Thursday after Epiphany

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

THURSDAY, JAN. 7th   Lk. 4:14-22   “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.”

Part 1:  Jesus’ Glad Tidings… by Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Part 2: JESUS LONGS TO INUNDATE YOU WITH MERCY! By Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

PART 1:  Jesus’ Glad Tidings… by Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Jesus wants me to tell you again… how much love He has for each of one of you—beyond all you can imagine! I worry some of you still have not really met Jesus—one to one—you and Jesus alone. We may spend time in chapel—but have you seen with the eyes of your soul how He looks at you with love?

Do you really know the living Jesus—not from books but from being with Him in your heart? Have you heard the loving words He speaks to you? Ask for the grace; He is longing to give it. Until you can hear Jesus in the silence of you own heart, you will not be able to hear Him saying, “I thirst” in the hearts of the poor.  

Never give up this daily intimate contact with Jesus as the real living Person—not just the idea. How can we last even one day without hearing Jesus say, “I love you”—impossible!

Our soul needs that as much as the body needs to breathe the air. If not, prayer is dead, meditation is only thinking. Jesus wants you each to hear Him—speaking in the silence of your heart.  

Be careful of all that can block that personal contact with the living Jesus. The devil may try to use the hurts of life, and sometimes our own mistakes—to make you feel it is impossible that Jesus really loves you, is really cleaving to you. This is a danger for all of us. And so sad, because it is completely opposite of what Jesus is really wanting, waiting to tell you. Not only that He loves you, but even more—He longs for you. He misses you when you don’t come close. He thirsts for you. He loves you always, even when you don’t feel worthy.  

When not accepted by others, even by yourself sometimes—He is the one who always accepts you. My children, you don’t have to be different for Jesus to love you. Only believe you are precious to Him. Bring all you are suffering to His feet—only open your heart to be loved by Him as you are. He will do the rest.

• Sometimes we have trouble believing Jesus loves us. We know our past, our faults, our failings, our sins—many of which we still struggle with. How could Jesus love a sinner like me?   
• There is an answer to this thought, this doubt, this feeling of unworthiness. Become an Apostle of God’s greatest attribute—His Mercy! In promoting Jesus’ Mercy to others, we begin to believe in His Mercy for ourselves, and we can finally begin to believe in His love for us.   
• Then we will be able to do as Mother Teresa says, “bring all you are suffering to His feet—only open your heart to be loved by Him as you are. He will do the rest.”

PART 2:  JESUS LONGS TO INUNDATE YOU WITH MERCY! By Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

The greatest attribute in the Sacred Heart of Jesus is His mercy. He longs to inundate us at all times, in all places, in all circumstances with His Infinite Mercy. It is like an all – consuming fire in the very depths of His being, in His Sacred Heart, and He suffers unspeakable anguish until it is poured forth in abundance. Jesus Himself cried out: “I have come to cast fire on the earth, and I am not at peace until that fire be enkindled.”

Therefore, let us tap into this infinite reservoir of grace, this fire that is consuming the Heart of Jesus, this infinite reservoir of mercy, and by doing so, we console the Sacred Heart of Jesus! In this short essay we would like to offer for your reading and meditation five simple, concrete ways that you can immerse yourself and others in the infinite abyss, the infinite ocean of the mercy of the Heart of Jesus, Our Lord, God, Savior and Friend.  Never forget, those who live and promote the mercy of Jesus will receive it in abundance at the moment of their departure from this life to the next!

1. TRUST. Let us trust in Jesus in all times, in all places, in all circumstances, in all the events on a world-level, national plane, and in our own personal lives. When tempted to doubt, let us lift our mind to Jesus and pray with all our heart these words that are inscribed on the bottom of the painting of the image of Divine Mercy—JESUS, I TRUST IN YOU!!! May we repeat these words frequently and fervently until the doubt dissipates and vanishes into thin air.

2. IMITATE. Jesus said: “Be merciful as your Heavenly Father is merciful.” (Lk. 6:36) Love leads to imitation of the person we love. If indeed our love for Jesus is sincere, then we will strive to imitate Him in all attributes, but most especially in the most sublime and noble of His attributes—that of His Infinite Mercy. How? When offended by others—especially in the context of our own family—we must practice mercy by forgiveness, and immediate forgiveness! Delay in forgiving those who hurt us is a victory for the devil who loves to throw fuel on the flames of our resentments, turning a spark of anger into a sea of rage!

3. PROMOTE. Now is the time in which true Apostles of Divine Mercy must surface and spread like wildfire. Why not accept the challenge right now to become a true Apostle of Divine Mercy seeking every occasion to spread and diffuse the mercy that is overflowing from the Heart of Christ. What are some of the ways that one can promote Divine Mercy? There are many, but a few are worthy of suggestion:

a) CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY! Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy daily. Strive to get as many people to pray the Chaplet as possible. It is short, easy to learn, and easy to pray.

 b) HOLY CARDS. Buy a packet of 1000 Divine Mercy holy cards that explain on the back how to pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and distribute them far and wide!

c) THE DYING AND DIVINE MERCY. Strive to pray as often as possible the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for those who are in their last agony, those who are about to die. The Eternal Father, contemplating the Sacred Wounds of Jesus, will have mercy on those souls who are about to pass from this life to judgment and their eternal destiny.

d) MERCY HOUR. At 3:00 p.m., which is the Mercy hour, stop for even a brief moment and unite yourself to the agony of Jesus on the cross, and beg that all those who die in that moment and for the rest of the day will be saved. Uniting yourself with the Passion and last agony of Jesus is a most precious and efficacious time to implore the conversion and salvation of poor sinners. One soul is worth more than the whole created universe!

e) ENTHRONE AND HONOR THE IMAGE. Jesus desires to be known and loved in many ways. However, recently, Jesus longs to be known and loved through the painting of Divine Mercy. He wants the image to be publicly venerated in Churches at all times, but especially on Divine Mercy Sunday—the Sunday following Easter Sunday. He also wants the image to be enthroned and venerated in your own home!

