give us this day - august 2011 issue

TM

DAILY PRAYER FOR TODAY’S CATHOLIC

AUGUST 2011

Give Us This Day™Canticle of Zechariah (Benedictus) Luke 1:68-79

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior,born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathersand to remember his holy covenant.

This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:to set us free from the hands of our enemies,free to worship him without fear,holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.

You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,to give his people knowledge of salvationby the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our Godthe dawn from on high shall break upon us,to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

1 W

St. Alphonsus Liguori

✛ St. Alphonsus Liguori Bp. Gerald Kicanas

2 G

✛ Ven. Solanus Casey Sr. Katherine Howard

3 G

✛ Flannery O’Connor Paula Huston

4 W

St. John Vianney

✛ St. John Vianney Fr. Don Talafous

5 G

✛ St. Mary McKillop Susan Pitchford

6 W

Transfiguration of the Lord

✛ Pope Paul VI Fr. Michael Casey

7 Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

G

Sr. Jeremy Hall

8 W

St. Dominic

✛ St. Dominic

Kimberly Hope Belcher

9 G

✛ St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross

Epiphanius the Latin

10 r

St. Lawrence

✛ St. Lawrence

Monika K. Hellwig

11 W

St. Clare

✛ St. Clare

Lewis B. Smedes

12 G

✛ Bd. John Henry Newman

Henri J. M. Nouwen

13 G

✛ St. Maximus the Confessor

St. Thérèse of Lisieux

14 Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

G

rachel M. Srubas

15 W

Assumption of Mary

Bp. robert Morneau

16 G

✛ Br. roger of Taizé St. John Chrysostom

17 G

✛ St. Joan Delanoue Fr. Daniel Durken

18 G

✛ St. Jeanne de Chantal Fr. raniero

Cantalamessa

19 G

✛ Blaise Pascal russ Connors

20 W

St. Bernard

✛ St. Bernard John Shea

21 Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time

G

Fr. Anthony Gittins

22 W

Queenship of Mary

✛ Ninoy Aquino Sr. Melannie Svoboda

23 G

✛ St. rose of Lima Mary Stommes

24 r

St. Bartholomew

✛ St. Bartholomew Christopher Pramuk

25 G

✛ St. Joseph Calasanz Evelyn Underhill

26 G

✛ Dom Helder Camara Melissa Musick

Nussbaum

27 W

St. Monica

✛ St. Monica Pope John Paul II

28 Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

G

St. Augustine

29 r

Martyrdom of John the Baptist

✛ St. John the Baptist Abbot Timothy Kelly

30 G

✛ St. Jeanne Jugan C. Vanessa White

31 G

✛ St. Margaret Ward Bd. Teresa of Calcutta

Key:Vestment colors: G Green r red W White

✛ Blessed Among Us Reflection Writer

August 2011Within the Word: John the Baptist

Within the Word: Scribes and Pharisees

Within the Word: ruth and Naomi

Within the Word: Joshua

Within the Word: Miriam

Give UsThısDay™DAILY PrAYEr FOr TODAY’S CATHOLIC

Editorial Advisors James Martin, SJ ◆ Irene Nowell, OSB Bishop robert F. Morneau ◆ Timothy radcliffe, OP Kathleen Norris ◆ ronald rolheiser, OMI

Peter Dwyer, PublisherMary Stommes, Editor

Aelred Senna, OSB, Associate Publisherrobert Ellsberg, “Blessed Among Us” Author

www.giveusthisday.orgCustomer Service: 800-858-5450, [email protected]

Give Us This Day, Liturgical PressPO Box 7500, Collegeville, MN 56321-7500

© 2011 by the Order of Saint Benedict, Collegeville, Minnesota. Printed in Canada.

Give Us This Day™ (ISSN 2159-2136, print; 2159-2128, online) is published monthly by Liturgical Press, an apostolate of Saint John’s Abbey, Collegeville, Minnesota. rev. John Klassen, OSB, Abbot. For complete publication informa-tion see page 362.

Published with the approval of the Committee on Divine Worship, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

CONTENTS August 2011 ◆ Volume 1, Issue 1

God’s Daily Call to Us Fr. ron rolheiser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Teach Us to Pray Fr. James Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Hail, Holy Queen Sr. Genevieve Glen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Prayers and Blessings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Daily Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Order of Mass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330Liturgy of the Word (with Holy Communion) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354Hymns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358Guide to Lectio Divina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361How to Use Give Us This Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366

Thursday 4544

Thursday, August 4

MorningO Lord, open my lips.And my mouth will proclaim your praise.

(opt. hymn, pp. 358–60)Psalm 107:1-9“O give thanks to the Lord for he is good;for his mercy endures forever.”Let the redeemed of the Lord say this,those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,and gathered from far-off lands,from east and west, north and south.

They wandered in a barren desert,finding no way to a city they could dwell in.Hungry they were and thirsty;their soul was fainting within them.

Then they cried to the Lord in their need,and he rescued them from their distress,and he guided them along a straight path,to reach a city they could dwell in.

Let them thank the Lord for his mercy,his wonders for the children of men;for he satisfies the thirsty soul,and the hungry he fills with good things.

Glory to the Father . . .

