Saturday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

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

SATURDAY, SEPT. 19TH   Lk. 8:4-15 “As for the seed that fell on rich soil, they are the ones who, when they have heard the word, embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance.”

Pope Francis on the Parable of the Sower…

 In the Parable of the Sower, Saint Luke has left us these words of the Lord about the “good soil”: These are the ones who when they hear the Word, hold it fast in a generous and good heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance (Lk 8:15). In the context of Luke’s Gospel, this mention of a generous and good heart which hears and keeps the Word is an implicit portrayal of the Faith of the Virgin Mary.  

The Evangelist himself speaks of Mary’s memory, how she treasured in her heart all that she had heard and seen, so that the Word could bear fruit in her life. The Mother of the Lord is the perfect icon of Faith; as Saint Elizabeth would say: Blessed is she who believed (Lk 1:45). End.

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH ON FAITH

CCC 1814. Faith is the theological virtue by which we believe in God and believe all that He has said and revealed to us, and that Holy Church proposes for our belief, because He is truth itself. By faith man freely commits his entire self to God. For this reason the believer seeks to know and do God’s will. Living faith works through charity.

COMMENT:
“Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (Jn. 15:13) Mary expressed living faith in seeking and doing the will of God all her life and perfect charity in collaborating with her Son in our eternal salvation standing at the foot of the cross. What Jesus suffered on the cross in His Body, Mary suffered in the depths of her heart and soul.

This is Saturday, Mary’s Day!!! Let us draw closer to our Blessed Mother Mary and she will draw closer to us, through the following meditation.

KNOW, LOVE, AND IMITATE MARY!  By Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

Mary is the loving Daughter of God the Father, the Mother of God the Son, and the Mystical Spouse of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, Mary is intimately intertwined and linked with the Blessed Trinity. This short Marian essay that follows offers seven separate titles that the Church offers to strengthen our knowledge, love, devotion, and desire to imitate Mary. Saint Louis de Montfort states clearly: The quickest, easiest, and shortest path to Jesus is through His Blessed Mother, Mary most holy. Loving Mary brings us to love Jesus, and Jesus brings us to the very Heart of God the Father. 

SEVEN MARIAN TITLES TO FOSTER LOVE & DEVOTION TO MARY…

1. THE MASTERPIECE OF CREATION.
In his over-flowing love for the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Louis de Montfort penned this title: Mary, the Masterpiece of Creation. Reflect on masterpieces in the world! The Pieta by Michelangelo; The Divine Comedy, written by Dante; the Last Supper, painted by Leonardo da Vinci; The Prodigal Son, painted by Rembrandt; the majestic Major Basilicas in Rome; Confessions, written by Saint Augustine; the Summa Theologica, composed by Saint Thomas Aquinas—all of the above are literary and artistic accomplishments that leave us almost stunned by their striking beauty and depth. In the same way, we can say that the two greatest creations of God are the Incarnation of the Son of God and the creation of the Blessed Virgin Mary who was instrumental in bringing forth the Incarnation of the Son of God. Mary is indeed The Masterpiece of Creation. What do you admire most in her???

2. MYSTICAL SPOUSE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
As mentioned above, Mary has an intimate union with the Blessed Trinity. Of course this includes her relationship with the Holy Spirit. The Immaculate Conception of Mary was the work of the Holy Spirit—Mary was conceived in her mother’s womb without the stain of Original Sin. The Virginal Conception is the operation of the Holy Spirit—Jesus was conceived in Mary by the overshadowing (Shekinah—Hebrew) of the Holy Spirit. The Church was born upon the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost—Mary was there in prayer, silence, and fasting for nine days with the Apostles before this monumental event. Do you want to have a deeper and more intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit?  Then learn to love Mary; she is His Mystical Spouse!

3. THE MYSTICAL ROSE.
In the literary masterpiece of Dante, the Divine Comedy, as Saint Bernard ascends to the higher regions of heaven, he lifts up his eyes and contemplates a beauty that captivates him beyond the expression of human language as he sees THE MYSTICAL ROSE. This beautiful flower in the center of the Garden of Heaven is the Blessed Virgin Mary. This flower is known for its captivating beauty, fragrant redolence, and softness of touch. So it is in drawing close to Mary, The Mystical Rose. Mary attains for us the understanding of true beauty and the appreciation of grace in our soul and the souls of others. Mary attains for us a spiritual sense in which we are almost magnetically drawn to what is pure, noble, holy, and saintly. Finally, Mary, through her powerful but gentle presence, attains for us a gentleness, meekness, and tenderness in dealing with others, so important in drawing souls to God, and back to God if they have strayed.

 4. MOTHER OF MERCY, OUR LIFE, OUR SWEETNESS, AND OUR HOPE.
Many titles in one, Mary is indeed our Mother in the order of grace and helps us to maintain grace in our soul by avoiding sin. Upon falling, Mary attains for us the grace to rebound with resiliency and throw ourselves into the arms of our merciful and loving Father. She attains for us life, and life in abundance in our love for Jesus. In the midst of the bitterness of life, she fills our soul with sweetness. Finally, in a world that has lost meaning, purpose, and hope, Our Lady buoys us up on the wings of eagles to view beyond this life and peer into the heavenly realms, our true home. Read the classic of Saint Alphonsus Liguori Hail Holy Queen. Pray slowly and often this beautiful prayer said at the end of the Holy Rosary that begins: Hail Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope.”

5. GATE OF HEAVEN.
The purpose of our short, transitory, ephemeral and unpredictable life on earth is to attain heaven. By cultivating a dynamic love, devotion, and trust in Mary, we are on the highway to heaven. True there are many detours and potholes in the road. Mary, Gate of Heaven, helps us in the midst of turmoil, stress, uncertainty, tension, and suffering to have our eyes fixed on the purpose of our life—to get to heaven! One of the beautiful titles for Mary is GATE OF HEAVEN. As a loving and tender Mother, she is praying for you right now, so that you will love Jesus fully and totally in this life, so as to praise Him forever in heaven.

6. STELLA MARIA—STAR OF THE SEA!
One of the most famous prayers/poems ever written on Mary was by the Mellifluous Doctor, Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, with the title Stella Maris—meaning Star of the Sea. In the midst of the tempestuous sea of life, surrounded by so many dangers from within and from without, we must have our eyes lifted on high and contemplate Stella Maris—Star of the Sea. That beautiful, shining, and glimmering Star of the Sea is Mary. Way before the invention of electricity, sailors depended greatly on the light of the stars to navigate them to port safely and securely. Amidst the storms of life, we must lift our gaze on high to Mary, Stella Maris—Star of the Sea. Indeed, by her most powerful prayers, she will lead us safely to the port of salvation, our heavenly home. “O most gracious Virgin Mary, never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection was left unaided.” (from the Memorare by Saint Bernard)

7. QUEEN OF ALL HEARTS.
Finally, we conclude with one of the favorite titles of Saint Louis de Montfort, Our Lady, Queen of all hearts! May you always strive with all the energy of your whole being to seek refuge in two most special places: the most Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. May Jesus be the King of your heart and Mary be the Queen of your heart in time and for all eternity!