4. DIVINE MERCY AND TWO SAINTS: JOHN PAUL II AND SAINT FAUSTINA. Let us get to know the message of Divine Mercy, first and foremost through the Bible, the Word of God. But also, let us sink deep into the message of Divine Mercy by reading and meditating on the two great saints who promoted Divine Mercy—Saint Pope John Paul II and Saint Faustina Kowalska. Strongly to be recommended would be the Encyclical of Saint Pope John Paul II Dives Misericordia—God is Rich in Mercy. This is a literary and spiritual masterpiece commenting on God’s Mercy manifested through “The Parable of The Prodigal Son”—we might even be bold enough to call it “The Parable of the Merciful Father.” Then, of course, we cannot recommend too much, Diary—Divine Mercy in My Soul by Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska. This spiritual masterpiece will most likely go down as one of the greatest spiritual, mystical, and theological works in the history of Catholicism. It is a must for your reading and meditating.

5. MARY MOTHER OF MERCY: OUR LIFE, OUR SWEETNESS, AND OUR HOPE. Finally, to support and strengthen our journey into the depths of the Mercy of God, we invite all to purchase and read with great humility, docility, and openness of heart, the spiritual masterpiece of the great Doctor of the Church, Saint Alphonsus Liguori, The Glories of Mary. One of the greatest Marian Masterpieces, The Glories of Mary takes the prayer “The Hail Holy Queen” that is prayed at the end of the Holy Rosary, and explains in the most minute detail every word of The Hail Holy Queen. Saint Alphonsus gleans a plethora of sources to pay tribute Our Lady, as Queen, Mother, and Mother of Mercy! The saint quotes the Bible, both Old and New Testament, Fathers and Doctors of the Church, other saints – both men and women, all with the purpose of portraying Our Lady in the most sublime dimension of her tender mercy; this is especially manifest in her love and tenderness toward sinners, and even the most miserable of sinners.

 

Copyright 2021 Oblates of the Virgin Mary
St. Peter Chanel Church, Hawaiian Gardens, CA

Optional Memorial of Saint André Bessette, religious

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6^TH  Mk. 6: 45-52   “They were completely astounded. They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary their hearts were hardened.”

Part 1:  Introductory Points
Part 2: HOPE AND TRUST IN OUR LOVING FATHER by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

PART 1:

• They have been taught by the living Word of God. They have seen the Lamb of God forgive sins, cure every illness and disease, and drive out demons. Earlier today they saw Jesus multiply the loaves and fishes to feed five thousand. Yet they are “completely astounded” to see Him walking on the water! Why? “Their hearts were hardened.”
• We are not unlike them… Jesus speaks to us in Holy Scripture… He feeds us with His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in Holy Communion… He raises His hand to absolve us of our sins in Confession… He gave us His Mother to be our Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope… He sent the Holy Spirit to protect the Deposit of Faith that came from the Apostles and is still being taught by Holy Mother Church today… He gave us our Holy Father and good priests to shepherd us in the Way, the Truth, and the Life that is Jesus Christ… the Holy Spirit as our Counselor and Consoler!
• As if that were not enough, we have the witness of the martyrs and the saints of every age! And in our own lives, we have seen prayers answered and miracles of healing physically and spiritually for ourselves and others.
• Yet how often are we unwilling to trust God with our day to day decisions, relying instead on our own understanding! How often are we panic-stricken when we find ourselves tossed about by the winds and storms of life! Are not our hearts still hardened, like the disciples’ hearts???
• “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (Jn.3:16-17)
• As we enter the New Year, let us beg for the grace of unlimited hope, trust and confidence in our Loving Father in all situations and circumstances! And may that fill our hearts with peace and the joy!

PART 2:  HOPE AND TRUST IN OUR LOVING FATHER by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

We must have a firm, solid, staunch faith and trust in God in all times, places and circumstances. If our faith and trust in God is never put to the test by the fire of trials and tribulations, then it usually does not grow. In nature, plants and trees that have weathered the inclement climate of strong winds, raging tempests, rain, sleet and snow will be the most robust when future inclement weather descends.

Similarly with the followers of Christ—trials, tribulations, afflictions, contradictions, sufferings, and setbacks can serve to fortify and make robust our interior life.

In the midst of the turmoil and tempests that we all experience, we must fervently beg for hope and trust in God, now more than ever.  It is proven in nature that in a tornado there is actually calm in the eye of the tornado. Likewise with a hurricane—there is calm in the eye of the hurricane. In a storm raging out on the ocean, in the depths and bottom of the ocean, there is a real calmness and tranquility. Likewise it should be in our personal spiritual lives. A tendency towards laziness, complacency, and even lukewarmness can visit all of us in our spiritual life. God does not want tepid and mediocre followers. Quite the contrary, God most ardently desires fire, fervor, and passion in our hearts toward Him. This will only happen when we truly believe that God is our calm in the midst of life’s trials. He is our tranquility in the depths of our heart and soul when the storms of life threaten to overtake us.

This being the scenario, what are some potent reasons for our depositing our hope and trust in God.

1. GOD’S OMNIPRESENT, PROVIDENTIAL CARE. Even in the midst of the most difficult situations that can exist in the world, God is always present, God never ceases to exist. In truth, God can never fail to exist and be present to us. Quite the contrary! Saint Paul quoting the Greek poet states: “In God we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28) Jesus says that our Heavenly Father loves us so much, that He actually has you and me in His loving hand, and nobody can snatch us from the loving hand of our Eternal Father. (Jn. 10:19)

2. GOD LOVES US AND PUTS US TO THE TEST. If God really loves us, which He certainly does always, He puts us to the test, like Abram who was tested to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice. (Gen. 22:1-19) Also, Jesus tested Peter by sending him out with the other Apostles in the boat to cross the lake, even against their will. (Mt. 14:22-33) Then Jesus came walking on the waters and challenged Peter to come to Him walking on the waters, saying “Come.” Leaving the comfort of the boat, Peter actually did walk on the waters of Lake Galilee, at least for a short time, but then he began to lose heart and sink. Why did Peter sink? The response to that question is the response to our own many questions, doubts, and fears: Peter lifted his eyes, his gaze from the Person and the eyes of Jesus, to the waters surrounding him. That is our problem. Instead focusing our eyes on the Problem-solver—that is, Jesus our Lord, God and Savior—we focus more on the problem in front of us. When we focus more on the problem than on the Problem-solver, we sink in the tumultuous waves of our own fears, doubts and insecurities. Therefore, in the midst of the many tempestuous storms that we experience—and there are often more than one—let us focus less on the problem and more on the Problem-solver: Jesus our Lord, God and Savior!

