"Whoever has seen me has seen the Father"

Daily Gospel: 01/05/2010

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

Saturday of the Fourth week of Easter

Acts of the Apostles 13:44-52.
On the following sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.
When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said.
Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.
For so the Lord has commanded us, 'I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.'"
The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord. All who were destined for eternal life came to believe,
and the word of the Lord continued to spread through the whole region.
The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers and the leading men of the city, stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their territory.
So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.
The disciples were filled with joy and the holy Spirit.

Psalms 98:1.2.3-4.
Sing a new song to the LORD, who has done marvelous deeds, Whose right hand and holy arm have won the victory.
The LORD has made his victory known; has revealed his triumph for the nations to see,
Has remembered faithful love toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth; break into song; sing praise.

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 14:7-14.
If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him."
Philip said to him, "Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us."
Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?
Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works.
Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves.
Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father.
And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it. 

n 14,7-14

Commentary of the day 
Saint Irenaeus of Lyons (c.130-c.208), Bishop, theologian and martyr
Against the heresies, IV, 5

"Whoever has seen me has seen the Father"

God's splendor is life-giving and therefore those who see God partake of life. This is the reason why he who cannot be grasped and is incomprehensible and invisible offers himself to our sight, understanding and grasp, that he might give life to those who take hold of him and see him. For if his greatness cannot be fathomed, neither, too, can his goodness be expressed, yet through it he allows himself to be seen and bestows life on the beholder.

       It is impossible to live without Life; there is no life except through participation in God; and this participation in God consists in seeing God and rejoicing in his goodness. Therefore people will come to see God that life may be theirs... as Moses says in Deuteronomy: «In that day we shall see, because God will speak to man and he will live» (cf. Dt 5,24). God is invisible and inexpressible... but all living beings learn through his Word that there is only one God, the Father, who contains all things and gives existence to all things, as our Lord himself also says: «No one has seen God; the only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known» (Jn 1,18)

Saturday, 01 May 2010 St Joseph the Worker Saint Joseph the Worker         Every day St Joseph had to provide for the family's needs with hard manual work.Thus the Church rightly points to him as the patron of workers.         Today's is also a wonderful occasion to reflect on the importance of work in the life of the human person, the family and the community.         The human being is the subject and the primary agent of work, and in the light of this truth, we can clearly perceive the fundamental connection between the person, work and society. Human activity - the Second Vatican Council recalls - proceeds from the human person and is ordered to the person. According to God's design and will, it must serve the true good of humanity and allow "man as an individual and as a member of society to cultivate and carry out his integral vocation" (cf. Gaudium et spes, n. 35).         In order to fulfil this mission, a "tested spirituality of human work" must be cultivated that is firmly rooted in the "Gospel of work" and believers are called to proclaim and to witness to the Christian meaning of work in their many activities and occupations (cf. Laborem exercens, n. 26).         May St Joseph, such a great and humble saint be an example that inspires Christian workers, who should call on him in every circumstance. Today I wish to entrust to the provident guardian of the Holy Family of Nazareth the young people who are training for their future profession, the unemployed, and those who are suffering from the hardship of the shortage of employment, families and the whole world of work, with the expectations and challenges, the problems and prospects that characterize it. (John Paul II - General audience, Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Wednesday, 19 March 2003)

«Quien me ha visto a mí, ha visto al Padre»

EVANGELIO DEL DÍA: 01/05/2010

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

Sábado de la IV Semana de Pascua

Libro de los Hechos de los Apóstoles 13,44-52.
Casi toda la ciudad se reunió el sábado siguiente para escuchar la Palabra de Dios.
Al ver esa multitud, los judíos se llenaron de envidia y con injurias contradecían las palabras de Pablo.
Entonces Pablo y Bernabé, con gran firmeza, dijeron: "A ustedes debíamos anunciar en primer lugar la Palabra de Dios, pero ya que la rechazan y no se consideran dignos de la Vida eterna, nos dirigimos ahora a los paganos.
Así nos ha ordenado el Señor: Yo te he establecido para ser la luz de las naciones, para llevar la salvación hasta los confines de la tierra".
Al oír esto, los paganos, llenos de alegría, alabaron la Palabra de Dios, y todos los que estaban destinados a la Vida eterna abrazaron la fe.
Así la Palabra del Señor se iba extendiendo por toda la región.
Pero los judíos instigaron a unas mujeres piadosas que pertenecían a la aristocracia y a los principales de la ciudad, provocando una persecución contra Pablo y Bernabé, y los echaron de su territorio.
Estos, sacudiendo el polvo de sus pies en señal de protesta contra ellos, se dirigieron a Iconio.
Los discípulos, por su parte, quedaron llenos de alegría y del Espíritu Santo.

Salmo 98,1.2.3-4.
Salmo. Canten al Señor un canto nuevo, porque él hizo maravillas: su mano derecha y su santo brazo le obtuvieron la victoria.
El Señor manifestó su victoria, reveló su justicia a los ojos de las naciones:
se acordó de su amor y su fidelidad en favor del pueblo de Israel. Los confines de la tierra han contemplado el triunfo de nuestro Dios.
Aclame al Señor toda la tierra, prorrumpan en cantos jubilosos.

Evangelio según San Juan 14,7-14.
Si ustedes me conocen, conocerán también a mi Padre. Ya desde ahora lo conocen y lo han visto".
Felipe le dijo: "Señor, muéstranos al Padre y eso nos basta".
Jesús le respondió: "Felipe, hace tanto tiempo que estoy con ustedes, ¿y todavía no me conocen? El que me ha visto, ha visto al Padre. ¿Como dices: 'Muéstranos al Padre'?
¿No crees que yo estoy en el Padre y que el Padre está en mí? Las palabras que digo no son mías: el Padre que habita en mí es el que hace las obras.
Créanme: yo estoy en el Padre y el Padre está en mí. Créanlo, al menos, por las obras.
Les aseguro que el que cree en mí hará también las obras que yo hago, y aún mayores, porque yo me voy al Padre.
Y yo haré todo lo que ustedes pidan en mi Nombre, para que el Padre sea glorificado en el Hijo.
Si ustedes me piden algo en mi Nombre, yo lo haré. 

