Immediately after the miracle of the loaves, Jesus and his disciples boarded a ship. On the eastern shore of the sea of Galilee they came to Magedan, a country which had not yet been evangelized.
Interpreters note on this occasion that as we follow the paths of Jesus, we easily see his intention to make himself known to all over Israel, so there should not be a province in Judaea which had not been enlightened by his teaching, and witnessed his miracles. It prefigures what his Apostles will do in the whole world.
The Gospel is silent about Jesus’ preaching and miracles in Magedan; but it relates the hypocritical alliance between the Pharisees and Sadducees, who were vehemently opposed to each other. Like all sects, they could agree in hostility towards our Lord.
“The Pharisees and Sadducees came; and to test Jesus they asked him to show them a heavenly sign.” (Mt 16:1) They wanted to lower him in people’s opinion by claiming him to be powerless if he did not work the miracle, or accusing him of sacrilege if he performed it.
“‘A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given except the sign of Jonah.’ And he went away.” (cf Mt 16:4) [The sign was asked to confirm Jesus’ mission; but he refused because of their obvious insincerity. (Juan MH Ledesma, SJ, STD, “The Life of our Lord Jesus Christ”, 1998, p127)]
Having fulfilled his mission in Magedan, Jesus boarded the ship for Galilee. They had only one loaf of bread in the boat. During the voyage, desiring to keep his Apostles against error, Jesus said to them, “Watch out, beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod” (Mk 8:15).
Jesus knowing that the Apostles interpreted these words in a material sense said, “Why do you conclude it is because you have no bread? Do you not yet see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear? And do you not remember when I broke the five loaves among five thousand? How many baskets full of fragments did you collect?’ They answered, ‘Twelve’.”
“‘When I broke the seven loaves for the four-thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you gather?’ They answered, ‘Seven’.” (Mk 8:16-21) “Then they understood that Jesus was not talking of yeast for bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (cf Mt 16:12)
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp546-8
‘The signs of the times’
Jesus uses man’s ability to forecast the weather to speak about the signs of the advent of the messiah.
He reproaches the Pharisees for not recognizing that the messianic times have in fact arrived: "For the Lord Jesus inaugurated his Church by preaching the Good news, that is, the coming of the Kingdom of God, promised over the ages in the Scriptures: 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand ...' (Mk 1:15); cf Mt 4;17). ... those who hear it with faith and are numbered among the little flock of Christ (cf Lk 12:32) have truly received the kingdom. Then, by its own power the seed sprouts and grows until the harvest (cf Mk 4:26-9).
The miracles of Jesus also demonstrated that the Kingdom has already come on earth: 'If it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you' (Lk 11:20; cf Mt 12:28). But principally the kingdom is revealed in the person of Christ, Son of God and Son of man, who came 'to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many' (Mk 10:45)" (Vatican II, “Lumen Gentium”, 5).
Ref: “The Navarre Bible”, “The Gospel of St Matthew”, 1988, notes on pp143-4
Leaven
Yeast (leaven) makes the dough rise. However, it is a symbol of corruption among the Jews. The Pharisees and Herod have a corrupting influence. The Pharisees even attempted to test Jesus. Herod was hostile to Jesus by suspecting his identity. (cf Mk 6:14-6)
Here, Jesus warns his followers that corruption could enter their ranks. He recalls to them the profound meaning of the two feeding miracles he has just performed. In the first miracle, Jesus proves himself as the Messiah to the Jews. In the second, he proves himself as the Saviour to the Gentiles. In both, he provides full satisfaction to a basic human need.
In Jewish antiquity the numbers 12 and 7 represent fulness. To his disciples, Jesus presents himself as the fulness of the promises to both Jews and Gentiles over the Pharisees’ unbelief and Herod’s suspicions.
To the disciples who have forgotten to bring bread which is needed to sustain life, Jesus asserts that what is important is their losing a grip on faith, the key to the fulness of life; not that they have nothing to eat.
Ref: “The WORD Today”, on Mark 8:14-21, “365 Days with the Lord”, St Paul Press, Makati City, Metro Manila
Offering God our ordinary life
The deeds of each day, our work, each small act of service, all joy, pain, rest and fatigue graciously borne and offered to our Lord, are meritorious, thanks to the infinite merits Christ gained for us while on earth.
The Blessed Virgin Mary, his Mother and our Mother, alone shared fully the merits of Christ. Her purity made her merits greater and her actions more meritorious than anybody else’s. All her sorrows gained merits.
In the supernatural order our acts merit, by the Will of God, a reward which far exceeds all the honor and glory in the world. A Christian, in the state of grace, fulfilling the duties of his ordinary life gains more grace in his soul and merits eternal life. Our daily works are meritorious if done well and with an upright intention.
Our works become especially meritorious if we unite them to the merits of Christ and to those of Our Lady. Thus, we gain those graces of infinite value which our Lord won for us, primarily on the Cross, and which Our Lady also exceptionally earned for us, co-redeeming with her Son. God our Father then sees us worthy of sharers in the merits of Christ.
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 4:594; 597-8
On the first Sunday of the month, in St Peter’s church at Louvani, [Belgium] a feast is kept in honor of the Blessed Virgin, called the 'Collection of all the Feasts of Our Lady'. — Molanus, ad. Usuard, Martyrolog. “Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com);(www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Collection of the Feasts of Our Lady (celebrated at Louvain, Belgium).(maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html);(www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
Our Lady del Puche. Valencia, Spain. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
Our Lady of the Girdle. Tortoso, Spain. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
Our Lady of Remedios Near Mexico City. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
Our Lady of Solitude. Mexico City. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
31 August 2010: ‘I have compassion for the crowd.’
“... there was a great crowd who obviously had nothing to eat. He called his disciples and said, ‘I feel compassion for these people, for they have been with me three days now, and have nothing to eat. If I send them to their homes hungry, they will faint on the way for some have come a long way’.
His disciples replied, ‘Where in a desert place like this could we get enough bread?’ He asked them, ‘How many loaves do you have?’ ‘Seven.’
“Then he bade the crowd to sit down on the ground. Taking the seven loaves and giving thanks, he broke them and gave to his disciples to distribute. They also had some small fish, so Jesus said a blessing and asked that these be shared as well. The people ate and were satisfied. Seven baskets full of fragments were collected. Those who had eaten were about four-thousand. Jesus sent them away.” (cf Mk 8:1-9)
How full of encouragement are the words, ‘I feel compassion ...’ It was so like the heart of Jesus, always watchful and alive to our wants, to our sufferings of soul and body. How strong is that thought!
‘They have now been with me three days.’ Our Lord, then, keeps an exact account of the time, the days and minutes we give to his service; ‘... some come from a great distance’. Not only does he reckon the time of our service, but weighs its merit, that he may one day reward it. What an encouragement! ‘If I send them away hungry, they will faint on the way.’
His solicitude extends even to our future which is hidden from us and which terrifies us so often. He sees ‘in regard to each of us’; what will be for our happiness. He sees the means of driving away what will do us harm, and of gaining what is advantageous and necessary for us. If required, he will work a miracle to procure it for us. The above incident proves this.
Interpreters point out many mysterious differences between the first and second multiplication of the loaves. First, the different ways our Lord acts towards the synagogue and the Church, between the faithful of the old law and the new.
In the first miracle, the old law was prefigured by the number ‘five’, signifying five books of the "Pentateuch" which contained it. At the second, the new law was figured by the number ‘four’, to signify the four gospels in which it is contained.
At the first, it was said that people sought Jesus because of the miracle. At the second, no mention is made of their motive, because Christians who live according to the Spirit should detach themselves from earth and be devoted to spiritual things.
At the first, only barley bread was given, the food of slaves; at the second, wheat bread, the food of children. At the first, there remained twelve baskets, which figured the twelve patriarchs of the old law. At the second, seven, which represent the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and the seven Sacraments instituted for our nourishment in our journey towards eternity.
Let us admire the economy of the divine wisdom. Let us thank God for our being born children of the new law, and thus favored over the Jews. We possess the truth, they had but the shadow. We possess the Incarnate Word; they only had the promise.
Finally, we are fed with his body and precious blood; they had only the manna, which was but the type of it.
But if we enjoy greater advantages than they, God also requires from us a still greater sanctity. Are we sincerely striving to attain it?
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp543-5
Faith, a powerful light
“In this society there is a terrible moral and religious void. Today all seem frantically directed towards material conquests: make money, invest, surround oneself with new comforts, live the ‘good life’. Few think also of ‘doing good’.
God, who should fill our life has become a very distant star, to which people look only at certain moments. People believe they are religious because they go to church; but outside they want to lead the same life as many others, marked by small or big deceits, acts of injustice, sins against charity; and thus they totally lack coherence.” (cf Albino Luciani, “Illustrisimi”, 1976, p179)
The answer lies in living a coherent life of faith. We should act as children of God everywhere. We should have the firm conviction that the Church is an inexhaustible source of truth, solely capable of filling our modern age’s ‘terrible moral and religious void’. Without these values society is at the mercy of aggressive elements and prey to a gradual dehumanization.
God is not a ‘distant star’ out of touch with mankind. He is a most powerful light who gives meaning and significance to all human affairs. We Christians, are the ones who must transform our world. Our entire life is for the Lord, and everything in it.
Let us ask Our Lady to give us the joy of knowing that we are children of God. She will help us realise our personal responsibilities in society at large.
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 5:265-7
Defeat
199 “If you are faithful you will be able to count yourself a conqueror.
“Even though you may lose some battles in your life, you will not know defeat. You can be sure that there is no such thing as failure if you act with purity of intention and with a desire to fulfil the Will of God.
“And then, whether you win or lose, you will always triumph in the end; you will have carried out your work with Love.”
200 “I am sure that God has listened to your humble and heartfelt plea: My Lord, I am not worried about what ‘others’ may say. Forgive me for my unworthy life. May I be a saint -- but it’s You alone I wish to please.”
Ref: cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”
Dedication of Our Lady of the Founders, at Constantinople. The Empress St Pulcheria erected this church, and gave it the girdle of Our Lady. A feast of this relic is kept at Constantinople, under the title of the 'Deposition of Our Lady’s girdle'. The French having taken this city, this precious treasure was carried off by Nivellon, Bishop of Soissons, and placed in the celebrated abbey of Our Lady, with a portion of the veil of that Queen of heaven. — Nicephorus, lib. iv. c. 8. “Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; (http://www.bethlehemobserver.com); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html);(www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
Placement of the Zone (Belt). Orthodox. During the reign of Emperor Arkadios, a relic was found in a household in Jerusalem, and brought to Constantinople, where it was placed in the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in a place called the Chalkepratois. The Zone is associated with several miracles, including curing an incurable fatal disease from which Empress Zoe, wife of Emperor Leo, was dying in 486. Later, Empress Pulcheria had gold threads sewn into the Zone. In 1101, the Zone was moved for safe-keeping to the Monastery of Vatepedi on Mt Athos. (Source: George Poulos, Orthodox Saints, vol. 3). (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Deposition of Our Lady's Girdle in Our Lady of Founders Church. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
His disciples replied, ‘Where in a desert place like this could we get enough bread?’ He asked them, ‘How many loaves do you have?’ ‘Seven.’
“Then he bade the crowd to sit down on the ground. Taking the seven loaves and giving thanks, he broke them and gave to his disciples to distribute. They also had some small fish, so Jesus said a blessing and asked that these be shared as well. The people ate and were satisfied. Seven baskets full of fragments were collected. Those who had eaten were about four-thousand. Jesus sent them away.” (cf Mk 8:1-9)
How full of encouragement are the words, ‘I feel compassion ...’ It was so like the heart of Jesus, always watchful and alive to our wants, to our sufferings of soul and body. How strong is that thought!
‘They have now been with me three days.’ Our Lord, then, keeps an exact account of the time, the days and minutes we give to his service; ‘... some come from a great distance’. Not only does he reckon the time of our service, but weighs its merit, that he may one day reward it. What an encouragement! ‘If I send them away hungry, they will faint on the way.’
His solicitude extends even to our future which is hidden from us and which terrifies us so often. He sees ‘in regard to each of us’; what will be for our happiness. He sees the means of driving away what will do us harm, and of gaining what is advantageous and necessary for us. If required, he will work a miracle to procure it for us. The above incident proves this.
Interpreters point out many mysterious differences between the first and second multiplication of the loaves. First, the different ways our Lord acts towards the synagogue and the Church, between the faithful of the old law and the new.
In the first miracle, the old law was prefigured by the number ‘five’, signifying five books of the "Pentateuch" which contained it. At the second, the new law was figured by the number ‘four’, to signify the four gospels in which it is contained.
At the first, it was said that people sought Jesus because of the miracle. At the second, no mention is made of their motive, because Christians who live according to the Spirit should detach themselves from earth and be devoted to spiritual things.
At the first, only barley bread was given, the food of slaves; at the second, wheat bread, the food of children. At the first, there remained twelve baskets, which figured the twelve patriarchs of the old law. At the second, seven, which represent the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and the seven Sacraments instituted for our nourishment in our journey towards eternity.
Let us admire the economy of the divine wisdom. Let us thank God for our being born children of the new law, and thus favored over the Jews. We possess the truth, they had but the shadow. We possess the Incarnate Word; they only had the promise.
Finally, we are fed with his body and precious blood; they had only the manna, which was but the type of it.
But if we enjoy greater advantages than they, God also requires from us a still greater sanctity. Are we sincerely striving to attain it?
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp543-5
Faith, a powerful light
“In this society there is a terrible moral and religious void. Today all seem frantically directed towards material conquests: make money, invest, surround oneself with new comforts, live the ‘good life’. Few think also of ‘doing good’.
God, who should fill our life has become a very distant star, to which people look only at certain moments. People believe they are religious because they go to church; but outside they want to lead the same life as many others, marked by small or big deceits, acts of injustice, sins against charity; and thus they totally lack coherence.” (cf Albino Luciani, “Illustrisimi”, 1976, p179)
The answer lies in living a coherent life of faith. We should act as children of God everywhere. We should have the firm conviction that the Church is an inexhaustible source of truth, solely capable of filling our modern age’s ‘terrible moral and religious void’. Without these values society is at the mercy of aggressive elements and prey to a gradual dehumanization.
God is not a ‘distant star’ out of touch with mankind. He is a most powerful light who gives meaning and significance to all human affairs. We Christians, are the ones who must transform our world. Our entire life is for the Lord, and everything in it.
Let us ask Our Lady to give us the joy of knowing that we are children of God. She will help us realise our personal responsibilities in society at large.
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 5:265-7
Defeat
199 “If you are faithful you will be able to count yourself a conqueror.
“Even though you may lose some battles in your life, you will not know defeat. You can be sure that there is no such thing as failure if you act with purity of intention and with a desire to fulfil the Will of God.
“And then, whether you win or lose, you will always triumph in the end; you will have carried out your work with Love.”
200 “I am sure that God has listened to your humble and heartfelt plea: My Lord, I am not worried about what ‘others’ may say. Forgive me for my unworthy life. May I be a saint -- but it’s You alone I wish to please.”
Ref: cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”
Dedication of Our Lady of the Founders, at Constantinople. The Empress St Pulcheria erected this church, and gave it the girdle of Our Lady. A feast of this relic is kept at Constantinople, under the title of the 'Deposition of Our Lady’s girdle'. The French having taken this city, this precious treasure was carried off by Nivellon, Bishop of Soissons, and placed in the celebrated abbey of Our Lady, with a portion of the veil of that Queen of heaven. — Nicephorus, lib. iv. c. 8. “Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; (http://www.bethlehemobserver.com); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html);(www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
Placement of the Zone (Belt). Orthodox. During the reign of Emperor Arkadios, a relic was found in a household in Jerusalem, and brought to Constantinople, where it was placed in the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in a place called the Chalkepratois. The Zone is associated with several miracles, including curing an incurable fatal disease from which Empress Zoe, wife of Emperor Leo, was dying in 486. Later, Empress Pulcheria had gold threads sewn into the Zone. In 1101, the Zone was moved for safe-keeping to the Monastery of Vatepedi on Mt Athos. (Source: George Poulos, Orthodox Saints, vol. 3). (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Deposition of Our Lady's Girdle in Our Lady of Founders Church. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
Sunday, August 29, 2010
30 August 2010: ‘Ephpheta.’
“And returning from the coasts of Tyre, Jesus went by way of Sidon towards the sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis.” (Mk 7:31) No other miracle or conversion is recorded in Phoenicia.
Therefore, our Lord went there only to reward this heathen woman for her fidelity to the secret inspirations of grace, to lead her into the city of salvation, and convert her to the faith of the true God by the miracle wrought upon her daughter. In short, to save a soul.
Jesus teaches that we should regard the salvation of a single soul as worthy of a laborious mission. A very consoling thought for a Brother of Charity, for instance, who has but one sick person to nurse, for a teacher who has only one pupil to educate, for a missionary who seems to convert very few sinners.
Our Lord teaches us to also exercise zeal and charity in a wide or narrow circle both meriting obedience.
“Jesus had scarcely entered Galilee when they brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and spitting, touched his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, ‘Ephpheta’, that is, ‘Be opened’. And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plainly.” (Mk 7:32-5)
The Gospel history appeals both to our eyes and hearts. Let us look closely at this picture, and the application will present itself. Begin with the ‘persons’.
1. The ‘crowds’ run towards Jesus from all sides and cannot leave him. I am so tardy in going to visit him in the Blessed Sacrament; always so ready to leave him.
2. The ‘person of Jesus Christ’ -- his whole bearing breathes gravity, sanctity, unspeakable sweetness. What a contrast to my worldly manners, my rudeness!
3. The ‘deaf mute’ could only express his feelings by looks of love and confidence. Jesus understood them and was touched. A look of love and compassion on my crucifix can draw down many graces on me, and I neglect to do it! Let us next contemplate--
4. The ‘actions’ -- full of mystery and lessons. Jesus takes the deaf mute alone to teach us to avoid ostentation. He touched the ears with his fingers and the tongue with saliva. He raised his eyes and sighed towards heaven, to let us understand the cure of spiritual deafness and dumbness is difficult. Above our strength, we can obtain it by earnest prayers.
