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Saturday, December 23, 2006 The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ Friday, September 08, 2006 Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary September 8 Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Prayer Epistle: Proverbs 8:22-35 Gospel: Matthew 1:1-18 Let us honor Mary, especially by imitation of those virtues of hers which are to us, as Saint John Damascene says, an open book of instruction; let us rejoice in her prerogatives and glory; let us encourage others in the veneration of her; let us, in our need, have recourse to her, who, according to the name Star of the Sea with which the Church salutes her, shines for all who sail upon the dangerous sea of the world. For this reason Saint Bernard calls out to each one of us, "Take not your eyes from the light of this star if you would not be overwhelmed by the waves; if the storms of temptation arise, if you are thrown upon the rocks of affliction, look to the star, invoke Mary. Are you confounded at the enormity of your sins, are you ashamed at the defilement of your conscience, are you terrified on account of the dreadful judgment, so that you begin to be overpowered by sadness, or even to sink into the abyss of despair, then turn your thoughts to Mary. In dangers, in distress, in doubt, call on Mary. She will not be far from your mouth, or your heart; and that you may obtain her intercession omit not to imitate her conduct. When you follow her, you will not go astray; when you invoke her, you will no longer be in doubt; when she supports yon, yon will not fall; when she leads you, you will surely come to eternal life, and will find by your own experience that she is justly called Maria - that is, Star of the Sea." --Goffine's Devout Instructions Catholic Religion Roman Catholic Catholic Church Catholic Readings Catholic Blogs Catholic Feast Days Saturday, August 26, 2006 Meditations with Mary IV Luke Chapter 2:14-19 "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart." Reflection When we read how Mary pondered many things in her heart, many mistake this to believe that Mary did not know who Jesus is. Is it more the case that Mary knowing fully who Jesus is, yet still pondered the fact that the Divine God would lower Himself to a mere creature. A vulnerable baby, in need of nurturing and care, indeed in need of love. Through Mary we can also glimpse that there is much to ponder the Creator of all becomes the created, wrapped in swaddling clothes in a manger. No-one had made room for this Prince of Peace, there were no vacancies for the King of Kings. Is Christ still yearning for a place in your heart? This Prince, this King this Divine God who gave all, for love of...you. Peace of Christ to ALL Copyright © 2006 Marie Smith. All rights reserved. Saturday, August 12, 2006 Meditation with Mary III Luke Chapter 2:1-7 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Reflection When we read this Scripture it reminds us that Joseph and Mary lived ordinary lives in an extraordinary way. Caesar had ordered this enrollment both Joseph and Mary like many others were obeying the law, neither of them thought themselves above the law of the land or better than others. This display of obeying the law like any other people shows both Joseph and Mary's complete humility without the least bit of subservience to those in authority. Yet, Mary was heavy with child, this must have been a troubling thought for Joseph as they journeyed together towards Bethlehem. It also must have been a difficult journey for Mary as she was jostled about on the donkey. We cannot imagine what thoughts were running through Joseph and Mary's mind but we can imagine the ordeal of having to travel quite a distance at such an hour of Promise. Perhaps it is like how many of us journey on our path of faith. At times the road seems difficult it brings us great hardship and discomfort, but the outcome is worth it. We would not be where we are if we had not taken that first step into the unknown. Like Joseph and Mary we travel a path known only to God. Do we do this from a spirit of obedience or do we begrudge every step? Peace of Christ to ALL Copyright © 2006 Marie Smith. All rights reserved. Thursday, July 27, 2006 Meditation With Saint Joseph Meditation Matthew chapter 1:18-24 "Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means "God is with us." When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home." Reflection When we look at Joseph he seems to be a bit of an enigma, what do we make of this man who God found to be righteous? Just as with Mary, God did not simply pick Joseph from a pack he created Joseph to be true father to His Son