Saints and the Liturgical Year

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The Sign of the Cross - continued:

Does the Sign of the Cross have any biblical links? Yes, it does!

First of all, the Sign of the Cross has 2 elements: (1) the actual tracing of the cross over our bodies while (2) we recite the prayer: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

The 1st element (tracing the cross over our bodies) is evidenced in the writings of Tertullian (230 AD). He writes that candidates for baptism are marked with a sign of the cross on their foreheads during their formation.

The Church Fathers saw this Christian practice of making the sign of the cross prefigued in the Old Testament. In Ez 9:4-6, reference is made to a mark placed on the forehead of the remnant of the People of God who remained faithful to Him. This mark served two purposes: first, it was a sign ot distinguish the faithful from the unfaithful; and second, it was a sign of divine protection from harm. This mark on the forehead was the Hebrew (Phoenician-equivalent) * letter Tav* which, when handwritten, is cross-shaped in form. In Greek, the alphabet equivalent is the Tau (T). The ‘T’ is believed to be one of the possible shapes of the actual cross of Jesus. For more on this topic, see Colin B. Donovan’s article on the Sign of the Cross: ewtn.com/expert/answers/sign_of_the_cross.htm.
 
The Sign of the Cross - continued:

In Ezekiel’s time, the Tav mark on the forehead distinguished the faithful from the unfaithful and it served to protect the faithful from harm. Likewise, in our time, the sign of the Cross of Christ calls to mind the identity conferred on us by Baptism and it serves to protect us against assaults of the enemy. The mark mentioned in Ezekiel may therefore be seen as prefiguring the Christian Sign of the Cross.

In the New Testament, Rev 7:3; 9:4 presents the saints in heaven as bearing the seal of God on their foreheads. The seal marks them as the righteous people of God thereby distinguishing them from the wicked. The seal also serves as their protection from the judgement to come.

E. Sri explains: “From a biblical perspective, every time we trace the sign of the cross over our bodies, we are doing two things: First, we are expressing our desire to be set apart from the corrupt ways of the world in our own day. As in Ezekiel’s time, there are many among God’s people who do not want to go along with the empty ways of living prevalent in the world … While the secular world holds up money, pleasure, power and having fun as the essential marks of a good life, Christians pursue a higher path to true happiness, which is found only in the sacrificial love of Christ on Calvary - the love symbolized by the sign of the cross … Second, when we sign ourselves with the cross, we are invoking God’s protection for our lives” (p. 20).
 
The Sign of the Cross - continued:

The 2nd element of the Sign of the Cross is the recitation of the prayer, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Through this prayer, we call on the name of the Lord.

In Scripture language, the name of a person is not simply a means to identify a particular person. E. Sri points out: “A name mysteriously represents the essence of a person and carries the power of that person. Therefore, to call upon God’s name is to invoke his presence and his power. This is why the ancient Israelites frequently called upon the name of the Lord, not only to praise him (Ps 148:13) and thank him (Ps 80:18; 105:1), but also to seek his help in their lives (Ps 54:1; 124:8). Similarly, whenever we call on God’s name, we invoke his divine presence and ask his assistance with the various struggles we face each day …” (A Biblical Walk Through the Mass, Edward Sri, p.21).

Thus, when we sign ourselves with the Sign of the Cross at the start of the Mass, we are not simply doing a ceremonial routine to signify that the Liturgy is beginning. We are, through our gesture and prayer, solemnly invoking God to favour us with His divine presence and to come into our lives in a powerful way.
 
The Sign of the Cross - continued:

From CCC 1235, we read: “The sign of the cross … marks with the imprint of Christ the one who is going to belong to him and signifies the grace of the redemption Christ won for us by his cross”. We initially received this imprint of Christ when we were baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Mt 28:19).

It follows that when we repeat this prayer at the beginning of the Mass, we recognize the reality that we are able to approach the Almighty Lord only because He has graciously clothed us with supernatural life at our Baptism. With this prayer, we are reminded of who we are and whose we are. As E. Sri points out: “We come not merely in our own name, but in the name of the Triune God who dwells within us … In the sign of the cross, we pray that our whole lives may be lived in ever greater harmony with God - that all that we do, we may do in his name” (p. 23).

