‘Sunday.’ Bernadette couldn’t help feeling attracted to the grotto despite her mother’s adamant refusal to let her go. A submissive nature prevented her from disobeying; but the strong longing encouraged her to beg again her mother’s permission.
Rebuffed, she turned to her father who would have refused also were it not for his employer, M. Cazenave who argued, ‘What could be so terrible about a Lady holding a rosary?’ Thus, her father consented.
Bernadette rushed off, with a group of friends, holding a bottle of holy water taken from the church. At the grotto, she started to recite the rosary. After only a short while the Lady appeared. Bernadette opened the bottle of holy water, and flung its contents in the Lady’s direction.
In Bernadette’s words, ‘Then I started to throw holy water at her, saying that if she had been sent by God she should stay, otherwise she should leave. She smiled and bent her head. The more I sprinkled her, the more she smiled, bending down her head.’ Bernadette’s account stops here because she fell into ecstasy.
When she was speaking to the Lady, Baloume (annoyed at being left behind) pushed a large rock from above the grotto into the midst of the girls. Although noboby was hurt, the loud noise sparked general panic.
The girls vainly tried to drag Bernadette away. Her body suddenly seemed so heavy. Antoine Nicolau who heard the screams and came running from the nearby Savy Mill was able to get Bernadette out of the grotto. He, too felt how heavy her body was and how she gazed at the grotto all the way to the mill.
At the mill, Bernadette recovered her senses. Her mother, summoned by the girls, rushed to the village and nearly gave Bernadette a beating. M. Soubirous declared she would never again set foot in the grotto.
Ref: G Menotti, “Lourdes”, p4
What is the Rosary?
The word ‘Rosary’ comes from ‘rosarium’ (Latin), a garden of roses. Used since the thirteenth century, it contains one-hundred and fifty ‘Hail, Mary’s’. Sometimes called the ‘Psalter of Mary’, in imitation of the one-hundred and fifty Psalms of David in the Old Testament.
The Rosary is also referred to as the People’s Bible, because its fifteen mysteries unfold to the world God’s most sublime revelation. Pope John Paul II declared: “Against the background of the words ‘Ave, Maria’ there pass before the eyes of the soul the main episodes in the life of Jesus Christ. They are composed altogether of the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries, and they put us in living communion with Jesus through, we could say, His Mother’s heart.
“At the same time our heart can enclose in these decades of the Rosary all the facts that make up the life of the individual, the family, the nation, the Church and mankind. Personal matters and those of one’s neighbor, and particularly of those who are closest to us, dearest to us. Thus, in the simple prayer of the Rosary beats the rhythm of human life.”
Ref: Rev Joseph A Viano, SSP, “Two Months with Mary”, 1984, p48
THE SEVEN SUNDAYS DEVOTION TO ST. JOSEPH -- Honors the seven joys and seven sorrows of St Joseph. (Ref: “Handbook of Prayers”, Fr Charles Belmonte and Fr James Socias [Eds], 1988, pp321-3)
“What must Joseph have been, how grace must have worked through him, that he should be able to fulfill this task of the human upbringing of the Son of God.
“For Jesus must have resembled Joseph: in his way of working, in the features of his character, in his way of speaking. Jesus’ realism, his eye for detail, the way he sat at table and broke bread, his preference for using everyday situations to give doctrine -- all this reflects his childhood and the influence of Joseph.
“It’s not possible to ignore this sublime mystery: Jesus who is man, who speaks with the accent of a particular district of Israel, who resembles a carpenter called Joseph, is the Son of God.”
Ref: St Josemaria Escrivà, “In Joseph’s Workshop” in “Christ is passing by”, 40
The third sorrow and joy of St Joseph -- His sorrow when he saw Jesus’ blood shed in circumcision, his joy in giving him the name Jesus.
“When the eighth day came and the Child was to be circumcised, they gave him the name Jesus, the name the angel had given him before his conception.” (Lk 2:21)
“Interior life is nothing but continual and direct conversation with Christ, so as to become one with him. And Joseph can tell us many things about Jesus. Therefore, never neglect devotion to him ...”
Ref: St Josemaria Escrivà, “In Joseph’s Workshop”, 56
Memorial: St Cyril, monk and St Methodius, bishop -- Brothers, the youngest and oldest, respectively, from a family of seven children. Born in Thessalonica (Greece), their father was a high official in the Byzantine Empire. John Paul II proclaimed them patron saints of Europe, with St Benedict, abbot. (Fr James Socias et al [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, p1482)
The evangelization of the Slavic peoples
“Cyril and Methodius carried out their missionary service in union both with the Church of Constantinople, and with Peter’s Roman See ... In this way they manifested the unity of the Church ...” (cf John Paul II, “Egregiae virtutis”, 31 December 1980)
“... the European identity is not understandable without Christianity. It is precisely in Christianity that are found those common roots by which the continent has seen its civilization mature: its culture, dynamism, activity, and capacity for constructive expansion in other continents as well. In all that makes up its glory.” (cf idem “Address”, Santiago de Compostela, 9 November 1982, 2)
The very name, Europe is fairly recent. The region was known as ‘Christendom’ for many centuries. (cf L Suarez, “The Christian roots of Europe”, Madrid 1986) A multitude of races and cultures came together through the Church and based their co-existence on Christian principles.
“... an endeavor full of triumphs and apparent failures, to which each people contributed their particular genius. As always, the Providence of God was predicated on the cooperation of men. Above all, the conversion of Europe was a religious phenomenon which at the same time figured as an essential factor in the development of Western culture.” (cf J Orlandis, “The Conversion of Europe to Christianity”, Madrid, 1988)
We must christianize the world we know in our ordinary lives: to bring faith and optimism without fear of the difficulties. “If there are many obstacles, there will be abundant grace available. God himself will move the obstacles by using us as his instruments.” (cf Alvaro del Portillo, “Letter”, 25 December 1985, 10)
We can suggest that new homeowners have their house blessed; and to encourage them to hang images of our Lady to give honor to the Mother of God.
We turn to Holy Mary, ‘Queen of the world’. Let us ask her that ‘the Church be rejuvenated, that she be firmly united, that her faithful be renewed in desires for holiness and apostolate’. We pray that Christ might reign in all hearts, in all human activities. (Ibid, 12)
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 6:105-10
Pessimism
“We lack faith. The day we practise this virtue, trusting in God and in his Mother, we will be daring and loyal. God, who is the same God as ever, will work miracles through our hands.
“Grant me, dear Jesus, the faith I truly desire. My Mother, sweet Lady, Mary most holy, make me really believe.”
Ref: St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 235)
You can! -- If it is God who lays the burden upon you, God will also give you the strength to bear it. (Ibid, 325)
Our Lady of Hope (Tajon, Mexico) (http://www.starharbor.com/santiago/m feasts.html)
Our Lady of Bourbourg, in Flanders. It is asserted that this image having been struck by a wicked man, in the year 1383, the sacrilegious wretch fell dead on the spot. — Bzovius, ex Archivis ecclesiae Burburg. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com); (http://www.divine will.org/feastofourlady.htm)
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
13 February 2010: On acquiring and becoming confirmed in humility
If we desire the friendship of any one, we avoid what could hurt him. If, then, we desire humility to describe our life, we must beware that nothing in our thoughts, words, or actions would hint of pride or nurture vanity.
Consider these: 1) avoid complacency about past good actions; but rather contrast them to our sins; 2) meet temptations of pride by interior acts of humility; 3) avoid speaking of ourselves, either well or ill, without sufficient cause; 4) seek not to dominate in conversation, or to impose our opinion on others; and 5) we must avoid ostentation, immodesty, pretence and anything that wounds humility.
Moral virtues are never infused. We must acquire them for ourselves, and diligently practise them. Thus, the maxims: ‘There is no humility without humiliations.’ Or ‘humiliation is the best way to learn humility’. What hinders us is a want of courage to deny ourselves. God, however, takes pity on us, and sends us humiliations.
These may come as mental sufferings, doubts, scruples, painful and humiliating temptations which oblige us to seek help. Or debilitating sickness makes us useless when we had thought ourselves indispensable. It may be some cruel calumny which attacks our reputation. A painful misunderstanding arises despite our most anxious efforts.
God permits them for our good, for aspiring to a high degree of humility. Instead of complaining, profit from them. Cast down, pray as King David did: ‘It is good for me that Thou hast humbled me.’