Let us conclude with an inspiring quotation from Saint John Eudes on the Heart of Mary:  “The Heart of Mary is a sun that spreads its rays and warmth throughout the world. It is constantly working in every way possible for the salvation of souls.”

May Our Lady’s prayers set our hearts on fire with love for Almighty God and the salvation of immortal souls!

Copyright 2020 Oblates of the Virgin Mary
St. Peter Chanel Church, Hawaiian Gardens, CA

Friday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

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

FRIDAY, SEPT. 18TH   Lk. 8:1-3 “Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. With him were the twelve apostles.”

We are all called to be sent out. Ven. Fulton Sheen puts it this way – first come, then go! First come to Jesus in our daily Holy Hour, then go spread the Good News of the Gospel!

Part 1: Being Sent with the Twelve by Saint Pope John Paul II
Part 2: Patience, Patience, and More Patience!!! By Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

Being Sent with the Twelve…   by Saint Pope John Paul II

It is Jesus Himself who takes the initiative and calls people to follow Him. His call is addressed first to those to whom He entrusts a particular mission, beginning with the Twelve; it is also clear that every believer is called to be a follower of Christ (cf. Acts 6:1)

Following Christ is thus the essential and primordial foundation of Christian morality: just as the people of Israel followed God who led them through the desert towards the Promised Land (cf. Ex 13:21), so every disciple must follow Jesus, towards whom he is drawn by the Father Himself (cf. Jn 6:44).

This is not a matter only of disposing oneself to hear a teaching and obediently accepting a commandment. More radically, it involves holding fast to the very person of Jesus, partaking of His life and His destiny, sharing in His free and loving obedience to the will of the Father.  

By responding in faith and following the One who is Incarnate Wisdom, the disciple of Jesus truly becomes a disciple of God (cf. Jn 6:45). Jesus is indeed the light of the world, the light of life (cf. Jn 8:12). He is the shepherd who leads His sheep and feeds them (cf. Jn 10:11-16); He is the way, and the truth, and the life (cf. Jn 14:6). And thus to imitate the Son, the image of the invisible God (Col. 1:15), means to imitate the Father.

Jesus asks us to follow Him and to imitate Him along the path of love, a love which gives itself completely to the brethren out of love for God: This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you (Jn 15:12). The word “as” requires imitation of Jesus and of His love, of which the washing of feet is a sign: “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” (Jn 13:14-15).

Jesus’ way of acting and His words, His deeds, and His precepts constitute the moral rule of Christian life. Indeed, His actions, and in particular His Passion and Death on the cross, are the living revelation of His love for the Father and for others.

This is exactly the love that Jesus wishes to be imitated by all who follow Him. It is the “new” commandment: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (Jn 13:34-35). END

A virtue that embodies love for others is the challenging virtue of Patience!

PATIENCE, PATIENCE, AND MORE PATIENCE!!! By Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

A woman talking to the Lord in prayer, begged the Lord for a very special virtue that she sorely needed, and this was the content of her concise but almost desperate prayer: “Lord I beg you, Lord I truly beg you, give me patience and right now!!!” I think we can all identify with the heartfelt prayer of this woman begging for a virtue that we all need on a daily basis, probably even on an hourly basis. So important is this virtue that Jesus said: “By your patience you will save your souls.” (Lk 21:19) All of us must strive to practice patience, but of primary importance, and Saint Ignatius of Loyola insists on this, we must beg for the grace from God to be patient.  

Therefore, we would like to offer a brief strategy, a clear and practical program on how we can eventually, with the help of God’s grace which is never lacking, attain that most important and most needed virtue of PATIENCE. With God’s grace all is possible. Or if you like: “Nothing is impossible with God!” (Lk 1:37)

 1. GOD’S INFINITE AND PERMANENT LOVE. Most of us have heard this countless times, such that it may seem to be trite, a hackneyed phrase, a pious platitude, a common cliché, however, this short but most profound Biblical truth must descend from our head to our heart and it is this: GOD REALLY AND TRULY LOVES ME!!! Most certainly we have heard and read this truth numerous times, but maybe it is like water running off a duck’s back in that it has never really sunk into the depths of our heart. In a word, we must be really convinced not only that GOD IS LOVE, but that this God of Love has an infinite and permanent love for me in all times, all places, and all circumstances! And yes, it must be stated, God loves me even when I fail Him due to my moral failures that we call sin. Jesus came not for the perfect but for the sinners, and all of us fall into that category or group. As Saint Paul so clearly reminds us in Romans: “Where sin abounds, the mercy of God abounds all the more.” (Rom 5:20) Therefore, pray and meditate upon this most simple but profound truth: God really does love me always and without limitations. His love is both eternal and infinite! This is our Great God!

2. CONTEMPLATE THE CRUCIFIX.  In the life of Saint John Bosco, in the context of the Oratory (school), his mother, Margarita, stayed with him to help with so many household details in the midst of rambunctious teen boys. However, she had reached her limit with the disorder and high-energy of these mischievous teens, and had her bag packed, ready to return to her home. Father John Bosco, her son, said nothing, only lifted his finger to the wall where there was a crucifix, with Jesus hanging from it. After gazing upon Jesus hanging and suffering on the cross, Mama Margarita understood how much Jesus loved these abandoned youths and how Jesus wanted Margarita to practice patience. Thereupon, this holy woman and mother of a saintly priest dropped her baggage and spent the rest of her life assisting John Bosco with the youth! Therefore, in your life, when it seems as if the cross you are carrying is unbearable, lift up your eyes to contemplate Jesus hanging on the cross, loving all of humanity and patiently enduring the pain for all. You will receive a special grace to practice patience.

3. BEG FOR THE GRACE.  Saint Augustine states: “We are all beggars before God.” That means we are all in dire need of God’s help at all times and in all places because we are very weak. It is so true that we are weak; however, God is strong. As the Psalmist reminds us: “Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.” (Ps 124:8) Even the great Apostle Paul cried out: “When I am weak, it is then that I am strong.” (2 Cor 12:10) After begging the Lord to remove the thorn in his flesh, Saint Paul was told by the Lord: “My grace is sufficient!” (2 Cor 12:9) Indeed, if we beg the Lord for the grace to be patient, He will rush to our aid. God hears and responds to a humble, pure, and persevering prayer!

4. MAKE THE WAY OF THE CROSS.  On one occasion, I was speaking to a Spiritual Director and he made this comment: “When I find myself in a state of desolation, when things appear to be dark, dreary, and hopeless, I make the Stations of the Cross and inevitably the desolation disappears.” I believe this can be applied to patience. When you feel as if the weight of the cross is unbearable, not able to be supported for another minute, then slowly walk the Way of the Cross with the Lord and you will receive renewed strength and patience! With Saint Francis of Assisi may we pray: “We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.”

