Monday, June 10, 2013 - Litany Lane Blog:
Console, Psalms 34 2-9, Second Corinthians 1:1-7 , Matthew 5:1-12 , Pope Francis Daily Homily - The Consolation of the Holy Spirit, St. Bogumilus, Archcathedral Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, Poznan Poland, Catholic Catechism Part Three: Life In Christ Section 1 The Dignity of the Human Person Article 2:2 Christian Beatitude and In Brief
Year of Faith - October 11, 2012 - November 24, 2013
P.U.S.H. (Pray Until Serenity Happens). It has a remarkable way of producing solace, peace, patience and tranquility and of course resolution...God's always available 24/7.
The world begins and ends everyday for someone. We are all human. We all experience birth, life and death. We all have
flaws but we also all have the gift of knowledge and free will,
make the most of these gifts. Life on earth is a stepping stone to our eternal home in
Heaven. The Seven Gifts of
the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, wonder and awe (fear of the
Lord) , counsel, knowledge, fortitude, and piety (reverence) and shun
the seven Deadly sins: wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and
gluttony...Its your choice whether to embrace the Gifts of the Holy Spirit rising towards eternal light or succumb to the Seven deadly sins and lost to
eternal darkness. Material items, though needed for sustenance and
survival on earth are of earthly value only. The only thing that passes
from this earth to the Darkness, Purgatory or Heaven is our Soul...it's God's perpetual
gift to us...Embrace it, treasure it, nurture it, protect it...~ Zarya Parx 2013
"Raise not a hand to another unless it is to offer in peace and goodwill." ~ Zarya Parx 2012
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Prayers for Today: Monday in Ordinary Time
Rosary - Joyful Mysteries
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Papam Franciscus
(Pope Francis)
Pope Francis June 10 General Audience Address :
The Consolation of the Holy Spirit
(2013-06-10 Vatican Radio)
The Beatitudes are 'new commandments', but they are not just a simple do
gooders list. They cannot be understood with the mind, only with the
heart, so if our hearts are closed to God we will never know true
freedom. Christian consolation is the presence of God in our hearts
which teaches us to understand the Beatitudes as the law of the truly
free. This was the main focus of Pope Francis’ homily Monday morning at
Mass in the Casa Santa Marta residence.
Reflecting on the daily readings the Pope began by noting that, at the beginning of the Second Letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul uses the word consolation several times. The Apostle to the Gentiles, he added, "speaks to Christians who are young in the faith," people who "have recently begun to follow the path of Jesus", he insists on this, even if "they were not all persecuted." They were normal people, "but they had found Jesus." The Pope said this "was such a life-changing experience that a special strength from God was needed" and this strength is consolation. Consolation, he said again, "is the presence of God in our hearts." But, Pope Francis warned, in order for the Lord "to be present in our hearts, we must open the door”. His presence requires our "conversion":
"This is salvation: to live in the consolation of the Holy Spirit, not the consolation of the spirit of this world. No, that is not salvation, that is sin. Salvation is moving forward and opening our hearts so they can receive the Holy Spirit’s consolation, which is salvation. This is non-negotiable, you can’t take a bit from here and a bit from there? We cannot pick and mix, no? A bit of the Holy Spirit, a bit of the spirit of this world ... No! It’s one thing or the other. "
Pope Francis continued, the Lord clearly states: "You cannot serve two masters: or you serve the Lord or you serve the spirit of this world." You cannot ‘mix them up’. It is precisely when we are open to the Spirit of the Lord, that we are able to understand the "new law that the Lord brings us": the Beatitudes, of which the Gospel speaks today. The Pope added that we can only understand these Beatitudes " if we have an open heart, from the consolation of the Holy Spirit". They "cannot be understood with human intelligence alone":
"They are the new commandments. But if we do not have a heart open to the Holy Spirit, they will seem silly. ‘Just look, being poor, being meek, being merciful will hardly lead us to success'. If we do not have an open heart and if we have not experienced the consolation of the Holy Spirit, which is salvation, we cannot understand this. This is the law for those who have been saved and have opened their hearts to salvation. This is the law of the free, with the freedom of the Holy Spirit. "
Pope Francis continued, "we can regulate our life, according to a list of commands or procedures," but it is a "merely human” list. In the end this “does not lead us to salvation”. The Pope recalled that many were interested in "examining", "this new doctrine and then arguing with Jesus." And this was because they "their hearts were closed in on their own concerns", "concerns that God wanted to change." Pope Francis asked; Why do people "have their hearts closed to salvation?". The Pope said it is because “we are afraid of salvation. We need it, but we are afraid" because when the Lord comes "to save us we have to give everything. He is in charge! And we are afraid of this" because "we want control of ourselves". He added that in order to understand "these new commandments," we need the freedom that "is born of the Holy Spirit, who saves us, who comforts us" and is "the giver of life":
