‘Blessed are the merciful’ who condole the sufferings of others to help them not from human and natural motives, but as a principle of faith. We are called to works of mercy by our Lord’s precept, “Be you therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful” (Mt 5:7); and he has desired to represent the needy in his own person.
At the day of judgment he will say: “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; ... I was hungry and you gave me to eat. ... I tell you, just as you did it to one of these my least brethren, you did it to me.” (Mt 25:34-40)
To convert sinners and bring them back to God, to instruct the ignorant, to root out sinful prejudices, to inculcate the truths and maxims of the faith which men are so determined to misrepresent, etc.
How have we performed these duties? Patiently? Generously? Do we obtain help in them from God? From our Lady? From the angels and saints? By the sanctity of our llfe, our prayers, and our mortifications?
“Blessed are the clean of heart; for they shall see God.” (Mt 5:8) There are many degrees of purity of heart: a) freedom from mortal sin; b) freedom from deliberate venial sin and all affection for sin; c) freedom from least ill-regulated affection; d) freedom from imperceptible stains which hinder our entrance into heaven; and e) that perfect purity of intention by which a man sees, feels, and loves nothing but God.
Great is the reward promised to this last degree -- they shall see God in this world by the great light given to them, and in the other by the Beatific Vision, which will be in proportion to these different degrees.
“Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice’s sake” (Mt 5:11), who faithfully observe the law of God; intrepidly defend His cause; procuring his glory and preserving the rights of the Church. In proportion to their labors and risks “theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5:11).
Do not complain of those who wish us ill and malign us. Rather pity and pray for them. They do us a service by wishing us evil. If we say we care little for outward persecution, do not suffer personally from it; but find it very painful to meet with coldness and opposition on the part of our brethren towards us, find out why. It may be due to our want of regularity, an eccentric character, obstinacy of disposition, or hastiness of temper.
If this is the case, we are not suffering for justice’s sake, but for the faults that we can, and ought to, correct. Do this, and all our cause for complaint will vanish. We will be beloved of God and men.
Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp429-32
‘The merciful, the pure in heart, the persecuted’
Mercy is not just a matter of giving alms to the poor; but also of being understanding towards other people’s defects, overlooking them, helping them cope with them and loving them despite whatever defects they may have. Being merciful also means rejoicing and suffering with other people.
Christ teaches us that the source of quality of human acts lies in the heart, ie, in a man’s soul, in the depths of his spirit. “When we speak of a person’s heart, we refer not just to his sentiments, but to the whole person in his loving dealing with others. In order to help us understand divine things, Scripture uses the expression ‘heart’ in its full human meaning, as the ... ultimate basis, of one’s thoughts, words and actions. A man is worth what his heart is worth.” (cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “Christ is passing by”, 164)
Cleanness of heart is a gift of God, which expresses itself in a capacity to love, in having an upright and pure attitude to everything noble. As St Paul says, “whatever is true, ... honourable, ... just, ... pure, ... lovely, ... gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Phil 4:8). Helped by God’s grace, a Christian should constantly strive to cleanse his heart and acquire this purity; his reward is the vision of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because they are holy or because they are striving to be holy. Thus, blessed is he who suffers persecution for being true to Jesus Christ and who does so not patiently but joyfully. Circumstances arise in a Christian’s life that call for heroism, where no compromise is admissible: either one stays true to Jesus Christ whatever the cost to his reputation, life or possessions; or denies him.
St Bernard (“Sermon of the Feast of All Saints”) says the eighth Beatitude is the prerogative of Christian martyrs. Every Christian who is faithful to Jesus’ teaching is in fact a ‘martyr’ (a witness) who reflects or acts in accordance with this Beatitude, even if he does not die. The Beatitudes are the conditions Jesus lays down for entering the Kingdom of heaven. The Christian life, then, is no easy matter, but it is worthwhile, given the reward that Jesus promises.
Ref: “The Navarre Bible, The Gospel of St Matthew”, 1988, pp56-7
To obtain Mary’s help and intercession
Our Lord has multiplied the signs of his benevolence, and he has left us Mary as a powerful beacon. “If the winds of temptation blow, if you run against the reefs of temptation, look at the star, call on Mary. If the waves of pride, of ambition or of envy are breaking over you, look at the star, call on Mary. If anger, greed or impurity are violently shaking the ship of your soul, turn to Mary. ... dismayed at the thought of your sins, confounded by the ugliness of your conscience, fearful at the idea of judgment, and you begin to sink into a bottomless abyss of sadness or of despair, think about Mary.
“To obtain her help and intercession, always follow the example of her virtues. You will not go astray if you follow her. You will not despair if you call to her. You will not get lost if you think about her. If she is holding you by the hand you will not fall. If she is protecting you, you have nothing to fear. You will not grow weary if she is your guide. You will reach port safely if she is looking after you.” (St Bernard, “Homily 2 on missus est”, 7)
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:464
Novena To Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Memorial: July 16 (/www.ewtn.com/faith/carmel.htm)
First Day
O Beautiful Flower of Carmel, most fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, holy and singular, who brought forth the Son of God, still ever remaining a pure virgin, assist us in our necessity! O Star of the Sea, help and protect us! Show us that you are our Mother!
(‘Pause and mention petitions.’)
Say: ‘Our Father’, ‘Hail, Mary’ and ‘Glory Be ...’
‘Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.’
• Our Lady of Peace at the Capuchin Convent in the Rue St Honore, at Paris. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
• Our Lady of Kazan. Russia (1579). (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
• Our Lady of Kazan (Russia, 13th Century). (http://www/mariedenazareth.com)
• Our Lady of Kasan (Russia). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
7 July 2011: The second, third, fourth and seventh Beatitudes
“Blessed are the meek” -- not only those who are so naturally, but also and especially whoever, though naturally fiery and passionate, have mastered impatience, anger, the desire of revenge, and all other feelings incompatible with peace of heart -- “for they shall possess the land” (Mt 5:5).
As St Augustine said, because they shall hold earthly possessions in peace, being loved and esteemed by all. According to St Bernard, because they shall possess the land of their own hearts; be masters of their actions for the angry man is not his own master.
St Jerome and most doctors said, because they shall possess the right of heritage the land of the living, heaven, according to David: ‘I believe to see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.’
Great blessings, then, even in this life are promised to meekness. It is worth the trouble to acquire it in perfection. This consists in being able to control the first burst of impatience, to live peacefully with bad-tempered people, to preserve liberty of spirit and an unbroken peace in the midst of the vicissitudes of life.
There is a superior degree of this perfection on which our Lord has bestowed a separate blessing (the seventh), that of being able to preserve or restore peace and union among men, among our brethren.
“Blessed are the peacemakers” for they shall so resemble God their Father and be worthy in an especial manner to be called “the children of” God (Mt 5:9).
How do I stand as regards the perfection of meekness, of peace with myself, with others?
“Blessed are you that weep.” (Mt 5:4) ... those who are full of remorse, whose delight is in weeping and mourning before God over the miseries of their exile, the wounds of their soul, and especially at the thought of the many injuries done to God, of the numerous souls falling every instant into hell, and of the unhappy beings who are rushing blindly there.
They are blessed, says Jesus, for they “shall be comforted” (Mt 5:4) in this life by inspiration of grace and by unspeakable sweetness which is found in the tears of remorse. “I have found greater happiness”, says St Augustine, “in weeping at the foot of my crucifix than I found in frequenting theatres”. Because they shall be comforted without end in heaven.
“Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice.” (Mt 5:6) Jesus Christ declares that blessed are they who are trying to become better, more pure, more humble, more mortified, more united to God, never thinking they have sufficiently obeyed the precept, “Be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48).
At the same time he condemns the conduct of the lukewarm who thinks he has done enough by keeping out of grievous faults and remaining at what he has achieved.
Are we among the former? If so, rejoice greatly, for we shall share their happiness. Like them, we will taste, even in this life, the peace and joy of divine consolations. After this life we will be satisfied with the abundance of heavenly delights. Fear, then, to degenerate from our first fervor and fall into lukewarmness.
Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp427-9
‘Those who mourn, the meek, the peacemakers’
‘Those who mourn’: our Lord is saying they are blessed who suffer from any kind of affliction -- particularly those who are genuinely sorry for their sins, or are pained by offences others offer God, and who bear their suffering with love and in a spirit of atonement.
“You are cyring? Don’t be ashamed of it. Yes, cry: men also cry like you, when they are alone and before God. ‘Each night’, says King David, ‘I soak my bed with tears.’ With those tears, those burning manly tears, you can purify your past and supernaturalize your present life.” (cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Way”, 216)
The Spirit of God will console with peace and joy, even in this life, those who weep for their sins, and later will give them a share in the fulness of happiness and glory in heaven: these are the blessed.
‘The meek’: those who patiently suffer unjust persecution; who remain serene, humble and steadfast in adversity, and do not give way to resentment. The virtue of meekness is very necessary in the Christian life. Usually irritableness, which is very common, stems from a lack of humility and interior peace.
‘The peacemakers’: those who foster peace, in themselves and in others; and, as a basis for that, try to be reconciled and to reconcile others with God. Being at peace with God is the cause and the effect of every kind of peace. Any peace on earth not based on this divine peace would be vain and misleading.