Jesus, from the beginning Joseph was chosen to bear this honour for all time. What we learn from Joseph is the lesson of listening. Joseph's ears were not attuned to what people would think of him, rather Joseph listened to the voice of God which floats through our heart as a gentle breeze ripples past a still pond disturbing but not enraging the quiet water. This man not only listen to that still small voice of God, he then obeyed it without question. He did not question God's Wisdom but rather played his part in fulfilling the Will of God through humble servitude. Joseph accepted the responsibility that God entrusted to him, this righteous man above men put God first in his life and upon hearing the words of the Angel he then took Mary as his beloved and chaste spouse as they both perfected what living the Divine Will means to every family that embraces Catholic values. At the heart of Joseph we see a man who bends to the Will of God in total and absolute self denial as he follows what God has requested of him, he who is a simple carpenter. There is no false humility, Joseph simply got on with what God had asked of him and from him we learn what true self giving is, and the quiet depths of a man totally in love with his Hidden God. A God who he would hold in his arms as Mary rested... This is Joseph a man after God's own Heart. How much is your heart attuned to hear the still small voice of God? Thursday, July 20, 2006 Meditation with Mary II Luke Chapter 1:46-55 And Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever." We have had many Saints who led immensely holy lives their total love and zealousness for God is truly an example to us all. What makes Mary different from these wonderful Saints of our Church? It is by looking at the Saints that we gain a glimpse of just how unique and glorious that Mary truly is. Mary was without sin as her soul was filled with Grace, therefore there is no corruption within the heart and soul of Mary. Still Mary was an ordinary woman, filled with an extraordinary love of God which overwhelms her completely. It is this consummation that makes Mary beloved of God, as the Triune Spirit glories in their perfect creature. Within the heart of Mary is the illumination of the Triune Spirit. It is through Mary we gain a glimpse of the Divine as Mary surrendered herself to the Triune Spirit. Through Mary we also see the perfect joy that the Triune Spirit enjoyed when gazing at their most perfect woman, who with her Fiat, Mary in perfect conformity to The Divine Will, undid the imperfect will of Eve. Mary is the beloved of the Triune Spirit, there can be no-one who can replace or who can compare to this most perfect wonderment of womanhood. It is also through Mary that we also gain a glimpse as to what we can be when we transcend our limitations and surrender our hearts to the Will of the Divine. Mary is essentially, beloved of the Trinity for all time. For those who question Mary's place should ponder this thought; if Mary found favour with the Trinity who are any of us to find disfavour? Peace of Christ to ALL Copyright © 2006 Marie Smith. All rights reserved. Friday, July 07, 2006 Meditation With Mary Luke Chapter 1:26-36 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, "Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." But Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" And the angel said to her in reply, "The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. Reflection Like many young girls born in Israel Mary also longed for the coming of the Messiah, and just like others her age she too prayed that the Messiah would soon enter the world and defeat evil forever. Mary understood evil, even though no thoughts of evil ever entered her heart or mind, for God had blessed her from the beginning of time and filled her with Grace. What a responsibility for such a young girl, but as we can see Mary's heart was open to receive the Truth though her heart was full of trepidation at the enormity of this Revelation, still Mary's love of God overcame her concerns. What joy must have filled her young heart, no-one can imagine the intensity of this inner joy and ecstasy that pierced Mary to her depths. When we look at Mary let us also follow her example and keep our own hearts open to the Holy Spirit so that we may be made Holy through the work of the Spirit of God within our souls. Also like Mary help us to recognise God's Truth in order to be obedient to the Divine Will as was Mary, our most perfect example. Peace of Christ to ALL Copyright © 2006 Marie Smith. All rights reserved. Sunday, July 02, 2006 Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary July 2 This day is called the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary because on it Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth, whom, as the angel had told her, God had blessed with a son in her old age. In the Introit of the Mass the Church sings: "Hail, holy parent, who didst bring trth the King Who rules heaven and earth forever. My heart hath uttered a good word; I speak of my works for the King." Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Prayer Vouchsafe, O Lord, we beseech Thee, unto us Thy servants the gift of Thy heavenly grace, that, as in the childbirth of the Blessed Virgin our salvation began, so from the votive solemnity of her visitation we may obtain an increase of peace. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, etc. Amen. Epistle: Canticle 2:8-14 Behold he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping over the hills. My beloved is like a roe or a young hart; behold he standeth behind our wall, looking through the windows, looking through the lattices. Behold my beloved speaketh to me: Arise, make haste, my love, my dove, my beautiful one, and come. For winter is now past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers have appeared in our land, the tune of pruning is come; the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; the fig-tree hath put forth her green figs; the vines in flower yield their sweet smell. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come; my dove in the clifts of the rock, in the hollow places of the wall, show me thy face, let thy voice sound in my ears; for thy. voice is sweet, and thy face comely. Gospel: Luke 1:39-47 At that time: Mary rising up went unto the hill-country with haste, into a city of Juda; and she entered into the house of Zachary, and saluted Elizabeth. And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost; and she cried out with a loud voice and said: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the Mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed art thou that hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by the Lord. And Mary saId: My soul doth magnify the Lord; and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. As soon as Mary heard that Elizabeth was with child she hastened to her. The alacrity of the Blessed Virgin teaches us that we should take part with gladness in the happiness of our fellow-men, and quickly make ourselves ready to discharge our duties, sacrificing for that object, if necessary, even our own much-loved retirement, our devotions and other exercises of piety. Mary visited her cousin out of real love, not out of unmeaning ceremony. Would that her example were followed in our visits! By the visit of the Blessed Virgin John was sanctified in his mother's womb, and Elizabeth, enlightened by the Holy Ghost, knew, by the miraculous movements of her child, that Mary was the Mother of the Lord. Such effects did this visit produce. What would Jesus effect in us if we received Him with due preparation! Explanation of the Canticle "Magnificat," Or "My Soul Doth Magnify The Lord" In this hymn Mary with joy praises God, the Lord, that He has regarded her humility, aud made her to be the Mother of His only-begotten Son, wherefore she should be called blessed by all generations; and she declares the truths and mysteries which the incarnation brought to light. The mercy of God, namely, reaches from generation to generation to them that fear Him. He scatters the thoughts of the proud, and puts down from their seats the mighty; but He exalts the humble. He fills those who hunger for justice with good things, but those who think themselves rich He sends away empty. He receives all true Israelites, and performs in them the promises which He gave to the fathers. This hymn is repeated by the Church every day at Vespers, in praise of the work of redemption, begun by the incarnation of the Son of God in Mary. Would that every Christian, since he becomes one only by Christ being, as it were, born in him, might share those feelings which the Blessed Virgin and Mother has expressed in this hymn of praise, and, with the Church, daily praise God for the mystery of the incarnation! Aspiration O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, Who didst descend from the highest heavens io the womb of the Virgin Mary, didst therein rest for rune months, and with her didst condescend to visit and sanctify Saint John, grant that we, by the practice of good works, particularly of humility, may become partakers of the fruits of Thy incarnation. --Goffine's Devout Instructions Catholic Religion Roman Catholic Catholic Church Catholic Saints Catholic Blogs Our Lady Blessed Virgin Saturday, April 15, 2006 Silence of Mary the silence