Gospel Dec 7, 2014: Second Sunday of Advent

Fr. William Grimm MM

Published on 2 Dec 2014

In Advent we make a bit more effort to welcome the Lord into our lives and into our hearts, so that we can indeed know him as Son of God, as Good News.

Second Sunday of Advent 2014 - Reflection with Fr Robin Gibbons

Posted: Saturday, December 6, 2014 12:53 am

Comment      http://www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=26195

“Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths” is an acclamation heard so clearly in Isaiah and Mark this Sunday, a cry that resonates in all corners of our problem filled world, which is very much in need of the Lord. There is absolutely no doubt that we are called to ecumenism in the Church of Christ, reaching out across barriers is so much part of the mission Jesus shows us in his teaching and example, a ministry echoed in the great documents of the Second Vatican Council particularly the Decree on Ecumenism. Rooted in these teachings Pope Francis urges us to let go of fear and walk in these visionary roads of the contemporary Church, why? Because this is the way of the Holy Spirit whose gifts, given to us, are for us to prepare the Lord’s way in our society and place! There is a lot of negativity in the world, as there is in the Church of `God. We see so many fragments and divisions, people are frightened for some reason at varied points of view, fearful of change and transition. Some of this is not actual but fabricated, because for God there is no real opposition between conservative and liberal, left and right, if we look into our hearts and souls, we are really seeking to do what is right. The ecumenism of God is to unite all creation in love, all of us! The problem is that we are fearful creatures, even those whom we consider strong have their Achilles heel, but our scriptures this second Sunday of Advent call us to breath slowly, relax and re-focus become ecumenical and open. The gentle voice of the Spirit of God sings a song to us of comfort in words so ancient and so rooted in the faith texts of our family: ‘fear not’ the prophet sings, ‘be comforted ‘ echoes the heavens, Mark proclaims that John in the wilderness ‘prepares the way’ and points to the One who will save us, the one who will come like a thief in the night and catch us unawares, but unlike a robber will not take away possessions but bring love. Let us take that as our comfort, we are held close to God’s heart in the love of Father, Son and Spirit, now and always! Fr Robin Gibbons is an Eastern Rite Chaplain for the Melkite Greek Catholics in Britain.

Community Talk on monastic life , Thurday 4th 2014. Fr. Hugh

COMMENT:

Fr. Hugh recalls of the Nigeria Foundation, talking to Br. Benedict and Br. Anthony to make Solemn Profession, some years ago. In his community TALK, he quoted from the Notes below.

TheJesse Tree ISAAC 

day_6 Isaac was the only son of Abraham.
Christ was the only begotten son of God

December 5

Symbols: Bundle of Wood, Ram

And Isaac was a great type, or symbol of Christ. Both carried up a mount the wood on which they were to be sacrificed. Isaac was the only son of Abraham, Christ was the only begotten son of God.

The altar with the slain lamb is a prefigurement of the Sacrifice of Christ on the Cross and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Recommended Readings: Genesis 22:1-2, 6-13, 15-19

http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/overviews/seasons/advent/jesse_tree_day6.cfm

Community Talk, Thurday 4^th 2014.

Fr. Hugh

Obedience is not a very popular word with young people today distasteful.

Novicemaster replies: ‘Would you prefer anarchy?

Answer: ‘0h no but what we cannot stand is a totalitarian use of authority’.

Authority in the Church is not like that. All have to obey.

The vow of obedience is part of a much bigger spectrum and first to consider obedience in its full scope.

‘Obedience as described by St. Benedict goes a long way beyond the narrow framework of an order given by the Superior. It implies all the effort which a monk makes to put his intimate feelings in harmony with God.

(‘The Rule of St. Benedict and the Ascetic Traditions from Asia to the West^’ by Mayeul de Dreulle O.S.B. Page 9)

The way to perfection for St. Benedict is to harmonise the human heart with God. St. Benedict calls it obedience but he gives a very rich meaning to that word and wants it to mean,above all, obedience to God.^’ (Page 12 as above)

"In the first place obedience presupposes listening.

In the Prologue we are told to listen first and then we are told to do something Listening is mentioned seven times in the Prologue

God speaks to us and shows us his will in different ways. Through the words of Holy Scripture, through the orders of Superiors, through the legitimate needs of others, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.

Through the words of Holy Scripture.

This is very much a characteristic of the Prologue. St. Antony of Egypt recognised the voice of God when he heard the Gospel message: ‘Sell all you have and give to the poor.’ ‘A quiet, slow reading of the Bible will develop a facility for recognising the message. It is good to assimilate something of

the mentality of those who were very close to God.

Seeing the will of God in the legitimate needs of others.