Ref: “The Navarre Bible, The Gospel of St Matthew”, 1988, pp55-6
The Blessed Virgin our Hope
We can have recourse to her always especially in moments of difficulty. “I am the Mother of Fair Love ... in me is all hope of life and vigour.” (cf Sir 24:24) The Church has put these words on the lips of Our Lady for centuries. The Old Testament records how Patriarchs and prophets lived the virtue of hope in a special way, as did all the devout Israelites.
The Blessed Virgin Mary added to that clamor of hope, of longing for prompt arrival of the Messiah, more vigorously than the patriarchs and prophets, and all mankind together. That hope was greater in Mary because she was confirmed in grace; therefore, preserved from all presumption and from any lack of confidence in God.
Even before the Anunciation, Mary had penetrated into Sacred Scripture more than any human intellect had ever done; and clarity in knowledge of what prophets had announced, went on increasing until it reached a point of total confidence that what had been announced would come true.
“When in danger, anguish, or in doubt, think about Mary, invoke Mary. Let Mary always be on your lips, may she never be absent from your heart.” (St Bernard, “Homily 2 on the ‘missus est’, 7”)
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:462-4
• Dedication of Our Lady of Arras, in the year 1484 by Peter de Ranchicourt, bishop of that city. This church was built by St Vaast, Bishop of Arras, in the year 542, according to Baronius, by the Liberal donations of the first kings of France. The Normans destroyed it in 583, and, after being rebuilt, was burnt by lightning in the year 1030, and built again in the year 1040. — Locrius, lib. ii. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com)
• Our Lady of Arras, Netherlands (1380). (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
• Our Lady of 's-Hertogenbosch (The Netherlands, 1380). (http://www/mariedenazareth.com)
• Our Lady of Roermund / Arras. Netherlands. 1380. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
• Our Lady of Roermund / Arras Holland 1380. (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
• It is related that in the year 1410, Our Lady of Haut, in Hainault, restored life to a child of Brussels who had been drowned in a well. This child, having been taken out of the well dead, was devoted to Our Lady, and he immediately came to life. — Justus Lipsius, History of Our Lady of Hal, ch. 16. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com)
As St Augustine said, because they shall hold earthly possessions in peace, being loved and esteemed by all. According to St Bernard, because they shall possess the land of their own hearts; be masters of their actions for the angry man is not his own master.
St Jerome and most doctors said, because they shall possess the right of heritage the land of the living, heaven, according to David: ‘I believe to see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.’
Great blessings, then, even in this life are promised to meekness. It is worth the trouble to acquire it in perfection. This consists in being able to control the first burst of impatience, to live peacefully with bad-tempered people, to preserve liberty of spirit and an unbroken peace in the midst of the vicissitudes of life.
There is a superior degree of this perfection on which our Lord has bestowed a separate blessing (the seventh), that of being able to preserve or restore peace and union among men, among our brethren.
“Blessed are the peacemakers” for they shall so resemble God their Father and be worthy in an especial manner to be called “the children of” God (Mt 5:9).
How do I stand as regards the perfection of meekness, of peace with myself, with others?
“Blessed are you that weep.” (Mt 5:4) ... those who are full of remorse, whose delight is in weeping and mourning before God over the miseries of their exile, the wounds of their soul, and especially at the thought of the many injuries done to God, of the numerous souls falling every instant into hell, and of the unhappy beings who are rushing blindly there.
They are blessed, says Jesus, for they “shall be comforted” (Mt 5:4) in this life by inspiration of grace and by unspeakable sweetness which is found in the tears of remorse. “I have found greater happiness”, says St Augustine, “in weeping at the foot of my crucifix than I found in frequenting theatres”. Because they shall be comforted without end in heaven.
“Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice.” (Mt 5:6) Jesus Christ declares that blessed are they who are trying to become better, more pure, more humble, more mortified, more united to God, never thinking they have sufficiently obeyed the precept, “Be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48).
At the same time he condemns the conduct of the lukewarm who thinks he has done enough by keeping out of grievous faults and remaining at what he has achieved.
Are we among the former? If so, rejoice greatly, for we shall share their happiness. Like them, we will taste, even in this life, the peace and joy of divine consolations. After this life we will be satisfied with the abundance of heavenly delights. Fear, then, to degenerate from our first fervor and fall into lukewarmness.
Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp427-9
‘Those who mourn, the meek, the peacemakers’
‘Those who mourn’: our Lord is saying they are blessed who suffer from any kind of affliction -- particularly those who are genuinely sorry for their sins, or are pained by offences others offer God, and who bear their suffering with love and in a spirit of atonement.
“You are cyring? Don’t be ashamed of it. Yes, cry: men also cry like you, when they are alone and before God. ‘Each night’, says King David, ‘I soak my bed with tears.’ With those tears, those burning manly tears, you can purify your past and supernaturalize your present life.” (cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Way”, 216)
The Spirit of God will console with peace and joy, even in this life, those who weep for their sins, and later will give them a share in the fulness of happiness and glory in heaven: these are the blessed.
‘The meek’: those who patiently suffer unjust persecution; who remain serene, humble and steadfast in adversity, and do not give way to resentment. The virtue of meekness is very necessary in the Christian life. Usually irritableness, which is very common, stems from a lack of humility and interior peace.
‘The peacemakers’: those who foster peace, in themselves and in others; and, as a basis for that, try to be reconciled and to reconcile others with God. Being at peace with God is the cause and the effect of every kind of peace. Any peace on earth not based on this divine peace would be vain and misleading.
Ref: “The Navarre Bible, The Gospel of St Matthew”, 1988, pp55-6
The Blessed Virgin our Hope
We can have recourse to her always especially in moments of difficulty. “I am the Mother of Fair Love ... in me is all hope of life and vigour.” (cf Sir 24:24) The Church has put these words on the lips of Our Lady for centuries. The Old Testament records how Patriarchs and prophets lived the virtue of hope in a special way, as did all the devout Israelites.
The Blessed Virgin Mary added to that clamor of hope, of longing for prompt arrival of the Messiah, more vigorously than the patriarchs and prophets, and all mankind together. That hope was greater in Mary because she was confirmed in grace; therefore, preserved from all presumption and from any lack of confidence in God.
Even before the Anunciation, Mary had penetrated into Sacred Scripture more than any human intellect had ever done; and clarity in knowledge of what prophets had announced, went on increasing until it reached a point of total confidence that what had been announced would come true.
“When in danger, anguish, or in doubt, think about Mary, invoke Mary. Let Mary always be on your lips, may she never be absent from your heart.” (St Bernard, “Homily 2 on the ‘missus est’, 7”)
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:462-4
• Dedication of Our Lady of Arras, in the year 1484 by Peter de Ranchicourt, bishop of that city. This church was built by St Vaast, Bishop of Arras, in the year 542, according to Baronius, by the Liberal donations of the first kings of France. The Normans destroyed it in 583, and, after being rebuilt, was burnt by lightning in the year 1030, and built again in the year 1040. — Locrius, lib. ii. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com)
• Our Lady of Arras, Netherlands (1380). (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
• Our Lady of 's-Hertogenbosch (The Netherlands, 1380). (http://www/mariedenazareth.com)
• Our Lady of Roermund / Arras. Netherlands. 1380. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
• Our Lady of Roermund / Arras Holland 1380. (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
• It is related that in the year 1410, Our Lady of Haut, in Hainault, restored life to a child of Brussels who had been drowned in a well. This child, having been taken out of the well dead, was devoted to Our Lady, and he immediately came to life. — Justus Lipsius, History of Our Lady of Hal, ch. 16. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
6 July 2011: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit’
Our Lord chose the twelve apostles that he might “send them to preach” (Mk 3:14), and thus transmit by them and their successors in the apostolate, his divine doctrines to all nations and all generations. He began immediately to teach them what they were to say.
On arriving at the foot of the mountain where the people could see and hear him, he found a very great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and the sea-coasts of Tyre and Sidon. He had drawn them there by his Providence, to accomplish his will of having many witnesses to the truth that the doctrine preached by the Apostles and their successors was indeed his Gospel, the pure Word of God.
On being seated, his disciples came to him. He began to speak and delivered a long ‘Sermon on the Mount’ which contains the substance of the law of God.
Let us show our gratitude to God who allowed us to be born in the bosom of the Catholic Church, the only guardian of the eternal truth taught by the Son of God. Whoever makes it the rule of his life shall be saved.
Our Lord commenced his discourse by laying down the principles of true happiness. These had been corrupted by pagan vices and Jewish prejudices, as they are nowadays by a proud and sensual world. And there is a great contrast between the beatitudes which the world proclaims, and those of Jesus Christ.
The world says, ‘Blessed are the rich’. Our Lord says, “Blessed are the poor” (Mt 5:3), not exactly poor by birth, but poor in spirit, detached in heart and mind from the possessions of earth for the love of God. Why are they blessed? “Because, theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5:4); because even in this life, having neither fear nor anxiety, they are in peace, a foretaste of heaven.
Among the poor whom Jesus Christ calls blessed we can distinguish three classes: First, the actual poor, perfectly resigned to the will of God; second, the rich who are really poor in spirit; and third, the voluntary poor, who have stripped themselves forever of all things to follow Jesus Christ in poverty.