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp376-8
The humility of John the Baptist
The whole of John’s life is determined by his mission: as the voice that announces Jesus. His vocation will be to prepare, for Jesus, a people capable of receiving the Kingdom of God. Concurrently, he is to give public testimony of Him. John will not seek personal fulfilment through his work, but to prepare a perfect people for the Lord.
John will fulfil his mission not because it appeals to him, but because he was conceived for this very purpose. This is what all apostolate is about: forgetting oneself and developing a true concern for others. He was to carry out his task to the full, even to the extent of giving up his life in fulfilment of his vocation.
Many came to know Jesus through John the Baptist’s apostolic work. By his express indication, the first disciples followed Jesus. And many others were inwardly prepared by his preaching. One’s vocation embraces one’s whole life; and our whole being works towards fulfilment of the divine mission.
In our place and concerns, each of us has a God-given vocation. The Divine Will desires many other things which depend on fulfilment of that vocation. “Many great things depend, don’t forget it, on whether you and I live our lives as God wants.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Way”, 755) Do we bring people around us closer to God? Do we give good example in our work, at home?
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 1:58-9
Christian humility
This supernatural virtue is unique because it comes from above. It recognizes the difference between Greek ‘eros’ where the human tends upwardly toward the Divine and Christian ‘agape’ where the Divine stoops down toward us. Humility governs our relationship to God and neighbor.
The Incarnation struck at the indigence and arrogant pride of our humanity in allowing the God-Man to suffer exile, persecution and death to relieve that poverty. Utterly sinless, Christ showed on Calvary how sinners should live humility. Not a creature as we are, but He submitted to the Will of the Father in everything; and became our model of humility.
Humility opens us to the grace of God to better resist temptations. The foundation of prayer and the spiritual life, humility facilitates discipleship and imitation of Christ. It is also a natural virtue which opposes pride, arrogance and vanity, the roots of all evil. Humility promotes an upright conscience; leads to prudence, astuteness and thoughtfulness.
Ref: “Our Sunday Visitor’s Catholic Encyclopedia”, 1991, 490-91
Consumer Society
Man, with his planetary dimension, was never so much aware of all the forces he is capable of putting to use and setting to his own service. Never has he made such use of them. From this point of view, and in this dimension, conviction concerning the progress of mankind is fully justified.
In countries and circles with greater technical progress and greater material well-being, side by side with this conviction, goes an attitude which we usually describe as consumer-oriented. This testifies to the fact that the conviction of the progress of man is only partly justified. Indeed, it testifies that the direction taken by progress can kill what is most profoundly and most essentially human in man.
The consumer attitude does not take into account all the truth about man. Neither the historical truth, nor the social truth, nor the interior and the metaphysical truth. Rather it is a flight from that reality. Man is created for happiness.
Yes! But man’s happiness is not identified with enjoyment! In such enjoyment the consumer-oriented man loses the full dimension of his humanity; he loses the deeper feeling and meaning of life. So, such a direction of progress kills what is most deeply and essentially human in man.
Ref: cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, p98
Recovery
“We have to love the Blessed Virgin Mary more. We will never love her enough.
“Love her a lot! It shouldn’t be enough for you to put up pictures for her, and greet them, and say aspirations. You should learn to offer her, in your strenuous life, some small sacrifice each day, to show her your love, and to show her the kind of love that we want the whole human race to proclaim for her.”
Ref: St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge” 527
Our Lady of Pellevoisin (France) (http://www.divine will.org/feastofourlady.htm)
Our Lady of the Hot Oven (Bourges, France) (http://www.starharbor.com/santiago/m feasts.html)
Our Lady du Four Chaud, at Bourges, so called because, in the year 545, a man is said to have shut up his son in a hot oven, for he had received baptism and communicated on Easter Sunday; he was taken out sound and whole, through the protection of Our Lady. A church was built to the Blessed Virgin in memory of this event. -— Annales de France sous Childebert. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Consider these: 1) avoid complacency about past good actions; but rather contrast them to our sins; 2) meet temptations of pride by interior acts of humility; 3) avoid speaking of ourselves, either well or ill, without sufficient cause; 4) seek not to dominate in conversation, or to impose our opinion on others; and 5) we must avoid ostentation, immodesty, pretence and anything that wounds humility.
Moral virtues are never infused. We must acquire them for ourselves, and diligently practise them. Thus, the maxims: ‘There is no humility without humiliations.’ Or ‘humiliation is the best way to learn humility’. What hinders us is a want of courage to deny ourselves. God, however, takes pity on us, and sends us humiliations.
These may come as mental sufferings, doubts, scruples, painful and humiliating temptations which oblige us to seek help. Or debilitating sickness makes us useless when we had thought ourselves indispensable. It may be some cruel calumny which attacks our reputation. A painful misunderstanding arises despite our most anxious efforts.
God permits them for our good, for aspiring to a high degree of humility. Instead of complaining, profit from them. Cast down, pray as King David did: ‘It is good for me that Thou hast humbled me.’
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp376-8
The humility of John the Baptist
The whole of John’s life is determined by his mission: as the voice that announces Jesus. His vocation will be to prepare, for Jesus, a people capable of receiving the Kingdom of God. Concurrently, he is to give public testimony of Him. John will not seek personal fulfilment through his work, but to prepare a perfect people for the Lord.
John will fulfil his mission not because it appeals to him, but because he was conceived for this very purpose. This is what all apostolate is about: forgetting oneself and developing a true concern for others. He was to carry out his task to the full, even to the extent of giving up his life in fulfilment of his vocation.
Many came to know Jesus through John the Baptist’s apostolic work. By his express indication, the first disciples followed Jesus. And many others were inwardly prepared by his preaching. One’s vocation embraces one’s whole life; and our whole being works towards fulfilment of the divine mission.
In our place and concerns, each of us has a God-given vocation. The Divine Will desires many other things which depend on fulfilment of that vocation. “Many great things depend, don’t forget it, on whether you and I live our lives as God wants.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Way”, 755) Do we bring people around us closer to God? Do we give good example in our work, at home?
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 1:58-9
Christian humility
This supernatural virtue is unique because it comes from above. It recognizes the difference between Greek ‘eros’ where the human tends upwardly toward the Divine and Christian ‘agape’ where the Divine stoops down toward us. Humility governs our relationship to God and neighbor.
The Incarnation struck at the indigence and arrogant pride of our humanity in allowing the God-Man to suffer exile, persecution and death to relieve that poverty. Utterly sinless, Christ showed on Calvary how sinners should live humility. Not a creature as we are, but He submitted to the Will of the Father in everything; and became our model of humility.
Humility opens us to the grace of God to better resist temptations. The foundation of prayer and the spiritual life, humility facilitates discipleship and imitation of Christ. It is also a natural virtue which opposes pride, arrogance and vanity, the roots of all evil. Humility promotes an upright conscience; leads to prudence, astuteness and thoughtfulness.
Ref: “Our Sunday Visitor’s Catholic Encyclopedia”, 1991, 490-91
Consumer Society
Man, with his planetary dimension, was never so much aware of all the forces he is capable of putting to use and setting to his own service. Never has he made such use of them. From this point of view, and in this dimension, conviction concerning the progress of mankind is fully justified.
In countries and circles with greater technical progress and greater material well-being, side by side with this conviction, goes an attitude which we usually describe as consumer-oriented. This testifies to the fact that the conviction of the progress of man is only partly justified. Indeed, it testifies that the direction taken by progress can kill what is most profoundly and most essentially human in man.
The consumer attitude does not take into account all the truth about man. Neither the historical truth, nor the social truth, nor the interior and the metaphysical truth. Rather it is a flight from that reality. Man is created for happiness.
Yes! But man’s happiness is not identified with enjoyment! In such enjoyment the consumer-oriented man loses the full dimension of his humanity; he loses the deeper feeling and meaning of life. So, such a direction of progress kills what is most deeply and essentially human in man.
Ref: cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, p98
Recovery
“We have to love the Blessed Virgin Mary more. We will never love her enough.
“Love her a lot! It shouldn’t be enough for you to put up pictures for her, and greet them, and say aspirations. You should learn to offer her, in your strenuous life, some small sacrifice each day, to show her your love, and to show her the kind of love that we want the whole human race to proclaim for her.”