3. LORD, SAVE ME! As Peter was quickly sinking beneath the waves, he cried out: “Lord, save me!” Jesus stretched out his hand, gently rebuking Peter for his lack of faith, and lifted Peter out from the surging waves. Then Peter walked again on water beside Jesus, entered the boat with Jesus, and the boat arrived safely and securely at the shore with speed and graceful ease! Like Peter, when it seems as if the world is caving in on us from all different sides, angles, and situations, then we must cry out with all of our heart and with dauntless faith: LORD, SAVE ME!!! The gentle voice of Jesus will be heard in your heart, and His gentle but firm and loving Hand will save you from drowning in the surging waves of your many doubts, fears, and insecurities. What a short but powerful prayer: LORD, SAVE ME!

4. THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD, THERE IS NOTHING I SHALL LACK. (PSALM 23)

Another enormous lifesaver in the midst of the storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes of the human drama is the beautiful, consoling, comforting prayer Psalm 23—the Psalm of the Good Shepherd. Probably the most known and loved of all of the 150 Psalms, the Psalm of the Good Shepherd can prove to be a real Lifesaver! When you are cast into a deep state of desolation, and it seems as if life can be compared to a dark, damp, dreary, endless and depressing tunnel, why not leave the tunnel and open your Bible to the passage of the Good Shepherd—Psalm 23. Very calmly, very slowly, very prayerfully read this passage, once, twice, or even three times. Allow this beautiful Psalm, through a  real spiritual osmosis, penetrate, permeate and absorb your whole being. Allow one of the words or concepts to captivate and enthrall your heart; relish that word or phrase; repeat it and allow it to fill you with a peace and joy that surpasses all understanding. “The Lord is my Shepherd; there is nothing I shall lack.” Maybe these are the words that touch you most. With these words there is no need to fear because the Good Shepherd takes me to green pastures and nourishes my soul.

5. MOTHER OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE. If surrounded by an atmosphere of gloom and doom, we must also lift up our eyes, our mind, and our heart to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Many are the encouraging titles for Mary, titles that can really lift our spirits: Mary is our life, our sweetness, and our hope; the Star of the Sea, amidst the storms; the Cause of our Joy; the Gate to Heaven; Our Mother of Consolation; Our Mother of Perpetual Help! Many more are the titles of Mary our Mother. However, why not turn to Mary in her motherly, loving presence at the Wedding Feast of Cana. (Jn. 2:1-12) The couple run out of wine. Being first to capture this embarrassing situation, Mary turns to Jesus and says: “They have no more wine.” In this unfortunate circumstance, the festivities would be over. Then Mary says to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you!” Miracle! Water transformed into wine, but the best of all wines, through the power of Jesus and the maternal presence of Mary, and the power of her intercession. Therefore, in the midst of your fears, doubts, insecurities, sadness, and many questions, lift up your mind, your heart, and soul to Mary. Beg her to turn to Jesus and ask Him to transform your water into the most splendid and exquisite wine. If you trust in Mary, it will indeed happen!

Copyright 2021 Oblates of the Virgin Mary
St. Peter Chanel Church, Hawaiian Gardens, CA

Memorial of Saint John Neumann, Bishop

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

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5^TH   Mk. 6: 34-44   “By now it was already late and his disciples approached him and said, ‘This is a deserted place and it is already very late. Dismiss them so that they can go to the surrounding farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat.’”

• In today’s Gospel, Jesus shows His power so that all might see and believe! “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” They do what is in their power, they gather all they have, and come up with only five loaves and two fish, for so many! 
• He takes the loaves and fish… He blesses…  He breaks… and He gives them to His disciples to set before the people. A prefiguring of His greatest miracle at the Last Supper: “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’”
• Here Jesus feeds 5,000 with five loaves and two fish. In the most Holy Eucharist Jesus feeds the whole world! Each person receiving the same as the other – the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ!

JESUS TRULY IS THE BREAD OF LIFE – BIBLICAL PASSAGES POINTING TO THE EUCHARIST… by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

One of the many channels that can be utilized to augment our faith, devotion, and love for the greatest of all the Sacraments, the most Holy Eucharist, is by reading and meditating upon key Biblical passages, in the Old Testament as well as in the New Testament. The Old Testament presents symbols or what Bible scholars term Types, Biblical Typology of references or allusions to the Eucharist that become a reality in the New Testament. In other words, what is present in hidden, mysterious, and symbolic form in the Old Testament breaks out in transparent Truth in the New Testament.

This being said, we will start with Old Testament Biblical types of the Mass, the Eucharist, and the priesthood which will lead us to the reality in the New Testament where the Eucharist—meaning Thanksgiving—was actually instituted by Jesus Himself at the Last Supper. Now let us dive deep into the infinite treasures, the infinite ocean of God present in His living and penetrating Word which we call the Bible!

OLD TESTAMENT REFERENCES TO THE EUCHARIST…

1. GENESIS Chapter 3. In this chapter we encounter Adam and Eve, our first parents, who were commanded not to eat from the tree of the forbidden fruit. They disobeyed by eating this fruit, first Eve, and then Adam. This we call ORIGINAL SIN. Death entered the world through the sin of disobedience of our first parents in eating the forbidden fruit.

2. JOHN Chapter 6:25-70. THE BREAD OF LIFE DISCOURSE. Death came from eating and disobedience. To the contrary, eternal life will come about by eating and obedience. The eating this time must be from the fruit of the tree of Calvary, which is the Body and Blood of Jesus. The Son of God Himself asserted: “I am the Bread of life. Whoever eats my Body and drinks my Blood will have eternal life and I will raise him up on the last day.” In a clear and unequivocal fashion Jesus states that our salvation, our eternal life, depends upon eating Himself.

