SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
July 5th, 2015
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Rom. 6: 3-11
Gospel: Mk. 8: 1-9
Mon 6--No Latin Mass
Tue 7--Requiem Mass + M.V. Xavier
Wed 8—Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, Queen & Widow
Thu 9--Feria
Fri 10—Seven Holy Brothers, Martyrs and SS. Rufina & Secunda, Virgins & Martyrs.
Effective Tuesday, June 30th 2015 the daily Mass in the Extraordinary Form will be at 6:30am. There will no longer be Mass in the Extraordinary Form at 12:15pm beginning on June 30th, 2015.
Father Fasching's schedule for the Sacrament of Penance effective Tuesday, June 30 2015 will be as follows:
Tuesday-11:30am-12:15pm
Thursday-11:30am-12:15pm
or by appointment
God alone can give us the proper nourishment that our souls require! He takes pity on us and nourishes our souls to sustain our supernatural life. Saint Paul reminds us that “we are baptized in Christ Jesus...in His death...so we also may walk in newness of life.” Only in Jesus Christ can we find everything we need for the nourishment and life of our souls. It is only in Him that we can find grace, love, faith and the inspiration to practice virtue! We must die a spiritual death to our faults and passions if we are to remain united to Him. This death must be constantly renewed: “I die daily” (1 Cor. 15:31).
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Showing posts with label Requiem Mass. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Requiem Mass. Show all posts
Sunday, July 5, 2015
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Bulletin 262
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
June 28, 2015
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: 1 Pet. 3: 8-15
Gospel: Mt. 5: 20-24
Mon 29--No Latin Mass
Tue 30--Requiem Mass + Thomas George
Wed 1---The Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ
The 2—Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Fri 3—Sacred Heart of Jesus
Effective Tuesday, June 30th 2015 the daily Mass in the Extraordinary Form will be at 6:30am. There will no longer be Mass in the Extraordinary Form at 12:15pm beginning on June 30th, 2015.
Father Fasching's schedule for the Sacrament of Penance effective Tuesday, June 30 2015 will be as follows:
Tuesday-11:30am-12:15pm
Thursday-11:30am-12:15pm
or by appointment
Congratulations to Father Joseph Kelly and his family! Father Kelly was ordained to the priesthood by His Excellency Bishop James V. Johnston on June 12th 2015. For priests who are young-impel them for Your glory, Lord...Continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood.
The Scriptures teach us that we are children of God. By virtue of our Baptism we have died to our old life of sin and risen to a new life in Jesus Christ! God has allowed us to participate in His own Divine nature! As children of God we are bound to live in union with one another. We must love God in our neighbor. St. Paul teaches us that we must have compassion for one another, living with all humility and mercy. If we are zealous in doing good we sanctify the Lord Jesus Christ in our hearts.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
June 28, 2015
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: 1 Pet. 3: 8-15
Gospel: Mt. 5: 20-24
Mon 29--No Latin Mass
Tue 30--Requiem Mass + Thomas George
Wed 1---The Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ
The 2—Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Fri 3—Sacred Heart of Jesus
Effective Tuesday, June 30th 2015 the daily Mass in the Extraordinary Form will be at 6:30am. There will no longer be Mass in the Extraordinary Form at 12:15pm beginning on June 30th, 2015.
Father Fasching's schedule for the Sacrament of Penance effective Tuesday, June 30 2015 will be as follows:
Tuesday-11:30am-12:15pm
Thursday-11:30am-12:15pm
or by appointment
Congratulations to Father Joseph Kelly and his family! Father Kelly was ordained to the priesthood by His Excellency Bishop James V. Johnston on June 12th 2015. For priests who are young-impel them for Your glory, Lord...Continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood.
The Scriptures teach us that we are children of God. By virtue of our Baptism we have died to our old life of sin and risen to a new life in Jesus Christ! God has allowed us to participate in His own Divine nature! As children of God we are bound to live in union with one another. We must love God in our neighbor. St. Paul teaches us that we must have compassion for one another, living with all humility and mercy. If we are zealous in doing good we sanctify the Lord Jesus Christ in our hearts.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Topics:
Blessed Virgin Mary,
Compassion,
Glory,
Gospel,
Humility,
Latin,
Love,
Mass,
pentecost,
precious blood,
Priest,
Requiem Mass,
Sacred Heart,
Sacrifice,
Sanctity,
Visitation,
Vocations,
Zeal
Saturday, June 6, 2015
Bulletin 259
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
June 7, 2015
External Solemnity of Corpus Christi
Epistle: 1Cor. 11: 23-29
Gospel: Jn. 6: 56-59
Mon 8 -- No Latin Mass
Tue 9 – Feria
Wed 10 – Requiem Mass + Fr. Peter Gaudient
Thu 11 – Saint Barnabus * Apostle
Fri 12 – Sacred Heart of Jesus—Mass @ 6:30am.
Would you like to learn more about spiritual warfare and the Catholic Church's role in it? Join me and Fr. Chad Ripperger, PhD, from the Diocese of Tulsa, OK on June 5th 6th and 7th 2015. Fr. Ripperger is a Theologian, Thomistic Psychologist, Philosopher, Seminary Professor and Author. Fr. Ripperger will be speaking here at St. Agnes Cathedral (Pallotti Center) the first weekend in June. Topics will include:
--Spiritual Warfare
--Magisterial Authority and the Binding Force of Tradition
Lectures to be presented on:
--Friday @ 6:00pm--Traditions of the Liturgy
--Saturday @ 10:00am—Binding Force of Tradition
--Saturday @ 1:30pm ---Magisterial Authority and Related Virtues
--Saturday @ 6:00pm ---Spiritual Warfare Part I
--Sunday @ 10:00am ---Spiritual Warfare Part II
Deacon Joseph Kelly will be ordained to the priesthood by His Excellency Bishop James V. Johnston on Friday, June 12 @ 6:00pm here at St. Agnes Cathedral...Kindly keep Deacon Kelly in your prayers. Fr. Kelly will offer his first Mass on Saturday, June 13 @ 9:00am here at St. Agnes. As Father Joseph Kelly he will also offer a Solemn High Mass in the Extraordinary Form on Sunday, June 14, 2015 at 2:30pm here at St. Agnes Cathedral...JOIN US!
There will be a pot-luck dinner following Fr. Kelly's Solemn High Mass in the school cafeteria.
There will be a procession with the Blessed Sacrament following Corpus Christi Mass on June 7 @ 2:30pm concluding with benediction.
May Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar, be praised, adored and loved with grateful affection, at every moment, in all the tabernacles of the world, even to the end of time!
O Sacrament most holy! O Sacrament divine! All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine!
“Hidden God, devoutly I adore Thee, truly present beneath these veils: all my heart subdues itself before Thee, since all before Thee faints and fails.” (Adoro Te Devote).
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
June 7, 2015
External Solemnity of Corpus Christi
Epistle: 1Cor. 11: 23-29
Gospel: Jn. 6: 56-59
Mon 8 -- No Latin Mass
Tue 9 – Feria
Wed 10 – Requiem Mass + Fr. Peter Gaudient
Thu 11 – Saint Barnabus * Apostle
Fri 12 – Sacred Heart of Jesus—Mass @ 6:30am.
Would you like to learn more about spiritual warfare and the Catholic Church's role in it? Join me and Fr. Chad Ripperger, PhD, from the Diocese of Tulsa, OK on June 5th 6th and 7th 2015. Fr. Ripperger is a Theologian, Thomistic Psychologist, Philosopher, Seminary Professor and Author. Fr. Ripperger will be speaking here at St. Agnes Cathedral (Pallotti Center) the first weekend in June. Topics will include:
--Spiritual Warfare
--Magisterial Authority and the Binding Force of Tradition
Lectures to be presented on:
--Friday @ 6:00pm--Traditions of the Liturgy
--Saturday @ 10:00am—Binding Force of Tradition
--Saturday @ 1:30pm ---Magisterial Authority and Related Virtues
--Saturday @ 6:00pm ---Spiritual Warfare Part I
--Sunday @ 10:00am ---Spiritual Warfare Part II
Deacon Joseph Kelly will be ordained to the priesthood by His Excellency Bishop James V. Johnston on Friday, June 12 @ 6:00pm here at St. Agnes Cathedral...Kindly keep Deacon Kelly in your prayers. Fr. Kelly will offer his first Mass on Saturday, June 13 @ 9:00am here at St. Agnes. As Father Joseph Kelly he will also offer a Solemn High Mass in the Extraordinary Form on Sunday, June 14, 2015 at 2:30pm here at St. Agnes Cathedral...JOIN US!
