Tuesday, January 31, 2012

1 February 2012: Eve of the Purification of Our Lady

(www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)

More on the hidden life of Jesus
Jesus went beyond being a perfect model of obedience in His hidden life. He gave examples of many other virtues which we should endeavor to be in our apostolate.
The Holy Spirit makes special note of three: gentleness, modesty, and piety.
‘Gentleness’, says St Thomas Aquinas, ‘is the virtue of a noble soul’ who rises above all injuries; remains tranquil even at the moment of assault, his heart at peace.
‘Modesty’, in common with gentleness, has a charm and an attraction for others, besides amplifying all other virtues. The modesty of Jesus as a child and in His youth, was more than angelic; it was divine. How wonderful was His modesty in looks, words, every bodily movement; in the simplicity and uniformity of His exterior life!
Filial ‘piety’ is that natural feeling of tenderness and devotion in the heart of a child for his father. This is the third special virtue attributed by the Holy Spirit to Jesus.
He didn’t need, as we do, to unite Himself with God His Father by prayer and contemplation. And yet how diligent he was in prayer! If during his public life he spent whole nights in prayer, we can safely assume that he devoted the greater part of his hidden life to it.
Do we come close to this model of gentleness, modesty and piety? Do disquiet, impatience, irritation, anger or coldness towards others come easily to us? Do our words breathe humility, self-forgetfulness, reserve, discretion; a desire to glorify God?
Since we do not see God our Father, unless we raise ourselves to Him in spirit by prayer and contemplation, He can never awaken in our hearts the sense of filial piety. Therefore, we ought to have a great esteem for prayer, and be diligent in it.
Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp73-5

Our Lady and fulfilment of God’s Will
Christ described his new family, with ties stronger than of blood, as “Whoever does the will of God is my brother, and sister, and mother” (Mk 3:31-5). Mary most eminently belongs to this new family because she carried out God’s will with greater love and perfection than anybody ever did.
A double bond unites her to Jesus. First of all, on accepting the Angel’s message, she intimately united herself to God’s will in a way we can not comprehend. Thus, she acquired a spiritual motherhood over the Son whom she conceived. She was bound still more closely to this new family of Jesus.
St Augustine says, “Maternity according to the flesh would have been of little avail to Mary, if she had not first conceived Christ, in a still more fortunate way, in her heart, and only afterwards in her body” (“On Holy Virginity”, 3). Mary becomes the mother of Jesus when she conceives him in her womb; his mother when she looks after him, feeds and protects him as any mother does.
But Jesus came to establish the great family of the children of God and “Benignly included in it Mary herself, for she did the will of the Father ... and when He spoke of this heavenly parentage to his disciples, He showed that the Virgin Mary was united to him through a new family lineage”. (St Augustine, “Epistle 243”, 9-10)
Mary is the mother of Jesus according to the flesh, and is also the ‘first’ among all who hear the Word of God and keep it in its completeness. (cf John Paul II, “Redemptoris Mater”, 25 March 1987, 20-21)
St Thomas explains that Jesus places the eternal above the temporal. Every member of the faithful who does the Will of God is a brother of Christ, because he becomes like him who always did the Father’s Will. (cf St Thomas, “Commentary on St Matthew’s Gospel”, 14:49)
Do we always have the desire to do what God wants of us, in big things or small; in what we like and dislike? We can ask our Mother Mary to teach us to love this holy Will in everything even in what we find hard to understand or to interpret adequately. In this way we already belong to Christ’s family.
Ref: Cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 3:124-6

Remember the source of grace
Let us recite the ‘Angelus Domini’, a prayer that is traditional and familiar, which the ringing of your parish bells invites you to every day, echoing from valley to valley.
The ‘Angelus Domini’ is one of the most beautiful and comprehensive prayers of devotion to Mary: in it we contemplate God’s plan of salvation and his merciful love for all creation, a plan that is fulfilled in the choice of Mary to become the mother of the Redeemer.
The ‘Angelus Domini’ presents the Mother of Jesus to us as the true and exemplary believer, who with her ‘yes’ becomes the model for all believers. This ‘yes’ which Mary said for the first time with complete availability, was repeated by her in the most difficult situations of her life, as she journeyed all the way to the end of the road of faith.
In the ‘Angelus Domini’ we gratefully remember the fundamental event in which God came among men: ‘And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.’ He is truly Emmanuel, God with us.
Many pilgrims go to these sanctuaries to invoke God’s mercy and honor the Mother of God. Usually, when we return from a pilgrimage, we bring back a souvernir or a sign that recalls it to memory: the prayer of the ‘Angelus Domini’ could be this sign, which every day reminds us of the source of grace, Jesus Christ, the Son of the Virgin Mary.
Ref: “The Private Prayers of Pope John Paul II”, 2002, p65

Recovery
“Love Saint Joseph a lot. Love him with all your soul, because he, together with Jesus, is the person who has most loved our Blessed Lady and been closest to God. He is the person who has most loved God, after our Mother.
“He deserves your affection, and it will do you good to get to know him, because he is the Master of the interior life, and has great power before the Lord and before the Mother of God.”
Ref: St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 554

• Vigil of the Purification of Our Lady, at Pang. — Locrinius on the Calendar. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com)
• Vigil of the Feast of the Purification. Paris. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
• Vigil of the Feast of the Purification. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html);
• Our Lady of Copacabana (Bolivia). (http://mariedenazareth.com)
• Baptism of St. Louis de Montfort. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)

Monday, January 30, 2012

31 January 2012: Memorial -- St John Bosco, priest

St John’s lifework was the welfare of young boys and girls. He had no formal system or theory of education. His methods centered on persuasion, authentic religiosity, and love for young people. He was an enlightened educator and innovator. (Fr James Socias, et al [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1468)

The “Apostle of Youth”
John, at nine years old, had a vision of Our Lord and Our Lady which made him resolve to become a priest and fulfil the vocation they had shown him: love and help for poor street boys. He was ordained at the age of twenty-six. (Ann Ball, “Modern Saints”, 1983, p102)
The day before he entered the seminary, his mother, laying her hands on his shoulders as he stood robed in his clerical dress, said: “To see you dressed in this manner fills my heart with joy. But remember it is not the dress that gives the honor to the state, but the practice of virtue.
"lf at any time you come to doubt your vocation, I beseech you, lay it aside at once. I would rather have a poor peasant for my son than a negligent priest.
“When you came into the world I consecrated you to Our Lady. When you began to study I bade you honor her and have recourse to her in all your difficulties. Now I beg you to take her for your Queen.”
Don Bosco was poor all of his life; but he completely trusted God. Often there was no money to pay rent or workmen on the churches he built. He had spent millions building large schools, a basilica to Our Lady in Turin and one to the Sacred Heart in Rome; and funding missionaries.
[A story goes that the Blessed Virgin appeared to him in Turin, Italy, where she asked to have a church built to her under the title, “Mary Help of Christians”. (In “A Marian Pilgrimage”, 2000, p31) See May 24]
Guided by Our Lady, Don Bosco founded a new order in 1859, the Congregation of St Francis de Sales (‘Salesians’), and received papal approval by 1869. In 1875, after seeing a vision of starving, unwashed, poorly clothed girls pleading for help, St John Bosco and St Mary Mazzarello founded the Salesian sisters, called the “Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians”.
The third part of his religious family was a group of lay people, the ‘Salesian Cooperators’ who pledged to work with, and help, the Salesian priests, brothers and sisters in the salvation of young people. Their system is to help boys and girls learn to be good before they get into trouble. (Ann Ball, “Modern Saints”, 1983, pp104-5)
Ref: H Hoever, “Lives of the Saints”, 1989, p55

The “Twin Pillars of Victory”
In 1862 John Bosco dreamed that world peace would come only after a fierce battle wherein the Pope will triumph by anchoring Peter’s Barque, the Church, to the pillars of the Eucharist and a fervent true devotion to Mary. (Ted and Maureen Flynn, “The Thunder of Justice”, 1993, p2)

On zeal for the glory of God
This zeal consists in an ardent desire to inspire others, to fill all hearts with the assent that all honor and glory belong to God alone. These feelings, furthermore are matched with the most profound reverence and adoration, and an entire offering of one’s self.
Every good son naturally has his father’s glory and interests at heart. God is Father to us all. We owe him our life and all we possess. However, the truth is, most men still deserve the reproach Moses directed to the children of Israel: ‘He forsook God who made him, and departed from God his Saviour.’
Nothing can possibly be greater or more excellent than the end which God had in view in all His works. And this end was Himself, and his own glory. ‘The Lord has made all things for Himself.’ This was also His end in creating man in His own image.
The Lord said: ‘I have created him for my glory.’ Hence, St Paul’s precept -- “Whether you eat or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor 10:31)
What a privilege for man to work for the same end as God! It behooves us, therefore, to promote not only the glory, but the ‘greater glory’, of God.
Since nothing can be more excellent than works undertaken for the glory of God, then nothing can be of greater merit in his sight ... As He said -- ‘Whosoever shall glorify me, him I will glorify’.
We should be anxious to seize every opportunity of exercising zeal for the glory of God. Such opportunities abound everywhere -- at home, in the office or school, even during recreation, or at rest. Our good example can lead others to perfection, thus becoming instrumental to the greater glory of God.
Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp363-5

Learning from Mary’s life of faith
Our Lady’s life was not easy. It was filled with trials and difficulties; but her faith overcame all obstacles and got stronger with each victory. ... Mary’s faith shines silently at Nazareth.
The Son born to her is a child who grows and develops like any other human being. Yet she knows that this child is the Son of God, the long-awaited Messiah. ... the Almighty. ...
The Blessed Virgin looked at her son with love as her child, and with reverence as her God. Her faith shone in the everyday events of her life. Her life of prayer grew in intensity through intimacy with Jesus.
Thus she was able to give a supernatural meaning to all the events of her life, and sanctify “the ordinary everyday things -- what some people wrongly regard as unimportant or insignificant: everyday work, looking after those closest to you, visits to friends and relatives.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Christ is passing by”, 148)
Mary’s faith reached its zenith at the foot of the Cross. There, silently, she fulfilled God’s will by her presence and manifested the brightness and splendour and steadfastness of the faith in her heart. (cf Second Vatican Council, “Lumen Gentium”, 58)
“Mary by the eternal Will of the Most High stands ... conforming ... accepting fully and with a ready heart everything that is decreed in the divine plan.” (cf John Paul II, Encyclical, “Redemptoris Mater”, 14)
“Grant me, dear Jesus, the faith I truly desire. My Mother, sweet Lady, Mary most holy, make me really believe.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 235)
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 4:552-4