3. GENESIS 14: 18-20 / HEBREWS 4: 14-15. BREAD AND WINE OFFERED BY MELCHIZEDEK. This mysterious figure of the past symbolizes Jesus the High Priest. Without the person of the priest, the Eucharist or Bread of Life cannot become a reality. The priesthood is essential for the whole reality of the Mass, Consecration, the Eucharist, and Holy Communion.

4. EXODUS Chapter 14. THE CROSSING OF THE RED SEA. The clear symbolism in this passage is that the Jews passed from slavery to freedom, led by Moses their leader. They were freed from the oppression and slavery of the Egyptians. Their passage was through the RED SEA. In a parallel sense, sin is slavery in our lives. By shedding His RED BLOOD on the cross on Calvary that Good Friday, Jesus attained for us the true freedom of the sons and daughters of God. By receiving His Body and Blood we are strengthened, purified, and made strong so as to cross from this life to eternal life in heaven.

5.EXODUS Chapter 16. THE MANNA IN THE DESERT. The Israelites were famished from their long journey through the desert. God, through the instrumentality and leadership of Moses, rained down bread from heaven called manna—a word meaning What is this? Without eating, we are all destined to die on a human and natural plan. Likewise, if we do not nourish our souls with the Bread of Life, we are destined to die and perish for all eternity. The Manna in the desert is a symbol or type of the Holy Eucharist. Actually, Jesus in the Bread of Life discourse makes reference to Moses and the manna in the desert: “I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which one may eat and not die.” (Jn 6: 48-50)

6. 1 KINGS 19: 1-9. THE GREAT PROPHET ELIJAH. Fleeing for his life from the wicked Queen Jezebel and King Ahab, after one day’s journey, Elijah collapsed in a state of profound desolation. This translated into falling into a deep slumber. God sent an angel to Elijah to awaken the man of God. The angel presented bread for Elijah to eat, once and then a second time. After eating of the bread, Elijah walked forty days and forty nights from the strength that came from the bread. This bread communicated to Elijah a super energy to help him walk all the way to the holy mountain where he encountered God in the gentle breeze. Our journey towards the eternal mountain that we call HEAVEN is a long, perilous, tiring, and dangerous one. We need energy and strength to persevere on the journey. That all-powerful energy comes from Jesus, who is truly the Bread of Life and nourishment for the journey to our heavenly homeland.

7. PSALM 23. THE PSALM OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD. Possibly to the surprise of many, there are indeed symbolic Eucharistic overtones definitely present in this Psalm. Yes! In what way? “You anoint my head with oil… my cup overflows… I believe I will dwell in the House of the Lord for years without end. These three separate and distinct phrases certainly have Eucharistic overtones and represent symbols or types. Anointing refers to the priesthood necessary to celebrate the Mass. Cup refers to the Blood of Christ. House of the Lord refers to heaven—meaning, that if we nourish ourselves on the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation we will arrive at our eternal and permanent home: HEAVEN!!!

NEW TESTAMENT REFERENCES TO THE EUCHARIST… 

Now we will move from the Old Testament to the New Testament and delve into the many inspiring sources that we are all called to read and meditate upon so that we will grow in our faith, love, and devotion for Jesus who is truly present in the Bread of Life.

1) JOHN Chapter 6. Once again we return to the all-important chapter of John 6. This long chapter of 71 verses offers three essential themes for our meditation.

2) Jesus multiplies the loaves. Here Jesus works a miracle over nature multiplying bread and fish for the multitude, and for us, so as to dispose and prepare our minds, hearts, and souls for the miracle of the Eucharist.

3) Jesus walks on water, showing His power over His own body, again preparing us for the miracle of the Eucharist. In Mt. 14: 22-32, Jesus walks on water and gives Peter the power to walk on water as long as he keeps his eyes on the Lord. If we truly believe in the Lord, we can carry out miracles. “Lord, I believe, but help my unbelief.” (Mk 9: 24) 3) Close to two thirds of Chapter 6 of John is the BREAD OF LIFE DISCOURSE. This magnificent preaching of Jesus teaches without stammer or stutter, with the greatest clarity, that if we want to live forever we must nourish ourselves on the Bread of Life: “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat of the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.”

4) MATTHEW 26: 26-28 / LUKE 22: 19. THE INSTITUTION OF THE ECUHARIST. In the context of the Last Supper, Jesus celebrates the First Mass on that Holy Thursday night. In the same context, Jesus institutes and ordains the first priests; these are the Apostles. “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them saying, ‘Take and eat, this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’” In the Last Supper account of Luke, Jesus then says to the apostles, “Do this in remembrance of me.” In awe and thanksgiving, let us lift our hearts in praise to the Lord for this most sublime gift. Let us beg for greater faith and love for the Eucharist, as well as implore the Lord for Good and Holy priests.

5. REVELATION Chapter 3. JESUS STANDS AND KNOCKS. This short but challenging passage presents Jesus as a pilgrim-traveler knocking at the door. The owner can either choose to leave the door shut and ignore the traveler’s knock or he can open the door to the weary traveler and invite him to supper. The Eucharistic Lord is knocking at the door of your heart now! What will be your response??

6. I CORINTHIANS 11. THE EUCHARISTIC ABUSE. This passage in the Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians explodes! Unfortunately, in this early Christian Community there were members who were abusing the Eucharist. The more affluent were eating and drinking, even getting drunk, and neglecting the poor. Then after this scandal, they would be eating and drinking the Body and Blood of the Lord, and Saint Paul says, to their own condemnation. This Biblical passage gives us the foundation for the importance of receiving the Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Jesus, in the state of grace. Otherwise, we could be eating and drinking, not for our salvation, but for our own condemnation!

