The first accusations by the Jews were vague and false. Pilate rejected them and declared Jesus innocent. Some points were beneath our Lord’s dignity to merit a reply. The sanctity of his life answered for him and proved his divinity. Despite efforts to appear human, his answers to the judge revealed his divinity.
Happy is the man whose conduct is a conclusive defence against the false accusations of the wicked and envious! Happier still if his conscience bears witness to his constant effort to be spotless before God.
The astonishment of Pilate was not surprising. It was natural for an accused to defend himself before a tribunal from which there was no appeal, and whose death was eagerly sought. Particularly when the judge favors his cause. But Jesus was silent. Pilate could not understand the calm dignity of our Lord’s silence.
We are better off than Pilate, for we know why Jesus was silent. He was determined to die for us. Having manifested the truth, he would not say a single word to save his life. By his silence he chose to expiate our sins of the tongue, and to teach us to avoid an angry reply to whoever wounds our feelings, or injures us.
After Pilate had acknowledged the innocence of Jesus, his duty was to silence the accusers, and dismiss them with the contempt they deserved. This he dared not do. The Jews, perceiving his weakness, pressed their advantage. They succeeded in besieging him to grant what was against his conscience.
The devil treats us in this same way. Once he sees us hesitating between God and creatures, or conscience and our passions, he takes advantage of our weakness, and grows bolder than ever. His arguments deafen our ears. He terrifies us with imaginary difficulties, and gives us no peace till we consent to sin.
Let us be aware of our weakness; and reasonably in fear of the tempter, never yield a bit. We must firmly resist his first suggestions, arming ourselves, as the Apostle says, with the shield of faith and prayer.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp129-31
Striving for virtue
God doesn’t ask the impossible. He expects all Christians to live the christian virtues in their entirety, even if they find themselves in environments that seem to be moving farther and farther away from God. He will give the graces necessary for being faithful in such situations. Furthermore, the good example He expects of all of us will often be the means of making Christ’s doctrine attractive to others, and of evangelizing again the world.
To grow in the human and supernatural virtues, as well as in grace, we must make a personal effort to develop the practice of these virtues in our everyday “lives until we acquire authentic habits, and not only the appearance of virtue. The facade appears full of strength and resilience. But how much softness and lack of will-power there is within! You must hold to your determination not to let your virtues become fancy dress but clothes that define your character.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 777)
What is important is we should make a definite and loving decision to strive after virtue in our everyday affairs. The more we practise doing these good acts, the easier it will be to do them again. In this way we will identify ourselves more and more with Christ.
Our Lady, “Model and school of all virtues” (St Ambrose, “Treatise on Virginity”, 2) will teach us to achieve our wish if we turn to her for help and advice. She will make it easier for us to reach the goal we have set in our particular examination of conscience wherein we will often decide to aim at the acquisition of a very specific virtue.
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:137-8
“Paid in full with one glass of milk” -- (A touching true story, on the power of one good act. This anecdote is copied from “Word Alive” by Fr Bel R San Luis, SVD, “Manila Bulletin”, 2 September 2001.)
One day a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry. He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door. Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so she brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, “How much do I owe you?”
“You don’t owe me anything”, she replied. “Mother taught us never to accept pay for a kindness.” “Then, I thank you from my heart.” As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man became strong also. He had been ready to give up and quit.
Years later, that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, strange light filled his eyes.
Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his doctor’s gown, he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day on, he gave special attention to the case. After a long struggle, the battle was won.
Dr Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room. She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally, she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill. She read these words ...
“Paid in full with one glass of milk.”
(Signed) Dr Howard Kelly
On Palm Sunday, in the year 1098, St Robert, Abbot of Moleme, retired with twenty-one of his monks to the diocese of Chalons-sur-Seine, where he built, in honor of Our Lady, the celebrated monastery of Citeaux, the head house of the order. — Arnold Vionus, lib. L; Ligni vitae c. 47. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (http://www/divinewill.org/feastofourlady.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Feast: Seven Sorrows of Mary. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
21 March 2010: Pilate interrogates Jesus
Jesus Christ was not King of the Jews, nor of this world, in the ordinary sense. His kingdom is the Church, the assembly of all those who willingly follow his teaching and observe his laws.
The Church is in the world, but not of it. She came down from heaven, and earth is but the place of her pilgrimage and her trials. She will return to heaven where the glorious and everlasting kingdom of Jesus and his disciples shall last forever.
This was the kingdom he meant when he said to Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world” (Jn 18:36); and again, when he says to his disciples, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God” (Lk 12:31).
How great is our happiness in becoming, by holy Baptism, children of the Church and subjects of Jesus Christ by professing the Christian faith! If we choose, the kingdom of heaven is ours. Though ‘in’ the world, we are not ‘of’ the world. We must live in spirit in heaven, as the Apostle says, ‘Our conversation is in heaven’.
Pilate’s conduct is a striking example of human instability. He really desired to know the truth about the wonderful Being whom the world thought of so differently, and who was now before him. This desire increased after he had heard him say, “For this came I into the world; that I should give testimony to the truth” (Jn 18:37).
Naturally he asked, “What is truth?” (Jn 18:38) Apparently, he eagerly awaited the reply. Yet, when given, he ignored it and quickly left the judgment-hall.
We fully condemn Pilate’s weakness and vacillation; but has our conduct been similar? Before acting or deciding in difficult circumstances, we usually invoke: ‘Come, Holy Spirit’, thus begging to know his will. But, we often decide hastily without awaiting to hear his reply. Do we thus imitate Pilate’s lack of resolve?
Pilate, wise and experienced, initially was sure the crimes alleged against Jesus could not be proved. As judge, however, he questioned Jesus about his kingdom. Jesus’ answers clearly showed that his kingdom was not opposed to the earthly rulers. Thus, he pronounced -- “I find no case against him” (Jn 18:38).
Pilate, though vacillating, was just and a lover of truth. If he had been as firm as he was just, he would never have condemned Jesus. Afraid to get into trouble, human respect prevailed on him. Weak and timid, the Jews craftily worked upon his fears, and extorted the unjust sentence from him.
This is the devil’s way with us -- he studies our weak points, and takes advantage of them. Once we are off our guard, he entraps us with subtle snares.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp126-8
Learning to see the good in others
Charity makes the heart find room in it for all men, even those who don’t understand us or who fail to respond to our love. With the Lord beside us no one will be our enemy. We will learn not to judge the covert personal intentions of others. The few external signs we see often do not reflect their true motives.
“Although you might see something bad, do not instantly judge your neighbour, advises St Bernard; but, rather, excuse him interiorly. Excuse the intention if you are unable to excuse the action. Consider it as done in ignorance, or unawares, or through weakness. If the matter is so weighty that you cannot possibly overlook it, then try to believe the following and say to yourself: the temptation must have been very strong!” (St Augustine, “Sermon 40 on the Song of Songs”)
Our Lady will teach us, if we ask her, how to forgive -- in Cana, Mary does not deplore or criticize the lack of wine, ‘but helps find a solution to the need’ -- and to struggle to cultivate in our personal lives these very virtues which, on occasion, may seem to us to be lacking in others. We will then be in an excellent position to offer a helping hand to them.
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:132
On Making Disciples
Jesus Christ said: “Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Mt 28:19-20)
Since then, there has been ceaseless organizational or communal response from those who believe and are baptized. In the “Acts of the Apostles" we read: “Those who accepted his message devoted themselves to the apostles’ instruction and the communal life ...” (2:41-2) Here we already see the Church’s communitarian nature. ...
“This is how all men will know you for my disciples: your love for one another.” (Jn 13:35) The communal dimension of your Christian vocation was strongly emphasized by the liturgical reform of the Second Vatican Council. Every liturgical act is an act of the entire Body of Christ ... and every Mass is an act of Christ in his Body.
Every good deed done by a member is to the advantage of all the members together, and every sin is not only an offense against God but is also a wound inflicted on Christ’s Body ... Clearly, it is not even thinkable that a Christian should live solely for himself.
A Christian who has not learned to see and love Christ in his neighbor is not fully Christian. We are our brothers’ keepers; bound to each other by the bond of love ... This communal or organizational nature of our vocation ought to be directed toward the universal Church. We are a local Church instituted by Christ the Lord only to the degree in which we are part of the universal Church.