Ref: St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge” 527
Our Lady of Pellevoisin (France) (http://www.divine will.org/feastofourlady.htm)
Our Lady of the Hot Oven (Bourges, France) (http://www.starharbor.com/santiago/m feasts.html)
Our Lady du Four Chaud, at Bourges, so called because, in the year 545, a man is said to have shut up his son in a hot oven, for he had received baptism and communicated on Easter Sunday; he was taken out sound and whole, through the protection of Our Lady. A church was built to the Blessed Virgin in memory of this event. -— Annales de France sous Childebert. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Thursday, February 11, 2010
12 February 2010: More on Humility
Humility is like the “pearl of great price” (Mt 13:45) and, like the merchant in the parable, we shall gladly sell all because we must buy it. Many think that humility is something forced and unnatural. In reality, it is most conformable to truth and justice. Except for the disorder due to original sin, we should all be naturally humble.
Some think that humility forbids us to: 1) conceal our faults; 2) sustain our just rights and privileges; 3) let our talents be known; and 4) allow ourselves to be esteemed for our wise and careful direction of affairs.
All this is a mistake. None of these things is contrary to humility when they are necessary for the glory of God, or the good of souls; and when we have no other aim, no desire for our own interests or exaltation.
Some equate humility with cowardice; that a humble man must avoid great or novel works. On the contrary, when a proud man recoils before trials and fears failure, the humble man, ignoring such thoughts, moves steadily forward. He says with St Paul: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Phil 4:14)
Behold Mary, the most humble of creatures. She acknowledges to all the world the great privileges and graces she has received -- “He that is mighty has done great things to me.” (Lk 1:49) She ascribes all glory to God: “My soul magnifies the Lord.” (Lk 1:46)
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp374-6
Our Blessed Mother’s gift and example
To the world for all of us to imitate, she magnified God’s glory. Mary’s will was God’s Will, and she was open to his gifts. Mary’s role is that of model and intercessor before the throne of God on behalf of all mankind, as the words of this beautiful hymn proclaim: “You are all beautiful, O Mary, and the stain of original sin is not in you. You are the glory of Jerusalem, You are the joy of Israel. You are most honored by our people; Intercede for us to the Lord, Jesus Christ.”
Ref: Ted and Maureen Flynn, “The Thunder of Justice”, pp83-4
A humble person hates ‘to show off’
He knows very well that the position he occupies is for service, not to receive compliments. And should he be in a place of honour, “this position of excellence has been given to him by God so that he may become useful to others, from which it follows that ... as the witness of others ought to be pleasing to him, so much the more should he contribute to their good.” (St Thomas, “Summa Theologiae”, II-II, q131)
We ought to be in our proper place, always conscious that we are in the presence of God, determined not to allow our judgment to be distorted by ambition. Much less should we be led by vanity into a mad scramble for higher and higher positions for which we might be incompetent and later on will lead to our humiliation.
This does not mean that God has not called us to make the best use of our talents and to make many sacrifices in using our time well. On the contrary, humility is opposed to a lack of the right intention in one’s work, clearly a symptom of pride. The humble person knows his place, however exalted or lowly it may be.
Another manifestation of humility is not making negative judgments about other people. The awareness of our own weakness will deter us from entertaining “a bad thought about anyone, even if the words or conduct of the person in question give good grounds for doing so.” (cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Way”, 442) We regard others with respect and understanding.
Among the ways of attaining humility is, firstly, ardently to desire, value and ask God for it. Then aim to foster docility in resolutely carrying out the advice received in spiritual direction, to receive fraternal correction joyfully and gratefully, and to accept humiliation in silence for love of God. Jesus is the supreme example of humility.
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 1:202-3
The Mystery of Creation
“Let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the Lord who made us, for He is our God; we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides.” (Ps 95:11) ‘Come, let us adore!’
This prayer contains an invitation addressed to the human intellect and to the will and the heart as well. It is the most fundamental invitation: come out and go to meet God, who is the Creator! Your Creator!
With God, to whom everything which is, owes its existence. With God, who, as Creator, stands ‘above’ all creation, above the cosmos, and at the same time embraces and penetrates this cosmos to the farthest depths, to the essence of all things.
‘Come out to meet God, who is the Creator!’ This is the prime, fundamental call to understanding enlightened by faith; indeed it is the prime invitation to understanding, sincerely seeking the Truth along the paths of science and philosophical reflection.
Confirmation of this might be found in the declarations of men of science over the centuries and in our own age as well. Newton, for example, affirmed, and I quote, that ‘an intelligent and powerful Being ... governs all things, not as the soul of the world, but as Lord of the universe, and because of his dominion He is usually called Lord God, Pantocrator’.
Einstein, for his part maintained that ‘science without religion is lame, and religion without science is blind.’ He said: ‘I desire to know how God created the world. I am not interested in this or that phenomenon, nor in the spectre of a chemical element. I wish to know God’s thought: the rest is detail.’
Ref: cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, pp95-6
You can! -- “Dear Lady, Mother of God, and my Mother, not in the remotest way do I wish that you may ever be anything less than Mistress and Empress of the whole of creation.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 376)
Our Lady of Argenteuil, near Paris, built by Clovis I, in the year 101. This priory preserves a portion of the seamless garment of our Lord. — Thomas Bosius, lib. ix., de Signis, ecclesiae, o. 9. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com); (http://www.divine will.org/feastofourlady.htm)
The Virgin of Mt Athos (Moscow, Russia) (http://www.starharbor.com/santiago/m feasts.html)
Some think that humility forbids us to: 1) conceal our faults; 2) sustain our just rights and privileges; 3) let our talents be known; and 4) allow ourselves to be esteemed for our wise and careful direction of affairs.
All this is a mistake. None of these things is contrary to humility when they are necessary for the glory of God, or the good of souls; and when we have no other aim, no desire for our own interests or exaltation.
Some equate humility with cowardice; that a humble man must avoid great or novel works. On the contrary, when a proud man recoils before trials and fears failure, the humble man, ignoring such thoughts, moves steadily forward. He says with St Paul: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Phil 4:14)
Behold Mary, the most humble of creatures. She acknowledges to all the world the great privileges and graces she has received -- “He that is mighty has done great things to me.” (Lk 1:49) She ascribes all glory to God: “My soul magnifies the Lord.” (Lk 1:46)
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp374-6
Our Blessed Mother’s gift and example
To the world for all of us to imitate, she magnified God’s glory. Mary’s will was God’s Will, and she was open to his gifts. Mary’s role is that of model and intercessor before the throne of God on behalf of all mankind, as the words of this beautiful hymn proclaim: “You are all beautiful, O Mary, and the stain of original sin is not in you. You are the glory of Jerusalem, You are the joy of Israel. You are most honored by our people; Intercede for us to the Lord, Jesus Christ.”
Ref: Ted and Maureen Flynn, “The Thunder of Justice”, pp83-4
A humble person hates ‘to show off’
He knows very well that the position he occupies is for service, not to receive compliments. And should he be in a place of honour, “this position of excellence has been given to him by God so that he may become useful to others, from which it follows that ... as the witness of others ought to be pleasing to him, so much the more should he contribute to their good.” (St Thomas, “Summa Theologiae”, II-II, q131)
We ought to be in our proper place, always conscious that we are in the presence of God, determined not to allow our judgment to be distorted by ambition. Much less should we be led by vanity into a mad scramble for higher and higher positions for which we might be incompetent and later on will lead to our humiliation.
This does not mean that God has not called us to make the best use of our talents and to make many sacrifices in using our time well. On the contrary, humility is opposed to a lack of the right intention in one’s work, clearly a symptom of pride. The humble person knows his place, however exalted or lowly it may be.
Another manifestation of humility is not making negative judgments about other people. The awareness of our own weakness will deter us from entertaining “a bad thought about anyone, even if the words or conduct of the person in question give good grounds for doing so.” (cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Way”, 442) We regard others with respect and understanding.
Among the ways of attaining humility is, firstly, ardently to desire, value and ask God for it. Then aim to foster docility in resolutely carrying out the advice received in spiritual direction, to receive fraternal correction joyfully and gratefully, and to accept humiliation in silence for love of God. Jesus is the supreme example of humility.
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 1:202-3
The Mystery of Creation
“Let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the Lord who made us, for He is our God; we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides.” (Ps 95:11) ‘Come, let us adore!’
This prayer contains an invitation addressed to the human intellect and to the will and the heart as well. It is the most fundamental invitation: come out and go to meet God, who is the Creator! Your Creator!
With God, to whom everything which is, owes its existence. With God, who, as Creator, stands ‘above’ all creation, above the cosmos, and at the same time embraces and penetrates this cosmos to the farthest depths, to the essence of all things.