Let us try to make the worldly (who love this world) understand the folly and disappointment of the pursuit of riches; and how noble and wise a thing it is to exchange the fleeting and perishable possessions of earth for the eternal treasures of the world to come.
Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp422-4
Thanksgiving after Mass and Holy Communion
In our relationship with Our Lord we should thank him many times every day, because he surrounds us with his care and his gifts: “my soul will be filled to overflowing” (C Journet, “The Meaning of Grace”). However, there is a very special moment in which Our Lord fills us with his gifts and during which we should be particularly grateful, namely thanksgiving after Mass.
There should be acts of adoration, petition, humility, atonement and thanksgiving. “The saints have constantly told us the most precious moment of our spiritual lives must be the thanks we give for receiving the Eucharist.” (cf R Garrigou-Lagrange, “The Three Ages of the Interior Life”)
In Holy Communion we see Jesus the physician. He has the remedy for all our illnesses. We approach Communion as he was approached by the blind, the deaf, the paralytic ... Let us not forget we have the Source of all life putting himself at our disposal within our souls: The Life.
Jesus is The Teacher who has the words of eternal life; and we are so ignorant! He is constantly teaching; but we must be attentive. If our imagination, our memory and senses go wild, we will fail to hear him.
Through Communion we look at our True Friend, from whom we learn about friendship. We tell him what is happening in our life. He will always encourage and console us. At times we ask the help of our Guardian Angel: ‘Thank him for me; you know how to do it better.’
There is no one better than Our Lady, who carried God’s Son in her womb for nine months, to teach us how to treat him better in our thanksgiving after Communion. Let us have recourse to her.
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:444-6
Contact with Jesus
Christian life is not made up of rigid norms for the Holy Spirit does not guide souls collectively, but inspires each one with resolutions, inspirations and affections that will help it to recognize and fulfil the will of the Father. Still, I feel that, on many occasions, the central theme of our thanksgiving after holy Mass, can be the consideration that our Lord is our king, physician, teacher and friend.
He is our king. He desires ardently to rule our hearts, because we are children of God. But we should not try to imagine a human sort of rule -- Christ does not dominate or seek to impose himself, because he “has not come to be served but to serve” (Mt 20:28).
His kingdom is one of peace, joy, justice. Christ our King does not expect us to spend our time in abstract reasoning; but deeds. “... not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord!’, shall enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of my Father in heaven ...” (Mt 7:21).
He is our physician, and heals our selfishness, if we let his grace penetrate the depths of our soul. Jesus has taught: the worst sickness is hypocrisy, the pride that leads us to hide our sins. We must be totally sincere with him, then say: “Lord, if you will,” -- and you are always willing -- “you can make me clean” (Mt 8:2).
He is a teacher with a knowledge only he possesses, the knowledge of unlimited love for God, and, in God, for all men. Jesus expects us to nourish the desire to acquire this knowledge, so that he can repeat to us: “If anyone thirst, let him come to me and drink.” (Jn 7:37)
He is our Friend, the Friend. He calls us his friends; the one who took the first step, because he loved us first. Still, he does not impose his love -- he offers it.
Ref: Cf Fr M Guzman, “Encounters with Christ”, 1990, pp130-32
• Our Lady of Iron, near Blois in Dunois. It was in this chapel that, about the year 1631, a child who had been smothered by struggling in its cradle, came to life the moment that its parents had devoted it to Our Lady of Iron. — Archives of the Chapel. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com)
• Our Lady of Iron (near Blois, in Dunois, France). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html); (http://www/mariedenazareth.com)
• Our Lady “D’Iron”, Dunois, France (1631). (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
• “Notre Dame d'Iron”. Blois, Dunois, France. 1631. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
On arriving at the foot of the mountain where the people could see and hear him, he found a very great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and the sea-coasts of Tyre and Sidon. He had drawn them there by his Providence, to accomplish his will of having many witnesses to the truth that the doctrine preached by the Apostles and their successors was indeed his Gospel, the pure Word of God.
On being seated, his disciples came to him. He began to speak and delivered a long ‘Sermon on the Mount’ which contains the substance of the law of God.
Let us show our gratitude to God who allowed us to be born in the bosom of the Catholic Church, the only guardian of the eternal truth taught by the Son of God. Whoever makes it the rule of his life shall be saved.
Our Lord commenced his discourse by laying down the principles of true happiness. These had been corrupted by pagan vices and Jewish prejudices, as they are nowadays by a proud and sensual world. And there is a great contrast between the beatitudes which the world proclaims, and those of Jesus Christ.
The world says, ‘Blessed are the rich’. Our Lord says, “Blessed are the poor” (Mt 5:3), not exactly poor by birth, but poor in spirit, detached in heart and mind from the possessions of earth for the love of God. Why are they blessed? “Because, theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5:4); because even in this life, having neither fear nor anxiety, they are in peace, a foretaste of heaven.
Among the poor whom Jesus Christ calls blessed we can distinguish three classes: First, the actual poor, perfectly resigned to the will of God; second, the rich who are really poor in spirit; and third, the voluntary poor, who have stripped themselves forever of all things to follow Jesus Christ in poverty.
Let us try to make the worldly (who love this world) understand the folly and disappointment of the pursuit of riches; and how noble and wise a thing it is to exchange the fleeting and perishable possessions of earth for the eternal treasures of the world to come.
Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp422-4
Thanksgiving after Mass and Holy Communion
In our relationship with Our Lord we should thank him many times every day, because he surrounds us with his care and his gifts: “my soul will be filled to overflowing” (C Journet, “The Meaning of Grace”). However, there is a very special moment in which Our Lord fills us with his gifts and during which we should be particularly grateful, namely thanksgiving after Mass.
There should be acts of adoration, petition, humility, atonement and thanksgiving. “The saints have constantly told us the most precious moment of our spiritual lives must be the thanks we give for receiving the Eucharist.” (cf R Garrigou-Lagrange, “The Three Ages of the Interior Life”)
In Holy Communion we see Jesus the physician. He has the remedy for all our illnesses. We approach Communion as he was approached by the blind, the deaf, the paralytic ... Let us not forget we have the Source of all life putting himself at our disposal within our souls: The Life.
Jesus is The Teacher who has the words of eternal life; and we are so ignorant! He is constantly teaching; but we must be attentive. If our imagination, our memory and senses go wild, we will fail to hear him.
Through Communion we look at our True Friend, from whom we learn about friendship. We tell him what is happening in our life. He will always encourage and console us. At times we ask the help of our Guardian Angel: ‘Thank him for me; you know how to do it better.’
There is no one better than Our Lady, who carried God’s Son in her womb for nine months, to teach us how to treat him better in our thanksgiving after Communion. Let us have recourse to her.
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:444-6
Contact with Jesus
Christian life is not made up of rigid norms for the Holy Spirit does not guide souls collectively, but inspires each one with resolutions, inspirations and affections that will help it to recognize and fulfil the will of the Father. Still, I feel that, on many occasions, the central theme of our thanksgiving after holy Mass, can be the consideration that our Lord is our king, physician, teacher and friend.
He is our king. He desires ardently to rule our hearts, because we are children of God. But we should not try to imagine a human sort of rule -- Christ does not dominate or seek to impose himself, because he “has not come to be served but to serve” (Mt 20:28).
His kingdom is one of peace, joy, justice. Christ our King does not expect us to spend our time in abstract reasoning; but deeds. “... not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord!’, shall enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of my Father in heaven ...” (Mt 7:21).
He is our physician, and heals our selfishness, if we let his grace penetrate the depths of our soul. Jesus has taught: the worst sickness is hypocrisy, the pride that leads us to hide our sins. We must be totally sincere with him, then say: “Lord, if you will,” -- and you are always willing -- “you can make me clean” (Mt 8:2).
He is a teacher with a knowledge only he possesses, the knowledge of unlimited love for God, and, in God, for all men. Jesus expects us to nourish the desire to acquire this knowledge, so that he can repeat to us: “If anyone thirst, let him come to me and drink.” (Jn 7:37)
He is our Friend, the Friend. He calls us his friends; the one who took the first step, because he loved us first. Still, he does not impose his love -- he offers it.
Ref: Cf Fr M Guzman, “Encounters with Christ”, 1990, pp130-32
• Our Lady of Iron, near Blois in Dunois. It was in this chapel that, about the year 1631, a child who had been smothered by struggling in its cradle, came to life the moment that its parents had devoted it to Our Lady of Iron. — Archives of the Chapel. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com)
• Our Lady of Iron (near Blois, in Dunois, France). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html); (http://www/mariedenazareth.com)
• Our Lady “D’Iron”, Dunois, France (1631). (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
• “Notre Dame d'Iron”. Blois, Dunois, France. 1631. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Monday, July 4, 2011
5 July 2011: The choice and vocation of the Twelve Apostles
The Lord began the second year of his ministry by founding the Apostolic College. Thus he laid the foundation of his Church which was to perpetuate his mission among men.
He called his disciples and chose twelve whom he named Apostles: Simon, whom he surnamed Peter and Andrew his brother; James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alpheus; Simon called the Zealot; Jude the brother of James; and Judas Iscariot, who turned traitor.
