Our Lord, having drawn the prejudices and incredulity from the lips of the two disciples, severely reproves them. “O foolish and slow of heart to believe in all things the prophets have spoken.” (Lk 24:25) Severe, but neither bitter nor in anger. The disciples received it with humility; without comment. They felt it was prompted by charity.
Nothing is more fatal than acquisition of bad habits. These slowly become part of ourselves and are very difficult to shake off. “Habit becomes second nature.” (St Augustine) We must be vigilant about seemingly innocuous tendencies. Our directors deserve credit for spotting our omissions in time; and if necessary, reprove us before it is too late for correction.
This is a great advantage and we must appreciate it. Let us not imitate the sick man who gets angry with the surgeon, who, to cure him, is often obliged to cause him pain. Receive correction, and, as the two disciples did, without reply, humbly, gratefully, with sincere desire of amendment.
The person at fault should know he is wrong and for which he requires instruction, for correction to be of real service. This was our Lord’s way with the two disciples by explaining that the prophecies about the Messiah contradict their errors on his doctrine of self-denial and humility. He says, “Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and so to enter into his glory?” (Lk 24:26)
We clearly see the only road to eternal salvation pointed out by the Infallible Word himself: the way of the cross. Should I think myself wiser to deserve an easier way than my Master? By leading a soft life? Isn’t this absurd?
“Beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted the things about him.” (cf Lk 24:27) Our Lord could have enlightened them by a single ray of his grace. Why this long exposition of the prophetic writers?
To teach us that we must obtain and preserve the comprehension of doctrinal matters by diligently reading Holy Scripture and spiritual books. Is carelessness in spiritual reading the cause of our want of faith and light?
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp216-8
Rectitude of intention
The life of the first Christians and their witness to the world reveal their quality and character. Their norm of conduct was not to take the easy way out, opt for the more comfortable line, nor the more popular decision. They sought to fulfil completely the will of God.
They ignored the danger of death ... forgot how few they were, never noticed how many were against them, or the power or strength, or wisdom of their enemies. Their power was greater than all of that: theirs was the power of him who had died on the Cross and risen again. (St John Chrysostom, “Homilies on St Matthew”, 4)
They did not seek their personal glory, nor the applause of others; but always acted with a right intention, because they had their eyes fixed on the Lord. Our intention is right when Christ is the end and motive of all our actions.
By contrast, the person who is always seeking the approval and applause of others can easily deform his own conscience. The rule of action then becomes what people will say, rather than the Will of God.
Sometimes, in order to conform, one easily becomes inconsistent with his principles. He falls into the temptation of leaning to where approving smiles and handshakes more readily come. On the contrary, whoever truly seek Christ must accept that their conduct will be unpopular, often criticised, particularly in an environment that is not very Christian.
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:393-4
In Our Father’s Presence
Purity of intention is no more than presence of God: God Our Lord is present in all our intentions. Our heart will be free of every earthly obstacle. Our vision and supernatural way of doing things are clear when Jesus Christ really reigns in our intimate world and presides over all our plans and purposes.
Then your soul would have discovered the simple formula for seeking Christian perfection in all spheres of human activity. You will be able to sanctify yourself at every moment; and lead everything to God our Lord.
Think about this: selfishness and sensuality, self-love and resentment can not settle in your soul or be the motive of your actions. You will fight off every kind of enslavement and keep at bay the enemy of your holiness who is always trying secretly to ‘sow cockle among the wheat’. But there is no cockle in souls who live in the presence of God: everything about them is good wheat.
And with Christ’s help -- he is the goal of, the whole reason for, our lives -- you will shake off that sleepiness which makes it easier for the enemy to catch you. You will be ever vigilant, ever attentive to the presence of the Lord. Purity of intention: Christ present in our intentions ...
Once we set out on this road we will also learn the virtue of humility, for everything we do and even the way we do it will protect our humility: “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to thy name give glory.” (Ps 113:1)
This presence of God, sought serenely and held on to with determination, ought to be a source of deep, intimate joy every day of your life. There ensues a deep sense of security! By feeling that God your Father is looking after you, how can you lose?
When temptation persists, this serene awareness of God’s presence will turn into heartfelt prayer of petition; a shout full of faith and hope.
If you live in the presence of God, you will learn to be skilled in that rare wisdom-- self-control. You begin to conquer yourself and experience the joy of making life pleasant for people around you. Frivolity, superficiality and lukewarmness will disappear from your life. You will be a friend of God.
So, ask the Blessed Virgin, Mother of God and our Mother, to help you make a firm, generous resolution to walk from now on in the presence of God, all the time.
Ref: cf Salvatore Canals, “Jesus as friend”, 1981, pp80-82
Institution of the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception, at Toledo, in the year 1506, by Cardinal Francis Ximenes, archbishop of that city. — See his Life by Gormez, etc. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
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