"Today we can now ask the Lord for the grace to follow Him, but with this freedom. Because if we want to follow him with our human freedom alone, in the end we become hypocrites like the Pharisees and Sadducees, those who quarreled with him. This is hypocrisy: not allowing the Spirit to change our hearts with His salvation. The freedom of the Spirit, which the Spirit gives us, is also a kind of slavery, of being ‘enslaved’ to the Lord which makes us free, it is another freedom. Instead, our freedom is only slavery, but not to the Lord, but to the spirit of the world. Let us ask for the grace to open our hearts to the consolation of the Holy Spirit, so that this consolation, which is salvation, allows us to understand these commandments. So be it! "
Reflecting on the daily readings the Pope began by noting that, at the beginning of the Second Letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul uses the word consolation several times. The Apostle to the Gentiles, he added, "speaks to Christians who are young in the faith," people who "have recently begun to follow the path of Jesus", he insists on this, even if "they were not all persecuted." They were normal people, "but they had found Jesus." The Pope said this "was such a life-changing experience that a special strength from God was needed" and this strength is consolation. Consolation, he said again, "is the presence of God in our hearts." But, Pope Francis warned, in order for the Lord "to be present in our hearts, we must open the door”. His presence requires our "conversion":
"This is salvation: to live in the consolation of the Holy Spirit, not the consolation of the spirit of this world. No, that is not salvation, that is sin. Salvation is moving forward and opening our hearts so they can receive the Holy Spirit’s consolation, which is salvation. This is non-negotiable, you can’t take a bit from here and a bit from there? We cannot pick and mix, no? A bit of the Holy Spirit, a bit of the spirit of this world ... No! It’s one thing or the other. "
Pope Francis continued, the Lord clearly states: "You cannot serve two masters: or you serve the Lord or you serve the spirit of this world." You cannot ‘mix them up’. It is precisely when we are open to the Spirit of the Lord, that we are able to understand the "new law that the Lord brings us": the Beatitudes, of which the Gospel speaks today. The Pope added that we can only understand these Beatitudes " if we have an open heart, from the consolation of the Holy Spirit". They "cannot be understood with human intelligence alone":
"They are the new commandments. But if we do not have a heart open to the Holy Spirit, they will seem silly. ‘Just look, being poor, being meek, being merciful will hardly lead us to success'. If we do not have an open heart and if we have not experienced the consolation of the Holy Spirit, which is salvation, we cannot understand this. This is the law for those who have been saved and have opened their hearts to salvation. This is the law of the free, with the freedom of the Holy Spirit. "
Pope Francis continued, "we can regulate our life, according to a list of commands or procedures," but it is a "merely human” list. In the end this “does not lead us to salvation”. The Pope recalled that many were interested in "examining", "this new doctrine and then arguing with Jesus." And this was because they "their hearts were closed in on their own concerns", "concerns that God wanted to change." Pope Francis asked; Why do people "have their hearts closed to salvation?". The Pope said it is because “we are afraid of salvation. We need it, but we are afraid" because when the Lord comes "to save us we have to give everything. He is in charge! And we are afraid of this" because "we want control of ourselves". He added that in order to understand "these new commandments," we need the freedom that "is born of the Holy Spirit, who saves us, who comforts us" and is "the giver of life":
"Today we can now ask the Lord for the grace to follow Him, but with this freedom. Because if we want to follow him with our human freedom alone, in the end we become hypocrites like the Pharisees and Sadducees, those who quarreled with him. This is hypocrisy: not allowing the Spirit to change our hearts with His salvation. The freedom of the Spirit, which the Spirit gives us, is also a kind of slavery, of being ‘enslaved’ to the Lord which makes us free, it is another freedom. Instead, our freedom is only slavery, but not to the Lord, but to the spirit of the world. Let us ask for the grace to open our hearts to the consolation of the Holy Spirit, so that this consolation, which is salvation, allows us to understand these commandments. So be it! "
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Liturgical Celebrations to be presided over by Pope: Summer
Vatican City, Summer2013 (VIS)
Following is the calendar of celebrations scheduled to be presided over by the Holy Father for the Summer of 2013:
JUNE
16 June, 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time: 10:30am, Mass for “Evangelium Vitae” Day in St. Peter's Square.
29 Saturday, Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul: 9:30am, Mass and imposition of the pallium upon new metropolitans in the papal chapel.