There will be a pot-luck dinner following Fr. Kelly's Solemn High Mass in the school cafeteria.
There will be a procession with the Blessed Sacrament following Corpus Christi Mass on June 7 @ 2:30pm concluding with benediction.
May Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar, be praised, adored and loved with grateful affection, at every moment, in all the tabernacles of the world, even to the end of time!
O Sacrament most holy! O Sacrament divine! All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine!
“Hidden God, devoutly I adore Thee, truly present beneath these veils: all my heart subdues itself before Thee, since all before Thee faints and fails.” (Adoro Te Devote).
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Saturday, May 2, 2015
Bulletin 254
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
May 3, 2015
Fourth Sunday After Easter
Epistle: Jas. 1:17-21
Gospel: Jn. 16: 5-14
Mon 4 -- No Latin Mass
Tue 5 – No Latin Mass
Wed 6 – Feria of Paschaltide
Thu 7 – Saint Stanislaus, Bishop @ Martyr
Fri 8 – Our Lady, Mediatrix of All Graces
Saint Agnes Cathedral celebrates First Holy Communion Mass on Sunday, May 3rd at 2:00pm.
The Latin Mass on Sunday, May 3rd will be at 7:00pm.
Christ has confided to His Apostles the sacred deposit of the truths which are to form the object of our faith. During these forty days of Easter we must follow Him in His work of instituting the sacraments. We must not only believe, but we must also incorporate within us the great fruit of our redemption which is called grace. We are living members of our Divine Head and thus joint heirs with Him in the Kingdom of Heaven! It is by means of the sacraments that Christ produces in us this wondrous work of our justification. He applies to us His Incarnation and Sacrifice by a means which He Himself in His power and wisdom has instituted.
When instituting the sacraments, our Lord assigned to each an essential rite: and this rite is outward and sensible. He made the Flesh, which He united to His Divine Person, become the instrument of our salvation by His Passion and Death on the Cross. He redeemed us by shedding His Blood for us! The same is true with respect to the sacraments. He follows the same mysterious plan, taking physical things as His auxiliaries in effecting the work of our justification. He raises them to a supernatural state, and makes them the faithful and all-powerful conductors of His grace.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
May 3, 2015
Fourth Sunday After Easter
Epistle: Jas. 1:17-21
Gospel: Jn. 16: 5-14
Mon 4 -- No Latin Mass
Tue 5 – No Latin Mass
Wed 6 – Feria of Paschaltide
Thu 7 – Saint Stanislaus, Bishop @ Martyr
Fri 8 – Our Lady, Mediatrix of All Graces
Saint Agnes Cathedral celebrates First Holy Communion Mass on Sunday, May 3rd at 2:00pm.
The Latin Mass on Sunday, May 3rd will be at 7:00pm.
Christ has confided to His Apostles the sacred deposit of the truths which are to form the object of our faith. During these forty days of Easter we must follow Him in His work of instituting the sacraments. We must not only believe, but we must also incorporate within us the great fruit of our redemption which is called grace. We are living members of our Divine Head and thus joint heirs with Him in the Kingdom of Heaven! It is by means of the sacraments that Christ produces in us this wondrous work of our justification. He applies to us His Incarnation and Sacrifice by a means which He Himself in His power and wisdom has instituted.
When instituting the sacraments, our Lord assigned to each an essential rite: and this rite is outward and sensible. He made the Flesh, which He united to His Divine Person, become the instrument of our salvation by His Passion and Death on the Cross. He redeemed us by shedding His Blood for us! The same is true with respect to the sacraments. He follows the same mysterious plan, taking physical things as His auxiliaries in effecting the work of our justification. He raises them to a supernatural state, and makes them the faithful and all-powerful conductors of His grace.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Bulletin 241
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
February 1st, 2015
Septuagesima Sunday
Epistle: 1 Cor. 9: 24-27; 10: 1-5
Gospel: Mt. 20: 1-16
Mon 2 No Latin Mass
Tue 3 Saint Blase, Bishop & Martyr
Wed 4 Requiem Mass + Reynold D'Souza
Thu 5 Saint Agatha * Virgin & Martyr
Fri 6 Sacred Heart of Jesus
Mass on February 6th will be followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and benediction.
Mass on February 8th and February 22nd will be at 7:00pm.
Saint Paul encourages those who labor for the Lord by assuring them that “Each will receive his wages in proportion to his toil” (1Cor 3.8). “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being. Do it for the Lord rather than for men, since you know full well you will receive an inheritance from Him as your reward” (Col 3.23f).
In other texts Saint Paul speaks of running the race to win the prize. In his letter to the Corinthians he says: “You know that while all the runners in the stadium take part in the race, the award goes to one man. In that case, run so as to win! Athletes deny themselves all sorts of things. They do this to win a crown of leaves that withers, but we a crown that is imperishable. I do not run like a man who loses sight of the finish line…What I do is discipline my own body and master it…Phil 3.14: “My entire attention is on the finish line as I run toward the prize to which God calls me—life on high in Christ Jesus.”
“The time of my dissolution is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith. From now on a merited crown awaits me; on that day the Lord, just judge that He is, will reward it to me—and not only me, but to all who have looked for His appearing with eager longing” (2 Tim 4. 6-8).
Remember the theology of Saint Paul. A man is justified by faith and saved by grace, not by works. It is only works that proceed from faith and love that bring an eternal reward; and this only because God, by His grace, has made such good works possible and because he has graciously promised to reward them!
Father Fasching's Mass Travel Schedule – Christmas & Easter
Feb. 7- 8 - 5th - Sunday of the Year
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
Feb. 18 - Ash Wednesday -
Gainesville and Ava – Fr. Fasching
Feb. 21 – 22 - 1st Sunday of Lent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
Mar. 7 – 8 - 3rd Sunday of Lent
Gainesville and Ava - Fr. Fasching
Mar. 21 – 22 - 5th Sunday of Lent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
Apr. 18 - 19 - 3rd Sunday of Easter
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
May 2 – 3 - 5th Sunday of Easter
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
May 16 – 17 - 7th Sunday of Easter - Confirmation - Ava
Cabool - Sat.4:00 PM - Fr. Fasching
Mt. Grove, Sun. 10:30 AM – Fr. Fasching
May30 – 31 - Trinity Sunday
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
February 1st, 2015
Septuagesima Sunday
Epistle: 1 Cor. 9: 24-27; 10: 1-5
Gospel: Mt. 20: 1-16
Mon 2 No Latin Mass
Tue 3 Saint Blase, Bishop & Martyr
Wed 4 Requiem Mass + Reynold D'Souza
Thu 5 Saint Agatha * Virgin & Martyr
Fri 6 Sacred Heart of Jesus
Mass on February 6th will be followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and benediction.
Mass on February 8th and February 22nd will be at 7:00pm.
Saint Paul encourages those who labor for the Lord by assuring them that “Each will receive his wages in proportion to his toil” (1Cor 3.8). “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being. Do it for the Lord rather than for men, since you know full well you will receive an inheritance from Him as your reward” (Col 3.23f).
In other texts Saint Paul speaks of running the race to win the prize. In his letter to the Corinthians he says: “You know that while all the runners in the stadium take part in the race, the award goes to one man. In that case, run so as to win! Athletes deny themselves all sorts of things. They do this to win a crown of leaves that withers, but we a crown that is imperishable. I do not run like a man who loses sight of the finish line…What I do is discipline my own body and master it…Phil 3.14: “My entire attention is on the finish line as I run toward the prize to which God calls me—life on high in Christ Jesus.”