• Apparition of Our Lady to Sister Angela de Foligny. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
• Apparition of Our Lady to Blessed Sr. Angela de Foligny. (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
• Apparition of Our Lady to Blessed Angela de Foligno [Italy, 1285]. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
• Apparition of Our Lady to Blessed Angela de Foligny (1285). (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
• Apparition of Mary to Blessed Angela de Foligny / Foligno. Italy. 1285. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)

Sunday, January 29, 2012

30 January 2012: On the mystery of the hidden life of Jesus

Jesus came into the world to give life to the human race by His death; to convert the world by His divine teaching to knowledge of the truth; and to the worship and love of God. He had only thirty-three years to accomplish this mission.
He had no time to lose. We should expect Him to work soonest, as sent by God, the teacher of the human race. But no! The mystery is until thirty years of age, he remained unknown to the entire world, living in the obscure workshop of a carpenter!
Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp66-8

Jesus, a Model of obedience in His hidden life
‘He was subject to them.’ In these words the Holy Spirit has willed how our Saviour’s life, till his thirtieth year, should be known for future ages.
Jesus cared only for obedience, a proof of his humility, the mystery of his hidden life; and how he wished to teach us. Without humility we cannot please God; without obedience we cannot claim to be humble.
Jesus has chosen to be the living model of obedience. ‘He was subject to them.’ Who? ‘The God of heaven and earth, who created man.’
To whom? ‘To Mary and to Joseph, two holy creatures, but nevertheless simple creatures, the work of His hands.’
In what? ‘In all things.’ How did he obey? ‘Promptly, entirely, constantly, lovingly, and with perfect grace.’
Imagine Jesus saying -- ‘I have given you an example, that as I have done to you, so you do also.’ The exterior actions of men spring from some interior principle.
What motivated the Child Jesus’ beautiful and perfect obedience? Fear? Interest or hope of reward? What had the Ruler of the Universe to fear or hope from men?
What, then, was his motive? No other than his Father’s will as manifested through His representatives, Mary and Joseph. Jesus did not obey creatures, but His Father, God in the persons of Mary and Joseph.
Here is the idea of supernatural obedience -- springing from this principle of faith: that the invisible God wills to be represented by a visible representative; that he wills to govern men by other men invested with his authority, and of whom is written-- “He that hears you, hears Me; and he that despises you, despises Me” (Lk 10:16).
To obey from this principle is great, noble, meritorious. By this perfect obedience, the Child Jesus enhanced the merit of his smallest actions in the eyes of his Father.
Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp70-72

From the Cross of Christ: The Example of Obedience
“He humbled himself, obediently accepting even death, death on a cross!” (Phil 2:8) He humbled himself; he made himself obedient.
These words seem out of date today, when there is a systematic opposition to obedience which is presented as a humiliation of one’s personality, a defeat of the intelligence and of the will, an abdication of one’s human dignity. Autonomy, revolt, rebellion, are preached instead.
But it is certainly Jesus who gave us ‘the example of obedience’ even unto death on the cross. All saints have passed through a test of obedience, sometimes even heroic.
As did Mary Most Holy, as did St Joseph, who but obeyed the voice of God calling them to a sublime mission indeed but also to a disconcerting and mysterious one! Why must we obey?
First of all, because obedience is necessary in the general framework of Providence -- God did not create us by chance but for a clear and distinct purpose: his everlasting glory and our happiness.
All those who have responsibility over us ought, in God’s name, to help us to reach the goal willed by the Creator. Moreover, exterior obedience teaches us to obey the inner law of conscience, that is, God’s will expressed in the moral law.
And how should we obey? With love and holy courage, well knowing that obedience is almost always difficult. It demands commitment; sometimes even heroic effort.
We must look at Jesus Crucified! We must also obey with confidence, convinced God’s grace is never lacking. The soul is then flooded with immense inner joy. The effort of obedience is repaid with continual inner peace.
Ref: Cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, pp266-7

Doctrinal formation: Essential to our interior life
Mankind was in darkness until Jesus was born and a light shone on earth. During the past weeks we have considered how Christ’s brightness shone on Mary and Joseph, on the shepherds, and the Magi. He continues to brighten men’s lives. At Nazareth he has shown that ordinary life can and should be sanctified.
Our Lord calls each one of us to be “the light of the world” (Mt 5:14); not kept hidden. “We are lamps which have been lit with the light of truth.” (St Augustine, “Commentary on St John’s Gospel”, 23, 3)
Our knowledge of Christ’s doctrine, the truth, should be appropriate to the circumstances of education, age, responsibility for young people; and environments and society in which we move.
Thus, we must strive to acquire a deep knowledge of this doctrine to be our life’s guiding light and if we are to teach it. We should know very precisely the duties of justice in our line of work; and of the demands made by charity, which exceed even the demands of justice.
We should be constantly alert to the good we can do and ought to be doing equally aware of the evil that could result from a manner of behaving, and avoid it. At times we need to seek advice to be a responsible and good Christian, at the same time a good citizen.
We must sanctify ourselves ‘in and through our work’ with a firm grasp of the principles of professional ethics and apply them although our criteria may be difficult in practice.
Let us turn to Our Lady. We ask her for the fortitude and simplicity to live like the first Christians in the middle of the world without being worldly, and to be the light of Christ within our profession and environment.
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 3:99, 103-4

‘Holy Mary our Hope, Seat of Wisdom. Pray for us.’

• Our Lady of the Rose, at Lucca, in Italy. Three roses were found in the month of January, in the arms of this image, according to a Latin chronicle. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com)
• Our Lady of the Rose. Lucci / Lucca, Italy. ... ["Three roses were found in month of January, in the arms of this image, according to a Latin chronicle. (CaesarFranciotte, Historia Lucensis)"]; (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
• Our Lady of the Rose (Lucci, Italy). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
• Our Lady of the Rose, Lucca, Italy. (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)

29 January 2012: The obedience of Jesus -- Our obedience

After the meeting in the Temple, Jesus returns to Galilee with Mary and Joseph. “He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them.” (Lk 2:51) It is among the few pieces of information which we have of his hidden life -- that Jesus obeyed them.
St Augustine comments -- ‘Christ, to whom the universe is subject, was subject to them’. To obey His Father, Jesus subjected himself to those who, in his earthly life, were invested with authority, his parents.
Our Lady must have reflected very often about Jesus’ obedience, which was extremely refined and very natural. St Luke tells us that “His Mother kept in her heart the memory of all this” (2:51).
The whole life of Jesus was an act of obedience to the will of the Father -- “What I do is always what pleases Him” (Jn 8:29).
Jesus teaches that obedience to the will of God, shown in myriad ways, should be what nourishes and gives meaning to our lives. Without obedience there is no growth in interior life, nor true development of the human person.
Obedience “far from lowering the dignity of the human person, leads it to maturity by extending the freedom of the sons of God”. (Second Vatican Council, “Perfectae caritatis”, 14) Obedience is a virtue which makes us very pleasing to God.
Through the mouth of Samuel the prophet, he said to Saul: “The Lord loves obedience better than any sacrifice.” (1 Sam 15:22) And St Gregory the Great comments: “Rightly is obedience set before sacrifice, because through obedience we offer up our own will.” (“Morals”, 14) Through obedience we give our selves to God.
Many graces and fruits accompany obedience. The ten lepers are cured by obeying the words of Our Lord: “‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were made clean.” (Lk 17:14)
The same thing happened to that blind man on whose eyes Jesus put clay. He said to him, “Go and wash in the pool of Siloe” (a word which means ‘sent’ out). So he went and washed there; and came back with his sight restored. (Jn 9:6-7)
“Obedience makes our actions and our sufferings meritorious in such a way that the latter, which could seem futile, can become very useful. One of the marvels performed by Our Lord is having made what was useless, like suffering, become so
advantageous.
He has glorified suffering through obedience and love. Obedience is great and heroic when one is ready to face death and ignominy in order to fulfil it.” (R Garrigou-Lagrange, “The 3 Ages of the Interior Life”, VII)
“To carry out the will of the Father, Christ inaugurated the kingdom of heaven on earth and revealed to us his mystery. By his obedience he brought about our Redemption.” (Second Vatican Council, “Lumen Gentium”, 3) “He lowered his own dignity, accepted an obedience which brought him to death on a Cross.” (Phil, 2:8)
St Teresa said: “Once the Lord told me that I was not obeying unless I was determined to suffer. I must fix my eyes on all that he had suffered and I should find everything easy.” (St Teresa of Avila, “Life”, 26)
If we come very close to Our Lady we will learn prompt, joyful and effective obedience. “Following her example of obedience to God, we can learn how to serve with refinement, without being slavish. In Mary we don’t find the slightest trace of the attitude of the foolish virgins who obey, but thoughtlessly. Our Lady listens attentively to what God wants, ponders what she doesn’t fully understand and asks about what she doesn’t know. Then she gives herself completely to doing the divine Will.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Christ is passing by”, 173)
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 1:361-6

Cheerfulness
God created man in a world which overflowed with goodness. (cf Prov 8:30-31) But evil came into the world with sin and became embedded in human nature. True joy, which is always united to goodness, came to earth fully on the day Our Lady gave her consent and the Son of God took flesh in her womb.
Conceived without original sin, a profound joy already reigned within her. At her loving response to God’s plans she became the cause of new happiness in the world. This is because Jesus Christ came to us through her.
Christ the ‘full joy’ of the Father, of the angels and of men, is in whom God is well pleased. (cf Mt 3:17) Mary’s mission, then and now, is to give Jesus, her Son, to us. This is why we call Our Lady ‘Cause of our joy’.
True joy lasts despite all contradiction and pain. It is what those who encounter God in all sorts of circumstances enjoy; they find joy to follow Him. It is the same spirit of joy that the downhearted disciples know again when they recognize Jesus. (cf Lk 24:13-35)
Mary possesses Jesus fully; her joy is the greatest any human heart can contain. “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my saviour.” (Lk 1:46-7)
Joy is the immediate consequence of a certain fulness of life which consists of knowledge and love. (cf St Thomas, “Summa Theologiae”, II-II, 28, 4 et seq) Through his infinite mercy, God has made us his children in Jesus Christ, and sharers in his nature, which is exactly that fulness: infinite knowledge, immense love.
We cannot achieve any greater joy than that based on being children of God through grace. Your hearts will rejoice, Our Lord promised at the Last Supper, “and no one will take your joy from you”. (cf Jn, 16:22) The closer we are to God, the greater our share in his love and in his life.
The more we grow in divine filiation, the greater and more appreciable will our joy be. Do I usually behave cheerfully? When disappointments occur, do I easily lose my cheerfulness? Do I often give in to gloomy thoughts?
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 3:92-4