Of the numerous disciples, who followed Jesus, he chose twelve only, a mystical number, typified seventeen centuries before by the twelve princes or chiefs of the twelve tribes of Israel. Glorious and happy was the lot of those whom the Son of God chose by a grace of predilection.
Let us rejoice with them and for them. Let us rejoice also because our Lord has chosen us in preference to so many others more worthy.
Jesus had an extraordinary preparation. “The evening before, he went out into a mountain, and he passed the whole night in prayer.” (Lk 6:12; Mt 5:1) Did he need this night-long retreat, that his choice might be good? No, answers St Ambrose; but it was his will to give us an example, and to teach us an important lesson.
Our Lord thus teaches us by his example -- First, earnestly pray seeking counsel from the Father of Lights before beginning anything important; and second, when we pray, to withdraw as much as possible from the world, from the turmoil of life.
How have I followed this divine teaching? In what way can I, or ought I, to amend my conduct?
Seemingly inexplicable to us is to find among the chosen twelve the traitor Judas. Was our Lord, then, deceived in him? Interpreters tell us our Lord earnestly desired to have Judas for an apostle.
Judas ruined himself by his treason. By choosing him our Lord teaches us that anyone who has received the most excellent gifts of God retains the power to use or abuse them. Those called to the holiest state may still be lost, and ought, therefore, to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, as St Peter tells us. We must also distinguish the organization from the individual, between the office and the person.
We ought to derive great profit from these lessons for ourselves and for instruction of others. To whoever fear God, “all things work together for good” (Rom 8:28). One’s treachery should make us tremble and mistrustful of self. The perseverance of the others should give us great confidence in the omnipotent grace of God.
Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp419-21
Contemplating the Most Sacred Humanity of Christ in the Gospel
We can love only what we know well. Thus, we must have the life of Christ “in our heart and mind, so that at any time, without any book, we can close our eyes and contemplate his life, watching it like a film. In this way the words and actions of our Lord will come to mind in all the different circumstances of our life.
“In this way we become involved in his life. It is not a matter of just thinking about Jesus, of recalling some scenes of his life. We must be completely involved and play a part in his life. We must follow him as closely as Mary his Mother did, as closely as the first twelve, the holy women, the crowds that pressed about him. If we do this without holding back, Christ’s words will enter deep into our soul and will really change us ...
“If we want to bring other men and women to our Lord, we must first go to the Gospel and contemplate Christ’s love.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Christ is passing by”, 107)
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:455
The spirit of poverty for a Christian
When the Twelve have been with Jesus for a considerable time, he decided to send them out on their first mission without him. Before leaving, the Twelve received very specific instructions. They were to go to the Jews only, not to the Gentiles, not even to the Samaritans, but “to the lost sheep of the House of Israel” (Mt 10:6). Jesus “instructed them to take nothing for the journey except a staff -- no bread, no haversack, no coppers for their purses”. They were to wear sandal but, “Do not take a spare tunic” (Mk 6:8-9).
The Master wanted the Apostles to undertake their task in a spirit of complete detachment from material or personal considerations, with entire trust in divine providence. He sent them out to work without human resources to make them learn to rely on supernatural means; and would come to understand that the efficacy of the apostolate comes from God.
On these Gospel passages, St Bede wrote: “The preacher should so trust in God that he is convinced he will have everything he needs to support life, even if he cannot himself obtain it; for he should not neglect eternal things through worrying about temporal matters.”
Bereft of human resources, the Apostles would realize that the miracles and conversions worked out through their ministry could not be attributed to themselves. It was a lesson on humility and supernatural outlook that would be engraved in their memory.
St Paul, too, clearly grasped this truth: “What is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants who brought the faith to you. Even the different ways they brought it were assigned by the Lord. I did the planting, Apollos did the watering; but God made things grow.” (cf Cor 3:5-6)
By instructing his Apostles to be detached even from personal needs, Jesus did not want to reduce Christians to penury. Christ wants us to put primacy on supernatural means, but also expects us to avail of all human resources. Grace does not supplant nature. St Thomas wrote: a person who would not exert effort to carry out what he could, and instead depend entirely on the divine help, would be guilty of tempting God.
Ref: Cf Fr M Guzman, “Encounters with Christ”, 1990, pp70-72
• Dedication of Our Lady of Cambray, in the year 1472 by Peter de Ranchicourt, Bishop of Arras. This church was built in honor of Our Lady, in the year 524; reduced to ruins by the Normans in the year 882; rebuilt by Dossillon, twenty-first Bishop of Arras, in the year 890; and, finally, after having been burnt in the years 1064 and 1148, it was put in its present condition, in the year 1251. — Chronicon Hannon., t. iii., lib. ii., chap. 23. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com)
• Dedication of Our Lady of Cambray, Arras, France (1472). (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html); (http://www/mariedenazareth.com)
• “Notre Dame de Cambrai” / Cambray. Arras, France. 1472. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
He called his disciples and chose twelve whom he named Apostles: Simon, whom he surnamed Peter and Andrew his brother; James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alpheus; Simon called the Zealot; Jude the brother of James; and Judas Iscariot, who turned traitor.
Of the numerous disciples, who followed Jesus, he chose twelve only, a mystical number, typified seventeen centuries before by the twelve princes or chiefs of the twelve tribes of Israel. Glorious and happy was the lot of those whom the Son of God chose by a grace of predilection.
Let us rejoice with them and for them. Let us rejoice also because our Lord has chosen us in preference to so many others more worthy.
Jesus had an extraordinary preparation. “The evening before, he went out into a mountain, and he passed the whole night in prayer.” (Lk 6:12; Mt 5:1) Did he need this night-long retreat, that his choice might be good? No, answers St Ambrose; but it was his will to give us an example, and to teach us an important lesson.
Our Lord thus teaches us by his example -- First, earnestly pray seeking counsel from the Father of Lights before beginning anything important; and second, when we pray, to withdraw as much as possible from the world, from the turmoil of life.
How have I followed this divine teaching? In what way can I, or ought I, to amend my conduct?
Seemingly inexplicable to us is to find among the chosen twelve the traitor Judas. Was our Lord, then, deceived in him? Interpreters tell us our Lord earnestly desired to have Judas for an apostle.
Judas ruined himself by his treason. By choosing him our Lord teaches us that anyone who has received the most excellent gifts of God retains the power to use or abuse them. Those called to the holiest state may still be lost, and ought, therefore, to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, as St Peter tells us. We must also distinguish the organization from the individual, between the office and the person.
We ought to derive great profit from these lessons for ourselves and for instruction of others. To whoever fear God, “all things work together for good” (Rom 8:28). One’s treachery should make us tremble and mistrustful of self. The perseverance of the others should give us great confidence in the omnipotent grace of God.
Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp419-21
Contemplating the Most Sacred Humanity of Christ in the Gospel
We can love only what we know well. Thus, we must have the life of Christ “in our heart and mind, so that at any time, without any book, we can close our eyes and contemplate his life, watching it like a film. In this way the words and actions of our Lord will come to mind in all the different circumstances of our life.
“In this way we become involved in his life. It is not a matter of just thinking about Jesus, of recalling some scenes of his life. We must be completely involved and play a part in his life. We must follow him as closely as Mary his Mother did, as closely as the first twelve, the holy women, the crowds that pressed about him. If we do this without holding back, Christ’s words will enter deep into our soul and will really change us ...
“If we want to bring other men and women to our Lord, we must first go to the Gospel and contemplate Christ’s love.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Christ is passing by”, 107)
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:455
The spirit of poverty for a Christian
When the Twelve have been with Jesus for a considerable time, he decided to send them out on their first mission without him. Before leaving, the Twelve received very specific instructions. They were to go to the Jews only, not to the Gentiles, not even to the Samaritans, but “to the lost sheep of the House of Israel” (Mt 10:6). Jesus “instructed them to take nothing for the journey except a staff -- no bread, no haversack, no coppers for their purses”. They were to wear sandal but, “Do not take a spare tunic” (Mk 6:8-9).
The Master wanted the Apostles to undertake their task in a spirit of complete detachment from material or personal considerations, with entire trust in divine providence. He sent them out to work without human resources to make them learn to rely on supernatural means; and would come to understand that the efficacy of the apostolate comes from God.
On these Gospel passages, St Bede wrote: “The preacher should so trust in God that he is convinced he will have everything he needs to support life, even if he cannot himself obtain it; for he should not neglect eternal things through worrying about temporal matters.”
Bereft of human resources, the Apostles would realize that the miracles and conversions worked out through their ministry could not be attributed to themselves. It was a lesson on humility and supernatural outlook that would be engraved in their memory.
St Paul, too, clearly grasped this truth: “What is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants who brought the faith to you. Even the different ways they brought it were assigned by the Lord. I did the planting, Apollos did the watering; but God made things grow.” (cf Cor 3:5-6)
By instructing his Apostles to be detached even from personal needs, Jesus did not want to reduce Christians to penury. Christ wants us to put primacy on supernatural means, but also expects us to avail of all human resources. Grace does not supplant nature. St Thomas wrote: a person who would not exert effort to carry out what he could, and instead depend entirely on the divine help, would be guilty of tempting God.
