Saint Lucy Dec 13 breski1 on Dec 12, 2007 Saint Lucy was a young Christian maiden of Syracuse in Sicily. She had already offered her virginity to God and refused to marry, when her mother pressed her …More
Saint Lucy Dec 13
breski1 on Dec 12, 2007 Saint Lucy was a young Christian maiden of Syracuse in Sicily. She had already offered her virginity to God and refused to marry, when her mother pressed her to accept the offer of a young pagan. The mother was afflicted afterwards for several years by an issue of blood, and all human remedies were ineffectual. Lucy reminded her mother that a woman in the Gospel, suffering from the same disorder, had been healed by the divine power. They determined to make a journey to Catania, a port of Sicily, where the tomb of Saint Agatha, martyred in 251, was already a site of pilgrimage. “Saint Agatha,” Lucy said, “stands ever in the sight of Him for whom she died. Only touch her sepulchre with faith, and you will be healed.” The Saint of Catania had already saved that city, when Mount Etna had erupted the year after her martyrdom: some frightened pagans, seeing a course of lava descending directly toward the city, had uncovered her tomb, and at once it had stopped.
Saint Lucy and her mother spent an entire night praying by the tomb, until, overcome by weariness, both fell asleep. Saint Agatha appeared in vision to Saint Lucy, and addressing her sister in the faith, foretold her mother’s recovery and Lucy’s future martyrdom: “You will soon be the glory of Syracuse, as I am of Catania.” At that instant the cure was effected; and in her gratitude the mother allowed her daughter to distribute her wealth among the poor, and to conserve her virginity.
The young man who had sought her hand in marriage denounced her as a Christian during the persecution of Diocletian, but Our Lord, by a special miracle, saved from outrage this virgin He had chosen for His own. The executioners who would have taken her to a house of ill fame were unable to move her. The exasperated prefect gave orders to attach her by cords to harnessed bulls, but the bulls, too, did not succeed, and he accused her of being a magician. “How can you, a feeble woman, triumph over a thousand men?” She replied, “Bring ten thousand, and they will not be able to combat against God!” A fire kindled around her did her no harm, though she was covered with resin and oil. When a sword was plunged into her heart, the promise made at the tomb of Saint Agatha was fulfilled. Saint Lucy died, predicting peace for the Church.
breski1 on Dec 12, 2007 Saint Lucy was a young Christian maiden of Syracuse in Sicily. She had already offered her virginity to God and refused to marry, when her mother pressed her to accept the offer of a young pagan. The mother was afflicted afterwards for several years by an issue of blood, and all human remedies were ineffectual. Lucy reminded her mother that a woman in the Gospel, suffering from the same disorder, had been healed by the divine power. They determined to make a journey to Catania, a port of Sicily, where the tomb of Saint Agatha, martyred in 251, was already a site of pilgrimage. “Saint Agatha,” Lucy said, “stands ever in the sight of Him for whom she died. Only touch her sepulchre with faith, and you will be healed.” The Saint of Catania had already saved that city, when Mount Etna had erupted the year after her martyrdom: some frightened pagans, seeing a course of lava descending directly toward the city, had uncovered her tomb, and at once it had stopped.
Saint Lucy and her mother spent an entire night praying by the tomb, until, overcome by weariness, both fell asleep. Saint Agatha appeared in vision to Saint Lucy, and addressing her sister in the faith, foretold her mother’s recovery and Lucy’s future martyrdom: “You will soon be the glory of Syracuse, as I am of Catania.” At that instant the cure was effected; and in her gratitude the mother allowed her daughter to distribute her wealth among the poor, and to conserve her virginity.
The young man who had sought her hand in marriage denounced her as a Christian during the persecution of Diocletian, but Our Lord, by a special miracle, saved from outrage this virgin He had chosen for His own. The executioners who would have taken her to a house of ill fame were unable to move her. The exasperated prefect gave orders to attach her by cords to harnessed bulls, but the bulls, too, did not succeed, and he accused her of being a magician. “How can you, a feeble woman, triumph over a thousand men?” She replied, “Bring ten thousand, and they will not be able to combat against God!” A fire kindled around her did her no harm, though she was covered with resin and oil. When a sword was plunged into her heart, the promise made at the tomb of Saint Agatha was fulfilled. Saint Lucy died, predicting peace for the Church.