“The time of my dissolution is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith. From now on a merited crown awaits me; on that day the Lord, just judge that He is, will reward it to me—and not only me, but to all who have looked for His appearing with eager longing” (2 Tim 4. 6-8).
Remember the theology of Saint Paul. A man is justified by faith and saved by grace, not by works. It is only works that proceed from faith and love that bring an eternal reward; and this only because God, by His grace, has made such good works possible and because he has graciously promised to reward them!
Father Fasching's Mass Travel Schedule – Christmas & Easter
Feb. 7- 8 - 5th - Sunday of the Year
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
Feb. 18 - Ash Wednesday -
Gainesville and Ava – Fr. Fasching
Feb. 21 – 22 - 1st Sunday of Lent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
Mar. 7 – 8 - 3rd Sunday of Lent
Gainesville and Ava - Fr. Fasching
Mar. 21 – 22 - 5th Sunday of Lent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
Apr. 18 - 19 - 3rd Sunday of Easter
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
May 2 – 3 - 5th Sunday of Easter
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
May 16 – 17 - 7th Sunday of Easter - Confirmation - Ava
Cabool - Sat.4:00 PM - Fr. Fasching
Mt. Grove, Sun. 10:30 AM – Fr. Fasching
May30 – 31 - Trinity Sunday
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Topics:
adoration,
Bishop,
Blessed Sacrament,
Christ,
crown,
discipline,
Easter,
Glory,
God,
Grace,
Mass,
merit,
prize,
race,
Requiem Mass,
Sacred Heart,
Saint Paul
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Bulletin 240
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
January 25, 2015
3rd Sunday after Epiphany
Epistle: Rom. 12: 16-21
Gospel: Mt. 8: 1-13
Mon 26 No Latin Mass
Tue 27 Requiem Mass + Msgr. John Henry Westhues
Wed 28 Saint Peter Nolasco, Confessor
Thu 29 Saint Francis de Sales-Bishop, Confessor & Doctor
Fri 30 Requiem Mass
God gives us so many gifts! Health, family, friends, talents, money...the list goes on and on. These are given to us not to be abused in vain ways, but in order to help our souls to sanctification. God gives us so many gifts of grace and holy inspirations. He gives us years and years of life upon this earth to repair and make up for past sins. However, many still refuse to amend their lives.
Many will regret neglecting the very little that was required of them to do while upon this earth in order to save their souls! For example, practicing mortification, overcoming human respect, avoiding occasions to sin, avoiding bad company, and turning to God in times of temptation. Many will be lost because they neglected these simple things.
Our lives are very short. We must sincerely beg God for the desire to amend them!
Father Fasching's Mass Travel Schedule – Christmas & Easter
Jan. 24 – 25 - 3rd Sunday of the Year
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
Feb. 7- 8 - 5th - Sunday of the Year
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
Feb. 18 - Ash Wednesday -
Gainesville and Ava – Fr. Fasching
Feb. 21 – 22 - 1st Sunday of Lent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
Mar. 7 – 8 - 3rd Sunday of Lent
Gainesville and Ava - Fr. Fasching
Mar. 21 – 22 - 5th Sunday of Lent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
Apr. 18 - 19 - 3rd Sunday of Easter
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
May 2 – 3 - 5th Sunday of Easter
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
May 16 – 17 - 7th Sunday of Easter - Confirmation - Ava
Cabool - Sat.4:00 PM - Fr. Fasching
Mt. Grove, Sun. 10:30 AM – Fr. Fasching
May30 – 31 - Trinity Sunday
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
January 25, 2015
3rd Sunday after Epiphany
Epistle: Rom. 12: 16-21
Gospel: Mt. 8: 1-13
Mon 26 No Latin Mass
Tue 27 Requiem Mass + Msgr. John Henry Westhues
Wed 28 Saint Peter Nolasco, Confessor
Thu 29 Saint Francis de Sales-Bishop, Confessor & Doctor
Fri 30 Requiem Mass
God gives us so many gifts! Health, family, friends, talents, money...the list goes on and on. These are given to us not to be abused in vain ways, but in order to help our souls to sanctification. God gives us so many gifts of grace and holy inspirations. He gives us years and years of life upon this earth to repair and make up for past sins. However, many still refuse to amend their lives.
Many will regret neglecting the very little that was required of them to do while upon this earth in order to save their souls! For example, practicing mortification, overcoming human respect, avoiding occasions to sin, avoiding bad company, and turning to God in times of temptation. Many will be lost because they neglected these simple things.
Our lives are very short. We must sincerely beg God for the desire to amend them!
Father Fasching's Mass Travel Schedule – Christmas & Easter
Jan. 24 – 25 - 3rd Sunday of the Year
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
Feb. 7- 8 - 5th - Sunday of the Year
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
Feb. 18 - Ash Wednesday -
Gainesville and Ava – Fr. Fasching
Feb. 21 – 22 - 1st Sunday of Lent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
Mar. 7 – 8 - 3rd Sunday of Lent
Gainesville and Ava - Fr. Fasching
Mar. 21 – 22 - 5th Sunday of Lent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
Apr. 18 - 19 - 3rd Sunday of Easter
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
May 2 – 3 - 5th Sunday of Easter
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
May 16 – 17 - 7th Sunday of Easter - Confirmation - Ava
Cabool - Sat.4:00 PM - Fr. Fasching
Mt. Grove, Sun. 10:30 AM – Fr. Fasching
May30 – 31 - Trinity Sunday
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Topics:
Confessor,
doctor,
Epiphany,
Gifts,
God,
Grace,
Holiness,
Mass,
mortification,
Priest,
Requiem Mass,
Saints,
Sin,
talent,
Temptation
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Bulletin 190
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
February 9, 2014
5th Sunday after Epiphany NO LATIN MASS
Due to the afternoon Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass and the Missouri State Concert Choir at 7:00pm in the Cathedral, there will be no Latin Mass Sunday, February 9th.
Mass on February 7th will be followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and benediction.
Mass Schedule February 10-14
Mon 10 No Latin Mass
Tue 11 Our Lady of Lourdes
Wed 12 Seven Holy Servite Founders, Confessors
Thu 13 + Requiem Mass B. Fernandez
Fri 14 + Requiem Mass B. Fernandez
Fr. Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
February 9, 2014
5th Sunday after Epiphany NO LATIN MASS
Due to the afternoon Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass and the Missouri State Concert Choir at 7:00pm in the Cathedral, there will be no Latin Mass Sunday, February 9th.
Mass on February 7th will be followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and benediction.
Mass Schedule February 10-14
Mon 10 No Latin Mass
Tue 11 Our Lady of Lourdes
Wed 12 Seven Holy Servite Founders, Confessors
Thu 13 + Requiem Mass B. Fernandez
Fri 14 + Requiem Mass B. Fernandez
Fr. Jeff Fasching
Topics:
Abstinence,
Blessed Sacrament,
Blessed Virgin Mary,
cathedral,
Confessor,
diocese,
exposition,
Holiness,
Latin,
Mass,
Priest,
Requiem Mass,
Saints
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Bulletin 179
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
November 24th, 2013
24th and Last Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Col. 1: 9-14
Gospel: Mt. 24: 13-25
Mass Schedule November 25th through November 29th
Mon 25 No Latin Mass
Tue 26 Saint Sylvester, Abbot
Wed 27 Requiem Mass
Thu 28 No Latin Mass
Fri 29 No Latin Mass
Our next pot-luck dinner will be on Sunday, December 22nd following the 2:30pm Latin Mass in the school cafeteria. His Excellency, Bishop James Johnston will join us for Mass and dinner.