5. HONEST CONVERSATION WITH JESUS, MARY, AND SAINT JOSEPH.  Our prayer, to be authentic, must be honest. Indeed, if it is such that we find our life situation very difficult, to the point of being almost impossible, then it is time to sit down in front of Jesus, and you might invite Saint Joseph and Mary to be present, and then pour out your heart to your Best Friends—Jesus, Mary, and Saint Joseph. Jesus said: “Unless you become like a little child, you cannot enter the Kingdom of God.” (Mt 18:3) Take for a model, if you like, the movie The Miracle of Marcelino (1955 version), also known as Marcelino Pan Y Vino. This little boy with holy abandon opens up to Jesus expressing the deepest desire in his heart as well as his greatest suffering—the lack or absence of the love of a mother, and his great desire to have a mother. Jesus hears the little boy and accedes to his request. So must we be like a little child, so must we imitate the holy abandon, trust, and simplicity of Marcelino, and tell the Lord how difficult it is at times to bear the cross and beg for the sorely needed patience. The Lord, Mary, and Saint Joseph will not delay in coming to your assistance!

6. MEDITATE AND CONTEMPLATE UPON HEAVEN—YOUR ULTIMATE DESTINY.  It must be stated with bold truth: we do not meditate or contemplate enough on the reality of heaven. Our life is very short, like the flower that rises in the morning and withers and dies as the sun goes down or like smoke blown by the wind. Saint Augustine states that our life in comparison with eternity is a mere blink of the eye. Our Lady of Fatima said that if humanity would only meditate upon eternity, they would be converted immediately! We must meditate upon the shortness of our life, the purpose of our life, and the eternal reward that awaits us.  The simple Catechism teaches us this eternal truth: “We are here on earth to know God, love God, and serve God, so that we will be with Him forever in heaven.” Even the greatest crosses and sufferings can be supported if we meditate more often upon Heaven—its joy, rewards, and reality! Saint Paul breaks out with this radiant and consoling truth: “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it entered into the mind of man the wonderful things that God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Cor. 2:9) The thought of Heaven can attain for us patience, patience, and even more patience!!!

7. OFFER IT UP, DO NOT WASTE IT!  Of course, the whole concept and virtue of patience is related to suffering. Our patience can be tried with respect to our health, finances, social conflicts, family problems, academic or work challenges or failures, ruptured relationships, mental and emotional turmoil and uncertainties of all kinds. All of these and more can put our patience to the test! However, instead of complaining and becoming bitter over your crosses, why not accept the crosses, beg for patience to carry them, and offer the crosses as well as your patient endurance to God for the conversion and salvation of sinners—there are many out there who need special graces, even in our own families! With this supernatural view or perspective, the crosses become lighter and patience comes easier. Try it! Lift up your mind and cultivate a more supernatural vision of your life, your crosses and their eternal value!

8. DON’T HIDE IT, BUT SHARE IT.  One of the key aspects of Ignatian Spirituality is that in our spiritual life, we are not made to be loners, rugged individualists, like the pioneer, Daniel Boone. On the contrary, to make it to heaven, we have to learn to work with others; we must have some form of accompaniment or spiritual direction to persevere until the end in our spiritual journey. Of capital importance for our spiritual progress is the need to have a spiritual director and to be able to open up with great humility, trust, and transparency, especially when the crosses seem heaviest and our patience is really being put to the test. You might be surprised that once you have unloaded, articulated, and expressed your cross and your need for patience to your spiritual director, how the cross seems to diminish in size and the patience that seemed almost impossible is indeed very possible. Jesus said: “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Mt 11:30)

9. THREE AREAS WHERE WE MUST ESPECIALLY BE ON GUARD AND BEG FOR THE GRACE.  Jesus said: “By your patience, you will save your souls.” (Lk 21:19) A good part of our spiritual victory can be achieved through awareness, vigilance, self-knowledge, and a Daily Examen. In our short lives there will usually be three areas where we need patience: 1) with God, 2) with others, and 3) with ourselves. Let us briefly address these three areas. First, with respect to God, possibly it has happened that you have been praying to God for something and it seems that He is not listening. Nothing could be further from the truth! God always hears us, but He often makes us wait so that we can grow in the two virtues of patience and prayerfulness. Saint Monica prayed for more than 30 years for the conversion of her family! But it happened—not only was her son, Augustine converted, but also her husband and mother-in-law! With respect to patience with others, of great help might be the simple reminder of our own faults and sins, and how patient God has been with us! So should we be patient with the limitations of others! Finally, Saint Frances de Sales insists that we must be patient with ourselves. “The just man falls seven times a day, but rises again.” (Prov 24:16) Saint Junipero Serra was famous for saying: “Siempre Adelante, Siempre Adelante y nunca atras.” “Always forward, always forward and never look back.” The Founder of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, Venerable Bruno Lanteri coined the two word axiom: NUNC COEPI—meaning that if I fall, I will get up as many times as needed and try again, trusting in God’s infinite patience and mercy with me! Indeed, as the Psalmist teaches us: “God is slow to anger and rich in kindness.” (Ps. 103:8)

10. MARIA COGITA, MARIA INVOCA… THINK OF MARY AND INVOKE MARY. Once again, a hallmark of the spirituality of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary is a tender, total, and unlimited trust in the presence, power, prayer, perseverance, and purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the prayer, the Memorare, Saint Bernard offers us these most consoling words: O most gracious Virgin Mary, never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided.” Why not form this habit, consecrate your days to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. However, during the course of the day, especially during trials and tribulations, when the cross seems heavy, and your patience is little, lift up your eyes and call upon the Holy Name of Mary. As a most loving and tender Mother she will never fail you!

Copyright 2020 Oblates of the Virgin Mary
St. Peter Chanel Church, Hawaiian Gardens, CA

Thursday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

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

THURSDAY, SEPT. 17TH    Lk. 7: 36-50    He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

Part 1 – The sinful woman and Jesus
Part 2 – Making Better Sacramental Confessions through Firm Purpose of Amendment by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

PART 1
When I sin do I run to Christ or run away from Him? Do I fling myself into His arms or hide like Adam and Eve? Do I own my guilt or bury it under a cloak of rationalization? Are my eyes filled with tears of remorse or is my heart hardened by pride?

Do I seek His mercy in my shame? His comfort in my sorrow? Newness of life in His forgiveness? Is my love extravagant and my thanksgiving bountiful as He pours forth His Mercy upon me with the words, “I absolve you from your sins, in name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”? This is the repentant woman in today’s Gospel!

Jesus entered the house of the Pharisee not to partake of the repast, but to dispense Divine Mercy. Not to drink fine wine, but to draw tears from the eyes of a penitent. Not for leisure, but to carry out the work of salvation!

Imagine this woman running through the doors past startled servants, trespassing the private banquet hall, filling the festive air with lamentation and weeping!!!

