The Meditation Septuagesima (LXX) February 17 th - A.D. 2019 St. Catherine Reading (c. 1650) Painting by Carlo Dolci (1616-1686) Italian Baroque painter Known for painting highly finished religious paintings. 1
The Introit (Entrance Verse) for Septuagesima Sunday T he sorrows of death compassed me, the pains of hell gat hold upon me: and in my tribulation I made my prayer unto the Lord, and he regarded my supplication out of his holy temple... I will love thee, O Lord my strength: the Lord is my stony rock, my fortress, and my Savior. (Psalm 18) This Sunday marks the Church s entry into the season of Pre-Lent, or Septuagesima-tide. We turn our thoughts, plans, and prayers towards the coming penitential season of Great Lent during this short season of about three weeks. Prayer and fasting, along with reading portions of Holy Scripture, becomes an important part of many people s Lenten practices. Let s take a brief look at what this great and important Book is for the Christian... from perhaps a different perspective. The Bible is the Book that God wrote. It s His holy written Word, which forms part of His presence among us. It, in the form of the Missal [1] holds a sacred place upon the altar, where nothing else may be placed except the bread and wine which will be transformed into the most Sacred Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. God s Book must be read with a humble spirit, with a heart full of love and with inward prayer in order to understand more of the things that are of God. Here we find divine wisdom, put into human words for our sake. In principio [2] ( In the beginning ), writes St. John: God, Who lives in eternity, created time: two absolutes, two impenetrable mysteries. The Unchangeable prints His image upon that which changes, and by His gaze makes it beautiful with a beauty which provokes our love for the Creator. Thus, eternally creative Love attains its end: it draws all hearts unto itself. God s Book begins with God Himself: In principio creavit Deus caelum et terram. [3] In the beginning, God created heaven and earth. (Genesis; Chap. 1 Vs. 1) In the beginning there was God and nothing but God: God in His uniqueness, His unopposed and unstoppable might! [4] This is important, for it must be read as if coming from God in order to teach us to think differently, as the Gospel would have us do. Our thoughts usually begin incorrectly when opening our Bibles; for we begin with ourselves, when instead, we should begin with God, on Whom we mistakenly impose the laws of our limited intelligence. We reverse the values, testing by human measures, God s motives and judgements. We compare His phrases and images with those which we find in our current daily lives, and so to our great error, we miss the chance of learning to think as God does. He is the norm of all things...not us, nor the age in which we live. It is backward and foolish thinking to try to fit God within the spirit of the age...any age. All thought begins with God, for He clearly tells us: Before Abraham was, I am. - (St. John; Chap. 8, Vs. 58). God is the living God: He lives and reigns. He is life, and from this Absolute He draws all creation to Himself. Life, complete in itself, uses nothingness in order to express itself. God 2
merely speaks, and creation is. He created all things by His word[5], and therefore, His very being is involved in creation. The Father knows Himself in the Son, and by the Son He expresses Himself, so that through the Son, mankind may share that knowledge. The Son is the brilliant and spotless mirror image of the Father. Creatures (that s us!) are but a distant reflection of Him, or as Pere Sertillanges [6] has said; an attempt to express Him a miracle of his love and power ringing around us with His beauty. It s good for us to read the Biblical psalms and hymns in praise of creation, such as Psalm 104[7], and Job, Chapters 38 to 41. And, to perhaps make Judith s song of thanksgiving [8]one of our favorites: I will sing unto the Lord a new song: O Lord, thou art great and glorious, wonderful in strength, and invincible. Let all creatures serve thee: for thou spakest and they were made, thou didst send forth thy spirit, and it created them, and there is none that can resisteth thy voice... thou art merciful to them that fear thee. (Judith; Chap. 15, Vss. 13-15). And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was good. (Genesis; Chap. 1, Vs. 31). Mankind, in turn sings: Blessed art thou in the firmament of heaven: praised and exalted above all forever. O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord, praise him and magnify him forever. (The Song of the Three Children: Benedictus es, Domine Deus)[9] Perhaps no text is as impressive as Wisdom; Chap. 1, Verse 7: The Spirit of the Lord filleth the world. Making reference to the world as though it were pregnant, St. Paul writes: We know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. (Romans; Chap. 8, Vs. 22). Until born unto the world that great reality as described by St. Ambrose: In Him (Christ), the world has risen again, the firmament has risen again, the earth has risen again in Him. All creation has been received into the Trinity in the Person of Jesus Christ glorified. Earth can be a little portion of heaven for the believing Christian, saved and full of glory, bathed in the radiance shed upon it by the risen Christ, so we, God s children may enjoy it. We have, in a way, been gifted with a second sight, surrounded by mysteries that are invisible to others. It becomes