Blog Archives | Page 117 of 170 | Fr. Ed Broom, OMV Oblates of the Virgin Mary

Nov 12 2013

ACTS OF CHARITY IN THE FABRIC OF THE FAMILY

The last and greatest Commandment that Jesus left us, as He sat at the Last Supper celebrating and instituting the First Mass was: “Love one another as I have loved you.”

St. John of the Cross stated: “In the twilight of our existence we will be judged on love.” Doctor of the Church renowned for his meekness and charity, St. Francis de Sales offers his wisdom on the virtue of love: “The measure that we should love God is to love Him without measure.” The greatest of all theologians, the Angelic Doctor, St Thomas Aquinas asserts that charity (supernatural love) is the queen of all virtues. Finally, the Apostle St. Paul says that charity is the bond of perfection and that if I am even willing to offer my body to be burned and do not have love then I am nothing. (I Corinthians 13).

Convinced of the sublime reality and character of love, let us offer concrete ways that we can practice charity within the context of our own families. For most of us that is where it should start. “Charity begins at home.” The Hispanics have a saying very apropos of the topic: “Candil en la calle, oscuridad en la casa.”— the meaning: “You can be a burning candle in the street (outside the home, but darkness inside). I would call this the “Rip van Winkle complex”.

CONCRETE WAYS THAT WE CAN PRACTICE CHARITY AT HOME:

1. KIND WORDS. Get into the habit of condimenting your speech by expressing kind words to the members of your household. An opportune and kind word can pull a family member out of desolation and give him wind in his sails to carry the cross that the Lord has given him. St. Francis de Sales offers this catchy maxim: “You can catch more flies with a teaspoon of honey than with a barrel of vinegar.”

2. CLEANING CREWMAN! If you notice something dirty, out of place, dishes in disorder and dirty, a room in shambles, instead of complaining about the mess, order the disordered! Sometimes we expend more time in complaining then it would to complete the task!

3. SMILE GOD LOVES YOU! One of the most authentic signs of the follower of Jesus is joy and joy is expressed by a smile. A smile is not costly; it does not take much time, investment or physical energy. But a timely smile can go a long way. It is interesting to note that a frown is contagious; however, a joyful smile is even more contagious. St. Paul reminds us: “God loves a joyful giver.”

4. JOY— Charity abounds with joy, but joy is not simply a natural habit but rather one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. The following is a catchy acronym that we can implement to acquire joy J.O.Y. J stands for JESUS; O stands for OTHERS; Y stands for YOU…. If we can maintain this proper order: Jesus first, others second, and then we are last, then the net result is an abounding joy! St. Paul exhorts us to be joyful: “Rejoice in the Lord; I say it again: rejoice in the Lord.” (Phil. 4:4)

Blessed Miguel Pro–died of love for God and his country. Viva Cristo Rey!

5. SUFFERING SANCTIFIED. Suffering can do one of two things: make us either better or bitter! The next time, when the reality of suffering knocks at your door, why not accept it peacefully from the loving hands of Divine Providence. Then unite this suffering to the cross of Jesus and then place it on the altar of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Finally, offer this suffering that you are going through for the conversion, sanctification, and salvation of all of the members of your family, but specify one member in particular that you would especially desire most abundant graces.

In conclusion, why not start today, this very moment of your life, to live out the greatest Commandment in the world: the Commandment of love. No need to travel far and wide or go abroad on stormy seas to live out the Gospel of love. Let us decide right now to start within the context of the “Domestic Church” called the family to condiment the family life with the best ingredient: LOVE!

Nov 05 2013

MARRIAGE BUILDERS: SIMPLE WORDS CAN SAVE!

Marriage and family is under attack and many marriages are in crisis and too many have sunk as the Titanic with the crew members, the children suffering the bitter consequences.
Let us offer some simple suggestions to help the engaged, the newly married, as well as those married for years to fight to save the basic cell of society—marriage and family.

Our words can either edify others or they can tear down others. Therefore, we should make a concerted effort to condiment our words with the seasoning of grace and the Holy Spirit so that they build up the spirit of our spouse.
Love and fidelity were promised on the wedding day and must be cultivated until death do they part.

The following are some short but exceedingly important phrases that should be said often to condiment and season the marriage commitment! Why not try to incorporate them in your daily walk with your partner right now!