Scripture Isaiah 12:2-6

God indeed is my salvation; / I am confident and un-afraid. / For the Lord is my strength and my might, /

and he has been my salvation. / With joy you will draw water

/ from the fountains of salvation, / And you will say on that day: / give thanks to the Lord, acclaim his name; / Among the nations make known his deeds, / proclaim how exalted is his name. / Sing praise to the Lord for he has done glorious things; / let this be known throughout all the earth. / Shout with exultation, City of Zion, / for great in your midst / is the Holy One of Israel!

read, Ponder, Pray on a word or phrase from today’s Scripture (Lectio Divina, p. 361)

AntiphonThey drank from the spiritual rock that followed them and the rock was Christ.

Canticle of Zechariah (inside front cover)

IntercessionsGod of holiness, at the beginning of this day we ask you to strengthen our hope as we pray: r. Lord, draw us to yourself.

Let your priests and all of us drink deeply from the fountain of salvation, as did the Curé of Ars. r.

Show us how we must change our hearts for the sake of the poor and the oppressed. r.

Fill us with sensitivity to the needs of those with whom we live and work. r.

Our Father . . .

May the all-holy God give us joy and bless us. Amen.

46 August 4 Thursday 47

Blessed Among UsSt. John VianneyCuré of Ars (1786–1859)

Born to a peasant family in Lyons, John Vianney desired nothing else than to be a priest. But his humble background and lack of education made it unlikely that he would ever realize such a vocation. With the help of a private tutor he secured a place in seminary but proved to be a miserable student. It was only with grave reservations that he was recommended for ordination. After a brief assignment in his home parish, he was named the parish priest of Ars-en-Dombes, a village of 250 souls, as remote and insignificant a place as his bishop could find.

Vianney’s sermons were simple and unsophisticated. His theology was rudimentary. But there was one area in which he acquired a reputation for genius: his extraordinary gifts as a confessor. It was said that he had the ability to read souls. Fixed in his cramped confessional, he would sit ten, twelve, as many as eighteen hours a day. Special trains were provided to accommodate the heavy traffic of pilgrims to the famous confessional in Ars. By the time of his death in 1859 Vianney was one of the most beloved figures in France. He was canon-ized in 1925 by Pope Pius XI and at the same time was named the patron saint of all parish priests.

“To be a saint one must be beside oneself, one must lose one’s head.”

—St. John Vianney

MassSt. John Mary Vianney, Memorial

Entrance Antiphon Luke 4:18The Spirit of God is upon me; he has anointed me. He sent me to bring good news to the poor, and to heal the broken-hearted.

Opening PrayerFather of mercy,you made St. John Vianney outstandingin his priestly zeal and concern for your people.By his example and prayers,enable us to win our brothers and sistersto the love of Christand come with them to eternal glory.We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, for ever and ever.

A reading from the Book of Numbers 20:1-13

Water gushed out in abundance.

The whole congregation of the children of Israel arrived in the desert of Zin in the first month, and the people

settled at Kadesh. It was here that Miriam died, and here that she was buried.

As the community had no water, they held a council against Moses and Aaron. The people contended with Moses, exclaiming, “Would that we too had perished with our kinsmen in the Lord’s presence! Why have you brought the Lord’s assembly into this desert where we and our live-stock are dying? Why did you lead us out of Egypt, only to bring us to this wretched place which has neither grain nor


figs nor vines nor pomegranates? Here there is not even water to drink!” But Moses and Aaron went away from the assembly to the entrance of the meeting tent, where they fell prostrate.

Then the glory of the Lord appeared to them, and the Lord said to Moses, “Take your staff and assemble the com-munity, you and your brother Aaron, and in their presence order the rock to yield its waters. From the rock you shall bring forth water for the congregation and their livestock to drink.” So Moses took his staff from its place before the Lord, as he was ordered. He and Aaron assembled the com-munity in front of the rock, where he said to them, “Listen to me, you rebels! Are we to bring water for you out of this rock?” Then, raising his hand, Moses struck the rock twice with his staff, and water gushed out in abundance for the people and their livestock to drink. But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you were not faithful to me in showing forth my sanctity before the children of Israel, you shall not lead this community into the land I will give them.”

These are the waters of Meribah, where the children of Israel contended against the Lord, and where the Lord revealed his sanctity among them.The word of the Lord.

responsorial Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9

r. (8) If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord; let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation.Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us joyfully sing psalms to him. r.

Come, let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the Lord who made us.

For he is our God, and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he

guides. r.

Oh, that today you would hear his voice: “Harden not your hearts as at Meribah, as in the day of Massah in the desert,Where your fathers tested me; they tested me though they had seen my works.” r.

Gospel Acclamation Matthew 16:18You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church,and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 16:13-23

You are Peter, I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven.

Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son

of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then he strictly ordered his dis-ciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.

From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders,


the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.” He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”The Gospel of the Lord.

Prayer over the GiftsFather of mercy,we have these gifts to offer in honor of your saintswho bore witness to your mighty power.May the power of the eucharistbring us your salvation.Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Communion Antiphon Matthew 28:20I, the Lord, am with you always, until the end of the world.

Prayer after CommunionLord,may the mysteries we receiveprepare us for the eternal joysSt. John Mary Vianney won by his faithful ministry.We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

ReflectionWhat Better Name than Thirst?

The Israelites’ thirst in the desert is a prophetic picture of the universal human longing for fulfillment, joy, peace or, as Christian tradition calls it, salvation. What better name than thirst can there be for the emptiness and ache in our hearts for perfect love and perfect bliss? The way we go through life expecting to find all these things in some person, some experi-ence, some feeling, or some teaching or technique is certainly like one huge thirst. People, especially in affluent societies, go from one fad or therapy to another—it seems almost weekly. What people look for so often is the easy fix, some all-effective cure for everything from our pain to our dis-satisfaction and boredom.

