Author name: sanjose

Saint Anthony Mary Claret

Saint Anthony was born in Catalonia, Spain, in 1807. At the age of 28, he was ordained as a priest. However, due to his health, he was prevented to enter the Order. Despite this, he still became one of the most popular preachers in Spain.

At 42, he founded a religious institute of missionaries which is now known as the Claretians. He also established the Religious Publishing House, since he has always been interested in the Catholic Press.

He died at the age of 63 while in exile near the border of Spain.

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30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Liturgy of the Word

First Reading: Sir 35:12-14, 16-18

A reading from the Book of Sirach

The LORD is a God of justice,
who knows no favorites.
Though not unduly partial toward the weak,
yet he hears the cry of the oppressed.
The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan,
nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint.
The one who serves God willingly is heard;
His petition reaches the heavens.
The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds;
it does not rest till it reaches its goal,
nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds,
judges justly and affirms the right,
and the Lord will not delay.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23

Response– The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
R– The Lord hears the cry of the poor

The LORD confronts the evildoers,
to destroy remembrance of them from the earth.
When the just cry out, the LORD hears them,
and from all their distress he rescues them.
R– The Lord hears the cry of the poor

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
The LORD redeems the lives of his servants;
no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in him.
R– The Lord hears the cry of the poor

Second Reading: 2 Tm 4:6-8, 16-18

A reading from the Second Letter of Saint Paul to Timothy

Beloved:
I am already being poured out like a libation,
and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have competed well; I have finished the race;
I have kept the faith.
From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me,
which the Lord, the just judge,
will award to me on that day, and not only to me,
but to all who have longed for his appearance.
At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf,
but everyone deserted me.
May it not be held against them!
But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength,
so that through me the proclamation might be completed
and all the Gentiles might hear it.
And I was rescued from the lion's mouth.
The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat
and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom.
To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Alleluia: 2 Cor 5:19

Alleluia, alleluia. God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Alleluia, alleluia!

Gospel: Luke 18: 9-14

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke

Jesus addressed this parable
to those who were convinced of their own righteousness
and despised everyone else.
"Two people went up to the temple area to pray;
one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.
The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself,
'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity --
greedy, dishonest, adulterous -- or even like this tax collector.
I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.'
But the tax collector stood off at a distance
and would not even raise his eyes to heaven
but beat his breast and prayed,
'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.'
I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former;
for whoever exalts himself will be humbled,
and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

The Readings and Gospel were sourced from:

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1 Corinthians 10:2

Verse:

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.” -1 Corinthians 10:2

Prayer For The Right Words To Say

Dear Lord, help me choose my words wisely, Help me speak life into those around me today-to be a source of encouragement rather than discouragement, of hope rather than pain. Amen.

Sources:

Original version of the prayer: https://prayerist.com/prayer/therightwordstosay

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St. John of Capistrano

Saint John of Capistrano was considered to be one of the greatest Franciscan preachers of the 15th century. His preachings attracted a great crowd even during the time wherein there is religious apathy and confusion.

At the age of 26, he was made into a governor of Perugia. However, after the battle against Malatestas, he was imprisoned. He was released and at the age of 30, he joined the Franciscan novitiate. Four years later, he was ordained as a priest. He helped in reuniting the Greek and Armenian Churches.

In 1453, Saint John of Capistrano was commissioned to a crusade for the defense of Europe. They finally gained victory under General John Hunyadi, the siege of Belgrade was lifted. In October 23, 1456

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Proverbs 21:3

Verse:

 “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” -Proverbs 21:3

Prayer To Do The Right Thing

Christ our Father, there are many times that this world presents obstacles in our way. Sometimes I feel like giving up. Help me be calm, rational, and carefully consider all consequences before I make any decision. Help me overcome my fear of making the wrong decision. Bless me with the strength to move forward and make a decision. I pray for your courage, now and forever. Amen.

Sources:

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St. Pope John Paul II

Born as Karol Jozef Wojtyla, St. John Paul II was the first non-Italian Pope in 455 years. He was the bishop and head of the Roman Catholic Church from 1978 to 2005, making his pontificate the third longest in history.

He travelled to many countries as part of his efforts to promote understanding among different nations and religions. He campaigned against political oppression. He also criticized the materialism of the West. He issued to groups that had been wronged by Catholics and emphasized nonviolent activism.

In the last years of his life, he was forced to reduce his activities as Pope due to his illness, Parkinson’s disease.

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Joel 2:12

Verse:

“Even now,” declares the Lord,“return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”” -Joel 2:12

Prayer For Repentance

My loving God, I admit that I am a sinner! I am sorry for everything that I have done wrong. Today, I repent of those sins, and I ask for your forgiveness. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit to always obey your instructions. Empower me to do things that are acceptable in your sight. Let the relationship that exists between us remain strong, and let me remain your true child. Keep me worthy to receive your blessings in this life and in heaven also. Please let me remain reputable always. For in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

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Saint Ursula and Companions

According to a medieval story, Saint Ursula was a Christian princess in Britain. She did not wish to be married to a pagan prince and so the king granted her a period of three years to postpone the marriage. She instead went on a voyage with her ten ladies in waiting and a thousand maidens. They sailed from the North sea, Rhine and then to Rome. Legend says that Saint Ursula and her companions in the voyage were all murdered because she refused to marry the chief of the pagan Huns.

Saint Ursula was considered the leader of the eleven thousand that was brought by the Romans from Britain. The relics of Saint Ursula and her companions were held by many churches. Saint Ursula is the patron saint of young teachers.

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Psalm 24:10

Verse:

“Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty— he is the King of glory.” -Psalm 24:10

Prayer For The Glory of God

Father God, I worship my Lord Jesus today, as being equal and the same in person and in glory with You. Thank You, that I can always be certain of who Christ is, the very image of You and Your glory. In His precious name I pray, Amen.

Sources:

Original version of the prayer: https://prayerist.com/prayer/thegloryofgod

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Saint Paul of the Cross

Saint Paul of the Cross was born in 1694 and was named Paul Daneo. He was from Italy and lived as a soldier for a brief period of time. But then he turned to solitary prayer and developed his devotion to Christ. Because of his devotion, he demonstrated compassion and support for a preaching ministry.

The Congregation of the Passion was found by Saint Paul in 1720. The members of the congregation shared his devotion and combined it with preaching to the poor and practicing penances. In 1747, Saint Paul was elected as superior general of the congregation and spent his life in Rome, thereafter.

Saint Paul of the Cross was one of the most popular preachers during his time. He died in 1775 and was canonized in 1867.

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