https://x.com/Church_POP/status/2029014089184272561?s=20
https://x.com/Scribbledscrips/status/2029134763811062218?s=20
Svjedočanstva & Vjera
Vjera traži hrabrost. Vjera traži hrabre koji nadilaze sami sebe.Izbornik
02. KOR – RAZMATRANJA – c
RAZMATRANJA
UTORAK – II. KORIZMENI TJEDAN
Ražalostiti one koje ljubiš
Nemoguće je ne ražalostiti one koje ljubiš.
Mogao sam izbjeći taj susret s majkom.
Znaš li što znači vidjeti ljubljenu osobu koju si razočarao?
Bio sam prezren i odbačen od čitavog naroda kao heretik i zavodnik.
Moja je majka sve to znala.
Vidjela je fizičku i nutarnju bol i zagledala mi se u oči.
To je križ pogledati u oči najdražem biću kad te svi ismijavaju.
Nemoguće je ne razočarati ljude koji te vole.
Ne možeš ih očuvati od toga. Nemoj odbijati taj križ.
Naći ćeš me kad vidiš da si ražalostio svoje prijatelje i one koji te vole.
Gledaš kako tvoj pad nanosi njima bol. I to te razdire.
Moja je majka u mojem padu shvatila tko sam.
Kad je u njoj umrla i posljednja želja da uspijem,
tad je zasjala njezina vjera u punom sjaju.
Prijatelja ćeš dobiti kad sve dobro na tebi umre.
Tad vide samo tebe. Prihvati neizbježne sablazni.
Prihvati to da smiješ razočarati.
Naći ćeš tu mene i moju majku.
Tomislav Ivančić
Wednesday, March 4
Saint Casimir
Prayer for the Morning
Come, let us offer praise to Jesus Christ,
crucified for our redemption.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
HymnMeter: LM
This hymn can be sung to the tune used for
The Glory of These Forty Days
“Take up your cross,” the Savior said,
“If you would my disciple be;
Deny yourself, the world forsake,
And humbly follow after me.”
Take up your cross, nor heed the shame,
Nor let your foolish pride rebel;
Your Lord for you the cross endured,
And saved your soul from death and hell.
Take up your cross, then, in his strength,
And calmly sin’s wild deluge brave,
’Twill guide you to a better home,
It points to glory o’er the grave.
Psalm 1431-11
If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. No slave is
greater than his master. (cf. Jn 15:18, 20)
Disciples who follow Jesus faithfully must expect to follow him into
dislike, ridicule, even persecution from those who find the Gospel
threatening to their ways of thinking and acting.
Lord, listen to my prayer:
turn your ear to my appeal.
You are faithful, you are just; give answer.
Do not call your servant to judgment
for no one is just in your sight.
The enemy pursues my soul;
he has crushed my life to the ground;
he has made me dwell in darkness
like the dead, long forgotten.
Therefore my spirit fails;
my heart is numb within me.
I remember the days that are past:
I ponder all your works.
I muse on what your hand has wrought
and to you I stretch out my hands.
Like a parched land my soul thirsts for you.
Lord, make haste and answer;
for my spirit fails within me.
Do not hide your face
lest I become like those in the grave.
In the morning let me know your love
for I put my trust in you.
Make me know the way I should walk:
to you I lift up my soul.
Rescue me, Lord, from my enemies;
I have fled to you for refuge.
Teach me to do your will
for you, O Lord, are my God.
Let your good spirit guide me
in ways that are level and smooth.
For your name’s sake, Lord, save my life;
in your justice save my soul from distress.
Glory to the Father….
Word of GodWisdom 2:12-14
Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us;/ he sets
himself against our doings,/ Reproaches us for transgressions of the
law/ and charges us with violations of our training./ He professes to
have knowledge of God/ and styles himself a child of the Lord./ To us
he is the censure of our thoughts;/ merely to see him is a hardship
for us.
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you,
because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
(Responsory for the Holy Cross)
Canticle of Zechariah
The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his
life as a ransom for many. (Mt 20:28)
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet
of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness
and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Glory to the Father…
Intercessions
The poor opinion of others is hard to bear. Let us pray as Christ has
taught us to pray:
R/Forgive them, O Lord.
Lord, you redeemed a world indifferent to God’s reign:
– grant conversion of heart to those who are hostile to the Gospel. R/
Lord, you ate with the sinners and the self-righteous:
– bring light to all who are far from your ways. R/
Lord, you forgave your enemies from the cross:
– show your kindness to those who frown on us for our discipleship. R/
Personal intentions
Our Father….
O God, your love for the world transforms darkness into light, hatred
into love, and persecution into peace through the gift of your only
Son. Make us true disciples in every circumstance of daily life,
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
”If you say the Rosary faithfully until death, I do assure you that,
in spite of the gravity of your sins, you shall receive a never-fading
crown of glory. Even if you are on the brink of damnation, even if you
have one foot in hell, even if you have sold your soul to the devil,
sooner or later you will be converted and will amend your life and
save your soul if — and mark well what I say — if you say the Rosary
devoutly every day until death for the purpose of knowing the truth
and obtaining contrition and pardon for your sins.” – St. Louis de
Montfort
PATRON SAINTS OF THE IMPOSSIBLE Patron saints of the impossible serve
as powerful intercessors during times of dire need, offering hope and
guidance in seemingly insurmountable situations. 1. St. Rita of
Cascia, known as the ”Saint of the Impossible,” is celebrated for her
steadfast faith and forgiveness, often invoked for help in impossible
circumstances. 2. St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron of hopeless cases and
lost causes, provides comfort to those facing desperation. 3. St.
Gregory of Neocaesarea, a miracle-working bishop, is revered for his
role in converting entire communities, symbolizing divine intervention
in the face of the impossible. 4. St. Philomena, a young martyr
credited with numerous miracles, is called upon when all else fails.
These saints inspire faith and perseverance, reminding us that even
the most challenging situations can be overcome through divine aid.
Jesus: ”I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not
perish. I also promise victory over it’s enemies already here on
earth, especially at the hour of death. I Myself will defend it as My
own glory. (Diary, 48)
https://x.com/Jsmum46/status/2028849379679904129?s=20
https://x.com/Jsmum46/status/2028849379679904129?s=20
https://x.com/Jsmum46/status/2028849379679904129?s=20
There are many powerful prayers to Saint Joseph. One particular prayer
has been passed down over the centuries as a means of protection from
enemies, sudden death, drowning, poison, and more. According to the
Pieta prayer book, the protection prayer of Saint Joseph “was found in
the 50th year of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Tradition says,
“In 1505, it was sent from the pope to Emperor Charles when he was
going into battle. Whoever shall read this prayer or hear it or keep
it about themselves, shall never die a sudden death or be drowned, nor
shall poison take effect on them; neither shall they fall into the
hands of the enemy or be burned in any fire or be overpowered in
battle. It has seldom been known to fail.” It is also traditionally
prayed as a nine-day novena. The prayer received an imprimatur from
Bishop Hugh C. Boyle of the Diocese of Pittsburgh in 1950. Prayer to
Saint Joseph for Protection: Oh Saint Joseph, whose protection is so
great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you
all my interests and desires. Oh Saint Joseph, do assist me by your
powerful intercession and obtain for me from your divine son all
spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, our Lord; so that having
engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving
and homage to the most loving of Fathers. Oh Saint Joseph, I never
weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not
approach while he reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and
kiss his fine head for me, and ask him to return the kiss when I draw
my dying breath. Saint Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for us.
Amen. https://churchpop.com/saint-joseph-never-failing-protection-prayer/
https://x.com/Church_POP/status/2029014089184272561?s=20
https://x.com/Scribbledscrips/status/2029134763811062218?s=20
Svjedočanstva & Vjera
Vjera traži hrabrost. Vjera traži hrabre koji nadilaze sami sebe.Izbornik
02. KOR – RAZMATRANJA – c
RAZMATRANJA
UTORAK – II. KORIZMENI TJEDAN
Ražalostiti one koje ljubiš
Nemoguće je ne ražalostiti one koje ljubiš.
Mogao sam izbjeći taj susret s majkom.
Znaš li što znači vidjeti ljubljenu osobu koju si razočarao?
Bio sam prezren i odbačen od čitavog naroda kao heretik i zavodnik.
Moja je majka sve to znala.
Vidjela je fizičku i nutarnju bol i zagledala mi se u oči.
To je križ pogledati u oči najdražem biću kad te svi ismijavaju.
Nemoguće je ne razočarati ljude koji te vole.
Ne možeš ih očuvati od toga. Nemoj odbijati taj križ.
Naći ćeš me kad vidiš da si ražalostio svoje prijatelje i one koji te vole.
Gledaš kako tvoj pad nanosi njima bol. I to te razdire.
Moja je majka u mojem padu shvatila tko sam.
Kad je u njoj umrla i posljednja želja da uspijem,
tad je zasjala njezina vjera u punom sjaju.
Prijatelja ćeš dobiti kad sve dobro na tebi umre.
Tad vide samo tebe. Prihvati neizbježne sablazni.
Prihvati to da smiješ razočarati.
Naći ćeš tu mene i moju majku.
Tomislav Ivančić
Wednesday, March 4
Saint Casimir
Prayer for the Morning
Come, let us offer praise to Jesus Christ,
crucified for our redemption.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
HymnMeter: LM
This hymn can be sung to the tune used for
The Glory of These Forty Days
“Take up your cross,” the Savior said,
“If you would my disciple be;
Deny yourself, the world forsake,
And humbly follow after me.”
Take up your cross, nor heed the shame,
Nor let your foolish pride rebel;
Your Lord for you the cross endured,
And saved your soul from death and hell.
Take up your cross, then, in his strength,
And calmly sin’s wild deluge brave,
’Twill guide you to a better home,
It points to glory o’er the grave.
Psalm 1431-11
If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. No slave is
greater than his master. (cf. Jn 15:18, 20)
Disciples who follow Jesus faithfully must expect to follow him into
dislike, ridicule, even persecution from those who find the Gospel
threatening to their ways of thinking and acting.
Lord, listen to my prayer:
turn your ear to my appeal.
You are faithful, you are just; give answer.
Do not call your servant to judgment
for no one is just in your sight.
The enemy pursues my soul;
he has crushed my life to the ground;
he has made me dwell in darkness
like the dead, long forgotten.
Therefore my spirit fails;
my heart is numb within me.
I remember the days that are past:
I ponder all your works.
I muse on what your hand has wrought
and to you I stretch out my hands.
Like a parched land my soul thirsts for you.
Lord, make haste and answer;
for my spirit fails within me.
Do not hide your face
lest I become like those in the grave.
In the morning let me know your love
for I put my trust in you.
Make me know the way I should walk:
to you I lift up my soul.
Rescue me, Lord, from my enemies;
I have fled to you for refuge.
Teach me to do your will
for you, O Lord, are my God.
Let your good spirit guide me
in ways that are level and smooth.
For your name’s sake, Lord, save my life;
in your justice save my soul from distress.
Glory to the Father….
Word of GodWisdom 2:12-14
Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us;/ he sets
himself against our doings,/ Reproaches us for transgressions of the
law/ and charges us with violations of our training./ He professes to
have knowledge of God/ and styles himself a child of the Lord./ To us
he is the censure of our thoughts;/ merely to see him is a hardship
for us.
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you,
because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
(Responsory for the Holy Cross)
Canticle of Zechariah
The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his
life as a ransom for many. (Mt 20:28)
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet
of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness
and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Glory to the Father…
Intercessions
The poor opinion of others is hard to bear. Let us pray as Christ has
taught us to pray:
R/Forgive them, O Lord.
Lord, you redeemed a world indifferent to God’s reign:
– grant conversion of heart to those who are hostile to the Gospel. R/
Lord, you ate with the sinners and the self-righteous:
– bring light to all who are far from your ways. R/
Lord, you forgave your enemies from the cross:
– show your kindness to those who frown on us for our discipleship. R/
Personal intentions
Our Father….
O God, your love for the world transforms darkness into light, hatred
into love, and persecution into peace through the gift of your only
Son. Make us true disciples in every circumstance of daily life,
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Jeremia 18
Lärdom hämtad från krukmakarens arbete. Strafftal. Anslag mot
profeten. Profetens bön om motståndarnas bestraffning.
1Detta är det ord som kom till Jeremia från Herren; han sade 2”Stå upp
och gå ned till krukmakarens hus; där vill jag låta dig höra mina
ord.” 3Då gick jag ned till krukmakarens hus och fann honom upptagen
med arbete på krukmakarskivan. 4Och när kärlet som krukmakare höll på
att göra av leret misslyckades i hans hand, begynte han omigen, och
gjorde därav ett annat kärl så, som han ville hava det gjort. 5Och
Herrens ord kom till mig han sade: 6Skulle jag icke kunna göra med
eder, I av Israels hus, såsom denne krukmakare gör? säger Herren. Jo,
såsom leret är i krukmakarens hand, så ären ock I i min hand, I av
Israels hus. 7Den ena gången hotar jag ett folk och ett rike att jag
vill upprycka, nedbryta och förgöra det; 8men om då det folket
omvänder sig från det onda väsende mot vilket jag vände mitt hot, så
ångrar jag det onda som jag hade tänkt att göra dem. 9En annan gång
lovar jag ett folk och ett rike att jag vill uppbygga och plantera
det; 10men om det då gör vad ont är i mina ögon och icke hör min röst,
så ångrar jag det goda som jag hade sagt att jag ville göra dem. 11Så
säg du nu till Juda män och Jerusalems invånare: Så säger Herren: Se,
jag bereder åt eder en olycka, och jag har i sinnet ett anslag mot
eder. Vänden därför om, var och en från sin onda väg, och bättren
edert leverne och edert väsende. 12Men de skola svara: ”Du mödar dig
förgäves. Vi vilja följa våra egna tankar och göra var och en efter
sitt onda hjärtas hårdhet.”
13Därför säger Herren så:
Frågen efter bland hednafolken
om någon har hört något sådant.
Alltför gruvliga ting
har jungfrun Israel bedrivit.
14Övergiver då Libanons snö
sin upphöjda klippa,
eller sina de friska vatten ut,
som strömma ifrån fjärran,
15eftersom mitt folk förgäter mig
och tänder offereld åt avgudar?
Se, av dem skola de bringas på fall,
när de gå sin gamla stråt
och vandra på villostigar,
på obanade vägar.
16Så göra de sitt land till ett föremål för häpnad,
för begabberi evinnerligen;
alla som gå där fram skola häpna
och skaka huvudet.
17Såsom en östanvind skall jag förskingra dem,
när fienden kommer;
jag skall visa dem ryggen och icke ansiktet,
på deras ofärds dag.