• Naturalness -- ‘Blessed are you for believing’, said Elizabeth to our Mother. Union with God, supernatural virtue, always brings with it the attractive practice of human virtues: Mary brought joy to her cousin’s home, because she ‘brought’ Christ. (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 566)

• Our Lady of “Chatillon sur Seine”, France. Appeared to St. Bernard (1130). (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
• Our Lady of Chatillon sur Seine. St. Bernard had great devotion to this image, on account of a miracle which it wrought in his favor. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com)
• “Notre Dame de Chatilion-sur-Seine”. France. 1130. ["St Bernard had great devotion to this image on account of a miracle wrought in his favor. (Triple Couronne, n. 43)."]; (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
• Our Lady of “ChatilIon-sur-Seine” (France). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
• Our Lady of “Chatillon sur Seine” (France, 1130). (http://mariedenazareth.com)
• Our Lady of Bethlehem (Guatemala, Latin America). Moveable feast -- Third Sunday after Epiphany. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
• Our Lady of Bethlehem. Patron Saint of Spanish architects. Moveable feast -- Third Sunday after Epiphany. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
• Third Sunday after Epiphany -- Our Lady of Bethlehem (Guatemala, Latin America) (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
• Our Lady of Exile (Portugal). Moveable feast -- Third Sunday after Epiphany. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
• In 1459, Pope Pius II founded the Knights of Our Lady of Bethlehem, one of many Catholic Military Orders. Mission -- to defend Island of Lemmos, but was quickly conquered by Muslim forces, and Order was wiped out. There is a modern group of same name, but not recognized by the Vatican. "Our Lady of Bethlehem" remains a popular Marian title. Namesake of Brazilian city of Belem. ... Famous medieval altarpiece in Flanders. Filipino girls born on this day, sometimes named Belen (Spanish, Bethlehem). Appears in chapter 25 of Sir Walter Scott's “Ivanhoe”. Especially celebrated in Guatemala, since St Pedro de San José de Betancurt, Guatemala's first saint, gave the name ‘Nuestra Señora de Belén’ to convalescent hospital he built; also founded an oratory, "House of Our Lady of Bethlehem", which became the Bethlemite religious order. In England, the Hospital of Our Lady of Bethlehem was an institution for the insane; modern word "bedlam" is a derivative of this name. Moveable feast -- Third Sunday after Epiphany. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
• “Nossa Senhora” / Our Lady of Exile. Portugal. Benedictine abbey in Trinidad and Tobago. Moveable feast -- Third Sunday after Epiphany. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
• Our Lady of Bethlehem (Guatemala, Latin America). Moveable feast: Third Sunday after Epiphany. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
• Our Lady of Exile (Portugal). Moveable feast: Third Sunday after Epiphany. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)

Friday, January 27, 2012

28 January 2012: St Thomas Aquinas, priest and Doctor of the Church

One of the greatest philosophers of all times. Called the ‘Angelic Doctor’ because of his undisputed mastery of scholastic theology and a profound holiness of life. His monumental work, the “Summa Theologiae”, was still unfinished when he died. Patron of Catholic Schools. (Fr James Socias, et al [Eds] “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1467)

The way to God: Piety and doctrine
As a young student at the Abbey of Monte Cassino, St Thomas kept asking his professor: ‘Who is God? Please explain to me what is God?’ Eventually, he came to the conclusion that knowing God is a spiritual endeavor far beyond what teachers and books alone could provide.
The prayerful soul must seek the truth with a clean and humble heart. St Thomas always sought the guidance of the Holy Spirit before he would begin to teach or write. He spent many hours in prayer before the Tabernacle while studying the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
Incredibly intelligent, his fairly brief life was an ardent pursuit of a profound understanding of God, man and Creation. An expert in classical philosophy and Church Fathers, he synthesized the harmony of faith and reason.
The Church has repeatedly pointed to St Thomas as a role model of fidelity to the Magisterium; an example of humility and rectitude of intention in professional work. One day while praying, St Thomas heard these words from the crucified Jesus: “Thomas, you have written well of me. What reward do you wish for your work?” St Thomas responded: “Lord, I want nothing else but you.” (cf “Fontes vitae Sancti Thomae”, 108)
St Thomas always believed the smallness of his efforts compared to God’s immensity. After Holy Mass one day, St Thomas decided to abandon his life’s work, the “Summa Theologiae”. He explained: “After what God saw fit to show me on the feast of St Nicholas, it seems to me everything I have written is worthless. And so, I am unable to write anything more.” (cf Bartolome de Capua, in the “Neapolitan Process of Canonization”, 79: “Fontes vitae Sancti Thomae”, 3777)
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 6:81-2

The Genius of St Thomas Aquinas
His realistic and historical method, fundamentally optimistic and open-minded, makes St Thomas ‘Doctor Communis Ecclesiae’, ‘Common Doctor of the Church’, as Pope Paul VI called him. It also makes him ‘Doctor Humanitatis’, because he was always prompt and disposed to receive the human values of all cultures. The Angelic Doctor may well affirm, ‘Truth is strong in itself, and no assault weakens it’.
Truth, like Jesus Christ, may always be denied, persecuted, fought, wounded, martyred, crucified; but it always lives and rises again. It cannot be wrenched out of the human heart. St Thomas put all the power of his genius at the exclusive service of the truth. He seems to wish to disappear behind it, so that it, and not he, should shine forth in all its radiance.
The rule which he always followed, was the principle: ‘More assent must be given to the authority of the Church than to that of any Doctor.’
So, the truth propounded by the authority of the Church assisted by the Holy Spirit is the gauge of the truth expressed by all theologians and doctors, past, present and to come. The authority of the doctrine of Aquinas here, resolves and is made good in the authority of the doctrine of the Church. This is why the Church has set him up as exemplar and model for theological research.
Ref: Cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, pp72-3

How should we seek the Lord?
The Angelic Doctor teaches: with our intelligence, the help of profound spiritual formation, a life of love and prayer. (cf John Paul II, “Discourse at the Pontifical Univ of St Thomas Aquinas”, 17 Nov 1979 ) We must obtain a deeper understanding of the mysteries of the Faith “with St Thomas as teacher”. (Second Vatican Council, “Optatam totius”, 16) His works act as streetlights on the most important questions in philosophy; and make it possible for us to better understand our faith. (cf Paul VI, Apostolic Letter, “Lumen Ecclesiae”, 20 November 1974)
The feast of this great saint should lead us to pray about our need for solid doctrinal and religious formation, an indispensable support for our life of faith. By studying and meditating upon the chief points of Catholic teaching we will be able to challenge the wave of religious ignorance.
Good doctrine that is well understood spares us from the mercy of our feelings or moods. A good start is by studying a reliable catechism of Christian doctrine.
St Thomas, while writing his “Summa contra Gentiles” wrote the ‘Ave, Maria’ on the margins of the text as a way to maintain presence of God. Whenever he tested his pen he would write it along with many other prayers. (cf St Thomas, “Summa contra Gentiles”, vol 13, Preface VIIIb)
All of his works serve to bring the soul closer to God. Similarly, he showed that if all human science were contained in a single book, we would want that book. So, too ought we to seek only Christ who holds all the treasures of wisdom and science. (cf idem, “Commentary on the Epistle to the Thess” 2,3,1) The doctrine we learn should lead us to love Christ more, to want to serve him with joy.
‘The piety of children and the doctrine of theologians’ was the goal set by St Josemaria Escrivá. A sound faith, built on sound doctrinal formation shows in a child-like life of piety. St Thomas taught that love leads to the knowledge of truth; (cf idem, “Commentary on St John”, 5, 6) and all knowledge is ordered to charity as its end. (cf “Commentary on St John”, 15, 2)
As we come to know God better, we should find ourselves making many acts of love to Him. As the mind concentrates on the little details of the moment, the heart has its focus on God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
This kind of doctrinal formation enables us to grasp the Holy Humanity of Our Lord, the Motherhood of Mary, the holiness of Saint Joseph, ‘our Father and Lord’, the helpful presence of the Guardian Angels, and the intentions of the holy souls in Purgatory.
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 6:83-5

• “‘You are all fair, O Mary, without original sin!’ In her is not the slightest shadow of duplicity. ...” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 173)

• Our Lady of Good Succor, near Rome. This Image is very celebrated in the country. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com)
• Our Lady of Good Succor. Near Rouen, France. ["This image is very celebrated in the country. (Ex archivis hujus ecclesiae.)"]; (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
• Our Lady Of Succor (near Rouen). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
• Our Lady of Good Succor, near Rouen, France (1613). (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
• Nuestra Señora del Pueblo (1771). (http://mariedenazareth.com)

Thursday, January 26, 2012

27 January 2012: Jesus lost, and found again in the Temple

When the Child was twelve years old, the Holy Family went to Jerusalem for the paschal feast. Once the rites were over, they began the return journey to Nazareth. On these journeys the families divided into groups of men and women; children may join either.
“... Jesus remained in Jerusalem, and His parents knew it not. Assuming He was in the company, they came a day’s journey, sought Him among their kinsfolks and acquaintance. ... not finding Him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him.” (Lk 2:43-5)
After three days, they found Him in the Temple, among the doctors, hearing and answering them. His Mother, drawing Him aside, said to Him, “Son, why have you done so to us? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.”
He answered, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Lk 2:48-9)
To lose Jesus is to be separated from Him by mortal sin and to be less united to Him because of venial sin; but also to lose the sweet consolation of His sensible Presence. We can lose Jesus in this last manner often by our fault; because we are unmortified and unchaste. (Thomas à Kempis, “Imitation of Christ”)
Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp61-3

