The light of Christ on its lampstand

DAILY GOSPEL: 08/06/2010

«Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.» John 6,68

Tuesday of the Tenth week in Ordinary Time

1st book of Kings 17:7-16.
After some time, however, the brook ran dry, because no rain had fallen in the land.
So the LORD said to him:
"Move on to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there. I have designated a widow there to provide for you."
He left and went to Zarephath. As he arrived at the entrance of the city, a widow was gathering sticks there; he called out to her, "Please bring me a small cupful of water to drink."
She left to get it, and he called out after her, "Please bring along a bit of bread."
"As the LORD, your God, lives," she answered, "I have nothing baked; there is only a handful of flour in my jar and a little oil in my jug. Just now I was collecting a couple of sticks, to go in and prepare something for myself and my son; when we have eaten it, we shall die."
"Do not be afraid," Elijah said to her. "Go and do as you propose. But first make me a little cake and bring it to me. Then you can prepare something for yourself and your son.
For the LORD, the God of Israel, says, 'The jar of flour shall not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, until the day when the LORD sends rain upon the earth.'"
She left and did as Elijah had said. She was able to eat for a year, and he and her son as well;
The jar of flour did not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, as the LORD had foretold through Elijah.

Psalms 4:2-3.4-5.7-8.
Answer when I call, my saving God. In my troubles, you cleared a way; show me favor; hear my prayer.
How long will you people mock my honor, love what is worthless, chase after lies? Selah
Know that the LORD works wonders for the faithful; the LORD hears when I call out.
Tremble and do not sin; upon your beds ponder in silence.
Many say, "May we see better times! LORD, show us the light of your face!" Selah
But you have given my heart more joy than they have when grain and wine abound.

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 5:13-16.
You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house.
Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father. 

Mt 5,13-16

Commentary of the day 
Saint Augustine (354-430), Bishop of Hippo (North Africa) and Doctor of the Church
Sermon 289, 6 ; PL 38, 1311-1312

The light of Christ on its lampstand

       Brethren, the apostles are lamps enabling us to wait for the coming of Christ's day. Our Lord tells them: «You are the light of the world.» And since they cannot believe themselves to be a light like that of which it is said: «He was the true light who enlightens everyone» (Jn 1,9), he at once teaches them what that true light is. Having declared to them: «You are the light of the world», he continues: «No one lights a lamp to put it under a bushel basket.» I have called you lights, he says, but I must clarify: you are only lamps. So don't give in to the stirrings of pride if you don't want to see this wick burning out. I'm not putting you under the bushel basket but on the lampstand to cast light over everything with your rays.

     What sort of candlestick is this that bears such a light? I will teach you. Be lamps yourselves and you will have a place on this lampstand. Christ's cross is one great lampstand. Whoever wants to shine out should not be ashamed of this wooden candlestick. Listen to me and you will get the point: the candlestick is the cross of Christ...

       «So will your light shines before others so that they may see your good works and glorify» Glorify whom? Not yourself since to seek your own glory is to want to be extinguished! «Glorify your heavenly Father.» Yes, that they may glorify him, your heavenly Father when they see your good works... Listen to the apostle Paul: «May I never glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world» (Gal 6,14).

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Tuesday, 08 June 2010

St. Medard, Bishop (c.457_545)

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ST. MEDARD
Bishop
(c.457-545)

        Saint Medard, one of the most illustrious prelates of the Church of France in the sixth century, was born of a pious and noble family, at Salency, about the year 457. From his childhood he evinced the most tender compassion for the poor. On one occasion he gave his coat to a destitute blind man, and when asked why he had done so, he answered that the misery of a fellow-member in Christ so affected him that he could not help giving him part of his own clothes.

        Being promoted to the priesthood in the thirty-third year of his age, he became a bright ornament of that sacred order. He preached the word of God with an unction which touched the hearts of the most hardened; and the influence of his example, by which he enforced the precepts which he delivered from the pulpit, seemed irresistible.

        In 530, Alomer, the thirteenth bishop of that country, dying, St. Medard was unanimously chosen to fill the see, and was consecrated by St. Remigius, who had baptized King Clovis in 496, and was then exceeding old. Our Saint's new dignity did not make him abate anything of his austerities, and, though at that time seventy-two years old, he thought himself obliged to redouble his labors. Though his diocese was very wide, it seemed not to suffice for his zeal, which could not be confined; wherever he saw the opportunity of advancing the honor of God, and of abolishing the remains of idolatry, he overcame all obstacles, and by his zealous labors and miracles the rays of the Gospel dispelled the mists of idolatry throughout the whole extent of his diocese. What rendered this task more difficult and perilous was the savage and fierce disposition of the ancient inhabitants of Flanders, who were the most barbarous of all the nations of the Gauls and Franks.

        Our Saint, having completed this great work in Flanders, returned to Noyon, where he shortly after fell sick, and soon rested from his labors at an advanced age, in 545. The whole kingdom lamented his death as the loss of their common father and protector. His body was buried in his own cathedral, but the many miracles wrought at his tomb so moved King Clotaire that he translated the precious remains to Soissons.

La luz de Cristo en su candelero

EVANGELIO DEL DÍA: 08/06/2010

¿ Señor, a quién iremos?. Tú tienes palabras de vida eterna. Jn 6, 68

Martes de la X Semana del Tiempo Ordinario

Primer Libro de los Reyes 17,7-16.
Pero, al cabo de un tiempo, el torrente se secó porque no había llovido en la región.
Entonces la palabra del Señor llegó a Elías en estos términos:
"Ve a Sarepta, que pertenece a Sidón, y establécete allí; ahí yo he ordenado a una viuda que te provea de alimento".
El partió y se fue a Sarepta. Al llegar a la entrada de la ciudad, vio a una viuda que estaba juntando leña. La llamó y le dijo: "Por favor, tráeme en un jarro un poco de agua para beber".
Mientras ella lo iba a buscar, la llamó y le dijo: "Tráeme también en la mano un pedazo de pan".
Pero ella respondió: "¡Por la vida del Señor, tu Dios! No tengo pan cocido, sino sólo un puñado de harina en el tarro y un poco de aceite en el frasco. Apenas recoja un manojo de leña, entraré a preparar un pan para mí y para mi hijo; lo comeremos, y luego moriremos".
Elías le dijo: "No temas. Ve a hacer lo que has dicho, pero antes prepárame con eso una pequeña galleta y tráemela; para ti y para tu hijo lo harás después.
Porque así habla el Señor, el Dios de Israel: El tarro de harina no se agotará ni el frasco de aceite se vaciará, hasta el día en que el Señor haga llover sobre la superficie del suelo".
Ella se fue e hizo lo que le había dicho Elías, y comieron ella, él y su hijo, durante un tiempo.
El tarro de harina no se agotó ni se vació el frasco de aceite, conforme a la palabra que había pronunciado el Señor por medio de Elías.

