And I will show you a still more excellent way. 1 Cor 12:31

Scottish Saints: Margaret, Giles, David

Special prayers during these days; for 'the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland').

Saint of the day: 24th May

Saint David of Scotland

Scotland's greatest king was the sixth and youngest son of St Margaret of Scotland and Malcolm III, born in 1085. He married Matilda daughter of Waldef, the Anglo-Saxon Earl of Northampton and Huntingd on which gave him a claim to the earldom Northumberland.

For many years he waged a long and unsuccessful war against England, but after being crowned king of Scotland in 1124, around the age of 40, he devoted his life to peaceful activities and became known as a kind, just and liberal king.

Historians say he was responsible for making Scotland into a modern nation, by reforming the legal system and public administration and encouraging trade and the foundation of towns. He also reformed the Scottish church, establishing a system of dioceses. Under his rule many monasteries, hospitals and almshouses were founded.

David prayed the Divine Office daily, received Communion each week and gave generous alms to the poor - often in person as his mother had done.

He died on this day in 1153 and was buried at Dunfermline. His shrine was a popular place of pilgrimage until the Reformation. One of the patron saints of Scotland, many churches are named after him.

Friday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

Our Calendar today has Saint David of Scotland.

St. David was a friend of St. Aelred of Rievaux, and it so happens that the Night Office second reading is by Aelred.

The commentary  beautifully add light to the very favoured I Corinthians’  13^th chapter.

The Friday Collect of Lauds has the embrace of the thought in prayer.

Night Office.

Friday (1)

“God of strength,

You light of hope in the heart of your Church.

Free your children from fear,

Strength them when evil threatens,

Make them more humble and more confident

On this day,

Which in your love you have prepared,

In Jesus, our Lord”.

Friday

First Reading     1 Corintians 12:31 – 13:13

Second  Reading

From The Mirror of Charity by Saint Aelred of Rievaulx

The Lord's yoke is easy; the Lord's burden is light. For what can be more agreeable, what more delightful than to find that by renouncing the world we have been raised above it? As we stand on the lofty height of a clear conscience, we have the whole world under our feet. When insults have no effect on us, when persecutions and penalties have no terror for us, when prosperity or adversity has no influence on us, when friend and foe are viewed in the same light, when we follow the example of him who makes his sun rise on the wicked and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust alike, do we not come close to sharing the serenity of God? All such dispositions spring from charity and charity alone, in which is true peace and contentment; for it is the Lord's yoke, and if we follow his call to bear it our souls will find rest, because his yoke is easy and his burden light.

Charity is patient and kind, it is not jealous or boastful, it is not conceited or rude. The other virtues are to us as a carriage bearing the weary traveler, as provisions fortifying the wayfarer, as a lamp for those in darkness, or as arms for combatants. But charity, although it must be present in all the other virtues, is yet in a special way rest for the weary, shelter for the traveller, fullness of light for one who arrives, and a glorious crown for the victor.

For what is faith but the carriage that bears us to our native land? What is hope but the food we take for our journey through life's hardships? And those other virtues of temperance, prudence, fortitude and justice-what are they but the weapons given us for the struggle? But when death has been swallowed up by that perfection of charity which is achieved in the vision of God there will be no more faith, because faith was the preparation for that vision, and there will be no need to believe what we see and love. And when we embrace God with the arms of our charity, there will be no more hope, for there will be nothing left to hope for. And as for the other virtues, temperance is our weapon against lust, pru­dence against error, fortitude against adversity, justice against injustice. But in charity there is also perfect chastity, and so no lust for temperance to combat; in charity there is the fullness of knowledge, and so no error for prudence to guard against; in charity there is true blessedness, and so no adversity for fortitude to overcome; in charity all is peace, and so there is no injustice for justice to withstand.

Faith is not even a virtue unless it is expressed by love; nor is hope unless it loves what it hopes for. And if we look more closely, do we not see that temperance is only love that no pleasure can seduce; that prudence is only love that no error can mislead; that fortitude is only love courageously enduring adversity, and that justice is only impartial love mitigating the injustices of this life? Charity therefore begins with faith, is exercised through the other virtues, but achieves perfection in itself.

Response   1 Jn 4:16.7

Pentecost photos at Mount Sion Jerusalem

Latest news sent about Bethlehem, http://www.obethlehem.com/  

Hi, Jo,  

Model of Latroun in Mine Israel, Theme Park
In the distance, between monk groups, is view of the actual Latroun Abbey

                                 

Thanks for the photos. 

I'll add captions; lovely views.

Correct the pictures if not accurate.