1. “I LOVE YOU.” The temptation is even in the best of couples to say interiorly: “Well she already knows that, why be boring and redundant!” True, she may know it but every time it is expressed the love in her heart grows. It is like a plant unwatered, it wilts and dies; watered, the plant grows and flourishes.

2. “THANK YOU!” St. Ignatius of Loyola asserts that the essence of sin is ingratitude. The ten lepers were cured and only one of the ten returned to give Jesus thanks. “Thank you” should be constant, heartfelt, and concrete. In other words, “Honey, thank you for a wonderful meal!” Or, “Honey thank you for your long hours at work and providing for the family!” Shakespeare condemns ingratitude with these biting words: “More painful than a serpent’s tooth is that of an ungrateful child.” Season your daily vocabulary with “Thank you!” The word “Eucharist” means thanksgiving.

3. “I AM SORRY!” When we fail we should have the humility to say “I am sorry!” This demands sincerity and humility, two key virtues indispensable in the spiritual life.

4. “FORGIVE ME!” The sequel of “I am sorry” of course is “Forgive me!” Reconciliation after a fall-out, failure, quarrel, misunderstanding can serve to strengthen the marriage bond all the more. The best marriages are not those who never have disagreements or conflicts, but rather they are the ones that are resilient. After a fight, they are able to reconcile quickly. We can either be like Play-dough or a Super—ball. The “Play-dough”syndrome means pride. Failure results in anger, resentment, bitterness and lack of forgiveness. The “Super-ball” complex reflects resiliency in the spiritual life. The fall results in rebounding and bouncing even higher. The word of God reminds us: “Never allow the sun to go down on your anger.”

5. WHAT CAN I DO TO PLEASE MY SPOUSE TODAY? Every day husband or wife should plan to carry out some concrete action that will result in making his/her spouse happy. Not what is in it for me, but how can I please my spouse today!

6. COMPLIMENT: ONCE, TWICE, THREE TIMES. In baseball three strikes you are out. In marriage and family spouses should get into the habit of complimenting each other not once, nor twice, but rather three times a day. This is not a spiritual strike out, but a grand slam!

7. LISTEN, PRAY, THINK, THEN SPEAK! Easier said than done! Communication fails all too often because a lack of proper order in communication. Saint James says that we should be slow to speak and quick to listen. What would happen if starting now, I strive to improve my communication skills by following these four words in this proper order: first listen attentively, pray to the Holy Spirit, think and ponder like Mary, then speak for the purpose of edifying and sanctifying my spouse. Of course this is a tall order and not easy to accomplish over-night. However, let us aim high!

8. “GOD WILL PROVIDE”. In the midst of tensions, uncertainties, struggles, trials and tribulations, one of the key phrases that should ascend from our hearts and be expressed by our speech should be “God will provide.” These three words express a great trust and confidence in Divine Providence. In the very heart of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus repeats time and time again the command: “Do not worry!” He tells us to look at the lilies of the field and the birds of the air. He tells us not to worry about food or clothing but to trust. These words of the Savior sums it all up: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and everything else will be given to you besides.” Many couples suffer due to the simple but key issue of TRUST of God in their lives. Below the Divine Mercy image Jesus wanted these words to be painted: “Jesus I trust in you!”

9. “I WILL PRAY FOR YOU”. This might sound like a pious platitude or a mere cliché, but it is not! The greatest gift somebody can give to another is to pray for them. A short and fervent prayer goes beyond the value of all the money in the world. Could it be that many marriages and families crumble and disintegrate for the simple reason that husbands and wives forget the most simple and obvious: they forget to pray for each other!

10.MARY. “LET US PRAY THE ROSARY!” When married couples have a union in the Immaculate Heart of Mary through the daily recitation of the Rosary peace will reign in this family. The Rosary priest, Father Patrick Peyton, never wearied of saying: “The family that prays together stays together.” Mary never distances us from God, but she always draws us close to Jesus her Divine Son. The last recorded words of Mary in the Bible are: “Do whatever He tells you.”(Jn. 2: 5).St. Louis de Montfort, the great lover and promoter of Marian consecration, said that Mary is the quickest and easiest path to Jesus.

In conclusion, if married couples can embrace these words, sentiments and attitude of heart, they are establishing a solid foundation on which to build their family and a secure foundation for the future of their children.

Nov 05 2013

ZACCHAEUS—THE WONDERFUL LESSONS!