Romano Guardini writes thus regarding the Sign of the Cross: “When we cross oursleves, let it be with a real sign of the cross. Instead of a small cramped gesture that gives no notion of its meaning, let us make a large unhurried sign, from forehead to breast, from shoulder to shoulder, consciously feeling how it includes the whole of us, our thoughts, our attitudes, our body and soul, every part of us at once, how it consecrates and sanctifies us …”. The complete text may be accessed from:
madonnahouse.org/restoration/2010/03/the_sign_of_the_cross.html
 
June 6, 2012 - Wednesday, 9th Week in Ordinary Time:

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp.com/zxYpbW

June 6 - St. Norbert, Bishop - (Optional Memorial):

Collect:
“O God, who made the Bishop Saint Norbert
a servant of your Church
outstanding in his prayer and pastoral zeal,
grant, we ask, that by the help of his intercession,
the flock of the faithful
may always find shepherds after your own heart
and be fed in the pastures of salvation.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“Born in Xanten in what is now Germany, St. Norbert (1080-1134) turned from a worldly life, became a monk and itinerant preacher, founded the Premonstratensians and later was consecrated Archbishop of Magdeburg. Through his example and preaching, he implanted the religious and moral reforms of Pope St. Gregory VII.” (Daily Roman Missal, MWTF.) St. Norbert is invoked during childbirth for safe delivery.

For more on St. Norbert and other saints of the day, see links:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-06-06
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/N/stnorbert.asp
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=622273&page=44
 
June 7, 2012 - Thursday, 9th Week in Ordinary Time:

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp.com/ztrGbl

June 7 - St. Robert of Newminster:

St. Robert of Newminster was a Cistercian abbott who was a native of Yorkshire. He was born in 1100 and died in 1159 in England.

For more on St. Robert and other saints of the day, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/R/strobertofnewminster.asp
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=622273&page=44
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-06-07
 
June 8, 2012 - Friday, 9th Week in Ordinary Time:

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp.com/zTQCQP

June 8 - St. Medard:

St. Medard was a bishop. He was born about 457 of a pious and noble family in France. He died in 545 at Noyon, France.

St. Medard is invoked for good weather and against toothache.

For more on St. Medard and other saints of the day, see links:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-06-08
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/M/stmedard.asp
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=622273&page=44
 
June 9, 2012 - Saturday, 9th Week in Ordinary Time:

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp.com/ziy4nf

June 9 - St. Ephrem, Deacon and Doctor of the Church (Optional Memorial):

Collect:
“Pour into our hearts O Lord, we pray, the Holy Spirit,
at whose prompting the Deacon Saint Ephrem
exulted in singing of your mysteries
and from whom he received the strength
to serve you alone.
Through our Lord jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“Born in Mesopotamia and ordained a deacon of Edessa in what is now Turkey, St. Ephrem (306-373) combated the heresies of his time by writing poems and hymns about the mysteries of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was in large part responsible for introducing hymns into liturgical worship.” (Daily Roman Missal, MWTF).

For more on St. Ephrem and other saints of the day, see links:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-06-09
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/E/stephremofsyria.asp
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=622273&page=45
 
June 10, 2012 - Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi):

Collect:
“O God, who in this wonderful Sacrament
have left us a memorial of your Passion,
grant us, we pray,
so to revere the sacred mysteries of your Body and Blood
that we may always experience in ourselves
the fruits of your redemption.
Who live and reign with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-06-10

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp.com/zbawCo

June 10 - St. Getulius and Companions:
St. Getulius (d. 120) was an officer in the Roman Army who converted to Christianity. He was martyred during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, along with some companions.