The buildup in the Gospels about who Jesus is (the Son of God, the revelation of God’s wisdom in word and act) encour-ages us to look to him for all this. What he gives is not an easy fix, not an overnight release from illness or painful confronta-tions, but an invitation to follow him on the path of death and resurrection. As companions of the Lord, we discover a way of getting through, of not avoiding all that life may bring. This way tells us that the self-emptying and self-forgetting we undergo in life’s pains and onslaughts is a sharing in the passion and death of Jesus. And it leads to new life, resurrec-tion, not only in the world to come but here and now in more patience, love, compassion, and sympathy for the rest of suf-fering and hurt humanity.

Fr. Don Talafous, Homilies for Weekdays, Year 1

Don Talafous, OSB, is a member of St. John’s Abbey in Collegeville, Minnesota, and alumni chaplain for St. John’s University.


EveningGod, come to my assistance.Lord, make haste to help me.

(opt. hymn, pp. 358–60)Psalm 89:2-9I will sing forever of your mercies, O Lord;through all ages my mouth will proclaim your fidelity.I have declared your mercy is established forever;your fidelity stands firm as the heavens.

“With my chosen one I have made a covenant;I have sworn to David my servant:I will establish your descendants forever,and set up your throne through all ages.”

The heavens praise your wonders, O Lord,your fidelity in the assembly of your holy ones.For who in the skies can compare with the Lord,or who is like the Lord among the heavenly powers?A God to be feared in the council of the holy ones,great and awesome to all around him.

O Lord God of hosts, who is your equal?You are mighty, O Lord, and fidelity surrounds you.


Scripture 1 Corinthians 1:18, 22-25

The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power

of God. . . . For Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike, Christ the power of God

and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.


AntiphonYou are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.

Canticle of Mary (inside back cover)

IntercessionsFather, we ask you to send your Holy Spirit to all who stand in need of your grace as we pray: r. Lord, bless and keep us.

Make your Church to rest firmly on the faith in Christ that comes to us from the apostles. r.

Deliver those who know their guilt and their emptiness but do not know the love of Christ. r.

Help us to follow Christ in drawing good from evil, life from death. r.

Our Father . . .

May the God of love, harmony, and peace be with us always. Amen.

Friday 5554

Friday, August 5


(opt. hymn, pp. 358–60)Psalm 14The fool has said in his heart,“There is no God.”Their deeds are corrupt, depraved;no one does any good.

From heaven the Lord looks downon the human race,to see if any are wise,if any seek God.

All have gone astray,depraved, every one;there is no one who does any good;no, not even one.

Do none of the evildoers understand?They eat up my people as if eating bread;they never call out to the Lord.

There they shall tremble with fear,for God is with the generation of the just.You may mock the plans of one that is poor,but his refuge is the Lord.

O that Israel’s salvation might come from Sion.When the Lord delivers his people from bondage,then Jacob will be glad and Israel rejoice.


Scripture 1 Kings 8:56-58

Blessed be the Lord who has given rest to his people Israel, just as he promised. Not a single word has gone

unfulfilled of the entire gracious promise he made through Moses his servant. May the Lord, our God, be with us as he was with our ancestors and may he not forsake us nor cast us off. May he draw our hearts to himself, that we may walk in his ways and keep the commands, statutes, and or-dinances that he enjoined on our ancestors.


AntiphonThe Lord is God; there is no other.


IntercessionsLord Jesus Christ, light of the world and hope of all the earth, we ask you to hear us as we pray: r. Lord, save your people.

Make us know that you are the Lord and there is no other. r.

Renew your wondrous deeds for those who suffer from hunger, disease, and unemployment. r.

Let the victory of your Cross shine on all who have died. r.

Our Father . . .

May the only Son of God have mercy on us and help us in all our needs. Amen.

56 August 5 Friday 57

Blessed Among UsSt. Mary McKillopFounder of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart (1842–1909)

With her beatification in 1995, Mary McKillop became the first recognized saint of Australia. She was the founder of a remarkable congregation, the Sisters of St. Joseph, who devoted themselves to providing free education and other services to the poor. The idea of her vocation, adapted to the rugged conditions of rural Australia, came to her while serv-ing as a governess. Her congregation would adhere to a strict vow of poverty; there would be no social distinctions within the order; and the congregation would be subject to an elected mother general, not to local bishops. This latter provi-sion became a source of grave tension between the congrega-tion and the Australian bishops.

Mary’s congregation was approved by rome and quickly attracted scores of young women. At a time when almost no public services were available for the poor, the work of the sisters was widely admired. But the harassment from local bishops quickly reached extraordinary lengths. Mary was subjected to a shameless campaign of vilification and at one point was excommunicated. Nevertheless, rome supported her constitutions and she was completely vindicated. Throughout her sufferings she remained free of bitterness. Innocent suffering, she believed, was an opportunity to shoul-der the cross and grow closer to God.

Mary died on August 5, 1909, and was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 17, 2010.

“The Cross is my portion—it is my sweet rest and support.”

—St. Mary McKillop

MassFriday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Entrance Antiphon Psalm 70:2, 6God, come to my help. Lord, quickly give me assistance. You are the one who helps me and sets me free: Lord, do not be long in coming.

Opening PrayerFather of everlasting goodness,our origin and guide,be close to usand hear the prayers of all who praise you.Forgive our sins and restore us to life.Keep us safe in your love.Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, for ever and ever.