St. Peter Chrysologus says, “She did not come uninvited. She was under a command. She entered, not as one rashly daring, but as one ushered in.” Who issued the invitation? Certainly not the Pharisee!  

The Holy Spirit invited her to come to Jesus without restraint or reserve. Her love was all the more fragrant issuing from a heart broken by sorrow and remorse, like perfume from an alabaster flask.

The Holy Spirit invites us to come to Jesus in confession without reserve or restraint, with a heart broken by sorrow and remorse for our sins. May we fall ever more deeply in love with Jesus who covers our sins with His righteousness, so that He may embrace us with His love that is infinite and eternal!  

Today in our meditation, Fr. Ed Broom gives us concrete steps to upgrade our confessions!

PART 2
MAKING BETTER SACRAMENTAL CONFESSIONS THROUGH FIRM PURPOSE OF AMENDMENT. By Father Ed Broom, OMV

God communicates His grace to us through Jesus Christ, His Mystical Body, which is the Church. The Sacraments are the chief or principal channels by which Jesus sanctifies us, makes us holy. However, and this must be emphasized, the abundance of grace or the lack of grace is commensurate with the disposition of the recipient.

DISPOSITIVE GRACE IN SACRAMENTAL THEOLOGY.  So as to reap the most abundant harvest in the reception of the Sacraments, one must have a firm grasp on what Dispositive Grace really means. To be concrete, dispositive grace means the more open, docile, pure, receptive, and humble the soul, the more abundant the graces.

A SIMPLE IMAGE.  The sun will pass through a windowpane once the drapes are pulled open. However, a windowpane that has been sullied or besmirched by smut and dirt, then the abundance of the sun’s rays will be blocked, at least partially. That window cleansed with Windex and a dry newspaper will result in a pure and transparent window and the sunlight will penetrate and permeate the room in abundance. So, it is with the soul—a pure and transparent soul will capture and absorb the abundant light of God’s graces in the reception of the Sacraments!

CONFESSION AND GOD’S ABUNDANT GRACES.  The normal and most efficacious means by which we can receive God’s Infinite Mercy is through the worthy reception of the Sacrament of Confession, also known as the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Sacrament of God’s Infinite Mercy. However, it must be emphasized, the thrust of this short essay is this: the abundance of the graces of all the Sacraments, and most specifically in this article, that of Confession, is in direct proportion to the disposition and the preparation made before entering the Confessional.

THE FIVE INDISPENSABLE STEPS.  There are Five Indispensable Steps that are necessary to receive the grace of forgiveness in the Sacrament of Confession: 1) Examination of conscience; 2) Sorrow for sins, 3) Firm purpose of Amendment, 4) Confession of sins vocally to the priest, who represents Christ; 5) Penance—carry out the penance given by the priest. If done, the grace of the Sacrament flows into the soul.

PASTORAL COMMENT AND ADMONITION.  As a priest for many years and having heard thousands of confessions in various countries, I would like to make this comment with the purpose of encouraging penitents to approach this great Sacrament with trust, love, confidence, and frequency. However, with the strong encouragement to analyze one of the five steps or aspects of the Sacrament—the 3rd Step: Firm Purpose of Amendment.

MEANING: Firm Purpose of Amendment.  These few words mean the following: as a penitent in receiving the Sacrament of Confession, I will strive with the help of God’s grace and with all of the energy in my will to avoid the near occasion of sin. If you like, I will not play with fire. Or again, I will not walk on thin ice or walk on the slippery slope that leads to a fall. Meaning, I will avoid any person, place, thing, or event that can easily lead me to falling into sin. I will utilize preventive medicine to procure the avoidance of the moral infirmity of sin!

Let us offer a few concrete suggestions on how we can upgrade or improve our reception of the Sacrament of Confession, augment grace in our soul—even allow God’s grace to fall in a deluge upon our soul, and most important, to overcome falling into the same sins over and over.

1. IMAGINE THIS TO BE OUR LAST CONFESSION, THEN JUDGMENT. This thought can be of incalculable value: try to imagine that this Confession might be the last in your life and then Judgment ensues. No doubt with this thought in mind, your preparation will improve 100%.

2. EXAMINE OUR CONSCIENCE THOROUGHLY. Make a concerted effort to examine your conscience most thoroughly with the help of a guide booklet explaining the Ten Commandments in minute detail. Those who have drifted away from the Church for years or have not studied their faith, almost certainly do not know the Commandments and have a poorly formed conscience.

3. WRITE DOWN THE SINS. Of great utility for us as penitents would be that of writing down our sins. If done, sins will not be forgotten and skipped over in the context of the Confession. The Sacramental Grace of Ordination gives the priest the ability to absolve and forgive sins, but not to read minds.

4. REWIND THE FILM OF OUR LIFE AND DETECT OUR SINS. Even before writing down your sins, you should rewind the film of your life since your last Confession and see your sins with great honesty, not glossing over sins, or justifying sins, or rationalizing sins—this is pride. Try to see your sins through God’s eyes with total truth and honesty.

5. THE PRECEDING REASONS THAT LEAD US TO FALL INTO SIN. Now what is of prime importance in this short essay aimed at improving your confessions, is to arrive at the root causes or reasons that lead  you into your sins, and possibly what has led you to fall into the same sins in the past. This knowledge of self is of enormous importance in helping you not to fall into the same sins again, the same traps you have in the past.

6. DESOLATION. In general, relying upon the wisdom of the saints, especially Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the state of desolation is often a key trigger or catalyst that can easily catapult you into the mire of sin. By desolation basically is meant that you feel sad and depressed, have a sense of futility and purposelessness in life. Therefore, immersed in such a state, you must double your spiritual armaments to fight against the ensuing temptations.

7. KRYPTONITE (Superman’s weakness). The devil will take advantage of this weakened state of your soul to launch his missiles to manipulate and maneuver you into his camp and tempt you to sin, and sin again.

8. SELF-KNOWLEDGE OF THE PAST TO AVOID SINS IN THE PRESENT. Being aware of having slipped and fallen into the mire of your sins in the past due to a state of desolation, you must allow to kick into high gear the Ignatian concept of Agere Contra—this means instead of succumbing to sin, deliberately do the exact opposite. Instead of overeating, practice temperance. Instead of capitulating to impatience, be doubly patient with the people around you. Instead surrendering to laziness, bounce out of bed 15 minutes earlier. Instead of looking at something impure, contemplate Jesus on the cross with His Mother Mary at the foot of the cross. By living out the Agere Contra—doing the exact opposite, the victory can be won!

