Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter

“For greater things you were born.” (Ven. Mother Luisita)

MONDAY, May 23rd   Jn 15:26-16:4a   Alleluia Verse: “The Spirit of truth will testify to me, says the Lord, and you also will testify.”

Mary was the first to receive the Holy Spirit! May she attain for us the Gift of all Gifts, the Holy Spirit in our mind, our heart, our soul, and our life! That we too may testify to the Holy Spirit!

MARY AND THE PERSON OF THE HOLY SPIRIT by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

Counselor and Consoler, Paraclete, Interior Master of the soul, Finger of God, Divine Architect, Sweet Guest of the soul, Faithful Friend, Gift of Gifts—all of these titles mentioned describe in different ways some aspect of the Third Person of the Most Blessed Trinity—the Holy Spirit.

MARY AND THE HOLY TRINITY. 

The Blessed Virgin Mary has a profound union with the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In what way you might ask? The response is this. Mary is the Daughter of God the Father; Mary is the Mother of God the Son; Mary is the Mystical Spouse of the Holy Spirit. Mary’s union with the Three Divine Persons is very personal, intimate, and profound.

MARY AND THE HOLY SPIRIT. 

On one occasion, Cardinal Suenens was asked to celebrate a special outdoor Mass at Duquesne University for the Charismatics —a group known for their love and devotion to the Holy Spirit and His gifts, particularly His Charismatic Gifts. The outdoor stadium was packed to the gills. All were enthusiastic to participate in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. However, there was a serious problem. Hovering over those present, including Cardinal Suenens, a cloudy, darkened sky threatened rain which would not only dampen the celebration, but ruin it totally! In the event of a downpour, Mass in the open stadium would have to be cancelled. The Mass began and evolved into the Liturgy of the Word with a homily given by the Cardinal. One of the most salient points of his homily was related to Mary and the Holy Spirit. The Cardinal posed a rhetorical question: “Would you like to know the secret of deep union with the Holy Spirit?” All were listening attentively for the answer. The Cardinal proceeded: “The secret of deep union with the Holy Spirit is love and devotion to Mary!” As soon as he spoke these words, there was the flash of a white hot lightning bolt followed by a clap of thunder!!! Then, to the utter amazement of all present, the clouds disappeared and a brilliant sun shone down upon the stadium!

MARY AND THE PERSON OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. 

The message is as clear as the sun that beamed down on the stadium that day. If we truly desire a deep union with our Triune God, and particularly with the Third Person—the Holy Spirit, we must have true devotion to Mary, we must have a deep and loving relationship with Mary who indeed is the Daughter of God the Father, the Mother of God the Son, and the Mystical Spouse of the Holy Spirit.

THE THREE KEY MOMENTS OF MARY’S CONTACT WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Due to God’s loving Divine Providence, from the very moment Mary entered into the world in the womb of her mother Saint Anne, during the whole of her life while on earth, until her last moment before being assumed into Heaven, Mary was endowed, permeated, and imbued with the Person of the Holy Spirit. However, there were three primary moments of intimate union that Mary experienced with this Sweet Guest of the Soul—the Holy Spirit of God.

FIRST, THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. 

From the first moment of her existence on earth, the Holy Spirit took full and total possession of Mary. In what way? We call it the Immaculate Conception. At the very moment that Mary was conceived in the womb of Saint Anne, her earthly Mother, the Holy Spirit was powerfully at work in her little body and soul. Indeed, it was the glorious working of the Holy Spirit that preserved Mary from all stain of Original Sin, and therefore, all the effects of original sin! As the English poet Wordsworth so accurately penned: “Mary is our tainted nature’s solitary boast.” By honoring Mary’s Immaculate Conception, due to the Holy Spirit’s Presence in Mary from the moment of her conception, we receive signal graces to fight the good fight and run the good race in our battles against the pernicious presence and reality of sin in our lives. May Our Lady and her Mystical Spouse, the Holy Spirit, help us to triumph over all forms of sin in our mortal bodies in preparation for our eternal life!