For more on St. Getulius and other saints of the day, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/G/stgetulius.asp
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=622273&page=45
 
grateful_child said:
June 10, 2012 - Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi):

Collect:
“O God, who in this wonderful Sacrament
have left us a memorial of your Passion,
grant us, we pray,
so to revere the sacred mysteries of your Body and Blood
that we may always experience in ourselves
the fruits of your redemption.
Who live and reign with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-06-10

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp.com/zbawCo
Click to expand...
More on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ:
newadvent.org/cathen/04390b.htm
wf-f.org/CorpusChristi.html
 
grateful_child said:
June 10, 2012 - Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi):
Click to expand...
Sharing with you some thoughts from today’s Euchalette on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ:

“Nowadays, important commitments and contracts are signed by the people concerned, in the presence of witnesses, and then they are notarized. This is what gives the commitment/contract/agreement its legal binding force.”

“Earlier in history, however, important agreements and commitments were signed or sealed not with ink but with blood … The use of blood drawn from each of the contracting parties gave the promise/commitment a ‘sacredness’ and a binding power that are far superior to any form of written agreement signed with ink.”

This concept of sacrednes coming from the letting of blood has its roots in very ancient civilizations and culture, including that of the Hebrews who had several ‘covenants/agreements’ with God Himself, the most important of which was the … ‘Sinai Covenant’, which was sealed through the blood of victims offered in sacrifice. (See Ex 24:1-8). But for all its importance, that covenant had a provisional nature. It remained in force, in spite of the many shortcomings of the Israelites, until the Lord fulfilled His promise to send the Messiah ‘in the fullness of time’. It was in him - Jesus christ, the ‘new Moses’. and the Mediator par excellence - that a new and everlating Covenant between God and the whole of mankind was sealed."

“That Covenant was extraordinary in more than one way. It was extraordinary especially because, though ratified and sealed once and for all in the blood of Christ, that Covenant is renewed every time the Christian community celebrates the Eucharist, in accordance with the mandate of Christ. (See Lk 22:19-20 and 1Cor 11:23-26.)”

“This is, indeed, a wonderful, divine ‘invention’ of the Lord Jesus to enable all generations and peoples to feel ‘active partners’ in the ratification of the saving Covenant with God and thereby participate in its fruits in the same way in which the apostles and the other believers of the first generation did.” (Euchalette, June 10, 2012, p. 4.)
 
June 11 - Saint Barnabas, Apostle (Memorial):

Collect:
“O God, who decreed that Saint Barnabas,
a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit,
should be set apart to convert the nations,
grant that the Gospel of Christ,
which he strenuously preached,
may be faithfully proclaimed by word and by deed.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp.com/zx1VzR

“St. Barnabas was a Jew from Cyprus, but the Holy Spirit destined Barnabas to a universal mission. He introduced St. Paul to the other apostles, paving the way for his broad apostolate, which required the approval of the Pillars of trhe Church. He accompanied St. Paul on his first missionary journey and at the Council of Jerusalem. Having converted many souls to Christ, St. Barnabas died in Cyprus during Nero’s reign; tradition has it that he was stoned to death. His name is included in the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer 1).” (Daily Roman Missal, MWTF).

For more on St. Barnabas and other saints of the day, see links:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-06-11
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/B/stbarnabas.asp
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=622273&page=45
 
June 12, 2012 - Tuesday, 10th Week in Ordinary Time:

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp.com/zqbWjE

June 12 - St. John of Sahagun:
St. John of Sahagun was a hermit. He was born in Spain in 1419 and died in 1479 in Spain. He is the patron of Salamanca, Spain.

For more on St. John of Sahagun and other saints of the day, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/J/stjohnofsahagun.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-06-12
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=622273&page=45
 
June 13 - St. Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church (Memorial):

Collect:
“Almighty ever-living God,
who gave Saint Anthony of Padua to your people
as an outstanding preacher
and an intercessor in their need,
grant that, with his assistance,
as we follow the teachings of the Christian life,
we may know your help in every trial.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp.com/zcymVG

“Born in Lisbon, Portugal, St. Anthony (1195-1231) was a Franciscan known for his profound knowledge of theology and rhetorical skill. His preachings carried him from the north of Africa to Italy and France. He is called the “Evangelical Doctor” because he based all that he said on the texts of the Gospels. He died in Padua.” (Daily Roman Missal, MWTF).