of the Annunciation, of faith, mission and obedience; Tuesday, April 11, 2006 Lenten Meditation-Conclusion Sunday, April 09, 2006 Lenten Meditation PT V Thursday, April 06, 2006 Seven Sorrows of Joseph VII Sunday, April 02, 2006 SEVEN SORROWS OF MARY-VII Monday, March 27, 2006 Seven Sorrows of Joseph-VI Saturday, March 25, 2006 SEVEN SORROWS OF MARY VI Thursday, March 23, 2006 Lenten Meditation on Our Lady-PT IV Extract from the book 'The Glories of Mary' Sunday, March 19, 2006 Seven Sorrows of Joseph V Saturday, March 18, 2006 Seven Sorrows of Mary-V V. I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful in the martyrdom which thy generous heart endured in standing near Jesus in His agony. Dear Mother, by thy heart afflicted in such wise, obtain for me the virtue of temperance and the gift of counsel. Hail Mary. Amen. Wednesday, March 15, 2006 Lenten Meditation On Our Lady-PT III Sunday, March 12, 2006 Seven Sorrows of Joseph-III-IV Catholic Friday, March 10, 2006 Seven Sorrows of Mary Seven Sorrows of Mary III. I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in those anxieties which tried thy troubled heart at the loss of thy dear Jesus. Dear Mother, by thy heart so full of anguish, obtain for me the virtue of chastity and the gift of knowledge. Hail Mary. Amen. Seven Sorrows of Mary I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in the consternation of they heart at meeting Jesus as He carried His Cross. Dear Mother, by thy heart so troubled, obtain for me the virtue of patience and the gift of fortitude. Hail Mary. Amen Tuesday, March 07, 2006 Lenten Meditation On Our Lady-PT II Excerpted from the book 'The Glories of Mary' By Saint Alphonsus Liguori Peace of Christ to ALL Sunday, March 05, 2006 Seven Sorrows of Joseph Seven Sorrows of Joseph O chaste Spouse of Mary most holy, glorious Saint Joseph, great was the trouble and anguish of thy heart when thou wast minded to put away privately thine inviolate Spouse, yet thy joy was unspeakable, when the surpassing mystery of the Incarnation was made known to thee by the Angel! By this thy sorrow and this thy joy we beseech thee to comfort our souls, both now and in the sorrows of our final hour, with the joy of a good life and a holy death after the pattern of thine own in the arms of Jesus and Mary. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be. Amen. Seven Sorrows of Joseph O most blessed Patriarch, glorious Saint Joseph, who wast chosen to be the foster-father of the Word made flesh, thy sorrow at seeing the Child Jesus born in such poverty was suddenly changed into heavenly exultation when thou didst hear the angelic hymn, and didst behold the glories of that resplendent night. By this thy sorrow and this thy joy, we implore thee to obtain for us the grace to pass over from life's pathway to hear the angelic songs of praise, and to rejoice in the shining splendor of celestial glory. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be. Amen Peace of Christ to ALL Friday, March 03, 2006 Seven Sorrows of Mary I: I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in the affliction of thy tender heart at the prophecy of the holy and aged Simeon. Dear Mother, by thy heart so afflicted, obtain for me the virtue of humility and the gift of the holy fear of God. Hail Mary II: I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in the anguish of thy most affectionate heart during the flight into Egypt and thy sojourn there. Dear Mother, by thy heart so troubled, obtain for me the virtue of generosity, especially towards the poor, and the gift of piety. Hail Mary Thursday, March 02, 2006 Lenten Meditation On Our Lady Excerpted from the book 'The Glories of Mary' By Saint Alphonsus Liguori
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(Bdijenje uoči Gospe od Anđela, 1. kolovoza 2010.) Pripremio: Fra Kristian Stipanović Dok predsjedatelj izlaže Presveti Oltarski Sakrament, pjeva se pjesma: Oče, mi ti se klanjamo. Predsjedatelj: U ime Oca i Sina i Duha Svetoga. Amen! Gospodine Isuse, promatrajući večeras tvoje euharistijsko otajstvo, osnaženi smo u vjeri da si bio i ostaješ vjeran obećanju danom svojim apostolima da ćeš ostati s nama do konca svijeta. Da, ti si s nama, s nama si svaki dan. Pripadaju ti vrijeme i povijest svijeta i svakoga od nas - prožeti smo tvojom ljubavlju. Vjerujemo u tvoju božansku prisutnost pod poniznim znakom posvećenog Kruha i zahvaljujemo ti iz dubine srca. Ti si s nama! Ništa i nitko ne može nas otrgnuti od ove sigurnosti, koja nas otvara za nadu unatoč mnogim poteškoćama koje smućuju naše srce i opterećuju naš život. Ti si svijetlo koje pobjeđuje tmine zablude i laži. Ti si oganj koji otapa led samoljublja i mržnje. Ti si stijena koja