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MEDITATIO

Monday, September 26 : Saint Caesarius of Arles

Monday, September 26 : Saint Caesarius of Arles

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“Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his footsteps,” (1Pt 2,21). Which of the Lord’s examples will we have to follow? Is it his raising of the dead? Is it to walk on the sea? Not in the least. But it is that of being meek and humble of heart (Mt 11,29) and of loving not only our friends but even our enemies (Mt 5,44). “So that you might follow in his footsteps,” writes St Peter. The blessed evangelist John also says the same thing: “Whoever claims to abide in Christ ought to walk as he has walked,” (1Jn 2,6). And how has Christ walked? He prayed for his enemies on the cross, saying: “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do,” (Lk 23,34). They have actually lost their senses and are possessed by an evil spirit, and while they are persecuting us, they themselves are undergoing a far greater persecution from the devil. Hence we should be praying more for their deliverance than for their condemnation. That is indeed what Blessed Stephen did, he who was the first so gloriously to follow in the footsteps of Christ. For, when he was struck by a hail of stones, he prayed standing for himself; but, falling to his knees, he cried out with all his strength for his enemies: “Lord Jesus Christ, do not hold this sin against them,” (Ac 7,60). So even if we think we cannot imitate our Lord, let us at least imitate him who was his servant as we are.
maronite readings – rosary,team

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Monday, September 26 : Saint John Cassian

Monday, September 26 : Saint John Cassian

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These men, who were great in faith, took no credit for themselves for being able to perform such marvels because they acknowledged that they accomplished them not by their own virtuousness but by the Lord’s mercy, and with the words of the apostles they rejected the human glory that arose from admiration for their miracles: ‘Men and brothers, why do you marvel at this or why do you look at us as if we had made this man walk by our own power or holiness?’ They considered that a person should not be praised for marvels that belong to God. (…) For there are many people, as has already been said before, who are corrupt in mind and reprobate in faith but who cast out demons and work mighty deeds in the name of the Lord. It is true that when the apostles were talking about them and saying: “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we forbade him because he does not follow us,” Christ replied to them at the time: “Do not forbid him, for the one who is not against you is for you.” Nevertheless, to those who will say at the end of time: “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty deeds in your name?” He affirms that he will reply: “I never knew you. Depart from me, you workers of wickedness” (Mt 7:22). Finally, when the very Author of all signs and mighty deeds was proposing his teaching to his disciples, he showed clearly what his true and most intimate followers should learn from him in particular: “Come,” he said, “and learn from me” — not, to be sure, how to cast out demons with heavenly power, nor how to cleanse lepers, nor how to enlighten the blind, nor how to raise the dead. … But you, he says, “learn from me for I am meek and humble of heart” (Mt 11:28-29).
Roman Catholic Ordinary Calendar – rosary,team

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الأحد، ٢٥ سبتمبر : القدّيس يوحنّا الذهبيّ الفم

الأحد، ٢٥ سبتمبر : القدّيس يوحنّا الذهبيّ الفم

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كلّما اقترب الملك، كلّما استوجب الاستعداد. وكلّما اقترب الوقت الذي تُمنح فيه الجائزة للمحارب، كلّما أصبح من الواجب المحاربة بطريقة أفضل. هكذا نفعل أثناء السباق: عندما يشرف السباق على نهايته ونقترب من الهدف، نحثّ الخيول على المزيد من الاندفاع. لذا، قال بولس: “… فإِنَّ الخَلاصَ أَقرَبُ إِلَينا الآنَ مِنه يَومَ آمَنَّا. قد تَناهى اللَّيلُ واقتَرَبَ اليَوم…” (رو 13: 11-12). بما أنّ الليل قد تلاشى والنهار أشرق، فلنقم بأعمال النهار؛ لنخلع أعمال الظلام. هكذا نفعل في هذه الحياة: عندما نعرف أنّ الليل يتراجع أمام الفجر ونسمع غناء السنونو، نوقظ بعضنا بعضًا، رغم أنّ الليل لم ينتهِ بعد… نسارع للقيام بمهمّات النهار؛ نرتدي ملابسنا بعد أن نخلع عنّا النعاس، لكي ترانا الشمس مستعدّين. ما كنّا نفعله عندئذ، فلنفعله الآن: لننزع عنّا كلّ أحلامنا، لنترك أحلام الحياة الحاضرة، ونخرج من سباتنا العميق، ولنرتدِ ملابس الفضيلة. هذا ما قاله لنا بوضوح الرسول: “… فْلنَخلَعْ أَعمالَ الظَّلام ولْنَلبَسْ سِلاحَ النُّور” (رو 13: 12). لأنّ النهار يدعونا إلى المعركة والمحاربة. لا تخف عندما تسمع كلمات المحاربة والكفاح! إذا كان ارتداء درعٍ ماديّ ثقيل أمرًا شاقًّا، فمن المطلوب في المقابل ارتداء الدرع الروحيّ، إذ هو درع من نور. هكذا، ستسطع بنور أكثر إشعاعًا من الشمس، وعندما تتألّق بنور ساطع ستكون في أمان، لأنّ أسلحتك هذه من نور. إذًا؟ هل نحن مَعفيّون من المحاربة؟ كلاّ! يجب أن نحارب، لكن بدون أن ينهكنا التعب والعناء. إذ نحن مدعوّون لا إلى حربٍ بل إلى عيد وابتهاج.