Salmo 4,2-3.4-5.7-8.
Respóndeme cuando te invoco, Dios, mi defensor, tú, que en la angustia me diste un desahogo: ten piedad de mí y escucha mi oración.
Y ustedes, señores, ¿hasta cuando ultrajarán al que es mi Gloria, amarán lo que es falso y buscarán lo engañoso?
Sepan que el Señor hizo maravillas por su amigo: él me escucha siempre que lo invoco.
Tiemblen, y no pequen más; reflexionen en sus lechos y guarden silencio,
Hay muchos que preguntan: "¿Quién nos mostrará la felicidad, si la luz de tu rostro, Señor, se ha alejado de nosotros?".
Pero tú has puesto en mi corazón más alegría que cuando abundan el trigo y el vino.

Evangelio según San Mateo 5,13-16.
Ustedes son la sal de la tierra. Pero si la sal pierde su sabor, ¿con qué se la volverá a salar? Ya no sirve para nada, sino para ser tirada y pisada por los hombres.
Ustedes son la luz del mundo. No se puede ocultar una ciudad situada en la cima de una montaña.
Y no se enciende una lámpara para meterla debajo de un cajón, sino que se la pone sobre el candelero para que ilumine a todos los que están en la casa.
Así debe brillar ante los ojos de los hombres la luz que hay en ustedes, a fin de que ellos vean sus buenas obras y glorifiquen al Padre que está en el cielo. 

Mt 5,13-16

Leer el comentario del Evangelio por 
San Agustín (354-430), obispo de Hipona (África del Norte) y doctor de la Iglesia
Sermón 289, 6; PL 38, 1311-1312

La luz de Cristo en su candelero

     Los apóstoles, hermanos, son como lámparas que nos permiten esperar la venida del día de Cristo. El Señor lo declara: «Vosotros sois la luz del mundo». Y para que no pudieran pensar que se trataba de una luz semejante a aquella de la cual se ha dicho: «Él era la luz verdadera que ilumina a todo hombre» (Jn 1,9), enseguida les enseñó cual es la luz verdadera. Después de haberles anunciado: «Vosotros sois la luz del mundo», prosigue: «Nadie enciende una lámpara para meterla bajo el celemín». Os he llamado luz, dice, pero precisa: no sois más que una lámpara. No os dejéis invadir con júbilo orgulloso si no queréis ver como se apaga esa pavesa. No os pongo bajo el celemín, sino sobre el candelero para que lo iluminéis todo con vuestros rayos de luz.

     ¿Cuál es ese candelero que lleva la luz? Os lo voy a enseñar. Sed vosotros mismos esas lámparas y tendréis un lugar sobre este candelero. La cruz de Cristo es un inmenso candelero de madera. Escucha y lo comprenderás: el candelero es la cruz de Cristo...

     «Que vuestra luz brille ante los hombres; que vean vuestra buenas obras y den gloria». ¿A quién han de dar gloria? ¡No a ti, porque buscar la gloria es querer apagarte! «Que den gloria a vuestro Padre que está en los cielos». Sí, que viendo vuestra buenas obras le glorifiquen a él, al Padre de los cielos... Escucha al apóstol Pablo: «Dios me libre de gloriarme si no es en la cruz de Nuestro señor Jesucristo, en la cual el mundo está crucificado para mí, y yo para el mundo» (Gal 6,14).

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martes 08 Junio 2010

San Medardo

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San Medardo 

Obispo (c. 456- c.545)   Nació en Salency de padre franco y madre galorromana cuyos nombres aportados por la imaginación posterior son Néctor y Protagia.   Estudió en la escuela episcopal de Veromandrudum, lugar que sitúan cerca de la actual Bélgica, en donde hay recuerdos históricos para los hispanos por la victoria de Felipe II en san Quintín -Saint Quentin- que nos valió el Escorial.

Se ordena sacerdote y  la fábula lo adorna con corona de actos ejemplares.    Lo hacen obispo a la muerte de Alomer; con probabilidad lo consagra Remigio. Y se encuentra inmerso en el difícil y cruel mundo de restos de paganismo con resistencia a la fe; deberá luchar contra la superstición de sus gentes, contra la ignorancia, las duras costumbres, la haraganería, rapiña y asesinatos.

A ese amplio trabajo evangelizador se presenta Medardo con las armas de la bondad y de la comprensión más que con el báculo, el anatema o el látigo.   Murió en torno al año 560 y sus restos se trasladaron a la abadía de Soissons donde le veneraron durante toda la Edad Media.

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Oremos

Señor, tú que por la predicación de San Medardo obispo, llamaste a nuestros padres a la luz admirable del Evangelio, te pedimos que, por su intercesión, nosotros crezcamos también en tu gracia y en el conocimiento de nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Que vive y reina contigo.

http://liberaciondeposeidos.blogspot.com/

“For while the law was given through Moses, this enduring love came through Jesus Christ.”

DAILY GOSPEL: 07/06/2010

«Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.» John 6,68

Monday of the Tenth week in Ordinary Time

1st book of Kings 17:1-6.
Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab: "As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, during these years there shall be no dew or rain except at my word."
The LORD then said to Elijah:
"Leave here, go east and hide in the Wadi Cherith, east of the Jordan.
You shall drink of the stream, and I have commanded ravens to feed you there."
So he left and did as the LORD had commanded. He went and remained by the Wadi Cherith, east of the Jordan.
Ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the stream.

Psalms 121(120):1-2.3-4.5-6.7-8.
A song of ascents. I raise my eyes toward the mountains. From where will my help come?
My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth.
God will not allow your foot to slip; your guardian does not sleep.
Truly, the guardian of Israel never slumbers nor sleeps.
The LORD is your guardian; the LORD is your shade at your righthand.
By day the sun cannot harm you, nor the moon by night.
The LORD will guard you from all evil, will always guard your life.
The LORD will guard your coming and going both now and forever.

