"Hand him your cloak as well"

DAILY GOSPEL: 14/06/2010

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

Monday of the Eleventh week in Ordinary Time

1st book of Kings 21:1-16.
Some time after this, as Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard in Jezreel next to the palace of Ahab, king of Samaria,
Ahab said to Naboth, "Give me your vineyard to be my vegetable garden, since it is close by, next to my house. I will give you a better vineyard in exchange, or, if you prefer, I will give you its value in money."
"The LORD forbid," Naboth answered him, "that I should give you my ancestral heritage."
Ahab went home disturbed and angry at the answer Naboth the Jezreelite had made to him: "I will not give you my ancestral heritage." Lying down on his bed, he turned away from food and would not eat.
His wife Jezebel came to him and said to him, "Why are you so angry that you will not eat?"
He answered her, "Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and said to him, 'Sell me your vineyard, or, if you prefer, I will give you a vineyard in exchange.' But he refused to let me have his vineyard."
"A fine ruler over Israel you are indeed!" his wife Jezebel said to him. "Get up. Eat and be cheerful. I will obtain the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite for you."
So she wrote letters in Ahab's name and, having sealed them with his seal, sent them to the elders and to the nobles who lived in the same city with Naboth.
This is what she wrote in the letters: "Proclaim a fast and set Naboth at the head of the people.
Next, get two scoundrels to face him and accuse him of having cursed God and king. Then take him out and stone him to death."
His fellow citizens--the elders and the nobles who dwelt in his city--did as Jezebel had ordered them in writing, through the letters she had sent them.
They proclaimed a fast and placed Naboth at the head of the people.
Two scoundrels came in and confronted him with the accusation, "Naboth has cursed God and king." And they led him out of the city and stoned him to death.
Then they sent the information to Jezebel that Naboth had been stoned to death.
When Jezebel learned that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, "Go on, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite which he refused to sell you, because Naboth is not alive, but dead."
On hearing that Naboth was dead, Ahab started off on his way down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it.

Psalms 5:2-3.5-6.7.
Hear my words, O LORD; listen to my sighing.
Hear my cry for help, my king, my God! To you I pray, O LORD;
You are not a god who delights in evil; no wicked person finds refuge with you;
the arrogant cannot stand before you. You hate all who do evil;
you destroy all who speak falsely. Murderers and deceivers the LORD abhors.

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 5:38-42.
You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'
But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on (your) right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.
If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well.
Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles.
Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow. 

Mt 5,38-42

Commentary of the day 
Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1873-1897), Carmelite, Doctor of the Church
Poems « Vivre d'amour » and « Pourquoi je t'aime, ô Marie » (©Institute of Carmelite Studies)

"Hand him your cloak as well"

Living on Love is giving without limit
Without claiming any wages here below.
Ah! I give without counting, truly sure
That when one loves, one does not keep count!...
Overflowing with tenderness, I have given everything,
To his Divine Heart... lightly I run.
I have nothing left but my only wealth:
Living on Love.

Living on Love is banishing every fear,
Every memory of past faults.
I see no imprint of my sins.
In a moment, Love has burned everything...
Divine Flame, O sweetest Blaze!
I make my home in your hearth.
In your fire I gladly sing: (cf Dn 3,51)
I live on Love!...»

«Living on Love – what strange folly!»
The world says to me, «Ah! stop your singing,
Don't waste your perfumes, your life.
Learn to use them well...»
Loving you, Jesus, is such fruitful loss!...
All my perfumes are yours forever.
I want to sing on leaving this world:
«I die of Love!»

To love is to give everything. It's to give oneself.

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Monday, 14 June 2010

St. Elisha, Prophet (9th century BC)

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St. Elisha,
Prophet
(9^th century BC)

        Elisha, whose name in Hebrew means "God is Salvation," was the son of Shaphat. He was called by the prophet Elijah while plowing his father's fields. Elijah came and cast his mantle upon him, indicating thereby that Elisha was to succeed him.

Before Elijah was taken up in a fiery chariot and into the whirlwind, Elisha asked to "inherit a double-portion" of Elijah's spirit.

Throughout the whole course of his life the prophet Elisha accomplished a significant number of miracles.

        He won the gratitude of the people of Jericho for healing its barren ground by adding salt to its waters.

        When the armies of Judah, Israel and Edom, then allied against Mesa, the Moabite king, were being tortured by drought in the Idumæan desert, Elisha consented to intervene. His double prediction regarding relief from drought and victory over the Moabites was fulfilled on the following morning (2 Kgs 3:4-24).

        To relieve the widow importuned by a hard creditor, Elisha so multiplied a little oil as to enable her, not only to pay her indebtedness, but to provide for her family needs (2 Kgs 4:1-7).

        To reward the rich lady of Shunam for her hospitality, he restored to life her son (2 Kgs 4:18-37)

        To nourish the sons of the prophets pressed by famine, Elisha changed into wholesome food the pottage made from poisonous gourds (2 Kgs 4:38-41).

        During the military incursions of Syria into Israel, Elisha cured Naaman the Syrian of his leprosy by simply sending him word that he was to bathe in the Jordan seven times. At first reluctant, Naaman obeyed the Prophet, and after washed seven times in the Jordan, he was healed. Jesus referred to this when he said: "And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet: and none of them was cleansed but Naaman the Syrian" (Luke 4:27).

        Elisha's life and activities are found in 1 and 2 Kings and he is commemorated on this date in the 2004 Roman Martyrology.

«Dale también la capa»

