20 April 2013 Creation, the Gift of Love The early chapters of ‘Genesis’ as the constitutive content of the mystery of creation, outline the reality of this gift and the act of giving. It confirms that the radiance of Love is an integrating part of this same mystery. Only Love creates Good. In the last analysis, it alone can be perceived in all its dimensions and profiles in created things, in man above all. The original happiness of man whom God created “male and female” (Gen 1:27), the spousal meaning of the body in its original nudity, all express rooting in Love. This coherent giving goes back to the deepest roots of the conscience and the subconscious, to the ultimate strata of subjective existence in both man and woman. It is reflected in their reciprocal ‘experience of the body’, it ‘testifies to their being rooted in Love’. Ref: Cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, pp94-5 We pray for those who do not like us A Christian must always have a big heart and show respect for all, even for those who act as enemies, “not because they are brothers, but because brothers they must become; one must show fraternal love towards him who is already a brother, and towards the one who acts as an enemy, so that he may become a brother”. (St Augustine, “Commentary on 1 John”, 4, 10, 7) This attitude presumes a prayerful life. It distinguishes us from those who refuse to be Christ’s disciples. For “if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the Publicans do that? And if you greet only your brethren, what are you doing more than others? Do not even the Gentiles do that?” (Lk 6:32-3; Mt 5:45-6) Our Faith calls not merely for a correct human behavior, but for living heroic virtues daily. Trusting in everyone’s capacity to rectify his errors, charity will impel us to devote ourselves to prayer, to give good example; and to do apostolate and practise fraternal correction. If at some time we suffer through particularly painful offences, injustices or calumnies, we must ask Our Lady’s help. Ref: Cf Francis Fernandez, In Conversation with God, 3:342-3 Allowing ourselves to be led The word ‘faith’ is rooted in a person’s placing himself in the care of someone who is stronger; trusting in this person’s assistance. We put our trust in God. But He wants us to rely on those He has put by our side to help us see. God frequently gives light through his creatures. (Cf J Dheilly, “Biblical Dictionary”, Barcelona) The Lord passes by so close to us that we should be able to find him and follow him. Frequent recourse to the sacrament of Penance is an excellent way to ensure we see God more clearly in ourselves and in those around us. We ask the Blessed Virgin to help us purify our mind and heart so we can find God in the circumstances of every day. “Lord, I believe in you: increase my faith. I trust in you: strengthen my trust. I love you: let me love you more and more.” (“The Universal Prayer” (Attributed to Pope Clement XI) in Belmonte and Socias (Eds), “Handbook of Prayers”, p213) Ref: Cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 4:194-6 The School of Prayer The Lord will grant you the ability to discover many other aspects of the faithful response to grace of the Blessed Virgin. To know these facets of her life is to want to imitate them: her purity, humility, fortitude, generosity, fidelity ... But now I want to speak to you of an aspect that in a way encompasses all the others because it is a condition for spiritual growth — her life of prayer. Ref: Cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “Christ is passing by”, 174 Our Lady “What humility, that of my holy Mother Mary! She’s not to be seen amidst the palms of Jerusalem, nor -- except that first one at Cana -- at the hour of the great miracles. “But she doesn’t flee from the degradation of Golgotha: there she stands, ‘juxta crucem Iesu’ -- ‘by the cross of Jesus’ -- his Mother.” Ref: St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Way”, 507 • Our Lady of Scheir, in Bavaria. This church was built on the spot where the castle stood, which those of the house of Scheir voluntarily ceded to Our Lady, except Arnaud, who, in punishment of his obstinacy, was drowned in a neighboring lake. — Herith, de origine gentis et principibus Bavariae. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com) • Our Lady of Schier, Bavaria. (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html) • Our Lady of Scheir. Bavaria, Germany. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm) • Mary, Mother of Vocations. (“2002 Calendar”, Rogationist Fathers)