učvršćuje naše dobre odluke. Ti si utjeha koja tiša naše tjeskobe i strahove. Ti si Svemogući Bog, koji nas stvaraš, opraštaš nam i spašavaš nas. Budi prisutan, Gospodine, u srcu svakoga od nas. Budi najželjeniji i najdraži gost, budi suputnik koji nas prati na putu života, budi prijatelj koji s nama dijeli svaku bol i svaku radost, budi najveće dobro i smisao našeg života, budi cilj svake naše, pa i najsmionije čežnje, budi kruna svakog našeg napora na tegobnom životnom putovanju. Kratko klanjanje u šutnji (oko 1 min). Zatim predsjedatelj pozove vjernike da zauzmu stav tijela (klečanje, sjedenje, stajanje) koji im najbolje odgovara za molitvu. Predsjedatelj: Ovo naše večerašnje bdijenje, Gospodine, plod je naše želje da budemo u svemu poslušni tvojoj riječi. Ti si nam, naime, rekao… Čitač 1: Iz Evanđelja po Luki „Neka vam bokovi budu opasani i svjetiljke upaljene, a vi slični ljudima što čekaju gospodara kad se vraća sa svadbe da mu odmah otvore čim stigne i pokuca. Blago onim slugama koje gospodar, kada dođe, nađe budne! Zaista, kažem vam, pripasat će se, posaditi ih za stol pa će pristupiti i posluživati ih. Pa dođe li o drugoj ili o trećoj straži i nađe ih tako, blago njima! A ovo znajte: kad bi domaćin znao u koji čas kradljivac dolazi, ne bi dao prokopati kuće. I vi budite pripravni jer u čas kad i ne mislite Sin Čovječji dolazi.“ (Lk 12, 35-40) Predsjedatelj: Gospodine, sve svoje učenike zoveš na budnost, da uvijek budemo spremni za tvoj dolazak. Uspoređuješ sebe s gospodarom koji se vraća sa svadbe. Sluge ne znaju kad će on doći kući. Možda se zadrži dugo na slavlju, možda dođe vrlo brzo. Kraj uvijek može nastupiti i zato valja biti budan, spreman. Da, mi smo kao sluge kojima si povjerio brigu za ovaj svijet. Ali, Gospodine, večeras želim promatrati svoj život kao imanje koje si mi povjerio. Ti si Stvoritelj, ti si Gospodar, koji si mi dao život. Život je dar koji ne smijem prospavati ni prokockati. Želim biti budni sluga koji služi čitavim svojim bićem tebi, svome Stvoritelju. Nadalje, svoj dolazak uspoređuješ s kradljivcem koji želi provaliti u kuću. Nitko od ljudi ne očekuje krađu, a kamoli da zna kad će kradljivac pokušati počiniti zločin. Gospodine, ti me ne želiš ukrasti. Ti me želiš primiti, ti želiš da ti se u svojoj slobodi izručim, da se predam u tvoje ruke. To činim večeras u ovom bdijenju. Izručujem ti čitavog sebe, čitavo svoje biće, svoje misli, riječi i djela, svoju pamet i srce, svoj duh i tijelo. Uzmi me, Gospodine, i vodi me ovim svijetom. Čitač 2: Gospodine Isuse, Ti si svjetlost Očeva i otkrivaš se onome koji te znade čekati bdijući. Oživljuj našu nadu u noći svijeta sve dok ne svane zora tvoga dolaska. Ne dopusti da se uspavamo, ne primjećujući više tvoje dolaske u ovaj naš svijet. Pomozi nam da svjetiljka vjere koju si upalio na dan našega krštenja uvijek svijetli. Puni je uljem ljubavi i svakodnevne vjernosti. Hodit ćemo u njezinoj svjetlosti sve dok ne prijeđemo vrata tvoje svadbene dvorane. PJESMA: Gospodine, ti si pastir moj Predsjedatelj: Braćo i sestre, večeras pred Gospodinom u Oltarskom Sakramentu bdijemo uoči svetkovine Njegove majke i naše nebeske zaštitnice Gospe od Anđela. Bdijenje je podijeljeno u dvije veće cjeline u kojima ćemo razmatrati molitvu koju tako često molimo, a to je molitva Zdravo, Marijo. Prije nego što prijeđemo na prvi dio bdijenja, čujmo kako je Blaženu Djevicu Mariju pozdravljao sveti naš otac Franjo. Čitač 2: Zdravo Gospodarice, sveta Kraljice, Bogorodice Marijo, ti si djevica koja si postala crkvom i izabrana od presvetog Oca na nebu da te posveti s presvetim Sinom svojim i Duhom Svetim Utješiteljem. U tebi je bila i jest sva punina milosti i svako dobro. Zdravo, palačo njegova, zdravo, njegovo svetohranište, zdravo kućo njegova! Zdravo, odjećo njegova, zdravo, njegova službenice, zdravo, Majko njegova, i sve vi, o svete kreposti, koje se po milosti i rasvjetljenju Duha Svetoga ulijevate u srca vjernika da Bogu od nevjernika napravite vjernika. Predsjedatelj: Pišući zajednici kršćana u Rimu, sv. Pavao napisa sljedeće riječi: Čitač 1: Iz poslanice Rimljanima: „U nadi smo spašeni! Nada pak koja se vidi nije nada. Jer što tko gleda, kako da se tomu i nada? Nadamo li se pak onomu čega ne gledamo, postojano to iščekujemo. Tako i Duh potpomaže našu nemoć. Doista ne znamo što da molimo kako valja, ali se sam Duh za nas zauzima neizrecivim uzdasima. A Onaj koji proniče srca zna koja je želja Duha - da se on po Božju zauzima za svete. Znamo pak da Bog u svemu na dobro surađuje s onima koji ga ljube, s onima koji su odlukom njegovom pozvani. Jer koje predvidje, te i predodredi da budu suobličeni slici Sina njegova te da on bude prvorođenac među mnogom braćom. Koje pak predodredi, te i pozva; koje pozva, te i opravda; koje opravda, te i proslavi.