Saint Paul always encouraged his brothers to advance in holiness through prayer and intense effort! Sanctity is something that is not simply handed to us. We must work hard for it every day. We need the Holy Ghost to enlighten us with wisdom, understanding and strength. Saint Thomas Aquinas says: “it is not enough to have knowledge, for he who knows the right thing to do and fails to do it commits sin, therefore one must need to perform virtuous actions.” We have to rely on God for strength in order to do good.
We also have “the inheritance of the saints” in order to draw on the treasury of spiritual goods which the Church is constantly applying to its members. These include prayers, merits and sacrifices which benefit all of us! God has brought us out of darkness into His own wonderful light says Saint Paul. This has been through no merits of ours or any past service we have rendered to God, but only the merits of the only mediator, Jesus Christ!
In Christ,
Fr. Jeffery Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
November 24th, 2013
24th and Last Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Col. 1: 9-14
Gospel: Mt. 24: 13-25
Mass Schedule November 25th through November 29th
Mon 25 No Latin Mass
Tue 26 Saint Sylvester, Abbot
Wed 27 Requiem Mass
Thu 28 No Latin Mass
Fri 29 No Latin Mass
Our next pot-luck dinner will be on Sunday, December 22nd following the 2:30pm Latin Mass in the school cafeteria. His Excellency, Bishop James Johnston will join us for Mass and dinner.
Saint Paul always encouraged his brothers to advance in holiness through prayer and intense effort! Sanctity is something that is not simply handed to us. We must work hard for it every day. We need the Holy Ghost to enlighten us with wisdom, understanding and strength. Saint Thomas Aquinas says: “it is not enough to have knowledge, for he who knows the right thing to do and fails to do it commits sin, therefore one must need to perform virtuous actions.” We have to rely on God for strength in order to do good.
We also have “the inheritance of the saints” in order to draw on the treasury of spiritual goods which the Church is constantly applying to its members. These include prayers, merits and sacrifices which benefit all of us! God has brought us out of darkness into His own wonderful light says Saint Paul. This has been through no merits of ours or any past service we have rendered to God, but only the merits of the only mediator, Jesus Christ!
In Christ,
Fr. Jeffery Fasching
Friday, November 15, 2013
Bulletin 178
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
November 17th, 2013
6th Resumed Sunday after Epiphany
Epistle: 1 Thess. 1: 2-10
Gospel: Mt. 13: 31-35
Mass Schedule November 18th through November 22nd
Mon 18 No Latin Mass
Tue 19 No Latin Mass
Wed 20 Saint Felix of Valois, Confessor
Thu 21 Requiem Mass
Fri 22 Saint Cecilia * Virgin & Martyr
Our next pot-luck dinner will be on Sunday, December 22nd following the 2:30pm Latin Mass in the school cafeteria. His Excellency, Bishop James Johnston will join us for Mass and dinner.
It is natural to fear death, but we really should not. In fact, it is not at all a morbid desire to long for death with one’s whole heart and soul! Actually we should rejoice at death because death means that we are finally delivered from this present “valley of tears” and all our earthly suffering! Death delivers us from our actual sins and through death we are given the chance to enter into the heavenly Paradise for which we were born!
What is death? Job says that our life is full of miseries, infirmities, crosses, persecutions and fears. This is not a life for rest and enjoyment, but for labor and suffering! The only way we can merit heaven is by toil, labor and pain. It is true that death is the punishment of sin, but the miseries this life offers are so great that death should seem to be a relief rather than a punishment.
If we are prepared to die, death is welcomed. In our earthly life the world, evil spirits, the flesh and the passions all draw the soul to sin and eternal death. But death brings us to the possession of Jesus Christ, our true life!
In Christ,
Fr. Jeff Fasching
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
November 17th, 2013
6th Resumed Sunday after Epiphany
Epistle: 1 Thess. 1: 2-10
Gospel: Mt. 13: 31-35
Mass Schedule November 18th through November 22nd
Mon 18 No Latin Mass
Tue 19 No Latin Mass
Wed 20 Saint Felix of Valois, Confessor
Thu 21 Requiem Mass
Fri 22 Saint Cecilia * Virgin & Martyr
Our next pot-luck dinner will be on Sunday, December 22nd following the 2:30pm Latin Mass in the school cafeteria. His Excellency, Bishop James Johnston will join us for Mass and dinner.
It is natural to fear death, but we really should not. In fact, it is not at all a morbid desire to long for death with one’s whole heart and soul! Actually we should rejoice at death because death means that we are finally delivered from this present “valley of tears” and all our earthly suffering! Death delivers us from our actual sins and through death we are given the chance to enter into the heavenly Paradise for which we were born!
What is death? Job says that our life is full of miseries, infirmities, crosses, persecutions and fears. This is not a life for rest and enjoyment, but for labor and suffering! The only way we can merit heaven is by toil, labor and pain. It is true that death is the punishment of sin, but the miseries this life offers are so great that death should seem to be a relief rather than a punishment.
If we are prepared to die, death is welcomed. In our earthly life the world, evil spirits, the flesh and the passions all draw the soul to sin and eternal death. But death brings us to the possession of Jesus Christ, our true life!
In Christ,
Fr. Jeff Fasching
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Bulletin 176
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
November 3rd, 2013
4th Resumed Sunday After Epiphany
Epistle: Rom. 13: 8-10
Gospel: Mt. 8: 23-27
Mass Schedule November 4th through November 8th
Mon 4 No Latin Mass
Tue 5 Requiem Mass + Ricki John Pederson
Wed 6 Feria
Thu 7 Feria
Fri 8 Feria
Our next pot-luck dinner will be on Sunday, November 3rd following the 2:30pm Latin Mass in the school cafeteria. This will be combined with an all-saints day party.
The month of November is dedicated to the Holy Souls. On all the days of November from November 1 through November 8 inclusive, a plenary indulgence, applicable only to the Poor Souls, is granted to those who visit a cemetery and pray, even if only mentally, for the departed. Partial indulgences are granted to those who recite Lauds or Vespers of the Office of the Dead, and to those who recite the prayer “Requiem aeternam dona eis. Domini, et lux perpetua luceat eis. Requiescant in pace” (“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace”).
Fr. Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
November 3rd, 2013
4th Resumed Sunday After Epiphany
Epistle: Rom. 13: 8-10
Gospel: Mt. 8: 23-27
Mass Schedule November 4th through November 8th
Mon 4 No Latin Mass
Tue 5 Requiem Mass + Ricki John Pederson
Wed 6 Feria
Thu 7 Feria
Fri 8 Feria
Our next pot-luck dinner will be on Sunday, November 3rd following the 2:30pm Latin Mass in the school cafeteria. This will be combined with an all-saints day party.
The month of November is dedicated to the Holy Souls. On all the days of November from November 1 through November 8 inclusive, a plenary indulgence, applicable only to the Poor Souls, is granted to those who visit a cemetery and pray, even if only mentally, for the departed. Partial indulgences are granted to those who recite Lauds or Vespers of the Office of the Dead, and to those who recite the prayer “Requiem aeternam dona eis. Domini, et lux perpetua luceat eis. Requiescant in pace” (“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace”).
Fr. Jeff Fasching
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Bulletin 170
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
September 22, 18th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: 1 Cor. 1: 4-8
Gospel: Mt. 9: 1-8
Mon 23 Saint Linus * Pope & Martyr—No Latin Mass
Tue 24 Requiem Mass + John Scaria
Wed 25 Feria
Thu 26 Feria
Fri 27 SS. Cosmas * Damian * Martyrs
The next pot-luck dinner will be Sunday, October 6th following the 2:30pm Latin Mass.
It is entirely possible for one form of ritual to be more efficacious than another form. At the present time, we have two forms of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass—the Ordinary Form and the Extraordinary Form. When one form is offered with greater solemnity, it tends to be more efficacious that one that is offered with less solemnity. The solemnity gives greater glory to God. Since Jesus Christ is the King and Ruler of the universe, He deserves a greater ritual than any earthly king!