Losing Jesus through our own fault
Mary and Joseph lost Jesus through no fault of their own. We lose him through sin, lukewarmness, or a lack of a spirit of mortification and of sacrifice. Then our life is left in darkness.
In this state we must react immediately and look for him. We ought to know where Our Lord is.
“The Mother of God who looked for her Son so anxiously when he was lost through no fault of her own, and experienced such great joy in finding him, will help us to retrace our steps and put right whatever may be necessary when, because of our carelessness or our sins, we have been unable to recognise Christ. With her help we will know the happiness of holding him in our arms once more and telling him we will never lose him again.
“Mary is also the Mother of knowledge, for it is with her that we learn the most important lesson of all: that nothing is worth the while if we are not close to Our Lord. All the wonders of this earth, the fulfillment of our every ambition, everything is worthless unless the living flame of love burns within us, unless there is the light of holy hope giving us a foretaste of the never-ending love in our true homeland of heaven.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Friends of God”, 278)
Jesus went away from Mary and Joseph. In our case, Jesus never abandons us. We cast him away through sin, or at least keep him afar through lukewarmness. Whenever someone meets Christ, He always takes the initiative.
In a separation, the initiative is always ours. When man commits grave sin, he is lost both to himself and to Christ. His life loses direction because sin is a total disorientation.
Sin is the worst tragedy to a Christian. This separation from God always “breaks the right order that should reign within his being, as well as between himself and other men and all creatures” (Second Vatican Council, “Gaudium et spes”, 13).
“... nowadays not many are grievously concerned by his absence from their lives. There are Christians for whom the presence or absence of Christ from their souls means practically nothing.
"They move carelessly and with equal facility from sin into grace, but fail to give the impression of men who have just returned from hell; or of having miraculously passed from death to a new life. One does not see in them the thankfulness, the joy, the peace and serenity of one who has rediscovered Jesus.” (cf F Suarez, “Joseph of Nazareth”)
We must ask Mary and Joseph to show us how to appreciate the company of Jesus and to be ready to do anything rather than lose him. How dark our world would be without Jesus! “Jesus, may I never lose you any more.” (cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “Holy Rosary”, Fifth Joyful Mystery)
We must strive not to fall into mortal sin, and not even into deliberate venial sin. Unless we hate venial sin without the false excuse that it is not ‘grave’, we cannot be close to Our Lord.
Mary, “although she had merited to give birth to the Son of the Most High, was most humble and does not put herself before her spouse, saying not ‘I and your father’, but, ‘your father and I’. She did not consider the dignity of her womb, but the hierarchy of marriage. The humility of Christ was not to be a school of pride for His Mother.” (cf St Augustine, “Sermon 51”, 18)
It is very clear to all that Jesus is aware of his mission and of being the Son of God. To better understand his reply to Mary, we must see in it a way for Jesus to make us realize that God’s plans always have priority over human ones; and should there be a conflict, then “God has more right to be obeyed than man” (Acts 5:29).
Should we lose Jesus, let us remember His advice, “seek and you shall find” (Lk 11:9). He is always in the Tabernacle; in our spiritual directors.
If our offense is great, he always awaits us in the Sacrament of Penance. Through this Sacrament we purify our eyes stained by our frequent lack of love and venial sin.
It would be a great help for us, especially when we are in front of the tabernacle, or when we see the walls of a church, even its steeple from afar, to say in the depths of our heart, “Jesus, may I never lose You again” (cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “Holy Rosary”, Fifth Joyful Mystery). Mary and Joseph will help us not to lose sight of Jesus throughout the day and the whole of our lives.
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 1:347-52

The Struggle
“You told me with a boasting but uncertain swagger that some go up and others go down ... And others, like yourself!, are just idling.
“Your indolence saddened me, and I added: idlers are made to shift by those going up; and -- normally with greater vigour -- also by those going down. Consider what an uncomfortable attitude you are adopting!
“The holy bishop of Hippo already pointed it out: not to go forward is to go back.”
Ref: St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 165

• Our Lady of Life, at Venasque, in Provence, [France]. The chronicle relates that this image has often restored life to children who died without baptism, in order that they might receive that sacrament. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
• Our Lady of Life (Provence, France). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
• Our Lady of Life. Venasque, Provence, France. [" ... chronicle relates this image has often restored life to children who died without baptism, so that they might receive sacrament. (Triple Couronne, n. 89)."]; (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
• Our Lady of Life, Provence, France. Image has often restored to life children who died without baptism. (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
• St Mary of the Angels (Aix-en-Provence, France) (http://mariedenazareth.com)

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

26 January 2012: Mary, Mother of unity

Through the intercession of Our Lady, the Church prays to God for the unity of Christians and of all mankind, that they may be gathered into the one people of the new Covenant. (cf “Roman Missal”, “Opening Prayer”)
The Church believes that the cause of unity is intimately related to the spiritual maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary over all men and women, especially those who have been baptized. (cf Leo XIII, Encyclical, “Auditricem populi”, 5 September 1895) Pope Paul VI customarily prayed to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title, “Mother of unity”. (cf Paul VI, “Insegnamenti”, vol II, p69)
Pope John Paul II offered to Our Lady this prayer:
“You, who are the first Handmaid of the unity of Christ’s Body, help us, all the faithful who feel so keenly the tragedy of the historical divisions of Christianity, to seek persistently the path to the perfect unity of the Body of Christ through unreserved fidelity to the Spirit of Truth and Love ...” (cf John Paul II, “Radio message commemorating the Council of Ephesus”, 7 June 1981)
The Church was born with Christ and she ‘grew up’ in the house of Nazareth with Christ. Mary is the Mother of the Church from the Church’s beginnings. (Paul VI, “Discourse to the Council”, 21 September 1964) We Christians form one Body, and Mary is the Mother of the Mystical Body.
The Church as the Mystical Body of Christ finds in the Incarnation the primary reason for unity: in Mary’s womb. “She received your Word in the purity of her heart, and, conceiving in her virgin womb, gave birth to our Saviour, and so nurtured the Church at its very beginning.” (“Roman Missal”, “Preface”)
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 6:57-8

Ss Timothy and Titus, bishops
(+97) St Timothy was the son of a pagan father and a Hebrew-Christian mother, Eunice. A disciple of St Paul whom he accompanied in evangelizing many cities. St Paul consecrated him bishop of Ephesus. According to a fourth century story, he was beaten to death by a mob when he opposed the observance of a pagan festival.
St Titus was also a friend and disciple of St Paul who ordained him bishop of Crete. He attended the Council of Jerusalem with Sts Paul and Barnabas. He died on 105, almost a centenarian. Three pastoral letters St Paul wrote to these two disciples give glimpses of the future structure of the Church.
Ref: Fr James Socias, et al (Eds) “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1464

Protecting the deposit of faith
From her earliest days the Church has taught the truths of the faith to her children in a clear and simple style to avoid possible confusion. We see this practice at work in these words of St Paul to St Timothy:
“As I urged you, remain at Ephesus that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to occupy themselves with myths and endless genealogies which promote speculations rather than the divine training that is in the faith.” (cf 1 Tim 1:3-4)
“Catechists must have the wisdom to pick from the field of theological research those points that can provide light for their own reflection and teaching, drawing like the theologians, from the true sources, in light of the Magisterium. They must refuse to trouble the minds of children and young people with outlandish theories, useless questions and unproductive discussions, things that St Paul often condemned in his pastoral letters.” (John Paul II, “Catechesis tradendae”, 16 October 1979, 61)
Teachers of the faith must teach the truths of the faith, not personal theories or doubts. People who seek to adapt truths of the faith to the ‘modern world’ revise catechetical teaching methods and result in changing the revealed truth.
A great many weeds have been sown among the good wheat. Mixed in with good and laudable messages, we sometimes find subtle and vicious attacks on Catholic doctrine regarding faith and morals. Teachers of error have increased in number and cultural influence.
Pope Paul VI called this phenomenon a ‘brutal and universal earthquake’ (cf Paul VI, Apostolic Exhortation, “Petrum et Paulum”, 22 February 1967): ‘earthquake’ due to its subversive impact; ‘brutal’ since it is aimed directly at fundamental truths; and ‘universal’ because the phenomenon can be found worldwide. (cf P Rodriguez, “Faith and Life of Faith”, Pamplona, 1974)
The faith is a great treasure. We must conserve it in ourselves and in those around us. We must be humble as we treat the contagion; prudent about what we read.
In Roman law, ‘depositum’ refers to goods entrusted by one person to another with the understanding that they will be returned intact on request. (cf “The Navarre Bible”, note to 1 Tim, 6:20) St Paul applied this legal term to truths of Revelation and this is how it entered into Catholic teaching.
Truths of the faith, entrusted by one generation to another, are not the product of human reason; but proceed directly from God. Whoever ignores the teachings of the Magisterium can only provide the teachings of men which can undermine the faith and put at risk one’s salvation.
Over the centuries the Church has carefully defined dogmas of the faith often due to major religious crises of doctrinal controversy and confusion. These dogmas are like buoys that mark limits of safe navigation at sea.
“The preacher of the Gospel will therefore, be a person who, even at the price of personal renunciation and suffering, always seeks the truth that he must transmit to others. He never betrays or hides truth out of a desire to please men, in order to astonish or shock, nor for the sake of originality or a desire to make an impression.” (Paul VI, Apostolic Exhortation, “Evangelii nuntiandi”, 8 December 1975, 78)
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 6:76-80

Purity -- “When we were little, we kept close to our mother in a dark alley or if dogs barked at us.
“Now, when we feel temptations of the flesh, we should run to the side of Our Mother in Heaven, by realising how close she is to us, and by means of aspirations.
“She will defend us and lead us to the light.”
Ref: St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 847

• “May I give you some advice for you to put into practice daily? When your heart makes you feel those low cravings, say slowly to the Immaculate Virgin: ‘Look on me with compassion. Don’t abandon me, my Mother.’ And recommend this prayer to others.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 849)

• Our Lady of Longchamps, founded in 1261, by Elizabeth, sister of St. Louis. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
• Our Lady of Long Fields (Longchamps). Madrid / France. 1261. ["...founded in 1261, by Elizabeth, sister of St. Louis. (Gallia Christiana, t. 4)."]; (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
• Our Lady of Long Fields (France). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
• Our Lady of Long Fields, Madrid, Spain (1261). (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
• Our Lady of Life (France, 1891). (http://mariedenazareth.com)