Tuesday of the Third week of Advent
Book of Zephaniah 3:1-2.9-13.
Woe to the city, rebellious and polluted, to the tyrannical city!
She hears no voice, accepts no correction; In the LORD she has not trusted, to her God she has not drawn near.
For then I will change and purify the lips of the peoples, That they all may call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one accord;
From beyond the …More
Tuesday of the Third week of Advent
Book of Zephaniah 3:1-2.9-13.
Woe to the city, rebellious and polluted, to the tyrannical city!
She hears no voice, accepts no correction; In the LORD she has not trusted, to her God she has not drawn near.
For then I will change and purify the lips of the peoples, That they all may call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one accord;
From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia and as far as the recesses of the North, they shall bring me offerings.
On that day You need not be ashamed of all your deeds, your rebellious actions against me; For then will I remove from your midst the proud braggarts, And you shall no longer exalt yourself on my holy mountain.
But I will leave as a remnant in your midst a people humble and lowly, Who shall take refuge in the name of the LORD;
the remnant of Israel. They shall do no wrong and speak no lies; Nor shall there be found in their mouths a deceitful tongue; They shall pasture and couch their flocks with none to disturb them.
Psalms 34(33):2-3.6-7.17-18.19.23.
I will bless the LORD at all times; praise shall be always in my mouth.
My soul will glory in the LORD that the poor may hear and be glad.
Look to God that you may be radiant with joy and your faces may not blush for shame.
In my misfortune I called, the LORD heard and saved me from all distress.
The LORD'S face is against evildoers to wipe out their memory from the earth.
When the just cry out, the LORD hears and rescues them from all distress.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed.
The LORD redeems loyal servants; no one is condemned whose refuge is God.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 21:28-32.
What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, 'Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.'
He said in reply, 'I will not,' but afterwards he changed his mind and went.
The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, 'Yes, sir,' but did not go.
Which of the two did his father's will?" They answered, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.
When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.
Commentary of the day : Saint Peter Chrysologus
www.dailygospel.org
Book of Zephaniah 3:1-2.9-13.
Woe to the city, rebellious and polluted, to the tyrannical city!
She hears no voice, accepts no correction; In the LORD she has not trusted, to her God she has not drawn near.
For then I will change and purify the lips of the peoples, That they all may call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one accord;
From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia and as far as the recesses of the North, they shall bring me offerings.
On that day You need not be ashamed of all your deeds, your rebellious actions against me; For then will I remove from your midst the proud braggarts, And you shall no longer exalt yourself on my holy mountain.
But I will leave as a remnant in your midst a people humble and lowly, Who shall take refuge in the name of the LORD;
the remnant of Israel. They shall do no wrong and speak no lies; Nor shall there be found in their mouths a deceitful tongue; They shall pasture and couch their flocks with none to disturb them.
Psalms 34(33):2-3.6-7.17-18.19.23.
I will bless the LORD at all times; praise shall be always in my mouth.
My soul will glory in the LORD that the poor may hear and be glad.
Look to God that you may be radiant with joy and your faces may not blush for shame.
In my misfortune I called, the LORD heard and saved me from all distress.
The LORD'S face is against evildoers to wipe out their memory from the earth.
When the just cry out, the LORD hears and rescues them from all distress.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed.
The LORD redeems loyal servants; no one is condemned whose refuge is God.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 21:28-32.
What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, 'Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.'
He said in reply, 'I will not,' but afterwards he changed his mind and went.
The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, 'Yes, sir,' but did not go.
Which of the two did his father's will?" They answered, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.
When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.