A reading from the Book of Deuteronomy 4:32-40

For love of your fathers the Lord chose their descendants.

Moses said to the people: “Ask now of the days of old, before your time, ever since God created man upon

the earth; ask from one end of the sky to the other: Did anything so great ever happen before? Was it ever heard of? Did a people ever hear the voice of God speaking from the midst of fire, as you did, and live? Or did any god venture to go and take a nation for himself from the midst of an-other nation, by testings, by signs and wonders, by war, with his strong hand and outstretched arm, and by great terrors, all of which the Lord, your God, did for you in Egypt before your very eyes? All this you were allowed to see that you might know the Lord is God and there is no other. Out of


the heavens he let you hear his voice to discipline you; on earth he let you see his great fire, and you heard him speak-ing out of the fire. For love of your fathers he chose their descendants and personally led you out of Egypt by his great power, driving out of your way nations greater and mightier than you, so as to bring you in and to make their land your heritage, as it is today. This is why you must now know, and fix in your heart, that the Lord is God in the heavens above and on earth below, and that there is no other. You must keep his statutes and commandments which I enjoin on you today, that you and your children after you may prosper, and that you may have long life on the land which the Lord, your God, is giving you forever.”The word of the Lord.

responsorial Psalm 77:12-13, 14-15, 16 and 21

r. (12a) I remember the deeds of the Lord.

I remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I remember your wonders of old.And I meditate on your works; your exploits I ponder. r.

O God, your way is holy; what great god is there like our God?You are the God who works wonders; among the peoples you have made known your power. r.

With your strong arm you redeemed your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph.You led your people like a flock under the care of Moses and Aaron. r.

Gospel Acclamation Matthew 5:10Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of

righteousness;for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.


What can one give in exchange for one’s life?

Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and fol-

low me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay each according to his conduct. Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”The Gospel of the Lord.

Prayer over the GiftsMerciful Lord,make holy these gifts,and let our spiritual sacrificemake us an everlasting gift to you.We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

Communion Antiphon Wisdom 16:20You gave us bread from heaven, Lord: a sweet-tasting bread that was very good to eat.


Prayer after CommunionLord,you give us the strength of new lifeby the gift of the eucharist.Protect us with your loveand prepare us for eternal redemption.We ask this through Christ our Lord.

ReflectionTo be Chosen by God

What a thing it is to be chosen by God. It certainly sounds like a good deal. Life should be easier with God on our side, and there are those who preach that God’s “chosen” can expect to be healthy and wealthy, and always find a parking space near the door. Yet when we look at those God chose through the ages, we’re struck by how easy their lives weren’t. The children of Israel were allowed to hear God’s voice so they could be subject to God’s discipline. Jesus told his dis-ciples, “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you” (John 15:16), and they would learn that being chosen con-stituted an invitation to lose their lives for his sake.

Not such a good deal perhaps? But Jesus promises that it is in losing our lives for his sake that we’ll find them. Just as the children of Israel were called to risk everything on God’s promised deliverance, Jesus calls us to risk the lives we have for the life only he can give us—to give him our broken hearts and receive them back, restored and filled. A prospective bishop was once asked, “What have you risked for the Gospel?” That is the most terrifying question I have ever heard. It is, as Hebrews says, “a fearful thing to fall into the

hands of the living God” (10:31). Yet it’s also worth remem-bering that the most frequent command in the Bible is “Don’t be afraid.” To be chosen is a fearful thing; God’s friends tend to live dangerously. But we need not be afraid, because in the “hands of the living God,” we know the tender shelter of God’s embrace.

Susan Pitchford

Susan Pitchford is a senior lecturer in sociology at the University of Washington and a professed member of the Third Order, Society of St. Francis.



(opt. hymn, pp. 358–60)Psalm 78:1-7Give ear, my people, to my teaching;incline your ear to the words of my mouth.I will open my mouth in a parableand utter hidden lessons of the past.

The things we have heard and understood,the things our fathers have told us,these we will not hide from their childrenbut will tell them to the next generation:the glories of the Lord and his might,and the marvelous deeds he has done.

He established a decree in Jacob;in Israel he set up a law.To our fathers he gave a commandto make it known to their children,that the next generation might know it,the children yet to be born.

They should arise and declare it to their children,that they should set their hope in God,and never forget God’s deeds,but keep every one of his commands.


Scripture Hebrews 12:1-2

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and

sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God.


AntiphonThose who lose their life for the sake of Christ will find it again.


IntercessionsBlessed are you, Lord Jesus, our Shepherd and Redeemer, for your everlasting love for us. Hear us as we say: r. Lord, have mercy.

Make us grateful for your redeeming sacrifice that won our salvation. r.

Let your strong arm rescue all who are sick, fearful, or desolate. r.

Sustain us on the way of discipleship marked out by your holy Cross. r.

Our Father . . .

May the Cross of Christ bring us pardon for our sins, comfort in our affliction, and sure hope of eternal life. Amen.

Saturday 6564

Saturday, August 6


(opt. hymn, pp. 358–60)Psalm 65:2-3, 6-9Praise is due to youin Sion, O God.To you we pay our vows in Jerusalem,you who hear our prayer.

With wondrous deliverance you answer us,O God our savior.You are the hope of all the earth,and of far distant isles.

You establish the mountains with your strength;you are girded with power.You still the roaring of the seas,the roaring of their waves,and the tumult of the peoples.