SECOND, THE VIRGINAL CONCEPTION. (Lk. 1:26-38)

In the history of the world and in the economy of salvation, the moment in which the Virginal Conception took place transformed humanity and its destiny. The Virginal Conception is a result of the message of the Archangel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin Mary in which God invited Mary to become the Mother of God. Giving her full and total consent, Mary said: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” (Lk 1:38) At that moment, Mary was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit and conceived Jesus in her most pure womb. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (Jn 1:13) Therefore,both Mary’s Virginal Conception and the Incarnation of the Son of God were accomplished by the power and working of the Holy Spirit. Our Lady and her deep union with the Holy Spirit can attain for all of us great purity of mind, memory, understanding, and affections of body and soul. Remember, O Gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided!” (From the Memorare)

THIRD, PENTECOST. (Acts 2:1-13) 

The word Pentecost means fifty—fifty days after the Resurrection of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That first Pentecost effected a powerful transformation in the Apostles. However, the transformation was preceded by a powerful Novena—nine days and nine nights in which the Apostles, united with Mary, the Mother of God, were praying and fasting in silence. It was only after the Novena that the Holy Spirit came down upon Mary and the Apostles with a powerful wind, a shaking of the room where they were praying, and tongues of fire that settled over their heads. As a result, these twelve Apostles who were fearful, confused, and lacking in faith just a few days before, were transformed into valiant soldiers of Jesus and Mary! All of the Apostles, with the exception of Saint John the Evangelist, received the glorious crown of martyrdom—that is to say, they shed their blood in imitation of their Master, Jesus, who shed His Precious Blood for them and for us on the cross. Indeed, it was the Holy Spirit who descended in power, wind, and fire; however, it must be noted that it was the Blessed Virgin Mary whose prayers and presence facilitated the coming of the Holy Spirit! If we desire in our lives to experience a powerful infusion and outpouring of the Holy Spirit, then we should turn to Mary and beg for her prayers and intercession!

Therefore, in our devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, let us never neglect to turn to Mary so that she might attain for us this special Gift, known as THE GIFT OF ALL GIFTS, and that is the HOLY SPIRIT. Let us pray frequently this short but efficacious prayer: “Come Holy Spirit, come to us through the Heart of Mary.”

For future study and reading to develop the understanding of the relationship between the Holy Spirit and Mary, His Mystical Spouse, we invite you to read the writings of Saint Maximilian Kolbe on the topic of Mary and the Holy Spirit.

We include this Prayer by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV that we may pray it daily. If done, the Holy Spirit will be the Sweet Guest of our soul now and always!

           Come Holy Spirit, come fill my heart with your heavenly love. Enlighten my mind so that I may know the Truth, live the Truth, and be willing to die for the Truth.

Come Holy Spirit, come in the dark and lonely moments of my life, come to console me and comfort me. You who are the Sweet Guest of the soul, make me aware of your constant and living presence, so that I recognize that I am never alone because you are with me as a Faithful Friend.

Come Holy Spirit, come, you who are the Interior Master, teach me how to pray. I do not know how to pray well. I implore you to intercede for me with ineffable groans so that I can cry out: “Abba, Father!”

Come Holy Spirit, come in moments of doubt and confusion, be my light and counselor. Help me to make decisions, not according to my will but according to your holy will.

Come Holy Spirit, come in moments of weakness, give me strength. You who are the courage and strength of the martyrs, obtain for me interior strength to fight against sin, my fallen human nature, and anything that is not pleasing to you.

Come Holy Spirit, come, grant me a filial love for you and a sincere love for my neighbor, especially for those I live with and meet every day. Set my heart on fire with love.

Come Holy Spirit, come sanctify me with your presence. You who are the sanctifier, attain for me an ardent yearning for holiness of life. “Be holy as your heavenly Father is holy.” May I attain holiness of life so as to attain the promise of eternal life.

Come Holy Spirit, come, produce in me a reverential fear that motivates me to avoid all that is displeasing to you, and to avoid any persons, places, things, or circumstances that could damage my friendship with you.

Come Mary, Mystical Spouse of the Holy Spirit, Temple of the Holy Spirit, you who had the most intimate and constant union with the Holy Spirit, pray for me so that my knowledge and love of the Holy Spirit will grow daily until I am with you forever in heaven, worshiping forever the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.    

Amen.      

Copyright 2022 Oblates of the Virgin Mary / St. Peter Chanel Church, Hawaiian Gardens, CA

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter

Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter

“For greater things you were born.” (Ven. Mother Luisita)

FRIDAY, May 20th   Jn 15: 12-17   Jesus said: This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.”

Today we are reminded of the approaching Solemnity of Pentecost! In order for us to love one another as Jesus commands in today’s Gospel, we need the Holy Spirit. The Father loves the Son, and the Son loves the Father. The Holy Spirit is the uncreated love between the Father and the Son.

GOD’S SEVEN GIFTS TO THE SOUL By Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

One of the best analogies given in years past describing the Presence, Power and Perfection of the Holy Spirit is a SAILBOAT. This was before electricity, motor-driven vehicles, or the electronic world. The sailboat is an analogy used in the Middle Ages or earlier.