maronite readings – rosary.team

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Sunday, September 25 : Saint John Chrysostom

Sunday, September 25 : Saint John Chrysostom

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The nearer the king approaches, the more we should pray. The nearer the moment arrives for bestowing the trophy on the combatant, the harder we should struggle. This is what they do at the races: as the end of the course comes and they are reaching the goal, they stir up the horses’ enthusiasm even more. In the same way Paul says: «Now is salvation nearer to us than when first we believed. The night is far gone, the day is at hand» (Rm 13,11-12). Since night is disappearing and day is coming into view, let us carry out the works of day and leave behind the works of darkness. This is what we do in the course of life: when we see night giving way to dawn and hear the swallows singing, then we wake one another up even though it is still dark… We hurry to our daily tasks; we get dressed after being snatched from sleep so that the sun will find us ready. What we do then, let us do now. Let us shake off our dreams, rouse ourselves from thoughts of this present life, leave our heavy slumber and put on the garment of virtue. This is what the apostle clearly says to us: «Cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light» (v.12). For day is calling us to the battle, to the fight. But don’t be afraid when you hear these words about fighting and combat! For if it is uncomfortable to put on heavy material armor, it is pleasant, on the other hand, to put on spiritual armor, for this is an armor of light. So will you shine more brightly than the sun and, even as you sparkle brightly, you will be safe because these are weapons…, weapons of light. So then? Are we excused from fighting? Not at all! We are to fight but without being overcome by fatigue and without pain. For it is not so much a war to which we are being summoned as a feast and celebration.

maronite readings – rosary,team

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Domingo, 25 De Septiembre : Concilio Vaticano II

Domingo, 25 De Septiembre : Concilio Vaticano II

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    Dios ha destinado la tierra y cuanto ella contiene para uso de todos los hombres y pueblos. En consecuencia, los bienes creados deben llegar a todos en forma equitativa bajo la égida de la justicia y con la compañía de la caridad. Sean las que sean las formas de la propiedad, adaptadas a las instituciones legítimas de los pueblos según las circunstancias diversas y variables, jamás debe perderse de vista este destino universal de los bienes. Por tanto, el hombre, al usarlos, no debe tener las cosas exteriores que legítimamente posee como exclusivamente suyas, sino también como comunes, en el sentido de que no le aprovechen a él solamente, sino también a los demás.     Por lo demás, el derecho a poseer una parte de bienes suficientes para sí mismos y para sus familiares es un derecho que a todos corresponde. Es este el sentir de los Padres y de los doctores de la Iglesia, quienes enseñaron que los hombres están obligados a ayudar a los pobres, y por cierto, no sólo con los bienes superfluos. Quien se halla en situación de necesidad extrema tiene derecho a tomar de la riqueza ajena lo necesario para sí. Habiendo como hay tantos oprimidos actualmente por el hambre en el mundo, el sacro Concilio urge a todos, particulares y autoridades, a que, acordándose de aquella frase de los Padres: “Alimenta al que muere de hambre, porque, si no lo alimentas, lo matas”, según las propias posibilidades, comuniquen y ofrezcan realmente sus bienes, ayudando en primer lugar a los pobres, tanto individuos como pueblos, a que puedan ayudarse y desarrollarse por sí mismos.