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

25 January 2012

The conversion of St Paul, Apostle
The conversion of Saul of Tarsus, while on his way to Damascus to persecute more Christians, is one of the most touching miracles in the history of the early Church. It shows how faith comes from grace and from man’s free cooperation. The doctrine of the Mystical Body of Christ receives proof and a clear illustration when Christ says, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4) The best way to hasten the unity of all Christians is to foster our own daily personal conversion. (Fr James Socias, et al [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1463)

On the road to Damascus
A zealous defender of the Mosaic Law, Saul saw the Christians as a mortal threat to Judaism; and exerted great efforts at extermination of the early Church. He witnessed the execution of St Stephen, the first Christian martyr (cf Acts 7:60), whose final prayer bore fruit in the life of his persecutor. (St Augustine, “Sermon”, 315)
By the workings of the Holy Spirit and the lively apostolate of the early Christians, the Church had expanded quite rapidly: “Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.” (Acts 8:4)
Soon after Stephen’s martyrdom, Saul set out with “letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem” (cf Acts 9:2).
Saul was travelling along the road to Damascus, “breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord”; but God had plans for him. Around mid-day as he came near the city, “suddenly a light from heaven flashed about him. ... he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ ... he said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ ... he said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting’.” (Acts 9:3-5)
Saul poses the most crucial question of his life. “What shall I do, Lord?” (Acts 22:10) Saul was now another man. He had become Paul, a new man. In the act of conversion he understood everything at once.
His new faith led to a total self-giving in the hands of God. What do you want me to do, my Lord? What do you expect of me?
‘Blessed be God’ you said after your sacramental Confession. ... you thought: it is as if I had just been born again, you then continued calmly: ‘Lord, what would you have me do?’ and you yourself came up with the reply: ‘By the help of your grace I will let nothing and no one come between me and the fulfilment of your most Holy Will. Serviam: I will serve you unconditionally.’ (cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 238)
The life of St Paul is a beacon of hope because “who can say that they cannot overcome their faults when one of the most zealous persecutors of the believers could be transformed into the Apostle of the Gentiles?” (St Bernard, “Sermon on the Conversion of St Paul”, 1)
God’s grace can still work miracles in human hearts nowadays. But the power of God depends upon our correspondence to grace. God’s grace is sufficient. What is necessary is our free, whole-hearted assent.
St Paul’s adage, “not because of me but because of the grace of God in me”, led St Augustine to comment, “This is to say, not because of me alone but because of God working with me. And for this reason, not because of the grace of God alone nor myself alone, but the grace of God and Him.” (St Augustine, “On grace and free will”, 5, 12)
If we live counting upon the help of God’s grace, we will be able to overcome any defect or disappointment. The Lord is constantly calling to us to begin again, to convert our hearts, to walk in peace and joy along the divine ways of the earth. Like St Paul, we must respond to His invitation.
Since Jesus is always seeking us out, St Teresa advises, “It is paramount that we draw forth new energy to be useful as well as being very grateful for that gift. These are the conditions which the Lord sets down. If we do not manage his treasures well, he will give them to another and we end up paupers. The Lord will give his jewels to someone who will make them shine more radiantly.” (St Teresa, “Life”, 10)
Paul put the same enthusiasm and drive, when he persecuted the Christians, to the service of the Church. He assumed Christ’s apostolic command: “Go into all the world; proclaim the Good news to all creation.” (Mk 16:15)
He centered his life on the Lord. Even though Paul had suffered a great deal for Christ, he found joy not in the absence of difficulties but in the presence of Christ.
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 6:69-72

Coping with adversity
God gives only good gifts. If he permits pain or sorrow, financial or family problems, all this is for the sake of something better.
We often find that God blesses his favourites with the Cross and with the grace to carry it with spirit, from both the human and supernatural points of view. Late in her life, when St Teresa was on her way to make a new foundation,she found the road extensively flooded.
Having spent a night in an inn which offered such poor hospitality ..., she set off again next morning, for this was the Lord’s will: ‘Make no account of the cold ...’ Wryly, she complained: “So much to put up with and you send me this!” Jesus replied: “Teresa, that’s how I treat my friends.”
She curtly replied: “Small wonder you have so few!” (cf M Auclair, “Life of St Theresa”, 422-3) Soon her good humour returned, ... “once the danger was passed, they enjoyed talking about it.” (St Theresa, “The Foundations”, 31,17, p191) God wants us to bear difficulties peacefully and firmly, being happy to place our trust in him. ...
God’s presence and the protection of Our Lady -- our refuge and our strength -- will make us size up the problems and seek help in spiritual direction. We will often find that what had seemed so difficult can easily be coped with.
Such optimistic and cheerful spirit is absolutely essential for growing in God’s love and doing apostolate. Trials are a great opportunity to toughen ourselves up as we deepen our love.
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 4:158-60

‘Virgin most powerful. Pray for us.’

• Translation of the winding-sheet and tomb of Our Lady to Constantinople, by Juvenal, Bishop of Jerusalem, under the reign of Marcian, in the year 455. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com)
• The Shroud of the Blessed Virgin is moved to Constantinople. 452. According to Cyril of Scythopolis's book Euthymian History, the Bishop of Jerusalem (Juvenal, not the same person as the Latin poet) sent the shroud to Constantinople in 452. He was ordered to do so by Eastern Roman Emperor Marcian and Empress St. Pulcheria, who was quite devoted to Mary, building churches to Mary as Mother of God. ["Translation of the winding-sheet and tomb of Our Lady to Constantinople, by Juvenal, Bishop of Jerusalem, and under the reign of Marcian, in the year 455. (Ferrolus Locrius in Chronicon anacephal.)"]; (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
• Translation of winding sheet and tomb of Our Lady to Constantinople in 455. (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html)
(www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html);
• Translation of Our Lady‘s shroud and tomb to Constantinople, 455 AD. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html); (http://mariedenazareth.com)

Monday, January 23, 2012

24 January 2012: Our Lady of Peace

Patroness of the Prelatic Church, ‘Prelature of Opus Dei’, Rome
Ref: “Blessed Josemaria Escrivá, Founder of Opus Dei”, pp110-11

St Francis de Sales, bishop and Doctor of the Church
Bishop of Geneva. With St Frances Fremyot de Chantal, he founded the ‘Order of the Visitation’. He wrote “Introduction to the Devout Life”, a classic of spiritual direction. Patron Saint of Journalists and Other Writers. (Fr James Socias, et al [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1459)

The virtue of friendliness and cordiality
St Francis de Sales was an outstanding model of the Good Shepherd to his priests and faithful. His indefatigable preaching and writing gave good doctrine.
The virtues of ‘cordiality’ and ‘meekness of heart’ characterized his life. He remained firm in the truth but remained friendly with people who had different beliefs.
These virtues make life in society tolerable. According to St Francis, ... “meekness, temperance, integrity and humility are virtues that must mark all our actions in life ... We must always have on hand a good supply of these general virtues since we must use them almost constantly.” (cf St Francis de Sales, “Introduction to the Devout Life”, 3, 1)
Everyday we meet all kinds of people at work, on the street, through friends and relatives. That we strive to be friends with everyone is very pleasing to Our Lord. We must exert a special effort to “give proper attention to human relationships, in word as well as in deed”. (St Thomas Aquinas, “Summa Theologiae”, 2-2, q114, a1)
As St Francis warns us, “Those who appear in public as angels but are devils in their own homes greatly fail in this regard” (“Introduction to the Devout Life”, 3, 8). Cordiality aids friendship and apostolate.
Humility is indispensable in human relations. “Humility is not only charity. It is also sweetness. Charity is humility which appears on the outside. Humility is the charity which is on the inside.” (cf St Francis de Sales, “Spiritual considerations”, 11, 2)
If we struggle to be humble, we will know how to venerate “the image of God which is in each and every man”. (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Friends of God”, 230)
“In persons we are not naturally attracted to, we must see souls that have been saved by the Blood of Christ, that belong to the Mystical Body of Christ, ... might even be closer to his Sacred Heart than our own. ...” (cf R Garrigou-Lagrange, “The Three Ages of the Interior Life”, II, 734)
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 6:63-6

The Holy Family returns from Egypt
Joseph dwelt in Egypt with the Child Jesus and Mary until he received the order to return three years later. This long sojourn in a strange country would have been extremely painful to Joseph and Mary; but they persevered. The single thought, ‘We are where God wishes us to be’, made the sojourn endurable, even pleasant.
An angel of the Lord appeared in sleep to Joseph, saying -- “Take the Child and His Mother, and go into the land of Israel” (Mt 2:20). Feeling comfortably settled, Joseph probably regretted having to go on a long journey without exactly knowing where to live; but he immediately left again remaining tranquil.
“But hearing that Archelaus reigned in Judea after Herod his father, he was afraid to go there.” (Mt 2:22) He perceived the Child Jesus would not be safe where Herod’s son who was like him in cruelty, ruled. On the other hand, Israel, which the angel named, had various provinces governed by different princes. A prudent decision; but into which of these territories would he go? Joseph wanted light. He prayed. “... being warned in sleep, he went to Galilee and dwelt in a city called Nazareth”. (Mt 2:22-3)
Joseph’s conduct teaches us to be deliberate. In all our doubts and confusions, we should resort to prayer -- humbly, fervently before acting. Troubles of conscience and useless regrets will thus be avoided.
Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp56-8

Being good children of the Church
The Church does not cease to be holy because of the faults of her children which are always strictly personal. Thus, a good son of the Church will not allow people to insult his Mother, treat her badly or blame her for imagined defects.
The Church has the mission of “bringing forth children, educating, directing them; guiding with motherly care the lives of individuals and of whole peoples” (cf John XXIII, Encyclical, “Mater et Magistra”, Introduction). Holy and mother of all (St Cyril of Jerusalem, “Catechesis”, 18, 26) she provides the means to reach sanctity.
Nobody can become a good child of God without lovingly and piously living these means of sanctification, because “he cannot have God for his Father who does not have the Church for his Mother” (St Cyprian, “On the Unity of the Catholic Church”, 6).
Thus, we cannot imagine anyone having a great love for God and not greatly love His Church. Our love for the Church must flow from our gratitude for the means God offers us, through her, to be holy.
We look at her with eyes of love and faith. By the will of Jesus Christ, the Church is our Mother. Our attitude must then be as good children.
We invoke Mary, Mother of the Church, so that she can teach us to daily love the Church more and more.
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 3:62-4

