2 May 2011: “My Lord and My God”

The Apostle Thomas must have been surprised when Jesus Christ appeared before him! He had refused to believe in the resurrection which Jesus had so often foretold and desired his apostles to believe.

Thomas had been dictating conditions out of whim: “Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” (Jn 20:25)

Such pride and presumption deserve a most just indignation. Nevertheless, Jesus graciously granted what Thomas had demanded with only a gentle reproach. “... Thomas, ‘Put in your finger here, and see my hands; and bring here your hand, and put it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing’.” (Jn 20:27)

In this same way, that he may gain a soul, the good Shepherd actually bends to our inclinations, weaknesses and whims. What infinite goodness and leniency!

The brightness of the Divinity shining in the glorified body of Jesus, his sweet words, and above all his wonderful gentleness, instantly converted and gained the heart of Thomas. He could only utter, “My Lord and my God! My Lord and my God!” (Jn 20:28)

These few words expressed the strongest profession of faith in the ‘humanity and divinity’ of Jesus. This powerful statement of veneration, repentance, submission, hope, love, and devotion which were burning in St Thomas’ heart was most pleasing to our Lord. The penitent Apostle’s sin was forgiven and forgotten.

We learn here that the worth of our prayers is not in the number and choice of words; but in the disposition of heart where they come. How readily our Lord hears and pardons us. He gives us back his grace despite a grievous offense against him. A want of faith and confidence alone hinders us from being purified of our sins.

Note how our Lord answered the apostle’s declaration of faith -- “Because you have seen me, Thomas, you have believed; blessed are they that have not seen, and have believed.” (Jn 20:29)

What does Jesus mean? Simply that the merit of faith and its heavenly reward will depend not on miracles, but in blindly submitting our understanding to the revealed word of God.

This lively faith which Jesus commended is a special grace and gift from God. We must, therefore, beg for it from the Author of all grace. We must pray as the Apostles did -- “Lord, increase our faith.” (Lk 17:5)

Why is our faith so weak, unfruitful in deeds of zeal and sanctity? Because we are not earnest enough in asking to have it strengthened and increased?

Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp236-9

Mary, Mother of God, Mother of the Church

The Council of Ephesus (431) defined Mary as “Mother of God”. Can we fathom the depth of meaning these three words imply? Can God unite Himself more intimately to a creature than through the mystery of motherhood? God must hold an exceptional love for the woman chosen from all eternity, to form the body of His Son, to nourish and educate Him.

“Mary”, according to Pope Paul VI “is the greatest, most perfect, most important and most chosen member of the Church.” Mary is truly the mother of each member of the Church, whether clergy or laity. When we contemplate the Church, we also find Mary.

“Mary is not only our Mother and Queen; she is our sister and companion. She, too was a citizen of this world, she trod our streets, and felt more keenly than others do, the heavy weight of the vast human family, stricken with so much hurt.”

Ref: Rev Joseph A Viano, SSP, “Two Months with Mary”, pp11, 13

` ` ` MAY DEVOTIONS ` ` `

Mary is the Most Excellent Creature of God

“She who is full of grace, the object of God’s pleasure, exalted above all the angels and the saints, lived an ordinary life.

“Mary is as much a creature as we are, with a heart like ours, made for joy and mirth as well as suffering and tears. Before Gabriel communicates to her God’s plan, Our Lady does not know she has been chosen from all eternity to be the Mother of the Messiah. She sees herself a humble creature. Thus, she can acknowledge, with full humility, that ‘he who is mighty has done great things’ in her.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Christ is passing by”, 172)

Let us offer our Mother: ‘Many glances of affection and many words of love when we see her image or picture in our home and office, in the church and streets.’

Ref: Fr Charles Belmonte and Fr James Socias (Eds), “Handbook of Prayers”, 1988, p304

‘Prayer to Our Lady of Manaoag’

· “Virgin Mother of God, Queen of the most Holy Rosary, thou who hast chosen to raise thy throne of mercy in Manaoag to be the beloved protectress and Patroness of the Province of Pangasinan, and therefrom to bestow thy graces on us, thy children, banished in this valley of tears, look down with thine eyes of mercy upon me, who am beset with so many dangers of body and soul. Despise not my petition, O dearest Mother, but intercede for me before thy divine Son now and at the hour of my death. Amen.”

“Virgin of Manaoag, pray for us.”

‘Partial indulgence granted by Mariano A. Madriaga, D.D.’ ‘Bishop of Lingayen-Dagupan. 1976.’

· Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag -- Canonical Coronation Diamond Jubilee (1926-2001) Souvenir Program, Our Lady of Manaoag Feast, May 2000
· St Athanasius, bishop and Doctor of the Church -- Champion of the faith against Arianism in the Council of Nicaea. (Fr James Socias, ‘et al’ [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1520) The expressions and ideas of the Athanasian Creed reflect his influence. (“Our Sunday Visitor’s Catholic Encyclopedia”, 1991, pp272-3)

• Our Lady of Oviedo, in Spain, where some of the Blessed Virgin’s hair is kept. — Balingham on the Calendar. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com)
• Our Lady of Oviedo. Spain. 711. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
• Our Lady of Oviedo (Spain). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
• Joys of Our Lady. Moveable feast -- Monday after Low Sunday. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
• Joys of Our Lady. Rosary. Moveable feast -- Monday after Low Sunday. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)