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 5:1-12.
When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
He began to teach them, saying:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Mt 5,1-12

Commentary of the day 
Chromacus of Aquilaea (?-407), Bishop
Sermon 39; CCL 9A, 169-170

“For while the law was given through Moses, this enduring love came through Jesus Christ.”

      It is good that the new law is proclaimed on a mountaintop, since the law of Moses was given on a mountaintop. The one consists in ten commandments given to form people’s behavior in the present life; the other consists in eight beatitudes, for it leads those who follow it to eternal life and the heavenly homeland.

       “Blest are the lowly; they shall inherit the land.” Thus, we must be lowly people, who are peaceful in our souls and sincere in our hearts. The Lord shows clearly that the merit of such people is not small when he says: “They shall inherit the land.” Without doubt, he is talking about the land of which is written: “I believe that I shall see the bounty of the Lord in the land of the living.” (Ps 27:13) The heritage of that land is the immortality of the body and the glory of eternal resurrection. For gentleness knows nothing of pride, of boastfulness, of ambition. And so it is not without reason that the Lord exhorts his disciples saying: “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. Your souls will find rest.” (Mt 11:29)

      “Blest are the sorrowing; they shall be consoled.” Not those who sorrow over the loss of what is dear to them, but those who sorrow over their sins, who wash themselves of their faults by means of tears, and without doubt those who sorrow over the iniquity of this world or who lament because of the faults of others.

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Monday, 07 June 2010

St. Robert of Newminster (12th century)

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ST. ROBERT OF NEWMINSTER
(12^th century)

        In 1132 Robert was a monk at Whitby, England, when news arrived that thirteen religious had been violently expelled from the Abbey of St. Mary, in York, for having proposed to restore the strict Benedictine rule. He at once set out to join them, and found them on the banks of the Skeld, near Ripon, living in the midst of winter in a hut made of hurdles and roofed with turf. In the spring they affiliated themselves to St. Bernard's reform at Clairvaux, and for two years struggled on in extreme poverty. At length the fame of their sanctity brought another novice, Hugh, Dean of York, who endowed the community with all his wealth, and thus laid the foundation of Fountains Abbey. In 1137 Raynulph, Baron of Morpeth, was so edified by the example of the monks at Fountains that he built them a monastery in Northumberland, called Newminster, of which St. Robert became abbot.

        The holiness of his life, even more than his words, guided his brethren to perfection, and within the next ten years three new communities went forth from this one house to become centres of holiness in other parts. The abstinence of St. Robert in refectory alone sufficed to maintain the mortified spirit of the community. One Easter Day, his stomach, weakened by the fast of Lent, could take no food, and he at last consented to try to eat some bread sweetened with honey. Before it was brought, he felt this relaxation would be a dangerous example for his subjects, and sent the food untouched to the poor at the gate. The plate was received by a young man of shining countenance, who straightway disappeared. At the next meal the plate descended empty, and by itself, to the abbot's place in the refectory, proving that what the Saint sacrificed for his brethren had been accepted by Christ.

        At the moment of Robert's death, in 1159, St. Godric, the hermit of Finchale, saw his soul, like a globe of fire, borne up by the angels in a pathway of light; and as the gates of heaven opened before them, a voice repeated twice, "Enter now, my friends."

« La ley se dio por Moisés, la gracia y la verdad vinieron por medio de Jesucristo» (Jn 1,17)

EVANGELIO DEL DÍA: 07/06/2010

¿ Señor, a quién iremos?. Tú tienes palabras de vida eterna. Jn 6, 68

Lunes de la X Semana del Tiempo Ordinari

Primer Libro de los Reyes 17,1-6.
Elías el tisbita, de Tisbé en Galaad, dijo a Ajab: "¡Por la vida del Señor, el Dios de Israel, a quien yo sirvo, no habrá estos años rocío ni lluvia, a menos que yo lo diga!".
La palabra del Señor le llegó en estos términos:
"Vete de aquí; encamínate hacia el Oriente y escóndete junto al torrente Querit, que está al este del Jordán.
Beberás del torrente, y yo he mandado a los cuervos que te provean allí de alimento".
El partió y obró según la palabra del Señor: fue a establecerse junto al torrente Querit, que está al este del Jordán.
Los cuervos le traían pan por la mañana y carne por la tarde, y él bebía del torrente.

Salmo 121(120),1-2.3-4.5-6.7-8.
Canto de peregrinación. Levanto mis ojos a las montañas: ¿de dónde me vendrá la ayuda?
La ayuda me viene del Señor, que hizo el cielo y la tierra.
El no dejará que resbale tu pie: ¡tu guardián no duerme!
No, no duerme ni dormita él guardián de Israel.
El Señor es tu guardián, es la sombra protectora a tu derecha:
de día, no te dañará el sol, ni la luna de noche.
El Señor te protegerá de todo mal y cuidará tu vida.
El te protegerá en la partida y el regreso, ahora y para siempre.

Evangelio según San Mateo 5,1-12.
Al ver a la multitud, Jesús subió a la montaña, se sentó, y sus discípulos se acercaron a él.
Entonces tomó la palabra y comenzó a enseñarles, diciendo:
"Felices los que tienen alma de pobres, porque a ellos les pertenece el Reino de los Cielos.
Felices los pacientes, porque recibirán la tierra en herencia.
Felices los afligidos, porque serán consolados.
Felices los que tienen hambre y sed de justicia, porque serán saciados.
Felices los misericordiosos, porque obtendrán misericordia.
Felices los que tienen el corazón puro, porque verán a Dios.
Felices los que trabajan por la paz, porque serán llamados hijos de Dios.
Felices los que son perseguidos por practicar la justicia, porque a ellos les pertenece el Reino de los Cielos.
Felices ustedes, cuando sean insultados y perseguidos, y cuando se los calumnie en toda forma a causa de mí.
Alégrense y regocíjense entonces, porque ustedes tendrán una gran recompensa en el cielo; de la misma manera persiguieron a los profetas que los precedieron. 

Mt 5,1-12

Leer el comentario del Evangelio por 
Cromacio de Aquilea (?- 407), obispo
Sermón 39; CCL 9A, 169-170

« La ley se dio por Moisés, la gracia y la verdad vinieron por medio de Jesucristo» (Jn 1,17)

     Es justo que la ley nueva se predique en una montaña, ya que la ley de Moisés fue dada en un monte. Ésta consta de diez preceptos, destinados a iluminar y reglamentar la vida presente; aquella consta de ocho bienaventuranzas, ya que conduce a sus seguidores a la vida eterna y a la patria celestial.