EVANGELIO DEL DÍA: 14/06/2010

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

Lunes de la XI Semana del Tiempo Ordinario

Primer Libro de los Reyes 21,1-16.
Después de esto, sucedió lo siguiente: Nabot, el izreelita, tenía una viña en Izreel, al lado del palacio de Ajab, rey de Samaría.
Ajab dijo a Nabot: "Dame tu viña para hacerme una huerta, ya que está justo al lado de mi casa. Yo te daré a cambio una viña mejor o, si prefieres, te pagaré su valor en dinero".
Pero Nabot respondió a Ajab: "¡El Señor me libre de cederte la herencia de mis padres!".
Ajab se fue a su casa malhumorado y muy irritado por lo que le había dicho Nabot, el izreelita: "No te daré la herencia de mis padres". Se tiró en su lecho, dio vuelta la cara y no quiso probar bocado.
Entonces fue a verlo su esposa Jezabel y le preguntó: "¿Por qué estás tan malhumorado y no comes nada?".
El le dijo: "Porque le hablé a Nabot, el izreelita, y le propuse: 'Véndeme tu viña o, si quieres, te daré otra a cambio'. Pero él respondió: 'No te daré mi viña'".
Su esposa Jezabel le dijo: "¿Así ejerces tú la realeza sobre Israel? ¡Levántate, come y alégrate! ¡Yo te daré la viña de Nabot, el izreelita!".
En seguida escribió una carta en nombre de Ajab, la selló con el sello del rey y la envió a los ancianos y a los notables de la ciudad, conciudadanos de Nabot.
En esa carta escribió: "Proclamen un ayuno y en la asamblea del pueblo hagan sentar a Nabot en primera fila.
Hagan sentar enfrente a dos malvados, que atestigüen contra él, diciendo: 'Tú has maldecido a Dios y al rey'. Luego sáquenlo afuera y mátenlo a pedradas".
Los hombres de la ciudad, los ancianos y notables, conciudadanos de Nabot, obraron de acuerdo con lo que les había mandado Jezabel, según lo que estaba escrito en la carta que les había enviado.
Proclamaron un ayuno e hicieron sentar a Nabot en primera fila.
En seguida llegaron dos malvados que se le sentaron enfrente y atestiguaron contra él diciendo: "Nabot ha maldecido a Dios y al rey". Entonces lo sacaron fuera de la ciudad y lo mataron a pedradas.
Y mandaron decir a Jezabel: "Nabot fue apedreado y murió".
Cuando Jezabel se enteró de que Nabot había sido matado a pedradas, dijo a Ajab: "Ya puedes tomar posesión de la viña de Nabot, esa que él se negaba a venderte, porque Nabot ya no vive: está muerto".
Apenas oyó Ajab que Nabot estaba muerto, bajó a la viña de Nabot, el izreelita, para tomar posesión de ella.

Salmo 5,2-3.5-6.7.
Señor, escucha mis palabras, atiende a mis gemidos;
oye mi clamor, mi Rey y mi Dios, porque te estoy suplicando.
Tú no eres un Dios que ama la maldad; ningún impío será tu huésped,
ni los orgullosos podrán resistir delante de tu mirada. Tú detestas a los que hacen el mal
y destruyes a los mentirosos. ¡Al hombre sanguinario y traicionero lo abomina el Señor!

Evangelio según San Mateo 5,38-42.
Ustedes han oído que se dijo: Ojo por ojo y diente por diente.
Pero yo les digo que no hagan frente al que les hace mal: al contrario, si alguien te da una bofetada en la mejilla derecha, preséntale también la otra.
Al que quiere hacerte un juicio para quitarte la túnica, déjale también el manto;
y si te exige que lo acompañes un kilómetro, camina dos con él.
Da al que te pide, y no le vuelvas la espalda al que quiere pedirte algo prestado. 

Mt 5,38-42

Leer el comentario del Evangelio por 
Santa Teresa del Niño Jesús (1873-1897), carmelita descalza, doctora de la Iglesia
Poesías «Vivir de amor» y «Porque te amo, María»

«Dale también la capa»

     Vivir de amor es darse sin medida,
sin reclamar salario aquí en la tierra.
¡Ah, yo me doy sin cuento, bien segura
de que en amor el cálculo no entre!
Lo he dado todo al corazón divino,
que rebosa ternura.
Nada me queda ya... Corro ligera.
Ya mi única riqueza es, y será por siempre
¡vivir de amor!
     Vivir de amor es disipar el miedo,
aventar el recuerdo de pasadas caídas.
De aquellos mis pecados no veo ya la huella,
junto al fuego divino se han quemado...
¡Oh dulcísima hoguera, sacratísima llama,
en tu centro yo fijo mi mansión.
Y allí, Jesús, yo canto confiada y alegre:
¡vivo de amor!

     «¡Vivir de amor, oh qué locura extraña
-me dice el mundo-, cese ya tu canto!
¡No pierdas tus perfumes, no derroches tu vida,
aprende a utilizarlos con ganancia!»
¡Jesús, amarte es pérdida fecunda!
Tuyos son mis perfumes para siempre.
Al salir de este mundo cantar quiero:
¡muero de amor!

     Amar es darlo todo, darse incluso a sí mismo.

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lunes 14 Junio 2010

San Basilio

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San Basilio el Grande 

Perteneció a una familia de santos. Su abuelo murió mártir en la persecución. Su abuela fue Santa Macrina; su madre, Santa Amelia y la hermana también fue santa. Sus hermanos fueron San Pedro, obispo de Sebaste y San Gregorio Niceno. Su mejor amigo San Gregorio Nacianceno.

Al ver que su hermana Santa Macrina había fundado un monasterio de monjas y que éstas progresaban mucho en santidad, Basilio se fue a Egipto a aprender de los monjes del desierto, el modo de vivir en soledad. Al volver de allá se hizo monje y redactó sus famosas "Constituciones" que son la primera Regla de vida que se escribió para los religiosos. En ellas enseña cómo vivir en oración, estudio, buenas lecturas y trabajos manuales en un monasterio y cómo hacerse santo en la vida religiosa.

En esas "Constituciones" se han basado los más famosos fundadores de Comunidades para redactar los Reglamentos de sus Congregaciones.    Basilio fue elegido Arzobispo de Cesarea, y el delegado del gobierno quiso hacerle renegar de la fe. Varios habían renegado por miedo. Pero nuestro santo se mantuvo firme, dispuesto a todo por defender su fe.    Por su oratoria maravillosa, por sus admirables escritos y por las muchísimas obras que hizo en favor del pueblo, fue llamado "Basilio el Grande". San Gregorio decía: "Cada vez que leo un escrito de Basilio, siento que el Espíritu Santo transforma mi alma".

Sus escritos tienen lo que se llama "Unción".    Además de su arrebatadora elocuencia, Basilio tenía una asombrosa actividad en favor de los necesitados. Fue al primero que se le ocurrió fundar por allí un Hospital para pobres y un ancianato. Estudió mucho la Biblia, se especializó en filosofía y literatura. Se conservan unas 365 cartas suyas, muy hermosas y de provechosa lectura para el alma.    Murió el 1 de enero del año 379 cuando sólo tenía 49 años y fue sepultado el 2 de enero.

Todos sus escritos y sus sermones tiene por fin hacer que la gente ame más a Dios y se vuelva más santa. Por eso es considerado como el primer escritor ascético del oriente.

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Oración de agradecimiento
San Basilio el grande

O Maestro, Cristo nuestro Dios, Rey de las edades, creador de todas las cosas; Yo te agradezco por todos los favores que tu me has concedido, y por haberme dado tus puros misterios dadores de vida.

Yo te suplico, O Dios lleno de gracia, quien amas a la humanidad, mantenme bajo tu protección y bajo la sombra de tus alas; concede que hasta mi último aliento, Yo pueda dignamente recibir tus Santos Misterios con una conciencia clara para la remisión de mis pecados y para la vida eterna.

Porque tú eres el Pan de la Vida, la fuente de la santidad, y el proveedor de todas las gracias, y nosotros te glorificamos junto con el Padre, y tu Espíritu Santo, ahora y siempre, y para siempre. Amén. 

"Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

DAILY GOSPEL: 13/06/2010

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

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

2nd book of Samuel 12:7-10.13.
Then Nathan said to David: "You are the man! Thus says the LORD God of Israel: 'I anointed you king of Israel. I rescued you from the hand of Saul.
I gave you your lord's house and your lord's wives for your own. I gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were not enough, I could count up for you still more.
Why have you spurned the LORD and done evil in his sight? You have cut down Uriah the Hittite with the sword; you took his wife as your own, and him you killed with the sword of the Ammonites.
Now, therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah to be your wife.'
Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." Nathan answered David: "The LORD on his part has forgiven your sin: you shall not die.

Psalms 32(31):1-2.5.7.11.
Of David. A maskil. Happy the sinner whose fault is removed, whose sin is forgiven.
Happy those to whom the LORD imputes no guilt, in whose spirit is no deceit.
Then I declared my sin to you; my guilt I did not hide. I said, "I confess my faults to the LORD," and you took away the guilt of my sin. Selah
You are my shelter; from distress you keep me; with safety you ring me round. Selah
Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you just; exult, all you upright of heart.

Letter to the Galatians 2:16.19-21.
(yet) who know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
For through the law I died to the law, that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ;
yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me; insofar as I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me.
I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 7:36-50.8:1-3.
A Pharisee invited him to dine with him, and he entered the Pharisee's house and reclined at table.
Now there was a sinful woman in the city who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee. Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment,
she stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment.
When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner."
Jesus said to him in reply, "Simon, I have something to say to you." "Tell me, teacher," he said.
Two people were in debt to a certain creditor; one owed five hundred days' wages and the other owed fifty.
Since they were unable to repay the debt, he forgave it for both. Which of them will love him more?"
Simon said in reply, "The one, I suppose, whose larger debt was forgiven." He said to him, "You have judged rightly."
Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet, but she has bathed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
You did not give me a kiss, but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered.
You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed my feet with ointment.
So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little."
He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."
The others at table said to themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"
But he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
Afterward he journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve
and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,
Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources. 

Lc 7,36-50#Lc 8,1-3

Commentary of the day 
Saint Ambrose (c.340-397), Bishop of Milan and Doctor of the Church
On Repentance, II:8

"Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

      "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.» (Mt 9:12) Show your wound to the physician, then, that he may heal it. Even if you do not show it, he knows of it but is waiting to hear your voice. Cleanse your wound with your tears. This is what the woman in the Gospel did so as to be freed from sin and its stench: she washed away her guilt when she washed the feet of Jesus with her tears.

     

O Jesus, may you set aside for me the task of washing those feet of yours that you dirtied while you were walking in me!... But where shall I find that living water with which to wash your feet? If I have no water, I have tears. Grant that, while I wash your feet with them, I may be purifying myself as well. What must I do to hear you say to me; "His many sins are forgiven, because he has loved much"? I confess that my debt is great indeed, and that more has been forgiven me who have been called to the priesthood from the tumult and strife of the law courts and of public administration. Therefore I fear being thought ungrateful if I, to whom more has been forgiven, were to love the less.

     

I am unable to compare that woman with anyone else at all, she who was so rightly preferred to that Simon the Pharisee who was giving the feast to the Lord. Yet she gave a lesson to all those who desire to gain forgiveness by kissing Christ's feet, washing them with her tears, wiping them with her hair, and anointing them with ointment... And if we are unable to equal her, the Lord Jesus knows how to come to the aid of the weak. Wherever there is no one who can prepare a meal, or bring ointments, or carry a spring of living water (Jn 4:10)along with her, there he comes himself.

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Sunday, 13 June 2010

St. Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church (1195-1231)

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SAINT ANTONY OF PADUA
Priest and Doctor of the Church
(1195-1231)

        In 1221 St. Francis held a general chapter at Assisi; when the others dispersed, there lingered behind, unknown and neglected, a poor Portuguese friar, resolved to ask for and to refuse nothing.

        Nine months later, Fra Antonio rose under obedience to preach to the religious assembled at Forli, when, as the discourse proceeded, "the Hammer of Heretics," "the Ark of the Testament," "the eldest son of St. Francis," stood revealed in all his sanctity, learning, and eloquence before his rapt and astonished brethren.

        Devoted from earliest youth to prayer and study among the Canons Regular, Ferdinand de Bulloens, as his name was in the world, had been stirred, by the spirit and example of the first five Franciscan martyrs, to put on their habit and preach the Faith to the Moors in Africa.

        Denied a martyr's palm, and enfeebled by sickness, at the age of twenty-seven he was taking silent but merciless revenge upon himself in the humblest offices of his community. From this obscurity he was now called forth, and for nine years France, Italy, and Sicily heard his voice, saw his miracles, and men's hearts turned to God.

        One night, when St. Antony was staying with a friend in the city of Padua, his host saw brilliant rays streaming under the door of the Saint's room, and on looking through the keyhole he beheld a little Child of marvellous beauty standing upon a book which lay open upon the table, and clinging with both arms round Antony's neck. With an ineffable sweetness he watched the tender caresses of the Saint and his wondrous Visitor. At last the Child vanished, and Fra Antonio, opening the door, charged his friend, by the love of him whom he had seen, to "tell the vision to no man" as long as he was alive.

        Suddenly, in 1231, our Saint's brief apostolate was closed, and the voices of children were heard crying along the streets of Padua, "Our father, St. Antony, is dead." The following year, the church-bells of Lisbon rang without ringers, while at Rome one of its sons was inscribed among the Saints of God.

«Tu fe te ha salvado. Vete en paz»

EVANGELIO DEL DÍA: 13/06/2010

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

XI Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario

Segundo Libro de Samuel 12,7-10.13.
Entonces Natán dijo a David: "¡Ese hombre eres tú! Así habla el Señor, el Dios de Israel: Yo te ungí rey de Israel y te libré de las manos de Saúl;
te entregué la casa de tu señor y puse a sus mujeres en tus brazos; te di la casa de Israel y de Judá, y por si esto fuera poco, añadiría otro tanto y aún más.
¿Por qué entonces has despreciado la palabra del Señor, haciendo lo que es malo a sus ojos? ¡Tú has matado al filo de la espada a Urías, el hitita! Has tomado por esposa a su mujer, y a él lo has hecho morir bajo la espada de los amonitas.
Por eso, la espada nunca más se apartará de tu casa, ya que me has despreciado y has tomado por esposa a la mujer de Urías, el hitita.
David dijo a Natán: "¡He pecado contra el Señor!". Natán le respondió: "El Señor, por su parte, ha borrado tu pecado: no morirás.

Salmo 32(31),1-2.5.7.11.
De David. Poema. ¡Feliz el que ha sido absuelto de su pecado y liberado de su falta!
¡Feliz el hombre a quien el Señor no le tiene en cuenta las culpas, y en cuyo espíritu no hay doblez!
Pero yo reconocí mi pecado, no te escondí mi culpa, pensando: "Confesaré mis faltas al Señor". ¡Y tú perdonaste mi culpa y mi pecado!
Tú eres mi refugio, tú me libras de los peligros y me colmas con la alegría de la salvación.
¡Alégrense en el Señor, regocíjense los justos! ¡Canten jubilosos los rectos de corazón!