5. LUKE Chapter 24. THE DISCIPLES ON THE ROAD TO EMMAUS. A beautiful and heartwarming Easter passage, offers us a summary of Holy Mass in miniature. Two disciples, walking away from Jerusalem after Christ’s crucifixion and death, are in the depths of desolation, until a stranger joins them. That “stranger” is the risen Jesus, unrecognized by them. The journey on the way to their little cottage, talking with Jesus and listening to Him, is the Liturgy of the Word. “He said to them, ‘Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter His glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” The Breaking of the Bread in the little cottage in Emmaus is the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Approaching their destination, they urge him to stay with them. Sitting down at the table, he takes bread, gives thanks, breaks the bread, and gives the bread, only it is no longer bread, it is His Body and Blood in the Holy Eucharist. “Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’” One key interpretation: when we live and walk without Jesus, we live and walk in utter darkness, desolation, and sadness. However, once we allow Jesus to walk with us in His Word in Sacred Scripture, and dwell within us in His Body and Blood in the Eucharist, Jesus, the Son of God and the Light of the World, breaks through the clouds and shines on our path, the clouds of sadness dissipate and we experience an overflowing and abundant joy!

6. MATTHEW 6: 9-13. In the Lord’s Prayer, that we commonly call THE OUR FATHER, there are seven petitions. One of these refers to the Eucharist and Holy Communion. “Give us this day our daily bread…” One way in which this can be interpreted is the challenge, inasmuch as it is possible according to your daily obligations, to attend Mass and to receive Holy Communion even on a daily basis. In other words, this daily bread could be interpreted as daily Mass and Holy Communion. Those who have formed the habit of daily Mass and Holy Communion find that they cannot live without this nourishment of our Eucharistic Lord! Try it out: daily Mass and Holy Communion, and see how your life improves!

7. LUKE 1: 38. MARY AND RECEIVING JESUS. As soon as Our Lady gave her consent to God through the Archangel Gabriel with the words of her Fiat, her Yes: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word”, then, “The word became flesh and dwelt among us.” ( 1: 14) Pope Saint John Paul II makes a parallel between Mary’s YES to God and our AMEN when we receive Jesus in Holy Communion. In this sense, Mary’s Yes resulted in receiving Jesus into her heart, mind, body, and soul; so also our Amen when we receive Jesus in Holy Communion results in Jesus entering into our heart and into the very center of our being. For that reason, it is important to beg Mary for the grace to receive Jesus with great faith, devotion, and love in Holy Communion.

8. LUKE 1: 46-55. MARY’S MAGNIFICAT. We conclude on a Marian note taken from the great Marian lover, Saint Louis de Montfort, who gave us True Devotion to Mary. Related to the Mass, Holy Communion, and the Eucharist, Saint Louis says that one of the best ways that we can render a proper thanksgiving to Jesus after receiving Him in Holy Communion is by praying Mary’s MAGNIFICAT. “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…”

Through the intercession of the most pure and Immaculate Heart of Mary may all of you grow in your faith, belief, devotion, and love for Jesus in frequent and fervent Masses and Holy Communions. Indeed, Jesus is the Bread of Life, and whoever eats His Body and drinks His Blood will have eternal life in joy, peace, and happiness forever in Heaven. “O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine.”

Copyright 2021 Oblates of the Virgin Mary
St. Peter Chanel Church, Hawaiian Gardens, CA

Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, religious

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

MONDAY, JANUARY 4th Jn. 1:35-42 “Andrew found his brother Simon and told him, ‘We have found the Messiah.’ Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas,’ which is translated Peter.”

• Our faith in Jesus Christ came to us through other people who pointed Him out to us – people who believed in Him so strongly that we believed, so that we became the ones asking Jesus, “Where are you staying? Where can I find you?” He answered us in this way… “I am with you always, to the end of time.” (Mt. 28:20)
• I am with you in my Mystical Body, the Church… in the Pope my Vicar on earth… in my Sacred Word in Holy Scripture… in my Sacraments, especially my mercy in Confession, and my Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in Holy Communion—the only Sacrament of my Real Presence that worthily received makes us one.
• As we enter a New Year, let us deepen our understanding and appreciation of Jesus’ Real Presence in Holy Communion where He unites us to Himself for our ongoing purification and sanctification. May our prayer be, “Come, Lord Jesus!”

HOLY MASS, HOLY COMMUNION AND HOLINESS OF LIFE by Fr. Ed. Broom, OMV

One of the key chapters in the Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium, Chapter V, is the Universal Call to Holiness. In concrete, this chapter lays out the goal and the purpose of every human person, created in the image and likeness of God: the call to become a saint! Jesus expressed this command unequivocally and with outmost clarity and transparency: “Be holy as your Heavenly Father is holy.” (Mt. 5:48) In the most famous block of teaching and preaching of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Sermon on the Mount, in the initial phase of this teaching called the Beatitudes Jesus teaches: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for holiness; they will be satisfied.” (Mt. 5:6)  Saint Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians reiterates the same truth: “This is the will of your heavenly Father: your sanctification.” (1 Thess 4:3) The modern saint, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, exhorts us in these words: “Holiness is not the privilege of the few, but the duty of all.”

Therefore, let us offer the Express-way to holiness. Instead of choosing and pursuing a circuitous, labyrinthine, laborious and sometimes frustrating path towards holiness, why not choose the quickest, most secure and efficacious path to arrive at the heights of holiness in our short life here on earth!

What is this short-cut, this smooth path to Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life? It is Jesus Himself through Mass and Holy Communion. However, the means by which we connect with this electric current of grace and holiness is through living out the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass to the fullest extent possible. The Dogmatic Constitution on the Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, expresses it the following words: “The faithful must participate fully, actively and consciously in the Mass… the source and summit of holiness.”

As a motivation to all people of good will who take sincerely this Universal Call to Holiness, we will accentuate the remarkable sanctifying effects that Holy Communion can produce in the recipient of such a sublime Sacrament. Indeed, the most Holy Eucharist, which is truly and substantially the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus, the Son of the living God, is the key to all holiness.

Before entering into the effects that Holy Communion produces on the individual, a key theological concept must be explained with clarity and precision: The concept of Dispositive-grace. This means that the Sacrament of the Eucharist is truly Jesus, the Son of the Eternal Father, the Holy of Holies. However, the graces received in the reception of Holy Communion are commensurate or in direct proportion to the disposition of the individual heart that receives Jesus. If one receives Jesus in mortal sin then he eats and drinks to his own condemnation. (I Corinthians 11: 17-22). If the preparation and reception is mediocre, the graces will correspond to the attitude of mediocrity. If the disposition is good, the graces will flow more freely. If the disposition is fervent then graces will redound all the more. Finally, if the preparation is excellent and the reception a heart on fire with love then the effect can be compared to a spiritual atomic-bomb: an explosion of graces. The latter should be our aim and our goal!