     «Dichosos los sufridos porque ellos heredarán la tierra». Por tanto, los sufridos han de ser de carácter tranquilo y sinceros de corazón. Que su mérito no es irrelevante lo evidencia el Señor cuando añade: «Porque ellos heredarán la tierra». Se refiere a aquella tierra de la que está escrito: «Espero gozar de la dicha del Señor en el país de la vida» (sl 26,13). Así pues, heredar esa tierra equivale a heredar la inmortalidad del cuerpo y la gloria de la resurrección eterna. Porque la mansedumbre no sabe de soberbia, ignora la jactancia, desconoce la ambición. Por eso, no sin razón exhorta en otro lugar el Señor a sus discípulos diciendo: «Aprended de mí que soy manso y humilde de corazón, y encontraréis vuestro descanso (Mt 11,29).

     «Dichosos los que lloran, porque ellos serán consolados». No los que lloran la pérdida de un ser querido, sino los que lloran los propios pecados, los que con lágrimas lavan sus delitos; y sin duda los que lamentan la iniquidad de este mundo o lloran los pecados ajenos.

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lunes 07 Junio 2010

San Pedro

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Santos Pedro presbítero, Walabonso, Sabiniano, Wistremundo, Habencio y Jeremías monjes, y mártires mozárabes  1

Se llaman mozárabes los cristianos que vivieron en tierra de musulmanes en España (711-1492) manteniendo su fe. En general, se puede decir que llevaron una vida muy difícil, y los que aquí enumeramos pagaron su fidelidad a Cristo con el martirio. También hoy son un modelo para el que quiera vivir al Evangelio fielmente.

El elenco de los santos mozárabes, que recoge el "Martyrologium Romanum" (Roma 2001), está compuesto en su mayoría por mártires, y por unos pocos confesores. Tenemos relatos de los martirios de la mayoría de ellos, escritos por contemporáneos, que los conocieron personalmente, y, que incluso compartieron la cárcel con ellos, y, posteriormente, padecieron el martirio².

Estos hombres y mujeres son mártires en el verdadero sentido de la palabra, es decir, que padecieron la muerte violenta por no renegar de su fe, y por practicar libremente el cristianismo, dando así un "testimonio" inapelable de la Resurrección de Jesucristo. Llevaron una vida santa, de oración, amor a Dios y al prójimo, sin usar la violencia, detestable para un cristiano, y recibieron la muerte que ni deseaban, ni buscaban, con una inexplicable entereza y paz del alma, haciendo el bien, y no causando el mal. Fueron, en definitiva, buenos imitadores de Jesucristo, el Dios único, que se hizo Hombre y bajó a la tierra para salvarnos.

(1) Cf.CONGREGATIO DE CULTU DIVINO ET DISCIPLINA SACRAMENTORUM "Martyrologium Romanum" (Roma 2001).
(2) SAN EULOGIO, "Memorial de los santos"; "Documento martirial"; "Apologético de los mártires"; ÁLVARO DE CÓRDOBA, "Vida de Eulogio".

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Oremos

Que la poderosa intercesión de los santos mártires  Pedro, Walabonso, Sabiniano, Wistremundo, Habencio y Jeremías la valentía de aceptar la muerte por el nombre de Cristo: concede también tu fuerza a nuestra debilidad para que, a ejemplo de aquellos que no dudaron en morir por ti, nosotros sepamos también ser fuertes, confesando tu nombre con nuestras vidas. Por nuestro Señor Jesucristo, tu Hijo.

http://liberaciondeposeidos.blogspot.com/

DAILY GOSPEL: 05/06/2010

«Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.» John 6,68

Saturday of the Ninth week in Ordinary Time

Second Letter to Timothy 4:1-8.
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who willjudge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power:
proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.
For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers
and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths.
But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry.
For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.
From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.

Psalms 71(70):8-9.14-15.16-17.22.
My mouth shall be filled with your praise, shall sing your glory every day.
Do not cast me aside in my old age; as my strength fails, do not forsake me.
I will always hope in you and add to all your praise.
My mouth shall proclaim your just deeds, day after day your acts of deliverance, though I cannot number them all.
I will speak of the mighty works of the Lord; O GOD, I will tell of your singular justice.
God, you have taught me from my youth; to this day I proclaim your wondrous deeds.
That I may praise you with the lyre for your faithfulness, my God, And sing to you with the harp, O Holy One of Israel!

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 12:38-44.
In the course of his teaching Jesus said, "Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes and accept greetings in the marketplaces,
seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets.
They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext, recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation."
He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums.
A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents.
Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, "Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury.
For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood."

 Mc 12,38-44

Commentary of the day 
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997), founder of the Missionary Sisters of Charity
A Simple Path (p.99)

"They have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty"

You must give what will cost you something. This, then, is giving not just what you can live without but what you can't live without or don't want to live without, something you really like. Then your gift becomes a sacrifice, which will have value before God... This is also what I call love in action. Every day I see this love-in children, men, and women.

I was once walking down the street and a beggar came to me and he said, "Mother Teresa, everybody's giving to you, I also want to give to you. Today, for the whole day, I got only twenty-nine paise and I want to give it to you." I thought for a moment: If I take it he will have nothing to eat tonight, and if I don't take it I will hurt him. So I put out my hands and I took the money. I have never seen such joy on anybody's face as I saw on his-that a beggar, he too, could give to Mother Teresa. It was a big sacrifice for that poor man who'd been sitting in the sun all day and had only received twenty-nine paise. It was beautiful: twenty-nine paise is such a small amount and I can get nothing with it, but as he gave it up and I took it, it became like thousands because it was given with so much love. 

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Saturday, 05 June 2010

St. Boniface, Bishop and Martyr (+754) - Memorial

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ST. BONIFACE
Bishop, Martyr
(+ 754)

        St. BonifaceE was born at Crediton in Devonshire, England, about the year 673. Some missionaries staying at his father's house spoke to him of heavenly things, and inspired him with a wish to devote himself, as they did, to God.

        He entered the monastery of Exminster, and was there trained for his apostolic work. His first attempt to convert the pagans in Holland having failed, he went to Rome to obtain the Pope's blessing on his mission, and returned with authority to preach to the German tribes. It was a slow and dangerous task; his own life was in constant peril, while his flock was often reduced to abject poverty by the wandering robber bands. Yet his courage never flagged. He began with Bavaria and Thuringia, next visited Friesland, then passed on to Hesse and Saxony, everywhere destroying the idol temples and raising churches on their site. He endeavored, as far as possible, to make every object of idolatry contribute in some way to the glory of God; on one occasion, having cut down on immense oak which was consecrated to Jupiter, he used the tree in building a church, which he dedicated to the Prince of the Apostles.