Jn 14,7-14

Leer el comentario del Evangelio por 
San Ireneo de Lión (hacia 130-hacia 208), obispo, teólogo y mártir
Contra las herejías, IV, 5

«Quien me ha visto a mí, ha visto al Padre»

     El esplendor de Dios da vida: los que ven a Dios tendrán parte en la vida. Es por ello que el que es inaccesible, incomprensible e invisible se ofrece a nosotros para ser visto, comprendido y accesible por los hombres; él es para dar vida a aquellos que le captan y le ven. Puesto que, si su grandeza es insondable, su bondad no puede tampoco expresarse, y gracias a ella él se hace ver y da la vida a los que le ven.

     Es imposible vivir sin la Vida; no hay vida si no es participando de Dios; y esta participación de Dios consiste en ver a Dios y gozar de su bondad. Así pues, los hombres verán a Dios para poder vivir... según lo que dice Moisés en el Deuteronomio: «Aquel día veremos, porque Dios hablará al hombre y éste vivirá» (Dt 5,24). Dios es invisible e inexpresable... pero todos los seres conocen a través de su Verbo que no hay más que un solo Dios Padre, que contiene todas las cosas y da la existencia a toda cosa, según lo que dice el Señor: «A Dios nadie le ha visto jamás; el Hijo único, que está en el seno del Padre, es quien lo ha revelado» (Jn 1,18).

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sábado 01 Mayo 2010

San José Obrero

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  San José  Obrero  

El día 1 de Mayo del año 1955, el Papa Pío XII, instituyó la fiesta de San José Obrero. Una fiesta bien distinta que ha de celebrarse desde el punto de partida del amor a Dios y de ahí pasar a la vigilancia por la responsabilidad de todos y de cada uno al amplísimo y complejo mundo de la relación con el prójimo basada en el amor: desde el trabajador al empresario y del trabajo al capital, pasando por poner de relieve y bien manifiesta la dignidad del trabajo -don de Dios- y del trabajador -imagen de Dios-, los derechos a una vivienda digna, a formar familia, al salario justo para alimentarla y a la asistencia social para atenderla, al ocio y a practicar la religión que su conciencia le dicte; además, se recuerda la responsabilidad de los sindicatos para logro de mejoras sociales de los distintos grupos, habida cuenta de las exigencias del bien de toda la colectividad y se aviva también la responsabilidad política del gobernante.

Todo esto incluye ¡y mucho más! la doctrina social de la Iglesia porque se toca al hombre al que ella debe anunciar el Evangelio y llevarle la Salvación; así mantuvo siempre su voz la Iglesia y quien tenga voluntad y ojos limpios lo puede leer sin tapujos ni retoques en Rerum novarum, Mater et magistra, Populorum progressio, Laborem exercens, Solicitudo rei socialis, entre otros documentos. Dar doctrina, enseñar donde está la justicia y señalar los límites de la moral; recordar la prioridad del hombre sobre el trabajo, el derecho a un puesto en el tajo común, animar a la revisión de comportamientos abusivos y atentatorios contra la dignidad humana... es su cometido para bien de toda la humanidad; y son principios aplicables al campo y a la industria, al comercio y a la universidad, a la labor manual y a la alta investigación científica, es decir, a todo el variadísimo campo donde se desarrolle la actividad humana.

Nada más natural que fuera el titular de la nueva fiesta cristiana José, esposo de María y padre en funciones de Jesús, el trabajador que no lo tuvo nada fácil a pesar de la nobilísima misión recibida de Dios para la Salvación definitiva y completa de todo hombre; es uno más del pueblo, el trabajador nato que entendió de carencias, supo de estréchese en su familia y las llevó con dignidad, sufrió emigración forzada, conoció el cansancio del cuerpo por su esfuerzo, sacó adelante su responsabilidad familiar; es decir, vivió como vive cualquier trabajador y probablemente tuvo dificultades laborales mayores que muchos de ellos; se le conoce en su tiempo como José «el artesano» y a Jesús se le da el nombre descriptivo de «el hijo del artesano». Y, por si fuera poco, los designios de Dios cubrían todo su compromiso.

Fiesta sugiere honra a Dios, descanso y regocijo. Pues, ánimo. Honremos a Dios santificando el trabajo diario con el que nos ganamos el pan, descansemos hoy de la labor y disfrutemos la alegría que conlleva compartir lo nuestro con los demás.

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Oremos

Dios nuestro, creador del universo, que has establecido que el hombre coopere con su trabajo al perfeccionamiento de tu obra, haz que, guiados por el ejemplo de San José y ayudados por sus plegarias, realicemos las tareas que nos asignas y alcancemos la recompensa que nos prometes. Por nuestro Señor Jesucristo, tu Hijo.

Calendario de  Fiestas Marianas: Nuestra Señora de Reina de Mayo.

"In my Father's house there are many dwelling places"

DAILY GOSPEL

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

Friday of the Fourth week of Easter

Acts of the Apostles 13:26-33.
When Paul came to Antioch in Pisidia, he said in the synagogue:   «My brothers, children of the family of Abraham,  and those others among you who are God-fearing,  to us this word of salvation has been sent.
The inhabitants of Jerusalem and their leaders failed to recognize him, and by condemning him they fulfilled the oracles of the prophets that are read sabbath after sabbath.
For even though they found no grounds for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him put to death,
and when they had accomplished all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and placed him in a tomb.
But God raised him from the dead,
and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These are (now) his witnesses before the people.
We ourselves are proclaiming this good news to you that what God promised our ancestors
he has brought to fulfillment for us, (their) children, by raising up Jesus, as it is written in the second psalm, 'You are my son; this day I have begotten you.'

Psalms 2:6-7.8-9.10-11.
"I myself have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain."
I will proclaim the decree of the LORD, who said to me, "You are my son; today I am your father.
Only ask it of me, and I will make your inheritance the nations, your possession the ends of the earth.
With an iron rod you shall shepherd them, like a clay pot you will shatter them."
And now, kings, give heed; take warning, rulers on earth.
Serve the LORD with fear; with trembling bow down in homage, Lest God be angry and you perish from the way in a sudden blaze of anger. Happy are all who take refuge in God!

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 14:1-6.
Jesus said to his disciples:  «Do not let your hearts be troubled.  You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.
Where (I) am going you know the way."
Thomas said to him, "Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?"
Jesus said to him, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Jn 14,1-6

Commentary of the day 
Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1873-1897), Carmelite, Doctor of the Church
Autobiography of a soul, Manuscript A, 2r°- 3r° (trans. Ronald Knox)

"In my Father's house there are many dwelling places"

     I had always wondered why it was that God has his preferences, instead of giving each soul an equal degree of grace... Jesus has been gracious enough to teach me a lesson about this mystery, simply by holding up to my eyes the book of nature. I realised, then, that all the flowers he has made are beautiful; the rose in its glory, the lily in its whiteness, don't rob the tiny violet of its sweet smell, or the daisy of' its charming simplicity. I saw that if all these lesser blooms wanted to be roses instead, nature would lose the gaiety of her spring tide dress-there would be no little flowers to, make a pattern over the countryside.

