Forever I am changed by your LOVE in the presence of YOUR MAGESTY. Prepare for Christ the KING PrepareForMass #catholic1 week ago
Many who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake some shall live forever others shall be an everlasting horror & disgrace. PrepareforMass 1 week ago
On this last Sunday of the liturgical year we are celebrating the Solemnity of Christ the King. Today's Gospel proposes to us anew part of the dramatic questioning to which Pontius Pilate subjected Jesus when he was handed over to him, accused of usurping the title, "King of the Jews".
Jesus answered the Roman governor's questions by declaring that he was a king, but not of this world (cf. Jn 18: 36). He did not come to rule over peoples and territories but to set people free from the slavery of sin and to reconcile them with God. And he added: "For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice" (Jn 18: 37).
But what is the "truth" that Christ came into the world to witness to? The whole of his life reveals that God is love: so this is the truth to which he witnessed to the full with the sacrifice of his own life on Calvary.
The Cross is the "throne" where he manifested his sublime kingship as God Love: by offering himself in expiation for the sin of the world, he defeated the "ruler of this world" (Jn 12: 31) and established the Kingdom of God once and for all. It is a Kingdom that will be fully revealed at the end of time, after the destruction of every enemy and last of all, death (cf. I Cor 15: 25-26). The Son will then deliver the Kingdom to the Father and God will finally be "everything to everyone" (I Cor 15: 28).
The way to reach this goal is long and admits of no short cuts: indeed, every person must freely accept the truth of God's love. He is Love and Truth, and neither Love nor Truth are ever imposed: they come knocking at the doors of the heart and the mind and where they can enter they bring peace and joy. This is how God reigns; this is his project of salvation, a "mystery" in the biblical sense of the word: a plan that is gradually revealed in history.
The Virgin Mary was associated in a very special way with Christ's kingship. God asked her, a humble young woman of Nazareth, to become Mother of the Messiah and Mary responded to this request with her whole self, joining her unconditional "yes" to that of her Son, Jesus, and making herself obedient with him even in his sacrifice. This is why God exalted her above every other creature and Christ crowned her Queen of Heaven and earth.
Let us entrust the Church and all humanity to her intercession, so that God's love can reign in all hearts and his design of justice and peace be fulfilled.
Memorial of Saint Josaphat, bishop and martyr. Although we have consistently attempted to calculate and figure out the Kingdom of God and the afterlife throughout history, perhaps we should try to use our skills and gifts of wisdom to be thankful, firm, and tranquil. (Preached on Thursday, November 12th, 2009, 12:15pm, St. Malachyâs Church, Broadway and 49th […]
Thursday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time. Jesus reminds us in the Scriptures that yes we are all sinners, but with acknowledgement of that fact and sincere repentance we can enter God's glory. (Preached on Thursday, November 5th, 2009, 12:15pm, St. Malachyâs Church, Broadway and 49th, Times Square, New York City.)
A listener calls in with what is probably a common question, but one not often easily resolved: How do I get my kids to like church? (Originally aired: 10/15/09)
Father dave talks with the incredibly talented author, Anne Rice! One of America's most read and celebrated authors, Anne Rice is known for weaving the visible and supernatural worlds together in epic stories that both entertain and challenge readers. Her books are richly filled with history, belief, philosophy, religion, and compelling characters that […]
In the days leading up to Christmas the Church calendar provides Advent to reflect on our redemption and praying the Holy Rosary everyday is a good and holy thing to do.
In today’s first reading from Daniel 7, we see the term “son of man” first used. This is the phrase that Jesus used more than any other to refer to himself. In the Gospel reading from Luke 21, Jesus says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Let us [...]
Today is Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. Happy Thanksgiving! I have a link to today’s readings at the bottom of today’s post. But rather than comment on the readings, I want to take a moment to reflect on Thanksgiving. Did you know that the word Eucharist translates to “thanksgiving?” Isn’t it interesting that, as Catholics, the [. […]
Hosted by Fr. Benedict Groeschel CFR with guest Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan: Fr. Groeschel and Archbishop Dolan discuss what vocations are and how important they are to the Church. The question is not: "Why do I want to be a Priest?" The question is: "I want to be a Priest because I think God wants me to be." All of us are called by God t […]
Hosted by Marcus Grodi with guest David Mills: Mr. Mills describes his journey from a smart-aleck secularist to an Episcopalian to his catching Roman fever and his final Journey Home.
Hosted by Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J. with guest Leonard J. Nelson, III: On this pre-Thanksgiving show, Fr. Mitch and "Jack" Nelson talk about the current state of Catholic health care, especially in light of the current health care reform proposals in Washington.
Hosted by Doug Keck with guest Dr. Ray Guarendi: "Maybe some couple will decide for adoption, because of something they've read or heard here" Dr. Guarendi comments during his Bookmark interview with host Doug Keck. Adoption: Choosing It, Living It, Loving It dispels myths about adoption, guides parents after an adoption to a more relaxed, rew […]
Hosted by Raymond Arroyo with guest Msgr. Swetland, Fr. Charles Connor, Fr. Sirico: The Bishops of the United States tackled and concluded a variety of tough issues from the new translation of the Latin Missal to Marriage and some of the toughest life issues facing the world today.