The ritual of the Holy Sacrifice is a combination of prayers and gestures. Prayer itself has governing principles that make it meritorious, and these principles can be applied to the ritual of the Mass. Saint Thomas observes that vocal prayer is done in order to render God His due and to move man’s mind and heart toward Him. Prayer is an act of the virtue of religion and we pray as God’s creatures because it is our duty.
The same principle can be applied to the ritual of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The ritual of the Mass ought to be ordered to God and not to man, except insofar as man is served in order to serve God. In other words, God is the end of the ritual, not man. This follows the order of charity in which we love God first and then our neighbor for the sake of God. The ritual should not have man as its finality, but God. If it has man as its finality, it goes contrary to charity, which has God as its end. It will also go contrary to justice since one will not render to God through the prayers of the ritual what it due to Him.
In Christ,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
September 22, 18th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: 1 Cor. 1: 4-8
Gospel: Mt. 9: 1-8
Mon 23 Saint Linus * Pope & Martyr—No Latin Mass
Tue 24 Requiem Mass + John Scaria
Wed 25 Feria
Thu 26 Feria
Fri 27 SS. Cosmas * Damian * Martyrs
The next pot-luck dinner will be Sunday, October 6th following the 2:30pm Latin Mass.
It is entirely possible for one form of ritual to be more efficacious than another form. At the present time, we have two forms of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass—the Ordinary Form and the Extraordinary Form. When one form is offered with greater solemnity, it tends to be more efficacious that one that is offered with less solemnity. The solemnity gives greater glory to God. Since Jesus Christ is the King and Ruler of the universe, He deserves a greater ritual than any earthly king!
The ritual of the Holy Sacrifice is a combination of prayers and gestures. Prayer itself has governing principles that make it meritorious, and these principles can be applied to the ritual of the Mass. Saint Thomas observes that vocal prayer is done in order to render God His due and to move man’s mind and heart toward Him. Prayer is an act of the virtue of religion and we pray as God’s creatures because it is our duty.
The same principle can be applied to the ritual of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The ritual of the Mass ought to be ordered to God and not to man, except insofar as man is served in order to serve God. In other words, God is the end of the ritual, not man. This follows the order of charity in which we love God first and then our neighbor for the sake of God. The ritual should not have man as its finality, but God. If it has man as its finality, it goes contrary to charity, which has God as its end. It will also go contrary to justice since one will not render to God through the prayers of the ritual what it due to Him.
In Christ,
Father Jeff Fasching
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Bulletin 168
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
September 8th, 16th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Eph. 3: 13-21
Gospel: Lk. 14: 1-11
Mon 9 Feria—No Latin Mass
Tue 10 Requiem Mass + John Scaria
Wed 11 Feria
Thu 12 Most Holy Name of Mary
Fri 13 Feria
There will be NO LATIN MASS September 2nd through September 6th. Fr. Fasching will be on vacation.
Pot-luck dinner after the 2:30pm Mass this Sunday, September 8th in the school cafeteria.
This Sunday we commemorate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary is as truly the Mother of God as any woman is mother of the child she bears, for she performed for her Son the same biological function and maternal role that any mother performs who conceives, gives birth, and nurtures a child from her own flesh and blood!
The only difference is that Mary conceived virginally by the power of the Holy Ghost, and the offspring that she conceived and bore is the eternal Son of God, who united Himself to our humanity in her womb. The child born of her is truly human, truly like us in all things but sin; He is also truly divine, the eternal Son of God incarnate. He is one person, an eternal divine person, subsisting in two natures, human and divine. Mary is mother of this divine person according to His human nature.
It was fitting that Mary be conceived without sin because she was destined to be the worthy, beloved Mother of the holy God. In preserving Mary from all sin, God prepared a holy tabernacle in which His Son was to dwell, a holy body from which He was to take His humanity, a holy Mother whom he could love with the fullness of His divine/human love.
In Christ,
Fr. Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
September 8th, 16th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Eph. 3: 13-21
Gospel: Lk. 14: 1-11
Mon 9 Feria—No Latin Mass
Tue 10 Requiem Mass + John Scaria
Wed 11 Feria
Thu 12 Most Holy Name of Mary
Fri 13 Feria
There will be NO LATIN MASS September 2nd through September 6th. Fr. Fasching will be on vacation.
Pot-luck dinner after the 2:30pm Mass this Sunday, September 8th in the school cafeteria.
This Sunday we commemorate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary is as truly the Mother of God as any woman is mother of the child she bears, for she performed for her Son the same biological function and maternal role that any mother performs who conceives, gives birth, and nurtures a child from her own flesh and blood!
The only difference is that Mary conceived virginally by the power of the Holy Ghost, and the offspring that she conceived and bore is the eternal Son of God, who united Himself to our humanity in her womb. The child born of her is truly human, truly like us in all things but sin; He is also truly divine, the eternal Son of God incarnate. He is one person, an eternal divine person, subsisting in two natures, human and divine. Mary is mother of this divine person according to His human nature.
It was fitting that Mary be conceived without sin because she was destined to be the worthy, beloved Mother of the holy God. In preserving Mary from all sin, God prepared a holy tabernacle in which His Son was to dwell, a holy body from which He was to take His humanity, a holy Mother whom he could love with the fullness of His divine/human love.
In Christ,
Fr. Jeff Fasching
Friday, August 23, 2013
Bulletin 166
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
August 25th, 14th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Gal. 5: 16-24; Gospel: Mt. 6: 24-33
Mass Schedule August 26th through August 30th
Mon 26 Feria--No Latin Mass
Tue 27 Saint Joseph Calasance, Confessor
Wed 28 Saint Augustine; Bishop, Confessor & Doctor
Thu 29 Beheading of Saint John Baptist
Fri 30 Requiem Mass M.S. John
Our next pot-luck dinner will be held on Sunday, September 8th immediately following the 2:30pm Mass in the school cafeteria. All are invited to attend.
There will be NO LATIN MASS September 2nd through September 6th. Fr. Fasching will be on vacation.
Children are so precious to Our Lord Jesus Christ! “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not” says Our Lord. Jesus Christ desires that young children attend Mass and make visits to the Blessed Sacrament. However, when making visits to church or attending Mass a parent must teach their young children discipline and set clear expectations as to how they are to conduct themselves.
For example, if a child misbehaves and is sent to the back of the church this should not be a reward for misbehavior. You must let him know that being removed from the church means further discipline, not the chance to play and run free. A child must know your expectations to remain quiet while in church and must be shown consistency in your discipline. A child will need reminding about the necessity of being quiet in church. Eventually he will need to understand that it is also important to be able to sit still in church. This training should take place before the child is able to walk.
Children respond to the expectations of adults when they are presented clearly and consistently. Scripture warns parents: “and a child left to himself will become headstrong.” A child’s behavior reflects his parent’s own parental skills.
Fr. Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
August 25th, 14th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Gal. 5: 16-24; Gospel: Mt. 6: 24-33
Mass Schedule August 26th through August 30th
Mon 26 Feria--No Latin Mass
Tue 27 Saint Joseph Calasance, Confessor
Wed 28 Saint Augustine; Bishop, Confessor & Doctor
Thu 29 Beheading of Saint John Baptist
Fri 30 Requiem Mass M.S. John
Our next pot-luck dinner will be held on Sunday, September 8th immediately following the 2:30pm Mass in the school cafeteria. All are invited to attend.
There will be NO LATIN MASS September 2nd through September 6th. Fr. Fasching will be on vacation.
Children are so precious to Our Lord Jesus Christ! “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not” says Our Lord. Jesus Christ desires that young children attend Mass and make visits to the Blessed Sacrament. However, when making visits to church or attending Mass a parent must teach their young children discipline and set clear expectations as to how they are to conduct themselves.
For example, if a child misbehaves and is sent to the back of the church this should not be a reward for misbehavior. You must let him know that being removed from the church means further discipline, not the chance to play and run free. A child must know your expectations to remain quiet while in church and must be shown consistency in your discipline. A child will need reminding about the necessity of being quiet in church. Eventually he will need to understand that it is also important to be able to sit still in church. This training should take place before the child is able to walk.