Donald.

domdonald.org.uk 

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Jo Mc...
To: Donald ...
Sent: Friday, 24 May 2013, 6:37
Subject: photos

Dear Don, Here are some photos of Pentecost Sunday.  Hope they come.  I'm just off to Latroun. love, jo  fmm   Dormition crypt, sculpture of Mary's deathbed, made of ivory and cherry wood Mt. Sion The Cenacle Statue of (St.) King David on Mount Zion, Jerusalem. Monastery of St. Francis Ad Coenaculum The Dormition Church - The Virgin and Child Mosaic.

P E N T E C O S T S U N D A Y - 19 May 2013 - Sr. Jo's Sabbatical

Apple blossoms

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Sr. Jo ...
To: Donald ....
Sent: Thursday, 23 May 2013, 14:05
Subject: Pentecost Sunday

Dear Sisters and Brothers,                                   P E N T E C O S T    S U N D A Y   -  19 May  2013  One of the Srs. and I set off for Mount Sion, destination the CHURCH of the DORMITION for the Solemn High Mass at 10am. The upper church was filled to capacity when the Patriarch and about thirty priests processed in to the sound of joyful music.All the main parts were sung in Latin and some of the hymns in Arabic. After the homily, the Patriarch confirmed six teenagers, boys and girls. What a privilege and joy for those young people, (and their families) to be confirmed on Mt.Sion where the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles and Mary! They participated in the readings and intercessary prayers. It was a beautiful, prayerful Liturgy from beginning to end.  The clergy were solemnly processing out when suddenly showers of pink petals descended from the high dome above them causing the seriousness to be transformed into surprised smiles! The spirit of joy took over as the church became alive with talk and laughter while children, and even adults, scrambled to  collect the pink petals. The joyful atmosphere continued outside in the courtyard where refreshments were served to all.My companion hadn't seen the crypt so I brought her down to show her Our Lady "in dormition" and all the other striking mosaics. The afternoon saw us back on Mt.Sion but,this time, in the  C E N A C L E  for Solemn Vespers led by the O.F.M. Custos and a large number of his Brothers. A few "early birds" had found ledges to sit on but for the rest, it was standing room only. I found a good breathing space half behind the exit door and with a wall at my back! The Franciscans processed in, weaving through the crowds to the centre. We had booklets and all was chanted in Latin so everyone joined in and the volume was powerful. Holding a lighted candle and the booklet and turning the pages took quite a bit of juggling as well as avoiding the pilgrims who kept squeezing past from the entrance door to the exit!  Before the Reading, the main celebrants processed up to the little room which commemorates the Descent of the Holy Spirit for some incensing and prayer before processing back down again. The whole ceremony was very prayerful, in spite of the many distractions. As the O.F.M's processed out, I felt that the Lord was surely pleased with our enthusiastic prayer and song in praise and thanksgiving for the fulfilment of His Life-giving promise: "I will ask the Father and He will give you another Helper, Who will stay with you forever. He is the Spirit Who reveals the truth about God. When that day comes, you will know that I am in My Father, and that you are in Me and I am in you."    Jn. 14:16,20 Praise be to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Alleluia, Alleluia! The love of the Trinity be with each one, Jo.  fmm

 + + + + + + + + + + +

Cenacle, Mount Zion, Jerusalem - all you have to see in the - YouTube

► 3:50► 3:50

www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFSPMNUBBcA‎

Jul 26, 2012 - Uploaded by Zahi Shaked

Cenacle, Mount Zion, Jerusalem - all you have to see in the ...City of David," an area of Jerusalem ...

Pentecost Celebrations - news from Sr. Jo

The Dormition Church - The Virgin and Child Mosaic.

"...what first caught my attention was one of the most beautiful mosaics I have seen, high up in the apse. It was of the Blessed Mother and the Child Jesus who was holding the inscription, " I am the light of the world" (below). 

[ In the semicircular apse, above the altar, shining mosaics represent Mary with the child Jesus. 

The words "I am the Light of the World" are inscribed on the open book that Jesus is holding. 

Just beneath is a quotation from the prophet Isaiah: 

"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14)]

Dear Sr. Jo, 

Thank you.

Your Holy Land Journal is graphic in words

I see that you are unencumbered with camera.

Later,  it may be useful for non-travelers to have illustrations, from the NET.

Yours... Donald

PS. First I will like to find a picture of  the CHURCH ad CAENACULUM (below).