        He was now recalled to Rome, consecrated Bishop by the Pope, and returned to extend and organize the rising German Church. With diligent care he reformed abuses among the existing clergy, and established religious houses throughout the land.

        At length, feeling his infirmities increase, and fearful of losing his martyr's crown, Boniface appointed a successor to his monastery, and set out to convert a fresh pagan tribe. While St. Boniface was waiting to administer Confirmation to some newly-baptized Christians, a troop of pagans arrived, armed with swords and spears. His attendants would have opposed them, but the Saint said to his followers: "My children, cease your resistance; the long-expected day is come at last. Scripture forbids us to resist evil. Let us put our hope in God: He will save our souls." Scarcely had he ceased speaking, when the barbarians fell upon him and slew him with all his attendants, to the number of fifty-two.

«Aquellos han dado de lo que les sobraba, pero ella ha dado lo que necesitaba»

EVANGELIO DEL DÍA: 05/06/2010

¿ Señor, a quién iremos?. Tú tienes palabras de vida eterna. Jn 6, 68

Sábado de la IX Semana del Tiempo Ordinario

Segunda Carta de San Pablo a Timoteo 4,1-8.
Yo te conjuro delante de Dios y de Cristo Jesús, que ha de juzgar a los vivos y a los muertos, y en nombre de su Manifestación y de su Reino:
proclama la Palabra de Dios, insiste con ocasión o sin ella, arguye, reprende, exhorta, con paciencia incansable y con afán de enseñar.
Porque llegará el tiempo en que los hombres no soportarán más la sana doctrina; por el contrario, llevados por sus inclinaciones, se procurarán una multitud de maestros
que les halaguen los oídos, y se apartarán de la verdad para escuchar cosas fantasiosas.
Tú, en cambio, vigila atentamente, soporta todas las pruebas, realiza tu tarea como predicador del Evangelio, cumple a la perfección tu ministerio.
Yo ya estoy a punto de ser derramado como una libación, y el momento de mi partida se aproxima:
he peleado hasta el fin el buen combate, concluí mi carrera, conservé la fe.
Y ya está preparada para mí la corona de justicia, que el Señor, como justo Juez, me dará en ese Día, y no solamente a mí, sino a todos los que hayan aguardado con amor su Manifestación.

Salmo 71(70),8-9.14-15.16-17.22.
Mi boca proclama tu alabanza y anuncia tu gloria todo el día.
No me rechaces en el tiempo de mi vejez, no me abandones, porque se agotan mis fuerzas;
Yo, por mi parte, seguiré esperando y te alabaré cada vez más.
Mi boca anunciará incesantemente tus actos de justicia y salvación, aunque ni siquiera soy capaz de enumerarlos.
Vendré a celebrar las proezas del Señor, evocaré tu justicia, que es sólo tuya.
Dios mío, tú me enseñaste desde mi juventud, y hasta hoy he narrado tus maravillas.
Entonces te daré gracias con el arpa, por tu fidelidad, Dios mío; te cantaré con la cítara, a ti, el Santo de Israel.

Evangelio según San Marcos 12,38-44.
Y él les enseñaba: "Cuídense de los escribas, a quienes les gusta pasearse con largas vestiduras, ser saludados en las plazas
y ocupar los primeros asientos en las sinagogas y los banquetes;
que devoran los bienes de las viudas y fingen hacer largas oraciones. Estos serán juzgados con más severidad".
Jesús se sentó frente a la sala del tesoro del Templo y miraba cómo la gente depositaba su limosna. Muchos ricos daban en abundancia.
Llegó una viuda de condición humilde y colocó dos pequeñas monedas de cobre.
Entonces él llamó a sus discípulos y les dijo: "Les aseguro que esta pobre viuda ha puesto más que cualquiera de los otros,
porque todos han dado de lo que les sobraba, pero ella, de su indigencia, dio todo lo que poseía, todo lo que tenía para vivir". 

Mc 12,38-44

Leer el comentario del Evangelio por 
Beata Teresa de Calcuta (1910-1997), fundadora de las Hermanas Misioneras de la Caridad
Un Camino muy simple

«Aquellos han dado de lo que les sobraba, pero ella ha dado lo que necesitaba»

     Debéis dar lo que os cueste alguna cosa. No basta con dar solamente eso de lo que podéis prescindir, sino también de aquello de lo que no podéis ni queréis prescindir, aquellas cosas a las cuales estáis atadas. Entonces vuestro don llegará a ser un sacrificio precioso a los ojos de Dios... A eso yo le llamo el amor en acto. Todos los días veo crecer este amor, en los niños, en los hombres y en las mujeres.

     Un día bajaba yo por la calle; un mendigo se me acerca y me dice: «Madre Teresa, todo el mundo te hace regalos; también yo quiero darte alguna cosa. Hoy he recibido tan sólo veintinueve céntimos en todo el día y te los quiero dar.» Reflexioné un momento; si acepto estos veintinueve céntimos (que no valen prácticamente nada), él corre el riesgo de no poder comer nada esta noche, y si no se los acepto, le voy a dar un disgusto. Entonces, extendí la mano y cogí el dinero. Nunca jamás he visto sobre ningún rostro tanto gozo como en el de este hombre, por el mero hecho de haber podido dar algo a Madre Teresa ¡Se sintió muy feliz! Fue para él, que había mendigado todo el día bajo el sol, un enorme sacrificio el darme esta irrisoria cantidad con la que no se podía hacer nada. Pero fue maravilloso también porque estas pequeñas monedas, a las que renunciaba, llegaban a ser una gran fortuna porque habían sido dadas con tanto amor.

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sábado 05 Junio 2010

San Bonifacio

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San Bonifacio 

San Bonifacio, Arzobispo de Máinz, Mártir. Llamado el «Apóstol de Alemania» por haber evangelizado sistemáticamente las grandes regiones centrales, por haber fundado y organizado Iglesias y por haber creado una jerarquía bajo la jurisdicción directa de la Santa Sede.