9. PRAYER, PENANCE, POWER OF DETERMINATION, PREVENTIVE MEDICINE. Now this is the key to confessing better, most specifically in carrying out Step Three—having a firm purpose of amendment in the scheme of the Sacrament of Confession—and that key is Prayer, Penance, Power of the Will, and Preventive Medicine. Let us look at these series of words with the Letter “P”.  First, by Prayer is meant that even before entering the confessional you strive to make a fervent Act of Contrition. In this prayer you are already aware of your weaknesses and past sins, as well as what preceded these sins. Second, you will be adding to fervent prayer, an act of Penance, again prior to entering the confessional. It can be a small penance. It is not size of the penance that matters but the love and sincerity with which you offer it. Third, the Power of the Will—make a really firm act of the will with a determined determination not to sin again. Fourth, now have recourse to the Sacrament of Confession which is not only medicine and healing to the sick of soul, but also Preventative Medicine. If done well, not only are your sins forgiven, but the Sacrament confers grace not to fall so easily into sin again, and past habitual sins will be greatly diminished. In other words, you are having recourse first and foremost to God’s grace, but second and of great importance, doing your own part with good will!

10. NUNC CAEPI—Now I begin! Despite our good efforts, we still can fall. If that is the case, then we should strive to bounce back as soon as possible, and then strive with the help of God’s grace, and an even more firm commitment, to fight against sin. As the Psalmist reminds us: “God is slow to anger, but rich in mercy.” (Ps. 145:8) This refers to sin and the Sacrament of Confession. “Even if I should fall a thousand times a day, a thousand times I will get up again and say Nunc Cœpi–Now I begin.” (Ven. Bruno Lanteri. Founder of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary)

11. COMMUNION AND CONFESSION.  Another added help to improve our Confession is to connect it with Communion. By this is meant, when you receive Holy Communion, beg the Sacred Heart of Jesus to support you in your fight, in your struggle against sin, in your weakness. Beg the Eucharistic Lord to strengthen you when you are weak and being tempted, and He will quickly run to your aid. Both Sacraments—Confession and Holy Communion—are intimately connected.

12. OUR LADY REFUGE OF SINNERS.  The saints all agree that Mary is most powerful in our struggle against sin. Before having recourse to Confession, let us place our Confession in the hands and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and beg her most fervently every time we confess to the priest to make the best Confession in our life, and also to help us upgrade our firm Purpose of Amendment! Let us beg Mary to help us to avoid any person, place, thing, or circumstance that can plunge us into the mire of ugliness—that is sin. But rather may we choose beauty—that is virtue. “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”

Copyright 2020 Oblates of the Virgin Mary
St. Peter Chanel Church, Hawaiian Gardens, CA

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 16TH    Lk. 7:31-35 “Wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”

St. Paul says Christ Crucified is God’s Power and Wisdom! (1 Cor 1:18-19,22-25)

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”

Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him.

It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God – that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” 

• “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn. 3:16)
• The love of Christ on the cross bearing the guilt of our sins for the redemption of our souls is foolishness to the world!
• What did Christ command us to do? “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (Jn. 13:34)

WHAT LOVE IS AND WHAT IT IS NOT by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

One of the greatest spiritual literary masterpieces ever penned on the topic of love is from Saint Paul in his 13^th Chapter to the Corinthians. At weddings this is often one of the favorite second Readings in the context of the Nuptial Mass. If the couple, as well as all of us, would seriously read, meditate, and strive to understand the true import and meaning of these few verses, without a doubt, the understanding we have of Love would be radically transformed. And of course, as a consequence, the way we strive to live out this most demanding virtue would change.

We would like to extract four short verses from I Corinthians 13, Verses 4 to 7 and expound upon and explain these few verses related to love.

“Love is patient, love is kind. Love is not jealous, it is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury. It does not rejoice over wrong-doing, but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

Saint Paul, obviously led by the Holy Spirit, was truly inspired to highlight characteristics of charity or supernatural love and its concrete application. In a word, love/charity is not a mere ephemeral sentiment, or passing emotion, or transitory romantic glimmer or smile. Quite the contrary: supernatural love that is termed in theological language charity is very demanding. According to the Angelic Doctor, Saint Thomas Aquinas, it is indeed the greatest of all virtues!

This being said, we would like to simply list the terms of what love is and what it is not according to Saint Paul and give a brief explanation of these words, with the hope that all of us would have the audacious courage and trust in God’s grace to put this sublime virtue into practice in our daily lives! Off we go!!!

1. LOVE IS PATIENT!  Are you patient? Examine your life specifically in three basic areas related to patience. Are you patient with God and the way He deals with you in your life? Or do you question and rebel against God’s providential designs? Next, are you patient with others, especially those with whom you associate on a daily basis? Or is your attitude and philosophy: “It’s my way or the Highway!” Finally, are you patient with yourself? By this is meant, when you do fail, do you give in to discouragement or rise from your fall and start anew? Examine yourself on patience in these three areas!

2. LOVE IS KIND.  If you do not really understand the whole concept of being kind or kindness, we offer you the antithesis, the opposing vice, and that would be the demeanor of a Mean Person. Such a person is often bitter, angry, sharp, sarcastic, calculating, touchy. Contrariwise, the kind person exudes joy, mercy, compassion, a winning smile. A kind person is tender, loving, and supportive. A kind person will not judge, criticize, and condemn but overlook quickly the faults and limitations of their brothers and sisters.

3. LOVE IS NOT JEALOUS.  A jealous person tends to compare themself with others, and as a result, is never really at peace with themself. Jealousy and envy are related. Jealousy can be explained thus, when a person feels bad because someone else has something that they do not have, feels bad because of this lack in their life. Envy is worse! The envious person rejoices when something bad happens to this person whom they think has more than they have! The opposite of jealousy and envy would be fraternal charity—to will the good of the other. Saint Paul expresses this perfectly: “To rejoice with those who rejoice and to weep with those who weep.” (Rom 12:15) Another manifestation of the opposing virtue would be that of admiration. You do not resent your neighbor for the good things they have, but rather you admire and compliment them.

4. LOVE IS NOT POMPOUS, NOT INFLATED.  Both the words pompous and inflated can be united as one. Such a person is proud, self-seeking, conceited, a braggart, self-aggrandizing, ostentatious as well as demeaning and disparaging towards others. Also, such a person is egocentric and wants to be the focal point of attention. They want at all times and places to be, so to speak, the life of the party. Possibly the best image from the animal world would be that of the Peacock—strutting around to show off their plumage, to show off their radiant colors so that all can see! The contrary is the person who is soft-spoken, modest, unassuming, hidden, never over-bearing. They seek the honor of others rather than their honor.

5. LOVE IS NOT RUDE.  We all have met rude people and possibly have given into being rude ourselves. What are the qualities of a rude person? The rude person is pushy, can never wait, cuts in line, elbows their way to the first place, and is a perpetual complainer. In traffic, the rude person will cut you off, and if you make a mistake driving, they will let you know by honking their horn like a New Year’s parade! A rude person is uncouth, vulgar in speech, coarse, and bloated in self-importance. Maybe we have given into the attitude of being a rude-dude to the detriment of our family and work environment. The opposite is a gentleman or a lady. Such a person is courteous, gentle, refined, soft-spoken, polished, and well-mannered, at home and everywhere else.