Ref: cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, p56
Our Lady
“Love of our Lady is proof of a good spirit, in works and in individuals. Don’t trust the undertaking that lacks this characteristic.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Way”, 505)
“Before, by yourself, you couldn’t. Now, you’ve turned to our Lady, and with her, how easy!” (St Josemaria Escrivá, Op cit, 513)
Our Lady of Bruges, in Flanders, where a lock of the Blessed Virgin’s hair is exhibited, given by a Syrian bishop, named Moses. — Hugo Farcitus, lib. i., Miracul. B. Virg. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Our Lady of Bruges, Flanders (1150), where a lock of Our Lady’s hair is preserved. (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (http://www/divinewill.org/feastofourlady.htm)
The Church is in the world, but not of it. She came down from heaven, and earth is but the place of her pilgrimage and her trials. She will return to heaven where the glorious and everlasting kingdom of Jesus and his disciples shall last forever.
This was the kingdom he meant when he said to Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world” (Jn 18:36); and again, when he says to his disciples, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God” (Lk 12:31).
How great is our happiness in becoming, by holy Baptism, children of the Church and subjects of Jesus Christ by professing the Christian faith! If we choose, the kingdom of heaven is ours. Though ‘in’ the world, we are not ‘of’ the world. We must live in spirit in heaven, as the Apostle says, ‘Our conversation is in heaven’.
Pilate’s conduct is a striking example of human instability. He really desired to know the truth about the wonderful Being whom the world thought of so differently, and who was now before him. This desire increased after he had heard him say, “For this came I into the world; that I should give testimony to the truth” (Jn 18:37).
Naturally he asked, “What is truth?” (Jn 18:38) Apparently, he eagerly awaited the reply. Yet, when given, he ignored it and quickly left the judgment-hall.
We fully condemn Pilate’s weakness and vacillation; but has our conduct been similar? Before acting or deciding in difficult circumstances, we usually invoke: ‘Come, Holy Spirit’, thus begging to know his will. But, we often decide hastily without awaiting to hear his reply. Do we thus imitate Pilate’s lack of resolve?
Pilate, wise and experienced, initially was sure the crimes alleged against Jesus could not be proved. As judge, however, he questioned Jesus about his kingdom. Jesus’ answers clearly showed that his kingdom was not opposed to the earthly rulers. Thus, he pronounced -- “I find no case against him” (Jn 18:38).
Pilate, though vacillating, was just and a lover of truth. If he had been as firm as he was just, he would never have condemned Jesus. Afraid to get into trouble, human respect prevailed on him. Weak and timid, the Jews craftily worked upon his fears, and extorted the unjust sentence from him.
This is the devil’s way with us -- he studies our weak points, and takes advantage of them. Once we are off our guard, he entraps us with subtle snares.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp126-8
Learning to see the good in others
Charity makes the heart find room in it for all men, even those who don’t understand us or who fail to respond to our love. With the Lord beside us no one will be our enemy. We will learn not to judge the covert personal intentions of others. The few external signs we see often do not reflect their true motives.
“Although you might see something bad, do not instantly judge your neighbour, advises St Bernard; but, rather, excuse him interiorly. Excuse the intention if you are unable to excuse the action. Consider it as done in ignorance, or unawares, or through weakness. If the matter is so weighty that you cannot possibly overlook it, then try to believe the following and say to yourself: the temptation must have been very strong!” (St Augustine, “Sermon 40 on the Song of Songs”)
Our Lady will teach us, if we ask her, how to forgive -- in Cana, Mary does not deplore or criticize the lack of wine, ‘but helps find a solution to the need’ -- and to struggle to cultivate in our personal lives these very virtues which, on occasion, may seem to us to be lacking in others. We will then be in an excellent position to offer a helping hand to them.
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:132
On Making Disciples
Jesus Christ said: “Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Mt 28:19-20)
Since then, there has been ceaseless organizational or communal response from those who believe and are baptized. In the “Acts of the Apostles" we read: “Those who accepted his message devoted themselves to the apostles’ instruction and the communal life ...” (2:41-2) Here we already see the Church’s communitarian nature. ...
“This is how all men will know you for my disciples: your love for one another.” (Jn 13:35) The communal dimension of your Christian vocation was strongly emphasized by the liturgical reform of the Second Vatican Council. Every liturgical act is an act of the entire Body of Christ ... and every Mass is an act of Christ in his Body.
Every good deed done by a member is to the advantage of all the members together, and every sin is not only an offense against God but is also a wound inflicted on Christ’s Body ... Clearly, it is not even thinkable that a Christian should live solely for himself.
A Christian who has not learned to see and love Christ in his neighbor is not fully Christian. We are our brothers’ keepers; bound to each other by the bond of love ... This communal or organizational nature of our vocation ought to be directed toward the universal Church. We are a local Church instituted by Christ the Lord only to the degree in which we are part of the universal Church.
Ref: cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, p56
Our Lady
“Love of our Lady is proof of a good spirit, in works and in individuals. Don’t trust the undertaking that lacks this characteristic.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Way”, 505)
“Before, by yourself, you couldn’t. Now, you’ve turned to our Lady, and with her, how easy!” (St Josemaria Escrivá, Op cit, 513)
Our Lady of Bruges, in Flanders, where a lock of the Blessed Virgin’s hair is exhibited, given by a Syrian bishop, named Moses. — Hugo Farcitus, lib. i., Miracul. B. Virg. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Our Lady of Bruges, Flanders (1150), where a lock of Our Lady’s hair is preserved. (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (http://www/divinewill.org/feastofourlady.htm)
Friday, March 19, 2010
20 March 2010: Motives for penance-- The loss the sinner incurs
By mortal sin we lose God’s friendship, ‘sanctifying grace’, inheritance of the beatific vision, and all privileges received in Baptism. In a state of mortal sin we are God’s enemies; the devil’s children and slaves. We are under a curse.
Perhaps we have spent days in this miserable state; or even a great part of our lives. This bitter thought caused such deep grief to St Augustine, that his only consolation was to do constant penance daily.
During these days of universal penance, let us imitate the saint. If God’s mercy has preserved us from frequent mortal sin, recall those numerous venial sins, a sufficient cause for penance. Venial sin does not deprive us of God’s love but certainly diminishes it.
Mortal sin also deprives our soul of ‘supernatural life’: our union with God, bonded by love. Mortal sin breaks this tie. While separated from God, the soul is dead -- incapable of a meritorious action. Our best works are inert. Every day, every month, passed in this state, is lost forever.
Venial sin does not ‘destroy’, but weakens this supernatural life. The soul is less fruitful in good works which are less pleasing to God and less meritorious. Moreover, our human imperfection is so great that it always deforms and diminishes the merit of our best works.
The saints tried to compensate for all this by great penance and constant mortification. We, who have sinned so much and repented so little must imitate them. Mortal sin robs the soul of its beauty, and renders it ugly in the eyes of God and his holy angels. As the Scriptures say, ‘They are become abominable’. One mortal sin changed an angel into a demon, and cast him down to hell.
How, then, must a soul, defiled by numerous mortal sins, appear to God? What will be its destiny in eternity, when the punishment will be in proportion to sins committed?
We might have incurred this penalty. If so, we have a strong motive to accept hardship and penance, and persevere till the end. For, although it may be certain that we have sinned grievously, our penance could not have been sufficient.
The Church also tells us that the slightest venial fault leaves a stain upon the soul; and ‘nothing defiled can enter heaven’ are the words of the Holy Spirit. We have daily stained our souls, and made few efforts to cleanse them. Therefore, our purgatory will last much longer.
If we could but understand what for one moment is to endure the pain of purgatory, to be deprived of the beatific vision, the greatest penance would seem light.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp124-6
Docility in spiritual direction
Faith in the means God gives us works miracles. On one occasion Our Lord asked a cripple to do something which the man knew, from vast experience, he could not do: to stretch out his withered hand. But again, docility, the sign of an operative faith, made the miracle possible. “... the man stretched out his hand, and it was restored ...” (Mt 12:13)
At times we, too will be asked to do things we think we are incapable of. They will become possible if we allow the grace of God to act within us -- a grace which comes to us as a result of docility in spiritual direction.
Our Lord asks us not to seek mere earthly supports which would inevitably lead us to pessimism. He asks us for supernatural trust, for us to be supernaturally realists -- to count on Him, ie, being aware that Jesus Christ continues to influence our lives. Ten docile lepers are cured. Jesus simply tells them: “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” (Lk 17:14)
On another occasion Our Lord has compassion on a man born blind. St John vividly relates the incident: Jesus spat on the ground, made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, saying to him: “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam. The beggar did not doubt. So he went and washed, and came back able to see.” (Jn 9:6-7)
Blindness, defects, weaknesses -- are faults that have a remedy. By ourselves, we are helpless; Jesus Christ is all-powerful. The water of that pool was still water, and the clay remained clay. But the blind man recovered his sight with a deeper, living faith in the Lord.