----- Forwarded Message -----From:  Sr. Jo ...
To: Donald ...
Sent: Wednesday, 22 May 2013, 9:32
Subject: May 17th

Dear Sisters and Brothers, Friday May 17th...  My "good angel", Emmanuella, leaves our convent at 5.30am, every Friday, to attend Mass at the CHAPEL of CALVARY  in the HOLY SEPULCHRE. I decided to join her. No priest turned up at 6am but at 6.30 a pilgrim group arrived, along with 2 priests! We had a very prayerful Eucharist, even though it was all in Polish! I felt privileged to participate in this Eucharist in the place where Jesus gave up His life for all of us. The PENTECOST CELEBRATIONS will take place in the CHURCH OF DORMITION and in the CENACLE and, as I haven't been to either of them, I decided to have a preview! I had no problem in going through the Old City to Zion Gate (30mins). Once outside this gate, I followed my map which turned out to be very misleading. I arrived at St. Peter of Gallicantu some way down the mount but still no sight of my objectives!  A kind gentleman directed me back up to Zion Gate and then another to the Cenacle which is about a "stone's throw" from there!! Perfect joy!  I entered a very unassuming doorway, climbed up several stairs and entered the UPPER ROOM or THE CENACLE (15.60m. by 9.40m.)  My first impressions were the darkness and then the starkness of the bare walls and ceiling. There were no icons or decorations of any kind, apart from a small, stained glass, Jewish window. The shape of the room was interesting with columns and arches. Through the centuries, this shrine has been in the care of the Franciscans, then the Moslems and now the Jews. What a complicated history!!   Christians are allowed to visit it but not to have Worship Services in it, except on two days of the year, ie. Holy Thursday and Pentecost Sunday. This is where we venerate the memory of the LAST SUPPER and the INSTITUTION OF THE EUCHARIST, the APPEARANCES OF OUR RISEN LORD to the APOSTLES and the DESCENT of the HOLY SPIRIT on the APOSTLES and OUR LADY.  The latter event is commemorated in a smaller room up a flight of eight stairs. I found a slab to sit on, closed my eyes and reflected on these heart-warming events which we commemorate here. From there, I walked round the corner to behold a total contrast, the very beautiful, magnificent BASILICA of DORMITION!   In the upper church, what first caught my attention was one of the most beautiful mosaics I have seen, high up in the apse. It was of the Blessed Mother and the Child Jesus who was holding the inscription, " I am the light of the world".  The whole apse, the floor and the side chapels are all adorned with colourful mosaics and bronzes.  As I entered the crypt, I immediately saw the Altar of the Dormition right in the centre before which lay, in the peaceful slumber of death, the statue of the Virgin Mary.  Again, there were many artistic mosaics, including one of Pentecost high up on the main apse. This basilica is in the care of the Benedictines (German) who have a monastery near by. The Franciscans also have a church nearby, called the CHURCH ad COENACULUM but it was locked so I couldn't visit it. I look forward to coming back for the Pentecost Ceremonies on Sunday. In the evening, three of us walked to Notre Dame (10mins.) to see a new film, "The Stones Cry Out" which is the story of the Palestinian Christians and was produced by Yasmine Perni, a young journalist. It was excellent but made me very sad, another reminder to pray for peace and justice for all! Love, Jo.  fmm

PS. above   http://www.gojerusalem.com/discover/item_10483/Last-Supper-Room-Coenaculum  

Starting today, 1 February 2013, pilgrims can once again celebrate mass at the church in the Monastery of St. Francis Ad Coenaculum (familiarly known as the Little Cenacle), on Mount Zion, a few steps from the site of the Last Supper.

Pentecost in the cloud

Lambing time during mists.

Most of Seventh Week were the days of dense mist and fog, even on to Pentecost Sunday and on Monday.
In the monastery enclosure, the sheep and lambs found their home veiled in the heavy mists.

On Tuesday, Br. S. called me to see the flowers from the laundry windows. Brilliant sunshine came to announce, at from the late spring, apple flowers festooned the orchard walls.

The Holy Spirit is unveiling nature mind and heart.
A word from Fray Rafael blends with the heavens.

 

Apple blossoms herald the late spring 

Fray Ma. Rafael (Saint)

Trappist Monk

TO Know How

to Wait.

545  

How great you are, Lord! How much You love me! Little by little I’m coming to realize the superficiality of everything.

When after Vespers I knelt at the foot of Your Tabernacle. I saw that the day was over, and with it had gone the blue sky, the brilliant sunshine, my sorrows and my joys. Everything had passed, nothing remained.

Bethlehem. Sr. Jo.

The Door of Humility leads into the Church of
the Nativity (Basilica of the Nativitiy).

