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MyCatholicSource.com Newsletter - April, 2009
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IN THIS ISSUE:
* Greetings
* MCS News & Notes
* Reflections & Resources For Holy Week
* Reflections & Resources For Eastertide
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Dear Friend,
We send our greetings & best wishes to all subscribers and other visitors during this most holy time of the year. May you and your loved ones be showered with graces and blessings.
"May the Lord bless thee and keep thee. May he show his face to thee and have mercy on thee. May he turn his countenance to thee and give thee peace." [The 'Seraphic Blessing' (St. Francis' of Assisi, cf. Num. 6:24-26)]
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May God bless you always,
Your Friends at MyCatholicSource.com
Hymn of Praise: O Jesus, King most wonderful! Thou Conqueror renowned! Thou Sweetness most ineffable! In whom all joys are found! When once Thou visitest the heart, then truth begins to shine; then earthly vanities depart; then kindles love divine. O Jesu! Light of all below! Thou Fount of life and fire! Surpassing all the joys we know, and all we can desire. May every heart confess Thy name, and ever Thee adore; And seeking Thee, itself inflame to see Thee more and more. Thee may our tongues for ever bless; Thee may we love alone; And ever in our lives express the image of Thine own. Amen. (Raccolta)
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MCS News & Notes
* We've added a News & Opinion page at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion.htm This page may contain news briefs, headlines / news links, polls, etc. Please visit and let us know what you think. While you're there, don't forget to register your opinion in our opinion poll. Some poll questions may include...
> Should bishops who tolerate dissent in their diocese be publicly defrocked?
> What would best foster your devotion to the Blessed Virgin?
> What should a priest do when someone comes immodestly dressed to Mass?
Please note that the questions rotate, so a different question may appear at any time.
* Your prayers are needed! Please visit the Prayer Requests Section at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/prayer_requests.htm to pray for others. While you are there, please also feel free to add your own prayer request.
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* The single page user-submitted Latin Mass posture article ('When to Sit, Stand & Kneel at the Traditional Latin Mass') has been a "hit". To print your copy, visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/ua/Flier_Latin_Mass_Postures.pdf
* We have started a new 'post of the month' page to highlight selected posts for potential informational value, originality, etc. To view the 'post of the month' page, go to: http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/post_of_the_month.htm To submit your post in 100's of categories, visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/fa/share_your_thoughts.htm
* Coming soon! We're hoping to officially open our 'Lending Library' in April. Books will be lent out at no charge [however the borrower must pay for shipping (both ways) and a deposit may be required]. Please visit the Catholic Book Review & Exchange at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/book_review_and_exchange.htm for more information when this service becomes available. Please note that this service is IN ADDITION TO book loans / transfers among visitors. The 'Lending Library' does NOT replace book loans / transfers among users, but rather adds an ADDITIONAL option for borrowing books. If you would like to donate Catholic books to our 'lending library', please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/book_review_and_exchange_lending_library.htm for details. Please note that book donations are not deductible. We hope you will enjoy this new feature.