“ (Rim 8, 24-30) Predsjedatelj: Sve je u našem životu plod suradnje Božje milosti i nas. Tako je i s molitvom, tako je i s ovim našim večerašnjim bdijenjem. Ne znamo što ni kako moliti, ne znamo što ni kako razmatrati. Zato se prije razmatranja obratimo Gospodinu da nam dade svoga Svetoga Duha da nas on vodi u ovom našem večerašnjem slavlju. Zapjevajmo pjesmu: Daj nam svima Duha svog. ZDRAVO, MARIJO Predsjedatelj: Molitva Zdravo, Marijo sastoji se, kako nam je svima poznato, od dva dijela. Kad god molimo zajednički tu molitvu, jasno se razlikuju ta dva dijela. Prvi je dio sastavljen od svetopisamskih riječi koje su Mariji uputili anđeo Gabrijel i njezina rodica Elizabeta. Najprije ćemo čuti evanđeoski izvještaj o susretu Božjeg poslanika i mlade nazaretske djevojke. Čitač 1: Iz Evanđelja po Luki: U šestome mjesecu posla Bog anđela Gabriela u galilejski grad imenom Nazaret k djevici zaručenoj s mužem koji se zvao Josip iz doma Davidova; a djevica se zvala Marija. Anđeo uđe k njoj i reče: “Zdravo, milosti puna! Gospodin s tobom!” Na tu se riječ ona smete i stade razmišljati kakav bi to bio pozdrav. No anđeo joj reče: “Ne boj se, Marijo! Ta našla si milost u Boga. Evo, začet ćeš i roditi sina i nadjenut ćeš mu ime Isus. On će biti velik i zvat će se Sin Svevišnjega. Njemu će Gospodin Bog dati prijestolje Davida, oca njegova, i kraljevat će nad domom Jakovljevim uvijeke i njegovu kraljevstvu neće biti kraja.” Nato će Marija anđelu: “Kako će to biti kad ja muža ne poznajem?” Anđeo joj odgovori: “Duh Sveti sići će na te i sila će te Svevišnjega osjeniti. Zato će to čedo i biti sveto, Sin Božji. A evo tvoje rođakinje Elizabete: i ona u starosti svojoj zače sina. I njoj, nerotkinjom prozvanoj, ovo je već šesti mjesec. Ta Bogu ništa nije nemoguće!” Nato Marija reče: “Evo službenice Gospodnje, neka mi bude po tvojoj riječi!” I anđeo otiđe od nje. Predsjedatelj: Prvi dio molitve Zdravo, Marijo pozdrav je koji je Mariji uputio anđeo Gabrijel: Zdravo, milosti puna! Gospodin s tobom! Doslovno anđeo kaže: Raduj se! Ovaj pozdrav početak je ostvarivanja i uprisutnjenja Božje Radosne vijesti u ljudsku povijest. Utjelovljenje Sina Božjega istinska je radosna vijest i za Mariju i za cijelo čovječanstvo. Marija je puna milosti. Taj izraz povezan je s pozdravom koji slijedi: Gospodin s tobom! To je bio uobičajeni pozdrav u židovskom narodu. Međutim, ovdje je on više od običnog vjerničkog pozdrava. Nad Marijom se Bog raduje, ona je osoba Božje naklonosti i milosti. Pomoću Marije kao milosti pune počinje se ostvarivati u ljudskoj povijesti Božji plan spasenja. Milost označuje nezasluženi dar Božji, dar Mariji i svim ljudima svih vremena. Taj je dar Sin Božji, Isus Krist. Sada ćemo ustati i zajednički izmoliti Anđeo Gospodnji, podsjećajući se na događaj navještenja i Bogu zahvaljujući za obilje milosti darovane po Mariji, svojoj službenici. Predmolitelj moli navedenu molitvu, nakon čega se pjeva pjesma: Isus – najljepše ime. Čitač 1: Iz Evanđelja po Luki Tih dana usta Marija i pohiti u Gorje, u grad Judin. Uđe u Zaharijinu kuću i pozdravi Elizabetu. Čim Elizabeta začu Marijin pozdrav, zaigra joj čedo u utrobi. I napuni se Elizabeta Duha Svetoga i povika iz svega glasa: “Blagoslovljena ti među ženama i blagoslovljen plod utrobe tvoje! Ta otkuda meni da mi dođe majka Gospodina mojega? Gledaj samo! Tek što mi do ušiju doprije glas pozdrava tvojega, zaigra mi od radosti čedo u utrobi. Blažena ti što povjerova da će se ispuniti što ti je rečeno od Gospodina!” Predsjedatelj: Susret Marije i Elizabete susret je iz kojega vjernik može i mora mnogo naučiti za svoj život. To je susret koji zrači, susret pun vedrine i radosti zbog života koji dvije žene nose u svojoj utrobi. Biti otvoren životu, radovati se svakom životu, radovati se svakom začetom djetetu – tako kršćanin razmišlja i djeluje. Što je još važnije, u ovom susretu riječi koje se izgovaraju riječi su blagoslova. Elizabeta blagoslivlje Mariju i njezino dijete. Na to je i kršćanin pozvan – zazivati Božji blagoslov na svoje bližnje, na članove svoje obitelji, na svoje prijatelje, susjede, suradnike, čak i na svoje neprijatelje. Na žalost, priznati nam je da je malo blagoslova na našim usnama. Češće se čuje Đavao, negoli Bog u našoj sredini. Spominjući Zloga i predajući svoje bližnje njemu, samo jačamo silu zla u našem životu i životu naših bližnjih. Važne su naše riječi, riječi koje izgovaramo Bogu, sebi i svojim bližnjima. Na Marijin odgovor anđelu „Evo službenice Gospodnje, neka mi bude po riječi tvojoj!