The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost.

On the Chief Commandment in the Gospel for the Day..

PRAYER BEFORE MEDITATION.

My God, I firmly believe that Thou art here present. I acknowledge that on account of my many sins I am utterly unworthy to appear before Thy sacred countenance. Yet, confiding in Thy infinite goodness and mercy, I venture to address Thee, to call upon Thy holy name, and meditate upon Thy commandments, in order that I may acquire a better knowledge of Thy holy will, and accomplish it with more fidelity. Wherefore enlighten my understanding that I may perceive what I ought to do or leave undone for the promotion of Thy glory and my own salvation; at the same time excite my will, that I may repent with my whole heart of my past sins, and resolve for the future to do all that Thou requirest of me. Grant me above all to know Jesus, my divine Teacher and Guide, more clearly, that I may love Him more dearly, and consequently labor, struggle and suffer with greater generosity and self-sacrifice in imitation of His example. Holy Mary, Mother of God and my Mother, show Jesus to me now, and let me study thy divine Son to the salvation of my soul. Holy Guardian Angel, keep far from me all distracting thoughts; my patron saint, come to my assistance. Amen.

On the Chief Commandment in the Gospel for the Day.

Imagine that you see the infinitely lovely and lovable Saviour, standing in the midst of the Jews whose object is to tempt Him with their crafty questions behold Him, an innocent Lamb surrounded by ravening wolves and listen to the answer which with heavenly wisdom and divine patience He makes to their attacks. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind.” (St. Matt. xxii. 37.) That is the first and greatest commandment of the New Covenant, it is a summary of the whole moral code of the Christian.

1st. We ought to love God for our own sake. It was not without intention that our Lord made use of the same words concerning the love of God, when He was asked what one must do to be saved. Very often you think within yourself with a sigh: Would that I knew the right, the sure way to Heaven! Here it is pointed out to you: It is the love of God. You only need to walk in that way and in that way alone; you can walk in it even if you are crooked and lame, blind or dumb; it matters not whether you are counted among the rich or the poor, the learned or the unlearned ones of the earth. You cannot be too poor or too insignificant to love God; remember how St. Bonaventure reminded blessed Brother Giles, who was noted for his extreme simplicity, of this truth for his consolation and encouragement, telling him that in order to obtain eternal salvation it was enough to love God. And he added that a poor illiterate old woman was just as capable of loving God as the most erudite theologian. Take heart then, my soul; as you now know the way to Heaven, walk hence forth in it, and bear in mind continually the admonition given us in the Imitation: “All is vanity, besides loving God and serving Him alone. For he who loves God with his whole heart fears neither death nor chastisement, neither judgment nor hell, because perfect love prepares for the soul freer access to God.”

2d. We ought to love God for His own sake. For this reason it is said: “Thou shalt love thy God with thy whole heart.” Our love for God must not be a selfish love, only for the sake of our own interest; it ought rather to be the love of our whole heart, a free, generous love of God for what He is in Himself. For we know that God first loved us. Reflect awhile to-day on the love of God for you, think of all that His love has done for you. Pass in mental review the innumerable graces and blessings which you owe to God. Consider that all that you see around you, all that you hear or feel that is good and beautiful is His gift. For you the stars shine, the moon gives light, the sun emits its vivifying rays. For you the flowers blossom, the trees bear fruit; oh say, how is it possible that men do not love God with their whole heart? If St. Francis did but hear the love of God mentioned, his soul was stirred to its inmost depths, and his heartstrings made sweet harmony like the chords of a harp. All creatures for him were only so many mirrors wherein he beheld God, the God of his love; they were so many steps whereby he ascended to God, the God of his love; they were so many melodious notes, resounding within his loving heart. Moreover he had but one desire and that was to love God more, so that he prayed: Grant, Lord, that the sweet force of Thy burning love may detach me from all things under Heaven, in order that I may die of love and of longing for Thy love. You see in what a degree Francis loved God, and you hear that same God whom he loved call to you, bidding you love Him with your whole heart; can you remain cold and indifferent?

3d. Consider in what the true love of God actually consists. Our Lord says: “Thou shalt love thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind.” Commenting on this passage, St. Augustine says: “Thou shalt love God with thy whole heart, thy whole soul, thy whole mind, so that all thy thoughts, thy whole life, all thy intellectual powers may be fixed upon, directed towards Him from whom thou hast received all.” No part of our being is omitted from this category, nothing within us is to be inactive, for the love of God does not consist in mere sentiments, affections, fine phrases: it demands deeds, sacrifices, entire and complete self-surrender. He loves God perfectly who consecrates himself to His service with all his powers of body and soul, so that he may present his body in chastity and continence as “a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing unto God” (Rom. xii. 1), and all the powers of his soul will ever be turned towards God, as flowers turn towards the sun; the understanding thinking of Him, the affections delighting in Him, the will conforming itself to His will. “God,” says St. Augustine, “desires to have thee wholly and entirely. But do not grieve, as though thou wouldst retain nothing wherein to find enjoyment. To love God will be thy truest gain, and if thou dost not love God who made thee, thou hast but little love for thyself.” Ask yourself how it is with you in regard to the love of God, and lay to heart this beautiful passage from the Imitation: “Whatsoever things I love, of these I willingly speak and hear, and carry home with me the images of them. But blessed is the man, Lord, who for Thee gives all things created leave to depart; who does violence to his nature, and through fervor of spirit crucifies the lusts of the flesh; that so he may be worthy to be among the choirs of angels, all earthly things being shut out, whether external or internal.” He is indeed blessed who loves but one, and that one God; who loves Him with his whole heart, with his whole soul and with his whole mind.