Lecturas Católicas Romanas – rosary.team

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Sunday, September 25 : Vatican Council II

Sunday, September 25 : Vatican Council II

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God intended the earth with everything contained in it for the use of all human beings and peoples. Thus, under the leadership of justice and in the company of charity, created goods should be in abundance for all in like manner. Whatever the forms of property may be, as adapted to the legitimate institutions of peoples, according to diverse and changeable circumstances, attention must always be paid to this universal destination of earthly goods. In using them, therefore, man should regard the external things that he legitimately possesses not only as his own but also as common in the sense that they should be able to benefit not only him but also others. On the other hand, the right of having a share of earthly goods sufficient for oneself and one’s family belongs to everyone. The Fathers and Doctors of the Church held this opinion, teaching that men are obliged to come to the relief of the poor and to do so not merely out of their superfluous goods. If one is in extreme necessity, he has the right to procure for himself what he needs out of the riches of others. (Here the ancient principle applies …: “In a case of extreme necessity everything is held in common and must be put to common use.” Clearly, for a precise application of this principle, all the necessary moral conditions must be present.) Since there are so many people prostrate with hunger in the world, this sacred council urges all, both individuals and governments, to remember the aphorism of the Fathers: “Feed the man dying of hunger, because if you have not fed him, you have killed him,” and really to share and employ their earthly goods, according to the ability of each, especially by supporting individuals or peoples with the aid by which they may be able to help and develop themselves.
Roman Catholic Ordinary Calendar – rosary,team

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Sábado, 24 De Septiembre : Santo Tomás de Aquino

Sábado, 24 De Septiembre : Santo Tomás de Aquino

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    “En cuanto a mí, dice San Pablo, jamás presumo de algo que no sea la cruz de nuestro Señor Jesucristo.” (Gal 6,14) “Mira, dice San Agustín, ahí donde el sabio de este mundo pensó encontrar la vergüenza, el apóstol Pablo descubre un tesoro.” Lo que a los otros les parecía una locura se convirtió para él en sabiduría y causa de gloria. (cf 1Cor 1,17ss)     Cada uno considera glorioso lo que le hace grande ante sus propios ojos. Si uno se cree un gran hombre porque es rico, se gloría de su riqueza. El que no ve grandeza más que en Jesucristo, se gloría sólo de él. Así era San Pablo: “Vivo yo, pero no soy yo, es Cristo quien vive en mí.” (Gal 2,20) Así sólo se gloría en Cristo, y ante todo en la cruz de Cristo. En ella se encierran todos los motivos que uno puede tener para gloriarse.     Hay gente que se gloría de la amistad con gente rica e importante. Pablo no tiene necesidad más que de la cruz de Cristo para descubrir el signo más evidente de la amistad de Dios. “La prueba que Dios nos ama es que Cristo, cuando aún éramos pecadores, murió por nosotros.” (Rm 5,8) No, no hay nada que manifieste más el amor de Dios para con nosotros que la muerte de Cristo. “Oh testimonio inestimable del amor, exclamó San Gregorio, para rescatar al esclavo entregaste al Hijo.”

Lecturas Católicas Romanas – rosary.team

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Saturday, September 24 : Saint Thomas Aquinas

Saturday, September 24 : Saint Thomas Aquinas

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“As for me,” says Saint Paul, “may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” And Saint Augustine observes: “See how, that where those who are wise in this world believed shame to lie, the apostle Paul finds riches; what seemed folly to them was wisdom and a sign of glory to him” (1 Cor 1:17 f.). Now everyone assumes distinction from what seems important in their own eyes. People who think themselves great because of their riches, glory in their goods. People who see no glory but in Jesus Christ, set their glory only in Jesus. Of these was the apostle Paul, who said: “I live, yet no longer I, but Christ lives in me” (Gal 2:20). This is why he does not boast in anything except Christ and, above all, the cross of Christ. For all the motives one could possibly have were brought together in this one. There are people who vaunt their friendship with the great and powerful; Paul needs nothing but Christ’s cross to disclose the unmistakable sign of God’s friendship. “God proves his love for us in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8). No, nothing manifests God’s love for us so much as the death of Christ. “Oh, inimitable testimony of love !” exclaims Saint Gregory: “To redeem the slave you delivered up the Son.”
Roman Catholic Ordinary Calendar – rosary,team

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السبت، ٢٤ سبتمبر : القدّيس كيرِلُّس