Children respond to the expectations of adults when they are presented clearly and consistently. Scripture warns parents: “and a child left to himself will become headstrong.” A child’s behavior reflects his parent’s own parental skills.
Fr. Jeff Fasching
Friday, July 12, 2013
Bulletin 160
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
July 14, 2013 8th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Rom. 8:12-17--Gospel: Lk. 16:1-9
Mass Schedule July 15 through July 19
Mon 15 Saint Henry the Emperor, Confessor—No Latin Mass
Tue 16 Requiem Mass + Ravi Monker
Wed 17 Feria
Thu 18 Saint Camillus de Lellis, Confessor
Fri 19 Saint Vincent de Paul, Confessor
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
July 14, 2013 8th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Rom. 8:12-17--Gospel: Lk. 16:1-9
Mass Schedule July 15 through July 19
Mon 15 Saint Henry the Emperor, Confessor—No Latin Mass
Tue 16 Requiem Mass + Ravi Monker
Wed 17 Feria
Thu 18 Saint Camillus de Lellis, Confessor
Fri 19 Saint Vincent de Paul, Confessor
Friday, December 28, 2012
Bulletin 133
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
December 30th, 2012; Sunday in the Octave of Christmas *Mass at 7:00 pm*
Epistle: Gal. 4:1-7; Gospel: Lk. 2:33-40
Mass schedule December 31st through January 4th
Monday: Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas—No Latin Mass
Tuesday: Octave Day of Christmas—Mass at 2:30pm
Wednesday: Most Holy Name of Jesus
Thursday: Feria of Christmastide
Friday: Requiem Mass + Nicolae Ciugudean
Mass on New Year’s Day will be at 2:30pm.
*Mass on Sunday, December 30th will be at 7:00pm*
Out of sheer love God has created us with a free will. He wants us to choose for Him and He calls us to liberty. The wonder of the Christmas season and the grace of our redemption shine forth in the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Word made flesh used to speak to us through the prophets, but now God has sent His Son in person in order to reveal Himself completely and to save the world!
Christ became like us in all things but sin. He ate, drank and slept. He suffered and died to redeem us and thus strengthens us when we ourselves meet with adversity. When we accept Jesus Christ our entire being gains immortality! If we acknowledge Him while we live on this earth He will in turn acknowledge us before God His Father.
God has created us in His own image, thus we possess great dignity. We must turn our hearts to God without hesitation. Christ has taken away our sin. We must obey Him and keep His commandments if we wish Him to honor us.
In Christ,
Fr. Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
December 30th, 2012; Sunday in the Octave of Christmas *Mass at 7:00 pm*
Epistle: Gal. 4:1-7; Gospel: Lk. 2:33-40
Mass schedule December 31st through January 4th
Monday: Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas—No Latin Mass
Tuesday: Octave Day of Christmas—Mass at 2:30pm
Wednesday: Most Holy Name of Jesus
Thursday: Feria of Christmastide
Friday: Requiem Mass + Nicolae Ciugudean
Mass on New Year’s Day will be at 2:30pm.
*Mass on Sunday, December 30th will be at 7:00pm*
Out of sheer love God has created us with a free will. He wants us to choose for Him and He calls us to liberty. The wonder of the Christmas season and the grace of our redemption shine forth in the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Word made flesh used to speak to us through the prophets, but now God has sent His Son in person in order to reveal Himself completely and to save the world!
Christ became like us in all things but sin. He ate, drank and slept. He suffered and died to redeem us and thus strengthens us when we ourselves meet with adversity. When we accept Jesus Christ our entire being gains immortality! If we acknowledge Him while we live on this earth He will in turn acknowledge us before God His Father.
God has created us in His own image, thus we possess great dignity. We must turn our hearts to God without hesitation. Christ has taken away our sin. We must obey Him and keep His commandments if we wish Him to honor us.
In Christ,
Fr. Jeff Fasching
Topics:
adversity,
Christmas,
Commandments,
Feria,
flesh,
God,
Grace,
Holy,
Jesus,
Latin,
Love,
Mass,
Octave,
prophets,
Requiem Mass,
revelation,
Saint Agnes,
world
Monday, November 12, 2012
Bulletin 127
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
November 18, 2012; Sixth Resumed Sunday after Epiphany
Epistle: 1 Thess. 1: 2-10; Gospel: Mt. 13: 31-35
Mass schedule November 19 through November 23
Monday: Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Widow-- No Latin Mass
Tuesday: Saint Felix of Valois, Confessor
Wednesday: Requiem Mass + Mario Machado
Thursday: Requiem Mass + June Baker MASS AT 10:00AM
Friday: Saint Clement I, Pope & Martyr
The month of November is dedicated to the Holy Souls. Indulgences, which remove temporal punishment due to forgiven sin, may be gained by the living for themselves or applied to the souls in purgatory but they cannot be applied to other living persons. Indulgences are called plenary if they remove all temporal punishment and partial if they remove only some of it. A plenary indulgence can be acquired only once in the course of a day but a partial indulgence may be acquired more than once a day. To gain an indulgence for oneself one must be baptized, in the state of grace at least at the completion of the prescribed work and subject to the one granting the indulgence. He must also have at least a general intention of gaining them and must perform the works enjoined at the time and in the manner prescribed.
Some works to which are attached plenary indulgences are: a visit to the Blessed Sacrament which lasts for a half hour, the Stations of the Cross, recitation of five decades of the Rosary while contemplating the mysteries, and reading of Scripture for one half hour.
Partial indulgences are granted to those who recite Lauds or Vespers of the Office of the Dead, and to those who recite the prayer “Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domini, et lux perpetua luceat eis. Requiescant in pace” (“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace”).
All indulgences whatsoever may be applied to the Poor Souls at any time by way of suffrage. The simple intention to offer them for the Poor Souls is sufficient.
Many desire God, but fear death. They are afraid of the assaults of Hell upon their souls. Even the saints have trembled at the hour of death, so how much more should we be afraid! Although it is true that Satan attacks even the holy saints at their hour of death, it is also true that God always comes to their aid at that moment. When dangers increase God helps all the more. The powers of Hell will assault the dying Christian, but his guardian angel will also be present to offer consolation. Saint Michael will also come to his aid. He has been appointed by God to defend His faithful servants in their last fight against the powers of Hell. The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, will assist those who have been devoted to her during their lives. Jesus Christ Himself will give those souls for whom He died confidence and strength to resist the powers of the enemy.
We should therefore rejoice at death! Death delivers us from this valley of tears and labor. At death we are free from suffering. Death also delivers us from our actual sins and the danger of falling into Hell. Through death, paradise is opened up for us!
In Christ,
Fr. Jeffery A. Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
November 18, 2012; Sixth Resumed Sunday after Epiphany
Epistle: 1 Thess. 1: 2-10; Gospel: Mt. 13: 31-35
Mass schedule November 19 through November 23
Monday: Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Widow-- No Latin Mass
Tuesday: Saint Felix of Valois, Confessor
Wednesday: Requiem Mass + Mario Machado
Thursday: Requiem Mass + June Baker MASS AT 10:00AM
Friday: Saint Clement I, Pope & Martyr
The month of November is dedicated to the Holy Souls. Indulgences, which remove temporal punishment due to forgiven sin, may be gained by the living for themselves or applied to the souls in purgatory but they cannot be applied to other living persons. Indulgences are called plenary if they remove all temporal punishment and partial if they remove only some of it. A plenary indulgence can be acquired only once in the course of a day but a partial indulgence may be acquired more than once a day. To gain an indulgence for oneself one must be baptized, in the state of grace at least at the completion of the prescribed work and subject to the one granting the indulgence. He must also have at least a general intention of gaining them and must perform the works enjoined at the time and in the manner prescribed.
Some works to which are attached plenary indulgences are: a visit to the Blessed Sacrament which lasts for a half hour, the Stations of the Cross, recitation of five decades of the Rosary while contemplating the mysteries, and reading of Scripture for one half hour.