Daniel 7: 2 - 14 2 In the vision I saw during the night, suddenly the four winds of heaven stirred up the great sea, 3 from which emerged four immense beasts, each different from the others. 4 The first was like a lion, but with ...
Daniel 6: 12 - 28 12 So these men rushed in and found Daniel praying and pleading before his God. 13 Then they went to remind the king about the prohibition: "Did you not decree, O king, that no one is to address a petition to god or ...
Daniel 5: 1 - 6, 13 - 14, 16 - 17, 23 - 28 1 King Belshazzar gave a great banquet for a thousand of his lords, with whom he drank. 2 Under the influence of the wine, he ordered the gold and silver vessels which Nebuchadnezzar, his ...
Daniel 2: 31 - 45 31 "In your vision, O king, you saw a statue, very large and exceedingly bright, terrifying in appearance as it stood before you. 32 The head of the statue was pure gold, its chest and arms were silver, its belly and thighs bronze, ...
Daniel 1: 1 - 6, 8 - 20 1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came and laid siege to Jerusalem. 2 The Lord handed over to him Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and some of the vessels of ...
Daniel 7: 13 - 14 13 As the visions during the night continued, I saw One like a son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven; When he reached the Ancient One and was presented before him, 14 He received dominion, glory, and kingship; nations and peoples ...
1 Maccabees 6: 1 - 13 1 King Antiochus was going through the upper provinces when he heard that Elymais in Persia was a city famed for its wealth in silver and gold. 2 Its temple was very rich, containing golden shields, breastplates, and weapons left there by ...
1 Maccabees 4: 36 - 37, 52 - 59 36 Then said Judas and his brothers, "Behold, our enemies are crushed; let us go up to cleanse the sanctuary and dedicate it." 37 So all the army assembled and they went up to Mount Zion. 52 ...
1 Maccabees 2: 15 - 29 15 Then the king's officers who were enforcing the apostasy came to the city of Modein to make them offer sacrifice. 16 Many from Israel came to them; and Mattathias and his sons were assembled. 17 Then the king's officers ...
Acts 28: 11 - 16, 30 - 31 11 After three months we set sail in a ship which had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the Twin Brothers as figurehead. 12 Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 ...
http://www.holyland-pilgrimage.org During the month of may 2009 Pope benedict XVI visited the Holy Land. This clip shows the places his holiness visited in the Holy Land, as well as a summry of his messages to the world during his visit.
Fr. Bonaventure teaches us to not be afraid of this world but let us keep our eyes focused on Christ as we enter the season of anticipation for His coming, Advent. Ave Maria! 1: Dan 5:1-6,13-14,16-17,23-28 R: Dan 3:62-67 G: Lk 21:12-19 To Download Audio go to http://airmaria.com?p=8683
The Holy Family in Nazareth is our model, let us imitate their thankfulness, thankfulness even in poverty and trials. Ave Maria! To Download Audio go to http://airmaria.com?p=8728
From the inception of his pro-life work, Fr. Frank Pavone of Priest for Life has been urging the mass media to show the American people what an abortion is. Abortion is a reality which is so horrific that words alone can never convey its meaning. Warning - This video is very graphic.
Ave Maria! Corinn Dahm and Lisa Martin discuss the blossoming effort to raise funds for the Ave Maria Home for pregnant mothers in the Norwich Diocese. These homes will be affiliated with and patterned after the very successful Good Counsel Homes started by Chris Bell and Fr. Benedict Groeschel in NY City. Ave Maria! To Download Audio go to http://airmaria.c […]
Jesus said to his disciples:
“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars,
and on earth nations will be in dismay,
perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves.
People will die of fright
in anticipation of what is coming upon the world,
for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
And then they will see the Son of Man
coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
But when these signs begin to happen,
stand erect and raise your heads
because your redemption is at hand.
Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy
from carousing and drunkenness
and the anxieties of daily life,
and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.
For that day will assault everyone
who lives on the face of the earth.
Be vigilant at all times
and pray that you have the strength
to escape the tribulations that are imminent
and to stand before the Son of Man.”
The days are coming, says the LORD,
when I will fulfill the promise
I made to the house of Israel and Judah.
In those days, in that time,
I will raise up for David a just shoot ;
he shall do what is right and just in the land.
In those days Judah shall be safe
and Jerusalem shall dwell secure;
this is what they shall call her:
“The LORD our justice.”
Brothers and sisters:
May the Lord make you increase and abound in love
for one another and for all,
just as we have for you,
so as to strengthen your hearts,
to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father
at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones. Amen.
Finally, brothers and sisters,
we earnestly ask and exhort you in the Lord Jesus that,
as you received from us
how you should conduct yourselves to please God
and as you are conducting yourselves
you do so even more.
For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
Prayers
To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.
Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;
teach me your paths,
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior,
and for you I wait all the day.