“ Sin je Božji postao čovjekom. I Elizabeta i Marija žene su od dobre riječi, riječi poslušnosti Bogu i predanju u njegove ruke, riječi blagoslova Božjega za sebe i za svoje bližnje. PJESMA: Samo reci riječ Predsjedatelj: Sada ćemo moliti deseticu krunice u kojoj ćemo razmatrati o Anđelovu navještenju te o susretu Marije i Elizabete. Molimo Gospodina da nam po Marijinu zagovoru udijeli poslušnu vjeru i da naše riječi oslobodi od svakoga zla, a osposobi nas za blagoslov. Predmolitelj moli deseticu krunice. Predsjedatelj: Ostanimo, braćo i sestre, u sabranoj šutnji, zahvaljujući Gospodinu Isusu Kristu što je postao po Mariji čovjekom. Također mu zahvalimo za sakrament euharistije, koji je sakrament utjelovljenja, po kojem ostaje s nama do konca svijeta. Slijedi osobno klanjanje u šutnji (oko 3 min). SVETA MARIJO Predsjedatelj: Drugi dio Zdravomarije plod je vjere Crkve u Mariju kao Bogorodicu. Ta se vjera postupno oblikovala i učvršćivala u zajednici vjernika, a konačno je izražena na crkvenom saboru u Efezu 431. godine. Vjerujući da je Isus iz Nazareta Sin Božji kršćani su odmah prepoznali kao posebnu osobu njegovu majku, kojoj su se stoga već zarana počeli obraćati kao Majci Božjoj tražeći njezin zagovor i pomoć. Čitač 1: Iz Evanđelja po Ivanu Uz križ su Isusov stajale majka njegova, zatim sestra njegove majke, Marija Kleofina, i Marija Magdalena. Kad Isus vidje majku i kraj nje učenika kojega je ljubio, reče majci: “Ženo! Evo ti sina!” Zatim reče učeniku: “Evo ti majke!” I od toga časa uze je učenik k sebi. Predsjedatelj: U Mariji kršćani od prvih stoljeća prepoznaju i svoju Majku. Redovito se kao potvrda tog Marijinog majčinstva uzima upravo pročitani tekst. Isus na križu ostavlja ljubljenom učeniku Mariju za majku i od tada on postaje njezin sin, ona njegova majka. Mariju s pravom nazivamo svojom majkom. Ona je majka ne samo zato što nam ju je na križu Isus Krist ostavio za majku, nego je majka naša po samom utjelovljenju Sina Božjega. Naime, Marija je pristala da po njoj Bog postane čovjekom, Bog koji je izvor života i sam život. Isus jasno za sebe reče da je on uskrsnuće i život, da je on put, istina i život. Ističem da je Isus život. Život nije nešto što postoji uz Boga. Život je samo u Bogu i s Bogom. Stoga možemo kazati da je Marija majka Života, Života pisanog velikim slovom, tj. Isusa Krista. U litanijama ćemo joj se obratiti da je ona Majka Stvoriteljeva, Majka onoga po čijoj volji svaki od nas živi. Za Mariju se također kaže da je ona Nova Eva. Pod drvetom u raju, u edenskom vrtu Eva, što znači majka svih živih, pala je pod napašću i sagriješila. Pod drvetom križa Marija ostaje uspravna i čvrsta u vjeri u Boga Svemogućega i Dobroga, ostaje u nadi u vječni život i uskrsnuće. I zbog toga je ona naša majka. Kad god u Zdravomariji kažemo Majko Božja, u isti mah govorimo da je Marija i majka naša i zato joj se s pravom, kao njezina djeca obraćamo da zajedno s nama moli i da nam bude pomoćnica. A sada ćemo moliti dio litanija Blažene Djevice Marije. Predmolitelj: Gospodine, smiluj se Kriste, smiluj se Gospodine, smiluj se Kriste, čuj nas Kriste, usliši nas Oče nebeski, Bože smiluj se nama! Sine, Otkupitelju svijeta, Bože Duše Sveti, Bože Sveto Trojstvo, jedan Bože Sveta Marijo moli za nas! Sveta Bogorodice Sveta Djevo djevica Majko Kristova Majko Crkve Majko Božje milosti Majko prebistra Majko prečista Majko neoskvrnjena Majko nepovrijeđena Majko ljubezna Majko divna Majko dobrog savjeta Majko Stvoriteljeva Majko Spasiteljeva Djevice premudra Djevice časna Djevice hvale dostojna Djevice moguća Djevice milostiva Djevice vjerna PJESMA: Kao Marija Čitač 1: Iz Djela apostolskih Onda se vratiše u Jeruzalem s brda zvanoga Maslinsko, koje je blizu Jeruzalema, udaljeno jedan subotni hod. I pošto uđu u grad, uspnu se u gornju sobu gdje su boravili: Petar i Ivan i Jakov i Andrija, Filip i Toma, Bartolomej i Matej, Jakov Alfejev i Šimun Revnitelj i Juda Jakovljev - svi oni bijahu jednodušno postojani u molitvi sa ženama, i Marijom, majkom Isusovom, i braćom njegovom. Predsjedatelj: Nakon uzašašća Gospodinova apostoli se vraćaju u grad te iščekuju silazak Duha Svetoga, koji će ih osposobiti da svjedoče Isusovo uskrsnuće. Iščekivanje Duha događa se u molitvi. Pisac Djela apostolskih evanđelist Luka ističe da su oznake apostolske molitve jednodušnost i postojanost. Biti jedne duše – to je zadatak povjeren kršćanima svih vremena. Zajedništvo Isusovih učenika u ljubavi najjasniji je znak i najsnažnije svjedočanstvo Isusova uskrsnuća. Na Posljednjoj večeri Isus je učenicima rekao da će ih svi prepoznati kao njegove učenike ako se budu ljubili. Ljubav gradi zajedništvo, ljubav čini da mnoge duše postaju jedno, da mnogo različitih budu jedan živi organizam, a to je Crkva – Tijelo Kristovo. Zajedništvo se postiže najprije molitvom. Bolje rečeno, zajednička molitva čini grupu ljudi zajednicom, jer ih povezuje s Onim koji je izvor svakoga