18Men de sade: ”Kom, låt oss tänka ut något anslag mot Jeremia. Ty
prästerna skola icke komma till korta med undervisning, ej heller de
vise med råd, ej heller profeterna med förkunnelse. Ja, kom, låt oss
fälla honom med våra tungor; vi behöva alls icke akta på vad han
säger.”
19Herre, akta du på mig,
och hör vad mina motståndare tala.
20Skall man få vedergälla gott med ont,
eftersom dessa hava grävt en grop för mitt liv?
Tänk på huru jag har stått inför ditt ansikte
för att mana gott för dem,
till att avvända från dem din vrede.
21Därför må du överlämna deras barn åt hungersnöden
och giva dem själva till pris åt svärdet,
så att deras hustrur bliva barnlösa och änkor,
deras män dräpta av pesten,
och deras ynglingar slagna med svärd striden.
22Må klagorop höras från deras hus,
i det att du plötsligt låter rövarskaror komma över dem.
Ty de hava grävt en grop för att fånga mig,
och snaror hava de lagt ut för mina fötter.
23Men du, Herre, känner
alla deras mordiska anslag mot mig;
så må du då icke förlåta dem deras missgärning
eller utplåna deras synd ur din åsyn.
Må de bringas på fall inför dig;
ja, utför ditt verk mot dem på din vredes tid.
© Swedish Bible Society
Karaktär: Själens Stämpel
Den dygdige mannen gör dygdiga saker.
4 mars
LÄS I APPEN
”Den dygdige mannen gör dygdiga handlingar. Ju mer han gör dygdiga
saker, desto mer dygdig blir han.”
Sankt Thomas av Aquino
”Karaktär” är ofta ett slöst använt och dåligt förstådd ord i dagens
tid. Vi talar om karaktär som något att beundra hos en person och vi
påstår oss värdesätta det. Vi talar om karaktär vid människors
begravningar, men också i kritik av de levande. Som en tankeövning,
säg att någon höll dig under pistolhot och krävde att du skulle
berätta vad ”karaktär” betydde, tydligt. Kanske är det första du
tänker på att oavsett vilken karaktär som är, så är det definitivt
motsatsen till en man som håller dig under pistolhot och ber dig
definiera ordet. I den extrema övningen ligger problemet, eller hur?
Om du inte kan definiera något tydligt, hur kan du då påstå att du
verkligen strävar efter eller uppnår det?
Låt oss börja definiera karaktär utifrån vad vi kan förstå kring
ordet. Vi kan se tillbaka i historien på dem som har hjälpt till att
bygga kristenheten tegelsten för sten och snabbt inse att åtminstone
våra förfäder djupt förstod något som den moderna människan glömmer
med varje generation; Civilisationen är oskiljaktig från invånarnas
karaktär. Detta skulle ha varit sunt förnuft för männen från förr.
Platon visste det, Aristoteles visste det, Augustinus visste det och
det gjorde även Aquino. En civilisation är inte en maskin. Det är en
organism; en moralisk sådan. En civilisations uppgång eller fall beror
på hjärtat hos de män som utgör den.
Uppgradera till betald
Katekesen säger att moraliska dygder är ”frukten och fröet av
moraliskt goda handlingar; de disponerar alla människans krafter för
gemenskap med gudomlig kärlek” (CCC1804). Vissa kallar det
”medborgerlig dygd” och andra kallar det ”moralisk dygd”. I slutändan
är de samma sak. Mannen med ett ordnat inre liv som har lärt sig att
styra sig själv är den man som är lämplig att styra civilisationen.
Västerländsk civilisation, mer specifikt kristenheten, har byggt
vackra katedraler, elituniversitet, sjukhus och lagar. Det beror inte
på bättre resurser eller geografi. Det berodde på att dessa samhällen
i århundraden byggde upp män med väl formad karaktär i stort antal för
att upprätthålla deras kontinuerliga uppbyggnad. När byggnaderna för
sådana män kollapsade, kollapsade även sällskapen.
Vad karaktären betyder
”Character” härstammar från ”kharakter”, ett grekiskt ord som betyder
ett graverat märke. Det är en stämpel som pressas fast i lera eller
vax. Detta märke var ett intryck av en hantverkare. Märket skiljde
saker från allt annat av sitt slag.
Din karaktär är kännetecknet för alla val du någonsin gjort. Varje
mästerskapshandling, varje svaghetsfall, varje ögonblick av lydnad,
lojalitet, feghet och uppoffring; Accepterad eller inte. Alla dina
handlingar har tryckts in i din själ. Din karaktär formas alltid, det
råder ingen tvekan om detta. Den verkliga frågan är ”vilken sorts
människa producerar formningen?”
Dygd är ”viljans vana”, enligt Thomas av Aquino. Dygd är inte en mysig
känsla man får när man gör något bra. Det är inte en känsla, utan en
handling och en som utförs på olika sätt, gång på gång tills det blir
en sorts reflex. Att utöva dygd över tid gör att mannen så småningom
kan välja det goda utan ansträngning och med liten ansträngning.
Nyckeln är daglig övning.
Dela katolsk manlighet
Disciplin
En karaktärsfull man utövar självbehärskning. Mannen med utvecklad
karaktär ger inte efter för varje impuls. Avlöt kan finnas
tillgängligt, men sällan, om någonsin, bör det tas igenom. Den
karaktärsfulla mannen bär sitt kors utan klagomål och kan motstå tröst
när det ropar hans namn. Om du inte kan förneka dig själv, hur ska du
någonsin veta vad du är gjord av?
Svårigheter formar karaktär. Komfort förstör den.
Fäste
Karaktär byggs på något större än en själv. En man som är engagerad i
sin fru, sina barn, sitt samhälle och viktigast av allt mot Gud, är
engagerad i självstyre. Den välformade mannen är en som offrar av
kärlek snarare än av lagar som kräver det.
Det är därför Paulus uppmanar män att älska sina hustrur så som
Kristus älskade kyrkan. Förebilden för katolsk manlighet är den man
som med ödmjukhet och styrka accepterar hela vikten av vilket kors han
än är kallad att bära.
”Den som vandrar med de vise, ska vara vis: en vän till dårar ska bli lik dem.”
(Ordspråksboken 13:20)
Autonomi
Ett beslut måste fattas. Karaktär byggs inte av andras kraft. Det är
ett val en man gör för sig själv och för sig själv. En dygdig man
väljer det goda fritt, från hjärtat. På grund av den dagliga utövandet
av dygd stärks viljan.
Rätt uppförande är inte något som bara händer när folk tittar.
Kristenheten, och männen i den, skiljer sig från andra i denna värld
genom att alltid göra det som är rätt.
Det är det vanliga som händer
Den stora lögn som män får höra och som vi underhåller är att karaktär
byggs upp i extrema ögonblick. Karaktären skapas inte på slagfältet.
Slagfältet är där det prövas och där det manifesterar sig.
Det är i livets vardagliga handlingar som karaktär byggs upp.
Det vanliga livet är ritbordet.
Ett litet beslut efter det andra.
”Stora tillfällen att tjäna Gud kommer sällan, men små omger oss dagligen.”
Sankt Franciskus av Sales
Kan vi behålla humöret mot våra barn efter en tröttsam arbetsdag?
Håller vi vårt ord till vår make/maka, även om de minsta sakerna? Ska
vi behandla alla med samma värdighet utan att ta hänsyn till deras
livsställning?
Inget av besluten ovan framstår som särskilt heroiska, de är…
vanliga. Men när vi bemästrar det vanliga livet och lägger till de små
valen blir de tillsammans en man med karaktär. De blir den man som
dina barn och fru ser upp till, respekterar och litar på med sitt liv.
Var en man med karaktär, även när pressen är hög. Du är din familjs
klippa. Håll dig stadig.
Vi måste inse att varje beslut vi fattar i livet under de där vanliga
stunderna är en röst för vilken typ av karaktär du kommer att få.
Examinationen
Jag presenterar inte bara en artikel om karaktär, utan också en
handling som kan vidtas för att verkligen förbättra den. Fråga dig
själv; Var är du slav under dina passioner? Var misslyckas du? Vem
sviker du som är beroende av dig? Tänk inte bara på de dramatiska
ögonblicken, utan på de vanliga. Var kan du göra det svårare, men har
försummat det?
Helgonen föddes inte så. De var vanliga män som gjorde ett
extraordinärt antal rätta val, genom Guds nåd och i Jesu Kristi namn.
Den nåden är inom räckhåll, men kommer vi att samarbeta med den, eller
förneka Honom?
Karaktär är livets långsamma, avsiktliga arbete. Det är det enda med
dig som kommer att gå bortom graven. De märken du trycker in i leran i
din själ kommer att lämna avtryck på dina söner och på civilisationen
du har lånat från dem.
Stämpla din själ med god karaktär. Stämpla den med Jesus Kristus.
Var trosbekännelsen
Läsningar: Jer 18:18–20; Ps 31:5–6, 14–16; Matt 20:17–28.
Kära bröder och systrar
I dagens evangelium hörde vi Jesu tredje och sista förutsägelse om
sitt lidande och sin död, som han uttalade på vägen till Jerusalem och
som har gett namn åt den klassiska svenska fastepsalmen ”Se, vi går
upp till Jerusalem”. Det verkar dock som att lärjungarna fortfarande
inte har förstått någonting. Istället för att förbereda sig för att
följa med Jesus under hans lidande och vid behov vara beredda att
offra sina liv tillsammans med honom, så verkar de bara tänka på att
se till att positionera sig för att öka sina chanser att ta över som
ledare för apostlakollegiet när Jesus är borta. Därav förfrågan från
Sebedaiossönerna Jakob och Johannes mor att hennes söner ska få sitta
till höger och vänster om Jesus i hans rike. Men, som det heter i
kollektbönen för den helige Kasimir som vi kommemorerar idag, så är
”den sanne härskaren den som tjänar Gud”. I Andra Vatikankonciliets
dogmatiska konstitution om Kyrkan, Lumen Gentium, sägs också i
kapitlet om lekfolket, på tal om hur de deltar i Kristi värdighet som
kung, att Kristus ”delade [sin makt] med lärjungarna, så att också de
skulle bli insatta i den kungliga friheten och genom självförnekelse
och ett heligt liv besegra syndens rike i sig själva (jfr Rom 6:12).
Ja, genom att tjäna Kristus också i andra skulle de i ödmjukhet och
tålamod föra sina bröder till Konungen, för vilken det att tjäna är
att härska.”
Låt oss be om nåden att vi liksom den helige prins Kasimir förstår
djupet av detta mysterium, så att vi lär oss att regera med Kristus
genom att tjäna våra bröder och systrar i honom. Amen.
Find a Spouse: Novena to St. Joseph
Day 8 – Living in joy
Day 8 – Living in joy – The 7 joys of St. Joseph
We are made to live in joy, we were created to experience happiness,
our God anoints us with an ”oil of gladness” (Psalm 44: 8). Christian
happiness is not a distant and unreachable reality, or a promise
exclusively for the afterlife. – From the book ”Comme des Colonnes
sculptées”
The 7 joys of St. Joseph
The life of Joseph is much similar to ours; his pains and joys were
closely linked. We talk about the seven sorrows of St. Joseph (the
Incarnation, the birth of Jesus, the circumcision, the presentation to
the Temple, the flight to Egypt, the secret life in Nazareth, the
finding of the child in the Temple). In reality, the events described
in the sorrowful mysteries of St. Joseph were both the source of his
worries for the wellbeing of his family, as well as the source of
profound joy:
•
The mystery of the Incarnation: Joseph shares in the secret of the
fulfillment of God’s promise to Israel – he gladly took Mary, the
Mother of the Messiah, as his spouse.
•
The birth of Jesus: Joseph was the first witness of the coming of the
Word made flesh, along with Mary, the shepherds, and the angels,
singing to the glory of the Lord.
•
The circumcision: Joseph is the one who gave Jesus his name, which
reminds us all of God’s mercy (Yeshua = ”to deliver” or ”rescue”) and
he officially became his father.
•
The hidden life in Nazareth: what joy, what light must have radiated
from the humble home of the Holy Family in Nazareth! Joseph taught his
craft to Jesus, how to become a man… He fulfilled his role as a
parent with joy and patience.
•
The finding of Jesus at the Temple: what a relief it must have been to
Joseph and Mary to find their son in the Temple! The words of Jesus
touched their hearts, and they marvelled at His maturity, as grew more
wise and mature before God and men.
The joys of Joseph are both simple, and profoundly mysterious.
Living in joy
We were created to experience joy in our everyday lives. You can read
about the life of Claire de Castelbajac (1953 – 1975) to see how a
person can appreciate the absolute jubilation of the Lord. To her,
being happy was a mission, a work for justice. Being happy is a gift
to God, offered in thanksgiving for our lives. Holiness means letting
ourselves be loved, and sharing this love and joy around us. Claire’s
life was short, but she left her luminous mark in her wake: she
invited us to radiate this joy!
Joy does not come from having, but from being. We must invest in this
joy daily, and throw ourselves into what makes us happy. Joy is a risk
to take, a dare to accept. Joy leads to greater joy, it expands our
hearts and opens us to happiness.
Living in joy with St. Joseph
The belief that joy can be experienced here on earth comes from the
Word of God: “Ask, and it will be given to you” (Matthew 7:7).
Emboldened by this promise, unite yourself with the profound joy of
St. Joseph. Praise God now for the wonders He placed your path, and
for the plan He has for you, which will exceed your desires!
•
Our Father
•
Hail Mary
•
The prayer of the novena
Hail St. Joseph
Hail St. Joseph the just, wisdom is with you;
Blessed are you among men and blessed is Jesus,
The fruit of Mary, your faithful spouse.
Holy Joseph, worthy foster-father of Jesus Christ,
Pray for us sinners and
Obtain divine wisdom for us from God,
Now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
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Ite Ad Joseph: Total Consecration to St. Joseph and the Holy Family
(18 days) Day 6
Ite Ad Joseph: Total Consecration to St. Joseph and the Holy Family
(18 days) Day 6
.
Renouncement of the world:
.
The spirit of the world consists essentially in the denial of the
supreme dominion of God, a denial which is manifested in practice by
sin and disobedience; thus it is principally opposed to the spirit of
Christ, which is also that of Mary and Joseph.
During this time we should consider and meditate upon our lowliness
and nothingness. We should consider our origin in original sin, and
how this leaves us so prone to sin at every turn. We should recall the
sinful course of our life and our present sinful state. We should look
to the future when the corruption of death will lay claim to us.