“I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, working at his wheel. And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he remade it into another vessel ... Like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand.” (Jer 18:1-7)
With availability and docility, we will allow ourselves to be reworked and reshaped by God as often as is necessary. This could be the resolution we make in our prayer today, a resolution we will bring to fruition with the help of Our Lady.
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, "In Conversation with God", 2:124-6
Allowing ourselves to be led
The word ‘faith’ is rooted in a person’s placing himself in the care of someone who is stronger; trusting in this person’s assistance. We put our trust in God. But He wants us to rely on those He has put by our side to help us see. God frequently gives light through his creatures. (cf J Dheilly, “Biblical Dictionary”, Barcelona)
The Lord passes by so close to us that we should be able to find him and follow him. Frequent recourse to the sacrament of Penance is an excellent way to ensure we see God more clearly in ourselves and in those around us.
We ask the Blessed Virgin to help us purify our mind and heart so we can find God in the circumstances of every day.
“Lord, I believe in you: increase my faith. I trust in you: strengthen my trust. I love you: let me love you more and more.” (“The Universal Prayer” [Attributed to Pope Clement XI] in Fr Charles Belmonte and Fr James Socias (Eds), “Handbook of Prayers”, p213)
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, op cit, 4:194-6
Our Lady of Calevourt, at Uckelen, near Bussels. This image began to work miracles in the year 1454, which induced the erection of a magnificent chapel in honor of Our Blessed Lady, in the year 1623. The Infanta of Spain, Isabella Clara Eugenia, devoutly visited it the same year. — Aub. Miraeus, in Annalis Belgicis. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com); (http://www/divinewill.org/feastofourlady.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Perhaps we have spent days in this miserable state; or even a great part of our lives. This bitter thought caused such deep grief to St Augustine, that his only consolation was to do constant penance daily.
During these days of universal penance, let us imitate the saint. If God’s mercy has preserved us from frequent mortal sin, recall those numerous venial sins, a sufficient cause for penance. Venial sin does not deprive us of God’s love but certainly diminishes it.
Mortal sin also deprives our soul of ‘supernatural life’: our union with God, bonded by love. Mortal sin breaks this tie. While separated from God, the soul is dead -- incapable of a meritorious action. Our best works are inert. Every day, every month, passed in this state, is lost forever.
Venial sin does not ‘destroy’, but weakens this supernatural life. The soul is less fruitful in good works which are less pleasing to God and less meritorious. Moreover, our human imperfection is so great that it always deforms and diminishes the merit of our best works.
The saints tried to compensate for all this by great penance and constant mortification. We, who have sinned so much and repented so little must imitate them. Mortal sin robs the soul of its beauty, and renders it ugly in the eyes of God and his holy angels. As the Scriptures say, ‘They are become abominable’. One mortal sin changed an angel into a demon, and cast him down to hell.
How, then, must a soul, defiled by numerous mortal sins, appear to God? What will be its destiny in eternity, when the punishment will be in proportion to sins committed?
We might have incurred this penalty. If so, we have a strong motive to accept hardship and penance, and persevere till the end. For, although it may be certain that we have sinned grievously, our penance could not have been sufficient.
The Church also tells us that the slightest venial fault leaves a stain upon the soul; and ‘nothing defiled can enter heaven’ are the words of the Holy Spirit. We have daily stained our souls, and made few efforts to cleanse them. Therefore, our purgatory will last much longer.
If we could but understand what for one moment is to endure the pain of purgatory, to be deprived of the beatific vision, the greatest penance would seem light.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp124-6
Docility in spiritual direction
Faith in the means God gives us works miracles. On one occasion Our Lord asked a cripple to do something which the man knew, from vast experience, he could not do: to stretch out his withered hand. But again, docility, the sign of an operative faith, made the miracle possible. “... the man stretched out his hand, and it was restored ...” (Mt 12:13)
At times we, too will be asked to do things we think we are incapable of. They will become possible if we allow the grace of God to act within us -- a grace which comes to us as a result of docility in spiritual direction.
Our Lord asks us not to seek mere earthly supports which would inevitably lead us to pessimism. He asks us for supernatural trust, for us to be supernaturally realists -- to count on Him, ie, being aware that Jesus Christ continues to influence our lives. Ten docile lepers are cured. Jesus simply tells them: “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” (Lk 17:14)
On another occasion Our Lord has compassion on a man born blind. St John vividly relates the incident: Jesus spat on the ground, made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, saying to him: “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam. The beggar did not doubt. So he went and washed, and came back able to see.” (Jn 9:6-7)
Blindness, defects, weaknesses -- are faults that have a remedy. By ourselves, we are helpless; Jesus Christ is all-powerful. The water of that pool was still water, and the clay remained clay. But the blind man recovered his sight with a deeper, living faith in the Lord.
“I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, working at his wheel. And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he remade it into another vessel ... Like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand.” (Jer 18:1-7)
With availability and docility, we will allow ourselves to be reworked and reshaped by God as often as is necessary. This could be the resolution we make in our prayer today, a resolution we will bring to fruition with the help of Our Lady.
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, "In Conversation with God", 2:124-6
Allowing ourselves to be led
The word ‘faith’ is rooted in a person’s placing himself in the care of someone who is stronger; trusting in this person’s assistance. We put our trust in God. But He wants us to rely on those He has put by our side to help us see. God frequently gives light through his creatures. (cf J Dheilly, “Biblical Dictionary”, Barcelona)
The Lord passes by so close to us that we should be able to find him and follow him. Frequent recourse to the sacrament of Penance is an excellent way to ensure we see God more clearly in ourselves and in those around us.
We ask the Blessed Virgin to help us purify our mind and heart so we can find God in the circumstances of every day.
“Lord, I believe in you: increase my faith. I trust in you: strengthen my trust. I love you: let me love you more and more.” (“The Universal Prayer” [Attributed to Pope Clement XI] in Fr Charles Belmonte and Fr James Socias (Eds), “Handbook of Prayers”, p213)
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, op cit, 4:194-6
Our Lady of Calevourt, at Uckelen, near Bussels. This image began to work miracles in the year 1454, which induced the erection of a magnificent chapel in honor of Our Blessed Lady, in the year 1623. The Infanta of Spain, Isabella Clara Eugenia, devoutly visited it the same year. — Aub. Miraeus, in Annalis Belgicis. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com); (http://www/divinewill.org/feastofourlady.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Thursday, March 18, 2010
19 March 2010: St Joseph, the husband of Mary
Considered as the greatest saint, next to the Blessed Virgin Mary, because of his humility and closeness to Jesus. Sacred Scripture records that Joseph was just, pure, gentle, prudent, and unfailingly obedient to the divine will. We wish to imitate him by renewing our desire to be faithful to the Lord till the last day: the only meaning of our life. Patron of the Universal Church. (Fr James Socias, et al [Eds], "Daily Roman Missal", p1494). [Solemnity: St Joseph. 29 AD. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)].
‘Go to Joseph.’
St Joseph, as the legal husband of the Blessed Virgin, was head of the Holy Family. He supported them by manual labor; governed and guided them in obedience to direction from on high, through the ministry of angels. Jesus and Mary strictly obeyed him. Thus, he is invoked as the protector of Christian families who desire to obey the will of God.
The Gospel records that Jesus submitted to the direction of St Joseph. Jesus and Mary obeyed him in everything. “And he was subject to them.” (Lk 2:51) We may say he had charge of the education of Jesus as a child, youth, and young man. He enjoyed the greatest happiness a father can have: seeing him increase in age, in wisdom before God and men.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp228-9
Going to St Joseph for our every need
By the example of their life in Nazareth Jesus and Mary invite us to seek Joseph’s assistance. They frequently went to Joseph for his help in all kinds of needs. Their attitude and behavior is a wonderful model for us to imitate. When “we go to Joseph for help we should have no fear at all. We ought to have a steadfast faith that what we are doing is the most pleasing to God Almighty and the Queen of Angels.” (Isidoro de Isolano, “The Gifts of St Joseph”)
With the exception of God himself, Our Lady loved no one more than she loved St Joseph, her husband. Who can imagine the strength of Joseph’s petition before Our Lady, Mediatrix of all graces?