‘Come out to meet God, who is the Creator!’ This is the prime, fundamental call to understanding enlightened by faith; indeed it is the prime invitation to understanding, sincerely seeking the Truth along the paths of science and philosophical reflection.
Confirmation of this might be found in the declarations of men of science over the centuries and in our own age as well. Newton, for example, affirmed, and I quote, that ‘an intelligent and powerful Being ... governs all things, not as the soul of the world, but as Lord of the universe, and because of his dominion He is usually called Lord God, Pantocrator’.
Einstein, for his part maintained that ‘science without religion is lame, and religion without science is blind.’ He said: ‘I desire to know how God created the world. I am not interested in this or that phenomenon, nor in the spectre of a chemical element. I wish to know God’s thought: the rest is detail.’
Ref: cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, pp95-6
You can! -- “Dear Lady, Mother of God, and my Mother, not in the remotest way do I wish that you may ever be anything less than Mistress and Empress of the whole of creation.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 376)
Our Lady of Argenteuil, near Paris, built by Clovis I, in the year 101. This priory preserves a portion of the seamless garment of our Lord. — Thomas Bosius, lib. ix., de Signis, ecclesiae, o. 9. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com); (http://www.divine will.org/feastofourlady.htm)
The Virgin of Mt Athos (Moscow, Russia) (http://www.starharbor.com/santiago/m feasts.html)
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
11 February 2010: Memorial -- Our Lady of Lourdes
On this day in 1858, the Blessed Virgin Mary began to appear to fourteen-year old Marie Bernade Soubiros. There were eighteen apparitions; the last was on 16 July 1858. The message of Lourdes is a call to personal conversion, prayer, and charity. (Fr James Socias et al [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, p1481)
Lourdes: The first apparition
In 1858, this day fell on a melancholy rainy Thursday. There was no firewood at the house, as the last bundle had been sold to procure some food. Bernadette, her sister Toinette, and their friend Jeanne Abadie, nicknamed Baloume, volunteered to go down by the Gave river and gather some wood.
The three little girls started off towards the river, and crossed the canal whose waters drove the Savy Mill, until they reached the Isle of Chalet. Opposite the place where the canal and river met, there was a huge rock overlying an elongated grotto about eight yards long. Everyone called the spot Massabielle (old cliff).
From their vantage point the children saw a nice pile of driftwood by the Gave, but they would have to cross the stream to reach it. Bernadette, who was not too keen about wading into the ice-cold water, hesitated a bit while the other girls were already on their way.
Bernadette, well aware of her poor health asked her companions to place some stepping stones in the water so she could avoid wetting her legs, but to no avail. She would have to take off her stockings, the little luxury which served as a bit of protection for her frail body.
Bernadette began undoing the first stocking. At this point she heard a strong gust of wind blowing but when she turned around, all was still and the trees weren’t the slightest bit ruffled. She resumed undoing the stocking, but she heard the same noise again. She raised her head and saw a woman standing in the grotto.
Bernadette described her as dressed in white with a white veil over her head, a skyblue girdle, and a rose on each foot. Clasped in her hands was a rosary of white beads. “Then I put my hand in my pocket and took out my rosary. I wanted to cross myself but I just couldn’t get my hand up to my forehead, it was glued to my side”, she recounted.
When the Lady clad in white then raised the rosary and crossed herself, Bernadette managed to imitate her. At the end of this mystic recital of the Rosary, the Lady beckoned Bernadette towards her, but Bernadette was too frightened and the vision suddenly disappeared.
Bernadette couldn’t resist asking the other girls if they had seen anything. They replied that they hadn’t, but that they had noticed her acting a bit oddly. The question made them curious. All the way home they begged her to confide in them. She confided in her sister Toinette alone the brief encounter in the grotto.
Toinette, however, reported everything to their mother who, frightened, hastened to question Bernadette. Her daughter’s brief replies scared her even more; Bernadette was probably running a fever. She good-naturedly scolded the child and ended the matter by forbidding Bernadette to set foot in Massabielle again.
Ref: G Menotti, “Lourdes”, p3
Lourdes: Suffering, Sanctified and Sanctifying
The reality of faith, of hope and of charity; of the presence of the Mother of God in the mystery of Christ and His Church on earth. A presence particularly alive in that elect portion of the Church: the sick and the suffering.
If animated by faith, they turn to Lourdes. Why? Because they know that as at Cana, ‘there is the Mother of Jesus’ and where She is, her Son cannot be absent. Sick of all sort go on pilgrimage to Lourdes, borne up by hope that, through Mary, Christ’s saving power may be manifested in them ... reveals itself in the ‘spiritual sphere’ above all. ...
At Lourdes the sick discover the inestimable value of their suffering ... the meaning that pain may have in their lives, when interiorly renewed by that flame which consumes and transforms in the life of the Church ...
By the Cross of Her Son on Calvary, the Most Holy Virgin courageously shared in His Passion. She knows how to convince ever fresh souls to unite their sufferings with Christ’s sacrifice, in a joint ‘offertory’, which surpasses time and space; embraces and saves the whole of mankind.
Ref: cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, pp86-7
Learning to sanctify illness
We should feel favoured when Our Lord gives us a taste of his Cross. He may send us physical pain or other equally real forms of suffering: humiliations, failures, insults, misunderstandings within the family. At such times Christ’s redemptive work continues through us; and we become co-redeemers with him.
That pain, which had seemed useless and harmful, turns into joy and becomes a treasure. We can then say, “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions ...” (Col 1:24)
Pain “is not only of use to others, but fulfils a service for which there is no substitute. In the Body of Christ suffering, permeated by the spirit of his sacrifice, is an irreplaceable mediator and source of goods which are indispensable for salvation of the world. Suffering, more than anything else, makes present the power of the Redemption.” (John Paul II, Apostolic Letter, “Salvifici doloris”, 27, 11 Feb 1984)
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 3:203-4
Holy Mary, Health of the sick (‘Salus infirmorum’)
As we pray today, let us bring to Mary our every need. She knows us very well; hears our petitions, wherever we may be. This motherly assistance should fill us with peace and joy. Like small children we should not become separated from our mother in heaven.
In the intimacy of our prayer we can ask her for so many things: help in the apostolate, lights for our interior life, favors for our friends. Let us go wholeheartedly to Mary. She will always get us what we want or need, so that ‘good might be drawn from evil. Great good can be drawn from great evil.’ She will always console us. “Comfort of the afflicted, Help of Christians” ... pray for us. ...(Divine Office, “Closing prayer of Morning Prayer”)
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, Op cit, 6:99-101, 104
St. Mary of Liques, near Calais. This Premonstratensian monastery was founded in the year 1131, by Robert, Lord of Liques. -— Gallia Christiana, t. iv. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Lourdes: The first apparition
In 1858, this day fell on a melancholy rainy Thursday. There was no firewood at the house, as the last bundle had been sold to procure some food. Bernadette, her sister Toinette, and their friend Jeanne Abadie, nicknamed Baloume, volunteered to go down by the Gave river and gather some wood.
The three little girls started off towards the river, and crossed the canal whose waters drove the Savy Mill, until they reached the Isle of Chalet. Opposite the place where the canal and river met, there was a huge rock overlying an elongated grotto about eight yards long. Everyone called the spot Massabielle (old cliff).
From their vantage point the children saw a nice pile of driftwood by the Gave, but they would have to cross the stream to reach it. Bernadette, who was not too keen about wading into the ice-cold water, hesitated a bit while the other girls were already on their way.
Bernadette, well aware of her poor health asked her companions to place some stepping stones in the water so she could avoid wetting her legs, but to no avail. She would have to take off her stockings, the little luxury which served as a bit of protection for her frail body.
Bernadette began undoing the first stocking. At this point she heard a strong gust of wind blowing but when she turned around, all was still and the trees weren’t the slightest bit ruffled. She resumed undoing the stocking, but she heard the same noise again. She raised her head and saw a woman standing in the grotto.
Bernadette described her as dressed in white with a white veil over her head, a skyblue girdle, and a rose on each foot. Clasped in her hands was a rosary of white beads. “Then I put my hand in my pocket and took out my rosary. I wanted to cross myself but I just couldn’t get my hand up to my forehead, it was glued to my side”, she recounted.
When the Lady clad in white then raised the rosary and crossed herself, Bernadette managed to imitate her. At the end of this mystic recital of the Rosary, the Lady beckoned Bernadette towards her, but Bernadette was too frightened and the vision suddenly disappeared.
