Tag: Prayer

“Not all can accept this word.” | Friday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

From the Gospel acclamation: “Receive the word of God, not as the word of men, but, as it truly is, the word of God.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 19:3-12)

His disciples said to him, “If that is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” He answered, “Not all can accept this word, but only those to whom that is granted. Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so; some, because they were made so by others; some, because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever can accept this ought to accept it.”

Jesus teaches the disciples about the sacredness and validity of sacramental marriage. As a sacrament, God joins male and female so that they become one flesh. “Therefore,” Jesus says, “what God has joined together, man must not separate.” While divorce may be permitted in certain circumstances, it is not in line with God’s original plan for marital unity. He challenges believers to uphold the sanctity of marriage and to approach it with commitment and seriousness. In response to the disciples, Jesus tells them that celibacy is not for all but—in the same way as marriage is—granted by God.

God, you are merciful beyond measure. In Jesus there is the perfect model of justice, compassion, and forgiveness. When I find in myself a tendency toward hardness of heart, come to my assistance, Lord. It is not I who forgive but Christ in me. The sacrament of marriage is yours; you made us male and female, and through you man and woman become one flesh. Not all are called to marriage, and Jesus acknowledges this yet does not abandon them. You call all of the human family into your kingdom. You are our God; we, your people. Grant me the grace, Lord, to see the dignity you call us to in every vocation. Saint Stephen of Hungary, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.” | Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

From the Gospel acclamation: “Mary is taken up to heaven; a chorus of angels exults.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 1:39-56)

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

After Mary travels quickly to visit her cousin Elizabeth, when Elizabeth hears Mary’s greeting, the baby leaps in her womb. What she says to Mary becomes part of a prayer spoken by countless pilgrims on earth for the intercession of the Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth is in awe that the mother of her Lord comes to visit her. She tells Mary that she is blessed by believing that what the Lord speaks to her—and to all of us—will be fulfilled. God keeps his promises, and nothing is lost that he brings into existence. Mary, conceived without sin, was assumed body and soul into heaven, a hint of the glory that is to come to us through God’s love for the poor and the humble, who will see justice through his grace. In her Magnificat, or Song of Mary, she proclaims for all generations that through the Son of God and the Son of Mary, God’s salvation and redemption is for all people: “He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever.”

God, every good gift you gave to Mary she attributed to you. “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.” Give me the grace of conviction that your Name is holy and that for those who fear you, you have shown your mercy in every generation. Thank you, Lord, for every good gift you give me. Help me turn unreservedly and in confidence to the Mother of the Word Incarnate for her intercession and assistance in giving you all thanks and praise, trusting in your mercy. “Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.” Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Mary, Queen assumed into heaven, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“There am I in the midst of them.”| Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr

From the Gospel acclamation: “God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 18:15-20)

Jesus said to his disciples: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell the Church. If he refuses to listen even to the Church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Jesus teaches the disciples how to reconcile within the Christian community. In first approaching the wrongdoing of another toward you to find reconciliation, Jesus hints at the joyful outcome. Seeking reconciliation out of sincerity and goodness multiplies goodness by winning over a brother with it. If private reconciliation is not achieved, then escalating it with the involvement of more witnesses is necessary. In this teaching, Jesus emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation but at the same time calls attention to the need for discipline and accountability when necessary. The aim is unity in the Church through Jesus Christ. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

God, thank you for entrusting to me the means to choose reconciliation and to discern when that is at least temporarily not possible. Jesus acknowledges that brothers and sisters do sin against one another, and he makes explicit the reality of truth in saying “so that every fact may be established.” Grant me the wisdom to reconcile in the light of truth whenever possible for the sake of uniting in prayer with those who gather in the name of Jesus Christ your Son. Through his teachings, help me learn to recognize when I encounter someone who refuses to reconcile, even when listening to the counsels of the Church on repentance and conversion. For the sake of your glory, Lord, guide me as I seek to follow your teachings on reconciliation. Saint Maximilian Kolbe, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“One of these little ones.” | Tuesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

From the Gospel acclamation: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 18:1-5, 10, 12-14)

The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.”

Jesus tells the disciples that to become humble like the child, or as he says, “one of these little ones,” is to be constantly in the Lord’s care and under his watch. As the shepherd of a hundred sheep goes in search of the one that is lost, so will our heavenly Father go in search of us, rejoicing when he finds us. Jesus says, “And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray.” In the same way, God rejoices when even one lost soul is found and brought back into the fold. If Jesus commands as the Son of God that we become like children in order to enter the kingdom of heaven, it is good that we take this to heart and put it into practice today and every day.

God, grant me the wisdom to put aside the well-trodden ways maturity has brought me to and do as Jesus asks. When I call to mind memories of childhood and what it means to trust in the loving care of a father and mother, I understand what Jesus means about becoming like a child—humble and trusting in your lovingkindness and mercy. Suffering and hardship will come; it is inevitable. Ezekiel describes the scroll you gave him to eat, and on it was written lamentation and wailing and woe. Yet, in eating the scroll that you put in his mouth, he found that it was as sweet as honey so that he was able to go out and speak of your goodness to all who would hear your words. Help me, Lord, continually turn to you. Saints Pontian and Hippolytus, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“Enter through the narrow gate.” | Tuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “Great is the LORD and wholly to be praised in the city of our God. His holy mountain, fairest of heights, is the joy of all the earth. God upholds his city for ever.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 7:6, 12-14)

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces. “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the Law and the Prophets. “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.”

In a few sentences, Jesus relates to the disciples three important teachings: care for and guard holiness, treat others as you would have them treat you, and enter the narrow way that leads to life on earth and to everlasting life. Throwing pearls before swine, among those who outright reject spiritual truths, calls for careful discernment if and when those truths are shared. The Golden Rule is a daily guide in every way we treat others in compassion and respect. To strive for the narrow gate is to strive for holiness, to seek God’s will, commit to it, and do it.