JULY
June 2, 2013 Our Lady of Medjugorje Message to the World: "Dear children, in this restless time, anew I am calling you to set out after my Son - to follow Him. I know of the pain, suffering and difficulties, but in my Son you will find rest; in Him you will find peace and salvation. My children, do not forget that my Son redeemed you by His Cross and enabled you, anew, to be children of God; to be able to, anew, call the Heavenly Father, "Father". To be worthy of the Father, love and forgive, because your Father is love and forgiveness. Pray and fast, because that is the way to your purification, it is the way of coming to know and becoming cognizant of the Heavenly Father. When you become cognizant of the Father, you will comprehend that He is all you need. I, as a mother, desire my children to be in a community of one single people where the Word of God is listened to and carried out.* Therefore, my children, set out after my Son. Be one with Him. Be God's children. Love your shepherds as my Son loved them when He called them to serve you. Thank you." *Our Lady said this resolutely and with emphasis.
May 25, 2013 Our Lady of Medjugorje Message to the World:“Dear children! Today I call you to be strong and resolute in faith and prayer, until your prayers are so strong so as to open the Heart of my beloved Son Jesus. Pray little children, pray without ceasing until your heart opens to God’s love. I am with you and I intercede for all of you and I pray for your conversion. Thank you for having responded to my call.”
Following is the calendar of celebrations scheduled to be presided over by the Holy Father for the Summer of 2013:
JUNE
16 June, 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time: 10:30am, Mass for “Evangelium Vitae” Day in St. Peter's Square.
29 Saturday, Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul: 9:30am, Mass and imposition of the pallium upon new metropolitans in the papal chapel.
JULY
The Prefecture of the Papal Household has released Pope Francis' agenda
for the summer period, from July through to the end of August. Briefing
journalists, Holy See Press Office director, Fr. Federico Lombardi
confirmed that the Pope will remain 'based ' at the Casa Santa Marta
residence in Vatican City State for the duration of the summer.
As per tradition, all private and special audiences are suspended for the duration of the summer. The Holy Father's private Masses with employees will end July 7 and resume in September. The Wednesday general audiences are suspended for the month of July to resume August 7 at the Vatican.
7 July, 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time: 9:30am, Mass with seminarians and novices in the Vatican Basilica.
14 July Sunday , Pope Francis will lead the Angelus prayer from the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo.
Pope Francis will travel to Brazil for the 28th World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro from Monday July 22 to Monday July 29.
As per tradition, all private and special audiences are suspended for the duration of the summer. The Holy Father's private Masses with employees will end July 7 and resume in September. The Wednesday general audiences are suspended for the month of July to resume August 7 at the Vatican.
7 July, 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time: 9:30am, Mass with seminarians and novices in the Vatican Basilica.
14 July Sunday , Pope Francis will lead the Angelus prayer from the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo.
Pope Francis will travel to Brazil for the 28th World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro from Monday July 22 to Monday July 29.
Reference:
- Vatican News. From the Pope. © Copyright 2013 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Accessed 06/10/2013.
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June 2, 2013 Our Lady of Medjugorje Message to the World: "Dear children, in this restless time, anew I am calling you to set out after my Son - to follow Him. I know of the pain, suffering and difficulties, but in my Son you will find rest; in Him you will find peace and salvation. My children, do not forget that my Son redeemed you by His Cross and enabled you, anew, to be children of God; to be able to, anew, call the Heavenly Father, "Father". To be worthy of the Father, love and forgive, because your Father is love and forgiveness. Pray and fast, because that is the way to your purification, it is the way of coming to know and becoming cognizant of the Heavenly Father. When you become cognizant of the Father, you will comprehend that He is all you need. I, as a mother, desire my children to be in a community of one single people where the Word of God is listened to and carried out.* Therefore, my children, set out after my Son. Be one with Him. Be God's children. Love your shepherds as my Son loved them when He called them to serve you. Thank you." *Our Lady said this resolutely and with emphasis.
May 25, 2013 Our Lady of Medjugorje Message to the World:“Dear children! Today I call you to be strong and resolute in faith and prayer, until your prayers are so strong so as to open the Heart of my beloved Son Jesus. Pray little children, pray without ceasing until your heart opens to God’s love. I am with you and I intercede for all of you and I pray for your conversion. Thank you for having responded to my call.”
May 2, 2013 Our Lady of Medjugorje Message to the World: "Dear children; Anew, I am calling you to love and not to judge. My Son, according to the will of the Heavenly Father, was among you to show you the way of salvation, to save you and not to judge you. If you desire to follow my Son, you will not judge but love like your Heavenly Father loves you. And when it is the most difficult for you, when you are falling under the weight of the cross do not despair, do not judge, instead remember that you are loved and praise the Heavenly Father because of His love. My children, do not deviate from the way on which I am leading you. Do not recklessly walk into perdition. May prayer and fasting strengthen you so that you can live as the Heavenly Father would desire; that you may be my apostles of faith and love; that your life may bless those whom you meet; that you may be one with the Heavenly Father and my Son. My children, that is the only truth, the truth that leads to your conversion, and then to the conversion of all those whom you meet - those who have not come to know my Son - all those who do not know what it means to love. My children, my Son gave you a gift of the shepherds. Take good care of them. Pray for them. Thank you."