He was a man of small stature, but of huge economic resources. Despite his money, possessions and work status, he was not happy with himself. As he hung from a limb of a tree and peered down at “Someone” that passed by he heard his name called, “Zacchaeus, come down because I want to come to your home this very night.” This unique encounter would radically change his life in time and for all eternity. First read this Biblical passage two or three times slowly, pray over it, then beg the Holy Spirit to allow this providential encounter between Zacchaeus and Jesus to change your life. In some way or another this encounter is meant for you right now! The passage can be found in the Gospel of St. Luke 19:1-10.

He came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” And he came down quickly and received him with joy. When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.”

Following are a few further reflections to help you in your meditation!

1. Zacchaeus. He had material success and lots of money because he was a tax collector in a very rich city—that of Jericho. However, he was not happy. On the contrary he was sad! The Beatles have a very famous song of the 60s “Money can’t buy me love.” This is not a Gospel song, but it is very true! If we were to ask anybody if they want to be happy, the obvious response would be “Of course!” Why then are so many people sad, depressed, going to professionals, taking pills to fight against depression? The reason is very clear: they are looking for happiness in the wrong place! The famous book and movie the Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens says it all. Scrooge was never happy with his money. He found true happiness when he learned that true joy comes in giving to others, especially to the poor and handicapped! St. Paul puts it concisely: “There is more joy in giving than in receiving.” Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta reiterates the same message: “Give until it hurts.”

2. DETERMINED DETERMINATION TO SEE JESUS! Zacchaeus was a Tax collector (Publican) and not liked by all. As Jesus passed by he wanted to see Jesus, but could not because he was small of stature. Maybe he was pushed, nudged and ended up black and blue with bruises. But he did not give up. Exceedingly creative, he decided to climb a tree so that he could at least get a glimpse of Jesus as He walked by! Another example of this perseverance and determination is the example of the four men that carried the paralytic on a mat. They could not get into the home where Jesus was. Not giving up, using extreme creativity, they decided to climb the roof, cut a hole in the roof and lower the man down. We all know the end of the story. Jesus healed the paralytic because of the determination and perseverance of the four friends! What are we willing to do to meet Jesus? People will travel hundreds of miles for sports events, to see the beauty of nature, to meet persons they love. What are we willing to do to meet Jesus? What is interesting and at the same time very sad is that Jesus is not far away. Actually, Jesus is present in every Catholic Church throughout the world. Furthermore, every Mass that is celebrated throughout the world Jesus is present. Why not make an effort to live out the Our Father, “Give us this day our daily bread” and receive the Bread of life if possible even on a daily basis? You will never regret it!

3. ZACCHAEUS AND TRUE REPENTANCE. An authentic sign of repentance is not simply paying lip-service. As the saying goes, “words are cheap!” Our words have to be supported by concrete actions. Zacchaeus showed this most clearly. As the people were criticizing the little man, he held his ground and said that he would give half of his money to the poor. Still more he said that if he had defrauded anybody then he would give four times as much. REPARATION/RESTITUTION. This concrete gesture of Zacchaeus, is called reparation. When we do damage to another person either physically, emotionally, or spiritually then in justice we have the obligation to restore or repair the damage we have done. Reparation, the little man did and way beyond what was required.

4. JESUS REJOICES! Jesus came to save the sinner. The greatest attribute in the Sacred Heart of Jesus is His mercy. He came to seek out the lost sheep. He is truly the Father in the story of the Prodigal Son. His arms are open for you right now.

5. JOY IN TWO WAYS. The film “The Greatest Miracle” gives us the secret of true joy: forgiveness in the Sacrament of Confession and encountering Jesus in the Mass. The three persons in this movie were sad because they were looking for happiness in the wrong place. They finally found true joy in the Church, led by their Guardian angels. In the church two sacraments were being celebrated: Confession (with the devils tempting many not to confess or to confess poorly); and then the Mass in which the culminating point is found in the most Holy Eucharist. The three went away happy because they met Jesus in His mercy and in His love. Why not today encounter Jesus in His infinite mercy and then open up your home, your heart, to receive Jesus with great joy and great love in Holy Communion. Live out what Saint Paul teaches us: “Rejoice in the Lord; I say it again: rejoice in the Lord!” (Phil 4:4). Then share this joy of encountering Jesus with the entire world.

The disciples on the road to Emmaus started out like Zacchaeus and like many people sad and depressed. However, their sadness was transformed into joy by a providential encounter with Jesus. The Lord Jesus walked with them, listened to them, and talked to them. Then He sat down at table and broke bread with them. Their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread and filled with joy returned to tell the good news to the Apostles. “Did not our hearts burn within us as He explained the Word to us and in the breaking of the bread?”