Bernadette couldn’t resist asking the other girls if they had seen anything. They replied that they hadn’t, but that they had noticed her acting a bit oddly. The question made them curious. All the way home they begged her to confide in them. She confided in her sister Toinette alone the brief encounter in the grotto.
Toinette, however, reported everything to their mother who, frightened, hastened to question Bernadette. Her daughter’s brief replies scared her even more; Bernadette was probably running a fever. She good-naturedly scolded the child and ended the matter by forbidding Bernadette to set foot in Massabielle again.
Ref: G Menotti, “Lourdes”, p3
Lourdes: Suffering, Sanctified and Sanctifying
The reality of faith, of hope and of charity; of the presence of the Mother of God in the mystery of Christ and His Church on earth. A presence particularly alive in that elect portion of the Church: the sick and the suffering.
If animated by faith, they turn to Lourdes. Why? Because they know that as at Cana, ‘there is the Mother of Jesus’ and where She is, her Son cannot be absent. Sick of all sort go on pilgrimage to Lourdes, borne up by hope that, through Mary, Christ’s saving power may be manifested in them ... reveals itself in the ‘spiritual sphere’ above all. ...
At Lourdes the sick discover the inestimable value of their suffering ... the meaning that pain may have in their lives, when interiorly renewed by that flame which consumes and transforms in the life of the Church ...
By the Cross of Her Son on Calvary, the Most Holy Virgin courageously shared in His Passion. She knows how to convince ever fresh souls to unite their sufferings with Christ’s sacrifice, in a joint ‘offertory’, which surpasses time and space; embraces and saves the whole of mankind.
Ref: cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, pp86-7
Learning to sanctify illness
We should feel favoured when Our Lord gives us a taste of his Cross. He may send us physical pain or other equally real forms of suffering: humiliations, failures, insults, misunderstandings within the family. At such times Christ’s redemptive work continues through us; and we become co-redeemers with him.
That pain, which had seemed useless and harmful, turns into joy and becomes a treasure. We can then say, “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions ...” (Col 1:24)
Pain “is not only of use to others, but fulfils a service for which there is no substitute. In the Body of Christ suffering, permeated by the spirit of his sacrifice, is an irreplaceable mediator and source of goods which are indispensable for salvation of the world. Suffering, more than anything else, makes present the power of the Redemption.” (John Paul II, Apostolic Letter, “Salvifici doloris”, 27, 11 Feb 1984)
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 3:203-4
Holy Mary, Health of the sick (‘Salus infirmorum’)
As we pray today, let us bring to Mary our every need. She knows us very well; hears our petitions, wherever we may be. This motherly assistance should fill us with peace and joy. Like small children we should not become separated from our mother in heaven.
In the intimacy of our prayer we can ask her for so many things: help in the apostolate, lights for our interior life, favors for our friends. Let us go wholeheartedly to Mary. She will always get us what we want or need, so that ‘good might be drawn from evil. Great good can be drawn from great evil.’ She will always console us. “Comfort of the afflicted, Help of Christians” ... pray for us. ...(Divine Office, “Closing prayer of Morning Prayer”)
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, Op cit, 6:99-101, 104
St. Mary of Liques, near Calais. This Premonstratensian monastery was founded in the year 1131, by Robert, Lord of Liques. -— Gallia Christiana, t. iv. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
10 February 2010: Memorial -- St Scholastica, virgin
Following the rule of her twin brother, St Benedict, she founded the Order of Benedictine nuns. (Fr James Socias, et al [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, p1480)
St Scholastica
These famous twins were born more than 1500 years ago at Norcia [Central Italy], that most ancient city, rich in history and art, cradle of the Benedictine Order which made mankind the magnificent gift of ‘those two great personalities’. I look with sincere admiration on all monasteries of Benedictine nuns -- it is with lively satisfaction that I apply to them the image so dear to St Benedict, who considered them ‘schools of service to God’.
Ref: cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, p86
On humility, its nature and necessity
Humility is the root of all virtues, as pride is the root of all sins. St Bernard defines it as -- ‘An acquired virtue or habit, by means of which man despises himself and desires to be despised by others’.
A stable disposition of mind and heart, it makes man see in himself only sin and the inclination to sin. He despises himself and esteems God alone, the source of all good. So that God alone may be praised and glorified, he desires and is content to be forgotten.
Let us examine our thoughts, words and actions: If we care less what God thinks of us than what men do, and are more anxious to please men than God. If we sometimes speak ill of ourselves and complain if others speak ill of us, reprove, humble or injure us.
However good and praiseworthy our actions may seem before men, if we have sought our own glory in all these, before God, we are devoid of humility.
Like faith, it is impossible to please God without humility; because we worship ourselves. There is no grace because God ‘gives grace to the humble’. Without grace we cannot merit. Without either virtue or merit we cannot enter heaven. Therefore, no salvation, no humility.
Our Lord expressly said, “Unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 19:14). Prompted by the dispute among his Apostles as to who should be the greatest, he thereupon especially referred to the ‘humility’ and ‘simplicity’ of children.
Thus, there can be no progress in perfection without humility. We are useless, or almost useless, to others. And yet we must labor for their salvation. How can God bless our labor in which we seek our own glory?
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp372-4
The Pope Speaks to the Sick
God allows suffering to exist in the world, but he does not enjoy it. Indeed, our Lord Jesus Christ ‘loved the sick’; he devoted a great part of his earthly ministry to healing the sick and comforting the afflicted.
Our God is a God of compassion and consolation. And he expects us to take the ordinary means to prevent, relieve and remove suffering and sickness. But despite preventive health-care programs, suffering and sickness still exist.
A Christian sees ‘meaning in suffering’. He bears such suffering with patience, love of God and generosity. He offers it all to God, through Christ, especially during the Sacrifice of the Mass. When a sick person receives Holy Communion he is united with Christ the Victim.
When suffering is associated with Christ’s Passion and redemptive death, then it acquires a great value for the individual, for the Church and for society. This is the meaning of those wonderful words of St Paul on which we must meditate repeatedly. ‘Now I find my joy in the suffering I endure for you. In my own flesh I fill up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ for the sake of his body, the church.’
I also know personally what it means to be sick and to stay in the hospital for a long time and how it is possible to comfort and support others who share the same lot of confinement and suffering; and how necessary it is to pray for the sick and to show them one’s loving concern.
Ref: cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, pp87-8
The sick: God’s favoured children
Jesus revealed himself to the disciples sent to him by John the Baptist by drawing their attention to what they had seen and heard: “the blind receive their sight, the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear; the dead are raised, the poor have the Good News preached to them” (cf Mt 11:5).
Our Lord wants his disciples to imitate him by showing effective compassion towards the sick; and suffer pain. “The Church encompasses with her love all those afflicted by human misery, and recognizes in those who are poor and who suffer, the image of her poor and suffering founder. She does all in her power to relieve their need and in their persons she strives to serve Christ.” (cf Second Vatican Council, “Lumen Gentium”, 8)
“He who loves his neighbor must do as much good for his body as for his soul. This does not consist only in calling the doctor, but also in caring for his neighbor’s welfare: his food, drink, clothing, lodging, and protecting his body from anything that might be harmful to him ... They are merciful who put consideration and humanity into providing what is necessary for resisting any type of evil and alleviating pain.” (St Augustine, “On the customs of the Catholic Church”, 1,28,56)
We turn to Our Lady, she “who standing valiantly beside the Cross of her Son on Calvary (cf Jn 19:25), shared in his passion, and always knows how to win over new souls so that they unite their own suffering to Christ’s sacrifice in an ‘offertory’ which, transcending time and space, encompasses the whole of mankind and saves it.” (John Paul II, “Homily”, 11 Nov, 1980)
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 3:199-200, 205
Recovery
“Our Lady. Who could be a better Teacher of the love of God than this Queen, this Lady, this Mother, who has the closest bond with the Trinity: Daughter of God the Father, Mother of God the Son, Spouse of God the Holy Spirit? And at the same time she is our Mother!
“Go and pray personally for her intercession.”
