5 February 2011: Jesus leaves His Mother

Leaving Cana, “Jesus went to Capharnaum with his Mother and brethren, and there remained a few days” (Jn 2:12). The words, a ‘few days’ are noteworthy. They refer to the last days Jesus spent under the same roof with his Mother and other relations. Afterwards, Jesus truly had neither Mother nor home any more on earth.

He was, henceforth, only ‘the Son of Man’. Sent from God, devoted to his divine mission, he went wherever God’s glory and the salvation of souls called him.

Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp359-61

Zeal of Jesus for His Father’s House

“... the Pasch of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went to Jerusalem.” (Jn 2:13) This year he went as a Master and Reformer not as a plain worshipper. He proclaimed himself by a striking act of authority --

“He found in the Temple those who sold oxen, sheep and doves; and the money changers, sitting. When he had made a whip of little cords, he drove them all out of the Temple, the sheep, oxen, and money changers. ... and the table he overthrew.” (cf Jn 2:15)

He was resolved to stop a scandalous, sacrilegious, and inveterate abuse which a love of gain had made. Jesus righteously expressed indignation and anger; but without disturbing the interior peace of his soul.

To those who sold doves, he just said, “Take these things” (Jn 2:16). Why this double standard? Because they were poor, more ignorant, and less guilty. Had he dealt with them as the others, they would be deprived of their only means of income. This is contrary to his infinite goodness. Thus, he only frightened them.

Jesus justified his severity to the Jews in these words: “Make not my Father’s house a den of thieves.” (cf Mt 21:13) Let us apply these words to ourselves. Do we make reparation for the insults to God in church by exterior reverence and devotion?

Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp361-3

Saturday is Our Lady’s day

For centuries Christians have given special attention to Mary on Saturdays. Theologians and ecclesiastical writers have explained some of the reasons that make this devotion particularly appropriate. Thus, St Peter Damascene writes that Saturdays commemorate the completion of God’s work of creation.

Saturday, the Sabbath of the Old Law, also anticipates the Lord’s Day, a symbol and sign of heaven. Christ, risen from the dead, is the gateway to eternal life. The Blessed Virgin is our way to Jesus; just as she was his way for coming into the world. (cf G Roschini, “The Mother of God”, Madrid) Mary, “on that day kept faith in the mystery of Christ after his death”. (cf St Thomas Aquinas, “On the Commandments”)

Whatever, we Christians need a special day to honour Our Lady and show her our love in a noteworthy way. And so, since ancient times, special Marian devotions have been held on Saturdays in churches, chapels and shrines throughout the world. Many Christians make a special effort to honour the Blessed Virgin in some distinctive manner on this day.

Ref: Cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 4:549-50

Our Lady’s obedience of faith

Obedience is the virtue in which Our Lady excels every other creature. Even before the Annunciation, Mary would meditate on the Scriptures. She would discover their deepest meaning as no one had ever done before. Her understanding, free from the effects of sin, was enlightened by faith and the fullness of God’s grace.

Furthermore, with the help of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, Our Lady was able to fathom the depths of the Messianic prophecies and longed for the Saviour’s coming. Her insistent prayer was an echo of the constant petition of all the Patriarchs and people of Israel throughout its history. Mary gave glory to God more fully than did all the rest of creation.

The Blessed Trinity favored Mary with a special fondness. She did not place any limitations on fulfilling God’s Will; but left herself totally open to whatever God might want from her. God had prepared the Blessed Virgin for her special mission, filling her with his grace.

The Annunciation brought with it the fulfilment of all that had been in our Lady’s heart. “But it is also the point of departure from which her whole ‘journey towards God’ begins, her whole pilgrimage of faith.” (John Paul II, Encyclical, “Redemptoris Mater”, 13)

The most immediate consequence of our Lady’s faith is her full obedience to God’s plan. This consideration can help us to examine ourselves, to see whether our faith leads us to imitate her obedience. Are we truly willing to fulfil God’s Will in everything, unconditionally? Desiring whatever God wills, whenever and in whatever way he wills it?

We can especially ask ourselves how we accept the ordinary difficulties of our day-- sickness, which we should love if it comes; suffering and sorrow; an unforeseen change in our plans; the failure of a project. In short, anything that interferes with our own desires.

Thus, do both success and failure, enjoyment as well as suffering, lead us to grow in holiness?

Ref: Cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 4:550-52

Mary’s increase in grace

As prophesied by Simeon at the Presentation in the Temple, Mary will share the Saviour’s trials. Had the Son of Man not been born, we could never have known the full malice of pride’s revolt against truth.

Mary’s grace had two contrasting effects: the pure joys of the Annunciation and the Nativity; the desire to be united to the sufferings of her Son for our salvation. Thus, presenting Him in the temple, she already offers Him for us. Joy and sorrow join in the heart of the Mother of God, already the Mother of all who will believe in her Son.

Ref: Cf R Garrigou-LaGrange, “The Mother of the Saviour and our Interior Life”, 1948, pp111-2

Selection -- “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.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 911)

• Dedication of the first temple of Our Lady, by St Peter, at Tripoli, now Tortosa.— Canisius, lib. v. de Beata Virgine, ch. 32. ( “Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com)

• Dedication of the First church of Our Lady by St Peter (Tripoli). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)

• Dedication of the First Church of Our Lady by St Peter in Tortosa, Italy. www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www.divine will.org/feastofourlady.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)