Obedience to each other. This takes the form of personal service. Someone asks you for something at tne wrong time when you are wanting to have a bit of peace. You are asked to give pastoral service in the Guest House or in the confessional.

It is Christ you are meeting in your brother or sister. 'In as much as you did it to the least of these my brethren you did it to me.'

WaIter Hilton, an English Spiritual writer belonging to the Middle Ages wrote a book for hermitesses. In it he says:

'If you are at prayer and someone knocks at your door do not hesitate to go and see what they want. You will not leave the presence of God but find him in another way.

The service of others brings happiness.

President Kennedy said: "Do not ask what America can do for you but what you can do for America.” The person who puts most into community life will get most out of it. The joy of living is the joy of giving. If we try to find happiness for ourselves we shall never find it but if we try to make someone else happy we will find a happiness of which we have never dreamt.

Obedience to the Holy Spirit.

Obedience at the end of Chapter 7 speaks of the good habit and delight in virtue which God will produce in his workman William of St. Thierry in his Golden Epistle writes beautifully of the Holy Spirit: 'He forms the affection, gives virtue, helps the implementation,

doing all things mightily and disposing all things sweetly. And though men may teach how to seek God and angels how to adore, it is He alone who teaches us to find, to possess, to enjoy. '(Ch.16. para 15)

(Obedience to Superiors next time)

EVANGELII GAUDIUM

Gospel Joy

    . . .

41. At the same time, today's vast and rapid cultural changes demand that we constantly seek ways of expressing unchanging truths in a language which brings out their abiding newness.

"The deposit of the faith is one thing ... the way it is expressed is another"." There are times when the faithful, in listening to completely orthodox language, take away something alien to the authentic Gospel of Jesus Christ, because that language is alien to their own way of speaking to and understanding one another. With the holy intent of communicating the truth about God and humanity, we sometimes give them a false god or a human ideal which is not really Christian. In this way, we hold fast to a formulation while failing to convey its substance. This is the greatest danger. Let us never forget that "the expression of truth can take different forms. The renewal of the e forms of expression becomes necessary for the sake of transmitting to the people of today the Gospel message in its unchanging meaning"."

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6th December - Saint Nicholas - Independent Catholic News

6th December - Saint Nicholas - Independent Catholic News 

St. Nicholas Artist: Susan Seals All rights reserved

The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminals—murderers, thieves and robbers. After his release, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church, where a unique relic, called manna, formed in his grave. This liquid substance, said to have healing powers, fostered the growth of devotion to Nicholas. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day, December 6th (December 19 on the Julian Calendar).

Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas' life and deeds. These accounts help us understand his extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need.

St. Nicholas giving dowry gold Artist: Elisabeth Ivanovsky

St. Nicholas in prison Artist: Elisabeth Ivanovsky

One story tells of a poor man with three daughters. In those days a young woman's father had to offer prospective husbands something of value—a dowry. The larger the dowry, the better the chance that a young woman would find a good husband. Without a dowry, a woman was unlikely to marry. This poor man's daughters, without dowries, were therefore destined to be sold into slavery. Mysteriously, on three different occasions, a bag of gold appeared in their home-providing the needed dowries. The bags of gold, tossed through an open window, are said to have landed in stockings or shoes left before the fire to dry. This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas. Sometimes the story is told with gold balls instead of bags of gold. That is why three gold balls, sometimes represented as oranges, are one of the symbols for St. Nicholas. And so St. Nicholas is a gift-giver.

One of the oldest stories showing St. Nicholas as a protector of children takes place long after his death. The townspeople of Myra were celebrating the good saint on the eve of his feast day when a band of Arab pirates from Crete came into the district. They stole treasures from the Church of Saint Nicholas to take away as booty. As they were leaving town, they snatched a young boy, Basilios, to make into a slave. The emir, or ruler, selected Basilios to be his personal cupbearer, as not knowing the language, Basilios would not understand what the king said to those around him. So, for the next year Basilios waited on the king, bringing his wine in a beautiful golden cup. For Basilios' parents, devastated at the loss of their only child, the year passed slowly, filled with grief. As the next St. Nicholas' feast day approached, Basilios' mother would not join in the festivity, as it was now a day of tragedy. However, she was persuaded to have a simple observance at home—with quiet prayers for Basilios' safekeeping. Meanwhile, as Basilios was fulfilling his tasks serving the emir, he was suddenly whisked up and away. St. Nicholas appeared to the terrified boy, blessed him, and set him down at his home back in Myra. Imagine the joy and wonderment when Basilios amazingly appeared before his parents, still holding the king's golden cup. This is the first story told of St. Nicholas protecting children—which became his primary role in the West.