Partial indulgences are granted to those who recite Lauds or Vespers of the Office of the Dead, and to those who recite the prayer “Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domini, et lux perpetua luceat eis. Requiescant in pace” (“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace”).
All indulgences whatsoever may be applied to the Poor Souls at any time by way of suffrage. The simple intention to offer them for the Poor Souls is sufficient.
Many desire God, but fear death. They are afraid of the assaults of Hell upon their souls. Even the saints have trembled at the hour of death, so how much more should we be afraid! Although it is true that Satan attacks even the holy saints at their hour of death, it is also true that God always comes to their aid at that moment. When dangers increase God helps all the more. The powers of Hell will assault the dying Christian, but his guardian angel will also be present to offer consolation. Saint Michael will also come to his aid. He has been appointed by God to defend His faithful servants in their last fight against the powers of Hell. The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, will assist those who have been devoted to her during their lives. Jesus Christ Himself will give those souls for whom He died confidence and strength to resist the powers of the enemy.
We should therefore rejoice at death! Death delivers us from this valley of tears and labor. At death we are free from suffering. Death also delivers us from our actual sins and the danger of falling into Hell. Through death, paradise is opened up for us!
In Christ,
Fr. Jeffery A. Fasching
Topics:
Agony,
atonement,
Blessed Virgin,
Bulletin,
cathedral,
Courage,
devil,
Devotional,
discipline,
Happiness,
Heaven,
informational,
Requiem Mass,
salvation,
Sanctity,
Satan
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Bulletin 125
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
November 4th, 2012; 23rd Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Phil. 3: 17-21; 4: 1-3—Gospel: Mt. 9: 18-26
Mass schedule November 5th through November 9th
Monday: Feria; No Latin Mass
Tuesday: Feria
Wednesday: Feria
Thursday: Daily Mass for the Dead
Friday: Dedication of the Archbasilica of Our Holy Savior
The month of November is dedicated to the Holy Souls. On all the days from November 1 through November 8 inclusive, a plenary indulgence, applicable only to the Poor Souls, is granted to those who visit a cemetery and pray, even if only mentally, for the departed.
Indulgences, which remove temporal punishment due to forgiven sin, may be gained by the living for themselves or applied to the souls in purgatory but they cannot be applied to other living persons. Indulgences are called plenary if they remove all temporal punishment and partial if they remove only some of it. A plenary indulgence can be acquired only once in the course of a day but a partial indulgence may be acquired more than once a day. To gain an indulgence for oneself one must be baptized, in the state of grace at least at the completion of the prescribed work and subject to the one granting the indulgence. He must also have at least a general intention of gaining them and must perform the works enjoined at the time and in the manner prescribed.
Some works to which are attached plenary indulgences are: a visit to the Blessed Sacrament which lasts for a half hour, the Stations of the Cross, recitation of five decades of the Rosary while contemplating the mysteries, and reading of Scripture for one half hour.
Partial indulgences are granted to those who recite Lauds or Vespers of the Office of the Dead, and to those who recite the prayer “Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domini, et lux perpetua luceat eis. Requiescant in pace” (“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace”).
All indulgences whatsoever may be applied to the Poor Souls at any time by way of suffrage. The simple intention to offer them for the Poor Souls is sufficient.
In Christ,
Fr. Jeffery Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
November 4th, 2012; 23rd Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Phil. 3: 17-21; 4: 1-3—Gospel: Mt. 9: 18-26
Mass schedule November 5th through November 9th
Monday: Feria; No Latin Mass
Tuesday: Feria
Wednesday: Feria
Thursday: Daily Mass for the Dead
Friday: Dedication of the Archbasilica of Our Holy Savior
The month of November is dedicated to the Holy Souls. On all the days from November 1 through November 8 inclusive, a plenary indulgence, applicable only to the Poor Souls, is granted to those who visit a cemetery and pray, even if only mentally, for the departed.
Indulgences, which remove temporal punishment due to forgiven sin, may be gained by the living for themselves or applied to the souls in purgatory but they cannot be applied to other living persons. Indulgences are called plenary if they remove all temporal punishment and partial if they remove only some of it. A plenary indulgence can be acquired only once in the course of a day but a partial indulgence may be acquired more than once a day. To gain an indulgence for oneself one must be baptized, in the state of grace at least at the completion of the prescribed work and subject to the one granting the indulgence. He must also have at least a general intention of gaining them and must perform the works enjoined at the time and in the manner prescribed.
Some works to which are attached plenary indulgences are: a visit to the Blessed Sacrament which lasts for a half hour, the Stations of the Cross, recitation of five decades of the Rosary while contemplating the mysteries, and reading of Scripture for one half hour.
Partial indulgences are granted to those who recite Lauds or Vespers of the Office of the Dead, and to those who recite the prayer “Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domini, et lux perpetua luceat eis. Requiescant in pace” (“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace”).
All indulgences whatsoever may be applied to the Poor Souls at any time by way of suffrage. The simple intention to offer them for the Poor Souls is sufficient.
In Christ,
Fr. Jeffery Fasching
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Bulletin 81
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806 EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS: Celebrant Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
December 18, 2011 Fourth Sunday of Advent (Rorate Sunday)
Epistle: I Cor. 4: 1-5
Gospel: Lk. 3: 1-6
Mass Schedule December 19th through December 23rd
Monday-Greater Feria of Advent-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Requiem Mass + Salvador Jensuan
Wednesday-Saint Thomas, Apostle
Thursday-Greater Feria of Advent
Friday-Greater Feria of Advent
“…The Word of the Lord was made unto John, the son of Zachary, in the desert. And he came into the hill country about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of penance for the remission of sins, as it was written in the book of the sayings of Isaias the Prophet: A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord…”
Advent is a time of preparation and penance. We anticipate Christ’s birth, but we also prepare for His coming as Judge. John the Baptist was an outstanding example of austerity. He perfectly prepared the way of Christ and recognized his role in doing so. When Christ comes in judgment the world as we know it will change.
Saint Paul says “the form of this world is passing away,” but he does not say that this world will be annihilated at the end of time. Rather he implies that all creation will be renewed, for he writes that “the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God…because creation itself will be set free from its bondage to death and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God” (Rom 8.19,21).
In the Book of Revelations we read:
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband, and I heard a great voice from the throne saying, “Behold the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be with them. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away.” Advent is therefore also a time of joy! Let us live this joy during this holy season.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
December 18, 2011 Fourth Sunday of Advent (Rorate Sunday)
Epistle: I Cor. 4: 1-5
Gospel: Lk. 3: 1-6
Mass Schedule December 19th through December 23rd
Monday-Greater Feria of Advent-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Requiem Mass + Salvador Jensuan
Wednesday-Saint Thomas, Apostle
Thursday-Greater Feria of Advent
Friday-Greater Feria of Advent
“…The Word of the Lord was made unto John, the son of Zachary, in the desert. And he came into the hill country about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of penance for the remission of sins, as it was written in the book of the sayings of Isaias the Prophet: A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord…”
Advent is a time of preparation and penance. We anticipate Christ’s birth, but we also prepare for His coming as Judge. John the Baptist was an outstanding example of austerity. He perfectly prepared the way of Christ and recognized his role in doing so. When Christ comes in judgment the world as we know it will change.
Saint Paul says “the form of this world is passing away,” but he does not say that this world will be annihilated at the end of time. Rather he implies that all creation will be renewed, for he writes that “the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God…because creation itself will be set free from its bondage to death and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God” (Rom 8.19,21).