Now we will enumerate and explain exactly what can take place in the well-disposed heart that receives the Eucharistic Lord Jesus in Mass in the context of the most Holy Eucharist—the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus.

1. PURIFICATION OF THE HEART AND SOUL. Holy Communion received with the ardent fire of charity can serve to burn away the residue of smaller sins that we call venial sins. Saint John of the Cross, the Mystical Doctor of the Church, offers us this analogy. Put a rusty piece of iron in a scathing and intense fire, the fire will consume the rust and the iron assumes the same property as the fire. So it is with Holy Communion. The Council of Trent says it is the antidote to our daily infirmities. On a Pastoral note, nobody should refrain from the reception of Holy Communion if they have venal sin or sins on their soul.

2. SPIRITUAL HEART-TRANSPLANT. Saint Margaret Mary AIacoque had the unique and incredible privilege of contemplating the most Sacred Heart of Jesus at Paray Le Monial in France. What a blessing and unique privilege indeed! However, it must be stated with gratitude and great humility that we have a more frequent and greater privilege. We can receive Holy Communion on a daily basis. In the Our Father, Jesus taught us to pray: “Give us this day our daily-bread…” We truly receive the total Lord Jesus—His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, and that includes the Sacred Heart of Jesus. So in a real sense, every Holy Communion received worthily is truly a SPIRITUAL-HEART-TRANSPLANT. After receiving Holy Communion, we have the Sacred Heart of Jesus beating in our heart! Our heart becomes consumed in His Sacred Heart!

3. THE MOST SUBLIME VIRTUES IN THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS. Following up on the reality of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that we receive in every Holy Communion is the fact that with Jesus’ Heart, we also receive His most sublime virtues. Faith, Hope, Charity, Humility, Patience, Obedience, Purity, Fortitude, Meekness, Gentleness, Wisdom and Knowledge—all of these and all of the virtues imaginable are truly present in every Holy Communion. Still more, these virtues in Jesus are the most refined, the most holy, the most sublime that the human mind can comprehend.

4. CONVERSION OF VICE TO VIRTUE. For this reason, the great Educator of youth of the 19^th Century, Saint John Bosco, was a precursor of the practice of frequent Holy Communion in that he would encourage his young people in the Oratory in Turin to receive Holy Communion frequently and fervently so as to eradicate vices—especially that of impurity—and supplant them with holiness. There is no more efficacious means to conquer our vices and sinfulness then frequent, fervent and faith-filled Holy Communions!  “Lord, strengthen my faith!”

5. MIND-TRANSPLANT. The great Apostle to the Gentiles, Saint Paul, exhorts us in these words: “Put on the mind of Christ!” Then he insists: “You have the mind of Christ.” And finally: “Do not conform your mind to this world, but but have a fresh way of thinking.” Indeed, if Holy Communion is the Total-Christ then that includes the mind of Jesus. If you want to burn away the dross of bad and ugly thoughts, then meditate upon the Word of God and receive Holy Communion. What chlorine is to a swimming-pool, so is the Word of God and Holy Communion to our mind!

6. SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT. The Prophet Elijah ate the bread that the angel gave him two times and from the energy and strength derived from that bread, the great Prophet walked forty days and forty nights. (The same length of time Jesus was in the desert!) In an analogous sense, Holy Communion endows and inundates us with spiritual energy so that we can travel with great alacrity and strength on the Highway to Heaven!

7. SPIRITUAL REMEDY AND PREVENTIVE MEDICINE. If we are well-nourished bodily when the flu-season arrives, we have a much better chance to avoid those common colds, coughs, flus and runny-noses. On one occasion I was about to come down with a cold and some person of good will gave me Airborne—a potent dose of Vitamin C. Guess what? I avoided the cold that was about to grab hold of me! In a parallel sense, the frequent reception of Holy Communion can serve to bundle us up and fortify us against the onslaught of our imperious and disordered passions that constantly strive to inundate and overwhelm us, inciting us to sin!

8 JOY, PEACE, AND INNER CONSOLATION. As an appetizing and enjoyable meal shared with friends culminates in joy, peace, happiness and consolation, so it is with nourishing our souls on Jesus in Holy Communion, the Bread of Life. This analogy is expressed very clearly by the Angelic Doctor, Saint Thomas Aquinas. Just as good food nourishes and uplifts the body, so does Holy Communion enrich and uplift the soul!

9. REMARKABLE SOURCE AND STRENGTH TO CARRY OUR DAILY CROSS. Jesus addresses the tired, the weary, the burdened, the overwhelmed, those experiencing heavy trials and tribulations with these words—related to Holy Mass and Holy Communion: “Come to me all you who are weary and find life burdensome and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Mt, 11:28-30). So many people have given witness to the fact that in the midst of the trials of life, the sufferings and sorrows, the heart-aches and heart-breaks, running to Jesus in Mass and receiving Him in the Sacrament of Holy Communion served as an inexpressible relief and strength, a source of solace, hope, and support! Do not try to carry your cross alone. Rather, invite Jesus to help you shoulder the burden by receiving Him into your inner-most being in Holy Communion. “Come, Lord Jesus, Come!”

10. PROMISE OF ETERNAL LIFE: HEAVEN WILL BE OURS FOREVER! What thought can be more consoling than the fact and truth that one day we will be united with Jesus in Heaven! He will be Our God, Savior, Friend, Companion, Support, Teacher, Master, and our Greatest Lover in Heaven. This incredible promise was made by Jesus in His “Bread of Life Discourse” in the Synagogue of Capernaum. (Jn. 6:22-71) These words are most consoling: “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert and died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one might eat it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” (Jn. 6: 47-51) As clear as the sun at midday are these words of Jesus! If we have established the habit of receiving Jesus in Holy Communion—the Bread of Life that gives life to the world—with hearts filled with deep faith, full of fiery love and passion, and receive frequently, as we pray in the Our Father, give us this day our daily bread, then the promise of Jesus is clear! Heaven will be ours forever and ever and ever!