Distant peoples stand in aweat your wondrous deeds.The lands of sunrise and sunsetyou fill with your joy.


Scripture 2 Corinthians 4:6-10

For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to bring to light the knowledge of

the glory of God on the face of [Jesus] Christ.

But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the sur-passing power may be of God and not from us. We are af-flicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be mani-fested in our body.


AntiphonHis dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away.


IntercessionsGod our Father, the Transfiguration of your beloved Son reveals the glory you call us to share. Listen as we say: r. Lord, save your people.

Help us to seek your face in the people and things that bring us joy and delight, sorrow and suffering. r.

Grant that we will find it good to be near you this day. r.

Transform our complacency into readiness to choose the Gospel call to self-sacrifice. r.

Our Father . . .

May Jesus, the Lord of glory, make us dead to sin and alive to his grace. Amen.

66 August 6 Saturday 67

Blessed Among UsPope Paul VI(1897–1978)

Giovanni Battista Montini, archbishop of Milan, was elected pope in the conclave of June 1963. He chose to be called Paul VI. Shy and somewhat ascetic in appearance, he faced a difficult challenge in succeeding the jovial and universally beloved Pope John XXIII. But he faced still greater challenges. It fell to Pope Paul to implement the revolutionary vision that John XXIII had unleashed with the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965). To this task Montini brought considerable diplomatic skills, gained during a lifetime of service in the Vatican Secretariat of State. He steered the Church through one of the most turbulent decades in history, buffed by criti-cism from all sides, both from those who felt the Church was changing too quickly as well as from those who felt the pace was not fast enough.

Pope Paul’s pontificate was clouded by divisive controversy over his renewal of Church teaching on birth control. His social teaching, however, marked him as one of the most radical pontiffs in history. His encyclical Populorum Progressio was the first Church document to deal with the problems of the Third World, particularly the growing gap between rich and poor. He firmly committed the Church to the project of authentic development, “The transition from less than human conditions to truly human ones.” In this and other documents he strongly identified the Church with the hopes and struggles of the poor. He died on August 6, 1978.

“If you want peace, work for justice.”

—Pope Paul VI

MassThe Transfiguration of the Lord, Feast

Entrance Antiphon See Matthew 17:5In the shining cloud the Spirit is seen; from it the voice of the Father is heard: This is my Son, my beloved, in whom is all my delight. Listen to him.

Gloria (p. 332)

Opening PrayerGod our Father,in the transfigured glory of Christ your Son,you strengthen our faithby confirming the witness of your prophets,and show us the splendor of your beloved sons and

daughters.As we listen to the voice of your Son,help us to become heirs to eternal life with himwho lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, for ever and ever.

A reading from the Book of the Prophet Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14

His clothing was snow bright.

As I watched: / Thrones were set up / and the Ancient One took his throne. / His clothing was bright as snow,

/ and the hair on his head as white as wool; / His throne was flames of fire, / with wheels of burning fire. / A surging stream of fire / flowed out from where he sat; / Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him, / and myriads upon myriads attended him. The court was convened and the books were opened.


As the visions during the night continued, I saw: / One like a Son of man coming, / on the clouds of heaven; / When he reached the Ancient One / and was presented before him, / The one like a Son of man received dominion, glory, and kingship; / all peoples, nations, and languages serve him. / His dominion is an everlasting dominion / that shall not be taken away, / his kingship shall not be destroyed.The word of the Lord.

responsorial Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 9

r. (1a and 9a) The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.

The Lord is king; let the earth rejoice; let the many islands be glad.Clouds and darkness are round about him, justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne. r.

The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth.The heavens proclaim his justice, and all peoples see his glory. r.

Because you, O Lord, are the Most High over all the earth, exalted far above all gods. r.

A reading from the second Letter of Saint Peter 1:16-19

We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven.

Beloved: We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our

Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that unique declaration came to him from the majestic glory, “This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice come from

heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain. Moreover, we possess the prophetic message that is alto-gether reliable. You will do well to be attentive to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and the morn-ing star rises in your hearts.The word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation Matthew 17:5cThis is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;listen to him.


His face shone like the sun.

Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother, John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was

transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the dis-ciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.

As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, “Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”The Gospel of the Lord.


Prayer over the GiftsLord,by the transfiguration of your Sonmake our gifts holy,and by his radiant glory free us from our sins.We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

Communion Antiphon 1 John 3:2When Christ is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

Prayer after CommunionLord,you revealed the true radiance of Christin the glory of his transfiguration.May the food we receive from heavenchange us into his image.We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

ReflectionTo be Transfigured

There is more to this man Jesus than usually meets the eye. In the rarefied atmosphere of a mountaintop, the disciples became privileged “eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Pet 1:16). Jesus came among us as one like us in all things except sin. Unobscured by resistance to God, his whole being was capable of a transparency that enabled him to be seen as the outshin-ing of God’s glory and the visible expression of divinity (Heb 1:3). To the eyes of faith he appeared as God-among-us, Emmanuel.

The transformation that the disciples experienced in Jesus is not merely the revelation of his inner identity; it is also the manifestation of our own destiny. Through baptism we have become sharers in the divine nature (2 Pet 1:4); we do not know what we shall become in the future, but we know that when Christ appears we shall be like him because we shall see him as he is (1 John 3:2). Christ is the mirror in which we gaze upon our own future: “We gaze upon the glory of the Lord with face unveiled, and are transformed into his likeness from glory to glory by the Lord who is Spirit” (2 Cor 3:18). The transfiguration of Jesus reminds us that we are all called to share in the glory and freedom of God’s children. We are called to be like Christ. In a wonderful way we are called to become like God, to be divinized.