THE SAILBOAT AND OTHER MEANS OF WATER-TRANSPORTATION.  Imagine that you wanted to cross a lake and the distance was five miles. Ruminating upon the various options, these surfaced in your mind. Swimming? You would have to be in top shape, with great stamina, knowing how to swim against the current. A canoe? Maybe more likely than swimming! A rowboat with two rowing? More manpower and direction. Finally, the following occurs to you. A massive Sailboat with an excellent captain and crew, but most important: seven strong, robust sails. Bingo! Of all the options, the sailboat wins the prize. However, the key to maneuvering the massive ship to shore would be detecting and discerning where and when the wind was blowing. Then the Captain would have to raise the sails to catch the wind, of course with the strength and ability of the crew men.

SPIRITUAL INTERPRETATION OF THE ANALOGY OF THE SAILBOAT. 

The Fathers of the Church offer us a symbolic interpretation of the Sailboat and Sails related to the working of the Holy Spirit and His Seven Gifts. Here we go! The Sailboat is our soul. The shore is eternal life to which we all aspire and yearn! The uncertain and sometimes rough waters symbolize our struggles with the world, the flesh, and the devil that we must conquer with the help of God’s grace.

Now the Seven Sails are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Piety, and Fear of the Lord. Unless these sails are raised in the right time and place, then they are practically useless. The wind is the Breath of God, a term to define the Holy Spirit. The Captain of the Sailboat might be considered our will that must be directed toward the Will of the Heavenly Father. The other crew men are our spiritual friends on earth, as well as our friends in Heaven—we call them the saints. 

The analogy explained, now let us strive to the best of our ability and the help of God’s grace, and the workings of the Holy Spirit, to understand the seven sails—the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The nature of God is goodness and generous giving to all of His creatures, especially man and woman. Among the many Gifts bestowed upon us from God are the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. These Gifts God generously gives to those who want to receive them as a powerful means to arrive at the goal and purpose of our existence—Our Heavenly Home. God gives generously of Himself, but He respects our freedom. We must willingly and with docility open our hearts to these wonderful Gifts.

WHERE AND WHEN?  Many have believed and maintain that the Gifts of the Holy Spirit enter the soul upon receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. Not so! How easy it is for us to underestimate the important and abundant Gifts God bestows upon us at our Baptism. Not only does Baptism transform us into sons/daughters of God, brothers/sisters of Jesus, intimate friends of the Holy Spirit, and temples of the Blessed Trinity, there is still more. At the moment of Baptism God gives us with utmost generosity the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Of course this does not diminish the importance and efficacy of the Sacrament of Confirmation that fortifies and enlivens the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

SPIRITUAL EXERCISES: STRENGTHEN YOUR SPIRITUAL MUSCLES.  As in the physical realm where the body and its muscles must be exercised to be strong and not become flabby; so it is in the spiritual realm. The spiritual muscles—which include the Gifts of the Holy Spirit—must be exercised to maintain spiritual fitness. How true the saying of the young generation: “If you don’t use it, you lose it!”

GETTING TO KNOW AND UNDERSTAND THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Having explained the origin and reception of these Seven Gifts, we will now proceed to explain succinctly these seven heavenly Gifts that originate from the loving goodness of God the Father, the Giver of all good gifts. Once again, let us give the list: Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Piety, and Fear of the Lord. The first three —Wisdom, Knowledge, and Understanding perfect the intellect; Counsel serves as a bridge between the intellect and will; the last three—Fortitude, Piety and Fear of the Lord work on elevating and purifying the will. Let us start with the most important or the greatest, according to Saint Thomas Aquinas, the Angelic Doctor—the Gift of Wisdom.

1. GIFT OF WISDOM.  A concise and pithy definition of Wisdom follows as such:  “Wisdom is the Gift of the Holy Spirit by which we interiorly relish all the things that pertain to God.” Saint Thomas Aquinas specifies this Gift as perfecting the theological virtue of Charity. The opposite vice opposing Wisdom would be that of folly or foolishness. One of the best Parables exemplifying folly is the Parable of the Rich Fool. He places a premium on gathering, collecting and hoarding possessions for his future ease, pleasure and comfort. The “live it up”… “It’s Miller time” mentality. Jesus calls this man a fool because that very night his life will be brought to a screeching halt. Where will all his possessions go? To the birds or to the Government in today’s world!

What then are manifestations of the Gift of Wisdom operative in a docile and open person? They might be seen as the following.

1) Word of God.  They relish reading and listening to the Bible, the true Word of God.

