June 10, 2007: Corpus Christi Sunday

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June 10, 2007: Corpus Christi Sunday
June 08, 2007

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Corpus Christi Sunday
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
June 10, 2007

This feast is celebrated in the Latin Church on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday to solemnly commemorate the institution of the Holy Eucharist.

The petition to create the feast was started by St. Juliana of Mont Cornillon, in Belgium. She was educated by the Augustinian nuns of Mont Cornillon. She later died April 5, 1258, at the House of the Cistercian nuns at Fosses, and was buried at Villiers.

Deborah & Barak

Introduction

The Book of Judges derives its title from the twelve heroes of Israel whose deeds it records.

They were not magistrates, but military leaders sent by God to aid and to relieve his people in time of external danger. They exercised their activities in the interval of time between the death of Joshua and the institution of the monarchy in Israel.

Deborah and Barak are the fourth and fifth Judges and Barak is one of the Major Judges, along with Othniel, Ehud, Gideon, Jephthah and Samson.

Deborah Summons Barak
After Ehud's death, however, the Israelites again offends the LORD. So the LORD allows them to fall into the power of the Canaanite king, Jabin, who reigns in Hazor. The general of his army is Sisera.

But the Israelites cries out to the LORD; for with his nine hundred iron chariots Jabin oppresses the Israelites for twenty years. At this time the prophetess Deborah, wife of Lappidoth who sits under Deborah's palm tree where the Israelites come up to her for judgment, summons Barak, son of Abinoam, from Kedesh of Naphtali.

She tells him to go and march on Mount Tabor, and take with him ten thousand Naphtalites and Zebulunites. She tells him that she will lead Sisera, the general of Jabin's army, out to him at the Wadi Kishon, together with his chariots and troops, and will deliver them into his power.

But Barak tells her that he will go only if Deborah comes with him. Deborah tells him that she can go with him but he has to understand that he will not gain glory, for the LORD will deliver Sisera unto the hands of a woman.

So Deborah joins Barak and journeys with him to Kedesh. Barak summons Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh, and ten thousand men follow him. Deborah also goes up with him. At this time the

Kenite Heber has separated himself from his own people, the descendants of Hobab, Moses' brother-in-law, and pitched his tent by the tere-binth of Zaanannim, which is near Kedesh. His wife is named Jael.

When Sisera learns that Barak, son of Abinoam, has gone up to Mount Tabor, he assembles all nine hundred of his iron chariots and all his forces.

Deborah then says to Barak that this is the day on which the LORD will deliver Sisera into his power. She tells him that the LORD marches before him. So Barak goes down Mount Tabor with his ten thousand men. And the LORD puts Sisera and all his chariots and all his forces to rout before Barak. Sisera himself dismounts from his chariot and flees on foot.

Sisera Falls

But Barak pursues the chariots and the army and the entire army of Sisera falls and not one man survives. Sisera, in the meantime, flees on foot to the tent of Jael, wife of the Kenite Heber, since Jabin, king of Hazor, is at peace with the family of the Kenite Heber.

Jael goes out to meet Sisera and tells him to hide in her tent. Then Jael gets a tent peg and takes a mallet in her hand. While Sisera is sound asleep, Jael stealthily approaches him and drives the peg through his temple down into the ground.

Then when Barak comes in pursuit of Sisera, Jael goes out to lead him to the man he seeks. So he goes in with her, and there lays Sisera dead, with the tent peg through his temple.

Thus on that day God humbles and destroys the Canaanite king, Jabin.

For further reading on the heroes of the Old Testament:

I & II Samuel: A Commentary (Old Testament Library)
First sentence in the book:
""THE BOOKS OF SAMUEL contain that part of the history of Israel which describes the foundation of the State, running from the close of the period of the Judges to the establishment of the united kingdom."

The Sunday Readings

June 10, 2007: Corpus Christi Sunday

First Reading From the Book of Genesis:

Gn 14:18-20

In those days, Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine, and being a priest of God Most High, he blessed Abram with these words:
"Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
the creator of heaven and earth;
and blessed be God Most High,
who delivered your foes into your hand."
Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.

Responsorial From the Book of Psalms:

Ps 110:1, 2, 3, 4

R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

The LORD said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand
till I make your enemies your footstool."
R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

The scepter of your power the LORD will stretch forth from Zion:
"Rule in the midst of your enemies."
R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

"Yours is princely power in the day of your birth, in holy splendor;
before the daystar, like the dew, I have begotten you."
R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

The LORD has sworn, and he will not repent:
"You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek."
R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

Second Reading from the First Letter to the Corinthians

1 Cor 11:23-26

Brothers and sisters:
I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said,

"This is my body that is for you.
Do this in remembrance of me."

In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying,

"This cup is the new covenant in my blood.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."

For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.

