Category Archives: Scripture

Psalm 116(117)

Posted on December 5, 2009 by Deacon Bob

The shortest psalm in Scripture is Psalm 116(117).  It is a great one to commit to heart. I find that I need to pray it often, as life can be quite a challenge more often than not. I am usually … Continue reading →

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Quote for the Day

Posted on November 20, 2009 by Deacon Bob

“They do not have intelligence, those who bear an idol sculpted by their own hands and pray to a god who cannot save.” — Isaiah 45 Before we too quickly dismiss this as something pertaining to the pagans and far … Continue reading →

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The End Times — St. Fulgentius of Ruspe

Posted on November 16, 2009 by Deacon Bob

Today’s Office of Readings includes a section from the treatise entitled, “The Remission” written by St. Fulgentius of Ruspe.  He speaks of the end times for each of us personally. Here is a snippet (my translation of the Italian): “Grace … Continue reading →

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Pope Benedict on the End Times

Posted on November 15, 2009 by Deacon Bob

As you know, we are in the last two weeks of the liturgical year. Today’s readings for Mass are all about the end times, and the homilies of today are centered on that. Our Holy Father similarly took up this … Continue reading →

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Quote for the Day

Posted on November 11, 2009 by Deacon Bob

“Train yourself in all works of charity both for the healthy as well as for the sick.” — Bl. Baptista Varano, OSC

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Feast of the Doubting Apostle, Thomas

Posted on July 3, 2009 by Deacon Bob

We celebrate today the feast of Thomas the Apostle.  Doubting Thomas, as we are apt to say so often.  St. Gregory the Great’s words today about this man are worth considering.  Again, my translation from the Italian. “What, brothers, do … Continue reading →

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Dancing With Delight Before the Lord

Posted on July 2, 2009 by Deacon Bob

We read today in the Office of Readings about King David as he transported the Ark of God. It says: “David and the whole house of Israel made merry with all their might with songs and citharas, harps and tambourines, sistras … Continue reading →

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Quote for the Day

Posted on June 29, 2009 by Deacon Bob

“I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” — 2 Tim. 4:7 Let us pray that each of us may sincerely say this on the day of our death. And may each of us … Continue reading →

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Psalm 34(35)

Posted on May 15, 2009 by Deacon Bob

Today’s Office of Readings asks us to pray Psalm 34(35).  It is a prayer asking God to save us in times of persecution.  The Italian translation offers some wonderful phrases that are very descriptive.  My translation into English follows: Lord, … Continue reading →

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Feast of St. Mark, the Evangelist

Posted on April 25, 2009 by Deacon Bob

“Marco é piu antico!” The location:The great aula of the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome The time:     First semester, fall, 1977 The actors:  Padre Pedro Ortiz, S.J., professor                    Students from all over … Continue reading →

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Biblical History vs. “Myth”

Posted on March 9, 2009 by Deacon Bob

I am in the middle of reading an interesting book entitled, The Bible Unearthed: Archaeology’s New Vision of Ancient Israel and the Origin of Its Secrets by Finkelstein and Silberman.  I am only half-way through, but it is evident their … Continue reading →

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Psalm of the Day

Posted on February 26, 2009 by Deacon Bob

I can’t help but post on Psalm 144 which we prayed tonight at Vespers.  I pray in Italian, which I find to be such a beautiful language of prayer, that I am afraid my English translation below really doesn’t do … Continue reading →

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Qoheleth and the Works of God

Posted on February 24, 2009 by Deacon Bob

Today’s Office of Readings again is from Qoheleth.  Qoheleth says: “I thought again that whatever God does is immutable; there is nothing to add, nothing to take away.  God works like this so we may have a sense of awe and … Continue reading →

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Attention Deacons!

Posted on February 1, 2009 by Deacon Bob

St. Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians has a verse that speaks to the heart of the diaconate. “We were so solicitous of you that we desired to give you not only the Gospel of God, but our very life, … Continue reading →

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A Lesson from Moses

Posted on January 31, 2009 by Deacon Bob

We read today from Deuteronomy in the Office of Readings.  God was talking to Moses right before his death on Mount Nebo.  God said: “You will die on the mountain which you are about to ascend….because you did not manifest … Continue reading →

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