Spiritual authors have seen fit to make this comparison: “Christ is the one mediator before the Father, and the way to reach Christ is through Mary, his Mother. Similarly, the best way to reach Mary is through St Joseph. The ascending order is from Joseph to Mary, from Mary to Christ, from Christ to the Father.” (B Llamera, “Theology of St Joseph”, 315)
Reflect on the teaching of St Thomas concerning divine vocation: “To those whom God calls for his work, God provides the necessary preparation and graces so that they will be the ideal instruments for that work.” (St Thomas, “Summa Theologiae”, 3, q27,a4,c)
St Joseph fulfilled the mission which God had entrusted to him. His whole life was an unconditional gift to God for the good of the Holy Family and all people. (cf John Paul II, Apostolic Exhortation, “Redemptoris custos”, 15 August 1989, 17)
We ask the Holy Patriarch to help us fulfill the will of God in everything. We pray he show us how to live out our commitments joyfully and without reservation.
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 6:162, 165-6, 171
St Joseph’s eminent dignity and great power
To form an idea of St Joseph’s attributes, we should reflect that God called him to the holiest and most exalted of all offices-- to be the spouse of the Mother of God, foster-father of the Eternal Son of God-made-man, ruler of the Holy Family, and guardian of the secret of the Divine Incarnation.
Reflect that God always proportions his gifts to the dignity to which he raises whomever it pleases him to elevate. Reflect that St Joseph whom the Holy Spirit called a 'just man' (Mt 1:18), corresponded most faithfully to the abundant graces which he received.
Thus he laid up an immense treasure of merits and sanctity, and we will draw the certain conclusion that, after the Mother of God, St Joseph is the nearest to the Eternal Throne; and that his intercession must be all-powerful. How can Jesus refuse the prayer of him whose will he obeyed in all things while on earth?
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, p855
Be silent and listen
Here was an ordinary man to whom God granted extraordinary graces. Joseph was to fulfill a most singular mission in God’s salvific design. He experienced indescribable joys along with trials of doubt and suffering. We recall his perplexity at the mystery of Mary’s conception, the extreme material poverty in Bethlehem, the prophecies of Simeon in the Temple, the hurried flight into Egypt, the difficulties of having to live in a foreign land, the return from Egypt, and the threat posed by Archelaus. Joseph proved himself always faithful to the will of God; ever ready to set aside his own plans. (cf Francis Fernandez, op cit, 170)
And yet there is not a single word spoken by him in the Gospels. Truly he lived the wonderful implications of two words -- ‘silent’ and ‘listen’. Applied to our spiritual life, they dispose us to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit. If we “make” time to be ‘silent’, we become docile and disposed to ‘listen’ to the Holy Spirit.
Joseph Believed
St Joseph of Nazareth was a ‘just man’; said to his credit, ‘as justice’, ‘that he believed in the God who gives life to the dead and calls into existence things which do not yet exist’.
That happened at the ‘decisive moment for the history of salvation’, when God, the eternal Father sent His Son into the world to accomplish the promise made to Abraham.
It was exactly then that the faith of Joseph of Nazareth was manifested. It showed itself to be up to the measure of the faith of Abraham.
It was evident even more when ‘the Word of the living God became flesh in Mary’; by the announcement of the angel, ‘she was with child through the power of the Holy Spirit’. The faith of St Joseph was bound to be manifested ‘before the mystery of the Incarnation of the Son of God’.
And Joseph believed in God: ‘Joseph, son of David, have no fear about taking Mary as your wife.’
Ref: cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, pp22-3
The Beautiful Lady, at Norgent-Sur-Seine. It is affirmed, that it is impossible to remove this celebrated picture from its little chapel, which is only four or five feet square. — Ex monumentis Novigentenis. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
The Beautiful Lady (‘Norgent-sur-Seine’, France). (http://www/divinewill.org/feastofourlady.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
‘Go to Joseph.’
St Joseph, as the legal husband of the Blessed Virgin, was head of the Holy Family. He supported them by manual labor; governed and guided them in obedience to direction from on high, through the ministry of angels. Jesus and Mary strictly obeyed him. Thus, he is invoked as the protector of Christian families who desire to obey the will of God.
The Gospel records that Jesus submitted to the direction of St Joseph. Jesus and Mary obeyed him in everything. “And he was subject to them.” (Lk 2:51) We may say he had charge of the education of Jesus as a child, youth, and young man. He enjoyed the greatest happiness a father can have: seeing him increase in age, in wisdom before God and men.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp228-9
Going to St Joseph for our every need
By the example of their life in Nazareth Jesus and Mary invite us to seek Joseph’s assistance. They frequently went to Joseph for his help in all kinds of needs. Their attitude and behavior is a wonderful model for us to imitate. When “we go to Joseph for help we should have no fear at all. We ought to have a steadfast faith that what we are doing is the most pleasing to God Almighty and the Queen of Angels.” (Isidoro de Isolano, “The Gifts of St Joseph”)
With the exception of God himself, Our Lady loved no one more than she loved St Joseph, her husband. Who can imagine the strength of Joseph’s petition before Our Lady, Mediatrix of all graces?
Spiritual authors have seen fit to make this comparison: “Christ is the one mediator before the Father, and the way to reach Christ is through Mary, his Mother. Similarly, the best way to reach Mary is through St Joseph. The ascending order is from Joseph to Mary, from Mary to Christ, from Christ to the Father.” (B Llamera, “Theology of St Joseph”, 315)
Reflect on the teaching of St Thomas concerning divine vocation: “To those whom God calls for his work, God provides the necessary preparation and graces so that they will be the ideal instruments for that work.” (St Thomas, “Summa Theologiae”, 3, q27,a4,c)
St Joseph fulfilled the mission which God had entrusted to him. His whole life was an unconditional gift to God for the good of the Holy Family and all people. (cf John Paul II, Apostolic Exhortation, “Redemptoris custos”, 15 August 1989, 17)
We ask the Holy Patriarch to help us fulfill the will of God in everything. We pray he show us how to live out our commitments joyfully and without reservation.
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 6:162, 165-6, 171
St Joseph’s eminent dignity and great power
To form an idea of St Joseph’s attributes, we should reflect that God called him to the holiest and most exalted of all offices-- to be the spouse of the Mother of God, foster-father of the Eternal Son of God-made-man, ruler of the Holy Family, and guardian of the secret of the Divine Incarnation.
Reflect that God always proportions his gifts to the dignity to which he raises whomever it pleases him to elevate. Reflect that St Joseph whom the Holy Spirit called a 'just man' (Mt 1:18), corresponded most faithfully to the abundant graces which he received.
Thus he laid up an immense treasure of merits and sanctity, and we will draw the certain conclusion that, after the Mother of God, St Joseph is the nearest to the Eternal Throne; and that his intercession must be all-powerful. How can Jesus refuse the prayer of him whose will he obeyed in all things while on earth?
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, p855
Be silent and listen
Here was an ordinary man to whom God granted extraordinary graces. Joseph was to fulfill a most singular mission in God’s salvific design. He experienced indescribable joys along with trials of doubt and suffering. We recall his perplexity at the mystery of Mary’s conception, the extreme material poverty in Bethlehem, the prophecies of Simeon in the Temple, the hurried flight into Egypt, the difficulties of having to live in a foreign land, the return from Egypt, and the threat posed by Archelaus. Joseph proved himself always faithful to the will of God; ever ready to set aside his own plans. (cf Francis Fernandez, op cit, 170)
And yet there is not a single word spoken by him in the Gospels. Truly he lived the wonderful implications of two words -- ‘silent’ and ‘listen’. Applied to our spiritual life, they dispose us to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit. If we “make” time to be ‘silent’, we become docile and disposed to ‘listen’ to the Holy Spirit.
Joseph Believed
St Joseph of Nazareth was a ‘just man’; said to his credit, ‘as justice’, ‘that he believed in the God who gives life to the dead and calls into existence things which do not yet exist’.
That happened at the ‘decisive moment for the history of salvation’, when God, the eternal Father sent His Son into the world to accomplish the promise made to Abraham.
It was exactly then that the faith of Joseph of Nazareth was manifested. It showed itself to be up to the measure of the faith of Abraham.
It was evident even more when ‘the Word of the living God became flesh in Mary’; by the announcement of the angel, ‘she was with child through the power of the Holy Spirit’. The faith of St Joseph was bound to be manifested ‘before the mystery of the Incarnation of the Son of God’.
And Joseph believed in God: ‘Joseph, son of David, have no fear about taking Mary as your wife.’
