12 September 2010: ‘Woe to that man by whom scandal comes.’

The sweet innocence of the little child Jesus set in the midst of the Apostles as their example caused him to denounce those who scandalize others, especially children. Listen to his words: “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the depths of the sea with a great millstone around his neck.” (Mt 18:6)

“Woe to the world because of scandals.” (Mt 18:7) He knew the vices of the world. “If scandal must come, woe to that man by whom the scandal comes.” (Mt 18:8)

We would share our Lord’s indignation against scandal, and those who give it; and we would feel the horror he wishes us to feel, if we reflected on its malice and dreadful consequences. ‘Sinful above measure.’

The Church Fathers, too, speak in equally severe terms of those who give scandal, calling them emissaries of the devil -- devils incarnate. They lead others into sin as much or even more than the devil does.

Assassins of the soul, a thousandfold more guilty than murderers. Antichrists, undoing the work of Christ. A living plague, spreading infection and death.

Have we given scandal or been scandalized ourself? Is scandal impossible? We may not directly intend leading others into sin, but if (as St Thomas says), by word, act, or omission we become an occasion of sin to another, we are guilty of scandal. There is laxity if we fail to correct abuses in our group; disorders follow and go beyond remedy.

Have we been in some way, guilty of scandal? If we have, seek pardon for it. Do our best to repair the mischief we have done. On the other hand, never let a bad example influence us. Follow rather the saints, who drew good out of evil by redoubling their efforts to avoid the sins they saw in others.

Ref: “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp579-81

The “little ones”

Receiving a child in Jesus’ name is the same as receiving Jesus himself. Because children reflect the innocence, purity, simplicity and tenderness of our Lord, “In children and in the sick a soul in love sees Him” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Way”, 419). The holy, pained indignation sounding in Jesus’ words show the seriousness of the sin of scandal.

“Millstone”: our Lord refers to a form of punishment used in ancient times. It consisted in throwing a person into the sea with a heavy weight attached to his neck to prevent his body floating to the surface. This was regarded as a particularly ignominious form of death because it was inflicted only on the worst criminals; also it meant deprival of burial.

Although Jesus affirms that people will cause others to sin, this means everyone, personally, should ensure this does not happen. Thus, everyone who does cause another to sin is responsible for his action.

Here he refers directly to scandal given to children: an action particularly malicious given the weakness and innocence of children. The evilness of the world as enemy of the soul consists mainly in harm it does in this way. Its evil maxims and bad example create an environment which draws people away from God, from Christ and from his Church.

The scandal given by those whose function is to educate others is particularly serious: If ordinary folk are lukewarm, that is bad; but it can be remedied, and the only one they harm is themselves.

If, however, the teachers are lukewarm, then the Lord’s ‘Woe to the world’ applies, because of the great evil that is a consequence of this lukewarmness. This ‘woe’ threatens those lukewarm teachers who spread their lukewarmness to others and even suffocate their fervour completely. (cf St Augustine, “Sermon 55”)

Ref: “The Navarre Bible”, “The Gospel of St Matthew”, 1988, p155-6

Mary, channel of all graces

All graces come to us through Mary. “No one is saved, most holy one, if not through your intercession. No one is freed from evil, except through your help ... Neither does anyone receive the divine gifts without benefit of your mediation ... apart from your Son, who is it that has more concern for the human race than you?

"Who else protects us without fail when we are in trouble? Who frees us so rapidly from the temptations that befall us? Who seeks more earnestly to protect sinners? Who comes to their defence no matter how hopeless their situation?

"For these many reasons, the afflicted seek refuge in you. The very invocation of your name puts to flight the enemy and his servants. It is a safe refuge. You free those who invoke you from every need and you forewarn them against every temptation.” (St Germanus of Constantinople, “Homily on St Mary Zonam”)

We, Christians have recourse to the Mother of Heaven for every assistance. We ask Our Lady for the conversion of whoever has separated from her Son. For ourselves we pray for a ‘continuous conversion’, a disposition to always improve, weed out any obstacles that could impede the action of the Holy Spirit.

The one who can change hearts, we also need her constant assistance in the apostolate. Thus, Christians of every age have called Mary ‘Health of the sick’, ‘Refuge of sinners’, ‘Comforter of the afflicted’, ‘Queen of apostles’, ‘Queen of martyrs’ ...

Mary generously dispenses every grace imaginable, even “the graces of the sacraments, because she has merited them for us by her union with the Lord on Calvary. She prepares us with her prayer to better approach the sacraments, to receive them well. At times she even sends the priest to us, without whose involvement there would be no sacrament.” (R Garrigou-Lagrange, “The Three Ages of the Interior Life”, I, 6)

Let us place our worries in Mary’s hands. We should resolve to go to her many, many times each day with everything that concerns us.

Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 5:101-2

Our Lady of Healing, in Lower Normandy. Miraculous cures are wrought in great numbers in this church. — Archives of the Church. “Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); [France. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)]

The Most Holy Name of Mary (“Father Lasance, The New Roman Missal”, 1946, p1193); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html);(www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)

Most Holy Name of Mary. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm) History: Feast began in Spain in 1513; in 1671 was extended to all of Spain and the Kingdom of Naples. In 1683, John Sobieski, Polish king brought an army to outskirts of Vienna to stop advance of Muslim armies loyal to Mohammed IV in Constantinople. After Sobieski entrusted himself to the Blessed Virgin Mary, he and his soldiers thoroughly defeated the Muslims. Pope Innocent XI extended feast to entire Church.(www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)

Our Lady of Constantinople. Celebrated by Italian community in Pennsylvania, USA. Moveable feast-- 2nd Sunday of September. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)