* Some new user-submitted articles have been added to the articles index - see http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/ua/user_articles_index.htm We'd love to have even more articles, so please keep them coming. Remember that you don't need to be an "expert", you just need to have something informative or interesting to say. Please also encourage others you know to submit articles. If desired, authors may include their name, brief biographical information, e-mail, website address, etc. with their article or their article can be listed as "anonymous". For more information on user-submitted articles, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/ua/user_articles.htm
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Reflections & Resources For Holy Week
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"They have opened their mouths against me, as a lion ravening and roaring. I am poured out like water; and all my bones are scattered. My heart is become like wax melting in the midst of my bowels. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue hath cleaved to my jaws: and thou hast brought me down into the dust of death. For many dogs have encompassed me: the council of the malignant hath besieged me. They have dug my hands and feet. They have numbered all my bones. And they have looked and stared upon me. They parted my garments amongst them; and upon my vesture they cast lots." (Ps. 21:14-19)
"Despised, and the most abject of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with infirmity: and his look was as it were hidden and despised, whereupon we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our infirmities and carried our sorrows: and we have thought him as it were a leper, and as one struck by God and afflicted. But he was wounded for our iniquities, he was bruised for our sins: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and by his bruises we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray, every one hath turned aside into his own way: and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was offered because it was his own will, and he opened not his mouth" (Isa. 53:3-7)
"And he was withdrawn away from them a stone's cast. And kneeling down, he prayed. Saying: Father, if thou wilt, remove this chalice from me: but yet not my will, but thine be done. And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony, he prayed the longer. And his sweat became as drops of blood, trickling down upon the ground. And when he rose up from prayer and was come to the disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow. And he said to them: Why sleep you? Arise: pray: lest you enter into temptation. As he was yet speaking, behold a multitude; and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus, for to kiss him. And Jesus said to him: Judas, dost thou betray the Son of man with a kiss?" (Lk. 22:41-48)
"The high priest therefore asked Jesus of his disciples and of his doctrine. Jesus answered him: I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in the synagogue and in the temple, whither all the Jews resort: and in secret I have spoken nothing. Why askest thou me? Ask them who have heard what I have spoken unto them. Behold they know what things I have said. And when he had said these things, one of the servants standing by gave Jesus a blow, saying: Answerest thou the high priest so? Jesus answered him: If I have spoken evil, give testimony of the evil; but if well, why strikest thou me? And Annas sent him bound to Caiphas the high priest." (Jn. 18:19-24)
"And the governor answering, said to them: Whether will you of the two to be released unto you? But they said: Barabbas. Pilate saith to them: What shall I do then with Jesus that is called Christ? They say all: Let him be crucified. The governor said to them: Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying: Let him be crucified. And Pilate seeing that he prevailed nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, taking water washed his hands before the people, saying: I am innocent of the blood of this just man. Look you to it. And the whole people answering, said: His blood be upon us and upon our children. Then he released to them Barabbas: and having scourged Jesus, delivered him unto them to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor, taking Jesus into the hall, gathered together unto him the whole band. And stripping him, they put a scarlet cloak about him. And platting a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand. And bowing the knee before him, they mocked him, saying: Hail, King of the Jews. And spitting upon him, they took the reed and struck his head. And after they had mocked him, they took off the cloak from him and put on him his own garments and led him away to crucify him." (Mt. 27:21-31)
"And there were also two other malefactors led with him to be put to death. And when they were come to the place which is called Calvary, they crucified him there: and the robbers, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. And Jesus said: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. But they, dividing his garments, cast lots. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers with them derided him, saying: He saved others: let him save himself, if he be Christ, the elect of God. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him and offering him vinegar, And saying: If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself." (Lk. 23:32-37)
"And it was the third hour: and they crucified him. And the inscription of his cause was written over: The King of the Jews. And with him they crucify two thieves: the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith: And with the wicked he was reputed." (Mk. 15:25-28)
"Now there stood by the cross of Jesus, his mother and his mother's sister, Mary of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalen. When Jesus therefore had seen his mother and the disciple standing whom he loved, he saith to his mother: Woman, behold thy son.. After that, he saith to the disciple: Behold thy mother. And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own. Afterwards, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, said: I thirst. Now there was a vessel set there, full of vinegar. And they, putting a sponge full of vinegar about hyssop, put it to his mouth. Jesus therefore, when he had taken the vinegar, said: It is consummated. And bowing his head, he gave up the ghost." (Jn. 19:25-30)