Carta de San Pablo a los Gálatas 2,16.19-21.
Pero como sabemos que el hombre no es justificado por las obras de la Ley, sino por la fe en Jesucristo, hemos creído en él, para ser justificados por la fe Cristo y no por las obras de la Ley: en efecto, nadie será justificado en virtud de las obras de la Ley.
Pero en virtud de la Ley, he muerto a la Ley, a fin de vivir para Dios. Yo estoy crucificado con Cristo,
y ya no vivo yo, sino que Cristo vive en mí: la vida que sigo viviendo en la carne, la vivo en la fe en el Hijo de Dios, que me amó y se entregó por mí.
Yo no anulo la gracia de Dios: si la justicia viene de la Ley, Cristo ha muerto inútilmente.

Evangelio según San Lucas 7,36-50.8,1-3.
Un fariseo invitó a Jesús a comer con él. Jesús entró en la casa y se sentó a la mesa.
Entonces una mujer pecadora que vivía en la ciudad, al enterarse de que Jesús estaba comiendo en casa del fariseo, se presentó con un frasco de perfume.
Y colocándose detrás de él, se puso a llorar a sus pies y comenzó a bañarlos con sus lágrimas; los secaba con sus cabellos, los cubría de besos y los ungía con perfume.
Al ver esto, el fariseo que lo había invitado pensó: "Si este hombre fuera profeta, sabría quién es la mujer que lo toca y lo que ella es: ¡una pecadora!".
Pero Jesús le dijo: "Simón, tengo algo que decirte". "Di, Maestro!", respondió él.
"Un prestamista tenía dos deudores: uno le debía quinientos denarios, el otro cincuenta.
Como no tenían con qué pagar, perdonó a ambos la deuda. ¿Cuál de los dos lo amará más?".
Simón contestó: "Pienso que aquel a quien perdonó más". Jesús le dijo: "Has juzgado bien".
Y volviéndose hacia la mujer, dijo a Simón: "¿Ves a esta mujer? Entré en tu casa y tú no derramaste agua sobre mis pies; en cambio, ella los bañó con sus lágrimas y los secó con sus cabellos.
Tú no me besaste; ella, en cambio, desde que entré, no cesó de besar mis pies.
Tú no ungiste mi cabeza; ella derramó perfume sobre mis pies.
Por eso te digo que sus pecados, sus numerosos pecados, le han sido perdonados porque ha demostrado mucho amor. Pero aquel a quien se le perdona poco, demuestra poco amor".
Después dijo a la mujer: "Tus pecados te son perdonados".
Los invitados pensaron: "¿Quién es este hombre, que llega hasta perdonar los pecados?".
Pero Jesús dijo a la mujer: "Tu fe te ha salvado, vete en paz".
Después, Jesús recorría las ciudades y los pueblos, predicando y anunciando la Buena Noticia del Reino de Dios. Lo acompañaban los Doce
y también algunas mujeres que habían sido curadas de malos espíritus y enfermedades: María, llamada Magdalena, de la que habían salido siete demonios;
Juana, esposa de Cusa, intendente de Herodes, Susana y muchas otras, que los ayudaban con sus bienes. 

Lc 7,36-50#Lc 8,1-3

Leer el comentario del Evangelio por 
San Ambrosio (hacia 340-397), obispo de Milán y doctor de la Iglesia
La Penitencia, II, 8

«Tu fe te ha salvado. Vete en paz»

     «No son los que están sanos los que tienen necesidad de médico, sino los que están enfermos» (Mt 9,12). Enseña al médico tu herida de manera que puedas ser curado. Aunque tú no se la enseñes, él la conoce, pero exige de ti que le hagas oír tu voz. Limpia tus llagas con tus lágrimas. Es así como esta mujer de la que habla el evangelio se quitó de encima su pecado y el mal olor de su extravío; es así como se ha purificado de su falta, lavando con sus lágrimas los pies de Jesús.

     ¡Resérvame para mí también, oh Jesús, el poder lavar tus pies, esos que has ensuciado mientras caminabas conmigo!... Pero ¿dónde encontraré el agua viva con la que podré lavar tus pies? Si no tengo agua, tengo mis lágrimas. ¡Haz que, lavándote los pies con ellas, yo mismo me purifique! ¿Cómo lo haré para que puedas decir de mi: «Sus numerosos pecados le han sido perdonados, porque ha amado mucho»? Confieso que mi deuda es considerable y que se me ha «perdonado mucho», a mi que he sido arrancado del ruido de las querellas de la plaza pública y de las responsabilidades del gobierno para ser llamado al sacerdocio. Temo, por consiguiente, ser considerado como un ingrato si amo menos, siendo así que se me ha perdonado mucho.

     No puedo comparar a esta mujer con cualquiera otra, ya que es, con justa razón, que ha sido preferida al fariseo Simón que recibía al Señor a comer. Sin embargo, ella enseña, a todos los que quieren merecer el perdón, que es besando los pies del Cristo y lavándolos con sus lágrimas, enjugándolos con sus cabellos, y ungiéndolos con perfume, que lo obtienen... Si no podemos igualarla, el Señor Jesús sabe venir en ayuda de los débiles. Allí donde nadie sabe preparar una comida, llevar un perfume, traer consigo una fuente de agua viva (Jn 4,10), viene él mismo.

domingo 13 Junio 2010 San Antonio de Padua  Saber más cosas a propósito de los Santos del día San Antonio de Padua  Presbítero y doctor de la Iglesia († 1231)  Nació en Lisboa a finales del siglo XII. Primero formó parte de los canónigos regulares de san Agustín, y, poco después de su ordenación sacerdotal, ingresó en la Orden de los frailes Menores, con la intención de dedicarse a propagar la fe cristiana en África. Sin embargo, fue en Francia y en Italia donde ejerció con gran provecho sus dotes de predicador, convirtiendo a muchos herejes. Fue el primero que enseñó teología en su Orden.   Escribió varios sermones llenos de doctrina y de unción.  Murió en Padua el año 1231. Oremos  Dios todopoderoso y eterno, que diste a tu pueblo un predicador insigne del Evangelio en San Antonio de Padua, y un intercesor eficaz que lo asistiera en sus dificultades, concédenos, por su intercesión, que seamos fieles a las enseñanzas del Evangelio y que contemos con tu ayuda en todas las adversidades. Por nuestro Señor Jesucristo, tu Hijo.

« Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart» (Lk 2,19)

DAILY GOSPEL: 12/06/2010

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

Saturday of the Tenth week in Ordinary Time

Book of Isaiah 61:9-11.
Their descendants shall be renowned among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; All who see them shall acknowledge them as a race the LORD has blessed.
I rejoice heartily in the LORD, in my God is the joy of my soul; For he has clothed me with a robe of salvation, and wrapped me in a mantle of justice, Like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem, like a bride bedecked with her jewels.
As the earth brings forth its plants, and a garden makes its growth spring up, So will the Lord GOD make justice and praise spring up before all the nations.

1st book of Samuel 2:1.4-5.6-7.8.
And as she worshiped the LORD, she said: "My heart exults in the LORD, my horn is exalted in my God. I have swallowed up my enemies; I rejoice in my victory.
The bows of the mighty are broken, while the tottering gird on strength.
he well-fed hire themselves out for bread, while the hungry batten on spoil. The barren wife bears seven sons, while the mother of many languishes.
"The LORD puts to death and gives life; he casts down to the nether world; he raises up again.
The LORD makes poor and makes rich, he humbles, he also exalts.
He raises the needy from the dust; from the ash heap he lifts up the poor, To seat them with nobles and make a glorious throne their heritage. He gives to the vower his vow, and blesses the sleep of the just. "For the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he has set the world upon them.

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 2:41-51.
Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover,
and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom.
After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it.
Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances,
but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.
After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions,
and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers.
When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety."
And he said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?"
But they did not understand what he said to them.
He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. 

Lc 2,41-51

Commentary of the day 
Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity (1880-1906), Carmelite
Last retreat, 15th day (©Institute of Carmelite Studies)

« Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart» (Lk 2,19)

       "The Virgin kept all these things in her heart." Her whole history can be summed up in these few words! It was within her heart that she lived, and at such a depth that no human eye can follow her. When I read in the Gospel "that Mary set out in haste to the hill country of Judea" (Lk 1,39) to perform her loving service for her cousin Elizabeth, I imagine her passing by so beautiful, so calm and so majestic, so absorbed in recollection of the Word of God within her. Like Him, her prayer was always this: «...Here I am" Who? ''The handmaid of the Lord," (Lk 1,38) the lowliest of His creatures: she, His Mother! Her humility was so real for she was always forgetful, unaware, freed from self. And she could sing: "The Mighty One has done great things for me, from now on all peoples will call me blessed" (Lk 1,49.48).

This Queen of virgins is also Queen of martyrs; but again it was in her heart that the sword pierced, for with her everything took place withinl ... Oh! How beautiful she is to contemplate during her long martyrdom, so serene, enveloped in a kind of majesty that radiates both strength and gentleness! She learned from the Word Himself how those must suffer whom the Father has chosen as victims, those whom He has decided to associate with Himself in the great work of redemption, those whom He "has foreknown and predestined to be conformed to His Christ," (Rom 8,29) crucified by love. She is there at the foot of the Cross, standing, full of strength and courage.

Saturday, 12 June 2010 St John of St. Fagondez, priest (+ 1479) SAINT JOHN OF ST. FAGONDEZ Priest (+1479)           St. John was born at St. Fagondez, in Spain. At an early age he held several benefices in the diocese of Burgos, till the reproaches of his conscience forced him to resign them all except one chapel, where he said Mass daily, preached, and catechised.          After this he studied theology at Salamanca, and then labored for some time as a most devoted missionary priest. Ultimately he became a hermit of the Augustinian Order, in the same city.         There his life was marked by a singular devotion to the Holy Mass. Each night after Matins he remained in prayer till the hour of celebration, when he offered the Adorable Sacrifice with the most tender piety, often enjoying the sight of Jesus in glory, and holding sweet colloquies with Him.          The power of his personal holiness was seen in his preaching, which produced a complete reformation in Salamanca. He had a special gift of reconciling differences, and was enabled to put an end to the quarrels and feuds among noblemen, at that period very common and fatal. The boldness shown by St. John in reproving vice endangered his life. A powerful noble, having been corrected by the Saint for oppressing his vassals, sent two assassins to slay him. The holiness of the Saint's aspect, however, caused by that peace which continually reigned in his soul, struck such awe into their minds that they could not execute their purpose, but humbly besought his forgiveness. And the nobleman himself, falling sick, was brought to repentance, and recovered his health by the prayers of the Saint whom he had endeavored to murder.         He was also most zealous in denouncing those hideous vices which are a fruitful source of strife, and it was in defence of holy purity that he met his death. A lady of noble birth but evil life, whose companion in sin St. John had converted, contrived to administer a fatal poison to the Saint. After several months of terrible suffering, borne with unvarying patience, St. John went to his reward on June 11, 1479.

«María conservaba todas estas cosas en su corazón y las meditaba»

EVANGELIO DEL DÍA: 12/06/2010

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

El Inmaculado Corazón de la Virgen María – Memoria

Libro de Isaías 61,9-11.
Su descendencia será conocida entre las naciones, y sus vástagos, en medio de los pueblos: todos los que los vean, reconocerán que son la estirpe bendecida por el Señor.
Yo desbordo de alegría en el Señor, mi alma se regocija en mi Dios. Porque él me vistió con las vestiduras de la salvación y me envolvió con el manto de la justicia, como un esposo que se ajusta la diadema y como una esposa que se adorna con sus joyas.
Porque así como la tierra da sus brotes y un jardín hace germinar lo sembrado, así el Señor hará germinar la justicia y la alabanza ante todas las naciones.

Primer Libro de Samuel 2,1.4-5.6-7.8.
Entonces Ana oró, diciendo: "Mi corazón se regocija en el Señor, tengo la frente erguida gracias a mi Dios. Mi boca se ríe de mis enemigos, porque tu salvación me ha llenado de alegría.
El arco de los valientes se ha quebrado, y los vacilantes se ciñen de vigor;
los satisfechos se contratan por un pedazo de pan, y los hambrientos dejan de fatigarse; la mujer estéril da a luz siete veces, y la madre de muchos hijos se marchita.
El Señor da la muerte y la vida, hunde en el Abismo y levanta de él.
El Señor da la pobreza y la riqueza, humilla y también enaltece.
El levanta del polvo al desvalido y alza al pobre de la miseria, para hacerlos sentar con los príncipes y darles en herencia un trono de gloria; porque del Señor son las columnas de la tierra y sobre ellas afianzó el mundo.

Evangelio según San Lucas 2,41-51.
Sus padres iban todos los años a Jerusalén en la fiesta de la Pascua.
Cuando el niño cumplió doce años, subieron como de costumbre,
y acabada la fiesta, María y José regresaron, pero Jesús permaneció en Jerusalén sin que ellos se dieran cuenta.
Creyendo que estaba en la caravana, caminaron todo un día y después comenzaron a buscarlo entre los parientes y conocidos.
Como no lo encontraron, volvieron a Jerusalén en busca de él.
Al tercer día, lo hallaron en el Templo en medio de los doctores de la Ley, escuchándolos y haciéndoles preguntas.
Y todos los que lo oían estaban asombrados de su inteligencia y sus respuestas.
Al verlo, sus padres quedaron maravillados y su madre le dijo: "Hijo mío, ¿por qué nos has hecho esto? Piensa que tu padre y yo te buscábamos angustiados".
Jesús les respondió: "¿Por qué me buscaban? ¿No sabían que yo debo ocuparme de los asuntos de mi Padre?".
Ellos no entendieron lo que les decía.
El regresó con sus padres a Nazaret y vivía sujeto a ellos. Su madre conservaba estas cosas en su corazón. 

