(Fr James Socias, et al [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1907)
Our Lord makes Himself known
“... while he was at table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave to them.” (Lk 24:30) The general interpretation is our Lord gave them his divine Self, under the appearance of bread, as at the Last Supper.
“Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him.” (Lk 24:31) This was, as it always is, the effect of the Holy Eucharist -- to enlighten the understanding, and fill it with the knowledge of God and divine matters.
How come that I, having so often received this same Eucharist, remain so unenlightened, and have progressed so little in the knowledge of divine things and the ways of God? Doubtless because my dispositions have been wanting, and negligent in preparation or thanksgiving.
As soon as the disciples had recognized their Lord in the breaking of bread, he disappeared. Thus, to their sorrow, they lost his sensible presence, but still felt its effects.
Why did our Lord vanish so quickly without waiting for any act of adoration or gratitude? Ascetic writers reply, ‘Perhaps to teach us that, after having performed a good action, we ought to avoid, rather than seek, thanks and praise for it. ... we ought not to count upon the sweetness of the sensible presence of Jesus which is only a transitory consolation ...’
After having received this wonderful favor, the two disciples, “the same hour, went back to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered” (Lk 24:33).
Why did they leave with such haste, when it was growing late and were already fatigued by their journey? To glorify their Divine Master, to affirm his resurrection to their brethren soonest, and repair the scandal they had caused by refusing to believe the holy women’s testimony.
Let us learn to imitate them and to spare no pains when God’s glory is concerned. We must generously and promptly repair any scandal we may have caused.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp220-22
Fortitude in difficult circumstances
In our circumstances, when attitudes draw people away from God, we must feel a call from Our Lord to show with the example of our lives that the Risen Christ is among us; for without him, man and this world will always be disoriented. If darkness is great, need for light is greater.
We must struggle against the current, relying on a life of personal prayer, fortified by the presence of Jesus Christ in the Tabernacle. Our interior struggle to reject worldly values must be more meaningful. Among the greatest fruits we must draw from difficulties, whatever they are, is to be more aware of Our Lord, to be more generous in prayer and sacrifice.
We cannot forget that our supernatural objective is an arduous good which demands a vigorous response full of fortitude, a cardinal virtue which helps remove obstacles and the fears which can hinder the will from resolutely following Our Lord. (cf St Thomas, “Summa Theologiae”, II-II, q122, a3) God always gives the necessary graces at every moment and in all circumstances.
When we face contradictions in our environment we should nonetheless be serene and cheerful. It will be the same joy as the Apostles had, “because they had been worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus” (Acts 5:41).
St John Chrysostom points out: “... it does not say that they did not suffer, but that the suffering caused them joy. ... We can see this in the account of the freedom which they immediately put to good use; immediately after being scourged they gave themselves up to preaching with admirable intensity.” (“Homilies on the Acts of the Apostles”, 14)
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:401-2
Fortitude and Its Rewards
This virtue can become rare in the pleasure-loving and success-hungry environment where most of us live. Religious convictions can easily be suppressed by fear of being criticized, belittled or even ridiculed.
About fortitude, Fr Leo J Trese said it is hard not to laugh at the obscene joke, especially if the teller happens to be the boss or a good customer. When the malicious gossip starts, it is hard to insist on changing the conversation or to speak up in defense of the person under attack -- particularly when the subject really is a stinker. It is hard to make the boyfriend behave when everybody says a little loving never hurt anyone; especially when boyfriends are rare.
Our world of work and recreation may frequently be uynsympathetic to virtue. Businessmen often find under-the-table deals as standard operating procedure. Risqué shows are bandied about as hilarious entertainment. It is consoling to find that fortitude also brings rewards. The courage of the man born blind in glorifying Jesus before the council was magnificently rewarded.
“Jesus heard they had driven him away, and when he found him he said to him, ‘Do you believe in the Son of Man?’ ‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘tell me who he is so that I may believe in him.’ Jesus said, ‘You are looking at him; he is speaking to you.’ The man said, ‘Lord, I believe,’ and worshipped him.” (Jn 9:35-8 ) Before, sight was restored to his eyes. Now, sight was given to his soul.
Christians who stand by their conscience inevitably discover that they have grown in stature in the eyes of other people. Initially, they might have been somewhat afraid they would lose their friends. Afterwards, they realize they have gained respect as well as affection. Their friends find in them a reassuring source of strength.
Ref: cf Fr M Guzman, “Encounters With Christ”, 1990, pp109-10
The School of Prayer
The Lord will grant you the ability to discover many other aspects of the faithful response to grace of the Blessed Virgin. To know these facets of her life is to want to imitate them: her purity, humility, fortitude, generosity, fidelity ... But now I want to speak to you of an aspect that in a way encompasses all the others because it is a condition for spiritual growth -- her life of prayer.
Ref: cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “Christ is passing by”, 174
Grant of indulgences by Pope Calixtus III in the year 1455, to whoever visit the Cathedral of Arras where a veil and girdle of Our Lady are preserved. — Andreas Herby, from the Manuscripts of the Church of Arras. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
Our Lady of Mende. Africa. 16th Century. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
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