Having witnessed the miracle wrought on the deaf mute, and on many others who were cured the same day of different infirmities, they wondered and said, “He has done everything well” (Mk 7:37).
How happy we would be if these words in all truth is our epitaph. Well before God: doing all things in their proper order with great fervor and purity of intention.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp541-3
Obedience with deeds
In one of his homilies, St Josemaria Escrivá dwelt on the importance of letting our Lord get involved in our lives. We must welcome Jesus confidently and joyfully, removing from his way any obstacle; going against selfishness and tendency to follow our own will.
He said, ‘We tend to be on the defensive, to be attached to our selfishness. We always want to be top dog, even if it’s only to be on top of our wretchedness. That is why we must go to Jesus, so he will make us truly free. Only then will we be able to serve God and all men ...
Let us be forewarned, then, for we will always tend to be selfish, and this temptation can occur in many ways. God wants us to show our faith when we obey, for he doesn’t express his will with drums and trumpets.
Sometimes he suggests his wishes in a whisper, deep in our conscience; and we must listen carefully to recognize his voice and be faithful.
‘He often speaks to us through other people. But when we see their defects or doubt whether they are well informed, whether they have grasped all aspects of the problem, we feel inclined to disobey.
'All this may have a divine meaning, for God does not impose a blind obedience on us. He wants us to obey intelligently, and we have to feel responsible for helping others with the intelligence we do have.
‘Let’s be sincere with ourselves’, St Josemaria concluded; ‘examine, in every case, whether it is love for the truth which moves us or selfishness and attachment to our judgment.’
Ref: cf Fr M Guzman, “Encounters with Christ”, 1990, p126
Obedience and freedom
A very good sign of excellence in spiritual life is our willingness to obey others.(St Thomas, “Commentary, Epistle to the Philippians”, 2, 8)
“Pride inclines us to do our own will, to seek what exalts us, not to wish to be directed by others; but to direct them. Obedience is opposed to this pride. The only Son of the Father came to save us, to cure our pride, becoming obedient unto death, even to death of the cross.“ (R Garrigou-Lagrange, “Three Ages of the Interior Life”, II, 129)
Jesus wants to teach us the path of self denial: “Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Ps 118:105)
Obedience derives from freedom, as it simultaneously leads us to greater freedom. When a person obeys wholeheartedly, he is actually conserving his freedom by choosing the good. Like driving through traffic where we do not feel restricted by markings on the road.
Love is essential to Christian obedience. Christ obeyed the Will of the Father not because he ‘had’ to, but he ‘wanted’ to. “Love is what makes our obedience fully free. For the person who wants to follow Christ, the law is never a burden. It becomes a burden only insofar as one fails to discern the call of Christ. ...” (C Burke, “Authority and Freedom in the Church”, p49)
Let us ask Our Lady to inspire us to imitate Christ through our humble obedience.
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 5:107-8; 110
Our Lady of Carquere, on the river Douro in Portugal. Egas de Monis, tutor of King Alphonsus I, carried the young prince into this ancient church of the Blessed Virgin that his legs might be straightened through her intercession; who perfectly Succeeded. --Vasconcellius, in Regib. Lusit. Anacephal. 1 and 2. “Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar (http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
‘Nossa Senhora’ / Our Lady of Carquera / Carquere. Portugal. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
‘Notre Dame de la Délivrance’. Basilica in Senegal [West Africa].(www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
‘Notre Dame de la Délivrance’ (Martinique, Latin America). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (http://www.giftstor.org/maeyfest.htm); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Therefore, our Lord went there only to reward this heathen woman for her fidelity to the secret inspirations of grace, to lead her into the city of salvation, and convert her to the faith of the true God by the miracle wrought upon her daughter. In short, to save a soul.
Jesus teaches that we should regard the salvation of a single soul as worthy of a laborious mission. A very consoling thought for a Brother of Charity, for instance, who has but one sick person to nurse, for a teacher who has only one pupil to educate, for a missionary who seems to convert very few sinners.
Our Lord teaches us to also exercise zeal and charity in a wide or narrow circle both meriting obedience.
“Jesus had scarcely entered Galilee when they brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and spitting, touched his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, ‘Ephpheta’, that is, ‘Be opened’. And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plainly.” (Mk 7:32-5)
The Gospel history appeals both to our eyes and hearts. Let us look closely at this picture, and the application will present itself. Begin with the ‘persons’.
1. The ‘crowds’ run towards Jesus from all sides and cannot leave him. I am so tardy in going to visit him in the Blessed Sacrament; always so ready to leave him.
2. The ‘person of Jesus Christ’ -- his whole bearing breathes gravity, sanctity, unspeakable sweetness. What a contrast to my worldly manners, my rudeness!
3. The ‘deaf mute’ could only express his feelings by looks of love and confidence. Jesus understood them and was touched. A look of love and compassion on my crucifix can draw down many graces on me, and I neglect to do it! Let us next contemplate--
4. The ‘actions’ -- full of mystery and lessons. Jesus takes the deaf mute alone to teach us to avoid ostentation. He touched the ears with his fingers and the tongue with saliva. He raised his eyes and sighed towards heaven, to let us understand the cure of spiritual deafness and dumbness is difficult. Above our strength, we can obtain it by earnest prayers.
Having witnessed the miracle wrought on the deaf mute, and on many others who were cured the same day of different infirmities, they wondered and said, “He has done everything well” (Mk 7:37).
How happy we would be if these words in all truth is our epitaph. Well before God: doing all things in their proper order with great fervor and purity of intention.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp541-3
Obedience with deeds
In one of his homilies, St Josemaria Escrivá dwelt on the importance of letting our Lord get involved in our lives. We must welcome Jesus confidently and joyfully, removing from his way any obstacle; going against selfishness and tendency to follow our own will.
He said, ‘We tend to be on the defensive, to be attached to our selfishness. We always want to be top dog, even if it’s only to be on top of our wretchedness. That is why we must go to Jesus, so he will make us truly free. Only then will we be able to serve God and all men ...
Let us be forewarned, then, for we will always tend to be selfish, and this temptation can occur in many ways. God wants us to show our faith when we obey, for he doesn’t express his will with drums and trumpets.
Sometimes he suggests his wishes in a whisper, deep in our conscience; and we must listen carefully to recognize his voice and be faithful.
‘He often speaks to us through other people. But when we see their defects or doubt whether they are well informed, whether they have grasped all aspects of the problem, we feel inclined to disobey.
'All this may have a divine meaning, for God does not impose a blind obedience on us. He wants us to obey intelligently, and we have to feel responsible for helping others with the intelligence we do have.
‘Let’s be sincere with ourselves’, St Josemaria concluded; ‘examine, in every case, whether it is love for the truth which moves us or selfishness and attachment to our judgment.’
Ref: cf Fr M Guzman, “Encounters with Christ”, 1990, p126
Obedience and freedom
A very good sign of excellence in spiritual life is our willingness to obey others.(St Thomas, “Commentary, Epistle to the Philippians”, 2, 8)
“Pride inclines us to do our own will, to seek what exalts us, not to wish to be directed by others; but to direct them. Obedience is opposed to this pride. The only Son of the Father came to save us, to cure our pride, becoming obedient unto death, even to death of the cross.“ (R Garrigou-Lagrange, “Three Ages of the Interior Life”, II, 129)
Jesus wants to teach us the path of self denial: “Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Ps 118:105)
Obedience derives from freedom, as it simultaneously leads us to greater freedom. When a person obeys wholeheartedly, he is actually conserving his freedom by choosing the good. Like driving through traffic where we do not feel restricted by markings on the road.
Love is essential to Christian obedience. Christ obeyed the Will of the Father not because he ‘had’ to, but he ‘wanted’ to. “Love is what makes our obedience fully free. For the person who wants to follow Christ, the law is never a burden. It becomes a burden only insofar as one fails to discern the call of Christ. ...” (C Burke, “Authority and Freedom in the Church”, p49)
Let us ask Our Lady to inspire us to imitate Christ through our humble obedience.
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 5:107-8; 110
Our Lady of Carquere, on the river Douro in Portugal. Egas de Monis, tutor of King Alphonsus I, carried the young prince into this ancient church of the Blessed Virgin that his legs might be straightened through her intercession; who perfectly Succeeded. --Vasconcellius, in Regib. Lusit. Anacephal. 1 and 2. “Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar (http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
‘Nossa Senhora’ / Our Lady of Carquera / Carquere. Portugal. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
‘Notre Dame de la Délivrance’. Basilica in Senegal [West Africa].(www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
‘Notre Dame de la Délivrance’ (Martinique, Latin America). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (http://www.giftstor.org/maeyfest.htm); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Saturday, August 28, 2010
29 August 2010: Memorial -- The beheading of John the Baptist
St John the Baptist fearlessly condemned Herod’s unlawful marriage to Herodias who had him imprisoned; teaches us how to fulfill our mission from God. (Fr James Socias, et al [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1626) St John the Baptist is the only saint who is honored by the Church on both the occasion of his birth [24 June] and of his death. (F Fernandez, "In Conversation with God", 7:127)
Herodias harbored a grudge against John for telling Herod, “It is not right for you to live with your brother’s wife” (cf Mark, 6:18), and wanted to kill him. Her chance came when Herod held a birthday dinner for his court circle, military officers, and leading men of Galilee.
Herodias’ daughter danced and delighted Herod and his guests. Herod told the girl, “Ask for anything and I will give it to you”. The girl asked her mother, “What shall I ask?” The mother answered, “The head of John the Baptizer”. And the girl made her request to Herod. (cf Mark, 6:19, 21-5)
Contrast this mother’s behavior with that of St Monica.
St John the Baptist, Forerunner of Jesus Christ
Christ gives testimony of His precursor in the Jordan region in metaphorical and powerful terms. He asks his hearers: “What did you go out to see in the desert, a reed swayed by the wind? What, really, did you go out to see, someone dressed luxuriously?” (Lk 7:24-5)
Christ put this question in rhetorical form so that, through the negation, the evident truth of who John was could be seen even better. He was not ‘swayed’ like a reed in the wind, but professed the truth in a simple and fundamental way, and proclaimed it. He was not dressed in fine raiment but in a garment of camel’s hair (cf Mt 3:4); the only detail about his mortified life.
Yes, John was a prophet. He was “something more” (Lk 7:26). Christ says of him, “There is no man born of woman greater than John” (Lk 7:28). Why do we dwell on this testimony which Christ gives to John?
To make us aware as well of the significance of the word of truth, which we profess that Christ is “the Lamb of God”, He who takes away the sin of the world (cf Jn 1:29), exactly what John professed.
You see, each of us pronounces such words when he or she confesses sin in the Sacrament of penance so that the Lamb of God will take away that sin. To whoever among us confesses that word of truth with humility and contrition Christ gives similar testimony, like that which he gave to John: “Yet the least born into the kingdom of God is greater than he.” (Lk 7:28)
Ref: cf “Prayers and Devotions from Pope John Paul II”, p25
The fortitude of St John the Baptist
Herod, one of the most pitiful characters in the Gospel, could have met Christ, whom he longed to see in person; but he committed the injustice of beheading the one entrusted with the mission of pointing Him out. Immoral habits and evil passions led him to the awful crime.
Moreover, they prevented him from perceiving Truth. When he finally did meet Christ face to face he blasphemously proposed the Lord of heaven and earth to entertain him and his friends with a miracle.
The Lord asks for our fortitude in everyday affairs. He wants our exemplary life and words to be a simple witness of our love for Christ and for his Church without our ever yielding to fear or human respect.
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 7:127-8
The value of our souls
‘Nothing is of equal value to a soul, not even the whole world’, says St John Chrysostom. One soul is worth infinitely more than all this vast universe in its grandeur and beauty. All of it is material and will be destroyed, while our soul is a spiritual being. Immortal and intelligent, it is destined for a supernatural life.
From this undeniable truth the doctors of the Church drew an equally-indisputable conclusion, ie, the loss of the whole world is preferable to that of one soul. And yet how many souls are perishing every minute!
‘I have seen them in a vision’, says St Teresa, ‘falling into hell like the leaves fall from the trees in autumn’. Since then she redoubled her prayers, tears, and penances for conversion of those walking in the path of perdition. And I, what pains do I take in saving souls?
By the rebellion of the first man, Adam, our souls fell under the power of the devil. And Adam was also condemned to eternal death. Only God made man, Jesus Christ, could redeem him, for so he willed it.
But what was to be the price of that redemption? ‘O man’, cries St Augustine ‘will you learn the true value of your soul? See what the Son of God has done for the ransom of your soul, and you will know what it is worth.’
Our soul has been redeemed, ‘Not with corruptible things, as gold or silver’, says St Peter; ‘but with the precious blood of Christ’. Our Lord, then, who alone can judge things at their true value, did not think it too much to give the last drop of his blood for our souls.
What have I done for my soul? Do I esteem and love it next to God? Do I not think more of my reputation or of my body than my soul? The least imputation troubles and pains me, and yet I do not care for the numberless stains by which venial sin defaces my soul.
‘I am eager to enrich my mind with knowledge, and I am slow and remiss in adorning my soul with virtues and merits. Under a little suffering, or in a slight bodily indisposition, I see a doctor, and I have courage if need be, to submit to painful remedies; but when my soul is wasting away with a disease which may be fatal, I neglect to see the spiritual physician, or to employ the remedies his experience and zeal suggest to me.’
‘Our souls are truly invaluable’ because --
1. As a breath of the Divinity, He ‘breathed into his face the breath of life, and man became a living soul’.
2. God made it to His own likeness; and it is the living image to God on the earth.
3. God made-man has sacrificed himself for it: “He offered himself for me.” (St Paul)
4. God will give Himself to the soul for its reward.
As Our Lord emphasized, “What do you win by gaining the whole world and ruin your soul? Or what can a man offer in return for his soul?” (cf Mk 8:36-7)
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp539-41
Our Lady of Clermont, ten leagues from Cracow, where there is a picture painted by St Luke, and sent to the Empress St Pulcheria; that princess placed it in the church of Our Lady of the Guides at Constantinople, from which it was taken by Leo, Duke of Russia; the Duke of Opolia wanted to remove it to his duchy, in the year 1380; but when he had got to the mountain of Clermont, it became so heavy that it was impossible to carry it farther; and seeing by this miracle that the Blessed Virgin had chosen that mountain for her abode, they built a church there. — Bzovius, ad ann. 1383. “Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar (http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Our Lady of Clermont. Cracovia / Cracow. Poland. 1380. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
‘Madonna della Guardia’. Livellato, Italy. 1940 apparition. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Our Lady of Constantinople (Ischia Isle, Italy). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); Moveable feast-- Last Sunday of August.
Herodias harbored a grudge against John for telling Herod, “It is not right for you to live with your brother’s wife” (cf Mark, 6:18), and wanted to kill him. Her chance came when Herod held a birthday dinner for his court circle, military officers, and leading men of Galilee.
Herodias’ daughter danced and delighted Herod and his guests. Herod told the girl, “Ask for anything and I will give it to you”. The girl asked her mother, “What shall I ask?” The mother answered, “The head of John the Baptizer”. And the girl made her request to Herod. (cf Mark, 6:19, 21-5)
Contrast this mother’s behavior with that of St Monica.
St John the Baptist, Forerunner of Jesus Christ
Christ gives testimony of His precursor in the Jordan region in metaphorical and powerful terms. He asks his hearers: “What did you go out to see in the desert, a reed swayed by the wind? What, really, did you go out to see, someone dressed luxuriously?” (Lk 7:24-5)
Christ put this question in rhetorical form so that, through the negation, the evident truth of who John was could be seen even better. He was not ‘swayed’ like a reed in the wind, but professed the truth in a simple and fundamental way, and proclaimed it. He was not dressed in fine raiment but in a garment of camel’s hair (cf Mt 3:4); the only detail about his mortified life.
Yes, John was a prophet. He was “something more” (Lk 7:26). Christ says of him, “There is no man born of woman greater than John” (Lk 7:28). Why do we dwell on this testimony which Christ gives to John?
To make us aware as well of the significance of the word of truth, which we profess that Christ is “the Lamb of God”, He who takes away the sin of the world (cf Jn 1:29), exactly what John professed.
You see, each of us pronounces such words when he or she confesses sin in the Sacrament of penance so that the Lamb of God will take away that sin. To whoever among us confesses that word of truth with humility and contrition Christ gives similar testimony, like that which he gave to John: “Yet the least born into the kingdom of God is greater than he.” (Lk 7:28)
Ref: cf “Prayers and Devotions from Pope John Paul II”, p25
The fortitude of St John the Baptist
Herod, one of the most pitiful characters in the Gospel, could have met Christ, whom he longed to see in person; but he committed the injustice of beheading the one entrusted with the mission of pointing Him out. Immoral habits and evil passions led him to the awful crime.
Moreover, they prevented him from perceiving Truth. When he finally did meet Christ face to face he blasphemously proposed the Lord of heaven and earth to entertain him and his friends with a miracle.
The Lord asks for our fortitude in everyday affairs. He wants our exemplary life and words to be a simple witness of our love for Christ and for his Church without our ever yielding to fear or human respect.
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 7:127-8
The value of our souls
‘Nothing is of equal value to a soul, not even the whole world’, says St John Chrysostom. One soul is worth infinitely more than all this vast universe in its grandeur and beauty. All of it is material and will be destroyed, while our soul is a spiritual being. Immortal and intelligent, it is destined for a supernatural life.
From this undeniable truth the doctors of the Church drew an equally-indisputable conclusion, ie, the loss of the whole world is preferable to that of one soul. And yet how many souls are perishing every minute!
‘I have seen them in a vision’, says St Teresa, ‘falling into hell like the leaves fall from the trees in autumn’. Since then she redoubled her prayers, tears, and penances for conversion of those walking in the path of perdition. And I, what pains do I take in saving souls?