"Now from the sixth hour, there was darkness over the whole earth, until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying: Eli, Eli, lamma sabacthani? That is, My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me? And some that stood there and heard said: This man calleth Elias. And immediately one of them running took a sponge and filled it with vinegar and put it on a reed and gave him to drink. And the others said: Let be. Let us see whether Elias will come to deliver him. And Jesus again crying with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And behold the veil of the temple was rent in two from the top even to the bottom: and the earth quaked and the rocks were rent. And the graves were opened: and many bodies of the saints that had slept arose, And coming out of the tombs after his resurrection, came into the holy city and appeared to many. Now the centurion and they that were with him watching Jesus, having seen the earthquake and the things that were done, were sore afraid, saying: Indeed this was the Son of God." (Mt. 27:45-54)
- - - Resources For Holy Week - - -
* Prayers for Holy Week - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_for_certain_occasions_times.htm
* Stations of the Cross / Way of the Cross - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/prayers_and_devotions/stations_of_the_cross.htm
* The Passion of Jesus (from the Gospels) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/pcst/topical_scripture_J.htm
Note: Scroll down page to view (about 1/3 way down page...contains selections on the Passion from all four Gospel accounts)
* Jesus' Last Words From The Cross - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/jesus_last_words.htm
* Trials & Sorrows of Jesus - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/sorrows_of_jesus.htm
* The Passion / Cross Reflections - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/catholic_basics_reflections_The_Passion.htm
* Holy Week / Indulgence Information - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/indulgences.htm
* Stabat Mater (Sequence) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_hymns_sequences.htm
* Prayers to Jesus (Prayer in Honor of the Five Wounds, Prayer in Honor of the Precious Blood, etc.) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_Jesus.htm
* Fulfilled Prophecies in Scripture: Abandonment & Betrayal of Jesus - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/biblical_prophecies_betrayal.htm
* Fulfilled Prophecies in Scripture: Jesus' Passion, Death, & Resurrection - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/biblical_prophecies_passion_death_resurrection.htm
* Definitions (e.g. for terms such as Passiontide, Spy Wednesday, Triduum / Easter Triduum, etc.) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_basics/catholic_basics_definitions.htm
* Coloring Page: Jesus Washing Apostle's Feet - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/coloring_book_jesus_washing_feet.htm
* Coloring Page: Last Supper - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/coloring_book_last_supper.htm
Looking For Something Else? Try Our Various Indexes For 15,000+ Entries - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/help.htm
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Reflections & Resources For Eastertide
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"After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing was white as snow. The guards were shaken with fear of him and became like dead men. Then the angel said to the women in reply, 'Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.'" (Mt. 28:1-6)
"In thy resurrection, O Christ, alleluia. Let heaven and earth rejoice, alleluia." (Liturgical Year)
"Away with mourning, tears and grief! The conqueror of death is risen!" (Hymn, Office of Lauds)
"The LORD has bared his holy arm in the sight of all the nations; All the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God." (Isa. 52:10)
"Let now the heavenly troops of angels rejoice: let the divine mysteries be joyfully celebrated: and let a sacred trumpet proclaim the victory of so great a King. Let the earth also be filled with joy, being illuminated with such resplendent rays: and let us be sensible that the darkness, which overspread the whole earth, is chased away by the splendor of our eternal King. Let our mother, the Church, be also glad, finding herself adorned with the rays of so great light: and let this temple resound with the joyful acclamations of the people." (Liturgical Year)
"O sing, my tongue, the victory of the glorious combat! Tell how was won the noble triumph on the trophy of the cross, and how the world's Redeemer, when immolated, conquered." (From 6th century hymn)
"O Day of Resurrection! Let us beam with festive joy! Today indeed is the Lord's own Passover; For from death to life, from earth to heaven, Christ has led us as we shout the victory hymn! Christ has risen from the dead!" (St. John Damascene, Doctor of the Church)
"At the [Easter] season, which commemorates the triumph of Christ, our souls are filled with deep interior joy: we, accordingly, should also consider that we must rise, in union with the Redeemer, from our cold and slothful life to one of greater fervor and holiness by giving ourselves completely and generously to God, and by forgetting this wretched world in order to aspire only to the things of heaven: 'If you be risen with Christ, seek the things that are above...mind the things that are above.' (Col. 3:1-2)" (Pope Pius XII)
"The Resurrection is the greatest of Christ's miracles because all He taught and did is confirmed by it and depends upon it. He promised to rise from the dead and without this fulfillment of that promise we could not believe in Him." (Baltimore Catechism)
"We belong not to ourselves now, since Christ has bought us 'at a great price' [His blood] (1 Cor. 6:20)" (Pope Pius XI)
- - - Resources For Eastertide - - -
* Prayers for Easter - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_for_certain_occasions_times.htm
* Easter Duty - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_basics/catholic_basics_precepts_of_the_church.htm
* Definitions (e.g. for terms such as Easter, Easter Duty, Resurrection, etc.) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_basics/catholic_basics_definitions.htm
* Easter Date - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_basics/catholic_basics_councils.htm
* The Resurrection Coloring Page - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/coloring_book_the_resurrection.htm
* Happy Easter Coloring Page - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/coloring_book_happy_easter.htm
* Alleluia Coloring Page - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/coloring_book_alleluia.htm
* He is Risen Coloring Page - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/coloring_book_He_is_risen.htm
* Word Search Puzzle (Easter) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/word_search_easter.htm
Looking For Something Else? Try Our Various Indexes For 15,000+ Entries - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/help.htm
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Closing Quotations...
