8 November 2011: Blessed Virgin Mary the Victorious

To her is attributed the victory against the Protestants in the Thirty Years’ War which foreshadowed the history of the Czech Crown.
In a Johannite cloister in Strakonice along the way to Prague, the Carmelite General, accompanied by a brother in the order, found a small (28.5x17.5 cm) late Gothic panel painting of the adoration of Christ, in which the Virgin Mary, St Joseph and the shepherds had their eyes plucked out.
The two Carmelites took the picture and followed the army as far as the White Mountain. The Catholic army with the slogan ‘Sancta Maria’ was blessed by the Carmelite General with the Strakonice painting.
This victory in the Battle of the White Mountain, on this day in 1620, practically meant the end of the Protestants’ influence in the country. [The Church of the ‘Virgin the Victorious’ is the Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague in the Czech Republic.]
Ref: Josef Forbelský, ‘et al’, “The Holy Infant of Prague”, 1992, p33-4

The Pharisee and the Publican
Jesus confused the Pharisees with this parable but is most instructive to us. A Pharisee and a publican went up into the temple to pray.
The Pharisee, standing, prayed: “God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, unjust, adulterous, or even like this publican. I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I possess.” (Lk 18:11-2)
In the Pharisee’s pretence of a prayer, Jesus shows us certain signs and effects of pride which escape the eye of man, but very gross in the eyes of God: such as esteem of ourselves at the expense of others whom we belittle; or a secret satisfaction in our good actions including our penances or acts of humility.
To further expose the despicable pride in the Pharisee’s prayer, Jesus contrasts with it that of the publican, generally considered sinners. “The publican, standing afar would not even look up to heaven, but struck his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’” (Lk 18:13)
Jesus gives us, in this publican, a model of prayer. Humility is the most essential quality: in his position and conduct, his face downcast. He struck his breast like a criminal before his judge. The humility of his words admitted his guilt; no hope of pardon but divine clemency.
It is humility, then, a profound conviction of our misery, which makes our prayers pleasing to God, and efficacious. Is it perhaps, a lack of this conviction in the depth of our heart that our prayers are ineffective?
Probably, the Jews who saw these two men enter the temple to pray thought that one had made a wonderful prayer, pleasing to God. They had a high idea of his sanctity. While the other had made it only as a matter of form, and gained no merit. But the judgments of God, who sees the heart differ from those of men.
How did Jesus judge them? “I tell you, this man (the publican) went home justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Lk 18:14)
Let us beware, then, not to judge by appearances, which are usually deceptive. Let us also avoid the judgments of men, seeking their approval, or think we are safe because our colleagues regard us well.
Remember, God will be our judge. Let us go straight to him, begging in the simplicity of our hearts that he show what in us is displeasing to him, and what he desires from us. What joy we shall have at death, if we act in this way!
Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp697-9

Temptations
You will have temptations! Your life of service of God and of the Church will necessarily include temptations; for your vocation, calling, generous decision to follow Jesus, do not immunize your soul from the effects of original sin, nor do they stamp out once and for all the fire of your concupiscence which is where temptation catches you: “every man is tempted by his wrong desire” (Jas 1:14).
But you will console yourself by remembering that the saints had fought the same battles as you and I have to fight to show our love for the Lord. Listen to St Paul’s cry: “Who will free me from this body of death?” (Rom 7:24)
Think of the temptations of St Jerome during his austere and penitent life in the desert; read the life of St Catherine of Siena and you will see the trials and difficulties of that great soul; and don’t forget the martyrdom of St Alphonsus di Liguori, at the age of eighty; or the strong temptations to despair in the life of St Francis de Sales when he was a student; or the sorely tested faith of that apostle, the Abbe Chautard; or all kinds of temptations so very many others suffered.
Listen to me. You can always win! “I can do everything.” (Phil 4:13) If you fight and use the means available to you, victory is yours. To those who do what they can, God does not refuse his grace.
God made St Paul understand this in the moment of temptation. “My grace is sufficient for you!” (2 Cor 12:9) Grace!
Never forget the grace of God. Our Lord knows perfectly up to what point you can resist and also he knows, like the potter, the degree of temptation necessary for his “vessels of election” (Acts 9:15) to acquire the degree of solidity and beauty that he has planned for them.
Ref: Salvatore Canals, “Jesus as friend”, 1981, pp70-72

Some means to overcome temptation
Seek God’s help: “In the world you face persecution; but take courage, I have conquered the world.” (Jn 16:33) With Christ beside us, we can say: “I can do all things in him who strengthens me.” (Phil 4:13) “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Ps 27:1)
God has given us Guardian Angels “... to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” (Ps 90:11-2) We should seek their help at all times, especially in moments of temptation.
Our Guardian Angel, a very powerful ally is ready to assist us when called upon.
Remember it is easier to resist “... when the enemy is at the door of the soul. ...” (Thomas à Kempis, “The Imitation of Christ”, 1, 13, 5)
Let us ask Our Lady’s help that we may be victorious in the trials of our interior life.
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 5:243-4

• Our Lady of “Belle Fontaine”, in the diocese of “La Rochelle”. This image has been honored from time immemorial. — Archives of the Abbey. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com)
• “Notre-Dame de Belle Fontaine” (“La Rochelle”, France). Abbey. ... (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
• Our Lady of “Belle Fontaine”, “La Rochelle”. (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
• Our Lady of Fair-Mountain (diocese of “La Rochelle”, France). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
• Our Lady of the Fair Mountains (Rocky Mountains, 1841). (http://mariedenazareth.com)