Lc 2,41-51

Leer el comentario del Evangelio por 
Beata Isabel de la Trinidad (1880-1906), carmelita descalza
Último retiro, día decimoquinto.

«María conservaba todas estas cosas en su corazón y las meditaba» » (Lc 2,19)

     «La Virgen conservaba todas estas cosas en su corazón» (Lc. 2, 19 y 51): toda su historia puede resumirse en estas pocas palabras. Fue en su corazón donde ella vivió, y con tal profundidad que no la puede seguir ninguna mirada humana. Cuando leo en el Evangelio «que María corrió con toda diligencia a las montañas de Judea» (Lc. 1, 39) para ir a cumplir su oficio de caridad con su prima Isabel, la veo caminar tan bella, tan serena, tan majestuosa, tan recogida dentro con el Verbo de Dios... Como la de El, su oración fue siempre: «Ecce, ¡heme aquí!» ¿Quién? «La sierva del Señor» (Lc. 1, 38), la última de sus criaturas. Ella, ¡su madre! Ella fue tan verdadera en su humildad porque siempre estuvo olvidada, ignorante, libre de sí misma. Por eso podía cantar: «El Todopoderoso ha hecho en mí grandes cosas; desde ahora me llamarán feliz todas las generaciones» (Lc. 1, 48, 49).

     Esta Reina de las vírgenes es también Reina de los mártires. Pero una vez más fue en su corazón donde la espada la traspasó (Lc. 2, 35), porque en ella todo se realiza por dentro... ¡Oh!, qué hermoso es contemplarla durante su largo martirio, tan serena, envuelta en una especie de majestad que manifiesta juntamente la fortaleza y la dulzura... Es que ella había aprendido del Verbo mismo cómo deben sufrir los que el Padre ha escogido como víctimas, los que ha determinado asociar a la gran obra de la redención, los que El «ha conocido y predestinado a ser conformes a su Cristo» (Rm. 8, 29), crucificado por amor. Ella está allí al pie de la cruz, de pie, llena de fortaleza y de valor.

sábado 12 Junio 2010 Santo Domingo Savio Santo Domingo Savio Nació en San Giovanni di Riva (cerca de Chieri, provincia de Turín) en una familia pobre de bienes materiales, pero rica de fe. Su niñez quedó marcada por la primera comunión, hecha con fervor a los siete años, y se distingue por el cumplimiento del deber. A sus doce años tuvo lugar un acontecimiento decisivo: el encuentro con San Juan Bosco, que lo acoge, como padre y guía, en Valdocco (Turín) para cursar los estudios secundarios. Al descubrir entonces los altos horizontes de su vida como hijo de Dios, apoyándose en su amistad con Jesús y María se lanza a la aventura de la santidad, entendida como entrega total a Dios por amor. Reza, pone empeño en los estudios, es el compañero más amable. Sensibilizado en el ideal del Da mihi ánimas de san Juan Bosco, quiere salvar el alma de todos y funda la compañía de la Inmaculada, de la que saldrán los mejores colaboradores del fundador de los salesianos. Habiendo enfermado de gravedad a los 15 años, regresa al hogar paterno de Mondonio (provincia de Asti), donde muere serenamente el 9 de marzo de 1857 con la alegría de ir al encuentro del Señor. Pío XII lo proclamó santo el 12 de junio de 1954. Oremos  Señor Dios todopoderoso, que nos has revelado que el amor a Dios y al prójimo es el compendio de toda tu ley, haz que, imitando la caridad de San Domingo Savio seamos contados un día entre los elegidos de tu reino. Por nuestro Señor Jesucristo, tu Hijo.

'Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.'

DAILY GOSPEL: 11/06/2010

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

The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus - Solemnity

Book of Ezekiel 34:11-16.
For thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will look after and tend my sheep.
As a shepherd tends his flock when he finds himself among his scattered sheep, so will I tend my sheep. I will rescue them from every place where they were scattered when it was cloudy and dark.
I will lead them out from among the peoples and gather them from the foreign lands; I will bring them back to their own country and pasture them upon the mountains of Israel (in the land's ravines and all its inhabited places).
In good pastures will I pasture them, and on the mountain heights of Israel shall be their grazing ground. There they shall lie down on good grazing ground, and in rich pastures shall they be pastured on the mountains of Israel.
I myself will pasture my sheep; I myself will give them rest, says the Lord GOD.
The lost I will seek out, the strayed I will bring back, the injured I will bind up, the sick I will heal (but the sleek and the strong I will destroy), shepherding them rightly.

Psalms 23(22):1-3.4.5.6.
A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.
In green pastures you let me graze; to safe waters you lead me;
you restore my strength. You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name.
Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage.
You set a table before me as my enemies watch; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.

Letter to the Romans 5:5-11.
And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us.
For Christ, while we were still helpless, yet died at the appointed time for the ungodly.
Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a just person, though perhaps for a good person one might even find courage to die.
But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.
How much more then, since we are now justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath.
Indeed, if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, how much more, once reconciled, will we be saved by his life.
Not only that, but we also boast of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 15:3-7.
So to them he addressed this parable.
What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it?
And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy
and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, 'Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.'
I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance. 

Lc 15,3-7

Commentary of the day 
Blessed John XXIII (1881-1963), pope
Journal of a soul, 1901-1903

'Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.'

       I feel that my Jesus is drawing ever closer to me. These last days he has let me fall into the sea and drown in the consideration of my wretchedness and pride so as to make me understand just how much I need him. Just as I am on the verge of being overcome, Jesus, walking on the water, comes smiling to meet me so that I may be saved. With Peter I should like to say to him: «Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man» (Lk 5,8) but I am forestalled by the gentleness of his heart and sweetness of his words: «Fear not» (Lk 5,10).

       Ah! Beside you I am not afraid of anything! I snuggle up against you and, like the lost sheep, hear the beating of your heart. Jesus, yet again I am yours, yours for ever. With you I am truly great; without you, nothing but a weak reed; upheld by you, I am a pillar. I must never forget my wretchedness, not so as to be constantly trembling but so that, regardless of my lowliness and confusion, I may, with ever greater confidence, draw close to your heart. For my wretchedness is the throne of your mercy and love.