Ref: Cf Fr M Guzman, “Encounters with Christ”, 1990, pp70-72
• Dedication of Our Lady of Cambray, in the year 1472 by Peter de Ranchicourt, Bishop of Arras. This church was built in honor of Our Lady, in the year 524; reduced to ruins by the Normans in the year 882; rebuilt by Dossillon, twenty-first Bishop of Arras, in the year 890; and, finally, after having been burnt in the years 1064 and 1148, it was put in its present condition, in the year 1251. — Chronicon Hannon., t. iii., lib. ii., chap. 23. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com)
• Dedication of Our Lady of Cambray, Arras, France (1472). (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html); (http://www/mariedenazareth.com)
• “Notre Dame de Cambrai” / Cambray. Arras, France. 1472. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Sunday, July 3, 2011
4 July 2011: Hypocrisy and jealousy of the Pharisees
Jesus, having fulfilled all the paschal duties, returned to Galilee. “And it came to pass, on the second first sabbath as he went through the corn fields his disciples, pressed by hunger, plucked the ears and did eat, rubbing them in their hands.” (Lk 6:1; Mk 2:23)
The law expressly allowed this deed (Deut xxiii); but the Pharisees, who took pride on their exact observance of the sabbath, condemned it as a crime saying, “Why do you what is not lawful on the sabbath days?” (Mt 12:2)
It is easy to see through the cloak of zeal under which the Pharisees tried to hide their jealousy; and everyone condemns and detests their conduct. This hideous passion easily finds access into the hearts. We should see whether we can discover the same in ourselves.
Examples are: Closely observe the conduct of those we dislike; spy out their actions; maliciously relate and exaggerate their least faults; judge them harshly, falsely interpreting their actions and intentions.
The accusation by the Pharisees was likely to bring discredit on the disciples, and to enhance the people’s erroneous belief. Jesus, therefore, enlightened them, defended his disciples, and silenced their accusers.
“He said to them, have you never read what David did, and they that were with him?” He continued: “The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath; therefore, the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath also.” (Mt 12:5; Mk, 2:27-8)
We should learn here that we may keep silence when personally attacked; but not when God’s glory, the rights or doctrines of the Church, or welfare of our neighbors, are at stake. To be silent when we can answer the accusation, would be a withholding of the truth and cowardice; and could cause us to share in the guilt.
‘There is’, says the Wise Man, ‘a time to keep silence, and a time to speak’. Happy is he who has learned this wise discernment, and rules his life accordingly. How have we acted? Have we been usually more prompt and eager in defending our wounded self-love than in supporting and defending the cause of God?
Jesus, wishing to let the Pharisees see he could read the secrets of their hearts, and that he knew they were actuated by jealousy only, said: “If you knew what this means, I will have mercy and not sacrifice, you would never have condemned the innocent.” (Mt 12:7)
Let us take care not to deserve a similar reproof. Never speak or act from malice in the guise of virtue. Never observe the letter rather than the spirit of God’s commandments and our norm. Never be harsh and unmerciful in our judgments of others, blaming and condemning on slight grounds or by appearances only.
Examine ourselves on these and earnestly beg our Lord to increase in us fraternal charity and humility.
Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp417-9
Do not Be Afraid
To all people of today, I once again repeat the impassioned cry with which I began my pastoral ministry: “Do not be afraid! Open, indeed, open wide the doors to Christ!” Open to his saving power the confines of states, and systems political and economic, as well as the vast fields of culture, civilization, and development.
Do not be afraid. Christ knows ‘what is inside a person’. Only he knows! Today, too often people do not know what they carry inside, in the deepest recesses of their soul, in their heart. Too often people are uncertain about a sense of life on earth. Therefore, with humility and trust I beg and implore you, allow Christ to speak to the person in you. Only he has the words of life, yes, eternal life.
Ref: Pope John Paul II, “Breakfast with the Pope”, 1984, 1
The holy fear of God
The holy fear of God joined to love gives a special strength to the Christian’s life. With it, nothing can make him tremble, for nothing can then separate him from the love of God. (cf Rom 8:35-9) The soul is fortified in the virtue of hope and set free from a false and careless security by maintaining a watchful love against the lures of temptation.
Interior life grows in sensitivity and depth if we always keep in mind those truths that reveal to us the foundations of this gift of the Holy Spirit: God’s holiness and our wretchedness, our daily failures, the absolute dependence of the creature on his Creator, the enormity of a single venial sin in the sight of the divine holiness ... the demands of our vocation. (cf Benedict Baur, “Frequent Confession”, p160)
Let us ask our Mother Mary, ‘Refugium peccatorum’ (‘Refuge of sinners’), to make us understand just how much we lose every time we step aside from the path that leads to her son Jesus, even if our faults are only slight ones.
May we never hold anything against anybody; it would greatly spurn our love for God and neighbor. Let us learn from St Mark how to begin again, a thousand times if necessary, if for any reason we must go through a similar experience of failure or cowardice. (cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:452)
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 3:644-5
God knows all things
Since He knows all things, even our deepest thoughts and yearnings, let us fear God and rid ourselves of impure desires to do works of evil, so that we may be protected by his mercy from the judgment that is to come. Who can escape his mighty hand? What world will give asylum to one who deserts him?
“O where can I go from your Spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there.
“If I take the wings of the dawn and go to the sea’s farthest end, your right hand is there. If I lie in the grave, you are there.” (cf Ps 138:7-9)
Ref: Fr Charles Belmonte, “The Echo of the Gospel”, 1991, p46
• Our Lady of Miracles, at Avignon, France. Church built by John XXII, on the occasion of two criminals being condemned to the fire; one who invoked the Blessed Virgin was spared by the flames, while the other was entirely consumed. — Richard of Cluny, Life of John XXII. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com)
• Our Lady of Miracles, Avignon, France, built by Pope John XXII (14th Century). (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
• Our Lady of Refuge. Pueblo, Mexico. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
The law expressly allowed this deed (Deut xxiii); but the Pharisees, who took pride on their exact observance of the sabbath, condemned it as a crime saying, “Why do you what is not lawful on the sabbath days?” (Mt 12:2)
It is easy to see through the cloak of zeal under which the Pharisees tried to hide their jealousy; and everyone condemns and detests their conduct. This hideous passion easily finds access into the hearts. We should see whether we can discover the same in ourselves.
Examples are: Closely observe the conduct of those we dislike; spy out their actions; maliciously relate and exaggerate their least faults; judge them harshly, falsely interpreting their actions and intentions.
The accusation by the Pharisees was likely to bring discredit on the disciples, and to enhance the people’s erroneous belief. Jesus, therefore, enlightened them, defended his disciples, and silenced their accusers.
“He said to them, have you never read what David did, and they that were with him?” He continued: “The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath; therefore, the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath also.” (Mt 12:5; Mk, 2:27-8)
We should learn here that we may keep silence when personally attacked; but not when God’s glory, the rights or doctrines of the Church, or welfare of our neighbors, are at stake. To be silent when we can answer the accusation, would be a withholding of the truth and cowardice; and could cause us to share in the guilt.
‘There is’, says the Wise Man, ‘a time to keep silence, and a time to speak’. Happy is he who has learned this wise discernment, and rules his life accordingly. How have we acted? Have we been usually more prompt and eager in defending our wounded self-love than in supporting and defending the cause of God?
Jesus, wishing to let the Pharisees see he could read the secrets of their hearts, and that he knew they were actuated by jealousy only, said: “If you knew what this means, I will have mercy and not sacrifice, you would never have condemned the innocent.” (Mt 12:7)
Let us take care not to deserve a similar reproof. Never speak or act from malice in the guise of virtue. Never observe the letter rather than the spirit of God’s commandments and our norm. Never be harsh and unmerciful in our judgments of others, blaming and condemning on slight grounds or by appearances only.
Examine ourselves on these and earnestly beg our Lord to increase in us fraternal charity and humility.
Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp417-9
Do not Be Afraid
To all people of today, I once again repeat the impassioned cry with which I began my pastoral ministry: “Do not be afraid! Open, indeed, open wide the doors to Christ!” Open to his saving power the confines of states, and systems political and economic, as well as the vast fields of culture, civilization, and development.
Do not be afraid. Christ knows ‘what is inside a person’. Only he knows! Today, too often people do not know what they carry inside, in the deepest recesses of their soul, in their heart. Too often people are uncertain about a sense of life on earth. Therefore, with humility and trust I beg and implore you, allow Christ to speak to the person in you. Only he has the words of life, yes, eternal life.
Ref: Pope John Paul II, “Breakfast with the Pope”, 1984, 1
The holy fear of God
The holy fear of God joined to love gives a special strength to the Christian’s life. With it, nothing can make him tremble, for nothing can then separate him from the love of God. (cf Rom 8:35-9) The soul is fortified in the virtue of hope and set free from a false and careless security by maintaining a watchful love against the lures of temptation.
Interior life grows in sensitivity and depth if we always keep in mind those truths that reveal to us the foundations of this gift of the Holy Spirit: God’s holiness and our wretchedness, our daily failures, the absolute dependence of the creature on his Creator, the enormity of a single venial sin in the sight of the divine holiness ... the demands of our vocation. (cf Benedict Baur, “Frequent Confession”, p160)
Let us ask our Mother Mary, ‘Refugium peccatorum’ (‘Refuge of sinners’), to make us understand just how much we lose every time we step aside from the path that leads to her son Jesus, even if our faults are only slight ones.