Let us conclude with what the great friends of God, the saints themselves have preached and written on the great importance of frequent and fervent reception of Holy Communion in our lives!

1. SAINT IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA: “One of the most admirable effects of Holy Communion is to preserve the soul from sin, and to help those who fall through weakness to rise again. It is much more profitable, then, to approach the Divine Sacrament with love, respect and confidence, than to remain away through excess fear and scrupulosity.”

2. SAINT JOSEMARIA ESCRIVA: “When you approach the tabernacle remember that He has been waiting for you for twenty centuries.”

3. SAINT JOHN VIANNEY: “All the good works in the world are not equal to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass because they are the works of man; but the Mass is the work of God. Martyrdom is nothing in comparison for it is but the sacrifice of man to God; but the Mass is the sacrifice of God to man.”

5. SAINT MAXIMILIAN KOLBE: “If the angels could be jealous of men, they would be so for one reason: Holy Communion.”

5. SAINT FRANCES DE SALES: “When you have received Him, stir up your heart to do Him homage, speak to Him about your spiritual life, gaze upon Him in your soul where He is present for your happiness, welcome Him as warmly as possible, and behave outwardly in such a way that your actions may give proof to all of His Presence.”

In conclusion, the key to holiness in life on your Highway to Heaven is faith-filled, frequent, and fervent reception of Jesus, the Holy of Holies and your Best Friend, in Holy Communion. May Our Lady of the Eucharist intercede for us now and at the hour of our death! Amen.

Copyright 2021 Oblates of the Virgin Mary
St. Peter Chanel Church, Hawaiian Gardens, CA

The Epiphany of the Lord

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

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3rd Mt. 2: 1-12 Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord   “And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” (Mic 5:2).

“Today the Magi gaze in deep wonder at what they see: heaven on earth, earth in heaven, man in God, God in man, one whom the whole universe cannot contain now enclosed in a tiny body. As they look, they believe and do not question, as their symbolic gifts bear witness: incense for God, gold for a king, myrrh for one who is to die.” —Saint Peter Chrysologus

CHRISTMAS SEASON: TEN BEAUTIFUL GIFTS!!! By Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

The primary focus, reason, and essence of Christmas is the Incarnation and birth of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Born of the Virgin Mary in the damp, cold, humid, dark, and hard stable of Bethlehem, Jesus came primarily to save us. Venerable Fulton Sheen asserts that the most important name that we can give to Jesus is that of SAVIOR. Jesus is the universal Savior. Indeed, Jesus came to save us of all that is evil: sin, the devil, sadness, depression, despair, and the possibility of the loss of our soul forever in the torments of hell!

ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE. Cognizant of the reality of our salvation through the coming, life, death and Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, our hearts should be a reservoir overflowing with gratitude for the infinite graces that Jesus has acquired for us, but most especially, for the eternal salvation of our immortal soul. Jesus died to give us life and life to the full, and to open once and for all the gates of Heaven, our eternal destiny and residence!

OTHER GRACES AND BLESSINGS IN THE CHRISTMAS SEASON. Of course the very heart and center is the Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem—House of Bread. However, Jesus through His Mystical Body, the Church, constantly floods us with so many graces and blessings. This being the case, let us highlight other blessings and gifts that are ours for the taking in the entire arc of the Christmas Season.

THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS—SAINTS AND GREAT BLESSINGS! In the week that follows Christmas, traditionally called the “Octave of Christmas”, the Church Calendar presents a series of extraordinary saints for our admiration and imitation, and for their power of intercession. Therefore, among these ten beautiful Christmas gifts are super-saints, our brothers and sisters and intercessors in Christ. May they pave our way to Jesus and Mary in this life and in Eternal Life.

1. DECEMBER 26^TH—SAINT STEPHEN. A man full of faith and love for the Word of God, zealous to preach and denounce evil and hypocrisy, imbued totally with the Holy Spirit and possessing an indomitable and courageous spirit, Saint Stephen is called the Protomartyr. The reason for this title is that he was the first in the early Church to shed his blood for Christ and the truth. One saint can motivate others to be saints. While dying, in imitation of the Master, Jesus the Lord, Saint Stephen forgave his persecutors, living out the Gospel of mercy so dear to the Heart of Jesus. Who was there condoning the martyrdom of Saint Stephen? None other than the fiery, future Apostle, Saint Paul. Some have commented that the prayers and mercy of Stephen were the catalyst for the conversion of Saul to Saint Paul. Let us beg as a Christmas gift to be imbued and permeated with the spirit of Saint Stephen, whose physical death was his birthday into heaven!

2. DECEMBER 27^TH—SAINT JOHN, THE EVANGELIST. Fisherman from Galilee transformed into a fisher of men, intimate Friend and Lover of the Lord Jesus, the Eagle (as depicted in paintings) due to his profound mystical thoughts and teachings, named spiritual son of the Virgin Mary from the cross, profound writer of the last of the Gospels as well as three short letters, Saint John the Evangelist is without doubt one of the key figures in the Gospel, as well as in the Primitive Church. In the inspired writing In Sinu Jesu—When Heart Speaks to Heart, the Journal of a Priest at Prayer, Saint John the Evangelist is depicted on the book’s front cover, resting on the side of Jesus at the Last Supper when the Lord is giving to the world the Eucharist, as well as the priesthood. Therefore, as we beg for Christmas gifts for ourselves as well as for others, let us beg, through the intercession of Saint John the Evangelist, three graces: a dynamic, deep, and abiding Friendship with Jesus; an appreciation and love for the Priesthood; and a deeper faith and devotion for the Sacrament of the Lord’s Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity in the most Holy Eucharist.