Sus dones de misionero y reformador generaron importantes frutos.    Winfrido (su nombre de bautizo) se trasladó de muy joven a la abadía de Nursling, en la diócesis de Winchester, donde se le nombró director de la escuela. Ahí escribió la primera gramática latina que se haya hecho en Inglaterra. A la edad de 30 años recibió las órdenes sacerdotales y se dedicó al estudio de la Biblia.

En el año 718 el Papa San Gregorio II otorgó a Winfrido un mandato directo para llevar la Palabra de Dios a los herejes en general. El Santo partió inmediatamente con destino a Alemania, cruzó los Alpes, atravesó Baviera y llegó al Hesse. En poco tiempo, pudo enviar a la Santa Sede un informe tan satisfactorio que el Papa hizo venir al misionero con miras a confiarle el obispado. El día de San Andrés del año 722, fue consagrado obispo regional con jurisdicción general sobre Alemania.

Bonifacio regresó a Hesse y como primera medida, se propuso arrancar de raíz las supersticiones paganas que eran el principal obstáculo para la evangelización. En el año 731, el Papa Gregorio III, sucesor de Gregorio II, mandó a San Bonifacio el nombramiento de metropolitano para toda Alemania más allá del Rin, con autoridad para crear obispados donde lo creyera conveniente.

En su tercer viaje a Roma fue nombrado también delegado de la Sede Apostólica. San Bonifacio y su discípulo San Sturmi fundaron en el año de 741 la abadía de Fulda, que con el tiempo se convirtió en el Monte Casino de Alemania.   Años más tarde, cuando el Santo se disponía a realizar una confirmación en masa, en la víspera de Pentecostés, apareció una horda de paganos hostiles que atacó al grupo brutalmente. El cuerpo del Santo fue trasladado al monasterio de Fulda, donde aún reposa.

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Oremos 

Dios y Señor nuestro, que con tu amor hacia los hombres quisiste que San Bonifacio anunciara a los pueblos la riqueza insondable que es Cristo, concédenos, por su intercesión, crecer en el conocimiento del misterio de Cristo y vivir siempre según las enseñanzas del Evangelio, fructificando con toda clase de buenas obras. Por nuestro Señor Jesucristo, tu Hijo.

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His name is «King of kings and Lord of lords." (Rv 19:16)

DAILY GOSPEL: 04/06/2010

«Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.» John 6,68

Friday of the Ninth week in Ordinary Time

Second Letter to Timothy 3:10-17.
You have followed my teaching, way of life, purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance,
persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra, persecutions that I endured. Yet from all these things the Lord delivered me.
In fact, all who want to live religiously in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
But wicked people and charlatans will go from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived.
But you, remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it,
and that from infancy you have known (the) sacred scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

Psalms 119:157.160.161.165.166.168.
Though my persecutors and foes are many I do not turn from your decrees.
Your every word is enduring; all your just edicts are forever.
Princes persecute me without reason, but my heart reveres only your word.
Lovers of your teaching have much peace; for them there is no stumbling block.
I look for your salvation, LORD, and I fulfill your commands.
I observe your precepts and decrees; all my ways are before you.

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 12:35-37.
As Jesus was teaching in the temple area he said, "How do the scribes claim that the Messiah is the son of David?
David himself, inspired by the holy Spirit, said: 'The Lord said to my lord, "Sit at my right hand until I place your enemies under your feet."'
David himself calls him 'lord'; so how is he his son?" (The) great crowd heard this with delight. 

 Mc 12,35-37

Commentary of the day 
Saint Cyril of Jerusalem (313-350), Bishop of Jerusalem, Doctor of the Church
Baptismal Catechesis 10, 2-5; PG 33, 662f

His name is «King of kings and Lord of lords." (Rv 19:16)

      If any one wishes to show piety towards God, let him worship the Son; otherwise the Father does not accept his homage. The Father spoke with a loud voice from heaven, saying, «This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased» (Mt 3:17). The Father was well pleased with the Son... who is called «Lord» (Lk 2:11), not improperly as those who are so called among men, but as having a natural and eternal lordship...

      While remaining who he is and truly holding unchanged the dignity of his Sonship, he adapts himself to our infirmities, like an excellent physician or a compassionate teacher. He is truly Lord; he did not receive this title by some sort of advancement. The dignity of lordship is his by nature. He was not given the title»lord» as we are, but he is so in truth, since by the Father's bidding he is Lord over his own works. Human lordship is exercised over people of dignity and weakness equal to our own, even over our elders; often a young master rules over aged servants. But in the case of our Lord Jesus Christ, lordship is not of this nature: he is first Maker, then Lord. First he made all things by the Father's will, then, he is Lord of the things which were made by him.

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Friday, 04 June 2010

St Clotilda, Queen (476-545)

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SAINT CLOTILDA
Queen
(476-545)

        St. Clotilda was daughter of Chilperic, younger brother to Gondebald, the tyrannical King of Burgundy, who put him and his wife, and his other brothers, except one, to death, in order to usurp their dominions. Clotilda was brought up in her uncle's court, and, by a singular providence, was instructed in the Catholic religion, though she was educated in the midst of Arians.

        Her wit, beauty, meekness, modesty, and piety made her the adoration of all the neighboring kingdoms, and Clovis I., surnamed the Great, the victorious king of the Franks, demanded and obtained her in marriage. She honored her royal husband, studied to sweeten his warlike temper by Christian meekness, conformed herself to his humor in things that were indifferent, and, the better to gain his affections, made those things the subject of her discourse and praises in which she knew him to take the greatest delight.

        When she saw herself mistress of his heart she did not defer the great work of endeavoring to win him to God, but the fear of giving offence to his people made him delay his conversion. His miraculous victory over the Alemanni, and his entire conversion in 496, were at length the fruit of our Saint's prayers. Clotilda, having gained to God this great monarch, never ceased to excite him to glorious actions for the divine honor; among other religious foundations, he built in Paris, at her request, about the year 511, the great church of Sts. Peter and Paul, now called St. Genevieve's.

        This great prince died on the 27th of November, in the year 511, at the age of forty-five, having reigned thirty years. His eldest son, Theodoric, reigned at Rheims over the eastern parts of France, Clodomir reigned at Orleans, Childebert at Paris, and Clotaire I. at Soissons. This division produced wars and mutual jealousies, till in 560 the whole monarchy was reunited under Clotaire, the youngest of these brothers.