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Today's Word: console con·sole [kuh
n-sohl]
Origin: 1685–95; (< French consoler ) < Latin consōlārī, equivalent to con- con- + sōlārī to soothe (see solace); perhaps akin to Old English sǣl happiness (see seely)
verb (used with object), con·soled, con·sol·ing.
1. to alleviate or lessen the grief, sorrow, or disappointment of; give solace or comfort:
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Today's Old Testament Reading - Psalms 34:2-9
2 I will praise Yahweh from my heart; let the humble hear and rejoice.
3 Proclaim with me the greatness of Yahweh, let us acclaim his name together.
4 I seek Yahweh and he answers me, frees me from all my fears.
5 Fix your gaze on Yahweh and your face will grow bright, you will never hang your head in shame.
6 A pauper calls out and Yahweh hears, saves him from all his troubles.
7 The angel of Yahweh encamps around those who fear him, and rescues them.
8 Taste and see that Yahweh is good. How blessed are those who take refuge in him.
9 Fear Yahweh, you his holy ones; those who fear him lack for nothing.
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Today's Epistle - Second Corinthians 1:1-7
1 Paul, by the will of God an apostle of Christ Jesus, and Timothy, our brother, to the church of God in Corinth and to all God's holy people in the whole of Achaia.
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the merciful Father and the God who gives every possible encouragement;
4 he supports us in every hardship, so
that we are able to come to the support of others, in every hardship of
theirs because of the encouragement that we ourselves receive from God.
5 For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow into our lives; so too does the encouragement we receive through Christ.
6 So if we have hardships to undergo, this will
contribute to your encouragement and your salvation; if we receive
encouragement, this is to gain for you the encouragement which enables
you to bear with perseverance the same sufferings as we do.
7 So our hope for you is secure in the knowledge that you share the encouragement we receive, no less than the sufferings we bear.
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Today's Gospel Reading - Matthew 5:1-12
Seeing the crowds, Jesus went onto the mountain. And when he was seated his disciples came to him.
Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them:
How blessed are the poor in spirit: the kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
Blessed are the gentle: they shall have the earth as inheritance.
Blessed are those who mourn: they shall be comforted.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for uprightness: they shall have their fill.
Blessed are the merciful: they shall have mercy shown them.
Blessed are the pure in heart: they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: they shall be recognized as children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted in the cause of uprightness: the kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
'Blessed are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven; this is how they persecuted the prophets before you.
Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them:
How blessed are the poor in spirit: the kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
Blessed are the gentle: they shall have the earth as inheritance.
Blessed are those who mourn: they shall be comforted.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for uprightness: they shall have their fill.
Blessed are the merciful: they shall have mercy shown them.
Blessed are the pure in heart: they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: they shall be recognized as children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted in the cause of uprightness: the kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
'Blessed are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven; this is how they persecuted the prophets before you.
Reflection
• From today, beginning
of the 10th week of Ordinary Time, up to the end of the 21st
Week of Ordinary time, the daily Gospels are taken from the
Gospel of Matthew. Starting from the beginning of the 22nd week of Ordinary Time, up to the end of the Liturgical Year, the Gospels are taken from the Gospel of Luke.
• In Matthew’s Gospel written for the communities of the converted Jews of Galilee and Syria, Jesus is presented as the New Moses, the new legislator. In the Old Testament the Law of Moses was codified in five books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Imitating the ancient model, Matthew presents the New Law in five great discourses spread over in the Gospel: a) the Sermon on the Mountain (Mt 5,1 to 7,29); b) the Discourse on the Mission (Mt 10,1-42); c) The Discourse of the Parables (Mt 13,1-52); d) The Discourse of the Community (Mt 18,1-35); e) The Discourse of the Future of the Kingdom (Mt 24,1 a 25,46). The narrative parts, which have been put in among the five Discourses, describe the practice of Jesus and show how He observed the New Law and incarnated it in his life.
• In Matthew’s Gospel written for the communities of the converted Jews of Galilee and Syria, Jesus is presented as the New Moses, the new legislator. In the Old Testament the Law of Moses was codified in five books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Imitating the ancient model, Matthew presents the New Law in five great discourses spread over in the Gospel: a) the Sermon on the Mountain (Mt 5,1 to 7,29); b) the Discourse on the Mission (Mt 10,1-42); c) The Discourse of the Parables (Mt 13,1-52); d) The Discourse of the Community (Mt 18,1-35); e) The Discourse of the Future of the Kingdom (Mt 24,1 a 25,46). The narrative parts, which have been put in among the five Discourses, describe the practice of Jesus and show how He observed the New Law and incarnated it in his life.
