or as he's sometimes referred to as James the Just, due to his abstinence from drinking wine, eating meat, never cut his hair and did not anoint himself. The last act to respecting St. James the Less in the church was that he was a Jewish Christian put to death by the Jews.

Saint James, Apostle 
Feast

Gospel                       Matthew 20:20-28 

From a homily on Matthew by Saint John Chrysostom, bishop

Sharers in the suffering of Christ

• The sons of Zebedee press Christ: Promise that one may sit at your right side and the other at your left. What does he do? He wants to show them that it is not a spiritual gift for which they are asking, and that if they knew what their request involved, they would never dare make it. So he says: You do not know what you are asking, that is, what a great and splendid thing it is and how much beyond the reach even of the heavenly powers. Then he continues: Can you drink the cup which I must drink and be baptised with the baptism which I must undergo? He is saying: “You talk of sharing honours and rewards with me, but I must talk of struggle and toil. Now is not the time for rewards or the time for my glory to be revealed. Earthly life is the time for bloodshed, war and danger.”  

COMMENT Matthew 13:44-52 Parables

terresainte

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: William J . . .
To: Donald . . .
Sent: Sun, 24 July, 2011 14:01:37
Subject: Matthew 13:44-52 and pearls of wisdom

Dear Father Donald,

Last week, by kind providence, when passing a charity bookshop window I saw and purchased a worn (ex-library) copy of Joachim Jeremias' "The Parables of Jesus", recognizing his name from quotes in Pope Benedict's book "Jesus of Nazareth", and in Sacra Pagina - like finding pearls of wisdom! (only at the cost of depleted groceries).

Whilst skirting the very learned analysis of the Hebrew / Greek / Latin texts, I am yet delighting in the Solomon-like wisdom of his interpretation of the first two parables in today's Gospel: here writing of the finders of the hidden treasure and of 'a specially valuable pearl' (page 199-201) -

"When that great joy, surpassing all measure, seizes a man, it carries him away, penetrates his inmost being, subjugates his mind. All else seems valueless compared with that surpassing worth. No price is too great to pay. The unreserved surrender of what is most valuable becomes a matter of course. The decisive thing in the twin parable is not what the two men give up, but the reason for their doing so; the overwhelming experience of the splendour of their discovery. Thus it is with the Kingdom of God. The effect of the joyful news is overpowering; it fills the heart with gladness; it makes life's whole aim the consumation of the divine community and produces the most whole-hearted self-sacrifice."

Hidden treasure indeed!

. . . in Our Lord,

William

Dear William,

Many thanks for the pearl of Wisdom.

Joachim Jeremias' "The Parables of Jesus"
has been standing beside our Sacra Pagina.

For the Mass Introduction today I was dipping in the sea waves of the parables :

"These Sundays we have touched on the seven (or eight) parables, the great chapter of Matthew 13, 'the day of parables' has its pivotal significance.

It is the third of Jesus' five discourses. 

This morning, the two parables are of the hidden treasure and the rare pearls.

As Origin, the great Father, says,
"To gain Christ, the pearl of great price, we must leave above all else.  ...
It was a sight of beauty leading us to the glory of Christ to whom the Father bore witness in the words: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

More to find . . .

Donald

Matthew 13:44-52 Parables

Sunday, 24 July 2011

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew13:44-52.

The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls.
When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it. 

Homily by Fr. Raymond.

The primacy of the Kingdom of God in our lives

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Raymond . . .
Sent: Sun, 24 July, 2011
Subject:

---

SUNDAY 17  2011

• Today’s Gospel opens with the quick-fire repetition of the same lesson:  The   teaching that the Kingdom of Heaven is so precious that it is worth sacrificing   all we have in order to gain it.  The fact that this teaching is repeated in two   different examples at the same time gives it an added weight for us. It’s rather   unusual for the written Gospels to be repetitious and long winded.  The Gospels   are normally very terse and sparing in the way they recount the things that   Jesus said and did.  They don’t give much room for repetition.  So what they do   repeat is all the more important for us.
• Did Jesus often repeat himself when he spoke to the crowds that followed him?    We may wonder.  He had such a short time on earth and he had to leave a teaching   that was to cover the peoples of the whole earth for all time to come.  Were his   parables each a “one off”?  or did he repeat the same ones time and time again.  
• Was the parable of the Prodigal Son told only once for instance?  Did he recount   the Parable of the Sower on only one occasion?  Or did he have his favourite   parables that he told time and time again?   This was before the days of the   mass media, of course, and his words and his deeds could only be heard and   witnessed by a limited number of people at a time.  It is true that, as St John   tells us, “If all the words and deeds of Jesus were to be written down the whole   world would not be big enough to contain all the books that would have to be   written.”  On the whole then we may be able to assume that Jesus had so much to   say to us; so many things to teach us; so much and such great revelations to   pass on to us that he could hardly afford to be repeating himself too often.
• Nevertheless, repetition is one of the main tools of the teacher’s art and so we   can be sure that when something was sufficiently important, then indeed he would   use some of his very precious and limited time among us to repeat some of the   more salient points of his teachings.  There was the doctrine on the eucharist   for instance.  He repeated the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and   fishes, and he even reminded his disciples of these two miracles on a later   occasion.
• Such a salient point then, something that was worth repeating is this teaching   he gives us today: the teaching that nothing can be compared to the value of the   Kingdom of Heaven for us.
•  So, we all have our various priorities in life: matters of family; matters of   work or of business or career; matters of finance or health; matters of   provision for a rainy day and so on.  And all these things have their place and   their importance for us of course. But we must never forget the primacy of the   Kingdom of God in our lives.  We must always remember those other powerful   sayings of Jesus on this same topic:  “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his   justice and all these other things will be added to you” and “What does it   profit a man if he gains the whole world and suffers the loss of his own soul.

+ + + + + + + + + + + +