Ref: cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, pp22-3
The Beautiful Lady, at Norgent-Sur-Seine. It is affirmed, that it is impossible to remove this celebrated picture from its little chapel, which is only four or five feet square. — Ex monumentis Novigentenis. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
The Beautiful Lady (‘Norgent-sur-Seine’, France). (http://www/divinewill.org/feastofourlady.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
18 March 2010: St Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop and Doctor of the Church
St Cyril is known mainly for his Catecheses which remain relevant, conclusively showing that Catholic doctrine is the same then (+386) and now. (Fr James Socias et al [Eds], Daily Roman Missal, p1493)
Jesus accused by his people before Pilate
“Pilate therefore went out to them, and said, ‘What accusation bring you against this man?’ They answered and said to him ‘If he were not a criminal, we would not have delivered him to you’.” (Jn 18:29-30)
We cannot help becoming greatly indignant at the rulers of the Jews who instigated the crowd to accuse Jesus of a crime and to hate their Messiah who had never harmed anyone; but who had blessed them all.
This frightful picture is reproduced daily. Our Lord and his doctrine are still hated, calumniated; and often by those who received his best gifts. Those whose rank and talents are used to mislead their inferiors, and incite them up against our Lord and his Church.
“Pilate said to them, ‘Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law’. The Jews replied, ‘We are not permitted to put anyone to death’.” (Jn 18:31-2)
The Scribes and Pharisees were the accusers of our Lord, but they would not pass sentence on him, even after Pilate authorized them. They wanted Jesus to appear more guilty by being condemned by the chief magistrate. To avert the stigma of his death from themselves; and to be crucified, the most shameful and most cruel mode of death commonly used by the Romans. Crucifixion is not found in any of the Jewish laws.
Under a pretence of justice, the Jews hypocritically masked their wickedness. Unknowingly, they were fulfilling prophecy. Jesus had foretold the manner of his death; and for love of us was willing to drink the cup of suffering and humiliation to the last drop.
Let us never waver in our faith when we see the wicked succeed in their evil designs. God, who in his infinite wisdom orders the whole course of events, will turn all things to his glory and the good of his Church.
Jesus was accused of three crimes-- perverting the people, refusing to pay tribute, and assuming the name of Christ the King. The first two were obviously false. He had preached and practised the contrary. The third was in the sense of a kingdom opposed to Caesar’s.
Our Lord willed to be calumniated without even being disturbed by it. Should we not ignore men’s wrongful judgment when our conscience tells us we have acted rightly?
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp121-3
A life close to the Cross
To be a disciple of Our Lord means to follow his advice: “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.” (Mt 16:24) It is not possible to follow Our Lord without the Cross. Jesus’ words are relevant in all ages, since they are directed to each and every man.
To take up the cross -- acceptance of the contradictions God permits, the costly fulfilment of our duties, Christian mortification voluntarily accepted -- is the indispensable condition for following the Master.
“What would become of a Gospel, of a Christianity, without the Cross, without pain, the sacrifice of pain? It would be a Gospel, a Christianity without Redemption, with no Salvation; a Redemption and Salvation of which, and we ought to recognise with unmitigated sincerity, we stand in absolute need. The Lord has saved us with the Cross; with his death. He has given us hope again, the right to life. ...” (cf Paul VI, “Address”, 24 Mar 1967)
It would be a valueless Christianity, useless in reaching Heaven, for “the world cannot be saved except with the Cross of Christ”. (St Leo the Great, “Sermon 51”)United to the Lord, mortifications, voluntary or passive, acquire their deepest meaning. They are a ‘participation’ in the mystery of the Redemption.
To some, mortification can signify madness or stupidity, some kind of relic carried over from earlier eras which is inappropriate to the progress and cultural development of the twenty-first century. But none of this should surprise us. St Paul had already written that “it is a stumbling block to the Jews and folly to the Gentiles” (1 Cor 1:23).
Christians who lose sight of the supernatural meaning of their lives fail to understand that we can only follow Christ through a life of sacrifice, beside the Cross. “If you don’t deny yourself, you never will be a soul of prayer." (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Way”, 172)
“To suppose that He would admit to his close friendship pleasure-loving people who want to be free from all trials is ridiculous.” (St Theresa, “The Way of Perfection”, 18, 2)
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:113-5
In Christ we contemplate the sorrows of mankind
In him led publicly to execution and exposed to a humiliating death -- the Man of sorrow -- predicted by Isaiah, is summed up and sanctified every human sorrow.
Servant of the Father, Firstborn among many brothers, the Head of humanity, he transforms man’s suffering into an offering that pleases God, a redeeming sacrifice. The Lamb who takes away the sins of the world, the faithful Witness who sums up in himself, and ennobles, every martyrdom.
On the ‘Via Dolorosa’ and on Golgotha is his Mother, the first Martyr. And with the heart of his Mother, to whom he consigned as his testament from the Cross every disciple and every man, we contemplate, with emotion, Christ’s sufferings, learning from him obedience until death, even death on the Cross; learning from her to accept every man as our brother, to be with her near the innumerable crosses to which the Lord of glory is still unjustly nailed, not his glorious Body but the suffering limbs of his mystical Body.
Ref: cf “The Private Prayers of Pope John Paul II”, 1993, p69
In the year 1586, Our Lady of Loretto was erected into a cathedral by Sixtus V, having been previously a collegiate church. — Tursellini, Historia Lauretana, v. 10. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com); (http://www/divinewill.org/feastofourlady.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
Our Lady of Loreto. (House where Mary and Joseph raised Jesus.) Cathedral built by Pope Sixtus V. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm) 1586
Marian apparitions in Savona, including the event in 1536 which this feast commemorates. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Our Lady of Mercy. Patroness of Savona, Italy. [Connection to Our Lady of Mercy, September 24.] (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (http://www/divinewill.org/feastofourlady.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy, saves Ajaccio, France from black death, 1656. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Jesus accused by his people before Pilate
“Pilate therefore went out to them, and said, ‘What accusation bring you against this man?’ They answered and said to him ‘If he were not a criminal, we would not have delivered him to you’.” (Jn 18:29-30)
We cannot help becoming greatly indignant at the rulers of the Jews who instigated the crowd to accuse Jesus of a crime and to hate their Messiah who had never harmed anyone; but who had blessed them all.
This frightful picture is reproduced daily. Our Lord and his doctrine are still hated, calumniated; and often by those who received his best gifts. Those whose rank and talents are used to mislead their inferiors, and incite them up against our Lord and his Church.
“Pilate said to them, ‘Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law’. The Jews replied, ‘We are not permitted to put anyone to death’.” (Jn 18:31-2)
The Scribes and Pharisees were the accusers of our Lord, but they would not pass sentence on him, even after Pilate authorized them. They wanted Jesus to appear more guilty by being condemned by the chief magistrate. To avert the stigma of his death from themselves; and to be crucified, the most shameful and most cruel mode of death commonly used by the Romans. Crucifixion is not found in any of the Jewish laws.
Under a pretence of justice, the Jews hypocritically masked their wickedness. Unknowingly, they were fulfilling prophecy. Jesus had foretold the manner of his death; and for love of us was willing to drink the cup of suffering and humiliation to the last drop.
Let us never waver in our faith when we see the wicked succeed in their evil designs. God, who in his infinite wisdom orders the whole course of events, will turn all things to his glory and the good of his Church.
Jesus was accused of three crimes-- perverting the people, refusing to pay tribute, and assuming the name of Christ the King. The first two were obviously false. He had preached and practised the contrary. The third was in the sense of a kingdom opposed to Caesar’s.
Our Lord willed to be calumniated without even being disturbed by it. Should we not ignore men’s wrongful judgment when our conscience tells us we have acted rightly?
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp121-3
A life close to the Cross
To be a disciple of Our Lord means to follow his advice: “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.” (Mt 16:24) It is not possible to follow Our Lord without the Cross. Jesus’ words are relevant in all ages, since they are directed to each and every man.
To take up the cross -- acceptance of the contradictions God permits, the costly fulfilment of our duties, Christian mortification voluntarily accepted -- is the indispensable condition for following the Master.
“What would become of a Gospel, of a Christianity, without the Cross, without pain, the sacrifice of pain? It would be a Gospel, a Christianity without Redemption, with no Salvation; a Redemption and Salvation of which, and we ought to recognise with unmitigated sincerity, we stand in absolute need. The Lord has saved us with the Cross; with his death. He has given us hope again, the right to life. ...” (cf Paul VI, “Address”, 24 Mar 1967)
It would be a valueless Christianity, useless in reaching Heaven, for “the world cannot be saved except with the Cross of Christ”. (St Leo the Great, “Sermon 51”)United to the Lord, mortifications, voluntary or passive, acquire their deepest meaning. They are a ‘participation’ in the mystery of the Redemption.
