18 June 2010: At Garabandal, Spain

On this day in 1965, vistors flocked to Garabandal to see the visionaries. It had been foretold months before that an apparition would occur on this date. True enough, the Archangel Michael delivered to Conchita (one of four visionaries) a message in Our Lady’s name.

‘As my message of 18 October 1961 has not been complied with and has not been made known to the world, I am advising you that this is the last one. Before, the cup was filling up. Now it is flowing over. Many cardinals, ... bishops and ... priests are on the road to perdition and are taking away many souls with them.

‘Less and less importance is being given to the Eucharist. You should turn the wrath of God away from yourselves by your efforts. If you ask Him forgiveness with sincere hearts, He will pardon you. I, your Mother, through the intercession of St Michael, the archangel, ask you to amend your lives.

‘You are now receiving the last warnings. I love you very much and I do not want your condemnation. Pray to us with sincerity and we will grant your requests. You should make sacrifices. Think about the passion of Jesus.’ (In 1986, Bishop Del Ballo of Santander declared these messages to be authentic and reliable.)

Ref: Fr Edgardo M Arellano, “20th Century Apparitions”, pp104-5

The Heart of Jesus submits to all kinds of persons

On the same principle, Jesus obeyed and submitted to even the most wicked men, and those whose hypocrisy he had proclaimed to the people. Caiphas, as high priest, adjured him to say if he were the Son of God or not. Immediately, Jesus breaks his silence and answers him fully.

He submitted even to the heathen, Pontius Pilate, by accepting the sentence without a word. He even obeyed his executioners when they ordered him to stretch out his arms on the cross: immediately, with heart and will. Thus, as St Paul says, he became “obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Phil 2:18).

It is his love for us, and for our instruction and encouragement, that Jesus gave these examples of obedience. With Jesus on the cross before our eyes, no act of obedience will seem too hard for us.

Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp326

Examination of conscience

In the silence of this examination I like to reflect on, and apply, these words of the sequence in the Mass for the Dead: ‘The book will be read out in which everything is written.’ When the moment comes for us to meet Jesus the pages of this book, which contains everything we did during our lifetime, will be turned quickly before our eyes.

To make sure there are no surprises at the last moment, I often like to take this book, I’m in the process of writing, in my hands whether I like it or not as long as I live. I like to open it and let my soul read it. That’s very easy and useful to do at the time of prayer or of examining one’s conscience.

I do want, Lord, to learn how to write this book; to let my hand be guided by your hand, so I can do your will at every moment. And I would like to fill every one of these pages with expressions full of sincere affection and love. Or at least, when I don’t manage to write what I ought, with sincere, serene words of contrition.

Ref: cf Salvatore Canals, “Jesus as friend”, 1981, pp77-8

The particular examination of conscience

Many of Our Lord’s followers were scandalized when he promised the Eucharist in the synagogue at Capharnaum. Misunderstanding his wonderful self-giving in Eucharistic Communion, a large number of his followers turned their backs on him and left.

It was not the crowd as such but his own disciples who abandoned him. The Twelve remained faithful to their Master and Lord. They had not understood much about Our Lord’s promise also; however, they remained by his side. Why were they loyal at that time of disloyalty? It was because they were his friends.

Through living with him day after day they had come to understand he had the words of eternal life, because they loved him deeply. “Lord, to whom can we go? ...” is Peter’s reply to Jesus’ query as to whether they, too were leaving: “You have the words of eternal life. We ... believe and know, you are the Holy One of God.” (Jn 6:68-9)

Life is a constant struggle between love for Christ or giving in to lukewarmness, our passions, or comfort-seeking, which destroys love. Faithfulness to Christ is forged daily by struggling against whatever separates us from him and striving to be virtuous. Then we will be faithful when few seem to remain by Our Lord’s side.

To be steadfastly faithful to Our Lord we must always struggle cheerfully, although the battles may be minor. The particular examination of conscience is one way for getting closer to God, of loving him ever greater. It helps us to struggle effectively against the defects and obstacles separating us from Christ and others.

We acquire virtues and develop habits which will smoothen any roughness in our relationship with Jesus. The particular examination specifies the targets for our interior life, and helps us to soar, with the help of God’s grace, to the height of holiness. Or to repulse an enemy, who causes widespread damage and setbacks.

As we tell Our Lord that we want to be faithful, we should ask ourselves: Are my desires to grow in love truly sincere? Am I docile in spiritual direction?

Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:417-9

Our Lady -- “Don’t ever lose the supernatural point of view. Correct your intention as the course of a ship is corrected on the high seas: by looking at the star, by looking at Mary. Then you will always be sure of reaching harbour.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 749)

Apparition of Our Lady to St Agnes of Monte Pulciano, with whom, it is said, she left a small cross which is still shown with great solemnity on the 1st of May. — Chronicle of St. Dominic, part. i, lib. i, c. 72. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)

Appearance of Our Lady to St Agnes of Monte Pulciano, Italy. (http://www.divinewill.org/feastofourlady.htm); (http://www.starharbor.com/santiago/m feasts.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)

Apparition: Our Lady to St Agnes of Mount Politian. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)