2) Mass.  They long and hunger for the Eucharist: the Bread of life.

3) Retreats.  If they have a free weekend, or even a week, they long to spend time on retreat so as to recharge their spiritual batteries.

4) Prayer.  Following the injunction of Jesus: “It is necessary to pray always without giving up hope” (Lk 18:1), they never grow weary of prayer. The more frequent the prayer, the better!

5) Spiritual Reading.  Keenly aware of their ignorance of many theological truths, they long for time in the day to apply themselves to spiritual reading so as to fill in the many gaps in their knowledge of the Faith and even go deeper.

6) These two Biblical verses can put the frosting on the cake for Wisdom. “Taste and see the goodness of the Lord” (Ps 34:8). “As the deer yearns for the running streams, so my soul yearns for you my God” (Psalm 42:1).

2. GIFT OF UNDERSTANDING.  This Gift also works on purifying and perfecting the intellect. This Gift endows the intellect with Divine Light to penetrate the Truth as revealed in Sacred Scripture. Two Biblical passages come to mind: The Disciples on the Road to Emmaus encountering Jesus; and Jesus appearing to the Apostles afterwards in the Upper Room. Both times He opened up their minds to an understanding of the Scriptures. Back-tracking to Emmaus, it was the pilgrim, the wayfarer, the friendly Companion, Jesus Himself who opened up their minds to understand many Biblical references in the Old Testament that pointed to Jesus, His suffering, death and Resurrection. Consequently, their hearts were burning within them as Jesus explained the Word to them and gave them understanding of the Word that referred to Him.

How then does the Gift of Understanding operate in our lives? Let’s see!

1) DESIRE TO READ THE BIBLE. Understanding linked with Wisdom motivates us to find time to read and meditate with hunger on the Word of God.

2) LIGHT TO PENETRATE ITS MEANING. Not only is there a real longing to break open the bread of God’s Word, but also the Word will jump out of the page to grab us, to help us grasp its real meaning and significance in our lives.

3) THE WORD MOVES US TO ACTION. The young Saint Anthony of the Desert heard the Word of God read two times. As a result, different than the rich young man in the Bible who was motivated by folly, Anthony gave all his money and possessions to the poor and went on to become one of the greatest saints in the Church. He is actually considered the Father of Eastern monasticism.

4) THE WORD IS A LANTERN FOR OUR STEPS AND A LIGHT FOR OUR PATH.  (Ps 34:8) The Psalmist accentuates the fact that the Word of God, through the Gift of Understanding, becomes a Light to guide us in all our steps and decisions.

5) IN OPPOSITION TO THE WORLD AND ITS VALUES. The person imbued and guided by the Gift of Understanding opposes the spirit of worldliness and all the lies that spew forth from wordily values. Jesus stated it clearly: “Seek first the Kingdom God and His righteousness and everything else will be given to you as well.” (Mt 6:33)

3. GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE. This Gift penetrates the intellect with the ability to perceive God’s handiwork both in Creation, as well as in the ordinary circumstances of life.

1) The quotation of Saint Paul in Athens, taken from the poet, expresses the truth best: “In Him we live and move and have our being.” In other words, through the Gift of Knowledge, we are given the spiritual insight to live constantly in the Presence of God. (Read the book of Brother Lawrence: Living in the Presence of God.)

2) The beauty of nature points to the Author of all beauty—God, the greatest of all artists. Saint Frances of Assisi penned an Italian poem in which he perceived the beauty of God in all natural creation. His inspired writing is known as “Canticle of Brother Sun and Sister Moon.” Look it up and relish it!

3) In addition, the Gift of Knowledge enlightens us to a keen awareness of God’s Hand present in what is called DIVINE PROVIDENCE—nothing happens by chance! Rather, all circumstances in life are both allowed, permitted and directed by the loving and wise hand of God’s Providence. Even sufferings, apparent failures, contradictions, persecutions are allowed by God so that good may be derived from them. As Augustine and the saints emphasize: “God allows apparent evil so that He can bring greater good from it.” The persons imbued with and motivated by Knowledge live in trust and peace because they allow God to take the steering wheel and direct the circumstances of their lives. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 8:31)

4. GIFT OF COUNSEL. This Gift serves as bridge between the Intellect and the Will. This Gift actually perfects the Moral/Cardinal Virtue of Prudence which is the art of decision-making. If you like, Counsel is right decision-making in action. How important this Gift is for parents, teachers, educators, politicians, priests, Superiors, Bishops and all those who must make weighty decisions. Saint Thomas Aquinas points out the three steps of making a prudential decision that must lead to action. It is precisely the Gift of Counsel that enlightens the intellect and perfects the Virtue of Prudence to make good and right decisions. These are the three steps explained by Saint Thomas Aquinas, the brilliant “Angelic Doctor”:

1) DELIBERATION. By this is meant the intellect must apply itself to serious reflection, pondering, ruminating—that is to say, a very serious thought process. Of course, and this is logical, the more important the decision and action to be taken, the more time should be given to deliberation.