Reading From the Gospel of Luke:

Lk 9:11b-17

Jesus spoke to the crowds about the kingdom of God, and he healed those who needed to be cured.

As the day was drawing to a close, the Twelve approached him and said,

"Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions; for we are in a deserted place here."

He said to them, "Give them some food yourselves."

They replied, "Five loaves and two fish are all we have, unless we ourselves go and buy food for all these people."

Now the men there numbered about five thousand. Then he said to his disciples,
"Have them sit down in groups of about fifty."

They did so and made them all sit down.

hen taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.

They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets.

References

Read more about the Liturgical Year

	The Origins of the Liturgical Year (Pueblo Books) by Thomas J. Talley (Author) The Rev. Dr. Thomas J. Talley, Professor of Liturgics at the General Theological Seminary in New York, is one of the leading liturgists in the country. He gives us a fresh examination of the complex history of the Liturgical Year.

	The Cultural World of Jesus: Sunday by Sunday, Cycle C. (Bestseller! the Cultural World of Jesus: Sunday by Sunday) by John J. Pilch (Author) Reader Review: The book by Pilch provides those who not only fill the pulpits across this country but also all interested in the cultural world in which Jesus lived with a lot of pertinent information that sheds light on a lot of areas that have been "muddled" in the past. Yes, I highly recommend this book. - James Mauldin

Learn more and read the Old Testament.
	Preaching from the Old Testament by Elizabeth Achtemeier (Author) Reader Review: The author of these thirty-two short chapters begins and ends with the assumption that problems we experience with the Old Testament are our problem, not the Bible's. This subordinating of the Bible reader to the well-weathered book he holds in his hand opens doors, not to forced harmonisations of problematic passages, but to fresh reappraisal of difficult texts on their own terms. - David A. Baer

	The Navarre Bible: Pentateuch (The Navarre Bible: Old Testament) This volume helps you make the first five books of the Old Testament a vital part of your spiritual reading and practical growth in the Christian life. It contains the full English and Latin texts of these books, along with extensive and faithfully Catholic commentaries. Like other volumes in the world-renowned Navarre Bible series, these commentaries draw on Church documents, the exegesis of Fathers and
Doctors of the Church, and the works of contemporary spiritual writers — particularly St. Josemaría Escrivá, who initiated the Navarre Bible project.

Comments and Suggestions are Most Welcome.

If you have any comments or contributions, please use the form in this link.

Some Hazards at the Beach

Dealing with Jellyfish
Jellyfish are among the most unpleasant seawater calamities. Fortunately, most victims make a complete recovery within days. If you or someone you know is stung by a jellyfish, get to shore and contact rescue workers immediately.

If none are present and you are required to address the wound yourself, pour vinegar on the wound to disable the nematocysts. If you do not have vinegar present, use salt water, but DO NOT use anything else. The slightest change in PH level could elicit the release of more venom. Once the nematocysts are disabled, it is time to

remove them. Before doing so, make sure you have protective clothing, as to ensure you are not wounded while attempting to help. Then, pull the larger portions of the jellyfish out of the wound. Next, take a sharp edge and run it along the wound to remove the smaller, remaining particles. A razor, credit card, or knife will suffice. Then, get the victim to medical care as soon as possible. Doctors will most likely prescribe something to reduce skin irritation.

Dealing with Sharks
Sharks are the scariest of seawater horrors, but unjustifiably so. Your chances of being bitten by a shark are about as good as your chances of being struck by lightning. Beyond that, only 1% of shark bites are fatal. Lastly, by following a few simple precautions, swimmers and surfers can reduce their chances almost to zero. To understand how to prevent against a shark attack, you need to understand what causes one. In California, there are no sharks that act as natural predators to humans. If someone is bitten by a shark, it is an accident. So, what causes an accident on the shark's part? Swimming in murky waters,

swimming near sunset or sunrise (when sharks feed), swimming while bleeding, or swimming alone. Sharks are much more likely to confuse one human for a fish than many humans as fish. Avoid those situations, and you should be safe. Sorry, we can't help you with the lightning.

Understanding Rip Currents
Rip currents are actually a much more real concern than sharks and jellyfish combined. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in children under the age of 15, and a rip current is a scary situation in which to find yourself. However, most people who drown in a rip current do so because they fight against
it, instead of taking the ride. See, rip currents are caused by a large influx of water (in the form of a large set of waves or increased tide) coming to the shore. Naturally, the water has to return to the ocean. Since water seeks the lowest point, sometimes a rushing underwater torrent of water will form in a low point on the sea floor, like an underwater river. If you get caught in this, it may feel as though you are being tugged underneath, but, in reality, you are being towed out to sea. The good news is

that the current has to come to an end, eventually.

Your best bet is either to swim parallel to the beach (like swimming across a river) until you have cleared the current or to simply take the ride and let the next set of waves take you back to shore. Whatever you do, don't fight against it. You can't swim against a rip current anymore than you can swim up Niagara Falls.