---

Friday, 11 June 2010

St. Barnabas, Apostle

---

SAINT BARNABAS
Apostle

        We read that in the first days of the Church, "the multitude of believers had but one heart and one soul; neither did any one say that aught of the things which he possessed was his own." Of this fervent company, one only is singled out by name, Joseph, a rich Levite, from Cyprus. "He having land sold it, and brought the price and laid it at the feet of the apostles." They now gave him a new name, Barnabas, the son of consolation.

        He was a good man, full of the Holy Ghost and of faith, and was soon chosen for an important mission to the rapidly-growing Church of Antioch. Here he perceived the great work which was to be done among the Greeks, so he hastened to fetch St. Paul from his retirement at Tarsus.

        It was at Antioch that the two Saints were called to the apostolate of the Gentiles, and hence they set out together to Cyprus and the cities of Asia Minor. Their preaching struck men with amazement, and some cried out, "The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men," calling Paul Mercury, and Barnabas Jupiter.

        The Saints travelled together to the Council of Jerusalem, but shortly after this they parted. When Agabus prophesied a great famine, Barnabas, no longer rich, was chosen by the faithful at Antioch as most fit to bear, with St. Paul, their generous offerings to the Church of Jerusalem. The gentle Barnabas, keeping with him John, surnamed Mark, whom St. Paul distrusted, betook himself to Cyprus, where the sacred history leaves him; and here, at a later period, he won his martyr's crown.

«Regocijaos conmigo, porque he encontrado a mi oveja, la que había perdido»

EVANGELIO DEL DÍA: 11/06/2010

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

El Sagrado Corazón de Jesús - Solemnidad

Libro de Ezequiel 34,11-16.
Porque así habla el Señor: ¡Aquí estoy yo! Yo mismo voy a buscar mi rebaño y me ocuparé de él.
Como el pastor se ocupa de su rebaño cuando está en medio de sus ovejas dispersas, así me ocuparé de mis ovejas y las libraré de todos los lugares donde se habían dispersado, en un día de nubes y tinieblas.
Las sacaré de entre los pueblos, las reuniré de entre las naciones, las traeré a su propio suelo y las apacentaré sobre las montañas de Israel, en los cauces de los torrentes y en todos los poblados del país.
Las apacentaré en buenos pastizales y su lugar de pastoreo estará en las montañas altas de Israel. Allí descansarán en un buen lugar de pastoreo, y se alimentarán con ricos pastos sobre las montañas de Israel.
Yo mismo apacentaré a mis ovejas y las llevaré a descansar -oráculo del Señor-.
Buscaré a la oveja perdida, haré volver a la descarriada, vendaré a la herida y curaré a la enferma, pero exterminaré a la que está gorda y robusta. Yo las apacentaré con justicia.

Salmo 23(22),1-3.4.5.6.
Salmo de David. El señor es mi pastor, nada me puede faltar.
El me hace descansar en verdes praderas, me conduce a las aguas tranquilas
y repara mis fuerzas; me guía por el recto sendero, por amor de su Nombre.
Aunque cruce por oscuras quebradas, no temeré ningún mal, porque tú estás conmigo: tu vara y tu bastón me infunden confianza.
Tú preparas ante mí una mesa, frente a mis enemigos; unges con óleo mi cabeza y mi copa rebosa.
Tu bondad y tu gracia me acompañan a lo largo de mi vida; y habitaré en la Casa del Señor, por muy largo tiempo.

Carta de San Pablo a los Romanos 5,5-11.
Y la esperanza no quedará defraudada, porque el amor de Dios ha sido derramado en nuestros corazones por el Espíritu Santo, que nos ha sido dado.
En efecto, cuando todavía éramos débiles, Cristo, en el tiempo señalado, murió por los pecadores.
Difícilmente se encuentra alguien que dé su vida por un hombre justo; tal vez alguno sea capaz de morir por un bienhechor.
Pero la prueba de que Dios nos ama es que Cristo murió por nosotros cuando todavía éramos pecadores.
Y ahora que estamos justificados por su sangre, con mayor razón seremos librados por él de la ira de Dios.
Porque si siendo enemigos, fuimos reconciliados con Dios por la muerte de su Hijo, mucho más ahora que estamos reconciliados, seremos salvados por su vida.
Y esto no es todo: nosotros nos gloriamos en Dios, por medio de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, por quien desde ahora hemos recibido la reconciliación.

Evangelio según San Lucas 15,3-7.
Jesús les dijo entonces esta parábola:
"Si alguien tiene cien ovejas y pierde una, ¿no deja acaso las noventa y nueve en el campo y va a buscar la que se había perdido, hasta encontrarla?
Y cuando la encuentra, la carga sobre sus hombros, lleno de alegría,
y al llegar a su casa llama a sus amigos y vecinos, y les dice: "Alégrense conmigo, porque encontré la oveja que se me había perdido".
Les aseguro que, de la misma manera, habrá más alegría en el cielo por un solo pecador que se convierta, que por noventa y nueve justos que no necesitan convertirse". 

 Lc 15,3-7

Leer el comentario del Evangelio por 
Beato Juan XXIII (1881-1963), papa
Diario del alma, 1901-1903

«Regocijaos conmigo, porque he encontrado a mi oveja, la que había perdido»

     Siento que Jesús está cada vez más cerca de mí. Ha permitido estos días que caiga en el mar, que me ahogue en la consideración de mi miseria y de mi orgullo, para hacerme comprender hasta qué punto tengo necesidad de él. En el momento en que estoy a punto de sumergirme, Jesús, caminando sobre las aguas, viene, sonriente,  a mi encuentro para salvarme. Quisiera decirle con Pedro: «Apártate de mí, Señor, que soy un pecador» (Lc 5,8) pero la ternura de su corazón se me adelanta y con la dulzura de sus palabras me dice: «No tengas miedo» (Lc 5,10).

     ¡Oh, nada temo a vuestro lado! Descanso enteramente en vos; como la oveja perdida siento los latidos de vuestro corazón; Jesús, una vez más os digo que soy todo vuestro, vuestro para siempre. Con vos soy verdaderamente grande; sin vos no soy que una débil caña, pero apoyado en vos soy una columna. No debo olvidar jamás mi miseria, no para temblar continuamente, sino para que, a pesar de mi humildad y mi confusión, me acerque cada vez con más confianza a vuestro corazón, porque mi miseria es el trono de vuestra misericordia y de vuestro amor.

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viernes 11 Junio 2010

Sagrado Corazón de Jesús

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La devoción al Corazón de Jesús ha existido desde los primeros tiempos de la Iglesia, desde que se meditaba en el costado y el Corazón abierto de Jesús, de donde salió sangre y agua. De ese Corazón nació la Iglesia y por ese Corazón se abrieron las puertas del Cielo. La devoción al Sagrado Corazón está por encima de otras devociones porque veneramos al mismo Corazón de Dios. Pero fue el propio Jesús que, en el siglo XVII en Paray-le-Monial, Francia, solicitó, a través de una humilde religiosa, que se estableciera definitiva y específicamente la devoción a su Sacratísimo Corazón.