Becoming children in God’s love
The mystery of Mary helps us see that in order to approach God we must become little. As Christ said to his disciples: “... unless you become like little children again, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt 18:3)
To become children we must renounce our pride and self-sufficiency, recognizing that we can do nothing by ourselves. We must realize that we need grace, and the help of God our Father to find our way and keep to it. To be little, you have to abandon yourself as children do, believe as children believe, beg as children beg.
And we learn all this through contact with Mary. Devotion to our Lady is not something soft and sentimental. It fills the soul with consolation and joy to precisely the extent that it means a deep act of faith making us go outside ourselves and put our hope in the Lord. ...
Because Mary is our mother, devotion to her teaches us to be authentic sons: to love truly, without limit, to be simple, without selfishly thinking only about ourselves; to be happy, knowing that nothing can destroy our hope. ...
Ref: Cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “Christ is passing by”, 143

• Our Lady of Damascus. From this picture, which is painted on wood, there is said to exude a miraculous oil which restored sight, in the year 1203, to the Sultan of Damascus, and Mahommedan as he was, in acknowledgment, of this benefit, he founded a lamp to burn perpetually before this picture. (Bethlehem Observer Historical Calendar)
• Our Lady of Damascus. Syria. 1203. Icon was brought to Malta by Knights of St John, 1530, along with other icons, after the knights were driven out of Rhodes, 1523. Currently stored in a Greek Catholic Church. Pope John Paul II visited in 2001. Numerous accounts of an oily substance oozing from image. (Icon history is detailed in Papas Vito Borgia's 11-page treatise ‘Veneration for a Historic Icon’, 1992). Icon went on a Pilgrim Journey to Syria, 1999. ["From this picture, painted on wood, there is said to exude a miraculous oil which restored sight, in 1203, to Sultan of Damascus, and Mahommedan as he was, in acknowledgement of this benefit, founded a lamp to perpetually burn before this picture. (Spondanaus, Annals, year 1203.)"]; (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
• Our Lady of Damascus, (1203). (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html)
Our Lady of Damascus (Syria). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html); (http://mariedenazareth.com)
• Our Lady of Peace (Toledo, Spain). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
• Our Lady of Peace. La Paz, Iloilo PHL. (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
Our Lady of Tears. “Madonna del Pianto”. (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
• Our Lady “Ina Poon Bato”. Botolan, Zambales PHL. (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
• Madonna del Pianto (Our Lady of Tears). (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)

Sunday, January 22, 2012

23 January 2012: The Virginal Maternity of Mary

The whole of Christ’s life, from the beginning, was a discreet but clear separation from what so deeply determined the meaning of the body in the Old Testament. Almost in contradiction of all the expectations of the Old Testament tradition, Christ was born of Mary. She said clearly of herself at the moment of the Anunciation: “How can this be since I am a virgin?” (Lk 1:34)
‘Mary’s motherhood is virginal’, even though Jesus was born of her as any other human being, like a son from his mother, although his coming into the world was accompanied by the presence of a man who was the spouse of Mary and in the eyes of the law and of men, her husband.
To this virginal motherhood of Mary corresponds the virginal mystery of Joseph, who followed the voice from on high, and did not hesitate to take Mary because ‘it is by the Holy Spirit that she has conceived this child’. So the virginal conception and the birth to the world of Jesus were concealed from men. In the eyes of his fellow townsmen at Nazareth he was regarded as the son of the carpenter -- as he was thought, the son of Joseph.
If despite all that, the reality and essential truth of his conception and birth depart in themselves from what in the Old Testament was exclusively in favor of matrimony; and rendered what actually happened incomprehensible and socially disfavored.
Ref: Cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, p181

Wonderful obedience of Joseph and Mary
They ‘obeyed blindly’. Their submission was entire and perfect. They did not ask why God did not stop Herod rather than send them into exile. Or if they must be exiled, why not to the country of the Magi instead of to Egypt whose inhabitants were hostile to the people of Israel.
Nor why the order to leave was not given sooner so they can prepare better. God spoke through His delegate; it was enough. Their thoughts focused on obeying what God wills; because He wills it, as He wills it.
They ‘obeyed promptly’. Joseph at once informed Mary of the command “... arose, ... took the Child and His Mother by night, and retired to Egypt” (Mt 2:14).
They ‘obeyed generously’, not a word, nor sign of regret that duty called so abruptly; no anxiety about the future. They knew that with Jesus they would surmount all difficulties. Nothing would be wanting to them.
Let us obey, like Mary and Joseph without wanting to know the reason of a command. If we obey because the reason seems right and useful, we are following our ideas not the will of God.
For yielding our will and liberty, God binds Himself to conduct us to the end of our pilgrimage: heaven. Assured of this Omnipotent help, we will cry -- “I can do all things in Him who strengthens me”. (Phil 4:13)
Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp52-4

In Egypt: The virtues of St Joseph
After a long, exhausting journey, Mary and Joseph arrive with the Child in their new country. Joseph began to re-make his life again. He had brought the most important: Jesus, Mary, and a determination to care for them, making every sacrifice.
St Joseph is for us an example of many virtues: of intelligent and rapid obedience, faith, hope, hard work, fortitude. Whenever we suffer contradictions, we should put ourselves in St Joseph’s care, as many saints did.
St Teresa says of his powerful intercession -- “I never remember having entrusted anything ... which he has failed to do. I am amazed by the great favors God has given me through this blessed Saint, the dangers from which he has freed me, both of body and soul. ...
“Our Lord makes us understand that just as he was subject to him on earth ... so in heaven he does whatever Joseph asks. Other persons have also seen this from experience ...” (St Teresa of Avila, “Life”, 6)
The danger passed but Joseph stayed to be faithful to the Angel’s instruction “there remain until I tell you” (cf Mt 2:13). So, he remained patiently without protest, working as if he were never going to leave that foreign land.
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 1:337-8

Holy purity -- indispensable for loving God
“Keep away from fornication ... Your body ... is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you since you received him from God. You are not your own property: you have been bought and paid for. That is why you should use your body for the glory of God.” (cf 1 Cor 6:13-5, 17-20)
The Church is alone in how she teaches about the dignity of the body. “Purity is the glory of the human body before God... the glory of God in the human body.” (John Paul II, “General Audience”, 18 March 1981)
If we are to follow Christ, chastity, outside or within marriage, according to each one’s state, is absolutely necessary. It demands our personal struggle and effort, together with God’s grace. The wounds of original sin ‘in our intellect, our will, our passions and affections’ did not disappear with its guilt when we were baptised.
Holy purity, part of the virtue of temperance, joyfully inclines us to moderate our use of the reproductive faculty, according to the light of reason, helped by faith. (cf St Thomas, “Summa Theologiae”, II-II, 151, 2, 1) Its opposite, ‘licentiousness’, destroys a person’s dignity, weakens the will towards good, and dulls the understanding in its yearning to know and love God.
The essence of chastity is love. We turn to Mary, “Mother of Fair Love” (Sir 24:24), because she creates within the soul of a Christian the elegance and tenderness which enable the virtue of holy purity to grow.
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 3:46-7, 51

• Sincerity -- “You were reading in that dictionary the synonyms for insincere: ‘two-faced, surreptitious, evasive, disingenuous, sly’. As you closed the book, you asked the Lord that nobody should ever be able to apply those adjectives to you, and you resolved to improve much more in this supernatural and human virtue of sincerity.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 337)
“... Mary will obtain for us the courage to be sincere, if we ask her for it, so that we may come closer to the Most Blessed Trinity.” (“Ibid, op cit”, 339)

• Betrothal of Our Lady, according to the ritual of Arras, [France]. This feast began to be celebrated in the year 1556. (Bethlehem Observer Historical Calendar)

• Espousals of Our Lady (custom of Arras, France). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
• Espousals of Our Lady. Arras, France. Approved by Pope Paul III, 1546. ["Betrothal of Our Lady, according to ritual of Arras. Feast began to be celebrated in 1556. (Monumenta Ecclesiae Atrebatensus.)"]
• Espousal, the Virgin Mary (approved by Pope Paul III 1546) (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
• Our Lady’s Espousals, approved by Pope Paul III (1546). (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html)
(www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html);
• Commemoration of Mary's Marriage to Saint Joseph. (http://mariedenazareth.com)
• Our Lady of Exile (Portugal) maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
• Nuestra Señora de la Antigua. Chiriri, Tunja, Panama. (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
• “Ina Poon Bato”. Zambales, Philippines. 23-24 January. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)

Saturday, January 21, 2012

22 January 2012: The flight into Egypt

Joseph and Mary, though poor, lived happily with Jesus. “Herod, perceiving that he was deceived by the wise men” (Mt 2:16), had acted to destroy the Infant. But God protected them. Warned of Herod’s plans, He showed the means of escape.
An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph while he was asleep and said, “Arise, and take the Child and His Mother, and fly into Egypt” (Mt 2:13).
Let us learn to understand God’s Providence. He does not spare His servants afflictions and persecutions; but ensures that everything works for their good. The angel gave the order to Joseph as head of the Holy Family and for the sake of good order.
The direction of our souls is not entrusted to a person but to God in the person of whoever holds His place; and of whom He has said, “He that hears you hears Me” (Lk 10:16).
I might obey grudgingly, or fail to respect a director, because he is younger in age or in spiritual matters. This proves that I am ignorant of the order established by God.
My idea of the virtue of obedience is flawed. I submit in deference to policy, but not supernaturally.
Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp49-51