Petition: contrition for our sins and knowledge of ourselves in a
spirit of humility
—————————-
Gospel According to Saint Matthew, Chapter 10
.
[1] And having called his twelve disciples together, he gave them
power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner
of diseases, and all manner of infirmities. [2] And the names of the
twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon who is called Peter, and
Andrew his brother, [3] James the son of Zebedee, and John his
brother, Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the publican, and
James the son of Alpheus, and Thaddeus, [4] Simon the Cananean, and
Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. [5] These twelve Jesus sent:
commanding them, saying: Go ye not into the way of the Gentiles, and
into the city of the Samaritans enter ye not.
[6] But go ye rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. [7] And
going, preach, saying: The kingdom of heaven is at hand. [8] Heal the
sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils: freely have
you received, freely give. [9] Do not possess gold, nor silver, nor
money in your purses: [10] Nor scrip for your journey, nor two coats,
nor shoes, nor a staff; for the workman is worthy of his meat.
[11] And into whatsoever city or town you shall enter, inquire who in
it is worthy, and there abide till you go thence. [12] And when you
come into the house, salute it, saying: Peace be to this house. [13]
And if that house be worthy, your peace shall come upon it; but if it
be not worthy, your peace shall return to you. [14] And whosoever
shall not receive you, nor hear your words: going forth out of that
house or city shake off the dust from your feet. [15] Amen I say to
you, it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in
the day of judgment, than for that city.
[16] Behold I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be ye
therefore wise as serpents and simple as doves. [17] But beware of
men. For they will deliver you up in councils, and they will scourge
you in their synagogues. [18] And you shall be brought before
governors, and before kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and
to the Gentiles: [19] But when they shall deliver you up, take no
thought how or what to speak: for it shall be given you in that hour
what to speak. [20] For it is not you that speak, but the Spirit of
your Father that speaketh in you.
[21] The brother also shall deliver up the brother to death, and the
father the son: and the children shall rise up against their parents,
and shall put them to death. [22] And you shall be hated by all men
for my name’ s sake: but he that shall persevere unto the end, he
shall be saved. [23] And when they shall persecute you in this city,
flee into another. Amen I say to you, you shall not finish all the
cities of Israel, till the Son of man come. [24] The disciple is not
above the master, nor the servant above his lord. [25] It is enough
for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his
lord. If they have called the goodman of the house Beelzebub, how much
more them of his household?
[26] Therefore fear them not. For nothing is covered that shall not be
revealed: nor hid, that shall not be known. [27] That which I tell you
in the dark, speak ye in the light: and that which you hear in the
ear, preach ye upon the housetops. [28] And fear ye not them that kill
the body, and are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him that
can destroy both soul and body in hell. [29] Are not two sparrows sold
for a farthing? and not one of them shall fall on the ground without
your Father. [30] But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
[31] Fear not therefore: better are you than many sparrows. [32] Every
one therefore that shall confess me before men, I will also confess
him before my Father who is in heaven. [33] But he that shall deny me
before men, I will also deny him before my Father who is in heaven.
[34] Do not think that I came to send peace upon earth: I came not to
send peace, but the sword. [35] For I came to set a man at variance
against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the
daughter in law against her mother in law.
[35] I came to set a man at variance: Not that this was the end or
design of the coming of our Saviour; but that his coming and his
doctrine would have this effect, by reason of the obstinate resistance
that many would make, and of their persecuting all such as should
adhere to him.
[36] And a man’ s enemies shall be they of his own household. [37] He
that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me; and he
that loveth son or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me. [38]
And he that taketh not up his cross, and followeth me, is not worthy
of me. [39] He that findeth his life, shall lose it: and he that shall
lose his life for me, shall find it. [40] He that receiveth you,
receiveth me: and he that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me.
[41] He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet, shall
receive the reward of a prophet: and he that receiveth a just man in
the name of a just man, shall receive the reward of a just man. [42]
And whosoever shall give to drink to one of these little ones a cup of
cold water only in the name of a disciple, amen I say to you, he shall
not lose his reward.
———————-
Spiritual exercises:
1. Examination of conscience, good confession, and communion in honor
of St. Joseph.
2. To practice a daily renouncement or mortification in honor of St. Joseph.
3. Pray one Rosary each day in honor of Mary and Joseph in front of
their images.
————————–
Prayers:
.
Veni, Creator.
.
Come, O Creator Spirit blest!
And in our souls take up Thy rest;
Come with Thy grace and heavenly aid,
to fill the hearts which Thou hast made.
Great Paraclete! To Thee we cry,
O highest gift of God most high!
O font of life! O fire of love!
And sweet anointing from above.
Thou in Thy sevenfold gifts art known,
The finger of God’s hand we own;
The promise of the Father, Thou!
Who dost the tongue with power endow.
Kindle our senses from above,
and make our hearts overflow with love;
with patience firm and virtue high
The weakness of our flesh supply.
Far from us drive the foe we dread,
And grant us Thy true peace instead;
So shall we not, with Thee for guide,
Turn from the path of life aside.
Oh, may Thy grace on us bestow
The Father and the Son to know,
And Thee through endless times confessed
Of both the eternal Spirit blest.
All glory while the ages run
Be to the Father and the Son
Who rose from death; the same to Thee,
O Holy Ghost, eternally. Amen.
———————
Ave, Maris Stella:
Hail, bright star of ocean,
God’s own Mother blest,
Ever sinless Virgin,
Gate of heavenly rest.
Taking that sweet Ave
Which from Gabriel came,
Peace confirm within us,
Changing Eva’s name.
Break the captives’ fetters,
Light on blindness pour,
All our ills expelling,
Every bliss implore.
Show thyself a Mother;
May the Word Divine,
Born for us thy Infant,
Hear our prayers through thine.
Virgin all excelling,
Mildest of the mild,
Freed from guilt, preserve us,
Pure and undefiled.
Keep our life all spotless,
Make our way secure,
Till we find in Jesus
Joy forevermore.
Through the highest Heaven
To the Almighty Three,
Father, Son and Spirit,
One same glory be. Amen.
——————–
Litany of the Holy Ghost:
.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Father all powerful, have mercy on us
Jesus, Eternal Son of the Father, Redeemer of the world, save us.
Spirit of the Father and the Son, boundless life of both, sanctify us.
Holy Trinity, hear us
Holy Ghost, Who proceedest from the Father and the Son, enter our hearts.
Holy Ghost, Who art equal to the Father and the Son, enter our hearts.
.
Promise of God the Father, have mercy on us.
Ray of heavenly light, have mercy on us
Author of all good, have mercy on us
Source of heavenly water, have mercy on us
Consuming fire, have mercy on us
Ardent charity, have mercy on us
Spiritual unction, have mercy on us
Spirit of love and truth, have mercy on us
Spirit of wisdom and understanding, have mercy on us
Spirit of counsel and fortitude, have mercy on us
Spirit of knowledge and piety, have mercy on us
Spirit of the fear of the Lord, have mercy on us
Spirit of grace and prayer, have mercy on us
Spirit of peace and meekness, have mercy on us
Spirit of modesty and innocence, have mercy on us
Holy Ghost, the Comforter, have mercy on us
Holy Ghost, the Sanctifier, have mercy on us
Holy Ghost, Who governest the Church, have mercy on us
Gift of God, the Most High, have mercy on us
Spirit Who fillest the universe, have mercy on us
Spirit of the adoption of the children of God, have mercy on us
Holy Ghost, inspire us with horror of sin.
Holy Ghost, come and renew the face of the earth.
Holy Ghost, shed Thy light in our souls.
Holy Ghost, engrave Thy law in our hearts
Holy Ghost, inflame us with the flame of Thy love.
Holy Ghost, open to us the treasures of Thy graces
Holy Ghost, teach us to pray well.
Holy Ghost, enlighten us with Thy heavenly inspirations.
Holy Ghost, lead us in the way of salvation
Holy Ghost, grant us the only necessary knowledge.
Holy Ghost, inspire in us the practice of good.
Holy Ghost, grant us the merits of all virtues.
Holy Ghost, make us persevere in justice.
Holy Ghost, be Thou our everlasting reward.
.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Send us Thy Holy Ghost.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, pour down into our
souls the gifts of the Holy Ghost.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, grant us the
Spirit of wisdom and piety.
.
V/. Come, Holy Ghost! Fill the hearts of Thy faithful,
R/. And enkindle in them the fire of Thy love.
.
Let Us Pray.
.
Grant, O merciful Father, that Thy Divine Spirit may enlighten,
inflame and purify us, that He may penetrate us with His heavenly dew
and make us fruitful in good works, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy
Son, Who with Thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, liveth and
reigneth forever and ever. R. Amen.
———————-
The Litany of St. Joseph.
For Public or Private Use.
.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.
.
Holy Mary, pray for us .
Saint Joseph,
pray for us*.
Illustrious son of David,*
Light of the patriarchs,*
Spouse of the Mother of God,*
Chaste guardian of the Virgin,*
Foster-father of the Son of God,*
Watchful defender of Christ,*
Head of the Holy Family,*
Joseph most just,*
Joseph most chaste,*
Joseph most prudent,*
Joseph most valiant,*
Joseph most obedient,*
Joseph most faithful,*
Mirror of patience,*
Lover of poverty,*
Model of workmen,*
Glory of domestic life,*
Guardian of virgins,*
Pillar of families,*
Solace of the afflicted,*
Hope of the sick,*
Patron of the dying,*
Terror of demons,*
Protector of Holy Church,*
.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear
us, O Lord. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have
mercy on us.
.
V/. He made him the lord of His household,
R/. And prince over all His possessions.
.
Let Us Pray.
.
O God, Who in Thine ineffable providence didst choose Blessed Joseph
to be the spouse of Thy most Holy Mother, grant that as we venerate
him as our protector on earth, we may deserve to have him as our
intercessor in Heaven, Thou Who livest and reignest forever and ever.
R. Amen.
4 mars 2026
”Men Mose sade: ”Herre, jag ber dig: Sänd ditt budskap med vilken
annan du vill.””
— Andra Moseboken 4:13 —
Mose kände sig för liten för uppdraget. ”Herre, jag är ingen talför
man.” Han menade att han hade aldrig varit det och inte nu heller. Så
när Gud kallar Mose ber han:
”Men Mose sade: ”Herre, jag ber dig: Sänd ditt budskap med vilken
annan du vill.” (vers 13) En rätt mänsklig känsla. Särskilt när man
inser att uppdraget är både stort och krävande. ”Vem är jag att klara
det?”
Jag tänker att samtidigt är det en märklig känsla. Varför tänker vi
så? Gud kallar ju den han tror klarar uppdraget. Ingen annan. Kanske
inte så konstigt att Gud blir vred på Mose. Men där stänger Gud inte
dörren. Gud sänder Moses bror Aron. Han blir Moses röst. Gud skapar
vägen för att genomföra sitt uppdrag: ”Du ska tala till honom och
lägga orden i hans mun. Och jag ska vara med din mun och hans mun, och
jag ska lära er vad ni ska göra. ” (vers15)
Gud utrustar den han kallar till uppdrag. Och jag ser i min bibel
att Gud ser inte till det yttre: ”Men Herren sade till Samuel: ”Se
inte på hans yttre ../.. En människa ser det som är för ögonen, men
Herren ser till hjärtat.” (1 Samuelsb 16:7). ”Var inte rädd, för jag
är med dig, se dig inte ängsligt om, för jag är din Gud. Jag styrker
dig, jag hjälper dig, jag stöder dig med min rättfärdighets högra
hand. ’ (Jesaja 41:10). Jeremia tyckte att han var för ung: ”Då sade
Herren till mig: ”Säg inte: Jag är för ung, utan gå vart jag än sänder
dig och tala vad jag än befaller dig. ’ Jeremia 1:7. Och i 1 Thess
5:24 läser vi ”Trofast är han som kallat er – han skall utföra sitt
verk.”
Att känna sig liten för uppdraget är mänskligt. Men Han som kallar
har alla de resurser du behöver för att genomföra uppdraget. Så vila i
att du är på rätt väg med rätt support från vår Herre.
Herre, tack för att du utrustar den som du kallar. Ge mig mod att gå.
Amen
Day 8: Submission to Authorities
Post image
“And Joseph . . . went to Bethlehem . . . to register, together with
Mary his espoused wife, who was with child.” Lk 2: 4–5
Many people desire to be numbered among the saints, and yet neglect to
be numbered among the people. Often a man idealizes sainthood as
solely the demand to be intimate with God, while separating himself
from people and their demands.
Yet, to love the Creator is to love his creatures, and God in His
creatures; for “how can one love the God he cannot see if he loves not
the people he does see?” One cannot experience the exalted God, and
being exalted by God, without the experience of being a humble servant
of men, and being humbled by serving men.
A religious man can be more inclined to serve religious authority
while neglecting to obey secular authorities. Yet, submission to a
secular authority can often determine whether a man is truly
religious.
St. Paul admonishes Christians, “Let everyone be subject to higher
authorities, for there exist no other authority except from God, and
those who exist have been appointed by God. Therefore, he who resists
authority resists the ordinance of God; and they that resist bring on
themselves condemnation.”
Often God uses secular authorities to determine if a servant be
responsible in “small matters,” and therefore be trusted with “greater
responsibilities.” If a law does not compromise one’s objective moral
code, submission to the law must not be compromised.
St. Joseph humbly obeyed Caesar Augustus’s dictate to be numbered
among the peoples in the ruler’s census. By submitting to a secular
authority, Joseph enabled Jesus to be born and counted among the
peoples whom He would save eventually, and to fulfill the prophecy
that the Messiah be born in Bethlehem. By being obedient to worldly
powers, Joseph allowed the power of God to be made manifest.
St. Joseph’s submission to secular authority is a testimony of his
trust in the God who gave men such authority. By submitting to an
authority above himself, Joseph proves that he is worthy of his
family’s (Mary and Jesus) submission to his authority.
You, my brother, cannot lead others to obedience if you are unwilling
to follow obediently. Obedience to employers, government leaders and
especially religious superiors, is to be “numbered among the people,”
which enables a man to be numbered among the saints.
Go to Joseph for Relational Transformation
Often spiritual programs are focused on personal transformation. While
it is vital that we experience personal transformation, it is
important that our personal transformation leads to relational
transformation. That’s one of the consequences of being consecrated to
St. Joseph. Joseph shows us to depend on God for the grace to heal our
relationships. St. Joseph teaches us how to serve. Serving brings
healing. Do you have trouble serving your wife, your children? What
are those things that you avoid doing that would show your family
Christ’s love? Ask St. Joseph to help you see the ways you can serve,
and then act on it. By doing so, you and your relationships will
experience transformation.