St. Nicholas rescuing murdered children Artist: Elisabeth Ivanovsky

St. Nicholas' prayer calming seas Artist: Elisabeth Ivanovsky

Another story tells of three theological students, traveling on their way to study in Athens. A wicked innkeeper robbed and murdered them, hiding their remains in a large pickling tub. It so happened that Bishop Nicholas, traveling along the same route, stopped at this very inn. In the night he dreamed of the crime, got up, and summoned the innkeeper. As Nicholas prayed earnestly to God the three boys were restored to life and wholeness. In France the story is told of three small children, wandering in their play until lost, lured, and captured by an evil butcher. St. Nicholas appears and appeals to God to return them to life and to their families. And so St. Nicholas is the patron and protector of children.

St. Nicholas providing food during famine Artist: Elisabeth Ivanovsky

St. Nicholas saving innocents Artist: Elisabeth Ivanovsky

Several stories tell of Nicholas and the sea. When he was young, Nicholas sought the holy by making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. There as he walked where Jesus walked, he sought to more deeply experience Jesus' life, passion, and resurrection. Returning by sea, a mighty storm threatened to wreck the ship. Nicholas calmly prayed. The terrified sailors were amazed when the wind and waves suddenly calmed, sparing them all. And so St. Nicholas is the patron of sailors and voyagers.

Other stories tell of Nicholas saving his people from famine, sparing the lives of those innocently accused, and much more. He did many kind and generous deeds in secret, expecting nothing in return. Within a century of his death he was celebrated as a saint. Today he is venerated in the East as wonder, or miracle worker and in the West as patron of a great variety of persons-children, mariners, bankers, pawn-brokers, scholars, orphans, laborers, travelers, merchants, judges, paupers, marriageable maidens, students, children, sailors, victims of judicial mistakes, captives, perfumers, even thieves and murderers! He is known as the friend and protector of all in trouble or need (see list).

St. Nicholas blessing ships Artist: Elisabeth Ivanovsky

Saint Nicholas Artist: Elisabeth Ivanovsky

Sailors, claiming St. Nicholas as patron, carried stories of his favor and protection far and wide. St. Nicholas chapels were built in many seaports. As his popularity spread during the Middle Ages, he became the patron saint of Apulia (Italy), Sicily, Greece, and Lorraine (France), and many cities in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Russia, Belgium, and the Netherlands (see list). Following his baptism, Grand Prince Vladimir I brought St. Nicholas' stories and devotion to St. Nicholas to his homeland where Nicholas became the most beloved saint. Nicholas was so widely revered that thousands of churches were named for him, including three hundred in Belgium, thirty-four in Rome, twenty-three in the Netherlands and more than four hundred in England.

St. Nicholas' death Artist: Elisabeth Ivanovsky

St. Nicholas bringing gifts Artist: Elisabeth Ivanovsky

Nicholas' tomb in Myra became a popular place of pilgrimage. Because of the many wars and attacks in the region, some Christians were concerned that access to the tomb might become difficult. For both the religious and commercial advantages of a major pilgrimage site, the Italian cities of Venice and Bari vied to get the Nicholas relics. In the spring of 1087, sailors from Bari succeeded in spiriting away the bones, bringing them to Bari, a seaport on the southeast coast of Italy. An impressive church was built over St. Nicholas' crypt and many faithful journeyed to honor the saint who had rescued children, prisoners, sailors, famine victims, and many others through his compassion, generosity, and the countless miracles attributed to his intercession. The Nicholas shrine in Bari was one of medieval Europe's great pilgrimage centers and Nicholas became known as "Saint in Bari." To this day pilgrims and tourists visit Bari's great Basilica di San Nicola.

Through the centuries St. Nicholas has continued to be venerated by Catholics and Orthodox and honored by Protestants. By his example of generosity to those in need, especially children, St. Nicholas continues to be a model for the compassionate life.

Celebrating St. Nicholas Artist: Elisabeth Ivanovsky

Celebrating St. Nicholas Artist: Elisabeth Ivanovsky

Widely celebrated in Europe, St. Nicholas' feast day, December 6th, kept alive the stories of his goodness and generosity. In Germany and Poland, boys dressed as bishops begged alms for the poor—and sometimes for themselves! In the Netherlands and Belgium, St. Nicholas arrived on a steamship from Spain to ride a white horse on his gift-giving rounds. December 6th is still the main day for gift giving and merrymaking in much of Europe. For example, in the Netherlands St. Nicholas is celebrated on the 5th, the eve of the day, by sharing candies (thrown in the door), chocolate initial letters, small gifts, and riddles. Dutch children leave carrots and hay in their shoes for the saint's horse, hoping St. Nicholas will exchange them for small gifts. Simple gift-giving in early Advent helps preserve a Christmas Day focus on the Christ Child.