Oct 29 2013

IMITATING OUR FRIENDS THE SAINTS

His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI initiated the “Year of Faith” October 11, 2012 which terminates on Nov.24, 2013 on the Solemnity of Jesus Christ the King of the Universe. His Holiness encouraged us to get to know Jesus as Friend, but also to make Him known throughout the whole world.

From Baptism we are anointed as prophets to proclaim the Word of God by word and action. In Confirmation the Bishop said to those confirmed: “You are called to defend the faith and to spread the faith.”
Jesus’ last words in the Gospel of Mt 28:16-20 were to go out to the whole world and teach all nations… All baptized are called to be prophets, missionaries and evangelizers!

However as a prerequisite, Pope Benedict insisted upon our getting to know our faith better. For that reason, the Pope Emeritus insisted on studying key documents to bolster the knowledge of our faith. In concrete Pope Benedict mentioned two key sources which must be the Magna Carta and foundation for Catholic-Christians who live in the 21st century. These are the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Vatican II Documents.

With respect to the Vatican II Documents there are four key documents and these are called “Dogmatic Constitutions”. They are Dei Verbum (D.V.), Sacrosanctum Concilium (S.C.) and the last two refer to the Church (Gaudiem Spes. (G.S) and Lumen Gentium (L.G.) So as to really penetrate the mind of the church in the modern world, it is incumbent upon us to get to know these two spiritual masterpieces which are indeed a goldmine of knowledge for us.

Chapter V of Lumen Gentium indeed is a masterpiece. This chapter is a vital challenge for all of us— “The Universal Call to holiness”. It means this: we are all called to become saints! Not some of us, but all of us are called to become saints; it is not partial but universal! We were created by a loving and holy God for one purpose— to be holy in this life, to die in the state of holiness(sanctifying grace) so as to be united with a three-times holy God in heaven for all eternity!

Biblical verses are not lacking in this challenge to pursue holiness of life and to really become the saint that God calls me to be!

Jesus issued an imperious command: “Be holy as your heavenly Father is holy.” (Mt. 5:48)This is not the conditional tense; on the contrary, this is an imperative which means that this is a Divine order! There is no “buts” about it. The Lord commands it with stark realism!

One of the Beatitudes Jesus also states: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice (holiness), they will be satisfied.”(Mt 5:6) Our hunger and thirst for holiness should go beyond our hunger and thirst for physical food and drink. Why? The welfare and sanctification of our soul supersedes the welfare of the body.

Jesus also challenges us in our pursuit for holiness with these bold words: “What would it profit a man if he were to gain the whole world and lose his soul in the process? What can a man give in exchange for his soul?”(Mk. 8:31/Mt. 16:18) Saint Paul in the letter to the Thessalonians reiterates Jesus’ call to holiness with these words: “This is the will of your heavenly Father– your sanctification.”(I Thes. 4:3)

Blessed Mother Teresa always insisted on pursuing holiness. One of the primary conditions she had for receiving a possible “Missionary of Charity” nun was their clear desire to become a saint. Mother Teresa asserted: “Holiness is not the privilege of the few, but it is the duty of all.”

The case is clear, there is no alternative: we must all seriously pursue the pathway that leads to holiness and long to become the saint that from all eternity God has called us to be! The next obvious question is if I have to become a saint, then how and what steps must a take to arrive at that goal?

There are many practices that we could undertake to place us on the highway to holiness. However, I would like to mention only one which I sincerely believe is the quickest way to holiness; let us call it the shortcut!

HOLY MASS, HOLY EUCHARIST, HOLY COMMUNION!

Jesus Christ is the example for us to follow. He stated clearly: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” Jesus is indeed the “Holy of Holies”. Jesus is God, the Second Person of the Most Blessed Trinity.

Jesus is the source and means by which we receive all holiness. Before ascending to Heaven Jesus promised that he would be with us always even until the end of the world. Jesus is present in His Church and most specifically in His Sacraments. The greatest of all the Sacraments is the Most Holy Eucharist— the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of

Jesus. THE PRACTICE! If you are not going to daily Mass and Holy Communion, decide to right now—all the days that your schedule permits!

Next, prepare yourself better. The Parish priest usually has a specific intention for the person that has asked for the Mass– a living person or it could be the deceased. However, this does not mean that you cannot offer your own private intentions when you assist at Holy Mass.