AMEN
O Wisdom,
Holy Word of God
You rule all creation with power and true concern.
- Come teach us the way of salvation.
O Sacred Lord
and leader of ancient Israel
You communicated with Moses at the burning bush
and gave him the law on Mount Sinai
- Come to set us free by Your mighty arm
O Root of Jesse
raised up as a sign of all peoples
in Your presence kings become mute
and the nations worship before You
- Come to deliver us and do not delay
O Key of David
and Royal Power of Israel,
You open what no man can shut,
and You shut what no man can open.
- Come and deliver Your people
imprisoned by darkness and the shadow of death
O Radiant Dawn
You are the brightness of eternal light
and the Sun of justice.
- Come to enlighten those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death
O King of the Gentiles
and the long-for Ruler of the nations,
You are the cornerstone Who make all one.
- Come and save those whom You have created
O Emmanuel
our King and our Lawgiver
You are the Desired of the nations
and the Savior of all men.
- Come to save us, O Lord, our God!
If my kingdom did belong to this world,
my attendants would be fighting
to keep me from being handed over to the Jews.
But as it is, my kingdom is not here.”
Dn 7:13-14
Ps 93:1, 1-2, 5
Rv 1:5-8
Jn 18:33b-37
Revelations 1:5-8
Jesus Christ is the faithful witness,
the firstborn of the dead and ruler of the kings of the earth.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood,
who has made us into a kingdom, priests for his God and Father,
to him be glory and power forever and ever. Amen.
Behold, he is coming amid the clouds,
and every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him.
All the peoples of the earth will lament him.
Yes. Amen.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, ” says the Lord God,
“the one who is and who was and who is to come, the almighty.”
“And then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in the clouds’
with great power and glory,
and then he will send out the angels
and gather his elect from the four winds,
from the end of the earth to the end of the sky.”
Final Judgement
When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves,
you know that summer is near.
In the same way, when you see these things happening,
know that he is near, at the gates.
From the First Reading Daniel heard these words from the Lord.
“At that time there shall arise
Michael, the great prince,
guardian of your people;
it shall be a time unsurpassed in distress
since nations began until that time.
At that time your people shall escape,
everyone who is found written in the book.”
“Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake;
some shall live forever,
others shall be an everlasting horror and disgrace.”
“But the wise shall shine brightly
like the splendor of the firmament,
and those who lead the many to justice
shall be like the stars forever.”
Response
You are my inheritance, O Lord!
You will show me the path to life,
fullness of joys in your presence,
the delights at your right hand forever.
from the second reading
Every priest stands daily at his ministry,
offering frequently those same sacrifices
that can never take away sins.
But this one offered one sacrifice for sins,
and took his seat forever at the right hand of God;
now he waits until his enemies are made his footstool.
For by one offering
he has made perfect forever those who are being consecrated.
“And then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in the clouds’
with great power and glory,
and then he will send out the angels
and gather his elect from the four winds,
from the end of the earth to the end of the sky.”
This poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury.
For they have all contributed from their surplus, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.
Trust in God
Giving all you got
The value of the little one’s work is great in the eyes of God
1 Kgs 17:10-16
Ps 146:7, 8-9, 9-10
Heb 9:24-28
Mk 12:38-44 or 12:41-44
From the First Reading Elijah enounters a poor widow who had scarcely enough to eat for her and her son. “As the LORD, your God, lives, I have nothing baked; there is only a handful of flour in my jar
and a little oil in my jug. Just now I was collecting a couple of sticks, to go in and prepare something for myself and my son; when we have eaten it, we shall die.” Elijah said to her, “Do not be afraid. Go and do as you propose. But first make me a little cake and bring it to me. Then you can prepare something for yourself and your son.
For the LORD, the God of Israel, says,
‘The jar of flour shall not go empty,
nor the jug of oil run dry,
until the day when the LORD
sends rain upon the earth.’”
She left and did as Elijah had said.
She was able to eat for a year, and he and her son as well;
the jar of flour did not go empty,
nor the jug of oil run dry,
as the LORD had foretold through Elijah.
Responsorial Psalm
Praise the Lord, my soul!
The LORD keeps faith forever,
secures justice for the oppressed,
gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets captives free.
R. Praise the Lord, my soul!
The LORD gives sight to the blind.
The LORD raises up those who were bowed down;
the LORD loves the just.
The LORD protects strangers.
R. Praise the Lord, my soul!
The fatherless and the widow he sustains,
but the way of the wicked he thwarts.
The LORD shall reign forever;
your God, O Zion, through all generations. Alleluia.
R. Praise the Lord, my soul!
2nd Reading
Christ’s one and only sacrifice
…Just as it is appointed that human beings die once,
and after this the judgment, so also Christ,
offered once to take away the sins of many,
will appear a second time, not to take away sin
but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await him.
from the Gospel…
Jesus sat down opposite the treasury
and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury.
Many rich people put in large sums.
A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents.
Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them,
“Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more
than all the other contributors to the treasury.
For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth,
but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had,
her whole livelihood.”
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