Commentary of the day : Saint Peter Chrysologus
www.dailygospel.org
DECEMBER 13, 2011
DAILY PRAYER WITH REGNUM CHRISTI
SHARING IN THE LABOR OF THE FATHER'S VINEYARD
December 13, 2011
Memorial of Saint Lucy, virgin and martyr
Father James Swanson, LC
Matthew 21:28-32
Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: "What
is your opinion?
A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go
out and work in the vineyard today.' The son said in …More
DECEMBER 13, 2011
DAILY PRAYER WITH REGNUM CHRISTI
SHARING IN THE LABOR OF THE FATHER'S VINEYARD
December 13, 2011
Memorial of Saint Lucy, virgin and martyr
Father James Swanson, LC
Matthew 21:28-32
Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: "What
is your opinion?
A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go
out and work in the vineyard today.' The son said in reply, ‘I
will not,' but afterwards he changed his mind and went.
The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in
reply, ‘Yes, sir,' but did not go. Which of the two did his
father's will?" They answered, "The first." Jesus said to them,
"Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the
Kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of
righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and
prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later
change your minds and believe him."
Introductory Prayer: Father, here I am before you, ready to open my
heart to you. I believe that you are my God, my Creator. I am
confident that you are leading me home to you day by day. You wish to
draw me closer to you, because you have given me your only Son as my
Redeemer. I love you and wish to cooperate with your loving designs
for my salvation and the salvation of countless souls. Here I am,
Lord, to do your will!
Petition: Lord, help me to cooperate generously in your work of
salvation.
1. Saying "Yes, But No." It seems that the longer we have been
following Jesus, the more we are like the second son in the parable.
We have said "Yes" to God. Our intention is to follow him, but in
the end, we don't seem to follow him very well. We come up short.
Then we renew our resolutions to follow him more closely, and before
long, we catch ourselves once again using up our time on ourselves
and doing very little for him. What's wrong? We don't truly want to
be like the second son, who said "Yes" only with his lips. In what
aspect of my life am I saying, "Yes, but no"?
2. Doing the Bare Minimum: Isn't at least part of the problem that
Jesus doesn't come first in our lives? Since we live in a world
where many follow him lukewarmly--if at all--, it's easy to think we
are doing a wonderful, even exceptional, job with the way we practice
our faith. It's easy to think this way even when we're doing little
more than the bare minimum, or perhaps living with a fatal flaw in
some basic virtue like charity or purity. What if we were evaluated
in our Christianity the way we would be evaluated for a job? Would we
keep that job if we never worried about doing more than the bare
minimum, or if we lacked one of the basic skills needed for it? Why
do I think I can get away with shoddy work when it comes to Jesus? Do
I forget that God the Father invites me to work in his vineyard, the
Church, not as a servant, but as his son/daughter?
3. I Am Crucial for the Salvation of Souls: Following Jesus is the
single most important thing I have to do in my life. It is more
important than any job I could ever have. He has given me a mission
in my life similar to his own mission. Our Lord wishes me to earn
graces not only for myself but for many souls out there whom I may
never even know. These graces could be crucial for the salvation of
many souls. Certainly, if I am married, my spouse and children would
be the first ones to benefit from the graces I gain through my
prayers, good works and sacrifices. But in addition, I have no way
of knowing how many others will depend on my holiness. I need to be
ready at any time to bear witness to Jesus and to be a faithful
instrument of his grace for whomever he places in my life.
Conversation with Christ: Dear Jesus, I am preparing myself to
celebrate the beginning of your mission of salvation. Help me to
understand the importance of the part of your mission you have
entrusted to me, so I can live it well as you hope I will. Help me to
be more faithful to the daily living of my Christian life and to
give witness to you in all situations. Help me to guide others to you
with real Christian charity, not pride, so they will not be repelled
by my behavior, but drawn to you. Help me to be the light to my
family that you want me always to be.
Resolution: What part of my mission do I do the most poorly? I will
take some time to think about how I will accomplish it better today
and put it into action. meditation.regnumchristi.org
DAILY PRAYER WITH REGNUM CHRISTI
SHARING IN THE LABOR OF THE FATHER'S VINEYARD
December 13, 2011
Memorial of Saint Lucy, virgin and martyr
Father James Swanson, LC
Matthew 21:28-32
Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: "What
is your opinion?
