SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806 EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS: Celebrant Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
September 4th, 2011 12th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: II Cor. 3: 4-9
Gospel: Lk. 10: 23-27
Mass schedule September 5th through September 9th
Monday-Saint Lawrence Justinian; Bishop & Confessor-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Feria
Wednesday-Feria
Thursday-Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Friday-Saint Gorgonius, Martyr
There has never been, nor will there ever be, a nobler or more magnanimous love than that which God has shown us in the Sacrament of His love. There is absolutely nothing in heaven or on earth that can be compared to it. We are so very fortunate to have Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar, yet He is still so little appreciated! It was so that we could come to Him whenever we want that induced Jesus Christ to condescend to be present in our churches day and night!
What then do we do to repay this love?! We must appear before Him with the greatest reverence. We often appreciate our God so very little, we regard Him with indifference, and time spent in His presence passes ever so slowly for us! The first Christians would have considered it the most blissful time of their lives if they could have spent days and nights in the church, to praise God and weep for their sins! Nowadays it is so very different! It is so hard for us to spend just a few minutes in God’s presence and we see so much indifference and frivolity in our Catholic churches.
Think of the last time a friend did something nice for you. Whatever it may have been, that friend can never do what Jesus Christ has done for you. We must therefore make reparation to Him for all the indifference with which He is so often treated in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar.
We know that our God and Redeemer is truly present in the Most Blessed Sacrament and that He speaks to our hearts, and awakens good thoughts and good resolutions within us. He asks: “Why not give up this abominable sin which raises a barrier between us?” “Will you force me to condemn you to eternal punishment?” “I will forgive your transgressions if you would but repent of them!”
Brethren, we should consider those moments spent before the Blessed Sacrament as the happiest of our lives! Let us pray with tears and sorrow for the forgiveness of our sins and we will certainly obtain it. When we are forgiven let us ask for the gift of perseverance. Let us truly be able to say we would rather die than offend God again! As long as you do not love God best and above all you will never be content. Everything will trouble and weary you. But if you learn to love God you will lead a happy life and be well prepared for death!
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