And so it is with the world of souls, which is his garden. He wanted to have great Saints, to be his lilies and roses, but he has made lesser Saints as well; and these lesser ones must be content to rank as daisies and violets, lying at his feet and giving pleasure to his eye like that. Perfection consists simply in doing his will, and being just what he wants us to be.

This, too, was made clear to me: that our Lord's love makes itself seen quite as much in the simplest of souls as in the most highly gifted, as long as there is no resistance offered to his grace. After all, the whole point of love is making yourself small; and if we were all like the great Doctors who have shed lustre on the Church by their brilliant teaching, there wouldn't be much condescension on God's part, would there, about coming into hearts like these? But no, he has created little children, who have no idea what's going on and can only express themselves by helpless crying: he has made the poor savages, with nothing better than the natural law to live by; and he is content to forget his dignity and come into their hearts too - these are the wild flowers that delight him by their simplicity. It is by such condescension that God shows his infinite greatness. The sun's light that plays on the cedar-trees plays on each tiny flower as if it were the only one in existence; and in the same way our Lord takes a special interest in each soul, as if there were no other like it.

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Friday, 30 April 2010

St. Pius V, Pope (1504-1572)

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ST PIUS V
Pope
(1504-1572)

        A Dominican friar from his fifteenth year, Michael Ghislieri, as a simple religious, as inquisitor, as bishop, and as cardinal, was famous for his intrepid defence of the Church's faith and discipline, and for the spotless purity of his own life.

        His first care as Pope was to reform the Roman court and capital by the strict example of his household and the severe punishment of all offenders. He next endeavored to obtain from the Catholic powers the recognition of the Tridentine decrees, two of which he urgently enforced-the residence of bishops, and the establishment of diocesan seminaries.

        He revised the Missal and Breviary, and reformed the ecclesiastical music. Nor was he less active in protecting the Church.

        We see him at the same time supporting the Catholic King of France against the Huguenot rebels, encouraging Mary Queen of Scots, in the bitterness of her captivity, and excommunicating her rival the usurper Elizabeth, when the best blood of England had flowed upon the scaffold, and the measure of her crimes was full.

        But it was at Lepanto that the Saint's power was most manifest; there, in October, 1571, by the holy league which he had formed, but still more by his prayers to the great Mother of God, the aged Pontiff crushed the Ottoman forces, and saved Christendom from the Turk.

        Six months later, St. Pius died, having reigned but six years.

        St. Pius was accustomed to kiss the feet of his crucifix on leaving or entering his room. One day the feet moved away from his lips. Sorrow filled his heart, and he made acts of contrition, fearing that he must have committed some secret offence, but still he could not kiss the feet. It was afterwards found that they had been poisoned by an enemy.

Lives of the Saints, by Alban Butler, Benziger Bros. ed. [1894]

En la casa de mi Padre hay muchas estancias

EVANGELIO DEL DÍA: 30/04/2010

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

Viernes de la IV Semana de Pascua

Libro de los Hechos de los Apóstoles 13,26-33.
Hermanos, este mensaje de salvación está dirigido a ustedes: los descendientes de Abraham y los que temen a Dios.
En efecto, la gente de Jerusalén y sus jefes no reconocieron a Jesús, ni entendieron las palabras de los profetas que se leen cada sábado, pero las cumplieron sin saberlo, condenando a Jesús.
Aunque no encontraron nada en él que mereciera la muerte, pidieron a Pilato que lo condenara.
Después de cumplir todo lo que estaba escrito de él, lo bajaron del patíbulo y lo pusieron en el sepulcro.
Pero Dios lo resucitó de entre los muertos
y durante un tiempo se apareció a los que habían subido con él de Galilea a Jerusalén, los mismos que ahora son sus testigos delante del pueblo.
Y nosotros les anunciamos a ustedes esta Buena Noticia: la promesa que Dios hizo a nuestros padres,
fue cumplida por él en favor de sus hijos, que somos nosotros, resucitando a Jesús, como está escrito en el Salmo segundo: Tú eres mi Hijo; yo te he engendrado hoy.

Salmo 2,6-7.8-9.10-11.
"Yo mismo establecí a mi Rey en Sión, mi santa Montaña".
Voy a proclamar el decreto del Señor: El me ha dicho: "Tú eres mi hijo, yo te he engendrado hoy.
Pídeme, y te daré las naciones como herencia, y como propiedad, los confines de la tierra.
Los quebrarás con un cetro de hierro, los destrozarás como a un vaso de arcilla"
Por eso, reyes, sean prudentes; aprendan, gobernantes de la tierra.
Sirvan al Señor con temor;

Evangelio según San Juan 14,1-6.
"No se inquieten. Crean en Dios y crean también en mí.
En la Casa de mi Padre hay muchas habitaciones; si no fuera así, se lo habría dicho a ustedes. Yo voy a prepararles un lugar.
Y cuando haya ido y les haya preparado un lugar, volveré otra vez para llevarlos conmigo, a fin de que donde yo esté, estén también ustedes.
Ya conocen el camino del lugar adonde voy".
Tomás le dijo: "Señor, no sabemos adónde vas. ¿Cómo vamos a conocer el camino?".
Jesús le respondió: "Yo soy el Camino, la Verdad y la Vida. Nadie va al Padre, sino por mí. 

Jn 14,1-6

Leer el comentario del Evangelio por 
Santa Teresa del Niño Jesús (1873-1897), Carmelita descalza, doctor de la Iglesia
Manuscrito autobiográfico A, 2rº-3rº

«En la casa de mi Padre hay muchas estancias»

     Durante mucho tiempo me he preguntado por qué tenía Dios preferencias, por qué no recibían todas las almas las gracias en igual medida... Jesús ha querido darme luz acerca de este misterio. Puso ante mis ojos el libro de la naturaleza y comprendí que todas las flores que él ha creado son hermosas, y que el esplendor de la rosa y la blancura del lirio no le quitan a la humilde violeta su perfume ni a la margarita su encantadora sencillez... Comprendí que si todas las flores quisieran ser rosas, la naturaleza perdería su gala primaveral y los campos ya no se verían esmaltados de florecillas...