THREE POSSIBLE INTENTIONS. Offer your Mass and Holy Communion for somebody that has died that if he is in Purgatory that he will be taken to heaven. Next, pray for someone you know and love who has either left the Church, is angry at God or has even lost the faith. Pray for his conversion! Finally, pray for yourself that through a fervent reception of Holy Communion you would receive from Jesus a “Spiritual Heart-transplant”.

It is true that we receive the Body of Jesus in Holy Communion. That means that we receive the most noble organ— His Most Sacred Heart. The logical conclusion is that we actually receive a “Spiritual Heart-transplant”.

Indeed, if we receive Jesus with greater frequency, greater faith, and greater fervor (fire of love), then without a doubt we will grow in holiness and definitely be on the Highway to holiness. Today more than ever the world needs saints. That is what you are called to be right now!

May Our Lady, Queen of the angels and saints, inspire us and motivate us by her prayers and example to become exactly that which God had planned for us from all eternity!

Oct 29 2013

FIVE WAYS TO IMPROVE OUR PRAYER LIFE

How much time and energy is exerted in obtaining a degree from some prestigious University? How much blood, sweat and tears are expended to win a trophy from some sporting event? How much time and energy can even be consumed in preparing for a surprise Birthday party? If we can expend almost exaggerated resources of time, money, emotional and physical energy for such natural pursuits, should we not even expend more of our time and energy in what is the greatest of all arts, “The art of all arts” and that is learning the Practice of Prayer. St. Alphonsus Liguori, Doctor of the Church, calls prayer the key to salvation.

Following are five short, clear and concrete steps we can undertake to improve our personal prayer life, grow in holiness, be a source of holiness to many others and experience a nearly constant peace and overflowing joy!

1. CONVICTION! Must be convinced of the importance of prayer in our life and for our eternal salvation. St. Alphonsus expresses it concisely: “He who prays will be saved; he who does not pray will be damned.” St. John Damascene defines prayer: “Lifting of the mind and heart to God.” St. Augustine has a catchy way of expressing the indispensable character of prayer: “He who prays well lives well; he who lives well dies well; he who dies well, all is well.” Excellent! A final easy analogy: as air is to the lungs, so must prayer be to our soul. No air for the lungs, death arrives quickly. Likewise, the prayer-less person can easily fall prey to temptation and fall

into mortal sin and lose God’s Friendship!

2. CONFESSION. If we are not at peace with God, if our conscience is reproaching us, if we have unforgiven and unconfessed sins then talking face to face with God as friends simply does not work. If we hurt our friend, we apologize and then return to amicable relations!

3. SET TIME AND PLACE TO PRAY. Man is a creature of habit. We do certain things every day at the same time and place. Of capital importance should be to form the habit of prayer. This habit will result in our salvation and possibly the salvation of many others. We can pray at any time and any place and in any circumstance. However, there are “Prime times” that we should pray. Morning prayer upon arising from sleep, grace before meals, before going on a trip, the family Rosary in the evening before dinner, and night prayers— these are traditional times for prayer.

4. MASS AND HOLY COMMUNION. By far the greatest prayer in the world is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Sunday Mass is obligatory, under pain of mortal sin. However, if we are truly in love with God, we should not aim for the minimum but rather the maximum! The greatest action and gesture under the heavens that will lead us to eternal life in heaven is to assist at Holy Mass and receive Holy Communion fervently, humbly, and with great confidence. The angels in heaven experience a holy envy towards us because even the greatest of angels cannot receive Jesus in Holy Communion. How privileged we really are!

5. OUR LADY AND THE ROSARY. Our Lady of Fatima appeared in 1917 from May to October. In every one of the Apparitions she insisted on the praying of the Rosary. Blessed Pope John Paul II in one of this literary masterpieces Blessed Virgin Mary and the Rosary also insisted that we pray the Rosary and for two specific important intentions: 1) for world peace, 2) for the sake of the family. The Rosary priest, Father Patrick Peyton, coined these immortal proverbs: “”The family that prays together, stays together….” And “A world at prayer is a world at peace.”

The family should find a time and place and pray the Rosary every day. May the father who is the spiritual head of the family initiate this practice, bring the family together, and persevere in this prayer for the salvation of his entire family.

If we can implement these five concrete practices in our personal prayer life then we will bring forth fruit and fruit in abundance! May Our Lady of grace inspire us to undertake a daily growth in our prayer life!