May we never hold anything against anybody; it would greatly spurn our love for God and neighbor. Let us learn from St Mark how to begin again, a thousand times if necessary, if for any reason we must go through a similar experience of failure or cowardice. (cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:452)
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 3:644-5
God knows all things
Since He knows all things, even our deepest thoughts and yearnings, let us fear God and rid ourselves of impure desires to do works of evil, so that we may be protected by his mercy from the judgment that is to come. Who can escape his mighty hand? What world will give asylum to one who deserts him?
“O where can I go from your Spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there.
“If I take the wings of the dawn and go to the sea’s farthest end, your right hand is there. If I lie in the grave, you are there.” (cf Ps 138:7-9)
Ref: Fr Charles Belmonte, “The Echo of the Gospel”, 1991, p46
• Our Lady of Miracles, at Avignon, France. Church built by John XXII, on the occasion of two criminals being condemned to the fire; one who invoked the Blessed Virgin was spared by the flames, while the other was entirely consumed. — Richard of Cluny, Life of John XXII. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com)
• Our Lady of Miracles, Avignon, France, built by Pope John XXII (14th Century). (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
• Our Lady of Refuge. Pueblo, Mexico. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
Saturday, July 2, 2011
3 July 2011: Memorial -- St Thomas, Apostle
Thomas is remembered mainly because of his doubts about the resurrection of Christ. He did not want to admit anything that went beyond his experience and reason. Eight days later he made up for that unbelief with a profession of faith, “My Lord and my God” (Jn 14:5-6). According to tradition, he preached the Gospel and suffered martyrdom in India. (Fr James Socias, ‘et al’ [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1571)
His absence, disbelief and faith
During the final discourse of the Last Supper, Thomas asked the Master a question which elicited one of the Lord’s great definitions of himself: “Lord, we don’t know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus answered: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father, but by me” (Jn 14:5-6), words on which we have so often meditated.
On the afternoon of Easter Sunday, Jesus appeared to his disciples without having to open the doors; his body had already been glorifed. Jesus showed them his hands and his side to prove he was not a spirit. The disciples were fully convinced that Jesus stood before them and that he had truly risen.
Thomas, however, is not present; the only one absent. Why? Coincidental? Perhaps, St John the Evangelist, who records the scene in great detail, kept silent out of deference for one who, after seeing Christ on the cross, not only suffered like the others, but may have left, truly discouraged. (cf O Hophan, “The Apostles”, Madrid 1982)
We know Jesus told the apostles “... go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me” (Mt 28:10). Why did they stay eight more days in Jerusalem? Perhaps they did not want to go without Thomas for whom they began to search at once.
When at last they found Thomas, they exclaimed to him with irrepressible joy: “We have seen the Lord!” (Mt 28:10) They repeated it to him over and over. They try everything to win Thomas back for Christ. Surely the Lord, the Good Shepherd who always seeks out each one of us, must have approved of this delay. Thomas must have thanked them for all their efforts and for not having left him behind, stubborn as he was!
It is a lesson that can help us examine the quality of our fraternity and fortitude in dealing with our brother Christians who, like us, may be capable of being discouraged and lonely. We cannot abandon them.
The discouragement and disbelief of Thomas were not easy to overcome. At the insistence of the other apostles, he responds: “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the holes they made, and my hand into his side, I will not believe.” (Jn 20:25)
These words seem like a final answer; a harsh reply to the concern of his friends. Undoubtedly, their joy opened the door to hope for him.
“Eight days later his disciples were again in the house; Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came in and stood among them. ‘Peace be with you’, he said.” To Thomas: “Put your finger here and see my hands. Put out your hand and place it in my side. Do not doubt, but believe!” (Jn 20:26-7)
How inspiring to know that the Lord will never leave us provided we do not leave him first; he has prayed for us, too. (cf Jn 17:20) Those whom God has placed beside us will not fail to help us either. If at some point we find ourselves in the dark, despite the state of our soul, we will be able to lean on their faith and example; and on their charity.
When Thomas encountered the risen Jesus, he opened up his heart: “My Lord and my God!” (Jn 20:28) he exclaimed, moved to the very depths of his being. At one and the same time his reaction is an act of faith, of surrender, and of love. He openly confesses that Jesus is God and recognizes him as his Lord.
Jesus replies: “You believe because you can see me. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” (Jn 20:29) “... we should make the words of St Peter in his first Letter our own: ‘You have not seen him, yet love him; now believing in him without seeing him you feel an indescribable joy’ (1 Pet 1:8). This is genuine faith -- absolute dedication to things unseen, yet capable of ennobling and crowning an entire life.” (cf John Paul II, “Address”, 9 April 1983)
The Blessed Virgin, who was so close to the apostles during those days, attentively followed the evolution of Thomas’ faith. Perhaps she was the one who stopped him from deserting. Today we confide our fidelity and that of the ones God has placed under our care to Our Lady. ‘Virgin most faithful, pray for us.’
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 7:1-6
Our Lady will not leave us for an instant
Worry, fear and cowardice arise when our prayer weakens. Jesus Christ knows everything happening to us. St Augustine reminds us: ‘Wake him and he will rebuke the storm and peace will be restored.’ (“Sermon 361”, 7) Everything is for our good and the good of souls. It is enough to be in his company to feel that we are safe.
St Bernard says: “If the winds of temptation arise, fix your eyes on the star, call upon Mary ... With her for a guide you will not go astray; while invoking her, you will never lose heart; so long as she is in your mind, you are safe from deception. If she holds your hand, you cannot fail; under her protection you have nothing to fear; if she walks before you, you will not grow weary; if she shows you favor, you will reach the goal.” (“Homilies on the Blessed Virgin Mary”, 2)
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 3:639
Interior discipline
“Our character depends in great part upon the practice of interior discipline, which leads to control of thought. Is not nervous irritation the after-effect of a storm of bitter thoughts, and never overcome? And does not habitual kindness, understanding, the habit of building on past failures for new, the constant effort to overcome evil by doing good proceed from the habit of dominating one’s thoughts?” (Rev James Alberione, SSP, STD, “Personality and Configuration with Christ”, p99. In “The Vatican II Weekday Missal”, 1975, p1152)
• Our Lady of “la Carolle”, at Paris. It is said that this image, which was placed at the corner of the Rou aux Ours, was stabbed with a knife in the year 1418, and that it bled profusely. In memory of this, fireworks are set off every year in which a waxen figure is burnt, which represents the sacrilegious wretch who gave the blow. — Du Breuil, lib. ii. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com)
• Our Lady of “la Carolle”. Paris. 1418. (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html); (http://www/mariedenazareth.com); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html).
• “Notre Dame de la Carolle”. Paris. 1418. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
• Our Lady of the Miraculous Candle (Portugal). Moveable feast -- third Sunday after Pentecost. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
• Our Lady of the Miraculous Candle / “Nossa Senhora da vela miraculous” (Portugal). Moveable feast -- third Sunday after Pentecost -- (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
His absence, disbelief and faith
During the final discourse of the Last Supper, Thomas asked the Master a question which elicited one of the Lord’s great definitions of himself: “Lord, we don’t know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus answered: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father, but by me” (Jn 14:5-6), words on which we have so often meditated.
On the afternoon of Easter Sunday, Jesus appeared to his disciples without having to open the doors; his body had already been glorifed. Jesus showed them his hands and his side to prove he was not a spirit. The disciples were fully convinced that Jesus stood before them and that he had truly risen.
Thomas, however, is not present; the only one absent. Why? Coincidental? Perhaps, St John the Evangelist, who records the scene in great detail, kept silent out of deference for one who, after seeing Christ on the cross, not only suffered like the others, but may have left, truly discouraged. (cf O Hophan, “The Apostles”, Madrid 1982)
We know Jesus told the apostles “... go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me” (Mt 28:10). Why did they stay eight more days in Jerusalem? Perhaps they did not want to go without Thomas for whom they began to search at once.
When at last they found Thomas, they exclaimed to him with irrepressible joy: “We have seen the Lord!” (Mt 28:10) They repeated it to him over and over. They try everything to win Thomas back for Christ. Surely the Lord, the Good Shepherd who always seeks out each one of us, must have approved of this delay. Thomas must have thanked them for all their efforts and for not having left him behind, stubborn as he was!
It is a lesson that can help us examine the quality of our fraternity and fortitude in dealing with our brother Christians who, like us, may be capable of being discouraged and lonely. We cannot abandon them.
The discouragement and disbelief of Thomas were not easy to overcome. At the insistence of the other apostles, he responds: “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the holes they made, and my hand into his side, I will not believe.” (Jn 20:25)
These words seem like a final answer; a harsh reply to the concern of his friends. Undoubtedly, their joy opened the door to hope for him.
“Eight days later his disciples were again in the house; Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came in and stood among them. ‘Peace be with you’, he said.” To Thomas: “Put your finger here and see my hands. Put out your hand and place it in my side. Do not doubt, but believe!” (Jn 20:26-7)
How inspiring to know that the Lord will never leave us provided we do not leave him first; he has prayed for us, too. (cf Jn 17:20) Those whom God has placed beside us will not fail to help us either. If at some point we find ourselves in the dark, despite the state of our soul, we will be able to lean on their faith and example; and on their charity.