—St. Joseph, servant of the Holy Family, pray for me.
Conclude with the following prayer:
St. Joseph, like Jesus, you chose not to be served but to serve. You
did not allow the difficulties and challenges of life to convince you
to feel sorry for yourself. I confess that there have been moments
when the challenges of life weary me. It is during these occasions
that the least thing I desire is to be at the service of another. Lead
me Joseph, to rise above my self-preoccupation and rejoice in serving
my wife and children.
Consecration Prayer to St. Joseph
O St. Joseph predestined and chosen by God from among men, you
received the glorious honor of being the chaste guardian of the Most
Blessed Virgin Mary. Enflamed with divine love, you received her as
your beloved wife, and through her, God bestowed upon you the most
privileged distinction of being the virginal father of God the Son.
As a living reflection of the Heavenly Father, you protected the
Christ Child from Herod, thus becoming the savior of the Savior. You
accepted Jesus’ humble submission to your fatherly authority and thus
became the master of the Master. As a hidden king you conferred upon
Jesus the Davidic kingship and thus became the king of the King of
Kings. With untiring joy you labored to nurture the human soul and
flesh of Jesus, giving bread to the Bread of Life.
Most gentle and generous father, look upon me, your indigent child,
and see that I too need your care and protection. O chaste heart that
burned with love for Jesus and Mary, teach me, your humble servant, to
be devoted entirely to Mary and to worship the Lord Jesus with my
entire being that I too may become a living reflection of God our
Father.
O master of the interior life, you faithfully and promptly fulfilled
the divine commands. Your humble obedience has elevated the vocation
of fatherhood as a certain means to sublime sanctity and eternal
glory. Desiring to follow your holy example, I embrace my vocation to
be a most chaste husband, a living icon of God the Father, and a just
guardian and guide that my family may become like yours, a Holy
Family.
Therefore, most glorious and humble spiritual father, today before the
heavenly host I surrender myself, my marriage, my fatherhood, my
family, my labors, my merits, all that I am and have, unreservedly and
totally to you, and consequently to Mary my Queen and most holy
Mother, that you may always be my parents in the order of grace and
that I may forever be your son. As you and Mary consecrated the Son of
God to God the Father, consecrate me also, that I may be set apart for
holy service to God most high. I beseech you, as you prepared Christ
for His ultimate sacrifice, prepare me also that I may attain the
fullness of divine sonship.
Most humble, silent, and hidden father, I surrender all to you that my
fatherhood may glorify God the Father of glory in this age and the age
to come, forever without end, Amen.
Ite Ad Joseph: Total Consecration to St. Joseph and the Holy Family
(18 days) Day 5
.
Renouncement of the world:
.
The spirit of the world consists essentially in the denial of the
supreme dominion of God, a denial which is manifested in practice by
sin and disobedience; thus it is principally opposed to the spirit of
Christ, which is also that of Mary and Joseph.
During this time we should consider and meditate upon our lowliness
and nothingness. We should consider our origin in original sin, and
how this leaves us so prone to sin at every turn. We should recall the
sinful course of our life and our present sinful state. We should look
to the future when the corruption of death will lay claim to us.
Petition: contrition for our sins and knowledge of ourselves in a
spirit of humility
———————————
Gospel According to Saint Matthew, Chapter 9
.
[1] And entering into a boat, he passed over the water and came into
his own city. [2] And behold they brought to him one sick of the palsy
lying in a bed. And Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the man sick of
the palsy: Be of good heart, son, thy sins are forgiven thee. [3] And
behold some of the scribes said within themselves: He blasphemeth. [4]
And Jesus seeing their thoughts, said: Why do you think evil in your
hearts? [5] Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins are forgiven thee: or
to say, Arise, and walk?
[6] But that you may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to
forgive sins, (then said he to the man sick of palsy,) Arise, take up
thy bed, and go into thy house. [7] And he arose, and went into his
house. [8] And the multitude seeing it, feared, and glorified God that
gave such power to men. [9] And when Jesus passed on from hence, he
saw a man sitting in the custom house, named Matthew; and he saith to
him: Follow me. And he rose up and followed him. [10] And it came to
pass as he was sitting at meat in the house, behold many publicans and
sinners came, and sat down with Jesus and his disciples.
[11] And the Pharisees seeing it, said to his disciples: Why doth your
master eat with publicans and sinners? [12] But Jesus hearing it,
said: They that are in health need not a physician, but they that are
ill. [13] Go then and learn what this meaneth, I will have mercy and
not sacrifice. For I am not come to call the just, but sinners. [14]
Then came to him the disciples of John, saying: Why do we and the
Pharisees fast often, but thy disciples do not fast? [15] And Jesus
said to them: Can the children of the bridegroom mourn, as long as the
bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom
shall be taken away from them, and then they shall fast.
[16] And nobody putteth a piece of raw cloth unto an old garment. For
it taketh away the fullness thereof from the garment, and there is
made a greater rent. [17] Neither do they put new wine into old
bottles. Otherwise the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and
the bottles perish. But new wine they put into new bottles: and both
are preserved. [18] As he was speaking these things unto them, behold
a certain ruler came up, and adored him, saying: Lord, my daughter is
even now dead; but come, lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
[19] And Jesus rising up followed him, with his disciples. [20] And
behold a woman who was troubled with an issue of blood twelve years,
came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment.
[21] For she said within herself: If I shall touch only his garment, I
shall be healed. [22] But Jesus turning and seeing her, said: Be of
good heart, daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman
was made whole from that hour. [23] And when Jesus was come into the
house of the ruler, and saw the minstrels and the multitude making a
rout, [24] He said: Give place, for the girl is not dead, but
sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. [25] And when the multitude
was put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand. And the maid
arose.
[26] And the fame hereof went abroad into all that country. [27] And
as Jesus passed from thence, there followed him two blind men crying
out and saying, Have mercy on us, O Son of David. [28] And when he was
come to the house, the blind men came to him. And Jesus saith to them,
Do you believe, that I can do this unto you? They say to him, Yea,
Lord. [29] Then he touched their eyes, saying, According to your
faith, be it done unto you. [30] And their eyes were opened, and Jesus
strictly charged them, saying, See that no man know this.
[31] But they going out, spread his fame abroad in all that country.
[32] And when they were gone out, behold they brought him a dumb man,
possessed with a devil. [33] And after the devil was cast out, the
dumb man spoke, and the multitudes wondered, saying, Never was the
like seen in Israel. [34] But the Pharisees said, By the prince of
devils he casteth out devils. [35] And Jesus went about all the
cities, and towns, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the
gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease, and every infirmity.
[36] And seeing the multitudes, he had compassion on them: because
they were distressed, and lying like sheep that have no shepherd. [37]
Then he saith to his disciples, The harvest indeed is great, but the
labourers are few. [38] Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest,
that he send forth labourers into his harvest.
————————–
Spiritual exercises:
1. Examination of conscience, good confession, and communion in honor
of St. Joseph.
2. To practice a daily renouncement or mortification in honor of St. Joseph.
3. Pray one Rosary each day in honor of Mary and Joseph in front of
their images.
———————-
Prayers:
.
Veni, Creator.
.
Come, O Creator Spirit blest!
And in our souls take up Thy rest;
Come with Thy grace and heavenly aid,
to fill the hearts which Thou hast made.
Great Paraclete! To Thee we cry,
O highest gift of God most high!
O font of life! O fire of love!
And sweet anointing from above.
Thou in Thy sevenfold gifts art known,
The finger of God’s hand we own;
The promise of the Father, Thou!
Who dost the tongue with power endow.
Kindle our senses from above,
and make our hearts overflow with love;
with patience firm and virtue high
The weakness of our flesh supply.
Far from us drive the foe we dread,
And grant us Thy true peace instead;
So shall we not, with Thee for guide,
Turn from the path of life aside.
Oh, may Thy grace on us bestow
The Father and the Son to know,
And Thee through endless times confessed
Of both the eternal Spirit blest.
All glory while the ages run
Be to the Father and the Son
Who rose from death; the same to Thee,
O Holy Ghost, eternally. Amen.
———————
AVE, MARIS STELLA.
.
Hail, bright star of ocean,
God’s own Mother blest,
Ever sinless Virgin,
Gate of heavenly rest.
Taking that sweet Ave
Which from Gabriel came,
Peace confirm within us,
Changing Eva’s name.
Break the captives’ fetters,
Light on blindness pour,
All our ills expelling,
Every bliss implore.
Show thyself a Mother;
May the Word Divine,
Born for us thy Infant,
Hear our prayers through thine.
Virgin all excelling,
Mildest of the mild,
Freed from guilt, preserve us,
Pure and undefiled.
Keep our life all spotless,
Make our way secure,
Till we find in Jesus
Joy forevermore.
Through the highest Heaven
To the Almighty Three,
Father, Son and Spirit,
One same glory be. Amen.
———————–
LITANY OF THE HOLY GHOST.
.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Father all powerful, have mercy on us
Jesus, Eternal Son of the Father, Redeemer of the world, save us.
Spirit of the Father and the Son, boundless life of both, sanctify us.
Holy Trinity, hear us.
.
Holy Ghost, Who proceedest from the Father and the Son, enter our hearts.
Holy Ghost, Who art equal to the Father and the Son, enter our hearts.
Promise of God the Father, have mercy on us.
Ray of heavenly light, have mercy on us
Author of all good, have mercy on us
Source of heavenly water, have mercy on us
Consuming fire, have mercy on us
Ardent charity, have mercy on us
Spiritual unction, have mercy on us
Spirit of love and truth, have mercy on us
Spirit of wisdom and understanding, have mercy on us
Spirit of counsel and fortitude, have mercy on us
Spirit of knowledge and piety, have mercy on us
Spirit of the fear of the Lord, have mercy on us
Spirit of grace and prayer, have mercy on us
Spirit of peace and meekness, have mercy on us
Spirit of modesty and innocence, have mercy on us
Holy Ghost, the Comforter, have mercy on us
Holy Ghost, the Sanctifier, have mercy on us
Holy Ghost, Who governest the Church, have mercy on us
Gift of God, the Most High, have mercy on us
Spirit Who fillest the universe, have mercy on us
Spirit of the adoption of the children of God, have mercy on us
Holy Ghost, inspire us with horror of sin.
Holy Ghost, come and renew the face of the earth.
Holy Ghost, shed Thy light in our souls.
Holy Ghost, engrave Thy law in our hearts
Holy Ghost, inflame us with the flame of Thy love.
Holy Ghost, open to us the treasures of Thy graces
Holy Ghost, teach us to pray well.
Holy Ghost, enlighten us with Thy heavenly inspirations.
Holy Ghost, lead us in the way of salvation
Holy Ghost, grant us the only necessary knowledge.
Holy Ghost, inspire in us the practice of good.
Holy Ghost, grant us the merits of all virtues.
Holy Ghost, make us persevere in justice.
Holy Ghost, be Thou our everlasting reward.
.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Send us Thy Holy Ghost.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, pour down into our
souls the gifts of the Holy Ghost.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, grant us the
Spirit of wisdom and piety.
.
V/. Come, Holy Ghost! Fill the hearts of Thy faithful,
R/. And enkindle in them the fire of Thy love.
.
Let Us Pray.
.
Grant, O merciful Father, that Thy Divine Spirit may enlighten,
inflame and purify us, that He may penetrate us with His heavenly dew
and make us fruitful in good works, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy
Son, Who with Thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, liveth and
reigneth forever and ever. R. Amen.
—————————–
THE LITANY OF SAINT JOSEPH FOR PUBLIC OR PRIVATE USE
.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.
.
Holy Mary, pray for us .
Saint Joseph,
pray for us*.
Illustrious son of David,*
Light of the patriarchs,*
Spouse of the Mother of God,*
Chaste guardian of the Virgin,*
Foster-father of the Son of God,*
Watchful defender of Christ,*
Head of the Holy Family,*
Joseph most just,*
Joseph most chaste,*
Joseph most prudent,*
Joseph most valiant,*
Joseph most obedient,*
Joseph most faithful,*
Mirror of patience,*
Lover of poverty,*
Model of workmen,*
Glory of domestic life,*
Guardian of virgins,*
Pillar of families,*
Solace of the afflicted,*
Hope of the sick,*
Patron of the dying,*
Terror of demons,*
Protector of Holy Church,*
.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear
us, O Lord. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have
mercy on us.
.
V/. He made him the lord of His household,
R/. And prince over all His possessions.
.
Let Us Pray.
.
O God, Who in Thine ineffable providence didst choose Blessed Joseph
to be the spouse of Thy most Holy Mother, grant that as we venerate
him as our protector on earth, we may deserve to have him as our
intercessor in Heaven, Thou Who livest and reignest forever and ever.
R. Amen.
The Blood of the Redeemer | Michael Field
The question that is asked of James and John is a hard one. And it is
one that Christ asks of all who are baptized into His passion and seek
to call themselves a Christian. In addition, it is also the most
overlooked. So many see the cross of Christ as something solely
belonging to Christ. Many times, we seek to place all of our crosses
on Him with the expectation that He will carry them for us and remove
from our lives the instances of suffering that occur.
Many self-proclaimed Christians who seek the comforts of this world
shy away from the cross because they believe that Christ would never
expect such an act of immolation from them. But, if you have been
baptized into Christ, He asks the very same question of you and me
that He did of the Sons of Thunder:
“Jesus said in reply, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Can you
drink the chalice that I am going to drink?’ They said to him, ‘We
can.’ He replied, ‘My chalice you will indeed drink…’” Matthew
20:22-23.
But what is this chalice? The gospel for today reveals it in the prior
exchange. Our Lord reveals to His apostles what awaits Him in
Jerusalem:
“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be
handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will
condemn him to death, and hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked
and scourged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”
Matthew 20:18-19.
This is His chalice. He goes willingly to the cross. This is the
chalice that He calls James and John to. He likewise calls each of His
apostles to drink deeply from the chalice of the passion. By the grace
of God, eleven of the apostles go to their martyrdoms, while the final
one experiences the sufferings of a white martyrdom. But each drink of
His chalice.
We are invited by Christ to drink of His chalice as well. The Lenten
season is a beautiful way that we can drink deeply from His sufferings
in the form of the sacrifices that we embrace. There is no other way
in which we can be His followers. To run from the cross is to run from
Christ. The more we deny ourselves and the comforts that the world
tempts us to, the more we are conformed to Him. He shows us how to
drink from this same chalice in the Garden of Gethsemane:
“Then he said to them, ‘My soul is very sorrowful, even to death;
remain here, and watch with me.’ And going a little farther, he fell
on his face and prayed, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this
chalice pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.’”¹
Humility. Obedience. Abnegation. These are the virtues that are
drained from the chalice of Christ.