By the rebellion of the first man, Adam, our souls fell under the power of the devil. And Adam was also condemned to eternal death. Only God made man, Jesus Christ, could redeem him, for so he willed it.
But what was to be the price of that redemption? ‘O man’, cries St Augustine ‘will you learn the true value of your soul? See what the Son of God has done for the ransom of your soul, and you will know what it is worth.’
Our soul has been redeemed, ‘Not with corruptible things, as gold or silver’, says St Peter; ‘but with the precious blood of Christ’. Our Lord, then, who alone can judge things at their true value, did not think it too much to give the last drop of his blood for our souls.
What have I done for my soul? Do I esteem and love it next to God? Do I not think more of my reputation or of my body than my soul? The least imputation troubles and pains me, and yet I do not care for the numberless stains by which venial sin defaces my soul.
‘I am eager to enrich my mind with knowledge, and I am slow and remiss in adorning my soul with virtues and merits. Under a little suffering, or in a slight bodily indisposition, I see a doctor, and I have courage if need be, to submit to painful remedies; but when my soul is wasting away with a disease which may be fatal, I neglect to see the spiritual physician, or to employ the remedies his experience and zeal suggest to me.’
‘Our souls are truly invaluable’ because --
1. As a breath of the Divinity, He ‘breathed into his face the breath of life, and man became a living soul’.
2. God made it to His own likeness; and it is the living image to God on the earth.
3. God made-man has sacrificed himself for it: “He offered himself for me.” (St Paul)
4. God will give Himself to the soul for its reward.
As Our Lord emphasized, “What do you win by gaining the whole world and ruin your soul? Or what can a man offer in return for his soul?” (cf Mk 8:36-7)
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp539-41
Our Lady of Clermont, ten leagues from Cracow, where there is a picture painted by St Luke, and sent to the Empress St Pulcheria; that princess placed it in the church of Our Lady of the Guides at Constantinople, from which it was taken by Leo, Duke of Russia; the Duke of Opolia wanted to remove it to his duchy, in the year 1380; but when he had got to the mountain of Clermont, it became so heavy that it was impossible to carry it farther; and seeing by this miracle that the Blessed Virgin had chosen that mountain for her abode, they built a church there. — Bzovius, ad ann. 1383. “Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar (http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Our Lady of Clermont. Cracovia / Cracow. Poland. 1380. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
‘Madonna della Guardia’. Livellato, Italy. 1940 apparition. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Our Lady of Constantinople (Ischia Isle, Italy). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); Moveable feast-- Last Sunday of August.
Friday, August 27, 2010
28 August 2010: Memorial -- St Augustine, bishop and Doctor of the Church
Initially, he followed his mother’s example but later fell into a licentious way of life. He wrote, “My sins increase like a rolling snow ball” (“Confessions”). His mother constantly prayed for his conversion.
In Milan at the age of thirty-three, he was finally baptized by the Bishop, St Ambrose. As Bishop of Hippo, Africa St Augustine undertook intensive preaching and writing in defense of the Faith.
Ref: Fr James Socias, et al (Eds), “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1625
St Augustine, Doctor of the Church
St Augustine! He, who had been elevated so high in contemplation of divine truth and had also gone so deeply into the abysses of the mysteries of God and man, understood the absolute necessity for humble and totally trusting prayer.
For, however acute man’s intelligence may appear to be, the mystery always infinitely surpasses that intelligence and prayer becomes a need of the soul: ‘in prayer the heart alters and in this conversion the inner eye becomes pure.’
Pray in hope, pray with faith and love. Prayer is as necessary as the grace it obtains for us.
Ref: Cf “Prayers and Devotions from Pope John Paul II”, p305
Life should be a continual conversion
St Augustine lived a tumultuous youth far removed from true doctrine. But consequent to his mother’s solicitude he kept in mind the memory of Christ, whose name, he says, “he drank from his mother’s breast”. (St Augustine, “Confessions”, 3, 4, 8)
On returning to the Catholic faith, he affirmed his return “to the religion imbued in him from childhood, that penetrated the very marrow of my being”. (Ibid, “Against the Academics”, 2, 2, 5) In countless cases, primary education was the foundation for many to return to after alienation from God.
Love for the truth, ever present in the soul of St Augustine, is especially obvious in some of his classic works. (Ibid, “Confessions”, 3, 4, 7) Yet despite this love, Augustine, early on, fell into serious doctrinal errors.
Scholars cite three reasons:
“First, a mistaken account of the relationship between reason and faith, so one need choose between the two; second, in the supposed contrast between Christ and the Church, with consequent conviction it is necessary to abandon the Church in order to adhere more fully to Christ; and third, the desire to free oneself from consciousness of sin, not by means of its remission through working of grace, but by means of denial of involvement of human responsibility in the sin itself.” (John Paul II, Apostolic Letter, “Agustinum hipponensem”, 28 August 1986)
After years of vainly seeking the truth, through the grace his mother constantly implored, he realized that only in the Catholic Church will he find the truth and peace for his soul. He acknowledged that faith and reason are mutually destined to help lead man to the knowledge of the truth. For faith to be sure, he concluded that the divine authority of Christ found in Sacred Scripture and guaranteed by the Church was required. (St Augustine, “Confessions”, 6, 5, 7)
We, too receive many graces in our intelligence, to see clearly and to learn revealed doctrine in depth. We have abundant assistance for our will also. “For a son of God, every day should be an occasion for renewal, knowing for sure that with the help of grace we will reach the end of the road, which is Love.
“That is why if you begin and begin again, you are doing well. If you have the will to win, if you struggle, then with God’s help you will conquer. There will be no difficulty that you cannot overcome.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 344)
If we ever have the misfortune to seriously separating ourselves from him, he will await our return, as did the father of the prodigal son; and as Our Lord awaited for so many years St Augustine’s return.
St Augustine saw the truth clearly, but he sought excuses to avoid taking the final step. For him, this would involve a radical surrender to God, the abjuring, through the predilection of Christ, of a human love. (Cf “Confessions”, 6, 15, 25)
Our life as Christians entails frequent conversions. Years later as a bishop St Augustine would recall his conversion. He would preach: “‘I acknowledge my guilt; my sin is always before me.’ The one who prays in this manner examines his own conscience rather than that of other people. And he does so in a profound way. Because he does not forgive himself, he can humbly ask for forgiveness.” (St Augustine, “Sermon 19”)
“‘Search for the Lord and your soul shall live.’ May we go out to meet him, and may we continue to seek him after finding him. So that we may search him, he withdraws ... that we may keep on looking, even after finding him. He is immeasurably bountiful. He satisfies our desires according to our own capacity to seek him.” (St Augustine, “Commentary on St John’s Gospel”, 61, 1)
We should frequently ask Our Mother Mary for the grace to give importance even to what seems trivial, but separates us from God. Conversion always begins with faith. Moved by grace, the Christian looks on the infinite mercy of God and recognizes his fault or lack of correspondence with what God expects from him.
May we not forget that “to Jesus we always go, and to him we always return, through Mary” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Way”, 495).
“Turn to Our Lady and ask her, as a token of her love, for the gift of contrition. Ask that you may be sorry, with a sorrow of Love, for all your sins, and for the sins of all men and women throughout the ages.
“And with the same disposition be bold enough to add: ‘Mother, my life, my hope, lead me by the hand. If there is anything in me displeasing to my Father God, grant that I may see it, so that between the two of us we may uproot it.’ Do not be afraid to continue saying: ‘O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary, pray for me, that by fulfilling the most lovable Will of your Son, I may be worthy to obtain and enjoy what Our Lord Jesus has promised’.” (cf St Josemaria Escrivá, op cit, 161)
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 7:121-6
Our Lady of Kiow, the metropolitan church of Russia in Poland, where there is a large image in alabaster which spoke to St Hyacinth in the year 1241; and told him not to abandon it to the enemy who was besieging the city, but to carry it off with him, which he did without any difficulty, the image having lost its weight. — Life of St. Hyacinth. “Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar (http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Our Lady of Kiev. Ukraine. 1240. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm);(www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
Our Lady of Kiova (Poland). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
Our Lady, Health of the Sick. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html). Moveable feast-- Saturday before last Sunday of August.
In Milan at the age of thirty-three, he was finally baptized by the Bishop, St Ambrose. As Bishop of Hippo, Africa St Augustine undertook intensive preaching and writing in defense of the Faith.
Ref: Fr James Socias, et al (Eds), “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1625
St Augustine, Doctor of the Church
St Augustine! He, who had been elevated so high in contemplation of divine truth and had also gone so deeply into the abysses of the mysteries of God and man, understood the absolute necessity for humble and totally trusting prayer.
For, however acute man’s intelligence may appear to be, the mystery always infinitely surpasses that intelligence and prayer becomes a need of the soul: ‘in prayer the heart alters and in this conversion the inner eye becomes pure.’
Pray in hope, pray with faith and love. Prayer is as necessary as the grace it obtains for us.
Ref: Cf “Prayers and Devotions from Pope John Paul II”, p305
Life should be a continual conversion
St Augustine lived a tumultuous youth far removed from true doctrine. But consequent to his mother’s solicitude he kept in mind the memory of Christ, whose name, he says, “he drank from his mother’s breast”. (St Augustine, “Confessions”, 3, 4, 8)
On returning to the Catholic faith, he affirmed his return “to the religion imbued in him from childhood, that penetrated the very marrow of my being”. (Ibid, “Against the Academics”, 2, 2, 5) In countless cases, primary education was the foundation for many to return to after alienation from God.
Love for the truth, ever present in the soul of St Augustine, is especially obvious in some of his classic works. (Ibid, “Confessions”, 3, 4, 7) Yet despite this love, Augustine, early on, fell into serious doctrinal errors.
Scholars cite three reasons:
“First, a mistaken account of the relationship between reason and faith, so one need choose between the two; second, in the supposed contrast between Christ and the Church, with consequent conviction it is necessary to abandon the Church in order to adhere more fully to Christ; and third, the desire to free oneself from consciousness of sin, not by means of its remission through working of grace, but by means of denial of involvement of human responsibility in the sin itself.” (John Paul II, Apostolic Letter, “Agustinum hipponensem”, 28 August 1986)
After years of vainly seeking the truth, through the grace his mother constantly implored, he realized that only in the Catholic Church will he find the truth and peace for his soul. He acknowledged that faith and reason are mutually destined to help lead man to the knowledge of the truth. For faith to be sure, he concluded that the divine authority of Christ found in Sacred Scripture and guaranteed by the Church was required. (St Augustine, “Confessions”, 6, 5, 7)
We, too receive many graces in our intelligence, to see clearly and to learn revealed doctrine in depth. We have abundant assistance for our will also. “For a son of God, every day should be an occasion for renewal, knowing for sure that with the help of grace we will reach the end of the road, which is Love.
“That is why if you begin and begin again, you are doing well. If you have the will to win, if you struggle, then with God’s help you will conquer. There will be no difficulty that you cannot overcome.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 344)
If we ever have the misfortune to seriously separating ourselves from him, he will await our return, as did the father of the prodigal son; and as Our Lord awaited for so many years St Augustine’s return.
St Augustine saw the truth clearly, but he sought excuses to avoid taking the final step. For him, this would involve a radical surrender to God, the abjuring, through the predilection of Christ, of a human love. (Cf “Confessions”, 6, 15, 25)
Our life as Christians entails frequent conversions. Years later as a bishop St Augustine would recall his conversion. He would preach: “‘I acknowledge my guilt; my sin is always before me.’ The one who prays in this manner examines his own conscience rather than that of other people. And he does so in a profound way. Because he does not forgive himself, he can humbly ask for forgiveness.” (St Augustine, “Sermon 19”)
“‘Search for the Lord and your soul shall live.’ May we go out to meet him, and may we continue to seek him after finding him. So that we may search him, he withdraws ... that we may keep on looking, even after finding him. He is immeasurably bountiful. He satisfies our desires according to our own capacity to seek him.” (St Augustine, “Commentary on St John’s Gospel”, 61, 1)
We should frequently ask Our Mother Mary for the grace to give importance even to what seems trivial, but separates us from God. Conversion always begins with faith. Moved by grace, the Christian looks on the infinite mercy of God and recognizes his fault or lack of correspondence with what God expects from him.
May we not forget that “to Jesus we always go, and to him we always return, through Mary” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Way”, 495).
“Turn to Our Lady and ask her, as a token of her love, for the gift of contrition. Ask that you may be sorry, with a sorrow of Love, for all your sins, and for the sins of all men and women throughout the ages.
“And with the same disposition be bold enough to add: ‘Mother, my life, my hope, lead me by the hand. If there is anything in me displeasing to my Father God, grant that I may see it, so that between the two of us we may uproot it.’ Do not be afraid to continue saying: ‘O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary, pray for me, that by fulfilling the most lovable Will of your Son, I may be worthy to obtain and enjoy what Our Lord Jesus has promised’.” (cf St Josemaria Escrivá, op cit, 161)
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 7:121-6
Our Lady of Kiow, the metropolitan church of Russia in Poland, where there is a large image in alabaster which spoke to St Hyacinth in the year 1241; and told him not to abandon it to the enemy who was besieging the city, but to carry it off with him, which he did without any difficulty, the image having lost its weight. — Life of St. Hyacinth. “Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar (http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Our Lady of Kiev. Ukraine. 1240. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm);(www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
Our Lady of Kiova (Poland). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
Our Lady, Health of the Sick. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html). Moveable feast-- Saturday before last Sunday of August.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
27 August 2010: Memorial -- St Monica
St Augustine’s mother who prayed for his conversion. A model of a mother with great faith in prayer. (Fr James Socias, et al [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1624) Tradition is Mary appeared to her holding a black cincture as a sign of her son’s conversion and will be a great saint. (In “A Marian Pilgrimage”, 2000, p2, Sinag-Tala Publishers, Inc)
Prayer as a family
For many years, Augustine lived outside of God’s favor. He was dead to grace through sin. St Monica’s example, tears and prayers obtained from the Lord the spiritual resurrection of one who would later become among the greatest saints and doctors of the Church.
St Monica’s daily fidelity to God also won the conversion of her pagan husband, Patrick. She exerted a profound influence on all who formed the family circle. St Augustine summarizes her life: “She looks after everyone as if she truly were the mother of all. She also serves everyone, as if she were the daughter of all.” (“Confessions”, 9, 9, 22)
“How pleasing to the Lord to see the Christian family as truly a ‘domestic church’, a place of prayer and of the transmission of faith, of learning through the example of the older ones and of solid Christian attitudes preserved throughout life as a most sacred legacy. ... St Monica was ‘twice the mother of St Augustine’ ... she gave him birth and a Christian life.” (cf John Paul II, “Address”, 10 March 1989)
If the prayer of St Monica as a mother was so pleasing to God, how much more will be that of the entire family. “Family prayer has its own characteristics. It is done in common, husband and wife together, parents and children united.” (Ibid, Apostolic Exhortation, “Familiaris Consortio”, 22 November 1981, 59) Through common prayer, the members of the family are brought together with greater strength, among themselves, and with God.
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 7:115-9
‘... be it done ... as you will.’
Jesus went into Phoenicia, a country partly inhabited by descendants of the ancient Canaanites. He didn’t intend to evangelize in this idolatrous country.
“He went to the district of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, ‘Have mercy, on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon’.” (Mt 15:21-22)
Admire the qualities of this woman’s prayer, that we may make them our own. 1st, she runs to Jesus without hesitation or delay;
2nd, she draws near him, animated with a lively faith in his omnipotence as God, and in his compassion as man: “Lord, Son of David” (Mt 15:22);
3rd, she knows she is but a humble supplicant, and feels helpless: “Have mercy on me” (Mt 15:22); and
4th, perfectly resigned, she tells of her daughter’s misery, and leaves her entirely to the goodness of Jesus.
Is this how we pray? It would seem that Jesus chose, for our instruction, to severely try the faith and perseverance of this woman; and she has been celebrated for it in the whole world.
1st, “He did not answer her at all” (Mt 15:23), as if he did not intend to listen to her; and
2nd, the Apostles pleaded for her, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us” (Mt 15:23).
He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Mt 15:24). It was like a refusal; but the woman was not rebuffed. She “came and worshipped him, saying, ‘Lord, help me!’” (Mt 15:25)
Among the main reasons why our prayers seem not to be heard is our lack of perseverance. We wish to obtain from God some great favor for ourselves or for a friend. We begin a novena for this intention. The first two or three days we faithfully say the prayers; wanes on the sixth or seventh. It is difficult to keep our fervor.
Does it happen that after having unsuccessfully begged for some favor twice or thrice, we stop asking, as if we were fearful of pleading to our good God? This Canaanite proves that a holy plea is pleasing to God.
The faith and perseverance of the Canaanite had already triumphed over severe trials. Our Lord chose, however, to make her submit to one more before he granted her prayer. He said, “Suffer first the children to be filled; for it is not good to take the bread of the children and cast it to the dogs” (Mt 15:26).
But these harsh words did not dismay the supplicant. She answered, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table” (Mt 15:27).
Our Lord, seemed to be conquered, “‘Woman, great is your faith. Let it be done for you as you wish’; and her daughter was healed instantly.” (Mt 15:28)
This daughter, according to St Jerome, is an excellent type of our soul. And the anxiety of the mother the type of that assiduous care for it. We ought to preserve it from the devil and its malicious influence.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp536-8
· “Say the entire Rosary well every day; in the hour of death you will bless the moment you chose so holy a resolution.” -- St Louis de Montfort (In Rev Joseph A Viano, SSP, “Two Months with Mary”, 1984, p47)
Selection
858 “The first step towards bringing others to the ways of Christ is for them to see you happy and serene, sure in your advance towards God.”
911 “Turn constantly to the most Holy Virgin, the Mother of God and Mother of the human race; and she, with a Mother’s gentleness, will draw down the love of God on the souls you deal with, so that they may make up their minds to be witnesses for Jesus Christ, in their profession, in their ordinary work.”