6. LOVE IS NOT QUICK-TEMPERED.  By quick-tempered is meant that such a person has a very short-fuse. They explode at the drop of a hat. Anything—person, place, thing, or circumstance that does not flow and harmonize with their particular criteria can cause them to go into at least a minor rage. The quick-tempered person blurts out whatever comes to their mind without a moment of reflection, and consequently can do irreparable damage to themself, to their family, to their relatives, and to countless other people. Their impulsive, impetuous, explosive, knee-jerk reaction to all that is not according to their tastes, or their standards, is like living or associating with someone who has firecrackers in their back pocket with matches ready at hand! The opposite is a patient person who is capable of suffering bad language and insults, even physical sufferings, in silence, uniting themself to Jesus in His Passion and sufferings.

7. LOVE DOES NOT BROOD OVER INJURIES.  The person who broods over injuries has not learned how to forgive; they have not understood the importance of the greatest virtue in the Heart of Jesus—that of MERCY! The opposite of brooding over injuries is forgiving those who offend us right away and from the heart. It is putting into practice the prayer of Jesus in the Our Father, in the petition, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Jesus is the most sublime example, especially as He hangs on the cross and from the depths of His loving and Sacred Heart cries out: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.” (Lk. 23:34)

8. LOVE DOES NOT REJOICE OVER WRONGDOING, BUT REJOICES WITH THE TRUTH. Love and truth must work and collaborate as a total whole. A person motivated by true love will never call sin, virtue; nor wrong, right. Impossible! Love is honest; love is sincere; love is transparent and not murky. Love will strive to correct wrongdoing. This is called the virtue of fraternal correction. Upon seeing someone in sin or moving in the wrong direction, a person motivated by love will have the courage, the honestly, and the zeal to try to bring the wandering sheep back to the fold, back to the flock, back to the arms of Jesus who is the Good Shepherd, especially of the wandering sheep.

9. LOVE BEARS ALL THINGS, BELIEVES ALL THINGS.  In bearing all things, we are called to contemplate Jesus in His Passion as He carries the cross bearing the sins of all of humanity, from Adam and Eve until the last person in the world, and that includes our own personal sins. If the person loaded down with trials, tribulations, afflictions, contradictions of all sorts, lifts up their eyes to Jesus carrying the cross weighed down with the sins of the whole world, they will be strengthened. Praying and meditating over Jesus’ patient endurance of the cross is a powerful motivation to imitate the Lord and His infinite love. By believing all things, we call to mind the modern classic of the Secretary of Divine Mercy, Saint Faustina, in Divine Mercy in My Soul. One of the hallmarks of this classic is that of believing Jesus in all of His words and promises, trusting Jesus in all times and places, all summarized in these five simple but most profound words: JESUS, I TRUST IN YOU!

10. LOVE ENDURES ALL THINGS.  One of the key virtues of the followers of the Lord Jesus is that of enduring all things; another way of expressing this is the virtue of perseverance. Jesus Himself stated: “He who perseveres until the end will be saved.” (Mt. 24:13) Using an image from sports, Saint Paul states that not all of the runners in the stadium, in the race, in the marathon, will win the race, but only one. We are called to be that one in the Heart of Jesus. Saint Alphonsus Maria Liguori insisted upon the importance of enduring until the end with the concept of final perseverance. As we conclude our essay, let us prayerfully meditate upon the words of Saint Alphonsus with regard to final perseverance: “The grace of all graces is to persevere in the state of grace.” Let us beg the Blessed Virgin Mary for this supreme and most exalted of all graces. She who is the full of grace, we beg her for the grace to live in grace, grow in grace, persevere in grace, and die in the state of grace, so as to attain the crown of our greatest reward—Heaven for all eternity!

Copyright 2020 Oblates of the Virgin Mary
St. Peter Chanel Church, Hawaiian Gardens, CA

Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows

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

TUESDAY, SEPT 15TH    Jn. 19: 25-27    “When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.”  

On this Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows let us plumb the depths of the Seven Sorrows of Mary as presented by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

THE SEVEN SORROWS OF THE VIRGIN MARY by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

Let us go deeper into the love in the Heart of Mary by contemplating the Seven Sorrows of Mary. Never did any persons ever suffer more than Jesus and Mary. Never did any persons rejoice more than Jesus and Mary. We are called to enter into the suffering of Jesus and Mary, but also to rejoice exultantly with both of them.

1. Prophecy of Simeon  (Lk. 2:22-38)
2. Flight into Egypt  (Mt. Chapter 2)
3. Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple  (Lk. 2:41-52)
4. Meeting of Jesus and Mary on the Way of the Cross  (Lk 23:26-27)
5. Crucifixion of Jesus  (Jn. 19:16-30)
6. Jesus’ Body taken from the cross and placed in the arms of Mary (The Pieta)
7. Burial of Jesus  (Jn. 19:38-42)

FIRST SORROW—THE PROPHECY OF SIMEON

1. UNION OF JESUS AND MARY. In the midst of the sorrows of life, we must learn from Mary this very simple but profound lesson: stay close to Jesus; cling to Him and never detach yourself from Him! Mary actually held the Baby Jesus in her arms. In your sorrows you can imitate the Infant Jesus and find refuge in the arms of Mary.

2. PROPHECY OF SIMEON TO MARY. Simeon prophesies saying, “Behold this child is destined for the fall and rise of many; He will be a sign that will be contradicted.” Then the Prophet Simeon turns his gaze to Mary and addresses her with these words: “And through your own heart a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many will be laid bare.” The sword made mention of in this prophecy indeed would pierce the heart of Mary, especially during the Passion, crucifixion and death of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, when the soldier pierces the side and heart of Jesus on the cross, causing water and blood to gush forth! Mary willingly accepts God’s will in its fullness. Mary conforms her heart and will to that of God’s will. Mary teaches us a most valuable lesson: holiness and interior peace of heart, mind, and soul depends upon our discerning the will of God, accepting the will of God, and striving to put it into practice in our daily life. Now enter into your heart, see the swords of sorrow that have pierced your own heart and bring these to Mary in prayer. Have no fear! Open your heart totally to your Heavenly Mother who loves you so much. Mary desires that you have a total trust in her as well as her Son Jesus. “Jesus and Mary, I trust in you!!!”

SECOND SORROW—THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT

1. True devotion and love for Mary cannot be separated from real knowledge of and devotion to Saint Joseph, the husband of Mary. Joseph was the provider, protector, and support of the Holy Family. In the dangers that you experience in life, you should also turn with confidence to Saint Joseph, the husband of Mary, and he will most certainly come to your aid.

2. Try to imagine this horrendous scene! The Magi take another route to return to their country and so avoid meeting up with King Herod. Furious, King Herod issues a decree to kill all the little baby boys who are two years and under in Bethlehem and its vicinity, so as to secure his Kingdom and authority. There cannot be two Kings at the same time; one of these has to die and that is Jesus. That is the mind-set of King Herod!