Let this question be our meditation:
Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?
And let our response be:
Not my will but yours be done.
1
1
Matthew 26:38-39.
Jeremia 18
Lärdom hämtad från krukmakarens arbete. Strafftal. Anslag mot
profeten. Profetens bön om motståndarnas bestraffning.
1Detta är det ord som kom till Jeremia från Herren; han sade 2”Stå upp
och gå ned till krukmakarens hus; där vill jag låta dig höra mina
ord.” 3Då gick jag ned till krukmakarens hus och fann honom upptagen
med arbete på krukmakarskivan. 4Och när kärlet som krukmakare höll på
att göra av leret misslyckades i hans hand, begynte han omigen, och
gjorde därav ett annat kärl så, som han ville hava det gjort. 5Och
Herrens ord kom till mig han sade: 6Skulle jag icke kunna göra med
eder, I av Israels hus, såsom denne krukmakare gör? säger Herren. Jo,
såsom leret är i krukmakarens hand, så ären ock I i min hand, I av
Israels hus. 7Den ena gången hotar jag ett folk och ett rike att jag
vill upprycka, nedbryta och förgöra det; 8men om då det folket
omvänder sig från det onda väsende mot vilket jag vände mitt hot, så
ångrar jag det onda som jag hade tänkt att göra dem. 9En annan gång
lovar jag ett folk och ett rike att jag vill uppbygga och plantera
det; 10men om det då gör vad ont är i mina ögon och icke hör min röst,
så ångrar jag det goda som jag hade sagt att jag ville göra dem. 11Så
säg du nu till Juda män och Jerusalems invånare: Så säger Herren: Se,
jag bereder åt eder en olycka, och jag har i sinnet ett anslag mot
eder. Vänden därför om, var och en från sin onda väg, och bättren
edert leverne och edert väsende. 12Men de skola svara: ”Du mödar dig
förgäves. Vi vilja följa våra egna tankar och göra var och en efter
sitt onda hjärtas hårdhet.”
13Därför säger Herren så:
Frågen efter bland hednafolken
om någon har hört något sådant.
Alltför gruvliga ting
har jungfrun Israel bedrivit.
14Övergiver då Libanons snö
sin upphöjda klippa,
eller sina de friska vatten ut,
som strömma ifrån fjärran,
15eftersom mitt folk förgäter mig
och tänder offereld åt avgudar?
Se, av dem skola de bringas på fall,
när de gå sin gamla stråt
och vandra på villostigar,
på obanade vägar.
16Så göra de sitt land till ett föremål för häpnad,
för begabberi evinnerligen;
alla som gå där fram skola häpna
och skaka huvudet.
17Såsom en östanvind skall jag förskingra dem,
när fienden kommer;
jag skall visa dem ryggen och icke ansiktet,
på deras ofärds dag.
18Men de sade: ”Kom, låt oss tänka ut något anslag mot Jeremia. Ty
prästerna skola icke komma till korta med undervisning, ej heller de
vise med råd, ej heller profeterna med förkunnelse. Ja, kom, låt oss
fälla honom med våra tungor; vi behöva alls icke akta på vad han
säger.”
19Herre, akta du på mig,
och hör vad mina motståndare tala.
20Skall man få vedergälla gott med ont,
eftersom dessa hava grävt en grop för mitt liv?
Tänk på huru jag har stått inför ditt ansikte
för att mana gott för dem,
till att avvända från dem din vrede.
21Därför må du överlämna deras barn åt hungersnöden
och giva dem själva till pris åt svärdet,
så att deras hustrur bliva barnlösa och änkor,
deras män dräpta av pesten,
och deras ynglingar slagna med svärd striden.
22Må klagorop höras från deras hus,
i det att du plötsligt låter rövarskaror komma över dem.
Ty de hava grävt en grop för att fånga mig,
och snaror hava de lagt ut för mina fötter.
23Men du, Herre, känner
alla deras mordiska anslag mot mig;
så må du då icke förlåta dem deras missgärning
eller utplåna deras synd ur din åsyn.
Må de bringas på fall inför dig;
ja, utför ditt verk mot dem på din vredes tid.
© Swedish Bible Society
Karaktär: Själens Stämpel
Den dygdige mannen gör dygdiga saker.
4 mars
LÄS I APPEN
”Den dygdige mannen gör dygdiga handlingar. Ju mer han gör dygdiga
saker, desto mer dygdig blir han.”
Sankt Thomas av Aquino
”Karaktär” är ofta ett slöst använt och dåligt förstådd ord i dagens
tid. Vi talar om karaktär som något att beundra hos en person och vi
påstår oss värdesätta det. Vi talar om karaktär vid människors
begravningar, men också i kritik av de levande. Som en tankeövning,
säg att någon höll dig under pistolhot och krävde att du skulle
berätta vad ”karaktär” betydde, tydligt. Kanske är det första du
tänker på att oavsett vilken karaktär som är, så är det definitivt
motsatsen till en man som håller dig under pistolhot och ber dig
definiera ordet. I den extrema övningen ligger problemet, eller hur?
Om du inte kan definiera något tydligt, hur kan du då påstå att du
verkligen strävar efter eller uppnår det?
Låt oss börja definiera karaktär utifrån vad vi kan förstå kring
ordet. Vi kan se tillbaka i historien på dem som har hjälpt till att
bygga kristenheten tegelsten för sten och snabbt inse att åtminstone
våra förfäder djupt förstod något som den moderna människan glömmer
med varje generation; Civilisationen är oskiljaktig från invånarnas
karaktär. Detta skulle ha varit sunt förnuft för männen från förr.
Platon visste det, Aristoteles visste det, Augustinus visste det och
det gjorde även Aquino. En civilisation är inte en maskin. Det är en
organism; en moralisk sådan. En civilisations uppgång eller fall beror
på hjärtat hos de män som utgör den.
Uppgradera till betald
Katekesen säger att moraliska dygder är ”frukten och fröet av
moraliskt goda handlingar; de disponerar alla människans krafter för
gemenskap med gudomlig kärlek” (CCC1804). Vissa kallar det
”medborgerlig dygd” och andra kallar det ”moralisk dygd”. I slutändan
är de samma sak. Mannen med ett ordnat inre liv som har lärt sig att
styra sig själv är den man som är lämplig att styra civilisationen.
Västerländsk civilisation, mer specifikt kristenheten, har byggt
vackra katedraler, elituniversitet, sjukhus och lagar. Det beror inte
på bättre resurser eller geografi. Det berodde på att dessa samhällen
i århundraden byggde upp män med väl formad karaktär i stort antal för
att upprätthålla deras kontinuerliga uppbyggnad. När byggnaderna för
sådana män kollapsade, kollapsade även sällskapen.
Vad karaktären betyder
”Character” härstammar från ”kharakter”, ett grekiskt ord som betyder
ett graverat märke. Det är en stämpel som pressas fast i lera eller
vax. Detta märke var ett intryck av en hantverkare. Märket skiljde
saker från allt annat av sitt slag.
Din karaktär är kännetecknet för alla val du någonsin gjort. Varje
mästerskapshandling, varje svaghetsfall, varje ögonblick av lydnad,
lojalitet, feghet och uppoffring; Accepterad eller inte. Alla dina
handlingar har tryckts in i din själ. Din karaktär formas alltid, det
råder ingen tvekan om detta. Den verkliga frågan är ”vilken sorts
människa producerar formningen?”
Dygd är ”viljans vana”, enligt Thomas av Aquino. Dygd är inte en mysig
känsla man får när man gör något bra. Det är inte en känsla, utan en
handling och en som utförs på olika sätt, gång på gång tills det blir
en sorts reflex. Att utöva dygd över tid gör att mannen så småningom
kan välja det goda utan ansträngning och med liten ansträngning.
Nyckeln är daglig övning.
Dela katolsk manlighet
Disciplin
En karaktärsfull man utövar självbehärskning. Mannen med utvecklad
karaktär ger inte efter för varje impuls. Avlöt kan finnas
tillgängligt, men sällan, om någonsin, bör det tas igenom. Den
karaktärsfulla mannen bär sitt kors utan klagomål och kan motstå tröst
när det ropar hans namn. Om du inte kan förneka dig själv, hur ska du
någonsin veta vad du är gjord av?
Svårigheter formar karaktär. Komfort förstör den.
Fäste
Karaktär byggs på något större än en själv. En man som är engagerad i
sin fru, sina barn, sitt samhälle och viktigast av allt mot Gud, är
engagerad i självstyre. Den välformade mannen är en som offrar av
kärlek snarare än av lagar som kräver det.
Det är därför Paulus uppmanar män att älska sina hustrur så som
Kristus älskade kyrkan. Förebilden för katolsk manlighet är den man
som med ödmjukhet och styrka accepterar hela vikten av vilket kors han
än är kallad att bära.
”Den som vandrar med de vise, ska vara vis: en vän till dårar ska bli lik dem.”
(Ordspråksboken 13:20)
Autonomi
Ett beslut måste fattas. Karaktär byggs inte av andras kraft. Det är
ett val en man gör för sig själv och för sig själv. En dygdig man
väljer det goda fritt, från hjärtat. På grund av den dagliga utövandet
av dygd stärks viljan.
Rätt uppförande är inte något som bara händer när folk tittar.
Kristenheten, och männen i den, skiljer sig från andra i denna värld
genom att alltid göra det som är rätt.
Det är det vanliga som händer
Den stora lögn som män får höra och som vi underhåller är att karaktär
byggs upp i extrema ögonblick. Karaktären skapas inte på slagfältet.
Slagfältet är där det prövas och där det manifesterar sig.
Det är i livets vardagliga handlingar som karaktär byggs upp.
Det vanliga livet är ritbordet.
Ett litet beslut efter det andra.
”Stora tillfällen att tjäna Gud kommer sällan, men små omger oss dagligen.”
Sankt Franciskus av Sales
Kan vi behålla humöret mot våra barn efter en tröttsam arbetsdag?
Håller vi vårt ord till vår make/maka, även om de minsta sakerna? Ska
vi behandla alla med samma värdighet utan att ta hänsyn till deras
livsställning?
Inget av besluten ovan framstår som särskilt heroiska, de är…
vanliga. Men när vi bemästrar det vanliga livet och lägger till de små
valen blir de tillsammans en man med karaktär. De blir den man som
dina barn och fru ser upp till, respekterar och litar på med sitt liv.
Var en man med karaktär, även när pressen är hög. Du är din familjs
klippa. Håll dig stadig.
Vi måste inse att varje beslut vi fattar i livet under de där vanliga
stunderna är en röst för vilken typ av karaktär du kommer att få.
Examinationen
Jag presenterar inte bara en artikel om karaktär, utan också en
handling som kan vidtas för att verkligen förbättra den. Fråga dig
själv; Var är du slav under dina passioner? Var misslyckas du? Vem
sviker du som är beroende av dig? Tänk inte bara på de dramatiska
ögonblicken, utan på de vanliga. Var kan du göra det svårare, men har
försummat det?
Helgonen föddes inte så. De var vanliga män som gjorde ett
extraordinärt antal rätta val, genom Guds nåd och i Jesu Kristi namn.
Den nåden är inom räckhåll, men kommer vi att samarbeta med den, eller
förneka Honom?
Karaktär är livets långsamma, avsiktliga arbete. Det är det enda med
dig som kommer att gå bortom graven. De märken du trycker in i leran i
din själ kommer att lämna avtryck på dina söner och på civilisationen
du har lånat från dem.
Stämpla din själ med god karaktär. Stämpla den med Jesus Kristus.
Var trosbekännelsen
Läsningar: Jer 18:18–20; Ps 31:5–6, 14–16; Matt 20:17–28.
Kära bröder och systrar
I dagens evangelium hörde vi Jesu tredje och sista förutsägelse om
sitt lidande och sin död, som han uttalade på vägen till Jerusalem och
som har gett namn åt den klassiska svenska fastepsalmen ”Se, vi går
upp till Jerusalem”. Det verkar dock som att lärjungarna fortfarande
inte har förstått någonting. Istället för att förbereda sig för att
följa med Jesus under hans lidande och vid behov vara beredda att
offra sina liv tillsammans med honom, så verkar de bara tänka på att
se till att positionera sig för att öka sina chanser att ta över som
ledare för apostlakollegiet när Jesus är borta. Därav förfrågan från
Sebedaiossönerna Jakob och Johannes mor att hennes söner ska få sitta
till höger och vänster om Jesus i hans rike. Men, som det heter i
kollektbönen för den helige Kasimir som vi kommemorerar idag, så är
”den sanne härskaren den som tjänar Gud”. I Andra Vatikankonciliets
dogmatiska konstitution om Kyrkan, Lumen Gentium, sägs också i
kapitlet om lekfolket, på tal om hur de deltar i Kristi värdighet som
kung, att Kristus ”delade [sin makt] med lärjungarna, så att också de
skulle bli insatta i den kungliga friheten och genom självförnekelse
och ett heligt liv besegra syndens rike i sig själva (jfr Rom 6:12).
Ja, genom att tjäna Kristus också i andra skulle de i ödmjukhet och
tålamod föra sina bröder till Konungen, för vilken det att tjäna är
att härska.”
Låt oss be om nåden att vi liksom den helige prins Kasimir förstår
djupet av detta mysterium, så att vi lär oss att regera med Kristus
genom att tjäna våra bröder och systrar i honom. Amen.
Find a Spouse: Novena to St. Joseph
Day 8 – Living in joy
Day 8 – Living in joy – The 7 joys of St. Joseph
We are made to live in joy, we were created to experience happiness,
our God anoints us with an ”oil of gladness” (Psalm 44: 8). Christian
happiness is not a distant and unreachable reality, or a promise
exclusively for the afterlife. – From the book ”Comme des Colonnes
sculptées”
The 7 joys of St. Joseph
The life of Joseph is much similar to ours; his pains and joys were
closely linked. We talk about the seven sorrows of St. Joseph (the
Incarnation, the birth of Jesus, the circumcision, the presentation to
the Temple, the flight to Egypt, the secret life in Nazareth, the
finding of the child in the Temple). In reality, the events described
in the sorrowful mysteries of St. Joseph were both the source of his
worries for the wellbeing of his family, as well as the source of
profound joy:
•
The mystery of the Incarnation: Joseph shares in the secret of the
fulfillment of God’s promise to Israel – he gladly took Mary, the
Mother of the Messiah, as his spouse.