Fr. Michael Casey

Michael Casey, a Cistercian monk of Tarrawarra Abbey in Australia, is a well-known retreat master and lecturer, and the author of many books on spirituality.



(opt. hymn, pp. 358–60)Psalm 65:10-14You visit the earth, give it water;you fill it with riches.God’s ever-flowing river brims overto prepare the grain.

And thus you provide for the earth:you drench its furrows;you level it, soften it with showers;you bless its growth.

You crown the year with your bounty.Abundance flows in your pathways;in pastures of the desert it flows.

The hills are girded with joy,the meadows clothed with flocks.The valleys are decked with wheat.They shout for joy; yes, they sing!


Scripture 1 John 3:1-3

See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are. The reason

the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope based on him makes himself pure, as he is pure.


AntiphonThis is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased; listen to him.


IntercessionsBlessed are you, Lord Jesus Christ, the light who enlightens our darkness. We thank you and say: r. Lord, keep us close to you.

Make us attentive to you in your word of life and your example of service. r.

Brighten the lives of the suffering with your promised deliverance. r.

Remove the scourge of war from all the peoples and nations of the earth. r.

Our Father . . .

May Christ bring us into his glory where he reigns as Lord forever and ever. Amen.

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Watercolor by Ethel Boyle.

Sunday, August 7


(opt. hymn, pp. 358–60)Psalm 150Alleluia!

Praise God in his holy place;praise him in his mighty firmament.Praise him for his powerful deeds;praise him for his boundless grandeur.

O praise him with sound of trumpet;praise him with lute and harp.Praise him with timbrel and dance;praise him with strings and pipes.

O praise him with resounding cymbals;praise him with clashing of cymbals.Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!

Alleluia!


Scripture Isaiah 51:12-13, 15-16

I, it is I who comfort you. / Can you then fear mortals who die, / human beings who are just grass, / And forget the

Lord, your maker, / who stretched out the heavens / and laid the foundations of earth? / All the day you are in con-stant dread / of the fury of the oppressor / When he prepares himself to destroy; / but where is the oppressor’s fury? / . . .

76 August 7 Sunday 77

For I am the Lord, your God, / who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar; / the Lord of hosts by name. / I have put my words into your mouth, / I covered you, shielded by my hand, / Stretching out the heavens, / laying the foundations of the earth, / saying to Zion: You are my people.


AntiphonTake courage, it is I; do not be afraid.


IntercessionsGod of hosts, you rejoice to turn our fervent petitions into loudest praise, and so we say: r. Lord, hear and give answer.

Work your mighty deeds of deliverance for the poor, the hungry, and the homeless. r.

Shield us this day from all that is harmful and give us whatever is helpful. r.

Grant never-ending joy to those who have come to you in death. r.

Our Father . . .

May the risen Christ grant us a share of his life and glory. Amen.

MassNineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Entrance Antiphon Psalm 74:20, 19, 22, 23Lord, be true to your covenant, forget not the life of your poor ones for ever. Rise up, O God, and defend your cause; do not ignore the shouts of your enemies.

Gloria (p. 332)

Opening PrayerAlmighty and ever-living God,your Spirit made us your children,confident to call you Father.Increase your Spirit within usand bring us to our promised inheritance.Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, for ever and ever.

A reading from the first Book of Kings 19:9a, 11-13a

Go outside and stand on the mountain before the Lord.

At the mountain of God, Horeb, Elijah came to a cave where he took shelter. Then the Lord said to him, “Go

outside and stand on the mountain before the Lord; the Lord will be passing by.” A strong and heavy wind was rend-ing the mountains and crushing rocks before the Lord—but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake—but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was fire—but the Lord was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound. When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave.The word of the Lord.


responsorial Psalm 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14

r. (8) Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

I will hear what God proclaims; the Lord—for he proclaims peace.Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land. r.

Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss.Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven. r.

The Lord himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase.Justice shall walk before him, and prepare the way of his steps. r.

A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans 9:1-5

I could wish that I were accursed for the sake of my own people.

Brothers and sisters: I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie; my conscience joins with the Holy Spirit in

bearing me witness that I have great sorrow and constant anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. They are Israel-ites; theirs the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; theirs the patri-archs, and from them, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.The word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation cf. Psalm 130:5I wait for the Lord;my soul waits for his word.


Command me to come to you on the water.

After he had fed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side, while

he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles off-shore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became fright-ened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”The Gospel of the Lord.

Creed (p. 333)


Prayer over the GiftsGod of power,giver of the gifts we bring,accept the offering of your Churchand make it the sacrament of our salvation.We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Communion Antiphon Psalm 147:12, 14Praise the Lord, Jerusalem; he feeds you with the finest wheat.

Prayer after CommunionLord,may the eucharist you give usbring us to salvationand keep us faithful to the light of your truth.We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

ReflectionOur Faith and Trust in God

The trust embedded in true faith frees us from fear and gives us the courage of a real disciple. “Do not fear!” recurs all through Scripture—over 350 times. The opposite of fear is courage, and courage is rooted in faith.

We may all expect to be challenged in faith, trust, and courage, sometimes severely. Then we need to make the nec-essary decisions from the center of our being, our heart where the Holy Spirit, the spirit of wisdom, resides. And if we are to address that Spirit freely, we need to nourish by prayer the gifts of faith, trust, and courage.