When Thomas encountered the risen Jesus, he opened up his heart: “My Lord and my God!” (Jn 20:28) he exclaimed, moved to the very depths of his being. At one and the same time his reaction is an act of faith, of surrender, and of love. He openly confesses that Jesus is God and recognizes him as his Lord.
Jesus replies: “You believe because you can see me. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” (Jn 20:29) “... we should make the words of St Peter in his first Letter our own: ‘You have not seen him, yet love him; now believing in him without seeing him you feel an indescribable joy’ (1 Pet 1:8). This is genuine faith -- absolute dedication to things unseen, yet capable of ennobling and crowning an entire life.” (cf John Paul II, “Address”, 9 April 1983)
The Blessed Virgin, who was so close to the apostles during those days, attentively followed the evolution of Thomas’ faith. Perhaps she was the one who stopped him from deserting. Today we confide our fidelity and that of the ones God has placed under our care to Our Lady. ‘Virgin most faithful, pray for us.’
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 7:1-6
Our Lady will not leave us for an instant
Worry, fear and cowardice arise when our prayer weakens. Jesus Christ knows everything happening to us. St Augustine reminds us: ‘Wake him and he will rebuke the storm and peace will be restored.’ (“Sermon 361”, 7) Everything is for our good and the good of souls. It is enough to be in his company to feel that we are safe.
St Bernard says: “If the winds of temptation arise, fix your eyes on the star, call upon Mary ... With her for a guide you will not go astray; while invoking her, you will never lose heart; so long as she is in your mind, you are safe from deception. If she holds your hand, you cannot fail; under her protection you have nothing to fear; if she walks before you, you will not grow weary; if she shows you favor, you will reach the goal.” (“Homilies on the Blessed Virgin Mary”, 2)
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 3:639
Interior discipline
“Our character depends in great part upon the practice of interior discipline, which leads to control of thought. Is not nervous irritation the after-effect of a storm of bitter thoughts, and never overcome? And does not habitual kindness, understanding, the habit of building on past failures for new, the constant effort to overcome evil by doing good proceed from the habit of dominating one’s thoughts?” (Rev James Alberione, SSP, STD, “Personality and Configuration with Christ”, p99. In “The Vatican II Weekday Missal”, 1975, p1152)
• Our Lady of “la Carolle”, at Paris. It is said that this image, which was placed at the corner of the Rou aux Ours, was stabbed with a knife in the year 1418, and that it bled profusely. In memory of this, fireworks are set off every year in which a waxen figure is burnt, which represents the sacrilegious wretch who gave the blow. — Du Breuil, lib. ii. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com)
• Our Lady of “la Carolle”. Paris. 1418. (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html); (http://www/mariedenazareth.com); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html).
• “Notre Dame de la Carolle”. Paris. 1418. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
• Our Lady of the Miraculous Candle (Portugal). Moveable feast -- third Sunday after Pentecost. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
• Our Lady of the Miraculous Candle / “Nossa Senhora da vela miraculous” (Portugal). Moveable feast -- third Sunday after Pentecost -- (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Friday, July 1, 2011
2 July 2011: Memorial -- The Immaculate Heart of Mary
Saturday following the Second Sunday after Pentecost
In the 17th century, St John Eudes preached this devotion together with that of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Church instituted this feast to encourage us to trust always in our Blessed Mother as a spring of grace and mercy. Mary’s all pure Heart calls us to be pure of heart, keeping it free from chains, so it may respond easily to do God’s will. She teaches us to love all in the Heart of Jesus. In 1942, Pope Pius XII consecrated the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Ref: Fr James Socias ‘et al’ (Eds), “Daily Roman Missal”, p1537
Most Sweet Heart of Mary
The heart symbolizes a person’s inmost being. In the Gospels, the first time the Heart of Mary is mentioned is to express her grand interior life. “Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (Lk 2:19)
The ‘Preface of the Mass’ attributes a number of qualities to the Heart of Mary. It is ‘wise’, because she understood the meaning of the Scriptures as no other person had ever done; she kept in it the memory of the words and things relating to the mystery of salvation.
It is ‘immaculate’, that is, immune from any stain of sin. It is ‘docile’ because she submitted so faithfully to God’s Will and to every one of his wishes. It is ‘new’, according to the ancient prophecy of Ezechiel -- “a new heart I will give you, and a new spirit” (cf Ez 36:26) -- clothed in the newness of grace merited by Christ.
It is ‘humble’ because she imitated the humility of Christ, who said “Learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart” (Mk 11:29); ‘simple’, free from any duplicity and full of the Spirit of truth; ‘clean’ and thus able to see God in the words of the Beatitude (cf Mt 5:8).
It is ‘firm’ in her accepting the Will of God when Simeon announced that a sword of sorrow would pierce her heart (cf Lk 2:35), when persecution broke out against her Son (cf Mt 2:13) or when the moment of his death came. It is ‘ready’, for while Christ slept in the sepulchre she kept watch expecting his resurrection, just like the spouse in the “Canticle of Canticles” (cf Song of Songs 5:2).
The Immaculate Heart of Mary is, mainly, the “temple of the Holy Spirit” (cf Second Vatican Council, “Lumen Gentium”, 53), by reason of her divine motherhood; and because of the continuous and all-embracing inhabitation of the Holy Spirit in her soul. This sublime maternity, which places Mary above all other created beings, was accomplished in her most pure womb.
The Church Fathers affirm that she conceived the Word to whom she gave birth according to the flesh first of all in her heart according to faith. (cf St Augustine, “On Holy Virginity”, 3) By her Immaculate Heart, full of faith and love, a heart that was humble and totally dedicated to the Will of God, Mary merited to carry the Son of God in her virginal womb.
She always protects us as a mother protects her small child who is surrounded by dangers, and helps us to grow continuously. How can we not turn to her each day? “Holy Mary, Star of the sea, be our guide! Make this request, because there is no storm that can shipwreck the most Sweet Heart of Mary. When you see the squall coming, if you seek safety in the firm Refuge that is Mary, there will be no danger of your being hurled off course or going down.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 1055) In her Heart is a safe harbor where it is impossible for us to founder.
Mary knows the Heart of her Son well and she knows how to reach it. Now in heaven, her attitude remains. Through her intercession, our prayers reach the Lord ‘sooner, more certainly and better’. Thus, we can address to her an ancient prayer of the Church: “O Virgin Mother of God, you who are always in his presence, speak good things about us.” (“St Pius V Missal, Prayer over the offerings” from the Mass of Mary Mediatrix of All Graces; cf Jer 18:20) Say something to him in our favor. We need it so much!
From Our Lady there spring forth torrents of the grace of forgiveness, of mercy, of help in necessity ... This is why we ask her today to give us a heart which is pure, human and understanding towards the defects of people around us. We ask her to make us kind to everyone, to understand people’s sorrows whatever their circumstances, and always to be ready to assist anyone.
“‘Mother of Fair Love’, pray for us. Teach us to love God and our brother as you have loved them; make our love for others always patient, benign, full of respect ... Make our joys always authentic and complete, so that we can communicate it to everyone”, (John Paul II, “Homily”, 31 May 1979) especially to those God has united us with stronger ties.
We recall how, when needed most, the Church and her children turned to the Most Sweet Heart of Mary so as to consecrate to her the world: nations or families. (cf Pius XII, Address, “Benedicite Deum”, 31 October 1942; John Paul II, “Homily in Fatima”, 13 May 1982)
It is always our intuitive feeling that we are safe only in her Sweet Heart. We place on her motherly lap the days that seem good and bad; our illnesses, weakness, work; our tiredness and our rest, together with the noble ideals God has placed in our souls. We place especially in her hands our journey towards Christ so that she may keep it free from all dangers and guard it with tenderness and fortitude, as a mother does. Most Sweet Heart of Mary “prepare for me, for them, a safe way”. (cf Hymn, “Ave Maris Stella”. In “Handbook of Prayers”, Fr Charles Belmonte and Fr James Socias [eds], 1988, p368)
Finally, we ask God: “Father, you prepared the heart of the Virgin Mary to be a fitting home for your Holy Spirit. By her prayers may we become a more worthy temple of your glory.” (“Roman Missal, Opening Prayer”)
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 6:329-35
Hail, True Body, Born of the Virgin Mary
Today, our thoughts turn to Her from whom God, the Son of God, took this Body. Let us, therefore, greet with veneration and love that Body of the Eternal Word and her who, as Mother, gave His Body to the Eternal Word.
This Body is the Sacrament of Redemption of man: “He truly suffered, and was immolated on the Cross for mankind.” ...
This Body, suffering unto death on the Cross, together with the Blood shed as the sign of the New and Eternal Alliance, became the Church’s greatest Sacrament, to which today we desire to render particular adoration and show particular love and gratitude. ...