• Matthew 5, 1-2: The solemn announcement of the New Law. In agreement with the context of the Gospel of Matthew, in the moment when Jesus pronounces the Discourse on the Mountain, there were only four disciples with him (cf. Mt 4, 18-22). Few people. But an immense multitude was behind him (Mt 4, 25). In the Old Testament, Moses went up to Mount Sinai to receive the Law of God. As it happened to Moses, Jesus went up to the Mountain, and seeing the crowd, he proclaimed the New Law. The solemn way in which Matthew introduces the proclamation of the New Law is significant: “Seeing the crowds, he went onto the mountain. And when he was seated his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them: How blessed are the poor in spirit, the kingdom of Heaven is theirs”. The eight Beatitudes open in a solemn way the “Discourse on the Mountain” – the sermon on the Mountain. In them Jesus defines who can be considered blessed, who can enter into the Kingdom. There are eight categories of persons, eight entrance doors to the Kingdom, for the community. There are no other entrances! Anyone who wants to enter into the Kingdom should identify himself with at least one of these eight categories.
• Matthew 5, 3: Blessed are the poor in spirit. Jesus acknowledges the richness and the value of the poor (Mt 11, 25-26). He defines his own mission in these words: “to proclaim the Good News to the poor” (Lk 4, 18). He himself lives poorly. He possesses nothing for himself, not even a stone where to rest his head (Mt 88, 20). And to anyone who wants to follow him, he orders to choose: God or money! (Mt 6, 24). In Luke’s Gospel it is said: “Blessed are you who are poor!” (Lk 6,20). But who is poor in spirit? It is the poor person who has the same spirit that animated Jesus. It is not the rich person, neither the poor person who has the mentality of a rich person. But rather it is the poor person who acts as Jesus, he thinks of the poor and recognizes the value in him. It is the poor person who says: “I think that the world will be better when the little one who suffers thinks of the least.
1. Blessed the poor in spirit => for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven
2. Blessed the meek => they shall have the earth as inheritance
3. Blessed those who mourn => they will be consoled
4. Blessed those who hunger and thirst for justice => they shall have their fill
5. Blessed are the merciful => they shall have mercy shown them
6. Blessed are the pure in heart => they shall see God
7. Blessed are the peacemakers => they shall be recognized children of God
8. Blessed those persecuted in the cause of justice => theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
• Matthew 5, 4-9: The new project of life. Every time that in the Bible they try to renew the Covenant, they begin by re-establishing the rights of the poor and of the excluded. Without this, the Covenant cannot be renewed! This is the way the Prophets did, this is how Jesus did. In the Beatitudes, he announces the new Project of God which accepts the poor and the excluded. It denounces the system which excludes the poor and which persecutes those who fight for justice. The first category of the “poor in spirit” and the last category of those “persecuted for the cause of justice” receive the same promise of the Kingdom of Heaven. And they receive it beginning now, in the present, because Jesus says: “theirs is the Kingdom!” The Kingdom is already present in their life. Between the first and the last category, there are six others categories which receive the promise of the Kingdom. In them there is the new project of life which wants to reconstruct life totally through a new type of relationship: with material goods (the first two); with persons among themselves (2nd two); with God (3rd two). The Christian community should be an example of this Kingdom, a place where the Kingdom begins and takes shape, form beginning now.
• The three duos: First one: the meek and those who mourn: the meek are those poor of whom Psalm 37 speaks. They have been deprived of their land and they will inherit it again (Ps 37, 11; cf. Ps 37.22.29.34). Those who mourn are those who weep in the face of injustices in the world and in people (cf. Ps 119,136; Ez 9,4; Tb 13,16; 2 P 2,7). These two Beatitudes want to reconstruct the relationship with material goods: the possession of the land and of the reconciled world.
Second duo: those who hunger and thirst for justice and the merciful: Those who are hungry and thirsty for justice are those who desire to renew human living together, in such a way that once again it may be according to the demands of justice. The merciful are those who feel in their heart the misery of others because they want to eliminate the inequality between brothers and sisters. These two Beatitudes want to reconstruct the relationship among persons through the practice of justice and solidarity.
Third duo: The pure in heart and the peacemakers: The pure in heart are those who have a contemplative look which allows them to perceive the presence of God in everything. Those who promote peace, the peacemakers, will be called children of God, because they make an effort so that a new experience of God can penetrate in everything and can integrate all things. These two Beatitudes want to build up the relationship with God: to see the presence of God which acts in everything, and be called son and daughter of God.
• Matthew 5, 10-12: The persecuted for the cause of justice and of the Gospel. The Beatitudes say exactly the contrary of what society in which we live says. In fact, in society, those who are persecuted for the cause of justice are considered as unhappy, wretched persons. The poor is unhappy. Blessed is the one who has money and can go to the Supermarket and spend as he wishes. Blessed is the one who is hungry for power. The unhappy and wretched are the poor, those who weep! In television, the novels diffuse this myth of the happy and fulfilled person. And without being aware, the novels become the model of life for many of us. Is there still place in our society for these words of Jesus: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for the cause of justice and of the Gospel? Blessed are the poor! Blessed are those who weep!”? And according to me, being a Christian, in fact, who is blessed?