Ref: cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”
Our Lady of Moustier, eight or ten leagues from Sisteron, in the direction of Marseilles. An ancient tradition records that a lord of the country captured by the Turks, made a vow to build a chapel in honor of the Blessed Virgin, if she were pleased to deliver him. The Blessed Virgin heard his prayer; an angel took him on his wings, and carried him back to his country. The nobleman erected a magnificent chapel to the Blessed Virgin, where numerous miracles are wrought. — Manuscript Account. “Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar (http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
‘Notre Dame de Moustier’ / Our Lady of Moustier. Near Sisteron, France.(www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santia;go/m_feasts.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
Seven Joys of the Blessed Virgin Mary. (Annunciation, Visitation, Birth of Jesus, Adoration of the Magi, Finding in the Temple, Resurrection, Assumption).(www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Prayer as a family
For many years, Augustine lived outside of God’s favor. He was dead to grace through sin. St Monica’s example, tears and prayers obtained from the Lord the spiritual resurrection of one who would later become among the greatest saints and doctors of the Church.
St Monica’s daily fidelity to God also won the conversion of her pagan husband, Patrick. She exerted a profound influence on all who formed the family circle. St Augustine summarizes her life: “She looks after everyone as if she truly were the mother of all. She also serves everyone, as if she were the daughter of all.” (“Confessions”, 9, 9, 22)
“How pleasing to the Lord to see the Christian family as truly a ‘domestic church’, a place of prayer and of the transmission of faith, of learning through the example of the older ones and of solid Christian attitudes preserved throughout life as a most sacred legacy. ... St Monica was ‘twice the mother of St Augustine’ ... she gave him birth and a Christian life.” (cf John Paul II, “Address”, 10 March 1989)
If the prayer of St Monica as a mother was so pleasing to God, how much more will be that of the entire family. “Family prayer has its own characteristics. It is done in common, husband and wife together, parents and children united.” (Ibid, Apostolic Exhortation, “Familiaris Consortio”, 22 November 1981, 59) Through common prayer, the members of the family are brought together with greater strength, among themselves, and with God.
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 7:115-9
‘... be it done ... as you will.’
Jesus went into Phoenicia, a country partly inhabited by descendants of the ancient Canaanites. He didn’t intend to evangelize in this idolatrous country.
“He went to the district of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, ‘Have mercy, on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon’.” (Mt 15:21-22)
Admire the qualities of this woman’s prayer, that we may make them our own. 1st, she runs to Jesus without hesitation or delay;
2nd, she draws near him, animated with a lively faith in his omnipotence as God, and in his compassion as man: “Lord, Son of David” (Mt 15:22);
3rd, she knows she is but a humble supplicant, and feels helpless: “Have mercy on me” (Mt 15:22); and
4th, perfectly resigned, she tells of her daughter’s misery, and leaves her entirely to the goodness of Jesus.
Is this how we pray? It would seem that Jesus chose, for our instruction, to severely try the faith and perseverance of this woman; and she has been celebrated for it in the whole world.
1st, “He did not answer her at all” (Mt 15:23), as if he did not intend to listen to her; and
2nd, the Apostles pleaded for her, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us” (Mt 15:23).
He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Mt 15:24). It was like a refusal; but the woman was not rebuffed. She “came and worshipped him, saying, ‘Lord, help me!’” (Mt 15:25)
Among the main reasons why our prayers seem not to be heard is our lack of perseverance. We wish to obtain from God some great favor for ourselves or for a friend. We begin a novena for this intention. The first two or three days we faithfully say the prayers; wanes on the sixth or seventh. It is difficult to keep our fervor.
Does it happen that after having unsuccessfully begged for some favor twice or thrice, we stop asking, as if we were fearful of pleading to our good God? This Canaanite proves that a holy plea is pleasing to God.
The faith and perseverance of the Canaanite had already triumphed over severe trials. Our Lord chose, however, to make her submit to one more before he granted her prayer. He said, “Suffer first the children to be filled; for it is not good to take the bread of the children and cast it to the dogs” (Mt 15:26).
But these harsh words did not dismay the supplicant. She answered, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table” (Mt 15:27).
Our Lord, seemed to be conquered, “‘Woman, great is your faith. Let it be done for you as you wish’; and her daughter was healed instantly.” (Mt 15:28)
This daughter, according to St Jerome, is an excellent type of our soul. And the anxiety of the mother the type of that assiduous care for it. We ought to preserve it from the devil and its malicious influence.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp536-8
· “Say the entire Rosary well every day; in the hour of death you will bless the moment you chose so holy a resolution.” -- St Louis de Montfort (In Rev Joseph A Viano, SSP, “Two Months with Mary”, 1984, p47)
Selection
858 “The first step towards bringing others to the ways of Christ is for them to see you happy and serene, sure in your advance towards God.”
911 “Turn constantly to the most Holy Virgin, the Mother of God and Mother of the human race; and she, with a Mother’s gentleness, will draw down the love of God on the souls you deal with, so that they may make up their minds to be witnesses for Jesus Christ, in their profession, in their ordinary work.”
Ref: cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”
Our Lady of Moustier, eight or ten leagues from Sisteron, in the direction of Marseilles. An ancient tradition records that a lord of the country captured by the Turks, made a vow to build a chapel in honor of the Blessed Virgin, if she were pleased to deliver him. The Blessed Virgin heard his prayer; an angel took him on his wings, and carried him back to his country. The nobleman erected a magnificent chapel to the Blessed Virgin, where numerous miracles are wrought. — Manuscript Account. “Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar (http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
‘Notre Dame de Moustier’ / Our Lady of Moustier. Near Sisteron, France.(www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santia;go/m_feasts.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
Seven Joys of the Blessed Virgin Mary. (Annunciation, Visitation, Birth of Jesus, Adoration of the Magi, Finding in the Temple, Resurrection, Assumption).(www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
26 August 2010: Feast -- Our Lady of Czestochowa
Today, 26 August 1982, I find myself by the altar in the chapel of the recent Popes at Castel Gandolfo. Pius XI was apostolic nuncio in Poland in the early years after regaining independence. He brought the image of the Mother of God of Jasna Gora into this chapel and set it over the main altar. It had been presented to him by the Polish episcopate. The remembrance of Jasna Gora had certainly gone deep into the heart of that successor of St Peter, since he willed to have this image on the main altar of his chapel.
So, here, before this altar, today, I feel a ‘profound link with Jasna Gora’, which is celebrating the Jubilee of the six-hundred years of presence of the Mother of God, Queen of Poland, in her most venerated image.
My dear compatriots! However difficult the lives of Poles may be this year, may consciousness win in you that this life is embraced by the heart of the mother. As she won in Maximilian Kolbe, Knight of the Immaculate, so may she win in you.
May the Mother’s heart win! May the Lady of Jasna Gora win in us and through us! May she win even through our afflictions and defeats. May she ensure that we shall not desist from trying and struggling for truth and justice, for liberty and dignity in our lives. Do not Mary’s words, ‘Do as he [my Son] tells you’, mean this too?
May power be fully manifested in weakness, according to the words of the Apostle of the Gentiles and according to the example of our compatriot, Father Maximilian Kolbe. Mary, Queen of Poland, I am near you, I remember you, I watch!
Ref: cf “Prayers and Devotions from Pope John Paul II”, pp303-4
Our Lady of Czestochowa
The image of Jasna Gora expresses a tradition and a language of faith still more ancient than our history ... [which goes] back to the first moments of the proclamation of the Gospel in the land of Poland. She who once spoke in song, later spoke in this ‘Image’, manifesting through it her maternal ‘presence’ in the life of the Church and of the Motherland.
The Virgin of Jasna Gora has revealed her maternal ‘solicitude’ for every soul, every family, ‘every human being’ in this land, working, fighting and falling on the battlefield, condemned to extermination, fighting against himself, winning or losing; for every human being who must leave as an emigrant.
... Jasna Gora has shown itself an inward bond in Polish life, a force that touches the depths of our hearts and holds the entire nation in the humble yet strong attitude of fidelity to God, the Church and her Hierarchy ... it was a great surprise to see the power of the Queen of Poland display itself so magnificently. ...
‘The last decades have confirmed and intensified’ that unity between the Polish nation and its Queen.
‘Everything through Mary.’ This is the authentic interpretation of the presence of the mother of God in the mystery of Christ and of the Church, as is proclaimed by Chapter VIII of the Constitution “Lumen Gentium”. This interpretation corresponds to that of the saints such as Bernard of Clairvaux, Grignion de Montfort, and Maximilian Kolbe.
Ref: cf John Paul II, “Homily at Jasna Gora”, 4 June 1979. In “The Pope Speaks on Mary”, pp11-2
“... what comes out of the mouth ... defiles a man.”
Having spent the sabbath at Capernaum, Jesus walked in Galilee; but not in Judaea where the Jews sought to kill him. This year he will not keep the Pasch at Jerusalem despite the law. He can dispense his own law because of the plot against his life.
By his example, Jesus teaches us to protect ourselves by flight and other means from the wicked, their evil plot against us, their hatred of God. To act otherwise, when nothing prevents us, would be presuming on grace. God gives the grace of martyrdom to whom, and when, he pleases. It would also be helping an evil by facilitating its execution.
The Jews of Jerusalem, thwarted in their murderous design, tried at least to lower Jesus in the esteem of the people. Thus Scribes and Pharisees spied on him. On seeing some of his disciples, they found fault. “Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” (Mk 7:5) Their words belied their hypocrisy and envy. The words of Isaias, ‘Wash yourselves, be clean’, were meant in a spiritual sense.
Our Lord made them feel it. “Hypocrites, having the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men, the washing of pots and cups, and many other things.” (Mk 7:8) To the people whom they tried to deceive, he said, “Listen to me, and understand: there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man” (cf Mk 7:15).
Two great vices of the Scribes and Pharisees were hypocrisy and envy. We detest both; but are we free from such vices? Seriously examine how we treat our friends, whose merit and success eclipse ours.
“When Jesus reached home, his disciples asked him about this saying. He said, ‘You also fail to understand? Do you not see that whatever comes from outside cannot defile? Since it enters, not the heart but the stomach, and goes out into the sewer. What comes out of a person makes him unclean. For from the heart come evil designs: murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false testimony, blasphemy. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.’” (cf Mk 7:17-23)
These words clearly prove: a) what God especially asks from us is purity of heart; b) temptations, thoughts, images, impressions, which come to us from without, cannot defile our hearts if we deny them entrance; and c) we must carefully watch over the affections of our hearts.
How do we act? Is there something kept back in a corner of our heart: a little idol, an inordinate affection, whose existence we deceive ourselves about?
Ref: cf Practical Meditations by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp533-5
Our Lady de la Treille, at Douay. It is related that when some children were playing disrespectfully before this image, it made with the hand a sign of disapproval. This miracle induced the inhabitants of Douay to build a chapel for it, in the year 1543. — Buzelin, in Annal. Gallo-Flandr. “Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; (http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Our Lady of Arbour / Notre Dame de la Treille. (Douai / Douay, France. 1543.(www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
Our Lady of Czestochowa, Poland (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
So, here, before this altar, today, I feel a ‘profound link with Jasna Gora’, which is celebrating the Jubilee of the six-hundred years of presence of the Mother of God, Queen of Poland, in her most venerated image.
My dear compatriots! However difficult the lives of Poles may be this year, may consciousness win in you that this life is embraced by the heart of the mother. As she won in Maximilian Kolbe, Knight of the Immaculate, so may she win in you.
May the Mother’s heart win! May the Lady of Jasna Gora win in us and through us! May she win even through our afflictions and defeats. May she ensure that we shall not desist from trying and struggling for truth and justice, for liberty and dignity in our lives. Do not Mary’s words, ‘Do as he [my Son] tells you’, mean this too?
May power be fully manifested in weakness, according to the words of the Apostle of the Gentiles and according to the example of our compatriot, Father Maximilian Kolbe. Mary, Queen of Poland, I am near you, I remember you, I watch!
Ref: cf “Prayers and Devotions from Pope John Paul II”, pp303-4
Our Lady of Czestochowa
The image of Jasna Gora expresses a tradition and a language of faith still more ancient than our history ... [which goes] back to the first moments of the proclamation of the Gospel in the land of Poland. She who once spoke in song, later spoke in this ‘Image’, manifesting through it her maternal ‘presence’ in the life of the Church and of the Motherland.
The Virgin of Jasna Gora has revealed her maternal ‘solicitude’ for every soul, every family, ‘every human being’ in this land, working, fighting and falling on the battlefield, condemned to extermination, fighting against himself, winning or losing; for every human being who must leave as an emigrant.
... Jasna Gora has shown itself an inward bond in Polish life, a force that touches the depths of our hearts and holds the entire nation in the humble yet strong attitude of fidelity to God, the Church and her Hierarchy ... it was a great surprise to see the power of the Queen of Poland display itself so magnificently. ...
‘The last decades have confirmed and intensified’ that unity between the Polish nation and its Queen.
‘Everything through Mary.’ This is the authentic interpretation of the presence of the mother of God in the mystery of Christ and of the Church, as is proclaimed by Chapter VIII of the Constitution “Lumen Gentium”. This interpretation corresponds to that of the saints such as Bernard of Clairvaux, Grignion de Montfort, and Maximilian Kolbe.
Ref: cf John Paul II, “Homily at Jasna Gora”, 4 June 1979. In “The Pope Speaks on Mary”, pp11-2
“... what comes out of the mouth ... defiles a man.”
Having spent the sabbath at Capernaum, Jesus walked in Galilee; but not in Judaea where the Jews sought to kill him. This year he will not keep the Pasch at Jerusalem despite the law. He can dispense his own law because of the plot against his life.
By his example, Jesus teaches us to protect ourselves by flight and other means from the wicked, their evil plot against us, their hatred of God. To act otherwise, when nothing prevents us, would be presuming on grace. God gives the grace of martyrdom to whom, and when, he pleases. It would also be helping an evil by facilitating its execution.
The Jews of Jerusalem, thwarted in their murderous design, tried at least to lower Jesus in the esteem of the people. Thus Scribes and Pharisees spied on him. On seeing some of his disciples, they found fault. “Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” (Mk 7:5) Their words belied their hypocrisy and envy. The words of Isaias, ‘Wash yourselves, be clean’, were meant in a spiritual sense.
Our Lord made them feel it. “Hypocrites, having the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men, the washing of pots and cups, and many other things.” (Mk 7:8) To the people whom they tried to deceive, he said, “Listen to me, and understand: there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man” (cf Mk 7:15).
Two great vices of the Scribes and Pharisees were hypocrisy and envy. We detest both; but are we free from such vices? Seriously examine how we treat our friends, whose merit and success eclipse ours.
“When Jesus reached home, his disciples asked him about this saying. He said, ‘You also fail to understand? Do you not see that whatever comes from outside cannot defile? Since it enters, not the heart but the stomach, and goes out into the sewer. What comes out of a person makes him unclean. For from the heart come evil designs: murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false testimony, blasphemy. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.’” (cf Mk 7:17-23)
These words clearly prove: a) what God especially asks from us is purity of heart; b) temptations, thoughts, images, impressions, which come to us from without, cannot defile our hearts if we deny them entrance; and c) we must carefully watch over the affections of our hearts.
How do we act? Is there something kept back in a corner of our heart: a little idol, an inordinate affection, whose existence we deceive ourselves about?
Ref: cf Practical Meditations by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp533-5
Our Lady de la Treille, at Douay. It is related that when some children were playing disrespectfully before this image, it made with the hand a sign of disapproval. This miracle induced the inhabitants of Douay to build a chapel for it, in the year 1543. — Buzelin, in Annal. Gallo-Flandr. “Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; (http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Our Lady of Arbour / Notre Dame de la Treille. (Douai / Douay, France. 1543.(www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
Our Lady of Czestochowa, Poland (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
25 August 2010: Memorial -- St Louis
King of France. Father of eleven children whom he educated in an exemplary manner. He lived a great spirit of penance and prayer; as well as temporal and spiritual common good of his countrymen. Leader of the second crusade. He died near Tunis. (Fr James Socias, et al [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1622)
‘I am the living bread ...’
Jesus, after travelling the whole day throughout Genesareth curing the sick, reached Capernaum at dusk on the sabbath. He went to the synagogue at once and found a numerous assembly most of whom had been fed and satisfied the day before.
Their eagerness to see Jesus again, though praiseworthy, had no merit because they were only actuated by a purely material motive. “Truly, I tell you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.” (cf Jn 6:26)
Jesus, wishing gradually to prepare men’s minds to believe the wonderful miracle of the Eucharist, availed of this attitude of the people of Capernaum to tell them, “Labor not for the meat which perishes, but for that which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you” (Jn 6:27).
“I am the living bread which comes down from heaven.” (Jn 6:41) “The bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” (Jn 6:52)
The Jews argued, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” (Jn 6:53) Jesus, rather than deny the sense of the real presence, answered, “Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; for my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. He that eats my flesh and drinks my blood, abides in me and I in him. Your fathers did eat manna and are dead. He that eats this bread will live forever.” (Jn 6:54-8)
These wonderful words from the heart of our loving Saviour inspire us to thank him with our whole hearts. First, for bestowing himself to be the food of our souls.
Second, for clearly and precisely teaching this extraordinary mystery that to doubt it is impossible.
Third, for having allowed us to be born in the bosom of the Catholic Church, where we often had and continue to enjoy the happiness of receiving this mysterious food.
“After hearing this, many of Jesus’ followers said, ‘This teaching is very hard; who can accept it?’” (Jn 6:60) “Because of this many of his disciples withdrew and no longer followed him.” (Jn 6:66)
“So Jesus asked the twelve, ‘Will you also go away?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know you are the Holy One of God.’” (cf Jn 6:68-70)
Let us, with St Peter, declare our absolute attachment to the person of our Lord. But knowing how naturally inconstant we are, let us beg and implore him to help us, to defend us against our own weakness and against the snares of our enemies.
