Monthly Bulletin
Fraternal Association of Prayer and Sacrifice
|
December
1, 2006 Monthly Bulletin Fraternal Association of Prayer and Sacrifice |
| You
are receiving this monthly bulletin because you have registered as a
member of the Trumpets of Jericho Fraternal Society of Prayer and
Penance, or have been given a complimentary copy. The bulletin is sent
only to registered members, or, again, guest recipients. On or before the first Friday of each month you will get this bulletin to remind you of the prayer and fasting you have offered to do for the Diocese you have chosen. |
To
subscribe
or unsubscribe,
(register or un-register), send an e-mail to joshua@trumpetsofjericho.org Subscribing can also be done on the web site, www.trumpetsofjericho.org, on the link near the bottom |
We said that the third part of
penance is satisfaction, which is itself divided into another three
parts: almsgiving, fasting and prayer. Among these, prayer is the chief
and, in a way, the whole satisfaction. This an be shown for three
reasons: first, prayer includes the other two, almsgiving and fasting;
secondly, it is a sacrifice of a more noble thing than any other; and
thirdly, it is more common, lighter, easier for any person to do.
Prayer in itself is almsgiving, especially when we pray for
sinners who are in great necessity and misery, for by so doing we show
an exercise our spiritual alms to their souls, which is far better than
any bodily almsgiving. Also, if it comes from the heart and mind as it
should, prayer makes the body weary, feeble, and subject to the soul,
which is what fasting especially does. (St. John Fisher,
“Psalm 129: The Sixth Penitential Psalm,” in Exposition of the Seven
Penitential Psalms, Ignatius Press (San
Francisco: 1998), p. 215-216.)
The
Trumpet Sounds
Lent is a fantastic time to make
reparation to our Lord for the many sins especially of Bishops and
priests. Let us make reparation, and be careful to keep our souls free
from anger or hatred towards them, even though in many instances they
bring great scandal upon the Church. There are good bishops out there;
and even if there weren’t that would still be OK. Jesus
Christ alone is the judge of all men of all times and all places. Let
us trust in him, as the scripture reading (see below), offered for
reflection, reminds us. Pursue holiness, and never give up in spite of
trials.
- Joshua
Scripture
Passage for the Pilgrimage Around the Walls
My son,
when you come to serve the LORD, prepare yourself for trials. Be
sincere of heart and steadfast, undisturbed in time of adversity. Cling
to him, forsake him not; thus will your future be great. Accept
whatever befalls you, in crushing misfortune be patient; for in fire
gold is tested, and worthy men in the crucible of humiliation. Trust
God and he will help you; make straight your ways and hope in him. You
who fear the LORD, wait for his mercy, turn not away lest you fall. You
who fear the LORD, trust him, and your reward will not be lost. You who
fear the LORD, hope for good things, for lasting joy and mercy. Study
the generations long past and understand; has anyone hoped in the LORD
and been disappointed? Has anyone persevered in his fear and been
forsaken? has anyone called upon him and been rebuffed? Compassionate
and merciful is the LORD; he forgives sins, he saves in time of
trouble. (Sirach 2:1-11)