     Eso mismo sucede en el mundo de las almas, que es el jardín de Jesús. El ha querido crear grandes santos, que pueden compararse a los lirios y a las rosas; pero ha creado también otros más pequeños, y éstos han de conformarse con ser margaritas o violetas destinadas a recrear los ojos de Dios cuando mira a sus pies. La perfección consiste en hacer su voluntad, en ser lo que él quiere que seamos...

     Comprendí también que el amor de Nuestro Señor se revela lo mismo en el alma más sencilla que no opone resistencia alguna a su gracia, que en el alma más sublime. Y es que, siendo propio del amor el abajarse, si todas las almas se parecieran a las de los santos doctores que han iluminado a la Iglesia [3rº] con la luz de su doctrina, parecería que Dios no tendría que abajarse demasiado al venir a sus corazones. Pero él ha creado al niño, que no sabe nada y que sólo deja oír débiles gemidos; y ha creado al pobre salvaje, que sólo tiene para guiarse la ley natural. ¡Y también a sus corazones quiere él descender! Estas son sus flores de los campos, cuya sencillez le fascina... Abajándose de tal modo, Dios muestra su infinita grandeza. Así como el sol ilumina a la vez a los cedros y a cada florecilla, como si sólo ella existiese en la tierra, del mismo modo se ocupa también Nuestro Señor de cada alma personalmente, como si no hubiera más que ella.

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viernes 30 Abril 2010

San Pío V

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Papa (1504-1572)   Nació cerca de Alejandría (Italia) el año 1504. Se hizo dominico y fue profesor de Teología. Obispo, cardenal y finalmente Papa en el 1566.    Su principal empeño consistió en poner en práctica las disposiciones del Concilio de Trento que hacían referencia a la fe, a la disciplina y a la liturgia.   Dio a la Iglesia un impulso misionero y propagó el rezo del Santo Rosario con motivo del triunfo de la cristiandad en Lepanto.

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Oremos

Dios todopoderoso y eterno, que quisiste que San Pío V, Papa, presidiera a todo tu pueblo y lo iluminara con su ejemplo y sus palabras, por su intercesión protege a los pastores de la Iglesia y a sus rebaños y hazlos progresar por el camino de la salvación eterna. Por nuestro Señor Jesucristo, tu Hijo.

Calendario de  Fiestas Marianas: Nuestra Señora del África, Argel (1876)

IN ILLO TEMPORE IESUS ...: En la casa de mi Padre hay muchas estancias

Link

“If you receive the one I send, you receive me.”

DAILY GOSPEL: 29/04/2010

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

Thursday of the Fourth week of Easter

Acts of the Apostles 13:13-25.
From Paphos, Paul and his companions  set sail and arrived at Perga in Pamphylia.  But John left them and returned to Jerusalem.
They continued on from Perga and reached Antioch in Pisidia. On the sabbath they entered (into) the synagogue and took their seats.
After the reading of the law and the prophets, the synagogue officials sent word to them, "My brothers, if one of you has a word of exhortation for the people, please speak."
So Paul got up, motioned with his hand, and said, "Fellow Israelites and you others who are God-fearing, listen.
The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and exalted the people during their sojourn in the land of Egypt. With uplifted arm he led them out of it
and for about forty years he put up with them in the desert.
When he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance
at the end of about four hundred and fifty years. After these things he provided judges up to Samuel (the) prophet.
Then they asked for a king. God gave them Saul, son of Kish, a man from the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.
Then he removed him and raised up David as their king; of him he testified, 'I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will carry out my every wish.'
From this man's descendants God, according to his promise, has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus.
John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel;
and as John was completing his course, he would say, 'What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. Behold, one is coming after me; I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.'

Psalms 89(88):2-3.21-22.25.27.
The promises of the LORD I will sing forever, proclaim your loyalty through all ages.
For you said, "My love is established forever; my loyalty will stand as long as the heavens.
I have chosen David, my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him.
My hand will be with him; my arm will make him strong.
My loyalty and love will be with him; through my name his horn will be exalted.
He shall cry to me,'You are my father, my God, the Rock that brings me victory!'

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 13:16-20.
When Jesus had washed the disciples' feet, he said to them:  «Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master  nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him.
If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it.
I am not speaking of all of you. I know those whom I have chosen. But so that the scripture might be fulfilled, 'The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me.'
From now on I am telling you before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe that I AM.
Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me." 

Jn 13,16-20

Commentary of the day 
Saint [Padre] Pio de Pietrelcina (1887-1968), Capuchin
Ep.3,707; 2,70 in Buona Giornata ( Une pensée, Médiaspaul 1991, p.30)

“If you receive the one I send, you receive me.”

After the love of our Lord, I recommend to you the love of the Church, his Spouse. She is in a sense the dove that broods and brings to birth her Spouse’s children. Always give thanks to God for being a child of the Church, following the example of so many souls who have preceded us on this wonderful path. Have great compassion for all pastors, preachers and spiritual guides; they can be found in the whole world… Pray to God for them, so that by saving themselves they might be fruitful and bring salvation to souls.

Pray for deceitful people and fervent ones alike, pray for the Holy Father, for all the spiritual and temporal needs of the Church; for she is our mother. Also say a special prayer for all who work for the salvation of souls to the Father’s glory.

Thursday, 29 April 2010 St Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Dortor of the Church (1347-1380) - Memorial (Feast in Europe) SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENA Virgin and Doctor of the Church Co patron of Europe - Feast in Europe (1347-1380)         Catherine, the daughter of a humble tradesman, was raised up to be the guide and guardian of the Church in one of the darkest periods of its history, the fourteenth century. As a child, prayer was her delight. She would say the "Hail Mary" on each step as she mounted the stairs, and was granted in reward a vision of Christ in glory. When but seven years old, she made a vow of virginity, and afterwards endured bitter persecution for refusing to marry. Our Lord gave her his heart in exchange for her own, communicated her with his own hands, and stamped on her body the print of his wounds.         At the age of fifteen she entered the Third Order of St. Dominic, but continued to reside in her father's shop, where she united a life of active charity with the prayer of a contemplative Saint. From this obscure home the seraphic virgin was summoned to defend the Church's cause. Armed with Papal authority, and accompanied by three confessors, she travelled through Italy, reducing rebellious cities to the obedience of the Holy See, and winning hardened souls to God.         In the face well-nigh of the whole world she sought out Gregory XI. at Avignon, brought him back to Rome, and by her letters to the kings and queens of Europe made good the Papal cause. She was the counsellor of Urban VI., and sternly rebuked the disloyal cardinals who had part in electing an antipope. Long had the holy virgin foretold the terrible schism which began ere she died.         Day and night she wept and prayed for unity and peace. But the devil excited the Roman people against the Pope, so that some sought the life cf Christ's Vicar. With intense earnestness did St. Catherine beg our Lord to prevent this enormous crime. In spirit she saw the whole city full of demons tempting the people to resist and even slay the Pope. The seditious temper was subdued by Catherine's prayers; but the devils vented their malice by scourging the Saint herself, who gladly endured all for God and his Church.         She died at Rome, in 1380, at the age of thirty-three.