Ref: St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 555
Our Lady of the Dove (Bologna, Italy) (http://www.divine will.org/feastofourlady.htm)
Our Lady of the Dove, near Bologna, in Italy, built, it is said, in a place which a dove designated, by flying round and round, for two days, about certain masons who were at work, and to whom it seemed to mark out a certain site.—(Triple Couronne, n. 107.) ( “Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
St Scholastica
These famous twins were born more than 1500 years ago at Norcia [Central Italy], that most ancient city, rich in history and art, cradle of the Benedictine Order which made mankind the magnificent gift of ‘those two great personalities’. I look with sincere admiration on all monasteries of Benedictine nuns -- it is with lively satisfaction that I apply to them the image so dear to St Benedict, who considered them ‘schools of service to God’.
Ref: cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, p86
On humility, its nature and necessity
Humility is the root of all virtues, as pride is the root of all sins. St Bernard defines it as -- ‘An acquired virtue or habit, by means of which man despises himself and desires to be despised by others’.
A stable disposition of mind and heart, it makes man see in himself only sin and the inclination to sin. He despises himself and esteems God alone, the source of all good. So that God alone may be praised and glorified, he desires and is content to be forgotten.
Let us examine our thoughts, words and actions: If we care less what God thinks of us than what men do, and are more anxious to please men than God. If we sometimes speak ill of ourselves and complain if others speak ill of us, reprove, humble or injure us.
However good and praiseworthy our actions may seem before men, if we have sought our own glory in all these, before God, we are devoid of humility.
Like faith, it is impossible to please God without humility; because we worship ourselves. There is no grace because God ‘gives grace to the humble’. Without grace we cannot merit. Without either virtue or merit we cannot enter heaven. Therefore, no salvation, no humility.
Our Lord expressly said, “Unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 19:14). Prompted by the dispute among his Apostles as to who should be the greatest, he thereupon especially referred to the ‘humility’ and ‘simplicity’ of children.
Thus, there can be no progress in perfection without humility. We are useless, or almost useless, to others. And yet we must labor for their salvation. How can God bless our labor in which we seek our own glory?
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp372-4
The Pope Speaks to the Sick
God allows suffering to exist in the world, but he does not enjoy it. Indeed, our Lord Jesus Christ ‘loved the sick’; he devoted a great part of his earthly ministry to healing the sick and comforting the afflicted.
Our God is a God of compassion and consolation. And he expects us to take the ordinary means to prevent, relieve and remove suffering and sickness. But despite preventive health-care programs, suffering and sickness still exist.
A Christian sees ‘meaning in suffering’. He bears such suffering with patience, love of God and generosity. He offers it all to God, through Christ, especially during the Sacrifice of the Mass. When a sick person receives Holy Communion he is united with Christ the Victim.
When suffering is associated with Christ’s Passion and redemptive death, then it acquires a great value for the individual, for the Church and for society. This is the meaning of those wonderful words of St Paul on which we must meditate repeatedly. ‘Now I find my joy in the suffering I endure for you. In my own flesh I fill up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ for the sake of his body, the church.’
I also know personally what it means to be sick and to stay in the hospital for a long time and how it is possible to comfort and support others who share the same lot of confinement and suffering; and how necessary it is to pray for the sick and to show them one’s loving concern.
Ref: cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, pp87-8
The sick: God’s favoured children
Jesus revealed himself to the disciples sent to him by John the Baptist by drawing their attention to what they had seen and heard: “the blind receive their sight, the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear; the dead are raised, the poor have the Good News preached to them” (cf Mt 11:5).
Our Lord wants his disciples to imitate him by showing effective compassion towards the sick; and suffer pain. “The Church encompasses with her love all those afflicted by human misery, and recognizes in those who are poor and who suffer, the image of her poor and suffering founder. She does all in her power to relieve their need and in their persons she strives to serve Christ.” (cf Second Vatican Council, “Lumen Gentium”, 8)
“He who loves his neighbor must do as much good for his body as for his soul. This does not consist only in calling the doctor, but also in caring for his neighbor’s welfare: his food, drink, clothing, lodging, and protecting his body from anything that might be harmful to him ... They are merciful who put consideration and humanity into providing what is necessary for resisting any type of evil and alleviating pain.” (St Augustine, “On the customs of the Catholic Church”, 1,28,56)
We turn to Our Lady, she “who standing valiantly beside the Cross of her Son on Calvary (cf Jn 19:25), shared in his passion, and always knows how to win over new souls so that they unite their own suffering to Christ’s sacrifice in an ‘offertory’ which, transcending time and space, encompasses the whole of mankind and saves it.” (John Paul II, “Homily”, 11 Nov, 1980)
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 3:199-200, 205
Recovery
“Our Lady. Who could be a better Teacher of the love of God than this Queen, this Lady, this Mother, who has the closest bond with the Trinity: Daughter of God the Father, Mother of God the Son, Spouse of God the Holy Spirit? And at the same time she is our Mother!
“Go and pray personally for her intercession.”
Ref: St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 555
Our Lady of the Dove (Bologna, Italy) (http://www.divine will.org/feastofourlady.htm)
Our Lady of the Dove, near Bologna, in Italy, built, it is said, in a place which a dove designated, by flying round and round, for two days, about certain masons who were at work, and to whom it seemed to mark out a certain site.—(Triple Couronne, n. 107.) ( “Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Monday, February 8, 2010
9 February 2010: On pride and its fatal effects
Pride is the inordinate love of self. Vainglory and ambition follow which in turn produce intrigues, hypocrisy, human respect. From these proceed lying, falsification, disobedience, obstinacy, contentions, divisions. The consequences are selfishness and jealousy which lead to numerous sins against charity.
Does the success of others annoy us? Do we rejoice at their misfortunes; hurt them by rash judgments -- by detraction, calumny, malicious insinuations?
To be secure against the attacks of envy and other unruly passions, we must trace them to their source, pride, the result of original sin. As the Holy Spirit teaches: ‘Never suffer pride to reign in thy mind or in thy words, for from it all perdition took its beginning.’
The desire for personal glory is directly opposed to the cardinal virtue of justice: To every one his due. God alone, the sole author of all that is good and excellent in his creatures, deserves the glory. But the proud man exalts himself because of his gifts, either of nature or grace. He uses them to exact the praise and esteem of others thereby putting himself in the place of God.
‘Every proud man is an abomination to the Lord. ... God resists the proud, but to the humble he gives grace.’
To clearly understand the sin of pride in God’s sight and to develop a horror of it, recall -- 1) what happened to the angels who refused to serve God; and 2) how our first parents were banished from Paradise.
The proud is wretched because he is perpetually tormented by the desire to increase his reputation and the fear of losing it; always agitated by dark suspicions or vain apprehensions. His labors and struggles will have no reward in heaven. “They have already received their reward” (Mt 6:2), as Jesus told the proud Pharisees.
“Learn of me because I am meek and humble of heart.” (Mt 11:29) Need we say more?
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations”, by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp370-72
Pride perverts all
Jesus was speaking to men who considered themselves to be just and despised others. He, therefore, related this parable: “... two men went up to the Temple to pray, one a Pharisee, the other a publican. ...” (Lk 18:10)
The Pharisees considered themselves who fulfilled the Law to perfection. They looked down on publicans for exacting taxes imposed by the occupying power (Romans), and were regarded to love their detested profession more than fulfilling the Law.
“O God, I give you thanks because I am not like other men, thieves, unjust, adulterers; not one such as this publican here. I fast twice a week; I contribute a tenth of all I possess ...” (Lk 18:11-14)
Instead of praising God he begins to praise himself. Everything he did was good; but pride defeated the goodness. He claimed merit for himself and had contempt for others. Devoid of humility and charity there can be neither good works nor virtue.
The Pharisee stood where he could be seen with an attitude of self-complacency, a great deal of ‘self-satisfaction’. He compares himself with others and feels superior in fulfilling the Law better.
Pride is the greatest obstacle we can put in the way of divine grace. Deeply rooted in man (in his disordered self-love), there is nothing more difficult than to uproot pride or even to recognize it for what it is.
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:151-5
The Family as a Domestic Church
The Church prays for the Christian family and educates it to live in generous understanding of the priestly gift and task, which are received from Christ the high Priest. In reality, the baptismal priesthood of the faithful, when lived in the sacrament of matrimony, constitutes the foundation of a priestly vocation and mission for the spouses and for the family. Their daily existence is thereby transformed into ‘spiritual sacrifices pleasing to God through Jesus Christ.’ ...
The dignity and responsibility of the Christian family as a Domestic Church can be lived only with incessant aid from God. This will be unfailingly granted if it be implored with humility and trust in prayer.