Ref:cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp528-30
The Most Holy Eucharist, Christ’s Redemptive Sacrifice
In the Eucharist the Redemption is seen again in today’s actions: Christ’s sacrifice, by becoming the sacrifice of the Church, produces its fruits of reconciliation and salvation in the whole of mankind.
When the priest says the words, ‘This is my body offered in sacrifice for you’, in the name and person of Christ, he affirms Christ’s presence; and expresses the sacrifice wherein Jesus gave his life for the salvation of all.
In his discourse at Capernaum after the multiplication of loaves, to induce understanding of the worth of the Bread he wished to provide for the hungry crowds, he had declared: “The bread I will give is my flesh, for the life of the world.” (Jn 6:51)
The gift of the eucharistic bread was to cost Jesus the sacrifice of his own flesh. Thanks to the sacrifice, this flesh would be able to communicate life.
The words of consecration over the wine are even more explicit. ‘This is the chalice of my blood for the new and eternal Alliance, shed for you and for all in remission of sins.’ The blood given as drink is the blood shed on Calvary for constitution of the New Alliance.
The first Alliance had been broken by sin. Christ established a new Alliance, which will never be broken, because it is realized in his very person, whereby mankind has been reconciled definitively with God. So, in consecration of the bread and wine, the redeeming sacrifice is made present.
Ref: cf “Prayers and Devotions from Pope John Paul II”, p233
Prayer --- “Here is an effective custom for achieving presence of God: your first appointment every day should be with Jesus Christ.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 450)
Goods are only the means
Confidence in earthly matters condemns one to be ineffective in what really counts. Jesus wants us to love earthly things in the right way: “... fill the earth and have dominion over every living thing” (Jer 17:6). But loving material goods in the wrong way leaves no room in the soul for the love of God. Loving our Lord and such ‘attachment are incompatible’.
He who has what he needs avails of the things of this world as if he did not use them; he does not allow them to rule over his heart, so they are always of use to his soul, which tends towards higher things. (cf St Gregory the Great, “Homilies on the Gospels”, 36) Our hearts are for God who made them. Only in him will we earn eternal happiness.
“Jesus is not satisfied ‘going halves’: he wants the lot.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Way”, 155) All other upright and noble loves, which determine our life here on earth, are ordered to, and fed by, this one great love: Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Mary, Our Mother will help us to purify and bring order into the affections of our heart, so that only her Son reigns in it now and forever. Most sweet heart of Mary, guard my heart and prepare a safe way for it.
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:93; 98-9
Our Lady of Rossano, in Calabria. It is said that the Saracens, seeking to surprise the town of Rossano where they had already planted ladders, were repulsed by Our Lady, who appeared attired in purple and holding ... a lighted torch; this so terrified them that they took to flight. — Gabriel de Barry. “Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; (http://www.bethlehemobserver.com); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Our Lady of Rossano, Calabria, Italy (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
Our Lady of Mt. Berico / ‘Madonna della Mt. Berico’. Near Vicenza, Italy.(www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
Our Lady of Czenstochowa (Poland). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html). Moveable feast-- Last Wednesday of August.
‘I am the living bread ...’
Jesus, after travelling the whole day throughout Genesareth curing the sick, reached Capernaum at dusk on the sabbath. He went to the synagogue at once and found a numerous assembly most of whom had been fed and satisfied the day before.
Their eagerness to see Jesus again, though praiseworthy, had no merit because they were only actuated by a purely material motive. “Truly, I tell you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.” (cf Jn 6:26)
Jesus, wishing gradually to prepare men’s minds to believe the wonderful miracle of the Eucharist, availed of this attitude of the people of Capernaum to tell them, “Labor not for the meat which perishes, but for that which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you” (Jn 6:27).
“I am the living bread which comes down from heaven.” (Jn 6:41) “The bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” (Jn 6:52)
The Jews argued, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” (Jn 6:53) Jesus, rather than deny the sense of the real presence, answered, “Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; for my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. He that eats my flesh and drinks my blood, abides in me and I in him. Your fathers did eat manna and are dead. He that eats this bread will live forever.” (Jn 6:54-8)
These wonderful words from the heart of our loving Saviour inspire us to thank him with our whole hearts. First, for bestowing himself to be the food of our souls.
Second, for clearly and precisely teaching this extraordinary mystery that to doubt it is impossible.
Third, for having allowed us to be born in the bosom of the Catholic Church, where we often had and continue to enjoy the happiness of receiving this mysterious food.
“After hearing this, many of Jesus’ followers said, ‘This teaching is very hard; who can accept it?’” (Jn 6:60) “Because of this many of his disciples withdrew and no longer followed him.” (Jn 6:66)
“So Jesus asked the twelve, ‘Will you also go away?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know you are the Holy One of God.’” (cf Jn 6:68-70)
Let us, with St Peter, declare our absolute attachment to the person of our Lord. But knowing how naturally inconstant we are, let us beg and implore him to help us, to defend us against our own weakness and against the snares of our enemies.
Ref:cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp528-30
The Most Holy Eucharist, Christ’s Redemptive Sacrifice
In the Eucharist the Redemption is seen again in today’s actions: Christ’s sacrifice, by becoming the sacrifice of the Church, produces its fruits of reconciliation and salvation in the whole of mankind.
When the priest says the words, ‘This is my body offered in sacrifice for you’, in the name and person of Christ, he affirms Christ’s presence; and expresses the sacrifice wherein Jesus gave his life for the salvation of all.
In his discourse at Capernaum after the multiplication of loaves, to induce understanding of the worth of the Bread he wished to provide for the hungry crowds, he had declared: “The bread I will give is my flesh, for the life of the world.” (Jn 6:51)
The gift of the eucharistic bread was to cost Jesus the sacrifice of his own flesh. Thanks to the sacrifice, this flesh would be able to communicate life.
The words of consecration over the wine are even more explicit. ‘This is the chalice of my blood for the new and eternal Alliance, shed for you and for all in remission of sins.’ The blood given as drink is the blood shed on Calvary for constitution of the New Alliance.
The first Alliance had been broken by sin. Christ established a new Alliance, which will never be broken, because it is realized in his very person, whereby mankind has been reconciled definitively with God. So, in consecration of the bread and wine, the redeeming sacrifice is made present.
Ref: cf “Prayers and Devotions from Pope John Paul II”, p233
Prayer --- “Here is an effective custom for achieving presence of God: your first appointment every day should be with Jesus Christ.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 450)
Goods are only the means
Confidence in earthly matters condemns one to be ineffective in what really counts. Jesus wants us to love earthly things in the right way: “... fill the earth and have dominion over every living thing” (Jer 17:6). But loving material goods in the wrong way leaves no room in the soul for the love of God. Loving our Lord and such ‘attachment are incompatible’.
He who has what he needs avails of the things of this world as if he did not use them; he does not allow them to rule over his heart, so they are always of use to his soul, which tends towards higher things. (cf St Gregory the Great, “Homilies on the Gospels”, 36) Our hearts are for God who made them. Only in him will we earn eternal happiness.
“Jesus is not satisfied ‘going halves’: he wants the lot.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Way”, 155) All other upright and noble loves, which determine our life here on earth, are ordered to, and fed by, this one great love: Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Mary, Our Mother will help us to purify and bring order into the affections of our heart, so that only her Son reigns in it now and forever. Most sweet heart of Mary, guard my heart and prepare a safe way for it.
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:93; 98-9
Our Lady of Rossano, in Calabria. It is said that the Saracens, seeking to surprise the town of Rossano where they had already planted ladders, were repulsed by Our Lady, who appeared attired in purple and holding ... a lighted torch; this so terrified them that they took to flight. — Gabriel de Barry. “Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; (http://www.bethlehemobserver.com); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Our Lady of Rossano, Calabria, Italy (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
Our Lady of Mt. Berico / ‘Madonna della Mt. Berico’. Near Vicenza, Italy.(www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
Our Lady of Czenstochowa (Poland). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html). Moveable feast-- Last Wednesday of August.
Monday, August 23, 2010
24 August 2010: Memorial -- St Bartholomew, Apostle
Known as Nathanael, brought to Jesus by the Apostle Philip. (Fr James Socias, et al [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1620)
The virtue of sincerity
Philip conveyed to Nathanael his joyful meeting with Jesus: “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote, Jesus the son of Joseph of Nazareth.” (Jn 1:45)
Like every good Israelite, Nathanael knew that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem, the city of David. (cf St John Chrysostom, “Homilies on St John’s Gospel”, 20, 1)
He answered, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Instead of attempting an explanation, Philip invited his skeptical friend to “Come and see” the Master personally.
“Jesus calls Nathanael through Philip, as he calls Peter through his brother Andrew. This is how Divine Providence works: by calling and leading us through others. God does not want to work on his own. His Wisdom and Goodness include our participation in the creation and order of things.” (cf O Hophan, “The Apostles”)
On meeting Jesus, Nathanael was surprised. Jesus won his fidelity forever. The Lord says to him: “Behold a true Israelite in whom there is no guile!” What great praise!
Surprised, Nathanael asked him: “How do you know me?” (Jn 1:47) Jesus responded in words that are mysterious for us, but were clear and enlightening for his guest: “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” (Jn 1:48)
The meeting caused Nathanael to make an explicit confession of faith in Jesus as the Messiah: “Master, you are the Son of God, King of Israel!” (Jn 1:49) Jesus replied: “You believe because I said ‘I saw you under the fig tree?’ You will see greater things.” (cf Jn 1:50)
‘... there is no guile’: a man without pretence; does not have ‘two tongues, one for saying the truth and another for telling lies’. (St Augustine, “Commentary on St John’s Gospel”, 78, 7, 16)
The virtue of sincerity is basic for following Christ, the divine Truth who abhors all deceit. (cf Jn 14:6) Even his enemies recognized Christ’s love for the truth: “Master, we know you are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and care not for any man; for you do not regard the person of men.” (Mt 22:16)
He teaches us that our own ideas and thoughts must accord with the truth: “Let your speech be ‘Yes', 'yes’ or ‘No', 'no’ and -- whatever is beyond these comes from evil.” (Mt 5:37) The devil, on the other hand, the father of lies, always tries to lead men into sin, the greatest deception. (cf Jn 8:44)
Alongside sincerity, naturalness and simplicity are “... two marvellous human virtues which enable one to receive the message of Christ. ...” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Friends of God”, 90)
Let us ask St Bartholomew to gain for us these two virtues that please the Lord so much, and are so vital for prayer, friendship, and apostolate. Let us ask Our Lady for the grace to always go through life with sincerity and simplicity. Today St Bartholomew will be our principal intercessor before her.
“‘You are all fair, O Mary, without original sin!’ In her, there is not the slightest shadow of duplicity. I pray daily to our Mother that we may open our souls in spiritual direction, that the light of grace may shine from all our behaviour. Mary will obtain for us the courage to be sincere, if we ask her for it, so we may come closer to the Most Blessed Trinity.” (cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 339)
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 7:109-14
Sincerity
324 “The dust thrown up by your fall blinds and disorients you, and you have thoughts which rob you of your peace.
"Have you sought relief in tears by the side of our Lord, and in confident conversation with a brother?”
325 “If you are sincere with God, with your director and your fellow men, I shall be certain of your perseverance.”
326 “Do you want to know how to be frank and simple? Listen to these words of Peter and meditate upon them: ‘Lord, You know all things!’”
Ref: St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 339)
‘Come ... all ... that labor and are burdened ...’
Jesus and his Apostles came to Genesareth. The fame of the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves wrought the day before had been told during the night by witnesses. Thus, as soon as the Genesarenes, who were simple, truthful men, heard that Jesus had arrived, they ran to him with a lively faith, and recognized him as the great Prophet, their Messiah. Jesus was like in the midst of his children.
If our faith were more ardent, our hearts, too, would fly towards Jesus when we enter a church. At the voice of the priest he comes out of his Tabernacle, shows himself to us, unveils his heart burning with love, and says, “Come to me, all you that labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you” (cf Mt 11:28).
‘Faith works by charity.’ The good Genesarenes who first had the joy of recognizing the Saviour were eager to share their happiness. Running, they carried in beds the sick. This charity for the sick was very praiseworthy, and touched the compassionate Heart of Jesus.
If only we had the same zeal for the salvation of our brothers! To make them expose their spiritual maladies, and persuade them to seek spiritual direction would be charity indeed; and very meritorious for us.
The Genesarenes’ faith was rewarded. “Everywhere he went, to towns, villages or farms, they laid the sick in the streets, and begged him to let touch just the hem of his cloak. All who touched him were cured.” (Mk 6:56).
Note the extreme goodness and patience of Jesus. He allows himself to be approached, touched, and pressed upon by a crowd of sick people: blind, lame who contended for touching him first and obtaining relief. He never complained.
Jesus this time attached a cure by the touching of his garment. Interpreters tell us that he wants us to realize that graces and favors are attached to the immediate contact with his Body in Holy Communion.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp526-8
Dedication of Our Lady of Benoite Vaux, nearly a league from Verdun in Lorraine. This chapel preserves an image of the Blessed Virgin, rendered famous by miracles; in this place is found a miraculous fountain, the water of which cures several maladies. — Histoire dc Notre Dame de Benoisto Vaux, ch. i. and ix. “Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar (http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
‘Notre Dame de Benoite-Vaux’ / Our Lady of ‘Benoite-Vaux’. France. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
Our Lady, Health of the Sick. (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
The virtue of sincerity
Philip conveyed to Nathanael his joyful meeting with Jesus: “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote, Jesus the son of Joseph of Nazareth.” (Jn 1:45)
Like every good Israelite, Nathanael knew that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem, the city of David. (cf St John Chrysostom, “Homilies on St John’s Gospel”, 20, 1)
He answered, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Instead of attempting an explanation, Philip invited his skeptical friend to “Come and see” the Master personally.
“Jesus calls Nathanael through Philip, as he calls Peter through his brother Andrew. This is how Divine Providence works: by calling and leading us through others. God does not want to work on his own. His Wisdom and Goodness include our participation in the creation and order of things.” (cf O Hophan, “The Apostles”)
On meeting Jesus, Nathanael was surprised. Jesus won his fidelity forever. The Lord says to him: “Behold a true Israelite in whom there is no guile!” What great praise!
Surprised, Nathanael asked him: “How do you know me?” (Jn 1:47) Jesus responded in words that are mysterious for us, but were clear and enlightening for his guest: “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” (Jn 1:48)
The meeting caused Nathanael to make an explicit confession of faith in Jesus as the Messiah: “Master, you are the Son of God, King of Israel!” (Jn 1:49) Jesus replied: “You believe because I said ‘I saw you under the fig tree?’ You will see greater things.” (cf Jn 1:50)
‘... there is no guile’: a man without pretence; does not have ‘two tongues, one for saying the truth and another for telling lies’. (St Augustine, “Commentary on St John’s Gospel”, 78, 7, 16)
The virtue of sincerity is basic for following Christ, the divine Truth who abhors all deceit. (cf Jn 14:6) Even his enemies recognized Christ’s love for the truth: “Master, we know you are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and care not for any man; for you do not regard the person of men.” (Mt 22:16)
He teaches us that our own ideas and thoughts must accord with the truth: “Let your speech be ‘Yes', 'yes’ or ‘No', 'no’ and -- whatever is beyond these comes from evil.” (Mt 5:37) The devil, on the other hand, the father of lies, always tries to lead men into sin, the greatest deception. (cf Jn 8:44)
Alongside sincerity, naturalness and simplicity are “... two marvellous human virtues which enable one to receive the message of Christ. ...” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Friends of God”, 90)
Let us ask St Bartholomew to gain for us these two virtues that please the Lord so much, and are so vital for prayer, friendship, and apostolate. Let us ask Our Lady for the grace to always go through life with sincerity and simplicity. Today St Bartholomew will be our principal intercessor before her.
“‘You are all fair, O Mary, without original sin!’ In her, there is not the slightest shadow of duplicity. I pray daily to our Mother that we may open our souls in spiritual direction, that the light of grace may shine from all our behaviour. Mary will obtain for us the courage to be sincere, if we ask her for it, so we may come closer to the Most Blessed Trinity.” (cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 339)
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 7:109-14
Sincerity
324 “The dust thrown up by your fall blinds and disorients you, and you have thoughts which rob you of your peace.
"Have you sought relief in tears by the side of our Lord, and in confident conversation with a brother?”
325 “If you are sincere with God, with your director and your fellow men, I shall be certain of your perseverance.”
326 “Do you want to know how to be frank and simple? Listen to these words of Peter and meditate upon them: ‘Lord, You know all things!’”
Ref: St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 339)
‘Come ... all ... that labor and are burdened ...’
Jesus and his Apostles came to Genesareth. The fame of the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves wrought the day before had been told during the night by witnesses. Thus, as soon as the Genesarenes, who were simple, truthful men, heard that Jesus had arrived, they ran to him with a lively faith, and recognized him as the great Prophet, their Messiah. Jesus was like in the midst of his children.
If our faith were more ardent, our hearts, too, would fly towards Jesus when we enter a church. At the voice of the priest he comes out of his Tabernacle, shows himself to us, unveils his heart burning with love, and says, “Come to me, all you that labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you” (cf Mt 11:28).
‘Faith works by charity.’ The good Genesarenes who first had the joy of recognizing the Saviour were eager to share their happiness. Running, they carried in beds the sick. This charity for the sick was very praiseworthy, and touched the compassionate Heart of Jesus.
If only we had the same zeal for the salvation of our brothers! To make them expose their spiritual maladies, and persuade them to seek spiritual direction would be charity indeed; and very meritorious for us.
The Genesarenes’ faith was rewarded. “Everywhere he went, to towns, villages or farms, they laid the sick in the streets, and begged him to let touch just the hem of his cloak. All who touched him were cured.” (Mk 6:56).