«Lo que has escondido a los sabios y entendidos, los has revelado a los pequeñuelos»

EVANGELIO DEL DÍA: 29/04/2010

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

Santa Catalina de Siena, virgen y doctora, patrona de Europa - Fiesta.

Libro de los Hechos de los Apóstoles 13,13-25.
Desde Pafos, donde se embarcaron, Pablo y sus compañeros llegaron a Perge de Panfilia. Juan se separó y volvió a Jerusalén,
pero ellos continuaron su viaje, y de Perge fueron a Antioquía de Pisidia. El sábado entraron en la sinagoga y se sentaron.
Después de la lectura de la Ley y de los Profetas, los jefes de la sinagoga les mandaron a decir: "Hermanos, si tienen que dirigir al pueblo alguna exhortación, pueden hablar".
Entonces Pablo se levantó y, pidiendo silencio con un gesto, dijo: "Escúchenme, israelitas y todos los que temen a Dios.
El Dios de este Pueblo, el Dios de Israel, eligió a nuestros padres y los convirtió en un gran Pueblo, cuando todavía vivían como extranjeros en Egipto. Luego, con el poder de su brazo, los hizo salir de allí
y los cuidó durante cuarenta años en el desierto.
Después, en el país de Canaán, destruyó a siete naciones y les dio en posesión sus tierras,
al cabo de unos cuatrocientos cincuenta años. A continuación, les dio Jueces hasta el profeta Samuel.
Pero ellos pidieron un rey y Dios les dio a Saúl, hijo de Quis, de la tribu de Benjamín, por espacio de cuarenta años.
Y cuando Dios desechó a Saúl, les suscitó como rey a David, de quien dio este testimonio: He encontrado en David, el hijo de Jesé, a un hombre conforme a mi corazón que cumplirá siempre mi voluntad.
De la descendencia de David, como lo había prometido, Dios hizo surgir para Israel un Salvador, que es Jesús.
Como preparación a su venida, Juan había predicado un bautismo de penitencia a todo el pueblo de Israel.
Y al final de su carrera, Juan decía: 'Yo no soy el que ustedes creen, pero sepan que después de mí viene aquel a quien yo no soy digno de desatar las sandalias'.

Salmo 89(88),2-3.21-22.25.27.
Cantaré eternamente el amor del Señor, proclamaré tu fidelidad por todas las generaciones.
Porque tú has dicho: "Mi amor se mantendrá eternamente, mi fidelidad está afianzada en el cielo.
Encontré a David, mi servidor, y lo ungí con el óleo sagrado,
para que mi mano esté siempre con él y mi brazo lo haga poderoso.
Mi fidelidad y mi amor lo acompañarán, su poder crecerá a causa de mi Nombre:
El me dirá: "Tú eres mi padre, mi Dios, mi Roca salvadora".

Evangelio según San Juan 13,16-20.
Les aseguro que el servidor no es más grande que su señor, ni el enviado más grande que el que lo envía.
Ustedes serán felices si, sabiendo estas cosas, las practican.
No lo digo por todos ustedes; yo conozco a los que he elegido. Pero es necesario que se cumpla la Escritura que dice: El que comparte mi pan se volvió contra mí.
Les digo esto desde ahora, antes que suceda, para que cuando suceda, crean que Yo Soy.
Les aseguro que el que reciba al que yo envíe, me recibe a mí, y el que me recibe, recibe al que me envió". 

 Jn 13,16-20

Leer el comentario del Evangelio por 
Santa Catalina de Siena (1347-1380), terciaria dominica, doctora de la Iglesia, copatrona de Europa
Diálogos, 167

«Lo que has escondido a los sabios y entendidos, los has revelado a los pequeñuelos»

     Tú, Trinidad eterna eres como un mar profundo en el que cuanto más busco, más encuentro, y cuanto más encuentro, más te busco. Tú sacias al alma de una manera en cierto modo insaciable, pues en tu insondable profundidad sacias al alma de tal forma que siempre queda hambrienta y sedienta de ti, Trinidad eterna, con el deseo ansioso de verte a ti, la luz, en tu misma luz (Sl 35,10)...

     Con la luz de la inteligencia gusté y vi en tu luz tu abismo, eterna Trinidad, y la hermosura de tu criatura, pues, revistiéndome yo misma de ti, vi que sería imagen tuya, ya que tú, Padre eterno, me haces participar de tu poder y de tu sabiduría, sabiduría que es propia de tu Hijo unigénito. Y el Espíritu Santo, que procede del Padre y del Hijo, me ha dado la voluntad que me capacita para el amor. Porque tú, Trinidad eterna, eres el Criador y yo la criatura, por lo que, iluminada por ti, conocí, en la nueva creación que de mí hiciste por medio de la sangre de tu Hijo unigénito, que te ha cautivado el amor de la belleza de tu criatura.

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jueves 29 Abril 2010

Santa Catalina de Siena

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Virgen y doctora de la Iglesia (1347-1380) Fue todo un prodigio de criatura. La penúltima de 25 hermanos. Hija del matrimonio formado por el dulce y bonachón Giacomo Benincasa, tintorero de pieles y de Lapa de Puccio dei Piangenti, mujer enérgica y trabajadora.   Nació en Siena el 1347, el año anterior a la tristemente célebre Peste Negra que asoló a toda Europa.

Ella vendría a sembrar grandes males que poco después se levantarían también en el seno de la Iglesia. A pesar de su corta vida y de no haber ocupado cargos de responsabilidad, parece casi increíble cómo una joven mujer de pueblo pudo realizar empresas tan grandes como le tenía reservadas el Señor.    Aquella niña alegre, juguetona  como correspondía a su edad, quedó prontamente truncada cuando siendo muy niña todavía, caminaba con su hermana y recibió una maravillosa visión del cielo: Veía a Jesús sentado en un rico trono y le acompañaban los Apóstoles San Pedro, San Pablo y San Juan...