To some, mortification can signify madness or stupidity, some kind of relic carried over from earlier eras which is inappropriate to the progress and cultural development of the twenty-first century. But none of this should surprise us. St Paul had already written that “it is a stumbling block to the Jews and folly to the Gentiles” (1 Cor 1:23).
Christians who lose sight of the supernatural meaning of their lives fail to understand that we can only follow Christ through a life of sacrifice, beside the Cross. “If you don’t deny yourself, you never will be a soul of prayer." (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Way”, 172)
“To suppose that He would admit to his close friendship pleasure-loving people who want to be free from all trials is ridiculous.” (St Theresa, “The Way of Perfection”, 18, 2)
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:113-5
In Christ we contemplate the sorrows of mankind
In him led publicly to execution and exposed to a humiliating death -- the Man of sorrow -- predicted by Isaiah, is summed up and sanctified every human sorrow.
Servant of the Father, Firstborn among many brothers, the Head of humanity, he transforms man’s suffering into an offering that pleases God, a redeeming sacrifice. The Lamb who takes away the sins of the world, the faithful Witness who sums up in himself, and ennobles, every martyrdom.
On the ‘Via Dolorosa’ and on Golgotha is his Mother, the first Martyr. And with the heart of his Mother, to whom he consigned as his testament from the Cross every disciple and every man, we contemplate, with emotion, Christ’s sufferings, learning from him obedience until death, even death on the Cross; learning from her to accept every man as our brother, to be with her near the innumerable crosses to which the Lord of glory is still unjustly nailed, not his glorious Body but the suffering limbs of his mystical Body.
Ref: cf “The Private Prayers of Pope John Paul II”, 1993, p69
In the year 1586, Our Lady of Loretto was erected into a cathedral by Sixtus V, having been previously a collegiate church. — Tursellini, Historia Lauretana, v. 10. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com); (http://www/divinewill.org/feastofourlady.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
Our Lady of Loreto. (House where Mary and Joseph raised Jesus.) Cathedral built by Pope Sixtus V. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm) 1586
Marian apparitions in Savona, including the event in 1536 which this feast commemorates. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Our Lady of Mercy. Patroness of Savona, Italy. [Connection to Our Lady of Mercy, September 24.] (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (http://www/divinewill.org/feastofourlady.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy, saves Ajaccio, France from black death, 1656. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
17 March 2010: Our Lady of Glastonbury
To the Christian, Glastonbury, on the Somerset plain is the cradle of the faith in England. Modern archaeologists show conclusively that it was the site of a Celtic monastery since the fifth century. There are tales that connect King Arthur to Glastonbury; and evidence this ancient ruler did in fact exist. Among the most fascinating is he is probably buried there.
A few old legends connect Joseph of Arimathea with Glastonbury. A tradition since the eighth century relates St Patrick with Glastonbury. Some stories claim it is his burial place. Great numbers of Irish pilgrims made the difficult journey to visit what they believed to be his tomb.
The Celtic monastery such pilgrims visited was built of wattle and twigs, a collection of huts and tiny chapels, with one larger chapel dedicated to Our Lady. Hermits lived there. Inside the old church had stood a statue of Our Lady that survived a fire. Mary was pictured on the abbey coat of arms and on its seal.
In one representation she is seated holding the child Jesus; in the other, Our Lady holds the child Jesus on one arm and in her other hand, a flowering bush (the Glastonbury thorn), which is symbolic of Mary, Virgin and Mother. A sprig of this bush was thrust into the ground, according to legend, by Joseph of Arimathea.
Glastonbury today includes St Mary’s Chapel, the Benedictine Abbey Church, St Patrick’s Chapel, and the Abbot’s Kitchen. The ruined shell of St Mary’s Chapel stands in silent beauty. It dates from 1186, rebuilt on the original place of the old wattle-and-twig church, the spot held holy as far back as can be determined. The Abbey Church is from the 13th century. The altar site and King Arthur’s tomb are marked.
An authenticated story relates Queen Philippa, wife of King Edward III presenting a rosary with beads of gold and silver to adorn the statue during her pilgrimage. Glastonbury also developed a special devotion to Joseph, an unusual interest in that time and place.
St Mary’s Church and the Shrine of Our Lady of Glastonbury are modern and were consecrated in 1941. No one knows what became of the statue of Our Lady of Glastonbury after 1539 [Reformation], but St Mary’s has a beautiful image as represented in the abbey seal.
Ref: cf Gerald E Sherry, “The Catholic Shrines of Europe”, pp38-41
St Joseph of Arimathea -- In the “evening, a rich man, Joseph, also a disciple of Jesus went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his new tomb hewn out in the rock. Then he rolled a large stone to the entrance and left. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting opposite ...” (cf Mt 27:57-61)
St Patrick, bishop (385-461): Born in Scotland. Pope Celestine sent him to preach the Faith in Ireland. In thirty-three years, he succeeded in converting the whole country (known as “Island of Saints” during the Middle Ages) after heartbreaking difficulties. Patron of Ireland. (Fr James Socias, et al [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, p1492)
Today, as we thank Our Lord for the gift of faith St Patrick handed on, and resolve to follow his example in our generation, we do so in words (Hymn, “St Patrick’s breastplate” in Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 6:123) attributed to him:
Christ beside me, Christ before me
Christ behind me, Christ within me
Christ under me, Christ over me
Christ to right of me, Christ to left of me
Christ in lying down, Christ in sitting, Christ in rising up
Christ in the heart of every person who may think of me
Christ in the mouth of every person who may speak of me
Christ in every eye that may look on me
Christ in every ear that may hear me.
The despair and death of Judas
“When Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders ...” (cf Mt 27:3)
When Judas agreed to betray his Master, he expected that, being God as well as man, Jesus would evade his enemies as he had often done. Finding that Jesus surrendered and was about to suffer death, Judas was horrified at the thought of his crime. The ‘blood’ money weighed on his conscience. Cursing, he returned it.
Such is the ordinary effect of sin. Before sinning, we only see the pleasant side, blind to its consequences. Once the harm is done, come remorse and shame. Instead of enjoyment, there is only misery and regret.
“Saying, ‘I have sinned in betraying innocent blood’.” When Judas confessed his sin to the chief priests, a sin they had tempted him to commit, he hoped to find comfort or at least interest. Instead, he received the scornful words, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” (Mt 27:4) On hearing these, his despair was total.
Never expect favor, sympathy, or even esteem, from whomever we have served against our conscience. Outwardly, they might praise or flatter us; but interiorly, will condemn us for our weakness and cowardice.
“And casting down the pieces of silver in the Temple, he departed, and went and hanged himself.” (Mt 27:5) The despair of Judas surpassed all his sins. Convinced that his crime was beyond pardon, he virtually disbelieved in God. If he had been humble and contrite like St Peter, Jesus would also have pardoned him.
We are all human, all liable to fall very low. If we unhappily commit sin, let us at once banish any thought of despair, and imitate the humble repentance of Peter, trusting, as he did, in the omnipotent mercy of God.
In times of temptation, recall St Augustine’s words: ‘If you feel afraid of God, throw yourself into his bosom.’
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp119-121
In the year 1095, under Pope Urban II, a council was held at Clermont, in Auvergne, at which the Office of Our Lady was instituted [Council of Clermont]. Foundation of the Abbey of Baumont-les-Toure, by Ingestrude in the year 600. — Gallia Christiana, t. iv. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Institution of Our Lady's Office by Pope Urban II, in the Council of Clermont. 1095.(At this council, Urban II also responded favorably to request from the Byzantine Emperor for help against an overwhelming Muslim force; Urban II preached the First Crusade to regain Jerusalem and other territories which had been conquered by Muslim armies. The Crusade succeeded, and founded a kingdom which survived for two centuries.) Urban II ordered that the town bell be rung 3X daily in honor of the triple Angelical Salutation (‘Angelus Domini’) to Mary on the Annunciation. "Angelus" is still a frequent call to prayer in Ireland. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
Our Lady of Ireland. (Madonna of Ireland). 1697. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (http://www/divinewill.org/feastofourlady.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
A few old legends connect Joseph of Arimathea with Glastonbury. A tradition since the eighth century relates St Patrick with Glastonbury. Some stories claim it is his burial place. Great numbers of Irish pilgrims made the difficult journey to visit what they believed to be his tomb.