Ref: Cf “Prayers and Devotions from Pope John Paul II”, p243
• Feast of The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. [Moved to 31 May in accordance with reforms instituted by the Second Vatican Council.] This feast is celebrated between the solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord [24 March] and the birth of St John the Baptist [24 June], in conformity with the Gospel accounts. The Visitation is the encounter between Mary and her cousin Elizabeth, the mother of St John the Baptist. Mary’s “Magnficat” is another testimony of her humility and greatness before God. Her readiness to serve Elizabeth is a good lesson on fraternal charity. (“Daily Roman Missal”, edited by Fr James Socias, Fr Charles Belmonte and Fr Cecilio Magsino, 1989, p1534)
• Feast of The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin. Instituted by Pope Urban VI. 1385. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html); (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
• The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin. This feast was instituted by Urban VI, in the year 1385, and confirmed by Boniface IX, in the year 1389. — Antoine, iv. part, tit. xv., chap. 24. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com)
• Visitation of the Blessed Virgin. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (http://www/mariedenazareth.com)
• Unveiling and blessing of the statue of Our Lady of Penrhys, Wales 1953. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
• Our Lady of Piat -- Vicariate of Itawes, Archdiocese of Tuguegarao (“The 1997 Catholic Directory of the Philippines”, p357); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
• Our Lady of Guibang. Isabela PHL. (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
• Our Lady of Beauraing. (“Our Sunday Visitor’s Catholic Encyclopedia”, 1991, p121)
• The Immaculate Heart of Mary (universally celebrated; instituted by Pope Pius XII) 1944. Moveable feast -- Saturday after Solemnity of the Sacred Heart. (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html); (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
• Most Pure Heart of Mary. History, detailing wide variety of celebration dates. Carmelite province. Congregation of the Handmaids of the Most Pure Heart of Mary, for black nuns in Georgia. Prayer. Moveable feast -- Saturday after the Octave of “Corpus Christi”. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
In the 17th century, St John Eudes preached this devotion together with that of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Church instituted this feast to encourage us to trust always in our Blessed Mother as a spring of grace and mercy. Mary’s all pure Heart calls us to be pure of heart, keeping it free from chains, so it may respond easily to do God’s will. She teaches us to love all in the Heart of Jesus. In 1942, Pope Pius XII consecrated the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Ref: Fr James Socias ‘et al’ (Eds), “Daily Roman Missal”, p1537
Most Sweet Heart of Mary
The heart symbolizes a person’s inmost being. In the Gospels, the first time the Heart of Mary is mentioned is to express her grand interior life. “Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (Lk 2:19)
The ‘Preface of the Mass’ attributes a number of qualities to the Heart of Mary. It is ‘wise’, because she understood the meaning of the Scriptures as no other person had ever done; she kept in it the memory of the words and things relating to the mystery of salvation.
It is ‘immaculate’, that is, immune from any stain of sin. It is ‘docile’ because she submitted so faithfully to God’s Will and to every one of his wishes. It is ‘new’, according to the ancient prophecy of Ezechiel -- “a new heart I will give you, and a new spirit” (cf Ez 36:26) -- clothed in the newness of grace merited by Christ.
It is ‘humble’ because she imitated the humility of Christ, who said “Learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart” (Mk 11:29); ‘simple’, free from any duplicity and full of the Spirit of truth; ‘clean’ and thus able to see God in the words of the Beatitude (cf Mt 5:8).
It is ‘firm’ in her accepting the Will of God when Simeon announced that a sword of sorrow would pierce her heart (cf Lk 2:35), when persecution broke out against her Son (cf Mt 2:13) or when the moment of his death came. It is ‘ready’, for while Christ slept in the sepulchre she kept watch expecting his resurrection, just like the spouse in the “Canticle of Canticles” (cf Song of Songs 5:2).
The Immaculate Heart of Mary is, mainly, the “temple of the Holy Spirit” (cf Second Vatican Council, “Lumen Gentium”, 53), by reason of her divine motherhood; and because of the continuous and all-embracing inhabitation of the Holy Spirit in her soul. This sublime maternity, which places Mary above all other created beings, was accomplished in her most pure womb.
The Church Fathers affirm that she conceived the Word to whom she gave birth according to the flesh first of all in her heart according to faith. (cf St Augustine, “On Holy Virginity”, 3) By her Immaculate Heart, full of faith and love, a heart that was humble and totally dedicated to the Will of God, Mary merited to carry the Son of God in her virginal womb.
She always protects us as a mother protects her small child who is surrounded by dangers, and helps us to grow continuously. How can we not turn to her each day? “Holy Mary, Star of the sea, be our guide! Make this request, because there is no storm that can shipwreck the most Sweet Heart of Mary. When you see the squall coming, if you seek safety in the firm Refuge that is Mary, there will be no danger of your being hurled off course or going down.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 1055) In her Heart is a safe harbor where it is impossible for us to founder.
Mary knows the Heart of her Son well and she knows how to reach it. Now in heaven, her attitude remains. Through her intercession, our prayers reach the Lord ‘sooner, more certainly and better’. Thus, we can address to her an ancient prayer of the Church: “O Virgin Mother of God, you who are always in his presence, speak good things about us.” (“St Pius V Missal, Prayer over the offerings” from the Mass of Mary Mediatrix of All Graces; cf Jer 18:20) Say something to him in our favor. We need it so much!
From Our Lady there spring forth torrents of the grace of forgiveness, of mercy, of help in necessity ... This is why we ask her today to give us a heart which is pure, human and understanding towards the defects of people around us. We ask her to make us kind to everyone, to understand people’s sorrows whatever their circumstances, and always to be ready to assist anyone.
“‘Mother of Fair Love’, pray for us. Teach us to love God and our brother as you have loved them; make our love for others always patient, benign, full of respect ... Make our joys always authentic and complete, so that we can communicate it to everyone”, (John Paul II, “Homily”, 31 May 1979) especially to those God has united us with stronger ties.
We recall how, when needed most, the Church and her children turned to the Most Sweet Heart of Mary so as to consecrate to her the world: nations or families. (cf Pius XII, Address, “Benedicite Deum”, 31 October 1942; John Paul II, “Homily in Fatima”, 13 May 1982)
It is always our intuitive feeling that we are safe only in her Sweet Heart. We place on her motherly lap the days that seem good and bad; our illnesses, weakness, work; our tiredness and our rest, together with the noble ideals God has placed in our souls. We place especially in her hands our journey towards Christ so that she may keep it free from all dangers and guard it with tenderness and fortitude, as a mother does. Most Sweet Heart of Mary “prepare for me, for them, a safe way”. (cf Hymn, “Ave Maris Stella”. In “Handbook of Prayers”, Fr Charles Belmonte and Fr James Socias [eds], 1988, p368)
Finally, we ask God: “Father, you prepared the heart of the Virgin Mary to be a fitting home for your Holy Spirit. By her prayers may we become a more worthy temple of your glory.” (“Roman Missal, Opening Prayer”)
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 6:329-35
Hail, True Body, Born of the Virgin Mary
Today, our thoughts turn to Her from whom God, the Son of God, took this Body. Let us, therefore, greet with veneration and love that Body of the Eternal Word and her who, as Mother, gave His Body to the Eternal Word.
This Body is the Sacrament of Redemption of man: “He truly suffered, and was immolated on the Cross for mankind.” ...
This Body, suffering unto death on the Cross, together with the Blood shed as the sign of the New and Eternal Alliance, became the Church’s greatest Sacrament, to which today we desire to render particular adoration and show particular love and gratitude. ...
Ref: Cf “Prayers and Devotions from Pope John Paul II”, p243
• Feast of The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. [Moved to 31 May in accordance with reforms instituted by the Second Vatican Council.] This feast is celebrated between the solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord [24 March] and the birth of St John the Baptist [24 June], in conformity with the Gospel accounts. The Visitation is the encounter between Mary and her cousin Elizabeth, the mother of St John the Baptist. Mary’s “Magnficat” is another testimony of her humility and greatness before God. Her readiness to serve Elizabeth is a good lesson on fraternal charity. (“Daily Roman Missal”, edited by Fr James Socias, Fr Charles Belmonte and Fr Cecilio Magsino, 1989, p1534)
• Feast of The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin. Instituted by Pope Urban VI. 1385. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html); (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
• The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin. This feast was instituted by Urban VI, in the year 1385, and confirmed by Boniface IX, in the year 1389. — Antoine, iv. part, tit. xv., chap. 24. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com)
• Visitation of the Blessed Virgin. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (http://www/mariedenazareth.com)
• Unveiling and blessing of the statue of Our Lady of Penrhys, Wales 1953. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
• Our Lady of Piat -- Vicariate of Itawes, Archdiocese of Tuguegarao (“The 1997 Catholic Directory of the Philippines”, p357); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
• Our Lady of Guibang. Isabela PHL. (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
• Our Lady of Beauraing. (“Our Sunday Visitor’s Catholic Encyclopedia”, 1991, p121)
• The Immaculate Heart of Mary (universally celebrated; instituted by Pope Pius XII) 1944. Moveable feast -- Saturday after Solemnity of the Sacred Heart. (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html); (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
• Most Pure Heart of Mary. History, detailing wide variety of celebration dates. Carmelite province. Congregation of the Handmaids of the Most Pure Heart of Mary, for black nuns in Georgia. Prayer. Moveable feast -- Saturday after the Octave of “Corpus Christi”. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
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