Se entregó más a la oración, hacía todo mucho mejor que antes y de modo casi impropio de una jovencita de su edad. Parecía estar ensimismada y fuera de sí. Su madre para quitarle de la cabeza estas «manías», la pone al servicio de la criada de la casa. Catalina acepta gustosa esta nueva misión y se entrega de lleno a servir a los demás.    Lo hace con gran cariño. Madre Lapa quiere que

se aficione a la vida de sociedad y que piense en contraer matrimonio con un joven bueno y apuesto que ella le propone. Catalina no piensa así.

Ella se ha desposado ya secretamente con su Señor Jesucristo...    Por fin el bueno y pacífico de su padre toma cartas en el asunto y dice: «Que nadie moleste a mi hija Catalina. Que ella sea quien tome la decisión de su futuro. Si ella quiere servir a Jesucristo que nadie se lo impida». Catalina ve abiertos los cielos y se hace terciaria dominica o Montelata como entonces se decía.

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Oremos

Señor Dios nuestro, que diste a Santa Catalina de Siena el don de entregarse con amor a la contemplación de la pasión de Cristo y al servicio de la Iglesia, haz que, por su intercesión, el pueblo cristiano viva siempre unido al misterio de Cristo, para que pueda rebosar de gozo cuando se manifieste su gloria. Por nuestro Señor Jesucristo, tu Hijo.

Calendario de  Fiestas Marianas: Nuestra Señora de la Fe, Amiens, Francia.

"I came into the world, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness"

DAILY GOSPEL: 28/04/2010

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

Wednesday of the Fourth week of Easter

Acts of the Apostles 12:24-25.13:1-5.
The word of God continued to spread and grow.
After Barnabas and Saul completed their relief mission, they returned to Jerusalem, 6 taking with them John, who is called Mark.
Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Symeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who was a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."
Then, completing their fasting and prayer, they laid hands on them and sent them off.
So they, sent forth by the holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and from there sailed to Cyprus.
When they arrived in Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. They had John also as their assistant.

Psalms 67(66):2-3.5.6.8.
May God be gracious to us and bless us; may God's face shine upon us. Selah
So shall your rule be known upon the earth, your saving power among all the nations.
May the nations be glad and shout for joy; for you govern the peoples justly, you guide the nations upon the earth. Selah
May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you!
May God bless us still; that the ends of the earth may revere our God.

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 12:44-50.
Jesus cried out and said,  «Whoever believes in me believes not only in me  but also in the one who sent me,
and whoever sees me sees the one who sent me.
I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.
And if anyone hears my words and does not observe them, I do not condemn him, for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world.
Whoever rejects me and does not accept my words has something to judge him: the word that I spoke, it will condemn him on the last day,
because I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and speak.
And I know that his commandment is eternal life. So what I say, I say as the Father told me."

Jn 12,44-50

Commentary of the day 
Saint Anselm (1033-1109), monk, bishop, doctor of the Church
Meditation on Human Redemption (trans. Benedicta Ward)

"I came into the world, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness"

       Good Lord Jesus Christ, thus was I placed, neither asking nor conjecturing, when as the sun you gave me light... You threw away the leaden weight that was dragging me down, you took off the burden that pressed upon me, you drove off those who were attacking me, and opposed them on my behalf. You called me by a new name, (Rv 2,17) which you gave me from your name, the name of christian. And I who was bent down, you made upright in your sight, saying, «Be of good cheer. I have redeemed you. I have given my life for you. You shall leave  the evil you were in, and not fall into the pit to which you were going, if you cleave to me, I will lead you into my Kingdom...»

       Lord, it was so with me, and this is what you have done for me! I was in darkness, knowing nothing of myself... I had fallen from righteousness into wickedness, which is the way to hell, and from blessedness to temporal misery for ever... When I was destitute of all help, you illuminated me, and showed me what I was, for when I was still unable to see this, you taught others the truth on my behalf and you showed it to me before I asked it... You have made me sure of the salvation of my soul, for you have given your life for it... Consider, O my soul, how much my whole being owes to his love! 

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Wednesday, 28 April 2010

St Gianna Beretta Molla (1922-1962)

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Saint Gianna Beretta Molla
(1922-1962)

        Gianna Beretta was born in Magenta (Milan) October 4, 1922. Already as a youth she willingly accepted the gift of faith and the clearly Christian education that she received from her excellent parents. As a result, she experienced life as a marvellous gift from God, had a strong faith in Providence and was convinced of the necessity and effectiveness of prayer.

        She diligently dedicated herself to studies during the years of her secondary and university education, while, at the same time, applying her faith through generous apostolic service among the youth of Catholic Action and charitable work among the elderly and needy as a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. After earning degrees in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Pavia in 1949, she opened a medical clinic in Mesero (near Magenta) in 1950. She specialized in Pediatrics at the University of Milan in 1952 and there after gave special attention to mothers, babies, the elderly and poor.

        While working in the field of medicine-which she considered a "mission" and practiced as such-she increased her generous service to Catholic Action, especially among the "very young" and, at the same time, expressed her joie de vivre and love of creation through skiing and mountaineering. Through her prayers and those of others, she reflected upon her vocation, which she also considered a gift from God. Having chosen the vocation of marriage, she embraced it with complete enthusiasm and wholly dedicated herself "to forming a truly Christian family".

        She became engaged to Pietro Molla and was radiant with joy and happiness during the time of their engagement, for which she thanked and praised the Lord. They were married on September 24, 1955, in the Basilica of St. Martin in Magenta, and she became a happy wife. In November 1956, to her great joy, she became the mother of Pierluigi, in December 1957 of Mariolina; in July 1959 of Laura. With simplicity and equilibrium she harmonized the demands of mother, wife, doctor and her passion for life.

        In September 1961 towards the end of the second month of pregnancy, she was touched by suffering and the mystery of pain; she had developed a fibroma in her uterus. Before the required surgical operation, and conscious of the risk that her continued pregnancy brought, she pleaded with the surgeon to save the life of the child she was carrying, and entrusted herself to prayer and Providence. The life was saved, for which she thanked the Lord. She spent the seven months remaining until the birth of the child in incomparable strength of spirit and unrelenting dedication to her tasks as mother and doctor. She worried that the baby in her womb might be born in pain, and she asked God to prevent that.