St. Anthony is the patron of elderly people, of expectant mothers, seekers of lost articles, faith in the Blessed Sacrament, etc.

For more on St. Anthony of Padua and other saints of the day, see links:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-06-13
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/A/stanthonyofpadua.asp
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=622273&page=45
 
June 14, 2012 - Thursday, 10th Week in Ordinary Time:

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp.com/zI8qWH

June 14 - St. Methodius I of Constantinople:
St. Methodius I was a patriarch of Constantinople. He was born in Syracuse during the 8th century and died in 847.

For more on St. Methodius I and other saints of the day, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/M/stmethodiusiofconstantinople.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-06-14
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=622273&page=46
 
June 15, 2012 - Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus:

Collect:
“Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that we, who glory in the Heart of your beloved Son
and recall the wonders of his love for us,
may be made worthy to receive
an overflowing measure of grace
from that fount of heavenly gifts.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God,for ever and ever.”

or:

“O God, who in he Heart of your Son,
wounded by our sins,
bestow on us in mercy
the boundless treasures of your love,
grant, we pray,
that, in paying him the homage of our devotion,
we may also offer worthy reparation.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son …”

Today has also been designated asWorld Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests.

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp.com/zNQkJ3
 
grateful_child said:
June 15, 2012 - Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus:
Click to expand...
June 15 - St. Germaine Cousin:
St. Germaine was a mystic, born in France in 1579 and died in France in 1601. St. Germaine is the patron of abandoned people, abuse victims, disabled people, etc.

June 15 - St. Vitus:
St. Vitus was a martyr, born in 290 in Sicily, Italy. He died in 303 in Italy.

For more on the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, on St. Germaine Cousin, St. Vitus and other saints of the day, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/G/stgermainecousin.asp
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/V/stvitus.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-06-15
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=622273&page=46
 
grateful_child said:
June 15, 2012 - Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus:

Collect:
“Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that we, who glory in the Heart of your beloved Son
and recall the wonders of his love for us,
may be made worthy to receive
an overflowing measure of grace
from that fount of heavenly gifts.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God,for ever and ever.”

Today has also been designated asWorld Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests.
Click to expand...
Let us pray for all our priests:

"O Jesus, I pray to you for your faithful and fervent priests;
for your unfaithful and tepid priests;
for your priests laboring at home
or abroad in distant mission fields;
for your lonely and desolate priests;
for your young priests;
for your aged priests;
for your sick priests;
for your dying priests;
for the souls of your priests in purgatory.

But above all, I commend to you
the priests dearest to me:
the priest who baptized me;
the priests who absolved me from my sins;
the priests at whose Masses I assisted
and who gave me your Body and Blood in holy communion;
the priests who taught and instructed me
or helped and encouraged me;
all the priests to whom I am indebted
in any other way, particularly ________.

O Jesus, keep them all close to your heart,
and bless them abundantly in time
and in eternity. Amen."
(from ‘Straight from the Heart’ by Rev. Fr. Mario Ladra.)
 
June 16, 2012 - The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary - (Memorial):

Collect:
“O God, who prepared a fit dwelling place for the Holy Spirit
in the Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
graciously grant that through her intercession
we may be a worthy temple of your glory.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“In 1942, Pope Pius XII consecrated the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary; however, this is not a new devotion. In the seventeenth century, St. John Eudes preached it alongside the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Church instituted this feast to encourage the faithful to trust in the Blessed Mother as a source of grace and mercy.” (Daily Roman Missal, MWTF).

This feast is celebrated on the Saturday following the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost.

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp.com/zrsZTw

June 16 - St. John Francis Regis:
St. John Francis Regis was a Jesuit evangelist and preacher. He was born in 1597 in France and died in 1640, France. He is the patron of social workers.

For more on the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, on St. John Francis Regis and other saints of the day, see links:
www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/heart/index.htm
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/J/stjohnfrancisregis.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-06-16
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=622273&page=46
 
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