2) DECISION. After allowing sufficient time for deliberation, the decision must be made. At times, in serious matters, it is highly prudent and advisable to seek advice from a qualified spiritual director. This is both humble and wise. We all have blind spots and should have recourse to experts in spiritual direction to shed light upon our darkness.

3) EXECUTION. This is the technical terminology of Aquinas; in layman’s terms it means to carry out the decision, to put it into action. One of the major dangers or obstacles with respect to execution is the individual who is prone to procrastination—putting off carrying out the decision without sufficient reason. In a word, once the decision has been made, the execution of the decision should be swift and decisive without turning back.

All of the above comes into the realm of the Cardinal or Moral virtue of Prudence perfected and motivated by the Gift of the Holy Spirit of Counsel. Examples of greatest importance in decision-making would be the following: 1) Choice and place of Higher Education—college or University, 2) Choice of one’s profession, 3) Choice of one’s vocation, be it marriage, the priesthood, or Religious life. These are momentous decisions that should be considered under the guidance of Prudence perfected by the Gift of the Holy Spirit—that of Counsel.

Again, it is highly prudent and advisable to seek advice from a qualified spiritual director on these important matters. May Our Lady of Good Counsel pray for us!

5. GIFT OF PIETY. The virtue of piety must be distinguished from the Gift of the Holy Spirit—Piety. The virtue of piety might be defined as a reverential attitude before the Sacred. Whereas the GIFT OF PIETY is much deeper and richer and might be defined as such: “The filial and confident love we have for Our Heavenly Father who truly loves and cares for each one of us as His son/daughter. Which leads us to a universal love for humanity, as well as all persons individually, because we are all brothers and sisters brought into existence and loved by the same loving Father.” Somewhat of a long definition but quite substantial and necessary! What then does this entail? How does this Gift of Piety influence our way of living, our view of God the Father, other people and life in general? Enormously! But especially in two realms or dimensions: our view of who God the Father is and how He acts; followed by the way or manner in which we see and treat other people with their own stories and sufferings. Let us delve into these two specific areas and PIETY.

1) PIETY AND OUR RELATIONSHIP TO GOD THE FATHER—THE OUR FATHER PRAYER. Being permeated and influenced by the Gift of Piety in our relationship to God, we arrive at a deep and penetrating understanding of God the Father, most specifically in the prayer, The Our Father. In concrete, we come to recognize God the Father not as an abstract, abstruse, ethereal myth of the past, quite the contrary: He is alive and present in our life! As Father, He gave us life; He sustains us in existence; He loves us tenderly; He cares for us and always desires what is best for us in all times and places. If you like, magnify the love of the best of fathers on a human level, then know that God the Father loves us a million times more and always. His love and care for us is as permanent and solid as a rock. Even when suffering comes knocking at our door—and this is inevitable—still we have TRUST in God the Father as our Father! We know and firmly believe that, “God the Father knows best.” We live in the present moment; God lives in the eternal-now. He takes into account what is best for us in all times—past, present and future.

2) PIETY AND OUR RELATIONSHIP TO OTHERS.  As a logical consequence of the Gift of Piety and our relationship to God as loving Father, there necessarily follows our relationship to our brothers and sisters. If God indeed is our loving Father, then all of us belong to the same human family and we should have love for each other. Saint Thomas Aquinas defines love/charity as that of willing the good of the other. Therefore, what is inimical and diametrically opposed to the Gift of Piety is any form of prejudice. If we look down on, despise, marginalize or reject any person due to race, culture, economic or educational status, age, sickness this frustrates and blocks the flow of grace in our souls that operates with the Gift of Piety. In sum, let us trust and love our Heavenly Father, and as a consequence, let us strive to live out the last and greatest of Jesus’ commandments: “Love one another as I have loved you.” (Jn 13:34)

6. THE GIFT OF FORTITUDE.  This Gift of the Holy Spirit perfects the moral virtue of Fortitude. Of utmost importance in our life, the Gift of Fortitude gives us interior strength to follow Christ, especially in the realm of the cross. Jesus says, “Whoever wishes to follow me must renounce Himself, take up his cross and follow me.” (Mt 16:24)

1) FORTITUDE AND THE REALITY OF SUFFERING.  To be human is to enter into a world with many moments of joy, but also many circumstances of suffering. The Gift of the Holy Spirit of Fortitude imbues and invigorates our entire being with the courage not simply to suffer, but to sanctify our sufferings. The adage is true: “Suffering can make us either better or bitter.” Bitter? Yes, when we suffer with no meaning or purpose to our suffering. Angry, bitter, caustic and sarcastic people, and often gossipers, are very frequently those who suffer but with no apparent meaning or purpose. 