Note the extreme goodness and patience of Jesus. He allows himself to be approached, touched, and pressed upon by a crowd of sick people: blind, lame who contended for touching him first and obtaining relief. He never complained.
Jesus this time attached a cure by the touching of his garment. Interpreters tell us that he wants us to realize that graces and favors are attached to the immediate contact with his Body in Holy Communion.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp526-8
Dedication of Our Lady of Benoite Vaux, nearly a league from Verdun in Lorraine. This chapel preserves an image of the Blessed Virgin, rendered famous by miracles; in this place is found a miraculous fountain, the water of which cures several maladies. — Histoire dc Notre Dame de Benoisto Vaux, ch. i. and ix. “Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar (http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
‘Notre Dame de Benoite-Vaux’ / Our Lady of ‘Benoite-Vaux’. France. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
Our Lady, Health of the Sick. (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
Sunday, August 22, 2010
23 August 2010: Memorial -- St Rose of Lima, virgin
The first saint of the American continent, a model of penitence, continuous prayer, and simplicity of life. She received the habit of the Third Order of St Dominic when she was five years old; and was particularly devoted to the Virgin Mary. (Fr James Socias, et al (Eds), “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1619)
“... do not fear.”
“At about the fourth watch of the night”, about dawn, “Jesus came to them, walking upon the sea” (Mt 14:25). They saw him from afar, not clearly for it was still dark. They were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost” (Mt 14:26).
The human figure that the Apostles saw like an apparition walking on the water, drew nearer towards them. Terrified, they cried out. Immediately he spoke and said, “Be of good heart, it is I; do not fear” (Mt 14:27).
The Apostles were at sea by the express command of Jesus. They had, therefore, a right to count on his help; and it did not fail them. Let us learn here that in works of zeal or charity laid on us by obedience, and in which we are often exposed to many temptations and dangers, we may always count on a special assistance from God. This is very encouraging.
As soon as St Peter heard the voice of his dearest Master, he said excitedly, “Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water” (Mt 14:28); and Jesus said, “Come” (Mt 14:29).
Peter went down from the boat and walked on the water towards Jesus. But feeling the strong wind, he was afraid. When he began to sink, he cried out, “Lord save me!” (Mt 14:30) At once Jesus, stretching forth his hand, held him and said, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Mt 14:31)
When they came up into the boat, the wind ceased, and soon the ship reached their destination. “And”, adds St Matthew, those in the boat came and adored him, saying, “Indeed you are the Son of God” (Mt 14:33).
This Gospel passage is full of practical instruction for us. We see the ardent love of St Peter, impatient to be with his Divine Master again. We see his lively faith rewarded by a wonderful miracle. Then we see the inconstancy of that same faith, ready to defy all perils at one moment; but failing because of a gust of wind.
On the other hand, we see the wonderful goodness of Jesus Christ. He extends his hand to his disciple and raises him up, while he says to him words which humble and encourage him at the same time.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp524-6
Faith and obedience in the apostolate
In the apostolate, faith and obedience are indispensable. Our efforts, human resources, night vigils or even mortifications are useless if devoid of any supernatural sense. Without obedience, everything is useless in God’s eyes. It would be useless starting an apostolic task unless we intend to count on Our Lord.
Even our most worthwhile apostolic works would be fruitless if we lacked the desire to carry out God’s will. “God does not need our work, but He does need our obedience”, St John Chrysostom teaches (“Homilies on St Matthew’s Gospel”, 56).
Our Lord calls all of us to be apostles in the middle of the world-- facing a computer, behind the plough, wielding a broom, in a metropolitan or rural area, talented or not. He calls all of us, so that with holiness of life and by our good example we may be his instruments in a world that seems to forsake him.
All the faithful, whatever their circumstances though each in his own way, are called to that perfection of sanctity by which our heavenly Father himself is perfect. (Second Vatican Council, “Lumen Gentium”, 11) Through their special vocation, it belongs to the laity to seek the kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs and directing them according to God’s will. (Ibid, 31)
Our Lord calls all Christians and leaves the majority of them in some job or professional occupation where they find Him, fulfilling their task with human perfection, and at the same time with supernatural outlook. Offering their work to God, they live charity with everyone, not scorning the little mortifications that arise and constantly keeping presence of God.
“Then, though you won’t see why, because you’re very aware of your own wretchedness, you will find that people come to you. Then you talk to them quite simply and naturally -- on your way home from work for instance, or in a family gathering, on a bus, walking down the street, anywhere.
"You will chat about the sort of longings that everyone feels deep down in his soul, even though some people may not want to pay attention to them: they will come to understand them better, when they begin to look for God in earnest.
“Ask Mary, ‘Regina Apostolorum’, to help you make up your mind to share the desires of ‘sowing and fishing’ that fill the Heart of her Son. I assure you that if you begin, you will see the boat filled, just like the fishermen from Galilee did. And you will find Christ on the shore, waiting for you. Because the catch belongs to him.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Friends of God”, 273)
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 3:235-7; 239
Tom Harmon and the rosary
An American star quarterback in football and Heisman trophy winner from the University of Michigan, Tom became a pilot during World War II. One day his plane crashed in a dense jungle. His chances of survival were nil, and he knew it.
In fact, 25 planes crashed in the same jungle the same week Tom’s did. Not one crew member from those planes survived. Tom was the only one who did.
When newsmen asked Tom how he accounted for his miraculous survival, he surprised them by saying, “Prayer!” He surprised them even more, explaining: “I said at least a million “Hail, Mary’s” during my trek out. ... I yelled “Hail, Mary’s” at the top of my voice, hoping that someone would hear me shouting. ... Without great faith I would not have gotten out of that jungle.”
Ref: cf Fr Bel R San Luis, SVD, “Word Alive, Manila Bulletin”, 6 October 1999
On this day, in the year 1328, Philip de Valois, being surrounded by Flemings near Mount Cassel, had recourse to the Blessed Virgin who immediately delivered him from that danger. Out of gratitude for this favor, when he made his entry into Paris, he went straight to Notre Dame, and going into the church on horseback, he proceeded the whole length of the nave up to the crucifix, and there laid down his arms. The picture of this monarch on horseback was for a long time to be seen in that church, to which he gave a revenue of 100 livres, to be levied on his domain of Gatinais. — Triple Couronne, trait. 4, c. 7, n. 7. “Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar (http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Our Lady of Victory. 1328. Mary helps Philip of Valois defeat the Flemings.(www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
“... do not fear.”
“At about the fourth watch of the night”, about dawn, “Jesus came to them, walking upon the sea” (Mt 14:25). They saw him from afar, not clearly for it was still dark. They were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost” (Mt 14:26).
The human figure that the Apostles saw like an apparition walking on the water, drew nearer towards them. Terrified, they cried out. Immediately he spoke and said, “Be of good heart, it is I; do not fear” (Mt 14:27).
The Apostles were at sea by the express command of Jesus. They had, therefore, a right to count on his help; and it did not fail them. Let us learn here that in works of zeal or charity laid on us by obedience, and in which we are often exposed to many temptations and dangers, we may always count on a special assistance from God. This is very encouraging.
As soon as St Peter heard the voice of his dearest Master, he said excitedly, “Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water” (Mt 14:28); and Jesus said, “Come” (Mt 14:29).
Peter went down from the boat and walked on the water towards Jesus. But feeling the strong wind, he was afraid. When he began to sink, he cried out, “Lord save me!” (Mt 14:30) At once Jesus, stretching forth his hand, held him and said, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Mt 14:31)
When they came up into the boat, the wind ceased, and soon the ship reached their destination. “And”, adds St Matthew, those in the boat came and adored him, saying, “Indeed you are the Son of God” (Mt 14:33).
This Gospel passage is full of practical instruction for us. We see the ardent love of St Peter, impatient to be with his Divine Master again. We see his lively faith rewarded by a wonderful miracle. Then we see the inconstancy of that same faith, ready to defy all perils at one moment; but failing because of a gust of wind.
On the other hand, we see the wonderful goodness of Jesus Christ. He extends his hand to his disciple and raises him up, while he says to him words which humble and encourage him at the same time.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp524-6
Faith and obedience in the apostolate
In the apostolate, faith and obedience are indispensable. Our efforts, human resources, night vigils or even mortifications are useless if devoid of any supernatural sense. Without obedience, everything is useless in God’s eyes. It would be useless starting an apostolic task unless we intend to count on Our Lord.
Even our most worthwhile apostolic works would be fruitless if we lacked the desire to carry out God’s will. “God does not need our work, but He does need our obedience”, St John Chrysostom teaches (“Homilies on St Matthew’s Gospel”, 56).
Our Lord calls all of us to be apostles in the middle of the world-- facing a computer, behind the plough, wielding a broom, in a metropolitan or rural area, talented or not. He calls all of us, so that with holiness of life and by our good example we may be his instruments in a world that seems to forsake him.
All the faithful, whatever their circumstances though each in his own way, are called to that perfection of sanctity by which our heavenly Father himself is perfect. (Second Vatican Council, “Lumen Gentium”, 11) Through their special vocation, it belongs to the laity to seek the kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs and directing them according to God’s will. (Ibid, 31)
Our Lord calls all Christians and leaves the majority of them in some job or professional occupation where they find Him, fulfilling their task with human perfection, and at the same time with supernatural outlook. Offering their work to God, they live charity with everyone, not scorning the little mortifications that arise and constantly keeping presence of God.
“Then, though you won’t see why, because you’re very aware of your own wretchedness, you will find that people come to you. Then you talk to them quite simply and naturally -- on your way home from work for instance, or in a family gathering, on a bus, walking down the street, anywhere.
"You will chat about the sort of longings that everyone feels deep down in his soul, even though some people may not want to pay attention to them: they will come to understand them better, when they begin to look for God in earnest.
“Ask Mary, ‘Regina Apostolorum’, to help you make up your mind to share the desires of ‘sowing and fishing’ that fill the Heart of her Son. I assure you that if you begin, you will see the boat filled, just like the fishermen from Galilee did. And you will find Christ on the shore, waiting for you. Because the catch belongs to him.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Friends of God”, 273)
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 3:235-7; 239
Tom Harmon and the rosary
An American star quarterback in football and Heisman trophy winner from the University of Michigan, Tom became a pilot during World War II. One day his plane crashed in a dense jungle. His chances of survival were nil, and he knew it.
In fact, 25 planes crashed in the same jungle the same week Tom’s did. Not one crew member from those planes survived. Tom was the only one who did.
When newsmen asked Tom how he accounted for his miraculous survival, he surprised them by saying, “Prayer!” He surprised them even more, explaining: “I said at least a million “Hail, Mary’s” during my trek out. ... I yelled “Hail, Mary’s” at the top of my voice, hoping that someone would hear me shouting. ... Without great faith I would not have gotten out of that jungle.”
Ref: cf Fr Bel R San Luis, SVD, “Word Alive, Manila Bulletin”, 6 October 1999
On this day, in the year 1328, Philip de Valois, being surrounded by Flemings near Mount Cassel, had recourse to the Blessed Virgin who immediately delivered him from that danger. Out of gratitude for this favor, when he made his entry into Paris, he went straight to Notre Dame, and going into the church on horseback, he proceeded the whole length of the nave up to the crucifix, and there laid down his arms. The picture of this monarch on horseback was for a long time to be seen in that church, to which he gave a revenue of 100 livres, to be levied on his domain of Gatinais. — Triple Couronne, trait. 4, c. 7, n. 7. “Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar (http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Our Lady of Victory. 1328. Mary helps Philip of Valois defeat the Flemings.(www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
Saturday, August 21, 2010
22 August 2010: The Queenship of Mary
Mary participates in the glorious and universal kingdom of Christ. This privilege is founded on Mary’s intimate association with the Redemption performed by her Son. She is also the mediatrix of graces, the channel through which grace is distributed to everyone. Let us have recourse to Mary in all our needs. (Fr James Socias, et al [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1617)
Mary is Queen of heaven and earth
“The Mother of Christ is glorified as ‘Queen of the Universe’. She who called herself the ‘handmaid of the Lord’ at the Anunciation remained faithful to what this name expresses throughout her earthly life.
... she confirmed she was a true ‘disciple’ of Christ, who strongly emphasized his mission was one of service: The Son of Man ‘came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many’ (Mt 20:28).
“Mary became the first of those who, ‘serving Christ also in others, with humility and patience lead their brothers and sisters to that King to serve whom is to reign’ (Lumen Gentium, 36), and she fully achieves that ‘state of royal freedom’ proper to Christ’s disciples:
To serve Christ is to reign with him ... Her ‘glory in serving’ is completely compatible with her royal exaltation. Taken up into heaven, she does not cease her service for our salvation.” (John Paul II, “Redemptoris Mater”, 25 March 1987)
The dogma of the Assumption which we celebrated last week leads naturally to this feast today. Our Lady went to heaven to be crowned by the Blessed Trinity as Queen of all Creation:
“The Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all guilt of original sin, on the completion of her earthly sojourn, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen of the universe, that she might be the more fully conformed to her Son, the ‘Lord of lords’ (Rev 19:16), and the conqueror of sin and death.” (Second Vatican Council, “Lumen Gentium”, 59)
This truth has been affirmed since antiquity by the piety of the faithful, and taught by the Magisterium of the Church. (cf Pius XII, Encyclical, “Ad caeli Reginam”, 11 October 1954)
St Ephraim puts these beautiful words on the lips of Mary: “Let heaven hold me in its embrace, for I am more honored than heaven, since heaven was only your throne, not your Mother. Of course, how much more worthy of honor and veneration than his throne is the Mother of the king!” (”Hymn about the Blessed Virgin Mary”)
It has been popular to affirm Mary’s Queenship through the custom of canonically crowning her images, with the express approval of the Popes. (J Ibañez-F Mendoza, “Mother of the Redeemer”, Madrid 1988)
Since the first centuries Christian art has portrayed Mary as Queen and Empress, amidst angels and seated on a royal throne, with all the wardrobe of such majesty.
Sometimes, she is shown being crowned by her Son. For centuries, the faithful have had recourse to her as Queen through popular prayers like the ‘Salve Regina’, ‘Ave Regina Caelorum’, and ‘Regina Coeli’.
“A great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” (Rev 12:1)
“Mary, Virgin without stain, has made up for the fall of Eve: And she has crushed the head of hell’s serpent with her immaculate heel.
“Daughter of God” (the Father), “Mother of God” (the Son), “Spouse of God” (the Holy Spirit) “... The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit crown her rightful Empress of the universe. The angels pay her homage as her subjects ... the patriarchs and prophets and Apostles ... the martyrs ... confessors ... virgins ... all the saints ... and all sinners, and you and I.” (cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “Holy Rosary”)
When Pius XII instituted this feast day, he invited all Christians to draw near to the “... throne of grace and mercy of our Queen and Mother, to ask her for help in adversity, light in obscurity, and relief in suffering”. (cf Pius XII, Encyclical, “Ad caeli Reginam”, 11 October 1954)
The three features from the Apocalypse used to describe Mary are a symbol of her dignity: ‘clothed with the sun’ means shining with grace as the Mother of God, ‘moon at her feet’ shows power over all created things, ‘crown of twelve stars’, expresses her Queenly dignity and of her rule over all angels and saints. (cf L Castan, “Mary’s Beatitudes”, Madrid 1971)
In the Litany of Loreto, we recall that she is ‘Queen of angels, of patriarchs, of prophets, of apostles, of martyrs, of virgins, and of all saints’. She is also ‘Queen of the family’ and ‘Queen of peace’; our Queen and Lady.
Mary’s rule is daily exercised over all the earth as she generously distributes Our Lord’s grace and mercy. Every day of the week we seek her patronage and ask her protection. On Saturdays many Christians visit one of her numerous shrines. They piously sing or pray the ancient prayer: ‘Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, hail, our life, our sweetness, and our hope ...’
Mary reigns over Purgatory, too. Dante declares: “Hail, Holy Queen! singing on and on, close-hid till then beneath the valley’s lee, on flowers and grass I there saw spirits strown.” (“The Divine Comedy: Purgatory”, VII, 82-4) Our Mother constantly leads us to pray and offer suffrages for those still being purified, waiting to enter Heaven.
“Father, you have given us the mother of your Son to be Our Queen and Mother. With the support of her prayers, may we come to share in the glory of your children in the kingdom of heaven.” (“Roman Missal, Opening Prayer”)
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 7:102-8
Our Lady -- ‘Do not be afraid Mary! ...’ Our Lady was troubled at the presence of the archangel! And I want to throw away those safeguards of modesty that are the shield of my purity! (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Way”, 511)
Prayer
O VICTORIOUS Lady! thou who hast ever such powerful influence with thy divine Son in conquering the hardest of hearts, intercede for those for whom we pray, that their hearts being softened by the rays of divine grace, they may return to the unity of the true faith, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Ref: Very Rev Charles J Callan, OP, STM and Very Rev John A McHugh, OP, STM, “Blessed Be God”, 1925, p436
Octave of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, instituted by Pope Leo IV in the year 847. — Bosius, ii. 2. “Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar. (http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Queenship of Mary - Octave of the Assumption(www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. “Ad Caeli Reginam”, Encyclical on Proclaiming the Queenship of Mary, Pope Pius XII, October 11, 1954. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Seven Joys of Our Lady. Celebrated by Franciscans. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (traditional).(www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Mary is Queen of heaven and earth
“The Mother of Christ is glorified as ‘Queen of the Universe’. She who called herself the ‘handmaid of the Lord’ at the Anunciation remained faithful to what this name expresses throughout her earthly life.
... she confirmed she was a true ‘disciple’ of Christ, who strongly emphasized his mission was one of service: The Son of Man ‘came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many’ (Mt 20:28).