The Celtic monastery such pilgrims visited was built of wattle and twigs, a collection of huts and tiny chapels, with one larger chapel dedicated to Our Lady. Hermits lived there. Inside the old church had stood a statue of Our Lady that survived a fire. Mary was pictured on the abbey coat of arms and on its seal.
In one representation she is seated holding the child Jesus; in the other, Our Lady holds the child Jesus on one arm and in her other hand, a flowering bush (the Glastonbury thorn), which is symbolic of Mary, Virgin and Mother. A sprig of this bush was thrust into the ground, according to legend, by Joseph of Arimathea.
Glastonbury today includes St Mary’s Chapel, the Benedictine Abbey Church, St Patrick’s Chapel, and the Abbot’s Kitchen. The ruined shell of St Mary’s Chapel stands in silent beauty. It dates from 1186, rebuilt on the original place of the old wattle-and-twig church, the spot held holy as far back as can be determined. The Abbey Church is from the 13th century. The altar site and King Arthur’s tomb are marked.
An authenticated story relates Queen Philippa, wife of King Edward III presenting a rosary with beads of gold and silver to adorn the statue during her pilgrimage. Glastonbury also developed a special devotion to Joseph, an unusual interest in that time and place.
St Mary’s Church and the Shrine of Our Lady of Glastonbury are modern and were consecrated in 1941. No one knows what became of the statue of Our Lady of Glastonbury after 1539 [Reformation], but St Mary’s has a beautiful image as represented in the abbey seal.
Ref: cf Gerald E Sherry, “The Catholic Shrines of Europe”, pp38-41
St Joseph of Arimathea -- In the “evening, a rich man, Joseph, also a disciple of Jesus went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his new tomb hewn out in the rock. Then he rolled a large stone to the entrance and left. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting opposite ...” (cf Mt 27:57-61)
St Patrick, bishop (385-461): Born in Scotland. Pope Celestine sent him to preach the Faith in Ireland. In thirty-three years, he succeeded in converting the whole country (known as “Island of Saints” during the Middle Ages) after heartbreaking difficulties. Patron of Ireland. (Fr James Socias, et al [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, p1492)
Today, as we thank Our Lord for the gift of faith St Patrick handed on, and resolve to follow his example in our generation, we do so in words (Hymn, “St Patrick’s breastplate” in Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 6:123) attributed to him:
Christ beside me, Christ before me
Christ behind me, Christ within me
Christ under me, Christ over me
Christ to right of me, Christ to left of me
Christ in lying down, Christ in sitting, Christ in rising up
Christ in the heart of every person who may think of me
Christ in the mouth of every person who may speak of me
Christ in every eye that may look on me
Christ in every ear that may hear me.
The despair and death of Judas
“When Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders ...” (cf Mt 27:3)
When Judas agreed to betray his Master, he expected that, being God as well as man, Jesus would evade his enemies as he had often done. Finding that Jesus surrendered and was about to suffer death, Judas was horrified at the thought of his crime. The ‘blood’ money weighed on his conscience. Cursing, he returned it.
Such is the ordinary effect of sin. Before sinning, we only see the pleasant side, blind to its consequences. Once the harm is done, come remorse and shame. Instead of enjoyment, there is only misery and regret.
“Saying, ‘I have sinned in betraying innocent blood’.” When Judas confessed his sin to the chief priests, a sin they had tempted him to commit, he hoped to find comfort or at least interest. Instead, he received the scornful words, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” (Mt 27:4) On hearing these, his despair was total.
Never expect favor, sympathy, or even esteem, from whomever we have served against our conscience. Outwardly, they might praise or flatter us; but interiorly, will condemn us for our weakness and cowardice.
“And casting down the pieces of silver in the Temple, he departed, and went and hanged himself.” (Mt 27:5) The despair of Judas surpassed all his sins. Convinced that his crime was beyond pardon, he virtually disbelieved in God. If he had been humble and contrite like St Peter, Jesus would also have pardoned him.
We are all human, all liable to fall very low. If we unhappily commit sin, let us at once banish any thought of despair, and imitate the humble repentance of Peter, trusting, as he did, in the omnipotent mercy of God.
In times of temptation, recall St Augustine’s words: ‘If you feel afraid of God, throw yourself into his bosom.’
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp119-121
In the year 1095, under Pope Urban II, a council was held at Clermont, in Auvergne, at which the Office of Our Lady was instituted [Council of Clermont]. Foundation of the Abbey of Baumont-les-Toure, by Ingestrude in the year 600. — Gallia Christiana, t. iv. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Institution of Our Lady's Office by Pope Urban II, in the Council of Clermont. 1095.(At this council, Urban II also responded favorably to request from the Byzantine Emperor for help against an overwhelming Muslim force; Urban II preached the First Crusade to regain Jerusalem and other territories which had been conquered by Muslim armies. The Crusade succeeded, and founded a kingdom which survived for two centuries.) Urban II ordered that the town bell be rung 3X daily in honor of the triple Angelical Salutation (‘Angelus Domini’) to Mary on the Annunciation. "Angelus" is still a frequent call to prayer in Ireland. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
Our Lady of Ireland. (Madonna of Ireland). 1697. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (http://www/divinewill.org/feastofourlady.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html)
Monday, March 15, 2010
16 March 2010: Jesus delivered to Pontius Pilate
“It was early morning.” (Jn 18:28) The whole Sanhedrin took formal action against Jesus, that they might put him to death. The unjust judges hastily and eagerly awoke before daybreak, and assembled. Their only motive was to carry out their plan for putting an innocent Victim to death. What diligence in committing a terrible crime!
We ought to blush with shame at how much more earnestly these wicked men were in doing evil than we often are in doing good. “And they brought him bound, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate ...” (Mk 15:2)
The Jews, our Lord’s own people delivered him to the Gentiles. He had poured so many blessings on them and who had cried out in wonder, “He has done all things well: He has made both the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak.” (Mk 7:37) Their great treachery and ingratitude brought more humiliation and grief to Our Lord!
Every heart gets indignant at this treacherous ingratitude of the Jews; but are not many Christians equally as wicked? By sacrilegious Communion [such as receiving the Holy Eucharist while in a state of mortal sin], they deliver Jesus to the evil one reigning over their hearts. By their sins, they daily return evil for good to that loving Saviour who gave them a thousand times more graces and favors than he did to the Jews.
“They did not enter Pilate’s headquarters, to avoid ritual defilement and be able to eat the Passover.” (Jn 18:28) How astonishing were the false consciences and blindness of these men! Well instructed in their religion, yet they demurred about an illegal act by entering the house of a heathen; not afraid to indulge their envy and hatred by conspiring against the life of an innocent man.
Are there people who scrupulously observe trivial matters and either neglect or seldom attend to essential ones? Faithful to certain self-chosen pious practices, but do not mind omitting their obligations?
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp117-9
The Charity of Good Example
Penitence is synonymous with conversion. Conversion means overcoming everything contrary to the dignity of the children of God; it is a sincere return to the heavenly Father, who is infinitely good and merciful. ...
This return is the fruit of an act of love. It will be more expressive and pleasing to him the more it is accompanied by the sacrifice of something necessary and, above all, of superfluous things.
A very vast range of acts is open to our initiative, from assiduous, generous doing of our daily duties to humble, joyful acceptance of annoying disappointments which can be endured in the course of the day, up to renunciation of something very pleasant in order to be able to succor someone in a state of need.
But ‘the charity of good example’ is above all, most pleasing to the Lord. Good example is required by the fact that we belong to a family of faithful whose members are independent; but still need help and support from the others.
Good example does not affect only exterior action but goes deep and builds up the most precious and most active gifts in the other, namely, adherence to one’s own Christian vocation.
All these things are difficult to put into practice, for our weak powers need a supplement of energies. Where can we find them?
Let us recall the words of the Divine Savior: “Apart from me you can do nothing.” (Jn 15:5) We must turn to him. You know, anyhow, that Christ is to be found in the personal dialogue of ‘prayer’, particularly in the ‘reality of the sacraments’.
We reconcile ourselves to God and the brethren through the Sacrament of Penance; we receive Christ in the Eucharist, which sustains our weak and wavering wills.
Ref: cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, p153
Sincerity against deliberate venial sin
“The restoration of ‘a proper sense of sin’ is the first step that must be taken in facing the grave spiritual crisis looming over man today.” (cf John Paul II, “Reconciliatio et Poenitentia”, 18) In a determined fight against venial sin, one must recognize it as an offence against God which delays and can prevent union with him.