Ref: cf cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, p381
Family prayer
Jesus frequently teaches that salvation and consequent union with God is a personal matter. But He also desires that we support and help one another towards our final goal.
“I say to you ... if two of you shall agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst.” (cf Mt 18:19-20)
Prayer in common (cf Acts 12:5) has been practised in the Church since time immemorial. It is not opposed to, nor can it be substituted for, by private prayer which intimately unites the Christian to Christ. Family prayer is in a special way very pleasing to Our Lord. It communicates a special fortitude to the whole family.
We love Our Lord’s holy Will, and with Him, families instead of disintegrating are united more strongly together and with God. Our Blessed Mother will bring us closer to the Holy Family, the Holy Trinity on earth.
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, op cit, 4:555-7
Octave of the Purification of Our Lady, instituted in the Cathedral of Saintes, on account, it is said, of the bells having been heard to ring most sweetly of themselves. The sacristans having run to the church, saw several unknown men holding lighted tapers and melodiously chanting hymns in honor of the Blessed Virgin, who is venerated in a chapel of this church under the title of Our Lady of Miracles, and approaching softly, they besought one of the last of that august number to give them his taper, in proof of the miracle. This taper is religiously preserved in that church. -— Saussey, Martyrologium Qallicum, Feb. 9. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Our Lady of the Bells, Cathedral of Saintes (France) (http://www.divine will.org/feastofourlady.htm)
St Apollonia -- A deaconess of advanced age and noted sanctity, she died a martyr about the year 248. A mob venting its fury on any Christians it could find was enraged at her courageous refusal to sacrifice to idols. Somebody in the mob struck her and knocked out all her teeth.
Threatened with being burnt alive, the fire already raging, she asked for a few moments to think it over. Anxious to embrace martyrdom, she struggled free from her tormentors and, prompted by the Holy Spirit, leapt into the fire. The pagans were amazed to see a weak very old woman eager to die for Christ. Patroness of dentists; invoked against toothaches and diseases of the mouth.
Ref: cf H Hoever, “Lives of the Saints”, 1989, 65-6
Does the success of others annoy us? Do we rejoice at their misfortunes; hurt them by rash judgments -- by detraction, calumny, malicious insinuations?
To be secure against the attacks of envy and other unruly passions, we must trace them to their source, pride, the result of original sin. As the Holy Spirit teaches: ‘Never suffer pride to reign in thy mind or in thy words, for from it all perdition took its beginning.’
The desire for personal glory is directly opposed to the cardinal virtue of justice: To every one his due. God alone, the sole author of all that is good and excellent in his creatures, deserves the glory. But the proud man exalts himself because of his gifts, either of nature or grace. He uses them to exact the praise and esteem of others thereby putting himself in the place of God.
‘Every proud man is an abomination to the Lord. ... God resists the proud, but to the humble he gives grace.’
To clearly understand the sin of pride in God’s sight and to develop a horror of it, recall -- 1) what happened to the angels who refused to serve God; and 2) how our first parents were banished from Paradise.
The proud is wretched because he is perpetually tormented by the desire to increase his reputation and the fear of losing it; always agitated by dark suspicions or vain apprehensions. His labors and struggles will have no reward in heaven. “They have already received their reward” (Mt 6:2), as Jesus told the proud Pharisees.
“Learn of me because I am meek and humble of heart.” (Mt 11:29) Need we say more?
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations”, by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp370-72
Pride perverts all
Jesus was speaking to men who considered themselves to be just and despised others. He, therefore, related this parable: “... two men went up to the Temple to pray, one a Pharisee, the other a publican. ...” (Lk 18:10)
The Pharisees considered themselves who fulfilled the Law to perfection. They looked down on publicans for exacting taxes imposed by the occupying power (Romans), and were regarded to love their detested profession more than fulfilling the Law.
“O God, I give you thanks because I am not like other men, thieves, unjust, adulterers; not one such as this publican here. I fast twice a week; I contribute a tenth of all I possess ...” (Lk 18:11-14)
Instead of praising God he begins to praise himself. Everything he did was good; but pride defeated the goodness. He claimed merit for himself and had contempt for others. Devoid of humility and charity there can be neither good works nor virtue.
The Pharisee stood where he could be seen with an attitude of self-complacency, a great deal of ‘self-satisfaction’. He compares himself with others and feels superior in fulfilling the Law better.
Pride is the greatest obstacle we can put in the way of divine grace. Deeply rooted in man (in his disordered self-love), there is nothing more difficult than to uproot pride or even to recognize it for what it is.
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:151-5
The Family as a Domestic Church
The Church prays for the Christian family and educates it to live in generous understanding of the priestly gift and task, which are received from Christ the high Priest. In reality, the baptismal priesthood of the faithful, when lived in the sacrament of matrimony, constitutes the foundation of a priestly vocation and mission for the spouses and for the family. Their daily existence is thereby transformed into ‘spiritual sacrifices pleasing to God through Jesus Christ.’ ...
The dignity and responsibility of the Christian family as a Domestic Church can be lived only with incessant aid from God. This will be unfailingly granted if it be implored with humility and trust in prayer.
Ref: cf cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, p381
Family prayer
Jesus frequently teaches that salvation and consequent union with God is a personal matter. But He also desires that we support and help one another towards our final goal.
“I say to you ... if two of you shall agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst.” (cf Mt 18:19-20)
Prayer in common (cf Acts 12:5) has been practised in the Church since time immemorial. It is not opposed to, nor can it be substituted for, by private prayer which intimately unites the Christian to Christ. Family prayer is in a special way very pleasing to Our Lord. It communicates a special fortitude to the whole family.
We love Our Lord’s holy Will, and with Him, families instead of disintegrating are united more strongly together and with God. Our Blessed Mother will bring us closer to the Holy Family, the Holy Trinity on earth.
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, op cit, 4:555-7
Octave of the Purification of Our Lady, instituted in the Cathedral of Saintes, on account, it is said, of the bells having been heard to ring most sweetly of themselves. The sacristans having run to the church, saw several unknown men holding lighted tapers and melodiously chanting hymns in honor of the Blessed Virgin, who is venerated in a chapel of this church under the title of Our Lady of Miracles, and approaching softly, they besought one of the last of that august number to give them his taper, in proof of the miracle. This taper is religiously preserved in that church. -— Saussey, Martyrologium Qallicum, Feb. 9. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Our Lady of the Bells, Cathedral of Saintes (France) (http://www.divine will.org/feastofourlady.htm)
St Apollonia -- A deaconess of advanced age and noted sanctity, she died a martyr about the year 248. A mob venting its fury on any Christians it could find was enraged at her courageous refusal to sacrifice to idols. Somebody in the mob struck her and knocked out all her teeth.
Threatened with being burnt alive, the fire already raging, she asked for a few moments to think it over. Anxious to embrace martyrdom, she struggled free from her tormentors and, prompted by the Holy Spirit, leapt into the fire. The pagans were amazed to see a weak very old woman eager to die for Christ. Patroness of dentists; invoked against toothaches and diseases of the mouth.
Ref: cf H Hoever, “Lives of the Saints”, 1989, 65-6
Sunday, February 7, 2010
8 February 2010: Jealousy of St John the Baptist’s disciples
After the conversions and miracles performed in Jerusalem, ‘Jesus and his disciples went to Judaea, and baptized ... Jesus himself did not baptize, but his disciples’. Their jealousy aroused, John the Baptist’s disciples complained to him -- “Rabbi, he that was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you gave testimony, baptizes and all men with him.” (Jn 3:26)
St John’s disciples expected him to share their feelings; but they were greatly mistaken. There is no envy in the hearts of the saints. They seek only God’s glory. This detachment was supreme in St John the Baptist.
His only reply to the complaints of his disciples was to exalt Jesus and depreciate himself. “He that comes from above is above all. I am sent before him. My joy, therefore, is fulfilled.” (Jn 3:31) The words, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (Jn 3:30) manifested his total self-denial. He overlooks his own works and rejoices in the still greater ones of Jesus which should fully eclipse his own before the world.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations”, by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp368-9
Jesus calls us his friends
Jesus teaches us to receive everybody, to always extend and develop our ability to make friends. We learn to do this only if we open our heart to him in prayer. “For this world of ours set its course in a Christian direction, the only one worthwhile -- we have to exercise a loyal friendship with all men, based on a prior loyal friendship with God.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 943)
We should never forget how much Our Lord loves us: “Jesus is your friend. The Friend. With a human heart, like yours. With loving eyes that wept for Lazarus. And he loves you as much as he loved Lazarus.” (Ibid, “The Way”, 422)
We can learn from Christ in having many friends made in every opportunity at work, study, chance encounters, pre-planned meetings. The Christian is always open to others. With a friend one shares the best things; in our case, we have nothing to compare with the love we have for Christ, reinforced over the years through so many hours of prayer.