•
The birth of Jesus: Joseph was the first witness of the coming of the
Word made flesh, along with Mary, the shepherds, and the angels,
singing to the glory of the Lord.
•
The circumcision: Joseph is the one who gave Jesus his name, which
reminds us all of God’s mercy (Yeshua = ”to deliver” or ”rescue”) and
he officially became his father.
•
The hidden life in Nazareth: what joy, what light must have radiated
from the humble home of the Holy Family in Nazareth! Joseph taught his
craft to Jesus, how to become a man… He fulfilled his role as a
parent with joy and patience.
•
The finding of Jesus at the Temple: what a relief it must have been to
Joseph and Mary to find their son in the Temple! The words of Jesus
touched their hearts, and they marvelled at His maturity, as grew more
wise and mature before God and men.
The joys of Joseph are both simple, and profoundly mysterious.
Living in joy
We were created to experience joy in our everyday lives. You can read
about the life of Claire de Castelbajac (1953 – 1975) to see how a
person can appreciate the absolute jubilation of the Lord. To her,
being happy was a mission, a work for justice. Being happy is a gift
to God, offered in thanksgiving for our lives. Holiness means letting
ourselves be loved, and sharing this love and joy around us. Claire’s
life was short, but she left her luminous mark in her wake: she
invited us to radiate this joy!
Joy does not come from having, but from being. We must invest in this
joy daily, and throw ourselves into what makes us happy. Joy is a risk
to take, a dare to accept. Joy leads to greater joy, it expands our
hearts and opens us to happiness.
Living in joy with St. Joseph
The belief that joy can be experienced here on earth comes from the
Word of God: “Ask, and it will be given to you” (Matthew 7:7).
Emboldened by this promise, unite yourself with the profound joy of
St. Joseph. Praise God now for the wonders He placed your path, and
for the plan He has for you, which will exceed your desires!
•
Our Father
•
Hail Mary
•
The prayer of the novena
Hail St. Joseph
Hail St. Joseph the just, wisdom is with you;
Blessed are you among men and blessed is Jesus,
The fruit of Mary, your faithful spouse.
Holy Joseph, worthy foster-father of Jesus Christ,
Pray for us sinners and
Obtain divine wisdom for us from God,
Now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
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Ite Ad Joseph: Total Consecration to St. Joseph and the Holy Family
(18 days) Day 6
Ite Ad Joseph: Total Consecration to St. Joseph and the Holy Family
(18 days) Day 6
.
Renouncement of the world:
.
The spirit of the world consists essentially in the denial of the
supreme dominion of God, a denial which is manifested in practice by
sin and disobedience; thus it is principally opposed to the spirit of
Christ, which is also that of Mary and Joseph.
During this time we should consider and meditate upon our lowliness
and nothingness. We should consider our origin in original sin, and
how this leaves us so prone to sin at every turn. We should recall the
sinful course of our life and our present sinful state. We should look
to the future when the corruption of death will lay claim to us.
Petition: contrition for our sins and knowledge of ourselves in a
spirit of humility
—————————-
Gospel According to Saint Matthew, Chapter 10
.
[1] And having called his twelve disciples together, he gave them
power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner
of diseases, and all manner of infirmities. [2] And the names of the
twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon who is called Peter, and
Andrew his brother, [3] James the son of Zebedee, and John his
brother, Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the publican, and
James the son of Alpheus, and Thaddeus, [4] Simon the Cananean, and
Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. [5] These twelve Jesus sent:
commanding them, saying: Go ye not into the way of the Gentiles, and
into the city of the Samaritans enter ye not.
[6] But go ye rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. [7] And
going, preach, saying: The kingdom of heaven is at hand. [8] Heal the
sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils: freely have
you received, freely give. [9] Do not possess gold, nor silver, nor
money in your purses: [10] Nor scrip for your journey, nor two coats,
nor shoes, nor a staff; for the workman is worthy of his meat.
[11] And into whatsoever city or town you shall enter, inquire who in
it is worthy, and there abide till you go thence. [12] And when you
come into the house, salute it, saying: Peace be to this house. [13]
And if that house be worthy, your peace shall come upon it; but if it
be not worthy, your peace shall return to you. [14] And whosoever
shall not receive you, nor hear your words: going forth out of that
house or city shake off the dust from your feet. [15] Amen I say to
you, it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in
the day of judgment, than for that city.
[16] Behold I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be ye
therefore wise as serpents and simple as doves. [17] But beware of
men. For they will deliver you up in councils, and they will scourge
you in their synagogues. [18] And you shall be brought before
governors, and before kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and
to the Gentiles: [19] But when they shall deliver you up, take no
thought how or what to speak: for it shall be given you in that hour
what to speak. [20] For it is not you that speak, but the Spirit of
your Father that speaketh in you.
[21] The brother also shall deliver up the brother to death, and the
father the son: and the children shall rise up against their parents,
and shall put them to death. [22] And you shall be hated by all men
for my name’ s sake: but he that shall persevere unto the end, he
shall be saved. [23] And when they shall persecute you in this city,
flee into another. Amen I say to you, you shall not finish all the
cities of Israel, till the Son of man come. [24] The disciple is not
above the master, nor the servant above his lord. [25] It is enough
for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his
lord. If they have called the goodman of the house Beelzebub, how much
more them of his household?
[26] Therefore fear them not. For nothing is covered that shall not be
revealed: nor hid, that shall not be known. [27] That which I tell you
in the dark, speak ye in the light: and that which you hear in the
ear, preach ye upon the housetops. [28] And fear ye not them that kill
the body, and are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him that
can destroy both soul and body in hell. [29] Are not two sparrows sold
for a farthing? and not one of them shall fall on the ground without
your Father. [30] But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
[31] Fear not therefore: better are you than many sparrows. [32] Every
one therefore that shall confess me before men, I will also confess
him before my Father who is in heaven. [33] But he that shall deny me
before men, I will also deny him before my Father who is in heaven.
[34] Do not think that I came to send peace upon earth: I came not to
send peace, but the sword. [35] For I came to set a man at variance
against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the
daughter in law against her mother in law.
[35] I came to set a man at variance: Not that this was the end or
design of the coming of our Saviour; but that his coming and his
doctrine would have this effect, by reason of the obstinate resistance
that many would make, and of their persecuting all such as should
adhere to him.
[36] And a man’ s enemies shall be they of his own household. [37] He
that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me; and he
that loveth son or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me. [38]
And he that taketh not up his cross, and followeth me, is not worthy
of me. [39] He that findeth his life, shall lose it: and he that shall
lose his life for me, shall find it. [40] He that receiveth you,
receiveth me: and he that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me.
[41] He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet, shall
receive the reward of a prophet: and he that receiveth a just man in
the name of a just man, shall receive the reward of a just man. [42]
And whosoever shall give to drink to one of these little ones a cup of
cold water only in the name of a disciple, amen I say to you, he shall
not lose his reward.
———————-
Spiritual exercises:
1. Examination of conscience, good confession, and communion in honor
of St. Joseph.
2. To practice a daily renouncement or mortification in honor of St. Joseph.
3. Pray one Rosary each day in honor of Mary and Joseph in front of
their images.
————————–
Prayers:
.
Veni, Creator.
.
Come, O Creator Spirit blest!
And in our souls take up Thy rest;
Come with Thy grace and heavenly aid,
to fill the hearts which Thou hast made.
Great Paraclete! To Thee we cry,
O highest gift of God most high!
O font of life! O fire of love!
And sweet anointing from above.
Thou in Thy sevenfold gifts art known,
The finger of God’s hand we own;
The promise of the Father, Thou!
Who dost the tongue with power endow.
Kindle our senses from above,
and make our hearts overflow with love;
with patience firm and virtue high
The weakness of our flesh supply.
Far from us drive the foe we dread,
And grant us Thy true peace instead;
So shall we not, with Thee for guide,
Turn from the path of life aside.
Oh, may Thy grace on us bestow
The Father and the Son to know,
And Thee through endless times confessed
Of both the eternal Spirit blest.
All glory while the ages run
Be to the Father and the Son
Who rose from death; the same to Thee,
O Holy Ghost, eternally. Amen.
———————
Ave, Maris Stella:
Hail, bright star of ocean,
God’s own Mother blest,
Ever sinless Virgin,
Gate of heavenly rest.
Taking that sweet Ave
Which from Gabriel came,
Peace confirm within us,
Changing Eva’s name.
Break the captives’ fetters,
Light on blindness pour,
All our ills expelling,
Every bliss implore.
Show thyself a Mother;
May the Word Divine,
Born for us thy Infant,
Hear our prayers through thine.
Virgin all excelling,
Mildest of the mild,
Freed from guilt, preserve us,
Pure and undefiled.
Keep our life all spotless,
Make our way secure,
Till we find in Jesus
Joy forevermore.
Through the highest Heaven
To the Almighty Three,
Father, Son and Spirit,
One same glory be. Amen.
——————–
Litany of the Holy Ghost:
.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Father all powerful, have mercy on us
Jesus, Eternal Son of the Father, Redeemer of the world, save us.
Spirit of the Father and the Son, boundless life of both, sanctify us.
Holy Trinity, hear us
Holy Ghost, Who proceedest from the Father and the Son, enter our hearts.
Holy Ghost, Who art equal to the Father and the Son, enter our hearts.
.
Promise of God the Father, have mercy on us.
Ray of heavenly light, have mercy on us
Author of all good, have mercy on us
Source of heavenly water, have mercy on us
Consuming fire, have mercy on us
Ardent charity, have mercy on us
Spiritual unction, have mercy on us
Spirit of love and truth, have mercy on us
Spirit of wisdom and understanding, have mercy on us
Spirit of counsel and fortitude, have mercy on us
Spirit of knowledge and piety, have mercy on us
Spirit of the fear of the Lord, have mercy on us
Spirit of grace and prayer, have mercy on us
Spirit of peace and meekness, have mercy on us
Spirit of modesty and innocence, have mercy on us
Holy Ghost, the Comforter, have mercy on us
Holy Ghost, the Sanctifier, have mercy on us
Holy Ghost, Who governest the Church, have mercy on us
Gift of God, the Most High, have mercy on us
Spirit Who fillest the universe, have mercy on us
Spirit of the adoption of the children of God, have mercy on us
Holy Ghost, inspire us with horror of sin.
Holy Ghost, come and renew the face of the earth.
Holy Ghost, shed Thy light in our souls.
Holy Ghost, engrave Thy law in our hearts
Holy Ghost, inflame us with the flame of Thy love.
Holy Ghost, open to us the treasures of Thy graces
Holy Ghost, teach us to pray well.
Holy Ghost, enlighten us with Thy heavenly inspirations.
Holy Ghost, lead us in the way of salvation
Holy Ghost, grant us the only necessary knowledge.
Holy Ghost, inspire in us the practice of good.
Holy Ghost, grant us the merits of all virtues.
Holy Ghost, make us persevere in justice.
Holy Ghost, be Thou our everlasting reward.
.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Send us Thy Holy Ghost.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, pour down into our
souls the gifts of the Holy Ghost.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, grant us the
Spirit of wisdom and piety.
.
V/. Come, Holy Ghost! Fill the hearts of Thy faithful,
R/. And enkindle in them the fire of Thy love.
.
Let Us Pray.
.
Grant, O merciful Father, that Thy Divine Spirit may enlighten,
inflame and purify us, that He may penetrate us with His heavenly dew
and make us fruitful in good works, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy
Son, Who with Thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, liveth and
reigneth forever and ever. R. Amen.
———————-
The Litany of St. Joseph.
For Public or Private Use.
.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.
.
Holy Mary, pray for us .
Saint Joseph,
pray for us*.
Illustrious son of David,*
Light of the patriarchs,*
Spouse of the Mother of God,*
Chaste guardian of the Virgin,*
Foster-father of the Son of God,*
Watchful defender of Christ,*
Head of the Holy Family,*
Joseph most just,*
Joseph most chaste,*
Joseph most prudent,*
Joseph most valiant,*
Joseph most obedient,*
Joseph most faithful,*
Mirror of patience,*
Lover of poverty,*
Model of workmen,*
Glory of domestic life,*
Guardian of virgins,*
Pillar of families,*
Solace of the afflicted,*
Hope of the sick,*
Patron of the dying,*
Terror of demons,*
Protector of Holy Church,*
.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear
us, O Lord. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have
mercy on us.
.
V/. He made him the lord of His household,
R/. And prince over all His possessions.
.
Let Us Pray.
.
O God, Who in Thine ineffable providence didst choose Blessed Joseph
to be the spouse of Thy most Holy Mother, grant that as we venerate
him as our protector on earth, we may deserve to have him as our
intercessor in Heaven, Thou Who livest and reignest forever and ever.
R. Amen.
4 mars 2026
”Men Mose sade: ”Herre, jag ber dig: Sänd ditt budskap med vilken
annan du vill.””
— Andra Moseboken 4:13 —
Mose kände sig för liten för uppdraget. ”Herre, jag är ingen talför
man.” Han menade att han hade aldrig varit det och inte nu heller. Så
när Gud kallar Mose ber han:
”Men Mose sade: ”Herre, jag ber dig: Sänd ditt budskap med vilken
annan du vill.” (vers 13) En rätt mänsklig känsla. Särskilt när man
inser att uppdraget är både stort och krävande. ”Vem är jag att klara
det?”
Jag tänker att samtidigt är det en märklig känsla. Varför tänker vi
så? Gud kallar ju den han tror klarar uppdraget. Ingen annan. Kanske
inte så konstigt att Gud blir vred på Mose. Men där stänger Gud inte
dörren. Gud sänder Moses bror Aron. Han blir Moses röst. Gud skapar
vägen för att genomföra sitt uppdrag: ”Du ska tala till honom och
lägga orden i hans mun. Och jag ska vara med din mun och hans mun, och
jag ska lära er vad ni ska göra. ” (vers15)
Gud utrustar den han kallar till uppdrag. Och jag ser i min bibel
att Gud ser inte till det yttre: ”Men Herren sade till Samuel: ”Se
inte på hans yttre ../.. En människa ser det som är för ögonen, men
Herren ser till hjärtat.” (1 Samuelsb 16:7). ”Var inte rädd, för jag
är med dig, se dig inte ängsligt om, för jag är din Gud. Jag styrker
dig, jag hjälper dig, jag stöder dig med min rättfärdighets högra
hand. ’ (Jesaja 41:10). Jeremia tyckte att han var för ung: ”Då sade
Herren till mig: ”Säg inte: Jag är för ung, utan gå vart jag än sänder
dig och tala vad jag än befaller dig. ’ Jeremia 1:7. Och i 1 Thess
5:24 läser vi ”Trofast är han som kallat er – han skall utföra sitt
verk.”