2) THE GIFT OF FORTITUDE unites us in mind and heart to the sufferings of Jesus. Keenly aware of the immensity and all-embracing power of the Passion, suffering, cross and death of Jesus, Fortitude lifts us up to Jesus on the cross. We actually become one with Jesus on the cross. We learn how to live out those short three words we learned at our mother’s knee: OFFER IT UP! For the salvation of a multitude of souls!!! (See Number 3.)

3) THE ALTAR AND MASS.  Once these sufferings are deposited on the altar in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass then these sufferings have Infinite Value.

4) PATIENCE AND FORTITUDE.  Closely connected with the Gift of Fortitude is the practice of the virtue of patience. We are coming to the awareness that the Gifts of the Holy Spirit work on perfecting many virtues. We all need patience and a lot of this virtue. The Gift of the Holy Spirit of Fortitude imbues our spirit with patience in dealing with others; it invigorates us to be patient with ourselves and our many limitations; finally, it helps us to be patient with God and learn to wait on God’s timing and not our timing.

5) APEX OF FORTITUDE: MARTYRDOM!  The very apex, summit, zenith of Fortitude is the call to Martyrdom and the acceptance of this extraordinary Gift from God. Saint Ignatius states that we do not have the grace for martyrdom except in the time, manner and moment that God in His Divine Providence call us to it. This being said, if God offers this supreme and sublime manner to honor Him, by the suffering and sacrifice of one’s life, God will give us the sufficient and abundant graces to suffer it. It is a supreme and sublime gift most especially because it is the imitation of Christ who suffered and sacrificed His life for us on the cross.

6) FORTITUDE IN DAILY LIFE.  However, the Gift of the Holy Spirit of Fortitude is necessary in our daily walk with the Lord, the daily small but trying crosses. Fortitude enlightens our mind to understand our sufferings—even though they be small—as a means to be united with the cross of Christ. When accepted and carried out, we sanctify ourselves, the Church, our family, as well as the whole world.

7. THE GIFT OF FEAR OF THE LORD.  The Bible teaches us, “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Prov 9:10) Saint Thomas Aquinas points out that Wisdom is the greatest of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. However, Piety should be the first in operation. The Gift of the Holy Spirit of Fear of the Lord is closely linked to the virtue of humility.

1) The Gift of Fear of the Lord enlightens us to a keen awareness of the fact that we are all very weak. We are all prone to fall and moral failure. We realize that without God’s prevenient grace, His all-abiding grace, His preventive and all-sustaining grace—we are capable of not only sinning, but sinning quickly, as well as seriously! In a word, following the teaching of Saint Augustine, the “Doctor of Grace”, we recognize that all the good we have done is due to God’s grace; and all the evil we have done is due to our failure to correspond to God’s grace.

2) Jesus warned the Apostles in the Garden of Gethsemane: “Stay awake and pray; for the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” (Mt 26:41) Saint Paul understood this clearly when he asserted that the good he wanted to do, he did the exact opposite due to weakness of the flesh.

3) Saint Philip Neri saw a man in the gutter in the streets of Rome and exclaimed: “There go I save the grace of God.”

4) Saint Therese reaffirmed Saint Neri’s statement by saying that she would be capable of all of the most heinous crimes and sins of humanity, save the grace of God. She went on to say that the primary reason why she did not fall into many sins was simply because “God cleared the way.” In a word, God intervened and cleared the moral pitfalls that all of us can be plunged into at any time, in any place. The worst of sinners can become the greatest of saints; but also the greatest of saints can be transformed into the greatest of sinners!

5) SAFEGUARD FROM ETERNAL CONDEMNATION.  The Gift of Fear of the Lord can serve as a most efficacious remedy to avoid losing our soul in Hell. “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom.” And: “If the love of God does not move us, then at least Fear of the Lord and God’s just punishment can move us to change and give up sin.”