The obedience and fortitude of Joseph
The Holy Family’s hasty flight was a sign of the Cross ending a very happy day. An amazingly profound mystery! The Saviour, Son of God made Man cried, slept and sought refuge in the arms of Mary and Joseph.
The journey involved walking along unfriendly desert and less traveled roads with the constant fear of being caught. The Egyptian border, beyond which they would be safe from Herod, was about a week away.
God did not spare those he loved most from this trial. Perhaps to make us understand that difficulties bring great benefits. Also, that being close to God does not mean freedom from pain or problems. God’s promise is the serenity and fortitude to accept them.
The Holy Family quickly followed the Angel’s directions fulfilling the will of God in all circumstances.
“Joseph did not become scandalized or say: ‘This is an enigma. A short while ago, You, Yourself let us know that He would save His people and now as He is unable to save Himself, we have to flee, to undertake a long journey and suffer a long period away from home: this is contrary to Your promise.’ Joseph does not reason in this way because he is a faithful man.” (cf St John Chrysostom, “Homilies on St Matthew”,
8:3)
He obeyed immediately. He showed fortitude, taking charge of the situation ... How we must act also.
The day after being elected Pope, John Paul I said: “Yesterday morning, I went peacefully to the Sistine Chapel to vote. I could never have imagined what was going to happen.
The danger for me had scarcely begun when the two companions at my side whispered words of encouragement. One said: ‘Come on, if Our Lord gives a heavy burden, he also gives the help to carry it!’ ”(John Paul I, “Angelus”, 27 Aug 1978)
We can learn from St Joseph how to care, with fortitude and strength, for all that God entrusts to us -- family, work, apostolate, etc. A fact of life is, obstacles are inevitable. We shall always overcome them with God’s grace.
Fortitude “teaches us to appreciate the human and divine value of patience. The person with fortitude ... perseveres in doing what his conscience tells him he ought to. He does not measure the value of a task exclusively by the benefit he derives from it, but rather by the service he renders to others.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Friends of God”, 77-8)
Mothers frequently have to practise fortitude discreetly and normally in a pleasant, patient way. “The Bible does not praise the weak woman, but the strong one, ‘... is kindly instruction she gives’ (Prov 31:26) -- because kindness is the summit of fortitude ... to know how to wait; how to be silent; being able, when faced with injustice or weakness, to turn a blind eye; to excuse, to cover up shaming things, which is no less a work of mercy ...” (cf Gertrud von le Fort, “The eternal woman”)
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 1:335-7, 340

St Joseph Hears God’s Word
St Joseph is great in the spirit. He is great in faith, not because he uttered any words of his own but above all ‘because he heard the words of the living God’. He listened in silence and became a witness of the Divine Mystery ...
The Word of the living God fell deeply into the soul of that man -- that Upright Man.
And we, do we know how to listen to God’s word? Do we know how to absorb it in the depths of our human ‘ego’?
Do we open our consciences to this word? ...
Do we read Sacred Scripture?
Do we take part in catechesis?
‘We have so much need of faith! ...’
Great faith is so necessary today to individuals, families, communities, the Church.
People of God! ... ‘Fear not to accept’ Mary, together with Joseph of Nazareth. Fear not to accept Jesus Christ, his Son, all your lives. Fear not to accept Him under the roofs of your houses ...
Fear not to accept Christ in your daily work. Fear not to accept Him in your ‘world’.
Then this world will be really human. It will become ever more human. Only the God-Man can make our ‘human world’ fully human.
Ref: Cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, p127-8

Mary, Model of the Christian family
“... The Virgin’s merciful heart sympathizes with family needs. ... The divine Mother is a most perfect model of the domestic virtues which must adorn the Christian married state. In Mary you will find the purest and the most faithful love for her most chaste spouse. Her love was made up of sacrifices and of delicate attentions.
"In Mary you will find entire and continuous dedication to needs of family and home; you will find humility, patient resignation, lovableness and charity to all who visit the humble home of Nazareth.” (Pope Pius XII, “Quandoquidem”, 20 Apr 1939 in Rev Joseph A Viano, SSP, “Two Months with Mary”, 1984, p14)

• Eve of Espousals of Our Lady. Celebrated in France. ["Betrothal of Our Lady. This feast, celebrated privately in France many years ago by devout persons, was approved 1546 by Pope Paul III. (Petr. Auratus Image Virtutus, c. 10.)"]; (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
• Eve of Our Lady’s Espousals to St. Joseph. (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html)
(www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html);
• Eve of Espousal of the Virgin Mary. France. (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
• Espousals of Our Lady (celebrated in France). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
• Betrothal of Our Lady. This feast, celebrated privately in France many years ago by devout persons, was approved by Pope Paul III, in 1546. (Petr. Auratus Image Virtutus, c. 10.); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
• Our Lady of Consolation. Rome. ["...at foot of Capitol. This Madonna began to work miracles in 1471. (Triple Couronne, n 43)"]; (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
• Our Lady of Ceignac (France 1516). (http://mariedenazareth.com)

Friday, January 20, 2012

21 January 2012: “Everyone Shall See the Salvation of God” (cf Lk 3:6)

God’s salvation is the work of a love greater than man’s sin. Love alone can wipe out sin and liberate from sin. Love alone can consolidate man in the good; in the unalterable and eternal good.
This God of our Advent, the Creator and Redeemer, is who makes this profession of such love for man the sinner: “Though the mountains leave their place, and the hills be shaken, my love will never leave you.” (Is 54:10)
Let us remember once again that this saving love who came to man during the night of Bethlehem, and revealing itself in the Cross and the Resurrection, remains incessantly written in the Church’s life as ‘the Sacrament of the Body and the Blood’ as nourishment of souls.
Each time we receive this Sacrament, whenever we accept this food, we prepare the way of the Lord, we make straight his paths. May we always have hunger and thirst for this nourishment ...
May we, through the Sacrament of the Body and the Blood, build the way along which God will come to us in the mystery of his majesty.
Ref: Cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, p17-8

Understanding our own salvation
No affair is more important than that of our salvation. If it causes us neither fear nor uneasiness, while so many other matters disturb us daily, then, we do not sufficiently appreciate our need for salvation.
Or are far from having it at heart beyond all other affairs. We are living in a false security. The great danger is we do not fear enough. Whoever is without fear of failure takes no serious means to attain success.
Salvation is the reward of energy and striving. As Jesus Christ said, “The kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force” (Mt 11:12).
A man implicated in a lawsuit which concerns his fortune is continually seeking new means of defending it. After one consultation he has another; after one arrangement he makes another; he never thinks he has done enough.
It would be the same with us, and with far more reason, if we had the business of our salvation and eternity seriously at heart. We should never think we have taken sufficient means or precautions. We ought not to think we have done enough to obtain final perseverance.
Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp47-9

Confession: We receive light and graces
Confession makes us share in the Passion of Christ; and through his merits, in his Resurrection. Each time we receive the sacrament with the proper dispositions, a life of grace is reborn in our soul. Christ’s blood, lovingly shed, purifies and sanctifies the soul; and by its virtue the sacrament confers grace if it has been lost or increases it.
“The intensity of repentance is, sometimes, proportionate to a greater grace than that from which the penitent fell through sin; sometimes the same, sometimes less. For this reason the penitent rises sometimes with greater grace than he had before; sometimes with the same grace, and sometimes with less.” (St Thomas Aquinas, “Summa Theologiae”, III, q89,a2c)
In confession, the soul receives greater light from God, and an increased strength -- special graces to struggle against the inclinations which have been confessed; to avoid occasions of sin so as not to fall again into those faults. The penitent asks for and receives help in his daily struggle.
“See how good God is, and how easily He forgives sins; He not only restores what has been lost with his forgiveness but grants unhoped for benefits.” (St Ambrose, “Commentary on the Gospel of St Luke”, 2, 73)
How often have we received the greatest graces in confession after having told Our Lord that we have behaved badly towards him! Jesus always returns good for evil, to encourage us to be faithful.
The punishment we have earned by our sins is erased by God when he sees our contrition, our works of penance and atonement. Sincerely confessing our faults always leaves great peace and joy. The sadness caused by sin and lack of concurrence with grace turns into joy.
“The moments of a sincere Confession may well be amongst the sweetest, the most comforting and the most decisive moments in life.” (Paul VI, “Address”, 27 Feb 1975)
“Now you realize how much you have made Jesus suffer, ... you are filled with sorrow. How easy to ask his pardon, weep for your past betrayals! Such is your longing for atonement that you cannot contain it in your breast! Fine ... but don’t forget the spirit of penance consists mainly in fulfilment of the duty of each moment, however costly it may be.” (cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Way of the Cross”, Ninth Station, 5)
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:47-8

Jesus has what we lack and need.
We have many weaknesses and therefore, should frequently seek the Master in Holy Communion. The banquet is prepared (cf Lk 14:16) and many are invited, although few attend. How can we exclude ourselves? Love destroys all excuses.
This desire to receive this sacrament can be renewed often during the day by means of the spiritual communion. ... We will receive many graces ... Near him we will find peace if we have lost it, strength to finish well the work at hand, and joy in the service of others.
“What shall we do, you ask, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament? Love him, adore him, thank him and ask him. What does a poor man do in the presence of a rich man? A sick man in the presence of a doctor? One who is thirsty at the sight of a crystal-clear fountain?” (St Alphonsus Liguori, “Visits to the Blessed Sacrament”, III)
Jesus is our strength along the road of life. Let us ask Our Lady to show us how to receive him ‘with the purity, humility and devotion’ with which she received him, ‘with the spirit and fervor of the saints’.
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 4:343-4

· “O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fire of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those in great need.” Mary to the children of Fatima. (In Rev Joseph A Viano, SSP, “Two Months with Mary”, p25)

• Our Lady of Consolation, Rome, at the foot of the Capitol. This Madonna began to work miracles in the year 1471. (Bethlehem Observer Historical Calendar)
• Our Lady of Consolation. Rome. ["...at foot of Capitol. This Madonna began to work miracles in 1471. (Triple Couronne, n 43)"]; (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
• Our Lady of Consolation, Rome (1471). (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
• Our Lady of Consolation (Rome). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
• Our Lady of Consolation (Vatopedi) [Greece]. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
• Our Lady of ‘Alta Gracia’ (Highest Grace). Higuey, Sto Domingo. Patron saint of the Dominican Republic, and a very important element of folk religion there. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
• Our Lady of ‘Alta Gracia’ (Higuey, Santo Domingo). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
• Our Lady of Altagracia. Higuey, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic 1506. (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
• Our Lady of Altagracia (Dominican Republic, 1650). (http://mariedenazareth.com)

Thursday, January 19, 2012

20 January 2012: Make Straight the Paths of the Lord

Man prepares the way of the Lord and straightens His paths when -- he examines his own conscience; searches his works, words, thoughts; calls good and evil by their names; does not hesitate to confess his sins in the Sacrament of Penance, repenting and resolving not to sin again.
‘Straightening His paths’ also means receiving the good news of salvation. Each of us may ‘see God’s salvation’ in his own heart and conscience when he participates in the mystery of remission of sins, as at the very Advent of God.
He thus professes that Christ is ‘the Lamb of God’, He who takes away the sins of the world.
Ref: Cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, p17