3. DECEMBER 28^TH—FEAST OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS. After Herod recognized that he had been tricked by the Magi, he went into a furious rampage, sending out his soldiers to find and kill all the innocent baby boys two years and younger in and near the vicinity of Bethlehem. Joseph, following a dream, rose in the middle of the night and taking Mary and the Infant Jesus fled to safety in Egypt. Meanwhile, Herod’s soldiers brutally massacred these innocent babies. These are the Holy Innocents, who though not even aware of it, shed their blood for the Infant Jesus. Herod symbolizes and represents the macabre, morbid, mass-murder of innocent children through the sad reality of abortion. This should move us to offer up prayers, Rosaries, Masses and Holy Communions of reparation for this abominable crime and sin. “For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.” (Divine Mercy Chaplet)

4. DECEMBER 29^TH—FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY. Also, in the overall context of the Christmas Season, the Church celebrates the Feast Day of the Holy Family—Jesus, Mary, and Saint Joseph. We lift up our eyes, minds, and hearts to the Model and the Best of all earthly families—Jesus, Mary, and Saint Joseph. Jesus was the perfect Son; Mary, the perfect Mother and spouse; and Saint Joseph was the perfect spouse and Father. The Holy Family teaches us countless lessons, but we will offer two: 1) Necessity of Silence and Prayer. The Holy Family spent time every day in silence and prayer where they had a deep encounter with God. May we cherish silence that leads us to deep, mystical prayer and union with God; 2) Law of Work. Mary worked hard in the home of Nazareth, thereby loving God and her family. Saint Joseph and Jesus worked long and arduous hours at the Carpenter shop, thereby providing for the sustenance of the family. May we learn the importance of hard, methodical, orderly, and systematic work in our daily lives, following in the footsteps of Jesus, Mary, and Saint Joseph!

5. JANUARY 1^ST—MARY, MOTHER OF GOD & WORLD DAY OF PEACE. What an excellent way to start off the New Year by celebrating the greatest of all of the titles and privileges bestowed on the Blessed Virgin Mary—Mary, the Mother of God. Indeed, Mary is the Mother of God, but she is also the Mother of the Church, and our Heavenly Mother. May we entrust our lives totally and unreservedly to her maternal care and protection. “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”

6. JANUARY 6^TH—THE EPIPHANY: THE STAR AND THE WISE-MEN. Another key Feast in the context of the Christmas Season is that of the Epiphany, meaning “The manifestation of Jesus to the whole world.” The Wise Men followed the star that led to Jesus. I once saw a catchy and appealing bumper sticker with these words: “Wise men still find Jesus in the arms of Mary.” Mary and Jesus are inseparable. At Cana, Mary’s last recorded words were: “Do whatever He tells you!” This is the best advice in the world; take it as your New Year’s motto and action-item! The Wise Men brought three gifts; let us give the symbolic and practical meaning and interpretation of these gifts for us.

7. GOLD: SYMBOLIC OF THE ROYALTY OF JESUS WHO IS KING!!! May Jesus as King reign in our families, our Church, and our personal lives! “Long live Christ the King!”  “Que viva Cristo Rey!!!” Our response to the Gold could be the alms-giving that we practice. Alms-giving can be giving money to the poor, abandoned, needy, homeless. But it can also mean on a more daily and practical basis to be kind, joyful, and willing to serve the members in our own family!

8. INCENSE: SYMBOLIC OF THE DIVINITY OF JESUS. As the white, aromatic smoke of the Incense ascends on high in the Solemn Masses, so also do the fervent prayers of the saints ascend on high. In concrete, in our daily lives let us beg fervently for the grace to overcome our innate laziness when it comes to prayer and dedicate more time, effort, good will, and fervor in our personal, our family, and our Liturgical prayer experiences. It is only by striving to become saints, imbued with a fervent and dynamic prayer life, that conversions become a reality! Our fervent, white incense of prayer also serves as a most efficacious means to alleviate the souls in Purgatory and give them access to Heaven!

9. MYRRH: SYMBOLIC OF THE HUMANITY OF JESUS DESTINED TO SUFFER AND DIE ON CALVARY. Myrrh would be the ointment that was applied to the Body of Jesus after He suffered, died, and was taken off the cross and wrapped in the linen. Saint Ignatius of Loyola points out the fact that Jesus was born for us in Bethlehem with the purpose of dying for us on Calvary, so that we might have life and life in abundance. How true: the death of Jesus brought life to the world, and that includes to you and to me! How can we apply this last of the three gifts of the Magi to our lives—the gift of Myrrh? Quite simply this: a ready willingness on our part to offer ourselves in sacrifice to the Lord for the salvation of souls. Saint Padre Pio was a Victim Soul; Saint Jacinta Marto was called by Saint Pope John Paul II “a little Victim Soul.” So also, at least to a limited degree, we are called to offer our own small but fervent and constant sacrifices to Jesus for the salvation of so many souls who are slaves to their passions, oblivious of God’s love, and immersed in a materialistic, pagan, and secular world! Small sacrifices offered with great love opens the treasure-house of God’s graces and the gates of Heaven to poor sinners!

10. JANUARY 12^TH—THE BAPTISM OF JESUS AND OUR BAPTISM. Every year the Christmas Season concludes with the Baptism of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. Jesus’ Baptism should be a time in which we examine our life, examine our conscience, to see if we are truly living out our baptismal commitment. This entails our renouncing Satan and all his pomps, the allurements of the world, and all that is within us and outside us that leads us on the pathway of sin. In other words, the Sacrament of Baptism challenges us all to honestly pursue a life holiness, to desire to become a great saint. As Jesus challenges and commands unequivocally with these words: “Be holy as your heavenly Father is holy.” (Mt. 5:48) Consider our transformation at our Baptism: Son or Daughter of God, Brother or Sister to Jesus Christ, Intimate Friend of the Holy Spirit, recipient of the three theological virtues of faith, hope and charity, the moral virtues, and the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, sanctifying grace, and the right to inherit eternal life—all of these Gifts and many more are poured into our soul in the very moment of our Baptism. From then on it is incumbent upon us, with the help of our parents and godparents, to live out the sublime Gift of the Sacrament of Holy Baptism!

In conclusion, we hope and pray that all will cultivate an authentic attitude of gratitude and humbly recognize and receive the abundant Gifts that our loving Heavenly Father has showered upon us in the Gift of Jesus, Mary, and Saint Joseph, as well as the countless blessings that continue to rain down upon us in a torrent through the Mystical Body of Christ, the Church! “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His mercy endures forever.” (Ps 136:1)

Copyright 2021 Oblates of the Virgin Mary
St. Peter Chanel Church, Hawaiian Gardens, CA