3. GOD HAS HIS PLANS! God sends an angel to good Saint Joseph warning this true man of God in a dream that fleeing from the wicked King is the only way to save the child. Without hesitation, good Saint Joseph moves to prepare both Mary and the Baby Jesus for a long and perilous flight that will terminate in Egypt. Beg good Saint Joseph that you will be open and ready to follow the good inspirations that God sends you! Imagine the sorrow in the heart of Mary that the Savior of the world is so hated and rejected even as a baby, and the loss of so many innocent lives on His behalf! Indeed, we call them the Holy Innocents, the first martyrs to shed their blood for Christ!

4. TRAVEL WITH SAINT JOSEPH, MARY, AND THE BABY JESUS. Contemplate Joseph taking Mary and the Baby Jesus and leading them from danger to safety. Travelling from Nazareth to Egypt is a lengthy and tiring trip. Imagine that you are travelling with the Holy Family. Contemplate them! Now speak with Mary. What is on your mind, open up and talk to her. Mary is very interested in you and what is going on in your life’s journey! The difficulties you have known or may be facing right now!

THIRD SORROW—JESUS LOST FOR 3 DAYS!

1. CONTEMPLATE: USE YOUR IMAGINATION TO GET CLOSER TO JESUS AND MARY.  The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Saint Joseph are traveling together to the City of Jerusalem. Try to imagine that you are present with them—you are their welcome traveling companion. In this scene Jesus is twelve years of age.

2. JOY IN THEIR MIDST. Being united as a Holy Family causes joy to radiate from their countenances. They truly enjoy being together and they enjoy your company. As you travel with them to Jerusalem, admiring the three holiest and yet most humble and hospitable persons in the world, talk with them. Enter into conversation with them, share your story with them. They rejoice in your presence, your friendship, and your conversation.

3. THE RETURN FROM JERUSALEM AND THE CROSS! After Saint Joseph, Mary, and Jesus have completed their pilgrimage to Jerusalem, they start their trip home to Nazareth. It was the custom of the Jewish people when traveling, for women to travel in one group and men in another group, and then meet up at the end of the day. The cross! After a day’s journey, Saint Joseph and Mary meet, but to their great sorrow Jesus is neither with Saint Joseph nor is He with His Blessed Mother. He is lost and they do not know where He is! The greatest treasure of their life is lost. 

4. HEART OF MARY. In your prayer strive to enter into the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary in the midst of this terrible affliction—Mary has lost her only Son! Be with Mary in her immense sorrow and do all you possibly can to console her. Travel with Saint Joseph and Mary as they retrace their steps back to Jerusalem and search for Jesus among family and friends.

5. JESUS FOUND IN THE TEMPLE. Finally, after three sorrowful days of searching, Mary and Saint Joseph return to the Temple of Jerusalem and to their immense joy, there He is! Jesus is in the midst of the Doctors of the Law, the students and teachers of the scriptures. What is Jesus doing with them? Jesus is attentively listening to them; Jesus is asking them questions; but, Jesus is also teaching them, even though He is only twelve years of age! Never have they met a child as intelligent and wise!

7. MARY’S REACTION. Upon finding Jesus, Mary asks: “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been searching for you in sorrow.” But Jesus gives a mysterious response: “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I had to be about my Father’s business?” Neither Saint Joseph nor Mary understand His words. However, Mary ponders them in her heart. Then Jesus returns with them to Nazareth and He grows in wisdom, age, and grace before God and man.

MYSTERIES IN MARY’S LIFE AND IN YOURS. Upon finding Jesus in the temple after three days of sorrowful search, Jesus expressed words that Mary did not really understand. In your life there are sufferings that you may not fully understand; they are puzzles or enigmas to you. Sometimes life does not seem to make sense!!! Turn now to Mary, open up your heart and tell her your sorrows and the painful mysteries in your life that really do not seem to make sense.

FOURTH SORROW—JESUS MEETS MARY ON THE WAY OF THE CROSS.

1. JESUS MEETS MARY ON THE WAY OF THE CROSS. Try to enter with your imagination into this encounter between Jesus, the Man of Sorrows and Our Lady of Sorrows. Try to see Jesus through the eyes and the Heart of Mary. Jesus is exhausted! A crown of thorns surrounds His blood-stained brow. His face is cloaked with Blood, the precious Blood that Mary gave to Him in His humanity. Almost His entire Body an open wound from the scourging that occurred just a few hours earlier—borne by Jesus in reparation for our sins of impurity. And His garments will be ripped from His Body upon reaching the top of Calvary, causing more agony and fresh blood to flow.

2. OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION. Even though Jesus is suffering intensely as He climbs Calvary, the encounter with His Mother brings Him consolation. In the midst of Jesus terrible sufferings, His Mother’s great love and compassion encourage and strengthen Him. Be with Our Lady as she contemplates the sweating and bloody Face of Jesus. Help Mary console Jesus—with your words, your intentions, and your heart full of love and compassion. You will bring consolation to the Hearts of both Jesus and Mary by doing this.

3. SHARE YOUR CROSSES AGAIN WITH MARY AND JESUS. Once again, delve into the depths of your heart, into the nitty-gritty of your own life, and you will discover a splinter, a thorn, or maybe a deep sorrow that up to this point you have not had enough courage to see and admit. The key to peace and salvation is to bring these to Our Lady. Talk to Mary about these sufferings right now. Mary is the best of listeners when you become vulnerable and open up your wounds to her. The wounded Jesus looked to Mary, His Mother for solace. Now it is your turn, bring your wounds and look to your Mother Mary for understanding, solace, and comfort. She will never be deaf to your plea or to your sufferings. On the contrary, she will rush to your rescue! How blessed we are to have Mary for our Mother to whom we can turn in our own passion, suffering, and dark and lonely nights!

FIFTH SORROW—JESUS IS CRUCIFIED.  

1. This FIFTH SORROW of Mary is witnessing, with her own eyes and in the depths of her own sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, the death of her beloved Son by crucifixion, nailed to the cross.

2. BE THERE WITH MARY. In your prayerful meditation be present with Mary as she witnesses Jesus’ torment. Mary sees the soldiers roughly thrust His Sacred Body to the ground. Mary sees them extend the hand of Jesus, that He used to bless children and heal the sick, and nail it to the wood of the cross. Blood comes spurting forth—the Precious Blood that Mary gave to Jesus. As they extend His other hand, Gibson’s film, The Passion of the Christ, shows Jesus’ shoulder brutally and mercilessly pulled out of its socket as He writhes in pain. Our Lady witnesses this and the sword of sorrow pierces her heart.

3. HIS FEET. Then they nail Jesus’ feet to the cross. The very feet that Mary watched taking their first steps when Jesus was a little Baby are now fastened tightly to the cross with nails as He is crucified. His Sacred Blood comes gushing forth to forgive our sins and attain for us eternal salvation. Thank Mary for giving to Jesus His Sacred Humanity that He offered as a holocaust for our sins and our salvation!