for us, Jacob s ladder, leading us up to our Creator. St. Augustine of Hippo, meditating on the miracle of the multiplication of bread, is reminded of yet another wonder that takes place yearly, that even we, today can witness: the planting of grains and corn. The seed appears, in a literal sense, to be thrown to the ground to die. Through God s miracle of creation, however, the outer husk is split, and a tender shoot takes root into the soil, and through the other gifts of sunlight and rain, in due course, it reaches up heavenward and yields up its bounty. St. Mary Magdalene di Pazzi, [10] another saint, when confronted with the beauty of a flower said: From all eternity, God created this flower, that by it He might win my heart! The Saints read from God s Book, the Book which he who runs may read [11], that is, something that has been written so clearly that anyone can understand it. The Book in which pure eyes and simple hearts will find sermons in stones, and good, because God is in everything. Let us orient ourselves like the saints in reading God s Word as God would have it read, and not ourselves. 3
Meditation Notes: [1] Missal: (Lat: Liber Missalis also Missale). The book containing all that is necessary to be sung or said, with ceremonial directions for, the celebration of the Mass throughout the year. Infused with voluminous Scriptural passages, it could be considered a Biblical Ceremonial or The Bible in Ceremonial Form. [2] St. John; Chap. 1, Vs. 1 [3] excerpted from: Bibla Sacra : juxta vulgatum Versionem - The Holy Bible as translated from the Latin Vulgate [4] In the Beginning : There s much discussion going on among both the scientific and secular communities, regarding that moment of Creation. The term Big Bang Theory is used to describe one of these theories. It s worth noting that Fr. Georges Henri-Joseph Lemaitre (1894-1966), a Belgian Roman Catholic priest, mathematician, astronomer and professor of physics at the Catholic University of Louvain (Belgium), proposed on theoretical grounds that the universe began in an instant and since, is expanding. This theory was observationally confirmed by Prof. Edwin Hubble, which was formulated into Hubble s Law. Fr. Lemaitre made the first estimation of what is known today as the Hubble Constant, which he published in 1927, two years before Hubble s article. Fr. Lemaitre also proposed what became known as the Big Bang theory of the creation of the universe, originally calling it the Hypothesis of the Primeval Atom. The International Astronomical Union, on October 26, 2018 voted to change the name of the Hubble Law to the Hubble-Lemaitre Law. Scientists and theologians agree that there is a very sublime order to the workings of the universe. Who is behind all of this? Theologians and some scientists readily acknowledge a Divine Creator, while for others their votes are out. God is perhaps showing us his humorous side making the others work for it! [5] St. John; Chap 1, Vss. 1-4 : In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life. [6] Pere (Father) Antonin- Gilbert Sertillanges (1863 1948): A French Roman Catholic Dominican priest, philosopher and spiritual writer. Excerpted from: The Intellectual Life; its Spirit, Conditions, and Methods [7] Psalm 104: Benedic anima mea...in some Psalters it is Psalm 103 [8] Also called the Canticle of Judith: Judith; Chap. 16, Vss. 13-17 This canticle is sung at the monastic office (and in the Breviary) of Lauds on Wednesday. Ref: The Anglican Breviary (Breviarum Anglicanum), Page B88 (136). [9] Benedictus es, Domine Deus : a canticle for the office of Lauds 2 on Sunday (Anglican Breviary). The Song of the Three Holy Children (Apocrypha) Vss. 34 & 35. [10] St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi (1560-1607) : An Italian Carmelite nun and mystic. [11] He who runs may read a phrase gleaned from Habakkuk; Chap. 2, Vs. 2: And the Lord answered and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. Spiritual multi-tasking! 4
Priory Kalendar For the week of: February 17 th to February 24 th - A.D. 2019 in Septuagesima-tide Sunday, February 17 th.. Septuagesima (LXX) Septuagesimatide; the Pre-Lenten Season Begins. Winter s back is broken this day. Old Sarum Kalendar - 12 th cent. Monday, February 18 th... St. Mary Bernard (Bernadette) Soubirous; V. -19 th cent. Tuesday, February 19 th... St. Benedicti in Spinis (Benedictine observance)...see Note 1 Wednesday, February 20 th... Monte Corona Congregation (Camaldolese) Established - 1528. Thursday, February 21 st...feria in Septuagesima...Last Day in which Septuagesima can fall. Friday, February 22 nd.. St. Joseph of Aramathea: C. 1 st cent Judea... fast and Abstinence Saturday, February 23 rd... St. Peter Damian: B. C. D., O.S.B. 11 th cent. Sunday, February 24 th..... Sexagesima (LX) St. Matthias; Ap. - Transferred to next day (Monday 25 th ). Kalendar Notes: Note 1 : February 19 th : Feast of St. Benedict in the Thorns (Sancti Benedicti in Spinas) : In the biography of the life of St. Benedict, we are told that a young St. Benedict, while fasting and praying in a cave was tempted by the devil in the form of a beautiful naked woman. Rather than give into temptation he threw himself into a nearby thorn bush and rolled about. The devil departed. Benedictines honor this day as it serves as a reminder of the coming Lenten season when they will undergo more than the usual share of temptations. Each monk, in the early days of our community, was given a cactus plant by Prior Robert on this day as a symbolic reminder. Certain bothers received larger cacti than others! If anyone thinks monks don t have a sense of humor, think again...our community had it in spades! St. Benedict in the Thorns: painting by Giovanni Bazzi (1477-1549) 5