Dealing with Stingray
A stingray wound is serious and should receive medical attention. If a stingray barbs you, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Stingrays have venom on their barb that can cause a “drastic decrease in blood pressure, increased pulse, dizziness and possible shock.”

The barb may break off in the wound and it must be removed by a doctor. The wound will need to be cleaned to avoid infection. The victim may also need a tetanus shot.

If a stingray barbs you, get out of the water and onto the beach and notify emergency services immediately. Apply pressure to control the bleeding.

If the wound is not serious but you are in a lot of pain, soak wound in water as hot as you can stand for half an hour to an hour. Alternatively, wrap hot towels around the wound. Heat helps break down the venom and relieve the pain.

See a doctor immediately.

Recipes

Chopped Egg and Onions
Ingredients 8 - 10 eggs 6 - 8 spring onions (scallions) and/or 1 yellow or white onion, very finely chopped, plus extra to garnish 4 - 6 tbsp mayonnaise Mild French wholegrain mustard, to taste (optional if using mayonnaise) The amount of mayonnaise required will depend
on how much onion you use in this dish. This appetizer can be served sprinkled with chopped parsley and onion rings on crackers, on toast, or used as a sandwich or bagel filling. Click here for a Printer Friendly Version

Chicken Breasts with Lemon and Serrano Ham
Ingredients 3 tbsp butter, softened 4 skinless chicken breast fillets, flattened 4 slices Serrano ham 1 lemon Click here for a Printer Friendly Version

Almond Cookies
MAKES ABOUT TWENTY-FOUR 1 cup plain (all-purpose) flour 1 1/2 cups icing (confectioners’) sugar, plus extra for dusting 1/2 cup chopped almonds, plus halved almonds to decorate 1/2 cup unsalted (sweet) butter, softened Click here for a Printer Friendly Version

Engineering Terms & What They REALLY Mean
Part I

A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT APPROACHES ARE BEING TRIED

What this actually means:

We are still pi**ing in the wind.

EXTENSIVE REPORT IS BEING PREPARED ON A FRESH APPROACH TO THE PROBLEM

What this actually means:

We just hired three kids fresh out of college.

CLOSE PROJECT COORDINATION

What this actually means:

We know who to blame.

MAJOR TECHNOLOGICAL BREAKTHROUGH

What this actually means:

It works OK, but looks very hi-tech.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IS DELIVERED ASSURED

What this actually means:

We are so far behind schedule the customer is happy to get it delivered.

PRELIMINARY OPERATIONAL TESTS WERE INCONCLUSIVE

What this actually means:

The darn thing blew up when we threw the switch.

TEST RESULTS WERE EXTREMELY GRATIFYING

What this actually means:

We are so surprised that the stupid thing works.

THE ENTIRE CONCEPT WILL HAVE TO BE ABANDONED

What this actually means:

The only person who understood the thing quit.

IT IS IN THE PROCESS

What this actually means:

It is so wrapped up in red tape that the situation is about hopeless.

WE WILL LOOK INTO IT

What this actually means:

Forget it! We have enough problems for now.

To Sleep or Not to Sleep

How much sleep do I need?
Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night to be at their best, but every one of us is a little different. The amount of sleep you need is set by your genes. You can teach your body to get by on less sleep, but your need for a certain amount of sleep will not change. To find out how much sleep you need, go to bed without setting the alarm. The length of time you sleep until you wake up on your own will give you an idea of how much sleep is right for you. When you don’t get enough sleep, you build up a “sleep debt.” The only way to pay back that debt is by getting more sleep.

What does sleep have to do with diabetes?
Studies have shown that not getting enough sleep adds to insulin resistance, a major cause of type 2 diabetes. Lack of sleep is also linked to obesity, depression, high blood pressure and heart disease—all common among people with diabetes. In addition, it is hard to do all you need to do to care for your diabetes when you are worn out.

What does diabetes have to do with getting enough sleep?
High and low blood glucose levels can interrupt your sleep. When your blood glucose is too high, you may have to get up several times every night to go to the bathroom. When your blood glucose is too low, you may have nightmares or wake up from the symptoms of a low blood glucose level. Pain from neuropathy also can keep you awake at night.

Will I need to sleep less as I get older?
The amount of sleep you need is the same throughout your entire adult life. Older adults often wake up more during the night, so they sleep less, but the need for sleep is the same. As people get older and sleep less at night, they tend to sleep more during the day.

Having trouble sleeping is not a normal part of getting older. If health problems, pain, stress or other issues are keeping you awake, talk with your health care provider about treatments that can help.

What is insomnia and what causes it?
Most people think that insomnia is when you have a hard time falling asleep. It is also when you cannot stay asleep, waking up before the alarm, as well as when you cannot go back to sleep or feel very sleepy during the day.