dobra, koji je ljubav u sebi, ljubav koja spaja i sjedinjuje u sebi. Molitva mora biti i postojana, stalna, nepokolebljiva. Koliki odustanu od molitve jer im Bog, tako oni misle i govore, ne prima i ne uslišava molitve. U molitvi valja biti ustrajan, uvijek sa sviješću da Bog zna što je najbolje za njegovu djecu. Stoga je bitni sadržaj molitve uvijek zaziv: Budi volja tvoja. Kršćanin, naime, vjeruje da je Božja volja za njega ono najbolje, ona je izvor sretnog i ispunjenog života. U tom je molitvenom zajedništvu i Marija. Ona moli s apostolima. Moli uvijek sa cijelom Crkvom, sa svim ljudima koji vjeruju u njezina Sina. Marija, Majka Sina Božjega i Majka Crkve, moli i prikazuje naše prošnje i potrebe Presvetom Trojstvu. Svjesni da je s nama u ovom bdijenju prisutna i naša nebeska Majka, obratimo joj se dalje u litanijama. Predmolitelj: Ogledalo pravde Prijestolje mudrosti Uzorče naše radosti Posudo duhovna Posudo poštovana Posudo uzorna pobožnosti Ružo otajstvena Tornju Davidov Tornju bjelokosni Kućo zlatna Škrinjo zavjetna Vrata nebeska Zvijezdo jutarnja Zdravlje bolesnih Utočište grešnika Utjeho žalosnih Pomoćnice kršćana Kraljice anđela Kraljice patrijarha Kraljice proroka Kraljice apostola Kraljice mučenika Kraljice priznavalaca Kraljice djevica Kraljice svih svetih Kraljice bez grijeha istočnoga začeta Kraljice na nebo uznesena Kraljice svete krunice Kraljice obitelji Kraljice mira Kraljice hrvatskog naroda Kraljice Franjevačkog reda Jaganjče Božji, koji oduzimaš grijehe svijeta, oprosti nam, Gospodine! Jaganjče Božji, koji oduzimaš grijehe svijeta, usliši nas, Gospodine! Jaganjče Božji, koji oduzimaš grijehe svijeta, smiluj se nama! Moli za nas, sveta Bogorodice! Da dostojni postanemo obećanja Kristovih. Pomolimo se. Dopusti nama, slugama svojim, molimo, Gospodine Bože, da se neprestano radujemo duševnom i tjelesnom zdravlju i da se slavnim zagovorom Blažene Marije vazda Djevice izbavimo od sadašnje žalosti i nauživamo vječne radosti. Po Kristu, Gospodinu našemu. Amen! PJESMA: Zdravo, Marijo Predsjedatelj: Na kraju drugog dijela ovog bdijenja molit ćemo opet deseticu krunice, razmatrajući ovom prilikom o Mariji kao o Majci Božjoj i našoj te zahvaljujući Bogu na tom velikom daru. Predmolitelj moli deseticu krunice. Predsjedatelj: Ostanimo, braćo i sestre, u sabranoj šutnji zahvaljujući Gospodinu što nam je dao Mariju za majku i što ona zajedno s nama moli i slavi Boga Svemogućega. Također zahvalimo Bogu za dar Crkve, koja je isto tako naša majka, koja nas sabire u zajedništvo svetih. Slijedi osobno klanjanje u šutnji (oko 3 min). BLAGOSLOV S PRESVETIM SAKRAMENTOM Predsjedatelj: Gospodine, Isuse Kriste, Bože naš, zahvaljujemo ti što si nas okupio u ovom bdijenju oko sebe i oko svoje i naše presvete Majke. Hvala ti što si po Mariji postao čovjekom, našim bratom. Hvala ti što si nam nju ostavio za majku i pomoćnicu. Isuse, hvala ti što si nam večeras pokazao što je cilj našega života – nebo, život vječni s Bogom i u Bogu. Isuse, to želimo svim svojim srcem. Pomozi nam da ustrajemo u hodu za tobom poput Marije da jednom zajedno s njom uživamo rajsko blaženstvo. Isuse, pjevamo tvojoj dobroti i ljubavi. PJESMA: Velik si Predsjedatelj: Isuse Kriste, dobri naš Spasitelju, na kraju ovoga bdijenja molimo te za tvoj blagoslov. Bez tebe ne možemo ništa učiniti, bez tvoje pomoći smo nemoćni i izgubljeni. Spasi nas, Gospodine, po svojoj ljubavi i daj da živimo u tvojoj milosti, radosti i miru. Blagoslovi nas i sve one s kojima živimo i koje susrećemo. Blagoslovi naše prijatelje i neprijatelje. Ti nam budi zaštita pred svim pogibeljima duše i tijela. Tvoji smo, Gospodine, sada i zauvijek. Amen. Kruh s neba dao si njima. Koji svaku slast u sebi ima. Pomolimo se. Bože koji si nam u divnom Sakramentu ostavio spomen muke svoje, daj nam tako častiti sveta otajstva Tijela i Krvi tvoje, da vazda osjećamo u sebi plod otkupljenja tvojega. Koji živiš i kraljuješ u vijeke vjekova. Amen! Slijedi blagoslov s Presvetim Sakramentom. Nakon blagoslova predsjedatelj moli pohvale Božjem imenu. Predsjedatelj: Blagoslovljen budi Bog. Blagoslovljeno njegovo sveto ime. Blagoslovljen Isus Krist, pravi Bog i pravi čovjek. Blagoslovljeno Ime Isusovo. Blagoslovljeno presveto Srce Isusovo. Blagoslovljena predragocjena Krv Isusova. Blagoslovljen Isus u presvetom Oltarskom Sakramentu. Blagoslovljen Duh Sveti Utješitelj. Blagoslovljena velika Bogorodica, presveta Djevica Marija. Blagoslovljeno sveto i bezgrešno njezino začeće. Blagoslovljeno njezino slavno uznesenje. Blagoslovljeno ime Marije, Djevice i Majke. Blagoslovljen sveti Josip, njezin prečisti Zaručnik. Blagoslovljen Bog u svojim anđelima i u svojim svetima. Amen. Dok predsjedatelj pohranjuje Presveti Sakrament, pjeva se pjesma: Moj Isus.