        The dissension in her family contributed more perfectly to wean Clotilda's heart from the world. She spent the remaining part of her life in exercises of prayer, almsdeeds, watching, fasting, and penance, seeming totally to forget that she had been queen or that her sons sat on the throne. Eternity filled her heart and employed all her thoughts.

        She foretold her death thirty days before it happened. On the thirtieth day of her illness, she received the sacraments, made a public confession of her faith, and departed to the Lord on June 4, 545.

«Su nombre es Rey de reyes y Señor de los señores» (Ap 19,16)

EVANGELIO DEL DÍA: 04/06/2010

¿ Señor, a quién iremos?. Tú tienes palabras de vida eterna. Jn 6, 68

Viernes de la IX Semana del Tiempo Ordinario

Segunda Carta de San Pablo a Timoteo 3,10-17.
Tú, en cambio, has seguido de cerca mi enseñanza, mi modo de vida y mis proyectos, mi fe, mi paciencia, mi amor y mi constancia,
así como también, las persecuciones y sufrimientos que debí soportar en Antioquía, Iconio y Listra. ¡Qué persecuciones no he tenido que padecer! Pero de todas me libró el Señor.
Por lo demás, los que quieren ser fieles a Dios en Cristo Jesús, tendrán que sufrir persecución.
Los pecadores y los impostores, en cambio, irán de mal en peor, y engañando a los demás, se engañarán a sí mismos.
Pero tú permanece fiel a la doctrina que aprendiste y de la que estás plenamente convencido: tú sabes de quiénes la has recibido.
Recuerda que desde la niñez conoces las Sagradas Escrituras: ellas pueden darte la sabiduría que conduce a la salvación, mediante la fe en Cristo Jesús.
Toda la Escritura está inspirada por Dios, y es útil para enseñar y para argüir, para corregir y para educar en la justicia,
a fin de que el hombre de Dios sea perfecto y esté preparado para hacer siempre el bien.

Salmo 119,157.160.161.165.166.168.
Son muchos los que me persiguen y me oprimen, pero yo no me desvié de tus prescripciones.
Lo primordial de tu palabra es la verdad, y tus justos juicios permanecen para siempre.
Los poderosos me persiguen sin motivo, pero yo temo únicamente tu palabra.
Los que aman tu ley gozan de una gran paz, nada los hace tropezar.
Yo espero tu salvación, Señor, y cumplo tus mandamientos.
Yo observo tus mandamientos y tus prescripciones, porque tú conoces todos mis caminos.

Evangelio según San Marcos 12,35-37.
Jesús se puso a enseñar en el Templo y preguntaba: "¿Cómo pueden decir los escribas que el Mesías es hijo de David?
El mismo David ha dicho, movido por el Espíritu Santo: Dijo el Señor a mi Señor: Siéntate a mi derecha, hasta que ponga a tus enemigos debajo de tus pies.
Si el mismo David lo llama 'Señor', ¿Cómo puede ser hijo suyo?". La multitud escuchaba a Jesús con agrado.

Mc 12,35-37

Leer el comentario del Evangelio por 
San Cirilo de Jerusalén (313-350), obispo de Jerusalén y doctor de la Iglesia
Catequesis bautismal 10, 2-5; PG 33, 662s

«Su nombre es Rey de reyes y Señor de los señores» (Ap 19,16)

     Si alguno quiere honrar a Dios que se postre ante su Hijo. Sin esto, el Padre no acepta ninguna adoración. Desde lo alto del cielo el Padre ha hecho oír estas palabras: «Este es mi Hijo muy amado, en el que tengo mis complacencias» (Mt 3,17). El Padre se ha complacido en el Hijo... que es llamado «Señor» (Lc 2,11), no abusivamente como los señores humanos, sino porque el señorío le pertenece naturalmente desde toda la eternidad...

     Continuando siendo siempre él mismo, y conservando verdaderamente la gloria inmutable de la filiación, se adapta, sin embargo, a nuestras debilidades, como un habilidoso médico y un amo compasivo. Y lo ha hecho cuando realmente era Señor; cuando su poder no se debía a un anticipo, sino que la gloria del señorío le era debida siempre por naturaleza; cuando no era un señor a nuestra manera, sino que era Señor con toda verdad, ejerciendo el señorío, con el beneplácito de su Padre, sobre sus propias criaturas. Nosotros, en efecto,  tenemos dominio sobre hombres que son nuestros iguales en dignidad y en sufrimiento, a menudo sobre personas de edad más avanzada. En nuestro Señor Jesucristo, al contrario, el señorío no es de esta clase: es ante todo Creador, luego Señor. Lo ha creado todo según la voluntad del Padre, y ejerce el señorío sobre lo que solamente por él existe.

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viernes 04 Junio 2010

Corazón de Jesús

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  El Corazón de Jesús y los primeros viernes 

5-) La Gran Promesa se entiende en el contexto del culto al Sagrado Corazón de Jesús.   La Gran Promesa se debe considerar como una cosa aislada, sin ninguna relación y conexión con el culto al Corazón del Redentor, sino más bien como una expresión de este culto que en definitiva es «la profesión práctica más completa de la religión cristiana « (Encíclica del Pío XII, n 69).

Se debe tener por lo tanto la confianza de que aquellos que han cumplido con rectitud las circunstancias para las comuniones de los primeros viernes, recibirán del omnipotente amor y misericordia infinita de Jesús las gracias necesarias para que puedan vivir la auténtica vida cristiana como la quiere el genuino culto al Sagrado Corazón de Jesús; o de todos modos que se cumpla en ellos el plan de salvación establecido por Dios hasta no poner obstáculos al último y grandioso gesto de la misericordia de su Corazón cual es el don de la perseverancia final.

Nótese que la práctica de los primeros viernes, precisamente porque deben ser  hechos en el contexto del culto al Corazón de Jesús, llevará a lo que es esencial en el Culto al Corazón de Jesús: la consagración y la reparación. (Encíclica de Pío XII n. 75).   Con la consagración queremos dar a nosotros mismos y todas nuestras cosas al Señor reconociendo de esta manera que todo lo hemos recibido de Él y que a su servicio deben ser encaminadas.   Con la reparación y expiación de los pecados propios y ajenos nos ayudamos mutuamente en el camino que conduce al Padre Celestial y participamos también en la expiación de Cristo.

Así en la Liturgia del Corazón de Jesús se pide que nuestra ofrenda resulte agradable para la reparación de los pecados.