Bethlehem: The courtyard outside the Basilica of the Nativity and the Church of St Catherine

Dear Sr. Jo,
There is never  surprise and thrills on your journeys.
Thank you for your Email about your return to Bethlehem.  
Let us see if the Internet shows more pictures from the leads to Links.
The time is all too short for the glorious experience.
D.G.
Donald |

domdonald.org.uk 

                                  http://www.ianandwendy.com/slideshow/Israel/Bethlehem/picture6.htm   

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Sr. Jo ...
To: Donald ...Sent: Monday, 20 May 2013, 19:05
Subject: Bethlehem cont.

Dear Sisters and Brothers,  Columns inside the Church of the Nativity (Basilica of the Nativity). Tues. May 14th          B E T H L E H E M Again, I went to the Basilica of the Nativity. I had heard there would be a Mass there around 8.30am but I didn't know exactly where it would be. I saw a group of Srs. ( the ones with the helmets!) in St. Catherine's Church so I decided to wait and follow them. We heard a bell ring somewhere and up they got!  They led me - guess where - down the "going up stairs" into the Grotto of the Nativity! Our God of Surprises was at work again! Bethlehem  Inside the Grotto of the Nativity, an underground cave where Jesus was said to have been born. About thirty of us fitted in nicely and they even brought in some benches and chairs. Three O.F.M.'s entered to concelebrate the Eucharist. It was a Sung Latin Mass with the Readings in Italian but we had the English translation. I never dreampt for a moment that I would have the joyful privilege and blessing of participating in the Eucharist in this holy place!  Praise the Lord! Sr. Marie Paul had a fall this morning but she was still game to accompany me to the  "SHEPHERD'S FIELD" at 2pm. We had only taken a few steps outside the convent gates when a car stopped beside us and the lady driver started speaking to Marie Paul who knew her. When she heard where we were going, she said she was free and would be happy to drive us there! I could only praise and thank God, especially as we drove up and down several very steep hills.  I knew there was no way that M. Paul and I could have made it walking! The lady, who had already decided to drive us back, joined us as we visited the excavations, the large cave and chapel- so simple and humble - and the round chapel, higher up, built by Canadians. As we thanked the lady, I told her she was our "good angel" and when I asked her her name, she replied,"ANGELA"!!  Although time was limited, I was very grateful for the opportunity to re-visit this truly Franciscan Shrine, surrounded by colourful flowers and trees.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhvwZdKJ5qE The church of the Shepherds Field, Bethlehem with the tour guide Zahi Shake Wed., May 15th....  Exhibition of several nativity scenes M. Paul took me to the Information Centre hoping to show me their Crib Display but the receptionist said, "Sorry, the Museum is closed today for cleaning"!  They continued speaking and soon after, she was directing me upstairs.They let us in for a short time - long enough to admire the many, colourful cribs sent from all over the world.  From there,we wound our way in and out through very narrow streets and stairs until we came to the local open market.There was an abundance of very healthy looking fruits and vegetables and the prices were very reasonable. In the afternoon, Maria drove the animator and myself to the bus terminal (a very unusual one!) to catch the bus to Jerusalem. The journey took only 20mins but when we arrived, we sensed unrest!  Sure enough, there was some kind of demonstration with throwing of grenades and stones by the youth. The police responded in the usual way and even used the water canon. We were happy to reach home safely as it wasn't far away. The police put up barriers immediately in these situations, so pilgrims are safe. Thus ended my little pilgrimage to Bethlehem. Let us continue to pray for peace in this troubled land. Much love, Jo. fmm   Pope Paul IV street in Bethlehem, Jo walk

Monthly Commemoration of the Dead. Night Office on Viaticum

Tuesday, 21 May 2013, Seventh Week of Ordinary Time

The Community Mass to morning  was celebrating the Mass for monthly commemoration of the recently deceased. * Comm. of the Dead, (Lk. 8:23-33, 38-43).

The prayer of the Faithful.

1. For the repentance of past sins

- that, with the good thief, we may receive from Christ the promise of entry into the kingdom of heaven,

2. ....

A Reading about Holy Viaticum,

from a Book by Fr. Jean Mouroux (Mystery of Time, NY 1964, p.317)

The Christian who is about to die is in the time-for-hope, cradled in the hands of the Christ-God. He insures our passage to the Father. And the most appropriate sign of this passage into the hands of God is Viaticum, the last communion on the tongue of the dying. Christ becomes the food for our journey, the remedy of life, the source of immortality, the living bread from heaven which leads us to Paradise. The Church takes the words of Jesus seriously: "He that eats my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting life: and I will raise him up in the last day" (In 6,55). To receive Viaticum is "to die in the Lord" in the strictest sense of the word. It is to be led by the Way to the last cross road; by the Truth, to the last deceitful temptation; by the Life to apparent annihilation.