God, help me live in harmony with others as I take in the profound message of today’s Gospel. Help me remain grateful for all of your gifts, including the truth of the Gospel and the opportunity to be a means of your love to others. Throughout the day, I am bound to be drawn to the broad road that leads away from you. Through your grace, help my love for others be sincere even when I feel that it is constricted, ineffectual; through the help of the Holy Spirit and for your glory, Lord, lead me through the narrow gate to bring your gift of joy to those who need it most.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

From the responsorial psalm: “O LORD, you have probed me, you know me: you know when I sit and when I stand; you understand my thoughts from afar. My journeys and my rest you scrutinize, with all my ways you are familiar. I praise you for I am wonderfully made.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 1:57-66, 80)

All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel.

On this Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, Luke tells us details about the birth of John. His parents, Elizabeth and Zechariah, independently name him John. Unable to speak, Zechariah writes his name on a tablet. When he does, he is able to speak again, blessing God. Luke tells us that the witnesses of this were frightened. “All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, ‘What, then, will this child be?’ For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.” Zechariah, who had been struck mute by the angel Gabriel, praises God for fulfilling his promise in John’s unique role in preparing the way for Jesus.

God, you know me body and soul better than I know myself. Throughout the day, help me be grateful that you always fulfill your promises, and in your goodness I can depend. Just as you sent John to fulfill a special mission, knowing me as you do, you have something unique for me that only I can fulfill. Help me discern what that is, and grant me the fortitude to carry that mission out. Saint John the Baptist, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?” | Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “They rejoiced that they were calmed, and he brought them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his kindness and his wondrous deeds to the children of men. Give thanks to the Lord, his love is everlasting.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 4:35-41)

They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?”

As Jesus crosses the Sea of Galilee with his disciples to reach the pagan territory of Gerasenes, a sudden gust of wind comes up over their boat. As water began to fill it, the boat was in danger of sinking and the disciples became frightened. In waking Jesus, he speaks with the same power over nature that God displays in the first reading from Job. Jesus speaks, and the sea obeys. So it is with the troubled waters of life, when in times of trial we call into question where God is in the storm. “Do you not care?” Just as God sets the limits of what we can bear, so Christ with a word disperses our storms and says, “Quiet! Be still!” At times like that, we can only pause in thanksgiving at the wondrous deeds God works in our lives.

God, I know you are present at all times. As the Gospel acclamation says, “A great prophet has risen in our midst. God has visited his people.” When I turn my back on you, I am the one responsible for your apparent absence. But you are there nonetheless, and in times of trouble I have an urgent need to find you again. “Be still,” Jesus says. “Be still and know that I am God!” the psalmist prays, “The LORD of hosts is with us.” Give me the faith, Lord, to keep you in my sight throughout the day so that when night comes I have unshakeable confidence in you at all times—in life’s storms and in the calm of their ceasing.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself.” |Saturday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant: Forever will I confirm your posterity and establish your throne for all generations.” For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 6:24-34)

“So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.”

The comforting words of Jesus unburden us from worries that often never come to fruition. Even more, his words remind us that we are all under one Father as he reminds us of his paternal care of every one of our needs. To take in the words of Jesus as he describes this complete dependence on God is to look on his creation, including his own people, and see all around us his eternal mark of beauty and providential care. “Learn from the way the wild flowers grow,” Jesus says. “They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?”

God, help me have faith in your care for me and trust in it even as I work and my mind spins, wondering what’s next. Let me learn from spending some time outdoors today to find that you are everywhere in everything under the sun. “Seek first the Kingdom of God,” Jesus says. Give me the grace to hear those words echo throughout this day and the outcome of seeking you first: “and all these things will be given to you besides.” And if nothing else, help me call to mind the prayer of Saint Padre Pio: “Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.” 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious

From the responsorial psalm: “In her will I make a horn to sprout forth for David; I will place a lamp for my anointed. His enemies I will clothe with shame, but upon him my crown shall shine.” The Lord has chosen Zion for his dwelling.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 6:19-23)

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.”

Whether it is things or people or concepts, what we most treasure, Jesus says, tells us where our heart is. Then Jesus tells us not to store up the things that can be destroyed, like things or people or ideas. Instead, provide and pile up treasures that belong in heaven and can’t be destroyed. That is where your heart should be, Jesus says. Soundness of sight is how we see what to store up. “The lamp of the body is the eye,” Jesus says. “If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness. And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be.” Throughout the day, what treasures will we see that are truly worth storing up?

God, help me see today the things of this world with an eye that is sound and heart that is filled with your light. The light that I would be filled with is your grace and nothing less. Please supply this. Help me see things in the light of truth, Lord, so that my heart is in treasures that last and ultimately reset in you. Saint Aloysius, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Thursday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice; let the many isles be glad. Clouds and darkness are round about him, justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (MT 6:7-15)

Jesus said to his disciples: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

Jesus tells the disciples that prayer should be sincere, from the heart, rather than being a mere recitation of words. Then he teaches them what we know as the Lord’s Prayer or the Our Father. Asking God for care of our everyday needs, seeking forgiveness for sins and protection from temptation and evil, the Lord’s Prayer aligns our will with God’s so our actions can also be aligned with him. When he finishes, he emphasizes one facet of the prayer: “If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.” Showing mercy and grace to others, just as we have received mercy and grace from God, is what the Lord’s prayer empowers us to do.

Heavenly Father, help me see the prayer that Jesus taught the disciples as my model for how to approach you with reverence and trust and a desire to know and do your will. Teach me to love and forgive others as Jesus did in every word of the Lord’s Prayer. Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.