Att känna sig liten för uppdraget är mänskligt. Men Han som kallar
har alla de resurser du behöver för att genomföra uppdraget. Så vila i
att du är på rätt väg med rätt support från vår Herre.
Herre, tack för att du utrustar den som du kallar. Ge mig mod att gå.
Amen
Day 8: Submission to Authorities
Post image
“And Joseph . . . went to Bethlehem . . . to register, together with
Mary his espoused wife, who was with child.” Lk 2: 4–5
Many people desire to be numbered among the saints, and yet neglect to
be numbered among the people. Often a man idealizes sainthood as
solely the demand to be intimate with God, while separating himself
from people and their demands.
Yet, to love the Creator is to love his creatures, and God in His
creatures; for “how can one love the God he cannot see if he loves not
the people he does see?” One cannot experience the exalted God, and
being exalted by God, without the experience of being a humble servant
of men, and being humbled by serving men.
A religious man can be more inclined to serve religious authority
while neglecting to obey secular authorities. Yet, submission to a
secular authority can often determine whether a man is truly
religious.
St. Paul admonishes Christians, “Let everyone be subject to higher
authorities, for there exist no other authority except from God, and
those who exist have been appointed by God. Therefore, he who resists
authority resists the ordinance of God; and they that resist bring on
themselves condemnation.”
Often God uses secular authorities to determine if a servant be
responsible in “small matters,” and therefore be trusted with “greater
responsibilities.” If a law does not compromise one’s objective moral
code, submission to the law must not be compromised.
St. Joseph humbly obeyed Caesar Augustus’s dictate to be numbered
among the peoples in the ruler’s census. By submitting to a secular
authority, Joseph enabled Jesus to be born and counted among the
peoples whom He would save eventually, and to fulfill the prophecy
that the Messiah be born in Bethlehem. By being obedient to worldly
powers, Joseph allowed the power of God to be made manifest.
St. Joseph’s submission to secular authority is a testimony of his
trust in the God who gave men such authority. By submitting to an
authority above himself, Joseph proves that he is worthy of his
family’s (Mary and Jesus) submission to his authority.
You, my brother, cannot lead others to obedience if you are unwilling
to follow obediently. Obedience to employers, government leaders and
especially religious superiors, is to be “numbered among the people,”
which enables a man to be numbered among the saints.
Go to Joseph for Relational Transformation
Often spiritual programs are focused on personal transformation. While
it is vital that we experience personal transformation, it is
important that our personal transformation leads to relational
transformation. That’s one of the consequences of being consecrated to
St. Joseph. Joseph shows us to depend on God for the grace to heal our
relationships. St. Joseph teaches us how to serve. Serving brings
healing. Do you have trouble serving your wife, your children? What
are those things that you avoid doing that would show your family
Christ’s love? Ask St. Joseph to help you see the ways you can serve,
and then act on it. By doing so, you and your relationships will
experience transformation.
—St. Joseph, servant of the Holy Family, pray for me.
Conclude with the following prayer:
St. Joseph, like Jesus, you chose not to be served but to serve. You
did not allow the difficulties and challenges of life to convince you
to feel sorry for yourself. I confess that there have been moments
when the challenges of life weary me. It is during these occasions
that the least thing I desire is to be at the service of another. Lead
me Joseph, to rise above my self-preoccupation and rejoice in serving
my wife and children.
Consecration Prayer to St. Joseph
O St. Joseph predestined and chosen by God from among men, you
received the glorious honor of being the chaste guardian of the Most
Blessed Virgin Mary. Enflamed with divine love, you received her as
your beloved wife, and through her, God bestowed upon you the most
privileged distinction of being the virginal father of God the Son.
As a living reflection of the Heavenly Father, you protected the
Christ Child from Herod, thus becoming the savior of the Savior. You
accepted Jesus’ humble submission to your fatherly authority and thus
became the master of the Master. As a hidden king you conferred upon
Jesus the Davidic kingship and thus became the king of the King of
Kings. With untiring joy you labored to nurture the human soul and
flesh of Jesus, giving bread to the Bread of Life.
Most gentle and generous father, look upon me, your indigent child,
and see that I too need your care and protection. O chaste heart that
burned with love for Jesus and Mary, teach me, your humble servant, to
be devoted entirely to Mary and to worship the Lord Jesus with my
entire being that I too may become a living reflection of God our
Father.
O master of the interior life, you faithfully and promptly fulfilled
the divine commands. Your humble obedience has elevated the vocation
of fatherhood as a certain means to sublime sanctity and eternal
glory. Desiring to follow your holy example, I embrace my vocation to
be a most chaste husband, a living icon of God the Father, and a just
guardian and guide that my family may become like yours, a Holy
Family.
Therefore, most glorious and humble spiritual father, today before the
heavenly host I surrender myself, my marriage, my fatherhood, my
family, my labors, my merits, all that I am and have, unreservedly and
totally to you, and consequently to Mary my Queen and most holy
Mother, that you may always be my parents in the order of grace and
that I may forever be your son. As you and Mary consecrated the Son of
God to God the Father, consecrate me also, that I may be set apart for
holy service to God most high. I beseech you, as you prepared Christ
for His ultimate sacrifice, prepare me also that I may attain the
fullness of divine sonship.
Most humble, silent, and hidden father, I surrender all to you that my
fatherhood may glorify God the Father of glory in this age and the age
to come, forever without end, Amen.
Ite Ad Joseph: Total Consecration to St. Joseph and the Holy Family
(18 days) Day 5
.
Renouncement of the world:
.
The spirit of the world consists essentially in the denial of the
supreme dominion of God, a denial which is manifested in practice by
sin and disobedience; thus it is principally opposed to the spirit of
Christ, which is also that of Mary and Joseph.
During this time we should consider and meditate upon our lowliness
and nothingness. We should consider our origin in original sin, and
how this leaves us so prone to sin at every turn. We should recall the
sinful course of our life and our present sinful state. We should look
to the future when the corruption of death will lay claim to us.
Petition: contrition for our sins and knowledge of ourselves in a
spirit of humility
———————————
Gospel According to Saint Matthew, Chapter 9
.
[1] And entering into a boat, he passed over the water and came into
his own city. [2] And behold they brought to him one sick of the palsy
lying in a bed. And Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the man sick of
the palsy: Be of good heart, son, thy sins are forgiven thee. [3] And
behold some of the scribes said within themselves: He blasphemeth. [4]
And Jesus seeing their thoughts, said: Why do you think evil in your
hearts? [5] Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins are forgiven thee: or
to say, Arise, and walk?
[6] But that you may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to
forgive sins, (then said he to the man sick of palsy,) Arise, take up
thy bed, and go into thy house. [7] And he arose, and went into his
house. [8] And the multitude seeing it, feared, and glorified God that
gave such power to men. [9] And when Jesus passed on from hence, he
saw a man sitting in the custom house, named Matthew; and he saith to
him: Follow me. And he rose up and followed him. [10] And it came to
pass as he was sitting at meat in the house, behold many publicans and
sinners came, and sat down with Jesus and his disciples.
[11] And the Pharisees seeing it, said to his disciples: Why doth your
master eat with publicans and sinners? [12] But Jesus hearing it,
said: They that are in health need not a physician, but they that are
ill. [13] Go then and learn what this meaneth, I will have mercy and
not sacrifice. For I am not come to call the just, but sinners. [14]
Then came to him the disciples of John, saying: Why do we and the
Pharisees fast often, but thy disciples do not fast? [15] And Jesus
said to them: Can the children of the bridegroom mourn, as long as the
bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom
shall be taken away from them, and then they shall fast.
[16] And nobody putteth a piece of raw cloth unto an old garment. For
it taketh away the fullness thereof from the garment, and there is
made a greater rent. [17] Neither do they put new wine into old
bottles. Otherwise the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and
the bottles perish. But new wine they put into new bottles: and both
are preserved. [18] As he was speaking these things unto them, behold
a certain ruler came up, and adored him, saying: Lord, my daughter is
even now dead; but come, lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
[19] And Jesus rising up followed him, with his disciples. [20] And
behold a woman who was troubled with an issue of blood twelve years,
came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment.
[21] For she said within herself: If I shall touch only his garment, I
shall be healed. [22] But Jesus turning and seeing her, said: Be of
good heart, daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman
was made whole from that hour. [23] And when Jesus was come into the
house of the ruler, and saw the minstrels and the multitude making a
rout, [24] He said: Give place, for the girl is not dead, but
sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. [25] And when the multitude
was put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand. And the maid
arose.
[26] And the fame hereof went abroad into all that country. [27] And
as Jesus passed from thence, there followed him two blind men crying
out and saying, Have mercy on us, O Son of David. [28] And when he was
come to the house, the blind men came to him. And Jesus saith to them,
Do you believe, that I can do this unto you? They say to him, Yea,
Lord. [29] Then he touched their eyes, saying, According to your
faith, be it done unto you. [30] And their eyes were opened, and Jesus
strictly charged them, saying, See that no man know this.
[31] But they going out, spread his fame abroad in all that country.
[32] And when they were gone out, behold they brought him a dumb man,
possessed with a devil. [33] And after the devil was cast out, the
dumb man spoke, and the multitudes wondered, saying, Never was the
like seen in Israel. [34] But the Pharisees said, By the prince of
devils he casteth out devils. [35] And Jesus went about all the
cities, and towns, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the
gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease, and every infirmity.
[36] And seeing the multitudes, he had compassion on them: because
they were distressed, and lying like sheep that have no shepherd. [37]
Then he saith to his disciples, The harvest indeed is great, but the
labourers are few. [38] Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest,
that he send forth labourers into his harvest.
————————–
Spiritual exercises:
1. Examination of conscience, good confession, and communion in honor
of St. Joseph.
2. To practice a daily renouncement or mortification in honor of St. Joseph.
3. Pray one Rosary each day in honor of Mary and Joseph in front of
their images.
———————-
Prayers:
.
Veni, Creator.
.
Come, O Creator Spirit blest!
And in our souls take up Thy rest;
Come with Thy grace and heavenly aid,
to fill the hearts which Thou hast made.
Great Paraclete! To Thee we cry,
O highest gift of God most high!
O font of life! O fire of love!
And sweet anointing from above.
Thou in Thy sevenfold gifts art known,
The finger of God’s hand we own;
The promise of the Father, Thou!
Who dost the tongue with power endow.
Kindle our senses from above,
and make our hearts overflow with love;
with patience firm and virtue high
The weakness of our flesh supply.
Far from us drive the foe we dread,
And grant us Thy true peace instead;
So shall we not, with Thee for guide,
Turn from the path of life aside.
Oh, may Thy grace on us bestow
The Father and the Son to know,
And Thee through endless times confessed
Of both the eternal Spirit blest.
All glory while the ages run
Be to the Father and the Son
Who rose from death; the same to Thee,
O Holy Ghost, eternally. Amen.
———————
AVE, MARIS STELLA.
.
Hail, bright star of ocean,
God’s own Mother blest,
Ever sinless Virgin,
Gate of heavenly rest.
Taking that sweet Ave
Which from Gabriel came,
Peace confirm within us,
Changing Eva’s name.
Break the captives’ fetters,
Light on blindness pour,
All our ills expelling,
Every bliss implore.
Show thyself a Mother;
May the Word Divine,
Born for us thy Infant,
Hear our prayers through thine.
Virgin all excelling,
Mildest of the mild,
Freed from guilt, preserve us,
Pure and undefiled.
Keep our life all spotless,
Make our way secure,
Till we find in Jesus
Joy forevermore.
Through the highest Heaven
To the Almighty Three,
Father, Son and Spirit,
One same glory be. Amen.
———————–
LITANY OF THE HOLY GHOST.
.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Father all powerful, have mercy on us
Jesus, Eternal Son of the Father, Redeemer of the world, save us.
Spirit of the Father and the Son, boundless life of both, sanctify us.
Holy Trinity, hear us.
.
Holy Ghost, Who proceedest from the Father and the Son, enter our hearts.
Holy Ghost, Who art equal to the Father and the Son, enter our hearts.
Promise of God the Father, have mercy on us.
Ray of heavenly light, have mercy on us
Author of all good, have mercy on us
Source of heavenly water, have mercy on us
Consuming fire, have mercy on us
Ardent charity, have mercy on us
Spiritual unction, have mercy on us
Spirit of love and truth, have mercy on us
Spirit of wisdom and understanding, have mercy on us
Spirit of counsel and fortitude, have mercy on us
Spirit of knowledge and piety, have mercy on us
Spirit of the fear of the Lord, have mercy on us
Spirit of grace and prayer, have mercy on us
Spirit of peace and meekness, have mercy on us
Spirit of modesty and innocence, have mercy on us
Holy Ghost, the Comforter, have mercy on us
Holy Ghost, the Sanctifier, have mercy on us
Holy Ghost, Who governest the Church, have mercy on us
Gift of God, the Most High, have mercy on us
Spirit Who fillest the universe, have mercy on us
Spirit of the adoption of the children of God, have mercy on us
Holy Ghost, inspire us with horror of sin.
Holy Ghost, come and renew the face of the earth.
Holy Ghost, shed Thy light in our souls.
Holy Ghost, engrave Thy law in our hearts
Holy Ghost, inflame us with the flame of Thy love.
Holy Ghost, open to us the treasures of Thy graces
Holy Ghost, teach us to pray well.
Holy Ghost, enlighten us with Thy heavenly inspirations.
Holy Ghost, lead us in the way of salvation
Holy Ghost, grant us the only necessary knowledge.
Holy Ghost, inspire in us the practice of good.
Holy Ghost, grant us the merits of all virtues.
Holy Ghost, make us persevere in justice.
Holy Ghost, be Thou our everlasting reward.
.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Send us Thy Holy Ghost.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, pour down into our
souls the gifts of the Holy Ghost.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, grant us the
Spirit of wisdom and piety.
.
V/. Come, Holy Ghost! Fill the hearts of Thy faithful,
R/. And enkindle in them the fire of Thy love.
.
Let Us Pray.
.
Grant, O merciful Father, that Thy Divine Spirit may enlighten,
inflame and purify us, that He may penetrate us with His heavenly dew
and make us fruitful in good works, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy
Son, Who with Thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, liveth and
reigneth forever and ever. R. Amen.
—————————–
THE LITANY OF SAINT JOSEPH FOR PUBLIC OR PRIVATE USE
.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.
.
Holy Mary, pray for us .
Saint Joseph,
pray for us*.