        A few days before the child was due, although trusting as always in Providence, she was ready to give her life in order to save that of her child: "If you must decided between me and the child, do not hesitate: choose the child - I insist on it. Save him". On the morning of April 21, 1962, Gianna Emanuela was born. Despite all efforts and treatments to save both of them, on the morning of April 28, amid unspeakable pain and after repeated exclamations of "Jesus, I love you. Jesus, I love you», the mother died. She was 39 years old. Her funeral was an occasion of profound grief, faith and prayer. The Servant of God lies in the cemetery of Mesero (4 km from Magenta).

        "Conscious immolation», was the phrase used by Pope Paul VI to define the act of Blessed Gianna, remembering her at the Sunday Angelus of September 23, 1973, as: "A young mother from the diocese of Milan, who, to give life to her daughter, sacrificed her own, with conscious immolation". The Holy Father in these words clearly refers to Christ on Calvary and in the Eucharist.

        Gianna was beatified by Pope John Paul II on April 24, 1994, during the international Year of the Family and she was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on May 16, 2004.

http://liberaciondeposeidos.blogspot.com/

«Yo he venido al mundo como luz, y así el que cree en mí no quedará en tinieblas»

EVANGELIO DEL DÍA: 28/04/2010

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

Miércoles de la IV Semana de Pascua

Libro de los Hechos de los Apóstoles 12,24-25.13,1-5.
Mientras tanto, la Palabra de Dios se difundía incesantemente.
Bernabé y Saulo, una vez cumplida su misión, volvieron de Jerusalén a Antioquía, llevando consigo a Juan, llamado Marcos.
En la Iglesia de Antioquía había profetas y doctores, entre los cuales estaban Bernabé y Simeón, llamado el Negro, Lucio de Cirene, Manahén, amigo de infancia del tetrarca Herodes, y Saulo.
Un día, mientras celebraban el culto del Señor y ayunaban, el Espíritu Santo les dijo: "Resérvenme a Saulo y a Bernabé para la obra a la cual los he llamado".
Ellos, después de haber ayunado y orado, les impusieron las manos y los despidieron.
Saulo y Bernabé, enviados por el Espíritu Santo, fueron a Seleucia y de allí se embarcaron para Chipre.
Al llegar a Salamina anunciaron la Palabra de Dios en las sinagogas de los judíos, y Juan colaboraba con ellos.

Salmo 67(66),2-3.5.6.8.
El Señor tenga piedad y nos bendiga, haga brillar su rostro sobre nosotros,
para que en la tierra se reconozca su dominio, y su victoria entre las naciones.
Que canten de alegría las naciones, porque gobiernas a los pueblos con justicia y guías a las naciones de la tierra.
¡Que los pueblos te den gracias, Señor, que todos los pueblos te den gracias!
Que Dios nos bendiga, y lo teman todos los confines de la tierra.

Evangelio según San Juan 12,44-50.
Jesús exclamó: "El que cree en mí, en realidad no cree en mí, sino en aquel que me envió.
Y el que me ve, ve al que me envió.
Yo soy la luz, y he venido al mundo para que todo el que crea en mí no permanezca en las tinieblas.
Al que escucha mis palabras y no las cumple, yo no lo juzgo, porque no vine a juzgar al mundo, sino a salvarlo.
El que me rechaza y no recibe mis palabras, ya tiene quien lo juzgue: la palabra que yo he anunciado es la que lo juzgará en el último día.
Porque yo no hablé por mí mismo: el Padre que me ha enviado me ordenó lo que debía decir y anunciar;
y yo sé que su mandato es Vida eterna. Las palabras que digo, las digo como el Padre me lo ordenó". 

Jn 12,44-50

Leer el comentario del Evangelio por 
San Anselmo (1033-1109), monje, obispo, doctor de la Iglesia
Meditaciones

«Yo he venido al mundo como luz, y así el que cree en mí no quedará en tinieblas»

     Oh mi buen Maestro, Jesucristo, estaba yo sin ningún auxilio, no pedía nada, y ni tan sólo pensaba en ello, y tu luz me ha iluminado durante la noche... Tú has alejado de mí el peso que me hundía, tú has repelido a los que me asaltaban, tú me has llamado con un  nombre nuevo (Ap 2,17), tomado del tuyo, el nombre de cristiano. Yo estaba ya sin fuerzas, tú me has levantado. Me has dicho: «Confianza, Yo te he rescatado, Yo que he dado mi vida por ti. Si quieres unirte a mi, te liberarás del mal y del abismo en el que estás metido, y te conduciré a mi Reino...»

     Si, Señor, ¡tú lo has hecho todo por mí! Yo estaba en las tinieblas y no sabía nada..., yo bajaba al abismo de la injusticia, estaba caído en la miseria del tiempo para caer más bajo todavía. Y en la hora en que me encontraba sin ayuda ninguna, tú me has iluminado. Sin que ni siquiera te lo pidiera, me has iluminado. En tu luz he visto lo que eran los otros y lo que yo mismo soy...; tú me has dado la confianza en mi salvación, tú, que has dado tu vida por mí... Lo reconozco, oh Cristo, me debo del todo a tu amor.

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miércoles 28 Abril 2010

San Luis María Grignion de Montfort

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Presbítero (1673-1716) Es el famoso autor de uno de los libros más preciosos y más divulgados sobre la Virgen María: La verdadera devoción a la Virgen María y también el celoso apóstol de la Consagración filial o Santa Esclavitud en honor de esta misma Señora. Nació de padres cristianos en Montfort (Bretaña francesa) el año 1673. Fue el segundo de dieciocho hermanos. Su padre era muy autoritario y de un temperamento un tanto brusco.

Quizá de él heredó nuestro Santo este mismo temperamento contra el que luchó durante toda su vida. Pasó su infancia con una señora muy buena cristiana que, al no poderle educar su madre, le confió para que lo alimentara y formara en los principios de la fe.    Esta buena mujer dejó huellas también muy hondas en su espíritu que nunca olvidará. Muchas noches las pasaba entre los libros, pues su padre disponía de una bien nutrida biblioteca sobre muchas materias que le interesaban al pequeño.   Fue enviado al colegio de los padres jesuitas de Rennes donde pasó ocho años entregado a los estudios de humanidades. Aquí trabó gran amistad con los padres carmelitas de esta ciudad que gozaban en aquel entonces de una bien merecida fama de santidad y de profunda y filial devoción a la Virgen María.