“Mary became the first of those who, ‘serving Christ also in others, with humility and patience lead their brothers and sisters to that King to serve whom is to reign’ (Lumen Gentium, 36), and she fully achieves that ‘state of royal freedom’ proper to Christ’s disciples:
To serve Christ is to reign with him ... Her ‘glory in serving’ is completely compatible with her royal exaltation. Taken up into heaven, she does not cease her service for our salvation.” (John Paul II, “Redemptoris Mater”, 25 March 1987)
The dogma of the Assumption which we celebrated last week leads naturally to this feast today. Our Lady went to heaven to be crowned by the Blessed Trinity as Queen of all Creation:
“The Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all guilt of original sin, on the completion of her earthly sojourn, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen of the universe, that she might be the more fully conformed to her Son, the ‘Lord of lords’ (Rev 19:16), and the conqueror of sin and death.” (Second Vatican Council, “Lumen Gentium”, 59)
This truth has been affirmed since antiquity by the piety of the faithful, and taught by the Magisterium of the Church. (cf Pius XII, Encyclical, “Ad caeli Reginam”, 11 October 1954)
St Ephraim puts these beautiful words on the lips of Mary: “Let heaven hold me in its embrace, for I am more honored than heaven, since heaven was only your throne, not your Mother. Of course, how much more worthy of honor and veneration than his throne is the Mother of the king!” (”Hymn about the Blessed Virgin Mary”)
It has been popular to affirm Mary’s Queenship through the custom of canonically crowning her images, with the express approval of the Popes. (J Ibañez-F Mendoza, “Mother of the Redeemer”, Madrid 1988)
Since the first centuries Christian art has portrayed Mary as Queen and Empress, amidst angels and seated on a royal throne, with all the wardrobe of such majesty.
Sometimes, she is shown being crowned by her Son. For centuries, the faithful have had recourse to her as Queen through popular prayers like the ‘Salve Regina’, ‘Ave Regina Caelorum’, and ‘Regina Coeli’.
“A great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” (Rev 12:1)
“Mary, Virgin without stain, has made up for the fall of Eve: And she has crushed the head of hell’s serpent with her immaculate heel.
“Daughter of God” (the Father), “Mother of God” (the Son), “Spouse of God” (the Holy Spirit) “... The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit crown her rightful Empress of the universe. The angels pay her homage as her subjects ... the patriarchs and prophets and Apostles ... the martyrs ... confessors ... virgins ... all the saints ... and all sinners, and you and I.” (cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “Holy Rosary”)
When Pius XII instituted this feast day, he invited all Christians to draw near to the “... throne of grace and mercy of our Queen and Mother, to ask her for help in adversity, light in obscurity, and relief in suffering”. (cf Pius XII, Encyclical, “Ad caeli Reginam”, 11 October 1954)
The three features from the Apocalypse used to describe Mary are a symbol of her dignity: ‘clothed with the sun’ means shining with grace as the Mother of God, ‘moon at her feet’ shows power over all created things, ‘crown of twelve stars’, expresses her Queenly dignity and of her rule over all angels and saints. (cf L Castan, “Mary’s Beatitudes”, Madrid 1971)
In the Litany of Loreto, we recall that she is ‘Queen of angels, of patriarchs, of prophets, of apostles, of martyrs, of virgins, and of all saints’. She is also ‘Queen of the family’ and ‘Queen of peace’; our Queen and Lady.
Mary’s rule is daily exercised over all the earth as she generously distributes Our Lord’s grace and mercy. Every day of the week we seek her patronage and ask her protection. On Saturdays many Christians visit one of her numerous shrines. They piously sing or pray the ancient prayer: ‘Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, hail, our life, our sweetness, and our hope ...’
Mary reigns over Purgatory, too. Dante declares: “Hail, Holy Queen! singing on and on, close-hid till then beneath the valley’s lee, on flowers and grass I there saw spirits strown.” (“The Divine Comedy: Purgatory”, VII, 82-4) Our Mother constantly leads us to pray and offer suffrages for those still being purified, waiting to enter Heaven.
“Father, you have given us the mother of your Son to be Our Queen and Mother. With the support of her prayers, may we come to share in the glory of your children in the kingdom of heaven.” (“Roman Missal, Opening Prayer”)
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 7:102-8
Our Lady -- ‘Do not be afraid Mary! ...’ Our Lady was troubled at the presence of the archangel! And I want to throw away those safeguards of modesty that are the shield of my purity! (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Way”, 511)
Prayer
O VICTORIOUS Lady! thou who hast ever such powerful influence with thy divine Son in conquering the hardest of hearts, intercede for those for whom we pray, that their hearts being softened by the rays of divine grace, they may return to the unity of the true faith, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Ref: Very Rev Charles J Callan, OP, STM and Very Rev John A McHugh, OP, STM, “Blessed Be God”, 1925, p436
Octave of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, instituted by Pope Leo IV in the year 847. — Bosius, ii. 2. “Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar. (http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Queenship of Mary - Octave of the Assumption(www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. “Ad Caeli Reginam”, Encyclical on Proclaiming the Queenship of Mary, Pope Pius XII, October 11, 1954. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Seven Joys of Our Lady. Celebrated by Franciscans. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (traditional).(www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Friday, August 20, 2010
21 August 2010: Our Lady of Knock
At about 7:30 o’clock P.M. on this day in 1879, the Blessed Virgin appeared near the gable of the church in the small town of Knock in County Mayo, Ireland. Approved by the local bishop. (“The 1955 National Catholic Almanac”, p290)
St Pius X, pope
Distinguished for his continuous service to the Church and to all souls as priest, Bishop and Patriarch Archbishop of Venice; finally as Roman Pontiff. He strongly defended the purity of Catholic doctrine against modern heresies. He extended the practice of frequent communion. (Fr James Socias, et al [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1616)
The need to give good doctrine
The years of the Pontificate of Pius X were particularly difficult due to the internal upheavals and transformations in many nations; and their serious consequence on the Christian faithful. Fundamentally, the gale-force winds that tore through the Church at this time were ideological and doctrinal in nature.
Attempts to reconcile the Faith with philosophical principles diametrically opposed to it spawned numerous widely-diffused errors. These ideologies attacking the very foundations of Catholic doctrine led to its denial. (cf R Garcia de Haro, “Theological history of Modernism”, Pamplona, 1972)
St Pius X made the motto of his Pontificate a reality: “to restore all things in Christ” (Apostolic Letter, “Bene nostis”, 14 February 1905) -- through his deep concern to stop the many evils that threatened the faithful. (cf idem, Decree, “Lamentabili”, 3 July 1907; Encyclical, “Pascendi”, 8 September 1905)
He frequently insisted on the damage ignorance of the Faith produces. He used to say: ‘It is useless to expect a person without formation to fulfil his Christian duties.’
He repeatedly stressed the need to teach the catechism. From his concern about the lack of Christian formation there was produced the “Catechism of St Pius X”, which has done so much good in the Church.
Many of the errors St Pius X fought against are uncritically accepted nowadays. In countries evangelized almost twenty centuries ago numerous people are ignorant of the most elementary truths of the Faith. Many are defenceless and with the complicity of their passions, yield to the erroneous opinions of a few. (cf John Paul II, Apostolic Exhortation, “Christifideles laici”, 30 December 1988, 34)
The call of St Pius X to conserve and spread good doctrine remains a fully current and vital issue. Moreover, may we never forget as Pope John Paul II reminds us that “faith is strengthened by sharing it”. (cf idem, Encyclical, “Redemptoris missio”, 7 December 1990, 2)
St Pius X stands out for great firmness in confronting an adverse environment. Nevertheless, he remained serene, cheerful, and in good humour amidst difficulties, since his life was strongly rooted in prayer.
The Pope was renowned for performing miracles. A Brazilian bishop, hearing of the Pontiff’s great reputation for sanctity, went to Rome on January of 1914 to implore the cure of his mother, then very ill with leprosy. Confronted with his persistence, the pontiff exhorted him to beseech Our Lady and some other saint.
The insistent bishop begged: “At least repeat the words of Our Lord to the leper, ‘Volo, mundare!’ (I so desire, be cleansed!). The Pope, condescending, with a smile said: ‘Volo, mundare!’ When the bishop returned to his country he found his mother cured ....” (G Dal-Gal, “Pius X, the Pope Saint”, Madrid 1988)
We turn with hope to Holy Mary, ‘Regina mundi’. Let us ask her that ‘the Church be rejuvenated, that she be firmly united, that her faithful be renewed in desires for holiness and apostolate’. (Alvaro del Portillo, “Letter”, 25 December 1985, 10) We pray that Christ might reign in all hearts and in all human activities.
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 7:96-8
“ ... a great wind blew and the ship was tossed by the waves” (Jn 6:18)
The day which ended with the miracle of multiplying the loaves was very tiring for Jesus and his Apostles: not a minute’s rest from early morning till late at night. Afterwards, our Lord “immediately made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to Bethsaida” (cf Mk 6:45).
He did not want them to be influenced by the people who wanted to proclaim him king of Israel; and “fled again into the mountain to pray” (Mk 6:46).
The Apostles had put to sea by express orders of Jesus; but they met with contrary winds. Vainly, they tried to coast along the shore till they reached the port of Bethsaida. Always driven back, they struggled till after midnight, “when the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew, and the ship was tossed by the waves” (Jn 6:18).
Our Lord saw them suffering. Watching over their safety, he delayed coming to their help. Why? St John Chrysostom tells us: ‘to train them to increase their faith, humility, and confidence; and that they might have a keener sense of the blessing of divine help.’
Thus does God act towards us, and for the same ends. At times he allows that in fulfilling certain duties of our vocation or in tasks pursued with the best intentions, we should meet with contradictions. Often, he allows us to be troubled by mental sufferings or violent temptations despite the means we employ and prayers.
What then, must we do? To take care not to yield to distrust or discouragement, as if God had forsaken us. To be convinced that he sees our sufferings and labors. That he is near and sustains us by his grace. He does not ask from us success but fidelity. Finally, after having tried us, he will give at the fitting time the peace and joy of his sensible presence.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp522-4
Dazzled -- “Christ suffered in your place and for your benefit, to tear you away from the slavery of sin and imperfection.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 14)
In the year 1022 was instituted the 'Order of the Thirty Knights of Our Lady of the Star', at Paris by King Robert who said that the Blessed Virgin was the Star of his kingdom. — A. Favin, Histoire de Navarre. “Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; (http://www.bethlehemobserver.com); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
Our Lady of Knock. Ireland. 1879. Ireland's most famous apparition. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
‘Notre Dame de la Garde’ (Marseille, France). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html). Moveable feast-- Saturday after Assumption.
‘Notre Dame de Grace’ (Cambrai, France). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html). Moveable feast-- Saturday after Assumption [21Aug2010].
St Pius X, pope
Distinguished for his continuous service to the Church and to all souls as priest, Bishop and Patriarch Archbishop of Venice; finally as Roman Pontiff. He strongly defended the purity of Catholic doctrine against modern heresies. He extended the practice of frequent communion. (Fr James Socias, et al [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1616)
The need to give good doctrine
The years of the Pontificate of Pius X were particularly difficult due to the internal upheavals and transformations in many nations; and their serious consequence on the Christian faithful. Fundamentally, the gale-force winds that tore through the Church at this time were ideological and doctrinal in nature.
Attempts to reconcile the Faith with philosophical principles diametrically opposed to it spawned numerous widely-diffused errors. These ideologies attacking the very foundations of Catholic doctrine led to its denial. (cf R Garcia de Haro, “Theological history of Modernism”, Pamplona, 1972)
St Pius X made the motto of his Pontificate a reality: “to restore all things in Christ” (Apostolic Letter, “Bene nostis”, 14 February 1905) -- through his deep concern to stop the many evils that threatened the faithful. (cf idem, Decree, “Lamentabili”, 3 July 1907; Encyclical, “Pascendi”, 8 September 1905)
He frequently insisted on the damage ignorance of the Faith produces. He used to say: ‘It is useless to expect a person without formation to fulfil his Christian duties.’
He repeatedly stressed the need to teach the catechism. From his concern about the lack of Christian formation there was produced the “Catechism of St Pius X”, which has done so much good in the Church.
Many of the errors St Pius X fought against are uncritically accepted nowadays. In countries evangelized almost twenty centuries ago numerous people are ignorant of the most elementary truths of the Faith. Many are defenceless and with the complicity of their passions, yield to the erroneous opinions of a few. (cf John Paul II, Apostolic Exhortation, “Christifideles laici”, 30 December 1988, 34)
The call of St Pius X to conserve and spread good doctrine remains a fully current and vital issue. Moreover, may we never forget as Pope John Paul II reminds us that “faith is strengthened by sharing it”. (cf idem, Encyclical, “Redemptoris missio”, 7 December 1990, 2)
St Pius X stands out for great firmness in confronting an adverse environment. Nevertheless, he remained serene, cheerful, and in good humour amidst difficulties, since his life was strongly rooted in prayer.
The Pope was renowned for performing miracles. A Brazilian bishop, hearing of the Pontiff’s great reputation for sanctity, went to Rome on January of 1914 to implore the cure of his mother, then very ill with leprosy. Confronted with his persistence, the pontiff exhorted him to beseech Our Lady and some other saint.
The insistent bishop begged: “At least repeat the words of Our Lord to the leper, ‘Volo, mundare!’ (I so desire, be cleansed!). The Pope, condescending, with a smile said: ‘Volo, mundare!’ When the bishop returned to his country he found his mother cured ....” (G Dal-Gal, “Pius X, the Pope Saint”, Madrid 1988)
We turn with hope to Holy Mary, ‘Regina mundi’. Let us ask her that ‘the Church be rejuvenated, that she be firmly united, that her faithful be renewed in desires for holiness and apostolate’. (Alvaro del Portillo, “Letter”, 25 December 1985, 10) We pray that Christ might reign in all hearts and in all human activities.
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 7:96-8
“ ... a great wind blew and the ship was tossed by the waves” (Jn 6:18)
The day which ended with the miracle of multiplying the loaves was very tiring for Jesus and his Apostles: not a minute’s rest from early morning till late at night. Afterwards, our Lord “immediately made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to Bethsaida” (cf Mk 6:45).
He did not want them to be influenced by the people who wanted to proclaim him king of Israel; and “fled again into the mountain to pray” (Mk 6:46).
The Apostles had put to sea by express orders of Jesus; but they met with contrary winds. Vainly, they tried to coast along the shore till they reached the port of Bethsaida. Always driven back, they struggled till after midnight, “when the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew, and the ship was tossed by the waves” (Jn 6:18).
Our Lord saw them suffering. Watching over their safety, he delayed coming to their help. Why? St John Chrysostom tells us: ‘to train them to increase their faith, humility, and confidence; and that they might have a keener sense of the blessing of divine help.’
Thus does God act towards us, and for the same ends. At times he allows that in fulfilling certain duties of our vocation or in tasks pursued with the best intentions, we should meet with contradictions. Often, he allows us to be troubled by mental sufferings or violent temptations despite the means we employ and prayers.
What then, must we do? To take care not to yield to distrust or discouragement, as if God had forsaken us. To be convinced that he sees our sufferings and labors. That he is near and sustains us by his grace. He does not ask from us success but fidelity. Finally, after having tried us, he will give at the fitting time the peace and joy of his sensible presence.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp522-4
Dazzled -- “Christ suffered in your place and for your benefit, to tear you away from the slavery of sin and imperfection.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 14)
In the year 1022 was instituted the 'Order of the Thirty Knights of Our Lady of the Star', at Paris by King Robert who said that the Blessed Virgin was the Star of his kingdom. — A. Favin, Histoire de Navarre. “Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; (http://www.bethlehemobserver.com); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
Our Lady of Knock. Ireland. 1879. Ireland's most famous apparition. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
‘Notre Dame de la Garde’ (Marseille, France). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html). Moveable feast-- Saturday after Assumption.
‘Notre Dame de Grace’ (Cambrai, France). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html). Moveable feast-- Saturday after Assumption [21Aug2010].
Thursday, August 19, 2010
20 August 2010: St Bernard, abbot and Doctor of the Church
A Cistercian and great preacher, he fought for the peace and unity of the Church against schism. He wrote many treatises on the Blessed Virgin and Jesus Christ (Fr James Socias, et al [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1614) including prayers such as ‘The Memorare’ and the ‘Hail, Holy Queen’ (Rev Joseph A Viano, SSP, “Two Months with Mary”, 1984, p17).
The saint’s life in the solitude of the cloister
Bernard had the happiness of being born to pious as well as noble parents. His mother early taught him the love of chastity and a tender devotion to Our Lady. Her pains were well rewarded.
Bernard, endowed with natural eloquence and rare intelligence, made spectacular progress in study. His chastity was heroic. To punish himself for an imprudent glance, he jumped into the water during a severe frost. Eventually, he celebrated the praises of Our Lady with unprecedented success nobody ever surpassed.
At the age of twenty-three, he felt called to rigorously reform the Cistercians, recently founded by St Robert of Molesmes. He overcame the opposition of his brothers, and induced them and twenty-five others, to follow him. Thirty in all, they entered Citeaux the same day; and the following year (1114) made their profession into the hands of the Abbot, St Stephen.
The first fervor of St Bernard’s cloister life never relaxed; became the model of eminent virtue in a few years. The mortification of his senses became almost natural. After a year at Citeaux, he did not know, as a circumstance proved, the kind of ceiling at the dormitory nor the number of windows in the church choir.
He was equally mortified in food, often brown bread dipped in warm water. Only under obedience was he induced to take sometimes, for his health, soup with a little oil and honey.
Dead to the world and to himself, he had no will except to undertake the lowest and most unpleasant offices in the community. The time for prayer, his greatest delight, always seemed too short.
Uninterrupted in prayer, he never lost the presence of God even in dealing with people of the world; and therefore, possessed an unction which won the hearts of all who came near him. To stimulate his fervor, he often told himself, ‘Bernard, Bernard, why did you come here?’
The peace and happiness that Bernard enjoyed in the solitude of the cloister were unspeakable. Often he was heard to cry out, ‘Oh, happy solitude! Oh, only abode of happiness!’ But God often broke this solitude.
