22 June 2013 Ss John Fisher and Thomas More, Martyrs I would like to recall another aspect of Baptism, perhaps the most universally familiar. In Baptism we are given a Christian name. In the tradition of the Church it is a saint’s name, a name of one of the heroes among Christ’s followers, an apostle, a martyr, a religious founder, like St Benedict, whose monks founded Westminster Abbey ... Taking such names reminds us again that we are being drawn into ‘the Communion of Saints’, and at the same time that great models of Christian living are set before us. London is particularly proud of two outstanding saints, great men also by the world’s standards, contributors to their national heritage, John Fisher and Thomas More. John Fisher, the Cambridge Scholar of Renaissance learning, bishop in his loyalty to the faith and in his devoted attention to the people of his diocese, especially the poor and the sick. Thomas More was a model layman living the Gospel to the full. He was a fine scholar and an ornament to his profession, a loving husband and father, humble in prosperity, courageous in adversity, humorous and godly. Together, they served God and their country: bishop and layman. Together they died, victims of an unhappy age. Today all of us have the grace to proclaim their greatness and to thank God for giving such men to England. ... Ref: Cf “Prayers and Devotions from Pope John Paul II”, 1984, p232 Examination of conscience In the silence of this examination I like to reflect on, and apply, these words of the sequence in the Mass for the Dead: ‘The book will be read out in which everything is written.’ When the moment comes for us to meet Jesus the pages of this book, which contains everything we did during our lifetime, will be turned quickly before our eyes. To make sure there are no surprises at the last moment, I often like to take this book, I’m in the process of writing, in my hands whether I like it or not as long as I live. I like to open it and let my soul read it. That’s very easy and useful to do at the time of prayer or of examining one’s conscience. I do want, Lord, to learn how to write this book; to let my hand be guided by your hand, so I can do your will at every moment. And I would like to fill every one of these pages with expressions full of sincere affection and love. Or at least, when I don’t manage to write what I ought, with sincere, serene words of contrition. Ref: Cf Salvatore Canals, “Jesus as friend”, 1981, pp77-8 The particular examination of conscience Many of Our Lord’s followers were scandalized when he promised the Eucharist in the synagogue at Capharnaum. Misunderstanding his wonderful self-giving in Eucharistic Communion, a large number of his followers turned their backs on him and left. It was not the crowd as such but his own disciples who abandoned him. The Twelve remained faithful to their Master and Lord. They had not understood much about Our Lord’s promise also; however, they remained by his side. Why were they loyal at that time of disloyalty? It was because they were his friends. Through living with him day after day they had come to understand he had the words of eternal life, because they loved him deeply. “Lord, to whom can we go? ...” is Peter’s reply to Jesus’ query as to whether they, too were leaving: “You have the words of eternal life. We ... believe and know, you are the Holy One of God.” (Jn 6:68-9) Life is a constant struggle between love for Christ or giving in to lukewarmness, our passions, or comfort-seeking, which destroys love. Faithfulness to Christ is forged daily by struggling against whatever separates us from him and striving to be virtuous. Then we will be faithful when few seem to remain by Our Lord’s side. To be steadfastly faithful to Our Lord we must always struggle cheerfully, although the battles may be minor. The particular examination of conscience is one way for getting closer to God, of loving him ever greater. It helps us to struggle effectively against the defects and obstacles separating us from Christ and others. We acquire virtues and develop habits which will smoothen any roughness in our relationship with Jesus. The particular examination specifies the targets for our interior life, and helps us to soar, with the help of God’s grace, to the height of holiness. Or to repulse an enemy, who causes widespread damage and setbacks. As we tell Our Lord that we want to be faithful, we should ask ourselves: Are my desires to grow in love truly sincere? Am I docile in spiritual direction? Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:417-9 Our Lady -- “Don’t ever lose the supernatural point of view. Correct your intention as the course of a ship is corrected on the high seas: by looking at the star, by looking at Mary. Then you will always be sure of reaching harbour.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 749) Our Lady -- “Devotion to Our Lady in Christian souls awakens the supernatural stimulus we need in order to act like ‘domestici Dei’, as members of God’s family.” (cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 587) Our Lady -- “Say to her: ‘Mother of mine -- ... may your love bind me to your Son’s cross, may I not lack the faith, nor the courage, nor the daring, to carry out the will of our Jesus’.” (cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Way”, 497) Our Lady -- “So your strength is failing you? Why don’t you tell your Mother about it: Comforter of the afflicted, Help of Christians ..., our hope, Queen of Apostles!” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Way”, 515) Fruitfulness -- “Rectitude of intention consists in seeking ‘only and in all things’ the glory of God.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 921) • Our Lady of Narni, in Italy. It is said that this image spoke to the Blessed Lucy, to whom she gave the Infant Jesus to hold. — Triple Couronne, Trait 3. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com) • “Madonna della Narni”. Italy. 15th Century. Mary speaks to the virgin stigmatine Blessed Lucy of Narni (1476-1547). (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm) • Our Lady of Narni, Italy (15th Century), spoke to Blessed Lucy. (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html) • Our Lady of Narni (Italy). (www.starharbor.com/santiago/m feasts.html); (http://mariedenazareth.com)