"Let Him be fixed deep in your heart, who for you was fastened to the cross" (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church)
"...death has not destroyed this Body which was pierced with nails and scourged... this is the Body which was once covered with blood, pierced by a lance, from which issued saving fountains upon the world, one of blood and the other of water... This Body He gave to us to keep and eat, as a mark of His intense love." (St. John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church)
"That man should be delivered by Christ's Passion was in keeping with both His mercy and His justice. With His justice, because by His Passion Christ made satisfaction for the sins of the human race, and so man was set free by Christ's justice; and with His mercy, for since man of himself could not satisfy for the sin of all human nature, God gave him His Son to satisfy for him. And this came of a more copious mercy than if he had forgiven sins without satisfaction: Hence St. Paul says: 'God, who is rich in mercy, by reason of His very great love wherewith He has loved us even when we were dead by reason of our sins, brought us to life together with Christ.' (St. Thomas Aquinas)" (Pope Pius XII, "Haurietis Aquas", 1956)
"'See how we were bought: Christ hangs upon the cross, see at what a price He makes His purchase... He sheds His blood, He buys with His blood, He buys with the blood of [Christ], He buys with the blood of God's only Son. He who buys is Christ; the price is His blood; the possession bought is the world.' (St. Augustine) This purchase, however, does not immediately have its full effect; since Christ, after redeeming the world at the lavish cost of His own blood, still must come into complete possession of the souls of men. Wherefore, that the redemption and salvation of each person and of future generations unto the end of time may be effectively accomplished, and be acceptable to God, it is necessary that men should individually come into vital contact with the Sacrifice of the Cross, so that the merits, which flow from it, should be imparted to them. In a certain sense it can be said that on Calvary Christ built a font of purification and salvation which He filled with the blood He shed; but if men do not bathe in it and there wash away the stains of their iniquities, they can never be purified and saved." (Pope Pius XII, "Mediator Dei", 1947 A.D.)
"What is here written of the side of Christ, opened by the wound from the soldier, should also be said of the Heart which was certainly reached by the stab of the lance, since the soldier pierced it precisely to make certain that Jesus Christ crucified was really dead. Hence the wound of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, now that He has completed His mortal life, remains through the course of the ages a striking image of that spontaneous charity by which God gave His only begotten Son for the redemption of men and by which Christ expressed such passionate love for us that He offered Himself as a bleeding victim on Calvary for our sake: 'Christ loved us and delivered Himself for us, an oblation and a sacrifice to God for an odor of sweetness.'" (Pope Pius XII, "Haurietis Aquas", 1956)
"Eternal Wisdom, on the one hand, wished to prove his love for man by dying in his place in order to save him, but on the other hand, he could not bear the thought of leaving him. So he devised a marvelous way of dying and living at the same time, and of abiding with man until the end of time. So, in order to fully satisfy his love, he instituted the sacrament of Holy Eucharist and went to the extent of changing and overturning nature itself." (St. Louis de Montfort)
"Residing continually in our Tabernacles, Jesus Christ is deserted, misunderstood by ungrateful men; and yet he continues to love us; to serve us in the Sacrament of the Altar." (St. John Vianney)
"'Eat My Flesh,' He says, 'and drink My Blood.' The Lord supplies us with these intimate nutriments. He delivers over His Flesh, and pours out His Blood; and nothing is lacking for the growth of His children." (St. Clement of Alexandria, circa 3rd century A.D.)
"To the unbloody gift of Himself under the appearance of bread and wine our Savior Jesus Christ wished to join, as the chief proof of His deep and infinite love, the bloody sacrifice of the Cross. By this manner of acting He gave an example of His supreme charity, which He had proposed to His disciples as the highest point of love in these words: 'Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends.'" (Pope Pius XII, "Haurietis Aquas", 1956)
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