6) MEDITATION ON THE REALITY AND POSSIBILITY OF HELL.  We all want an ever-growing love for God—that must be our aim! However, if we have not yet arrived at a true and sincere love for God, than Fear of the Lord which is the beginning of wisdom can help us avoid falling into mortal sin, or at least help us get out of it as quickly as possible by a good Confession. Many saints have been motivated by Fear of the Lord sparked by the contemplation of Hell! In fact, Our Lady of Fatima portrayed the reality of Hell to the three little children—Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco, and it motivated them to do great things for God by sacrificing themselves for sinners, with Francisco and Jacinta becoming two of the youngest saints in the Catholic Church. All related to Fear of the Lord.

In conclusion, friends in Jesus and Mary, let us get into the Ship (our soul). The rough waters represent the tempestuous world in which we live amidst so many dangers and temptations. Let us lift on high the Seven Sails (the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit)! As Captain (our free will) let us open up those sails as wide as possible to catch the wind (the Breath of God, the Holy Spirit)! Then the ship (our immortal soul, worth more than the whole created world) will sail smoothly and on course to the shore (Our Heavenly Home). Yes, the shore is our eternal destiny—Heaven! 

All of us are called to become saints—to be authentic followers of Jesus Christ who truly is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Why not take the short-cut? Allow the gust of wind, the Holy Spirit, to inspire and invigorate those Gifts to be active and operative in our lives on a constant basis. Also, may we never forget to call upon Mary! Indeed, Mary is the Daughter of God the Father, the Mother of God the Son, and the Mystical Spouse of the Holy Spirit. Saint Louis de Montfort asserts vigorously that Mary is the shortcut to God, to holiness, and to Heaven.

Let us beg Mary for the grace of being open and docile to the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Mary, Seat of Wisdom, pray for us. Mary, Our Lady of Good Counsel, help us to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Our Lady of Sorrows, grant us strength and Fortitude in our trials. Our Lady of Charity, teach us to love God as our tender Father and all as our brothers and sisters. Mary, Most Holy, help us to grow in holiness and sanctity through an intimate union with the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter

“For greater things you were born.” (Ven. Mother Luisita)

THURSDAY, May 19th   Jn 15: 9-11   Jesus said: “I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.”

We are called by Jesus to become His disciples and bear much fruit—the evangelization and salvation of souls! There is a saying: “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar!” A more poignant truism: “They don’t care what you know, until they know that you care!” Jesus said at the Last Supper: “Love one another as I have loved you!” (Jn 13:34)

ARE YOU GOOD AT WELCOMING AND GREETING? By Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

One of the essential dimensions of cultivating the social virtues is the capacity to both greet and welcome individuals, as well as groups. Most would agree that the first impression we have of another leaves a profound impact for good or for bad.

On the negative side, when somebody ignores us, overlooks us, snubs us, or even glares at us ending with a sarcastic and derisive smile, it truly cuts us to the heart and can leave an indelible wound. Expecting a warm greeting and receiving quite the contrary, or even being completely ignored, can result in anger, resentment and even a desire for revenge in the depths of our heart.

Therefore, as authentic followers of Christ, should we not make a concerted effort on our part to improve and upgrade our greetings and welcoming attitudes? Especially in the realm of apostolic efficacy, a warm greeting can open a heart to follow Christ, whereas a snub and cold stare can shut the door to Christ.

This may catch many of us by surprise, or even shock us, but there are many Biblical passages dealing directly with greeting and welcoming others. Let’s contemplate a few.

1. THE ARCHANGEL GABRIEL AND MARY. (Lk 1:26-38)

Of all of the greetings in the history of the world, the Archangel Gabriel’s greeting to the Blessed Virgin Mary is the most prominent, as well as significant: “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” This greeting would culminate in Mary’s consent to conceiving the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity in her most pure womb. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (Jn 1:14) In fact, every time we pray the Hail Mary, we renew this Angelic salutation. For that reason, the technical name for the Hail Mary is actually “The Angelic salutation.”

2. THE VISITATION. (Lk 1:39-56)

A rapid sequel to the Archangel’s greeting in the Annunciation to Mary is Our Lady’s quick response as she moves in haste to visit her elderly cousin Elizabeth who is with child.

Upon arriving, Mary greets Elizabeth, most likely with the Hebrew manner of greeting: Shalom —Peace be with you! Saint Elizabeth responds: “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Who am I that the Mother of my Lord should come to me? At the sound of your greeting the baby in my womb leapt for joy. Blessed are you for your firm belief that the word of the Lord would be accomplished in you.”