Friendship requires us to help our friends. “If you discover some defect in your friend, correct him privately ... Corrections do a lot of good and are more valuable than a dumb friendship” (St Ambrose, “On the duties of ministers”, III, p125) which stands silently, watching the friend drown.
Friendship must be persevering: “We shouldn’t change our friends the way children do, who allow themselves to be tossed about by the fickle motions of sentimentality.” (Ibid) “I will not be ashamed to protect a friend.” (Sir 22:25) “... friendship is the mainstay of life.
“... And when the occasion arises, let us put up with great sacrifices. We may have to face antagonisms to defend the cause of an innocent friend; and be prepared to receive insults when we try to reply and rebut those who attack and accuse him ... In adversity true friendship is tested, in prosperity everybody appears faithful.” (cf St Ambrose, op cit, pp126-7)
Supernatural charity strengthens and enriches friendship. Loving Christ makes us more humane; gives us a greater capacity to understand and more open to everybody.
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 4:544-8
Jesus Christ, the Unknown
It is an historical fact, related by the Gospel and also the symbol of a perennial reality: many do not know and do not want to know who Jesus Christ is. They remain perplexed and disconcerted. Furthermore, as in those days they tried to arrest Him after His discourse in the Temple, so certain people impugn and combat Him today.
But you know who Jesus is. ... where He came from and why He came. You know that Jesus is the Incarnate Word, He is the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity, Who took a human body. He is the Son of God made man, who died for our salvation on the cross, rose again gloriously, and is always present with us in the Eucharist.
What Jesus said to the Apostles at the Last Supper holds good also for all Christians enlightened by the Magisterium of the Church: “Eternal life is this, to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I have given you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me at your side, a glory I had with you before the world began.
“I have made your name known to those you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me; and they have kept your word. Now they know that all you have given me is from you. I entrusted to them the message you entrusted to me, and they received it. They have known that in truth I came from you ... Just Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these men know that you have sent me.” (Jn 17:3-8, 25)
‘The great tragedy of history is that Jesus is not known, is consequently not loved, not followed.’
‘You know Christ!’ You know who He is! Yours is a great privilege! Be always worthy and conscious of it!'
Ref: cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, pp103-4
Our faith and Marian devotions
Good Marian devotions abound; but “anyone who doesn’t live some of them, who doesn’t express his love for Mary in some way, does not possess the fullness of the faith.
“Those who think that devotions to our Lady are a thing of the past seem to have lost sight of the deep Christian meaning they contain. ... faith in God the Father’s saving will, love for God the Son, who really became man and was born of a woman, and trust in God the Holy Spirit, who sanctifies us with his grace.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Christ is passing by”, 142)
“If you look for Mary, you will necessarily find Jesus; and you will learn, in greater and greater depth, what there is in the Heart of God.” (Ibid, “The Forge”, 661)
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, op cit, 4:550
To fight once more
O Jesus! If despite the poor way I have behaved, you have done for me what you have done, what would you do if I were to respond well? This truth will lead you to be generous without measure.
Weep and show with sorrow and love how much it pains you, for Our Lord and his Blessed Mother deserve different treatment from you.
Ref: St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 388
Our Lady of the Lily (Melun, France) (http://www.divine will.org/feastofourlady.htm)
Our Lady of the Lily, near Melun. This abbey of Cistercian nuns, was founded by Queen Blanche, mother of the King St. Louis.—(Gallia Christiana, t. iv.) (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
St John’s disciples expected him to share their feelings; but they were greatly mistaken. There is no envy in the hearts of the saints. They seek only God’s glory. This detachment was supreme in St John the Baptist.
His only reply to the complaints of his disciples was to exalt Jesus and depreciate himself. “He that comes from above is above all. I am sent before him. My joy, therefore, is fulfilled.” (Jn 3:31) The words, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (Jn 3:30) manifested his total self-denial. He overlooks his own works and rejoices in the still greater ones of Jesus which should fully eclipse his own before the world.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations”, by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp368-9
Jesus calls us his friends
Jesus teaches us to receive everybody, to always extend and develop our ability to make friends. We learn to do this only if we open our heart to him in prayer. “For this world of ours set its course in a Christian direction, the only one worthwhile -- we have to exercise a loyal friendship with all men, based on a prior loyal friendship with God.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 943)
We should never forget how much Our Lord loves us: “Jesus is your friend. The Friend. With a human heart, like yours. With loving eyes that wept for Lazarus. And he loves you as much as he loved Lazarus.” (Ibid, “The Way”, 422)
We can learn from Christ in having many friends made in every opportunity at work, study, chance encounters, pre-planned meetings. The Christian is always open to others. With a friend one shares the best things; in our case, we have nothing to compare with the love we have for Christ, reinforced over the years through so many hours of prayer.
Friendship requires us to help our friends. “If you discover some defect in your friend, correct him privately ... Corrections do a lot of good and are more valuable than a dumb friendship” (St Ambrose, “On the duties of ministers”, III, p125) which stands silently, watching the friend drown.
Friendship must be persevering: “We shouldn’t change our friends the way children do, who allow themselves to be tossed about by the fickle motions of sentimentality.” (Ibid) “I will not be ashamed to protect a friend.” (Sir 22:25) “... friendship is the mainstay of life.
“... And when the occasion arises, let us put up with great sacrifices. We may have to face antagonisms to defend the cause of an innocent friend; and be prepared to receive insults when we try to reply and rebut those who attack and accuse him ... In adversity true friendship is tested, in prosperity everybody appears faithful.” (cf St Ambrose, op cit, pp126-7)
Supernatural charity strengthens and enriches friendship. Loving Christ makes us more humane; gives us a greater capacity to understand and more open to everybody.
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 4:544-8
Jesus Christ, the Unknown
It is an historical fact, related by the Gospel and also the symbol of a perennial reality: many do not know and do not want to know who Jesus Christ is. They remain perplexed and disconcerted. Furthermore, as in those days they tried to arrest Him after His discourse in the Temple, so certain people impugn and combat Him today.
But you know who Jesus is. ... where He came from and why He came. You know that Jesus is the Incarnate Word, He is the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity, Who took a human body. He is the Son of God made man, who died for our salvation on the cross, rose again gloriously, and is always present with us in the Eucharist.
What Jesus said to the Apostles at the Last Supper holds good also for all Christians enlightened by the Magisterium of the Church: “Eternal life is this, to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I have given you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me at your side, a glory I had with you before the world began.
“I have made your name known to those you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me; and they have kept your word. Now they know that all you have given me is from you. I entrusted to them the message you entrusted to me, and they received it. They have known that in truth I came from you ... Just Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these men know that you have sent me.” (Jn 17:3-8, 25)
‘The great tragedy of history is that Jesus is not known, is consequently not loved, not followed.’
‘You know Christ!’ You know who He is! Yours is a great privilege! Be always worthy and conscious of it!'
Ref: cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, pp103-4
Our faith and Marian devotions
Good Marian devotions abound; but “anyone who doesn’t live some of them, who doesn’t express his love for Mary in some way, does not possess the fullness of the faith.
“Those who think that devotions to our Lady are a thing of the past seem to have lost sight of the deep Christian meaning they contain. ... faith in God the Father’s saving will, love for God the Son, who really became man and was born of a woman, and trust in God the Holy Spirit, who sanctifies us with his grace.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Christ is passing by”, 142)
“If you look for Mary, you will necessarily find Jesus; and you will learn, in greater and greater depth, what there is in the Heart of God.” (Ibid, “The Forge”, 661)
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, op cit, 4:550
To fight once more
O Jesus! If despite the poor way I have behaved, you have done for me what you have done, what would you do if I were to respond well? This truth will lead you to be generous without measure.
Weep and show with sorrow and love how much it pains you, for Our Lord and his Blessed Mother deserve different treatment from you.
Ref: St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 388
Our Lady of the Lily (Melun, France) (http://www.divine will.org/feastofourlady.htm)
Our Lady of the Lily, near Melun. This abbey of Cistercian nuns, was founded by Queen Blanche, mother of the King St. Louis.—(Gallia Christiana, t. iv.) (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
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