Illustrious son of David,*
Light of the patriarchs,*
Spouse of the Mother of God,*
Chaste guardian of the Virgin,*
Foster-father of the Son of God,*
Watchful defender of Christ,*
Head of the Holy Family,*
Joseph most just,*
Joseph most chaste,*
Joseph most prudent,*
Joseph most valiant,*
Joseph most obedient,*
Joseph most faithful,*
Mirror of patience,*
Lover of poverty,*
Model of workmen,*
Glory of domestic life,*
Guardian of virgins,*
Pillar of families,*
Solace of the afflicted,*
Hope of the sick,*
Patron of the dying,*
Terror of demons,*
Protector of Holy Church,*
.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear
us, O Lord. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have
mercy on us.
.
V/. He made him the lord of His household,
R/. And prince over all His possessions.
.
Let Us Pray.
.
O God, Who in Thine ineffable providence didst choose Blessed Joseph
to be the spouse of Thy most Holy Mother, grant that as we venerate
him as our protector on earth, we may deserve to have him as our
intercessor in Heaven, Thou Who livest and reignest forever and ever.
R. Amen.
The Blood of the Redeemer | Michael Field
The question that is asked of James and John is a hard one. And it is
one that Christ asks of all who are baptized into His passion and seek
to call themselves a Christian. In addition, it is also the most
overlooked. So many see the cross of Christ as something solely
belonging to Christ. Many times, we seek to place all of our crosses
on Him with the expectation that He will carry them for us and remove
from our lives the instances of suffering that occur.
Many self-proclaimed Christians who seek the comforts of this world
shy away from the cross because they believe that Christ would never
expect such an act of immolation from them. But, if you have been
baptized into Christ, He asks the very same question of you and me
that He did of the Sons of Thunder:
“Jesus said in reply, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Can you
drink the chalice that I am going to drink?’ They said to him, ‘We
can.’ He replied, ‘My chalice you will indeed drink…’” Matthew
20:22-23.
But what is this chalice? The gospel for today reveals it in the prior
exchange. Our Lord reveals to His apostles what awaits Him in
Jerusalem:
“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be
handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will
condemn him to death, and hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked
and scourged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”
Matthew 20:18-19.
This is His chalice. He goes willingly to the cross. This is the
chalice that He calls James and John to. He likewise calls each of His
apostles to drink deeply from the chalice of the passion. By the grace
of God, eleven of the apostles go to their martyrdoms, while the final
one experiences the sufferings of a white martyrdom. But each drink of
His chalice.
We are invited by Christ to drink of His chalice as well. The Lenten
season is a beautiful way that we can drink deeply from His sufferings
in the form of the sacrifices that we embrace. There is no other way
in which we can be His followers. To run from the cross is to run from
Christ. The more we deny ourselves and the comforts that the world
tempts us to, the more we are conformed to Him. He shows us how to
drink from this same chalice in the Garden of Gethsemane:
“Then he said to them, ‘My soul is very sorrowful, even to death;
remain here, and watch with me.’ And going a little farther, he fell
on his face and prayed, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this
chalice pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.’”¹
Humility. Obedience. Abnegation. These are the virtues that are
drained from the chalice of Christ.
Let this question be our meditation:
Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?
And let our response be:
Not my will but yours be done.
1
Matthew 26:38-39.
Our Lady of Sorrows
Eight Part Series on the Devotion
Image
Over the last year+, I have authored an eight-part series on the
beautiful devotion of Our Lady of Sorrows. This devotion, which is
memorialized on September 15th, is devoted to remembering the
sufferings of Our Lady as she underwent her Co-Passion with Our Lord
as the Co-Redemptrix.
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I pray that they are impactful for the reader’s spiritual life. We are
called to unite ourselves to Our Lord’s passion. The best way to do
that is through Our Lady’s co-suffering.
Our Lady of Sorrows, Ora pro Nobis!
Introduction
The Prophecy of Simeon
The Flight into Egypt
The Loss in the Temple
The Meeting on the Way of the Cross
The Crucifixion
The Piercing and Taking Down from the Cross
The Burial
Our Lady of Sorrows
Eight Part Series on the Devotion
Image
Over the last year+, I have authored an eight-part series on the
beautiful devotion of Our Lady of Sorrows. This devotion, which is
memorialized on September 15th, is devoted to remembering the
sufferings of Our Lady as she underwent her Co-Passion with Our Lord
as the Co-Redemptrix.
I pray that they are impactful for the reader’s spiritual life. We are
called to unite ourselves to Our Lord’s passion. The best way to do
that is through Our Lady’s co-suffering.
Our Lady of Sorrows, Ora pro Nobis!
Introduction
The Prophecy of Simeon
The Flight into Egypt
The Loss in the Temple
The Meeting on the Way of the Cross
The Crucifixion
The Piercing and Taking Down from the Cross
The Burial
Why Denzel Washington’s message matters this Lent
DENZEL WASHINGTON
Rich Fury | GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA | AFP
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Cerith Gardiner – published on 03/04/26
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In a world obsessed with followers, Denzel Washington’s recent words
about faith offer a timely reminder this Lent.
Lent 2026
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For our mission to continue, we need it to become yours.
Give now to support our mission
One thing about social media that is really useful is that old news
crops back up again just when you need it most. This was just the case
when a famous interview re-emerged between journalist Jillian
Hardeman-Webb and Denzel Washington, in which the pair discussed
cancel culture and the idea of losing public support. The veteran
actor offered a response that was both simple and striking.
When questioned about the impact of the cancel culture and losing
followers, the devout Christian stated fervently:
“I don’t care who is following OK, you can’t lead and follow at the
same time, and you can’t follow and lead at the same time. I don’t
follow anybody, I follow the heavenly spirit, I follow God…. I’m a
leading man, I don’t follow nobody, I follow the Lord… I’m not
following anybody else on this planet. Period.”
The father of four went on to say:
”I have faith in God, I have hope in Man… I’m about my Father’s
business. To God be the glory, follow that. Hold your Bible the right
side up.”
The exchange took place during a conversation with Hardeman-Webb that
touched on reputation, influence, and how public figures navigate
shifting public opinion. As The Hollywood Reporter noted, Washington
made it clear that the very idea of being “cancelled” only has weight
if you have allowed public approval to define you in the first place.
There is something oddly refreshing about his reaction — not
defensive, not cagey, but rooted in a clear sense of direction.
In a culture where “followers” are literally counted in numbers,
Washington’s refusal to anchor himself in the applause feels quietly
subversive. He didn’t say he’s better than anyone else. He simply
stated, without hesitation, that his ultimate affiliation is not with
trends, accolades, or online sentiment, but with what matters most to
him: his faith and his purpose. And this perspective feels
surprisingly fitting as Lent unfolds.
When social acclaim becomes irrelevant
This season has long asked Christians to consider questions of
orientation: whom do we let shape our decisions, our values, our
rhythms? When Catholics talk about “following Christ,” they often mean
a commitment that isn’t contingent on approval, popularity, or
convenience. Washington’s words don’t sound like a manifesto, but they
echo that very idea: when your direction comes from something steadier
than public opinion, the shifts and swings of social acclaim carry
less weight.
The season of Lent isn’t a time to withdraw from the world, but a time
to re-examine where we place our attention. Washington’s focus on God
rather than crowd approval feels less like a sermon and more like a
reminder — one delivered in his own voice, with his own blend of
conviction and humility.
There is an unexpected clarity in his statement, and much of it comes
from something deeply human: a refusal to let fear of judgment
determine one’s steps. To say “I have faith in God, I have hope in
Man” is not to ignore human connection, but to place it within a
bigger frame.
In the end perhaps the most freeing part of Washington’s message is
the simplicity of his choice: to follow what he truly believes in,
without hesitation. And this is a message we could share with our
children, too.
Denzel Washington: The teen influencer we actually want
Teenagers today grow up in a world where “followers” are not
metaphorical. They are counted, compared, displayed. Popularity is
visible in real time. Approval can rise or fall in a single afternoon.
It is not difficult to see how that environment shapes identity.
Washington’s clarity about whom he follows offers a counterpoint that
feels surprisingly useful. Not because it condemns ambition or
connection, but because it reframes the hierarchy. If the most
important voice in your life is not the crowd, then the crowd loses
some of its power.
For young people especially, that shift can be liberating. The
question moves from “How many people follow me?” to “Who am I
following?” and, perhaps more importantly, “Why?”
Lent invites that same question quietly for all of us. Who is shaping
our sense of worth? Whose approval steadies us, and whose disapproval
unsettles us? In a culture that measures influence numerically, the
choice to follow Christ first feels less like a pious slogan and more
like a form of interior freedom.
A collection of Denzel Washington’s greatest quotes on faith
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A collection of Denzel Washington’s greatest quotes on faith
This is how I’m teaching my kids to resist “cancel culture”
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This is how I’m teaching my kids to resist “cancel culture”
Mark Wahlberg encourages his 18.6 million Instagram followers to pray the Rosary
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Mark Wahlberg encourages his 18.6 million Instagram followers to pray the Rosary
When St. Casimir chose peace instead of war in Eastern Europe
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SAINT CASIMIR
Lawrence OP | Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
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Philip Kosloski – published on 03/04/22 – updated on 03/03/26
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St. Casimir is sometimes called the ”peacemaker,” as he refused to
invade another country in Eastern Europe to expand his father’s
kingdom.
Lent 2026
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For our mission to continue, we need it to become yours.
Give now to support our mission
St. Casimir, son of King Casimir IV, grand duke of Lithuania and king
of Poland, desired peace in Eastern Europe, and refused to lead his
soldiers into war.
This type of action was not typical of medieval kings, who were often
eager to invade more lands and conquer countries to add to their
kingdom.
Leaving the front lines
Fr. Alban Butler explains in his Lives of the Saints the story of this
15th-century saint and how he left the front line of war, refusing to
push forward to invade Hungary.
The Palatines and other nobles of Hungary, dissatisfied with Matthias
Corvin, their king … begged the king of Poland to allow them to
place his son Casimir on the throne. The saint, not then quite fifteen
years of age, was very unwilling to consent; but in compliance with
his father’s will he went, at the head of an army of twenty thousand
men, to the frontiers in 1471. There hearing that Matthias had formed
an army of sixteen thousand men to defend him, and that all
differences were accommodated between him and his people, and that
Pope Sixtus IV had sent an embassy to divert his father from that
expedition, he joyfully returned, having with difficulty obtained his
father’s consent so to do.
His father, King Casimir IV, repeatedly commanded his son to lead his
army into battle and claim the throne of Hungary.
St. Casimir refused to have any part in the war campaign and spent a
period of time in exile from his father, knowing that if he returned,
he would be forced to comply.
After this incident, St. Casimir devoted himself to prayer and study,
desiring to lead a more contemplative life, not wanting to be the head
of an army that went off to war.
St. John Paul II pointed out the heroic virtue of St. Casimir in a
message he addressed to Lithuanians who gathered in Rome to celebrate
the 500th anniversary of St. Casimir’s death.
Men and women religious can find in Saint Casimir an inspiration for
their consecrated lives, as they recall how he embraced a life of
celibacy, submitted himself humbly to God’s will in all things,
devoted himself with tender love to the Blessed Virgin Mary and
developed a fervent practice of adoring Christ present in the Blessed
Sacrament. To all he was a shining example of poverty and of
sacrificial love for the poor and needy.
St. Casimir died at the young age of 25 from tuberculosis and is
regarded as a patron saint of Lithuania and Poland.
This Polish saint chose God over political power
Read also :
This Polish saint chose God over political power
How Mary became “Queen of Poland”
Read also :
How Mary became “Queen of Poland”
Wednesday, March 4
Saint Casimir
Prayer for the Morning
Come, let us offer praise to Jesus Christ,
crucified for our redemption.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
HymnMeter: LM
This hymn can be sung to the tune used for
The Glory of These Forty Days
“Take up your cross,” the Savior said,
“If you would my disciple be;
Deny yourself, the world forsake,
And humbly follow after me.”
Take up your cross, nor heed the shame,
Nor let your foolish pride rebel;
Your Lord for you the cross endured,
And saved your soul from death and hell.
Take up your cross, then, in his strength,
And calmly sin’s wild deluge brave,
’Twill guide you to a better home,
It points to glory o’er the grave.
Psalm 1431-11
If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. No slave is
greater than his master. (cf. Jn 15:18, 20)
Disciples who follow Jesus faithfully must expect to follow him into
dislike, ridicule, even persecution from those who find the Gospel
threatening to their ways of thinking and acting.
Lord, listen to my prayer:
turn your ear to my appeal.
You are faithful, you are just; give answer.
Do not call your servant to judgment
for no one is just in your sight.
The enemy pursues my soul;
he has crushed my life to the ground;
he has made me dwell in darkness
like the dead, long forgotten.
Therefore my spirit fails;
my heart is numb within me.
I remember the days that are past:
I ponder all your works.
I muse on what your hand has wrought
and to you I stretch out my hands.
Like a parched land my soul thirsts for you.
Lord, make haste and answer;
for my spirit fails within me.
Do not hide your face
lest I become like those in the grave.
In the morning let me know your love
for I put my trust in you.
Make me know the way I should walk:
to you I lift up my soul.
Rescue me, Lord, from my enemies;
I have fled to you for refuge.
Teach me to do your will
for you, O Lord, are my God.
Let your good spirit guide me
in ways that are level and smooth.
For your name’s sake, Lord, save my life;
in your justice save my soul from distress.
Glory to the Father….
Word of GodWisdom 2:12-14
Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us;/ he sets
himself against our doings,/ Reproaches us for transgressions of the
law/ and charges us with violations of our training./ He professes to
have knowledge of God/ and styles himself a child of the Lord./ To us
he is the censure of our thoughts;/ merely to see him is a hardship
for us.
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you,
because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
(Responsory for the Holy Cross)
Canticle of Zechariah
The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his
life as a ransom for many. (Mt 20:28)
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet
of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness
and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Glory to the Father…
Intercessions
The poor opinion of others is hard to bear. Let us pray as Christ has
taught us to pray:
R/Forgive them, O Lord.
Lord, you redeemed a world indifferent to God’s reign:
– grant conversion of heart to those who are hostile to the Gospel. R/
Lord, you ate with the sinners and the self-righteous:
– bring light to all who are far from your ways. R/
Lord, you forgave your enemies from the cross:
– show your kindness to those who frown on us for our discipleship. R/
Personal intentions
Our Father….
O God, your love for the world transforms darkness into light, hatred
into love, and persecution into peace through the gift of your only
Son. Make us true disciples in every circumstance of daily life,
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
https://www.expressen.se/tv/nyheter/varlden/zelenskyjs-erbjudan-till-irans-fiender/
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