Why do so many people find faith and trust so difficult? Could the reason be our demand to understand? Is it mastery versus mystery? The ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament has Isaiah say, “Unless you believe, you will not understand.” Sometimes we want to invert this—“I cannot believe unless I understand.” In the eleventh century Saint Anselm echoed Isaiah: “I do not seek to understand that I may believe, but I believe in order to understand. For this I also believe—that unless I believe, I should not understand.”

I must treasure the gift of faith, nurture and deepen and exercise it in my daily life—not for my own benefit surely, but for life in the Body of Christ. I am a member of that Body, and as I exercise the gifts God gives me, the Body of Christ is strengthened, to the blessing of the entire world.

Sr. Jeremy Hall, Silence, Solitude, Simplicity

Jeremy Hall, OSB (1918–2008), a wise and a gifted retreat leader, was a member of St. Benedict’s Monastery in St. Joseph, Minnesota.



(opt. hymn, pp. 358–60)Psalm 116:1-9I love the Lord, for he has heardmy voice, my appeal;for he has turned his ear to mewhenever I call.

They surrounded me, the snares of death;the anguish of the grave has found me;anguish and sorrow I found.I called on the name of the Lord:“Deliver my soul, O Lord!”

How gracious is the Lord, and just;our God has compassion.The Lord protects the simple;I was brought low, and he saved me.

Turn back, my soul, to your rest,for the Lord has been good to you;he has kept my soul from death,my eyes from tears, and my feet from stumbling.I will walk in the presence of the Lordin the land of the living.


Scripture Hebrews 12:18-19, 21-24

You have not approached that which could be touched and a blazing fire and gloomy darkness and storm and

a trumpet blast and a voice speaking words such that those

who heard begged that no message be further addressed to them. Indeed, so fearful was the spectacle that Moses said, “I am terrified and trembling.” No, you have approached Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and countless angels in festal gathering, and the assembly of the firstborn enrolled in heaven, and God the judge of all . . . and Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant.


AntiphonTruly, you are the Son of God.


IntercessionsEverlasting is your mercy, O God, and so we seek to know its power in our lives as we say: r. Lord, bless and keep us.

Save Christian churches from self-righteousness and stir them to seek your peace. r.

Renew our faith in your abundant goodness and infinite love for this world. r.

Draw people of every nation and tongue to worship you in the heavenly Jerusalem. r.

Our Father . . .

May the peace of the risen Christ remain with us always. Amen.

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August 7–13Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Within the WordJoshua

At last! The perilous escape from slavery in Egypt, the years of wandering in the wilderness, are over. Here they stand at the border of the land that is to be their home. Moses, their leader during the long trek, climbs Mount Nebo and gazes out over this Promised Land, a bittersweet moment because Moses knows that for him, this is journey’s end (Deut 34:1-9). For past lack of faith, he will die before he can cross into where the Lord had commissioned him to bring his people.

Earlier, at God’s command, Moses had told his assistant, Joshua, “It’s your turn now. The first part of the journey is over. The next stage will be just as challenging. You must lead the Lord’s people” (see Deut 31:1-8, Tues; Josh, Thurs–Sat).

We also hear, “It’s your turn now.” Generations of believers before us have walked with faith through the pleasant oases and bleak deserts in their own lives and in the bigger world. Their journey is over. Now it’s our turn to join and sometimes to lead our Church, both local and universal, on its pilgrimage.

This was not the first time Joshua heard, “It’s your turn now.” Before entering the new land, Moses had sent ahead Joshua and others. The scouts returned reporting the richness and fertility of the land. But there were perils to be faced from the fierce and powerful inhabitants. Most advised not going any farther. “It’s too dangerous. We’ll never succeed.” The terrified people even clamored for a new leader to take them back to Egypt, that hated slave pen. But Joshua and Caleb

heard the call, “It’s your turn now. Encourage this people to go forward. Of course, there is danger but also opportunity for a wonderful new beginning” (see Num 13–14).

It’s our turn now. As we try to convince our world that its fullest hope and meaning is in the saving power of God work-ing through Jesus, many voices say, “Play it safe and circle the wagons! Don’t make waves! Things are what they are! The forces against us are too great! All that stuff is nonsense! It’s nice to dream of a different world, but be realistic!” This is when we need to believe and dare, to live the message of Jesus in a world that is often dismissive, if not hostile.

Before he died, Joshua heard, “It’s your turn now,” one final time. He gathered the people and in a solemn ceremony re-minded them of what the Lord had done for them. He called them to renew their commitment to the Lord. He had been entrusted with the great story of God’s saving power and had experienced it himself. He now passed it on to the next generation (Josh 24).

The promise of Jesus Christ has been entrusted to us by generations before us, by family, friends, teachers, priests, sisters. Once again, the words echo, “It’s your turn now to pass on by what you do and what you say Jesus’ vision for a world of true peace—peace with God, peace within ourselves, peace with each other and peace with this world we live in.”

Long ago, it was Joshua’s turn. Today it’s our turn, yours and mine.

—Bishop Emil Wcela

Emil A. Wcela served as auxiliary bishop of the diocese of Rockville Centre, New York, for 19 years before retiring in 2007. Prior to becoming bishop, he taught Scripture at Immaculate Conception Seminary, Huntington, New York, and served as rector of the seminary. Author of several books and numerous articles on the Bible, Wcela continues to teach and write.

The Order of Mass 331

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The Order of Mass❙❚ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the

Holy Spirit.❙❚ Amen.