We must call it by its name, ... without reducing its transcendental importance for a soul truly wishing to go to God. Flashes of anger, promptings of envy or sensuality not immediately rejected; a desire to be the centre of attention; not being concerned with anyone but oneself; and acts of piety routinely performed are ‘venial sins’.
We ought to ask the Holy Spirit to help us sincerely recognize our faults and sins, to have a sensitive conscience which seeks pardon and does not look for ways to justify our errors.
The saints have clearly understood, in the light of love and of faith, that a single sin -- especially mortal, but venial, too -- is a disorder greater than any natural catastrophe “for the goodness of grace in one single person is greater than the material good of the entire universe”. (St Thomas, “Summa Theologiae”, I-II, q113, a)
A committed fight to banish all sin from our lives demands that we show Our Lord love and readiness to correspond with his grace. “How sad you make me feel when you are not sorry for your venial sins! For until you are, you will not begin to live a real interior life." (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Way”, 330)
“However small the sins you confess may be, always have sincere sorrow for them with a firm resolution to correct them in the future. Many who confess their venial sins out of custom and concern for order, but without thought of amendment, remain burdened with them for their whole lives and thus lose many spiritual benefits and advantages.” (St Francis de Sales, "Introduction to the Devout Life", II, 19)
The Virgin Mary, ‘Refuge of sinners’, will help us to have a refined conscience, to love Christ and all men, to be sincere with ourselves: in Confession, to recount our weaknesses and to be prompt in repenting for them.
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:103-6
Our Lady of the Fountain, at Constantinople, built by the Emperor Leo in the year 460, in thanksgiving for the apparition of the Blessed Virgin to him, near a spring to which he was charitable leading a blind man, when he was merely a common soldier; and the fact that she foretold he would be emperor. — Nicephorus, lib. xv., c. 15. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Our Lady of the Fountain (Constantinople, 460) (http://www/divinewill.org/feastofourlady.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
Our Lady of the Fountain. ('Panaghia Krena', 'Panayia tis Vrysis', 'Kyra-Vrysiani'). Constantinople. 460. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
'La Virgen de la Fuente' / 'Notre Dame de la Fontaine'. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Chapel in Chièvres, France: "Legend: A miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary was tied to a tree near this fountain. Chapel was built on spot by Eve de Chièvres, and became a 'sanctuary of grace' where still-born babies were presented in hope a last breath of life would allow them to enter heaven. Chapel was torn down and rebuilt several times, last being in 1890s in a neo-gothic style popular at the time." (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Church on Greek Island of Chios. Monastery on Greek Island of Sifnos. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Hermitage in Aragon, Spain. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Shrine in Caravaggio, Italy, built as a result of a woman's vision of Mary on 16 May 1432. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
We ought to blush with shame at how much more earnestly these wicked men were in doing evil than we often are in doing good. “And they brought him bound, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate ...” (Mk 15:2)
The Jews, our Lord’s own people delivered him to the Gentiles. He had poured so many blessings on them and who had cried out in wonder, “He has done all things well: He has made both the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak.” (Mk 7:37) Their great treachery and ingratitude brought more humiliation and grief to Our Lord!
Every heart gets indignant at this treacherous ingratitude of the Jews; but are not many Christians equally as wicked? By sacrilegious Communion [such as receiving the Holy Eucharist while in a state of mortal sin], they deliver Jesus to the evil one reigning over their hearts. By their sins, they daily return evil for good to that loving Saviour who gave them a thousand times more graces and favors than he did to the Jews.
“They did not enter Pilate’s headquarters, to avoid ritual defilement and be able to eat the Passover.” (Jn 18:28) How astonishing were the false consciences and blindness of these men! Well instructed in their religion, yet they demurred about an illegal act by entering the house of a heathen; not afraid to indulge their envy and hatred by conspiring against the life of an innocent man.
Are there people who scrupulously observe trivial matters and either neglect or seldom attend to essential ones? Faithful to certain self-chosen pious practices, but do not mind omitting their obligations?
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp117-9
The Charity of Good Example
Penitence is synonymous with conversion. Conversion means overcoming everything contrary to the dignity of the children of God; it is a sincere return to the heavenly Father, who is infinitely good and merciful. ...
This return is the fruit of an act of love. It will be more expressive and pleasing to him the more it is accompanied by the sacrifice of something necessary and, above all, of superfluous things.
A very vast range of acts is open to our initiative, from assiduous, generous doing of our daily duties to humble, joyful acceptance of annoying disappointments which can be endured in the course of the day, up to renunciation of something very pleasant in order to be able to succor someone in a state of need.
But ‘the charity of good example’ is above all, most pleasing to the Lord. Good example is required by the fact that we belong to a family of faithful whose members are independent; but still need help and support from the others.
Good example does not affect only exterior action but goes deep and builds up the most precious and most active gifts in the other, namely, adherence to one’s own Christian vocation.
All these things are difficult to put into practice, for our weak powers need a supplement of energies. Where can we find them?
Let us recall the words of the Divine Savior: “Apart from me you can do nothing.” (Jn 15:5) We must turn to him. You know, anyhow, that Christ is to be found in the personal dialogue of ‘prayer’, particularly in the ‘reality of the sacraments’.
We reconcile ourselves to God and the brethren through the Sacrament of Penance; we receive Christ in the Eucharist, which sustains our weak and wavering wills.
Ref: cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, p153
Sincerity against deliberate venial sin
“The restoration of ‘a proper sense of sin’ is the first step that must be taken in facing the grave spiritual crisis looming over man today.” (cf John Paul II, “Reconciliatio et Poenitentia”, 18) In a determined fight against venial sin, one must recognize it as an offence against God which delays and can prevent union with him.
We must call it by its name, ... without reducing its transcendental importance for a soul truly wishing to go to God. Flashes of anger, promptings of envy or sensuality not immediately rejected; a desire to be the centre of attention; not being concerned with anyone but oneself; and acts of piety routinely performed are ‘venial sins’.
We ought to ask the Holy Spirit to help us sincerely recognize our faults and sins, to have a sensitive conscience which seeks pardon and does not look for ways to justify our errors.
The saints have clearly understood, in the light of love and of faith, that a single sin -- especially mortal, but venial, too -- is a disorder greater than any natural catastrophe “for the goodness of grace in one single person is greater than the material good of the entire universe”. (St Thomas, “Summa Theologiae”, I-II, q113, a)
A committed fight to banish all sin from our lives demands that we show Our Lord love and readiness to correspond with his grace. “How sad you make me feel when you are not sorry for your venial sins! For until you are, you will not begin to live a real interior life." (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Way”, 330)
“However small the sins you confess may be, always have sincere sorrow for them with a firm resolution to correct them in the future. Many who confess their venial sins out of custom and concern for order, but without thought of amendment, remain burdened with them for their whole lives and thus lose many spiritual benefits and advantages.” (St Francis de Sales, "Introduction to the Devout Life", II, 19)
The Virgin Mary, ‘Refuge of sinners’, will help us to have a refined conscience, to love Christ and all men, to be sincere with ourselves: in Confession, to recount our weaknesses and to be prompt in repenting for them.
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:103-6
Our Lady of the Fountain, at Constantinople, built by the Emperor Leo in the year 460, in thanksgiving for the apparition of the Blessed Virgin to him, near a spring to which he was charitable leading a blind man, when he was merely a common soldier; and the fact that she foretold he would be emperor. — Nicephorus, lib. xv., c. 15. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Our Lady of the Fountain (Constantinople, 460) (http://www/divinewill.org/feastofourlady.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
Our Lady of the Fountain. ('Panaghia Krena', 'Panayia tis Vrysis', 'Kyra-Vrysiani'). Constantinople. 460. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
'La Virgen de la Fuente' / 'Notre Dame de la Fontaine'. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Chapel in Chièvres, France: "Legend: A miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary was tied to a tree near this fountain. Chapel was built on spot by Eve de Chièvres, and became a 'sanctuary of grace' where still-born babies were presented in hope a last breath of life would allow them to enter heaven. Chapel was torn down and rebuilt several times, last being in 1890s in a neo-gothic style popular at the time." (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Church on Greek Island of Chios. Monastery on Greek Island of Sifnos. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Hermitage in Aragon, Spain. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
Shrine in Caravaggio, Italy, built as a result of a woman's vision of Mary on 16 May 1432. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
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