A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go
out and work in the vineyard today.' The son said in reply, ‘I
will not,' but afterwards he changed his mind and went.
The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in
reply, ‘Yes, sir,' but did not go. Which of the two did his
father's will?" They answered, "The first." Jesus said to them,
"Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the
Kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of
righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and
prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later
change your minds and believe him."
Introductory Prayer: Father, here I am before you, ready to open my
heart to you. I believe that you are my God, my Creator. I am
confident that you are leading me home to you day by day. You wish to
draw me closer to you, because you have given me your only Son as my
Redeemer. I love you and wish to cooperate with your loving designs
for my salvation and the salvation of countless souls. Here I am,
Lord, to do your will!
Petition: Lord, help me to cooperate generously in your work of
salvation.
1. Saying "Yes, But No." It seems that the longer we have been
following Jesus, the more we are like the second son in the parable.
We have said "Yes" to God. Our intention is to follow him, but in
the end, we don't seem to follow him very well. We come up short.
Then we renew our resolutions to follow him more closely, and before
long, we catch ourselves once again using up our time on ourselves
and doing very little for him. What's wrong? We don't truly want to
be like the second son, who said "Yes" only with his lips. In what
aspect of my life am I saying, "Yes, but no"?
2. Doing the Bare Minimum: Isn't at least part of the problem that
Jesus doesn't come first in our lives? Since we live in a world
where many follow him lukewarmly--if at all--, it's easy to think we
are doing a wonderful, even exceptional, job with the way we practice
our faith. It's easy to think this way even when we're doing little
more than the bare minimum, or perhaps living with a fatal flaw in
some basic virtue like charity or purity. What if we were evaluated
in our Christianity the way we would be evaluated for a job? Would we
keep that job if we never worried about doing more than the bare
minimum, or if we lacked one of the basic skills needed for it? Why
do I think I can get away with shoddy work when it comes to Jesus? Do
I forget that God the Father invites me to work in his vineyard, the
Church, not as a servant, but as his son/daughter?
3. I Am Crucial for the Salvation of Souls: Following Jesus is the
single most important thing I have to do in my life. It is more
important than any job I could ever have. He has given me a mission
in my life similar to his own mission. Our Lord wishes me to earn
graces not only for myself but for many souls out there whom I may
never even know. These graces could be crucial for the salvation of
many souls. Certainly, if I am married, my spouse and children would
be the first ones to benefit from the graces I gain through my
prayers, good works and sacrifices. But in addition, I have no way
of knowing how many others will depend on my holiness. I need to be
ready at any time to bear witness to Jesus and to be a faithful
instrument of his grace for whomever he places in my life.
Conversation with Christ: Dear Jesus, I am preparing myself to
celebrate the beginning of your mission of salvation. Help me to
understand the importance of the part of your mission you have
entrusted to me, so I can live it well as you hope I will. Help me to
be more faithful to the daily living of my Christian life and to
give witness to you in all situations. Help me to guide others to you
with real Christian charity, not pride, so they will not be repelled
by my behavior, but drawn to you. Help me to be the light to my
family that you want me always to be.
Resolution: What part of my mission do I do the most poorly? I will
take some time to think about how I will accomplish it better today
and put it into action. meditation.regnumchristi.org
2 more comments from Irapuato
Dec. 13 SAINT LUCY of SYRACUSE
Virgin and Martyr
(†303)
Saint Lucy was a young Christian maiden of Syracuse in Sicily. She had already offered her virginity to God and refused to marry, when her mother pressed her to accept the offer of a young pagan. The mother was afflicted afterwards for several years by an issue of blood, and all human remedies were ineffectual. Lucy reminded her mother that …More
Dec. 13 SAINT LUCY of SYRACUSE
Virgin and Martyr
(†303)
Saint Lucy was a young Christian maiden of Syracuse in Sicily. She had already offered her virginity to God and refused to marry, when her mother pressed her to accept the offer of a young pagan. The mother was afflicted afterwards for several years by an issue of blood, and all human remedies were ineffectual. Lucy reminded her mother that a woman in the Gospel, suffering from the same disorder, had been healed by the divine power. They determined to make a journey to Catania, a port of Sicily, where the tomb of Saint Agatha, martyred in 251, was already a site of pilgrimage. “Saint Agatha,” Lucy said, “stands ever in the sight of Him for whom she died. Only touch her sepulchre with faith, and you will be healed.” The Saint of Catania had already saved that city, when Mount Etna had erupted the year after her martyrdom: some frightened pagans, seeing a course of lava descending directly toward the city, had uncovered her tomb, and at once it had stopped.