What price salvation?
To pass from this world to a happy eternity, escaping eternal punishment, is what work out your salvation means -- the business of eternity, of our soul and body. All other matters, however important, are but affairs of time. What are 60 or 80 years compared to eternity?
What folly then, to risk losing eternal salvation for the fleeting enjoyment of some worldly pleasure! Nevetheless, such is the folly of many people.
All other misfortunes have a remedy -- redo bungled work; recover a lost fortune; rebuild a house burnt down. But salvation once lost is lost. We shall not return to life; nor come forth from hell.
St Paul writes, “with fear and trembling work out your salvation”. Don’t ever feel complacent. “I was with you in weakness, in fear, in much trembling. I chastise my body and bring it into subjection, lest perhaps when I have preached ... I myself should become a castaway.” (cf 1 Cor, 9:27)
‘Ah’, cried St Pope Gregory, ‘we ought never to think we have done enough when it is a question of eternity’. Did not the angels fall from heaven into hell?
Salvation is a personal affair; no one can do it for you: nor even God. “He who created you without your help cannot save you without it.” (St Augustine, “Confessions”)
Woe, then, to the person who does not fervently seek his own sanctification. “Therefore, however it may be with others, neglect not thyself.” (Thomas à Kempis, “Imitation of Christ”)
Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp45-7

Sacramental Confession: A meeting with Christ
In this sacrament, Christ makes himself present in the priest. In it He welcomes us as the Good Shepherd: heals our wounds; cleanses and strengthens us.
Christ’s promise through the Prophets is also accomplished in it. Christ, above all else, is the center of this sacramental act.
We ought to focus on his goodness instead of our wretchedness, because interior life is a dialogue of love wherein God is always the point of reference. We are the prodigal son who returns home when we decide to go to Confession. As he did, we never lose the consciousness of our sins.
The desire to make Christ the centre of our Confession is important if we are to avoid routine, to draw out from the depths of our soul matters which will only rise to the surface in the light of God’s love. We go to Christ through this sacrament to ask forgiveness of our sins.
We have often asked God for forgiveness; many times He has forgiven us. At the end of each day, recalling what we had done say, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love. According to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.” (Ps 51:1-2)
Each one of us knows how much he or she is in need of God’s mercy. Thus, we go to Confession: to ask for absolution of our faults as we would beg for undeserved alms. But we go with confidence, trusting, not in our merits; but in his eternal and infinite mercy, and always readiness to forgive.
All God asks of us is to admit our faults; to humbly and sincerely acknowledge our debt. The person who takes God’s place and acts on God’s behalf, can forgive us for him.
It is not so much that he should understand or encourage us. We go to ask for forgiveness. Thus, accusing ourselves of our sins ‘does not consist simply in recounting them’.
Saint Josemaria Escrivá, with a simple and practical criterion, used to advise that our confession should be ‘concise', 'concrete', 'clear’ and ‘complete’. The use of too many words often denotes a desire, consciously or not, to flee from direct and full sincerity. To avoid this tendency, we need to make a good examination of conscience.
‘Concise’: just the words to say humbly what we have done or have failed to do.
‘Concrete’: without digression, no generalities; indicating the situation and time elapsed since the last Confession.
‘Clear’: make ourselves understood, stating the precise nature of the fault, modestly manifesting our wretchedness.
‘Complete’: integral, without omitting anything through a false sense of shame so as not to appear bad.
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:45-6

· “If Mary was made Mother of God on account of sinners, how can I, however great my sins may be, despair of pardon?” -- St Anselm (In Rev Joseph A Viano, SSP, “Two Months with Mary”, 1984, p30)

Friendship -- “’Through you I have seen God, who has forgotten my follies and my offences, and has welcomed me with the affection of a Father.’ This is what a contrite prodigal son of the twentieth century wrote to his family when he returned to his ‘father’s house’.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 764)

Purity -- “You told me, Father, that after my past life it is still possible to become another Saint Augustine. I do not doubt it, and today more than yesterday I want to try to prove it.
“But you have to cut out sin courageously from the root, as the holy Bishop of Hippo did.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, op cit, 838)

• Our Lady of the Tables, at Montpellier, [France]. A very ancient and renowned church. The arms of the city are the Blessed Virgin holding her divine Son in her arms ... (Bethlehem Observer Historical Calendar)
• “Notre-Dame des Tables”. Montpellier, France. "Arms of the City of Montpellier". Historic church built in 1230. The "tables" refers to church's role as a center of international commerce. ["A very ancient / renowned church. The arms of the city are the Blessed Virgin holding her divine Son in her arms, upon a bezant, gules. (Triple Couronne, n. 38)."]; (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
• Our Lady of Tables (in Montpellier). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
• Our Lady of Tables. Montpellier, France. (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
• Our Lady of Tables, Montpellier, France. "Arms of the city of Montpellier". (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html)
• Apparition of Our Lady to Mary Alphonse Ratisbonne (Rome, 1842) (http://mariedenazareth.com)

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

19 January 2012: The first miracle at Cana

“On the third day” after Nathanael’s interview, “there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the Mother of Jesus was there. Also invited were Jesus and his disciples.” (cf Jn 2:1-2)
Why did Jesus honor this humble marriage with his presence?
First, to fulfil a duty of friendship and regard towards his Mother’s family. The bridegroom was Simon the Canaanite, son of Cleopas, St Joseph’s brother, who became one of the twelve Apostles.
Second, to show his esteem for virtue in a modest life.
Third, to promote honor and respect for the marriage contract, ordained by God since Creation, and soon to be raised to the dignity of a Sacrament.
“And the wine running out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine’.” (Jn 2:3) Two points emerge --
Our Lady’s hospitality and confidence in addressing her Divine Son. Sensing that the usual beverage for guests was exhausted, and would be embarassing, she made the casual remark.
It was not a request, but a mere statement of need. Although he sounded indifferent by his reply, “Woman, what is it to me and to you? My hour has not yet come” (Jn 2:4), still she told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you” (Jn 2:5).
Our Lady shows compassion in even the most trifling matters and also her influence with God, who wills to grant all things through her intercession. Our great confidence in her is because she can avail of her Divine Son’s infinite power.
Mary’s expectation was rewarded. Jesus, for her sake, worked his first miracle in public, changing into wine the water with which he had caused six stone jars (each 20-30 gallons capacity), to be “filled up to the brim” (Jn 2:7). “Thus did he manifest his glory” [or divinity], “and his disciples believed in him.” (Jn 2:11)
The miracle at Cana, Jesus repeats daily in a more wonderful manner. By the ministry of his priests, he changes wine into his Blood, and gives it for us to drink, with the promise that whoever drinks it shall never die.
Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp356-8

Love triangle
The bride, the groom, and Jesus -- the perfect love triangle. The presence of Jesus in both husband and wife is crucial.
Jesus is compassion incarnate and this leads him to compassionate ‘action’, to compassionate ‘justice’. A married couple who learn to live by mutual compassion will be just and fair to each other -- ‘their way of life’.
Trouble in marriage can be prevented if the couple invite Jesus. But they must first fill ‘to the brim their empty jars’. Jesus will perform a miracle only if they cooperate.
Ref: Fr Ruben M Tanseco, SJ, “God’s Word Today”, “The Philippine Star”, 14 Jan 2001

Our Lady at Cana and at Calvary
Mary is a mother who is more attentive to all our needs than any mother on earth ever has been or ever will. The miracle at Cana takes place because Our Lady interceded by her plea. If she “acted thus without being asked, how would it have been if they ‘had’ asked?” (St Alphonsus Liguori, “Abbreviated Sermons”, 48: “On Trust in the Mother of God”)
Saint John calls Our Lady ‘Mother of God’ twice: at Cana and on Calvary -- the start and end of Jesus’ public life. She was present in all of Our Lord’s work; and highlights her concern for all men.
At Cana she intercedes when the time seemed inopportune. “On Calvary she offers the redeeming death of her Son, and accepts the mission that Jesus confers on her of being the Mother of all believers.” (Second Vatican Council, “Lumen Gentium”, 58)
Our lives, like the water, were flat without the ferment of purpose until Jesus entered our lives. He transforms our work, sorrows and joys.
All he asks is to do our duties ‘to the brim’ -- finishing them off well so that he can work a miracle. If all of us were to do our work with human perfection and a Christian spirit, our world would drastically be much better.
“At Cana is shown only one concrete aspect of human need, apparently trivial ... but has symbolic value: this coming to the aid of human needs, means bringing those needs within the radius of Christ’s Messianic mission and salvific power. Thus there is a mediation.
“Mary places herself between her Son and mankind in their wants, needs and sufferings. ... as mother, she puts herself ‘in the middle’, acts as a mediatrix not as an outsider. She knows in this way she can point to her Son the needs of mankind, and in fact, she ‘has the right’ to do so.” (cf John Paul II, “Redemptoris Mater”, 25 March 1987, 20)
At the foot of the Cross very close to Jesus are his Mother and John, the youngest of the Apostles. Jesus, after giving himself in the Last Supper, now gives us what he loves most on earth, the most precious thing that still remains to him -- Mary -- to be our Mother.
“Thus, the Blessed Virgin advanced in her pilgrimage of faith, and faithfully persevered unto the cross, enduring with her only-begotten Son the intensity of his suffering, associating herself with his sacrifice in her mother’s heart, and lovingly consenting to the immolation of this victim born of her. Finally, she was given, by the same Christ Jesus, dying on the Cross, as a mother to his disciple.” (cf Second Vatican Council, “Lumen Gentium”, 58)
“Do whatever he tells you” are Our Lady’s last words in the Gospel. Could there be a more valuable advice?
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 3:53-7; 2:285-6

• Personality -- “A great sign appeared in Heaven: a woman adorned with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars about her head.” From this, you and I and everyone may be sure that nothing perfects our personality so much as correspondence with grace.
“Try to imitate the Virgin Mary and you will be a complete man or woman.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 443)

• Interior Life -- “Without Our Mother’s aid, how can we manage to keep up our daily struggle? Do you seek it constantly?” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 692)

• Our Lady of Gimont, near Toulouse. This church of Citeaux is much celebrated in the country for its miracles. (Bethlehem Observer Historical Calendar); (Triple Couronne, n 34)
• Our Lady of Gimont (near Toulouse). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
• Our Lady of Gimout, Citeaux, France. (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
• “Notre Dame de Gimont”. Citeaux, near Toulouse, France. Cistercian monastery. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
• Our Lady of the Quarry (Italy, 1518). (http://mariedenazareth.com)