Personal questions
• We all want to be
happy. All of us! But are we truly happy? Why yes? Why no? How
can we understand that a person can be poor and happy at the
same time?
• In which moments of your life have you felt truly happy? Was it a happiness like the one proclaimed by Jesus in the Beatitudes, or was it of another type?
• In which moments of your life have you felt truly happy? Was it a happiness like the one proclaimed by Jesus in the Beatitudes, or was it of another type?
Reference: Courtesy of Order of Carmelites, www.ocarm.org.
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Featured Item of the Day from Litany Lane
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Saint of the Day: St Bogumilus
Feast Day: June 10
Patron Saint: Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Gniezno, Poland
Attributes: n/a
Bogumilus, also known as Piotr Bogumił, Bogimilus and Theophilus, was Archbishop of Gniezno and a Camaldolese monk.[1]
Bogumilus was born of nobility in 1135 at Dobrów, Poland, along with a twin brother, Boguphalus, both of whom would later study in Paris, France. Having completed his studies Bogumilus was ordained a priest near Dobrów. His uncle, who was the Archbishop of Gniezno, made him the chancellor of Gniezno. Bogumilus succeededed his uncle as Archbishop of Gniezno in 1167. Bogumilus founded a Cistercian abbey at Coronawa.
He resigned his see in 1172, due to opposition by his clergy to what they viewed as his excessive strictness. Bogumilus then joined the Camaldolese hermits at Uniedow, Poland, where he remained until his death. While on his deathbed, it is believed that Bogumilus saw a vision of the Virgin Mary and Child, surrounded by a throng of angels, who were inviting him to heaven.
The cult and veneration of Bogumilus began almost immediately after
his death, especially in Eastern Poland. Many people prayed for his
intercession for things such as health, good livestock and a good catch
while fishing. When they were answered, many faithful visited his tomb
and it became a place for local pilgrimage. Yet it was not until 1625
that the formal process of beatification began under the Primate of
Poland, Archbishop Maciej Łubieński.
The files were sent to Rome in 1651, however the process was never completed as the Book of Miracles, which was in the hands of a Count, by the name of Sebastian Głębocki, was burned at his court in Głębokiem, Kruszwica.
In 1788 a small wooden chapel dedicated to Bogumilus was built, in the wetlands of the Rivers Warta and Teleszyny, near Dobrów, and still stands till this day. The process of beatification would remain dormant until 1908, when Stanislaw Zdzitowiecki, the Bishop of Kujawy, reactivated the process. On 27 May 1925 Pope Pius XI proclaimed Bogumilus, as Blessed. Later Pope Paul VI would bestow on Bogumilus the patronage of the Archdiocese of Gniezno.
There is no definitive evidence, to support this, however, and most modern historians regard Piotr Bogumił, as one historical person, who is venerated in the Catholic Church.
In support of this view, it is very possible that the Archbishop had been christened as Peter and might have taken the name Bogumilus as his monastic name. The support for this theory is the fact that this name already had a place of honor in the Camaldolese Order, as the original Bogumilus was a member of the first monastery of the Order outside of Italy. All the members of this 11th-century community were murdered and are considered martyrs within the Order. An account of their deaths was written by their colleague, Saint Bruno of Querfurt, and the memory of these martyred monks would have been still fresh to the Polish Camaldolese monks of his day.
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| St Bogumilus |
Bogumilus was born of nobility in 1135 at Dobrów, Poland, along with a twin brother, Boguphalus, both of whom would later study in Paris, France. Having completed his studies Bogumilus was ordained a priest near Dobrów. His uncle, who was the Archbishop of Gniezno, made him the chancellor of Gniezno. Bogumilus succeededed his uncle as Archbishop of Gniezno in 1167. Bogumilus founded a Cistercian abbey at Coronawa.
He resigned his see in 1172, due to opposition by his clergy to what they viewed as his excessive strictness. Bogumilus then joined the Camaldolese hermits at Uniedow, Poland, where he remained until his death. While on his deathbed, it is believed that Bogumilus saw a vision of the Virgin Mary and Child, surrounded by a throng of angels, who were inviting him to heaven.
Legacy and Veneration
Chapel of Blessed Bogumil, Dobrów
The files were sent to Rome in 1651, however the process was never completed as the Book of Miracles, which was in the hands of a Count, by the name of Sebastian Głębocki, was burned at his court in Głębokiem, Kruszwica.