PRAYER AFTER MEDITATION.

My God, I give Thee heartfelt thanks for all the graces and all the light Thou hast conferred on me during this meditation. Pardon me all the negligence and the distractions of which I have been guilty, and give me strength to carry out the resolutions that I have made. Fortify me, that from henceforth I may diligently practise this virtue . . . avoid this fault . . . perform this action . . . to Thy honor. Help me to do this, sweet Virgin Mary; and if I ever forget my good resolutions, I entreat my Angel Guardian to recall them to my memory. Amen.

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October Devotion: The Holy Angels and the Holy Rosary.

Virtues to practice: Confidence.

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel.

Most glorious prince of the heavenly hosts, Archangel St. Michael, defend us in the battle and in the tremendous struggle we carry on against the Principalities and Powers, against the rulers of the world of darkness and all evil spirits. Come to the help of man, whom God created immortal, fashioned to His own image and likeness, and rescued at a great price from the tyranny of the devil. With the great army of the holy angels fight to-day the battle of the Lord as thou didst of old fight against Lucifer, the leader of the proud, and his apostate angels, who were powerless against thee, and they had no longer a place in heaven; and that monster, the old serpent who is called the devil and Satan, that seduces the whole world, was cast into hell with his angels. But now that first enemy and homicide has regained his insolent boldness. Taking on the appearance of an angel of light, he has invaded the earth, and, with his whole train of evil spirits, he is prowling about among men, striving to blot out the name of God and of His Christ, to capture, to destroy, to drag to eternal perdition the souls destined to the crown of eternal glory. That malignant dragon is pouring abroad, like a foul stream, into the souls of men of ruined intellect and corrupt heart the poison of his wickedness, the spirit of lying, of impiety and blasphemy, the pestilent breath of impurity and of all vice and iniquity. Most cunning enemies have filled with bitterness and drenched with gall the Church, the Spouse of the Lamb without spot, and have lifted impious hands against all that is most sacred in it. Even in the holy place where the See of Blessed Peter and the chair of truth was set up to enlighten the world, they have raised the abominable throne of their impiety with the iniquitous hope that the Shepherd may be stricken and the flock scattered abroad. Arise, then, unconquerable Prince, defend the people of God against the assaults of the reprobate spirits, and give them the victory. Holy Church reveres thee as its guardian and patron; it glories in thee as its defender against the malignant powers of hell; to thee God has committed the souls that are to be conveyed to the seats of the Blessed in eternal happiness. Pray, then, to the God of peace, that He may put Satan under our feet, so completely vanquished that he may no longer be able to hold men in bondage and work harm to the Church. Offer up our prayers before the Most High, so that the mercies of the Lord may prevent us, and lay hold of the dragon, the old serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and hurl him bound in chains into the abyss where he may no longer seduce the souls of men. Amen.

V. Behold the Cross of the Lord, fly ye hostile ranks.
R. The Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, has conquered.
V. May Thy mercies, O Lord, be fulfilled in us.
R. As we have hoped in Thee.
V. Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.

Let us pray.

O God, and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we call upon Thy holy name and humbly beseech Thy clemency, that, through the intercession of the ever immaculate Virgin and our Mother Mary, and of the glorious Archangel Saint Michael, Thou wouldst vouchsafe to help us against Satan and all the other unclean spirits that are prowling about the world to the great peril of the human race and the loss of souls. Amen.

His Holiness, Leo XIII., Motu Proprio, September 25, 1888, granted to the faithful who recite the above prayer
AN INDULGENCE OF THREE HUNDRED DAYS, once a day.

ANTIPHON.

Sancte Michael Archangele,
defende nos in praelio,
ut non pereamus
in tremendo judicio.

Holy Archangel Michael,
defend us in battle,
that we may not perish
in the tremendous judgment.

His Holiness, Leo XIII., by a rescript of the S. Congr. of Indulgences, August 19, 1893, granted to the faithful who recite the above antiphon
AN INDULGENCE OF ONE HUNDRED DAYS, once a day.

GABRIEL, THE ARCHANGEL.
NOVENA IN HONOR OF S. GABRIEL THE ARCHANGEL.

The Sovereign Pontiff, Pius IX., by a rescript of the S. Congr. of Indulgences, Nov. 26, 1876, granted to all the faithful who, with contrite hearts, at any time during the year, devoutly make the novena in honor of S. Gabriel the archangel, with any formula of prayer, provided it be approved by competent ecclesiastical authority,
AN INDULGENCE OF THREE HUNDRED DAYS, once a day;
A PLENARY INDULGENCE, during the novena, if, truly penitent, having confessed and communicated, they pray for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff.