En efecto, el 16 de junio de 1675, Jesús se le apareció a Santa Margarita María de Alacoque. Su Corazón estaba rodeado de llamas de amor, coronado de espinas, con una herida abierta de la cual brotaba sangre y, del interior de su corazón, salía una cruz. Santa Margarita escuchó a Nuestro Señor decir: "He aquí el Corazón que tanto ha amado a los hombres, y en cambio, de la mayor parte de los hombres no recibe nada más que ingratitud, irreverencia y desprecio, en este sacramento de amor." Con estas palabras Nuestro Señor mismo nos dice en qué consiste la devoción a su Sagrado Corazón. La devoción en sí está dirigida a la persona de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo y a su amor no correspondido, representado por su Corazón. Dos, pues son los actos esenciales de esta devoción: amor y reparación. Amor, por lo mucho que Él nos ama. Reparación y desagravio, por las muchas injurias que recibe sobre todo en la Sagrada Eucaristía.

La devoción al Corazón de Jesús, no solo se ajusta enteramente a los requisitos mencionados en el documento del Concilio Vaticano II concerniente a la liturgia, sino que, además, se encuentra enraizada en la entraña del mismo Evangelio, de donde proceden todos aquellos ideales, actitudes, conductas y prácticas fundamentales, definitorias del auténtico cristianismo y peculiares del culto cristiano. En este sentido, la devoción al Corazón de Jesús está totalmente de acuerdo con la esencia del Cristianismo, que es religión de amor. Ya que tiene por fin el aumento de nuestro amor a Dios y a los hombres. No apareció de repente en la Iglesia, ni se puede afirmar que deba su origen a revelaciones privadas. Pues es evidente que las revelaciones de Santa Margarita María de Alacoque no añadieron nada nuevo a la Doctrina Católica.

La importancia de estas revelaciones está unicamente en que sirvieron para que, de una forma extraordinaria, Cristo nos llamase la atención para que nos fijásemos en los misterios de su amor. "En su corazón debemos poner todas las esperanzas". Ya que "la Eucaristía, el Sacerdocio y María son dones del Corazón de Jesús" (Pío XII, Encíclica Haurietis Aquas)

"Go first and be reconciled with your brother"

DAILY GOSPEL: 10/06/2010

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

Thursday of the Tenth week in Ordinary Time

1st book of Kings 18:41-46.
Elijah then said to Ahab, "Go up, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain."
So Ahab went up to eat and drink, while Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, crouched down to the earth, and put his head between his knees.
"Climb up and look out to sea," he directed his servant, who went up and looked, but reported, "There is nothing." Seven times he said, "Go look again!"
And the seventh time the youth reported, "There is a cloud as small as a man's hand rising from the sea." Elijah said, "Go and say to Ahab, 'Harness up and leave the mountain before the rain stops you.'"
In a trice, the sky grew dark with clouds and wind, and a heavy rain fell. Ahab mounted his chariot and made for Jezreel.
But the hand of the LORD was on Elijah, who girded up his clothing and ran before Ahab as far as the approaches to Jezreel.

Psalms 65:10.11.12-13.
You visit the earth and water it, make it abundantly fertile. God's stream is filled with water; with it you supply the world with grain. Thus do you prepare the earth:
you drench plowed furrows, and level their ridges. With showers you keep the ground soft, blessing its young sprouts.
You adorn the year with your bounty; your paths drip with fruitful rain.
The untilled meadows also drip; the hills are robed with joy.

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 5:20-26.
I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, 'You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.'
But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, 'Raqa,' will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, 'You fool,' will be liable to fiery Gehenna.
Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you,
leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison.
Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.
Mt 5,20-26

Commentary of the day
Saint Caesarius of Arles (470-543), Monk and Bishop

"Go first and be reconciled with your brother"

You know what it is we pray to God before going up to communion: «Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.» So prepare yourselves interiorly to forgive since those are the words you are going to encounter in prayer. How are you going to say them? Are you perhaps not going to say them? In the last resort this is indeed my question: are you going to say those words, yes or no? You hate your brother yet you declare: «Forgive us as we forgive.» You will say: I avoid those words. But in that case, are you really praying? Pay good attention, my brothers. In a short time you are going to pray; forgive with all your hearts!

Do you indeed want to accuse your enemy? First of all accuse your own heart. Say to that heart: «Stop hating»... But then, since you don't want to forgive, your soul is saddened when you say to it: «Stop hating». Well then, answer it: «Why are you so downcast, O my soul? Why do you sigh within me? Hope in God» (Ps 42[41],6). You are uneasy, you sigh, your sickness wounds you, you don't manage to throw off your hatred. Hope in God: that is the remedy. He was hung on the cross for your sake yet without claiming his revenge. As for you, it is your revenge you are looking for since that is the real meaning of your rancor. Look at your God on the cross: it is for your sake he suffers that his blood might become your cure. Do you want to avenge yourself? Look at Christ hanging there, hear him pray: «Father, forgive them for they know not what they do» (Lk 23,34).




Thursday, 10 June 2010
St. Margaret of Scotland, Queen (+ 1093)

Other saints of the day

SAINT MARGARET OF SCOTLAND
Queen
(+ 1093°

St. Margaret's name signifies "pearl;" "a fitting name," says Theodoric, her confessor and her first biographer, "for one such as she." Her soul was like a precious pearl. A life spent amidst the luxury of a royal court never dimmed its lustre, or stole it away from Him who had bought it with His blood. She was the grand, daughter of an English king; and in 1070 she became the bride of Malcolm, and reigned Queen of Scotland till her death in 1093.

How did she become a Saint in a position where sanctity is so difficult? First, she burned with zeal for the house of God. She built churches and monasteries; she busied herself in making vestments; she could not rest till she saw the laws of God and His Church observed throughout her realm. Next, amidst a thousand cares, she found time to converse with God-ordering her piety with such sweetness and discretion that she won her husband to sanctity like her own. He used to rise with her at night for prayer; he loved to kiss the holy books she used, and sometimes he would steal them away, and bring them back to his wife covered with jewels.

Lastly, with virtues so great, she wept constantly over her sins, and begged her confessor to correct her faults. St. Margaret did not neglect her duties in the world because she was not of it. Never was a better mother. She spared no pains in the education of her eight children, and their sanctity was the fruit of her prudence and her zeal. Never was a better queen. She was the most trusted counsellor of her husband, and she labored for the material improvement of the country.

But, in the midst of the world's pleasures, she sighed for the better country, and accepted death as a release. On her death-bed she received the news that her husband and her eldest son were slain in battle. She thanked God, who had sent this last affliction as a penance for her sins. After receiving Holy Viaticum, she was repeating the prayer from the Missal, "O Lord Jesus Christ, Who by Thy death didst give life to the world, deliver me." At the words "deliver me," says her biographer, she took her departure to Christ, the Author of true liberty.