In 1788 a small wooden chapel dedicated to Bogumilus was built, in the wetlands of the Rivers Warta and Teleszyny, near Dobrów, and still stands till this day. The process of beatification would remain dormant until 1908, when Stanislaw Zdzitowiecki, the Bishop of Kujawy, reactivated the process. On 27 May 1925 Pope Pius XI proclaimed Bogumilus, as Blessed. Later Pope Paul VI would bestow on Bogumilus the patronage of the Archdiocese of Gniezno.
Historical Confusion
Some scholars believe that Bogumilus is the amalgamation of two historical figures by the names of Bogumilus and Peter, one of whom was the Archbishop and the other a monk.There is no definitive evidence, to support this, however, and most modern historians regard Piotr Bogumił, as one historical person, who is venerated in the Catholic Church.
In support of this view, it is very possible that the Archbishop had been christened as Peter and might have taken the name Bogumilus as his monastic name. The support for this theory is the fact that this name already had a place of honor in the Camaldolese Order, as the original Bogumilus was a member of the first monastery of the Order outside of Italy. All the members of this 11th-century community were murdered and are considered martyrs within the Order. An account of their deaths was written by their colleague, Saint Bruno of Querfurt, and the memory of these martyred monks would have been still fresh to the Polish Camaldolese monks of his day.
References
- ^ St. Bogumilus Catholic Online
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Today's Snippet I: Archcathedral Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul
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| Archcathedral Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul Poznan Poland |
The Archcathedral Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul in Poznań is one of the oldest churches in Poland and the oldest Polish cathedral, dating from the 10th century. It stands on the island of Ostrów Tumski north-east of the city centre.
The cathedral was originally built in the second half of the 10th century within the fortified settlement (gród) of Poznań, which stood on what is now called Ostrów Tumski ("Cathedral Island"). This was one of the main political centres in the early Polish state,
and included a ducal palace (excavated by archaeologists since 1999,
beneath the Church of the Virgin Mary which stands in front of the
cathedral). The palace included a chapel, perhaps built for Dobrawa, Christian wife of Poland's first historical ruler, Mieszko I. Mieszko himself was baptised in 966, possibly at Poznań – this is regarded as a key event in the Christianization of Poland
and consolidation of the state. The cathedral was built around this
time; it was raised to the status of a cathedral in 968 when the first
missionary bishop, Bishop Jordan, came to Poland. Saint Peter became the patron of the church because, as the first cathedral in the country, it had the right to have the same patron as St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.
The pre-Romanesque church which was built at that time was about 48 meters in length. Remains of this building are still visible in the basements of today's basilica. The first church survived for about seventy years, until the period of the pagan reaction and the raid of the Bohemian duke Bretislav I (1034–1038). The cathedral was rebuilt in the Romanesque style, remains of which are visible in the southern tower. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the church was rebuilt in the Gothic style. At that time, a crown of chapels was added. A fire in 1622 did such serious damage that the cathedral needed a complete renovation, which was carried out in the Baroque style.
Another major fire broke out in 1772 and the church was rebuilt in the Neo-Classical style. In 1821, Pope Pius VII raised the cathedral to the status of a Metropolitan Archcathedral and added the second patron - Saint Paul. The last of the great fires occurred on 15 February 1945, during the liberation of the city from the Germans. The damage was serious enough that the conservators decided to return to the Gothic style, using as a base medieval relics revealed by the fire. The cathedral was reopened on 29 June 1956. In 1962, Pope John XXIII gave the church the title of minor basilica.
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The pre-Romanesque church which was built at that time was about 48 meters in length. Remains of this building are still visible in the basements of today's basilica. The first church survived for about seventy years, until the period of the pagan reaction and the raid of the Bohemian duke Bretislav I (1034–1038). The cathedral was rebuilt in the Romanesque style, remains of which are visible in the southern tower. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the church was rebuilt in the Gothic style. At that time, a crown of chapels was added. A fire in 1622 did such serious damage that the cathedral needed a complete renovation, which was carried out in the Baroque style.
Another major fire broke out in 1772 and the church was rebuilt in the Neo-Classical style. In 1821, Pope Pius VII raised the cathedral to the status of a Metropolitan Archcathedral and added the second patron - Saint Paul. The last of the great fires occurred on 15 February 1945, during the liberation of the city from the Germans. The damage was serious enough that the conservators decided to return to the Gothic style, using as a base medieval relics revealed by the fire. The cathedral was reopened on 29 June 1956. In 1962, Pope John XXIII gave the church the title of minor basilica.
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Catechism of the Catholic Church
Part Three: Life in Christ
Section One: Man's Vocation Life in The Spirit
CHAPTER ONE : THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON
Article 2:2 Desire for Happiness
SECTION ONE
ONE MAN'S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT
1699 Life in the Holy Spirit fulfills the vocation of man (chapter one). This life is made up of divine charity and human solidarity (chapter two). It is graciously offered as salvation (chapter three).