Immaculate Conception

"Catholic Divine Will " ... in thirty-six volumes by Luisa Piccarreta

Written by the "Little Daughter of the Divine Will" Luisa Piccarreta, the "Divine Secretary" of the "Book of Heaven" A call for the creature to return to the order, to the place, and to the purpose, for which he was created by God. Let His Kingdom Come "On Earth as in Heaven," Maranatha !!! Even so, Come Lord Jesus !!! Fiat !!!

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Divine Will Volume Thirty-five

VOLUME 35

Fiat!!!
In Voluntate Dei!

Luisa Piccarreta

October 25, 1937

The Sovereign Queen is the Heiress of the Divine Will, and therefore the Heiress of the Divine Life. How She made herself a precious pledge in the creative hands of God. The great good contained in one act in my FIAT.

The Purissima

This life-size Purissima (55 x 40 in.) was painted by Francisco de Zurbarán in 1661, the very year that Pope Alexander VII prohibited any attack upon the doctrine, the feast, or the cult of the Immaculate Conception. Although a remarkably free treatment compared to traditional representations of the Immaculate Conception, this work retains familiar features, such as the two heads of the cherubs at her feet, the outline of the moon (a full moon here rather than a crescent), and her crown of stars, in reference to the Book of Revelation (Rv 12:1).

The master painter took as his model a young girl in the person of his youngest daughter, Maria, then eleven years old. Totally absorbed in contemplation of the perfection of God’s beneficent plan for the salvation of mankind, the young Virgin Mary wears her hair loose, a sign of her freedom from the tyranny of concupiscence. She stands out against a background of dark gold smoldering like fire: this is the original clay fashioned by the mind of God. Animated by the wind of the Holy Spirit, her magnificent cloak of a beautifully deep navy blue surrounds her like a mandorla (an almond-shaped background). This is the symbol of the purifying waters of baptism in which Mary was immersed in anticipation of the merits of her Son and Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ. And this is why she may wear the white tunic, without blemish, of the Immaculate.

We might benefit from the inspiration of the poetry of the Venerable Jacques Sevin as we contemplate this painting:

Like carefully chosen dough,

The Creator molds the heart of Mary:

The vessel must contain the Bread that satisfies.

See God, attentive to the least detail;

The mysterious Spirit alone informs the clay.

For, before this masterpiece, He wants our raptures.

The Master bends lovingly over his work

And, with a breath, the lovely vessel

suddenly becomes the heart of Mary.

Pierre-Marie Dumont

Immaculate Conception, Francisco de Zurbaran (1598–1664), Church of Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais, Langon, France. © RMN-Grand Palais / Jean-Pierre Lagiewski.

5th December - Saint Sabas - Independent Catholic News

5th December - Saint Sabas - Independent Catholic News   

5th December - Saint Sabas

Posted: Friday, December 5, 2014 12:33 am

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St Sabas Patriarch. Born in Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey) in 438, Sabas is one of the most highly regarded patriarchs among the monks of Palestine and is considered one of the founders of Eastern monasticism.  After an unhappy childhood in which he was abused and ran away several times, Sabas finally sought refuge in a monastery. While family members tried to persuade him to return home, the young boy felt drawn to monastic life and became a monk. At the age of 18 he traveled to Jerusalem where he asked to be accepted as a disciple of a well-known local solitary. Because he was so young, at first Sabas lived in a monastery, where he worked during the day and spent much of the night in prayer. Then when he reached 30 he was given permission to spend five days each week in a nearby remote cave, engaging in prayer and manual labour. Following the death of his mentor, St Euthymius, Sabas moved farther into the desert near Jericho. There he lived for several years in a cave near the brook Cedron. A rope was his means of access. Wild herbs among the rocks were his food. Occasionally men brought him other food and items, while he had to go a distance for water. Some of these men asked whether they could join him in his solitude. At first he refused. But eventually, more than 150 men, living in individual huts, grouped together with him around a church, called a laura. The bishop persuaded a reluctant Sabas, then in his early 50s, to prepare for the priesthood so that he could better serve his monastic community. While functioning as abbot among a large community of monks, he felt ever called to live the life of a hermit. Every year he left his monks throughout Lent. Over the years Sabas traveled throughout Palestine, preaching the true faith and converting many. At the age of 91, in response to a plea from the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Sabas undertook a journey to Constantinople. He fell ill and, soon after his return, died at the monastery at Mar Saba. Today the monastery is still inhabited by monks of the Eastern Orthodox Church, and St Sabas is regarded as one of the most noteworthy figures of early monasticism.