Oración que puede decirse después de cada una de las comuniones de los nueve primeros viernes

Jesús mío dulcísimo, que en vuestra infinita y dulcísima misericordia prometiste la gracia de la perseverancia final a los que comulgaren en honra de vuestro Sagrado Corazón nueve primeros viernes de mes seguidos: acordaos de esta promesa, y a mí, indigno siervo vuestro, que acabo de recibiros sacramentado con este fin e intención, concededme que muera  detestando todos mis pecados, creyendo en vos con fe viva, esperando en vuestra inefable misericordia y amando la bondad de vuestro amantísimo Corazón. Amén

Corazón de Jesús, casa de Dios y puerta del cielo:  tened piedad de nosotros.

Corazón de Jesús, rico con todos los que os invocan: tened piedad de nosotros .

Corazón de Jesús, esperanza de los que mueren en Vos:  tened piedad de nosotros

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Alma de Cristo 

Alma de Cristo, santifícame.

Cuerpo de Cristo, sálvame.

Sangre de Cristo, embriágame.

Agua del costado de Cristo, lávame.

Pasión de Cristo, confórtame.  ¡Oh, buen Jesús!, óyeme.

Dentro de tus llagas, escóndeme.

No permitas que me aparte de Ti.

Del maligno enemigo, defiéndeme.

En la hora de mi muerte, llámame.

Y mándame ir a Ti.  Para que con tus santos te alabe.

Por los siglos de los siglos.  Amén.

¡Oh! Mi amado y buen Jesús, postrado en vuestra santísima presencia; os ruego con el mayor fervor imprimáis en mi corazón vivos sentimientos de fe, esperanza y caridad, verdadero dolor de mis pecados y propósito firmísimo de enmendarme; mientras que yo, con todo el amor y con toda la compasión de mi alma, voy considerando vuestras cinco llagas, teniendo presente aquello que dijo de Vos, Oh buen Jesús, el Santo Profeta David: Han taladrado mis manos y mis pies, y se pueden contar todos mis huesos.

“This is the greatest and first commandment. The second is like it.”

DAILY GOSPEL: 03/06/2010

«Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.» John 6,68

Thursday of the Ninth week in Ordinary Time

Second Letter to Timothy 2:8-15.
Beloved: Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David: such is my gospel,
for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains, like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained.
Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory.
This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with him we shall also live with him;
if we persevere we shall also reign with him. But if we deny him he will deny us.
If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.
Remind people of these things and charge them before God to stop disputing about words. This serves no useful purpose since it harms those who listen.
Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace, imparting the word of truth without deviation.

Psalms 25(24):4-5.8-9.10.14.
Make known to me your ways, LORD; teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior. For you I wait all the long day, because of your goodness, LORD.
Good and upright is the LORD, who shows sinners the way,
Guides the humble rightly, and teaches the humble the way.
All the paths of the LORD are faithful love toward those who honor the covenant demands.
The counsel of the LORD belongs to the faithful; the covenant instructs them.

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 12:28-34.
One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, «Which is the first of all the commandments?»
Jesus replied, "The first is this: 'Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone!
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.'
The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."
The scribe said to him, "Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, 'He is One and there is no other than he.'
And 'to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself' is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."
And when Jesus saw that (he) answered with understanding, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Mc 12,28-34

Commentary of the day 
Saint Augustine (354-430), Bishop of Hippo (North Africa) and Doctor of the Church
De Trinitate, VIII, 12 ; PL 42, 958B-959A

“This is the greatest and first commandment. The second is like it.” (Mt 22:38-39)

“Beloved, let us love one another because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten of God and has knowledge of God. The man without love has known nothing of God, for God is love.” (1 Jn 4:7-8) In this text, the apostle John with his great authority shows clearly that fraternal love not only comes from God, but that this fraternal love, which causes us to love one another, is God himself.

Consequently, when we love our brother with a genuine love, we are loving our brother according to God, through God. And it is impossible not to love above everything that love itself, thanks to which we love our brother. From which we can conclude that these two precepts cannot exist one without the other. Since “God is love”, the person who loves love certainly loves God; and the person who loves his brother necessarily loves love. That is why the apostle John says a little later: “One who has no love for the brother he has seen cannot love the God he has not seen.” (1 Jn 4:20). What stops him from seeing God is that he does not love his brother. The person who does not love his brother is not in love; and the person who is not in love, is not in God, for “God is love.” 

Thursday, 03 June 2010 St Clotilda, Queen (476-545) SAINT CLOTILDA Queen (476-545)         St. Clotilda was daughter of Chilperic, younger brother to Gondebald, the tyrannical King of Burgundy, who put him and his wife, and his other brothers, except one, to death, in order to usurp their dominions. Clotilda was brought up in her uncle's court, and, by a singular providence, was instructed in the Catholic religion, though she was educated in the midst of Arians.         Her wit, beauty, meekness, modesty, and piety made her the adoration of all the neighboring kingdoms, and Clovis I., surnamed the Great, the victorious king of the Franks, demanded and obtained her in marriage. She honored her royal husband, studied to sweeten his warlike temper by Christian meekness, conformed herself to his humor in things that were indifferent, and, the better to gain his affections, made those things the subject of her discourse and praises in which she knew him to take the greatest delight.         When she saw herself mistress of his heart she did not defer the great work of endeavoring to win him to God, but the fear of giving offence to his people made him delay his conversion. His miraculous victory over the Alemanni, and his entire conversion in 496, were at length the fruit of our Saint's prayers. Clotilda, having gained to God this great monarch, never ceased to excite him to glorious actions for the divine honor; among other religious foundations, he built in Paris, at her request, about the year 511, the great church of Sts. Peter and Paul, now called St. Genevieve's.         This great prince died on the 27th of November, in the year 511, at the age of forty-five, having reigned thirty years. His eldest son, Theodoric, reigned at Rheims over the eastern parts of France, Clodomir reigned at Orleans, Childebert at Paris, and Clotaire I. at Soissons. This division produced wars and mutual jealousies, till in 560 the whole monarchy was reunited under Clotaire, the youngest of these brothers.         The dissension in her family contributed more perfectly to wean Clotilda's heart from the world. She spent the remaining part of her life in exercises of prayer, almsdeeds, watching, fasting, and penance, seeming totally to forget that she had been queen or that her sons sat on the throne. Eternity filled her heart and employed all her thoughts.         She foretold her death thirty days before it happened. On the thirtieth day of her illness, she received the sacraments, made a public confession of her faith, and departed to the Lord on the 3d of June, in 545.