Entre aquellos religiosos carmelitas que pertenecían a la célebre reforma Turonense, aprendió sin duda la doctrina que después extendería y haría famosa en la Iglesia de hacerlo todo En María, Con María, Por María y Para María... Que más de medio siglo antes ya había extendido el célebre carmelita Venerable Miguel de San Agustín y su dirigida Ven. María de Santa Teresa Petyt. Y muchos siglos antes había practicado ya San Ildefonso de Toledo.     La ordenación sacerdotal, el 5 de junio de 1700 recibía este sacramento y desde entonces se entregó de lleno a su misión evangelizadora. Él pidió ser enviado a las misiones para allí gastarse por Cristo enseñando su doctrina, pero los superiores le hicieron ver que su puesto estaba en su misma patria para que trabajara en defensa de la fe cristiana, que aquellos días estaba tan duramente atacada por la herejía de los jansenistas, que amenazaban inficionarlo todo con sus corrosivas doctrinas.   Otra faceta de San Luis fue el cuidado de los enfermos a los que amaba como a Jesucristo y los cuidaba con mimos de madre a pesar de su aspereza de carácter.

Fue capellán de grandes hospitales y a todos atendía, consolaba y ayudaba con medios materiales y espirituales.   La Virgen María, a la que llamaba «Reina de los corazones» con gran afecto, le asistía y protegía siempre. De Ella escribió preciosos tratados y a Ella encomendaba todas sus empresas. A Ella la llevaba en sus labios y en su corazón y Ella era quien obraba todos los prodigios.   Como le acompañaban un grupo de amigos en sus apostolados misioneros y marianos... con ellos, y a petición de los mismos, fundó la Congregación de Sacerdotes de la Compañía de María o Montfortianos, hoy extendidos en todas partes.

Aquel hombre que había recorrido toda Francia y otras naciones llevando el mensaje de Jesucristo y de María... a los cuarenta y tres años estaba extenuado y partió al cielo el 27 de Abril de 1716. A su entierro acudieron más de cien mil personas.

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Oremos

Dios de sabiduría eterna, que hiciste del presbítero San Luis María Grignion de Montfort un destacado testigo y maestro de la plena entrega a Cristo, tu Hijo, por manos de su santa Madre; hay que nosotros, siguiendo éste camino espiritual, contribuyamos a la extensión de tu reino en el mundo. Por nuestro Señor Jesucristo, tu Hijo que vive y reina contigo en la unidad del Espíritu Santo y es Dios por los siglos de los siglos.

Calendario de  Fiestas Marianas: Nuestra Señora del Roble, Anjou, Francia. Nuestra  Señora de Quito.

http://liberaciondeposeidos.blogspot.com/

"My sheep hear my voice"

DAILY GOSPEL: 27/04/2010

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

Tuesday of the Fourth week of Easter

Acts of the Apostles 11:19-26.
Those who had been scattered by the persecution  that arose because of Stephen  went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch,  preaching the word to no one but Jews.
There were some Cypriots and Cyrenians among them, however, who came to Antioch and began to speak to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the Lord Jesus.
The hand of the Lord was with them and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.
The news about them reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas (to go) to Antioch.
When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart,
for he was a good man, filled with the holy Spirit and faith. And a large number of people was added to the Lord.
Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul,
and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a large number of people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.

Psalms 87(86):1-3.4-5.6-7.
A psalm of the Korahites. A song. The LORD loves the city founded on holy mountains,
Loves the gates of Zion more than any dwelling in Jacob.
Glorious things are said of you, O city of God! Selah
From Babylon and Egypt I count those who acknowledge the LORD. Philistia, Ethiopia, Tyre, of them it can be said: "This one was born there."
But of Zion it must be said: "They all were born here." The Most High confirms this;
the Lord notes in the register of the peoples: "This one was born here." Selah
So all sing in their festive dance: "Within you is my true home."

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 10:22-30.
The feast of the Dedication was taking place in Jerusalem.  It was winter.
And Jesus walked about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon.
So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly."
Jesus answered them, "I told you and you do not believe. The works I do in my Father's name testify to me.
But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep.
My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father's hand.
The Father and I are one."

Jn 10,22-30

Commentary of the day 
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997), founder of the Missionary Sisters of Charity
No Greater Love

"My sheep hear my voice"

       You will think praying is difficult if you don't know how to go about it. We all have to help ourselves pray: first of all by having recourse to silence since we can't place ourselves in God's presence if we don't practise silence, interior as well as exterior. Becoming silent within isn't easy but the effort is indispensable. It is only in silence that we will find new strength and real union. God's strength will become our own so that we can do everything as it has to be done, and it will be the same regarding the union of our thoughts with his thoughts, our prayers with his prayers, our actions with his actions, our life with his life. Union is the fruit of prayer, humility and love.

       God speaks in the silence of the heart. If you place yourself before God in silence and prayer, God will speak to you. Then you will know that you are nothing. It is only when you know your nothingness and emptiness that God can fill you with himself. The great souls of prayer are souls of great silence.

       Silence causes us to see everything differently. We need silence if we are to touch the souls of others. The important thing is not what we say but what God says – what he says to us and what he says through us. In a silence like this he will listen to us; in silence like this he will speak to our souls and we will understand his voice.

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Tuesday, 27 April 2010

St. Zita of Lucca, Virgin (1218-1278)

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SAINT ZITA
Virgin 
(1218-1278)

        Zita lived for forty-eight years in the service of Fatinelli, a citizen of Lucca. During this time she rose each morning, while the household were asleep, to hear Mass, and then toiled incessantly till night came, doing the work of others as well as her own.

        Once Zita, absorbed in. prayer, remained in church past the usual hour of her bread-making. She hastened home, reproaching herself with neglect of duty, and found the bread made and ready for the oven. She never doubted that her mistress or one of her servants had kneaded it, and going to them, thanked them; but they were astonished. No human being had made the bread. A delicious perfume rose from it, for angels had made it during her prayer.

        For years her master and mistress treated her as a mere drudge, while her fellow-servants, resenting her diligence as a reproach to themselves, insulted and struck her. Zita united these sufferings with those of Christ her Lord, never changing the sweet tone of her voice, nor forgetting her gentle and quiet ways.

        At length Fatinelli, seeing the success which attended her undertakings, gave her charge of his children and of the household. She dreaded this dignity more than the worst humiliation, but scrupulously fulfilled her trust. By her holy economy her master's goods were multiplied, while the poor were fed at his door. Gradually her unfailing patience conquered the jealousy of her fellow-servants, and she became their advocate with their hot-tempered master, who dared not give way to his anger before Zita. In the end her prayer and toil sanctified the whole house, and drew down upon it the benediction of Heaven.

        She died in 1272, and in the moment of her death a bright star appearing above her attic showed that she had gained eternal rest.