February 18 th February 22 nd February 23 rd St. Bernadette of Lourdes St. Joseph of Aramathea St. Peter Damian Guardian Angel Card of the Week We fly to thy patronage O Holy Mother of God 6
KALENDAR KEY: Abt. = Abbot, Abs. = Abbess, Abp = Archbishop, Anc. = Anchorite, Ancs. = Anchoress, Ap. = Apostle, Bl. = Blessed, Br. = Brother, Bp. = Bishop, Card. = Cardinal, C. or Conf. = Confessor, Comm. = Commemoration/Commemorate, Dcn. = Deacon, Doct. = Doctor of the Church, Ev. = Evangelist, H. = Hermit, LBr. = Lay Brother, LSr. = Lay Sister, K. = King, Mat. = Matron, M. = Monk, M.M. = Month s Mind ( Requiem for the recently departed on the 30 th day after death or burial). Myr. = Martyr, N. = Nun, Obl. = Oblate, P. = Priest, Po. = Pope, Pr. = Prior, Prs. = Prioress, R. = Recluse, RM = Requien Mortuorum, ( Mass and Offices for the departed once a month as designated on Kalendar). SDcn. = Sub Deacon, Q. = Queen, Ven. = Venerable, Vir.=Virgin, W. = Widow. FASTING KEY: A = Abstinence, F = Fast, F & A = Fast and Abstinence RELIGIOUS ORDER ABBREVIATIONS: C.O = Congregation of the Oratory (Oratorians), C.P. = Congregation of the Passion (Passionists), C.S.J. = Congregation of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), Er. Cam. = Camaldolese Hermits, F.P. O. = Franciscans of the Primitive Observance, O. Car. = Carmelite Order, O. Cart. Carthusian Order, O.C.D. = Order of Discalced Friars (Carmelites), O.F.A. = Augustinian Order, O.F.M = Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans), O.F.M. Cap = Capuchin Order, O.P. = Order of Preachers (Dominicans also called Blackfriars ), O. Praem. = Order of Cannons Regular (Norbertines), O.S.B. = Order of St. Benedict (Benedictines), O.Ss. S. = Bridgettines, O.S.U = Ursulines, O.C.O. = Order of the Cistercian Observance (Trappists/Trappistines), O.C.S.O. = Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance (Trappists/ Trappistines). Tert. = Tertiary (Third Order religious) About the Meditation and About Us The Meditation is an online apostolate of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Priory in Raymond, Maine, USA. We are an Anglican-Catholic Benedictine contemplative community that follows the Holy Rule of St. Benedict, the 5 th century Father of Western Monasticism. We are resident within the Diocese of the Northeast (DNE), of the Anglican Church in America (ACA), a member of the worldwide Traditional Anglican Communion (TAC). The Meditation is a weekly online offering that is sent out free of charge to anyone who desires to receive it. Subscribers may copy and pass along The Meditation to their families and friends, or send us their e-address (with their permission) to add to our subscription list so they may receive it directly from us. Each issue is sent out as a BCC (Blank Copy) in respect to subscriber privacy and online security. To subscribe, contact us at: klamarre@maine.rr.com To read past issues of the Meditation, please go to our website at: www.ourladyofsevensorrows.org and you can find them in the section marked Meditations on the homepage. PLEASE NOTE: In respect to our contemplative vocation and the animals in our rescue and rehab center, we do not have guest or bathroom facilities and do not regularly receive visitors. Fr. Kevin is available to hear confessions and give spiritual direction by appointment only. Please contact via email to make an appointment or to make us aware of your needs, concerns and intentions for our prayerful attention. It is our privilege to pray for you. PLEASE CONSIDER REMEMBERING US IN YOUR ESTATE PLANNING Contact Sr. Mary Francis, O.S.B. for more information via our email address 7
A Notice to our Subscribers You wouldn t want this guy or these guys working on your car... or this guy work on your computer, would you? It s the same thing with Fr. Kevin. He s a master at taking things apart, but when it comes time to put it all back together...well, he always manages to have some parts left over. No comment about the fix! This coming week, we will be taking our computer to our guy (yeah, we ve got a guy, too!) in Portland to give it it s annual going over and cleaning up. Just like you do to your car. PLEASE NOTE: There will be NO MEDITATION for next week. We are hoping to be back on line the following week. Some of you may receive test mailings to make sure everything s back up running. The only portion of this undertaking our dear Prior will have, is to bring the computer to the repair center, so rest assured, friends, he s in no way a part of the annual check up process! - Sr. Mary Francis, Br. Chip, Br. Sylvester, and Br. Raymond. Animal News By Sr. Mary Francis We would just like to thank you Animal Angels from the bottom of our hearts for making our animals lives so happy. Your kindness and generosity, whether the individual widow s mite, regular benefactors, or collections taken at some of our churches are truly appreciated as are your notes which are always edifying. We would not be able to do what we do here without you and your hearts which have most obviously been touched by God, and rest assured, God sees what you do for the least of these. You are kept close in thought and in our prayers... With heartfelt gratitude, Sr. Mary Francis and all the animals PAX 8
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