“A few days before the Ascension, the eleven went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them” (Mt 28:16); where “He was seen by more than five-hundred brethren at once” (1 Cor 15:6).
This is the only appearance of which the time and place were known beforehand. Jesus himself and the angel had announced it long before. This accounts for the witnesses being so much greater than ever before.
Imagine the eagerness of the majority, who had not seen Jesus since his resurrection, to hasten to the place, naturally curious to see a dead man raised to life. Still many others, by the more perfect motive of longing to show their reverence, love, and gratitude to their risen Lord; doubtless, inspired with the hope of receiving his blessing, special graces and favors.
If Jesus would appear in some place, how eagerly men would go there, even at the cost of a long and hard journey! The mere thought of coming before their God and Saviour, with the expectation of receiving some special favor, would make the most toilsome journey seem light and easy.
And yet, this very God and Saviour is amidst these same men, in numerous churches; but what happens? Instead of hastening, they do not even go near. We are shocked, grieved by a most mysterious inconsistency. Are we somewhat guilty too? How often do we visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament? What do we think when we kneel before him?
“And seeing him they adored; but some doubted” (Mt 28:18) the reality of his resurrection; and because their faith was weak, their love was cold. Their distrust and uncertainty contrasted sadly with the lively faith and eager joy of the rest.
They were dull and cold amidst the holy zeal and fervor of their brethren. This must have greatly grieved the other disciples; and doubtless also the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
This sad episode is repeated in even the most exemplary groups. We see it among many people who are faithful to the grace of their vocation and others ‘who seem to doubt’. They belittle the solemn obligations of their commitments, constantly hovering between good and evil. Tepid, a grief to their brethren and of painful anxiety to their directors.
Jesus said, “O foolish and slow of heart to believe all the prophets have declared!” (Lk 24:25) This reproach did not come from impatience, but from the love of Jesus for his disciples despite their error. They laid their Master’s death to weakness and could no longer believe in his omnipotence.
Thus, Jesus explained: “Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory? Beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them things about himself in all Scriptures.” (Lk 24:26)
Learn from Jesus: 1) never to reproach anyone out of resentment or spite, but only from duty and charity; and 2) always endeavor to instruct those whom we are obliged to reprove, so they may acknowledge and amend their errors.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp253-6
` ` ` MAY DEVOTIONS ` ` `
Mary welcomes the shepherds
“You must look at the Child in the manger. He is our Love. Look at him, realizing that the whole thing is a mystery. We need to accept this mystery on faith and use our faith to explore it very deeply. To do this, we must have the humble attitude of a christian soul.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Christ is passing by”, 13)
Let us offer our Mother: ‘Small hidden sacrifices, especially those that go against the grain.’
Ref: Fr Charles Belmonte and Fr James Socias (Eds), “Handbook of Prayers”, 1988, p30
Another marvel of the Rosary
Alphonsus, King of Leon and Galicia, wanted all his servants to honor the Blessed Virgin by saying the Rosary. So he used to hang a large rosary on his belt; but, he never said it himself. Still his wearing it encouraged his courtiers to say the Rosary very devoutly.
One day the King fell seriously ill and when he was given up for dead he found himself, in a vision, before the judgment seat of Our Lord. Many devils were there accusing him of all the sins he had committed and Our Lord as Sovereign Judge was about to condemn him to hell when Our Lady appeared to intercede for him.
She called for a pair of scales and had his sins placed in one of the balances; and she put the rosary he had always worn on the other scale, together with all the Rosaries that had been said because of his example. The Rosaries weighed more than his sins!
Our Lady with great kindness said: “As a reward for this little honor that you paid me in wearing my Rosary, I have obtained a great grace for you from my Son. Your life will be spared for a few more years. See that you spend these years wisely, and do penance.”
When the King regained consciousness he cried out: “Blessed be the Rosary of the Most Holy Virgin Mary, by which I have been delivered from eternal damnation!” He spent the rest of his life in spreading devotion to the Holy Rosary and daily said it faithfully.
People who love the Blessed Virgin ought to follow the example of King Alphonsus and that of the saints so that they, too may win over souls for the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary. They will then receive great graces on earth and eternal life later on.
Ref: St Louis de Montfort, “The Secret of the Rosary”, 1954, pp28-9
· “The Rosary invites our fingers, our lips, and our heart in one vast symphony of prayer, and for that reason is the greatest prayer ever composed by man.” -- Bishop Fulton J Sheen (In Rev Joseph A Viano, SSP, “Two Months with Mary”, 1984, p49)
Our Lady of Loretto, in the March of Ancona in Italy. This chapel is the house of Nazareth, where the mystery of the Redemption was announced. — Tnrselini, History of Loretto, lib. i„ c. 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Our Lady of Loretto / 'Madonna della Loreto'. Ancona, Italy.(http://www.divinewill.org/feastofourlady.htm; MaryLinks Calendar.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Our Lady of Pontoise / ‘Notre-Dame de Pontoise’ / ‘Notre-Dame de la Santé’ (Our Lady of Health). Pontoise, France: Originally constructed in 1177, now a Basilica. Beginning 1640, inhabitants of city began an annual procession in Mary's honor, and placed a statue of Mary at each entrance to the village. Ceremony was credited with ending frequent pestilence. (Moveable feast-- 2nd Sunday of May) (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Our Lady of Light. Lujan, Argentina. (MaryLinks Calendar.htm)
Our Lady of Publito. Queretaro, Mexico. (MaryLinks Calendar.htm)
Our Lady of the Defenseless. Madrid, Spain. (MaryLinks Calendar.htm; http://www.starharbor.com/santiago/m feasts.html); (Moveable feast-- 2nd Sunday of May). (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
Our Lady of Grace. Celebrated by Hieronymites. (Moveable feast-- 2nd Sunday of May)(www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
Madonna della Guardia. Bologna, Italy. (Moveable feast-- Sunday before Ascension (16May)]. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Our Lady of Miracles. Mauriac, France. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
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