Saint Lucy and her mother spent an entire night praying by the tomb, until, overcome by weariness, both fell asleep. Saint Agatha appeared in vision to Saint Lucy, and addressing her sister in the faith, foretold her mother’s recovery and Lucy’s future martyrdom: “You will soon be the glory of Syracuse, as I am of Catania.” At that instant the cure was effected; and in her gratitude the mother allowed her daughter to distribute her wealth among the poor, and to conserve her virginity.
The young man who had sought her hand in marriage denounced her as a Christian during the persecution of Diocletian, but Our Lord, by a special miracle, saved from outrage this virgin He had chosen for His own. The executioners who would have taken her to a house of ill fame were unable to move her. The exasperated prefect gave orders to attach her by cords to harnessed bulls, but the bulls, too, did not succeed, and he accused her of being a magician. “How can you, a feeble woman, triumph over a thousand men?” She replied, “Bring ten thousand, and they will not be able to combat against God!” A fire kindled around her did her no harm, though she was covered with resin and oil. When a sword was plunged into her heart, the promise made at the tomb of Saint Agatha was fulfilled. Saint Lucy died, predicting peace for the Church.
www.magnificat.ca/cal/engl/12-13.htm
Virgin and Martyr
(†303)
Saint Lucy was a young Christian maiden of Syracuse in Sicily. She had already offered her virginity to God and refused to marry, when her mother pressed her to accept the offer of a young pagan. The mother was afflicted afterwards for several years by an issue of blood, and all human remedies were ineffectual. Lucy reminded her mother that a woman in the Gospel, suffering from the same disorder, had been healed by the divine power. They determined to make a journey to Catania, a port of Sicily, where the tomb of Saint Agatha, martyred in 251, was already a site of pilgrimage. “Saint Agatha,” Lucy said, “stands ever in the sight of Him for whom she died. Only touch her sepulchre with faith, and you will be healed.” The Saint of Catania had already saved that city, when Mount Etna had erupted the year after her martyrdom: some frightened pagans, seeing a course of lava descending directly toward the city, had uncovered her tomb, and at once it had stopped.
Saint Lucy and her mother spent an entire night praying by the tomb, until, overcome by weariness, both fell asleep. Saint Agatha appeared in vision to Saint Lucy, and addressing her sister in the faith, foretold her mother’s recovery and Lucy’s future martyrdom: “You will soon be the glory of Syracuse, as I am of Catania.” At that instant the cure was effected; and in her gratitude the mother allowed her daughter to distribute her wealth among the poor, and to conserve her virginity.
The young man who had sought her hand in marriage denounced her as a Christian during the persecution of Diocletian, but Our Lord, by a special miracle, saved from outrage this virgin He had chosen for His own. The executioners who would have taken her to a house of ill fame were unable to move her. The exasperated prefect gave orders to attach her by cords to harnessed bulls, but the bulls, too, did not succeed, and he accused her of being a magician. “How can you, a feeble woman, triumph over a thousand men?” She replied, “Bring ten thousand, and they will not be able to combat against God!” A fire kindled around her did her no harm, though she was covered with resin and oil. When a sword was plunged into her heart, the promise made at the tomb of Saint Agatha was fulfilled. Saint Lucy died, predicting peace for the Church.
www.magnificat.ca/cal/engl/12-13.htm