The wisdom St Bernard, when Abbot of Clairvaux, gave so many brilliant proofs of, drew the attention of the whole Church on him. Kings and princes desired him to arbitrate in their disputes. The Sovereign Pontiffs obliged him to undertake long and arduous journeys to pacify nations, to direct councils, to put an end to schisms or to preach crusades.
Amidst all these honors, in this turmoil of business, the saint lost none of his humility or of his union with God. Wherever he went he carried his solitude with him. Let us endeavor to do the same.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp531-3
“Heaven rejoices, hell trembles, Satan flees every time I say only: ‘Hail, Mary’!
“You are the Queen of Mercy, and I am the most miserable sinner of all. Thus, if I am the most wretched of your subjects, you must take more care of me than of all the others.
“Let him be silent concerning your mercy, O Virgin most blessed, if there be one who invoked you in his need and who remembers you to have failed him.”
Ref: St Bernard. In Rev Joseph A Viano, “Two Months with Mary”, 1984, pp37, 38, 39
The contemplative life has occupied and will go on occupying a place of honor in the Church. Lives are dedicated to prayer and silence, to adoration and penitence in the cloister; ‘it is hdden with Christ in God’. This consecrated life is the development of, and has its foundation in, the gift received in baptism.
Through this sacrament, God chose us in Christ ‘before the foundation of the world that we might be holy and immaculate before him in charity’. Through it he actually delivered us from sin and incorporated us in Christ and His Church that we might live a new life.
Ref: cf “Prayers and Devotions from Pope John Paul II”, p308
The narrow path
Many people live pursuing immediate goals not mindful of God, who should be the reference point for everything else. To gain that perspective “we need to smoothe off the rough edges a little more each day -- as if working in stone or wood -- and get rid of the hindering defects in our own lives with a spirit of penance and with small mortifications.” (cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 403)
The path Our Lord points out to us is a joyful one. Yet it is the path of the cross and sacrifice, of temperance and mortification. But we prefer the broad road, the least troublesome way through life although it has little to offer us. We choose the wide door which does not lead to Heaven.
“If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Lk 9:23) “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (Jn 12:24)
We need to practise the virtue of temperance if we desire to enter into the next life. We must live a spirit of detachment regarding the things we own and use. “We cannot be like those people who seem to be dominated by economics; almost all of their personal and social lives are permeated by a kind of economic mentality.” (Second Vatican Council, “Gaudium et spes”, 63)
The narrow path is safe and attractive. Along it, with a rhythm of sobriety and sacrifice, we also meet joy because “the cross is no longer a gallows. It is the throne from which Christ reigns. And at his side, his Mother, our Mother too. The Blessed Virgin will obtain for you the strength ... you need to walk resolutely in the footsteps of her Son.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Friends of God”, 141)
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 3:653-4; 657
In the celebrated church of the Benedictines of Affighem, in Brabant is seen an image of the Blessed Virgin, of which it has been received by tradition that St Bernard, saluting it in these terms, “Salve, Maria”, it answered him, “Salve, Bernarde”. — Justus Lipsius, t. ii., c. 4, 4. “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).
Commemoration of St. Bernard's "Ave Maria" and Mary's "Ave Bernarde". (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
The saint’s life in the solitude of the cloister
Bernard had the happiness of being born to pious as well as noble parents. His mother early taught him the love of chastity and a tender devotion to Our Lady. Her pains were well rewarded.
Bernard, endowed with natural eloquence and rare intelligence, made spectacular progress in study. His chastity was heroic. To punish himself for an imprudent glance, he jumped into the water during a severe frost. Eventually, he celebrated the praises of Our Lady with unprecedented success nobody ever surpassed.
At the age of twenty-three, he felt called to rigorously reform the Cistercians, recently founded by St Robert of Molesmes. He overcame the opposition of his brothers, and induced them and twenty-five others, to follow him. Thirty in all, they entered Citeaux the same day; and the following year (1114) made their profession into the hands of the Abbot, St Stephen.
The first fervor of St Bernard’s cloister life never relaxed; became the model of eminent virtue in a few years. The mortification of his senses became almost natural. After a year at Citeaux, he did not know, as a circumstance proved, the kind of ceiling at the dormitory nor the number of windows in the church choir.
He was equally mortified in food, often brown bread dipped in warm water. Only under obedience was he induced to take sometimes, for his health, soup with a little oil and honey.
Dead to the world and to himself, he had no will except to undertake the lowest and most unpleasant offices in the community. The time for prayer, his greatest delight, always seemed too short.
Uninterrupted in prayer, he never lost the presence of God even in dealing with people of the world; and therefore, possessed an unction which won the hearts of all who came near him. To stimulate his fervor, he often told himself, ‘Bernard, Bernard, why did you come here?’
The peace and happiness that Bernard enjoyed in the solitude of the cloister were unspeakable. Often he was heard to cry out, ‘Oh, happy solitude! Oh, only abode of happiness!’ But God often broke this solitude.
The wisdom St Bernard, when Abbot of Clairvaux, gave so many brilliant proofs of, drew the attention of the whole Church on him. Kings and princes desired him to arbitrate in their disputes. The Sovereign Pontiffs obliged him to undertake long and arduous journeys to pacify nations, to direct councils, to put an end to schisms or to preach crusades.
Amidst all these honors, in this turmoil of business, the saint lost none of his humility or of his union with God. Wherever he went he carried his solitude with him. Let us endeavor to do the same.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp531-3
“Heaven rejoices, hell trembles, Satan flees every time I say only: ‘Hail, Mary’!
“You are the Queen of Mercy, and I am the most miserable sinner of all. Thus, if I am the most wretched of your subjects, you must take more care of me than of all the others.
“Let him be silent concerning your mercy, O Virgin most blessed, if there be one who invoked you in his need and who remembers you to have failed him.”
Ref: St Bernard. In Rev Joseph A Viano, “Two Months with Mary”, 1984, pp37, 38, 39
The contemplative life has occupied and will go on occupying a place of honor in the Church. Lives are dedicated to prayer and silence, to adoration and penitence in the cloister; ‘it is hdden with Christ in God’. This consecrated life is the development of, and has its foundation in, the gift received in baptism.
Through this sacrament, God chose us in Christ ‘before the foundation of the world that we might be holy and immaculate before him in charity’. Through it he actually delivered us from sin and incorporated us in Christ and His Church that we might live a new life.
Ref: cf “Prayers and Devotions from Pope John Paul II”, p308
The narrow path
Many people live pursuing immediate goals not mindful of God, who should be the reference point for everything else. To gain that perspective “we need to smoothe off the rough edges a little more each day -- as if working in stone or wood -- and get rid of the hindering defects in our own lives with a spirit of penance and with small mortifications.” (cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 403)
The path Our Lord points out to us is a joyful one. Yet it is the path of the cross and sacrifice, of temperance and mortification. But we prefer the broad road, the least troublesome way through life although it has little to offer us. We choose the wide door which does not lead to Heaven.
“If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Lk 9:23) “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (Jn 12:24)
We need to practise the virtue of temperance if we desire to enter into the next life. We must live a spirit of detachment regarding the things we own and use. “We cannot be like those people who seem to be dominated by economics; almost all of their personal and social lives are permeated by a kind of economic mentality.” (Second Vatican Council, “Gaudium et spes”, 63)
The narrow path is safe and attractive. Along it, with a rhythm of sobriety and sacrifice, we also meet joy because “the cross is no longer a gallows. It is the throne from which Christ reigns. And at his side, his Mother, our Mother too. The Blessed Virgin will obtain for you the strength ... you need to walk resolutely in the footsteps of her Son.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Friends of God”, 141)
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 3:653-4; 657
In the celebrated church of the Benedictines of Affighem, in Brabant is seen an image of the Blessed Virgin, of which it has been received by tradition that St Bernard, saluting it in these terms, “Salve, Maria”, it answered him, “Salve, Bernarde”. — Justus Lipsius, t. ii., c. 4, 4. “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).
Commemoration of St. Bernard's "Ave Maria" and Mary's "Ave Bernarde". (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
19 August 2010: St John Eudes, priest
(1601-1680) Born in France. He preached and encouraged devotion to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. He founded an association of priests and the religious ‘Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity’. (Fr James Socias, et al [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1614)
· “Live in Mary’s heart, love what she loves, desire what she desires, and you will have peace, joy, and sanctity.” -- St John Eudes (In Rev Joseph A Viano, SSP, “Two Months with Mary”, 1984, p33)
‘Where shall we buy bread that these may eat?’
The desert place where Jesus had led his Apostles upon returning from their mission was soon besieged by an immense crowd of people. Jesus had compassion on them, and from a rising ground where he stood with the twelve, he spoke of ‘the kingdom of God’.
The day went on; the day declined, but the crowd remained, listening to Jesus. The Apostles said to him, “This is a desert place, the hour is now past; send away the crowds that they may buy themselves food” (cf Mt 14:15).
But Jesus replied, “They have no need to go; give them to eat” (Mt 14:16). Evidently, despite their want of faith, he was about to work a miracle.
After the example of these good Israelites, let us seek, according to our Lord’s precept, ‘the kingdom of heaven and his justice’ before all other things. Can we accuse ourselves of being more occupied with bodily wants, our health and comforts, than with means of glorifying God, of increasing in virtue and sanctity?
“Jesus said to Philip to test him, ‘Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?’ Philip answered, ‘Six months wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little’.” (Jn 6:6-7) “... there were about five-thousand men, besides women and children.” (Lk 9:14)
“Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said, ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fishes; but what are these among so many?’ Jesus said, ‘Make them sit down’. Then Jesus took the five loaves and two fishes, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and distributed to his disciples to set before the multitude. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, ‘Gather up the pieces left over, so nothing may be lost’. ... they filled twelve baskets.” (Jn 6:8-13)
Five-thousand men fed and satisfied with five loaves and two fishes. What a miracle! “Would that I could have witnessed it!” you say involuntarily. “But, you witness a similar one when you see from some seeds sown in the ground every year, God feeds millions of men.” (St Augustine, Tract 24, “in Joan.”)
The people cried out instantaneously, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come!” Strengthened in their faith, their love and devotion increased. They wanted to “take him by force and make him king”; but “Jesus fled again into the mountain by himself” (cf Jn 6:14-5).
When we visit Jesus present on our altar, and especially when we receive him in Holy Communion, of which the multiplication of the loaves was a type, let us imitate these pious Israelites and reawaken in our hearts the feelings of love, faith, devotion, and gratitude that Jesus loves so much to see in us.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp515-7
First miracle of the loaves and fish
This episode must have occurred in the middle of springtime, because the grass was green (cf Mk 6:40; cf Jn 6:10). In the Near East loaves were usually made very thin, which meant it was easy to break by hand and distribute to those at table.
This was usually done by the head of the household or the senior person at the meal. Our Lord follows this custom, and the miracle occurs when Jesus breaks the bread. The disciples then distribute it among the crowd. Again we can see Jesus’ desire to have people cooperate with him.
It has been a very full day, like so many others. First, Jesus works many cures (cf Mt 14:14) and then performs the remarkable miracle, a symbol of the future Eucharist. Jesus had compassion on the crowd, curing their sick and giving them comfort of his teaching and nourishment of food.
He continues to do the same, down the centuries, tending to our needs and comforting us with his word and with the nourishment of his own Body. Jesus must have been very moved, realizing the vivifying effect the Blessed Sacrament would have on the lives of Christians -- a sacrament which is a mystery of life and faith and love.
Ref: “The Navarre Bible, The Gospel of St Matthew”, 1988, p134-5
United to the Tabernacle, we will win every battle
Our confidence of victory in trial and tribulation is not founded on our limited resources but on Our Lord’s protection. Our serenity rooted in him, we do not close our eyes to reality. We look at the present and to the future with optimism because the Lord is with us. He has loved us from all eternity, sacrificing his Son for our salvation.
Life’s difficulties can ultimately yield for us great good. Just as a friend brings comfort when things go bad, so must we be grateful for the company of our Friend in the nearest Tabernacle where Jesus is present with us.
We should go to him for consolation, peace and strength. “What more can we want”, wrote St Teresa, “than so good a Friend at our side, Who will not forsake us when we are in trouble and distress, as they do who belong to the world!” (St Teresa, “Life, 22, 10”)
If we decide to be close to Jesus, to be eucharistic souls, the Lord will watch over us. We can be strengthened in the knowledge that “the field is won”. (cf St Thomas More, “The Agony of Christ”)
“Be a eucharistic soul! If the center around which your thoughts and hopes turn is the Tabernacle, then, my child, how abundant the fruits of your sanctity and apostolate will be!” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 835)
The Mother of God contemplates her Son in Heaven. She will put the right words on our lips if we are shy. She will promptly make up for our awkwardness.
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 5:349-50
Our Lady of Jerusalem, near Montecorvo in Portugal. A chapel is there seen built in imitation of the one at Jerusalem; it is said that the Blessed Virgin herself gave the plan. — Vasconcellius, in Descriptione regni Lusitaniae. “Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; (http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
‘Nossa Senhora’ / Our Lady of Jerusalem. Near Montecarro, Portugal.(www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
Our Lady of the Don (Russia) 1380. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
· “Live in Mary’s heart, love what she loves, desire what she desires, and you will have peace, joy, and sanctity.” -- St John Eudes (In Rev Joseph A Viano, SSP, “Two Months with Mary”, 1984, p33)
‘Where shall we buy bread that these may eat?’
The desert place where Jesus had led his Apostles upon returning from their mission was soon besieged by an immense crowd of people. Jesus had compassion on them, and from a rising ground where he stood with the twelve, he spoke of ‘the kingdom of God’.
The day went on; the day declined, but the crowd remained, listening to Jesus. The Apostles said to him, “This is a desert place, the hour is now past; send away the crowds that they may buy themselves food” (cf Mt 14:15).
But Jesus replied, “They have no need to go; give them to eat” (Mt 14:16). Evidently, despite their want of faith, he was about to work a miracle.
After the example of these good Israelites, let us seek, according to our Lord’s precept, ‘the kingdom of heaven and his justice’ before all other things. Can we accuse ourselves of being more occupied with bodily wants, our health and comforts, than with means of glorifying God, of increasing in virtue and sanctity?
“Jesus said to Philip to test him, ‘Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?’ Philip answered, ‘Six months wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little’.” (Jn 6:6-7) “... there were about five-thousand men, besides women and children.” (Lk 9:14)
“Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said, ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fishes; but what are these among so many?’ Jesus said, ‘Make them sit down’. Then Jesus took the five loaves and two fishes, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and distributed to his disciples to set before the multitude. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, ‘Gather up the pieces left over, so nothing may be lost’. ... they filled twelve baskets.” (Jn 6:8-13)
Five-thousand men fed and satisfied with five loaves and two fishes. What a miracle! “Would that I could have witnessed it!” you say involuntarily. “But, you witness a similar one when you see from some seeds sown in the ground every year, God feeds millions of men.” (St Augustine, Tract 24, “in Joan.”)
The people cried out instantaneously, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come!” Strengthened in their faith, their love and devotion increased. They wanted to “take him by force and make him king”; but “Jesus fled again into the mountain by himself” (cf Jn 6:14-5).
When we visit Jesus present on our altar, and especially when we receive him in Holy Communion, of which the multiplication of the loaves was a type, let us imitate these pious Israelites and reawaken in our hearts the feelings of love, faith, devotion, and gratitude that Jesus loves so much to see in us.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp515-7
First miracle of the loaves and fish
This episode must have occurred in the middle of springtime, because the grass was green (cf Mk 6:40; cf Jn 6:10). In the Near East loaves were usually made very thin, which meant it was easy to break by hand and distribute to those at table.
This was usually done by the head of the household or the senior person at the meal. Our Lord follows this custom, and the miracle occurs when Jesus breaks the bread. The disciples then distribute it among the crowd. Again we can see Jesus’ desire to have people cooperate with him.
It has been a very full day, like so many others. First, Jesus works many cures (cf Mt 14:14) and then performs the remarkable miracle, a symbol of the future Eucharist. Jesus had compassion on the crowd, curing their sick and giving them comfort of his teaching and nourishment of food.
He continues to do the same, down the centuries, tending to our needs and comforting us with his word and with the nourishment of his own Body. Jesus must have been very moved, realizing the vivifying effect the Blessed Sacrament would have on the lives of Christians -- a sacrament which is a mystery of life and faith and love.
Ref: “The Navarre Bible, The Gospel of St Matthew”, 1988, p134-5
United to the Tabernacle, we will win every battle
Our confidence of victory in trial and tribulation is not founded on our limited resources but on Our Lord’s protection. Our serenity rooted in him, we do not close our eyes to reality. We look at the present and to the future with optimism because the Lord is with us. He has loved us from all eternity, sacrificing his Son for our salvation.
Life’s difficulties can ultimately yield for us great good. Just as a friend brings comfort when things go bad, so must we be grateful for the company of our Friend in the nearest Tabernacle where Jesus is present with us.
We should go to him for consolation, peace and strength. “What more can we want”, wrote St Teresa, “than so good a Friend at our side, Who will not forsake us when we are in trouble and distress, as they do who belong to the world!” (St Teresa, “Life, 22, 10”)
If we decide to be close to Jesus, to be eucharistic souls, the Lord will watch over us. We can be strengthened in the knowledge that “the field is won”. (cf St Thomas More, “The Agony of Christ”)
“Be a eucharistic soul! If the center around which your thoughts and hopes turn is the Tabernacle, then, my child, how abundant the fruits of your sanctity and apostolate will be!” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 835)
The Mother of God contemplates her Son in Heaven. She will put the right words on our lips if we are shy. She will promptly make up for our awkwardness.
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 5:349-50
Our Lady of Jerusalem, near Montecorvo in Portugal. A chapel is there seen built in imitation of the one at Jerusalem; it is said that the Blessed Virgin herself gave the plan. — Vasconcellius, in Descriptione regni Lusitaniae. “Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; (http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
‘Nossa Senhora’ / Our Lady of Jerusalem. Near Montecarro, Portugal.(www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
Our Lady of the Don (Russia) 1380. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
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