3. ZACCHAEUS, CHIEF TAX-COLLECTOR OF JERICHO. (Lk 19:1-10)

In the case of this short tax-collector who is ready and willing to climb a tree to see Jesus, we witness another greeting and welcome. Almost always Jesus was formally greeted and welcomed into homes. In this case, Jesus actually invites Himself into the home of Zacchaeus, and the little man joyfully welcomes Him. Overflowing with joy, Jesus responds: “Today salvation has arrives at this home.” How often has Jesus knocked on the door of our heart seeking entrance? How often have we failed to open the door?

4. SAINT MATTHEW. (Mt 9:9-13)

Jesus approaches the tax-collectors’ post where Matthew is seated. Peering into the eyes and penetrating the depths of the soul of this Publican (tax collector), Jesus says two words: “Follow Me!” Without a moment of hesitation, Matthew accepts the invitation and leaves all that he has to follow the Master. That very night Matthew prepares a banquet for Jesus, inviting many of his friends—tax collectors and sinners, so they too can meet the Lord. Matthew greets Jesus and welcomes Him into his home with overflowing joy!

5. BETHANY: MARY AND MARTHA AND LAZARUS. (Lk 10:38-42)

Among the most dear friends of Jesus during the three years of His Public Ministry were Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus. Living close to Jerusalem in the town of Bethany, they would invite Jesus and welcome Him as their guest. Polar opposites in temperament, Martha and Mary served Jesus each in their own unique manner. Busy and active to her very core, Martha practiced the most minute details of hospitality. Quiet and more reserved and contemplative by nature, Mary loved to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to Him, speak to Him, and simply be present to Him as a friend.

The above are five classical examples of different Biblical personalities and their attitude in both greeting and welcoming Jesus. We might even call these Biblical figures: THE SHALOM COMMITTEE! (PEACE BE WITH YOU—SHALOM!)

Let us step back and examine our own lives, the people we meet and the opportunities that God presents to us to exercise the Apostolate of Shalom, the greeting and welcoming Club!

6. FAMILY MEMBERS. 

If you are a homemaker, as well as wife and Mother, you most likely have the Golden opportunity every day to both greet and welcome family members home. Welcoming your husband with a hug, a smile, and a refreshing drink can turn his long and tiring day into an oasis of peace. Also, receiving and welcoming your children with a joyful smile, milk and cookies, and words of encouragement can make a world of difference from the tough, aggressive and cold external social milieu they encounter every day.

7. GREETING FRIENDS AND ACQUAINTANCES.

A simple question for your examination? Upon seeing a friend or acquaintance approach, do you wait for them to greet you? Or do you make an effort to take the initiative and greet them first? In taking the initiative, there is real virtue practiced in this assertive approach. Humility, courtesy, and even charity emanates from the first to greet! Who knows, maybe you can even win a new friend by taking the initiative to greet first with a winsome smile!

8. GREETING THE HOME-BOUND, THE SICK AND THE LONELY.

One of the most pleasing gestures that we can do for others, and so pleasing to God, is to go out of our way to visit those who are sick and abandoned, lonely and depressed. A greeting, a smile, a kind word, a holy card, a hug or embrace can pull those lonely persons dwelling in the valley of tears, into the light of God’s joy and happiness! Jesus will reward us: “Whatever you do to the least of these brothers/sisters of mine, you do to me.” (Mt 25:40)

9. GREETING JESUS IN THE CHURCH.

Another noteworthy greeting is towards Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the context of the Church. This can be done in two ways: Eucharistic visits and Eucharistic receptions! One of the first short poems that I learned as a child was the following: “Whenever I see a Church I stop to make a visit, so that when I die the Lord won’t say ‘Who is it?’” Upon entering a Catholic Church, we should immediately draw close to the Tabernacle, the home of Jesus in the Church, and greet Him. First, we make a genuflection towards the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. Next, we greet Him and welcome Him by opening up our heart to Him in fervent prayer. Then of greatest importance, we participate fully, actively and consciously in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The culminating moment is to greet Jesus and warmly welcome Him into the very depths of our heart in Holy Communion. This Eucharistic welcome and greeting is by far the most important in this world. May we strive to improve and upgrade our welcome and greeting of our Eucharistic Lord!

10. HEAVENLY WELCOME COMMITTEE. 

Now, as a conclusion, if during the short course of our earthly existence, we have sincerely striven to be that kind, warm, attentive, greeting and welcoming person towards our family, our neighbors, the sick and lonely, even strangers, and most important, towards Our Eucharistic Lord in the Mass and in Adoration, then one day we will have our own welcoming committee—Jesus and His Heavenly Mother Mary, surrounded by the angels and saints, will welcome us into the halls and eternal banquet of Heaven to rejoice with them forever and ever!