4. THE CROSS LIFTED UP. Be with Mary as the cross is elevated on high and then roughly thrust into the ground, racking Jesus’ Body with more pain. All this Mary watches with her eyes and contemplates in her sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. Jesus’ redemptive suffering and death endured for love of each and every one of us. “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Is 53:5)

5. HIS SACRED HEART PIERCED WITH THE LANCE. On earth there is no more intimate or closer union existing between two persons than that of a mother forming a baby within her womb. It was Mary who gave Jesus His Humanity—meaning His human body. Mary formed the most Sacred Heart of Jesus within her womb. The blood that circulated through Jesus’ veins was given to Him through Mary. Add to that, Jesus and Mary were both sinless! Their union was the closest we could ever imagine. Now Mary watches as a soldier underneath the cross lifts up his sword/lance and thrusts it into the side of Jesus. The lance passes through His side and penetrates His Sacred Heart, causing blood and water to come gushing forth! Jesus did not feel the pain of this sword thrust for He had already breathed forth His spirit. But Our Lady of Sorrows experienced an intense pain penetrating to the very depths of her most tender heart and soul. For this reason Mary is called the “Queen of Martyrs”, for all that Jesus suffered in His Body and death, Mary suffered in her heart and soul!

6. FIND REFUGE IN THE TWO HEARTS. In the midst of the struggles of daily life—the temptations of the devil that assault us constantly, the flesh that seeks to rebel against the spirit, and the world that lies to us, presenting seductive and sinful pastimes—we must seek and find true refuge. The secure refuge of our heart, mind, body, and soul is the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary. These Hearts are a sure refuge; these Hearts are harbors of safety; these Hearts are oases of peace; these Hearts are secure and rock foundations! Lift up your gaze and open up your heart to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Even now, open up your heart and talk to the Heart of Mary with total confidence. Tell Mary, your dear Mother, all that is going on in your life. Tell Mary your desires, your dreams, and aspirations. Speak to Mary about your fears, doubts, and insecurities. Open up and unload your sorrows, sufferings, and failures to Mary. She is the best of listeners. Do not be afraid! Tell Mary your moral struggles, your temptations, and even your sins. Mary is also known as the Refuge of Sinners. Undoubtedly, Mary will attain for you special graces of repentance, mercy, and true conversion of heart. Mary is known as the “Full of Grace.” She can attain for you the most signal and special graces to overcome any obstacle, but especially the moral obstacle of sin in your life. Fear not! Trust in the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary. She is your safe harbor and most secure refuge!

SIXTH SORROW— JESUS IS PLACED IN THE ARMS OF MARY

1. MARY AND THE PIETA—JESUS IN THE ARMS OF MARY. Now proceed in your prayerful thoughts to Mary holding the crucified Body of Jesus in her arms. View this with your contemplative eyes as if it were a holy and sacred movie. See the nails taken from the hands of Jesus and then from His feet, so they can lower His Body from the cross. Contemplate the deep wounds in both His hands and feet. These are wounds of love that Jesus suffered for you. How great is the love of Jesus and Mary for you even now! Now the crucified Body of Jesus is slowly and carefully lowered into the loving arms of Mary. Imagine this scene; contemplate this tender but sorrowful scene with your eyes and heart. Beg Our Lady to help you to penetrate the depths of this mystery, her Sixth Sword of Sorrow!

2. YOU ALSO RECEIVE THE BODY OF JESUS. Mary received with the utmost love, tenderness, and compassion the crucified Body of her Son Jesus. You are called to receive the Body of Jesus, in imitation of Mary, into your body, heart, mind, and soul every time you receive Jesus in the Sacrament of the most Holy Eucharist. Implore the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary right now for the grace to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus in Holy Communion with lively faith, unbounded and limitless hope, profound humility, a burning and fiery love. Beg Mary for the grace to always have an ardent hunger and thirst for the Eucharist. Indeed, Mary can help you to make better Holy Communions and thereby grow in holiness. The greatest action we can do on earth is to receive Jesus into our inner being every time we receive Holy Communion. May Our Lady grant us this special grace—to receive Jesus frequently and fervently!

3. CONSOLE MARY. Be with Mary in this sublime moment of her life, as she contemplates for the last time the crucified Body of Jesus, covered with wounds that He suffered for love of us, covered with Blood that He shed to purify our souls from our many sins, to save and redeem us from the clasp of the devil and pit of hell! How great is the love of Jesus and Mary for us! How sublime and ineffable their love that indeed goes beyond the expression of words. Let your heart open up in love, thanksgiving, and supplication to Mary who indeed is the Co-Redemptrix of all of humanity. Jesus is the unique and only Savior, but He chose Mary to collaborate intimately with Him in this most sublime and most important work in the history of the world. The love of Jesus and Mary for us should indeed transform us into ardent Apostles of Jesus and Mary. Jesus said that He came to bring fire to the earth and that He is not at peace until that fire be enkindled. We are called to receive constantly the fire of love from the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, and bring this fire of love to the whole world! The world is waiting and longing for this love!

SEVENTH SORROW—JESUS BODY IS PLACED IN THE TOMB AND BURIED.

1. LAST SWORD. This last Sword of Sorrow that pierces Mary’s Immaculate Heart is when the crucified Body of Jesus is taken from her loving arms and placed in the tomb and buried. Let us beg for extraordinary graces in this last contemplation!

2. MARY WIPES THE SACRED WOUNDS. In preparation for burial, be with Our Lady of Sorrows as she gently wipes the wounds of Jesus. Contemplate the tears welling up in her eyes. Share your own tears with Mary, as you offer yourself as a servant to help wipe the many wounds in the crucified Body of Jesus. Mary is always grateful for even the smallest gesture done out of love. This done, Mary wraps Jesus’ Body in a clean linen cloth.

3. THE BURIAL Joseph of Arimathea asks Pilate for the body. With Pliate’s permission he takes Jesus’s body and lays it in a tomb in a new garden, in which no one has ever laid. Mary and Magdalene witness the placing of a big stone in front of the entrance of the tomb.

4. Mary has many titles: Our Lady of Sorrows, Mother of God, Mother of the Church, as well as our dear and loving Mother. Stop now to meditate upon this brief summary of Our Lady’s sufferings. Ponder how much Mary suffered for love of you and me. Ponder what went on in the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary. Try to penetrate the depths of the heart, mind, and soul of Mary. If you haven’t already done so, consecrate your whole being to Mary so you will belong totally to Mary. Mary is the surest, shortest, and fastest path to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. For those who love His Mother, Jesus can deny them nothing! Now talk to Mary about yourself and your own sorrows. Hold nothing back! Mary is the best and the tenderest Mother, and she loves you, cares for you, watches over you, and longs to help you!

Copyright 2020 Oblates of the Virgin Mary
St. Peter Chanel Church, Hawaiian Gardens, CA