Thus we see that at the final lonely hour the Christian is surrounded by the Trinity and the family of God's children. This is the wondrous meaning of the prayer Profiscere: "Depart from the world, Christian soul, in the name of God the Father who created you; in the name of Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who suffered for you; in the name of the Holy Spirit who has been poured out on you." All the saints are there to protect and receive their brother; the Virgin Mary is there so that "he will no longer fear the terrors of death," but "go joyously to his Father's house in heaven"; the angels are present "to conduct him to paradise" and to push back "Satan and his devilish hordes" into "the abyss of eternal night"; SI. Joseph, the Patriarchs, the Martyrs and the other saints are there too. Because the King is there, the whole celestial army is there. The priest gives Viaticum and commends the soul to God. Through the invisible presence of these people, death in Christ and the Church proves to be a deeply sacred act filled with joy, sorrow, and peace. It is the last act of holy abandon by man's free will. Truly, "Blessed are the dead, who die in the Lord" (Ap 14- 13).

Of God and Men. Anniversary of Monks of Our Lady of Atlas

----- Forwarded Message -----

Sent: Tuesday, 21 May 2013, 15:42
Subject: Atlas Martyrs

To Daisy,

Dear Daisy,

Thank you.

Your painting tells more than a 1000 of words.

It is no wonder that your prayer was inspired in the Memorial Grove of the monks of Algeria.

Yours,

fr. Donald. 

To: Fathers ...  

and the Community at

Sancta Maria Abbey.

Remembering the Atlas Martyrs

on May 21st 1996

with love and prayers,

Daisy.

 

Monks of OUR LADY OF ATLAS

----- Forwarded Message -----

Atlas Monks
memorial seat

From: William ...
To: Donald ...
Sent: Friday, 10 May 2013, 19:28
Subject: Re: Monks of Our Lady of Tibhirine

Dear Father Donald,

...

It is such a delight to see the daffodils surmounting the scene of the Atlas memorial seat. On Monday I will be ordering the Seven Red Roses (always allowing a week for Erica's to order in the blooms, delivery on 20th), and my card for the commemoration is ready to hand to you! I was intending to email the images of the card when I returned, but my heart quickens at the sight of your photos from the memorial garden! Please see attachments ('front' and 'inside'). I hope you may approve of the text I have chosen, rather thoughtful, and challenging, from a tractate by St Augustine on St John's Gospel (Tractate LXXXIV. Chapter XV.13, which captured me during the Office of Readings for Wednesday in Holy Week). ....

William

 PS.

Your quotation from Wordsworth's poem has me smiling happily - and into my mind, following your lovely welcome, the poem by Shelley so aptly entitled

 "The Invitation"... "Away, away, from men and towns, To the wild wood and the downs — To the silent wilderness  Where the soul need not repress    Its music lest it should not find An echo in another's mind

 for Atlas monks 7 red roses

             IN LOVING

            COMMEMORATION

            OF THE MARTYRS OF

            OUR LADY OF ATLAS

The Fullness of Love

 In so far as the martyrs shed their blood for their brothers, what they showed was such as they received from the Lord’s table.

 St. Augustine

 Dearly beloved, that fullness of love with which we must love one another, the Lord defined when he said, “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”.

Doubtless this is what one reads in the Proverbs of Solomon: “If you sit down to eat at a ruler’s table, observe carefully what is before you; and know that you must prepare a similar meal.” For what is the ruler’s table, if not where there is taken the body and blood of him who laid down his life for us? And what is ‘to sit at’, if not to approach humbly? What is ‘to observe carefully what is before you’, if not to ponder so great a favour? What does it mean ‘know that you must prepare a similar meal,’ if not that as Christ laid down his life for us, so we too ought to lay down our lives for our brethren.   

In the words of the apostle Peter: ‘Christ suffered for us, leaving an example, that we should follow in his steps.’ This is ‘to prepare a similar meal’. This the blessed martyrs did with burning love. If our celebration of their memory is not an empty one, and if we approach the Lord’s table in the banquet in which they too ate and had their fill, then as they prepared such a meal, so should we also.

So in fact at this table we do not commemorate them in the same way as we commemorate others who rest in peace, in order to pray for them also. We commemorate them rather so that they may pray for us, that we may follow closely in their footsteps; for they have reached the fullness of that love than which the Lord said there could be none greater. What they showed to their brothers was such as they equally received from the Lord’s table.   

(St. Augustine - Tractate LXXXIV. Chapter XV. 13.)