Greeting�The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.And also with you.�The grace and peace of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. or:And also with you.The Lord be with you.And also with you.

Penitential RiteAs we prepare to celebrate the mystery of Christ’s love,let us acknowledge our failuresand ask the Lord for pardon and strength.Coming together as God’s family,with confidence let us ask the Father’s forgiveness,for he is full of gentleness and compassion.My brothers and sisters,to prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries,let us call to mind our sins.

I confess to almighty God,and to you, my brothers and sisters,that I have sinned through my own fault People strike their breast:

in my thoughts and in my words,in what I have done,and in what I have failed to do;and I ask blessed Mary, ever virgin,all the angels and saints,and you, my brothers and sisters,to pray for me to the Lord our God.Lord, we have sinned against you:Lord, have mercy.Lord, have mercy.Lord, show us your mercy and love.And grant us your salvation.Invocation.Lord, have mercy.Lord, have mercy.Invocation.Christ, have mercy.Christ, have mercy.Invocation.Lord, have mercy.Lord, have mercy.

❙❚�� May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.

❙❚�� Amen.

B

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B

C

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Celebration of the Liturgy of the Word 355

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Celebration of the Liturgy of the Word[With Holy Communion]

Introductory RitesIntroductionDeacon or lay leader:We gather here to celebrate the Lord’s Day.Sunday has been called the Lord’s Day because

it was on this daythat Jesus conquered sin and death and rose to new life.Unfortunately, we are not able to celebrate the Mass todaybecause we do not have a priest.Let us be united in the spirit of Christ with

the Church around the worldand celebrate our redemption in Christ’s suffering,

death and resurrection.

Sign of the CrossDeacon or lay leader:❙❚ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the

Holy Spirit.❙❚ Amen.

GreetingDeacon or lay leader:❙❚ Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from

the Lord Jesus Christ.❙❚ Blessed be God for ever.

Opening Prayer

Liturgy of the WordFirst Reading

Responsorial Psalm

Second Reading

Gospel Acclamation

Gospel

Homily or Reflection on the Readings

Period of Silence

Profession of Faith[The Nicene Creed can be found on p. 333]

Apostles’ CreedI believe in God the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

358 Hymns Hymns 359

Now as New Light Reveals the Skyam

Familiar Tune: I Know That My Redeemer Lives

We Praise You, Father, for Your Giftpm

Familiar Tune: Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow

More Ancient Than the Primal WorldTransfiguration—am

Familiar Tune: On Jordan’s Bank

Guide to Lectio DivinaChoose a word or phrase of the Scriptures you wish to pray. It makes no difference which text is chosen, as long as you have no set goal of “covering” a certain amount of text. The amount of text covered is in God’s hands, not yours.

Read. Turn to the text and read it slowly, gently. Savor each portion of the reading, constantly listening for the “still, small voice” of a word or phrase that somehow says, “I am for you today.” Do not expect lightning or ecstasies. In lectio divina, God is teaching us to listen, to seek him in silence. God does not reach out and grab us but gently invites us ever more deeply into his presence.

Ponder. Take the word or phrase into yourself. Memorize it and slowly repeat it to yourself, allowing it to interact with your inner world of concerns, memories, and ideas. Do not be afraid of distractions. Memories or thoughts are simply parts of yourself that, when they rise up during lectio divina, are asking to be given to God along with the rest of your inner self. Allow this inner pondering, this rumination, to invite you into dialogue with God.

Pray. Whether you use words, ideas, or images—or all three—is not important. Interact with God as you would with one who you know loves and accepts you. Give to God what you have discovered during your experience of meditation. Give to God what you have found within your heart.

It is not necessary to assess the quality of your lectio divina, as if you were “performing” or seeking some goal. Lectio divina has no goal other than that of being in the presence of God by praying the Scriptures.

—Fr. Luke Dysinger

Luke Dysinger, OSB, is a Benedictine monk of Saint Andrew’s Abbey, Valyermo, California.

How to Use Give Us This Day™

Why a guide for using a daily prayer resource? Because daily prayer can seem daunting. Though I grew up saying prayers daily, daily prayer was a practice I came to well into my adult life. It was challenging at the start. Even if we’ve settled into the rhythm and practice of daily prayer, there is much to gain from the simplicity and substance of a resource such as Give Us This Day:

• Prayers for morning and evening include Scripture, inter-cessions, and other helpful prompts.

• “Blessed Among Us” features models of holy living who have gone before us and pray for us.

• Mass texts and reflections convey the depth and breadth of Scripture—and of God’s love for us in Christ.

You don’t need to attend daily Mass to pray with those texts. Nor do you need to pray with the daily content “in order.” You may wish to pray with all the content and not miss a word. You may be drawn to just a few words or particular features that give you pause. All or any of this is fine. Let the Holy Spirit be your daily guide—and be sure to explore the inspiring weekly and monthly pieces in each issue as well (see the user-friendly calendar and contents on pp. 2–4).

Whenever you pray—even if you don’t feel instant “results”— entrust your prayer to the Holy Spirit, who surely and certainly will lead you into communion with God and others.

May Give Us This Day help each of us to comfortably approach God in prayer, confident that God approaches us first and this day awaits our response.

Editor

Canticle of Mary (Magnificat) Luke 1:46-55

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,my spirit rejoices in God my Savior

for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed:the Almighty has done great things for me,and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear himin every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm,he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things,and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israelfor he has remembered his promise of mercy,the promise he made to our fathers,to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

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