In the Book of Revelations we read:
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband, and I heard a great voice from the throne saying, “Behold the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be with them. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away.” Advent is therefore also a time of joy! Let us live this joy during this holy season.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
Topics:
Advent,
Bulletin,
cathedral,
desert,
epistle,
Extraordinary Form,
informational,
Jesus,
John the Baptist,
Judgment,
Latin Mass,
penance,
Requiem Mass,
Rorate,
Saint Paul,
theological
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Bulletin 80
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806 EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS: Celebrant Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
December 11th, 2011 Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday)
Epistle: Phil. 4: 4-7
Gospel: Jn. 1: 19-28
Mass Schedule December 12th through December 16th
Monday-Feria of Advent-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Saint Lucy, Virgin & Martyr
Wednesday-Ember Wednesday
Thursday-Requiem Mass + Deacon Bill McNamee
Friday-Ember Friday
Christians are a people of joy! When we sin we lose our joy because we offend God. However, if we repent and purify ourselves in the sacrament of penance God will always forgive us. True peace and joy is the result of nothing other than remaining faithful to God and embracing the Cross. We must remember that Advent is a season of repentance and penance. Those who know God realize that enduring afflictions with patience and faith will always strengthen our faith and ultimately lead to joy.
John the Baptist preached repentance and exemplified a life of penance. Concerning the value of penance, the Council of Trent teaches: “…penances greatly detach penitents from sin; they act like a bridle to keep them in check, and make them more cautious and vigilant in the future. They also heal the after-effects of sin and destroy evil habits acquired through a bad life…Besides, when we suffer in satisfaction for our sins we conform ourselves to Christ Jesus who made satisfaction for our sins (cf. Rom. 5.10; 1 Jn. 2.1f)…; this gives us the surest pledge that, while suffering with him, we shall also be glorified with him (Rom. 8.17).”
Penance atones for sin, satisfies the demands of God’s holiness and justice, pays the debt of temporal punishment due to sin, restores glory to God, and averts divine punishment. It focuses the penitent’s mind more clearly on God and increases sensitivity to spiritual values. Penance intensifies sorrow for sin and desire for holiness. It repairs and heals the harmful effects which sin has done to one’s self, to other persons, and to the social order. Furthermore, penance weakens the bonds of sinful attachments. It gives the penitent better control over unruly nature and deters the penitent from committing sin in the future. Penance strengthens the penitent’s resolve to overcome sin and advance in virtue. Finally, penance conforms the penitent to the likeness of Christ’s passion and therefore prepares the penitent to share the glory of His resurrection!
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
December 11th, 2011 Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday)
Epistle: Phil. 4: 4-7
Gospel: Jn. 1: 19-28
Mass Schedule December 12th through December 16th
Monday-Feria of Advent-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Saint Lucy, Virgin & Martyr
Wednesday-Ember Wednesday
Thursday-Requiem Mass + Deacon Bill McNamee
Friday-Ember Friday
Christians are a people of joy! When we sin we lose our joy because we offend God. However, if we repent and purify ourselves in the sacrament of penance God will always forgive us. True peace and joy is the result of nothing other than remaining faithful to God and embracing the Cross. We must remember that Advent is a season of repentance and penance. Those who know God realize that enduring afflictions with patience and faith will always strengthen our faith and ultimately lead to joy.
John the Baptist preached repentance and exemplified a life of penance. Concerning the value of penance, the Council of Trent teaches: “…penances greatly detach penitents from sin; they act like a bridle to keep them in check, and make them more cautious and vigilant in the future. They also heal the after-effects of sin and destroy evil habits acquired through a bad life…Besides, when we suffer in satisfaction for our sins we conform ourselves to Christ Jesus who made satisfaction for our sins (cf. Rom. 5.10; 1 Jn. 2.1f)…; this gives us the surest pledge that, while suffering with him, we shall also be glorified with him (Rom. 8.17).”
Penance atones for sin, satisfies the demands of God’s holiness and justice, pays the debt of temporal punishment due to sin, restores glory to God, and averts divine punishment. It focuses the penitent’s mind more clearly on God and increases sensitivity to spiritual values. Penance intensifies sorrow for sin and desire for holiness. It repairs and heals the harmful effects which sin has done to one’s self, to other persons, and to the social order. Furthermore, penance weakens the bonds of sinful attachments. It gives the penitent better control over unruly nature and deters the penitent from committing sin in the future. Penance strengthens the penitent’s resolve to overcome sin and advance in virtue. Finally, penance conforms the penitent to the likeness of Christ’s passion and therefore prepares the penitent to share the glory of His resurrection!
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
Topics:
Advent,
adversity,
Bulletin,
cathedral,
Christians,
Council of Trent,
Cross,
Feria,
Glory,
God,
John the Baptist,
Joy,
Passion,
penitent,
Repentance,
Requiem Mass,
resurrection,
theological,
Virtue
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Bulletin 79
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806 EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS: Celebrant Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
December 4th, 2011 Second Sunday of Advent
Epistle: Rom. 15: 4-13
Gospel: Mt. 11: 2-10
Mass Schedule December 5th through December 9th
Monday-Feria of Advent-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Requiem Mass + Kennedy Creado
Wednesday-Saint Ambrose; Bishop, Confessor & Doctor
Thursday-Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary—Latin Mass @ 2:00pm
Friday-Feria of Advent
There will be a pot-luck dinner on Sunday, December 4th immediately following the 2:30pm Latin Mass in the school cafeteria. All are invited to attend. Bring water, candles, or any religious articles you wish to have blessed.
December 8th (Immaculate Conception) is a holy day of obligation. Mass in the Extraordinary Form will be at 2:00pm at Saint Agnes Cathedral.
John was in prison when he heard the works of Christ. He sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus if He is the one to come. Jesus said to them: “Go and relate to John what you have heard and seen. The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead rise again, the poor have the gospel preached to them…” Jesus goes on to say: “What went you out into the desert to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Behold they that are clothed in soft garments are in the houses of kings. But what went you out to see? A Prophet? Yea I tell you and more than a Prophet…”
In the synoptic gospels, the account of Jesus’ public ministry begins with a description of John the Baptist calling the people to repent in preparation for the coming of God’s Kingdom. The austerity of John’s life bore striking witness to his message. Saint Matthew tells us: “In those days John the Baptizer appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, Repent! For the kingdom of God is at hand. It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said a voice of one crying out in the desert: Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. At that time Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him. They were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins” (Mt 3. 1-12).
People flocked to John the Baptist because they sensed he was a true man of God. He wasn’t concerned with people’s opinions, but only with fulfilling his God-given mission to prepare the way for Christ. Jesus Christ invites us to do the same.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
December 4th, 2011 Second Sunday of Advent
Epistle: Rom. 15: 4-13
Gospel: Mt. 11: 2-10
Mass Schedule December 5th through December 9th
Monday-Feria of Advent-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Requiem Mass + Kennedy Creado
Wednesday-Saint Ambrose; Bishop, Confessor & Doctor
Thursday-Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary—Latin Mass @ 2:00pm
Friday-Feria of Advent
There will be a pot-luck dinner on Sunday, December 4th immediately following the 2:30pm Latin Mass in the school cafeteria. All are invited to attend. Bring water, candles, or any religious articles you wish to have blessed.
December 8th (Immaculate Conception) is a holy day of obligation. Mass in the Extraordinary Form will be at 2:00pm at Saint Agnes Cathedral.
John was in prison when he heard the works of Christ. He sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus if He is the one to come. Jesus said to them: “Go and relate to John what you have heard and seen. The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead rise again, the poor have the gospel preached to them…” Jesus goes on to say: “What went you out into the desert to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Behold they that are clothed in soft garments are in the houses of kings. But what went you out to see? A Prophet? Yea I tell you and more than a Prophet…”
In the synoptic gospels, the account of Jesus’ public ministry begins with a description of John the Baptist calling the people to repent in preparation for the coming of God’s Kingdom. The austerity of John’s life bore striking witness to his message. Saint Matthew tells us: “In those days John the Baptizer appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, Repent! For the kingdom of God is at hand. It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said a voice of one crying out in the desert: Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. At that time Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him. They were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins” (Mt 3. 1-12).
People flocked to John the Baptist because they sensed he was a true man of God. He wasn’t concerned with people’s opinions, but only with fulfilling his God-given mission to prepare the way for Christ. Jesus Christ invites us to do the same.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
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