السبت، ٢٤ سبتمبر : القدّيس كيرِلُّس

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صرخ أحد اللصين اللذين صُلبا مع الرّب يسوع قائلاً: “أُذكرني، يا ربّ! الآن، أنا ألتفتُ إليك… أنا لن أخبركَ عن أعمالي لأنّها تجعلني أرتجف. إنّ كلّ إنسان يكون متعاطفًا مع رفيق دربه، وها أنا رفيق دربك نحو الموت. أُذكُرْني يا يسوع إِذا ما جئتَ في مَلَكوتِكَ” (راجع لو 23: 42). أيّ قوّة أنارتكَ، أيّها اللص الطيّب؟ مَن علّمكَ عبادة ذاك الذي أحتُقر وصُلِب معكَ؟ أيّها النور الأبدي الذي ينير أولئك المقيمين في الظلمة (راجع لو 1: 79)! تشجّعْ… في الواقع، أقول لك ذلك، اليوم ستكون معي في الملكوت، لأنّك سمعتَ صوتي اليوم ولم تُقَسِّ قلبكَ (راجع مز 95[94]: 8). لأنّه لم يُطِعْ، طُرِد آدم فورًا من حديقة الفردوس… أنتَ الذي تطيع الإيمان اليوم، ستُخَلَّص اليوم. بالنسبة لآدم، كانت الخشبة سبب السقوط؛ بالنسبة إليكَ، فإنّ الخشبة (خشبة الصّليب) ستدخلكَ إلى الملكوت. أيّتها النعمة العظيمة والتي لا يمكن التعبير عنها: إبراهيم، الوفي بامتياز، لم يكن قد دخل بعد لكنّ اللصّ دخل. اندهش بولس كثيرًا وقال: “حَيثُ كَثُرَتِ الخَطيئَةُ فاضَتِ النِّعمَة” (رو 5: 20). أولئك الذين كانوا قد عملوا بجهد طوال النهار لم يكونوا قد دخلوا بعد إلى الملكوت؛ أمّا هو، رجل الساعة الخامسة، فقد قُبِلَ بدون تأخير. فلا يهمسَنَّ أحد ضدّ ربّ البيت: “أنا لا ألحق الأذى بأحد؛ ألا أمتلك السلطة للقيام بما أريد عندي؟” أراد اللصّ (الّذي كان معلّقًا عن يمين الرّب) أن يكون صالحاً… أنا أكتفي بإيمانه… أنا الراعي، وجدتُ الخروف الضالّ وحملتُه على كتفيَّ (راجع لو 15: 5) لأنّه قال: “أنا ضللتُ الطريق، لكن أُذكرني يا ربّ، متى دخلتَ في ملكوتكَ”.
maronite readings – rosary.team

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Saturday, September 24 : A homily attributed to Saint John Chrysostom

Saturday, September 24 : A homily attributed to Saint John Chrysostom

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Let all who are pious and every lover of God rejoice in the splendor of this feast! Let the wise servants blissfully enter into the joy of their Lord! (Mt 25:23) Let those who have borne the burden of Lent now receive their pay, and those who have toiled since the first hour, let them now receive their due reward (Mt 20:1f). Let any who came after the third hour be grateful to join in the feast, and those who may have come after the sixth, let them not be afraid of being too late, for the Lord is gracious and receives the last even as the first… yes, he has pity on the last and serves the first; he rewards the one and is generous to the other… Come, all of you: enter into the joy of your Lord! You the first and you the last… rich and poor… sober and weaklings,… you who have kept the fast and you who have not, rejoice today. The table is richly loaded: come to it, all of you (Mt 22:4). The fatted calf is served: let no one go away hungry. All of you enjoy the banquet of faith; all of you receive the riches of his goodness. Let no one grieve over his poverty, for the universal kingdom has been revealed for all; let no one weep over his sins, for pardon has shone from the grave; let no one fear death, for the death of our Savior has set us free. He has destroyed death who was gripped by it; he has despoiled Hades who descended into its kingdom… When Isaiah foresaw all this, he cried out: “The netherworld was put to confusion when it encountered you” (cf 14:9). Hades is full of bitterness…, because it has been destroyed; it is angered because it has been reduced to naught… It seized a body, and lo! it discovered God; it seized earth, and, behold! it encountered heaven; it seized the visible, and was overcome by the Invisible. O death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? (1Cor 15:55) Christ is risen and life is freed, Christ is risen and the tomb is emptied of the dead: for Christ, being risen from the dead, has become the Leader and Reviver of those who had fallen asleep. To Him be glory and power for ever and ever. Amen.

maronite readings – rosary,team

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