RAPHAEL, THE ARCHANGEL.
NOVENA IN HONOR OF S. RAPHAEL, THE ARCHANGEL.

The Sovereign Pontiff, Pius IX., by a rescript of the S. Congr. of Indulgences, Nov. 28, 1876, granted to all the faithful who, with contrite hearts, at any time during the year, devoutly make the novena in honor of S. Raphael the archangel, with any formula of prayer, provided it be approved by competent ecclesiastical authority,
AN INDULGENCE OF THREE HUNDRED DAYS, once a day;
A PLENARY INDULGENCE, during the novena, if, truly penitent, having confessed and communicated, they pray for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff.

PRAYER TO S. RAPHAEL, ARCHANGEL.

Glorious Archangel, S. Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, illustrious by thy gifts of wisdom and grace, guide of travellers by land and sea, consoler of the unfortunate and refuge of sinners, I entreat thee to help me in all my needs and in all the trials of this life, as thou didst once assist the young Tobias in his journeying. And since thou art the “physician of God,” I humbly pray thee to heal my soul of its many infirmities and my body of the ills that afflict it, if this favor is for my greater good. I ask, especially, for angelic purity, that I may be made fit to be the living temple of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

His Holiness, Leo XIII., by a rescript of the S. Congr. of Indulgences, June 21, 1890, granted to the faithful who shall recite the above prayer
AN INDULGENCE OF ONE HUNDRED DAYS, once a day.

THE ANGEL GUARDIAN.
PRAYER.

Angele Dei,
qui custos es mei,
me tibi commissum pietate superna
illumina, custodi,
rege, et guberna.Amen.

Angel of God,
my guardian dear,
To whom His love commits me here,
Ever this day be at my side,
To light and guard,
To rule and guide.
Amen.

The Sovereign Pontiff, Pius VI., by a brief, Oct. 2, 1795, granted to all the faithful, every time that, with at least contrite heart and devotion, they shall say this prayer:
AN INDULGENCE OF ONE HUNDRED DAYS.
A PLENARY INDULGENCE, on the feast of the holy guardian angels (Oct. 2), to those who shall have said this prayer, morning and evening, throughout the year, provided that, on the day of the feast, being truly penitent, after confession and communion, they shall visit a church or public oratory, and pray for the Sovereign Pontiff.
The same Sovereign Pontiff, by a rescript of the S. Congr. of Indulgences, June 11, 1796, granted:
A PLENARY INDULGENCE, at the hour of death, to all those who, during life, shall have frequently said this prayer, provided they shall have the proper dispositions.

The Sovereign Pontiff, Pius VII., by a rescript of the S. Congr. of Indulgences, May 15, 1821, not only confirmed the above mentioned indulgences, but, moreover, granted:
A PLENARY INDULGENCE, once a month, to all the faithful who shall have said it every day for a month, as above directed, on any day, when, being truly penitent, after confession and communion, they shall visit a church, and pray devoutly for the intention of his Holiness.

NOVENA IN HONOR OF THE GUARDIAN ANGEL.

The Sovereign Pontiff, Pius IX., by a rescript dated at Gaeta, Jan. 5, 1849, and by another of the S. Congr. of Bishops and Regulars, Jan. 28, 1850, granted to all the faithful who, with contrite hearts, at any time during the year, devoutly make the novena in honor of the Guardian Angel, published by the Rev. Joseph M. Falcone, of the Congregation of the Missions:
AN INDULGENCE OF ONE HUNDRED DAYS, once a day.
A PLENARY INDULGENCE, either during the novena or upon one of the eight days immediately following, if, truly penitent, they confess and communicate, and say some prayers for the holy Church and for the Sovereign Pontiff.
By a rescript of the S. Congr. of Indulgences, Nov. 26, 1876, the same Sovereign Pontiff deigned to approve that these indulgences may be gained by those who make the novena to the Guardian Angel with any other formula of prayer, provided it be approved by competent ecclesiastical authority.

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PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE NORTH AMERICAN MARTYRS

O GOD, Who by the preaching and the blood of Thy Blessed Martyrs, John and Isaac and their Companions, didst consecrate the first fruits of the faith in the vast regions of North America, graciously grant that by their intercession the flourishing harvest of Christians may be everywhere and always increased. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son Who liveth and reigneth in union with the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

PRAYER OF PETITION

O GOD, Who didst inflame the hearts of Thy Blessed Martyrs with an admirable zeal for the salvation of souls, grant me, I beseech Thee (here make your request), so that the favors obtained through their intercession may make manifest before men the power and the glory of Thy Name. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary. Glory be to the Father.

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Act of Perfect Contrition
Oh my God! I am heartily sorry
for having offended Thee and
I detest all my sins because
I dread the loss of Heaven and the pains of Hell;
But most of all because I have offended Thee, My God,

Who art all-good and deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace,
To confess my sins, to do penance,
And to amend my life. Amen.

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Prayers in Time of Calamity
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