1699 Life in the Holy Spirit fulfills the vocation of man (chapter one). This life is made up of divine charity and human solidarity (chapter two). It is graciously offered as salvation (chapter three).
CHAPTER ONE
THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON
1700
The dignity of the human person is rooted in his creation in the image and likeness
of God (article 1); it is fulfilled in his vocation to divine beatitude
(article 2). It is essential to a human being freely to direct himself to this
fulfillment (article 3). By his deliberate actions (article 4), the human
person does, or does not, conform to the good promised by God and attested by
moral conscience (article 5). Human beings make their own contribution to their
interior growth; they make their whole sentient and spiritual lives into means
of this growth (article 6). With the help of grace they grow in virtue (article
7), avoid sin, and if they sin they entrust themselves as did the prodigal
son Lk 15:11-32 to the mercy of our Father in heaven (article 8). In this way they
attain to the perfection of charity.
III. Christian Beatitude
1720
The New Testament uses several expressions to characterize the beatitude to
which God calls man:
- the coming of the Kingdom of God;Mt 4:17
- the vision of God: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God"Mt 5:8; cf. ⇒ 1 Jn 2; ⇒ 1 Cor 13:12
- entering into the joy of the Lord;Mt 5:8; cf. ⇒ 1 Jn 2; ⇒ 1 Cor 13:12
- entering into God's rest:Heb 4:7-11
- the coming of the Kingdom of God;Mt 4:17
- the vision of God: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God"Mt 5:8; cf. ⇒ 1 Jn 2; ⇒ 1 Cor 13:12
- entering into the joy of the Lord;Mt 5:8; cf. ⇒ 1 Jn 2; ⇒ 1 Cor 13:12
- entering into God's rest:Heb 4:7-11
There we shall rest and see,
we shall see and love, we shall love and praise. Behold what will be at the end
without end. For what other end do we have, if not to reach the kingdom which
has no end?St. Augustine,
De civ. Dei 22, 30, 5: PL 41,804
1721
God put us in the world to know, to love, and to serve him, and so to come to
paradise. Beatitude makes us "partakers of the divine nature" and of
eternal life.2 Pet 1:4; cf. ⇒ Jn
17:3 With beatitude, man enters into the glory of
ChristRom 8:18 and into the joy of the Trinitarian life.
1722
Such beatitude surpasses the understanding and powers of man. It comes from an
entirely free gift of God: whence it is called supernatural, as is the grace
that disposes man to enter into the divine joy.
"Blessed are the pure in
heart, for they shall see God."
It is true, because of the
greatness and inexpressible glory of God, that "man shall not see me and
live," for the Father cannot be grasped. But because of God's love and
goodness toward us, and because he can do all things, he goes so far as to
grant those who love him the privilege of seeing him.... For "what is
impossible for men is possible for God."St.
Irenaeus, Adv. haeres. 4,20,5: PG 7/1, 1034-1035
1723
The beatitude we are promised confronts us with decisive moral choices. It
invites us to purify our hearts of bad instincts and to seek the love of God
above all else. It teaches us that true happiness is not found in riches or
well-being, in human fame or power, or in any human achievement - however
beneficial it may be - such as science, technology, and art, or indeed in any
creature, but in God alone, the source of every good and of all love:
All bow down before wealth.
Wealth is that to which the multitude of men pay an instinctive homage. They
measure happiness by wealth; and by wealth they measure respectability.... It
is a homage resulting from a profound faith ... that with wealth he may do all
things. Wealth is one idol of the day and notoriety is a second.... Notoriety,
or the making of a noise in the world - it may be called "newspaper
fame" - has come to be considered a great good in itself, and a ground of
veneration.John Henry Cardinal Newman, "Saintliness the Standard of
Christian Principle," in Discourses to Mixed Congregations (London:
Longmans, Green and Co., 1906) V, 89-90
1724
The Decalogue, the Sermon on the Mount, and the apostolic catechesis describe
for us the paths that lead to the Kingdom of heaven. Sustained by the grace of
the Holy Spirit, we tread them, step by step, by everyday acts. By the working
of the Word of Christ, we slowly bear fruit in the Church to the glory of
God.the parable of the sower: ⇒ Mt
13:3-23
IN BRIEF
1725 The Beatitudes take up
and fulfill God's promises from Abraham on by ordering them to the Kingdom of
heaven. They respond to the desire for happiness that God has placed in the
human heart.
1726 The Beatitudes teach us
the final end to which God calls us: the Kingdom, the vision of God,
participation in the divine nature, eternal life, filiation, rest in God.
1727 The beatitude of eternal
life is a gratuitous gift of God. It is supernatural, as is the grace that
leads us there.
1728 The Beatitudes confront
us with decisive choices concerning earthly goods; they purify our hearts in
order to teach us to love God above all things.
1729 The beatitude of heaven
sets the standards for discernment in the use of earthly goods in keeping with
the law of God.
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